Saturday in London - planning around the gay pride parade

Looks like the big party will be in Trafalgar Square which is the location of the National Gallery. Unless you want to join in I would avoid that area until after the 26th. I suppose the Big Bus Tour will try to make things work out. Public transit is usually so easy, but may be jammed this weekend. Use this time to go to Greenwich and Hampton Court. The British Museum, the V & A, and the British Museum are somewhat removed from the main event and are free except for special exhibits.

Looking at the route online I'd opt for the following options.

Why not get up early Saturday morning and tube to Nottinghill and wander the Portobello road market. It does get jammed but if you could get there by 8-8:30am wouldn't be too bad. Great way to mingle with the locals, do a little shopping, enjoy some wonderful foods, snap photos etc.

From there walk over to Hyde Park to see Kensington Palace, Diana's Playground, the Gardens, the Round Pound.

From there depending on your stamina and preferences could then see Harrods or the Museum of Natural history. There will be a queue for the museum and Harrods will be crowded as well.

After all it is a Saturday, school's out etc. Patience and flexibility should be your mind frame.

Or start your day with a good breakfast then head to Camden Lock Market. After enjoying the market follow the canal path to Regents Park. Go paddle boating on the boating lake. Wander. Watch the joggers, people with their dogs, enjoy the gardens and hopefully good weather.

Another optional would be Greenwich

Another idea far from the madding crowd observing the parade would the Imperial War Musuem.

On Friday after checking in, freshening up, checking camera batteries go and get your Oyster card. Hop on the tube and take it to Westminster Station. Mind The Gap, exit the the train and follow signage to Exit 1, says Westminster Bridge and other stuff. Walk outside. In front of you will be boats for the Thames River cruise ( u could do that if weather is good) . Across the Thames you'll see the London Eye to your left. On your right is Westminster Bridge. Turn toward the steps leading up to the Bridge. Look up. Smile. Climb the steps and Begin your London adventure there.

I'd punt the bus. And simply stay away from Trafalgar Square ( which u could see Friday as its only a 10- 15 minute walk from Parliament Square) Regent street and the SoHo neighborhood.

BON VOYAGE!

Thanks All - Very helpful suggestions. We decided to start with the British Museum on Saturday and see where the day takes us. Friday we'll take the tube in to the center of town it explore a bit before the parade.

The family is getting excited for the trip!

Thanks again,
Eric

Instead of trying to avoid the parade, why not try to see part of it? It's colourful and a relaxed atmosphere and something a bit different to talk about when you get home.

Just what I was going to say, Jennifer....

We will be participating in the festivities and seeing the sites London has to offer; trying to teach the kids that only through compassion and understanding can we coexist on the planet...