Winter wonderland Hyde Park - must do's?
Discussion
I would advocate avoiding it at all costs at the weekend.
I have been twice in the past.
The first time we went was 5 years ago, on a "work away day" where my old boss took 11 of us out there for the day. But it was a Friday, and it was much quieter.
I then went a couple of years ago on a Saturday as a friend wanted to spend her 30th birthday there and we did the circus in the evening after a couple of beers. But you could hardly move, everything was so crowded you couldn't do anything.
Horrible, horrible place and I vow to never return.
Also, decidedly council, to use the PH vernacular.
ETA - yes, you can just walk in, and you then pay for everything when you are there. But you can pre-book to go to some of the events, and get a time to go through, which means you can avoid the queue to get in, but not the crush once you are in there.
I have been twice in the past.
The first time we went was 5 years ago, on a "work away day" where my old boss took 11 of us out there for the day. But it was a Friday, and it was much quieter.
I then went a couple of years ago on a Saturday as a friend wanted to spend her 30th birthday there and we did the circus in the evening after a couple of beers. But you could hardly move, everything was so crowded you couldn't do anything.
Horrible, horrible place and I vow to never return.
Also, decidedly council, to use the PH vernacular.
ETA - yes, you can just walk in, and you then pay for everything when you are there. But you can pre-book to go to some of the events, and get a time to go through, which means you can avoid the queue to get in, but not the crush once you are in there.
not much love for the winter wonderland so far.Why anyone would want to go if they haven't got kids I really can't fathom. Why anyone would want to go even if they have kids puzzles me. Same for all the s
tty "German" Christmas Markets that are now "traditional" in any large town or city in the UK.
My wife does lot of work for the Royal Parks and it is fairly well loathed by the Royal Parks staff (it's not run by the parks themselves but obviously there is an impact).
tty "German" Christmas Markets that are now "traditional" in any large town or city in the UK.My wife does lot of work for the Royal Parks and it is fairly well loathed by the Royal Parks staff (it's not run by the parks themselves but obviously there is an impact).
At the weekend you pretty much have to book somewhere otherwise you won't get in, unless you sneak through an exit or swim in via the Serpentine. That's after you've walked from Victoria or Green Park tube stations.
I also can't imagine ever taking kids unless you wanted to lose them permanently, the idea of taking a toddler or pushchair makes me sweat just thinking about it
I also can't imagine ever taking kids unless you wanted to lose them permanently, the idea of taking a toddler or pushchair makes me sweat just thinking about it
Edited by essayer on Monday 5th December 10:28
we're members of the RHS- royal horticultural society. Bare with me here..........
we went to "harlow Carr" at Harrogate on Saturday to see santa (for the second year)
It cost £12 for both children. They go in with lots of other children- about 25. Santa and Mrs santa spend a good 45 mins singing, telling stories and so on. they all get to pick a decent present.
downside- you need to be RHS members and its a pre book only. There's bound to be a RHS near you somewhere and its a really good event for the kids. Plus you don't get any council folk at such events. I get the hyde park thing is a totally different event- but if you want to take children to see santa, you can't beat this.
I also do feel I've been robbed blind and there are no queues at all, as its totally pre-booked.
we went to "harlow Carr" at Harrogate on Saturday to see santa (for the second year)
It cost £12 for both children. They go in with lots of other children- about 25. Santa and Mrs santa spend a good 45 mins singing, telling stories and so on. they all get to pick a decent present.
downside- you need to be RHS members and its a pre book only. There's bound to be a RHS near you somewhere and its a really good event for the kids. Plus you don't get any council folk at such events. I get the hyde park thing is a totally different event- but if you want to take children to see santa, you can't beat this.
I also do feel I've been robbed blind and there are no queues at all, as its totally pre-booked.
Floptimus Prime said:
Hmmm sack winter wonderland then!
What would the wise recommend doing instead to take in the Christmassyness of London?
I work just of Oxford Street, and to be honest I'm struggling to recommend anything but avoiding the place.What would the wise recommend doing instead to take in the Christmassyness of London?
Oxford and Regent street were stupidly busy on Friday night. Decorations aren't too bad though (Regent street's are better). Down by the Connaught (Carlos Place) is quite nice for a few decorations, as is some of Marylebone.
Floptimus Prime said:
Hmmm sack winter wonderland then!
What would the wise recommend doing instead to take in the Christmassyness of London?
An evening walk along Regent's Street for the best lights, a look down Carnaby Street and then the Ice Bar in Heddon Street. Some of the displays in Hamelys too. What would the wise recommend doing instead to take in the Christmassyness of London?
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