5 hrs in London, what would you do?!

[QuickWash]

For my birthday, I've decided I'd like a day trip into London, by myself, with no small children to amuse or control, and I'm very excited about reading and thinking on the train and visiting a couple of museums/exhibitions.

I'll be arriving into Waterloo and will have about 5 hours in the middle of the day. What would you make a beeline for and why?

@mervyn 😁😁

Ooh this all sounds so lovely. I live nearby and haven't done all these things - must try them out. I'm free in September/October

I'd add to your list a nice stroll through Kensington gardens, including past the royal Albert hall and Albert memorial and Kensington palace (you don't have to go into the palace, the area outside it is perfect for a wander&wonder - and in fact you can just pop into their cafe without paying). To get to Kensington gardens, walk across the bridge from Waterloo to Westminster and then hop on the district or circle line to South Kensington, then walk north 10-15 minutes. Also while you're at South Kensington you have a choice of natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert museum or science museum.

Enjoy!

you can just pop into their cafe without paying

To clarify, you don't need to pay the palace entry fee. But you do have to pay for anything you consume in the cafe

Book a free ticket to go up to the Sky Garden, or for a free and fabulous view of the skyline and St Paul's in particular go to the roof terrace at One New Change.

If we are talking about views, my favourite is from the top floor of the Tate Modern. It’s just about 360 degrees and free - just take the lift to the top or walk if you feel up to it. Read beforehand online about all the controversy of how the viewing platform overlooks expensive flats!