London 2010

Guidebook corrections:

Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.

Harcourt House in London 2008. Under new ownership, you need to remove if it's still on your reccomended list.

Donald Smullen in Oreland, PA USA 11/10/2009

London 2009 page 272. Beefeaters "are entertainers employed by the amusement company that has been hired to run the Tower of London profitably." Absolutely not true and never has been. Beefeaters have to have been in the British service -- army, or whatever, which I believe is the way it always has been. Our Beefeater guide had recently served in Iraq. Very entertaining, but not a "hired entertainer." They are all required to live at the Tower, also. I'm wondering where you could have possibly come up with that idea.

[Editor's Note: You are correct that all Beefeaters are retired military with exemplary service records, who are required to live on the grounds. But they are employed by a private company that runs the Tower as a concession and, as such, are chosen partially for their ability to entertain the Tower's 3 million annual visitors. ]

Carrol Morris in Olympia, WA USA 10/08/2009

This may have been corrected since the "09" edition, but the section that gave info on Churchill's life said he had been in South America as a young man. I think it was S. AFRICA.

Kay Britto in Wrightsville Beach, NC USA 09/27/2009

Bus ride to Windsor. Do not wait inside Victoria Coach Station for buses 700 and 702. Wait in the covered bus area and pay the driver directly. It is a nice scenic ride in a comfortable bus. Try the Windsor Royal Shopping Centre on Thames Street for lunch, tea or pastries. We enjoyed this day trip much more than the long train ride from Paris to Chartres.

Watts in Portland, OR USA 09/14/2009

Took the Beefeater Tour at the Tower and London and the Beefeaters are aware of your book and offended--you say on pg. 272 that they are entertainers employed by the amusement company---They were quick to tell me that was wrong and indeed all 35 of them must be retired from the military and have served at least 22 years and be at least 50 years old. So who is right? Can you let me know?

Penny Brown in Chicago, Il USA 09/09/2009

The prices were higher than published in the book, but you can't help that.

Vic S. in Idyllwild, CA USA 08/05/2009

Westminster Abbey now 15 GBP entry up from 12.

Jim C. in Reno, NV USA 06/03/2009

As of \May 17, 2009, you do have to pay the £3 deposit for the seven-day Oystercard. My sister and I got one last week and were charged it. Then there were signs posted throughout the Underground that all Oystercards will now have the £3 deposit.

Valerie Shestakow in Old Bridge, NJ USA 05/31/2009

The London Zoo closes at 17:30 on Saturdays. Also, the description for the Westminster Abbey should be clarified to explain what Evensong is. It is an actual church service for which the church is closed to sightseers, except for people who want to attend the service. No wandering around the Abbey is allowed afterwards. It was a beautiful service, but it was unclear to me when we went that we wouldn't be allowed to sightsee afterward.

Marina in St. Paul, MN USA 05/27/2009

Correction to another's correction:

The copy I have of London 2009 (page 133) is CORRECT in stating that the BRITISH MUSEUM late night hours are on THURSDAY and FRIDAY.

Kathy W. in San Francisco, CA USA 05/21/2009

St. Paul's Cathedral no longer offers discounted admission between 15:30 and 16:00, the price is always £11 at all times. However, you can enter the cathedral at 16:30 at no charge, and view the nave while awaiting Evensong at 17:00, which is a wonderful experience.

John Johnson in Covina, CA USA 05/03/2009

I would add the Blades Hotel on the 2010 London Guidebook.

Pros:

A block down from the Pimlico Tube station, and half a block from the St. Georges bus stop on Belgrave. We had no problems navigating thoughout the city, which was my primary concern prior to our visit.

Rooms were always kept clean. Good window view of Belgrave street.

Looked forward to crumpets and tea (w/ a little milk) in the mornings to start off our day.

