London itinary
 

Arriving in London 12-19 for first visit. I have put together an itinary. Any suggestions as to workability would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>Sun. 12-20 Victor @ Albert museum a.m. Hyde Park speakers corner p.m. <BR> <BR>Mon. 12-21 Tower of London early a.m. St. Pauls, National Gallery, evening theatre. <BR> <BR>Tues. 12-22 Westminster Abbey a.m. ate Gallery p.m. Ceremony of keys and Parliament Square at night. <BR> <BR>Wed 12-23 British Museum a.m. Trip down Thames to Greenwich p.m. <BR> <BR>Thur 12-24 Buckingham Palace a.m. Changing of Horse Guards 11:00 a.m. Banqueting House, Cenotaph and Downing Street. <BR> <BR>First Sat and Fri. 12-25 not set yet.

Mel, <BR>Looks pretty good. However, if you like art and museums, the National Gallery and British Museum could each easily take up an entire day, they are simply awesome. So you may want to make some more room there. I would also recommend that you take one of the bus tours of the city your first day there. This will help orient you around London.

Mel, <BR>You've developed a most impressive, comprehensive and well thought out itinerary. Got a couple of suggestions, nevertheless. I presume you've made advanced reservations by mail for the ceremony of the keys; if not, you're out of luck. It's not a walk-up event. Changing of the Horse Guards is a much better bet than that at Buckingham (less crowds, closer to the "action'). With all your intended museum visiting, recognize that museum restaurants are good bargains for good food. When at the National Gallery, consider dining in the crypt of St. Martin in the Fields, a place you should also explore for seasonal concerts. Check the website www.whatson for theatre and concert listings. When visiting the Banqueting House and the Cenotaph, consider stopping at Churchill's War Rooms for a tour of London's bunker" during WWII. Finally, consider a visit to one of London's markets; Camden Lock market (tube Camden Town) and Camden Passage market (tube Angel) are two attractive cobblestoned areas where prints, books and antiques are sold and street performers are usually present. Both are open on Saturday. Do, by all means, experience pub life but try to avoid those geared to tourists. Look for a neighborhood pub off the beaten track.

You have definitely spent some time thinking about this and done a very good job. My only suggestion is I think your schedule for Monday 12/21 is kind of crowded. We went to the Tower and St Pauls the same day and that was a full day. It depends on how much time you want to spend in the Tower. If you take the guided tour of the grounds, see the crown jewels, visit the keep, and go to the armory you will be there for quite a long time.

Mel, here's a time saver for your day at the Tower. You know to arrive early, but once in, head directly for the crown jewels. The line gets longer and longer as the day goes on, and you won't want to miss them. Once you finish there, go back and pick up the Beefeaters guided tour. Have a great trip.

Mel, <BR> <BR>I'm jealous. I love London and always looking forward to my next visit. Speakers corner at Hyde Park was one of the funniest things I had ever seen. But I think it probably can vary from time to time depending on who the speakers are. I for some reason thought it was only in the AM and I see you have it down for PM. I maybe be wrong but thought you might want to check. <BR> <BR>You don't have anything planned for high tea. If you are planning on this experience I would suggest Brown's Hotel. Very nice. But you may need to make reservations. <BR> <BR>You will have a wonderful time! <BR>