London recommendation in April

[Buster Highmen]

https://courtauld.ac.uk/

Camden Market

[mcski]

Bump.

On my way to London tomorrow for the first time in almost 20 yrs. Some great info in this thread. My travel mojo is so fucking dusty

I just found out that the UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization. It wasn’t hard to get w the phone app and it came through quickly but it added a little wtf stress for sure. Cost a few bucks and good for 2yrs.

Mulletizer mentioned you don’t need an oystercard anymore but I think they get significant discounts over pay as you go? Anyone have intel on that?

I’ll prob revisit the big tourist sites and add some new wondering around. My kid is over there working at a youth hostel so will probably inflict some tourist stuff on her. She wants to go to Hever castle, but not sure how easy that is to get to for a day trip. Anyone?

[warthog]

I heard getting the Global Entry is totally worth it. I think it covers all that stuff. I have only done CLEAR with the TSA Pre so far.

[mcski]

No time to get that set up before I leave but it seems like this ETA would be seperate from a security pass like Global Entry but idk.

[The AD]

Mulletizer mentioned you don’t need an oystercard anymore but I think they get significant discounts over pay as you go? Anyone have intel on that?

No, paying with a contactless credit card costs the same as using an Oyster card. Just make sure to use the same credit card over the course of a day. There's really no reason to get an Oyster, since you have to pay for the card.

[The AD]

Also, using the train or tube is the best way to get from the airports into London. If you're flying to Heathrow you can take the Heathrow Express, although it's somewhat expensive, the Elizabeth Line, or the Piccadilly line. Just use Google Maps to see what the best route is based on where you're going. Many of the tube stations don't have elevators/lifts so keep that in mind if you've got luggage. From Gatwick there are two train lines going into London.

[mcski]

Thx. I need to get from Heathrow to Thameside so was in debating taking mass tran all the way, part way, or just saying fuck it and taking an uber cause I’m lazy.

[The AD]

Everything I've read says a taxi or uber are going to take a lot longer unless you're traveling at a time with low traffic. And it's London so there's probably traffic much of the time.

[old goat]

The US Global Entry gets you through US security faster leaving and returning. ETA gets you into GB. They have nothing to do with each other, other than both being linked to your passport/

[old goat]

The US Global Entry gets you through US security faster leaving and returning. ETA gets you into GB. They have nothing to do with each other, other than both being linked to your passport/You might have time to get the Global Entry, depending on how many people Trump fires, but at the very least you can arrange your interview at the airport going or returning--convenient if you don't live near an international airport where the interviews are given.

[mcski]

That’s what I figured. I’m ok without global entry. Traveling in India makes lines here tolerable

Also, taking reqs on interesting areas to stay for later part of trip if I decide to relocate.

[mcski]

[emoji638]][emoji640][emoji639]][emoji638][emoji[emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]][emoji640][emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]]][emoji638][emoji[emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]][emoji640][emoji6[emoji640][emoji637]]][emoji6[emoji640][emoji637]][emoji[emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]][emoji640][emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]]]]Everything I've read says a taxi or uber are going to take a lot longer unless you're traveling at a time with low traffic. And it's London so there's probably traffic much of the time.

I found a better route that’s totally fine and not that long. Not sure what Google was doing the first time i put in the info

[Kevo]

The “City Mapper” app is better than Google maps for figuring out how to use public transit to get around London.

Don’t be afraid to use buses in addition to the Tube if CityMapper shows that as the best routing. Buses in London are way better than buses in just about anywhere in the world.

Use Google maps for finding food in whatever neighborhood you’re in. The food scene in London may well be the best in the world. Anything you could want from any ethnic food exists there. When I was over last year I ate some awesome Tamil and Caribbean food.

Lastly- check out museum lates. On any given night there is usually one or more museums that are open late and often for free.

[Mulletizer]

mcski -

Hever Castle: I've not been but it's a pretty easy train ride from London. Then probably either a taxi or a change of train and a walk.
Citymapper: +1 for this.
Getting from the airport: I always do train/tube. Quicker than driving and a fraction of the price of a cab (even Uber). Just came back from Heathrow with family and bags on the tube (which is quicker and much cheaper for where I live than the train, same journey time as Elizabeth line but cheaper).
Oyster cards: definitely no benefit to having one.
Thameside: are you sure that's the name of the place? Only place I've heard of called that is a prison...

