Ten Days in London (July 4th - July 13th) - Itinerary Planning
Feb 12th, 2012, 12:19 PM
#21
"<i>Am I leaving anything out . . . ?</i>"
Yes, half of London
But you can't see/do <i>everything</i> in a first (or 21st) visit.
One thing you'll want to do is buy a copy of TimeOut on the day you arrive (and the next issue when it hits the streets - it is a weekly). It lists tons of stuff. Concerts, walks, exhibitions, lectures, special events, plays, comedy clubs . . . So you can add sites/events 'on the fly'.
Yes, half of London
But you can't see/do <i>everything</i> in a first (or 21st) visit. One thing you'll want to do is buy a copy of TimeOut on the day you arrive (and the next issue when it hits the streets - it is a weekly). It lists tons of stuff. Concerts, walks, exhibitions, lectures, special events, plays, comedy clubs . . . So you can add sites/events 'on the fly'.
Feb 12th, 2012, 01:15 PM
#23
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Hey there, if u are prepared to get up early you can easily have tower of london "done" by lunch time, giving u the afternoon to see something else 
OR...how about doing the london eye in the morning and then Tower in afternoon More than doable!
OR...how about doing the london eye in the morning and then Tower in afternoon More than doable!
Feb 12th, 2012, 01:19 PM
#24
"<i>OR...how about doing the london eye in the morning and then Tower in afternoon More than doable!</i>"
I wouldn't do that myself. It is generally best to get to the Tower first thing in the AM. That way one can avoid the worst of the crowds and there are no queues for the Crown Jewels.
I wouldn't do that myself. It is generally best to get to the Tower first thing in the AM. That way one can avoid the worst of the crowds and there are no queues for the Crown Jewels.
Feb 12th, 2012, 01:24 PM
#25
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for your free day....how about camden a picnic/walk round in one of the parks and finish in marlebone?
It should be nice weather.... you could start in and visit camden town (very unqie, market, canal-side) in the morning and then walk to Primrose Hill village for lunch supplies/coffee and the wonder though Primrose Hill going south and walk all the way through Regents park ending up in Baker street/where you can cross over into Marlebone village. This is a nice evening place for pubs/dinner. Fantastic cheese shop if you are into cheese. and if you like steak " Relais de Venise" is here...
http://www.relaisdevenise.com/
no menu...just tell them how you like your steak cooked. The place next door does nice cocktails
In primrose hill you could get lunch if you did't fancy picnic.
It should be nice weather.... you could start in and visit camden town (very unqie, market, canal-side) in the morning and then walk to Primrose Hill village for lunch supplies/coffee and the wonder though Primrose Hill going south and walk all the way through Regents park ending up in Baker street/where you can cross over into Marlebone village. This is a nice evening place for pubs/dinner. Fantastic cheese shop if you are into cheese. and if you like steak " Relais de Venise" is here...
http://www.relaisdevenise.com/
no menu...just tell them how you like your steak cooked. The place next door does nice cocktails
In primrose hill you could get lunch if you did't fancy picnic.
Feb 12th, 2012, 03:16 PM
#27
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Isn't planning fun! And you are making good choices, in my opinion. I would add some secondary "stuff," some places you might want to see each day if you have leftover time. Getting to your top 1-3 spots each day will make you feel successful, and if you have some other ideas, you will feel like you got extra stuff for icing on the cake.
What happened to Oxford as a day trip? It's wonderful. (More than Bath? IMHO yes but... If you don't think you want to attempt a day trip on your own, Bath will be a great destination.)
If you can move the stadium tour to another day (the "free" one?) then on July 9 go first to the British Library for an hour or so, walk to the British Museum and walk around yoursefl for a while and then catch the London Walks tour if you want to.
About Globe tickets--well, I'm glad I didn't have to stand with the groundlings for 2.5 hours. And if you really want to see a play I wouldn't suggest you risk finding tickets for seats on the day-of. It was certainly a highlight of my 4 trips to London to see King Lear at the Globe--worth every pence! But we ordered tickets as soon as they put them on the website almost, so....
