quick London trip

My daughter has a school friend making a school trip over here and will be in London for a few days (march 23-26). We have managed to book a train for my daughter and I to go visit her from Manchester to London on virgin for £23 return which I thought was pretty good. My question is are there any recommendations for a few fun things to do and see on a budget while we are there? My dd is sixteen. We want to do the London eye and see a few of the main sites, but this trip will only be for two days for us and like I say we are on a budget. Also, we are looking at the Regent Palace hotel as they have a special for a decent price and are in the heart of London. Would this be a safe enough place for a mum and teenage daughter to stay alone for a night? Thanks 

Museums!  They're all free!!!

I would think so we did London for a week last year and my 17yr old keeps saying she wants to go back....

The V&A was FAB!

My kids loved the British museum, especially the egypt stuff.  They hate modern art so for us, the Tate is not great but it is a wonderful gallery.  And walking across the millenium bridge is cool.  I love the National Gallery, my faves being the impressionists gallery and after visiting a few times, the kids are starting to recognise styles etc..  The map they give you, highlights  the "big" paintings so you don't have to wade through a lot of boring art (sorry art lovers..)

The Natural History Museum is ab fab, but be warned the human body exhibit although very extensive and quite amazing, begins with conception and is a wee bit graphic.  My kids (11 & 14) loved that museum. 

We also did a secret walk last time we were there, visiting neat little churches, which was fun.  We had a written guide, which we followed.   http://www.london-walks.co.uk/29/index.shtml 

Walking, walking, walking.  That is our favourite thing to do as a family in London.  Come up at picadilly circus, it will make an impression!!!

If you really want to wow them, if they're into fashion, walk up and down new bond street and look in the windows of the designers' shops.

We are specialists in travelling on the cheap.  even in London!   

Covent Garden!  There's a great H&M with all the young trendy fashion and cybercandy is there.  Borders is a short walk away and has all the US teen magazines.  Or the HUGE Topshop at Oxford Circus-three stories of shopping.  Carnaby Street or Cambdem Market are great.  See a movie in Leicester Square or go to the Trocadero-four stories of Arcade-even bumper cars. 

Ditto about Covent Garden!!  Lots of little cheap things to buy, good souvenirs.  Movies at Leicester Square are relatively expensive though (£8.50 min for an adult)

Covent Garden!  There's a great H&M with all the young trendy fashion and cybercandy is there.  Borders is a short walk away and has all the US teen magazines.  Or the HUGE Topshop at Oxford Circus-three stories of shopping.  Carnaby Street or Cambdem Market are great.  See a movie in Leicester Square or go to the Trocadero-four stories of Arcade-even bumper cars. 

I'm going to London with you!

This all sounds great, plus I also suggest the museums.  Watching the changing of the Guard is always fun as well.

The Regent Palace Hotel is fine.  It's in a great location, just off Piccadilly Circus, and is walkable from Covent Garden.  If you go to the V&A you can get a Heritage Route bus (one of the old Routemasters) back into town.

I'm a politics geek so would always try to take visitors on a tour of the Houses of Parliament or up the Big Ben clock tower.

I don't think you can beat a walk down the river, or even a boat trip from Westminster Pier all the way up to Hampton Court or Richmond.  Wrap up warm and bring a picnic though.


Victoria

also a boat trip to greenwich is FAB.  you can hit the markets and walk the park and see the prime meridien!!!!!!

i totally agree about the museums!!!!

Don't book anything without checking on Lastminute.com first.  They sometimes have really good deals to exhibitions and things.  Also check if your train company does any specials.  Ours does 2for1 offers on a lot of days out. 

Resturants that teenagers love in London:

Wagamamas, Ed's Easy Diner, China town Chinese, Cafe Pacifico in Covent Garden, 

We were in London last week and actually saw the Queen when we were in front of Buckingham Palace. Front row, too.   How lucky was that?!!

You guys are fantastic! Even my daughter was impressed.    You hit it right on the nose with her. Shopping, looking at designer clothes, restaurants a teenager would like, and the museums are free? Terrific! Hey, I hadnt even thought about the changing of the guards. Thanks! All the suggestions sound good. Now, just to plan them out so we can get in as many as possible. 

We were in London last week and actually saw the Queen when we were in front of Buckingham Palace. Front row, too.   How lucky was that?!!

Cool! What colour hat?

We have stayed at the Regent Palace--although I have to say their cheaper rooms are not very impressive. I would definately felt safe though and would not hesitate to stay there again. I am a huge fan of the bus tours....they might be over your budget but if not I feel they are well worth it. You can hop off at any tourist site or you can just ride around and listen to the tour---you can even use it for transportation between places although it takes a bit of time. I prefer the big bus company because they have live tour guides.

Cool! What colour hat?

No hat, she was in the back of the Bentley!  She waved...and my husband waved back.  The nerve of him!!!