Best of London 7 Day Tour

Went to Bletchley in 2024. Thought I’d stay for a couple of hours. Was there for 4. I found it very well done.

Been going and staying in London since Nixon was in office.

Best to contact the RS Tour office with your questions.

Secondly if you’d share what’s on the tour besides visiting the British museum might be able to share more intel about sites, cafes, restaurants, etc.

London is always changing yet always the same.

IMHO never disappoints.

I can't comment on your tour questions, but can comment on Bletchley Park. Here is a previous thread from a few months ago: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/london-to-bletchley-park

We thought it was absolutely worth the time it takes. And it is a very popular day trip. But if you must be at a meeting at 3pm, I dont think you can see all there is to see there and be back in time without rushing and missing things.. Better to do it on a day where you have all morning and afternoon free. The direct train from Euston station takes about 45 min each way. Buy tickets online or at the station. Advance purchase tickets for Bletchley aren't mandatory, but would guarantee entry on busy days.

The RS office will give you exact times so you can best plan your free activities. They are very helpful about that.

I haven't been to Bletchley Park (though I hope to) but it's never a great idea on day 1 of trying to get over jet lag to do something out of town. I think you'd be stretched/rushed for time, but also the next day you'll really be wiped out.

Lots of folks on this forum have gone to, and reported on Bletchley Park. Be sure to use the search feature. I would not do it on day #1, but do it at the end of your time.

Short train ride from London, then less than 5 minute walk to the visitor center. As soon as you get past ticketing, go straight to the information desk to sign up for the next available tour (included in admission). Then begin exploring while you wait for your tour time. There is a cafeteria with a limited menu on site so you don’t have to leave the grounds for lunch.

I’ve gone twice and each time I found new and interesting things to explore. If you enjoy history of World War 2, or are a bit of a nerd, you will enjoy Bletchley Park.

Bletchley Park is terrific and very well worth your time, particularly if you have any sort of interest in WW2.

Definitely plan a visit to Bletchley Park - but do allow plenty of time as there is so much to see. The link is to a very dertialed article with lots of information and photos about Bletchley park. even if you don't read all of it, the first two posts are worth reading to give you the background and an overviews of just what there is to see.

You will save a little by advance booking on line.

There are also free guided tours of the outside spaces that last about an hour - book at the Information Desk as soon as you arrive as there are limited numbers on each tour. This is well worth doing as it gives an oversight of the site along with some history. There was also an information talk about the Bombe machine which I listened too - but have to confess a lot of it went over the top of my head, although it was amazing just how it all worked...

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Royal Albert Hall, The Palladium, ABBA The Voyages and so much more evening experiences to visit in the evening. London offers sooo much. What do you like? Classic or Jazz music, Musical. Comedy?? I definitly would buy tickets for one evening .

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with the others that Bletchley is awesome! I would do this on one of your days at the end so you are not rushed for time. Plus, honestly, I would probably not be able to do this on my first full day on the ground after a long travel day as there is a lot to absorb here. When you get to Bletchley, sign up for the free tour at the desk in the Visitor Center. It's only about an hour, but is an excellent orientation.

I don't know about your other days but I'd expect Windsor Castle to take about 3/4 of a day so not much time in the afternoon. Is that the day of your Farewell Dinner?

Thanks everyone. We'll do Bletchley Park at the end instead of the beginning.
Someone asked what sights were included on the tour. Any suggestions regarding restaurants and what to do with our free time is appreciated. Thank you.
Day 0: Arrive 9AM, drop bags at The Washington Mayfair - Free Day
Day 1: Free day until 3PM Tour Starts - Introductory meeting then Panoramic tour on Double Decker Bus
Day 2: St. Paul's, The City walking tour, afternoon tea, and British Museum free evening
Day 3: The Tower and East End of London - Free afternoon/evening
Day 4: Westminster City and Abbey, Churchill War Rooms - Free Evening
Day 5: Globe Theatre, South Bank walking tour, Tower Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market - Free Afternoon/Evening
Day 6: Windsor Castle and St. George's Chapel - Free Afternoon, Last supper
Day 7: Tour over after breakfast - Free Day and evening - Current Plan is Bletchley Park
Day 8: Free Day and Evening
Day 9: Fly home 11:05 AM

Day 3 , consider adding Greenwich for your free time

Day of arrival take time settle in. Unpack and then find the closest market for bottled water and snacks. Let your senses adapt. Then stroll over to and across Green Park to the Palace. If the Royal Standard is flying King Charles is in residence.

What are the highlights of Greenwich?

Highlights of Greenwich: the Cutty Sark, Old Naval College, Maritime Museum, Queen’s House
Greenwich park, the Observatory, the prime meridian and the fabulous view.

https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory