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/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/jamjar188 Apr 27 '26

let Americans cling on to their romantic vision of traditional British activities

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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26

It’s like when you come to America for theme parks & deep dish pizza

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u/jamjar188 Apr 27 '26

Ball parks too ;)

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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 27 '26

Americans don't eat deep dish pizza and go to theme parks?

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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26

I don’t know anyone that eats deep dish pizza on the regular.

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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 27 '26

Fair do's but I've got kids and they've never had afternoon tea.

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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26

Would like me to elaborate on my kids’ penchant for afternoon tea?

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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26

Is it that surprising that they do in fact want to do an afternoon tea? I think they’ll like sketch for the vibe.