Time to kill in London with luggage and on very little sleep. Help?

Certainly don't leave your bag at Heathrow. You won't want to go back there to fetch it. I was thinking something more along the lines of taking the Heathrow Connect train to Paddington station and leaving your bag at the left luggage depot there. Paddington connects to the London Underground on the Bakerloo, Circle and District lines, and you can get to anywhere from there. There may be more economical ways to get into a London terminus that has a left luggage storage. Others will probably chime in and improve upon my plan.

You have a few choices....You could get a room at the Yotel in Terminal 4. You pay by the hour. Catch a nap and a shower then head into London....or you could take the tube to Victoria Station. Leave your luggage there (Left Luggage). From Victoria Station it's an easy walk to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, or you could pick up the hop on/hop off bus right outside the station for a full guided tour of London. When ready to meet your host, pick up your luggage and grab the tube up to Kilburn....The tube is much less expensive than the Heathrow Connect.

You could get a day pass to one of the arrival lounges- get a shower, change, etc. Then take either a taxi or bus to Windsor (pack light). Wander around town, tour castle, etc. Eat a late lunch or early supper at a pub. Then train to Paddington and tube to host's.

Which London airport is your arrival destination? I'm thinking your best bet is to enter the city, stash your baggage somewhere and tour on foot, but it depends on where you arrive. Also, how long are you staying and how much baggage are we talking about?

I fly into Heathrow and am staying for 9 days. I hope to only bring a carry-on, but I am a girl, so we'll see. I agree that stashing the suitcase is best, but where? Heathrow seems like it might be too far out to justify stashing it at the airport. Or maybe I'm wrong? I also wouldn't mind closing my eyes for a little nap, but I'm sure finding caffeine can remedy that issue.

I think Frank II nailed this one. The Tube is about 1/5th the price of the Heathrow Express. From Westminster, Kilburn is a straight shot up the Jubilee Line. A shower and a couple of hours sleep in a Yotel in Heathrow (and it really is IN Heathrow) will give you the energy to spend a couple more roaming around Westminster before heading out (probably about 6pm to be there by 7).

I think Frank II is right as well, but if you don't want to spring for a few hours in the Yotel, the best place to nap would be Heathrow. Lots of other people are doing it so you won't be out of place. Then freshen up and head into town... Hopefully you'll be able to get a key to use while you are visiting??

Check your luggage at one of the railway stations- just make sure you know closing time. This is not the day to travel to Windsor- extra cost and time- wander around London- Westminster, South bank, green park etc- depending on the weather. You should be able to stay awake- we travel from West Coast (land about noon) and usually wander about most of the first day (i am sure you are younger than me). If you really must sleep, try a movie theatre. My nephew flew from Los Angeles, landed at noon, wandered around London and flew out again that night.

Wow. You guys are awesome! Super advice. :)

Buy a one day, zone 1-6 travelcard (£7.50) at Heathrow. Take the Piccadilly Line to Hammersmith, walk a few feet to the other side of the platform, and take the District Line to Victoria. You can check your luggage and get a shower at the Victoria National Rail station. Either take the Tube one stop to Westminster and go exploring on foot or start your walk at Victoria as Frank II suggests. Retrieve your luggage and take the Jubilee Line from Westminster to Kilburn.

Some of the museums may have somewhere comfy to sit if you do not have alot of luggage. Ck ahead w/ National Gallery, Victoria & Albert they also have vg cafeterias that are not too expensive. You could also spend some time in a church reading/praying to split time. of course the train stations are available ie. Kings cross etc. Also you could stay at Heathrow Airport

You can get some lunch, a few magazines and go hang out in Regents Park for a few hours.