tedgale

Can you help me choose which would be the better destination for 2 older but mobile architecture buffs?

We have 5 nights/ 4.5 days in London, starting Thursday May 4. I figure we can allow ourselves one half- or full-day trip out of central London but not two.

We're staying in S Kensington on the edge of Knightsbridge. Chiswick House and garden are more conveniently located. We could also pop into Hogarth's House afterward. There's also Chiswick Mall and the riverside to see.

I'm impressed at the range of things to see at Greenwich. The Queen's House and the old Naval College especially interest me for their architecture. At the College it's currently possible to climb to the painted ceiling of the dining room with a tour guide - a rare treat.Not hugely interested in naval history but the maritime art in the museum is well reviewed

If we get a day of nice weather, which destination would you choose?

AGM_Cape_Cod

My vote is that if the weather is good you take the boat to Greenwich.

janisj

Extend your trip 3 or 4 days and do both

I know -- not helpful.

But really for a first timer to either one I'd opt for Greenwich. And it isn't that much harder to get to - you can take a boat from Westminster Pier or tube/DLR

tedgale

I wish we could extend ...but the Cotswolds beckon. We're committed to a rural rental.

gailscout

If you are driving to the Cotswolds, you could tour the house at Chiswick and the gardens on the way. The house is not that large and the gardens are nice, but you could see the garden area near the house. I'd say it would take you about 2 hours. I've been to both locations, but the boat ride to Greenwich, especially on a nice day, is quite scenic, especially if you include the Thames Barrier. I think it was an extra £.

lincasanova

really enjoyed greenwich

Gyhtson

Greenwich. It's a lovely day out and it's STUNNING.

PalenQ

does your architectural interests extend to modern/contemporary-if so Greenwich may be a good choice - not that it has any really neat modern architecture but from Greenwich you could take the DLR - the elevated Docklands Light Railway to Canary Wharf area - old docklands now sprouting lots of neat modern structures and take it to Bank and the heart of London's old banking district with some monumnetal buildings:

https://www.google.com/search?q=dock...hrome&ie=UTF-8

And the boat to Greenwich passes many major monuments.

tedgale

Thanks. I think we will plan for Greenwich.

I see Chiswick House is only 20 minutes from LHR.

We have free time the morning that we return the car before flying home, so we may sneak in a visit, if it is open that day (it's open only half the week)

OReilly

You might want to walk to Blackheath during your trip to Greenwich:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...march-2017.cfm

julia_t

Greenwich for sure.

Where are you staying in the Cotswolds?

Feel like a mini GTG?

I live in Painswick, Queen of the Cotswolds.
(in the opening shot in the link below...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9vTeHwDsz4

You'll be in Gloucestershire for the best of the bluebells, early May is glorious here, and the architecture is always stunning.

Kristina

A couple of years ago I spent almost a week in Chiswick. Unfortunately, the house was closed for the winter, but we walked the grounds and park around it on Christmas Day. It's lovely but not worth a whole day.
We also went to Greenwich on the same trip, for the day, and it was really fun. Lots to see and do there.
If you want to see my trip, click on the link to my blog in my profile and check out the London 2014 trip.