London- 3 1/2 days

Most people's itineraries tend to be too ambitious, yours is surprisingly modest, I think. You're covering a lot of ground but you're only going inside a few buildings, and you should have time for more if you want. The HOHO bus the first day is a good idea. I don't know the route but it should take you to places on your list like Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus, St. James and Hyde Parks. You'll see Big Ben from the bus and you'll never get closer to it. But don't forget to hop off once in awhile for a stroll if not more. Being outside and moving around that first afternoon will help with jet lag if you're like most people. But I wouldn't do the river cruise on the first day if you're going to do it the second day. Second day makes sense, cruise the river and then you can walk from the Tower back to St. Paul's. You'd have time to cross the footbridge to the Tate Modern if that interests you, or take in the well designed Museum of London near St. P's.

(continued) Third day, I'm not into the guard changing but whatever works for you. The Abbey is worth a good deal of time, imho. You should also have time for places like the Churchill War Rooms or National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery, all north of the Abbey, or Tate Britain Museum south of it, if you want. You'll have already seen most or all the places on your fourth day. I haven't been into Kensington Palace, but nearby are the Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrods, and (opposite direction) the Portobello Road outdoor market. This might be a day to also visit the British Museum (takes time) or British Library. Windsor is well worth seeing if you're heading west, whether it's a good stop on the way to Stonehenge depends on how you're travelling. Yes if driving, others can tell you more about rail connections or tours. You asked if you're missing items you should add. You're the best judge of that, but I'd say your list misses a lot of museums, galleries, historic buildings, and the like, that I wouldn't want to miss. I've suggested a few, but I wouldn't try to see them all in the time you have. Trying to see too much would be a mistake, but you seem to be settling for too little. Add some more and have a great time!

Jennifer, I can only echo what Dick, Ed, and the others have already advised you about tightening up your schedule and grouping near sites on the same days. One thing not previously mentioned: the Wellington Arch. Personally I found going into it and the view from the top disappointing. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but if you are running out of time it wouldn't be my choice for a "must see." Since you like architecture, however, the nearby Apsley House, home of the Duke of Wellington, might interest you. Have a pleasant journey!
Matt

You've got a geographical misglump. The clock and the abbey are within spitting distance of each other. You have them on separate days. You're running the river twice, plus taking a ho/ho bus. You can catch a duk a block south of the ferris wheel and do the whole mess in one swipe. natively, a tour bus gives better narration than a ho/ho. Personally, I'd put going down the river as something to do on about Day 9. The tour buses run the left embankments, giving you a better view of the same thing. The parks aren't that exciting, just open areas, unless something is going on. You can wipe out a bunch of things on your list by starting at Marble Arch, walking through the east edge of Hyde Park to Wellington Arch, then cutting down the middle of Green Park to St James Park. It takes about a half hour. Time it right and you wind up at Horse Guards for the changing which is better than the one at Buckingham. After that, continue right over to Trafalgar and thence to Piccadilly (ten minutes between the two, they're both a fifteen-minute walk-around, the stroll along Regent is better than using Haymarket). Make Kensington a separate deal, maybe after lunch. I just freed up Day 3 so you can do the really neat stuff. Pay me in brownies. Leave them at the south entrance to the British Museum.

Thanks for all the input!! We are not super into museums, but we love architecture. If we only did one museum, which would be the best? What historical building am I missing? For the HO/HO company, do you recommend the big bus or the original? The reviews on trip advisor seemed to be better for the big bus. What other areas/neighborhoods should we explore in London? Should we do the London eye? If so, what time of day? Should we do the Houses of Parliament? Should we do Shakespeare's Globe? How about Wimbledon?
Can you tour Buckingham Palace?

