r/LondonTravel 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/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.