My wife and I will be in London at the end of September. While I have been many times before on business and pleasure, this will be my wife's first time, and I am looking for either a private tour or, preferably, a small group tour (less than ten). While she can tolerate some light walking, I am not sure six to eight hours on her feet would be the best for her. We will be staying at the Great Scotland Yard hotel if that matters. Thanks!
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3006 posts
To me, a better use of one day would be to show her the AT A GLANCE list here:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/england/london
Then pick 2 things on the list to see.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
596 posts
Consider one of these tours in traditional black cab. They have both general and specialized versions. https://londonhistorytaxitours.com/
Posted by
Land of La
9779 posts
Review the London Walks website: www.walks.com
Usually 15 ( maybe 20 ) people. Cost, guides are stellar. Have taken many. Pleased each time.
If you contact them you could arrange for a private tour.
OR consider this:
1st morning, Breakfast and coffee out. Plenty of options near your hotel. Have her get used to the Hustle and Bustle that is London by walking along the Thames River Path to Parliament Square.
Does she want to see the interior of Westminster Abbey? If yes check the website to be certain it’s not reserved for a function…then buy your tickets. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/ The Vergers tour a great option.
From Parliament Square either follow Birdcage walk up to the Palace ( remembering if Royal Standard flag is up the King is in Residence.) After seeing the Palace walk through Green Park.
Is your wife a shopper? If yes take her to Selfridges, Liberty or Fortum and Mason. Ride the Underground. Green Park via Jubilee Line to Bond Street then walk to Selfridges. Easy peasy and great way for her to experience the Tube.
Countless free museums for you both to enjoy. My last trip I throughly enjoyed the uncrowded Hunterian Museum. From there it’s a mere 5-10 minute amble to the Seven Stars pub. Excellent pub grub, and if you like cats you’ll appreciate The General. https://www.thesevenstars1602.co.uk/
You could also wander about the Royal Courts of Justice see a trial seated in the visitors box. Simply put your phone in airplane mode, don’t have a back pack or large purse, don’t think that eating snacks in the gallery is smart. Find a seat, be quiet and watch the barristers do their jobs.
A trip out to Canary Wharf and the conversion of Battersea Power Station is interesting. So are all the Canary Wharf skyscrapers.
Or if animal lovers reserve tickets for Mudchute Farm. https://www.mudchute.org/
Been traveling to and enjoying London and its surrounding neighborhoods since 1972. Enjoyed a 6 week sojourn in 2024. All of November into December.
London is always changing and always the same.
Lastly, get theatre tickets. Over decades have seen Judi Dench, Ian McKellan, Mark Ryland, Daniel Craig and David Tennant on stage. If a film and TV buff you’ll note the later two actors mean I’ve seen a James Bond and a Dr Who. IMHO Theatre in London is wonderful
Hope you both have fabulous time enjoying one of the best cities on the planet.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4955 posts
I agree pick 2 sights that most interest her-do not waste time just seeing the sights from a bus or car.
Posted by
21 posts
We took a 3-hour private black taxi tour through Black Taxi Tours of London (https://blacktaxitours.co.uk/ ) in July and loved it. They have standard sightseeing tours and themed ones if there is something you are particularly interested in seeing/doing. You don't get to tour sights but can get out to do a bit of exploring or picture taking.