London trip advice please

[Astraeus]

I usually drive down - unless I am travelling solo or have booked months in advance, it is much cheaper than multiple train tickets and gives me added flexibility. Despite what some say, I have never found it particularly stressful either (and that includes driving into central London).

 

One option I have done a few times is driving to either Burnt Oak or Edgware tube stations, parking for free in those residential neighbourhoods and then got the tube into London. Saves potential hassle of driving in central London, parking is free or cheap and it gives you a good getaway early the next morning. Alternatively there is a budget hotel close to Burnt Oak which saves a lot of money as against central hotels and is easy to travel to, being just off the M1.

[tinfoilhat]

If in doubt, Travelodge if you're on a budget. Generally cheap, generally clean.

[smithy266]

I stayed in a Youth Hostel once..... it was fine.

[Snooker147]

I stayed in a novotel I think it was blackfriars bridge and it was really good clean and the breakfast was nice it set me up for the day of sightseeing really

[tinfoilhat]

I stayed in a novotel I think it was blackfriars bridge and it was really good clean and the breakfast was nice it set me up for the day of sightseeing really

 

I've stayed in a couple of Novotels, the last one at Hammersmith (close to theatreland if memory serves). Good breakfast and parking. Not cheap though.

[kingdom]

What did you expect - it's central London. Things tend to cost a fair bit.

 

You asked for recommendations - I gave them. If you don't like them there's no need to be snotty about it. The Guoman is a good hotel, central location close to the City which is why I use it. If you want to pay less find something less upmarket or go commandeer a park bench.

 

I'm not being snotty lol I think you misread me , I'm looking for something in my budget .

[lindylou53]

Definitely recommend going by train. We've been by coach a couple of times and got stuck in horrendous traffic jams on outskirts of London. Worth paying more to go by train. We stay in Euro Hotel on Cartwright Gardens - walking distance from Kings Cross/St Pancras and near to Russell Square underground. Approx £99 for B&B in double room. Hope this helps:)

[Anna B]

I second the youth hostel option. They are simple but clean and tidy and just fine. They are usually well located too, I know there's one right outside St Pauls which is supposed to be lovely. You might well need to book.

Also try Groupon for offers.

 

As for places to visit there's so much to see and do it's hard to know where to start. I'd recommend the Natural History, Victoria and Albert, and British Museum. But for things like Madame Tussauds, good as it is, you'll need very deep pockets.

 

Shows? My particular favourites are 'Les Miserables' (much better than the film,) and 'Phantom of the Opera' both spectacularly staged in a way you can't see them in Sheffield. I've never been to the Globe, but I'd like to try it. But to be honest, I've never seen a bad show in London. Lots of weird and quirky stuff as well, and much cheaper too, in a variety of unusual and unlikely venues.

[ECCOnoob]

I'm not being snotty lol I think you misread me , I'm looking for something in my budget .

 

What is your budget then?

 

I will warn you now, you are unlikley to get any hotel in the greater london area for less than around £90 - £100 a night.

 

That's £700 without travel even for a very basic 3 star. A good quality but still chain hotel you are looking at around £1400 for the week.

 

As others have said, if you are really on a budget then you need to be looking for more B&B, hostel style accommodation.

 

PS: I second what others have said. Dont drive. It really IS that bad. Booking in advance you can get return train tickets for less than £40 each. Tube is cheap and covers everywhere you would need to go.

Edited December 29, 2016 by ECCOnoob

[lectrolove]

You really don't need a car in London, parking is horrendous, get the train down then use the Tube and buses. For accommodation have a look at Premier Inns, it's a decent, reliable good value chain.

 

I highly recommend the Sky Garden, it's free but you do have to book, you won't get in otherwise.

https://skygarden.london/