BootsnAll Travel Community

I am visiting London for the second time. First time (for them) with my Mom, 70,and 17 yr old daughter...We have the hop on bus scheduled, the tour of Windsor and Hampton Court for a day trip. We have 4 days in London, including the day we arrive. In the evenings, we have tickets to two musicals. Any "must see" tourist spots? Last time I saw Tower of London, Big Ben, Wesminister Abbey, Parliment building,China town (I didn't get the hype, we grew up in Seattle and the West Coast) and National Gallery,which I think we will go see all again. If you have to choose, between the Tate and the V & A museums, which would you pick? How about the British Museum? Is the changing of the guard worth seeing? How about St. Paul's Cathedral?
Last question(s) any resturant suggestions close to the Raddison Kenilworth? I am a caterer, and in spite of all of the bad food reviews I read, we only had one bad meal in a week! Thanks in advance!

Hey-

We took a trip to London with a 65 year old and a 14 year old. In addition to your set itinerary don't miss the Tower again and go to the British Museum to see the Rosetta Stone and the mummy exhibit. A boat trip on the Thames was also enjoyable. We really liked walking through the parks -- they are so pretty and often you can catch a small concert. Have fun!

Another recommendation from me for the British Museum, its fantastic. Make sure you pick a couple of sections to go and see though, as the whole museum in a day is too much. Both Tates are great (Tate Britain and Tate Modern) - and you can get a boat trip from one to the other (www.tate.org.uk/tatetotate/). Harrods is always good for a wander round too, for people of any age. All the central parks (Regents, Hyde, St James) are lovely in summer, and have cafes. Enjoy your trip!

Yep,
Love the British Museum.
Hours of fun to be had!

St. Pauls Cathedral is great though it can get a little busy with tourists on certain days. Arrive early and you should beat the rush. You can also walk (a short distance) crossing the millenium bridge to the Tate Modern.

Other suggestions:

) Afternoon tea at Claridges or the Ritz. This would suit the 70 year old and is a very English thing to do (make sure you dress appropriately!)

2) Buckingham Palace - the annual opening may be on when you are in town.

3) Depending on the weather - a stroll in St James Park or Hyde Park (visiting the Albert Memorial or Royal Albert Hall. A little further out is Regent Park (which is beautiful) and for great views of London go to Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill.

4) V&A has a section on fashion including a recent show dedicated to pop stars and predominately Kylie (if still on this may be good for the 17 year old)

5) Natural History Museum - all things old

6) Bond Street - window shopping and seeing how the other half live! Or a trip round Covent Garden market

7) A boat trip to Greenwich and then a tour round the museums and observatory at Greenwich. Great views of London and Greenwich is a lovely place to spend the day

In terms of dining then your hotel is located on Great Russell Street (very near the British Museum. Depends on your budget (as its London most things are expensive!) but check out this online guide - http://www.toptable.co.uk/
you need to search in the Covent Garden and Holborn areas for restaurants near your hotel.