The Sallgren Family of Virginia We are a family of five individuals-mother, father, and three daughters. While my husband stayed home, I took my three daughters on a trip to London over Christmas break. We had a wonderful time and have learned a lot about how to get things accomplished when on a quick trip. This site will give some tips on where to stay and what to do and pictures to be enjoyed.

We stayed at the Leicester Hotel on Belgrave Road, two blocks from Victoria Station.  I found the hotel on the Internet and got a special price for the room because of that. I was able to fax my reservation. The location was great even though the room was small and the bathroom, smaller, the bathroom was in the room and this was a plus.

Buckingham Palace was about 5 blocks from our hotel.  During the winter you have to check when the changing of the guard will take place.  You can find that info on the Internet at a great site, Londontown.com.  It was crowded and you need to plan on getting there early if you want to see.  It is very impressive and there was a band that played a variety of music.

The best way to get around London is the underground.  Day passes can be purchased and if you're planning on sightseeing and going from place to place, that's the best way to go. We came up from the underground and Big Ben was right in front of us.  It was so close, we had to walk down the street in order to get a good picture.

Westminister Abbey is across the street from the Parliament Buildings.

Walking around London was a treat.  We saw the classic telephone booths and even got a peak at Number 10 Downing Street.  The Tower of London is a must for any trip to London.  London Bridge is right there.  Across the street, near the underground, was a Mall that has been closed for several years.  Beside it, however, is a little mall that has some great places to eat and some shops.  We ate at The Hungry Elephant.

In the Tower of London is a model that is wonderfully done.

Trafalgar Square seems to be in the center of everything.  The Art Museum and Museum of Portraits is in this area.  The British Museum, another must to visit, is out of the main area and you need to look for it. We went to plays four of the five nights we were there.  Tickets can be found at the box offices or sometimes at discounted ticket businesses.  You have to buy the ticket on the same day you want to see the play and you need to get to the business early for the more popular plays. We saw "Rent", "The Phantom of the Opera", "Fame", and "Shakespeare Reduced".  All were great!

Harrod's, night or day, is an amazing place to visit.

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