Londontown

We love that area of London. You will be right near the Inns of Court and they can be seen ( from the outside) on a self-guided walking tour. I will have to look up my book that has it and will post back.

St. Paul's is well worth a visit for many reasons, including lots of history (tombs). There is a moving memorial to the American soldiers who died in WW2 behind the altar on the main floor. And be sure to climb the steps to the dome for a fantastic view.

After St. Paul's cross the Millennium pedestrian bridge and visit the Tate Modern and the walk the Thames path upriver to the Globe Theatre and other sights, or downriver to see the battleship H.M.S. Belfast. You can get a combined ticket for that and the Churchill War Rooms. Cross back on Tower Bridge if you like.

Lots of pubs and waterfront restaurants along there the river on the south side.

1 day plus a few hours is not much time to see London. On your last morning you could take a taxi to tour around the highlights of London for a bit " we did this " and for 50 pounds ? for 5 it was worth it just to see the sights. We also did an evening cab ride just to see the city at night " Parliament , Big Ben" , drove across the Thames in one big circle . For me visiting the Tower of London was amazing since it's history has been recorded throughout the literature that I have read, Westminster a must. One adventure we have done a few times and totally enjoyed is London Walks , there is a Pub Tour with food too I think and Jack the Ripper Walk "great ". Lot's of Walks to choose from on their website and some are for Monday but they vary each day of the week. They do have some in the evening " Pubs - Jack the R. " . All ages enjoy these, "3 generations in my family " and we would do it again in a heartbeat . There is a wonderful Spanish Tapas restaurant in London as we always eat their each time we visit even taking our English friends there too .. Google Spanish Tapas.. We eat mostly at pub's , never had a bad meal.

How about the Treasures exhibit at the British Library? That works for the history and literature lovers; there is sure to be some poetry on display. And their bookshop is great.

And I'd say a play in the evening is a good idea. See what's on at the Globe, the National, Old Vic, Barbican, Young Vic, Trafalgar Studio, et cetera, that strikes your fancy.

You might enjoy book-and-window shopping in Cecil Court?

Normally I'd say the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul's are all musts, but you really don't have much time. Guess you'll have to return!

Thanks to all of you! Yes, this is a starter trip for the UK for the 'kids'. I'm sure they'll return. And after retirement (soon), I plan several trips back because I've researched the family history far into the dark ages. This will just be a way of getting my footing. Really would at the very least like to see the Tower because I'm such a Wolf Hall fan.

Are the "kids" going directly to London from Northern Ireland? How are you getting to Liverpool?

The Virgin West Coast train is much much faster than the cheaper London Midland train. You don't have a moment to waste so you need to save every second.

How did you trace the family back to the dark ages? I have been doing genealogy for nearly 30 years and I know how hard it is to find anything older than the very late 1700s.

Are you royal or landed gentry?

Hi, Nigel.
No, we're quite pedestrian, but I've had a grand time tracing the roots.
I actually had 4 sources:
- Oral histories about the Wood family from my Grandfather in the '60s - this held many clues.
- ancestry.com
-myheritage.com (has quite an algorithm , but is more expensive but also extensive/takes you back many generations with just a few clues) and
- an Irish heritage site that tried to sell me more work but gave me a bit of info upfront. When I return to really search, I'll look them up again.

Some came over w/the Normans; many stayed in France; a few were Ulster Scots; many were native Irish and also in Wales & Cornwall. And a whole crew of Woods were in Middlesex in the 1500s. And Spencers, a name my late Mom was also so sure about... ....
So, in other words, I'm quite hooked and plan many trips to come to the UK.
Thanks for asking,
Marjie
Oh, and we're taking an early EasyJet from Belfast to Liverpool and Virgin to London that evening. We realize we won't be sleeping much.

There are a number of ways to get from Euston, but all on public transport are a bit bitty so it will depend on how much luggage you have. You could get a bus to Aldwych (59, 68 or 168) then walk, or the Tube to Chancery Lane or St Pauls and then walk, but the simplest thing might be a taxi.

Good pubs around there include The Old Bank of England next to the Royal Courts of Justice, The Seven Stars just behind RCJ, or the Devereux by one of the gates to the Temple.

Here's my suggestion for your very brief stay. Sunday be first in line for the Tower of London. Doesn't get more historic than that. 2 hours there then a nice stroll up to the nearby glass covered Leadenhall Market for a nosh. There's a nice pub and a variety of good places to eat. Then take the tube and head to Westminster and visit Parliament Square. It will be crowded but Big Ben is the most iconic structure of London, so you shouldn't miss seeing it and the intriguing architecture of Parliament and adjacent Westminster Abbey. From there u could either take Birdcage walk through St James park up to see Buckingham Palace or walk up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. Covent Garden is close by for shopping. For the half day I'd suggest the Sir John C. Ritblatt gallery, a.k.a the Treasure Room at the British Library. Have a discussion with your children and narrow down the " not to miss " options. GREAT city! Have fun exploring together.

Not sure how close to the End of May you're talking, but it serves to point out that 28-30 May is a bank holiday weekend which will impact travel and the number of people on the street at "tourist" destinations.