Hi, my friend and I are arriving mid-September on an overseas flight through Gatwick for a brief stopover of two days on our way to our final destination in Portugal. We would love to hear recommendations for must-see sites and places to eat along the way to get the full experience. We know this will likely only be a sampler of things to see and do, but we want to take advantage of or stop. We arrive at the hotel (Doubletree Hyde Park on Bayswater) by 11 on a Sunday and depart again on Tuesday morning. We considered HOHO and afternoon tea somewhere as well as Tower of London, Thames River Cruise, Changing of the Guard, and St Paull's Cathedral. Not much into war museums but do like history and architecture as well as royal experiences. Thanks for any suggestions you may have! Would also like ideas on timing .... to plan accordingly,
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
I think most people here will tell you that riding a HOHO bus will just get you crammed into a lot of traffic. You're better off choosing the places you want to see. Also consider that to see the Changing of the Guard, you will need to get to Buckingham Palace fairly early in the morning; otherwise, you will be way at the back of the crowds. That in itself would take up almost a half day.
If it were me, on Day 1, I would just start walking through all the major sights in the Westminster area, like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and so on. You will probably be jet-lagged and walking outside will get you more energized, plus it will be a good way of seeing the places you won't really have time to visit. Rick Steves has a nice walk through the major sights that you could follow in his London guidebook.
You could do this after you get to your hotel, then stop for lunch someplace. I recommend Cafe in the Crypt at St. Martin's in the Field church off Trafalgar Square. There's nothing like eating good food at a reasonable price in an old crypt with tombstones in the floor. :-)
Then on Monday, visit the Tower of London, if that's your priority, then take a boat ride on the Thames. St. Paul's Cathedral has a lovely Evensong around 5:30 pm that you can visit and then tour the cathedral while you're there. I would also try to work in a visit to Westminster Abbey if at all possible. Maybe Monday afternoon? St. Paul's is lovely, but Westminster Abbey blows your mind (imo). :-)
Keep in mind that you really only have 1 half day and 1 full day, so plan accordingly.
ETA: Just saw the afternoon tea wish. You could do that on Sunday afternoon. I would recommend Wolseley's, which is near Piccadilly, an area you will be near. It's reasonably priced and should give you that authentic afternoon tea experience. It doesn't begin until 3:30 pm on Sundays, so eat a light lunch or a late breakfast and then fill up at tea.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17560 posts
Are you flying into and out of Gatwick? There are more convenient areas to stay than Bayswater (meaning easier transport from and back to Gatwick).
Posted by
Land of La
9261 posts
You don’t have much time to see all that you want.
Bayswater neighborhood is fine. I’ve stayed in the area at the Vancouver Studios apartments more than once.
Use your tap credit or debit card and take a Circle Line train from Queensway to Westminster. Exit and meander about Parliament Square ( Parliament bldg with Elizabeth’s Tower and the Big Ben bell and Westminster Abbey). If you want to go into the Abbey you’ll need a ticket. Always check opening hours and if it’s open to the public. Sometimes closed for private events. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/prices-entry-times/
From Parliament Square follow Birdcage Walk up to the Palace.
Not sure what you mean when saying Royal experiences. You’ll need to check your dates to see if Buckingham Palace is offering tours. https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace
You want places to eat for full experience? What does that mean? Want street food markets? Want pub grub? Want ethnic restaurants? Want fine dining?
Wanna spend money then have tea at Fortum and Masons or the Berkeley or Browns hotel.
Lastly invest in the RS Guide to London. Will help you define an itinerary. Been visiting London for decades.
Always changing, always the same.