I really wasnt sure where to ask this so i figure id put this thread here.

Me and the wifey are going to London UK right after xmas for 4 days. I know there are numerous museums in London and ive heard theres a good museum with classic MINI's and other vehicles in it. I picked up a good book about the city, has museum names and locations etc, but does not have a in depth description of what all the museums contain. Only touches base of a few, which im guessing those mentioned are the most popular ones.

~ So my question is, is there such a car museum there ? If so, anyone been there, know the name and location ?

~ Also, does anyone know of a good model car shop in London ? I collect 1/43 scale cars, and ive found some good rare models in Portugal and Spain. Im sure i can find some good cars in the UK too.

~ Also, we are strictly limited to London and London only. We cant leave the city, as we only have 4 days and time is limited.We dont have a rental either, but we will have the "Tube" card to get us around. Its such a big city with some much to see and do anyway. I just figured since were there, if were in the general area of a good museum or model shop we can def check it out.

Thanks in advance guys !

 

Oh man, I LOOOOOOVE London! One of my favorite places I've ever been. Unfortuneately, I don't know what museum you're talking about and I don't know of any model car shops so that does'nt help either. However, you could go to one of the biggest toy stores in the world...Hamley's. I went there and picked up some tiny scale Classic Mini bundle. They had LOTS of Mini Cooper toys. I think you should definitely do the London Eye (big ferris wheel). It was raining when we did it, but still a great sight nonetheless. The tube is EXTREMELY easy and very convenient so don't be afraid to use that all the time. The parks are incredibly beautiful and is great for having lunch and taking in the scenery. I'm in Architecture, so the history is incredible to me. I loved St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. The Tower of London (medieval dungeon complex) was really interesting.

We actually spent time outside of London as well like Bath and Stonehenge but you won't have time for that. 4 days isn't a lot of time, but you'd be able to catch the big things. Enjoy it...the city is absolutely phenomenal.

 

I've heard of the museum you're talking about with the Monte Carlo Mini's in it but I can't remember what the name of it is right now. :( Sorry. I'll look it up and post it.
EDIT:
Found it It sounds like an awesome place to go. http://www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/index2.html

 

Hey thanks guys !

I am def going to check out the London eye, the Tower bridge, Westminster Abbey, St Pauls Cathedral and Pickadilly for sure. And everything that we can see in between ! And of course no visit to London would be complete without a visit to one of the numerous Pubs and have a Pint

MINIxB, thanks for the link to that museum ! I checked it out and would love to see it. They are even commemorating the MINI's 50th anniversary !
Unfortunately, they are going to be closed Dec 24th to Jan 1st , exactely when we are there

 

Both the Heritage Motor Center (listed above) and the Beaulieu National Motor Museum are both more than 60 miles outside of London. Unfortunately not that easy to get to either with out a car.

But on the other hand there are lots of free or very inexpensive things to do in London.

British Museum - Free to all visitor, except for some special exhibitions, over 80 galleries, Visited there 20 years ago and it was spectacular
http://www.britishmuseum.org/

Westminster Abbey - $18+/-, Wonderful old Cathedral
http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

Tower Bridge - $9.50+/-, Fun place to learn a lot more about the city of London over the ages.
http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/TowerBridge/English

Tate Modern Museum - Used to be free not sure currently, Focuses on Modern Art of the 20th and 21st centuries
http://www.tate.org.uk/

Tate British Museum - Used to be free nor sure currently, Focus on British Art
http://www.tate.org.uk/

National History Museum - Free,
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

Science Museum, - Free except for special exhibits,
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

National Portrait Gallery - Free except for special exhibits, Closed 24-26th,
http://www.npg.org.uk/live/index.asp

The Royal Parks - Hyde, St James, Kensington Gardens, and others
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/

Peter Pan Statue in Kensington Gardens

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace -Free, Every other day in winter, 11:30 am.
http://www.changing-the-guard.com/

Covent Garden Market Place - Free, Shops, Eateries, very decked out for Christmas
http://www.coventgardenlondonuk.com/


And this is only a small portion of things to do in London.

