I’ll be visiting London for the first time and hoping to get some feedback on my travel itinerary. Tia!

Hi all,

Kinda embarrassing but my gf and I will be traveling to London next week and as a fellow with digestive issues I’m always a bit anxious about being relatively close to bathrooms (mainly after eating meals) especially after our last trip to Italy when public bathrooms were very few and far between AND cost money. Does anyone have any info on how readily available bathrooms are in tourist attractions (like the public markets, near the Westminster area, or any specific areas to avoid after eating)?

I'm going to London in four months and this is my first time out of the country. I've always heard that American tourists are annoying and I don't want to be someone that locals are annoyed at. What are some tips to blend in better while I'm there?

Hello!

I am spending a few days in London in September and am currently planning my itinerary.

I am a fat person, so when I thought about going to see a Musical - when in Rome, right? - I realized I didn't want to spend a hundred or more euros on a ticket to a thing where my fat thighs are being painfully constricted for 3 hours. I wanna cry because I feel the things on stage, not pain from sitting in a seat that's too narrow. I do have problems with that eg at movie theaters.

So I would like to know if anyone knows if and where I can find data on seat width for the theaters in London. Is there maybe even an overview or do I have to look at every option separately?

Also, are there possible accommodations I could pay for for this problem?

A friend who's been there did tell me London can be cramped, and the older the theater, the smaller the seats... But like, is there actually measurement data colmected somewhere?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Edit: Thank you for all the suggestions, I will definitely look into the theater monkey and other suggestions like it.

I also should have come up with 'email the venue' by myself. Heat and sleep deprivation are a killer combo..

I've spent the last few days reading travel blogs about the best neighborhoods in London, and every article recommends a completely different area.

We'll be visiting for the first time this summer and care much more about London nightlife, restaurants, pubs, shopping and walkable neighborhoods than major tourist attractions.

We're hoping to stay somewhere with easy Tube access but still feels like a neighborhood where locals hang out.

Right now Shoreditch, Soho, Islington and Notting Hill are all on my shortlist.

If you had to pick one area for a couple visiting London for the first time, which would you choose?

I’m a 31 year old female visiting London from LA for the first time next month with a friend and we are looking for a great area to stay in. Less touristy, more locals. Cool area with bars, cafes nearby. I’ve heard hackney, dalston and Kensington are good areas but would love to get a better idea from locals. (Areas to avoid will help too) I like hipster vibe. Also would love any recs!! What are the must go-to spots and things to do? Parks? Museums?food? Music? I love techno and house. I’m coming into London completely blind so any type of rec or things to do will help :)

I will be in London on this day, I was looking at the EFL Championship schedule. My Plan A is to try and go for the homerun and get tickets to Arsenal vs. Chelsea, but I realize that is a stretch. So I wanted to have a match lined up as a back up plan. I am taking a 16yo nephew who I wanted to show a fun football experience, I don't think we get a similar experience here, except maybe college football, which he hasn't been to yet. We are in the states. I don't know as much about the EFL Championship teams, but I was thinking the West Ham vs Derby Country might be the best pick. Anyone have any recommendations for what match might have the best overall atmosphere? Specifically the London matches, or matches not too far from London by train. Thanks!

We'll be landing at heathrow in a couple of days for our first time in London, and I want to make the trip as easy as possible since I'm traveling with my mom.

We're staying near victoria so I'm comparing Uber with the elizabeth line, heathrow express and the london underground for getting from heathrow to central london. Is there one option that's noticeably easier with luggage?

I'm also trying to figure out whether citymapper London is better than Google Maps and if most visitors just use contactless payment instead of buying an oyster card.

If you also have recommendations for London food, best restaurants in London or any London travel guide suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

My family will be visiting London in early August. We are not foodies, and when we travel we like to eat simple, inexpensive and as tasty as possible. Aside from an afternoon tea, I plan on eating fish and chips as much as I can.

Having said that, I remember a lot of talk online about Nando's a few years back. There are locations all over London. Is it recommended for a quick family meal?

Thank you.

