London in 8 Hours: A Layover Adventure with Great Grandma and the Kids
On our way back home from Kenya to the U.S. we found ourselves on an 8 hour layover at Heathrow, London Airport. Considering that this would be the only time that (great) grandma would have to visit London, we decided to make the most of it. This took a bit of planning considering I was traveling with a 77-year-old, a 9 and 10 year old. With a lot of ground to cover, we made this “micro” vacation a family memory we will never forget!
Touchdown at Heathrow: The Start of Our Adventure
We arrived at Heathrow at 5:30am off a red-eye from Kenya. Our mission… to squeeze in as much of London as possible before jetting off to Nashville. First we needed to find a place to drop off our carry-on luggage and backpacks. Terminal 3 has an Excess Baggage Company where you can store your items for some hands free exploring (it was about 15 Euros per item). It took us about an hour and a half from landing until we were finally ready to jump on a train and begin our adventure.
First Stop: Paddington Station
Our journey started with the Heathrow Express, taking us from the airport to Paddington Station in no time. *Insider tip- download the app and purchase round trip tickets before you arrive saving time and keeping tickets on your phone for easy access. It took us about 30 minutes to get to Paddington Station. We stopped for a quick on the go bite then attempted to navigate our way to the underground train. We got turned around, ended up on the wrong side of the station, losing about 20 minutes of time - so be better than us, and just ask for directions once you get there. It was a good lesson for the girls since we were sharing the navigation duties. I want them to learn how to navigate in different places and not be afraid to get a little lost… because what would an adventure be without a little unexpected detour.
St James’s Park
From Paddington, we hopped on the Underground and made our way to St James’s Park. The tube ride was quick and efficient— also grandma's first time on an underground train. Then the real trek began as we made our way from St James’s Park to the iconic sights of Big Ben, Parliament, and the London Eye. The walk was a bit longer than expected, especially with Baba (great grandma) in tow, but the sights were worth every step. We got to take photos in front of each, but with our limited time, photo op was our only option. Standing in one corner we were able to see so many sights with an iconic telephone booth next to us and double decker buses passing us by.
Westminster Abbey: The Heart of Our Layover
The center of the whole plan revolved around Westminster Abbey. Knowing how much this visit meant to my grandmother, I’d made reservations in advance—a smart move for anyone with a tight schedule. For my deeply religious grandmother, it was the highlight of our trip. Walking through the storied halls, she was moved by the history and the sacred atmosphere. For the girls, though, there was a bit of disappointment. They had their hearts set on seeing Queen Elizabeth—but they never specified which one and saw where Queen Elizabeth (the First) was laid to rest. They came around and enjoyed reading the names of all who rest there, scientists, artists, and centuries of historial royals. We did the quick version of the tour and spent 30 minutes inside. I didn’t take into consideration visiting London at the end of the Summer (tourist) Season so the Abby was crowded, so I recommend the earliest time slot if possible. There is so much to see and experience that if you can swing an hour- do it!
The Walk Back
As we retraced our steps back toward St James’s Park, it became clear that our time was running out. Buckingham Palace was within reach, but after the confusion at Paddington and the leisurely pace of our walking tour, we had to make a tough call. The palace would have to wait for another trip. One thing we did learn? London’s layout and the sheer number of attractions make for a lot of walking. It’s easy to underestimate the distances when you’re looking at a map, especially when you’re trying to hit all the big sights in just a few hours.
Luggage Straps: The Unsung Hero of Our Journey
Navigating through airports with a 77-year-old (great) grandmother, two kids, and a mountain of luggage can be a challenge (6 suitcases and 3 carry-ons)! That’s where my trusty luggage straps came in. These little gadgets allowed me to string together three large suitcases, making it easy for me to roll them through the airport and customs check with ease—no need for a bulky airport cart.
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage (or just want to make your life easier), I highly recommend these straps. Where were these when my kiddos were in strollers. They were a lifesaver for us and made moving through the airport so much smoother. Here’s a link to the luggage straps if you want to check them out for your next trip! Amazon Luggage Strap
Cue adorable picture of my daughter rolling three suitcases at once.
Tips for Your London Layover: Learn from Our Missteps
- Plan Ahead with Reservations: If there’s something you absolutely must see (like Westminster Abbey for us), book in advance. It’ll save you time and stress.
- Know Your Tube Stops: Familiarize yourself with the Tube stations and lines before you set out. Paddington Station, for example, has multiple exits, and it’s easy to get turned around. I downloaded both the Heathrow Express and Underground Tube Apps before arrival to help me navigate.
- Mind the Walking Distances: London is walkable, but it’s more spread out than it seems. Be prepared for a lot of walking, especially if you want to cover multiple landmarks. Pack comfy shoes
- Pack Light and Stay Comfortable: Comfortable shoes are a must, as are snacks and water, especially if you’re traveling with kids and seniors. We packed a change of clothes and walking shoes in our carry-on to change into when landing at Heathrow.
- Stay Flexible: Not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the best stories come from the unexpected moments.
Making the Most of Every Moment
In the end, our layover in London was more than just a stopover—it was a chance to explore, to laugh at our missteps, and to create memories that we’ll cherish long after we’re back home. Baba got to see the Abbey, the girls learned there’s more than one Queen Elizabeth, and I got a good workout in (thanks to all that walking). Would I do it all again? Absolutely. But next time, I might give Buckingham Palace the priority it deserves—and maybe, just maybe, I’ll double-check which side of the station we’re on. Safe travels, and happy layover adventures!
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