Thanks everyone I have a better handle on how to organise all the visits.

From the Bradt Travel Guide <i>London in the Footsteps of the Famous</i>, which includes a 'Jack the Ripper' walk -

"The East End has changed since the Ripper's day. A combination of slum clearance and German bombing has altered a couple of the sites beyond recognition. Some streets have had their names changed as well, after protests from local residents fed up with ghouls peering through their windows. But there's still plenty left, just as it was when Jack the Ripper prowled the shadows. <b>For best results, try the walk alone at night, when the streets are deserted and you only have your own footsteps for company..."</b>[my bolding]

Should have mentioned the author of the above is one Nicholas Best, who "first discovered London when he was an officer in the Grenadier Guards, patrolling the Tower of London in the middle of the night."

I can't believe there is no mention of the Victoria and Albert museum.l This is an incredible place and should be right at the top of your list and well before tacky things like the Ripper walk and Portobello Market. If you go to Covent Garden, go on a Saturday. The atmosphere is great.

Yes almcd the Victoria and Albert museum was on my list - just forgot to mention this and whats more it is free and close to our accommodation!

I don't think anyone has mentioned the fact that you can take a boat ( they leave at regular intervals) and thus "cruise the Thames" from the Tower to Westminster Abbey or vice versa.

It's also important to know that the London Walks, such as Jack the Ripper, take about 2 hours with no sitting which could be a problem if you have mobility issues.