London Attractions

[sophie_1003]

Can anyone advise how long should be allowed for visiting the following (including queue times where appropriate)--
1. V&A Museum
2. V&A Museum of Childhood
3. Natural History Museum
4. Science Museum
5. London Dungeon
6. Madame Tussauds

[Buenchico]

Thank for taking the time to reply, Sophie.

I note that you've mentioned the Tower Bridge exhibition. I've not been since just after it first opened but my impression then was it was over-priced and not really worth the visit.

One of the best ways to see the sights is to take a short river trip. I'm not suggesting one of the big tourist boats, which cruise for a few hours and cost mega-bucks; instead I suggest just using the smaller river buses. See here:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk...bankment-woolwich.pdf
The fares are reasonable, with any single trip costing £5.30 at regular prices, £4.90 if you've got an Oyster Card or just £3.55 with a Travelcard. It takes about half an hour to go from the Tower of London to the London Eye (which enables you to see a lot of the main sights on the way).

If you're in Trafalgar Square and think that the National Gallery might take up a bit too much time, pop down the (right hand) side to the entrance to the National Portrait Gallery; it gets far less crowded than the National Gallery. Don't be put off by the idea of 'portraits'. It's not just full of stuffy old oil paintings of people you've never heard of. Instead, if you head to the right galleries, you'll also find some stunning photography. Admission to the NPG is free.

If you'll be seeking good food at cheap prices, take a look at this menu from Bistro 1 (which I love):
http://www.bistro1.co.uk/bistro1/Menu.html
(Click 'Branches' to see where they are. I always use the one in Southampton Street, Covent Garden).

Chris

[buildersmate]

The Museum of Childhood is in Bethnal Green and typically does not get busy - it is well worthwhile but not a 'mainstream' attraction for many.
OK, if you turned up at 1030am on a Saturday morning there might be a small queue to go through security.

[VHG]

I dont think anyone has mentioned the British Museum. This is huge and you can probably spend a day in there as well (and it is free).

There are web sites that list free things in London, try search on "Free London" and that sort of thing.

I would not pay to go to Dungeons and Tussauds when there are so many free things to do in London.

The Imperial War Museum is also free, as is the Britiish Library (and it is not just full of books).

http://www.bl.uk/

[AB Editor]

We have a Handy article covering a few of those Sophie:

http://www.theanswerb...-entertainment-guide/

Click through to your desired attraction for a map, opening times and contact details.

All the best,

Spare Ed

[Davethedog]

Sophie - If you do the Chilhood Museum and the Arsenal shop you are going to use up a big part of your day I would suggest you start at one or other and don't go to the one you don't start at.

V&A is fantastic but it not a place I would imagine children being entertained where as the science and Natural history do entertain.

I would think that looking at a map and also a tube map will help.

[sophie_1003]

Thanks all again, as I have said will probably go to the Childhood Museum another time so I can enjoy it at my own relaxed pace! Not going with children by the way Dave, going with my boyfriend and his brother (who are equally as hard to keep entertained as children!) another reason why I'm leaning towards the Science Museum and looking round all the interactive bits! Will talk to them both but have strong feeling their opinions will be "I don't mind really" (which means "I do mind but don't want the responsibility of making a decision"---are all men like this by the way??)

[berniecuddles]

i would spend all day with you xxx

[sophie_1003]

Aaw that's very sweet of you!