The host/owner/unabashed Royal enthusiast is Kevin. I can't say enough about this person. He's downright resourceful. My wife and I often had questions for him about the history of the sights we experienced that weren't covered on a brochure or on a tour. So Kevin was knighted our royal "gap-filler" of knowlege. He employed such services without hesitation (except he almost had a heart attack when asked about the Jack the Ripper tour--he's not a big fan). When he didn't know a question he'd have it researched for you the next day. Another thing I noticed about him was his thoughtfulness and generosity. There was a family from Italy who were staying at the hotel. Apparently, the daugther was visiting universities in London and asked Kevin about a certain school they were looking for. Not only did Kevin provide them info on how to get there, but called someone from the school to get information of hours of operation, admissions contact personnel, etc.... I will always have that gesture of kindness locked in my memory. Now, don't get me wrong, he's very sarcastic. But it suits him well with his sense of humor and wit. We sparred a bit in this regard, but I lost miserably. (Hey, he had home field advantage.)

Cons: From a general American perspective, the bathrooms were small. From a frequent traveler's perspective, perfecto mundo.

Nick Chavez in Grand Prairie, TX USA 04/30/2009

just reiterating what someone has already mentione - British Museum late night has changed from Wed. to Fri.

Brenda Clarke in Houston, TX USA 04/29/2009

After spending a week in London, we feel that there should be a note of warning to travelers until 2012-- since there is much construction and refurbishment of the city and underground for the olympics. The tube was more challenging than it should have been, since the District and Circle lines were down for the weekends. The website:http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnews/realtime/tube/default.html

shows closures-- it would be good for travelers to know this information before they head out.

A few rooms at the National Gallery were closed -- the possibilities of refurbishment and room closures should be noted.

Catherine Conger in Greenville, SC USA 04/19/2009

National Gallery changed the night it is open late from Wednesday to Friday.

Christy Caldwell in Santa Cruz, CA USA 04/15/2009

It's a minor correction, but the bus fare from the Cambridge train station to Cambridge downtown has gone up to 1.30 pounds (from 1.20).

Grace in Seattle, WA USA 04/05/2009

Kensington Garden Hotel is NOT a recommended accomodation

Andrew Goldman in Crystal Lake, IL USA 03/29/2009

We tried to go to Belgo one night during the times the book said it would still be open and it had already closed. Make sure you confirm the times for the next edition.

lm in Goleta, CA USA 02/12/2009

We stayed at the Aster House, which was lovely and wonderful, but I don't recall the "sumptuous lobby and lounge". Other than that, it was great.

Mimi in Atlanta, GA USA 12/02/2008

After reading several pieces of literature, including your book, I thought I understood the Tube pricing structure. Frankly, having now paid for my tickets, I'm still a bit baffled. :) The travel center agent at the Heathrow Tub told me it would be cheaper to buy daily Travelcard tickets instead of a 3-day card since I only needed to travel to Heathrow on one of those days. It was about 2 pounds more for the day to get the travelcard valid to Heathrow. I have no idea whether an Oyster card would have been a bit cheaper! I went with the travelcard because there are several useful 2-1 discounts from the online "Days Out" program that require a travelcard and (supposedly) won't accept an Oyster card.

If you have an 11 to 15 year old, it definitely pays to plan a few weeks ahead of time and order them online the special youth Oystercard for 5 pounds. I picked it up at that same Heathrow tube travel center. That card seems to allow children of that age to travel all day on the Tube for a pound. And they even get to keep the card as a nice London photo souvenir.

Dave in Philadelphia, PA USA 11/18/2008

This may be a temporary situation, but many of the heavy hitters listed on the London 2008 tour of the National Gallery have been removed or moved to the point that they could not be found: Amoung the missing and presumed loaned are: The Arnolfini Wedding (a large dissappointment not to see). Crivelli's the Annunciation, Vermier's A Young Woman Standing at the Virginal, Rembrandt's Belshazzar's Feast,and one of his two self-portraits, and Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus. In the Impressionists: Monet's Train Station and The Waterlilly Pond, Manet's Corner of a Cafe-Concert and Cezanne's Bathers. Judging by the scope and importance of the missing, I wonder if they might be on loan?

