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Help with 3 full days in London

Posted by on

Hi all,

My husband and I are heading to the UK next week! I'm so excited. It's been a decade since I've visited and it's his first trip. I've probably spent, cumulatively, 2-3 weeks in London by now but since it's been a while, i'm a little rusty. I'm really having trouble figuring out what sights/activities should go into which days.

The other complicating factor is that we're not staying in the most central location. We're staying with lovely family who have graciously put us up for four nights. The tube stop is Ealing Broadway. I figure we have to factor in a lot of time on the tube.

My priorities:
British Library (my favorite place in the whole world)
British Museum (a surgical strike)
Sir John Soane's (combine with British Museum)
Tate Britain
V&A
Tower of London (I've never been...)
Kew Gardens
National Theatre one night
Westminster Abbey

I know, it's a crazy amount. But it's breaking my heart to leave off Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Gallery. I'm a museum professional and a museum junkie, so it's hard to pare down that list. I also need to fit in a 9 mile run, yikes. Of course, I can say "we'll be back someday" but it's likely not for a very long time.

So, how would you group these? Everything is just not quite close enough that it's really challenging for me to figure out the most obviously efficient way to go.

Thanks in advance!!

Posted by
135 posts

Hello Margrietta

Ealing Broadway is not such a bad place to be based travel-wise. It's on the Underground Central Line and also District line, both of which serve loads of very useful stations in the centre of London. In fact, according to the TfL website, it should only take you 30 minutes from Ealing Broadway to Westminster!

The other good news is that you can (loosely) group many of your preferred visits into areas. For instance, the British Library and British Museum are not too far apart; the National Theatre, Westminster Abbey and Tate Britain are a short walk apart from eachother; the V&A and Sir John Soane's Museum are linked by the Piccadilly line (7 stop ride). However Kew is a good bit west and the Tower is in the East of the City. Nevertheless, given the size and scale of the things you want to see, you will be hard-pressed to do them all justice. I would seriously consider whittling your list back a bit, giving yourself more time in fewer places...tough call!

Posted by
6 posts

Well, that's encouraging! What about this:

Day one:

British Museum
Sir John Soane's
Wander/goof off/visit a park or something

Day two:

Kew Gardens
V&A
British Library

Day three:

Tower of London
Ferry to Embankment pier
Walk to Westminster
Walk to Tate Britain

Posted by
9261 posts

Day 1 after the stealth visit to the British Museum and a longer linger at the Sir John Sloane's Museum I suggest lunch at the stunning art deco Blackfriar pub. http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/theblackfriarblackfriarslondon/ From there walk along the Embankment to view the Roman Baths. 15 minute walk.

Day 2
Tower of London first thing. Then a walk up to LeadenHall Market for an early lunch. From there walk to the Monument tube station, take a circle Line train toward Hammersmith. 7 stops about 25 minutes. Exit at King's Cross St Pancras and walk about 3 minutes to the British Library. Visit the Sir John C Ritblatt gallery and everything else that strikes your fancy. Back to your accommodation and off to theatre that night.

Day 3
Tube to Westminster Station exit and enjoy a wander around Parliament Square (Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey), walk along the embankment to Tate Britain. From there walk across the Vauxhall bridge to the station and take either a South West train or the tube to Kew Gardens. Here's the routes: http://tinyurl.com/koyg4sh Bit of time and adventure to get there so you'll need to make a decision if they are truly on the MUST see itinerary.

You'll miss the V and A with itinerary BUT if weather is foul on Day 3 don't go to Kew and see the V and A instead. Flexibility is key when traveling. I can sense your excitement about returning to London. Have fun!!!

Posted by
5866 posts

What days of the week are you there? The British Museum is open late on Fridays.

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