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What attractions/adventures would you insist I see in London England at the beginning of November?

I'm travelling to London for the first time with my husband and a 2 year old. I'm trying to narrow down the list of things I want to see and do. I was looking for thoughts on what are the MUST DO's!

Details:

  1. Go to the bookstore and get the POPOUT map of London. Also go get the London Pass- you will save A LOT ! Hop on Off Tour was cool.. Big Ben London Eye Harold's Tower of London Camden Market Stonehedge ( a bit far, bit worth going.) the Tower of London is Tate Museum Piccadilly Circus (London's version of Times Square) Pic. Circus is next to the Chinatown (small) Oxford Street- shopping. Tower Bridge (London Bridge) Trafalgar Square- tourist attraction w/ statues. Notting hills (like the movie- cool shopping)
  2. The event you do not want to miss is called The Lord Mayor's Show, City of London - every year in November. Lord Mayor's Show - home http://www.lordmayorsshow.org/ Lord Mayor's Show - City of London 2008 - outside St. Paul's Cathedral http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELqg9kv5XZc In the above video (worth waiting for) you'll see the Gold State coach, which originally belonged to King George III and which is now owned by HM Queen Elizabeth II - on loan for the day as it were - coach rental etc. London - never a dull moment. Trafalgar Square - live streaming webcam http://www.webviews.co.uk/network/camera/england/london/tragalgarsquare/streamingcam.html Panoramas of London http://www.urban75.org/photos/london/panorama.html Random Guide to London things and events etc http://london.randomness.org.uk/wiki.cgi Attractions of London http://www.aviewoncities.com/maps/london.htm Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece - St. Paul's Cathedral - rather like having Imperial Rome in London. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YstlGy1Ld0 All of London's main art galleries and museums are FREE Then there's the shopping - and lots of it. See link below. http://www.streetsensation.co.uk/ Westfield Shopping Centre http://uk.westfield.com/london/ Buckingham Palace - changing the guard 11am be there by 10am to get a good place to watch from - as close to the railings as possible. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fC8BaUQZiI
  3. You could check out our blog 3 guys on a London bus. On November 3rd the turning on of the Xmas lights are due to be pretty special this year with a live street concert.
  4. Does your 2 year old enjoy walking or are you lugging a buggy? London is not designed for pushchairs / wheelchairs or those with newly found walking skills :-) The London Eye might be interesting as you can see all over London (make sure you book in advance and online to save several pounds). Around London Eye are several attractions, like London Aquarium which might be ideal for a 2 year old. There is also the Movieum, and although you 2 year old might not grasp everything, he/she might like the pirate statue :-) Tate Modern has some facilities these days for entertaining families with young children. On the 2nd floor is an interactive display, where you are encouraged to explore art and make your own. Buckingham Palace changes the guards once a day (around 11.30 in the morning). So if you are early, this might be great to look at. You can also see the guards on their horses! It is quite difficult to do something specific with little children in London. The Diana fountain in Kensington Gardens is normally a good play area but that might be a bit cold in November. London Zoo might be an option, as they also have a petting zoo. A boat trip can be an adventure to do. There is a nice one that goes from Westminster to Greenwich (GMT time line) and you can even go further up to the Thames barrier. Although your 2 year old might not enjoy the full views, you might do so. Depending on your interest, there is also the HMS Belfast. This is a warship that is open for public to visit. I think the most important thing is to be flexible, have great walking boots and plenty of water with you (especially on the tube). Have a look around on http://www.visitlondon.com/ to get some more ideas. Also remember that London is very large. Very very large! Something like the London Eye with some of the surrounding buildings can easily take up the whole day. Some of these should help you decide, if you have more interests you might get more specific feedback.