Rick Wagner in Indianapolis, IN USA 10/07/2008

1) Rick says he likes July and August for travelling to London. I just finished my sixth trip there and I have been there at all times of the year. I definitely prefer September, primarily because the weather is a bit cooler for trooping around. But also, July and August are very crowded and busy tourist months. September gets you past that with everything - hotels, attractions, etc.

2) I definitely question taking kids to Oxford Circus for shopping - sounds like a living nightmare to me!

Michael Hambrook in Vancouver , BC Canada 09/25/2008

Technically, V&A Museum was open late, but most of the exhibits were closed, as was the entrance from the South Kensington Tube tunnel.

Mark Spargo in Meadville, PA USA 09/06/2008

Goya Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar (reviewed on pg. 302 of the 2008 edition) has closed.

Amani in Columbus, OH USA 07/20/2008

You missed updating your information on the Winston Churchill Museum, which opened in 2005.

[Editor's Note: The Churchill Museum, part of the Cabinet War Rooms, has been included in the last three editions of our London guidebook. In the 2008 book, it is described on pages 40-42.]

Kim Martin in Dallas, TX USA 07/07/2008

The James House Hotel near Victoria Station in London is under new management---and it is awful! The shower was filthy (black mold, rust, dirty men's underpants on the shower floor) and the bedroom wasn't much better. The manager makes you pay for the room in advance without seeing the room first. Once you complain and ask for a refund, he refuses. I left after one night and he would not even refund me for the nights I didn't stay at the hotel! He also told me that for the price of the hotel (£55 or $110 a night) I couldn't expect it to be clean! And, even worse, he kept changing the room rate during the booking as well as the credit card fee.

This hotel used to be owned by Sharon and Derek James (who met Rick and were there when he first reviewed James House). This charming couple now own a hotel across the road from James House called Cartreff House---129 Ebury Road, 020/7730-6176. So, the London book should be changed so that James House is removed and replaced with Cartref.

Kate Holeywell in Norwich, UK 07/07/2008

- Soho does not seem as seedy as the book makes it out to be - a few fun gay clubs now inhabit the area - Criterion restaurant does not appear to have the fixed-price menu anymore... a wonderful meal but quite a bit more expensive than expected

Randy in San Francisco, CA USA 06/30/2008

National Gallery now requests a donation of £3.50 for their audio tour, but you can donate what you'd like. St. Paul's Cathedral now costs £10.

Lana in Richmond, TX USA 06/23/2008

The book makes bus travel in London a bit more complicated than it needs to be. We purchased The Handy London Map & Guide, which on pages 42-43, gives the central London bus routes with numbers. It's very easy to get around the City with that information.

Dave Lewis in Denver, CO USA 06/08/2008

Blondes Cafe in Windsor is closed.

Paul Zwiebel in Littleton, CO USA 04/04/2008

All times, prices, etc. were right on. We did not have good luck with some of the recommended pubs, however. Zetland Arms at South Kensington was crowded and not inviting for a large family group at 6:15 pm on a Tue evening; and Lord Moon of the Mall near Trafalgar Sq. did not welcome children after 6pm.

Rob Craig in Ellicott City, MD USA 03/15/2008

If you want to attend the "Ceremony of the Keys" at the Tower of London you simply include a SASE with your request. Send your request to the address in Rick's travel book requesting dates, etc. There is no longer a requirement to send two international reply coupons. Saves a couple of dollars!

[Editor's Note: According to the official Tower website, you need to pre-stamp your SASE with British postage stamps--not that convenient for most Americans. So the International Reply Coupon is still probably the better way to go, despite the hassle it may be to find them at your local post office (see the book for tips on convincing your local P.O. to order them for you). The Ceremony of the Keys link is at http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/ceremonyofthekeys.aspx?EventDate=&Step=View.]

Larry Carrigan in Tempe, AZ USA 02/20/2008

We just returned (Nov 17, 2007)from London and spent five nights at the Vicarage Private House. The B&B was nice. Your London 2007 book posts L 102 per night for a Db with a 20% discount during the winter. We asked for that discount but they were only willing to grant a 2% discount. (There were five of us renting three different rooms.) With the USD to UKP only worth about $.47, not receiving that discount made a substantial differenct.

