London 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: Big Bus Tours
Why: Very enjoyable way to see London....excellent narration on the Red Route buses. It appears that both Big Bus and Original Bus offer "buy 1 day, get 1 day free" deals during the winter.
Jimmie Tatum in Hendersonville, NC USA 01/30/2012
Worst: Cherry Court Hotel
Why: They will not honor the special room rates listed in the 2012 London guidebook. If you insist, they simply stop responding to your e-mails.
Mae Lum in Oakland, CA USA 01/11/2012
Best: Rick Steves self-guided walking tour
Why: We were able to read and walk at our own pace, stopping when we wanted to learn more or grab a bite at a local pub that Rick suggested.
Chris in Woodland, CA USA 01/09/2012
Best: Kew Gardens
Why: We were in London during the recent record heat wave spending the afternoon at the lovely Kew Gardens was a great way to enjoy the outdoors away from the crowds. There was one area already closed for the winter, now that was a hoot.
Wendy in Chatham, Ma USA 10/15/2011
Best: Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Tate Modern, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms
Why: So many things! The charming staff at the Tower and Windsor. Pricey sites but totally worth it! Very efficiently organized. Very classy. Tate Modern has great works and is free. The War Rooms were very enjoyable.
Worst: Hampton Court Palace
Why: To Rick's credit, he correctly warns that this site "doesn't dazzle." Of all the sites I visited, I found this the most poorly organized. The closing times are all over the place - they are different for the gardens than for the house, so you feel rushed through the house so you can see the gardens before they close. I would advise visitors to maybe try seeing the gardens first, if possible.
Katherine Hutchison in Chicago, IL USA 09/03/2011
Best: The Museum of London in The City area
Why: An amazingly detailed two-floor exhibit- and object-laden history of London from pre-Roman times to relatively present day. There is tons to see for every age (even kids will enjoy most of it), and they have portable stools available to borrow for those who have trouble standing for long periods of time. My mother and I both enjoyed it enough to return on our second trip last month, and it was still just as good as we remembered! We recommend it to everyone!
Worst: Day trip to Paris via Chunnel
Why: The two things we wanted/planned to see were the Eiffel Tower and the Opera Garnier. Other than an extremely long wait (mostly anticipated), we found the Opera unavailable for entry because of a rehearsal. (We checked their website prior to our day and nothing was scheduled.) We then had a lot of trouble finding our way to the correct place in the Gare du Nord to catch Eurostar back and missed our 30 minute window for checking in (we arrived 15 minutes before the train departed). We were denied boarding and they wouldn't/couldn't reschedule us for two hours. Beware that "suggestion" that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the train is to leave!
Allison Britting in Milford, CT USA 08/30/2011
Best: National Gallery
Why: We used the written guide and map in your book and it made the huge museum manageable. I just read the descriptions to my family and we knew just what to look at.
Laura Zimmermann in Hagerstown, MD USA 08/21/2011
Best: National Gallery
Why: We used the written guide and map in your book and it made the huge museum manageable. I just read the descriptions to my family and we knew just what to look at.
Laura Zimmermann in Hagerstown, MD USA 08/21/2011
Best: Cabinet War Rooms
Why: Fascinating. Lived up to the billing in the guidebook.
Steve Macfarlane in Carmchael, CA USA 08/07/2011
Best: Victoria and Albert Museum
Why: Fascinating collections include everything from medieval art to Mick Jagger's jump suit.
Worst: Portobello market
Why: The tremendous crush of humanity.
Granville in Durham, NC USA 08/06/2011
Best: London Walks tour of Bath
Why: It was quite well-organized, the guide was knowledgeable, and there was a good balance between free time and time with the guide. I'll try London Walks again when I next visit London.
Craig in Cherry Hill, NJ USA 06/27/2011
Best: Queen's Gallery
Why: An unexpected jewel . . . small but with lots of first-rate artwork and a *free* audioguide. Note: you need a reservation (which you can make by internet) to enter.
Worst: Tate Modern
Why: The collection is not well presented; in retrospect, I should have focused on the Miro show rather than on the permanent collection.
