London itinerary- any suggestions?

Hi Susan and Monte --
The British Museum is HUGE, as I think you know.
I would recommend planning in advance what you want to see there and just focusing on that.
The Rosetta Stone is pretty cool, as are the Elgin Marbles (which the Greeks have built an entire museum for in the hopes of their someday being returned.)
You'll have busy days, but I know you can manage them!
Sharyn

I highly reccomend the London Walks company for a great walking tour of London. We did two walks and wish we had done more! We wanted to do the Pub Walk also, but we got too busy.
Have you looked at the London Days out guide? http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london
They have two for one coupons for the Tower of London. I printed the coupon at home and presented at purchase, no problem. You do need a national rail ticket.

Have fun!

Thanks for the ideas!

And, for those that have not followed the "drama", this trip is for 7 adults age 20-90. This itinerary is a skeleton that we will use and then people can deviate off of it if they want to see other things. It is hard to know if I've planned too much or not enough, or not enough "other things" than museums. My hope is that it will not be rushed, we can take the time we want, and then also feel full enough to keep everyone happy.

One more thing:

We have three college students. I have bought some tickets online at the student rate. We also plan to buy more tickets in London. Will their college student ID's be enough to get those discounts? It worked fine in Paris, but I guess I shouldn't assume anything!

The International Student ID Card ($25 per person) is designed to be a recognizable form of student ID, so that staff of various nationalities don't have to read and recognize student ID cards from various institutions. Whether that's absolutely necessary for your London sites that charge admission, I don't know. But I did find this on the very fine print of the Buckingham Palace web site:

Children under the age of 5 are admitted free of charge. Different terms may from time to time be offered to children aged 5 to 16 (inclusive), adults (aged 17 and over), students (on presentation of an International Student or NUS identity card) and over 60s (aged 60 and over).

Your schedule already looks good. Just in case you have to switch things around. The British Museum stays open late one night a week, Friday. Regular hours are from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Friday hours are 10:00 am to 8:30 pm.

You did it! I have followed this saga and the work you have put into considering all the various dynamics. Congratulations and I hope you have a marvelous time. Would love to read a Trip Report when you get back.

Thanks for all the help and encouragement! So, you think it all sounds ok?

My sister is afraid we have too much on Friday. But, so many great places to see, it is hard to adjust them best to make the most of our time.

sounds good to me ... I'm sure you will be flexible. Have a great trip....

Ok, thanks everyone for all your help!

Since you're traveling with a few "older" persons (I'm 70!), don't hesitate to ask for the "concession" price when you buy tickets for them -- say, at the theatre.

It's good to plan the outline of a trip -- the very last thing you want is to be sitting in your hotel room or rental flat at 0900 saying, "...I don't know, what would you like to do??" Just don't become a slave to your schedule. Your older traveling companions may run out of gas before the younger ones, so take that into consideration.

I always like to plan a mid-week "vacation" from my vacation -- a half or even a full day with nothing planned. Gives you time to go back to that little shop you found, or the museum you left far too early.

London is a city for walkers. As someone else mentioned, I really like the guided walks put on by London Walks (www.walks.com). Over the years, I've taken dozens and dozens of their guided walks and always enjoyed them! (They have a concession price, too!)

Have a wonderful trip!

Mike P.
Shawnee KS USA

I'm very sure he would be an excellent guide! I'll play the lottery and let you know if we can afford you!