If I had one museum to visit in the world other than the Smithsonian complex, it'd be the British Museum. You can't get me into the same art museum for the second time without handcuffs. Big bus. The Eye wouldn't be high on my list. It eats time and doesn't give that good a view. Climb St Paul's instead. The Globe's a reconstruction, I don't like those. Buckingham has a limited season, I don't know what it is. Parliament's up to you. It is what it is. The best concentrated Georgian architecture is probably at Clapham, there's a tube stop, but with your time, I don't think I'd bother. Without specified interest, I wont' mention the fancy stores. I've been to London at least a hundred times and I've no idea where exactly Wimbledon is, but it's on the tube map, probably the District Line. Unless there's something going on or you're a tennis nut ...... Where in the heck are the local dudes????? and dudettes?

If we only did one museum, which would be the best? My vote would be for either The British Museum for the historical significance of its collection, or the V&A for its diversity. But it's really down to what strikes your personal fancy. Visit their websites and see which one looks more appealing, as well as other museum sites.

Where in the heck are the local dudes????? and dudettes? Here, watching you handle the London questions with aplomb. And even with elan... I have nothing much to add to what Ed has said about museums, but there are lots more that a guidebook or Google may point out to you. Imperial War Museum, Natural History, Science, the Museum of London, and many others. Lots of people like Sir John Soames Museum, which is in a Georgian house in Lincoln's Inn. It's worth googling it. Houses of Parliament - yes, as long as you realise that most of what is there is only about 150 years old, a rebuild following a big fire. One part of it dates from 1079 or so. There are guided tours on Saturdays and all week in August. If it is possible for overseas visitors to get into the Visitors' Gallery in the House of Commons then the only day worth doing it would be for Prime minister's Questions: http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/parliament-government-and-politics/parliament/prime-ministers-questions/ Similar entertainment to watching gladiators in ancient Rome, but with fewer muscles and more pin striped suits... The Globe - yes, even though it's a reconstruction, but you won't find any original 16th century theatres to visit, and the first Globe burned down when the thatched roof caught fire after a cannon was fired during a performance of Henry VIII in 1613. I've done the guided tour twice, and it is truly excellent. My daughter has been to 2 performances there and stood in the yard (just in front of the stage, open to the sky) and absolutely raves about it.

These are just suggestions....you could visit the Southbank (by the Eye). There's usually something going on there, assuming you'll be in London in the summer time. Covent Garden, maybe? Camden Lock is also an interesting area.

Yes! Covent Garden. I hadn't been in years, but was entertaining the runts back in the winter and took them down there. I enjoyed the street performers as much as they did. I'll quit now that the experts have shown up.

P.S. to my vote above, and not meant to persuade, only an additional bit of info. From your list of sites you plan to see, it's fairly clear this will be your first visit to London. Those are the places most visitors are keen to see the first time round. That's why I suggested what I did - either the British Museum or the V&A would give you the most 'bang' for no ££ - they're free - and would likely have plenty to appeal to each person in your party, regardless of their individual interests and preferences.

First thing you need to do is use the Google Maps satellite view to get the lay of the land. Your 5 day itinerary has you all over the map. Best to group the "must sees" together. Day 1: From your accommodation take your first tube ride to Westminster on Victoria, District or Circle lines. Depending on your locale may take a few changes but you'll find how easy the tube is by making this your first stop. When you arrive at Westminster, exit, "Mind the Gap" and follow signage through the modern station to Exit 1. Sign should say Westminster Bridge, London Eye, etc. Climb the few steps. You'll be facing the Thames with the London Eye across the river. Turn to your right, look up and start you London adventure there. Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, Horse Soliders. Then continue up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square and enjoy dinner in the crypt at St. Martins in the Field. Your text to link here... If you are still ready to see more the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square are both within easy walking distance. Day 2. If weather is good take the cruise the Thames to the Tower of London. After visiting the Tower it's an easy stroll to Tower Bridge. Cross Tower Bridge to see the Butler Wharf development, then take a look at the Bee Hive (city Hall).
Walk along the Thames heading toward London Bridge. Have lunch at the Borough's Market Your text to link here... From there cross London Bridge and visit the architectural gem, the LeadenHall Market. From there either walk or take the tube to St. Paul's for evensong. After that you might consider stopping here for a cocktail or dinner; http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/theblackfriarblackfriarslondon/ Gorgeous art deco interior.

