"but I prefer other parts of England."
I'm with you on that one tom_mn. Visitors who spend all their time in London miss a lot of what England has to offer.

My advice is not ill informed. We did attend a service at the Abbey for which there is no charge.

Other issues for OP:

What does your bank charge for foreign ATM (cashpoint) withdrawals? My bank's charges would have been so high I opened a new bank account. Do you have a chip and PIN credit card? Some stores and the tube require it although London is good for taking swipe style credit cards. Some US banks offer them so do a web search if you want the security of knowing you can always charge.

i would definitely add in a great evening of theater... fun to walk across the bridge to the national theater and have a coffee overlooking london before the show, as well.

>>We did attend a service at the Abbey for which there is no charge. <<

Yes -- Attending evensong or another service is great. But it is not a substitute for visiting the Abbey - one cannot tour/wander around the Abbey or see any of the chapels,

Re Chip & PIN cards . . . >>Some stores and the tube require it<<

Not in the UK.

I am not hijacking, only countering bad info. Swipe card refused in a sporting goods store in York, had to switch to (higher fee) chip and PIN. Also swipe cards do not work in uk at unmanned petrol stations like at Asda.

Also for OP: many credit cards still tack on 3% foreign transaction fees, but others charge nothing. You may be headed for a $4000 week so that 3% will add up. Also must call banks ahead of time to authorize foreign charges and ATM withdrawals or they will freeze the accounts.

Guys and Gals,

Thank you so much for all your ideas and suggestions. It really helps.

I am planning the below trip on Saturday - A morning tour of the Tower of London (3 hours) and then a visit to Brick Lane/Spitalfields Market for shopping and lunch. (any lunch restaurants?) Finally, boat from Tower Pier to London Eye Pier for London Eye night experience.

Does this sound like a good plan ? Any restaurants you suggest around the London eye area as I expect us to be famished with all the walking. Something decent that does not make a hole in my purse.

Thank you !

If you like parks, then consider a visit to the Chelsea Physic Garden, taking one of their tours if you can. I really enjoyed visiting.

Physic gardens great and lively to see the Chelsea area but check opening days as was not open Saturdays last time we were in London