Aibu to ask how you would kill 2hrs in London…

[BippityBobbityBoo]

With parents who don’t like walking?

It’s our last morning in London and we have only two hours to kill, we’re staying on Gower Lane (Belgravia?)
Just looking for something quick, quirky maybe. Cabs are an option. We also have a baby in a pram!

Thanks I’m advance

Where are you near. I can’t find Gower Lane. Are you near Gower St in Bloomsbury?

Im an art fan so either the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy or the Wallace Collection which ive never been to.

The Royal Academy is right opposite Fortnum and Mason and the Ritz so if you make some calls maybe a stratospherically expensive cup of tea there after??

Do you have a train to catch? If so, which station?

Summer Exhibition booking link. I went last year and came away feeling so happy.

Yes sorry it’s Gower street, departing from kings x

I'd go to the Nero exhibition at the British Museum or the Alice Exhibition at the V&A. Or just go to the V&A shop and get stocking fillers for Xmas.

How about the Wellcome Collection on Euston Road?

I was at the RA summer exhibition yesterday and it was fun - even if art museums aren't usually your thing. It's quite big though - 1350 paintings - so are your DPs okay with a bit of walking/standing? Alternatively, you could just head to Piccadilly and browse the shops. I love a browse in Fortnums, Hatchards, you could get coffee and wander up New Bond St.

Though that doesn't open until 10 am so not sure if it fits in with your timings.

Summer exhibition may well be fully booked (was last week). The Hockney is still on at the royal academy and that is about 30 mins to get round. The baby might not appreciate it much.

I would look at the Wellcome collection mentioned above or the British Library which is very close to Kings X.

I'd go to the wonderful Natural History museum.

Or just drop in to see the Treasures Gallery at the British Library if you've never been, have a bite to eat in the rather nice cafe and browse for Christmas presents in the excellent shop.

You have to prebook slots for some museums just now. Maybe wander down to Covent Garden - or the other way to Regent’s Park?

The Tate, or any gallery. Mostly free, dry and really interesting for all ages.

You are very close to the British Museum, maybe go and see part of the collection and have a cup of tea or coffee in the Great Court, its really stunning. There is also a lovely small museum not far away, The Foundling Museum, which, tells the story of the children who were given up to an organisation based on the site by parents who couldn't look after them. Handel used to fundraise for the orphanage based there and there are lots of interesting times there related to that period, some given by famous donors. Its sad, but very touching - I like it.

BL is within arms length of Kings Cross so much less potential stress than other venues.

I'm assuming your DPs won't want to spend the time at Platform 9 3/4 - but it's worth seeing while you're there.

If you are in Gower Street, I'd just go to the British Museum, do one hall and buy presents from the shop. Parents can be parked in the cafe if necessary. Or what zafferana said. But I imagine you have luggage.

KittenKong is right about having to prebook a lot of the galleries. We're going to the Tate today and had to book online.

Looks like it will be dry, so that’s something!

It really depends what you fancy - shopping, park, museum...

If you are staying on Gower Street, then the British Museum will be right behind you. In your shoes I would go there. With a buggy, luggage and older people in tow I would budget 25 minutes to walk to Kings X from there. Alternatively, the Welcome Museum on Euston Road as PP have said.

There’s the cartoon museum really nearby.

If you have parents who don’t like walking does that extend to all of the suggestions of museums/galleries/shopping?

If you’re looking for somewhere to sit, the St Pancras hotel is lovely, I’ve only been to the bar for cocktails but I’m sure you can have tea/breakfast is really nice surroundings.

Another vote for the British Museum if you are in Gower St. Choose one section to see or just wander around the building and have coffee under the glass roof.

British Library by KX for the treasures exhib which is free to enter (as suggested above)

Also walk around Coal Drop Yard the other side of KX. Oldies can sit down if they like and you explore the posh shops? Canal side is nice too there.