London: Recommended places to visit?

roserougesang · 05-19-2006, 05:18 AM

In the middle of June, I'm heading up to London for my 3 week school break. My mum owns an apartment just outside London so accomodation is all covered. When we're there I've planned so far to visit Highgate Cemetry (again), go on the Jack the Ripper tour (again), maybe go to the Tower of London and make many visits to Camden over the course of my stay.
I was wondering if anyone who lives in London or who has been to London several times has any recommendations for any extra interesting sites to visit? It would be very much appreciated.

spookypurple · 05-19-2006, 05:41 AM

Chinatown is always fun - if you're a foodie or just like atmosphere. The Angel, Islington is nice for shops and food.
The Museum of Childhood just down from Bethnal Green tube station (central line - red colour) is fun (if it's still going).

Mind you, I just like hopping about on the buses...

There's this game we play, you see, called Red Bus Roulette... The rules are simple.

Pick a stop, any stop. Get on the first bus than comes. Stay on the bus for a maximum of ten minutes or 3 stops, or when you spot something interesting - whichever is shorter. That's it.

You have five tasks to accomplish, which is a piece of cake, really.

1) Find somewhere unusual to have something to eat.
2) Find somewhere unusual to have a drink
3) Find a place to visit (not just a museum or art gallery!)
4) Find a souvenir (which isn't just the usual London stuff) - Fortnum & Mason by Green Lane station (Jubilee Line - grey colour) is very useful for that!
5) Find a fascinating fact. In London, it should be pretty easy.

We actually adapted this from Railway Roulette, where we blindfold someone and they press a destination button on a ticket machine. Can be quite tricky when you end up in the middle of nowhere!

That could a thread of its own.... Hmmmm....

Anyway, hope the above suggestions are of some use, m'dearie!

:hug:

roserougesang · 05-19-2006, 09:49 PM

*hugs back*

Sounds like fun, I'll give it a try. I'll have make sure not to get lost though, London is a huge city.

Cicero · 05-19-2006, 11:44 PM

One of my favourite things to do in London is to go to the London Dungeons! I love the history they put into it, and with a sense of humour, too. Definitely give it a visit.

Aside from Camden, the obvious museums and the Jack the Ripper tour that's all I've got.

Damnit, I'm all jealous now! I hope you have an excellent time.

roserougesang · 05-20-2006, 06:16 AM

That I will.

Sadly, my lack of money will make it impossible to buy anything in Camden. Oh well, I'll go over there again when I've graduated and stay there for a long while, that'll be nice.

Draconysius · 05-20-2006, 06:23 AM

Is the Batcave still in business? What I'd give to see that place in person...

spookypurple · 05-20-2006, 06:26 AM

The one thing to rmember is: As long as you can find a tube station, you will never be lost!

And while Camden is *ouchily* expensive, there are some lovely secondhand shops there too. My favourite is Starship - the bit at the back is best - anything for £2!

You may like The Black Rose - I believe they have a website, as does Fairy Gothmother. I only ever go in there to drool, but as a lot of it's rubber, it doesn't really matter.

Plus the owner has a really cute little terrier dog.

And Cyberdog has to be seen to be believed. I love that shop. They're all fun places to look in, even if resources are tight - but it could give you some ideas if you want to make something yourself. Food there is also good, and cheap, but you'll have every stall holder yelling at you at once to buy from them, so be ready for that!

Cicero · 05-20-2006, 06:30 AM

I believe the Batcave has since been replaced by a snooty wine bar.

I took a "pilgrimage" of sorts to the area some years ago and was sadly disappointed by how little evidence is left of the great musical happenings that occured there.

spookypurple · 05-20-2006, 06:35 AM

Ah yes.... Memories of The Camden Palace lightshows... Crashing parties at Limelight...

:sigh:

Lady Victoria Pareesis · 05-20-2006, 06:40 AM

Weell, I can't give you any advice without knowing your tastes, but if you'll be short about money it's always nice to know that some of the museums are free (National Gallery...).
There's still the good old' churches, like Southwarks Cathedral near the London Bridge, and Westminster Abbey, St Paul...
There's a brand new 'Da Vinci' Tour if you like it.

And there's a few nightclub, if you're lucky you will find some party to go ^^, I'll send you the links if you want.

roserougesang · 05-20-2006, 07:23 AM

Too young for nightclubs though (I'm only 15). It's good to know there are SOME free sites in London, it seems you have to pay a lot.

By the way, I love the vampire rat avatar. Did you get it off the Insta-Goth Kit website?

Lady Victoria Pareesis · 05-20-2006, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roserougesang

Too young for nightclubs though (I'm only 15). It's good to know there are SOME free sites in London, it seems you have to pay a lot.

By the way, I love the vampire rat avatar. Did you get it off the Insta-Goth Kit website?

Yep, had it there, cut isnt'it? ^^

And there are mor free sites than you think, I'm bound to know them, I'm short about money too, hahaha.

spookypurple · 05-20-2006, 08:49 AM

Will check out any more freebie places to visit, honey, and I'll let you know!

The Minister Saint-Fond · 05-21-2006, 07:04 PM

See a play at the Globe. Any play will do.

I saw Henry V there.

I cried like a little girl during the St. Crispin's speech.

six_inch_heels · 05-22-2006, 10:09 AM

When I'm short of cash I like to just wander around. Might not sound too exciting, but you'd be suprised at the places you end up in. Just sitting in a park with a bunch of friends is fun too.
I can't recommend many places, I've only done the really touristy things like Westminster Abbey