Expert: David Stewart White - 10/15/2003

Question
Greetings David,

I am traveling with my 11 year old son to London for a week over the Christmas holiday this year. I have rented a house near Sloane Square which has a VCR. Will I be able to rent videos in London as a tourist as long as I have a credit card? Do you know the names of any video rental stores near Sloane Square? Also, do you know of any gyms near Sloane Square?

Another Question: The house I rented has a washer and drier. Do the driers in London use hot air as do most driers in the states or are they water extractors? I ask this silly question because last year in Paris the water extractor drier took so long to dry a load it was practically unusable.

Thanks for your time!

April  

Answer
Hi,

Here's the website for Blockbuster Video, which has many locations in London:

    http://www.blockbuster.co.uk

But I don't see any locations in London, SW1.  There is a Primetime Video on Kings Road, not far from Chelsea Square.  Not sure of their rental policies at that store.  

There's a "Keep Fit" fitness centre (020 7352 6985) on Chelsea Manor Street.

While you might find water extraction "dryers", every place I have rented in the the UK has come with a (small) hot air dryer.  

Your lease/rental agency may be better able to answer some of your specific questions.

Hope this helps.  Enjoy your trip!

David White
mail@KidsToLondon.com