This is split into 2 parts for my convenience.

Les Miserables: Playing at the Palace Theater. From bond Sta, go 2 stops to Tottneham court Rd, then transfer and go to Leicester Sta. Walk Charing Cross to Shaftesburg Ave. Lots of places to eat, we had a pizza and beer at Pizza Hut (14#'s). Theater is just across the street. Yes, we loved the play, which we had seen before on PBS and have the music at home.

Natural History Museum: Another freebie well worth a visit. I started a list of general topic contents, but it got so large that I stopped. An easy full day here. Try to follow the numbering system they have to make sure you do not miss anything. The place is HUGE. Even a "no museums type" might find 4 hours worth here. Bond sta to Green Park. Green Park to So. Kensington. A couple blocks walking underground and a block above ground get you there.

Day of rest: Poured rain all day. My foot was really killing me anyway (tarsel tunnel syndrom).

Stonehenge and Bath: Tour thru Grayline (our choice) or Evan Evens, Big Bus (43#) and others. Fee is 50# each. Pick up at hotel, but NOT return (more later). We were told not to bother with Stonehenge, as it is just a "pile of rocks". Bath, on the other hand was recommended. We enjoyed both.

The tour started out withthe normal collection at hotels and they regrouping onto the appropriate bus for your tour. Our tour include a drive, an english speaking guide and a Japanese speaking guide (the Japanese group was put on the back of the bus). We find the quality of these tours are very dependent on the commentators presentation and rule enforcement. This tour was average. I must admit the stop at Stonehenge was slightly disappointing. Rainy, cold and then to find out many of the stones were stolen to form parts of homes and buildings elsewhere. Not a very nice way to treat the 1000's of years old monument. What was left is still impressive. It is roped off not to keep theft, chipping and graffitti away. There is a souven. shop and snack shop at the parking area. The fee was included in our tour. Commentary is available in several languages.

Bath is a town well worth a few day visit, so our couple hours hardly satisfied us. The old Roman baths, uncovered under a subsequently constructed building are quite interesting. We do not think of things 1,000's years old here in the US. We toured the excavation remnants of the original baths. We were given a commentator and along the way you just entered the code on the wall to get a summary of what it was all about. Several languages were available. Plan about 1 hour (3 if your are really into these things). A quick tour of the tourist streets, a walk down by the river and lunch filled out the time we had.

Countryside views from the bus were great and provided that "out of London" experience that we wanted. The bus, upon return to London makes about 5 stops to "accommodate" the 50-60 passengers. So everyone had a walk, tube ride, bus or taxi after being "dumped" somewhat near their hotel. This is a first for us. No other bus tour we have take dropped us off more that a block away in the past.

Other attractions: Planned to go to the Science Museum, Museum of London, Tower of London, river cruise and take the Big Bus on the three line all day tour, but a BIG cold bug bit me, and I spent the rest of the trip and still until today fighting it off. Hope to be better by the weekend.

Hope this help with anyone else planning their first trip to London. Happy travels

Yes, Stonehenge can be a bit of a disappointment, not one English Heritage's better displays. It's almost a better view from the A303!

Bath, don't leave so quickly and give your tootsies a rest and have tea at the Pump room.

BTW, all museums are now free. Government and museums worked a deal so they don't have to pay VAT if they offer free admission.

Ah, the Pump Room in Bath!

I wanna go back!

Agree on the "pile of rocks" for the most part. But if you have a really great guide, they can spin some pretty good yarns to make it interesting and enjoyable.