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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 24 dkelly


    I have visited Legoland Windsor numerous times and have went by boat and plane my advice would be

    I think you need a car to get there, there are transport options but not as easy, the car is handy to pop out to for fresh clothes if needed
    If you fly then rent a car, flight price normally dictates airport, most are easy enough to get to legoland, M25 rush hours to be avoided.
    Heathrow is closest but Luton is not that far a drive and can be much cheaper.. Difference can cover the car rental
    I have never stayed in legoland hotel... does not look worth it, most hotels close are more expensive but not worth it, last visit I stayed in Slough
    The last few visits I have booked via http://www.budgetfamilybreaks.co.uk/ was cheapest at the time and you normally get a hotel with breakfast
    Book Priority parking only a few pound more but you will appreciate it at end of day and be there early, park 30 mins before park opens.
    The park main entrance will open early and they keep people in holding pattern just outside Star Wars miniland so be there about 10-15 mins before park opens.
    Walk down and go past all the rides on way down to main area and head to the popular rides first to avoid queues.
    If your going in summer, bring swimming gear, changing rooms are there and duplo valley great fun for all ages, there's lots of rides you will get wet on.
    Leave the minilands to end so when people are tired it keeps them amused.
    Don't forget for all the kids to get a driving license, there is a photo package which might work out cheaper for all the kids.
    They also have drinks option, you buy a legoland bottle and get free refills all day, can be great for hot days to get a fresh cool drink.


    Visit London...madame tussauds/aquarium/london eye to name but a few

    Enjoy.. a great place for kids of all ages and the adults.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26,567 ✭✭✭✭Fratton Fred


    If you do go for a car, Thorpe Park is only a 30min drive as well.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 172 ✭✭Anne Other


    I am beginning to think my idea of going Saturday until Tuesday isn't leaving us enough time at all!!!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26,567 ✭✭✭✭Fratton Fred


    Anne Other wrote: »
    I am beginning to think my idea of going Saturday until Tuesday isn't leaving us enough time at all!!!!

    It all depends on what you want to do and how much you want to spend.

    You could spend a week there if you wanted. If you hire a car then Chessington and the Harry Potter parks are within reach as well.

    Of you want to do a quick visit to Lego land and London, then you have plenty of time.

    Gatwick is also within easy reach by the way, Heathrow is a 20 drive and Luton and Gatwick about an hour.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,810 ✭✭✭Mr Velo


    We're just looking at a similar type trip in early July.
    Thinking of possibly staying at the Lego resort hotel for 2 nights, then moving to another part of London so we can just go do the museums, Eye, Aquarium etc.

    All in all a 5 day trip we're looking at.
    Anyone have any advice on a nice (cheap) hotel in the vastness of London that might suit? 2 adults, 2 kids.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,629 ✭✭✭theoneeyedman


    Looking for general advice here from anyone in the know.
    Starting researching a trip for family in July....kids looking to take in Harry Potter studios and the Legoworld park in Windsor. Will probably base around Windsor for a night or 2 and get 2 full days in the park. Any recommendations on travelling from one to the other, places to stay etc would be appreciated....Please and thank you


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,577 ✭✭✭DeSelby83


    I am moving to London very soon and was hoping to get as much as possible set up before I go.
    Is it possible to buy an oyster card before I go (I'm assuming that's the best option for travel around the city)? Is there a monthly travel card or am I better off using the oyster card as a pay as you go type of card
    What will I need to set up a bank account? Will I need proof of address?
    How often do you pay council tax, is it different from area to area or is there a flat fee?

    Thanks for any help


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭exiledelbows


    For general moving to London advice you should probably check this thread on the London forum: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056947002

    For Oyster Cards, pretty sure you can order them in advance here: https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/link/0005.do

    You can start with Pay As You Go, then load a Travelcard onto it when you get a job/house and know what zones you'll be using regularly.
    Council Tax is monthly (but generally paid over 10 months - April to January) and amount varies depending on borough and the property you're in.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,127 ✭✭✭✭kerry4sam


    Their is one very helpful linkie right here from Bargain Alerts.

    I've added it into the opening post in this thread also as this post may get lost in time :)

    Thanks,
    kerry4sam


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3 ColmColmColm


    Hi,

    I am looking for advice regarding the best rail/tube tickets to buy for an upcoming trip to London.

    I am arriving on a Sunday morning and looking to get the train from Gatwick to London (Waterloo Station area). I will also do a few tube journeys (All in Zone 1) on Sunday.

