In September, not yet satisfied with the holidays just taken, we went to a travel agency and bought the plane tickets to London for December – cost 130 euros per person. We also booked the hotel in a very convenient area near the British Museum, close to Russell Square, at the Royal National Hotel (2)^, but nearby from the same chain you can also find the President (2) at the same cost and a bit nicer with a better breakfast. Cost 101.00 euros for the triple per night, breakfast included. Legend: ° worth seeing; °° not to be missed; ^ can be skipped; ^^ to be avoided.
We left from Venice late and so we arrived at London Gatwick at 22.45, then after picking up our luggage we rushed to catch the Gatwick Express (tickets we had bought at home), a train that took us after 40 minutes to the Victoria metro station. Just in time to catch the last metro run (Tube London Underground) which closes at midnight; yellow line towards South Kensington, then change to the blue Piccadilly line as far as Russell Square.
SUNDAY 23 Full of enthusiasm we set off on foot to Tottenham Court and from here we took the tube to Hyde Park°°. Bring a good supply of peanuts from home because here it's full of squirrels that happily pose for photos, especially if you give them the nuts. From here we reach Speakers' Corner near Marble Arch, where every Sunday morning anyone who has something to say or vent can do so freely. From here we went further in as far as the Serpentine° lake, where under a thick fog we fed the swans. After exploring the famous park, to warm up a little we headed towards Knightsbridge, where not far away is the famous Harrods department store (2)°. Here look but don't buy, chic shops with matching prices.
By metro we get off at Piccadilly Circus°° and lose ourselves among the shops until we reach Soho°, where we dined in a Chinese restaurant Tuk Tuk near Wardour street, cost 32 pounds (44 euros), and then Chinatown° to finish the evening.
MONDAY 24 With the intention of seeing the changing of the guard we head to Buckingham Palace°°. We arrive by metro and get off at Piccadilly and then head on foot toward St James Square and here crossing Green Park we pop out
SATURDAY 29 This morning we split up: the kids went to see Madame Tussauds° wax figures (paid admission) and were thrilled.. The husbands went to see the War Museum° very interesting and free. The wives and a few survivors headed to Camden Town°°; here what can I say, it's a place where you can find all possible fashion styles: punk, reggae, goth, glamour, vintage. Clothing, accessories, tattoos, wigs, and everything in between. A spectacle especially for the kids.
SUNDAY 30 Return flight at 15.55, so we spent the morning at the British Museum°°, (free) famous for its Egyptian collection, the Rosetta Stone, and Babylonian remains.
And so our travel experience in this beautiful cosmopolitan city ended, big, majestic and full of life and opportunities for amusement, goodbye because we have certainly forgotten many things to see, try and visit, like a nice nighttime pub with live music? until next time...
NOTES: Weather: they say Londoners never go out without an umbrella. True! But we were lucky because out of 9 days it only rained on one, the other days were variable or even sunny. Cold but never below 5 degrees. Annoying wind, bring a warm scarf.
Food: all the rumors about English food are true…. They can't even make sandwiches! Anyway, you survive. For those who want, there's always a Mc Donalds but we avoid them and therefore preferred to go eat in pubs where you spend the same amount anyway.
Language: obviously English is mandatory and don't think they are understanding because you're a foreigner, so before asking, review the set phrase and the pronunciation.
Anyway, we didn't notice the famous haughtiness of the English because first of all London is a cosmopolitan city and therefore they are used to seeing foreigners, and in any case courtesy is essential when asking for things. We experienced that by asking courteously you are answered with equal courtesy. We forgot to mention that in London all museums are free!
Total cost of the holiday for a family of 3 people (2 adults + 15-year-old child): plane tickets: for 3 people round trip Venice / London € 390.00 hotel: Royal National Hotel € 810.00 total 8 nights in a triple, with continental breakfast Our total spending including underground, museums, lunches/dinners, small purchases and souvenirs total 8 nights 3 people € 1,973.00
If you want advice, impressions and various things or if you want to leave us a comment, contact us at our e-mail address: alpatom@libero.it
We recommend the guides that provided us with the indications on the places to visit: Lonely Planet London, City Book London, Routard London.
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