Westminster: 1st Day (Jet Lag) Planning

Honestly, to me Westminster Abbey and/or Churchill War Rooms seem like too much on arrival day. I get that this would be your only chance at Palace of Westminster but I’m not a big fan of timed entries on arrival day. Your travel style is likely different from mine.

You might look at the Timeshifter app for managing your circadian rhythm BUT I think this might be difficult to do with teens!

I agree with Pam, there are too many variables with international travel these days to lock yourself into a timed entry on the first day. In my humble opinion, and especially with teens, I would look at walking outside and places to maybe pop into depending on how everyone handled the flight and the degree of jet leg but that’s just my experienced but personal opinion.

In November you really should have no difficulty getting walk up tickets for Westminster Abbey. They are available, especially in the afternoon. If you insist on booking then do so on your device once you are clear of the airport so know your on the day timings.

I agree with the others. I was there early late March this year, and my flight got into Heathrow around 7:30 am, like yours. After getting through the airport to public transportation, I made my way to the hotel and dropped off my luggage. Hopefully you will be able to do that, too.

But unless the four of you are those rare individuals who can sleep for 6-7 hours on a flight overseas, you will be tired and probably jetlagged. I was. I decided to walk around a bit the Westminster area so that I could see places like Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey and so on. After that, I stopped for lunch at the Cafe in the Crypt in St. Martin-in-the-Field church at Trafalgar Square (highly recommend this place).

I think if I had tried to tour Westminster Abbey or the Churchill War Rooms, I would have keeled over from sheer exhaustion. It was easier just to walk around and see everything from the outside. And I've been there before, although it had been awhile.

Also I agree with the others that you do not need to book WA's time ticket way ahead of time. I booked mine the evening before as I was still figuring out my itinerary.

I really like the idea of the Palace of Westminster tour on arrival day, and I think a noon start time would work fine. If you decide to visit the abbey as well, I would probably do as isn31c suggested and buy your tickets upon arrival; that way you have some flexibility.

I took my teenage niece to London last summer and we were both so excited by just being there that we had no trouble enjoying the first day. Our flight didn't arrive until early afternoon, but we still managed to do Rick's Westminster walk, a Thames River cruise from Westminster to the Tower Bridge, followed by a Jack the Ripper walking tour!

Have a wonderful adventure!

Frequent London travel in November. LAX to LHR. Overnight flight. I doze but rarely sleep.

My rule of thumb is to drop luggage off at where I’m staying and then explore the neighborhood on foot. I locate the closest market to obtain bottled water and some snacks. Will also make note if there’s a coffee spot ( Cafe Nero, Costa, Pret, Monmouth ) and a Boots nearby.

Sun sets by 4pm so I’ll have some pub grub and a pint. Then back to my room for a good nights sleep.

For your itinerary begin researching open and closing hours of places you want to visit. Plan your daily outings accordingly.

For me rushing about is a vacation’s biggest enemy. Pace yourselves.

It's important to get exposure to sunlight upon arrival to re-set your body's clock, so less time inside would be advantageous. I think that the one tour upon arrival is plenty. Maybe walk across one of the bridges afterward and enjoy the views as you stroll along the South Bank - if it's warm, try to eat outside.

I have arrived at 7 am on 4 of my 6 visits to London, as recently as 8/11. My first day traditionally features my happy place, the Tower of London; the ravens, outdoors, kept me entertained until late afternoon. My recent visit I had dropped my luggage by 10:30 in South Kensington and was off to Greenwich for Sunday roast lunch and low-key repeat exploring—predictably done by 4 pm. I do like your idea of touring the Palace of Westminster—I have done that and also another visit to the Speaker’s Apartments, both are excellent—but after that, perhaps stay outdoors and wander St James’ Park, then find an early dinner. Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms are best kept for your first full day.

I like the 12 noon tickets for Westminster Palace. I would not do another indoor activity immediately afterwards. Cross the bridge over the Thames and walk along the Jubilee walk. Get outside and moving.

I personally would get tickets for the Palace a bit later than 12 if you can. That will allow for any potential flight delays (it's November) and navigating transit while jet lagged, especially if you and your teens have never traveled overseas before. If you are efficient and lucky, you can spend the "extra" time ahead of your tour walking around outside. I wouldn't add anything else to your day that puts you indoors.

It's important to get exposure to sunlight upon arrival to re-set your body's clock, so less time inside would be advantageous

so true

It will be November, lightish by 8:30, darkish some days by 2:30, fully dark around 4, depending on date and weather.

You will have little enough sun - or at least brightish - staying outside; putting 2 inside visits on day 1 is asking for prolonged jetlag for at least some of your family.

Thank you all. Very helpful.

I will book the 1pm Palace of Westminster tour, and then leave the afternoon open for hopefully some sun / light.