Things to do in London before I leave

[matgb]

Right then, a more full (and possibly f-locked) State of the Mat post is well overdue, but for now, summary is I'm rather happy, work is going OK (my boss asked this morning if I was definitely wanting to go full time for him in the new year) and I'm planning on moving up to live with Jennie soon, and at the very least will be spending a whole lot of time up in Yorkshire whenever possible.

In the meantime, I'm in London this week, and will be in and out of the area on and off for the next few months. I'd like to actually see a bunch of the things I've not got around to yet, and do those things I came up here to do, etc. Money's a bit tight (the whole 'planning a wedding' thing), so cheap stuff is a bonus, but, y'know, rather than ask guidebooks and similar, I thought I'd ask you guys.

What are your three favourite things to do in London?

What would you most recommend to people, what do you like to do most, etc. Including events, clubs, museums, attractions, cafes, etc.

When's the best time to go there, is it best to go with a group, and would you like to take/show me (and others?) around, etc?

Specifically, thie Friday I plan to go to Inferno again, haven't been for ages, anyone else want to come along? Other than that, I have no plans at all any evening or Saturday--suggestions very welcome. No guarantee I'll be able to do stuff, but odds are I'd like to rather than not like to.

Comments

[norfolkian.livejournal.com]

1) Going to nice, posh restaurants.
2) Barbican!
3) Going to TV show recordings.

[matgb]

Posh restaurants is a little beyond my price range :-(

But Barbican was fairly close to the top of my list, a friend really wants to go see Seduced which looks very tempting, and I've not been there yet. I've registered for TV show updates, but prefer radio stuff myself, which I go to regularly, is cool.

Applied for Genius TV recording tickets, but they were all gone :-(

[pshtaku.livejournal.com]

you may think that - but you can get some excellent pre-theatre meal deals if you look around! For example, the Admiralty Restaurant at Somerset House does 3-course Pre-Theatre for under £16!

[innerbrat]

- Do I have to choose a museum? If so, the Tate Britain, but the Modern, BM, South Ken museums are all good (and free) too.

- London Eye and the associated River Cruise.Not cheap, as it happens, but worth it at least once.

- walking. Walking walking walking. In any weather, just going above ground insteadof using the tube. I especially love river walks.

Y'know, I wish londinium had properly got off the ground. This is the kind of thing it was designed for.

[matgb]

I did think of posting to londinium, and also london_uk, but, well, neither really has taken off, perhaps later to see if others come up with ideas.

The Eye's been on my list of things to do since way before I got here, and still hasn't been done, but yeah, costs an issue, and having checked the cashpoint on the way home, I'll have to delay that one :-(

Been to both Tates a few times, really ought to go back to BM soon, and, um, ought to come out to yours at some point as well, still haven't gotten around to it.

Walking, however, I agree with completely, always good, and dirt cheap as long as you bring food and drink with you, just need to figure out where. You out Friday night BTW?

[innerbrat]

Don't think so. I have completely failed to be at all sociable recently, thanks to money. I'll try to make the pub, though.

[matgb]

Fair enough—I get the money thing, spent a bit much last few weeks and need to be more careful, especially as I'm off to Germany soon as well.

Would be good to see you if you can make it out.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

I second museums. Tate Modern and the National Gallery for me.

[pink-weasel.livejournal.com]

I take it that you go to Foyles and run up and down excitedly and then spend far too much money on books regularly? That's one of my favourite London traditions.

The Tower of London is pretty cool. As is the V&A.

There's going to be lots of cool Christmas events, like the Great Christmas Pudding Race coming up soon.

[yuxonomei.livejournal.com]

I'm saving up to do exactly that on my next trip down south. I've not been to Foyle's before and as a serious bibliophile, I think I need to do it at least once.

[matgb]

Everyone should do Foyles at least once. Or twice. Or maybe a few more times than that.

Just be careful to not spend more than you've got, my poor credit card never did recover, and I've still not read all the books...

[matgb]

I've been avoiding Foyles recently, because I'm very behind on my reading and money isn't flowing brilliantly at the moment. But yeah, I have been known to spend whole days there.

Both Tower and V&A ought to be on my list, will have to actually start writing it methinks.

[fracindy.livejournal.com]

I agree with innerbrat: walking is good, and it takes you to places you never would've known about otherwise.

Ooh, that reminds me, I must still fill your tummy with vegan goodness in West Kensington :)

[fearmeforiampink]

Aye, I remember me and Mat doing that when I was up in London near the start of a year for listening to some designer talks, and we had a look around this big courtyard place and some other randomness.

[matgb]

Courtyard place was the Dean's Yard, and it reains rather nice, go through it fairly regularly these days. Need to get back into the habit of walking around a bit more, haven't even been up to the Common recently, which is daft.

[matgb]

That much is true, probably have to be next time I come down from Yorksher though, assuming I do manage to get back up there this Sunday...