You can of course spend as much or as little time as you want anyplace, but you can probably fit something else in after Greenwich. We had a boat ride and a walk along the southbank a bit, dinner, and King Lear at the Globe after being in Greenwich for the morning and early afternoon.
I would definitely say to be at the Tower of London at opening. That would be another day to do a Southbank stroll.
I have never done any London Walks but hear good things, but as far as St. Paul's goes, I'd urge you to, if you can/want to/have a pretty day, to walk up to the dome--the views are worth every step! And I don't know if the Walk includes that (probably not) or if you could stay and do that. We are kinda independent souls who like to linger with the cameras, so tours don't work so well for us, but you know your own preferences and style.
What happened to Oxford as a day trip? It's wonderful. (More than Bath? IMHO yes but... If you don't think you want to attempt a day trip on your own, Bath will be a great destination.)
If you can move the stadium tour to another day (the "free" one?) then on July 9 go first to the British Library for an hour or so, walk to the British Museum and walk around yoursefl for a while and then catch the London Walks tour if you want to.
About Globe tickets--well, I'm glad I didn't have to stand with the groundlings for 2.5 hours. And if you really want to see a play I wouldn't suggest you risk finding tickets for seats on the day-of. It was certainly a highlight of my 4 trips to London to see King Lear at the Globe--worth every pence! But we ordered tickets as soon as they put them on the website almost, so....
You can of course spend as much or as little time as you want anyplace, but you can probably fit something else in after Greenwich. We had a boat ride and a walk along the southbank a bit, dinner, and King Lear at the Globe after being in Greenwich for the morning and early afternoon.
I would definitely say to be at the Tower of London at opening. That would be another day to do a Southbank stroll.
I have never done any London Walks but hear good things, but as far as St. Paul's goes, I'd urge you to, if you can/want to/have a pretty day, to walk up to the dome--the views are worth every step! And I don't know if the Walk includes that (probably not) or if you could stay and do that. We are kinda independent souls who like to linger with the cameras, so tours don't work so well for us, but you know your own preferences and style.
Feb 12th, 2012, 03:29 PM
#28
My rule of thumb re London Walks (which are generally great):
I only take their theme/neighborhood walks. I don't take 'walks' of places that have their own tours or are easily done independently w/ a paper or audio guide - like Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, St Paul's, the V&A, etc. IMO if you want a tour of the Abbey, take a Verger's tour. The British Museum is best done on your own (including one of the museum's own specialized tours if you want)
London Walks has so many other good options for neighborhoods/themes one might not get to otherwise.
I only take their theme/neighborhood walks. I don't take 'walks' of places that have their own tours or are easily done independently w/ a paper or audio guide - like Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, St Paul's, the V&A, etc. IMO if you want a tour of the Abbey, take a Verger's tour. The British Museum is best done on your own (including one of the museum's own specialized tours if you want)
London Walks has so many other good options for neighborhoods/themes one might not get to otherwise.
Feb 12th, 2012, 06:25 PM
#29
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We went on the Royal London Walks tour on Friday and loved it. Besides seeing the inside of Westminster Abbey without waiting on line we also saw the changing of the guard without having to wait and the guards were so so close to us as they passed by. It was wonderful.
When you are in Trafalgar Square on your first full day, you can certainly go into the National Gallery which is another magnificent museum in London. Also, the National Portrait Gallery is right around the corner. St Martin in the Field is across the street. My son did a brass rubbing there and had fun. All that will fill up your day.
We did the London Eye in the evening after the Cabinet War Rooms. Just walk across the bridge and there you are so very close. In July it doesn't get dark until very late so if you go between 6-8PM there would still be plenty of light.
Another thing to do is to climb to the top of St Paul on your own. Check to see if you can do that after the Tower. Not sure on their Sunday hours though.
I also recommend that you see the Imperial War Museum. There are dozens of things to fill up days.