Day 3 Leicester Square Half Price Ticket booth to purchase theatre tickets. Tube to Green Park, exit, walk through the park over to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Once that is done walk on over to Hyde Park and explore. Visit Kensington Palace and gardens and have tea at The Orangery. From there take the tube to Camden Town on the Northern Line. Exit and explore the vibrant Camden Lock market as well as stroll along the adjacent canals. Fabulous food stalls, From here take the tube to Hampstead to explore the village and the Heath. Head back for a nap, have dinner near whatever theatre you will be seeing the performance and enjoy your night out on the town. Day 4
Now you have another whole day to explore other neighborhoods of London such as Brick Lane and Spitafield's market or even take the day to visit Hampton Court. Easy city to explore. Enjoy.

Jennifer, this might interest you. http://www.londonarchitecturewalks.com/Pages/default.aspx

Consider pushing some of Day 4 back to Day 3. Think about taking the Tube to see the Tower, etc., and then the boat back to Westminster. Parliament, the Abbey, the big clock are all clustered around the busy intersection at that end of Westminster Bridge. From there it is an easy walk up through Whitehall to Trafalgar and the museums there.

"We are not super into museums, but we love architecture." "What other areas/neighborhoods should we explore?" There is a company that gives dozens of different themed walks around London. Go to walks.com to explore these. They are really great and inexpensive. You just choose a walk, show up at a designated location, and a group will form. The guide then walks you around a neighborhood, explaining its history and the architecture. If you want a scary one, they have a "Jack The Ripper Walk". www.walks.com

Thank you for all your help! I have been working to rearrange my schedule. Here is what I have so far. The Houses of Parliament only happen on Saturdays in early July so I guess I will skip that tour since we will be arrive in the afternoon. Do you know if I take the last river cruise at 6:30 from the London Eye, if it is round trip back to the London Eye? Saturday, June 29th at 11:55am Hotel by 2:30pm -Day 1 • Hop on Hop Off Bus (3-6pm) • Cruise the Thames from London Eye (Last Boat at 6:30pm) Sunday, - Day 2 • Bus to Blue or Red Bus to Tower of London (8:30 am) • Tower of London • Tower Bridge • The Monument • Covent Garden • Trafalgar Square • Piccadilly Circus • Kings Cross Station for a photo op at the Platform 9 3/4. • Camden Lock Monday, Day 3 • View Outside/Pictures Big Ben • View Outside/Pictures Houses of Parliament • Westminster Abbey • St. James Palace & Park o Changing of the Guards • Wellington Arch • Buckingham Palace o The Changing of the Guard takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at around 11am • Churchill War rooms • St. Paul's Cathedral • Shakespeare's Globe (view outside) • London Eye Tuesday- Day 4 • Kensington Palace (Close to Hyde Park) • Hyde Park • Marble Arch • The British Museum • Regent's Park • Abbey Road: Beetles (near Grover End Rd, Hall rd, Garden Rd) Wednesday-Day 5 (leaving London early & renting car on way out of town) • Windsor Castle
• Stonehenge

Do this: Gat a map. Get a pencil. Put a dot on it for each place. Connect the dots. Put a circle around each dot for each fifteen minutes you think you'll spend there. Make the circles solid for each thing that has an absolute hard time (boat ride, guard change, Tower opening, etc). Put a slash through each connecting line for each ten minutes of travel time (by tube, hoof, taxi, etc). Walk away from it. Come back the next day and see what it looks like. Do it your way first. There's going to be a bunch of crossing lines and the total times won't be proportional for each day. Then do it starting from scratch connecting the dots in the shortest way. Consider the places with hard start times. There's still going to be some changes, but you'll be making progress. Remember the part about the pencil.

