Monday 2 November 2009

24 Hours London


Fun things pop into my inbox sometimes. Like this - a guide to London laid out in an hour-by-hour format, penned by a Canadian who grew up in the city near here and writes of intriguing, off the beaten path things to do morning, noon, or night - whenever you have time to explore!

I thought it was a great idea, and a nifty little book. There was one snag, though - I've never been to London - how would I know if it was realistic? Do-able? Better call in an expert.

So I turned to my friend Jen, who had a fabulous time in England last year, and asked her what she thought.



And this is what the well-traveled and worldly Jen said:


Jess recently asked me to review 24 Hours London by Marsha Moore and I am so glad that she did!According to the book's cover, this is "an hour by hour guide to London's coolest entertainment, eateries, and attractions" and, as I discovered once I dove in and started reading, that's not just hype. This book truly covers the gamut of possibilities.
24 Hours London contains a treasure trove of things to do, regardless of the time of day (or night). Having been to London both with and without children and with plans for future visits, I found plenty ideas for my next three, four, five, or more trips.
Some examples:
  • Feel like following London's ley lines? Check out 5 a.m.
  • Want to get in some parkour before having breakfast in a crypt? Check out 7 a.m.
  • Do you know what the London Stone is? Check out 8 a.m.
  • Want to have coffee with Mr. Darcy? (I swear I'm not making this up.) Definitely check out 9 a.m. (And pack a camera!)
One activity that I highly recommend is the Ceremony of the Keys (10 p.m.) at the Tower of London. Trust me on this one.
I love the variety that 24 Hours London offers. While most guide books cover the usual ideas -- the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, hearing Big Ben toll the hour, walking across Millennium Bridge from the Tate Modern to St. Paul's -- this one offers more of an insider's view of this wonderful city. Even better, there are lists of ideas based on common themes -- 24 hours of family, 24 hours of romance, 24 hours on the cheap, and more -- so there's something for everyone.
24 Hours London would be excellent for both the person who has already been to London or for a first-time visitor. (In the latter case, I recommend using it in tandem with one of the more traditional, but less vibrant, guidebooks.)
My family went to London last year and now, thanks to 24 Hours London, I have the urge to go again ... and soon!

Thanks for that, Jen. She's a peach.

Thank you for letting me read your fascinating guidebook, Marsha. I hope to try out out (rather than just dreaming about what I'd do and things I'd see) soon!

24 Hours - London. Book Launch on the 4th of November.

The author sent me a PDF file of her book that I read and commented on. No other incentives or payment was rendered to Jen or myself.

5 comments:

Meggie said...

Now I know I will probably never get to London, I REALLY want to go!
*sigh*

Jen on the Edge said...

This book was so much fun to read, but now I have the strong urge to go back.

Kestrel said...

Just reading Jen's recap makes me die a little inside. I can't wait to go back... maybe before the world ends in 2012...

Magpie said...

sounds like fun. but can you do it all IN 24 hours?

mini pendants lights said...

Sounds like fun!

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