bob_brown

Our list of attractions to visit in London this trip has expanded to the extent that we will probably run out of time before we see everything on the list.

For that reason I need some input to help make a few priority decisions, i.e. what goes to the end of the list.

Right now, a return to Westminster Abbey for the first time in 30 years is top priority.]
Dulwich Picture Gallery is second because we have never seen it at all.

The attractions at the low end of the list include the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the Wallace Collection, the Temple Church (da Vinci Code site and a historian's interest in the Knights Templar), and the Sir Alexander Fleming Museum.

Could those of you who have visited these places give me a call on two aspects of a visit: (1) Is 60 - 90 minutes enough to see these places with moderate completeness, and (2) How well presented are the various displays in the museum?

I think you can see what I am getting at.
Is it worth it and can I do it quickly.


I am the one who wants to visit the Sherlock Holmes museum because when I was a high schooler, I read all the stories avidly.

janis

The first one I would relegate to the bottom is the Sherlock Holmes Museum. I was and avid Holmseian as a kid too but since the entire thing is about a fictional character, you might be better off to keep the visions in your mind and not see invented Holmes artefacts.

I'd just keep it on the list and go there if you have time. Since you already know your way around London you won't experience as much "dithering" as many 1st timers and may very well have time to do it all . . . . .

mamc

Definitely visit Westminster Abbey and take the Vergers Tour. Don't worry about spending time at the attractions on the low end of your list - with the exception of the Wallace Collection, there are dozens of more interesting things to do.

MLT

Hi Bob. I've been to the Sherlock Holmes Museum because, like you, my husband is a big fan of the stories. I must confess I've never read them myself -- only familiar with them from watching Masterpiece Theater.

The museum can definitely be done in 60 minutes or less. As Holmes is, after all, a fictional character, the displays are merely re-creations of items described in the stories. The whole building is a recreation of the sleuth's home and is pretty well done. My husband enjoyed seeing his mental image of Holmes' residence fleshed-out, but I probably could've passed on this one. The gift shop, however, is pretty nice and you could pick-up some interesting souvenirs.

There's always so much to do and see in London, that I can't tell you whether this museum is worth it or not. It depends on how big a fan you are. It certainly wouldn't make it on my top 10 list of things to do when in London. But if you're in the area and you've already taken in the top sights you wanted to see on this trip, I'd say go for it. Btw, we didn't go until our third trip together in London.

Have a great trip!

JudyC

I go to Temple church for the Wednesday lunchtime organ recital (1:15Pm) every time I visit London, usually quite good. The church is samll, takes no more than 30 minutes to look around the details.

If you have time, it is really pleasant to stroll around the courts in Inner Temple and Middle Temple, there are several medieval features left. In June, the roses in the gardens will be in full bloom, ideal spots for lunch/snack picnics.

Wallace Collection needs more than an hour. Once, I stayed there for the whole morning, then had lunch at their cafe-quite good too.

jsmith

I've been thrice to the Wallace Collection so it must be good or I wouldn't have gone after the first visit, would I. I concur that you can have a very nice lunch or just a snack and beverage.

It has a really extensive armor(armour)collection. Not to be confused with an amour collection.

The others I don't know.