My father will be retiring soon, and he wants to travel right after getting his retirement pay. He wants to see Europe. Can anyone here give us suggestions, guides, comments regarding London? I think it's where he plans to go first. Thnx.
London is easy to navigate with the subway (aka Tube) or busses. But look into a day tour to Stonehenge and Bath. In London i enjoyed walking around the Abbey and the Tower of London.
I've spent a lot of time in London over the years, including two times when I lived there for a few months.
Some of my favorites:
The Tower of London
Victoria and Albert Museum ("design" from around the world, including a fantastic costume section)
The National Portrait Gallery for famous portraits of Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, and so on
Generally absorbing the historical flavor of the city. For Americans, London is an ancient city and it's fascinating to go to stores that have been open since the 18th century, see Roman ruins, etc. If he's in decent shape, London is a great city for walking (but buy a good map!)
Canary Wharf, a newer business district, for a taste of more modern London
A visit to Greenwich to stand on the Prime Meridian
Things to skip:
Changing of the guard--a crowded non-event
Piccadilly Circus--Times Square with a British accent
Buckingham Palace--if he's planning a trip to the continent, there are much more interesting palaces and castles there
Wax museum. I enjoyed it all right as a child, but I can't see getting much out of it as an adult, and there are other wax museums in other places.
I hope he has a wonderful time! London is a fascinating place.
My DW and I spent two days in London in late April. Third visit for us over the years. It's pricey (Home of the $8 pint of local beer), crowded, but a fun visit. That said, your father should just consider 3 -4 days in London, with time allocated to other UK spots, and maybe Scotland. A UK trip is certainly worth two weeks, partcularly as he's RETIRED.
Do some research, I suggest Trip Advisor's web site, along with Fodors/Frommers. A reasonable budget for two weeks in UK, with air travel, might be $7500 to $8500.
Have a great trip!
I know couple of people that have done it in the last year... They spent around $12k - 13k... and they did not stay in extravagant hotels.
It is very expensive because of the weak USD.