Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
Can I piggyback this thread as well. I'm planning a trip in October for the Rugby World Cup and am extremely excited! I haven't booked flights or anything yet because I haven't completely decided on dates...part of me wants to see Canada play, and another part of me wants to come for the Final and NFL London the next day with the Kansas City Chiefs.
I am wondering about where to stay (city-wise, as I will probably do a VRBO or AirBNB kind of thing), and getting around once we're there. I have never been, but it seems like trains are the way to go and both easy and reliable? Also in terms of the flights is BA really the best option? I've heard that from a couple people, but again have no idea.
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The more central the better, obviously. Our first time there was a few months ago. We stayed in Mayfair, and being more of a financial neighbourhood, was quiet in the evening as opposed to down in Kensington or Traflagar Sq area. Green and Hyde Parks were nearby around a 5 minute walk, 10 minutes to Buckingham, 20-25 minute walk to Westminister area, or Trafalgar Sq if you went that direction.
Or, a 5 minute walk to a central tube station (Green Park) which could've taken us on any number of lines in all direction, such as the Natural History museum. Or if wanted to bus it back after walking to the National Gallery etc, a 8 minute bus ride.
You pay for it (though we had booked one hotel in Kensington, then a week before arrival, checked again and a more central place became available for a significantly lower rate), but at least for the first time, if you're doing touristy things, I think it's worth it to get the lay of the land.
If we had stayed at the original place nearer Kensington, all our days there would've first consisted of getting on the tube to get into more central areas, instead of walking to our first destination as we did.
As for the person with the overnighter, just be aware that you may not get to where's been suggested, until after 9 o'clock or so, probably later. Passport control may take over an hour, and Heathrow's fairly large obviously, by the time you get to the hotel, freshen up and get back to the large airport to catch the Express. You're still at 20 minutes away after you get to Paddington to get to the Chinatown/Trafalgar square/Soho area via the Baker Line.
Though we saw most of the major highlights as we had planned, definitely see us going back to search out some more of the city...very cool vibe and unique place in this world.