london before tour starts

Under "Explore Europe" above left you can click your way to London and our host's suggestions on what to see. If your tour will include time in London, you can save the sights it covers till then.

I've stayed in the Paddington area. While not the most charming neighborhood, it's convenient and safe. Three tube lines go through there so you can easily get anywhere in London.

Order RS London book. Stay down in central area. Walk Piccadilly and the local parks. Tower of London buckingham palace. Westminster Abby. Take in a theatre. Definitely go out to Windsor. We are doing the Sept 15 tour but going early on to Bath for the for the Jane Austen festival.

My favorites are the Tower, Churchill’s War room and Windsor. I would do them again.

London is one of those places we go through from Seattle and it is always worth staying over as is Paris Amsterdam and Rome. We are doing Amsterdam this year on our way home.

Safe Travels
Don
Seattle

Your Best of England tour will include Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. I'd wait to book anything until your final itinerary comes out at about 30 days before you travel when you also get your roster and the name of your guide.

I'd consider the Churchill War Rooms if you have an interest in WWII. Also the British Museum and National Gallery are favorites of mine and are free.

Since you are going in August, Buckingham Palace State Rooms will also be open to tour if that is of interest. You can also visit the Queens Gallery which has a special exhibition of drawings from Leonardo da Vinci in honor of the 500th anniversary of his death.

Buckingham Palace: https://www.rct.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace
Queens Gallery: https://www.rct.uk/visit/the-queens-gallery-buckingham-palace https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/exhibitions/leonardo-da-vinci-a-life-in-drawing/the-queens-gallery-buckingham

If you are arriving Friday from the US you might be a bit jet-lagged so do try to walk around outside in the sunshine. I usually head for Saint James' Park and walk thru there and Green Park to get acclimated.

You will be spoiled for choice in London!

I'd go out to Bath in the AM so you get there before lunch. You can drop off your luggage as your room might not be ready and then head out to see some of the interesting things there!

See if you can get tickets to tour Buckingham Palace as it is open to the public July- mid October. Timed ticket entrance. Go to the Royal Trust(www.rct.uk )website to book. Next Westminster Abbey, then Tower of London. But I think they may be covered by your RS tour.
The Churchill War Rooms would be my next choice, incredible history. Book tickets online ahead to avoid LONG lines.
All museums are free including the British Museum. You do not have much extra time so compare these suggestions to what your tour covers. Your Number 1 priority should be Buckingham Palace then Churchill War Rooms.
Windsor Castle would take a day and you really only have one day.

If you have the time and feel up to it I would suggest a self guided walking tour on your arrival day. Getting out and about in the daylight helps with getting over jet lag. I like RIck’s city walk. It covers a number of historic sites.

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/london

It will be actually a day and a half as you’ll have to battle jet lag.

With that in mind on your day of arrival stay outside.

I always enjoy walking along the Thames Path or down Oxford or Regent streets. Allows your senses to get adjusted to the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city.

Spend time on Friday looking around your neighborhood for the nearest Underground station, bank ATM, coffee spot, market, pub and a Pret a Manger.

Get your pounds, bottles of water (still water unless you like fizzy) and snacks. Get your Oyster (s). ( refundable deposit ) and your pounds. If it’s near lunch time visit the Pret A Manager, get some food and picnic in the closest park. Hyde Park is lovely by the Serpentine.

OR if closer to dinner head off to the pub enjoy some pub grub and a pint. Walk and explore afterwards.

Saturday is time to experience Portobello Market. Go early before 10am to beat the masses.

Tube to Nottinghill and stroll up to Portobello Rd and the market. Lots of eye candy and an enjoyable first view of Londoners and tourists enjoying the market.

Gail’s Bakery is good for coffee.

After the market walk back towards Notting Hill underground station and at Bayswater road turn left. Walk about 4-5 blocks, cross the road and stroll into Kensington Gardens passing the Princess Diana Memorial Playground and on to the Round Pond and adjacent Kensington Palace.

From there walk to the Albert Memorial. Cross the road, look at Royal Albert Hall then head towards the V & A museum. Good gift shop, cafe and toilets.

After meandering and refurbishing walk over to Old Brompton Road and window shop. Heck if you want from the V & A you can walk to Harrods to have tea and cake.

Lots to see and explore before meeting up for the tour. Merely depends on your stamina and what’s of interest.

Consider taking one of the excellent guided "London Walks." http://www.walks.com/ I did two of these walks last month and really enjoyed them. You simply choose a walk and show up at the designated location. No need to make a reservation. I ended up choosing tours that were close to my hotel and fit my schedule. They were both fantastic!