Another London Layover-Looking For Ideas
 

So happy to be trekking off to Turkey and Croatia next week. I’m another four years older and hoping I’m up to the busy itinerary I have planned. At the end, we have 3 nights in London before flying home. Usually we are tired by the time we get to the last leg in London,and so we don’t plan too much.

This trip my one big must see is Kensington Palace, for which I have mid morning tickets booked. After the visit we would like to have afternoon tea somewhere special but not too far away, as we may try for the V&A if we feel inclined. Any suggestions, since we have never had afternoon tea in London, despite many visits?

Our hotel is the new Hyatt Albert Embankment (using points). Any suggestions on fun, relaxing, less touristy things to do on our second full day? It’s probably a slower pace sort of day, but I do like to have some direction. Maybe Borough Market in the mix.

Also, any interesting restaurants or favorite pubs to suggest? We do have reservations at the Palomar and the Barbary, but I passionately hate wandering aimlessly looking for a dinner spot when I’m hangry, so would like to make another reservation.

Any and all suggestions cheerfully accepted. TIA I know this could actually be three threads lol.

Just a couple of quick comments -- the new Hyatt looks lovely but isn't in a very convenient location. It is about half a mile from the nearest tube station (Vauxhall which is at the end of the Victoria line) and a mile from Waterloo station. So you'll need to take buses or taxis to get across the river.

The V&A has good food for afternoon tea and the rooms are lovely -- but it is really a glorified cafeteria -- no table service and you have to go to various food stations. I wouldn't actually call it an 'Afternoon Tea'.

They no longer serve Afternoon Tea in the Orangery at Kensington Palace -- it is now in the Pavilion - but your visit is in the morning so not a good fit.

Are you looking for one of the 'destination' posh hotel afternoon teas or just a casual afternoon tea? Here is a recent thread bout London teas https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...tions-1712897/

Thanks Janis. Yes I realized the Hyatt is not too convenient after I booked. A 10 minute walk to Vauxhall is an easy stroll for us, though, as long as the connections are okay from there. So hopefully the view over the river from our room will make up for the inconvenience.

As for Afternoon tea, a few places are not too far from kens palace, the Goring being one. But I fear we may be underdressed for the Goring, as we will be dressed more towards ‘comfortable casual’ than ‘smart casual’ for touring Kensington.

Our tix are for 11 am, and I had thought 2ish for tea…is this too early?

Have you done any of the London Walks? https://www.walks.com
We have found them quite fun and there are many different topics and walks.

The walk to Vauxhall isn't horrible (assuming it isn't raining sideways ;) ) but it is only on the Victoria Line so many/most journeys will involve transfers.

Re the posh teas sometimes non-residents are relegated to later tea times (4:30, 5-ish). Earlier times are often reserved for hotel guests. Not always and you'll have to check case by case with each hotel.

As for "But I fear we may be underdressed for the Goring, as we will be dressed more towards ‘comfortable casual’ than ‘smart casual’ for touring Kensington." Not sure yout dressing style but what I'd typically wear for normal sightseeing anywhere in London would be perfectly acceptable for Afternoon Teas. The one issue mught be if you were wearing trainers. Some hotels don't allow them -- again each hotel's website will likely list dress code with shoes specifically mentioned. But for me something like trousers, blouse, cardigan, flats -- that's no less comfortable than say cargo pants, tee shirt and Nike's. I usually don't 'dress up' during the day and I never use a day pack, but don't go true casual because I never know where I might end up -- never know when you might stop for a mid afternoon champagne or Pimm's break :)

The Goring is great BTW

2pm for tea?
Think Lady Bracknell

Yeah -- was thinking similar. 2 or 2:30 is often the last lunch sitting. When I think of afternoon tea its 5 or 5:30 -- maybe 4:30 in a pinch.

2PM -- its really just a cuppa and scone ;)

if you are at Kensington Palace you can walk over to The Orangery in the Kensington Gardens.Afternoon te astarts at 12pm .We loved it there.

Hi Northie. They built a modern 'temporary' Pavilion at the palace where they serve afternoon tea -- The Orangery closed for refurbishment in 2018 and was supposed to re-open early this year but AFAIK there has been no announcement and it is still closed.

So I have 3:30 reservations for the Goring, kind of a compromise I guess. Janis I like the way you sightsee...I may have to substitute champagne for my usual afternoon gin and tonic. And taking a cue from denisea, if we have time between, we can explore Pavilion Street. From her photos that area looks charming, and interesting.

KTtravel thanks for the suggestion, I will look into that.

If the weather is fine some day trip options:
The Thames Cruise to Greenwich
Kew Gardens
London Zoo
Portobello Road market
Camden Lock

Thanks Janis -special memories for us