Hi Dru:

We were in London this past May, and as far as clothes, always bring layers, but you'll most likely hit some cold weather, so have some kind of coat or jacket. We had a few beautiful, sunny days, and some very cold, drizzly days. On those cold days, you'll want to be warm so that it doesn't stop you from doing any of the wonderful things there are to do and see in London.

A backpack is perfectly fine.

As far as a British Heritage Pass, I'm not sure what that is, but I'm sure someone else on this board can give you good information.

Have a great trip!

Dru,
The British Heritage pass has some value if you will be traveling extensively outside of London. There are few attractions in London that charge admission (almost all of the museums are free, for example). The pass would be good for Windsor Castle, and Hampton Court which do charge admission but simply gets you a 50% discount at the Tower of London. Considering its cost for either seven or 15 days, I don't think it's worth it for travel to London alone.

You can get a complete rundown on the Heritage Pass at www.information-britain.co.uk/pass/usa.htm. Additional London sites covered include Tower Bridge, Kensington Palace, Roal Mews at Buckingham, and not too far away -- Blenheim, Stonehenge, and the baths at Bath.

Sorry -- that is the Royal Mews! Also, the advice on weather was good. We were there in late May and it was actually unusually warm and sunny, but people there were so surprised at the GOOD weather, that we figured we had been just very lucky! I didn't have a coat along -- but I had the possibility of putting on a short sleeve top, a long-sleeve blouse, a long-sleeve cotton cardigan, a poplin blazer and a nylon windbreaker. I wore all of this once or twice in Ireland and Scotland, but not in London.