Review of 4.5 days in London
 

I lived two years in Oxford, but I will have about 7.5 days in London for a wedding next month. However, 1 day is for the wedding, and 2 will be spent on day trips to Oxford and Brighton. So, in practice I only have 4.5 days. I've taken a ton of day trips in and have done many of the major sites, some multiple times, but have never had so much concentrated time there. Wondering if folks can help me think through some options for sights, restaurants, and bars. Here's what on the list. My interests lean toward fine art/paintings, houses and gardens, and I'm staying at the new Hampton Waterloo.

Sites I've seen before but plan to go back again:

- British Museum
- Tate Modern
- V & A and Constable exhibition
- National Gallery
- maybe one of Imperial War Rooms, St. Paul's or Tower Bridge?

Sites I've never been to but will definitely go to:
- Dulwich Picture Gallery
- Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath (weather permitting)

Pick one of these maybe sites?
- Marble Hill
- Chiswick
- Kew and Syon House

Eating/drinking places:
- Gong, or some place to catch a view from the Shard
- Bar in another place in the City/Skyscrapers? Maybe Me London or the new bar at the Containers hotel?
- Another nice hotel bar, maybe like London Edition or one of the more classic hotels?
- A good gay bar?
- Coco Maya for breakfast or dessert
- Bocca Di Lupo for pre-theatre and Gelupo for dessert
- Zadell and/or Chez Elle

Thanks for any advice.

A "boutique bakery?" Love it and have a great time. I'd recommend The Hoist (see my profile pic and you'll understand) but somehow I don't think it might be your type of "good gay bar." Perhaps the Green Carnation if it's still around.

Hi JOETRO

"-Dulwich Picture Gallery
- Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath (weather permitting)"

Please share your experiences regarding these two venues when you return. I would not be into nature exploration [on the Heath] but would enjoy your take of the village of Hampstead...

Thanks for the bar rec and the great profile picture. However, as you might suspect, I'm looking for something a little more ... tame. I will be sure to do a trip report, lateday!

have you been to the borough market? it's good for an hour or two and they have been very generous about tasting things. also... if you go... i'm mad for the potato & melted cheese guy. the church right by the market is also a very sweet little spot.

We loved the Camden lock markets on a Saturday
We went to the zoo first then walked the canal back to Camden
Wished we could've stayed longer
Food stalls divine
Interesting shopping
Great atmosphere

Thanks. Any further thoughts?

Near Borough Market is The Old Operating Theater--up a flight of steep stairs but worth a look. Have you visited Bartholomew The Great church? Quite a few movies were filmed there and it is one of the oldest churches in London. The streets in that area are very quaint and are mostly tourist free. In the Chelsea area there is the Carlyle house, a National Trust property, and you get a look inside an old London home where Dickens was a frequent visitor. Enjoy london!

JOETRO

"Any further thoughts?"

Yes, a boat ride on the REGENT'S CANAL from MAIDA VALE (high rent district) through Regent's Park to CAMDEN TOWN (colorful, funky) or the reverse. You will also see campy houseboats on the waterway and elegant residences within Regent's Park.

The SUPREME COURT building in Parliament Square - interesting, free, and a convenient "rest stop."

I describe these venues in my ten day solo jaunt to London last June.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-business-.cfm

There's more but I will restrain myself. :)