    On Monday I will also do a few tube journeys (All in Zone 1, starting after 9:30am) and then return to Gatwick from the Waterloo Station area.

    Gatwick Express looks too expensive.

    The above is for 1 Adult and 1Child (8 years old).

    Many thanks!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,532 ✭✭✭✭HeidiHeidi


    I'm just back from a weekend in London - I got a return ticket on the normal train (about an hour trip) from Gatwick to Victoria, it cost £30. I had checked it online the night before and it would have cost £25, but I'm a real last-minute merchant and decided to wing it. That cost me a fiver. You can check ticket prices here http://www.thetrainline.com/ Train tickets in the UK seem to be a bit of a dark art, I've no idea how you go about finding the cheapest, but advance buying seems to pay off.

    For getting around London, get an Oyster card. You pay a fiver for it, and can get that back when you give it back - but I've just held on to mine and have it for the next time I go to London. You just zap onto buses and the underground, and it's capped per day (I think it's about £8, but open to correction on that) and it's cheaper than paying for each ticket individually. You can top it up at machines in all tube stations.

    I'm afraid I have no idea on child fares.

    ETA You could also get the National Express coach from Gatwick to Victoria which would be a fair bit cheaper I'm guessing, and they advertise a 1hr5minute journey......


  • Registered Users Posts: 712 ✭✭✭chancer12


    Could I ask for guidance re tax? My son spent 8 months in London ON EMERGENCY TAX .... could kill him for being disorganised! He got a rather unexpected job offer at home and has returned to Dublin. He wasn't given a P45 by his employer, they said they would send it out in the post at the end of the month and he hopes to get that in the coming days. Does he need this to reclaim his tax and how does he go about doing that? I know its a bit pathetic that I'm posting on this but the so n so owes me money and I'm determined he recoup what he's owed to repay me. He worked with the one company for 8 months. Thanks for any guidance


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,441 ✭✭✭✭Marcusm


    chancer12 wrote: »
    Could I ask for guidance re tax? My son spent 8 months in London ON EMERGENCY TAX .... could kill him for being disorganised! He got a rather unexpected job offer at home and has returned to Dublin. He wasn't given a P45 by his employer, they said they would send it out in the post at the end of the month and he hopes to get that in the coming days. Does he need this to reclaim his tax and how does he go about doing that? I know its a bit pathetic that I'm posting on this but the so n so owes me money and I'm determined he recoup what he's owed to repay me. He worked with the one company for 8 months. Thanks for any guidance

    Did he resolve his tax code in the UK prior to his departure or was he still on emergency basis when he left?

    Usually when you arrive in or leave the UK during a tax year to live abroad indefinitely, you are entitled to a full year's tax free allowances. However, it seems your son is unlikely to have met the requirements for this as he ahs arrived and left in the same tax year. On that basis, I think he is entitled only to a pro rated tax free allowance and bands for the period. If he was still on emergency basis, he will likely have some refund; if they had regularised the position before he left, he is unlikely to be due any money back. He will need ot wait to received the P45 and then, most likely, use that to file a tax return.

    His position in Ireland is a bit of a muddle too in that he will likely remain resident for 2013 and 2014 meaning that his UK income will be subject to Irish tax with a credit for any UK tax paid. Split year treatment in Ireland is unlikely for the same reason as the UK.

    Sorry not to be able to give you a clear unambiguous comment.


  • Registered Users Posts: 712 ✭✭✭chancer12


    MarcusM, thanks so much for that. He was still on emergency when he left and is waiting for the company to forward his P45. Gosh, its a bit of a muddle. I didn't realise his UK earnings would impact on his Irish earnings. I thought he'd just recoup anything due from there and start afresh here, shows how much I know!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭Bif


    Folks. I would appreciate any info / advice you can give. Myself, the good lady and boys 12 & 8 will shortly visit central London for 5 days (apartment booked). What would you suggest we visit that the boys would enjoy? What should we do about transport in London (flying into Heathrow) and what should we do re prior booking to avoid queues and reduce costs? Thanks in advance!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,722 ✭✭✭scwazrh


    Legoland , Big Ben , Buckingham palace ...There's no shortage of things to see.For Transport ,walk ,underground , taxis ,bus , really depends on journey lenght


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,489 ✭✭✭Yamanoto


    HMS Belfast may be to the lads liking...

    http://www.iwm.org.uk/exhibitions/hms-belfast/life-at-war


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,476 ✭✭✭sarkozy


    Museum Row is a good bet. Within two minutes walk, you have the amazing science museum, the incredible natural history museum and the Victoria & Albert museum. I have amazing childhood memories of the first two spots alone.

