Hampton Court or Greenwich? Soane Museum or V&A?

Glad you are going to Kew.. I love that place. I also enjoy Greenwich- but it's the Sunday market and the park that I like the most, so I wouldn't pair it on the same day as Kew. We have spent whole days there... and other times, just a few hours. The gift shop at Kew is also fun- I've bought lots of cute gifts for the folks back home there (stationary, key chains, compact type mirrors, etc.)- even bought seeds for my own flower garden.

I've been multiple times to both Hampton Court and Greenwich. Both are lovely, but if I absolutely had to choose only one to visit, it would be Hampton Court. However, if you have a particular interest in maritime history or astronomy, then you should definitely go to Greenwich.

It is not possible to compare the Soane to the V & A. The Soane is a mansion, interesting in itself, full of a lifetime collection of oddities. The V & A is a great museum of art and design. Toss a coin and be happy with whichever you see.

I'd vote Greenwich, but I'm a maritime buff. The Painted Hall is not to be missed.

Soane would take an hour or two, I think I spent a day in the V&A. As someone else said, they're just not comparable.

I also spent a day at Kew, in perfect weather. I'll never forget the tasty tea. I really miss clotted cream.

As others said, you can't really compare V&A to Sir John Soane museum. They are really different. Pick which most appeals to you.

Sir John Soane is really quirky and it should not take you too long to visit. I have not done the candlelight tour ... I visited during the day.

The V&A is large; it is also one of my favorites and if you like design, fashion or decorative arts, it is fabulous. It is free, so it is easy to pop in and just see a small part of the museum. They are open late Friday night if that happens to fit your schedule.

If you have to choose one, then just pick based on what appeals to you most.

I have the same opinion on Hampton Court vs Greenwich. Kew is terrific when the weather is nice.

Hampton Court not to be missed..always a great experience and loose yourself in the maze. If you like anything to do with clothes then the V&A is a great afternoon out.

Sir John Soane's museum is rather special as museums go, being a record of one man's eccentricities and holds some treasures. The V&A can easily take up an entire day, great if you like decorative arts and fashion. For the first-time visitor, I'd suggest Hampton Court over Greenwich unless you're interested in maritime history or really want to see the Greenwich Meridien. There's plenty to see at Hampton Court and if you're a history buff and like palaces and castles, this is the place. It really comes down to what you're interested in.

The V&A has a buffet dinner on Wednesday evenings and there are also free concerts on the same night. You would need to check ahead on the time but the concerts are very nice--sometimes a string quartet and last time we attended one it was jazz. The concerts are in one of beautiful halls and are well attended by locals.

Thanks for the replies. I think we will be going to Hampton Court. Plus, the boat ride from Kew to Hampton Court is supposed to be the best on the journey from London.
I was really wondering if the Soane and the V&A were too similar, but with your responses, that seems not to be the case. A candlelight tour one night and a concert at the V&A the next sounds fun.

Again, thank you