To ask you to plan my day tomorrow?

[Wishful25]

We're due to arrive in London tomorrow at 11am (KX) for a one night trip (heading back late Monday evening). DH and I are bringing DS1 (8) and DS (4). Can anyone recommend any must-do's for our trip? On our potential list I've got the natural history museum, the science museum, the London eye, Trafalgar square, Buck palace etc. We're staying on the Southbank and will probably want to head to the hotel at around 8pm on Sunday evening. So, if you were me, what would be your perfect itinerary please? (No obligation at all to stick with my suggestions!) We can spend within reason but would prefer not to blow a fortune if possible! Very grateful for suggestions for the perfect Sun / Mon based on the above! Thanks!

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES GO TO THE NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL.

This is my tried and tested formula - boat from South Bank to Greenwich, walk around historic Greenwich (it's very pretty), walk up the hill in Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory, there is a fantastic view of London from the top of the hill and you can stand on the Meridian line and be half in the western hemisphere, half in eastern. Walk down the hill to the National Maritime Museum (visit it if you want to), cross road and get the bus to North Greenwich and from there the cable car across the Thames. Take the DLR (sit near the front so the children can "drive" the train) to Shadwell and change to the East London line to Shoreditch and go to Brick Lane for curry/bagels. Or go to Bethnal Green and visit the Museum of Childhood. The day will not be too crowded, no queuing, lots of small manageable things. Enjoy

OP I could have written this! I have planned Buck Palace, National Gallery. Then next day Tower of London and Tate Modern. I have natural history museum and something else I can't remember as back up. I expect we will cross paths

Sorry to be a pessimist but NHM or SM on a rainy bank holiday = hell on earth.

Love the Greenwich suggestion - but on a wet day it won't be anywhere near as lovely as it can be. Sadly my recommendations are all pretty weather dependant too.... I'm a big fan of the big parks but on a wet day its pointless, same with a walk along South Bank or going to watch Tower Bridge open. Borough Market might be ok?

There is so much to do. With the age your kids are they could almost spend the whole day in the two museums. The kids activity area in the Science Museum is great, they will not want to leave.

If you are in Southbank, do the London Eye first thing, then walk across the bridge to Westmister, see Big Ben, you can get a tube to South Kensington and go through the tunel to the museums, Science and Natural History are next to each other. When you have finished, you can walk towards Kensington High Street and enter the park, you will see Kensington Palace and can get a bus or walk on towards Green Park. Then you will see Buckingham Palace and can walk up the mall towards Trafalgar Square. From there you can walk easily, or get a bus, to Covent Garden. The Strand has loads of places to eat, or Piccadilly Circus has a Riverforest Cafe.

The next day you can go the other way and head towards the Tower of London and the city. You can also get the river boat from Southabank along the river to the Tate Modern, or go onto Greenwich. St Catherine's Dock, near the Tower of London, has boats to look at and family restaurants for lunch.

Have a great time.

Oh dear - is it raining in London? I'm in Yorkshire at the moment and it's lovely here. Apologies, yes, Greenwich itinerary does require nice weather.

There has only been the occasional shower, not really wet weather.

Thank you all so much, so helpful! I hope to see you tomorrow Vatican!