London

[LDC134]

I visit London fairly regularly so have done most of the major attractions at some point. I am likely to be there for the day / evening on Saturday and wondered if anyone had any recommendations for something to do ? It's 2 adults early 40's with a reasonably small budget for the day. We don't want West End shows, but I was wondering about any areas to walk around (maybe markets / Notting Hill ?) or any smaller attractions which we might not be aware of. It doesn't matter whereabouts in London.
Many thanks in advance.

[VHG]

This is an amazing place to spend an hour or two, the Sir John Soane Museum. It is near Fleet St / Old Bailey. Free to get in.

http://www.soane.org/

He was an architect (he designed the original Bank of England before part it of was knocked down then rebuilt).

He bought this house, then the two next door, and made it a shrine for architects to visit. He filled it full of all sorts of strange things, and it has an eerie basement, hidden rooms, glass domes to let shafts of light into parts of the building and so on.

It is not huge so only takes an hour or so to go round, but it is an amazing place.

Make sure you see the "secret" room behind the paintings, they only open it every hour or so.

Here is a picture of one small part of it.

http://4.bp.blogspot....U0/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG

[milly143]

Camden is good for wondering around.

[VHG]

There are quite a few websites dedicated to the more unusual things in London. Just search on "Hidden London" or "Secret London" that sort of thing.

Here are a few web sites to get you going. The first one (Secret London) will give you loads of ideas.:

http://www.secret-london.co.uk/Welcome.html

http://www.hidden-london.com/

http://www.viewlondon...whats-on-unusual.aspx

http://www.timeout.co...51/Hidden_London.html

[Zvonok]

Get a boat from the pier by Houses of PArliament - travel by boat (Usually bogov applies- tokens via internet) to Greenwich - Look at the marklet there - or go on to the Thames Barrier - then return boat home -good and always a very interesting commentary given. Ive taken various visitros and they have always enjoyed it...

[Postdog]

consider one of the guided london walks, jack the ripper, ghosts etc

[EcclesCake]

If you like food I'd recommend a wander around Borough Market in Southwark. After that an amble along the Southbank taking in Tate Modern and whatever is going on around the Festival Hall can also fill an hour or two.

[VHG]

>>After that an amble along the Southbank

I did a Southbank walk a few months ago, from Westminster bridge all the way to Tower bridge.

There is a footpath all the way along to side of the river (apart from a couple of minor detours where you cant get along the river edge).

There is so much going on along there - London Eye, Festival Hall, Tate Modern (free to get in and great view from the cafe at the top), Globe theatre. Borough Market, George Inn (National trust owned pub), Southwark cathedral and so on.

Borough Food Market is busy on a Saturday, but an amazing place.

http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/

On a Saturday all along South Bank there will be loads of people and a lot going on and none of will cost you anything (unless you pay to go in an activity of course).

[LDC134]

Thank you all - some great inspiring ideas here, much appreciated

[piggynose]

fao LDC134 , remember to pace yrself!!
because in my experience london can be exhausting, so if walking, take lots of mini breaks.
enjoy

[smurfchops]

I think that Camden Market and Portobello are tatty market stalls, I wouldn't waste your time there as you only have one day, sorry. Notting Hill is a lovely walk if you like Georgian houses. Walk along the South Bank. Get the boat from Westminster or next to the London Eye at Waterloo to Greenwich, running commentary all the way, really interesting - you can get off at the Tower of London on the way and get back on. Make sure you know the times of the last boat back to Westminster! Also you could get a Travelcard which covers you to hop on and off buses and underground, get the 6 or 15 from Marble Arch, goes via Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket, Trafalgar Square, and up to Covent Garden in the Strand, along Fleet Street and further. I think you may get to the Tower of London on the 15, I am sure other ABers know any other buses which do this route. Sit on the top at the front for the best view. A good restaurant is The Stockpot near Leicester Square in Panton Street, not a franchise, a family run place which is really good value for money. Enjoy yourselves and best of luck with the weather.

[ubasses]

http://www.londonforfree.net/walks/index.shtml

Like postdog i would recommend the London Walks, last time I used them they were £5 per person but if you have a look at the above site there are some walks that you could print off and do yourself for free.

[bushbaby_de]

I'd go to Borough Market then pop round the corner to Vinopolis for some wine :)

[London2001]

How about a nice relaxing stroll along the Southbank? You'd be walking past some of the bigger attractions such as the London Eye and the Dungeon, but you'd also have a choice of going in for free at Tate Modern and seeing all the street performers and Tower Bridge and so on - check out directions in the link.
http://linda-bliss.hu...g-Ben-to-Tower-Bridge