Recommendations for a brief visit

[tenoraddict]

My family (self, husband, and 3 sons aged 12, 10, and 7) have a 9 day trip to the Netherlands, London, and Stratford/Warwick planned in May. We will be in London for only 2.5-3 days (depending on whether I win the discussion to fly from Amsterdam or my husband wins and we take the train). We want to hit the historical highlights of London, but not exhaust our children by having too much of a regimented itinerary. I'm thinking: Changing of the Guards, St. Paul's, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, perhaps The Globe. Can we manage this in the time allotted, and also have time to spend relaxing in parks (Kensington and Hyde, or Regent's?)? Should we take a sightseeing bus tour? What about Legoland? My boys are Legomaniacs, and I'm torn between being a good mom and taking them there vs. "that's not why we came to England."

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

You could do Changing of the Guard and Legoland in the same day as they're both in Windsor area (do check when Cof the G is on though, it's not every day).

Your boys will LOVE both!

Would also recommend a bus tour in London, it's the least stressful way of travelling plus you can hop off and relax in the park when it suits you.

PS and also, do google Logoland vouchers, you could save yourselves a lot of money too!

Thanks for your thoughts. I thought that C of the G was at Buckingham Palace, though...the big ceremony, at any rate. There's one at Windsor as well?

I would do bus tour, london dungeons, possibly a boat trip down to Greenwich. Changing of the GUard is good and at Buck Palace

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If you are over here in the half term holidays do not even consider legoland it will be hellish.

I really think that the older 2 will find Legoland a bit babyish tbh

I wouldn't do legoland as your ds's are too old for most of the rides. I think they will love the London Dungeon( get there early as queues), if you think your 7 year old will be scared you could split up for a few hours and meet by the Thames - loads to see there. Also could go to Tower Bridge and Tate Modern on same day.

All the parks are lovely - you could go rowing on the Serpentine.

Must go to South Bank and go on London Eye.

If weather is bad, the museums are great, especially the Science Museum.

The Tower of London is worth going to, if you get there when it opens (prob 10am) and go straight to the Crown Jewels, the queue will not be too bad.

Have a great time!