First time in London, and just a few hours ...

Here’s what I would recommend:

From Heathrow, take the Elizabeth line train to Bond Street station then switch to the Jubilee line tube to Westminster. You can pay by tapping a credit card or with Apple Pay. Will take about an hour.

At Westminster, emerge from the tube and gape at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (technically the Elizabeth Tower). Take a look at nearby Westminster Abbey - perhaps just from the outside. Across the Thames right there you’ll see the London Eye. If you want to, walk up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square, or…

From the pier right by Westminster tube station you can catch a sightseeing cruise - no need to prebook. Ride this down to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London where you can get off. Admire both - again, can just look at the outside.

If you walk across Tower Bridge or nearby London Bridge, then walk along the river a bit to the west past HMS Belfast to Southwark Cathedral and Borough Market. A bit further along is Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe - and right by the Globe is the Millennium Bridge. Walk straight across the river with fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral.

By St Paul’s you could catch a regular bus (can’t remember the number) to Trafalgar Square, and maybe explore nearby Covent Garden if you still have some energy.

Re fish and chips in a pub, really that’s a conflation of two unconnected British things: pubs, and fish & chips. The best fish & chips are sold at chippies, not in pubs. Pubs are drinking places that do often but not always serve decent food. However, since you’re short of time, I’ll forgive you (😉) if you combine them and eat fish & chips in a pub. Some of them do serve halfway decent versions. Others I’m sure will be able to suggest places to go.

We always at the Sofitel LHR at Terminal 5 and have received incredible service there. They are the best!

Buses #15 and #26 St Paul's Cathedral to Trafalgar Square

Ok, I KNOW you said London, lol. But I am going to throw something out for your consideration.

You might think about spending the afternoon in Windsor. It's a taxi ride away to go to the main street where the castle is located. You can walk along the main street or go walk on the "Long Walk" or walk by the Thames River and see some swans.

https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

I'd also been thinking about Windsor rather than London - it may be more relaxing. Allowing for time to clear Heathrow and drop bags at the Sofotel, it is going to be early afternoon before you set off, so not as much time as you may expect. Windsor is about ten miles so a taxi won't break the bank and saves the hassel of tube etc...

I've enjoyed fish and chips at the King and Castle, the Weatherspoons pub near the castle.

Thanks for all the responses!

Golden Girl -- That's a great itinerary. I appreciate all the detail, as well as the bus numbers from isn31c. Sounds like most of the highlights of London. The sightseeing cruise sounds like fun. I'll need to find a map -- maybe Google Maps -- and see if I think we can handle everything. And oh yes, it's good to know about chippies!

Suki -- I appreciate the thumbs up on the hotel.

Pam and wasleys -- I had never even considered Windsor, but that sounds like a great alternative. And probably easier. So thanks for that idea.

I guess I have some research to do now. Keep those suggestions coming!

I would probably take the Heathrow Express from the airport to Paddington Station (15 minutes) and then take the Circle tube line (20 minutes) to Westminster. You can buy Heathrow Express tickets online for anytime the day of arrival and if you do it in advance it is a lower price. Then when you use the tube you can just each use a credit car to tap on and tap off. The Westminster area givesyou a great overall impression of London with Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and the Thames.

If you opt for Windsor, it will be quicker and easier. London is my favorite city in the world, but I am living in Windsor now, and think it would be a lovely alternative given the time you have.

You can cab it from Heathrow. The castle is a cool tour - much history, gorgeous place, SUPER “ye olde” British.

In Windsor I recommend the Dutchess of Cambridge pub right across the street from the castle. Nice people, cute and clean. For lunch in Windsor, try the Ivy.

Walking into Eton is a breeze and is GORGEOUS. Eton is just a dream of England’s dreaming spires, or whatever the quote is. In Eton I recommend the Crown and Cushion pub or the Waterman’s Arms. Cote is a chain but is a lovely brasserie for a nice lunch and it is right over the bridge.

You can do a whole leisurely day in Windsor and Eton and not be worried about connections, late tubes, etc.

Thanks, organizer8. It would be fun to see all of the sights around Westminster, but from my limited research, I suspect it would be very crowded on a Friday afternoon in May.

I think Windsor sounds a little more our speed. I love the idea of a taxi and not worrying about connections. One probably silly question: what would we tell our taxi driver for our destination in Windsor. The castle??

Hi Charlene:

I recently paid 35 pounds for a taxi from Windsor to Heathrow... if you pre-book you should be able to get a similar price. You can book both ways and maybe get a discount? Not sure.

That said, yes, just say "Windsor Castle." They will drop you on the high street directly in front of the castle. The shopping street/parade (Peascod Street) will be directly behind you. There is currently construction in front of the castle (or at least there was as of last week - I have to be careful I do not give incorrect information) but the ticket office behind the statue of Queen Victoria is open.

From the castle you can explore the Long Walk, Windsor itself/shopping, walk into Eton and see the swans on the river... it's all very compact.

That sounds perfect. Thanks Volva, and everyone else, for your help.

I assume we can check in at the hotel, leave these bags at the desk, and then head out. Please correct me if any of these assumptions are wrong.

Yes, the staff at the Sofitel will store your belongings if your room is not ready.

Thanks JC. I just made our reservation and am looking forward to our little taste of England.

I have never used Uber outside of the US but that’s a great idea. Thanks! And yes, the more I hear & read, the better Windsor sounds. This forum is really a wonderful place.

Horse and Groom had the best sticky toffee pudding I have ever had (2016) and next month I am looking forward to seeing if it can live up to that. (And the rest of the food was good, too.)

I have never had sticky toffee pudding but it sounds delicious. Looks like we’ll be eating at the Horse & Groom!