London in December

[GalaxyBoy]

We're heading to London for a week in mid-December hoping to see Christmas lights, do some window shopping, and take in some sights we haven't seen yet. Fifteen or so years ago DW and I spent a few days there and saw the British Museum, the Tower, and Greenwich Observatory (I'm into astronomy, see the avatar ).

Firstly, I'm wondering how much cash to get upon arrival. On my trip to Switzerland earlier this year I could easily have gone without any cash at all and wound up using what I had on the tip for the tour guide (London is on our own). Is London as cash-less? I'm thinking I should probably have 50 or so pounds for small purchases at Christmas markets and the like, but I don't want to take home pounds as souvenirs.

Secondly, any advice in general for the Christmas season? I'm considering the night bus tour, which we took on an off-season trip years ago, but I see some reviews that advise just doing walks in the major lit-up areas. I do plan on spending an evening at Kew Gardens. Plus, day or half-day trips to Windsor and Hampton Court.

 

[Drake3287]

As someone who's been lucky enough to travel to Europe many times since I retired, I always get foreign currency from my bank here at home (BofA) before I leave. The small cost to do this isn't much more than what I'd be paying in service fees to use ATM's. I use this cash for small purchases and more importantly, as a plan B in case our wallet or purse gets lost, stolen or more commonly, a credit card getting compromised.

I also try to use a credit card for all my purchases if I can. The amount we bring varies by how long we're going for. For a 2 week trip I'll bring $600. to $800. and each of us simply carry half just to limit our exposure to losing it. It easily gets redeposited once we get home. Lot's of people are afraid to carry large amounts of cash but at the same time think nothing of having a $1,000. iPhone sticking out of their back pocket!

Your London trip sounds fun, we've also thought about doing the Christmas Markets before. Unless you've already been, how come you don't include an easy rail trip over to Paris for a few days? Paris would be equally beautiful during Christmas. On our last trip we flew into London and out of Paris. Fun and easy trip.

 

[Exit 2024]

We just came back from 12 day trip to UK, half of that we spent in London and were not able to use cash anywhere there, all paid by contactless card. Only one place that was required some coins was public restroom, that was it.

 

[GalaxyBoy]

We just came back from 12 day trip to UK, half of that we spent in London and were not able to use cash anywhere there, all paid by contactless card. Only one place that was required some coins was public restroom, that was it.

Sounds like my trip to Switzerland, except the pay toilets I encountered there were cashless as well.

 

[6miths]

Yes agree that everything is pretty much cashless in the UK. Tap and go.

 

[Koolau]

I haven't traveled Europe enough recently to know about cashless spending, but I've always felt cash was a good back up that I don't want to be without.

Last significant power outage, I was able to buy groceries while others had to leave their carts at the checkout and go home empty handed. Not too likely an event, but there it was. You just don't know when cash might be handy to have.

I've had too many cards declined at inopportune times (checking into a hotel, for instance) to ever be without enough cash to cover a day's expenses. YMMV

 

[braumeister]

Last time I was in London was in June of last year, and I used Apple Pay just about everywhere.
I would still get a little cash, maybe £50 or so. I only use an ATM that is inside a bank building.

 

[GalaxyBoy]

Thanks for all the replies regarding contactless payments.

Any suggestions for what not to miss during the Christmas season?

 

[Exit 2024]

That may be well known but caught us off guard a little: if you plan to use London subway (tube), make sure that each of you go with your own cc (with different number) Their system does not allow you to tap same card twice on enter/exit.

 

[PaunchyPirate]

I would start with £50 and then get more from an ATM if needed. Contactless cards or phone payment is the way to go.

 

[mageedge]

General advice thoughts - keep weather in mind first - sun is up from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., temperatures rarely above the mid-40's. Dress appropriately!! London is a wonderful walking city but, in December, the wind can be bitingly cold and walking loses its charm. Mid-December is a time for indoor attractions - fortunately London has some of the best - museums, art galleries and theater in particular. Top tourist attractions like the Tower, Parliament and Westminster Abby always worth the time and the free museums are great (and warm) destinations. For a change try some of the smaller museums (Google some otions) like Sir John Soanes Museum. Theater seats should have good availability (check out half price ticket booths) and, if they have begun when you are there, try to see a pantomime - a very British Xmas tradition

 

[FlaMariner]

We visited London in January and loved it. Thinking January may be the same but you've got Christmas.

Why? no tourists....cool weather....low rates

Agree on Windsor....Make it a day, take the train, tour the castle and then the town...lunch in a pub. The only other tourists were a busload of Asians.

Go to the theatre....their theaters are small....good seats....great plays.

Find the umbrella store...not sure the name....thinking it was near the British Museum....but not sure...but think it is well known......it was like something in Harry Potter world but they sold awesome umbrellas and they did have a bargain barrel of close outs...Could make for great xmas gifts if you can figure how to carry home.

Check if an organ concert Sunday evening at Westminster Abbey.

Tea at the House of Commons....We booked a tour of Parliament and we added tea time at the House of Commons restaurant overlooking the Thames....All just fantastic.....Highlight.

Shakespeare/Globe theatre....saw a show...our seats were right next to the stage....as it seems, most all seats...

Wear out the tube pass.....got around everywhere on the tube/London Underground. Easy.

Have fun....when riding in the tube and looking around, thought I was hanging out with my cousins.....just a great time.

 

[5Miler]

I have to agree with most everyone here. DGF and I were in London last September and we were hard pressed to spend cash as most places used contactless cards. Can't say we minded.