Trip Review

April 20, 2012

The Wolf/Tarnoff family from Philadelphia (with two teens ages 16 and 14) traveled to London and Liverpool for spring break.  Worried about anyone being bored proved to be a passing thought thanks to careful planning beforehand.  With their London Pass in hand to avoid long ticket lines, they managed to visit The Royal Mews, Churchill War Rooms, London Tower and Crown Jewels, Globe Theater, a boat ride on the Thames and got a goody bag at the Beatles Store.  Mom was surpised how the War Rooms really held the teens’ attention especially with the authentic set-up of the rooms.  Audio tours were also appreciated allowing them to tour at their own pace.  In the West End they saw Sweeny Todd, a fantastic production that mom loved even more than the original.  They also went on theLondon Eye –nice but they thought a bit over rated.  They also visited mom’s home during a college year abroad and crossed Abbey Road.  Visits to the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum were slightly arduous, but well worth the experiences.  This family of Beatles fans thought Liverpool was fantastic.  Dad loved hanging out in the Cavern Club, where the Beatles were a featured act in the early 60’s. The Beatles Experience and the Albert Dock were also enjoyed.  Their private Beatles taxi tour was informative, friendly and personal.  The guide, who managed to tell them things they didn’t know about The Beatles, even let them stop to have their son’s hair cut by the barber on Penny Lane.  There was never a cheesy feeling to the tour.  They stayed in London at the Crowne Plaza Kensington, where they were upgraded to the club level and the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool.   A great trip for everyone!  Mom happily discovered that when kids are speaking with British accents they don’t complain because they have to sound proper and polite!