London solo itinerary suggestions

Check for St Marten in the Field's Concerts.

Check for British Museum and other major museums' Events and Lectures.

Bring your 'brolly.

I realized a little more info would be helpful!
Afternoon tea - a must do and maybe somewhere unique. Tea bus perhaps?
Day trips - I would be open to a couple of day trips. I really have not seen much else of England, so suggestions would be helpful. Cotswolds? Oxford? Bath? I might like to see Highclere Castle.
Must dos - I will for sure do the Buckingham Palace deluxe tour, I need to visit Liberty (for fabric!), theatre (nothing in particular, probably a matinee so I am not walking around late at night).
Museums - although I like museums, I do not want this itinerary to be museum heavy and I have been to most over the years.
London Eye - I have never done this and am wondering if it's worth it.
Relaxing moments - because my feet aren't what they used to be, I will likely take a Thames boat ride and maybe even a loop on the Hop On Hop Off. I've done both, but they are a nice way to relax and see more of the city.
I hope that narrows things down a bit!

A few points. As far as I can see there are no tours of Buckingham Palace available in November. It’s only open during summer and for a few odd days.

Day trips- in November it will be dark by 5pm. I wouldn’t do the Cotswolds in November, it’s really better in summer and much easier with a car. Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury etc are all easy trips from London and there are indoor things to see if the weather is bad (it might be, it might not be). If you’d like to go to a country house you should check opening times. Some don’t open or have restricted hours after the clocks change at the end of October.

Whilst there is crime in London, like any big city, it is one of the safest in the world and you shouldn’t have problems walking home (or getting a bus or tube train) after an evening theatre performance.

Congratulations on your retirement! Excellent gift choice.

Check the London Walks schedule (walks.com) they have tons of offerings and it's a nice way to interact with people on a solo trip. They have some day trip options and guided museum options too. Depending on when you are going in November there may be some Christmas lights up (see this thread https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/when-to-go-to-london-for-christmas-lights). Though you said you want less museums, I did enjoy Sir John Soane's little house/museum, just the right size. If there is a specific show you want to see, I recommend buying tickets in advance. Last minute tickets are always an option of course but no guarantee if you want a favorite. And I wouldn't limit yourself to just matinees, there are many people out and about and you could always splurge on a taxi if you were feeling uncomfortable.

I have stayed in Notting Hill area three times, but the property is no longer in business unfortunately. You might look at Vancouver Studios which is near where I have stayed. It is nice to come back to a relatively quiet neighborhood to relax.

And don't forget to apply for your ETA ahead of time and use the official government website to do so. Many posts on this topic in the forum.

Happy planning!

Congratulations Janet. I am retired and you will love retirement.

I am a senior who has only been to London once and did it as a solo.

I stayed at Hotel 63 which was recommended to me by forum. There are two single rooms. I would recommend that you go higher if it is your budget. If you book one of the singles, do not book the cheapest. Go with the more expensive single.

It was across from Kensington Gardens which I loved. I could have sat there all day, even all week.

ADDED. Link to Hotel 63
https://hotel63.co.uk

Three literary site suggestions come to mind.

In 2010, I visited Shakespeare's Globe Theater (https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/). It's located in the area where two theaters that hosted Shakespeare's plays were located: the site of the original Globe Theater -- today, the courtyard of a private apartment building, which is viewable -- and the site of the Rose Theater. The Rose site is treated as an archeological site with visitors allowed in to see it. The original stage can be seen and is outlined by an LED lighting strip under water from the Thames River; officials fear the stage would collapse if they removed the water, so they keep it submerged.

Shakespeare's Globe Theater, the modern one, was built according to construction methods of the Elizabethan era, with only three or four differences, such as electricity. The theater offers tours, which are definitely worth it, and has an excellent museum. To top it off, I strongly recommend a play. Plays are held practically every night. You can stand in the pit, like an Elizabethan peasant; that's what I did! -- or get a seat.

Next, take the Oxford Tube (https://www.oxfordtube.com/), which is a bus, to Oxford from London to see C.S. Lewis's home, the Kilns: https://www.cslewis.org/ourprograms/thekilns/kilnstour/. The bus is about 1.5 hours or so. You could also tour Oxford University while you're there, but Lewis's house is something like 5 miles outside Oxford city center. Also visit the Eagle and Child pub, where the Inklings (Lewis's writing buddies, would meet to talk about literature and drink beer.

Next, go back to London to see the Charles Dickens Home: https://dickensmuseum.com/). My sister was there three weeks ago and loved it.

