davet wrote:
I'm going to be spending two and a half days in London at the end of this month. My girlfriend is American, and wants to see Buckingham palace, the changing of the guard and Westminster Abbey. I haven't spent much time in London myself, I will visit a museum or two and most likely the Tate Modern. Other than that I don't really know too much more about the city. I was hoping to walk to most places, as I think I will find a lot of nice spots in the areas between the 'bigger' attractions. Obviously I'll use the tube for the bigger distances. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any good places/things to do that are a little less well known. Is there anything that you would say is an absolute must see? Thanks in advance.
I'd swerve Covent Garden, except for the Transport Museum which is fun and not as geeky as you might imagine.
Avoid Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, both are crowded with people who are there just because they know its name.
The National Gallery is e-bleedin-normous, so decide what you want to see before you go, otherwise you'll just get art fatigue.
Actually, just around the corner is the National Portrait gallery, which is much more fun for a short visit. You'll know half the portraits. Come to think of it, the BP Portrait Awards will still be showing when you are there - that's unmissable and not so big that you get bored. Afterwards, there's a Sam Smiths pub (The Chandos) opposite, sells beer at Northern prices.
Similarly, whilst the British Musuem or the Victoria and Albert (The Morris cafe is amazing - for decor) are fantastic ... again decide what to see in there, otherwise you'll just wander and wander until you're sick of it.
If you fancy Greenwich and/or the Observatory, a river boat trip there will take the weight off your feet for a while ... or take the DLR to Island Gardens and then walk the foot tunnel under the Thames to Greenwich for Cutty Sark, Gypsy Moth IV, Observatory (and Greenwich Meridian, stand with one foot in today and one in tomorrow) Queens House, etc etc.
If you are going to do the London Eye, book in advance.
As you think you'll go to Tate Modern, I'd visit St Pauls Cathedral first, walk down to the river and cross the wobbly bridge to the Tate Modern.
But there's also Tate Britain in Pimlico.
In the evenings, I'd take in a bit of theatre off-West-end at the Barbican / National Theatre / The Young Vic / The Old Vic ... or maybe see what's on at one of the smaller (and cheaper) venues like The Tricycle or The Gate (just get a copy of Time Out for all the Theatre listings).
If you don't mind walking, there are loads of guided tours by London Walks, I have done a few of those and enjoyed all of them.
