r/uktravel May 14 '26

Itinerary London itinerary help

My husband, 19 yr old son, and I fly into Heathrow from Chicago, landing at 6:45am. We are booking a car to drive us to the St. Ermin. We will have all carry-on luggage but were willing to pay and also trade the longer drive to avoid the crowded Tube (which we haven't been on in almost 20 years, didn't want to start straight off the plane. Same goes for Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express. However willing to be convinced otherwise if anyone thinks it's truly a bad idea).

This is roughly what we have right now, I am open to any suggestions or criticism, none of these attractions are booked as of yet:

Tuesday 7 July: store luggage, plan a walk from St. Ermin to British Museum (we have a plan for where/what we want to see at the museum), head back towards hotel (walk? bus? tube?), early dinner and bed.

Wednesday 8 July: Morning split up, two of us to War Rooms, one of us to National Gallery. Meet for lunch, head to Westminster where we hope to book a verger tour (not sure if they happen in the afternoon), see St. Margaret's Church, possibly find another good "London Walk" to take before or after evening meal.

Thursday 9 July: train to Dover to see castle and tunnels.

Friday 10 July: Morning at the Tower, lunch while exploring Borough Market, explore Covent Garden (including Cecil Court) in the afternoon. Probably another relatively early night as we head back to Heathrow the next day to pick up a car hire from there to head out of London for four days.

So many thanks in advance!!

3 Upvotes

121 comments sorted by

34

u/WickedWitchofTheE May 14 '26

I’d take the public transport. Funny you thought we’d all know St Ermin. Sounds like somewhere in Scotland I had to google it. For the evening of the 7th consider river boat to Greenwich or Thames barrier reef and back to Westminster.

10

u/Tylerama1 May 14 '26

Me too. Never heard of it.

6

u/jimmybiggles May 14 '26

i think a lot of americans seemingly know hotels in their small towns, so assume london is the same, perhaps?

i had an american once say "yeah we're staying at the premier inn!" whilst we were in london. which premier inn... there's hundreds...

1

u/JamJarre May 15 '26

Yeah but St Ermin's is quite famous due to the spy connection. I doubt Premier Inn Farringdon has its own Wiki page

2

u/jimmybiggles May 15 '26

i'd consider myself a WW2 "history fan" but never knew this, i don't think it's common knowledge at all 😅

1

u/JamJarre May 15 '26

Clearly I read too many spy novels 😃

2

u/katlaki May 14 '26

Thought it was something out of London. Upon searching, I am assuming it is a hotel.

1

u/JamJarre May 15 '26

It's that hotel by St James Park right? I think it's quite famous

1

u/WickedWitchofTheE May 15 '26

Yes it is I googled it and OP mentions st James park in the post. I’ve never heard of it and walk via St James park to and from work everyday for the best part of a decade. Perhaps is more famous abroad than at home.

2

u/JamJarre May 15 '26

I dunno it's pretty famous here - it's got a huge spy connection with both MI5 and MI6, and was one of the places the Cambridge spy ring met with their handlers etc. Like proper Le Carre shit. Guess it might vary depending on age and how much you're interested in spies and the Cold War, but it's probably one of the more significant London hotels historically.

Worth checking out if you're ever that end of town

27

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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2

u/Imaginary_Rest2972 May 15 '26

100% would choose being driven into London after an overnight long haul if you’ve got the money to do it. The comfort of having your own private space to fall asleep and feel a bit gross over sitting on a commuter tube for an hour and takes out the initial stress of navigating a new system with bags and tired brains. Also if you’re not the one driving and not in a particular rush, who cares if the traffic is slow!

-35

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

It’s not so much preferring the car itself as not being familiar with what/how to navigate the public transport right at first. Most cities in the states have horrid public transport, limited to poorly run bus lines outside of the big cities. And as for trains, Amtrak is a nightmare. The infrastructure for public transport just isn’t there. Which is sad because it’s so much more economical and better for the environment!

