Trip to London

Another vote for the V&A

A 13-year-old will have no trouble finding her way about the tube system. But you don't get to see many sights if you are underground.

I am interested in this thread as my son is taking his niece and nephew in the summer. (Aged 37, 11 and 12)

Is there an Oyster card that the children can get?
Do you have to use a debit card? Would a debit card from a foreign bank work? Can you use a credit card?
I can never remember if you have to tap when you get off a bus.

Thanks for the tips about booking the museums on line. Will tell him about that.

I found the comment that a black cab is not a taxi most odd. Taxi is short for taxicab, surely. They were the original taxis.

My great-grandfather ran a Hackney cab business back when they were horse drawn. We have a photo of him and my grandfather sitting on the carriage, driving two horses

There's a Schiaparelli exhibition on at the moment. I'd love to see that and think a 13 year old would probably do too.

I see the "Young V&A" has Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends over in Bethnal Green

I see the "Young V&A" hasInside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friendsover in Bethnal Green.
My stomping ground, so if anyone chooses that way, Vicky (Victoria) Park is nice, especially the Pavillion Café for a bite.

My daughter and granddaughter, now 19, are there today. British Museum - pre booked - Covent Garden and Borough Market are on their list.

I have no idea what apps are available but this live London bus map is fun. You just choose your route at the bottom. The buses are blue and red and the stops are yellow. You can zoom in and out.
traintimes.org.uk/map/london-buses/#211

The tube is very easy, as long as you look at a tube map first and know your north from south, east from west, etc.

OTOH sitting on top of a big red bus is slower, but enjoyable if you’re not in a mad hurry.

If you want to know how to get from A to B by bus or tube, do have a look at the very good TFL* website’s Journey Planner that will spell it out for you.
*Transport For London

The open topped bus is a great way to see the city, weather permitting. We did this in London and also in New York. You see most of the sights that way.

Our kids loved going by bus in London.

My thought about the tube is that you walk for miles. Londoners walk much more than in other cities and town….in my opinion!

I like the tube.
Always easy it seems to me - not a commuter though so not too squashed.

you don't have to buy tickets - just tap your card or phone on the reader

I believe that there are several apps you can use to call a black cab, last time I hailed a cab they recommended one called "Gett". The blurb says it should be with you in four minutes.

I'd always use a bus in London, you see more and if you have a map you can show the children where you are.

Chestnut

I have no idea what apps are available but this live London bus map is fun. You just choose your route at the bottom. The buses are blue and red and the stops are yellow. You can zoom in and out.
traintimes.org.uk/map/london-buses/#211

I really like this! Never seen it before, but it would be really helpful if you're going to somewhere you don't know well.

ViceVersa

I'm confused - to me a black cab is a taxi? I would call the other private hires.

Private hires or minicabs - not usually recommended.
Yes, a black cab is what most Londoners would think of as a taxi.

The observatory on Greenwich park is good, the Tower of London is a good day out and Covent Garden area is fun with street entertainers

Be mindful of your personal security. Hold your bag close to you and dont get your phone out in public and be mindful of expensive jewellery on display if you wesr it. We now see of so many opportunists preying on the unsuspecting in all big cities.

I would definitely use transport for London website. You can put in places of interest and it will give options and times for walking, cycling or bus route. Play around with it before you leave.
You can use your bus pass on London buses and pay for granddaughter.
Also Google best routes for sightseeing.
You can get a bus from Westminster to Chelsea Kings Road for less crowded shopping experience. Peter Jones ( John Lewis) Marks & Spencer and lots of others.Lunch at Peter Jones perhaps.
Consult your granddaughter.
Try not to do too much in one day as you will both be exhausted!

I've learned something else today from Gransnet. I used to be in London quite regularly but haven't been for around 5/6 years.. I had no idea you could use a debit card on the tube I always used an Oyster card. Neither did I know you had to book a slot to go to a museum, I really am behind the times.
Faringdon I do wonder if your GD actually would enjoy 2 museums in one day, perhaps a museum in the morning and maybe shopping or afternoon tea somewhere nice or a walk around Regents park in the afternoon?

It's a lovely 30 minute walk across the park from Paddington Station to the natural History Museum. Your phone maps will show you the way!

Just seen this Faringdon, good luck, should be a great day. Funnily enough, I had an NHist email today, talking about privilege guided tours to beat the crowds?!
I see that a cab fare, according to Mr Google and his new friend Arty Instein, will be some £15 to £20. Plus a tip of course?!

Possibly money is no object, though if you've paid a prime-time fare from Swindon or Didcot, your card(s) have already suffered a major blow?!

Padd'ton to Nat History is quite simple, by Tube (Circle - though it isn't a circle any more, most confusing?!) to South Ken works, but I always think that long long walk through a claustrophobic tunnel (often packed like sardines!!) is no fun?

You could instead go 2 stops to Notting Hill Gate, get out, walk east (towards Hyde Park), and find the bus stop for Bus 70 on the south side of the road. That bus comes down past Queensway, then turns left just before Nott Hill Gate station and drops down to the Musuem, stops right there. If you have a bus pass, that works in London too, but your GD has to be paid for (use your card). As folk have said, you can pay for the Tube by tapping your card (oldies do NOT have the bus pass equivalent, unless you live there), but with GD to pay for as well, you just need to co-ordinate that tapping. If in ANY doubt, just talk to the attendant, that's what they're there for, and usually delighted to help (especially with GD in tow?!).

Coming back, just reverse the journey, BUT, if by then you need a G&T (or 2?!) and a foot massage, maybe the black cab is the answer?!

As a person who lives in Yorkshire I use the tube when I go to London, tap on tap off with your card! BUT. I prefer to take the bus, see the sights or walk as it is great to find off beat streets etc
Two weeks ago I went to Coal Drops Yard which your GD would love! Or a trip on the river by Uber taxi boat
The museums can wear you out so head to Borough Market for fun and food
Ask GD to sort tubes/ buses as well! She is old enough to read a map
Good lyck

If you’re getting your phone out for maps etc , get a lanyard to attach to your phone . I was in Barcelona last year where pick pockets are rife and had a neck one and one around my wrist. Also if I need to check my route , I duck into a shop doorway , rather than standing in the middle of the pavement.
In Barcelona I had a cross body bag with small carabiners on the zips , so I could secure the zips .
London is a great city but you need to be aware. It’s also very walkable, so wear comfy shoes .

Have a lovely dayFaringdon 🚂