Thank you for all your help! I have been working to rearrange my schedule. Here is what I have so far. The Houses of Parliament only happen on Saturdays in early July so I guess I will skip that tour since we will be arrive in the afternoon. Do you know if I take the last river cruise at 6:30 from the London Eye, if it is round trip back to the London Eye? Saturday, June 29th at 11:55am Hotel by 2:30pm -Day 1 • Hop on Hop Off Bus (3-6pm) • Cruise the Thames from London Eye (Last Boat at 6:30pm) Sunday, - Day 2 • Bus to Blue or Red Bus to Tower of London (8:30 am) • Tower of London • Tower Bridge • The Monument • Covent Garden • Trafalgar Square • Piccadilly Circus • Kings Cross Station for a photo op at the Platform 9 3/4. • Camden Lock Monday, Day 3 • View Outside/Pictures Big Ben • View Outside/Pictures Houses of Parliament • Westminster Abbey • St. James Palace & Park o Changing of the Guards • Wellington Arch • Buckingham Palace o The Changing of the Guard takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at around 11am • Churchill War rooms • St. Paul's Cathedral • Shakespeare's Globe (view outside) • London Eye Tuesday- Day 4 • Kensington Palace (Close to Hyde Park) • Hyde Park • Marble Arch • The British Museum • Regent's Park • Abbey Road: Beetles (near Grover End Rd, Hall rd, Garden Rd) Wednesday-Day 5 (leaving London early & renting car on way out of town) • Windsor Castle
• Stonehenge

Ed's method, as far as I can understand it, makes a lot of sense to me. If you have a good eraser, you can use the map again on your trip! Seems like you could see St. Paul's and the Globe on day 2, along with the Tower and other east end sights. And Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Piccadilly on day 3 along with the west end sights. And maybe see Kings Cross and Camden Lock on day 4 when you'll be at the British Museum, Regents Park etc.

I want to point out that if you get on a bus right after a transatlantic flight you just might find yourself sleeping through the whole thing. I like HOHO buses and have used them in various cities, but in this case the timing might be problematic. Everyone is different and maybe this would not be a problem for you. But may I suggest you consider a walking tour, weather permitting, that first day? Walking out in the fresh air might be a good idea when you are tired and jetlagged.

I have made more adjustments: Saturday, Day 1 Hotel by 2:30pm • Piccadilly Circus • Trafalgar Square • Regent's Park • Abbey Road: Beetles (near Grover End Rd, Hall rd, Garden Rd) • Covent Garden Sunday, Day 2 • Hop on Hop Off Bus • Cruise the Thames from London Eye (Last Boat at 6:30pm) • Kings Cross Station for a photo op at the Platform 9 3/4. Green Line Monday, Day 3 • View/Pictures Big Ben • View/ Pictures Houses of Parliament • Westminster Abbey o View Buckingham Palace o St. James Palace & Park • Wellington Arch • Kensington Palace o Hyde Park • Marble Arch Tuesday, Day 4 • Tower of London • Tower Bridge • The Monument • St. Paul's Cathedral o• Shakespeare's Globe (view outside) • The British Museum London Eye Wednesday, Day 5 • Windsor Castle
o Stonehenge

Well done. Now quit worrying about it.

I want to echo/reinforce some of the comments you've already seen here and add a few new thoughts. We have done a number of London Walks, walks.com, and they have all been excellent. We also enjoyed Sir John Soanes' Museum very much. A few new suggestions - the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London was great (and free; you just have to request your tickets several months in advance). In fact, we enjoyed the tour so much we came back the next day to see the Tower in daylight. The other recommendation is Ben Franklin's house in London, on Craven Street. It's the only remaining house that Franklin actually lived in; when we went, soon after it opened, there wasn't much in the way of furnishings but they had done a nice job with what they had. I see now that there is both an architectural tour and a "historical experience" - I think we did the latter.
Have a great trip!