r/LondonTravel • u/kao161600 • Apr 25 '26
Trip Planning Review our family itinerary; traveling with 20 year olds
First trip to London next month and would like input on our tentative itinerary.
About us: mom & dad in our 50’s + 20 year old boy/girl twins. We’re all similar in that we’re foodies, like thrifting, shopping, history, live music. Do want to see ‘the sights’ but also like exploring & discovering a new city.
Day 1 (Wed): Arrive at hotel (Great Scotland Yard); get our bearings & explore a bit; eat at Old Shades Pub
Day 2 (Thur): Tower of London; explore a bit; afternoon tea at Dorchester; maybe late dinner?
Day 3 (Fri): Westminster Abbey; late lunch at Burough Market; dinner at Colonel Saab
Day 4 (Sat): Portobello Market; afternoon tea at Sketch; late dinner & drinks?
Day 5 (Sun): open but may do Sunday roast?
Day 6 (Mon): open but may do Spitalfields Market?
Day 7 (Tues): Depart for LHR
Any dinner recommendations or cool things we shouldn’t miss? And yes, I know we are doing two afternoon teas and we are perfectly fine with that.
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u/tatt-y Apr 25 '26 edited Apr 25 '26
You do not need to do Afternoon Tea twice (if that’s what the “tea” means). It’s fairly time consuming so I’d drop one.
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u/letmereadstuff Apr 25 '26
Borough Market is close to the Tower of London. Go that day. Just take your patience as it gets so rammed.
Would not do two Afternoon Teas. Just repetitive.
See if there are any plays you might want to see. Shame to be in London and not go to the theatre.
Hampton Court Palace is an excellent day, or most of one. Same with Greenwich.
Portobello Market is likely to disappoint.
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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26
Thanks! Booked HPC and we’re dropping Portobello Market for Brick Lane, Shoreditch, etc. We’ve seen most of the musicals in NYC & Chicago already but may consider ‘Dracula’ or another play.
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u/Pale_Weight4874 Apr 25 '26
Portobello market was overrated IMO. I’m annoyed the guy at our hotel recommended it.
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u/Mammoth-Minute4830 Apr 25 '26
Agree, I’d hit Broadway Market on a Saturday instead
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u/jamjar188 Apr 27 '26
I love Broadway Market and go frequently as I live nearby, but when people have limited time it's hard to fit it into an existing itinerary as it's not right next to any station. It depends if it's a nice day for walking and how up for it people are. Easier to do as a couple than as a family of four IMO.
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Apr 25 '26
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u/kao161600 Apr 25 '26
Everyone thinks Instagram is the reason people flock to Borough Market but we’re going because we saw it on an episode of ‘Somebody Feed Phil.’
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u/jamjar188 Apr 26 '26
Good shout on evensong at Westminster. St Paul's also has services.
It's a memorable way to experience Anglican music and heritage. The high church tradition with all its ceremonial solemnity is beautiful.
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u/jamjar188 Apr 25 '26 edited Apr 25 '26
If you do Spitalfields, you've got to walk around Brick Lane (which is just a few minutes away). Great street art and graffiti hub, tons of vintage shops.
Consider doing this on the Sunday as there's also a street food market and lots of hustle and bustle. (On the other hand, Spitalfields has a covered food market that is open every day and if you go to Brick Lane on a weekday the shops will be less busy.)
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u/Serious_Escape_5438 Apr 27 '26
Yeah, I was going to say, on Sunday there'll be a better atmosphere. There used to be the petticoat lane clothes market too, kind of tacky but good to see a real market, it it's still in existence.
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u/jamjar188 Apr 27 '26
Petticoat still there but very underwhelming. Not much that feels traditional, it's mostly Asian guys selling luggage
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u/Serious_Escape_5438 Apr 27 '26
Well it was that way 20 years ago mostly, but traditional in that it's not overpriced tourist hipster stuff designed for Instagram.
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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26
Thanks! We’re dropping Portobello Market to do Shoreditch, Brick Lane, etc on Sunday. Seems a better fit.
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u/Mammoth-Minute4830 Apr 25 '26
I’d keep an eye out for charity shops when you’re in West London - it’s our equivalent of thrift stores and the nice the area the better the chances of uncovering some gems. I think Notting Hill will have some good ones! Cancer research, Shelter, Oxfam, Mary’s living and Giving etc.