If you have a day take the train to Hampton Court Palace. We loved the Palace. Check out my trip report where I described the Palace in detail including the kitchen demonstrations. The grounds were spectacular in the summer too. Enjoy your trip and be sure to write a report when you return
When you are in Trafalgar Square on your first full day, you can certainly go into the National Gallery which is another magnificent museum in London. Also, the National Portrait Gallery is right around the corner. St Martin in the Field is across the street. My son did a brass rubbing there and had fun. All that will fill up your day.
We did the London Eye in the evening after the Cabinet War Rooms. Just walk across the bridge and there you are so very close. In July it doesn't get dark until very late so if you go between 6-8PM there would still be plenty of light.
Another thing to do is to climb to the top of St Paul on your own. Check to see if you can do that after the Tower. Not sure on their Sunday hours though.
I also recommend that you see the Imperial War Museum. There are dozens of things to fill up days.
If you have a day take the train to Hampton Court Palace. We loved the Palace. Check out my trip report where I described the Palace in detail including the kitchen demonstrations. The grounds were spectacular in the summer too. Enjoy your trip and be sure to write a report when you return
Feb 12th, 2012, 07:06 PM
#30
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Go to Hyde Park and Harrods. I love to stroll along the pond and just people watch. Next door is Kensington Gardens where you can hunt down the peter pan statue. I love Harrods for a few reasons. 1.if you ever want to see true HauteCouture it's there and 2.if you want to see a fabulous market it's there. I am from the US and was intrigued that so much could go on in one store, and I live outside of NY. On the one hand it's glamour with (look for the ladies in all black...from head to toe looking very elegant ...always at the Chanel bag counter...UNbeleivable jewels!!)and on the upper floor is a regular shop for appliances. The juxtaposition is great. There are just as many locals as there are tourists.I love the student uniform department. All those adorable british things!! Yes,I do visit the typical places and they are all great. I nearly fainted when I was by the EYE because it was so crowded! Go to the VA. You have plenty of time. Go to the National Maritime Museum and the fan museum (a little bitty place but cute)Go to Camden Town for the ultimate London show...home of the Doc Martin and the latest alternative fashion trends.When I travel I see the most likely places and then I reserve time to just people watch. Keep in mind London is expensive. Make sure to check the weather report before going! I am always cold when I go to London.
Feb 12th, 2012, 07:14 PM
#31
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I would also recommend the Imperial War Museum (across the Thames but not that far; free).
You can't sightsee in any churches on Sundays.
Oh, and I'm twice your age (how'd that happen?) and we got a LOT done on the afternoons when we arrived about the time you did and we were completely fine with a packed day on the first full day. The day you arrive it is best not to plan anything definite, I think, but get out and acclimate and time adjust and walk and get to know the neighborhood. Good plan. But, I think you can add a bit to that first full day (July 5) safely.
You can't sightsee in any churches on Sundays.
Oh, and I'm twice your age (how'd that happen?) and we got a LOT done on the afternoons when we arrived about the time you did and we were completely fine with a packed day on the first full day. The day you arrive it is best not to plan anything definite, I think, but get out and acclimate and time adjust and walk and get to know the neighborhood. Good plan. But, I think you can add a bit to that first full day (July 5) safely.
Feb 13th, 2012, 02:28 AM
#32
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I'm loving all of the advice. Thank you all!
I'll work on adding in some of the suggestions over the next couple of weeks and I'm sure I'll be back.
Is it bad that I want to go NOW?
I'll work on adding in some of the suggestions over the next couple of weeks and I'm sure I'll be back.
Is it bad that I want to go NOW?
Feb 29th, 2012, 07:08 AM
#34
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Lots of changes made:
Wednesday July 4 - Arrive at Heathrow, travel to flat, get acclimated, go grocery shopping, and walk around neighborhood Possibly head into London and Wander
Thursday July 5 - Trafalgar Sq, Piccadilly, Soho - Wander a bit (thinking we may sleep in a bit on this day), National Gallery, V&A Museum
Friday July 6 - 10:45 AM Royal London & Westminster London Walk, Buckingham, Parks, Harrods, Churchill War Rooms, London Eye (If Weather and time permit)
Saturday July 7 - Greenwich (Market and tourist stuff), Boat back to city, show in the evening (will have to travel into TKTS in the morning and then out to Greenwich, right?)
