London itinerary (3 or 4 days)

I'll let the locals suggest the best public transport option. I do wonder why on a weekend would you'd opt to see the changing of the guard? It's June, crowds will be huge any day but on a weekend?!!! Just to get a good viewing sight you'll need to stand for two hours. Might you reconsider? Maybe start Sunday at Borough Market. Then visit St Paul's. Lunch at Leadenhall Market, the walk past the Tower of London to Tower Bridge. After Tower Bridge I'd head to Spitafield's Market. From there back on the tube toward your hotel and maybe a sunset ride on the London Eye ( prebooked of course). Dinner. Bed. Monday: Changing of the guard. Get there at least an hour earlier to stake out a spot to view it. Afterwards take a lovely stroll thru St james Park along birdcage walk over to Westminster Abbey. Tour the Abbey. From there tube to Trafalgar Square, have a late lunch at cafe in the crypt St martins in the field or in the National Gallery cafe. Back out into the hustle and bustle to visit Covent Garden. Then back to Parliament Square to get in line for evensong at the Abbey. Walk across Westminster Bridge back to your hotel. Bed. Tuesday: British Museum, which, depending on desire and stamina can take hours. I'd try to balance this day with something as fun as popping into Liberty for some shopping or tea at Fortum and Mason? Maybe after the British Museum a stroll in Kensington gardens. A balance of interior and exterior exploration. Maybe even picnic in Hyde Park. It will be all about pacing yourself, knowing things will be crowded and using public transport. Enjoy.

Claudia, my web information shows Borough Market open six days a week, but closed on Sundays. Do you know something different, or is that an interesting area to visit even with the market closed? I'm interested because I arrive in London later this month on a Sunday, early morning, have the day free, and just love good markets.

I'm afraid that Sunday at Borough Market is a lonely place as it is closed. Monday and Tuesday are a keyed way down experience and only open for lunch.

Changing the Guard at Horseguards Parade tends to be a much more intimate affair than at Buck House (the Palace) where you can get much closer, and no wrought iron fence in the way - and there are horses and shining breastplates, too. Of course you miss being in THE place but many including me prefer it.

Are you on the 11:31 Eurostar or the 12:01 or the 12:25? Either way, you absolutely need to be checked in 30 minutes prior to departure time or you won't go - I generally recommend an hour. There is loads of food in St Pancras but you can't take coffees through security. You can take bottled liquids through, and there is a WH Smiths and a Caffe Nero in the waiting area after passport control and security. Also free wifi - pretty good wifi, and a counter where you can sit on a stool and use your charger. The wifi is available free throughout all of St Pancras, including all the areas not in the Eurostar area.

Apologies. Borough market is indeed closed on Sundays. Larry depending on how far you wish to travel, http://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/sunday-markets-in-london

Thank you everyone so much for the great suggestions and advices. All is very helpful.
Emma, the reason why I was thinking to buy two separate tickets (airport to westminster; and travel card for 7 days) was because to take the advantage of 2 for 1 deals that come with 7 day travel card purchased at waterloo station. I see that 7 days travel card zone 1-2 is 32.2 GBP (cheapest) but it won't cover the ride from Heathrow so I will have to purchase one ride ticket for that. I might use 2 for 1 deal for London Tower only or perhaps London Eye as well, though.

I will probably skip the changing the guard (it won't be good for my mother if we have to stand and wait long enough for better view) based on the suggestion. Then any suggestion to fill in Sunday in addition to V and A?

Many thanks again!

Jeahn,

Consider the smaller 'changing of the (horse) guard' in Horse Guards Parade on Sunday morning around 10am, no need to get there early, and still interesting to watch.

Also, if your mum is not up to standing for a time, will she be ok with the HUGE museums you are proposing?

Even the Tower of London can be tough with all the large stairs and narrow passageways.

Not trying to put you off, just want your mum to have a great time also. When I take my Dad to London for the day, I have to plan the day with minimal stairs and walking, and he's not in too bad shape... for his age.

For shopping, consider Westfield in Shepherds Bush, hundreds of shops and 50+ restaurants/coffee shops in one place. Plenty of places to sit and people watch while you shoot in and out of shops, if your mum is tired. Certainly less stressful that Oxford Street and not weather dependant. Shops don't open until midday on Sundays.

Don't buy too much! you are going to Paris afterwards.

Tower Bridge and Tower of London are next to each other, do on the same trip :o)

Good luck.

If emma ever contradicts me, go with what emma says... she's generally right :o)

Actually now I think about it, I don't have mobility issues and Westfield can be tiring, and it's a no-no at weekends.

Agree Mike, Elizabeth doesn't rule, Emma does ( at least on this forum!).

I'm not a shopping maven but if your are keeping the original Sunday plan minus the changing of the guard I'd add afternoon tea at Fortum and Manson after you finished at the National Gallery. Could walk over to it if you felt up to it. They are stellar shops along Jermyn street to window shop. Or take the tube to Green Park and walk back up a few blocks to F & M. I think you both enjoy Fortum and Mason for tea and browsing.

you guys think that Westfield Shepherds Bush is busy? You want to get over to Stratford (where you can see a memorial to scrap iron - what an icon for the Olympics!!) and have a go at Westfield there. On the weekends you need a wedge to force your way through the teeming throng. Makes Shepherds Bush look tame.

emma, if you're thinking t-shirts... my royalty fees are very reasonable :o)

Claudia, I am our Queen's loyal subject and couldn't possibly comment. :o) God Save the Queen!

Mike, Emma, don't forget coasters, placemats, and key chains in the marketing campaign!!!