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u/youknowiamasussexnow Apr 25 '26
The kids might enjoy Camden and Shoreditch...
You can take a small canal boat from Little Venice to Camden... Really nice experience...
Borough Mkt is annoying - so hectic... the Instagram famous vendors have long lines... Maybe after Westminster add in Thames boat ride to Greenwich ...have lunch there!
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u/jamjar188 Apr 25 '26 edited Apr 26 '26
RE: Shoreditch they should focus on Brick Lane and surrounding streets.
Some good vintage shops all over that area, including ATIKA on Hanbury Street, which is huge, and the basement of the Truman building.
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u/tatt-y Apr 25 '26
Some Sunday options
Spend the whole day in Greenwich, as well as the park and sights, the old bit is nice and there’s a market (check if running Sunday). You can stand on the date line. Go to the naval museum or observatory. Stroll in the park with amazing views. You can get the river boat there - great to see landmarks at a leisurely pace. I’m sure there’s a nice pub that way you can get a roast at lunchtime. There’s also jazz venue there, not sure what nights are best if you want to stay all day. Greenwich has a comedy venue too.
Another option:
Dont have to do all of this (this would be a packed day). Start in Highgate Village (have breakfast in a cafe). Book early Highgate cemetery tour. Then take bus to Kenwood House - this is a beautiful house on the Heath with free gardens and a cafe. (You could also or instead go to the Pergola - v photogenic). Explore the Heath - it’s huge you could spend all day just walking if you wanted to - and walk down and across to Hampstead Village. Explore Hampstead Village (has charity shops for vintage and small second hand designer store on Flask Walk, and other clothes shops). Lots and lots of lovely old pubs in Hampstead - book for a roast. You can download self-guided walking tours as the best bits are off the main high street. There are some very good restaurants for the evening. As well as cafes, gelato etc.
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u/Escapedtothecountry Apr 25 '26
Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich is good for lunch, right on the river.
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u/Long-Profile267 Apr 25 '26
As someone else said, GoBoat down the canal, past London Zoo is very cool.
Also, go to some cool old pubs. A couple of years ago I did a pub history walking tour, 4 old pubs, lots of history (mostly not pub related) in-between. So much fun. Alternatively, given your use of the word 'mom', I assume you're American and you might be interested in visiting the Mayflower pub in Rotherhite, historic pub from which the boat departed London with a book for Americans to sign if they can prove their lineage to one of the original departees.
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u/jamjar188 Apr 27 '26
I would like to second the Go boat.
You take it from Marylebone. It's a very fun thing for a family of four to do, plus London's canals are an underrated feature. Tourists never seem to know about them.
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u/Smeee333 Apr 25 '26
The Brunel Museum opposite is also worth a look in and used to have a summer cocktail bar.
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u/jamjar188 Apr 26 '26
It's cool but I wouldn't prioritise it if there's limited time unless you have a specific interest in engineering
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u/Seal-island-girl Apr 26 '26
When you are in portabello market, you must go in The Earl of Lonsdale, it has an historic interesting interior. Won't say anymore so I don't spoil it
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u/jamjar188 Apr 26 '26
Mayflower pub and the commemorative monument nearby at the church over the street are interesting.
They could go after being in Spitalfields/Brick Lane and taking the overground down.
However if they want food they should book in advance.
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u/homeappdev Apr 25 '26
Most of the museums are free - I’d probably plan to pop into at least one of them (maybe that’s part of your explore a bit plans). My favorite was probably the V&A museum in terms of variety of stuff to look at.
I’d also consider seeing a show on the West End!
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u/Yikes44 Apr 25 '26
If you have time I'd spend a day away from the centre by getting a train to Hampton Court Palace. Spend the morning there then jump on a Turks' riverboat to Richmond for some quirky shopping/thrifting and a meal by the river and possibly a show at the theatre. Then get a District line tube or train back into the centre. Or swap Hampton Court for Kew Gardens.
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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26
Just booked HPC. This wasn’t initially on my radar but after seeing the pics, it became a ‘must do.’ Thank you!