Sunday July 8 - Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Southbank, Imperial War Museum, London Eye (if it didn’t work on Friday)
Monday July 9 - Football stadium tour (either Chelsea or Fulham depending on availability.. Fulham is first choice), British Museum, British Library
Tuesday July 10 - 10:30 AM St. Pauls London Walk, Millenium Bridge, Tate Modern, Shake's Globe (maybe coming back at night for $5 standing tickets -- I did this years ago, don't know if they still do)
Wednesday July 11 – Paris Day Trip (I know, I know, I know… Lots of con’s here, however, I think I want to do it. It would mean a lot to the wife and I think we’ll enjoy it).
Thursday July 12 - Day Trip to Bath - London Walks
Friday July 13 - Travel to Heathrow and head to Rome
A few items I'm still considering and don't know where/how to fit them in:
Windsor
Natural History Museum
I know lots of people will say Paris is a bad idea, and it may be. But I think I can do the BIG items in one day (Louvre, Eiffel..). This may fail miserably, but I'm willing to risk it.
Wednesday July 4 - Arrive at Heathrow, travel to flat, get acclimated, go grocery shopping, and walk around neighborhood Possibly head into London and Wander
Thursday July 5 - Trafalgar Sq, Piccadilly, Soho - Wander a bit (thinking we may sleep in a bit on this day), National Gallery, V&A Museum
Friday July 6 - 10:45 AM Royal London & Westminster London Walk, Buckingham, Parks, Harrods, Churchill War Rooms, London Eye (If Weather and time permit)
Saturday July 7 - Greenwich (Market and tourist stuff), Boat back to city, show in the evening (will have to travel into TKTS in the morning and then out to Greenwich, right?)
Sunday July 8 - Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Southbank, Imperial War Museum, London Eye (if it didn’t work on Friday)
Monday July 9 - Football stadium tour (either Chelsea or Fulham depending on availability.. Fulham is first choice), British Museum, British Library
Tuesday July 10 - 10:30 AM St. Pauls London Walk, Millenium Bridge, Tate Modern, Shake's Globe (maybe coming back at night for $5 standing tickets -- I did this years ago, don't know if they still do)
Wednesday July 11 – Paris Day Trip (I know, I know, I know… Lots of con’s here, however, I think I want to do it. It would mean a lot to the wife and I think we’ll enjoy it).
Thursday July 12 - Day Trip to Bath - London Walks
Friday July 13 - Travel to Heathrow and head to Rome
A few items I'm still considering and don't know where/how to fit them in:
Windsor
Natural History Museum
I know lots of people will say Paris is a bad idea, and it may be. But I think I can do the BIG items in one day (Louvre, Eiffel..). This may fail miserably, but I'm willing to risk it.
Feb 29th, 2012, 08:27 AM
#35
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Just a quick note as I am off home - you can go to the TKTS booth in Leicester Sq the day you do SoHo and buy your tickets in advance (they do advance ticket sales now, I think 1 week in advance) to save yourself the trip in on the day you plan to do Greenwich. You may want to start that day in Blackheath and walk across the heath and down to Greenwich through Greenwich park, its a lovely walk and its downhill!
Jul 3rd, 2012, 08:17 AM
#37
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Enjoy your trip and please report back - dont forget your umbrellas and layers...forcasts arent great for London. Its warm and a bit humid, with showers for the next couple of weeks.
But dont worry, there are lots of pubs to take refuge in
But dont worry, there are lots of pubs to take refuge in
Jul 3rd, 2012, 09:35 AM
#38
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<i>I just ordered the Rick Steves 2012 book just to get an idea</i>
Surprised no-one picked up on this statement as the RS UK book is generally described as "poor" and the advice - especially for London - is often described as "interesting".
Surprised no-one picked up on this statement as the RS UK book is generally described as "poor" and the advice - especially for London - is often described as "interesting".