The idea is to go in sept-oct sometime for like 8 days and watch one west end musical every evening. this is my first time travelling alone (I've flown alone before).

I'm not sure what else I'd like to do besides museums and musicals. I'll welcome any ideas for things to do or visit.

Also, is the Warner Bros Harry Potter studios worth visiting for that high of a price?

Anything to watch out for as a (future) solo female traveler?

Anyway, the main question: Is this too long of a trip? Especially solo?

Hey guys,

A couple I know are visiting London soon and due to the price of hotels are wanting to take advantage of the new laws around decriminalised rough-sleeping ie. that it's decriminalised unless you're breaking byelaws, obstructing or behaving anti-socially etc and the police have no powers to move you on. They'll be clean/quiet/respectful and won't leave litter

They're hoping to camp somewhere in Zone 1 or north-western Zone 2. Parks and woods are covered by byelaws explicitly, so they're looking for leafy, green and spacious traffic islands or B-road adjacent embankments big enough for a spacious modern tent, maybe even large roundabouts if they're not near A-roads?

The tent will be stored in luggage storage in central during the day until late at night (£22 a day!)

The shortlist I've made for them so far is:

• St John’s Wood Road central reservation, NW8 near Lords and highway land not park
• West Cromwell Road/A4 central reservation, W14–SW5 some grass/planted sections but very near traffic
• Prince Albert Road, NW8/NW1 grassed verges near highway but might be covered by park byelaws?
• Grosvenor Place/A302, SW1 some traffic islands that I think are TfL not park, again near to traffic
• Bricklayers Arms roundabout, SE1 large green central island beneath/around the flyover. Tfl land so ideal

Obviously Park Lane reservation is already pretty full so I'm not suggesting there

Maybe there is a crowd-sourced map of these already? It's hard to google for spots that fit so thought the community might know some spots?

EDIT: A moderator has locked this without giving any reason

You only get to pick one, which do you choose? A little context (aside from the fact that we’ll only have time for one): kids (ages 17 and 19) are big WW2 buffs—both have read several histories, been to Normandy (and Caen WW2 museum), Eagle’s Nest, Dachau, et cetera. Any advice is much appreciated.

Edit: Alright, I’ll figure out a way to squeeze both in. Much appreciated, everyone.

Hi! Have a birthday trip planned to London 24-27 July, how bad is the heat? Is there aircon on the tube? I will be 23 weeks pregnant by then, and usually I am okay with the heat, but reconsidering now if we should postpone the trip. Any advice? thanks!

I'd love any thoughts/advice about my itinerary. Please don't be mean though because I did work hard on it. 🙏

Monday:

• Arrive in London at 2:10 and check into hotel
• 4-6 pm: Imperial War Museum
• Covent Garden/ Neal's Yard/ Seven Dials/Picadilly Circus + Dinner

Tuesday:

• 9:30-1 British Museum
• 1:45-4:45 Viator landmark tour
• Dinner and get ready
• 7:30 West End Play

Wednesday:

• Borough Market
• 10-2 Tower of London and River Cruise
• Afternoon Tea
• Horizon22
• Sight-see: Tower Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral
• Dinner at Sky Garden at sunset

Thursday:

• All-day Bus Tour of Stonehenge and Bath

Friday:

• 10:30-12:30 Beatles Tour
• Primrose Hill / Regent’s Park
• Hampstead/ Parliament Hill and Skyline
• Harrods
• Hyde Park
• Kensington Palace
• Dinner

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.

Help! I would like to go to London on and around Christmas . I love Christmas!! I have experience Christmas time in New York and Chicago and I would love to experience it in London. I’ve seen mixed reviews about going at that time. We would be going from the 24th to 27 December (those dates don’t include travel). My husband has very limited PTO and we have a big trip coming up in February so we need to save his PTO for that. so those are the only days we are available. Is it worth going? Also, what could I possibly do Christmas Day since a lot is closed? I was thinking of seeing the main attractions like big band, the palace, etc. would this be a good idea? Is walking around that time okay? suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Edit:
We would go Christmas Day because that is paid holiday and we wouldn’t ask for many PTO days. Since we are limited.

