4 Days in London with Mom

Are you arriving at 10A on an overnight flight from the US? If so, Westminster Abbey (I assume when you said Westminster you meant the Abbey?) and the War Rooms would not work for me on arrival day (and I'm old) but walking to and through Trafalgar Square and staying outdoors would. Walking to Buckingham Palace and seeing the facade would work for me as well.

When you say Parliament are you wanting to see the building from the outside or were you wanting to go on one of the tours inside?

I would link:

• Tower of London first thing in the AM, lunch there and then the Thames clipper up to Westminster Pier (be sure to look for the statue of Boudicca on the pediment beside the bridge before you walk along the street away from the pier) and then Westminster Abbey in the afternoon. You'll walk by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on the way to Westminster Abbey.

• Buckingham Palace but instead of the changing of the guard I'd walk along Birdcage Walk down the side of St James' Park and see the New Guards having inspection before they march off at 10:57 to cross the street to the Palace. You can hear the band play as well while the troops are being inspected.

https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-movements

After that I'd head to the Churchill War rooms. Then lunch and maybe shopping in the afternoon.

OK, here is where you may need to revise your list to fit the number of days you have....

• Either Windsor Castle and afternoon tea
• Or Hampton Court (will take 3/4 of a day and you could have tea at Hampton Court)
• Or St Paul's and afternoon tea

Location wise: Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, Parliament are in very close proximity. Buckingham Palace is not far away but many here would suggest changing of horse guards instead which I also believe is closer. (If I am wrong that it is closer, someone will correct) If you start at Westminster Abbey when it opens and take a Verger Tour (highly recommended) you will be busy until lunch time. There is a convenient cafe there in the Abbey which might be a nice place for your Mom to rest her feet and get refreshed. It won't be walking that is hard at the Abbey, but standing. There are few places to sit down and rest, but there a few.
I would then head over to the Churchill War Rooms. (I personally would skip any changing of the guard with your limited time, but I suppose it depends on just how important that is to you).

After the Churchill War Rooms I think anyone could use a rest. Perhaps this is a good time for your afternoon tea?

I would group the Tower of London (be there when it opens, first thing- go straight to the Crown Jewels) and St Pauls.

I sincerely doubt that you are going to have time for both Windsor Castle and Hampton Court. Both are daytrips out of the city. Easy to get to by train, so that isn't a problem. If I had to pick one, Hampton Court would be the clear winner. You walk a short distance over a bridge from the train station and you are there.

I can only stress that any Hop On, Hop Off type tour in London is really just being stuck in a traffic jam for most of the time. Much better to take the Uber Boat on the Thames for short cruise. I like to go to Greenwhich, but you could go as far or as short as you like.

Your first day you will all be tired and jet lagged. I would suggest just walking around for a bit of shopping and having an afternoon tea instead of dinner. Depending on where you are staying you maybe could include Harrods in that first day. With 3 of you I would suggest taking a lot of cabs. It would probably not be much more expensive than the Underground and will give your feet a rest. Besides if you get a black cab that will be a part of the experience. Those cabbies are so fun and knowledgeable about London. They have to pass a rigorous test called 'the knowledge' in order to get their license. I would group Westminster Abbey and Churchill War Rooms for one day. You can view the Parliament buildings and Big Ben that day as well, but Parliament tours might not fit into your schedule.
Going to either Hampton Court or Windsor will take 1 day each so if either of these are important that leaves you just 2 days for London. I would group Tower of London and St. Paul's together for 1 day. However, do you really need to see St. Paul's AND Westminster Abbey? You could fit in your cruise on the Thames the day you visit the Tower. I took a cruise from the Tower to the Parliament/Westminster Abbey area on my trip last October. I've never seen the changing of the guards at Buckingham palace in all my many trips to London, but I do enjoy the changing of the horse guards which is done daily and is less crowded and it might be easier to fit into your busy schedule. Be sure to get timed tickets for all these big sites so you don't waste time standing in line.

Arrival day: get your Oyster card(s) or make sure each persons phone i set with Apple Pay or a debit card so you can use either to tap entrances and exits.

Many Forum travelers like the ease of using a debit or credit card. I’m old school and prefer Oyster cuz it wouldn’t bother me if I lost it but I’d freak if I lost a debit or credit card.

Check in, freshen up and head to Parliament Square. Thats the Westminster tube station. Arrive ( mind the gap) that’s the announcement you’ll hear off and on at various tube stations. Exit at Westminster station. A number of exits. Read the signs a make your choice as to witch exit. Remember walk up right side of steps like the British. You’ll be in the shadow of Elizabeth’s Tower and if on the hour will hear Big Ben toll. Follow the crowds. DO NOT jaywalk. Its tempting BUT traffic flows the opposite way than you are used to. Just go with the flow.

