London

[helwen]

Just for fun I clicked on a link at MSNBC on "cheap thrills" in London, for travel tips. Having never been to the UK, I didn't know that most of the museums, and also the National Gallery, are free (except for some special traveling exhibitions, but one expects that). I think that's rather a good idea -- especially since if we ever made it, we'd be spending money on books and suchlike. (And did you know that the Museum of London has a special collection, the Wellcome collection, that has Napoleon's toothbrush? I just had to mention that.)

Also, I didn't realize the National Maritime Museum is also where the Royal Observatory is located. The Greenwich Meridian Line runs through it too, so you can get your photo taken standing in the eastern and western hemispheres at the same time.

There's a Visit London web site mentioned in the tips, where you can find everything from 5-star hotels to rooms at one of the universities. Also a recommendation to get something called the Oyster card, which will save you money if you're taking the buses here and there.

I'd love to go to the Museum of London, the British Museum (books and clocks at the least), and the National Maritime Museum. Maybe someday.

Comments

[hugh-mannity.livejournal.com]

They used to have the line of the meridian painted through the park there. Back when I was young and foolish some of my friends would stand astride the meridian in the dead of night on the winter solstice and recycle the evening's beer onto it.

[loosecanon.livejournal.com]

I believe the Prado has the most excellent welcome page on their website:
If you have 1 hour, see these things. If two hours, see these as well.
http://www.museodelprado.es/en/ingles/collection/whats-see/1-hour-in-the-museum/obra/descent-from-the-cross/

Maybe we ought to plan our travel together, it's on our "someday" as well.

[dreda.livejournal.com]

Oh, the Oyster card is great! It's another one of those tap-and-go cards, and it works all over the Tube system. You purchase by Zone, and then it's a breeze - never have to worry about whether or not you've got the right ticket or the right fare, and it takes you everywhere.

Highly recommended.

[hugh-mannity.livejournal.com]

That's the sort of thing that London Transport has always done very well -- both for regular commuters and visitors. I was horrified by the primitive system the T used when I first came here (and to be honest, I don't think it's got all that much better).

[lyanna-beth.livejournal.com]

The bus/Tube pass is absolutely a MUST! It's 'hop on, hop off anywhere' - and I've been to all of the places you mention! [Could be because I lived in London for the first 19 1/2 years of my life? :) ]

[lyanna-beth.livejournal.com]

P.S. Try the Wallace Collection as well - just off Oxford St. Their armoury is incredible - and the rest isn't bad either! ;)

[gardengirl6.livejournal.com]

I have some great pix of the Meridian - it's pretty cool!