I agree with the last two posters. Don't bother with the Changing of the Guards at the Palace. It is a time vampire. The Horse Guards changing isn't nearly as crowded, especially if you're at the Horse Guard Parade. Also the nice thing about being there, is that you can take pictures with the guards - just don't touch them or talk to them. They won't bat an eye, move, or acknowledge you, but they don't seem to mind if you stand next to them and take a picture. Same with the mounted Horse Guards, although there are signs posted to "Beware of the horses which may kick or bite." LOL!

We did not take the Tower Bridge tour either. We walked across it then walked on the other side of the river to the Millennium Bridge at the Tate Modern, where we crossed back to go to St. Paul's. See notes above for what we saw on the "other side." Neither of us is a fan of modern art, so we skipped the Tate.

I highly recommend the British Museum when you have at least 2-3 hours to explore its vast collection. I also highly recommend the Museum of London--they have a piece of the Roman wall you can see. The Natural History museum Darwin area is neat but of the three you had listed this is rated last in my opinion and can be skipped.

We spent 5 hours at the Tower of London. Take you time to enjoy it.

I agree Kensington Palace can be skipped. I also recommend Hampton Court Palace. We spent a half day there and loved it especially the gardens. At the time we visited they did live kitchen demonstrations which were really neat to see.

Did you book your Parliament tickets in advance? Security there is worse than the airlines! Check out my trip report to get more info on that one but once inside the tour is wonderful.

For additional museums that are world class and definitely worth visiting--The Imperial War Museum, The V&A Museum, Churchill War Rooms which I believe you have listed and the National Gallery. National Gallery is open late on Thursdays and Fridays.

On one day we had visited the Tower of London from opening at 9AM until 2PM. DH and DS went into Tower Bridge to see the mechanisms then we took a boat ride from the pier by the Tower over to Westminster area and visited the Churchill War Rooms from 4-6PM. I think we even rode the London Eye that evening. Doable but a packed itinerary that day. We toured Westminster Abbey on a different day.

Have fun planning!

Sky Garden has to booked in advance too.

A few thoughts:

-- The Tower takes at least half-day to see it thoroughly...and it is worth it.

-- The Tower Bridge Exhibit is not something I would recommend unless you have been to London several times and have seen the A-list sights. It's nice, but not essential.

-- Strong agreement with the recommendation to see the Horse Guards rather than the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

-- Churchill War Rooms are fantastic if you are (like me) a history buff...if not, it's something you might save for your next visit.

-- The Museum of London is awesome...but, once again, I am a history buff and like to learn about any city I visit.

-- Go to the websites of your museums and make a list of those that have late-closing hours...take advantage of that to maximize time-use.

-- Buy a 1-week paper travel card at a train station. Works on the tube and buses (which I recommend), and qualifies you for the 2-for-1 vouchers:

https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london

-- Beware...I think you are trying to do too much.

ssander

Yeah I am doing a bit much I think all I did was took note of all the sights and just planted them on days to see what was feasible. I hate to say this but I love everything, history, art, culture, architecture, etc. etc. and to fine tune and say which interests me and do that is not conducive from my perspective.

I get responses asking what is it that I want to do and honestly, the answer is everything. On this trip, it's just me and my son and we plan to move fast and quick without anything holding us back, aside from exhaustion but we expect to have fun doing it. In other words, we are flexible. Very flexible and hopefully this helps with how quickly we move along, hence, the pack itinerary.

If we have to cut things out no big deal, we don't plan to be on the minute by the minute on what I have outlined but the advices that everyone has given me is GREAT!

Everyone's contribution really puts into perspective what may or may not work.