I’m lost as to what to do in London. Any suggestions?

[theferry]

I’m visiting London in July with DDs (14&17) and DH for 5 nights I’m a bit lost as to what to do (ie should be a priority). We’re staying at the Doubletree in Kensington. Happy to use the tube. I’ve been to London, but only for work so haven’t seen very much of it. DDs haven’t been there. DD1 loves the hustle and bustle of big cities. DD2 doesn’t like crowds so any suggestions of things that would give her a bit of respite from the crowds (or strategies for avoiding crowds) would be welcome.

What I know we’ll want to do

• tower of London
• skygarden
• covent garden
• V & A
• we have tickets for a show
• some cool coffee shops

what we don’t want:

• boat rides
• London Eye

I know it could be boiling in July? (No choice on the dates due to my work). I do not cope well with the heat so I don’t want tons of walking around.

Thank you for all those suggestions. They’re very helpful.

But another question! I have a feeling that the Tower of London could fill a full day. Am
i right? We have a terrible tendency to try to cram in too much when we’re away.

Street art walking tour, maybe from Camden Market. You'll see lots that you wouldn't notice on your own.
Guided tour of Houses of Parliament.

I'd probably give it half a day tbh - there's a lot to see (especially if there's a queue for the Crown Jewels which there usually is) but not a full day's worth. Would highly recommend the (free) Beefeater guided tour as they tell some great stories.

Depending on the day you could book a tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea ( I think you book via Eventbrite ) which is lovely and v close to the Physic Garden and Saatchi Gallery and perhaps a tiny bit of shopping on the King's Road ( but yes nearer to Sloane Square the more they are just high st sort of shops. - not all but a lot) The other end has more diverse shops but it's a bit of a walk.

Using the tube is fine - just be prepared that the area in front of Gloucester Road station is a bit seedy.

Seedy - in what way? Of all the tube stations I wouldn't have said that about Gloucester Road!

No I would not say all day. 4 hours maybe if it is busy and you go round everything.

Half a day I'd say.

My advice is to get a map and head straight for the Crown Jewels, that's where the queue will be - once you've seen them you can take the rest at your leisure.

A tour of the adjacent Tower Bridge is great - you go up to the top walkway (it's enclosed) and learn the history of the bridge and see some of the mechanics.

If you're planning on going to the Tower and potentially Kensington Palace and/or Hampton Court (or both!) then look into buying Historic Palaces annual membership as it's about the same as going to two of them just for a day, then you can go in and out as much as you want or if you come back within a year.

If you fancy being out of the heat Highgate cemetery, Hampstead ponds, Kenwood house and lunch at Spaniards Inn or the flask would be a nice day.

I'd say 3-4 hours for tower of London.

I was going to say Portobello market on a Saturday (the market isn't there on a Sunday).

It's lovely in the sunshine.

However, if your daughter doesn't like crowds then that would be an issue!

A second vote for South Bank and Borough Market.. lovely in the summer. If you want to splash out, Le Pont de la Tour is a restaurant with a gorgeous terrace overlooking the river.

I suggested Kew Gardens up thread and someone has pointed out that it's expensive - it is. I'd suggest buying the May edition of Gardener's World magazine which gets you 2 for 1 entry on numerous gardens around the country for a year, including Kew. For the price of the mag (£9.50) it's well worth it if you think you'll visit more than one in a year. (It also gets you a discount on a solo ticket at a lot of gardens.)

Avoid Borough Market if you don’t like crowds!

Exactly

Most of my suggestions have already been made.For coffee it has to be:
http://baritaliasoho.co.uk/

Keep away from Oxford street if you don't like crowds.

Cahoots is a lot of fun .. their squiffy picnic is fab .

Mad hatters afternoon tea at the Sanderson hotel is fab

Guided tour of the city of London is fun at the weekend it's quiet there as offices are shut and near the SkyGarden for views / drinks / tea afterwards

Coal drops yard behind King's Cross station recently revamped and very calm .. chilled vibe outdoor cafes / fountains wildlife area / Dishoom there's is fab for food . There is sometimes a street market and the light room gallery

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Has been heaving when I've been there. Not been able to get close to the pictues at times.

After the Tower of London, if you have the energy, walk back to the City and spend time exploring some of the old churches and little tucked away courtyards and gardens. All Hallows by the Tower is an interesting church, and has a cafe if you want a sit down and a drink, and there are many others. It won't be crowded if you stay away from the main thoroughfares such as Cheapside and Cannon Street, there will be quiet places to sit and rest, and you can hop on a westbound bus when you've had enough.

The Museum of London at Barbican is now closed, but the Museum of London Docklands is worth a visit if you can fit it in. It's free. It's big enough that it never seems too crowded, and there is a cafe and also a Wetherspoons next door with an outside seating area, if you want a break and a sit down.

Tate Britain
Tate Modern
Battersea Power station and a stroll along the river.
V&A
Lazing under a tree in Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens
Walking through to Green Park and St James Park
Coal Drops Yard
Spitalfields
Kew

You'll have a great time.

Tour of Houses of Parliament is brilliant. Parliament will be in recess when you're there, but perhaps for another time, if you contact your MP they should be able to get you tickets for PMQs. We did this a few years ago - our tour guide was an amazing gossip and PMQs was eye opening.

That’s a shame as the river trip is lovely . But there are other non watery ways to get to Greenwich (though I don’t suppose you would be interested in the one which involves walking in the Brunel foot tunnel which goes under the river🙂)

Don't know if anyone's mentioned this but the moat in the Tower of London will be open and (hopefully!) full of flowers. It's a good place to go and chill out if the Tower has been a bit hectic. It's included in the ticket price.
https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/the-tower-moat/#gs.91mzmq

Unfortunately Kew isn’t included in this years 2 for 1 as I discovered when I had bought the magazine. But there are lots of other gardens included to be fair.

Or the art tunnel at Waterloo , but keep your wits about you as you will be easily distracted.

Just thought of another interesting place which is the Severs house in Spitalfields, a Georgian house restored to its original state by an American guy called Dennis Severs ( now RIP) it is presented as though the family and servants have just walked out of the rooms, if you are lucky you will see and be ignored by the house cat. Folgate Street, can’t remember the number, you will need to book.