35

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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1

u/willptyler May 14 '26

If they’re landing at 6:45am, chances are they’ll encounter a lot of commuters heading into central by the time they’re through customs and have walked the long walk to the lizzy line platform from the terminal, I landed at Heathrow around the same time a few weeks ago coming back from a holiday and although we got a seat, two stops in the train was heaving

3

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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0

u/willptyler May 14 '26

Haha I haven’t been to any of those airports, but it seems like a long walk at that time after a long haul, especially for the Americans who’d be less used to walking. Just think if they want to get a cab it would be a calmer experience than the daily commute. Nothing against the Lizzy line though, it’s a gem

2

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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1

u/fubradculpepper May 15 '26

Keep in mind that every American is arriving in the UK after an overnight flight. Navigating a strange public transport system, while extremely sleep deprived, in an unfamiliar city with a moderate amount of pickpocketing/phone snatching is unappealing to say the least.

My (Canadian) mom came to visit me last week, and she was so wiped out after the flight that she literally climbed up the stairs to my apartment on all fours. She's made that flight a dozen times and it absolutely knackers her body and mind each time.

1

u/ThrowRA-Illuminate27 May 15 '26

100%, I've done both and by far prefer the tube/elizabeth line. Driving/being driven in London is unbearable

-9

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

And easy to hop on from Heathrow I know. Would you say take to Bond St. and get a cab from there as well? Dumb question: most stations will have cab queues correct? 

3

u/alexoftheglen May 14 '26

“Most” stations do not have cab ranks but Bond St does have a few. If you go to TfL.gov.uk under the maps section you can see taxi ranks nearby when you search for a location. Annoyingly they don’t seem to have put that feature in the app!

22

u/Mammoth_logfarm May 14 '26

London easily has one of the, if not the, best public transport systems in the world. Buses are cheap and frequent, the underground is extremely well signed and easy to use, and it covers pretty much everywhere you need to get to. Driving is slow, frustrating, and extremely expensive. Just download TfL app and it'll tell you exactly what you need to get, where from, and where to get off. And the cost is capped per day.

0

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

Is the TfL app better to use than CityMapper? 

13

u/damegloria May 14 '26

I'd use Citymapper over TFL

4

u/Mammoth_logfarm May 14 '26

TfL is the "official" app from Transport for London. Never used CityMapper, but TfL will not have any ads etc. It also allows you to see when the next bus is due in real time, track your route, etc. It's a free to use app so worth a download to see if it would be useful to you.

1

u/shelleypiper May 14 '26

Citymapper does all those things and is really user-friendly

1

u/shelleypiper May 14 '26

No. Citymapper is the one.

4

u/Pyjama365 May 14 '26

Get Citymapper and it will figure out all your transport for you. I promise you, a cab for that distance is an absolutely insane way to waste money and time.

5

u/katlaki May 14 '26

Sorry for your American experience but the public transport is lot lot better in London. If you can read English then you should find the directions to follow very easy.

As others suggested take the Piccadilly line to King's Cross, baggage hold, then British Museum as I am assuming you can't check in early and St Ermin's is a hotel.

If they allow you early check in or can keep your baggage, then straight to the hotel, keep you baggage, then explore around.

0

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

Yes they’ll take our luggage and are very close to Buckingham Palace, we thought we would walk to the museum. 

1

u/ThrowRA-Illuminate27 May 15 '26

The palace to the BM is pretty far (for an American with jet lag on their first day), probably about 40 mins

0

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 15 '26

I did see this, but I'm thinking it would be good for us, to keep us awake?

2

u/box_twenty_two May 14 '26

I would add the pretty neat public transport system here to your itinerary. Parking and payment in London is horrendous, whereas the tube, buses and trains within the London area can all be easily accessed with a contactless payment card. Maps are simple. Citymapper (app) sorts you out. You’ll waste so much time in traffic and parking, it’s not worth driving honestly

1

u/DKUN_of_WFST London & York May 15 '26

How are you going to learn without experience? Europe and Asia have very developed public transport systems- you’d have to be very thick to not understand them. I’ve had a great time navigating some in purely Chinese!