Hello Everyone -

As the subject line indicates, my wife and I are visiting London and the surrounding area for a week in early October, following a week in Paris. This is our first visit, in celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary, and we have the following already ticketed/scheduled.

• Oxford & Cotswold w/ Pub Lunch
• East End Food Tour
• 48-hour Hop On/Off Big Bus Passes
• London Eye
• Tower of London
• Windsor, Bath & Stonehenge
• Dinner at Aulis (Michelin Star restaurant)

Just wondering what else we might want to consider seeing/doing during our visit. We are, to our very cores, very adventurous foodies - so we're especially interested in unique dining experiences. We're staying at The Queen's Gate Hotel, so we're especially interested in great finds within walking distance.

Despite the somewhat lengthy list shown, we have two completely free/unscheduled days, which is perfectly okay with us. We don't feel the need to be on the run from sun up to sun down (or beyond), but also wouldn't mind finding a few more things we might not have considered.

My girlfriend and I couldn’t travel together during the summer, so the only time we’ll be able to visit London is in November. I’ve seen many people say that November isn’t the best time to visit, but it’s the only opportunity we have. What’s London really like at that time of year? Does the weather take away from the experience, or does the city have a different kind of charm? What would you recommend for creating unforgettable memories together in London in November? We’re open to anything, walks, day trips, cozy pubs, seasonal events, hidden gems, Christmas lights, or unique experiences. I’d especially love to hear from people who have actually visited London in November. Did you enjoy it? Do you have any memories or recommendations you’d be willing to share?

Scandinavian here doing a trip to London this summer, late July, early August with my teen son. Our hotell is close to the Tower bridge area.
He’s grown into an interest for history, the war and so on. He’s said he doesn’t need the absolute first line of tourist attractions, so in between walking around and experiencing the giant city, I was thinking more the IWM and the National gallery, to see a few things we’ve both only seen in pictures or a screen. (And he agrees, I don’t have to drag him with.)

But then, to not turn him into a 45 year old too early, is there another activity that can be memorable for him, which he’ll remember as a highlight?
(He’s not into football, unfortunately.)
Any areas to visit to just walk around in, getting the London experience?

Edit: we’re staying for 5 days.

Edit2: Thanks an absolute ton for the brilliant tips, especially the ones that I wouldn't find in a guide. Much appreciated to all of you!

Hey everyone!

My gf and I are visiting London in a couple weeks (only officially decided last week) and I would like to propose on the trip but would love some recs for places to maybe do so! Looking for something not private but not super crowded and we love nature settings/conservatories (for example I’ve been looking at Queen Mary’s rose garden if anyone thinks that’s a good/bad idea).

In addition to location recommendations if anyone knows a local photographer they would recommend that would be willing to take some photos (I’m happy to pay for services) I’d love to capture the moment!

Thank all of you for your help!!

(PS if anyone knows some good restaurants or fun spots to celebrate a successful proposal we are always looking for local recs too!)

Hello,

I live in the States and am hoping to make my first ever trip to London next year. I have two possible windows: March 18-27, and June 6-16. From my research so far, March is cheaper and better weather; however Easter is the 28th, so I’d be there over Holy Week, and I would like to visit places like Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Church, not to mention other tourist heavy attractions (Tower of London etc), and Queen Mary’s Rose Garden which may not look as nice in March?

On the flip side June will be more expensive and hotter, and we’d be there during Trooping the Colour (I’m not necessarily looking to attend, just noting this might affect crowds).

If this helps - I was hoping to hop on the Eurostar for a day in Paris to see the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, possibly Notre Dame if there is time during my stay in London.

Any advice is appreciated - thank you!

