London tips for spring trip

[Skywalker3]

DH and I FINALLY have plans to take our dream trip to London. Going in April, and will be there about 10-12 days. We 'might' have a side trip to Liverpool, but that's not definite.
So....currently staying in Leicester Square area. Originally was elsewhere, and we know this area is very busy/touristy, but is it still a good, central place to stay? Easy to get transportation to the other tourist sites?
We are heavy into museums. So far, planning a day at the British Museum, the Imperial War Museum, and some time at the Churchill room. How long would you estimate for the Churchill rooms? The only tour we've booked is one of those early morning Stonehenge tours w Bath. We do plan to book at tour at the Tower of London. Tentatively planning to visit the Globe, I think they've finally added performances for our dates. Also hope to see Westminster Abbey. and at some point watch the changing of the Guard. Any other recommendations for museums?
We also are planning a date at Portsmouth for the Victory
Please, please share any and all food recommendations. We're fairly open to almost any food types, but since we'll be there so long, not looking for fancy/expensive. But good pub food, British food, etc.
Please also share any other general tips about getting around, or London in general. Thanks in advance!!

 

[BrianL]

Bring your own food! When I went to London last November I had assumed the reputation for bad food was overblown. It is not. At least bring salt, as apparently, they don't believe in using it. My family wouldn't go to an Indian restaurant, though you could probably actually find food that isn't bland there!

We stayed near Tower of London, which was really cool. I do recommend seeing it. They have the crown jewels, but, honestly, for me, that was the least interesting part. It amazes me sometimes to see the heavily armed guards surrounding a bunch of shiny rocks, but then you go to the British Museum and see some amazing sculpture that is like 8,000 years old, and it just has a sign that says " Please do not touch." It really shows where our priorities are as a society!

The British Museum is amazing too! I know it's the plundered cultural treasures of the world, but that's where they all are. Plan to get there early and spend a while. I'd try to check out the area with the Rosetta Stone first as that gets pretty busy. Treat it like rope-dropping Disney and prioritize what you want to see most. Food options there are limited and the lines for the too-few restrooms could be long, so just be aware.

 

[Minnie1222]

Bring your own food!

At least bring salt.

 

[BrianL]

Right? I mean, I thought that at least the fish and chips would be good, but Nope! I can get better here at Captain D's! Potato planks with zero salt? No thanks. Get ready to drown it in malt vinegar!

Also, I hope you don't like water, because good luck. I am pretty sure that British people have somehow evolved to survive without it. If you ask for it, they will look at you like you are crazy and bring you the smallest glass - then you have to get it yourself with said tiny glass. It's wild.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

So....currently staying in Leicester Square area. Originally was elsewhere, and we know this area is very busy/touristy, but is it still a good, central place to stay?

I lived in London for 4 years and visit regularly. My most recent visit was in August 2025.

Leicester Square is the London version of Times Square. Its tourist central and very busy night and day. Its a pedestrian square area right in the centre of theatreland. Walk 5 minutes in one direction and you are at Piccadilly Circus, walk 5 minutes in another direction and you are in China Town, walk 5 minutes in another direction and you are in Covent Garden, walk 5 minutes in another direction and you are in Trafalgar Square.

Its an expensive area to stay in a hotel, and you will get all the chain tourist restaurants and tourist pubs. You will get not so good quality food for high prices.

Easy to get transportation to the other tourist sites?

Leicester Square Tube Station is on the Piccadilly Line and Northern Line
Walk to Piccadilly Circus and you can get either the Piccadilly Line or Bakerloo Line
Walk to Tottenham Court Road and you can get the Northern Line, the Central Line or the Elizabeth Line

A huge amount of bus routes go through that general area, obviously not Leicester Square itself as thats a pedestrian area, but in all the streets surrounding it.

Basically for transport, you can get anywhere in London using the tube and or bus from Leicester Square area.

We are heavy into museums. So far, planning a day at the British Museum, the Imperial War Museum, and some time at the Churchill room. How long would you estimate for the Churchill rooms?

Nearest Tube Stations to
The British Museum = Holborn or Russel Square
Imperial War Museum = Westminster

Just use Google Maps, put in your hotel, then go to Directions, then Transit and then put in where you want to go and you will get tube and bus and walking directions.

I havent been to Churchill Rooms so I cant give you advice about that

We do plan to book at tour at the Tower of London.

Book in advance and try also to book a Yeoman Warder tour / Beefeater tour. Try to book an early morning timed viewing of The Crown Jewels. The Jewel Room can get very busy.

Please, please share any and all food recommendations. We're fairly open to almost any food types, but since we'll be there so long, not looking for fancy/expensive. But good pub food, British food, etc.

For food recommendation, my main advice is you are in a major tourist area, the West End theatreland, Leicester Square Piccadilly Circus area so it its all over priced not good quality. The pubs are tourist pubs, not locals pubs. People who live in London go to Leicester Square Piccadilly Circus area for the theatre, the cinema, partying etc so its not the foodie area of London. You will see a lot of bachelor and bachelorette parties, UK people out drinking as there are a lot of clubs in that area.

Its very hard to recommend where to go for food, as London is huge, with so many different areas , types of food for all sorts of budgets. Theres no point in me recommending a place, as you might not be in that area when you want to eat a meal.

You can eat amazing food in London, everything from Michelin Star Fine Dining to streetfood, bakeries, and supermarket food but you just need to know whats a tourist trap and whats not. It frustrates me when tourists disparage food in London, as having lived there I experienced something totally different.

 

[irlandaise]

Tentatively planning to visit the Globe, I think they've finally added performances for our dates.

Oh, I hope you can do that! I was so thrilled to be able to attend a performance there once. Of course you'll want to prioritize the main theater, but if by chance you have enough time, do consider seeing a play in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, where productions are done by candlelight. I've seen some of those plays on the Globe's streaming service, and they're stunning.

Also check the National Theatre's schedule in case something appeals to you there:

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/event/type/theatre/

Have a great time!

 

[tennisfan]

Most restaurants, just ask for a jug of tap water, its perfectly safe to drink and its no issue. I live in the UK and we always do it. There are plenty of choices to eat in London to suit all budgets.