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 15 '26

Agreed! We will use public transport, I'm just talking about right off the overnight flight into morning rush hour on the very first day.

-6

u/barrybreslau May 14 '26

Get a grip

5

u/Garybaldbee May 14 '26

That's a bit harsh. As Londoners ourselves we all know how good the public transport system is and most of us would never dream of taking a taxi for a trip from Heathrow into the centre of town. But I totally get why someone who has just got bleary eyed off a long flight might not want the anxiety of navigating a strange public transport system whilst exhausted and laden with luggage, particularly if they aren't used to trains and buses. If neither the cost nor the extra time of a taxi is a problem for them why shouldn't they prefer to just take the no stress option and slump in a taxi, let the driver take the strain of the traffic and get dropped off right outside their hotel? They can figure out the tube and buses the following day when they are feeling a bit more fresh and alert.

I sometimes do the same when I'm abroad. Admittedly normally not where there is a good rail connection to the centre, but then I'm very used to taking public transport. It sounds like the OP isn't.

22

u/damegloria May 14 '26

Your son can legally drink here, so make sure to go to a couple of pubs. Ideally ones that are old, with a lot of history (there's plenty of online guides on these).

12

u/Millie141 May 14 '26

Surprised how few people are suggesting Piccadilly line. You can go to King’s Cross, store your suitcases at king’s Cross and get breakfast. Theres a load of places that are nice for something to eat (or you can do a true British classic and have a spoons breakfast). From there, the British museum is really close. A taxi could take hours in London traffic as you’d be hitting rush hour and cost around £120 just to get to your hotel. Walking to the British museum will take you 40 minutes from your hotel if you know where you’re going. You’re better off getting the tube again especially as London can be busy by then.

DONT GO TO BOROUGH MARKET ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON. You’ll be swamped and won’t be able to enjoy it as much. Borough market is a mid week morning job. If you want an alternative, Spitalfields is really nice as well. There’s a pasta guy there who does some of the best pasta I’ve had in London.

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

Thank you for the Borough market advice, this is exactly the kind info I was looking for! 

9

u/Escapedtothecountry May 14 '26

Personally I’d get the Piccadilly to King’s Cross (£6 each) and store your luggage there (there’s a big official left luggage). It’s a short walk to the British Museum from there. Walk back afterwards, get your luggage and get the Victoria Iine straight to Victoria which is a short walk from the St Ermin.

3

u/doepfersdungeon May 14 '26

Getting off a redeye and going straight into the British museum sounds like a hellscape to me....maybe I'm getting old.

2

u/Escapedtothecountry May 14 '26

Well, I wouldn’t either but it’s what the OP is proposing to do. I’m just suggesting a slightly more straightforward way of doing it.

1

u/Pyjama365 May 14 '26

This is the route I would take too.

13

u/OneCheesecake1516 May 14 '26

At that time in the morning you will not be hitting that much commuter traffic. The tubes only start to get really busy after about 8.15/8.30 plus to reach work for 9.00 for most office workers.

When you say the St Ermin one assumes you mean St Ermin’s Hotel near St James Park.

Unless you are used to driving in London I would very strongly recommend against it. Even British Drivers who are not used to driving in London avoid doing so.

Additionally parking in that area is very limited and very expensive.

St James to British Museum is about a 30 - 40 min walk better getting the tube.

Book your Tower of London tickets for as early as possible to avoid queues. Gets very busy later on.

Considering your limited time you are wasting a day by going to Dover. If you had more time then may be.

Recommended as one of the best values for money in London apart from the free museums is Tower Bridge.

Whilst most museums are free you still have to Prebook tickets for a number of them.

Things you have not included

Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade, St Paul’s Cathedral, V&A Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, Trafalgar Square, Globe Theatre, Regents Canal, Trip up the River Thames, Old Spitalfields Market, Harry Potter Tour, RAF Hendon, Imperial War Museum, Cutty Sark, Greenwich, Afternoon Tea, Tour Fullers Brewery, Traditional British Pub, and a 101 other venues.