Craig in Cherry Hill, NJ USA 06/26/2011
Best: WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
Why: Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey - one at one end of Victoria Street and the cathedral at the other end near Victoria. We came accross it by chance, a huge red Byzantium styled church and we walked in on a part of the religious (Catholic) service with the choir singing - awesome voices!
John and Kate Dagmar in San Jose, CA USA 06/10/2011
Best: WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
Why: Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey - one at one end of Victoria Street and the cathedral at the other end near Victoria. We came accross it by chance, a huge red Byzantium styled church and we walked in on a part of the religious (Catholic) service with the choir singing - awesome voices!
John and Kate Dagmar in San Jose, CA USA 06/10/2011
Best: podcasts
Why: Enabled us as a family of 5 to walk and experience the town at our own pace.
Chris Anderson in Portland, OR USA 04/03/2011
Best: Tower of London
Why: Because our beef-eater was a jewel. He was interesting and fun. He was very involved with us, tourists and we had the best time listening to him.
Gaucher in San Diego, CA USA 02/21/2011
Worst: Blades Hotel
Why: I agree with the Liz. The Blades Hotel should be avoided. Our room was very small even by London standards. I also had to deal with the mean lady who let me know that she did not enjoy taking phone messages for me.
Greg in Georgetown, KY USA 02/19/2011
Best: Tate Gallery & National Art Gallery
Why: The walking tours saved me a ton of time and still helped me hit all of the highlights.
Pradnya Parulekar in Los Angeles, CA USA 01/08/2011
Best: Courtauld Gallery and National Gallery
Why: Courtauld had a wonderful collection of paintings including Impressionists, uncrowded, beautiful building and rooms, and a very nice cafe. The National has many terrific paintings - worth it just to see a Van Gogh sunflowers, but much more.
Chris in Cedar Point, NC USA 11/16/2010
Best: The Tower of London
Why: Fabulous 3 1/2 hour tour with Sue King of Context Travel.
Cathy Brown in Lexington, KY USA 11/16/2010
Worst: London Original Bus Tour
Why: We were told we be enjoying a 'live' guided tour. We were careful to get on the correct bus. What we got was an overcrowded bus with no available seats and the tour narration was recorded, not 'live,' and could not be heard over the noise of the bus engine. The headphone jacks didn't work. Complete rip off. Skip it!
M E Sofield in Montgomery Twp, NJ USA 11/11/2010
Best: Polish restaurant near V&A
Why: It was just a nice change from the pubs.
Frank Dusek in Northbrook, IL USA 11/08/2010
Best: British Museum
Why: So full of splendid statues, friezes, artifacts, and wonderful displays from many civilizations and many centuries.
George Craddock in Cary, NC USA 10/15/2010
Best: Several to List
Why: Be sure to book a Jack the Ripper walking tour with Ripping Yarns (www.jack-the-ripper-tours.com). Simon was our guide and he did a wonderful job! The Windsor Castle/Bath/Stonehenge tour offered by Evan Evans Tours (www.evanevanstours.co.uk) is a great value and is an efficient way to see these three sights).
Worst: Tate Modern
Why: A collection of poorly-arranged artwork by no-name artists sprinkled with artwork by well-known artists (Dali, etc).
Thomas Elliot in Harlingen, Tx USA 09/26/2010
Worst: Blades Hotel - London 07/10
Why: A few steps? It was 84 steps to our room and no one to help us with our luggage. We were on our way to Uganda, (including some camping), so had more than our usual one piece each. I actually tore the meniscus in my knee and am having surgery on Thursday. The feedback I read all raved about the manager, Kevin. We only saw a surly woman. We stayed, went to Uganda, then returned. When we left the first time, I requested a lower room on our return. Low and behold, she had us booked into the same room on the top floor. I refused, so she moved us to the second floor. The room itself, besides no AC, was fine and clean. The breakfast was what I expected. Rick, you blew it this time. In ten trips to Europe, this is the first time I have disagreed with one of your recommendations!
Liz in Palmer Lake, CO USA 09/14/2010
Best: Evensong, Westminster Abbey
Why: Inspirational
Worst: Harrod's
Why: a zoo - too crowded and overpriced.