I guess you are probably inbound now... Have a good trip!

[warthog]

<p>

That&rsquo;s what I figured. I&rsquo;m ok without global entry. Traveling in India makes lines here tolerable Also, taking reqs on interesting areas to stay for later part of trip if I decide to relocate.

How interesting? Back in the day I would have suggested Brixton. That would give you some stories back in the 90&#39;s. I am sure it is the up and coming area now and not at all interesting.</p>

[warthog]

I lived in the Ealing and Shepherd's Bush area. If you are a Python fan, the studio is over that way and you see all kinds of landmarks that you recognize from the Flying Circus.
I think Shepherd's Bush had more hotels. I think there is a Python tour or 10 that you could get on as well.

[mcski]

Mulletizer/warhog, Thanks for the additional info!

My daughter is working at a youth hostel called YHA thameside which is basically across the river from canary wharf. There’s a doubletree there too that was reasonable although boring really right there too so I booked that for a few days just for logistical convenience but may shift to another area later in the trip. It looks pretty easy to take the Elizabethan line to the wharf are small walk then ferry across. Piccadilly is less walking but requires an extra tube change. I’ll skip the oyster and tap and go.

Any recs as far as SIM cards go? I assume they are pretty much all the same coverage in London and just depends on what deal I like best

Warhog - back in my youth hostel days in the mid eighties, I was in London during/right after the Brixton riots. So of course, I decided that was the place I wanted to check out! I tubed over to brixton and wondered around a bit but there was no drama going on and after a while I decided to head back. Being the cheap fuck I am, I started walking and somewhere along the way, I saw the Brixton Academy. I went up to the doors to peak inside and there happened to be a Pete Townsend poster taped inside the window for a coming show. One of my best friends worshipped him so I wondered if I could nabbed it and tried the doors and Shazam! they were unlocked. No one was around so I quickly pulled down the poster, rolled it up and stuck it in my coat. I was on my way when I realized som band was playing inside. Since no ine was around I stealthily cruised up to the balcony to see what’s what. It was Sade doing their dress rehearsal! After a song or two i decided to get closer. Turns out i took a wrong turn down by the stage and ended up on the actual stage near amps and what not. Everyone was working or playing and paid me no attention so I sat down on a crate and took out my notebook to look like is was busy. Watched the rest of the “set” unmolested until some guy came up to me and asked if I’d seen Townsend around yet. lol. I just played cool and said naw man, not yet. The band finished practicing not too long after that and I left. Good times in Brixton! And my buddy still has the poster framed on his wall 40yrs later

[bennymac]

Mulletizer/warhog, Thanks for the additional info!

My daughter is working at a youth hostel called YHA thameside which is basically across the river from canary wharf. There’s a doubletree there too that was reasonable although boring really right there too so I booked that for a few days just for logistical convenience but may shift to another area later in the trip. It looks pretty easy to take the Elizabethan line to the wharf are small walk then ferry across. Piccadilly is less walking but requires an extra tube change. I’ll skip the oyster and tap and go.

Any recs as far as SIM cards go? I assume they are pretty much all the same coverage in London and just depends on what deal I like best

Warhog - back in my youth hostel days in the mid eighties, I was in London during/right after the Brixton riots. So of course, I decided that was the place I wanted to check out! I tubed over to brixton and wondered around a bit but there was no drama going on and after a while I decided to head back. Being the cheap fuck I am, I started walking and somewhere along the way, I saw the Brixton Academy. I went up to the doors to peak inside and there happened to be a Pete Townsend poster taped inside the window for a coming show. One of my best friends worshipped him so I wondered if I could nabbed it and tried the doors and Shazam! they were unlocked. No one was around so I quickly pulled down the poster, rolled it up and stuck it in my coat. I was on my way when I realized som band was playing inside. Since no ine was around I stealthily cruised up to the balcony to see what’s what. It was Sade doing their dress rehearsal! After a song or two i decided to get closer. Turns out i took a wrong turn down by the stage and ended up on the actual stage near amps and what not. Everyone was working or playing and paid me no attention so I sat down on a crate and took out my notebook to look like is was busy. Watched the rest of the “set” unmolested until some guy came up to me and asked if I’d seen Townsend around yet. lol. I just played cool and said naw man, not yet. The band finished practicing not too long after that and I left. Good times in Brixton! And my buddy still has the poster framed on his wall 40yrs later

ha that’s a great story/experience thanks for sharing that

[hutash]

I have only been to the UK twice, and was limited on time both trips. I mostly just walked a fuckin lot. I just enjoyed bowling through London or Edinburgh and turning random corners to see where I end up. The only real destination I had to make was Downe House, home of C. Darwin, esq. I spent a whole day there, and getting to/from on the train and bus, and I was in science nerd heaven. I hate planning trips, so if I am rolling solo, I just wing it.

