We will be in London for 1 + 1/2 days pre-cruise out of Southhampton. Our group is 4 adults and 2 children (ages 7 and 10 - they are very good travelers). We are staying by the British Museum. Would love suggestions to optimize our time so that we can see many of the "must sees". Trying to get a handle on what attractions to group together based on location. Would like to include a proper tea (maybe themed), the Eye, Buckingham Palace, maybe Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, etc. Also, any help with the best way to get tickets for attractions would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Posted by
Land of La
9531 posts
When is the trip? Expect crowds. Use public transport.
Get tickets for each site by looking at their websites.
Parliament Square would be the area for first timers. Parliament, Elizabeth’s Tower with the Big Ben bell which chimes on the hour and Westminster Abbey. After you could walk across Westminster Bridge to ride the eye. Or walk up the Mall to the Palace.
If you do choose to see the Tower of London go when it opens and go straight to see the Crown Jewels first. Kids should like seeing the Ravens.
Countless “ tea “ options. Depends on what you wish to spend.
Research the 2 for I options .https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/days-out-guide/2for1-london/
Since your are staying near the British Museum it’s an easy walk to the Canal Museum and then to Kings Cross and then stroll along the Canal path up to Camden where you can meander about Camden Lock.
Always something to do, see and explore. London is always changing yet always the same. I’ve been visiting since 1972.
Posted by
111 posts
For that age the Tower is a good choice. As would be the Nature or Science Museums. Consider giving them a chance to play at the Lady Diana Memorial Garden in Hyde Park. Trafargraph Square, Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Covent Garden area can be fun to walk around.
If you are pre-cruise, does that mean you are also time adjusting? If so, don't pack in too much.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
We will be there August 1 - 3, 2025. Thank you for the recommendations so far.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
838 posts
For tea, how about a vintage double decker bus? They do themes. The food is nice. https://b-bakery.com/
There is a treetop walk in Kew Gardens that I wanted to do but it was too windy and cold when I was there.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
9035 posts
Here are a few threads (and a few links) posted in the last year that lists some interesting places for Afternoon Tea (some are themed) that you might want to look through.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/five-of-london-s-finest-afternoon-teas
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/afternoon-tea-4a4831b3-e2af-4349-b671-6d388ea46b2a
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/afternoon-teas
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/high-tea-14093707-7e22-4de5-9399-dbcb8b02003d
https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-afternoon-tea-in-london
https://londonist.com/london/food-and-drink/themed-afternoon-tea-london?ref=related_links (if you're interested in a themed tea, check this link
Posted by
London
311 posts
For 1.5 days, I would plan to see maybe three major sites. Of the ones you've listed I would prioritise Tower of London and Westminster Abbey/Westminster area/South Bank generally (which is also where the London Eye is). If you are staying by the British Museum I would definitely add that. If you want to go for tea, my recommendation is Fortnum and Mason's. To get tickets for any of these attractions I would book in advance directly with the official website. You don't need to book for the British Museum (which is free except for special exhibitions), tho you can book a time slot online if you would like. All of these places are reasonably near each other. Good luck!