But did you know that the actual city of London in no more than a Square Mile in size. Actually very small for a city, but what is considered "London" is much bigger.

One thing i must warn you about IF you eat steak or chicken you MAY find it somewhat fishy tasting. The British feed their cows and chickens fish meal. It definitely adds a different flavor to the meat.

But if you want a real American Steak visit the
American Steak House
170 Victoria Street
Victoria
London
SW1E 5LB

There is also a very good burger joint near Westminster Abbey and when i can think of the name i will pass it on.


Have a great time and safe trip. BTW we all want to see pictures.

 

Schatzy62, Thanks so much for the insight !

Wish i had time to see all those museums, but we will certainly try to go to at least one. From the book i got, it states that London is the 2nd biggest city in Europe, a 30 mile radius! Thats alot of ground to cover. I dont eat much meat, but a good burger now in then i love ! I will look around Westminster Abbey when im there

Also, is it true that alot of places in London serve thier beer warm ??? I hope not. And im being told its a "Pint" and not a "Beer"

 

Beer in England is served at "Cellar" temperature. Which equates to about 50 degrees F. That is much warmer than what the average American drinks their beer at. Most bars run the fridge at 34-35and your home fridge is probably at 36-38. It may not seem that much different in numbers but it is definitely something your feel when drinking it.

Also the beer there tastes much different than the Standard American Beer (bud, miller, colt, etc.) You can get Budwiser, Miller etc. in some places that cater to the tourist crowd.

I recommend trying Cider, it is not what you think of as we Americans do. It is actually a type of beer that comes in two basic varieties, Dry and Sweet.

Yes it is a Pint and not a beer, and BTW it will be 20 oz as that is the British Measure of a Pint. Most Pint glasses ( at least when i was there) had a small line on them about 1/16 inch from the top and that was where the head should start. If the head started below that line then you were being short changed on the amount of beer you received.

Also to note is that a British Gallon is actually 5 american quarts.

 

Sounds great. I will certainly try the cider as well. I particulary dont like american beer anyway, and i already like thier Newcastle brand But id like to try something new and diferent while there. Ive noticed that beer in Europe tends to be stronger than here too. Case in point, Heineken in Portugal is Alot better tasting and stronger than it is here in the U.S.

Some good notes, as of right now and according to my latest weather update on the Iphone, its supposed to be around 50 degrees there next weekend! Warmer there than it is here in NJ.

Also, i found a good model car shop in the Westminster area here ...http://www.stmartinsmodelcars.co.uk/Map%20page.htm

So im also excited about that ! Hoping to find some raritys and hard to find models we cant get here. I always find some nice models in Europe

 

A person after my own heart. Most big name american beers are not very tastie, although we do have two very good breweries very close to us here in Mass. Both do excellent

This is very true. Most beers in the UK will be in the range of 6-8% alcohol.

During the four years i lived there in snow a total of three times. One of those times it snowed four inches in the are south and west of London. It closed the country for a complete week. Average winter temps in London will be in the mid forties.

Good find, hopefully you do find some rare models.

Have safe flights and a great time while you are there.

 

Bring a sweater, kind of chilly and gray this time of the year. The tube gets you everywhere. If you are in Pickadilly get a pint in the Hog in a Pound or any of the other thousands of pubs there. It is simply amazing how many pubs there are. Pub grub is ok, watch out for the mushy peas, it just tastes like dirty water. Take a ferry from London to Greenwich and check out the Maritime museum. With a little bit of walking you can get back on the tube from Greenwich. Don't smile at anyone in the Heathrow airport! Indian and Chinese food happens to be very good there whereas the local fare past the fish and chips can be frightening. Fries with mayo really isn't that bad, try a meaty pie and scotch egg. Don't miss out on the christmas pudding! It is a classic once a year kind of thing. The trick is not to finish it! It sounds like you are going to have a great time! Buy tea and custard to bring home and maybe a christmas pudding if you can find one!!

 

Being portuguese and in a portuguese neighborhood, theres no shortage of custard here!

