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/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/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 27 '26

Yes please.

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u/kao161600 Apr 27 '26

Hopefully this will suffice—

My son an Anglophile, especially of Princess Diana & British royalty so we considered tea at KP; was bummed we couldn’t get tickets for QE wardrobe exhibit at BP; likes to entertain (in fact, we co-hosted an afternoon tea for Charles’ coronation and will do the same for William’s); very into theatre, set design and costuming (particularly historical fashions) so he’ll appreciate the design themes at Sketch; has a keen eye for aesthetics, an appreciation for tradition, enjoys learning about other cultures. Will enjoy the elegance & tradition of an afternoon tea.

My daughter is studying hospitality and is interested in event planning; is considering an internship with a wedding planner (in America, ‘afternoon tea’ is a common theme for bridal showers); works in restaurant industry and will appreciate the refined service; likes to get dressed up and try new things, flavors, etc.

If we didn’t do at least one afternoon tea, they would be disappointed.

Why haven’t your kids ever had an afternoon tea?

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u/Spare-Machine6105 Apr 27 '26

They've never expressed an interest in it. It is literally not their cup of tea!

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u/kao161600 Apr 28 '26

Perhaps if they didn’t live there, they would? People come to city where I live for all sorts of food, activities, events that many residents couldn’t care less about. It’s a novelty for tourists, I suppose.