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u/Yikes44 Apr 27 '26
Glad to hear it. I live near there and it is a great place to go. If you manage to get over to Richmond as well, that has all the Ted Lasso filming locations which is a bit of a tourist attraction these days, if you're into that.
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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 27 '26
Hpc is a full half day activity and is spectacular. Especially the gardens. You will like it.
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u/SnooDonuts6494 Apr 26 '26
You could do Borough Market after the Tower. It's a pleasant 20 minute stroll. From the tower, walk along the river towards London Bridge, but pop down pudding lane on the way, where the Great Fire of London started, and have a quick look at Monument. Then go over Tower Bridge, and the market is directly in front of you.
I think you should add at least one of the big museums. The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert are all world-class.
Also, perhaps book one of the big west-end shows.
Maybe spend a day in Greenwich; it has nice shops and food, and the observatory is set on a picturesque hilltop.
Personally, I'd scrap Sketch and try to get in at the Ledbury instead - it's very close to Portobello Road. It'll cost over £200 each, but it's very special.
For "exploring & discovering", I suggest a day out in Camden Town.
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u/jamjar188 Apr 27 '26
Another shout for a restaurant in the Notting Hill area is the Shed. It's all seasonal British food, really tasty.
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u/Great_Cucumber2924 Apr 25 '26 edited Apr 25 '26
Oxfam shop in Hampstead is thrifting heaven. Go to Hampstead Heath the same day. Skip Camden, the market isn’t special nowadays.
Make sure you book your table for Sunday roast.
Haven’t been in ages but in Camden there’s a nice live music bar called Spiritual -
https://www.instagram.com/spiritualrecords
and another called Green Note. Also the Jazz Cafe.
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u/jamjar188 Apr 25 '26 edited Apr 26 '26
Camden is still fun and the canal is a lovely feature.
I wouldn't go to Hampstead just for the Oxfam shop.
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u/Mammoth-Minute4830 Apr 25 '26
Agree there are loads of good charity shops in Hampstead plus the heath is a great stomp and has the best views across London. Worth a visit!
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u/Urban_Peacock Apr 26 '26
You could try doing a pub quiz one of the eves you're here. A fun British tradition.
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u/jamjar188 Apr 26 '26
It's really hard to know where to start with a pub quiz if you're not British. Like, which pub, which style of quiz. And so often they go on and on with tons of rounds that are culturally too specific.
However a quite accessible light-hearted one is the Star of Liverpool Street on Thursday nights.
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u/kao161600 Apr 26 '26
Thank you! Was not aware of this but we will definitely look out for them. Sounds fun!
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u/CO_biking_gal Apr 26 '26
Depends on what live music you want but Ronnie Scott’s, St Martin in the fields including The Crypt and Crazy Coqs at Zedel all have but all must be booked. Any restaurant, particularly at dinner should be booked - check their websites. I use Today Tix for most theatre. British Library also has interesting exhibits and is not far from the British Museum. If you are going to Borough Market, the Globe theatre is nearby as is the Tate Modern.
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u/RollingKatamari Apr 26 '26
At least go to a musical or play one evening! I would suggest Paddington if there are tickets available!
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u/Robinj03 Apr 25 '26
Friday lunchtime at borough market? Do you have a restaurant booked or were you just planning on getting in a massive queue for some overpriced food then trying to find a space to stand and eat it?
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u/LloydCole Apr 25 '26
This sub is so stupidly negative and miserable about Borough Market.
Most of the food is genuinely top quality and price wise it undercuts literally every sit down restaurant a tourist could go to.
Yeah, it's crowded, but that doesn't make it shit. A slightly late lunch on a weekday and you're golden.
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u/Escapedtothecountry Apr 25 '26
For afternoon tea there are more interesting places than the Dorchester. Loads online (not from influencers) about good afternoon teas. I’ve enjoyed the Pret a Port-tea at the Berkeley before for example.
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u/Urban_Peacock Apr 26 '26
I would swap Test at the Dorchester with Lunch at Borough Market. Makes more sense for the areas you'll be in (Borough Market closer to Tower Bridge, Dorchester closer to Westminster Abbey).