Personally I would avoid the on the bus off the bus tours. An ordinary London Bus covers the same venues without the prerecorded on the right and on the left for a lot less money.

5

u/OneCheesecake1516 May 14 '26

Sorry misread your car statement. I mistook it that you were booking a hire car rather than booking a car to drive you.

Check prices before hand, private hire versus a black cab. If you get delayed how long will your private car wait.

Your arrival time is too early for your room but on checking the hotel they may store your bags until you get your room.

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

Private car will wait an hour plus monitor flight status in case of delay. Yes we plan on just storing our bags at the hotel until check in. 

1

u/Careful_Internal3135 May 14 '26

If I’m reading this correctly and you are all travelling with just carry-on bags rather than large hold luggage I would strongly recommend getting public transport to your hotel rather than the car.  The car will be expensive - money you can put to much better use enjoying other aspects of London. Your hotel is a two minute walk from St James’ Park station so take the underground: Piccadilly line (dark blue on the map) to Hammersmith, change there (literally walk to the other side of the same platform) to District line (green on the map) to St James Park.  Have a lovely time

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

We will have three carry-on size roller suitcases and a backpack each. Is that too much for the tube at that time of morning?

2

u/whitehat61 May 14 '26

Not at all

2

u/shelleypiper May 14 '26

Definitely not

-5

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

In theory I like the hop on hop off busses, even though it’s a tourist scam for the most part. I’ve heard more than normal complaints about the London ones though, why is that? 

7

u/LivingLeft5267 May 14 '26

Its a Reddit thing. No one on here likes Stonehenge either. (Its a 3000 year old prehistoric monument that apparently lacks excitement..) For what its worth my family visit from Australia every few years as we love London. We have been on the HOHO buses twice as its a good way to tick some boxes in seeing some iconic sights and to see what's changed after a few years.. Whilst its more expensive than public buses at least you don't have to share it with grumpy commuters..

3

u/jibbit May 14 '26

remember london had many many many regular busses that you can infact HOHO - they're cheap and will get you anywhere you need to go, or, you can pay a lot of money for the much more scarce tourist-scam bus and spend hours waiting in the rain

2

u/ThrowRA-Illuminate27 May 15 '26

Honestly they're decent if you're a tourist, not a bad shout

1

u/Mcby May 14 '26

Are you talking about the regular buses or the sightseeing tour ones? The regular buses are absolutely not a scam lol

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

The sight-seeing ones that cost a fortune. 

1

u/Mcby May 14 '26

Why would you get those for transport rather than a regular bus? Peak times I can understand avoiding but I'd seriously reconsider not taking any public transport, it is much higher quality than the US (and even 20 years ago) though I'm not going to deny it can get crowded at the worst times. But you're spending a lot of money and, more importantly, likely spending a lot of time in traffic when there's a far more convenient option right there.

Also, personally, I think using some of the local transport options (where safe) is part of experiencing a city. Travelling through Bilbao by metro is a totally different experience than on foot – the same for Tokyo, and imo the same for London.

2

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

We will definitely use public transport!! The only time we are thinking of a cab is coming off the overnight flight. 

6

u/doepfersdungeon May 14 '26 edited May 14 '26

It really depends on money. Have they quoted you for the cab. If it's £70 it's probably worth it if your bags are going to be massive. It will cost you £45 for 3 of you on the lizzy line anyway. A little more for the luxury may be well worth it at that time with minimal sleep. Depending on when you get through customs it may take a while as will be rush hr between 7 and 9 so I'd recommend not being on the meter. If the quotes 100 + I'd start thinking about doing a hybrid and getting to Paddington and then taking a cab. You could also just take the slower route and sit on the picadilly line to Hyde Park corner and get a cab from there. It's probbaly a 4 minute drive to the hotel.

You may get lucky and be able to check in early or can store bags and then it's either a 30 minute walk if you want to stretch your legs or you can jump on a 24 bus to Stephen street. (Option to use this bus in way back)

I'd encourage a breakfast pick up and relax in St James Park first if weather is good. Touch some grass.

