Just back from a two day trip to London to catch Andrew Lloyd Webber's new show the Wizard of Oz. It had been almost 10 years since my last trip to London and was amazed at just how much had changed - yet it still felt so familiar.
Flights
I booked my flights with Easyjet and flew into Stansted. A lot of my friends always fly into Heathrow but if you are not in a rush I recommend you try Stansted. The airport is much less busy and you don't feel the same level of stress or hustle/bustle whilst in the airport.
If you are doing this I recommend you get the National Express Shuttle Service into Liverpool Street Train Station. It costs considerably less than a taxi would and affords you some wonderful views of some lovely houses and canals on the way into London. As with any town these views start to become thin on the ground as you approach the more urban areas. Upon arriving at Liverpool Street Station you will be able to catch the underground to any area of London you require. In my opinion just feels a less stressful way to arrive in London.
Hotel
I booked my hotel via http://www.laterooms.com/ which if you have never used before I highly recommend you do for your next trip. The savings which can be made are fantastic, even if booked up to the night before you leave compared to the normal rate charged at the hotel. Please pay attention to the cancellation policy if you are unsure whether you may have to cancel your booking for some reason.
I booked to say at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. It is situated in London's South Bank, within walking distance of the city’s most iconic attractions, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the London Aquarium. This is a 4 star hotel and has only recently opened and has some lovely rooms. I stayed in a basic double and was amazed at how luxurious and modern the hotel feels. The hotel also benefits from a pool and spa - but as I actually forgot to take my swimming shorts I never experienced this. That said with the amount to see and do in London I wouldn't have had the energy to use these facilities even if I had taken them!
The hotel benefits from having two restaurants within it French and Sushi Bar) and also its own bar. I never ate within the restaurant, bu the bar is fantastic and seems to draw its own regulars in with live music on Saturday nights and is well worth a visit. The 'mixoligists' or as I prefer to call them 'bartenders' certainly know a thing or two about cocktails - try one and you'll see what I mean!!!
Things To Do
London Eye - as it is only across the bridge from the hotel the London Eye has to be first to do on your list - preferably if the weather is good. The views from this are breath taking. I booked in advance and collected my tickets on site. As the costs for a trip to London can mount up I opted for the basic price ticket and selected an afternoon time slot. Booking for anything else seemed a bit pointless as the view will not change no matter what you pay for. It may be worthwhile when collecting your tickets if you ask if it matters what time you go on - I did this as it was busy when I arrived and the girl behind the desk said I could choose. With that in mind I waited until the crowd had depleted and this meant there was only myself and two other individuals in the car - a lot easier to move round.
Bus Tour - By far the easiest way to see all the sights and possibly one of the cheapest as well. I know there are a wealth of tour companies out there but I would highly recommend the Big Bus Tour Company. I used this service previously in Hong Kong and was not disappointed - if you get on the red buses these have live commentary from an English speaking guide who is usually very knowledgeable as well as good humoured. Tickets can be bought from various locations and prices vary dependant upon how long you want access to the tours. They also sometimes have offers on allowing either free access or discounted access to a number of attractions when buying the ticket. When I was there it was free access to the London Film Museum.
London Film Museum - If I remember correctly the price of admission for this is £13.50 for adults and £9.50 for children. Had I paid for this attraction I think it would be fair to say I would have been disappointed. It gives the impression that they are still waiting on a delivery or that they are closing down as the things to see are a bit of a disappointment. By all means go if you have free entry, but other than that I would recommend you give this a miss.
Evening Meal
Bertolli's (Friday Night) - To be honest this feels like how an Italian chain restuarant would feel. The menu was limited and its the first time I've been told that garlic bread was not possible (and something they are trying to get away from - what that means I don't know?). Whilst food choice was limited, it was good eating. Not the best italian I've ever had but at the prices charged you would be hard pressed to complain in London. They have restuarants dotted about London but the one I tried was in Covent Garden.
I would probably recommend you explore this area on your own as I'm sure there is a wealth of nice eateries just crying out to be found.......what a thing to explore though!!!
The Ivy (Saturday Night) - I had been told to try and get a table here for a pre theatre meal if possible as this is where the stars hang out (the night before Rod Stewart and Keith Richards were here apparently). This will need to be booked well in advance if you wish to have a table but it is well worth it. From the moment you arrive you are treated like royalty. The food is amazing I had the soup to start, followed by steak (possibly the best I have ever had!) and coffee before heading to the theatre. Wine is expensive by the glass, but beers are surprisingly affordable at approx £4.00 per bottle. My tip for this would be to call even on the day or night before to get a table as having spoken with the floor manager that evening he informed me that people book well in advance and then usually cancel on the approach to it. Please book and try - you won't be disappointed any you may even see someone famous.
And just to finish....
Wizard of Oz
Please go and see this show if your with the kids - they will love it and so will you!!! Loads of opportunities to sing clap, boo -its almost like panto but miles better!!!
http://www.wizardofozthemusical.com/?gclid=COP6gPyEq6cCFQoZ4QodmESeBA
.