D'you fancy maybe coming to The Bardican for Seduced this Saturday?

[fracindy.livejournal.com]

Yup, and it looks like we might have to book a specific date -- I'm becoming a busy woman, me, yup!

Can't make it to Barbican unfortuantely. Have two new groups of students starting on Saturday and a couple more evening lessons after that.

The exhibition is definitely on my top priorities list though. Only problem is finding someone to go with who won't be overly giggly, or squeamish, or apathetic, or feel the need to start wanking in the middle of a gallery.

Not that there's anything wrong with any of the above ;)

[publicansdecoy.livejournal.com]

1) Greenwich Park (esp the deer herds)
2) Asia de Cuba.
3) Just go for a completely random, aimless wander around central London, stopping for any shops/cafés/pubs etc. that take your fancy.

Also, I think the London Eye is very overrated, although do look out for the statue of a man bumming a boy on a building near the end.

-x-

[matgb]

Deer herds? No one told me about deer herds in London. Cool. That's got to be seen.

Asia de Cuba looks a bit pricey, but worth remembering I think. Walking sees to be the most popular option, ought to start looking at maps to figure out the bits I don't know as well I guess.

[davegodfrey.livejournal.com]

Richmond Park also has deer.

[pmoodie.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear you and Jennie are going to be living together soon! :)

Be miserable apart, or happy together? Tough choice! :D

[matgb]

It's definitely going to be happening, just don't know exactly when, but me spending most of September and early Oct up there pretty much sealed the "we can live together" thing, it's just logistics now really.

Boss wants me to come onboard full time, but knows I'm planning to move up, so that's not an issue really. So yeah, good.

[eccles.livejournal.com]

The Tate Modern because it is free!

Apart from that, I don't really like London all that much.

[miss-s-b.livejournal.com]

I want to go to Tate Modern with him. We've both been with other people, but I'd love to go together.

[matgb]

There are loads of free museums here now, including the IWM, which I've been to many times now. I really like London TBH, it's just that the reason to leave is much stronger—plus I'll need to be down for work regularly so I'll still do stuff &c.

But the Tates seem to be the most popular nominations by far at the moment.

[ihavecake.livejournal.com]

AQUARIUM! I like aquariums in general and London has a brilliant one. At least it was brilliant last time I went, about seven years ago.

I like finding the sushi restaurant with the most Japanese people crammed into it and eating there.

The big bookshops are all very well, but I do have a soft spot for the tiny dusty ones that are hidden away. They have some magnificent random little things that ar just as fun to browse as to buy.

[matgb]

Not a fan of sushi, the obvious vegetarian thing gets in the way for a start. HAven't looked into aquariums though, growing up in the Bay and taking kids to the Plymouth thing means I've seen the often, although another likely wouldn't hurt.

Bookshops, however, are always good.

[sunflowerkits.livejournal.com]

1) Definitely walking....really like the south bank walk. Especially on a Friday or Saturday. Start off around London bridge area if coming from that end and wander around Borough market eating yummy food and drinking nice coffee! Then walk along the Thames and finish around Charing Cross Bridge or the Eye if you fancy that. I have been on it a few times for free as my pal worked on it...some people love it. I think it is good if you have a guide or someone who can spot out the places! My friend used to do that-so cool.

2) I have done the bus/boat trip. It is expensive, but I did enjoy it and learn a lot about London. Do get one with a personal guide instead of just the taped guide. Adds so much more to it. If you can't afford it, the boat trip alone is really good if it is guided. It is amazing how different London seems from the boat. You can go from Westminster all the way down to Greenwich-well recommended! Then you can buzz around Greenwich too. Oops, just re-read about the budget...maybe not this option then. Not sure how much the boat alone is.

3) I really like the Science museum....but that is what I am into. I think museums depend on the mood. I have always wanted to go up to the Freud museum in Swiss Cottage. He lived there before he died. heard it is good and want to go!

Other things like cheap curry in brick lane where you can bring your own beer. Going around Camden markets. Hampstead heath on a nice day and Kenwood House...golly so much. I bought my pal a book on stuff to do for under a fiver in London.

Pity I will miss you. I am in London again in mid-November. Was up last weekend, but kept a low profile

[matgb]

See, boat trips hadn't occurred to me at all, but looking at a few sites they're not actually that pricey, so a definite plan.

Generally, walking, museums, the eye and boat trips are the most popular it seems. I did Brick Lane awhileback, and while I'd love to do it again, something else is a definite plan given limited time.

Wasn't about over the weekend, travelled back from Devon Sunday afternoon. Not sure when I'll be here and when I'll not be really, so might be about when you're down, we'll see.

[sunflowerkits.livejournal.com]

Or heard the ghost tours are great:
http://www.london-ghost-walk.co.uk/

[nannyo.livejournal.com]

Borough Market (YUMYUMYUM)

actually, any of the markets, Smithfield, etc.
Walking around parts of London slightly further out, Hampstead Heath, Kew Gardens etc.