Bonus recommendation: Visit the Handel Hendrix House in London: https://handelhendrix.org/. George Frederick Handel, the great German composer, and Jimi Hendrix, the rock god, lived in the same London house only 200 years apart.

The Oxford tube is a good way to get to Oxford and you can get off in the town centre whereas the train station is a 10 minute or so walk away. It’s worth booking a tour of the Bodleain library. You can only see the good bits on a tour and the 90 minute tour gets fully booked some time in advance.

Although you can see the exterior of the Eagle and Child, I think it’s currently closed for renovations. My favourite pub for lunch or dinner is the Turf Tavern shoehorned between New College Lane and Holywell Street.

It’s worth going into a College to get a feel for the place but many now charge for entry (notably Christ Church with its Harry Potter connection). Wadham College, near the Turf Tavern, is free and the front Quad looks like what most people expect of an Oxford college.

If you are interested in Liberty fabric also look here
www.shaukat.co.uk

If you want any advice on where to shop for fabric in London just ask.

Also don’t feel you need to restrict yourself to a theatre matinee. London is as busy when the theatres throw out as it is during the day. Lots of people and very safe.

Just echoing that I was a little nervous about walking back after an evening musical but my daughter and I did just fine. It was dark outside but well lit and busy.

Janet, you didn't mention a budget for your hotel, but I loved The Resident Victoria, which is in a wonderful and very convenient location. It was a 7-8 minute walk to Victoria Station and/or Victoria Coach Station, a 5 minute walk to the newer Victoria Underground Station (Cardinal Place), which serves 3 lines (District, Circle and Victoria), and close to many sights (Buckingham Palace was only a few blocks away). More importantly, there were loads of restaurants, cafes, take-away places and groceries within a 5 minute walk, yet the hotel itself sits on a quiet side street with barely any noise. https://www.residenthotels.com/locations/victoria

I especially enjoyed the social hour they have every evening at 6 pm where guests can partake of complimentary wine, non-alcohol drinks and snacks. It was so much fun meeting some of the other guests, and would be especially nice for a solo guest. If you do book, definitely become a member beforehand as you get 15% off, plus can get early check in (noon) and a late check-out (3pm). Each room has a kitchenette with a stove, fridge, dishwasher, dishes, Nespresso machine and so on.

They have other locations in London as well. The staff was incredible and it was such a nice place to stay. I will definitely stay here again. One caveat is that they do not offer breakfast, but honestly, I didn’t miss it. I had the kitchenette handy, Gail's bakery is nearby as is a Pret a Manger. We were minutes away from Westminster Abbey and many other historic sites. I can't say enough good things about this hotel and this location, and will definitely stay here again.

In April 2025 I spent a week in London solo. I stayed at The Bailey's Hotel across from the Gloucester Road Underground Station with the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow and the Circle and District Lines as well as several convenient bus routes. It is walking distance to Kensington Gardens and the V & A Museum.

Regarding theatres, as others have said there will be loads of people on the streets after the performances. Absolutely no worries of safety.

Take a look at London Walks mentioned previously. They offer both day and evening walks including Westminster by Gaslight. I took their Hampstead Village Walk followed by Sunday roast at The Spaniards and a visit to Kenwood House.

Since many London museums are free, save those for backup plans in case the weather isn't cooperating.

I didn't do an afternoon tea, but did enjoy a cream tea break at Huffkins inside the John Lewis department store on Oxford St.

When in November? Christmas at Kew starts November 13 and runs to January. You'd need tickets ahead of time and if this is of interest I'd go ahead and get them.

https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/christmas

I've wanted to go to this for years!

I honestly would not do Bath as a day trip. To me there is so much to see and do there that it needs a couple of nights. I'd not take nights out of just a week in London to do it. Plus your days will be short this time of year so you'd be going and coming in the dark.

Are you interested in WWII history? Bletchley Park, where they cracked the Enigma code, is a great day's trip.

I've got reservations at Mardee's suggested Residence hotel for this winter. I've always stayed at The Lime Tree on Ebury street but it's out of my price range now.

What an awesome retirement trip!

For a day trip, we quite enjoyed going out to Canterbury last month. We did a walking tour, visited the Cathedral, went to Westgate, did a punting tour (November could be chilly for that, but who knows anymore with the weather??), and visited a few pubs.

Again, depending on weather, a Thames cruise could be chilly, but we went out to Greenwich for most of a day to see the Observatory and went to Greenwich Market before getting the boat back to London. It was so lovely and a great way to see London sites from a different perspective.

