Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

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

68 replies

BippityBobbityBoo · 30/09/2021 07:38

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

OP posts:

Westfacing · 30/09/2021 08:01

The Foundling Museum, Brunswick Square.

foundlingmuseum.org.uk/

Plexie · 30/09/2021 08:05

British Museum, if your parents don't mind being on their feet. If it's still operating booked entry it's actually a nicer experience to visit as it's less crowded. There's a new-ish Persian gallery so even if you've been before you probably haven't seen that. Also an exhibition of Hokusai drawings is opening, I think today.

As PPs have suggested, Welcome Collection and British Library are also in the area. I wouldn't venture too far from your hotel and King's Cross, to avoid any delays getting to the station to catch your train.

KittenKong · 30/09/2021 08:06

I suppose it depends on how long it will take you to get to the station. It’s maybe a 20 min walk from tower street (assuming a saunter) - so maybe just trot over to the Building Centre - there’s a nice coffee shop and small exhibition (and a 3D print of London). Usually fairly quiet and peaceful.

ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 30/09/2021 08:10

I like the Kings Cross design area behind the station. Lots of little shops and cafes. The Lighterman is very nice and has tables outside or big windows overlooking the canal.

DeepaBeesKit · 30/09/2021 08:10

If you check their opening hours, the UCL Petrie Museum is a hidden gem (egyptology/archaeology). Its small but that means not much walking.

There's also the Hunterian museum of the royal college of surgeons which I think is in Lincoln's inn fields, or another UCL museum, the Grant museum of Zoology on your doorstep near Gower Street.

mofro · 30/09/2021 08:27

@DeepaBeesKit

If you check their opening hours, the UCL Petrie Museum is a hidden gem (egyptology/archaeology). Its small but that means not much walking.

There's also the Hunterian museum of the royal college of surgeons which I think is in Lincoln's inn fields, or another UCL museum, the Grant museum of Zoology on your doorstep near Gower Street.

Omg I was just going to suggest this! We found it at the weekend - v nice pizza place next door too!

Jumpingintosummer · 30/09/2021 08:27

I would have a wander around Coal Drops Yard. Visit Le Chocolate and buy pralines to take home, a candle from Twiin and a coffee. Only trouble is timings, some open at 10 or 11am.

Sarah2384 · 30/09/2021 08:28

Two hours isn't that long so if you trek over to the V&A or RA as some are recommending you'll have at most an hour and a quarter there before you have to head back. Considering that a paid for exhibition will cost the three of you approaching £60 to get in, I'd say it's not worth it either.
I'd pop into the free galleries of the British Library, British Museum or Wellcome Collection (depending on their interests), and round off your stay with a morning coffee in the beautiful St Pancras Renaissance hotel.

sashh · 30/09/2021 08:28

Personally I'd head to King's cross, dump any luggage at left luggage and then head to platform 3 3/4 for a picture.

Then just have a look around the shops.

If you have not already had breakfast then eat there too.

MrsFin · 30/09/2021 08:30

I would just go and have a nice long brunch somewhere.
We went to Farm Girl in Notting Hill the other day and it was lovely. Also baby friendly. No idea if that's close to you though.

Latenightreader · 30/09/2021 08:34

Definitely the British Library, very close to Kings Cross.

Standrewsschool · 30/09/2021 08:35

There’s quite a small few shops on St pancras you could browse, and then a drink.

Blueroses99 · 30/09/2021 08:38

Brunswick Centre has a few quirky shops and eating places from what I remember.

MadameMonk · 30/09/2021 08:39

Just dropping in to say that this thread is giving me a huge dose of envy! I’m in severe lockdown (Day 50-something?) on the other side of the world and am craving family catch-ups, galleries, museums, cafes and open shops. And spontaneity!

Keep it going, so I can live vicariously?

HeronLanyon · 30/09/2021 08:43

Just a caution that the cartoon museum moved a couple of years ago and is now in wells street (off Oxford street) - is a bit far for this time I think. In addition to British library (right there) or foundling museum (15 min walk from kings cross) you could go to Kings Place - small art gallery at front (not sure what’s showing now) installations throughout and good cafe/restaurant at the back where you can sit by the canal and watch boats. 5 mins walk north of the station.

Pedalpushers · 30/09/2021 08:43

Definitely British museum if they are happy to be on their feet, Coal Drops yard if not.

muddyford · 30/09/2021 08:47

Sir John Soanes museum in Lincoln's Inn. Or stroll down to Covent Garden.

ADreadedSunnyDay · 30/09/2021 08:52

Lots of these suggestions are too far away to be achievable. Keep it simple OP. British Museum sounds the best to me to be honest, even if you just go in the shop, have a cup of tea

ChubbyBroccoli · 30/09/2021 08:59

Some of these suggestions are stressing me out, you'd end up missing your train!
Wellcome Collection, British Museum, British Library definitely the best options.

DollyPartBaked · 30/09/2021 08:59

I would go to Dishoom behind Kings Cross for a bacon naan and unlimited chai tea.

Practicebeingpatient · 30/09/2021 08:59

This scale model of London is free, absolutely fascinating and right beside Kings Cross station. I have seen it many time and it hasn't got old yet. They've expanded it recently so I feel another visit coming on.

www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2021/07/02/see-a-huge-scale-model-of-central-london-at-kings-cross/

DollyPartBaked · 30/09/2021 09:00

Actually I would do what @Practicebeingpatient suggests followed by Dishoom

zafferana · 30/09/2021 09:03

@ChubbyBroccoli

Some of these suggestions are stressing me out, you'd end up missing your train! Wellcome Collection, British Museum, British Library definitely the best options.

The first few were based on the OP saying she's staying in Belgravia, when in fact she's in Bloomsbury! Based on her update, I agree with stick to the immediate area. British Library or British Museum are both a good bet and I think they're both free, so it doesn't matter if you only go for an hour.

Darkchocolateandcoffee · 30/09/2021 09:07

@ADreadedSunnyDay

Lots of these suggestions are too far away to be achievable. Keep it simple OP. British Museum sounds the best to me to be honest, even if you just go in the shop, have a cup of tea

Agree. I love the architecture of the British Museum and often pop in when in the area just to soak it up.

PS whatever you do, don't have a hot chocolate in the chocolate shop in Coal Drops Yard - it's VERY dark and for serious chocoate heads only. I find CDY a bit of a let down really, more style than substance, so my advice is loiter in the BM.

Mumdiva99 · 30/09/2021 09:08

Probably too late to add my suggestion but we went to the British Library recently. No need to prebook. The treasures were amazing. Lots of cafes inside too.

Then go for a glass of champagne in Dt Pancreas before getting your train. Enjoy.

Flip

1 2 3