london cheapo break

[crisgal]

is it possible to take a break in london without it costing the earth? We have 3 kids and are on a tight budget but we really would like to go if possible. Someone said to stay in a hotel on the outskirts and get the tube in daily, but I don't know which areas are on the outskirts!

We would like to go just after easter and stay for 2 or 3 nights and we're travelling from lancashire.

[Buenchico]

Hello again, Crisgal.

This is basically just a 'thank you' for a 'thank you'!

While I don't specifically seek thanks when I respond to questions on AB, it always nice when someone has the courtesy to post a 'thank you' message.

Enjoy your trip to London!

Chris

PS: Are you aware that there's an absolutely wonderful (and massive) Science Museum a lot nearer to you than London? It's in Manchester and, in my opinion, is at least as interesting (and as much fun) as its London counterpart:
http://www.msim.org.uk/index.asp?menuid=723

[stoo_pid]

Hi again Crisgal

Occurred to me last night that you might want somewhere cheap to eat in the evening. We've eaten at all the following places more than once. They are all dead central & all have bargain priced food (approx �4 - �6 for a main course).

• Pollo (Italian)
  20 Old Compton St
  Click here for a map


• The Stockpot (Meat, fish, pasta, salads, etc )
  18 Old Compton Street.
  Click here for a map


• Food For Thought (Veggie)
  31 Neal St, Covent Garden
  Click here for a map


• Mr Wu (Chinese)
  6-7 Irving St, Leicester Square
  Click here for a map


• Finally, we absolutely loooove Wagamamas (Japanese). Most of their food is inexpensive & it is all delicious and filling. The eating experience is great - you sit side-by-side other diners at huge benches & despite it being incredibly hectic the service is always spot-on. The only thing is, they are very popular restaurants so depending on what time you go, be prepared to queue (in my humble opinion though it's worth the wait). We usually go tea-time / early evening.
  Click here for locations & menus (they even have a specially created children's menu)

[crisgal]

thanks to you too stoo_pid! We'll certainly try some of those. It makes a difference hearing from someone who's had hand's on experience! We're so excited!!

yes Buenchico. the museum in manchester is fab, and they always have something special for children in school holidays, Although, I think looking out of the windows, down onto the coronation street set always seems extrememly exciting for them! Have you ever been to Eureka! in halifax? Absolutely brilliant for children. And there's a photography and film museum in Bradford that's always worth a trip, too!

Anyway, I'll post on chatterbank how we got on! xxx

[stoo_pid]

: - )

You're very welcome! I'm sure you'll all have an ace time...

[xfive71]

Hello Crisgal, I'm a mom in London and highly recommend the Science Museum. Be sure not to miss the water play area in the basement. The dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum may be too scary for the little one so hold on to him/her when you are walking through the gallery. Food-wise, walk down Exhibition Road and you will come to Paper Tiger (it's in the basement) which is �4.50 Chinese buffet.

The Museum of Childhood (Tube : Bethnal Green) is a little bit out but the kids would love it.

The Diana Memorial Playground (Tube : Bayswater, turn right and walk down till you reach the park) is amazing and if the weather is nice, take a picnic. Foodwise, if you are in Bayswater, head towards Whiteleys. (from tube stn : turn left and walk all the way up) The food stops is on the 2nd floor - for the moment Mama Amalfi's is doing buy one child meal, get one free.

If you are in the Covent Garden area, I would recommend Belgo's. One child eat free if an adult order a meal and their portions are generous + free icecream thrown in. For dinner, it is best to book and for lunch, eat slight earlier or later.

Good luck and have fun!

[crisgal]

thanks xfive 71, for your top tips! The childhood museum sounds great. What's the waterplay area all about? Will we get wet?

There is so much advice I am in the process of transferring it all into a little book, so that I don't have to remember it all! Especially stoo_pid's eating places!

We've spent a bit more than we intended on the hotel, but it's still reasonable and it's a small family run place in the Victoria area which is, i beleive, pretty central.The train fares were really cheap with the family railcard. All in all, including travel from Preston, I think it will cost just over �240 for 5 of us for three nights. Not bad eh?