Anyone live in London?

[AmberR12]

I'm taking my daughter by train to london in august to go on a tour of buckingham palace. The tour will end around 12.30. My train home is from victoria at 17.30. What else is there to do in that area suitable for a 6 year old girl? Thanks

Have a walk in St James's Park. Lots of bird life to look for. Watch out for the pelicans. If you feel like more walking, go along the Mall (where the carriage processions go) to Trafalgar Square to see Nelson and the fountains. Big Waterstone's there. Get no.11 bus back to Victoria.

National Gallery and Portrait Gallery also in Traf Sq, but I don't suppose you'd have time to have more than a quick look in either of them. You could pop in the gift shops.

The Diana memorial playground and fountains in Hyde Park to cool off a bit, boat on the serpentine?

Fortnum & Mason to choose something for a picnic.

Depends what she likes. To be honest I can't imagine that she would find Buckingham Palace that exciting. St James's Park is nice but not that big. Depends if you want serious culture (National Gallery type place), outside fun (usually a fake beach at Embankment) or the expensive excitement of Lego Store in Leicester Square. What is she into?

She is really looking forward to visiting the palace and looking at the rooms that belong to the queen. She is very easy going and enjoys doing pretty much anything. It was her idea to visit the palace!

OK I would go to St James's Park after Buck house because it's fun to search for the pelicans and have lunch there (picnic?). Then if she is into Royal stuff then going down to Kensington Gardens would be good. Point out the Palace when Prince George and Princess Charlotte live. Then go to the Diana Fountain for a paddle - take swimming cozzie and towel. Though that is quite a lot of hours to fill. What else does she enjoy?

I wouldn't try to squeeze too much in, especially if it's hot. There's a risk she could become overwhelmed and not take anything in. (There's only so much I can take in on a day out, and I'm not six.)

17.30 is evening rush hour, if it's a week day. I recommend getting back to Victoria in time to be on the platform as the train comes in, to be sure of getting seats.

If going to st James's- don't forget the nuts for squirrels. Mine loved feeding the greedy bushy tailed rats:))