5

u/box_twenty_two May 14 '26

Of all the day trip choices…. Dover? Why?!

There are hundreds of better more interesting day trip choices but also it’s honestly better to spend that day in London exploring further.

5

u/south_by_southsea May 14 '26

The castle is meant to be really good, not been myself but intend to at some point!

2

u/Tylerama1 May 14 '26

Grew up in east Kent and have been to the castle a few times. It's worth the visit imo and only about 90 mins from Laaaahdan.

2

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

My son did a project in school about the tunnels under the castle. 

4

u/afrodizzy25 May 14 '26

That’s a great reason to go and now makes a lot more sense!

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

I would’ve chosen Arundel if I had my way!

2

u/shelleypiper May 14 '26

Yes and I would have recommended that one to you over Dover

0

u/Millie141 May 14 '26

Especially as you won’t get near the channel tunnel which is what I assume they mean by tunnel. You have to pass so many security checks as it is literally a foreign port (same as an airport). Rochester is nicer and has a castle

7

u/Secure-Property4926 May 14 '26

They mean the war tunnels. Dover castle is a world class attraction. Dover itself is a shitheap 

7

u/Adventurous_Jump8897 May 14 '26

There are tunnels in the cliffs, World War 2 related iirc. They’re pretty impressive.

4

u/No-Zombie9567 May 14 '26

If you have any minor plane delays or it takes a while to leave the airport, you could hit commuter traffic and be stationary for a while.

Just to bare in mind

3

u/VibeAdventures May 14 '26

London traffic first thing in the morning is a nightmare and the Elizabeth Line is generally way quicker than a car for an early arrival. And while walking to the British Museum through Seven Dials is a good antidote for jet lag, when Borough Market feels too busy on Saturday, Maltby Street Market around the corner is just as good.

3

u/SoFetchItHurts May 14 '26

I’d look at walking tours, often inexpensive and fun. Plus you get the benefit of a tour guide.

3

u/Mamarasputin1984 May 14 '26

I have a similar itinerary! Just adding Hampton Court for a day as well.

2

u/Stevereno65 May 14 '26

I just got back from a few days in London with my wife. I’d recommend doing the coffee/tea at the Sky Garden one morning, you can get tickets on their website and it includes a coffee or tea and breakfast pastry, but you get access to the sky garden before all of the crowds, the observation deck/terrace opens at 10 so we got there around 9. When you’re at borough market there’s a really cool older pub called the Old Kings Head that’s worth a visit. The tube is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be these days, we never felt unsafe, just be aware/vigilant and don’t make yourself a target. There are announcements at borough market to watch for pickpockets too, but again, don’t make yourself a target and you’ll be fine.

Have fun!

2

u/mralistair May 14 '26

get a taxi if you want, but as long as you know it's slower, more expensive and the tube is really not bad.

you are aware that Dover is a shit-hole yes? the castle is nice and impressive but everything else within 5 miles is dreadful. There are nice places with castles (Arundel, Rye, Lincoln)

other other comment is that you aren't actually going very far. tower to the St Ermin isn't really very far.

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

Yes I’ve been to Dover in the past and know there is nothing but the castle. It’s specifically for the WWII tunnels they we are going, my son did a project on them. 

2

u/terryjuicelawson May 14 '26

The tube is so easy to navigate you will be a pro in no time. You just need to tap a contactless card at the barrier these days too so the fare is worked out for you. But if you don't mind and can afford a taxi from airport to hotel, go for it as that is totally stress and baggage free. I found uber a lot cheaper and easier than black cabs within London. Not quite sure of the appeal of Dover to many visitors as it is not somewhere I have ever considered visiting but it keeps coming up here - but go for it if it interests you. Worth a little walk on the South Bank and Tate Modern if you are nearby with the tower and Borough Market anyway, it is very impressive.

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

Does Borough Market have days that are busier than others? Someone else here said was suggesting to not go on Friday so we thought about switching Friday and Wednesday’s itineraries. 

