Could you tell me how long to plan when visiting St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey

[AtomicBronde]

Just trying to organise our time really and wondered how long you would give as an overestimate.

Would like to cram in as much as possible this time.

There's a lot to see in both. If it was me, I'd do one in the morning and one in the afternoon with lunch in between.

@DramaAlpaca thank you I will need to check opening times etc. So would you give maybe 3 hrs each?

Dwpwnds how interested you are in the history and architecture. St Paul's I would strongly recommend (if you can) climbing up the bell tower, great views from outside. There is an exhibition in the crypt about the construction and history.

At Westminster Abbey there are more nooks and crannies to explore.

I'd allow at least an hour for each but it depends on what else you'll be doing in the day.

You can sit in the churchyard at St Paul's which isn't really possible at Westminster Abbey (though you can pitstop in St James' Park or Victoria Tower Gardens.

@Palavah thank you!

We often visit St James’ park, lovely to visit especially on a day like today!

DH will devour all of the detail and history, it’s somewhere we’ve both wanted to visit and making a point to do it this time.

Unrealistic to think it might be slightly more quiet without the usual tourists? Wishful thinking I know, me being one of them

I'd hope so! If you're interested you could book a guided tour (think there are audio guides in St Paul's). They'll both be nice and cool!

I'd allow at least an hour for each

One hour would barely allow time to scratch the surface of St Paul's. I wouldn't actually recommend doing both on the same day. There's the potential for cultural overload, and you'll have to travel between them, which will take up time.

I was in the City yesterday; it is much quieter, although I didn't notice how many were going in and out of St Paul's especially.

St Bride's Fleet Street is very interesting, if you wanted something else to do in the area. I don't know if the Roman amphitheatre at the Guildhall is currently open.

Or just go for a wander round the City, poking into the courtyards and alleys. The City is rather overlooked as a tourist destination but it's well worth exploring, and now is a good time, while it's so quiet.

@DameAlyson Id definitely spend longer than an hour but some people would top out at that. It depends on level of interest. Agree better if broken up with different activities if possible.

@Palavah the thought of how lovely and cool they will be right now! Also audio guide, great idea, thanks!

@DameAlyson you’re right, might be better to spread out the visits. We’re there for 5 days but wanted to plan and do as much as possible.

We go quite often but this time we’re sadly without our teen, who loves it, but can’t go due to an injury. So we’re taking the bull by the horns and visiting places we’ve put off as teen interest not quite there yet.

St Bride’s looks really interesting, thank you! I’ve never heard of it but will definitely add this to our list.

We’ve done most of the museums, except V&A, possible visit to Leadenhall Market, been to Camden a few times but the canal cruise was closed last time so possibly back to do that.
Highgate Cemetery, best place for the catacombs? Back to Greenwich where we had a fleeting visit last time?

There’s so much we want to do but would love to find the hidden gems as we’ve covered quite a lot over the past 4 years.

Any other tips or places of interest would be gratefully received

If you haven't done the V&A it's a must. Plan to spend the entire day there.

Agree on separating St Paul's and Westminster Abbey, easy to overload. There are some great places in the City including the Museum of the City of London, or the Transport Museum in Covent Garden a little further away. And near Monument tube is the Monument to the Great Fire, fascinating site.

Have you been to Tate Modern? Right near is Globe Theatre too. And walking across Millennium Bridge on a nice day is fun too.

Have fun!

@CraftyYankee Tate Modern, thank you, another to add to the list! Always walked past as ds wouldn’t possibly have had the interest.

We have been to the City of London & Transport Museums! The City of London Museum was a great find and free! DS loved it! Love a slow stroll across the Millennium Bridge but I can’t look down, it feels too open that’s just me though!

Love a stroll down the the South Bank.