Golders Green is pretty cool too, with the Heath nearbye, and all sorts of tasty restaurants.

[matgb]

That's another nomination for Borough Market, not been there yet, so good good. I've mostly avoided markets, no idea why, we'll see I guess.

[sunflowerkits.livejournal.com]

Oh Borough Market is great. If you are vegetarian...then just be warned about the dead animals hanging up. If you are not veggie, then go for the chorizo rolls. They are yummy and have a big queue. Or the roast pork/turkey bagettes...sorry no use if you are veggie!

[idontcareif.livejournal.com]

Satsuma, in Soho, for japanese food, absolutely.

The Tate Modern is obviously great, and the Britain is worth the visit because it has stuff you'll have seen reproductions of everywhere, but it's actually there, and a lot of it is smaller than you think it will be!

Also the Kinetica in Spitalfields is good (depends on exhibitions) tho it is a small space.

One of my favourite restaurants just shut down and I don't know if the new one is open yet (Carluccios). Covent Garden in general - and Coffee Cake & Kink of course!

[matgb]

Everyone seems to be recommending me the Tates, which is good, but, y'know, been to both a few times now, although ought to spend more time at Britain I think. Kinetica sounds good from what others have said, will have to try to fit it in.

And, for some reason, I've still not managed to make CCK, no idea how I've avoided it, ought to do something about that soon. D'you fancy trying Seduced Saturday if others are interested? The Barbican has been recommended by a few now.

[(Anonymous)]

Seduced on Saturday sounds great but I have to be somewhere at 4 - can we make it after that? Maybe 5ish? Or before? I have no idea of the opening times.

[idontcareif.livejournal.com]

D'oh! I am anonymous by accident!

[matgb]

Figured it was you in context. Website says it's open 11.00am–8.00pm so assuming we need about 2 hours, 5ish is fine, or much earlier, noon or 1pm.

Given mornings not my thing generally, and I'm planning inferno, I think 5ish makes more sense. I'll see if I can round up a posse in a later post.

Heh. Another museum/gallery thing, it's becoming a habit...

[idontcareif.livejournal.com]

5ish good. I've got a lot on already Saturday. I'll not have internet access on Thurs or Fri so if you do make a post drop me a text and let me know the final outcome! :)

[mrsbunnies.livejournal.com]

I’ve only been to London once, many years ago, but I really liked going sight-seeing. The Tower of London was ace! As was Westminster Abbey. Yes that’s what I’d do.

And for the second two, shop for clothes and play out.

[davegodfrey.livejournal.com]

Right. Museums You expect me to pick one? Not going to happen, and if you're leaving you should see some of the small awesome ones.

Sir John Soane's House, Licoln's Inn Fields. Not huge, small donation requested, but its a lovely architectural gem filled with all the nick-nacks a gent would have picked up on the grand tour (Canallettos, sarcophagi, that sort of thing).

The Horniman Museum down in Dulwich. I haven't been in ages, but they've just refurbished the aquarium, and its got an overstuffed walrus, and an awesome collection of musical instruments.

I've never been to the Museum of London, and I'd really like to go. SO I'll happily take you (and anyone else who wants to tag along there.) I'm free Mon-Weds next week if that helps.

[springhazsprung.livejournal.com]

I did the boat trip a couple of weekends ago - it was really good! We went from Greenwich, all the way to the London Eye and back.. I think it cost me 6 pounds (student) and about 8.50 for an adult? Worth doing if it's a nice day I think.. although maybe the return trip isn't so necessary.

And not so much a cheap thing, but one of the best things I've done here so far is the Comedy Store on friday night. It was 16 pounds each + booking fee, I think..but really so good.

I won't bother mentioning the museums and art galleries that people have said..

Haha, this post is just as useful to me as it is to you! *steals*

[the-vin.livejournal.com]

Just to mention, I'll be at the ballroom, and will hopefully do a better job of saying hello this time! How hard can it be?

[davidnm.livejournal.com]

It is desperately sad, but I never get bored of the rocket hall at the Science Museum. Umm, other stuff? The Tate's always good if you have some time spare (and want a laugh at the expense of pretentious modern 'artists') and (I guess like everyone else) a wander along the riverbank on a nice, sunny afternoon is good - and also free, with the option of stopping off at pubs.

Incidentally, it'd be cool to meet up some time before you head off further up north!

[freddiefraggles.livejournal.com]

1) Have meal at restaurant somewhere.
2) Wander around Covent Garden.
3) See an opera at ROH.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Hampstead Heath.

The London Eye.

Just wandering around, looking at things.

Apparently, sitting on the DLR at sunrise, pretending you are driving the train; but I've not done that. Something I hope to do on a visit in the winter.