Bob in Philadelphia, PA USA 08/24/2010
Best: Day trip to Paris from London using Britain Shrinkers.
Why: We found the unescorted 1 day Paris trip from London to be a great deal. You get a day metro pass, a map and Eurostar tickets. Ours also came with a river cruise that was unexpected. They have a driver pick you up at your hotel in the morning to take you to the train station. If you know a little French and are adventurous, this is a fun day trip.
We reserved our tickets online prior to leaving the states and they had everything we needed at the train station the day of departure.
Worst: Natural Histroy Museum, Dinosaur line
Why: You stand in line thinking you are going to see some great Dinosours, but no, you aren't. The "exciting finale" is a animatronic T-Rex. You are moved along like cattle. Do not waste your time.
CNH in San Jose, CA USA 08/17/2010
Best: Rick's Walking Tours
Why: Go at your own pace, get the highlights, and then explore as you see fit. Honorable mention to "riding in the front seat of a double decker bus" for the architecture and people watching. And London Bike Tour (just try to avoid one where they have to stop everyone to interpret).
Worst: The Tube
Why: Once you've seen the route map, you're done. Take a newspaper. Buy one if you have to (or pick up a free Evening Standard). It gets old fast.
Tom French in Hermosa Beach, CA USA 08/17/2010
Best: Ebury Wine Bar
Why: Great food and good service. The sticky toffee pudding is great, we went back a 2nd night to have it for desert.
Doris in Shoreline, WA USA 07/31/2010
Best: Winston Churchill Museum/Cabinet War Wooms
Why: This museum was FASCINATING! They even have a childrens' audioguide, which completely engrossed my 10 and 7-year olds
Worst: Kew Gardens
Why: Not worth it in April. I am sure it is gorgeous in the summer.
Wendy Sarney in Columbia, MD USA 07/23/2010
Best: Verger Tour and Ceremony of the Keys
Why: The Verger tour gives you access to parts of Westmister Abbey that are otherwise off limits. We sat next to some of the England's greatest Monarchs and stood next to Isaac Newton's grave.
The Ceremony of the Keys gave us the chance to see how the Tower of London has been locked for the last 800 years. A one of a kind opportunity.
Worst: Jewel Tower
Why: This wasn't bad per se, but it was disappointing in that it was literally just a tower. Almost empty on the inside. However, being fanitically positive, it was exciting to stand in such a historic tower with no other tourists in sight!
Jon and Jenny Davis in Fredericksburg, Va USA 07/21/2010
Best: Tower of London
Why: Just found it to be the most interesting.
John in Fort Worth, TX USA 07/18/2010
Best: Samuel Johnson's house
Why: This was a nice change of pace after seeing all the huge public buildings - the exhibits gave a nice personal and humorous look at the man and his times.
Patricia Cargill in West Chester, OH USA 07/08/2010
Best: British Library
Why: impressive collection, but not overwhelming; good for teens and adults (not younger children); half day max. with remodeled St. Pancras right next store;
Worst: Natural History
Why: over crowded, no AC; typical displays as seen in any similar type museum; overrun with small, cranky children
Anna in Richmond, VA USA 07/08/2010
Worst: Walk from Arc de Triomphe to Louvre
Why: This was on the day trip to Paris. It took too long for a one day experience and the sights along the way were not worth the time to me. I would rather have spent that time visiting another location in Paris.
Dana Stone in Oklahoma City, OK USA 07/05/2010
Best: Windsor Castle
Why: The best of England. Everyone should see it.
Worst: Madame Taussauds.
Why: Cheesy and Lame. Too expensive.
Beryl Cumberworth in Hot Springs, AR USA 07/05/2010
Best: WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL
Why: Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, the cathedral is Roman Catholicand at the other end of Victoria Street near Victoria Station. Admittedly only just over a hundred years old, the Byzantyne styling is amazing. Inside (admission is free) is awesome. Incredible altars and mosiacs - truly a very religious atmposhere. If you cath a service with the choir you will be overwhelmed.