If you haven’t pre booked the Churchill War Rooms it will be a long wait. They are great so prebook.

The walk from Parliament Square up Whitehall is 20 minutes as you,’ll stop to take pictures.

Let your sister ride the big red bus….she’ll be stuck in traffic. Forget the Red Bus tour. Over priced and overrated. If you want to ride a bus take one from Dean Street in Chinatown to Sloane Street and from there walk to Harrod’s. If possible sit up top and preferably in the front row of the bus.

Cough up the money at have tea at Harrod’s or at least meander about the food hall there.

Hampton court is great. Too bad she’s not interested in Bletchley Park. If you haven’t seen Bletchley Circle TV series you should.

London can be hard work for people with reduced mobility. There’s so much walking, even once you get into the tube stations. You need to think differently and I definitely second the advice to get taxis and save your Mom’s legs. The buses also involve less walking than the tube although obviously they are slower.

You probably won’t be able to do as much as you hope because you’ll need to rest and have a coffee stop quite regularly, and everything takes longer than you think in London anyway. Prioritise the things you really want to do. Afternoon tea is a lovely relaxing activity.

Thank you. A few questions. Is your opinion that St Pauls is not a priority? We don't have an opinion on that either way.

Maybe we will try:

Day 1: Buckingham Palace and possibly the changing of the horse guards and then head to Harrods for some shopping and tea
Day 2 Tower of London and possibly St Pauls. Or Westminster Abbey
Day 3: Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms (see Big Ben and Parliament) and Open afternoon?

With the Thames river cruises, it seems that we would take it from The Tower to Westminster Pier? Is it too much to do both the Tower and Westminster Abbey? If we just did the Tower in the morning and the cruise back, how would you spend the afternoon if we skip St Pauls? Shopping, lunch?

I did read somewhere that it was possible to see Windsor and Hampton Court in one day. I'm sure she would love those and will be hard for her to choose. I'd appreciate thoughts.

Here's what Rick Steves suggests on this site: london planning

I enjoyed seeing the contrast between St Pauls and Westminster Abbey but if you're not interested in architecture, then not necessary. Westminster is to see who's buried there. IMO, Trafalgar Square, is just a square, like many others - just a walk through.

I have been to.Windsor and Hampton Court and can't imagine trying do.both in one day. In my opinion I would.research these two.as.well.as.St..Pauls and Westminster Abbey and pick one of each but not both due to your limited.time.

A thought on the guard change:
Day 1 - what time do you arrive in London? Change of the King's Life Guard (at Horseguards) is 10am - https://www.householddivision.org.uk/queen-life-guard. You may therefore want to start there and walk up to Buckingham Palace.
Another option to watch a guard change up close (this one foot guards) is if you do decide to visit Windsor Castle (https://www.householddivision.org.uk/guard-at-windsor-castle#:~:text=Schedule-,Overview,the%20oldest%20in%20continuous%20occupation.)

A word on Windsor Castle v Hampton Court. Both worth visiting, but in my opinion Hampton Court is more interesting.

Our flight arrives at 7am. We will drop our bags at the hotel and likely try an activity. I like the idea to try to see one of the guard changes, Buckingham Palace and Harrods. That way we can slow down and go back whenever we choose. It would be nice to start the trip with something very traditional.

If we did go to Hampton Court or Windsor, is there time to do something when we return or is that a full day?

Westminster, The War Rooms sounds like a full day?

Also the day that we go to the Tower sounds like only a half day? Would you build something else in?

Also, has anyone done the Thames cruise at night? Recommendations?

You haven’t mentioned it but we can usually muster up some energy for one theatre event, even after a fairly full day of sightseeing. Since you are staying in the Covent Garden area near the Westend, maybe see if anyone in your group can find a performance they’d like in that area. https://www.theatremonkey.com/shows

"Westminster, The War Rooms sounds like a full day?"

You'll want to be specific about names in London. Westminster can be the Abbey, the Palace where Parliament sits or the general area. I am guessing you mean Westminster Abbey and yes, to me that would be a full day with lunch along the way somewhere.

I agree with Gail that Windsor and Hampton Court are too much for one day plus the transport between the 2 is awkward-ish. For myself, Windsor is a long half day if you get going and get there when it opens. Hampton is 3/4 of a day and it's huge so you'll be pooped when you leave!

The advantage to Windsor is that you can see where the Queen and Prince Philip are buried in St Georges Chapel. As mentioned there is a changing of the guard here as well but honestly I don't see what you'd want to cut to create room for it! Your trip and your choice and if your Mom loves Royal stuff she might prefer this over something else.

