Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 3/10/2009

Question
Thanks Alun for your answers to my previous questions.  My wife and I will definitely look into getting an Oyster card when we arrive in London (I'm assuming that I can purchase this at the station, is it like an unlimited ride on the tube?)  We are a little hesitant on using the tube but we will get over it by the time we leave and I am sure that we will be using it excessively to get around town.  In my previous question I asked about hidden London and if you had any suggestions for my wife and I.  Here is a little background on us: we are both in our late 20's and we have three little boys.  We would like to do some shopping for our little ones and by them something unique.  We are on a moderate budget.  My wife and I both love soccer, sightseeing, and historical things.  My wife also loves to shop for clothes (what woman doesn't!) so I'm sure that she'll want to visit some clothing stores.  As far as food goes, I'm a bit picky but my wife will eat anything.  I love Italian food and anything that has sugar.  I hope this is enough info for you to suggest some neat places to visit.  I can provide more info if you need it.  Thanks again for taking the time to help me out!

Answer
You will probably find most clothes more expensive than at home and have the hassle - and possible extra baggage costs - of transporting them back home.

As you are likely to visit the Tower of London and the National Gallery, their shops have wonderful unique, but small, items - the British Museum shop, too, is well worth visiting for the sort of things you can't get elsewhere.

The best shopping is on Oxford Street - it's one of the biggest shopping streets in Europe, but do explore Regent Street and Covent Garden for more "unique" shops.

I would suggest you look at sites like http://www.VisitLondon.com and make a list of the places you want to see, so that your time here isn't wasted.

The Oyster card, incidentally, is valid on the tube and the buses - sorry if I didn't make that clear.

Even though you're a Manchester fan, it's worth while looking at the Arsenal ground - newly built - take the Piccadilly line of the tube to Arsenal station. Similarly, Chelsea's ground is 2 minutes from Fulham Broadway station, on the District line.

I tend to eat at Strada restaurants for Italian food - although they're a chain, each feels like it's individually owned - and they have gorgeous wooden ovens!

Do take a ride on the Thames -there's loads of boats - nad you can just turn up -no need to book.

Also, do visit the TKTS shop in Leicester Square - they offer same day theatre tickets at about 50% off.

Hope this helps, but come back if I can help further (but I'm away filming for a new travel series from Friday to Monday this coming weekend).

Alun Hill

Twitter: alunhill