    Heathrow's a pain, but if you're not pressed for time, get the tube in and get a day pass if you plan to dump bags and go places. I think there's a multiple tourist travel pass, which would definitely be worth it, otherwise use day travel passes, they pay for themselves after about 2 tube rides.

    The London Dungeon is great fun - more a theme park kinda thing, but it's very popular, and it brings a fun macabre twist to the magic of the Tower of London.

    Kew Gardens might be boring for them, but the Zoo might be something they'd like. I don't know if they like tall ships, but the Cutty Sark in Greenwich might be worth a shot.

    They're just a few things that come to mind.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,895 ✭✭✭grimm2005


    +1 on the museums. The natural history museum is fantastic, one of my favourites in London and totally suitable for kids too, same with the science museum, lots of interactive bits and bobs (all free as well!).

    The aquarium, the London Eye and Madame Tussuads would be good shouts too. Very expensive but you can buy combo passes online which reduces the price considerably and also allows you to skip queues. I also saw in another thread that with certain travel passes you can get 2 for 1 deals on these attractions.

    If you get a good day a Thames cruise from Westminster to Greenwich is really nice and pretty cheap. In fact if it's your first time in London I'd recommend getting tickets for the original bus tour: http://www.theoriginaltour.com/
    This includes an all day river cruise ticket also and you could do most of the main route and get on the boat at tower of London to Greenwich and get it back to Westminster later.

    A day trip to Thorpe Park might be worth considering although I would highly recommend getting a fast pass to get the most of the day unless you want to spend most the day queuing (again very expensive but there's no point going without one in my opinion).

    The BFI IMAX is very cool if you want to catch a film in the evening. It's far more expensive then a regular cinema but the screen is just gigantic and it really makes for an incredible movie experience. Much much larger then any screen in Ireland including the cineworld IMAX.

    There really is a huge amount of things to do and attractions to see in London that you'll never see everything in 5 days so best just to pick you things you think you and the family will enjoy most (and can afford of course!).


  • Registered Users Posts: 536 ✭✭✭Ninap


    If they're Harry Potter fans the Harry Potter studio experience in Watford is excellent. Not cheap, but worth it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,862 ✭✭✭✭mfceiling


    Oyster cards for the tube and comfortable shoes.

    It's a brilliant city OP...so much to see and do...museums, harrods, markets etc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,722 ✭✭✭scwazrh


    mfceiling wrote: »
    Oyster cards for the tube and comfortable shoes.

    It's a brilliant city OP...so much to see and do...museums, harrods, markets etc


    Markets are something that I never seem to be there for at the right time .Is there any you would recommend?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,895 ✭✭✭grimm2005


    scwazrh wrote: »
    [/B]

    Markets are something that I never seem to be there for at the right time .Is there any you would recommend?

    The one in Camden is the big obvious one, think its on every weekend possibly more often. Really big, stalls everywhere with food, t-shirts, and just general random stuff. Definitely worth spending some time there.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Bif wrote: »
    Folks. I would appreciate any info / advice you can give. Myself, the good lady and boys 12 & 8 will shortly visit central London for 5 days (apartment booked). What would you suggest we visit that the boys would enjoy? What should we do about transport in London (flying into Heathrow) and what should we do re prior booking to avoid queues and reduce costs? Thanks in advance!

    Make sure you get an oyster card for you and the wife kids are free. There is a limit on amount that is taken off per day and you can use buses trains and DLR for all the time without having to worry about getting tickets all the time. Excellent way to get around london and works for LHR where you can get it at the station there.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    If they are into sport, the Wembley stadium tour is good fun, and the Emirates one is pretty good too. Should be about £15-20 each.

    Camden Market is open every day, Sunday is by far the busiest day of the week though so not the best day to go - also Camden Town station becomes exit-only all afternoon so it can make getting out of there a little more complicated.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26,567 ✭✭✭✭Fratton Fred


    The aquarium and London eye are very good, then, if they're into skateboards, a walk along the south bank takes you past the skate park, which is something kids seem to like. You can walk all the way along to St Paul's, which I think is fantastic. The Tate modern is on the way, which is free and gives you the chance to engage in some whatthehellisthatallaboutery!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,203 ✭✭✭Parchment


    The British Museum is amazing - i thought the Natural history Museum was poor - many exhibitions were unfinished and it just felt sloppy to me.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26,567 ✭✭✭✭Fratton Fred


    Parchment wrote: »
    The British Museum is amazing - i thought the Natural history Museum was poor - many exhibitions were unfinished and it just felt sloppy to me.

