London tips for spring trip

[Skywalker3]

Resurrecting thread. Trip is coming up soon, so we've scheduled almost all of the museum times, etc. But still need to add in the V & A, and Westminster Abbey, if we are doing those. So far, we are planning one museum/bit site a day. The only days that have multiple plans are the 2 days that we have plays in the evening, and probably the Globe. We'll likely do something that morning. We have one afternoon tea booked, at the British Museum, and a Sunday roast. We've been watching a lot of reels/videos on markets, like Borough market, etc. and hope to try a lot of the food at markets stalls, if we find ourselves there.
Thank you all so, so much for the suggestions. I still can't believe it's all happening!

 

[AlohaNow]

So excited for you @Skywalker3 ! And I just want to thank you for staring this thread. We are heading to London in July so this current info is gold. I hope you have a great time and please report back!

 

[ronandannette]

Resurrecting thread. Trip is coming up soon, so we've scheduled almost all of the museum times, etc. But still need to add in the V & A, and Westminster Abbey, if we are doing those. So far, we are planning one museum/bit site a day. The only days that have multiple plans are the 2 days that we have plays in the evening, and probably the Globe. We'll likely do something that morning. We have one afternoon tea booked, at the British Museum, and a Sunday roast. We've been watching a lot of reels/videos on markets, like Borough market, etc. and hope to try a lot of the food at markets stalls, if we find ourselves there.
Thank you all so, so much for the suggestions. I still can't believe it's all happening!

We just got back a week ago from an 8 day trip split between London, Edinburgh and Dublin. My best advice is pack waaaay warmer clothes than you think you'll need. I needed to come home to Canada to get warm.

 

[starvenger]

It's a different kind of cold in the UK. Not as bad as it is in Canada, but yeah it can catch you by surprise.

 

[PacificCoaster]

I visit London frequently and believe the most economical way to see the best attractions, excluding the free museums, is by purchasing a London Pass. It is well worth the investment if you plan on visiting Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the London Eye, The Shard, and Windsor Castle. These are a few of my favourite must dos.

You can purchase passes ranging from one to ten days, and you can find more details and pricing at londonpass.com. Don't let the distance to Windsor Castle deter you; it is only a 30 to 60-minute train ride from central London. It’s the best castle to tour and very easy to access.

Some attractions, such as The Shard, require advance reservations even with the pass. Book your slot near sunset for the most incredible views of the city. Before you visit The Shard, you can stop by nearby Borough Market.

The most efficient way to navigate the city is via the Underground (the Tube). You can use a contactless credit card to tap on and off at the gates. Note that every traveler must have their own individual card. You cannot tap twice for two different people on the same card or device.

There are so many great restaurants in London. Most visitors stick to pubs for some reason but I stay away from them. Pub food is going to be pretty much the same no matter where you go.

 

[hardcorestitch]

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!!

Don’t forget to visit the Oxford St Disney store as well

 

[PacificCoaster]

Another tip: Pickpocketing is common on the Tube, around tourist sites and in crowded areas throughout London. Avoid keeping valuables in pockets, purses or bags that do not have secure zippers or locks. There are dedicated Instagram accounts that expose these thieves, which are eye opening. Aside from that London is generally a very safe and clean city and the people are friendly and helpful if you need directions.

 

[disykat]

As others have mentioned, we took a train out to Windsor and explored the castle and the area around it. We also enjoyed a boat ride to Greenwich, exploring the sights and having lunch at a pub there. We also loved the Harry Potter Warner Bros tour. That involved a train and then a bus from the train station. (Our boys basically learned to read with Harry Potter and we had read many of the books as read alouds to them. They were college aged and came with us to London as a "last chance to take them on a family trip" so it was so fun to do that together! We were all like kids in a candy shop the whole time.)