I’m Returning to London

Look kids, Parliament!

London. My visit a year ago was to see a friend. Now I’m returning. I’ll see my friend again, but I’m also showing my dad around. Long ago, when he was in the military and he was stationed in Germany, he and my mother generally traveled east. He’s never been to England. So what to show him?

Discobolus and the British Museum’s glass dome

A lot of the things I saw last year I want to see again, just in a more thorough manner. Before my dad and I traveled to France, he scoffed at the idea of going to a museum. He had no desire to wander the dusty halls of the Louvre. Until he was there. Then, after one visit, he asked if we could return before our time was up in Paris. So, on my trip to England, I’ll be sure to show him some of London’s fantastic museums. I’d like to see them again too, since, as I always do, I packed too much into my last trip and wasn’t able to spend a lot of time in places that deserve so much more – the British Museum and the National Gallery.

Inspection Time at the Changing of the Guard

We’ll also tour Buckingham Palace and see the changing of the guard, take time to go through the Tower of London, and probably even do a cruise on the River Thames. But, as I said, these are all things I’ve done before. And while I want to show them to him, I also want to experience something new together. It’s no fun to travel with a person who has already been to all of the locations you’re seeing for the first time. So, where should I take my dad?

The gate outside the Prime Minister’s home on Downing Street

The obvious is, well, obvious. We’ll of course go to the Westminster area to see the abbey, No. 10 Downing Street, and Churchill’s Cabinet War Room. I’m planning on also making a first-ever stop in Piccadilly, and maybe even heading over to Kensington Palace. But, what beyond those things? What am I missing? A trip out to Stonehenge? Sure. Dad wants to see it, and I’d like to return, so we’ll head out there. I think we’ll also hit Windsor Castle along the way.

Stonehenge Under a Big Sky

I’m not asking about the day trips, though. I’m asking about what’s in London, or at least an easy ride along the Tube. So, please give me a helping hand and let me know what you think. What haven’t I seen? What should I take my dad to see? What are some of the lesser-known places that make London so great?

Thanks for the help and advice!