dtatum

due to specific plans on my other days in London I have 1 full day to see "tourist" stuff here's what I had in mind for an itinerary, is this doable or too much?

Check out Big Ben/Parliment from afar
Westminster Abbey tour (allow 2 hours)
lunch
see outside of St. Paul's Cathedral
Tower of London Tour (allow 2 hours)
check out view of Tower Bridge
London Eye (we have a ticket booked for use at any time on this specific day)
Trafagler Square area for dinner
Check out Buckingham Palace for a quick photo
back to hotel (near Lancaster Gate)

dtatum

another option is to do Tower of London first (which my husband wants to do) and then go to Westminster after...is this feasible with Westminster closing at 1:30?

nytraveler

Definitely do Tower of London first - and when it opens - or you will need way more than 2 hours to see it.

janisj

It is much better to visit the Tower first thing in the morning to avoid the worst crowds. But doing that there is no way you get to the Abbey by noon (which you'd have to do if it closes at 1:30.

What day is this - because normally the Abbey closes at 3:30, but can close earlier for special events.

historytraveler

When are you going and are you willing to purchase tickets online? If Westminster does close early and you're determined to see both, go to the abbey first and plan to but Tower of London tickets online. This might save you some time. The Tower does get crowded, but it's really trying to view the Crown Jewels that may pose a problem.

Travelmom83

I agree with everyone else that you should do the Tower of London early in the morning. You do have quite a bit planned for one day of touring. However if you start early enough you should be able to cover everything

dpgates

Tower of London. Be there when the gate opens. Once inside, go first to see the Crown Jewels. If you wait to do that, the queue quickly becomes lengthy.

KyraS

Normally I'd say the Tower first, but if you have to get to Westminster Abbey early, that's problematic, even if you skip a sit-down lunch and eat a sandwich while you're walking. Is there any way to shift either the Tower of London, or Westminster Abbey, to another day during your stay? That would likely be best, to ensure you have enough time in each place. I would also allow more time at the Tower (at least three hours).

janisj

Suggestion:

Assuming you are correct about the Abbey closing early on your free day . . . Substitute St Paul's instead.

You could easily do the Tower in the AM til after lunch time, then St Paul's in the afternoon, walk across the river and along the south bank to the Eye.

janisj

my post didn't top the thread . . . ttt

dtatum

Thanks everyone I am going on Saturday Oct 1 and my only other time to "sightsee" in London will be evenings so the Abbey will be closed. I am planning to do the Tower first and then we will just see what happens with time. If I can make it there great, if not I'll check out St. Paul's instead! I appreciate all the help...I throw in a lot of sites with the understanding I will have to skip some. But from what I've heard from friends who have visited the Tower is a must see so we will get there when it opens and then just adjust our day accordingly.

dpgates

If you do end up in St Paul's, attend evensong if possible. Times are posted on their website. Your soul will thank you.