What to do in London?

[Custardslice3]

For various reasons I've not been into Central London for several years, but I have a trip coming up - an incredibly rare day off from DS. I'll be arriving about midday, and will have about 7 hours until I'm meeting friends for dinner. I've booked the National Gallery, and I'll do a bit of shopping on Oxford Street as I have some vouchers to spend and don't often get a chance. I'll probably not use the tube so will be on foot in that area, and will enjoy wandering through St James' Park and around the streets.

Any other suggestions for things I should do? Preferably cheap/free as I don't have a big budget to spend and will need to save it for dinner!

I always recommend the Emirates air line. You will always get a pod to yourself, not many people use it. A trip to the Orbital slide at the Olympic park (it might be called the Orbit, I always forget). Both on the east side of London though, about 45 minutes from Oxford Circus.

If I had a day to myself I would go and drink a cocktail somewhere really really lovely.

Where are you having dinner?

I’m desperate to go to Sophie Tea art gallery on Carnaby St, unfortunately it was closed when I was last in London but it normally open Mon-Sat and is free!

I loved The Huntarium museum (small
Donation) but have a google first as it might not be your sort of thing.

There’s so much you can do but I’ve gone blank

The Tate modern is a bit of a laugh, and it's free!

By the time you’ve done the National gallery and shopping (incl a spot of lunch?) you’ll have enough time for a nice cocktail somewhere fabulous before you meet your friends for dinner. Sounds like a perfect afternoon to me!

The Halcyon Gallery on New Bond Street hasan Andy Warhol exhibition atm.

I love the V&A - my favourite place in London.
Also the huge Waterstone's on Piccadilly.
And a wander round Fortnum and Masons even if you don't buy anything.

Wallace Collection - just off Oxford sTREET.

Wallace Collection - just off Oxford Street. Free.

Definitely a walk around Fortnum and Mason

Such great ideas, thank you all!

I had the sudden realisation that I might be able to fit in a matinee, so have now booked a ticket to see Matilda!

I'll still pop in to the National Gallery on my way to the theatre, and then I'll have a couple of hours after before meeting my friends.

I'll check out some of the galleries etc that have been mentioned, though I suspect lots will be closed by the time the matinee is finished. I'll wander about some shops and may need a cuppa and cake to see me through until dinner. Any suggestions of a nice independent cafe in the area? Either near the cinema, or off Oxford Street would be great.

Lunch will have to be sandwiches on my coach as I won't have time to stop if I want to see the gallery before the show, then dinner is at Dishoom.

I can't wait!!