less than a week to go... itinerary

i forgot the wax museum...harrods, and the brittish museum.
and now thinking harrods, and Kew Gardens on the day we arrive....

The National Gallery has too much to be practical with four other destinations. I wouldn't bother with Buckingham Palace, rip off. I also don't think Neal's Yard Dairy is a tourist attraction as such - just a posh food shop and cafe. Unless you were planning lunch there. Also if you want a tour of the Globe Theatre itself you usually need to do it in the morning, as there are performances in the theatre most afternoons except Monday and it isn't open to tour groups. Afternoon tours see the Rose Theatre remains nearby instead, but it's a question of whether you want to see a reconstructed working theatre or a set of authentic foundations in the bottom of a pool.

Madame Tussauds and Harrods are notorious tourist traps no Londoner would be seen dead in. Kew Gardens is a very large park: are you sure you want to do that much walking after, I assume, flying overnight?

Agree with Philip re Neals Yard and Kew. I couldn't cope with Kew on the day I arrived, jetlagged - it could easily take you an hour (or more) to get there from St Pancras, its nowhere near the centre of London. Also agree re Madam Tussards, but I do know people want to go there. I never go to Harrods, but I guess you may feel you need to go there once to tick it off. A lot depends on how much time you take to do various galleries, walks etc and I think you need to be flexible when you arrive and add/drop locations as you go along. Some points are that St Martins is in Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery is there as well (NB the National Gallery opens until 9pm on Fridays). Also adjacent to the National Gallery is the National Portrait Gallery. Tate Britain is in Pimlico - which is a bit further west than Westminster and the Churchill war rooms - may be able to hop on a bus. Australia House - not sure why you want to go there?

I have to disagree about Buckingham Palace, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the beautiful rooms and touring the palace. however, as you say, the changing of the guard was not that interesting to me.

Rather than take a day trip to Bath, couldn't you see it when you go to Cotswolds?

Unless things have changed this year, Buckingham Palace is open to the public only in August and September. For a royal palace open in July, Windsor is a good choice. A daytrip to Bath from London makes sense, to me. To just glance at it on your way to somewhere else would not be enough.

Madame Tussauds is for my son, he's 10 and its the one thing he said he wants to do. I thought Neal's Dairy was a cheese shop, and we love cheese! oh and the Australia house was apparently used in the harry Potter film.
Thanks for the tips, maybe we will not do Kew the day we get there.

for the Harry Potter fan, on the day you arrive when you are at St Pancras its only a short walk to Kings Cross where you can find Platform 9 3/4.

The National Gallery is at Trafalgar Square, across the street from St Martins. Try to have a destination in mind for the first day, to avoid walking aimlessly. I'd suggest doing the South Bank walk then. Catch a cab back to your hotel when you collapse; hopefully before or after rush hour when cabs can be almost impossible to flag down. (Hint: Zillions of cabs cross Westminster Bridge.) Go back to the Tate and the Eye later. Neals dairy is easily combined with a Covent Garden walk. Day 5 could be tight, depending on how much time you want to spend in Greenwich. The boat from Westminster Bridge takes on hour or so. Greenwich can involve a lot of walking. Look like you have things in control. Have a great trip!

It seems you could do Harrods on days 2, 3 or 4 depending on how the timing works out. Just keep it in the back of your mind. As someone who doesnt live in London, it is worth a visit. Especially the food hall. You could also get cheese there or at many other department stores in London. There is (was) an old fashioned cheese shop on Jermyn Street which parallels Piccadilly. I wouldnt try Kew on your first day. Walk in West End London, or St James park, Horse Guards, Big Ben. Kew is a longish way by tube, you will probably be too tired to do it justice. Australia House????? You could definitely do Windsor by train from London. I dont know your plans for your remaining days touring UK, but parking in Windsor is tight.

Thanks J.C. and Brian good ideasl looks like Kew is out for the first day.

London is a wonderful city. Been there more than a dozen times. For your first day I would consider the following. Get your Oyster cards and take the Victoria Line to Westminster. Exit the train and follow the signs to Westminster Pier. I believe it's Exit 1. Walk out you'll see the Thames and the London Eye before you. A reminder "we're not in Kansas anymore." Take the stairs to your right and as you climb Big Ben will come into view. Then it's your choice to cross the Bridge to take the Eye (yes, touristy) but for a 10 year old and first time visitors a great way to see the expanse of London. While on that side of the Thames you could visit the Neal Yards shop at Borough's Market, a great place for lunch http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/ Or don't cross the bridge but walk past Parliament and then cross the street to visit Westminster Abby. If those aren't too your liking you can easily walk up Parliament Street to see the St. James Palace Guards and onto Trafalgar Square. Then have lunch in the Crypt cafe at St. Martin's if the Fields. It's a very walkable city to explore. Lastly, I wholeheartedly suggest you add a visit to the vibrant Camden Lock Market http://www.camdenlockmarket.com/ as well as stroll along the adjacent canals. Truly wonderful first time things to do and see in London. Have a wonderful trip!!

thanks so much Claudia for the great ideas! i think we may just follow your advice and heat to Westminster on the first day.

Claudia's walk is an excellent idea. I'd continue on around through Leciester Square and on to Covent Garden, too. (in fact you might find this article helpful- http://www.aaacarolinas.com/Magazine/2008/Jan-Feb/britain.htm?zip=28105&stateprov=nc&city=matthews ) I would encourage you to try to find time for Kew- we love it and it's shop is excellent, too. Windsor is our favorite castle. The display's and info are even better since the reconstruction after the fire and we love the town, too.

Thanks toni..we are staying in windsor our last night!

Kris, if you are planning to allot a significant amount of time to Trafalgar Square, don't. It's basically a big open area in front of the National Gallery, with fountains, people, etc. Definitely worth seeing, but it won't consume much time. Likewise, you might spend an entire day at the National Gallery, or 30 minutes. If you want to get away from the hustle, Hyde Park/Kensington Garden and St James Park are beautiful places.

Hi Kris If you really love cheese can I suggest the La Fromagerie in Marylebone just off Marylebone High Street in a real London neighborhood rather than pretty much a touristy place. I don't want to put down the 7 Dials area or Borough Market (if going there make sure the market is open) but Marylebone is a really neat neighborhood yet very close to Oxford Street. La Fromagerie is an absolutely top rank cheese shop with a proper cheese room and a phenomenal selection of fabulous cheeses. They have the knowledge and experience to answer any questions. Have a great trip...

Thanks Nigel...we do love cheese and will be sure to check it out...we are excited to taste some farmhouse cheeses.

These are all great suggestions. Thanks to all

Harrod's has a great food court on the ground floor. Go upstairs to have a delicious buffet lunch. It is served only until 3:30.