I have done the London Eye three times - champagne experience only (you can get NA drinks or don't have to drink at all) because all three times it has been a small group. I have found the views nice, and people are generally friendly. I always book the latest time, and it has worked well (twice at the end of March and once in mid-April).

I have been to London solo a few times and going to the theater has never been a problem getting out at night. I have also enjoyed the early tour at the National Portrait Gallery (you get in before they open), London Walks as others have suggested (tons of options depending on your preference), afternoon tea.

To add, I have been staying at the Hotel Indigo Kensington my past four trips to London - the hotel is a two-minute walk to the Earl's Court Tube station and near a few bus routes. A lovely hotel with great staff. I stayed there solo in January 2025 and had a great stay. Have also stayed twice with my fiance and once with a girl friend. Have never felt unsafe.

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement.

The thing to keep in mind about November is the weather is unpredictable, and it gets dark early, so you want to concentrate on indoor activities. Oxford, Cambridge, or Bath would all be good options. I'm not sure if Highclere Castle is open at that time so you would need to check. Windsor is another good one, altho that is so close to London it barely feels like a trip!

As mentioned above, Buckingham Palace is only open for visits in the summer. Windsor Castle might be a nice alternative.

The London Eye is fine, but I might spend my money/time on other experiences first. If you've not been to Greenwich, that's a nice way to spend a day, in including taking the boat one or both ways. I agree the Kew lights would be another good option.

I know you've mentioned you don't want this to be museum heavy, but there are so many small museums that you may not even have heard of that you might like- if you can share a bit more about your interests I can recommend some.

And I agree with others that you don't need to worry about walking around in the evening on your own. Especially at the time that theatres let out it's very busy.

Enjoy your trip! I have done solo trips to London, Oxford, and the Cotsolds, and enjoyed myself very much.

I would also encourage you to consider what I call "house museums." This would include the Handel-Hendrix house, which I loved. Sir John Soanes, yes. Also Dennis Severs house, a very different experience. And on a larger scale, Leighton House and the nearby Sambourne house.

I had lighter meals at pubs, I do like a nice pasty/pie, meat or veg. I also like Indian food; Dishoom (multiple locations) has smaller dishes, so you can order more than one if you want. I also took myself out for a fancy high-end Indian dinner. As a solo traveler, you can eat wherever you want!

I took several London Walks; I and my family have taken many over the years. They are always fascinating to me.

What's your budget for lodging?

Congratulations on your retirement, and on your trip!

I am 70+and travel solo to London. I have seen several evening performances of plays and have felt safe leaving the theaters. There are so many people out at night. Of course, if a matinee better suits you, that should work.

Thank you so much to everyone for the wonderful suggestions! I am researching the suggested hotels and museums. I love the idea of the smaller, unique museums. I will definitely be doing a couple of London walks and will seriously consider what day trip I may take. And you guys are right...no need to use good daylight for theatre. I will be safe coming home with the crowds after an evening performance.

I'm not sure if the extended run is sold out yet, but check to see if there are still tickets for the Queen Elizabeth II Life in Style exhibit at The King's Gallery. I went in April and it was absolutely fantastic. Seeing her wedding and coronation gowns up close was amazing (so much meaning in both of them). I listened to the entire audioguide and took my time, and I was there for a little over two hours.

Frequent London in November visitor.

Born when Truman was in office. I travel solo.

Couple of options for museums, sites, restaurants, pubs that might interest you.

1.) Bletchley Park. Figured I visit for a couple of hours. Spent 4.

2.) Hunterian Museum by Lincoln Inn Fields.

3.) The Dove Pub in Hammersmith and then walk along the Thames River path to Hammersmith Bridge.

4.) The Seven Stars pub by the Royal Court. If you like cats hopefully The General will say hello.
https://www.thesevenstars1602.co.uk/

5.) Parkland Trail if you’d like an easy pleasant stroll.

6.) Breakfast at the Blue Owl in Finsbury Park
https://theblueowl.cafe/

7.) If Operation Mincemeat or Witness for the Prosecution are still on stage, get tickets for either or both.

8.) Mari’s Deli in Hammersmith is great for breakfast or lunch and then a walk along the Thames path. https://maridelidining.com/

9.) Great Chinese food at the Dragon Inn in Richmond.

10.) Another lovely pub with a great owner, Chris, and best pub dog, Rudi.

https://themitretw9.co.uk/