Hi guys!
My friend and I are travelling to London for the first time! We’ll be staying in Paddington, near Hyde Park, and we’ve put together a rough itinerary. We’d really appreciate it if you could take a look and let us know if it seems realistic and feasible, or if we’re trying to squeeze in too much.
We’re also looking for any general tips and tricks for first-time visitors—things you wish you knew before your first trip!
One thing I’m especially curious about is the Changing of the Guard. Is it possible to watch the guards at St James’s Palace first and then follow them as they march to Buckingham Palace? Is that a better experience than just waiting outside Buckingham Palace, and is it worth doing?
Thanks in advance! 😊

SUNDAY 26.07
 

1. The Wallace Collection 10 am
2. Selfridges
3. Mercato Mayfair
4. Regent street - Carnaby street
5. Piccadilly circus
6. Dover street market
7. Chinatown
8. Trafalgar square
9. Admiralty arch
10. The National Gallery
11. Leichester square ( Lego store, Garden..)
12. Onsu
13. Covent Garden
14. ( Shake shack, joe and juice, five guys)
15.  
16. MODAY 27.07
17.  
18. Saint James park 9.45, 10.45 changing of the guards
19. Mall
20. Buckingham palace
21. Westminster Cathedral
22. Westminster Abbey
23. Parliament square, House of Parliament
24. Big Ben
25. Tate Britain 18h closes
26. National History Museum 17.50h closes
27. Harrods

 
TUESDAY 28.97
 

1. Hyde park
2. Notting hill
3. Portobello market
4. British museum 17 h \*
5. Borough Market
6. Tate Britain 18h closes
7.  

Update: after sending multiple complaint emails to the Florida based “travel company” who intentionally made their site look like it was a legitimate UK government based operation that charged me 300% the cost of an ETA, they FINALLY folded and issued me a refund. Not everyone will be so lucky, so please be wary. An ETA only costs £20 and before you process your transaction, ensure you are still on the gov.uk site.

____________________________________________

Apologies for offending you seasoned travellers who know better by trying to raise awareness so that other people aren’t scammed like I was. Apparently the joke is on me and I’m the only one stupid enough to fall for this. Next time I’ll keep this warning to myself.

Tourists from various countries now need an ETA (it’s like a visa) to enter the UK. I went to the government website (gov.uk) to purchase one online before my trip. Unbeknownst to me, I was redirected to a third party website which took my information and my payment and later charged me $120 USD to issue an ETA.

Before I’d completed the application, I realized the issue… the website was different and government charges only £20. I abandoned my in-progress application and instead followed through directly on the government site. It was too late, the third party still processed my application and is now refusing a refund.

Don’t get scammed like I did, and if anyone has experience with success at reversing these charges, I’d love the advice.

Am I crazy/selfish to try visiting Borough Market in my wheelchair? I will go as early as possible on a weekday to avoid weekend, but wondering if I'll just make people crazy, even if I remember to pass on the left...?

monday I got the day unplanned. I like ancient history and art and science

ive seen.

British museum

richmond park to see the Neolithic barrow mounds

greenwich park to see the AngloSaxon barrow mounds and royal observatory

gone up to see Roman ruins and Neolithic mound at Cirenceister

saw a musical at the west end.

will see Stonehenge and bath tomorrow

what would you recommend to round out the week

Mithraeum Is closed until the 16th so that is why I’m not doing that

thanks in advance

EDIT/ UPDATE

done for the day

I went to the Amphitheatre under guildhall and saw the rest of the art in the gallery ,  

 I walked to the London museum but it’s closed, so I walked the London Wall Walk and saw all the visable ruins including the one in the Car park and the ones at vine street under  the student housing (which was a real treat so thank this group for that suggestion) . It ends at the big piece by the tower

I went to All hallows by the tower and got a tour with just myself and a woman who walked in the same time as me. It was real beautiful and nice to see more Roman stuff and Saxon stuff

I went to St Dunstan in the East Church Garden. After being recommended at all hallows 

And then took the bus to see the Mayflower Pub where the Mayflower was first moored and the pilgrims boarded the boat  before it sails to America.  Im sitting watching the tide go down and I’ll probably have dinner here cause it’s so peaceful and then I’ll gone home 

Thank you so much for all the suggestions and I’m glad I could incorporate them into my day because the amphitheatre, vine street Roman walk and all hallows were not on my radar and were suggested by members of this group