    I know, none of the dinosaurs are finished, they just look like skeletons!


  • Registered Users Posts: 27 cf10


    Hi All,

    I've just accepted my first real job as a grown up in an office in Hammersmith, London. Obviously, I'm over the moon but I'm finding it really hard to judge which area i should live in.

    Hammersmith is miles out of my price range so I'm looking for somewhere a bit more reasonable, but not too far out?

    I was just wondering if ANYONE knew ANYTHING about living in West London houseshares with similar people (professional, graduates I'mm 22 etc)

    Thanks a million!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 169 ✭✭DoctorDre


    Flying into Gatwick next month. Just wondering whether I should book a Southern or FCC train before I go or will it be the same price from the station? Also, can I get an off-peak ticket for the tube with this ticket? Will I have to ask for this at the counter or can I get it from a ticket machine? Thanks :)


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    DoctorDre wrote: »
    Flying into Gatwick next month. Just wondering whether I should book a Southern or FCC train before I go or will it be the same price from the station? Also, can I get an off-peak ticket for the tube with this ticket? Will I have to ask for this at the counter or can I get it from a ticket machine? Thanks :)

    I don't know which is cheaper, but a couple of weeks ago, I was able to get Southern ticket, off-peak, it also included a 1-day travel card (underground + buses) for zones 1 -6, for £15.80.
    I got this from a ticket machine.


  • Registered Users Posts: 45 Nina2


    Make sure you get an oyster card for you and the wife kids are free. There is a limit on amount that is taken off per day and you can use buses trains and DLR for all the time without having to worry about getting tickets all the time. Excellent way to get around london and works for LHR where you can get it at the station there.
    How does this work thinking of going in May 2 Adults, 3 kids and if someone can tell me is it better to fly into Stansted or Luton also want to fit in Harry Potter Studios during a 4 day visit.
    Any recommendations on where to stay that will cater for 5 on a medium budget.
    London pass what is that all about?
    A lot of questions but thank you for any replies....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,260 ✭✭✭Poochie05


    scwazrh wrote: »
    [/B]

    Markets are something that I never seem to be there for at the right time .Is there any you would recommend?

    Spitalfields is good one and open all year round

    http://www.spitalfields.co.uk/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,606 ✭✭✭schemingbohemia


    Just to remind people if they're heading to London that there are tube strikes planned the next couple of weekends see below:

    London Tube workers, including station staff and train operators, are set to stage a 48-hour strike starting 21.00 28 April. The action will be followed by a second, three-day strike from 21.00 5 May until 21.00 8 May.

    The strikes are expected to cause severe delays throughout the London Underground, especially during rush hour. Congestion throughout central London is also expected, as commuters use alternative forms of transport.


    Travellers are advised to leave plenty of time to reach their destination and plan alternative routes where necessary.

    For the latest travel information regarding the strikes, please visit tfl.gov.uk.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,629 ✭✭✭theoneeyedman


    Nina2 wrote: »
    How does this work thinking of going in May 2 Adults, 3 kids and if someone can tell me is it better to fly into Stansted or Luton also want to fit in Harry Potter Studios during a 4 day visit.
    Any recommendations on where to stay that will cater for 5 on a medium budget.
    London pass what is that all about?
    A lot of questions but thank you for any replies....

    Hi Nina

    Trying to plan something similar for July HP and Lego Windsor etc.

    Had u any luck in getting advice on iteniary etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,532 ✭✭✭✭HeidiHeidi


    HeidiHeidi wrote: »
    Has anyone been to the Greenwich Museum and all the other bits around it?

    I'm heading to London for a weekend in March, and would love to see this - but have no idea if it would occupy an hour, half a day, or an entire weekend :confused:

    There seems to be absolutely loads to see - and I'm an avid sailor and fan of all of things seafaring/maritime so I suspect I'd like to see it all - so anyone who's actually been there, I'd love to hear about it.

    I'll really only have the Saturday to see it - will I fit it all into one day?

    Just said I'd get back to all who responded to this query, and say a big thanks! I had a great day at Greenwich, thoroughly enjoyable.