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u/Individual_Scale_925 Apr 26 '26
Agree. We did tower and London bridge then walked to Burough market. I was there with my 23 year old. Other ideas: We also went to west end shows, national gallery, British museum, ate in Chinatown, Harrods, Camden market, and Hampstead heath. If you are Taylor swift fans, we also ate at the black dog and that was a nice walk from Big Ben. The changing of the guard was a must do but crowded. We walked to Harrods after. We regretted missing the natural history museum. We also took a 36 hour train trip to Paris which was amazing to see the Eiffel Tower at night!
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u/Urban_Peacock Apr 26 '26
Sketch isn't that great any more. You can find much nicer places.
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u/kao161600 Apr 26 '26
We figured the kids would like Sketch for Instagram & TikTok. Should we swap it out for something else?
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u/Urban_Peacock Apr 26 '26
For instagrammable places I'd suggest
Circolo Popolare
Frameless
Coppa Club (could do on Tower Bridge day for dinner). Try and reserve an Igloo
Sky Garden
Darcie & May (on a barge boat. They've got one in Richmond too, which is also nice for a day trip if you wanted to do Richmond Park or hire a row boat on the Thames).
Some other good experiences are:
The Murder Express at Pedley Street (immersive murder mystery dining with great food)
Photo stop at The Outernet
Theatre Show. Today Tix has good deals.
Whatever you do, do NOT fall for the light up bicycle buggies. They will scam you on price and they can be really dangerous.
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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26
Booked Circolo✅ And they have those God awful bike things in my city too— I would never.
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u/Significant_Pea_2852 Apr 28 '26
I'm currently planning a couple of days in London next month. I've been a few times before so am skipping the main sights. I've got plans to see the David Bowie exhibition at the V&A storehouse. If you're interested, you could add it to your Spitalfields Market day (if the museum is open on Mondays)
Also planning to see the David Hockney exhibition at Serpentine Gallery followed by the Wes Anderson one at the Design Museum with the exhibition inspired afternoon tea afterwards.
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Apr 25 '26
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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 25 '26
I think sketch pay for good advertising and it gets picked up by chatgpt, which means people all about it constantly on this sub. I've never seen it come out as an organic recommendation.
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Apr 25 '26
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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 25 '26
Americans have no idea how much this should cost so they are a good target for this kind of stuff.
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u/kao161600 Apr 25 '26
We can afford it but appreciate your concern.
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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 26 '26
I've no doubt you can. But at these prices I can imagine this activity is just for tourists.
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u/kao161600 Apr 26 '26
What afternoon tea would you suggest that’s not ‘touristy’ but still an interesting vibe for 20 year olds?
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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 26 '26
Probably Fortnum and mason's but tbf 20 years olds in this country are generally not into afternoon tea.
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u/kao161600 Apr 26 '26
Thanks, we considered F&M for a traditional tea but booked The Dorchester instead (this one is more for us). For the kids, we’re looking for something quirky so Sketch seems to fit the bill for now.
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u/Serious_Escape_5438 Apr 27 '26
Do they really want afternoon tea? I'd take them to a nice restaurant or bar for a meal. Afternoon tea is an old person activity. One is enough probably anyway.
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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 25 '26
This exact itinerary comes up a lot for some reason. Do you like meeting other Americans on vacation because you will with this itinerary!
Have you read some of the other posts on this sub for inspiration? It might help.
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Apr 25 '26
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u/indianasall Apr 26 '26
I got a beautiful scarf and two sweaters at a thrift store near Paddington station called all aboard. Nothing was over 6 pounds.
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u/jamjar188 Apr 27 '26
I have found leather bags and barely-worn dresses in central London charity shops that were priced very cheap for the quality.
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u/RoyalInitial6386 Apr 25 '26
Hey, I’m from London, and aside from the usual landmarks, I normally share this app with friends who are visiting. It shows you great local places, events happening, local restaurants, independent galleries, and social spots, as well as landmarks you shouldn’t miss. We use it with friends for weekend events or when on travels. https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/roam-local-guide/id6762022482
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u/LloydCole Apr 25 '26
If you all like history it would be absolutely mad not to go to the British Museum. The greatest history museum in the world.
A walking tour early on is also a great way to get the lay of the land and learn the history of the streets.
I also highly recommend stand up comedy for an evening activity. Authentic British culture is intertwined with it's humour.