Hi -
Could someone please tell me if it's possible to see the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral in one day? I'm working on my itinerary for July and have grouped them together in one day since they are geographically close. The plan is to get to the Tower before it opens. Right now I have this planned for a Monday and the Tower opens at 10:00. Maybe I should switch it to another day when the Tower opens at 9:00?
I appreciate any advice.
Thanks!
Bonnie
Both in one day is a piece of cake no matter when you start as long as the tower's first and at opening.
I did the Tower when it opened on a Sunday, spent perhaps 3 hours there and then walked over the bridge and found the Tate Modern, then on to the other Tate. There was of course a bit of bench-sitting and snacking in between! I'm saving St Paul's for my next trip.
Should be no problem to do both in one day. When you go to the Tower, head to the Crown Jewels first.
Can absolutely be done in a day. You could throw in the Leadenhall Market with its glass Victorian Roof as well. http://tinyurl.com/kgtnvp4 It's between the Tower and St. Paul's so good for lunch after you visit to The Tower.
Claudia, that is a great link to Leadenhall Market. There is a link in that link to the City of London Visitors Trail that shows the sites along the route from St Pauls to the Tower. http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/walks-tours-and-architecture/city-visitor-trail/Pages/the-trail.aspx
Thanks so much Ed and everyone! I lurk in another travel forum and they were telling someone that it's not possible or that it would be a very "heavy" day so I got a little worried.
Claudia, thanks so much for the idea and the link!
I leave in 42 days!
Pam, thanks for the link to the walk! Very cool!
No problem Bonnie. I can feel your excitement as you count down the 42 days before departure. Easy city to explore on foot and a lot can be seen in day depending on your stamina. All about pacing and for me, enjoying a pint along the way. Have no clue which neighborhood you are staying in but here's a fun way to begin your London stay. Get to your accommodation, check in, unpack and head back right out the front door. Locate the nearest tube station and take what ever line or lines you need to get to the Westminster stop. The big map on the wall will help. Exit at Westminster, Mid The Gap, and follow signage to EXIT 1.
If memory serves the EXIT 1 sign says, Westminster Pier, London Eye, and Westminster Bridge. Walk out the exit into the light. WestmInster Pier will be in front of you with the London Eye across the river to your left. Westminster Bridge on your right. Turn right. Look up. Smile and let your London adventure begin.
Thanks for the great advice Claudia! We're staying in Victoria. From what I can tell, Westminster isn't far from there.
Westminster is indeed close to Victoria. One tube stop away. Close enough to walk as well, maybe down the Mall in front of The Palace to Parliament Square or along Birdcage Walk past St James Park. You choose a lovely neighborhood. Have fun.
If you're in decent shape you could add a climb up Monument which sits smack in the middle between them.
Easily done...you can have lunch either in the self serve cafe that is in the Tower complex - it's really nice - or eat in the undercroft area of St. Paul's...there are several options there, all good. Definitely get in line for the crown jewels first...it gets long fast.
