I will have a 12 hour layover in London this spring. It is enough time to do something low key, but I don't know what. I have been to London before, and I don't have any interest in seeing any of the big official sights (like the Tower of London). I just want a fun area to shop, go into bookstores, eat hopefully a decent meal, absorb the atmosphere, maybe see a cute neighborhood, ect.

I've heard London is known for their shopping and their cute neighborhoods but when I was there I was so busy seeing the official sights that I didn't try either of those things.

Does anyone have any good advice on this? Also, does anyone know where to get a good meal there?

Also, I'm assuming that if I need them, heathrow airport will have lockers where I can store my stuff while I spend my day in London. Does anyone know if I'm right in assuming this?

Any advice you have would be great. Thanks in advance!

12 hours! so little time and so much to do!. I live in the UK and will try to suggest some places . So you want to shop eh! ( most people do)
but the key question is what for ? clothes , english only things , gifts , niknacks (odd silly items) . I ask as London can be a bit of a dog to get around . Eat? now thats a question , up market ? real english? good value? , continental ? american? the list goes on. See a local neighbourhood ? as in quaint? suburban? cultural? . So you see its not that easy to help . If you could be slightly more specific I shall endeavour to be of assistance . I could type pages suggesting places but I am not good at typing ( this has taken nearly 15 mins) so anything to narrow it down would be helpfull .Also do you have transport or will you be busing , taxiing , tubing (underground railway) or using the old shanks's pony (walking).

in anticipation

curt

ps have you been to covent garden ( nice to goto ,arty shops, watch buskers , mellow out) or camden market ( cute? real london market ) harrods ( famous shopping in knightsbridge rd or oxford st , regent street (large super shops of national chains and independent franchises) .

I think it's most efficient to book at a Heathrow airport hotel, which would pick us (and baggage) from after arrival. We check in, leave the bags, then hop the Heathrow Express into London. (But we will have only one bag, I think, and this wouldn't be a big hardship to carry if staying in town was smarter.)

So, let's assume that we make it into London in time for dinner and...what else? We could consider a play, but who knows what will be playing on 5 July 2003?

I suggest you go to a bookstore and look at tour books on London. There is so much to do, it just depends on what you like! Dress warm.

My travel agent suggested the Paddington Hilton, really easy from the Heathrow Express---right above Paddington. Could be a plan.

For July 2003, I expect it won't be that cold, but we live on the Pacific where we're used to dressing in layers!