With that amount of time, I'd base in London for the entire time and take a daytrip. There are many daytrip options. Windsor. Oxford is just an hour ride via train from Paddington Station. Try one of the many stately homes/gardens in the area...Hampton Court, for example. Blenheim Palace is not too far from Oxford, although less convenient to get to without a car. In any case, do your research, check with your travel friends, and come back when you've got some specific questions about things that interest you.

Well since this has turned into a debate on whether to spend a whole week IN London or add other places I'll vote for the idea of spending all the nights in London (especially if you get an apartment) but definitly do one or two day trips. There are so many places you can get to in less than two hours by train - Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury, Bath, Warwick, Brighton. It will give you a feel for the English countryside and a chance to see something besides London, but wont' involve many hours of travel and any packing/repacking.

Definitely go to the Imperial War Museum. I am not a war buff and loved it. Is anyone into shopping?

More info on Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.

I received our ticket today. I sent the request on Feb 16th to

The Ceremony of the Keys
HM Tower of London
London
EC3N 4AB
England

I included all of our names and ages, the date we would like to attend, PLUS and alternate date. As requested, I also included a self addressed return envelope and an International Reply Coupon that I got at the post office for $1.75.

I think Timecop stated that they included TWO International Reply Coupons, but I only sent one.

The ticket I received today is for my name plus 4. For a total of 5. The ticket does not state the names of everyone in my party, but I'm certain they have that on file!

Also included with the ticket was an information sheet with the times etc and directions!

Have fun!

"The ticket does not state the names of everyone in my party, but I'm certain they have that on file"

When you arrive at the Tower they don't check the names against a list -- just check that you have the right number in your party.

The main reason they want all the personal info is to help prevent any commercial abuses of the free tickets. Years ago they just asked for number of people but in the last decade they've been very strict about wanting to know the names/addresses.

That makes sense Janis! Thanks!

I agree stay in London. I took a boat to Greenwich, a train to Lymington.

Last year we rented a flat on Pall Mall from londonconnections.com. We were very happy. It's also nice that you pay in US dollars. A day trip with London Walks, walks.com is a nice way to get out of the city for the day. And actually learn something! And they also have walks around London that would be worthwile. A night walk across Hungerford Bridge is great with a view of Parliment and the London Eye. Wherever you end up staying, try to be near a tube station to help get around faster.