I'm very excited that my friend from Dublin will be joining me in London for three days out of my scheduled five. We are planning for go to Hampton Court Palace on Sunday morning, Sept 4. I'm sure we will be there much of the day. I originally thought she was leaving Sunday evening so didn't plan anything for later Sunday. Now I'm out of ideas and looking for something to do late Sunday afternoon and into the early evening. I think after spending much of the day at Hampton we will want something a little more low-key. And museums close by 6pm so don't want to be rushed. If we do get back to London (staying near Victoria Station) in time to see a museum, any guestimation if we can get timed entry tickets on no or very short notice?
She's a lot younger than me (32 vs 71) so will have a lot more energy and stamina.
As always, thanks for your help.
Posted by
Louisville, Ky
207 posts
My first day on my first visit to London, my daughter and I wandered through Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, stopping every once in a while to sit on a bench and just talk, catch up.
Kensington Palace is there, the Albert Memorial, Italian Gardens.
If the weather is nice for your afternoon, this is something to consider.
I spent the better part of a day at Hampton Court Palace on my visit last October. It's a very interesting place.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8415 posts
Why not consider a West End show? A change of pace but something you can do together.
Don’t be too sure about that age thing. I’m traveling in the UK with my son (41) and I am finding that this 65 year old keeps up a much faster pace than he is used to……..I’m actually having to slow down for him.
Posted by
Land of La
8710 posts
Engaging in conversation and enjoying a meal in a pub?
Colonies pub on Wilfred street is pleasant. Near Victoria Station. Cask and Glass is on Wilfred as well.
I’m always enjoy a pub meet up with friends “our”age when in London. Get there around 4pm. Thus beating the after work crowd who start coming in between 5 and 6. Friends and I stay till 6:30-7pm. Then head out.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2607 posts
I just visited Hampton Court last Thursday, arrived by train just in time for the 10 am opening and stayed until around 2:30 or so...explored the castle and most of the gardens, had an enjoyable lunch at the Tiltyard Cafe that's off to the left side before you enter the castle area. I got back to London by 3:30 and did some shopping at Liberty and then had dinner in Soho.
Museums seem to have dropped the timed entry requirements--despite the website saying so, I just walked in at the Imperial War Museum, and while I had a timed ticket for the British Museum they didn't even look at it.
Posted by
San Francisco area
1814 posts
It’s not near your hotel but easily reached by public transport. Book tickets or reserve a table at one of the bars/restaurants at Sky garden.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix🌵
2771 posts
Thanks everyone. Reading your replies, I realized I should have added the rest of my/our London itinerary to avoid duplications.
Thursday am: I land at LHR; drop luggage off at hotel; Royals Mews visit; London Walks Old Westminster tour; early dinner; early bed.
Friday: Trail ride through Hyde Park; Kensington Palace; shopping probably in Mayfair area; friend flies in evening; late dinner depending on her arrival time.
Saturday: Tower of London; Wallace Collection; play in evening
Sunday: Hampton Court; rest of day in question, maybe Imperial War Museum if back to London in time? It's something we can shortchange timewise.
Monday: Eating London East End food tour (11am, 3 1/2 hours); friend flies home; British Museum; dinner with husband's cousin.
Tuesday: I take Eurostar to Paris.
Hope this gives you a better overview of our plans. It's just Sunday after Hampton Court that's throwing me off.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix🌵
2771 posts
Rocket, what a great idea. Good dinner with a stunning view. No rushing about after a long day. I knew I was overthinking this.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7430 posts
Sunday roasts are an English tradition, and on our visit in 2020 (immediately before the Pandemic was declared), after visiting Hampton Court on Sunday, we strolled across the street and had a mid-afternoon roast lunch at the Muted Swan pub. Made our leisurely way back into London by train afterwards.
Our latest visit, just 4 weeks ago, we arrived in London later than expected on Sunday. Our plane left Denver a couple hours late, and made up 30 minutes on the way, but it was about 2:00 PM before we reached our B&B in the Fitzrovia neighborhood. While Hyde Park, and witnessing the weekly Speakers Corner were still a possibility, it was raining off and on - more on than off - so we grabbed a loaner umbrella from the B&B and just wandered the neighborhood, picking places to see over our next several days, and learning about the area. We discovered an outstanding restaurant (went there twice), and several interesting shops, and a couple pubs. It was low key, but extremely helpful in getting comfortable around our temporary home for a visit of a few days. Wander streets close to your Victoria Station locale, and you’ll likely discover nice surprises.
Posted by
Chicago
1326 posts
Almost every theatre is dark on Sunday night in London, there's a few matinees aimed at families but I can't think of anything at night. So, I don't think that would be an option.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4367 posts
If you decide against Rocket's dinner idea, maybe a tea with enough food to count as dinner?