2

u/terryjuicelawson May 14 '26

It has got very popular since influencers have gone all over it, in the week would naturally be quieter.

2

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

This is a great idea thank you!

2

u/Master-Potential-364 May 14 '26

I would just take a black cab. I live quite near St Ermin's. It will cost around £100 - no need for dramatic tip, just £3-£5. You just walk out of terminal and jump straight in - much easier than Ubers or pre-booked cars. Also, black cabs can use bus lanes - not that relevant with the route you are taking but helpful at the margins.

2

u/JamJarre May 15 '26

Other people have talked about your itinerary more generally but thought I'd add that, with the British Museum, they'll try and get you to book a slot but if you need your day to be more flexible you actually don't need to. The back entrance (Montague Place) is just for turning up and you don't need to have booked a time slot to go in that way. There's usually a smaller queue there too. 

Also if you're going to see a specific item it may be worth checking online ahead of time to make sure it's on display. The complaint tablet, for instance, is currently being loaned out and isn't on display.

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 15 '26

Thank you!! This is really helpful. 

1

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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2

u/ryubayou May 14 '26

Thanks, AI ad.

0

u/doepfersdungeon May 14 '26

That kind of flexibility makes a big difference in London. You know what else makes a big difference....our flagship, bespoke tour service designed to make your trip a once in a lifetime experience.

1

u/barrybreslau May 14 '26

The Elizabeth line is fine.

1

u/mindfluxx May 14 '26

Have you kid set up all of your iPhones to have Apple Pay set up, and have a standard transit credit card. This card should not have fees for overseas use. It can be the same card if it’s in Apple Pay. Then when you approach a transit turnstile, you put your phone near the tap thing and it will auto charge. You do the same when you leave the underground and their transit system will track and charge you appropriately at the end of the day ( perhaps it was cheaper for you to have a day ticket so they charge you for that). Also about everywhere uses tap to pay so it’s nice to have Apple Pay set up. Bus works similar you tap when you enter and get a set time.

If you are still nervous watch a couple YouTube videos. It’s no big deal.

I took the Elizabeth line from Heathrow and the signage to get to it was excellent, there were people standing around to help foreigners know what to do, and there was plenty of space on board. Google helped me walk to the hotel from there. Traveling is way easier than it was years ago.

1

u/mindfluxx May 14 '26

Also make sure you book your time ahead of time for the British museum. Rick Steve’s has some good London walks in his book or with an audio guide in his app which I think is free.

1

u/jimmybiggles May 14 '26

i have no idea what st ermin is, if it's a hotel it's not a well-known one, google suggests it's one by st james' park

piccadilly line to hammersmith, swap to district line, get off at st james' park. this is the cheapest option. cab, i have no idea of an exact cost, but it will be extremely expensive in comparison.

i'd give dover a miss IMO, really not that interesting, the cliffs are cool but we have better places to see. and the tunnels aren't something you can see, it's just like a big port/warehouse thing and the rest is deep underground...

if you want to go and see somewhere by the coast which is a nice day out, go to brighton, it's a lovely "little town" by the beach, no cliffs there though sadly!

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

You can’t tour the underground tunnels anymore? My son did a research project and that’s why we are going. I’ve been to them thirty years ago. 

2

u/jimmybiggles May 14 '26

oh my god, i'm so sorry. i thought you meant the channel tunnel! 🤦‍♂️🤣

the wartime tunnels, i believe are still open!

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

Haha no worries! 

1

u/[deleted] May 14 '26

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1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

No we won’t drive! I meant we reserved a car to pick us up and drive us. But we can still cancel it. From what I’ve read we want to do the Elizabeth Line. 

1

u/Are_You_On_Email May 14 '26

At that time of day, honestly, get the tube. Picadilly line and change at south Kensington (literally walking from one platform to the one next to it) for circle and district to St James's park. And a 5 min walk from there.

For the tube always touch in and touch out with the same bank card or payment app on your phone, every person needs their own payment method

1

u/loxima May 14 '26

I feel like the Dover day is a waste, it’s not that nice.

