We will be staying at an Air B and B in near Hyde Park. We would like to see Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, British Museum, V & A Museum, Tate Modern, Churchill War Room, and The Globe Theater (maybe see a show), Harrod's, and a good flea market. Can anyone help me schedule this in the most efficient way? Estimate of time at we will need at each place would be very helpful. Also, which places we should buy advanced tickets. We will be there Thursday Aug 29 thru Sept 1, leaving on Sept 2. Thank you for your help!
Posted by
Land of La
8688 posts
Do you have computer?
- Use Google Maps and type in Big Ben London. Then click on Satellite view. Learn how to use the zoom and you’ll see what is where. Parliament Westminster Abbey London Eye Churchill War Rooms Buckingham Palace Horse Guards Trafalgar Square Are all within walking distance of one another.
- YES best to book your tickets in advance.
- Only you can decide how long you will take to see something. Hard to estimate not knowing your patience level or interests.
- Get a copy of the extremely helpful and insightful RS London guidebook and read it cover to cover. Will help you understand how to obtain local currency, use public transport, neighborhoods, etc
- None of us on the forum are professional travel planners.
Posted by
London, England.
661 posts
Sunday 1st Sept is an ideal flea market day... if it’s nice weather. Highly recommend Old Spitalfields Market and then on to Brick Lane. Endless street food from all over the world and lots of nice boutique shops and stalls for all kinds of trinkets and knick knacks. Can also swing by Boxpark Shoreditch if you have any energy left. Great part of town, not traditionally touristy... in a good way.
Your schedule might need to be fluid based on weather... outdoors stuff like Tower of London if nice weather, indoors stuff like the museums if its not... no way to know until a day or so before.
Get to places before they open if not committing to tickets ahead of time.
You have listed quite a lot for four days.
Posted by
Los Angeles
957 posts
Here's an idea:
1. Westminster Abbey (closed for tours on Sundays) and the Churchill War Room on one day (go online and buy tickets in advance; you have to pick a timeslot)
2. Friday or Sat: Tower of London, walk across the Thames River to Borough Market, then to the Tate Modern (Tate is open until 9pm on Fri and Sat)
3. V&A and Harrod's are close together. See them on the same day (and have lunch at a historic pub in the area like The Nagshead, Star Tavern or The Grenadier).
For markets:
Portobello Road in Notting Hill has a great market (Saturday is the "best")
Brick Lane has a great market on Sundays
Borough Market is a food market but open every day except Sundays
Oh! And walking tours... I personally think a walking tour on your first day is the best way to quickly get acclimated, see lots of sites and get recommendations for restaurants, pubs, etc. Check out: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/london-tours/#walk
Hope this helps!