Marshall Miller in Bremerton, Wa USA 11/22/2007

We have just spend a week at London using Rick's guide as our basic tour plan. A few news items:

1. You can buy Tower of London tickets at any Big Bus Tour Bus stop - I believe they are good for 24 hours.

2. We did an excursion to Bath and stayed at the Ayrling Hotel. It was a great retreat from London. One of the eating place called "The Wife of Bath" has closed.

3. Attended Evensong at Westminster Abbey, at 5 PM on Saturday (weekdays at 3 PM).

4. Highly recommend a Noodle Bar called Aji inside London County Hall.

5. There is a very easy connection from Heathrow to London Paddington via the Heathrow Express train service, a 20 minute ride.

Mike and Jade in Mcungie, PA USA 10/14/2007

You probably already know this, but you can no longer buy tickets for Tower of London at the Tower Hill tube stop. However, there is a plaza with a number of state of the art ticket booths in place and we breezed right through. It had been 12 years since my last visit. The ticket booths are a welcome addition.

Nancy Mahoney in Springfield, OH USA 10/07/2007

The clipper ship Cutty Sark in Greenwich is closed for renovations. Its completely under wraps and looks as if it will be down for a while.

J.D. D'Amico in Sanford, FL USA 09/27/2007

Southwark Cathedral, which receives one diamond, was spectacularly lovely and I was so happy that Rick mentioned it in the book in several spots. However, then page 72 of the 2007 London Guidebook suggests four "lesser" sights in Southwark on the Southbank, using the word "mediocre" as a descriptor. One of them is Southwark Cathedral. I would not dream of calling it mediocre. Thanks!

Grace in Seattle, WA USA 09/25/2007

Vinopolis now has much longer hours than listed in the book. You could get in as late as 7:30pm on Thursday. L21 will get you a tour with five (tiny) wine tastes, two beer tastes, two whiskey tastes and one Bombay Sapphire cocktail.

Grace in Seattle, WA USA 09/25/2007

Many admission prices have gone up. The biggest jump we noticed was for the London by Night tour. It jumped from £9 to £13.50. If you buy tickets a day ahead on the Internet, it is only £10.

Alison in Arkadelphia, AR USA 08/21/2007

The prices at several of the top attractions were more than what was printed in the guidebook (and I didn't see these on the updates page of this website.) The London Eye was 15 pounds each (instead of 13), and the Tower of London was up to 16 pounds each (instead of 15.)

Jennifer Graf in Hellertown, PA USA 08/12/2007

My wife and daughter and I just got back from London. We used the guidebook and found it helpful. I have two corrections for you however. The first is that the Britain and London Visitors Centre near Picadilly Circus is only to open to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday, not 5 pm (17:00) as the book states.

And there is a typo on page 41. Describing the touring of The Houses of Parliament, Rick states, "While the actual debates are generally quite dull, it is a thrill to be inside and see the British government inaction...". Well, maybe it's not a typo.

[Editor's Note: Thanks for the info about the earlier closing of the tourist information center; it's already been fixed for our 2008 edition. And congratulations for spotting one of Rick's many little jokes! Nothing personal, Mr. Prime Minister...]

Rick Runquist in Langhorne, PA USA 07/21/2007

I attempted to purchase a 3 day Travelcard at Heathrow in June and was told they are no longer sold there.

[Editor's Note: Staff members who have been in London recently had no trouble buying 3 Day Travelcards. Perhaps they had run out at that particular location?]

Terri in Tampa, FL USA 07/12/2007

The restaurant at the National Gallery seems to have changed. There are two sides. We went to the left (front) and it was wonderful, but way pricey. We had a 91 pound bill for three with no alchohol. A record lunch bill. On the way out we realized there was a more reasonable option to the right. More of a cafe setting.

Steve Roddy in Penn Valley, CA USA 07/03/2007

The Dorset Hotel in Windsor closed in March, 2007. It is now a private home. Your London guidebook could now use a few more windsor sleeping options.

