London Itinerary for upcoming 4-1/2 day Trip – what are we missing / how should we organize?

London Itinerary for Our 4.5-Day Trip – Seeking Your Thoughts!

I’ve posted a couple of questions here before and received fantastic help—thank you! I’m looking for any last-minute tips or feedback on our itinerary. Keeping it straightforward without a strict timetable; I hope it’s clear enough.

Thursday, March 27: Arriving at LHR at 8:30 AM, I expect we’ll reach our hotel near Trafalgar Square around 10:30 AM. We’ll grab lunch and freshen up before heading to Westminster Abbey for our 2:00 PM visit, which should wrap up around 4:30 PM. After that, we’ll return to the hotel to change for my son’s birthday dinner at 6:00 PM, then call it a night.

Friday, March 28: Planning to visit the Tower of London at 9:00 AM (our first entry time), followed by lunch and a stroll across Tower Bridge. We aim to head back to the British Museum for our 2:00 PM entry, likely finishing up around 4:30-5:00 PM. Open to any recommendations for that day!

Saturday, March 29: Our day starts at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 10:00 AM. We’re thinking of lunch and a walk to the Globe Theatre (not planning on seeing a show) and then crossing the Millennium Bridge. We’re flexible for the rest of the day, so suggestions are welcome!

Sunday and Monday, March 30 and 31: No specific plans in place yet.

Tuesday, April 1: We’ll head back to LHR for our flight to Chicago.

Things We Want to See: The Churchill War Rooms, Buckingham Palace (just a walk-by, no tour), Hampton Court, and the London Eye (a must-do for our kids).

We’ve intentionally kept our schedule open to allow for spontaneity and suggestions from this sub. Also, if you have any recommendations for dinner spots with allergy-friendly options, I’d appreciate it!

Thanks in advance! Wish us luck!

One thought on “London Itinerary for upcoming 4-1/2 day Trip – what are we missing / how should we organize?”

Your itinerary looks great and allows for a nice mix of sightseeing and flexibility! Here are some suggestions to help you optimize your time and include a few more activities:

Thursday, 27 Mar

Post-Westminster Abbey: Consider taking a quick walk to the nearby Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It’s within walking distance, and you can snap some iconic photos.
Birthday Dinner: Make sure to book a restaurant in advance, especially if you have specific dietary requirements. For allergy-friendly options, you might try Petersham Nurseries Café (in Richmond but worth the trip), or for something more central, Dishoom in Covent Garden offers a great atmosphere and various options.

Friday, 28 Mar

After your Tower of London visit, you could consider a stroll along the River Thames to see the borough market. It’s a great spot for lunch, with plenty of options and lively atmosphere.
Post British Museum, you could head toward Covent Garden for some shops and street performances, or take a walk around the area to discover more hidden gems.

Saturday, 29 Mar

After your visit to St. Paul’s, you could check out the nearby Tate Modern which is free to enter and has some fascinating exhibitions. It’s right next to the Globe.
Since you’ll be near the Millennium Bridge, consider walking along the Southbank for stunning views of the city and maybe stop for a quick coffee or snack at one of the riverside cafes.

Sunday, 30 Mar

For your open day, you might want to consider visiting the Churchill War Rooms first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and before exploring more.
If you have extra time, you could consider visiting Kensington Palace or taking a stroll through Hyde Park.
In the evening, a ride on the London Eye can be a nice way to see the city lit up at night.

Monday, 31 Mar

Maybe head to Buckingham Palace in the morning if you haven’t already (it’s a short walk from Trafalgar Square)—the Changing of the Guard happens at 11:00 AM, which can be a lovely spectacle if you’re interested.
After, you might want to squeeze in a visit to Hampton Court Palace; it may take more time than expected, but it’s achievable if you start early!

General Tips

Don’t forget about the Oyster card for easier travel on the Underground and buses.
Always check opening times as they can change.
For allergy-friendly dining, apps like HappyCow can help find suitable options nearby.

Have an amazing trip, and happy birthday to your son! Enjoy your time in London!

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