My husband and I are going to London for our first anniverary. We have both been there so we don't need to do the typical tourist activities- Westminster Abby, etc. We are looking for other suggestions, great romantic restaurants that may not be so tourist, things we should do that most miss their first time around. Thanks.

My third time there we went to see the queen's summer home. Where she keeps her doll house. I can't think of the name of the town right now. It was a day trip from London and it was lovely. Have dinner at the new restaurant in Claridges.

Here are a couple of ideas that the everyday tourist might not have:<BR>A man might like this more than a woman, but I was thrilled over the old planes in the WWII British Air Museum, reachable by tube in the north suburbs. As for a place to eat, I personally go to "Rules" for a special treat---the oldest restaurant in London, and it's in Covent Garden.

Go over to the south bank and walk along the Thames - Hays Galleria, Butler's Wharf, etc. Lots of places to eat along the river down that way. When we were there again this past April we hit a nice warm spell and had lunch at a nice place overlooking the Thames just past Tower Bridge (sorry I can't remember the name) While in that area St. Katherine's Marina is nice too (about 10 min. walk from Tower Hill Sta.) on the Tower Hill side of the Thames. There are some nice places to eat there as well as Dickens Pub.<BR><BR>I'd also recommend the Wallace Collection if you have not been there, most tourists don't make it on the first trip. Likewise Somerset House.<BR><BR>Take a day trip out of town, but not to a big tourist destination. We had a great day in Ely (Cambridgeshire) a couple of visits back and there were hardly any tourists there.<BR><BR>Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath is lovely (as is the Heath). Take a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. Great views of London from Parliment Hill too.<BR><BR>The Geoffrye Museum is really a nice place and most tourist don't do it the first time around. Likewise The Museum of London .. it's one of my favorites.<BR><BR>The British Library -- another great place most tourists don't hit the first time around.<BR><BR>If you did not make it to Greenwich I'd suggest a day there. The Maritime Museum is nice (good restrooms too for anyone who cares to know that type of thing). The park is lovely and it's like a day in the country almost. the Maritime Museum has a cafe and if the weather is nice you can take your food outdoors.<BR><BR>Leadenhall Market is another interesting site.<BR><BR>We just like to pick a neighborhood and walk around the streets - it's a great way to see things and to enjoy the city and it's different neighborhoods.<BR><BR>

If kt is as stupid as she appears I hope she does not reproduce..You went to Windsor..that was Queen Mary's , Elizabeth II grandmother's dollhouse

Have you ever done one of the London Walks pub walks? Very informative and a good chance to chat with others on the pub stops. I did the Hampstead one and would have never gotten up there otherwise. There are two every night so you can choose areas you have not see before and get the history. Very inexpensive and fun way to spend an evening.

To the person who replied to kt. You are very RUDE. It's interesting that you didn't have the courage to give your name. Thank you kt for your input.

May I suggest Kew Gardens if you like parks? I took the boat down and the tube back and spent a lovely day. A restaurant I really remember is Bumbles on Buckingham Palace Rd. at Bressendon near Victoria Station. Also, enjoyed Carriages kitty-corner from Bumbles.

My husband and I really enjoyed going to see a show at the restored Globe Theater when we were in London for our honeymoon last summer. You didn't mention when you're traveling (unless I missed it). The Globe's season is in the summer since it is open to the elements.