Hi all,
I am currently in the researching stage of vacation planning. We are a late 50s, active, fit couple from the US. Into walking, good food, interesting neighborhoods, pubs, local music, not too much into museums. We are sadly limited to July for our travels which I know is the height of tourist season.
We will be in London bookending our other travel plans this year so not quite sure how to figure out best timeframe to work an itinerary around. We will be arriving on a Thursday around 10:30 AM and probably a bit jet lagged. Staying at the Ashburn Hotel in Kensington and probably will get there around 1:00 due to clearing customs and 90 minute train from Heathrow to Ashburn. We have tickets for the Globe Theatre that evening at 7:30 which I shamefacedly admit, I might blow off or leave at admission if we are too tired.
The following day and evening (Friday) we have in London. Then we leave for Switzerland fairly early on Saturday morning. So that gives us probably a day and a half on the way there.
On the way back from Switzerland, again we will be arriving in London on a Tuesday around 7 PM and staying the night. And then we have half the next day (Wednesday) as we need to be at the airport by around 1:00 pm
Would love to do some walking (Self guided), would love some old pubs
So here is what I have thus far:
THURSDAY July 11
Arrive at Ashburn Hotel and store luggage
LUNCH WHERE?? Need ideas for lunch. Either old pub or Indian. Could be near the hotel or near Westminster
Take the District line or Circle line to Westminster (under 15 minutes)
Westminster Abbey Tour, House of Parliament/Big Ben (walk past)
Nap at hotel
GLOBE Theater 7:30 PM TIX
FRIDAY July 12 FULL DAY London:
Tube from ohotel to Tower Hill
Go to the Tower of London and skip the Crown Jewels (not keen to wait in line and not that interested), then walk across Tower Bridge and along the river to Borough Market, get lunch there and then continue along the South Bank before crossing the river again at the Millennium Footbridge
St Paul for Evensong at 5 pm
TUESDAY July 23 arrive hotel 7 pm
Would love to do something but what? How is Trafalgar Square at night?
Dinner suggestions? Historic Pubs?
WEDNESDAY July 24-need to be at airport by 1:30
Would we be able to do a cruise on the Thames without worrying (and we will have our carry on sized luggage)?
Thanks to all for your input, feedback, etc.
Posted by
Austin, Tx
149 posts
Since you like pubs, why don’t you add Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese after St Paul’s. It’s within walking distance and worth a visit.
Personally I wouldn’t go to Trafalgar Sq at night, not sure there is much to do. Maybe Covent Garden area instead...?
I’ll leave the July 24th question to someone else....I’m really not sure.
Posted by
Land of La
8645 posts
You are about a 15 minute stroll to the Queens Arms Pub which are in the Queens Gate Mews. Good food, tiny pub. Then walk over to see the Prince Albert Memorial. Walk back, nap, off to theatre. Or you could walk a few minutes to Nandos, eat, walk back, nap and then theatre.
Or if going to Westminster the 2 Chairman, Grafton Arms or The Feathers are traditional and have food. So does the Red Lion on White Hall.
Posted by
UK
1015 posts
If you get to the Tower of London first thing when it opens on Friday, you’ll get into the Crown Jewels without a queue if you go straight there. Even if you don’t think you’re interested, they’re pretty amazing.
Trafalgar Square at night is not particularly a thing. Much more a daytime gathering place. Nearby Covent Garden with its many pubs and restaurants is a good place for a stroll and some people watching, if that’s what you’re after.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thanks all for your suggestions. Much appreciated. I will definitely put Covent Gardens on my list for that evening as a stroll and people watching would be perfect.
I would definitely see the Crown Jewels if there is a short line. I just don't want to get tied up in hours of waiting when I have so little time. I am sad about not being able to see Churchill War Rooms this time around but I don't think I can fit it in anywhere.
Does anyone have any advice about the 24th? Our flight leaves at 4:20 so I am thinking we would need to be at the airport around 1 ish and Heathrow is so far from everything else. We aren't too much for museums although our hotel is in the Museum District. I am thinking Kensington Gardens might be our best bet and we can leave our luggage at the hotel.
Posted by
Chicago
1323 posts
For departure date, my rule is not to do anything that isn’t in walking distance of the hotel. By the end of the trip, I’m usually pretty tired and burned out . I’ve often used that short time to buy inexpensive souvenirs.
So, I wouldn’t try to squeeze a Thames cruise in on departure day. You don’t want to run into an unexpected protest or tube station closure and then be sweating it to get back to the hotel and then get to the airport.