Kevin in New York, NY USA 06/26/2010
Best: V&A, Courtauld, and Transport Museums
Why: Surprised myself at the V&A Museum, which has an unbelievable amount of things to see. If you also do the Natural History museum next door (not so worthwhile if you've been to AMNH in NYC which has the classic dioramas, though London's majestic building is a great setting), see it first followed by V&A, because the former can be overrun by schoolchildren; V&A can be your Xanax.
Courtauld Gallery costs £5 to see a wonderful collection of major paintings by Manet and Cezanne, among many others.
London Transport Museum at Covent Garden is fun for the train geek (Tube geek?) or anyone who's seen the Tube Map Shower Curtain and actually considered buying it. In-depth history of the London systems through neat exhibits.
Worst: Westminster Abbey mobs
Why: I hate to say it, because the Abbey is one of the most important places in Britain and well worth immersing yourself in its history... but the crowds and the cost are so disappointing compared to the other great cathedrals all over England, which you can contemplate in peace. Can't deny the glory of the Henry VII chapel, though, or the array of royalty and literary giants resting nearby.
Kevin in Princeton, NJ USA 06/12/2010
Best: Westminster Abbey/British Library/Museum
Why: Just fascinating history. Amazing. London is great.
Worst: Ceremony of the Keys
Why: Boring, total waste of time. A real snooze. Do laundry or match your sox instead.
Brian in Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA 06/09/2010
Best: Tower of London
Why: Mix of history and infotainment (information prestented with entertainment) provided by Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters).
Worst: London Eye
Why: Boring and exceedingly over-priced, particularly on anything but a brilliantly clear day with unlimited views (few and far between in London). We couldn't wait to get off and go see the sights close up.
C. Halsey in APO, AE USA 06/02/2010
Best: Jack the Ripper Tour with Ripping Yarns
Why: My tour guide Dickie, was great. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. The group was a nice size, very intimate. As we were on our tour there were other companies across the street with very large groups. This was the best tour, I'd do it again. Thank you for putting this in your book!
Krystle in San Jose, CA USA 05/30/2010
Best: day trip to Bath
Why: My mother and I had 8 days in London, and an overnight in Bath was a great experience - easy to get to, beautiful town, wonderful change of pace from London, opportunity to see some of the countryside during the train trip - I'd thoroughly recommend to anyone spending a full week in London.
Lauren in Cleveland, OH USA 05/23/2010
Worst: The London zoo
Why: I just arrived back in the USA after visiting London. Rick's book on London mentioned that the Zoo was a "world class zoo". At about $25 US dollars thats what I expected to see, a world Class Zoo. But, I was sorely disappointed. This is a REALLY POOR ZOO. In fact there are at least 15 zoos in the states that are far superior. I have been to over 21 zoos in the world so I should have a fair idea of the quality of that zoo in London. In fact the London zoo can't match even small little zoos in the USA. That would include the Brownsville, Texas zoo (on the Mexican border). I wouldn't mind but visiting the London zoo pretty much wasted a day of vacation for me. Not to mention thowing away almost $25 of my hard earned money. The London "World Class Zoo" had one tired male lion and 2 females. The Ommaha zoo has over 25 lions. The London zoo is tiny in size, with poor descriptions of the speciments, sometimes giving almost no information at all. Many zoos provide information of the animals such as: range, mating habits, life expectency, diet, behaviors, prey, weight, ect. London's descriptions are sparse. Rick needs to rethink reccommending the London zoo until they get their act together. It was a waste of time and money for me to visit that zoo. PS, I read several of Rick's books before going to London for a month. And I also purchased several of his products before the trip. Rick has done a good job with his information......but not in this case.
John in C, ME USA 05/06/2010
Best: St Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London Beefeaters, Afternoon tea and Kensington Gardens Orangerie
Why: St Paul's was beautiful. The Beefeaters were a favorite because of the well kept state of the site, the inclusion of the crown jewels and mainly the entertaining beefeaters tour.
Worst: Kensington Palace
Why: Kensington Palace has been turned into the equivalent of a haunted house in order to attract people and save the jobs of the employees during a recession. We were advised upon going in that changes were being made, but it wasn't clear just how crummy the changes were.
