PatrickLondon

For a quick overview, try the TfL visitor schematic map showing the main bus routes through central London, and tube stations, in relation to the major attractions:

https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/visitors-and-tourists

Tulips

I think Citymappers is a great app for finding your way around London.

Borough Market food? There's an excellent vegetarian indian stand. Don't know the name; if you walk in from the London Bridge side, they are on the right.

tuscanlifeedit

We used the Citymapper app in Londan and it was amazing. I was able to not walk (had a bad hip) and almost seamlessly slid from Tube to bus to tube or bus to bus. It was terrific.

panecott

Definitely agree with the Churchill War Rooms. If you haven't yet seen "Darkest Hour", see it before you go.

The Sky Garden - I think it's in Fenchurch Tower - has beautiful views of London and is free. You need to make a reservation but you can stay as long as you like. There is a bar and restaurant there and an outdoor observation deck, and a big open area inside with seating. We went in late afternoon and stayed about 2-3 hours so we saw the afternoon light, the sunset and the evening lights. I'd recommend doing that.

I went to Evensong at 5 p.m at St. Paul's Cathedral, which was fun. There is no entry fee for Evensong but you can get there early and see the beautiful interior of the cathedral. They allow a limited number of people to sit right in the chorus. If you want to do this, sit in the front on the left side of the public seats. Someone will announce that people are welcome to sit in the chorus and should line up by the door on the left. So if you're right there, you're sure to get a spot. I think there are about 50 or so places available in the chorus. You get the best view there, and the whole thing lasts about 45 minutes. It was a lot of fun. Westminster Abbey also has Evensong services. St. Martin in the Fields has afternoon concerts on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

I also went to Old Bailey at annhig's recommendation and sat in on a couple of trials, which was very interesting. The court officers are very nice there and will tell you what is going on in each courtroom. You sit up in the gallery.

Kensington Gardens, with its beautiful mansions, and Kensington Palace. Notting Hill is also right there and is a lovely area to explore on foot.

I know you recommended the Royal Mews to me for my January trip but I left London on Jan. 31st, and the Mews didn't open until Feb. 1st.

I should write a little trip report b/c I followed a lot of suggestions I got from Fodorites, and all were worthwhile.

Buy an Oyster card for the tube and buses. You pay a deposit of 5 GBP which is refundable at the end of your trip, as is any remaining balance on your card so it is a no lose deal. Tube maps are available at all stations and are easy to follow.

PatrickLondon

>> If you haven't yet seen "Darkest Hour", see it before you go.<<

Don't want to derail the thread, but though it's a fine character performance, don't take it as historical gospel.

Trophywife007

Can you give some specifics? Not doubting you, just curious...

panecott

Patrick London, I mentioned it only b/c the War Rooms were featured prominently in the film. There is nothing fictional about that part.

TDudette

"I also went to Old Bailey at annhig's recommendation and sat in on a couple of trials, which was very interesting. The court officers are very nice there and will tell you what is going on in each courtroom. You sit up in the gallery."<<<< When DH and I were there, we were not allowed to carry in anything--so we took turns while the other guarded our bags at a pub across the street. Was that your experience, panecott??

Are the war rooms still under renovation?

panecott

TDudette, I was allowed to carry my bag inside. There was a metal detector at the entrance up the stairs. Cell phones and cameras were not permitted, however, but I had read that somewhere so I didn't bring them with me. I asked the officer what people do if they have such items with them and he said there are stores in the area that will hold them for you, but that didn't sound like such a great idea to me.

The war rooms were not under renovation.

TDudette

Thanks, panecott.

panecott

You're welcome.

Underhill

We especially enjoyed the Sir John Soane museum, which is quite quirky--there's a huge sarcophagus downstairs and a large collection of Hogarth drawings. The museum isn't well known; so probably no crowds.

Gardyloo

For years my favorite activity in London was my ritual when arriving, preferably early in the morning. I'd ride the Underground to Waterloo, then walk up to the river and along the south bank down to Westminster Bridge. I'd walk over the bridge toward the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben, then turn right and walk up Whitehall all the way to Trafalgar Square, passing the Cenotaph, Downing Street, Horse Guards, the Admiralty... It's not a terribly long walk, but the symbolism is nonstop. Fab.

I also enjoy walking under the river using the tunnel from Greenwich (next to the Cutty Sark) to Docklands. British engineering at its finest.

sj184explorer

Definitely get an Oyster Card which will make travelling by public transport half the price or cheaper.

As Londoners we don't often get to go and explore our city due to work/family commitments, but we have been to the Sky Garden and it was surprisingly good. Book slots for free on their website.

The London Eye is also good - it's a very slow wheel so you can get good pictures etc. Only go on it if it's a nice, clear day. Again, pre-booking is advised.

The walk along the South Bank is really nice and definitely something we enjoy in the summer

You will see many sights, and there are benches if you want to relax for a bit or grab an ice-cream/snack

starrs

Thanks for the wonderful ideas! The trip is nearing and I'm very excited!

barbrn

Hi Starrs,

You should be excited. London is exciting. I was just there for 12 days in March, and I want to go back.
We went to the Royal Mews. I know that is high on your list. It didn't take very long, but it was worth it with a good audio tour. You've probably got all sorts of restaurant ideas, but a favorite of ours was Rules, advertised as London's oldest restaurant. We considered it our splurge meal. I had the Kate Middleton cocktail, made with crushed lilac petals (among other things).

Also we went to the ABBA exhibit at the Southbank Centre which is happening through the end of April. You need advance tickets because it is small tour groups scheduled, really fun especially if you like their music. We did this on a Sunday and there were a lot of food tents set up outside the Centre. We had some good curry there.

I know you've had the suggestion of walking around Little Venice. We did this, and it will be even prettier as spring is in full bloom. It would be a major recommendation from me too. The parks (Hyde Park, St James and others) should be blooming as well, I loved the parks in London.

I also used this thread for ideas before my trip and it is a wonderful thread. So thank you everyone and to you Starrs for starting it. Have a wonderful trip, and report back.

Sue81

HI, Yes definitely see the Darkest Hours, and if you have not seen it, I would also watch the Crown, that covers the early years of the reign if Queen Elizabeth, a Netflix series, that I felt was very well done. As an American who is lacking in European history, I found it very helpful in getting a better understanding of England.

starrs

I don't really. Any restaurants suggestions are welcomed. I like just about anything.

Thanks for the ABBA suggestion! I'll check it out!

Glad your trip was wonderful and the ideas on this thread helped!

Belinda

Starrs, one of my top five in the world - Merchants Tavern in Shoreditch. Be sure to have the quail foie gras starter and the oyster duo. To die for!

starrs

barbrn, I've booked ABBA!
Belinda, I've booked MT!
Sue81, thanks for the reminder to see Darkest Hours. I plan to go to the Churchill Rooms.

Thanks for all of the recommendations! I've worked last night/ today on this trip and it's shaping up nicely.

I need to go back to reread this thread. Next up, choosing a location for a traditional afternoon tea. I know I have a recommendation upthread.