Im gonna try to stick with Fish n Chips ! I hear their food is made with lots of cream ?

Dont smile in Heathrow airport ? Not that i would, im just wondering why not

According to the forecast, its supposed to be in the 40's there. Not bad at all. Leaving friday

 

I agree with the Indian and Chinese as the people that are making it are real immigrants that can find the proper ingredients very easily.

Fish and Chips again very good.

But i must beg to differ with you about the local fare. I lived there for 4 years and found that, although there were some places that had sub par fare most places did a very good job. I agree that the standard home made English Sunday meal is very bland, as it is all steamed int eh same pot all the flavors mix to all the food making it all taste the same and be very bland.

This was actually brought to the UK by mid west American's.

I must agree that both of these are a must try while there.

 

Woo hoo ! One more day and i'll be there !

Will def try the xmas pudding Im a sucka for pudding, custard, partries, chocolate, sweets, etc .... you get the idea

 

I've been there three times now, every trip has been wonderful. If you have not left yet, try Old Speckled Hen (Pint) Adnams or Green King, all good. Newcastle is a personal favorite but its not as good as it used to be before the brewery was bought out. I have yet to find it on tap in London.

The Science Museum has a Mini cut in half, If you are into history don't miss the Imperial War Museum.

Do you like Pizza ? Go to St Katherine's Dock (by Tower Bridge) to Dickins Inn, great Pizza (a bit $$$ buy hey, its London ) Make sure you get your pint in the pub on the first level, the Pizza level only has regular stuff like Bud or Amstel. If you get a nice waitress/waiter they will run down to get you your choice pint.

Hope you have a safe trip !



Worth the whole trip !


Squadron Leader Williams making his appearence (look at all the tourist ! - the most crowded I've ever seen it)


St Katherine's dock back in October

 

Thanks Spitfire !

Well I'm in Newark airport now and just informed there's a delay. So I'm reading my London travel book in the meantime.

Nice pics btw ! I'm def looking forward to seeing the Tower bridge area !

 

Back yet ? or did you decide to stay ?

 

Hello all !

Got back last nite. Stayed 2 extra days due to the fact that we had a overnight delay, so the airline took care of us. Put us in a hotel room overnite, food and drink etc. So i guess the delay was justified

We went to Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, London eye, Tower Bridge and the surrounding area, Picadilly circus area, KnightsBridge, SoHo, Harrods,Big Ben, and many other places i cant remember right now. We stayed in Hammersmith and our hotel was right across from the Underground tube so it was very conveniant getting around London. It was about 15 stops from Heathrow airport to Hammersmith. Didnt take a taxi the whole time we were there ! The locals informed us that they were expensive anyway and to take a bus if possible. We did go on the "London Tours" bus for the first 2 days and had a live tourguide that was very imformative and helpfull

I had lots of Pints there, and i did try the Old Speckled Hen" ale which i liked alot. I was glad they had Stella and it was readily available since its one of my favorites. London is def a must see once in your lifetime as someone stated there. As one of the tourguides at the Tower Bridge asked if anyone was from the USA, he yelled "Well Bloody Welcome home!"

 

 

We also visited the original Hard Rock Cafe by Hyde park (the very first that ever opened that grew with success) and saw their Vault where they have some rare prized posessions mostly from Jimi Hendrix

 

Extra days ! You dawg !

In October, I took a day trip to Cambridge on the train. Previously, we would get off the train at Whittlesford and walk to Duxford to the Imperial War Museum and then cab to Cambridge but this train didn't stop there. I figured I'd grab a cab from Cambridge station back down to Duxford. Previous trips the cabs were reasonable, not this time, my Cab fare was almost double the train ticket ! I took the bus back to Cambridge after that hurt on the wallet The bus took longer and there was a drunk Scot on board that I feared would require restraint from the driver, myself and the locals on the bus ! I did pass a MINI dealer and also saw two classic S models for sale in a guy's driveway.

Glad to hear you enjoyed the Hen, hope you had some of the "pulled" beers too, Hen is good in a bottle but is a knock out when tapped

Did you hit any Indian Tandooris ?