indy_dad

Family of 4 (kids 12 & 9) heading to London for 16-19 February (back end of half term). Arriving via train into St. Pancras at 10:30 am on Thursday; leaving 11:30 (am) on Sunday. Staying at the HI in Mayfair (Green Park Tube). Looking for input/suggestions for the following itinerary.

FYI, we visited the Tower of London and Windsor on a different trip. I'll be more flexible than implied by the itinerary, but I like to have a base plan.

<b>Thursday</b>
Kings Cross to Green Park, drop bags at hotel
Quick lunch
Tube to S. Kensington
Natural History or Science Museum
Harrods

<b>Friday</b>
walk around time (?)
10:45 Royal London Walk (from London Walks)
lunch
More Wesminster Abbey time if desired
London Eye

<b>Saturday</b>
TKTS
Covent Gardens or Borough Market
British Museum w/ London Walks (2 pm)
Evening show

<b>Sunday</b>
sleep in, breakfast,
Harry Potter platform
catch train

Plenty that didn't make the cut and will have to wait until next time (St. Pauls, Churchill War Rooms, day trips, etc.).

Not to keen on the logistics to get to Borough Market. Might save that for another trip and "just" do Covent Gardens.

Friday is best logistically for the Eye but we can shuffle around if the weather is much better on Thursday.

Thought about the British Library on way in, but I don't want to bother with the luggage.

Son wants to hit Hamleys, but that's fairly close to our hotel so we'll fit that in.

<b>Question on TKTS</b>: how much before 10 should I arrive? And how long will it take to process? Too much to try to squeeze it in before 10:45 walk at Green Park, right?

Comments/suggestions?

jamikins

I believe you can now buy tickets at TKTS in advance so you may want to do that earlier if you can squeeze it in. How long does it take? Depends how long the line is...

If you do decide to do Borough Market I highly recommend getting their early as Sat are super busy and its not as much fun when you cant move!

indy_dad

<i>I believe you can now buy tickets at TKTS in advance so you may want to do that earlier if you can squeeze it in.</i>

I may have to look into that. Getting there at 10 cramps my style as we like to be on our way at that time. Thanks.

laurie_ann

For British museum consider whether you really want to do London walks or on your own. There are also free docent lead tours every day of different sections. I have much enjoyed Roman Britain and Egyptian tours.

For Natural History, Science or V&A museums they are in the same location and all free so consider to pick one or two things in each and see more than one. (And I would spend more time at one or more of them than Harrods which is just a large department store.)

For other sights and events that might appeal to your family, if you don't already know it the online magazine Time Out London www.timeout.com has good listings including a special section for kids. Here's a special article on half-term theatre for families. (Lot's of ideas outside the West End may be cheaper too than even TKTS half price.) http://www.timeout.com/london/featur...this-half-term

ncounty

I would personally prefer doing the British museum on my own. I'd save the walks for covering some territory that is more spread out and that I know less about.

indy_dad

Thanks. Any other comments?

Michel_Paris

Covent Garden is a quick visit, so you may want to add some more stuff..walk over to Trafalgar Sq perhaps?

Many people recommend Verger tour of Westminster.

Monday-Friday 10.30am, 11.00am, 2.00pm, 2.30pm
Saturday 10.30am, 11.00am

lovs2travel

I seem to recall reading somewhere (recently) that due to construction, Platform 9 ¾ had been moved. I tried a Google search, but can’t find it. Better check with the train station so not to disappoint. There’s also a Harry Potter shop in Harrods that the kids might like: http://www.harrods.com/content/visit...shop-now-open/

janisj

"<i>I seem to recall reading somewhere (recently) that due to construction, Platform 9 ¾ had been moved. I tried a Google search, but can’t find it.</i>"

If you google 'platform 9 3/4 relocated' there are TONS of links. It is now outside on the York Way side not far from Left Luggage.