London Newbies

We have never flown overnight so we know to be cautious and to keep ourselves awake until past 8. However, we will want to do something that keeps us awake, doesn't require a timed admission on that first day. Probably near our hotel. Any Suggestions?

I used to follow that philosophy but the more I travel and the older I get, the more I find that I benefit greatly from a quick power nap in the early afternoon. Seriously, once I have that, I can go on till much later than I could in the past, and I feel much more alert. So you might want to consider that. Once you get to London, head to your hotel and check in if possible, then rest a bit. You don't even need to fall asleep—just doze for about 30 minutes.

And with regards to Westminster Abbey, I highly recommend a visit there, but you do not need to hire a guide. Just take the tube there from your hotel in Kensington. Book your ticket ahead if possible, then once you enter, sign up right away for one of the Verger tours, which are free, and will give you an indepth look at the abbey.

Have you thought about having afternoon tea? Would your husband be into that? It's a fun experience but if you're more into active things to do, you might save it for a future trip (hopefully) when you have more time.

I think Mardee means Verger tour, and I absolutely agree with her. The Verger tour was excellent. Guide was knowledgeable and even a bit funny.

Been to London for. a few days once and loved it.

I can offer that I went to V & A Museum and it was wonderful. Allow at least a half day if possible but really it deserves more time.

My hotel was across from Kensington Gardens. I could have sat in Kensington Gardens all week. It was also wonderful.

I use wonderful a lot don't I?

A friend walked me all over and i am not even certain all the places that we went to.

But we did go to The National Gallery which was I think in Trafalgar Square

And, yes, it was all wonderful.

I believe that both museums were free, My memory is that National Gallery had a good cafeteria. Can not remember if V & A did.

If you end up loving London as much as I do then 3 days will be a bite sized snack leaving you wishing for more. If you decide on Westminster Abbey, consider tacking on a ticket to the Queen's Galleries. And don't forget you need to book a timed entry in advance for Westminster Abbey.

Take a look at London Walks for guided tours for the days you'll be in London. https://www.walks.com/

A few thoughts from me:

-That day with a walk along the South Bank sound very nice- there are also plenty of sights along the way like Shakespeare's Globe, Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market, etc.
-For me, Kensington Palace and V&A are a lot for half a day- I would pick one or the other.
-I agree with Mardee, don't worry about taking a short nap if you need to. When I fly home from the US I normally wind up taking a nap at some point on the day I arrive and it's totally fine.
-For a nice activity on that first half day I would go for a nice walk in the park- you'll be very close to Regents Park staying in Euston.
-I'm not totally sure what hexmoor or 58th street are?
-Westminster Abbey is one of the top sites in London for me, and I agree with doing a Verger tour. I also really recommend Tower of London if you just have enough time to see a few sights. You can actually climb Big Ben but you need to get tickets right when they go on sale. Check here: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/big-ben-tour/. We did it earlier this year and loved it.

Good luck with your planning!

I had to Google Hexmoor and 58th Street too.

https://hexmoor.co.uk/ A "wizarding prison" cocktail bar in Hackney Road.

https://58thstreet.co.uk/ -

Step back in time to 1930s New York for a night of unbridled glamour and total immersion. Three sets of wild jazz, a 6-course Park Avenue feast, and a Pandora’s box of Jazz Age tales and wicked surprises...

That's in Peckham Rye.

Both sound like interesting experiences off the beaten track!

Oh, interesting! I see it's by The Lost Estate- I'm wondering whether that might be the same people as the ones behind Lost (who formerly did Secret Cinema). Whoever they are they might want to check their geography as they claim to be Harlem jazz but are named 58th Street which puts them a good three miles south of Harlem! It looks fun, anyway.

think Mardee means Verger tour,

Ha ha, yes, I do! I've been taking care of last minute things on my upcoming trip and my brain is fried! I will fix it, lol! Thanks for the catch, Jules!

I'm wondering whether that might be the same people as the ones behind Lost (who formerly did Secret Cinema).

It is! Very well deduced. They have been doing these experience events for a long time so I'd imagine it's a well thought out production.

As regards the Sleeper the lounge at Euston (on Platform 1) is open from 6pm for Club and Caledonian Double passengers, where you can have a shower and food and drink. You should be called from the lounge for boarding at 8.30pm.

Other passengers should be called for boarding at 8.40pm.

Platform 1 is where the 15 car train should leave from.

There is also a lounge at Fort William where the same passenger grades can get a snack and freshen up with a shower. It is open until 1230.

Passengers in the cheapest rooms (the Classic rooms) don't get to use the lounges.

If you are on time (today it was 4 hours late) then the Jacobite steam train will be simmering on the other platform at Fort William when you arrive.

My first question is what to do on that first day.

My suggestion is

1. the Canal Museum
2. follow the canal to Camden Lock Market (though it is not as much fun as it was in the 80s)
3. London Zoo
4. Regents Park
5. Back to your hotel

This should give you lots of fresh air and exercise to combat sleep deprivation.