Jordan Simpson in Shreveport, LA USA 04/12/2010
Best: Sir John Soane's Museum
Why: This is an out-of-the-way museum of the house of the 18th-century architect Sir John Soane.
Geri Colby in Mesa, AZ USA 03/12/2010
Best: The Last Debutantes at Kensington Palace
Why: Well interpreted, with recorded interviews with some of the "debs". Well thought out, wonderful exhibit
Patricia Keithan in Minneapolis, MN USA 02/15/2010
Best: Too many to list, but really enjoyed the Shakespeare Globe tour, Westminster Abbey, and free walking tours of Bath.
Why: Very interesting history and architecture.
Worst: Changing of the Guard
Why: Too many people, too little to see.
Janelle Sanda in Fargo, ND USA 11/01/2009
Best: Gordon's Wine Bar! London
Why: This is one of many reasons why we love taking Rick along! We would never have discovered this on our own.
Lori Ecklebe in Omaha, NE USA 10/25/2009
Best: buying a public transit pass
Why: Although we took your advice and did a "Hop On/Hop Off" doubledecker tour, we most enjoyed riding local buses around the city and meeting local people.
Worst: British Library
Why: The library was great, but we got lost twice trying to locate it. Could you include something more about the Treasures room there?
Laralyn Sasaki in Columbus, Oh USA 10/09/2009
Best: Tower of London / day trip to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath
Why: Tower was wonderful. our beefeater guide was the best! Everyone should go here.
We took an Evan Evans day trip ... not enough time in each place, but these were the places I wanted to visit so I was very happy.
edna in murphey, ky USA 09/15/2009
Best: Watching Romeo and Juliet at the Globe
Why: Amazing to be in theater like where Shakespeare originally put on his plays. Fun pre-performance songs by the actors; great acting. Did the groundling tickets where stood on floor. Fun.
Nancy in Columbus, OH USA 09/13/2009
Best: For a 12 year or even older
Why: HSM Belfast a real treat and a real surprise--include as a highlight for the London with Children sights and activities section.
Penny Brown in Chicago, Il USA 09/09/2009
Best: Westminster Abbey (duh!)
Why: We spent 3 1/2 hours there
Vic S. in Idyllwild, CA USA 08/05/2009
Best: International Friends Tour of Stonehenge
Why: We don't like large crowds and group tours, but when you recommended this tour group with small sizes to see Stonehenge, we couldn't have been more pleased! We were able to see Stonehenge, Salisbury and Avebury with a total of 7 people. Our tour guide, David, did an outstanding job. He was friendly, outgoing and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this company and hope that you put them in your future books on London.
K. in Portland, OR USA 07/27/2009
Best: Pimlico Launderette near Victoria Station
Why: Good service, worth the 9 pounds to have laundry done for me. Clothes were clean and not damaged and were folded for me.
Joy in Dayton, OH USA 07/23/2009
Best: Free Walking Tours of Bath
Why: Amazing, free, and you really do cover a lot of Bath
Worst: Bizzare Bath Street Theater
Why: I just thought it was cheesy and not very entertaining but it may be because it was a very large group on a Sat night. I did get the discount with the RS book.
Joy in Dayton, OH USA 07/23/2009
Worst: Vinopolis
Why: Very expensive for the very avg. wines you sample. Absolutely no personal attn by the 'wine stewards'. We got there in early afternoon of a weekday off season, so it was not overly busy, yet the people serving wine were like very busy bartenders with lines of people waiting for pours. It was obvious the owners staff to maximize profits...period. The displays covering the different regions were very simple. I find it amazing that Rick recommends this place (gives it 2 triangles on his must see list) given that he usually looks for good value adventures. Yet, the Natural History Museum - and incredible gallery(!), is not even on the London at a Glance page - and it's free. It is such a glaring misrepresentation of entertainment for the amount you pay, I wonder what his motivation is, and am less likely to buy another of his books.
