2 ½ days in London in January. Help!

I'm confused by your timing. Are you arriving direct into Edinburgh or going from London?

Do you know about the quarantine while waiting for the results of your Day 2 tests?

I imagine that the Tower is expecting even more restrictions than announced tonight by BoJo. They don't want to have to give refunds if we are in a full lockdown.

We are arriving direct into Edinburgh; yes, I know about the new rules. What is Bojo?
Thanks again!

BoJo--Boris Johnson, the Prine Minister.

Hi,

I’m not sure if this place suits you but it’s close to Leicester square or Soho. I had a drink their and found it fun. Multilevel and apparently each area has its own feel. FYI I believe the legal drinking age is lower in England vs US.

I hope your trip goes off smoothly!

https://waxyoconnorslondon.co.uk/

A cozy pub includes Ye Old Cheshire Cheese and once inside find the cave-like room and sit near the fire place. It’s also a decent place to order food. The popular Southbank Food Market is a 30-minute walk from there on the other side of the Thames River.

Hi, do you avoid the test and quarantine requirements if you are coming from Scotland?

Here are the UK travel restrictions. You can click on the rules for Scotland - they are different depending on if you are vaccinated or unvaccinated. The guidelines tell you what you need to do before your trip and what you need to do once you get to the country.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/

I do understand the new travel restrictions, but would appreciate help on itinerary and advice on London in January!

Pub recommendations are always dicey - since it all depends on what part of the city youre in, and what you fancy.

There is The Grenadier, in Belgravia - not far from Harrods
https://www.grenadierbelgravia.com/find-us

There is The Churchill Arms, Kensington - a quick walk from the Notting Hill Gate Tube station
https://www.churchillarmskensington.co.uk/

There is The Duke of York in Mayfair - around the corner from the Bond Street Tube station
https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/duke-of-york/

Another Green King, there is the Lamb & Flag, just off Oxford St at the corner of James St and Barrett St
https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/lamb-flag/

Then there is The Crown, in Islington - a Fullers not far from the Angel Tube Station
https://www.crownislington.co.uk/

And I would be remiss to omit the Anglesea Arms, Onslow Terrace, South Kensington - about a 5-7 minute walk from the South Kensington Tube Station.
https://www.angleseaarms.com/

Where you are staying is ideal for walking by the palace, strolling through St James Park, visiting the Horse Guards Parade, touring the Churchill War rooms, enjoying lunch at the Two Chairman pub, ambling about Parliament Square, and seeing Westminster Abbey. The Abbey isn’t cheap so your family must decide if the interior is a must see.

Be aware that the Churchill War Rooms are a timed entrance and MUST be booked in advance. So if interested see if there is an available time slot for your dates and book now.

You’ll need to also check the Tower of London website to see if they are now only pre-booking entry times. Personally, I’d be there when it opened and when inside the gate head straight to the Crown Jewels. See them first then the rest of the property. Beefeater lead tours are informative or meander about on your own.

Each of you will need an Oyster card for transport on busses and the Underground. Get them at the Victoria Station. There should be machines. 5£ refundable deposit for each card.

Lastly, as far as food markets there’s Borough Market. I believe it opens at 10am daily but Check their website for hours.

If your travel dates include Saturday and Sunday the Maltby Food Market is one to consider. Another weekend market is the Truman Brewery Market.

Portobello and Goldborne Road markets are popular and crowded. Go early.

Consider museums such as Water and Steam, Sir John Sloane, Dennis Sever House, Fan Museum or Grant Museum of Zoology. Each different and in varying London neighborhoods.

If shoppers there is Selfridges, Liberty, Harrods and Carnaby Street. Choose one.

Pace yourselves and remember to look for sign boards on sidewalks regarding pub, restaurant and cafe lunch offerings.

EDIT: Pubs: The gorgeous art deco Blackfriars.
The Two Chairman mentioned above. Prospect of Whitby, The Dove, Anchor and Hope, The Grapes, The Mayflower, The Grenadier, and The Spanish Inn.
Different neighborhoods….

St. Paul's, The British Museum, and The National Gallery are all worth considering. A couple of pubs we enjoyed include Ye Olde Mitre and The Ship Tavern. Gordon's Wine Bar and DUKES are also fun.

For most, the London Pass isn’t good value, but you will need to do the maths.

The way things are heading, cozy pubs maybe closed by January! Close to where you are staying is The Albert, a Victorian pub, The Greencoat Boy, Cask & Glass with its old photos and The Ivy Victoria for more upscale dining. The reliable food chains Wagamama and Nando’s are also nearby.

Central London doesn’t have many food markets. Borough Market is only partially open on Sundays. The last time I was there, it was so busy that it was unpleasant being jostled the whole time. Presumably numbers will be limited due to Covid. Camden Market has some great food offerings, but I would avoid weekends there. Selfridges food hall is good.

You could try emailing HRP to see why the booking system for the Tower if London isn’t working - it allows 2022 bookings for all the other properties in January.