Day alone in London

[Boynamedsue]

I'm due to deliver a training course in London in mid August. I'll be there Wednesday and Thursday and should be coming home early Thursday evening. As work are paying for my travel I'm thinking of booking the Friday off as leave, booking a hotel for the Thursday night and having a day to myself in London on Friday.

I was thinking the V&A, nice lunch somewhere. Any suggestions of where to stay/what to do? Or is it an awful idea and will being a tourist in London in mid August be hell on earth?!

It'll be busy, but if you do V&A then stick to South Ken and Hyde Park, there's so much on a tiny patch that crowds shouldn't matter, because you won't be using transport.

We have a few days in London every August. It's busy but plenty of places to get away from the crowds. Last year we did Highgate Cemetery and Hamstead Heath, which were both very quiet. The V&A is likely to be absolutely rammed. How about John Soanes and/or The Hunterian, plus maybe The Wellcome Collection? Or a matinee?

I'd go to the Royal Academy Summer exhibition which is on until the 20th, costs £14. Book in advance, but they're always quite relaxed about the time slots if you're a bit early/late.

If you go to the V&A then can I recommend the Gilbert Collection of micromosaics. They are incredible. Mosaics made of tiny pieces, some no bigger than a full stop. The pieces look like paintings, but they're not. I've been trying to work my way round areas of the museum I haven't been to. Jewellery is good too, and that's not something I'm particularly into.

Personally I never find the V&A to be that crowded, not like the NHM.

The D&D group are running their Evening Standard offers again - they are normally great value for lunch. Launceston Place is fairly near the V&A, but Orrery is my fave.

Second the John soames museum. Or the Wallace collection (lovely lovely cafe).

And there open air screenings on Somerset house.

The V&A is never really packed, not like the others (I used to work there so have year-round experience). It's a lovely idea. If the weather is good, a walk around Kensington, exhibition road and then the 52 bus up past Notting Hill to Portobello Road would be a lovely meander and plenty of place to lunch there too. Enjoy it!

Thanks, I'll definitely look into everyone's suggestions. Really looking forward to it now, a night and day all to myself to do whatever I want in an amazing city, bliss! (especially after a two day course which even I'll admit is really boring!)

A day in London by myself sounds like bliss! I am there MtoF but for work!
I would think about going into the city. Fewer tourists and a lot more history. The museum of London is excellent, Smithfields, old bailey, St Paul's. Then over the millennium bridge to the Tate Modern. Walk along the Thames to Borough Market. Then if you have the energy along to St Katherine's dock!

John Soames - I would recommend that too! It's excellent

Highgate Cemetery is brilliant