Greg in Laguna Niguel, CA USA 07/21/2009
Best: Mad Max tours (1/2 day Stonehenge & Lacock)
Why: Friendly, entertaining tour guide (Dave); we liked that the tour took "back roads", so we went through some great towns, lovely scenery. Adored stop in Lacock, only wish we could have stayed longer there. Felt this was a very good value.
Susan Hebble in Western Springs, IL USA 07/20/2009
Worst: Easy Hotel
Why: Your credit card is billed for the entire amount of your stay before you leave home. There are no refunds, merley a credit redeemable at their miserable hotels. Far better hotel values available in the Belgravia area of London. Extra charges for a room with a window, cleaning the room, a tv remote, leaving your luggage while waiting for the room to be readied, an extra towel. All this results in the room costing as much as others in the area which are far better and larger rooms. The bathroom resembles on on an airplane, just about the same size as well. Other than the bed, no horizontal surface on which to place your suitcase in order unpack or pack. Just two hooks on the wall to hang garments.I have never been in a jail but cannot imagine the rooms are any smaller. Never, ever again
pete card in santa cruz, ca USA 07/17/2009
Best: Tower of London
Why: Thanks for the recommendation to see the Crown Jewels first. Worked perfectly! Loved the history contained within those walls.
Carolyn in Smith, CA USA 07/14/2009
Best: Boat trip from Westminster Pier to Greenwich
Why: Recommended by Kevin at the Blades Hotel. Board the boat at WEstminster Pier by Big Ben. Sail down the thames and pass the Tower of London(watch out for Traitors Gate) under Tower Bridge and through the heart of London. At Greenwich (pronounced 'Grenich') the RoyalNaval College, now a museum will stun you. Greenwich is charming. We enjoyed a great traditional English pub lunch. Really nice hisroric town. Sailed back early evening.Not an expensive day out but truly worth doing.
Susan and David Wilde in San Jose, CA USA 07/04/2009
Best: Churchill Museum
Why: The museum was being created on my last visit in 2003. Really a multi-generationally friendly place. My 14 year old niece said that it was one of her favorites. She particularly like the Churchill "glow-worm" quotation near the entrance.
Candace J Head in Woodbury, GA USA 06/21/2009
Best: Westminster Catholic Cathedral
Why: We are not Catholics but heard about the choir from Kevin at Blades Hotel. we attended the 10.30a.m. Sunday Mass - mostly in Latin. The choir was awesome, it was almost like going to an opera, sensational singing and the organ nearly took the roof off! The cathedral itself is the most spiritual place in London.
Walter and Anna in Atlanta, GA USA 06/10/2009
Best: Rick is STILL in the Building!
Why: To Perry, I am truly sorry that you had such a bad time on your vacation. I have used Rick's books for many years and always felt his information was very "up to date" compared to others out there. Consider this: If a Museum or Attraction changes their time or price how is Rick supposed to get that into YOUR book as you wing your way across the Atlantic?
Of course there are thousands of hotels and restaurants in this huge city. Do you want a 20 lb. book? He lists a great cross-section of what's good for the economy-minded traveler and he is always right-on.
There is so much more I can say here, but you, as the traveler, must take a little responsibilty as well. Research the Internet the week before you go for the very latest. BUT, you will find that many websites are out of date too, and if Rick's books were as bad as you say, he would have been out of business many, many years ago.
I do hope you have a better experience on your next trip, but I doubt that one book ruined your experience.
Lauretta in Oakland, Ca USA 06/04/2009
Best: Tower of London
Why: Tower of London is very fun for the kids, ages 7 and 9. Also, the Hampton Court Palace was not really recommended, but the kids and I loved it. It was also not clear from the guidebook that the actual bed where Prince Edward was born or where King Henry slept is no longer around, but it is a really fun place nonetheless. Don't miss the maze!
Worst: The Big Bus Tour
Why: The guidebook suggested the red tour because of the live commentary, but we found that it was hard to hear even though we were close to the commentator. We really liked the blue tour because it gave you just what you wanted to know and was a lot less crowded.