Andrew in Studio City, CA USA 06/29/2007

OYSTER CARDS! They don't make you register and pay a deposit anymore. Go into the Tube Station and tell them for how many days, in how many Zones and they "Top Off" the cards and you GO! We got a 7 day card in Zones 1-2 for 23.40 (pounds) and used it like crazy day and night. You just swipe it across the "pad" at the turnstile coming and going. It's a real time saver. (You can get them for fewer days if your stay is shorter).

Lauretta in Oakland, Ca USA 06/14/2007

I wouldn't exactly call this a "correction", but if your the type who likes to look in all the "nooks and crannies", photograph and take your time on any of Steve's Walks then you've got to allow yourself more time on the "City Walk". There are several churches, Pubs, buildings and so many other things of interest on this one that it took us almost twice as long to walk it and that was the short version, (from Temple Station). They were having a concert in the Church that the Knights Templar are in so we listened, we had lunch at Ye Old Cheshire Cheese. (Go all the way downstairs). Every inch of these churches had something on the floors, walls and ceilings. Stick your head in the original Punch and Judy pub. And at the end just lean over the side of the London Bridge and gaze out towards the Tower Bridge, what a beautiful sight.

Lauretta in Oakland, Ca USA 06/14/2007

The Garden Court Hotel has raised its rates for Db from the 92 pounds listed in the guidebook to 110 pounds. I think the 22% increase is hard to justify.

Steve in Sonoma, CA USA 06/11/2007

While they no longer sell Tower of London tickets at the Tower Hill tube station, the small gift shop about halfway down the stairs to the Tower (from the tube stop...on the right as you're descending) does sell the Tower tickets. We saved a pound on each ticket (in March 2007), plus skipped the line at the Tower.

Alison in Chicago, IL USA 06/07/2007

St Martin Of the Fields is closed until Oct 2007. However, they still offer concerts elsehwere, It would have been helpful to know where the alternate locations were from the guidebook.

Maureen & Joe Schneider in Spokane, WA USA 05/23/2007

Il Falconiere, recommended in the 2007 London guidebook was the worst restaurant experience we have had in London in 3 years of travel, please do not recommend. Sally Lund's in Bath was also very disappointing

sharon quinn in Grafton, Wi USA 05/18/2007

The guidebook states that proper ladies order a half beer-half lemonade drink called a Shandy. Actually, "lemonade" is what the Brits call lemon-lime soda (like Sprite). I was conversing with a British couple on holiday in the States. She ordered a Shandy and explained that it was half beer-half lemonade. She was shocked when it arrived with half beer and half (American) lemonade! A Shandy is half beer and half lemon-lime soda.

Karen IN USA 05/16/2007

London 2007 book - page 61 - map showstube station on High Street Kensington marked as "Earl's Court" - that is the "High Street Kensington" tube stop

Dale Saville in London, UK 05/13/2007

Unfortunately, the statement that the Thames Watermen only give "guide" talks on the way TO Greenwich is incorrect. They talk both ways -- which is fine, but by the end of the day, returning home, became repetitive. Furthermore, to add to others' posts, the Cutty Sark is in dry dock undergoing repairs until 2008. Greenwich is a lovely day trip without the Cutty Sark visit, but it was a little disappointing to not be able to see it, as planned.

Martina EF Horwitz in Chicago, IL USA 05/01/2007

From their website: "The Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields We are currently undergoing a £36 million building project, the Renewal of St Martin-in-the-Fields. As a result of the project, St Martin's will be closed for a short period of time.

The church, including services and concerts, will be closed from 7 May to 29 September and re-open on 30 September."

J Inglis in Abbotsford, BC Canada 04/24/2007

The 3 day and 7 day Oster cards for the Underground are a great deal. However, one should note that they are not for exactly 3 or 7 days. They expire at 2 AM on the 3rd or the 7th day. For example, if you buy a card at 6 PM on Monday evening, it will not be good until 6 PM on Thursday evening, it will have expired at 2 AM on Thursday morning. Their logic is that you had the use of the card on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so what are you so upset about? So plan accordingly!

