They need to get some guide books and use them to determine what is MOST important for them to see.

They might be specially interested in seeing the Museum of London and Churchill's War Rooms (that might not intertest peoplein their 20s). But there is so much to see and do - and so many day trips - they we really need some info on them.

As for day trips - if their walking is limited or slow I reco they do trips on their own by trains - so they can move at their own speed. The bus tours cover a lot of territory and can't wait for people who are slower - so going with a group that won't wait for them can be problematic.

From where they're staying, they should get used to the 15 and RV1 buses:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/tower-of-london-a4.pdf

This area is mainly on the edge of the business district, so not very tourist-oriented and quiet in the evenings and on the weekends, apart from the immediate surroundings of the Tower or down around St Katharine's Dock. Depending on where they are staying, they may find the choice of places to eat nearby rather limited (unless they're willing to cross some main traffic roads). There are a number of places around St Katharine's Dock, or along Tower St, to the west of the Tower.

My dad is a huge history buff and reader. Is is true that the Imperial War Museum is closed until July? Oh No! Is there a convenient mode of public transportation near where they are staying?

Yes, the IWM London is closed until July 2013
http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london/transforming-iwm-london

But there are other museums in London!

>>Is there a convenient mode of public transportation near where they are staying?<<

The link above is the bus map for the Tower area, and you say yourself they'll be near Tower Hill tube station. Your parents will probably also need to use:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/15101.aspx

Where exactly are they staying? (some hotels and apartments slightly exaggerate their locations/convenience)

But if it is in St Katharine's Marina or at the Tower Hotel it is not at all dead at weekends or any other time. Several places to eat/drink in the Marina an just across the river.

As Patrick mentions - the #15 bus is terrific. When I'm staying there I often take the bus to the center instead of climbing up to the Tower Hill tube station.

They should definitely go to the Churchill War Rooms. I really wish I could take my parents there. It's a great experience.

They should go to Harrods and have tea, such a nice break. They don't have to do the full tea, they can always dine at Harrods Terrace on the 4th floor and just do a la carte tea (sandwiches and scones), which is a lot less than the full tea.

Windsor Castle is an easy day trip. You take a fairly short train ride directly to the town and the castle is right there.

If they like the theater, they should also get tickets for one of the MANY shows they have there.

Harrod tea... for goodness sake. There are better places to have tea and with so many great museums all doing tea why go to a shop.

I would search out london museums, many are free and if he is a history buff it will be good. Also avoid Madame Tussauds which has been rubbish now for over 150 years.

For a history buff, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace both are easy day trips from London. There are some farther afield like Oxford and Cambridge, Bath, Stonehenge.

Too bad about the Imperial War Museum. It was very memorable. But the Churchill War Rooms are fascinating, history frozen in time.

If your parents can walk reasonably well, they might like one or more of the London Walks: www.walks.com. They are highly recommended here. No preplanning; you just show up at the meeting point at the appointed time. We did a daytrip to Hampton Court Palace with London Walks, for which we took the train to Richmond and then a boat on the Thames, arriving at HCP like Henry VIII on his barge.

<<My dad is a huge history buff and reader>>

Then this trip is fish + barrel + shotgun for him. Tell them to hit the guidebooks and they'll be fine - there's no shortage of resources available.

Tell the oldies to bring passport photos and get the 7-day zone 1-2 travelcards at London Bridge rail station (orange, flimsy, plastic-coated cards - buy from a manned booth on the level with the M&S Simply Food store), not the Tube station, and go here: www.daysoutguide.co.uk.

Before they leave, they should print out from that website every voucher they may conceivably want to use and present the vouchers plus travelcards at every site that accepts them. This will save them one pensioner-level admission (e.g., 17.60 GBP at the Tower - the equivalent of $27; 13.60 GBP at the War Rooms - the equivalent of $21-22) at such attractions.

Do NOT let them waste money on a London Pass or similar rubbish. They can enter the following museums for the combined total entrance fee of $0:

V&A
Tate Britain
Tate Modern
British Museum
British Library
National Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
Museum of London
Natural History Museum
Science Museum
National Maritime Museum

and more (http://www.timeout.com/london/museums/free-museums-in-london)

If your parents are foodies they might get a kick out of the lunch menu here.....
http://www.joelrobuchon.co.uk/menus/latelier

Surprisingly - some of the best price quality ratio in London!

The OP hasn't checked back since starting this thread. Maybe the trip is off???

Oh No! The trip is on and they are getting very excited. I am printing everything that you wonderful contributors have mentioned!! Thanks for the dining link! Places to eat that are local hangouts, good food and reasonable are definitely desired!!! Thanks everyone!!

Glad you are back - it would help if you told us where they are staying. 'Near' the Tower & Tower Hill could mean a lot of things . . .

www.londontown.com has great information.


I was told about the pub Hung Drawn and Quartered - near Tower Hill- planning to go when I am there in March!!

We enjoy eating at Brown's Restaurant on St. Martin's Lane. I love the Steak, Ale & Mushroom Pie and Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. They have a pre-theater seating if you plan to see a play, and I urge you to take them to one--or more.