London--What to do for a few hours before RS Tour starts

Well, personally I’d do the Churchill War Rooms. I find them so fascinating, knowing this is where Churchill and the cabinet directed the war from. You do need to book ahead but doing it online is pretty easy. It’s also an easy walk thru Green Park and St James’s Park from Mayfair.

My second choice would be British Museum if you can limit yourself to a time frame.

No opinion on your walking route, just have not really done it altho have some parts.

Personally I would do the Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museum. I enjoyed them, so did my family. Really brought history alive for those of us who weren't living through it.

And we enjoyed the Victoria and Albert Museum, also. If it's your first full day I would suggest NOT
getting on the hop on hop off bus. I totally fell asleep on that bus on first trip to London. Was excited to be there and wanted to see everything, but could NOT stay awake. Walk as much as possible.
Have a great trip,
Mimi

If you have no interest in WW2, skip the Churchill War Rooms. If you have no interest in military history, skip the Imperial War Museum. If you have no interest in historical fashion and textiles, skip the V&A. If you have no interest in British art, skip Tate Britain. If you have no interest in modern/post modern art, skip the Tate Modern.

I could continue but you get the idea. Figure out what doesn't interest you and cross off the list. Then look what remains and with a shorter list, you'll have an easier time picking what you want to do.

If you want a nice small, not-too-taxing museum where you can pass an hour or two, check out the Sir John Soanes Museum, not far from the Brotish Museum .

Personally I’d roam through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Coffee and a nosh at the Lido Cafe. Get some fresh air to help stave off the jet lag. Absorb the sights and sounds and smells of London.

Tube to Lancaster Gate and enter the park at the gate by the Italian Gardens. Gardens were a gift from Albert to Victoria. From there follow the path past the Peter Pan Statue towards the Lido. Diana Memorial Fountain opens at 10am. From there walk to Kensington Palace. Enroute enjoy seeing all the runners, walkers, families with prams, people with their dogs. Lots of waterfowl at the Round Pond. Look for the green parrots in the nearby trees.

From there walk to the Albert Memorial. Across the road is the venerable Royal Albert Hall. You could then walk over to the V and A if not tired or take the tube back, freshen up and meet your tour .

Legs will be stretched, you’ll see how Londonders make use of their wonderful parks.

Attend Sunday morning services at Westminster Abbey, Great St Bart’s, or St Paul’s followed by a Sunday roast lunch somewhere? If not, then I second Claudia’s recommendations.

I was going to suggest what Claudia suggested, I think that would be a perfect way to spend your few hours.

On the day our RS tour started in London last year, we visited the Victoria & Albert Museum for maybe an hour or two, and all of us wished we had had more time there. So if that theme at all intrigues you, that’s a great choice!

I agree with Claudia. Not because all the other sights you listed are not worthwhile, but because for me, the worst thing on arrival day would be to be indoors, particularly something like the Churchill War Rooms or Imperial War Museum, which require reading and digesting material to be appreciated.

Thank you, all.
You've provided some wonderful suggestions. I appreciate it!

No problem. Happy to offer suggestions.

V&A is huge BUT you could easily go and enjoy a respite in their gorgeous dinning area. Thoroughly enjoyed a piece of cake and coffee last Fall, then shopped in the gift store for Xmas stocking gifts.

You might want to do some shopping - Harrod's, Selfridges, or some other shopping landmark, during that short period of time.

It's settled. We've decided to attend the 11:30 Eucharist at St. Paul's (a way distant grandfather was a Prebendary there--before Queen Mary got a hold of him) and then lunch/rest at one of the nearby parks.

I've made notes of all of the attractions posted here, and hopefully, we'll be able to visit some/most of the suggestions during free time.

Thank you!

It's settled. We've decided to attend the 11:30 Eucharist at St.
Paul's (a way distant grandfather was a Prebendary there--before Queen
Mary got a hold of him) and then lunch/rest at one of the nearby
parks.

Sounds perfect! You'll adore the sublime music of the liturgy.

I think the museum of London is near St. Paul's and I really enjoyed it, even though it is somewhat designed for children. I'm not a fan of the redone Imperial War Museum (I miss the air raid experience), but did enjoy their cafe.

If you find you need a bit of a break there’s Bea’s of Bloomsbury nearby. Coffee, tea and pastries. Nice place to sit too.

https://www.beas.london/pages/st-pauls

The Churchill War Rooms are incredibly interesting. Some of the film “Darkest Hour” was shot there. Get your tickets ahead of time to avoid the very long lines we encountered on a weekday last August.
I don’t know when you are traveling to London but from July 21 to September 30, you can book tickets to go on an audio tour of Buckingham Palace. It was wonderful to see it inside and walk in the garden. Timed entry. www.royal.uk