Bill Warren in Palo Alto, CA USA 04/18/2007

I don't know how it is listed in London 2007, but Rick's updates at http://www.ricksteves.com/books/feedback/answers.cfm/rurl/topicid/6/pid/52/ has the Transport Museum reopening issSpring 2007. The reopening has been postponed again, this time to autumn 2007.

Chip IA USA 04/15/2007

Not really a correction, but an update to RS England 2007. I went to Greenwich last Sunday. To my chagrin, the Cutty Sark is all covered up and closed for restoration through late 2008.

Hank Thon in Roswell, GA USA 04/03/2007

St Martins in the Fields Crypt Cafe is closed until OCTOBER 2007 (i recently emailed to confirm this since we are taking a group to London soon). But they will have an additional 60 seats when they reopen and an updated menu.

jen peters in morrice, MI USA 04/02/2007

Has the Vicarage Private Hotel in London closed? Its URL is down and email is getting rejected.

Kari Whitney in Tacoma, WA USA 03/30/2007

Greenwich England. The Royal Observatory and the area is fascinating. However, the Cutty Sark is just now closed for renovation, which is not a great loss given that Greenwich is all that we had hoped it would be, especially the observatory, the market and the Trafalgar Tavern. Beware the house specialty there -- whitebait--the name says it all. It is a heaping portion of deep-fried minnows....I ate all of it with the help of a pint of Guiness but it is mosly fish bait.....

George Glines in Independence, KS USA 03/30/2007

1. Tower of London Tour: We visited the Tower on March 13, 2007, and you can no longer buy tickets at the Tower Hill Tube station. They told us they recently stopped selling tickets and now you have to buy them at the Tower.

2. British Museum Tour: When you get off the Tube at the Tottenham Court Road station and emerge from exit 3 as recommended in the book, there is (as of March 2007) some construction going on just as you get to the top of the stairs that prevents you from seeing the brown sign that points the way to the Museum. Go past the construction to find the sign that points to the most direct route to the Museum.

Irving Jaye in Memphis, TN USA 03/22/2007

Heathow Tube Oyster Card Problems – Although Rick is correct in saying you can return your Oyster Card and get a refund, the Indian gentleman with a beard that is always working in the right ticket and assistance window refuses to do so. He also refused to sell me a 3 day travelcard upon arrival. He said I would lose it.

Jeff Graver in Malver, PA USA 03/16/2007

Abbey House Hotel is closing (as of 3/7/07) but they kindly referred me to the Vicarage.

Nicole in Redwood City, CA USA 03/07/2007

The Orangery at Kensington Palace begins serving afternoon tea at 3 pm, not 1 pm as stated in the book.

Bill Armstrong in Stillwater, OK USA 03/02/2007

We took a day trip to Greenwich described in the 2007 London guidebook. The Cutty Sark is undergoing major overhaul. All the masts and rigging are down and the hull is hidden behind a wall. Also the day we visited, the tram running between the Maritime musuem and the Royal Observatory was inoperative with no alternative offered. This made the Royal observatory inaccessable to the handicapped.

Jim Kachadurian in Peachtree City, Ga USA 02/27/2007

A modification to the London 2007 guide: the St Martin in the Fields crypt (including the cafe) is closed for renovation and will reopen 2007 Oct 1.

Cathy Westbury in Aurora, CO USA 02/21/2007

Not really a correction as much as advice. Visited London this past weekend, and the crypt of St Martins is being renovated until June or July of 2007, closing off access to the crypt, as well as the Cafe in the Crypt. Was planning to visit there for lunch and was surprised to find it closed. Also, the National Gallery tour give incorrect room numbers for the impressionist painters. Not sure if this is an error, or based on the fact that they are being used as part of a special, impressionism display. Spent a while trying to find the room listed on the National Gallery map before discovering the paintings in a basement special display.

CK in Kindsbach, Germany 02/21/2007

There's no longer an evening bus tour of the city.

[Editor's Note: If you are referring to the London by Night tours, they do not generally run between Christmas and Easter. Our 2007 London guide notes this by saying "April to December only."]

Lisa Bailey in Millersville, PA USA 01/10/2007