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y.winter · 27-05-2016, 03:59 PM

Hi everybody,
I'm planning on flying solo to London in about two weeks, for ~5 days.
It's also BB's launch week, so if I'm already in the area, I'm planning on going there at least for the launch night (and probably to Friday's one as well).
I've been to England (mostly London) for two times already, back in the late nineties and in 2013.
It's my first time on my own in London (and generally abroad) so I need any kind of advice, opinion or recommendation you can offer.

1. What do you think is better - Airbnb one-bedroom apartment/B&B hotel? An apartment could be less expensive and a nice "adventurous" experience, "living in the city"; hotel can be come-get-a-key-and-sleep-we'll-clean-for-you-it's-not-someone's-house easy and more close to the center.
2. In which area would you recommend staying in? Somewhere nice and close to the center/attractions and the tube of course. Zone 1/2.
3. Any must-go places? I think I'll be visiting again Borough market, covent garden, Big Ben. Never been to Brixton, looks nice. Maybe some not-so-mainstream places you know of?
4. Oyster tricks/tips? I think PAYG is better for me, since I'm going to Zone 6's Elstree at least once.
5. BB audience tips? best time to get there before/queue issues/good point of view (despite the set changes)/anything else good to know.
6. Weather this time of the year - cold/nice/hot/rainy? warm clothes or more like t-shirts? Evenings in Elstree are freezing cold?

Umm, I think that's it for now.
Thanks a lot!

Livia · 27-05-2016, 04:04 PM

I'll give this some thought.

Pete. · 27-05-2016, 04:07 PM

1) I'd recommend a hotel because it's easier and closer to main attractions
2) Zone 1 has everything in it so that. Anywhere near Westminster/Trafalgar Squar is a good bet because you can get to everywhere around that (most things in London are walking distance tbh). Plus it's near Waterloo

RichardG · 27-05-2016, 04:13 PM

For BB I think you need to apply for a free ticket through applause store to be allowed in (might be wrong I've never been), and being launch week it'll probably be quite popular so I'd get there quite early tbh especially as the new set holds even less people in the audience than the previous one

http://www.applausestore.com/book-Ce...g-Brother-2016

Jamie89 · 27-05-2016, 07:42 PM

I'd say definitely travel by PAYG oyster, there's no drawbacks to it, it's the cheapest method, and you get your card deposit back if you return it when you leave (has to be at an underground station - not an overground or train station).
It'll probably be nice weather but literally the weather could do anything

so I'd say bring clothes for warm weather, but be prepared with a jumper and/or a big coat as well just incase.
In terms of the area you should stay, I don't think it matters so much as long as you're close to a tube station. The transport's so good that if you're in Zones 1 or 2 and close to a station, it shouldn't take you too long to get anywhere in and around central London.
Must-go places just depends on what you like, there's so much you could do. One of the first places I visited when I moved here was the Tate Modern and it's still my favourite experience of London

But if you're not into stuff like that you'd hate it. If you like the theatre then I'd recommend 'The Book of Mormon' which is a satirical musical, or 'The Play That Goes Wrong' which is a comedy play.
I'd also recommend visiting Camden Market. It has some great vintage shops and is really popular with tourists (be VERY careful with your belongings though because you get a lot of pickpockets round there), and it's a short walk to the Amy Winehouse statue

And the parks in London are great. Hyde Park and Regents Park are my favourites. But like I said, it just depends what you're into really

Kizzy · 27-05-2016, 07:46 PM

I'm going shortly staying in a youth hostel, cheap and cheerful we're off to the national history museum

Pigeon Lady · 28-05-2016, 04:41 AM

..I don't know if you're a Harry Potter fan, y.winter but the Harry Potter attraction../tour is meant to be very good..(..I haven't visited myself but have herd great things from others...)...also Madame Tussauds for 'celebrity' watching and the London Dungeons are beautifully scary...the Science Museum is a good call and I think Jamie said, Tate Gallery...a London Eye flight, maybe..?...

...whatever you decide to do in your time in the UK, you have a lovely trip....

Alf · 28-05-2016, 07:32 AM

If it's a real UK experience you're after, then don't go to London.

I suggest you visit the historical city of Hull, You won't find better Fish & Chips anywhere in the World.

y.winter · 28-05-2016, 07:57 AM

Thanks everyone, you're great. I really appreciate it.

I booked yesterday's evening an hotel room nearby Paddington for the whole duration of my stay.
I've been to Tate the last time I've been to london, and it just wasn't my thing at all so I ran away

though the way to there by the river from London bridge was one of my favourites.
I've already been to the wax museum, the dungeon, took the london eye ride, few of the well-known museums - I don't see myself going back for a second/third time.
I'm checking a theater show to go to. In 2013 I went to Wicked with my family. I'm eyeing The book of mormon, as you recommended.

I heard of Funny Girl too (didn't read the plot yet though) but because of the messy Sheridan Smith

I need to do some homework.
I subscribed to Applause to get notified when the BB tickets are available, so I'm eagerly waiting for that email to appear so I won't miss the chance.

Thanks again

y.winter · 28-05-2016, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf

If it's a real UK experience you're after, then don't go to London.

I suggest you visit the historical city of Hull, You won't find better Fish & Chips anywhere in the World.

Thanks! Since my visit is quite short this time, I'll stay in London this time.
But it's definitely not going to be my last time in the UK - so next time I'll level up and take the countryside, old cities, Brighton etc... the real UK, as you said.