[mcski]

Hutash, I like the way you roll!! Thanks for chiming in, I like the Darwin house idea and will ad it to my list

I’m also a big fan of just exploring. My kid not so much so need a bit more of a plan this go around. Back in my cheap as youth over there, I had a rule that if I wasn’t able to fare hop and sneak onto the tube, I had to walk. Saw a lot of cool stuff that way!

[hutash]

Downe House was really cool. You have to love rural bus routes, I asked the driver were I get off and he just said he would stop at the driveway, and just stand out front and he would pick up up on the way back. I ended up with a little time to kill, so I walked the short distance to the village of Down, no "e" and had a beer in the pub thinking Chuck himself may have quaffed a few pints there in his day.

I did a similar thing in Edinburgh. I walked through the University of Edinburgh and found his old lodging, then went off to the closest pub thinking it was where any irresponsible undergrad would drink, and Chuckie was a very irresponsible undergrad. It turns out the pub was Black Friar's Bobbie, which just happened to be attached to the graveyard where J.K. Rowling got many of her character names off the tombstones. It was kinda cool seeing Tom Riddle's grave.

[Mulletizer]

I like Rotherhithe a lot, it’s a part of London that hasn’t lost its link with the city’s maritime past. Definitely worth looking into the history of the area if that’s your thing - I did awhile back and was pretty surprised to discover that there are the of a remains of a 12th century royal hunting lodge just sitting there, next to the river, surrounded by houses, with the odd dog pissing on them.

Stuff that might be worth checking out:

The Mayflower is a great pub that doesn’t feel like a city pub. You can walk in on a rainy night and it feels like walking into a village pub in rural England. There tend to be a lot of Americans there but if that isn’t something that bothers you it’s great.

In general London isn’t blessed with Mexican food in the way that a lot of US cities are but one of the better options is quite close to where you’re staying. La Chingada. Check the hours, it might only be open at lunch.

Your hotel is in an area of old docks that has had a lot of redevelopment, as far as I know there isn’t loads going on the immediate area. But the overground (which actually runs underground in that area) at Rotherhithe, Surrey Quays and Canada Water, and the Jubilee line (only at Canada Water), are good links to other places.

There's a great food scene in Borough (the market is tourist central but there are a lot of good restaurants) and, if you like craft beers, there are a lot of options in Bermondsey. I particularly like Kernel (brewed there, they have a tap room) and Cloudwater (brewed somewhere up north but they have a tap room on the "Bermondsey Beer Mile").

If you cross the river there are a lot of interesting things in Limehouse, especially pubs. Some of them are a bit touristy (like the Prospect of Whitby, still a good pub), others still feel like proper old school boozers (like the Grapes).

And on your side of the river, but downstream, are Deptford and Greenwich. Lots going on in both.

I’m not far away, I’m normally in Camberwell/Peckham, give me a shout if you want a beer. Or we can try to rouse some of the OG London maggots to do something.

SIM cards: I’ve used giffgaff and smarty. Both inexpensive but you do need a physical SIM which might take a day or two to get hold of. I imagine an eSIM will be quicker but I don’t have any knowledge about these. All the networks seem to have black spots in places you think that they shouldn’t, it’s just something you get used to.

[chaka]

I had an afternoon to kill on a previous trip and visited Highgate cemetery. Really cool. A short walk from tube station and The Star, a great pub.

[I Skied Bandini Mountain]

Super easy to get around using the tube or street buses, but I wish I took more trips in the uber boat/river bus.

[XXX-er]

IME/ IMO if you have never been to yurp London is the best place to start cuz if you went to other countries first you will be dissapointed in london








London is quaint Paris was fucking grand






the best english food IS NOT and so the best meal we had in eingland was east indian food my fatehr moved there at age 7 to late teens






he used to rant about quality of english food and now I know what he was talking about







if you have a gortex rain shell take it along