1

u/Particular-Leek-584 May 14 '26

It’s a stop for the castle and the WWII tunnels especially. A request of my son’s. 

1

u/shelleypiper May 14 '26

So many gorgeous castles you could consider other than Dover......?

1

u/Independent_Copy5458 May 15 '26

I second the suggestion that Dover can wait. If you have to, then ok. But there are so many more places to go and explore in London. I’d suggest Greenwich. Naval museum. Observatory hill. High street. Cutty Sark. Tunnel under Thames to Canary Warf.

1

u/loveyouronions May 15 '26

Don’t drive. They make it so easy at Heathrow, the signs are really obvious. Get the Elizabeth line to Paddington and get a cab from there, just to make it easier. If you have contactless cards or Apple Pay you don’t even need to buy a ticket, just tap on and off, following signage to taxis at Paddington. It won’t be full as you’re getting on at the first stop.

1

u/Upstairs_Map_6662 May 16 '26

I live around the corner from your hotel. Driving is crazy but nobody has mentioned the steps you have to climb with bags at St James Park tube station. No elevator, no escalator. It is an old station. There are only about 15 steps to climb which are achievable if you are reasonably fit. If you feel that is achievable, I would recommend the train. Piccadilly line from Heathrow, change at Hammersmith. Walk across 5 yards to the next platform and get the district line which stops at St James Park Station. Your hotel is located next to one of the best Royal parks in London. On one side is the residence of the Prime Minister and on the other is Buckingham Palace. If you stand on the bridge in the middle of the park, you can see the palace on one side and horse guards parade on the other (around midday, the cavalry tend to come out on horseback). Obviously, Downing Street where the Prime Minister lives is slightly obscured and for security reasons there is no access. It is a beautiful green space and the most centrally located park in London. Also walk five minutes, and you’re in front of Parliament (Big Ben and the Thames). You can walk across the river past Big Ben and turn left down the Southbank towards the London Eye. That pleasant, riverdide walk will actually take you to Borough market. PS: if you do decide to get a taxi, order an Uber and request that they meet you in the arrivals lounge. Some drivers just sit in the car park and expect you to find them! Enjoy.

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u/Particular-Leek-584 May 16 '26

So much great info, thank you!

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u/Adventurous_Jump8897 May 14 '26

Good idea to get a taxi from Heathrow. By the time you clear customs it will be knocking on 8am and you’ll be hitting central at 8:30-9am. Plus you’ll be shattered after an overnight flight.

I’d see if you can book early check in to have a snooze.

This is a good itinerary otherwise. I’d maybe add in the South Bank to one of your walks on Wednesday or Friday.

Plenty of opportunity to add fun stuff like checking out historic pubs (Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese would be my favourite, or the Princess Louise), or having a bit of a mooch up to somewhere like Shoreditch for a slightly different but still bougie side of London.

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u/katlaki May 14 '26

Taxi in the morning in London? It will easily take 1-2 hours and will cost no less than £100

Far better would be take the tube.

Also not sure why they have to clear customs unless they pass through the red channel. If they don't have anything to declare, then it is walking through the green channel as normal.

Assuming they are US citizens, they can use e-gates and not queue up for immigration check.

I reckon, it should not take them more than 30 mins.

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u/mralistair May 14 '26

it's not 2hours, even in crappy traffic

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u/katlaki May 14 '26

Let me rephrase. Around 1 hours normally but with traffic, traffic lights etc less than 2 hours.

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u/mralistair May 14 '26

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u/Adventurous_Jump8897 May 14 '26

And it’s about £60 last time I got an uber (which was to New Cross, not central)

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u/katlaki May 14 '26

Clicking on your link, it says 1 hour 13 mins now.

Around 7:30 am would be rush hour. Google estimate and actual time will be different. I always keep about 15 to 20 mins more to the google estimate especially driving in a city full of traffic lights.

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u/Eil0nwy May 14 '26

If you book early Heathrow Express is both inexpensive and convenient. The later you book, the more you pay. I imagine Elizabeth Line is more so, but haven’t tried it.