Greetings. We are a family of four adults—two seniors and two college age— traveling to London for 7 days for the first time in early July 2025. We arrive around 11 a.m. on a Tuesday. We have rented a flat in Putney and figure it will take a 2-3 hrs to collect baggage, make our way to a major tube station to buy Oyster passes and then get to our flat to drop baggage. Looking for reccs for what to do with remainder of afternoon and evening, knowing we will be jet lagged and hungry by time we get to the apartment. Would appreciate suggestions.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
998 posts
How about the Treetop Walk at Kew Gardens? Also, the rest of Kew Gardens? If you're Ted Lasso fans, Richmond is near you (and near Kew). There is a very nice women's resale shop on the Richmond Green by the two phone boxes. Nice goods at reasonable prices. I'm not into shopping while on vacation, but I did duck in there to have a look.
Posted by
Chicago
934 posts
Wimbledon is not too far away, and the museum would be worth a visit if you
are into tennis, but depending on your actual dates, the tournament itself may
still be going on.
Posted by
Atlanta
5448 posts
...knowing we will be jet lagged and hungry...
What ever you do, do it outside with plenty of walking. Works wonders for jet lag. Eat lightly for your first meal. Then have a regular meal early in the evening and hit the hay early. The next day you should be up for anything.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
We will be landing at Heathrow after a 10-hr direct flight from Los Angeles.!Would appreciate more info on the Oyster card issue— what is best way to get a pass that is valid for the week we are there.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
998 posts
A 7-day visitor pass may be what you're looking for. You don't have to use Oyster for this. An Oyster card itself costs money. Here is the info. Scroll to the bottom:
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/buying-tickets-and-oyster
You can also pay as you go by tapping your phone or credit/debit card upon entry (and exit, when using the tube). There is a daily cap that is calculated automatically. According to Transport for London, a 7-day pass costs five days worth of caps, so you would save some money (maybe not the cost of the Oyster card, though). You can buy a paper one from the vendors listed on the site linked above.
Posted by
1 posts
U.S. visitor here. An Oyster card isn't a necessity but I don't mind spending the small amount to get one as it makes for a nice souvenir. With everything electronic these days I appreciate a physical memento.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1450 posts
Use your contactless debit or credit card. Otherwise you’re spending 7 pounds each for a card. Just make sure you use the same card to tap in and tap out. Some people on here recommend buying the oyster card because they feel theres a chance they may lose their credit card when continually pulling it out.
Posted by
Freedonia
17438 posts
What dates in early July?
The Wimbledon Tennis Tournament takes place between June 30 and July 13. Unless you are going to the tournament and you have tickets, don't even think of going near Wimbledon. It will be packed with people.
Putney is a large area and fairly generic naming. If you could give us a little more detail of where your flat is located, we might be able to give better suggestions.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
We will arrive by plane at 11:00 a.m. local time at Heathrow on July, and are due to depart late morning of July 9th for Paris via Eurostar. We just found out about the luggage stashing services at the major train stations— so we don’t necessarily have to go direct to Putney to drop our stuff.
Our flat is located four blocks away from the Putney water taxi pier.
Thnx in advance for your suggestions. Would also welcome ideas for a 6 day London itinerary that isn’t rushed. We were thinking of doing two day trips— one to Cambridge and one to Hampton Court— any thoughts on these????
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Our arrival date is July 2nd….
Posted by
Land of La
9664 posts
First evening….walk around the neighborhood where your flat is located. Buy some bottled water, and snacks. Look for the nearest Boots. Check out the eating establishments ( pubs, cafes, restaurants ). Get used to the sights, sounds, and traffic flow. Never jaywalk!
As stated no need for Oyster card if you have tap debit or credit cards. I’m old school and always use my Oyster Card for one reason. Misplacing or loosing my debit or credit card would cause such angst so I always use my Oyster. But that’s just my travel style. Been going to London for decades.
Great city. Always changing, always the same.
BTW a favorite breakfast spot of mine is opposite Putney Bridge Station, The River Cafe. If book lovers check out the nearby Hurlingham Books. Also, the 8 Bells Pub is very nice. You could eat there.
Lila Thai is quite good.
Plenty of restaurants on Putney High Street.
Posted by
4 posts
My favorite thing on the first day was a narrated boat cruise on the Thames. There are several. Went from near parliament to Greenwich, stopped in at Greenwich market and had a bite, then return back to where we got on. Learned a bit, saw a lot, and got a feel for where things are located. Highly recommend