We're visiting London for about a week in early September. Have any of you seen, or know where we might find, a current list of museums and other attractions where advanced reservations are required or strongly encouraged? Thanks.
Posted by
Land of La
8655 posts
Don’t know about such a website but will say, from first hand knowledge following decades of London sojourns: St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Churchill War Rooms, London Eye and Tower of London. Pre book the Postal Museum tour. I’d also make reservations at the Booking Office restaurant inside the Renaisannce St Pancras hotel. Place is gorgeous. Go for a cocktail after a day out. Not cheap but beautifully done.
If there is a popular play or musical you wish to see I’d prebook. Look at the WhatsOnStage website for your travel dates. Hamilton was great, so was Witness to the Prosecution. The later is set in a real courtroom. Highly recommend.
The majority of museums are free. Simply check opening and closing times for each one you wish to visit.
Please note both the British and V & A museums are massive and can take hours to explore.
Schools will be back in session in early September. Less crowding in the museums except for organized outings.
If foodies be sure to check Maltby, Borough and Camden Markets. Harrod’s food halls are fun as is the Mercado Mayfair. Its a former church converted into a food hall. Consider a day out and visit Greenwich. See the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Academy then grab lunch at Greenwich market.
Interesting, not on the usual tourist lists:
1.) Seeing the red fallow deer in the massive Richmond Park.
2.) Walk along the Regents Canal tow path.
3.) Horniman Museum and Gardens
4.) Karl Marx’s tomb Highgate Cemetary
5.) If you love Art Deco see if Eltham Palace is open during your stay.
6.) Visit Liberty
7.) appreciate the Street art and wall murals in Shoreditch
8.) Columbia Flower Market on Sunday
9.) Cadogan Hall. Check its websites for music offerings
10.) A true pub experience; Anchor and Hope on the Riverside. Not in London central but in an area very few tourists see. Take a Thameslink Train to Charlton. 20 minute stroll to the Anchor and Hope. OR visit The Dove pub in Hammersmith.
London is always enjoyable. I return next month.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Claudia, Thanks so much for the long and thoughtful response. Much appreciated!
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8364 posts
Everyone at Westminster Abbey stands in the same line. It really doesn't matter if you have prebooked tickets as far as the line goes. The one difference it might make would be if the Abbey had reached capacity. In May, there was no need for advanced reservations. This may have changed as summer comes or if you arrive later in the day. We were there at opening.