LA to London

Yes, from the searches I've done on the web, Hampstead does look lovely.  Nice houses with decent sized gardens for my two boys to play.

Thanks for the weather tips!  It's over 90 degrees today...just got back from a hayride at the farm/pumpkin patch with the boys and we are so sweaty!  Bath time!  I would really appreciate some fall/winter weather right about now!  It will be good to see the change of seasons again (we are orginally from Pennsylvania).

Speaking of kids and childrens' activities...has anyone heard of Tumble Tots in London?  Am I correct in assuming that it's kinda like Gymboree classes here in the States?  Gotta find a gym/tumbling class for my kids to blow some steam and burn off some energy during the days.

Thanks!

Haven't heard of Tumble Tots but I know for certain there's a Gymboree at the O2 centre on Finchley Road...just minutes from Hampstead.

Hi, and welcome to the forum.  My kids went to tumble tots and enjoyed it.  You'll also find lots of physical activities at your local leisure center-swimming, gym-tots, etc.  In my experience there is loads of stuff for pre-schoolers to do.  

Our site visit is in 12 days!  The relocation agency has set up 2 days of house hunting with estate agents.  The company suggests that we rent instead of buy since we'd only be in London for 3 years.  The areas they suggested are Wimbledon, Richmond, Kew, Kingston Upon Thames, Twickenham, Hampstead and St. John's Wood.  Should be very interesting.

So, what's the weather like out there?  Is it very cold already, or is it more fall-like?  It's still sweltering here in Southern California...the climate change will definitely be a major adjustment for us!

All are nice areas.  Hampstead and St. John's Wood are on the north side of London, the rest are SW of central London, near Surrey.  Have fun on your visit and try not to get overwhelmed - everything will work out in the end!

Stephanie

We just returned from our 5 day site visit!  Well, 2 days were purely travel from LA to London...boy, that's a long plane ride!

The trip was a bit overwhelming.  We met with a few schools (preschools) in different towns.  They were all British schools and I was very impressed with their curriculum!  We went out with so many estate agents to several different towns.  I think that we liked Wimbledon the best.  Lots of open space and wonderful houses with nice sized gardens for the kids and our dog.  I may have to come again in December to finalize housing if my husband does decide to accept the position.

We totally lucked out during our stay.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect!  We strolled through parks and walked all over the city -- from Piccadilly to Oxford to Knightsbridge to Victoria etc.  We even found time to see the Cabinet War Rooms (has anyone been?  I thought it was phenomenal).

So, anyhow, we have to make our decision within the next 2 weeks.  I'll keep you posted.  But in the meantime, thanks to everyone for helping me out thus far!!!

I'm glad you had a nice visit, Joyce, and got some of your questions answered (at least partially.)  Wimbledon is a very nice place to live, and (I've heard) great fun during the tennis tournament!  

Good luck with everything and keep us posted on your decisions.

Stephanie

Hi Joyce glad to hear your trip was successful, yes Wimbledon is a good area; and good to hear you enjoyed some of what London has to offer while you were here.