London day trip over Christmas Honeymoon
My husband and I are stopping off in London December 20th as a layover for our honeymoon in Italy. We have never been to London before, so we tried hard to get an overnight layover in London. We are getting into Heathrow around 2:00pm and must be back at the airport by 9am the next morning. We already have a hotel booked at the Landmark London directly opposite Marylebone Tube Station, in Marylebone. We would like recommendations on the best night tours and boat tours of London since some of the most popular ones do not run past 5pm during the month of December. I would also really like recommendations on fantastic Christmas light displays or traditions in London that are a must see at night.
Kate
Aliso Viejo, CA USA 10/31/12
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http://www.timeout.com/london/gallery/1780/christmas-lights-in-london
You can always walk the London lights. Walk along Oxford street, Regent street- possibly down to Trafalgar Square (used to have crowd carol singing on the square). That way you can also enjoy the shop window displays. You dont really need a coach tour
The usual places would include for displays and lighting would be
- Oxford Street
- including around Selfridges
- Regent Street
- including Hamleys
- Leadenhall Market including traditional butchers
- Marylebone Lane
- Piccadilly, especially the windows of Fortnum and Mason
There are other smaller areas, there will probably be a balance between the severe austerity on councils versus the very very early Christmas push and need for sales.
Do you skate? Ice skating rinks, outdoor, at several places including Kew Gardens and Somerset House.
enjoy
Sloane Square was beautiful last year. Start there and walk up Sloane Street to Knightsbridge. Also Somerset House with the Tiffany's sponsored ice skating is beautiful at night.
Wow, London sounds magical at Christmas. It is good to hear that some of these places are walking distance from our hotel. Yes - we do like to skate, great recommendation for the skating rink. Sounds like we will be walking to enjoy the lights and sights of London - Thank you all!