Going to London...

[phatbass]

I'm playing a festival in Germany next year and then spending about a week in London on the way back to Australia.

Although I've already worked out a bunch of stuff I'd like see, I'm still looking for suggestions, not necessarily music oriented. I'm NOT interested in the touristy stuff (London Eye, Madam Tussaud's, etc.) but more historical and quirky sights. Must be cheap, or, preferably, free as I'm on my usual hell budget. Stuff within walking/tube distance of London.

Also what's the go on cheap COMMERCIAL accommodation (I stress that I'm not angling for a free bed at someone's house!!!) in London?

At the moment I'm planning to stay where I stayed a couple of years ago at a B&B in Kings Cross at 33 pounds a night. I'm quite happy at this, given the cost of rooms in London, but I wonder if there's some other cheaper option I'm not aware of? I don't need luxury, just a clean bed. I definitely DON'T want to stay in backpackers or youth hostels as I want my own (lockable) room and general peace and quiet when I'm relaxing.

[Asa Samuel]

All I'll say is watch out for mark latimour, I hear he walks the streets at night...

[Tsal]

The Ace Hostel seems to be well recommended on a Finnish backpacker site. Apparently it can be seen at www.hostelworld.com

[Ezbass]

Take an A-Z map and stroll round the City Of London and the Holborn area on the weekend. Lots of small alley ways and interesting history, like oldest pub, livery company buildings, etc. At the w/end it's almost deserted.

[Mark Latimour]

Things I would do:

1. Visit Ye Olde Cheshire Chees in Fleet Street (a pub that was rebuilt in 1667);

2. Take a walking tour of the East End (Spitalfields, Shoreditch, Houndsditch)

3. Visit the Tate Modern and head up to the roof for a view of the skyline

4. Walk across Tower Bridge (its free and you get a good view of the Tower of London)

5. Take a "literary pub crawl" walking tour through the city of london

6. Check out the wierd architecture at the Barbican Centre

7. Visit Borough Market near London Bridge

8. Ride the Picadilly Line out to "Cockfosters" and take a photo with a beer and your ****

9. Go to South Kensington / Knightsbridge and check out the Museums (all free)

10. Catch a train out to Oxford or Cambridge for the day (its quite cheap) and have a look around

[deepbluesuk]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

Things I would do:

1. Visit Ye Olde Cheshire Chees in Fleet Street (a pub that was rebuilt in 1667);

2. Take a walking tour of the East End (Spitalfields, Shoreditch, Houndsditch)

3. Visit the Tate Modern and head up to the roof for a view of the skyline

4. Walk across Tower Bridge (its free and you get a good view of the Tower of London)

5. Take a "literary pub crawl" walking tour through the city of london

6. Check out the wierd architecture at the Barbican Centre

7. Visit Borough Market near London Bridge

8. Ride the Picadilly Line out to "Cockfosters" and take a photo with a beer and your ****

9. Go to South Kensington / Knightsbridge and check out the Museums (all free)

10. Catch a train out to Oxford or Cambridge for the day (its quite cheap) and have a look around

Re 1 - Excellent pub, good idea

Re 2 - Walk around the Eastend? Bad idea (I know, i live there!!)

Re 7 - OK, but a bit Bridget Jones (filmed there)

+ Go to Aint nothin But in Kingly Street for top blues 7 nights a week (no afil)

[Georynn]

Originally Posted by Bass Junkie

All I'll say is watch out for mark latimour, I hear he walks the streets at night...

He goes where eagles dare?

[GregC]

I'd go with Mark's suggestions. If you're not familiar with the numerous inexpensive walking tours available in London, there's plenty of information here.
http://www.walks.com/

[Asa Samuel]

Originally Posted by Georynn

He goes where eagles dare?

He makes you die with your boots on.

[phatbass]

Originally Posted by deepbluesuk

+ Go to Aint nothin But in Kingly Street for top blues 7 nights a week (no afil)

Actually the last time I was in London (2006) I got up and did a set there.

[jkritchey]

If you like a proper game of football, the best show in London right now is Arsenal's Reserve (Youth?) team....

[Tsal]

I'm surprised no-one has suggested the various museums in London, British Museum for example. Many of 'em are free during the off-season, IIRC.

[Rusty Chainsaw]

For bass interest, be sure to visit The Gallery in Camden - London's best bass shop, by far. About a 5-minute walk from Camden Town tube.

http://www.thebassgallery.com