Comment on my intinerary: 5 March - 15 March, primarily London

Mary - I would suggest getting an Oyster card and loading £25 for a start. Being your initial arrival date it might be a good idea to wander around. It has been my experience that a lot is open on Sundays.

You can catch a train from Paddington Station to Bath departing March 8th and returning March 9 for around £34.50. The journey will take around 1 1/2 hours each way. A same day return form Paddington Station to Oxford will run about £25.70. The journey will take around 1 - 1 1/2 hours each way.

Check out www.virgintrainseastcoast.com for schedule and booking information.

Hopefully our more knowledgeable UK members will see your post and respond.

As for daily transportation - really depends on how much you think you'll use it. I always load my Oyster with a 7 day travel card - have found that it's cheaper for me personally, but as they say, "your mileage may vary". Really depends upon how much you think you will use the Tube versus just walking!
Definitely lots open on Sunday - one thing you might keep in mind is London Walks - www.walks.com. They have quite a selection of "walks" around London - no advance reservations required. Simply show up at the appointed date/time and tube station. We've done over 30 of them and have enjoyed every one. Great way to see and learn more about London and it's history!
As for Westminster Abbey - two suggestions. If you've not done the Verger tour I recommend it especially given your interest in history. Also, if you've not attended an Evensong service at the Abbey, highly recommend that as well!!
With regard to bookstores - if you've not been to Hatchards, again, highly recommend. Also the book section of the British Library is worth a visit as well!

Have a fabulous trip!!!!

Most things are open on Sunday these days, although many places don't open as early as during the week. Doggy bags aren't really the thing here, though some places are fine with the idea. You certainly don't often see people take away their leftovers. Lots of good bookshops on Charing Cross Road, and some big branches of chains on Piccadilly. My favourite is Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street.

The issue with what is or isn't open is less an issue of a Sunday than what is open so early in the year.

In the cities everything or nearly so will be open, except larger stores beyond the 6 hours they are allowed to be open (usually 10-4 or 11-5), so there should be virtually no impact on you. Churches (including many closed during the week) will usually be open for services but restricted times for tourists.

In the countryside many attractions will either be closed until Easter or have restricted hours - all week long, unless you are there for half-term.

" I usually have to have only half my entrée in a restaurant "

The term "entree" will probably cause confusion over here as it's French for a starter course.

Yes, using the terms "starter" and "main" will avoid confusion in the UK.

You probably know this, but any stage production with name TV actors needs to be booked well in advance and preferably right this minute.

I'm going to book the theater tickets as soon as I know I've got the time off of work. I don't want to miss out!

Thanks to all for the suggestions :)

I'd add a train ride to visit Hampton Court to your itinerary.

Tower of London is a must.

Know that entry into St Paul's is pricey so consider attending a Sunday mass.

Check out London Walks (www.walks.com) to Stonehenge and Salisbury cathedral.

Maybe schedule a tour of Parliament. Book in advance. http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/

Don't miss wandering through one of the famed Markets. Borough, Portobello, Spittafields. Check opening days and times.

Or walk the canals to Camden Lock Market.

AirBnB is a great way to meet locals. Have used it on many trips to secure a place to rest my head. Never been disappointed.

Have not stayed in the Kensington neighborhood so can't recommend a place. Just make certain to ask your host the location of the closest tube station, ATM, coffee place, grocer and what busses are near where your are staying.

Have a great trip!

From your schedule,
"6 March: Go to Westminster Abbey. I've been there before but I'm a huge history nut and would love to see it again. Should I buy an advance ticket?
Maybe check out Soho for lunch; I hear there are good restaurants there.
Maybe Churchills War rooms?"

No need to buy an advance ticket for Westminster Abbey. Just walk up and buy there.

If you are thinking of doing Westminster Abbey in the morning, and Churchill War Rooms in the afternoon, do NOT go to Soho for lunch. Churchill War Rooms are right around the corner from the Abbey. So you would want to go from one to the other.

"(I had weight loss surgery in April so I can't eat a large volume of food at any one time; I usually have to have only half my entrée in a restaurant and take the rest with me to eat another time; I hope that's OK to do in Britain)"

I would suggest you explain this to your waiter, and order a child's portion. Many restaurants in London have a child's menu and the portions are perhaps 1/2 to 1/4 the size of the adult version. Then no need for a doggie bag.