First off, thank you to all the TALF advisors for your time and advice in answering questions. I’ve been following this forum for a couple of years, have learned a ton, done my own research too, and finally I have a chance to visit London. It’s a briefer trip than I had hoped—only 3.5 days to sightsee--and it’s in the short days of December, but I will just look at it as a taster and plan to return for more.
Because this trip is solo, I’ve decided to focus on what appeals to me but might not appeal to a travel partner. So I’ve omitted Tower of London, British Museum, British Library, Churchill War Rooms, and afternoon tea in favor of a return trip with a friend. Similarly, I am saving Greenwich, Hampton Court Palace, and Windsor Castle for longer return trip. And lastly, I’m leaving Hampstead Heath and Kew Gardens (both of which I would like to see sometime) for a return trip when the days are longer and the weather is milder.
Here’s my itinerary. Could you tell me if my groupings make sense, and whether the amount I’m doing per day is reasonable or too ambitious? I recall learning here that the rule of thumb is 2 major sights and 1 minor sight per day and not to underestimate the travel time between destinations in spread-out London. Because my time is short, I wanted to plan my days carefully. I don't want to waste valuable time wondering what to do next, but I am also open to modifying my plans on the spur of the moment depending on weather, my energy level, serendipity, etc.
I’m staying at a hotel a few minutes’ walk from the Queensway and Bayswater tube stations. For meals, I’ll just grab a quick bite wherever I’m sightseeing, with the exception of one nice lunch planned on Day 2.
Day 1, Thursday December 8:
-Arrive Heathrow, 1 pm. Hoping to have slept 6-7 hours on the flight (eye mask, noise-cancelling earphones, etc). Check in at hotel.
-Westminster Abbey for 5 pm Evensong.
-Royal Ballet Nutcracker 730 pm at Royal Opera House (I know, not ideal to sit in a dark theatre my first night but this was the only night tickets were available and I really want to see them perform. I can always leave at intermission if I can’t keep my eyes open.) Tube or taxi home.
Day 2, Friday December 9:
-Westminster Abbey for 9:30 am opening and 10:30 am Verger Tour which ends at noon.
-Walk through St James Park, past Buckingham Palace on way to Vincent Rooms
-Lunch reservation at the Vincent Rooms 1 pm
-Victoria and Albert Museum for a couple of hours, maybe do the free 3:30 pm tour or just have a wander through the fashion exhibits and whatever else catches my eye
-Do the See London By Night bus tour 730 pm
Day 3, Saturday December 10:
-Kensington Palace in the morning
-London Walks tour of Little Venice in the afternoon
-Saturday 6 pm Mass at Immaculate Conception Church near Palladium Theatre
-Cinderella panto at the Palladium 730 pm (ticket purchased)
-Walk 0.3 miles to the John Snow Pub for a quick pint and sign the guest book (it’s a pilgrimage site for those of us who work in public health). Tube or bus home.
Day 4, Sunday December 11:
-Geffrye Museum in the morning
-London Walks tour of the City in the afternoon (there are a couple to choose from in that area)
-Advent service at Great St Bart’s in the evening. Tube home.
Day 5, Monday December 12:
-No sightseeing. To Heathrow for 1230 pm return flight.
Thanks in advance for your advice!