Just returned from a wonderful 4 night stay in London, Nov 11-16. It was a 3 generation trip, my mom and I took our 15 year old grandaughter/niece. It was her first visit outside of the US. We had a great time. I have been to London numerous times so I got to play tour guide.<br> <br>My niece arrived from Greensboro, NC on Nov 10 and spent the night at my house in CT. My mom drove down to CT from Maine on Nov 11. We headed to Newark Airport on the Connecticut Limo that afternoon. <br><br>We flew on British Airway's 900p flight to Heathrow. There were actually rocking chairs in the gate area at Newark. We enjoyed them while we waited for our flight. We were lucky enough to fly in BA's World Traveller Plus class. It's an upgraded economy class. You get a bit wider seat and plenty of extra leg room. It was much more comfortable than regular coach class.<br><br>Arrived on time, zipped through customs. The bags were on the carousel when we arrived in the bag claim area. We took the Heathrow Express train to the city. Purchased the train tickets via Rail Europe in the US. Special 5 day return ticket for $20. We also bought the London Travel Card, good for unlimited travel on buses and subways. The travel card must be purchased in the US.<br><br>We stayed at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, on Duke St, right off Oxford St. A great central location. We loved the hotel. A pleasant staff and large rooms. We even received complimentary tea/coffee on arrival because our room was not ready yet. <br> <br>The first afternoon we visited the Handel House Musuem. Enjoyed it very much. It's good for anyone that enjoys classical music. Then hopped the tube to Piccadilly Circus.<br><br>Our first full day was spent visiting the Tower of London, the ferry to Westminster to see Big Ben, Parliment and Westminster Abbey. Then a leisurely stroll through St James Park to Buckingham Palace. We were lucky to arrive Buckingham Palace about 15 minutes before the Queen left the Palace. It was very exciting to see the Queen. I am hoping the picture I took comes out. <br> <br>The next day we took the bus to St Paul's Cathedral. Of course my niece wanted to ride on the upper level on the bus. We then visited Leicester Square to get discount tickets for "My Fair Lady" for that evening's performance. <br>Last stop for the day was the Charles Dicken's House Museum. The "My Fair Lady" performance was wonderful.<br> <br>Our last full day was at spent Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, a free lunchtime classical concert at St Martin in the Fields Church, afternoon tea and a visit to Harrods. <br><br>We returned to Newark on Nov 16 on BA's 1200n flight. Landed a little late due to the weather. We had to swing around to the south of the airport to land. We overnighted at the Newark Marriott since my neice was flying out the next morning to Greensboro. With all the construction at Newark Airport, getting around the airport can be a challenge. <br> <br>A few things to add.<br>Food: Breakfast at Ponti's on Duke St, inexpensive eats<br>Lunch: We did most lunches at Pret shops, fast and inexpensive, great sandwiches<br>Dinner: Sherlock Holmes Pub and restaurant one night, good English food, great desserts and the price was right. <br>Another pub for fish and chips was must too<br>.<br>Tea: I would recommend the Cadogan Hotel, 12.50 GBP per person for the full tea. The price is half of what you would pay at a hotel like the Dorchester. It is located very close to Harords on Sloane St. They even let my neice have cappucino instead of tea. Our waiter was wonderful.<br><br>We did happy hour every afternoon at The Marlborough Head pub. Located on North Audley St across from Selfridge's Dept Store. My niece drank soda, mom and I had Stongbow's Cider.<br> <br>Our weather was mixed. We had rain and sun every day. We brought umbrellas with us, so we were prepared. The city is very clean, safe and the people were friendly. <br>I never get tired of visiting London. I usually go in the off season to avoid the summer crowds.<br>Carole<br>