I think St Paul's (current building dates from the late 1600's) is excellent as I like Wren Churches and love the WWII related history with the fire watchers in the church dousing flames from bombs. Just amazing. HOWEVER...if I would have to choose between the two, I'd go with Westminster Abbey (dates from 1060!) because of who is buried there and the history of this Gothic cathedral. Your needs might be different than mine.

After visiting the Tower of London you could cross the bridge and walk back along the south bank. The Globe Theatre is interesting to tour - no need to see a play there unless they are doing one you like. There's a pedestrian bridge near the Globe that crosses the Thames and gives a view of St. Paul's. We have only gone inside St. Paul's one time - I find the interior too austere, much prefer Westminster Abbey. If you visit the Abbey, be sure to do a verger tour for fascinating bits of history. I have wobbly knees and found several places where I could sit briefly during the verger tour.

London has two fascinating museums that you might want to consider: The Victoria and Albert which is close to Harrods and Hyde Park. The British Museum which has the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon frieze.

It sounds like your group is four people? If so, it won't cost you much more to use cabs than public transport and it is a lot more comfortable way to get around. Be sure to chat up the cab driver - they often have lots of interesting information to share.

Thanks for all of the input! We will definitely use cabs and Ubers as necessary. No need to tire out just getting to and from, but sometimes the "journey" is worth the walk which is why I am trying to be somewhat decided on a plan. If it is too much then we adjust. I would say get highlights are Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Harrods, Big Ben, and possibly Windsor. I think the river cruise is a nice idea if you think it's worth it. A nice afternoon tea and a traditional pub or two would be fun for her.

The river cruise gives a different perspective, and more importantly, is a great way to take a rest off of her feet for a bit.

I just did 10 days in London with my royal-obsessed Mama and I would say that your latest updated list of highlights is spot on! I would definitely make an afternoon tea a priority as well.

We did the day trip to Windsor and it was one of the best moments of our whole trip! We ended up watching the changing of the guard there from inside the castle and it was a magical experience. We had the first admission timeslot for the castle and headed back to London around 3pm. It was absolutely worthwhile and even with limited time I would still do it.

If she's interested in musicals the West End has a wonderful selection and could be another wonderful addition!

Enjoy!

PQ

I agree with PQ...I think your latest distillation on what is important is excellent. You can add on as time and energy allows!

There is a tea room at Harrods but to me it's eye-wateringly expensive at 65GBP per person. LOOONG ago and far away in a different lifetime I did tea there with step-kids and it was their favorite thing. It was buffet style back in the 80's, lol.

https://www.harrods.com/en-us/restaurants/the-harrods-tea-rooms

There are some threads you can probably find with a search on reasonably priced high tea offerings if that's something that is important to you.

You know, we'd love a trip report when you all get back to see what worked for your group situation and particularly what Mom enjoyed!

Absolutely will update you! We just spoke and she narrowed down our castle trip to Windsor.

Do you have an opinion on the river cruises? Is there a particular one you lie. I noticed an evening one with champagne, but wasn't sure it was worth it.

Windsor Castle is a good choice.

I've never done a boat there so can't help - sorry

Is your question about boat cruises in Windsor? If so, I took one a few years ago. I don't remember there being several to choose from, but I do remember you bought your ticket right there by the river where the kids were feeding the swans. It was a short cruise. down to a dam I think and then turn around and come back. It was pleasant, but not as interesting as the ones I have taken in London.

I should have been more specific. I am asking about the Thames River cruises. We will visit the Tower of London and staying near Covent Garden, so I believe general guidance is that it's a nice way to get back and forth (or one way?). I had also read that it's nice to do at night with everything all lit up. I cannot seem to find much information on those.

I traveled to London for the first time this past summer. After touring the Tower of London (see the Crown Jewels as soon as they open) I took a Thames River cruise back to Westminster Pier. The Oyster card gave me a small discount on the fare. I really enjoyed it. Make sure you download the Citymapper app. I found it incredibly useful for walking and using public transportation.

In the interest of two birds, one stone, we are considering doing the following Thames afternoon tea cruise on our trip in September. The reviews are quite positive and while I realize it will obviously not be the same atmosphere as in a restaurant or tearoom, the idea appeals to me as we are also in London for a short time.

https://www.getyourguide.com/tower-millennium-pier-l148015/thames-lunch-cruise-t22633/?date_from=2023-09-24&_pc=1,2

There are quite a few non landing cruises on the Thames, but the one you can use your Oyster Card on is 'Uber boat by Thames Clippers' [that is what the company call themselves]- this is a Commuter boat, which serves lots of piers on a long stretch of the Thames from Putney in the west to Barking in the East- a great way to see the River at all times of the day from 5.30 in the morning to almost midnight, with good value all day rover tickets.

https://www.thamesclippers.com/plan-your-journey/route-map