Marina in St. Paul, MN USA 05/27/2009
Best: The entire Orientation chapter
Why: Everything was spot on. We knew exactly was Oyster card to get, which tourist info center to go to, how to ride the bus, and which big bus tour to take.
Holly Nunn in Raleigh , NC USA 05/09/2009
Best: St. George's Arms Tavern, by Victoria Station
Why: We were with the locals and the food was fantastic. We went twice during one week's stay- it was brilliant!
Catherine Conger in Greenville, SC USA 04/19/2009
Best: Hampton Court
Why: Wonderful Palace and Gardens
Greg in Lexington, KY USA 04/11/2009
Best: Greenwich and Cambridge
Why: I think many people overlook these two places, they're absolutely gorgeous. Walking past the Naval Museum to the Royal Observatory, I was stunned by the view of the green lawn with the winding path up to the observatory. Cambridge too is gorgeous, definitely recommend the walking tour! My guide took us on the scenic route where you see the postcard show of Cambridge. Beautiful all around, I wouldn't have thought to walk back there had I not taken the tour.
Grace in Seattle, WA USA 04/05/2009
Best: Bath
Why: so many beautiful sites and experiences, the culture and history is amazing
Worst: London hotels
Why: Kensington Garden Hotel was not a good recommendation
Andrew Goldman in Crystal Lake, IL USA 03/29/2009
Best: Day trip to Paris!!!
Why: We rented a muse home for our longer stay visitng our son who was studying in London. He so wanted us to do a quick day trip to Paris & I saw that you had a chapter on doing this. ( Our son had already been there but your tour gave us a very specific plan.) The Eurostar tickets situation appears to be all sold out before you even can get a chance to buy them (price is very expensive as you stated). So we looked into the cheaper more restrictive fares that ended up being perfectly fine!!! Was well worth the research... we were careful to watch prices & went for it! We had one of our best travel memories doing Paris on a whirlwind, & slept all the way home!! Went totally against our more conservative natures...you gave us the courage to try it! Thank you so much!
Worst:
Why: Funniest thing...when we came home from the trip & were enjoying our photo memories...the majority of our photos were of me holding the rick Steve's London 2008 book!! I have never used your guidebooks before but I will from now on!
Jane Filosa in Marblehead,, MA USA 02/17/2009
Best: The National Gallery, Courtald Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain,
Why: Collectively, one of the best assemblages of art in the world. And free!
Worst: Tate Modern, Sir John Soane house
Why: Tate Modern A Large cavernous building made over from a power plant is of architectural interest, I suppose, but the collection was unattractively presented and hard to access. The cafe was overpriced. Not worth visiting, in my opinion. The Soane House is an antiquarian nightmare with everything,from times when and places where, out of context, stuffed inside. A waste of time.
Jack M. Potter in Olympia, WA USA 02/16/2009
Best: Westminster Roman Catholic Cathedral
Why: Regardless of religion this cathedral, near Victoria Station, is truly awesome. It is built in the Byzantine fashion - more Eastern European in influence. Sensational choir!
Patrick Finlay in Toronto, Canada 02/14/2009
Best: Belgo, Vinopolis, Fortnum and Mason
Why: Food and beer were great at Belgo, we thought Vinopolis was lots of fun and tried wines from around the world, plus we did a whisky and absinthe tasting -- neat! Fortnum and Mason is possibly the most beautiful store ever -- and their teas are amazing. Even my boyfriend loved it.
Worst: recommending Cambridge as a day trip
Why: I spent a week in Cambridge researching and it gets clogged with daytrippers -- it's such a pretty town that it's worth staying for a couple of days and getting to know better when there aren't a million people walking from college to college.
lm in Goleta, CA USA 02/12/2009
Best: Big Bus Tour/River Tour and the section on the Tube and Oyster Cards
Why: The Big Bus Company had a great deal on all tickets, including the tour, river tour and we bought tickets for the Tower of London. Plus what a super way to get the lay of the city with a very colorful guide! Also your section on the Tube, purchasing Oyster Cards and finding the deal for one Pound a day to ride the Tube for our older son (our younger son was free). The Tube was the way to get around!
Randy Lynch in Stuttgart, Germany 01/01/2009