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London

2 days in London

View of Big Ben from the street.More Photos
  • by indigirl
  • A November 2000 travel journal
  • Last Updated: May 14, 2002
Journal Usefulness Rating 3 out of 5
Journal Usefulness
4
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On my Thanksgiving trip to Paris in 2000, I took a quick detour via the Chunnel to London for two whirlwind days.

2 days in London

Overview

View of Big Ben from the street.
Just walking through the streets is a huge highlight, as were the two musical productions I was able to see; The Lion King and Cats.

Quick Tips:

Get a good pocket map and prepare for a lot of walking. Many of London's sights are clustered in small areas, so it makes sense to walk between the two. The streets are painted with "Look this way" signs to help out those of us who drive on the right side of the road (rather than the left). Always look both ways to avoid being flattened!

Best Way To Get Around:

Take the Tube everywhere! It's clean and fast and cheap! Buy a day pass, or a weekly pass if you can and you won't have to fumble for change! The Taxis are luxurious and spacious, but rather pricy.

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Edward Lear Hotel

Hotel

View of the cute exterior

Edward Lear Hotel

My room was a single on the 2nd floor and had a nice bed, desk, small tv, phone, and beautiful window. I shared a bath with others on the floor, but never had to wait in line.

The bathroom had a fabulous claw-foot tub and was always very clean and bright.

The B&B included a wonderful and large full English breakfast with eggs, breakfast meats, toast, biscuits and more. I met several interesting travellers over breakfast.

The location of the Edward Lear can''t be beat... only a block from the Marble Arch Tube station and just off Oxford Street where there is good shopping.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by indigirl on December 28, 2001

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Edward Lear Hotel
28 30 SEYMOUR ST MARBLE ARCH London, England W1H 7JA
44 20 7402 5401

Abbey Road Studios

Activity

Even the least-dedicated Beatles fan will get chills of excitement visiting this famous crosswalk.

Abbey Road Studios

Any Beatles fan should make the obgligatory outing to the Abbey Road Studios on the outskirts of London.

A 30 minute tube ride from the center, there isn't much to see at Abbey Road aside from the outside of the studios and the famous cross-walk.

Abbey Road itself is fairly busy, so be careful if taking a photo crossing the street; many tourists are injured here every year.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by indigirl on May 14, 2002

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Abbey Road Studios
3 Abbey Road London, England NW8 9AY
020 7266 7000

British Museum

Activity

The Museum itself can be hard to find in the winding streets of London. Get a good map to navigate from the nearest tube station.

British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world's greatest historical collections. Vast and confounding, the many rooms include the Rosetta Stone and a great collection of Egyptian antiquities, as well as the Elgin Marbles.

Plan your visit well, and take advantage of the many comprehensive guidebooks available. Audio tours can also be helpful.

The museum recently reopened all its rooms after a vast renovation that will hopefully improve navigation.

Although you could spend weeks perusing the collections, don't miss the famed Rosetta stone or the Egyptian galleries.

Opening hours are 10-17:30, til 20:30 on Thursday and Friday. Use the Russell Square or Tottingham Court Road Tube stations for easiest access.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by indigirl on May 14, 2002

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British Museum
Great Russell Street London, England WC1B 3DG
+44 (207) 7323 8299

Changing of the Guard

Activity

The beautiful Buckingham Palace gates.

Changing of the Guard

The famous "Changing of the Guard" occurs two or three times a week even in the off-season. Ask around and be sure to fit this event into your vacation plans as it's a must-see!

We particularly enjoyed the showmanship of the "dancing" horses! The horses appear to dance sideways to the music of the marching band.

Even if you're short on time, stop by for a few minutes of London's finest show!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by indigirl on May 14, 2002

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Changing of the Guard
Wellington Barracks London, England SW1A 1AA
+44 (20) 7839 137

About the Writer

indigirl
indigirl
San Francisco, United States

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