A day in London, what should I do?

[SomersetBrie]

I have most of a day in London coming up in a couple of weeks. I was meant to be travelling with a friend for a lunch out, but that's not happening now.
I have decided to go myself anyway.
I will arrive around 1030 and be there until 1800.
I usually do kids stuff or go to the theatre. I am thinking art galleries but not sure.
Anyone got any other ideas for my day?

I would either:

Go to the National Portrait Gallery, lunch in Covent Garden and then maybe see a matinee show (Jersey Boys or something similarly upbeat) or head to Liberty for a browse.

or

Start off in Trafalgar Square, walk down Whitehall to see the changing of the guard, cross Westminster bridge & walk all the way to Borough Market, seeing all the sights along the way (London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeares Globe, the Clink, the Shard). Continue on to Tower Bridge, cross over to Tower of London and Sky Garden for a cocktail.

Go to Grants museum of Zoology.

The NPG is closed till 23 June.

It really depends what you like.

Some ideas here https://londonist.com/things-to-do.

Some walks here https://secretldn.com/best-london-walks/

The centre of town seems packed at the moment. I would avoid spots like Covent Garden, personally, unless you love crowds. I agree walking along the South Bank is great - it is crowded but so much to see and do.

Where would you arrive/leave from?

How well do you know London already, are you interested in seeing the famous sights or more off the beaten track type discoveries?

Best thing to do in London in the summer is play in the fountains outside the Royal Festival Hall.
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/art-exhibitions/jeppe-heins-appearing-rooms
The quest to get round without getting absolutely soaked really brings everyone together!

Arriving/departing Victoria.
I know London superficially fairly well but not been there without children for ages.
I suppose I am looking for one thing to mainly do and concentrate on that. I like being on my own, but I am better with a goal rather than wandering around.
I like the sound of heading to Borough Market though.

I really enjoyed the jubilee galleries upstairs at Westminster Abbey when I was in London by myself a few years ago. The V&A is always good for a mooch too, maybe the cafe afterwards

I second the Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey are great, quite expensive though if I recall correctly. It’s about 15 mins walk from Victoria if you go the direct route, or you could do a little detour via Buckingham Palace and St James’ Park. Not far from there in a back road is the Regency Café.

Or head west from Victoria to the V&A - fastest is by tube to South Ken, or you could take the bus and get views of Belgravia. Hyde Park isn’t far if you’d like a bit of greenery.

Another option (could potentially combine with Westminster Abbey, though that’s packing in a lot:) make your way to Westminster pier and take the Thames clipper eastwards, to London Bridge. Then make your way back along the Southbank.

British museum, then a selfie with mi5/mi6 in the background

These are lovely ideas, thank you all.

Have a good time.

You could book yourself a matinee performance at The Globe. It's very near to Borough so you could get yourself lunch inexpensively there. If you have time, you could wander along to Tate Modern.

I would definitely recommend a walk along the Southbank. I start from the London Eye and walk to London Bridge. There is a nice book shop along the way and sole second hand book stalls. You can pop into the Tate Modern on the way along. There are several nice bars and restaurants to take a break and you can end up at Borough Market or continue on to Haynes Galleria which is nice too.

Honestly my favourite thing is picking up the river boat at Embankment Pier, go down the river to Greenwich, mooch around the market and have lunch, walk up to the Meridan and enjoy the view. DLR back because the returning boats get crowded.

Alternatively you can walk to Tate Britain from Victoria if you fancy an art gallery and then I don’t know if the boat still runs Tate to Tate but if it does you can get that and walk to Borough Market for snacks and drinks.

Ooh I went to the Tower of London, fantastic, not been since I was a child, it was so interesting.
I really enjoyed it.
Then I went shopping, had a pub meal, walked around Soho, Trafalgar square and Leicester square.

Ps get an oyster card

You can use your contactless card, saves the fuss of having to get an oyster.

The hunterian museum has reopened if that's your thing!

She doesn't need an Oystercard. It's pointless paying the extra cost for an Oystercard when she can just use contactless or Apple Pay.

If it is as me I would go to Aire Roman Spa for two hours, then a lovely lunch.

Then I'd go to the Georgian clothing exhibition.

Then I'd have a wander and some street food.

But it totally depends what you like!!

I had half a day to myself and did the V and A, which I wouldn't have done with kids in tow.

The Tower of London is surprisingly good.

I had a day out in London by myself last summer. I went to the Tate Modern, got a boat from there to Westminster then got the Circle to Sloane Square and wandered along the King's Road.

If you’re interested in exploring London and history then you could do a walking tour. Lots of options depending on your interests.