I have a couple of timing questions for my upcoming trip to London in early June. It will be my first time there and I'm getting times locked down.
First question - On one of my days I plan to go to Westminster Abbey first thing in the morning, then walk around that area and to the Churchill War Rooms later in the day. What do you think would be a good time to book the Churchill War Rooms? I want to be able to eat lunch in between (any recommendations?).
Second question - I'm planning an overnight to Salisbury to see Stonehenge and the Cathedral there. I'm wondering about Old Sarum - how much time should I plan for this? Would one hour be sufficient, or do I need to plan for two hours?
Third question - my last day I plan to spend the morning at Tate Modern, then have lunch at Borough Market. Then...? A couple ideas I had were: 1) boat to Tate Britain, 2) walk to see Leake St Arches, then maybe London Eye 3) National Gallery or 4) Natural History Museum to see photography exhibit. All of these things were just the leftovers that I wasn't able to fit in a different day. If I have rainy days while there, I might end up fitting them in earlier, but... keeping fingers crossed for decent weather. Thoughts on which one I should do?
Thanks everyone for your thoughts!
Posted by
CA, USA
1253 posts
When we were there some people took the bus from Salisbury to see Old Sarum. If you're budgeting your day be sure to include a generous helping of transportation time (or take a taxi)
For your last day, and the others for that matter, you might want to consider London Walks. Excellent tours including both the streets of London and tours in some of the London museums.
Posted by
Land of La
9261 posts
Only going to answer the first question.
The area around Westminster Abbey is Parliament Square. M-F opening hours at the Abbey are 9:30 to 4:30am. Peruse the website to be certain the Abbey will be open to the general public during your dates. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/
Have you looked at the Parliament website? Asking because I enjoyed a tour of Parliament and having afternoon tea there. This was a few years ago. Not sure if it’s still feasible after Covid lockdown. Worth some research though. https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/
As far as lunch options between Westminster Abbey
and the Churchill War Rooms, consider a pub lunch.
Adam and Eve or Two Chairman, The Sanctuary House or the Red Lion all serve meals. All are within easy walking from both the War Rooms and Westminster Abbey.
OR a grab a sandwich and crisps or salad to take away from the Pret a Manger on Tothill Street. From there walk over to St James Park. Find a bench and people watch. Afterwards follow Birdcage Walk up to Buckingham Palace. If the Royal Standard is flying The King is in residence.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14818 posts
1 - I would book for 2PM for the War Rooms. In addition to the food possibilities Claudia listed, there is a cafe at Westminster Abbey called the Cellarium. I’ve not eaten there in a number of years but the location is very cool! I won’t get it on this trip either as the Abbey is currently closed to ready it for the Coronation.
https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/food-drink
2 - Are you planning to take the shuttle bus out to the stones from Salisbury? It runs a loop and stops at Old Sarum on the way back from Stonehenge. I’d give it an hour. The shuttle driver will point out the schedule of times they stop there. If you’re energetic I’ve also walked out to Old Sarum from Salisbury’s City Centre.
3 - Tate Britain and National Gallery don’t need timed entries so you can decide at the time what sounds good. I don’t know about reservations for the Eye or the photography exhibition so no advice!
Have a wonderful time!
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1453 posts
Getting the boat from Tate Modern is a good idea. You could go to Greenwich in the opposite direction if you wanted to do something other than a gallery visit.
Posted by
Preston UK
1232 posts
Don't pre-book the London Eye. You don't want to be there at a fixed time and it's raining or the visibility is poor.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3895 posts
For your last day....Of the things you mentioned, the National Gallery would be first on my list.
If you go to the Natural History Museum to see the photography exhibit, I would also walk a short distance away (just down the street) to see the Victoria and Albert Museum (The V&A).