    For anyone who's interested in doing it, there are "tourist boats" from Westminster Pier and there's a river taxi from Embankment Pier or beside the London Eye. The taxi wasn't a whole pile cheaper, but I don't think you could get off the tourist boat, whereas you could on the taxi with a day roaming ticket. At the last minute I discovered that (with one boat change) you could go as far as Woolwich which is through the Thames Barrier. It's some sight!

    I did so much faffing around with Boris Bikes and the barrier and boat changing that I didn't get to Greenwich till after 2, so didn't see a whole pile at the observatory. But I went to the Cutty Sark, which was REALLY good. Didn't even get inside the door of the Maritime Museum, it just looked too big for the time I had.

    It's a great day out, especially if you're more organised than I was and get there early.

    Thanks again for all the info everyone gave me :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 344 ✭✭lennyloulou


    hi, looking for cheapish accommodation for 12 lads for stag near Wembley or Kings cross area.... Borough of Brent I'm told, for May... prices unreal for main hotels.... any advice please... any hostel or hotel name please or what would you recommend as the nearest borough/area please to Wembley?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 18,184 ✭✭✭✭Lapin


    The Crown in Cricklewood.

    Just around the corner from trains to Kings X and a short distance from Kilburn Tube Station for the Jubilee line to Wembley Park.

    Both places about 20 minutes away without waits for trains. Also has direct Night Buses to the West End from outside the front door.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 279 ✭✭anne burnell


    check out the premier inns... have stayed in them before and they are fab... have booked one at wemblery stadium for 4 nights in september for two people and only costing E250 for both of us.....


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  • Registered Users Posts: 88 ✭✭180567


    Hi. Hoping to go for a day trip over to London in a few weeks. Flying in and out of Stansted. I'd be grateful for any advice on which of the different buses is the chepest if you just walk up and buy a ticket on the day when you arrive. (I have seen they all have great web / advance booking fares on-line but I don't want to risk buying a ticket on-line and then have the flight come in late and I'd miss the bus i'd booked).

    Thanks for any suggestions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Stansted Express train tickets, if prebooked, can be used on any train that day.

    Also, if there's space, National Express drivers will let you on another bus anyway with a prebooked ticket from a previous service if your flight was delayed.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 579 ✭✭✭panama


    We're there in July, so will be very busy - peak season and all.

    2 quick questions -

    Considering we'll be around the West End for shows and socialising, what would be a good suburb to check out for cheaper hotels that would be fairly accessible using the night bus service and how late/often do they run?


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 18,184 ✭✭✭✭Lapin


    panama wrote: »
    We're there in July, so will be very busy - peak season and all.

    2 quick questions -

    Considering we'll be around the West End for shows and socialising, what would be a good suburb to check out for cheaper hotels that would be fairly accessible using the night bus service and how late/often do they run?

    My response a few posts up regarding The Crown in Cricklewood could be an option.

    Nighbus N16 departs from Victoria every 20 mins and drops you right outside the door. They run throughout the night.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 579 ✭✭✭panama


    Thanks for that.


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 joedavey1996


    I am planning to pick up my friend from the airport and because I'm a tight a*se I don't really want to pay anything. I know my friend can get a bus to the midstay car park and I can pick him up from there. I believe its 1 hour free.

    Was just wondering if anyone has used this before and got experience, like do I have to book and how does it work ?

    Any help would be really appreicated


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 657 ✭✭✭exiledelbows


    Lapin wrote: »
    My response a few posts up regarding The Crown in Cricklewood could be an option.

    Nighbus N16 departs from Victoria every 20 mins and drops you right outside the door. They run throughout the night.

    There's also a Travelodge a 5-minute walk from the Crown. Should be cheap and cheerful: http://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/528/London-Cricklewood-hotel


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,441 ✭✭✭✭Marcusm


    Nightbuses run all throughout London and some normal routes are 24hr. I'd concentrate on finding a suitably priced/spec'd hotel and then check the bus routes. I'd be surprised if you could not find somewhere more easily/quickly accessed from the west end. There are lots of cheap hotels in Bloomsbury.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 279 ✭✭anne burnell


    if u are flying with Ryanair, ya can book national express bus tickets on their website for cheaper than buying on the day and ya can use the ticket for any national express bus as ya dont have to specify a time when booking....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 21,730 ✭✭✭✭Fred Swanson


    This post has been deleted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,441 ✭✭✭✭Marcusm


    If I remember correctly, the visitor one has some imagery on it to make it "collectible" rather than simply functional.


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