[OneDs]

From a local:-

First post so Hi to all!

Generally if your in a classy (snobbish) enough of a place they will automatically add service charge to your bill, check when the bill comes normally 10%-15%.

Pubs and a like, tend to have an order and pay upfront at the till process to avoid any issues re tipping.

If you get great service outside of these types establishments and would like to tip I'm sure your waiter/ess would apprieciate it 10% would be fine.

However don't feel obliged to be taken for a ride just because your a tourist, if it doesn't measure up then have no qualms about not tipping. Taxi drivers no way, they charge the earth anyway. Hotel staff don't expect it from brits so why should you.

Stuff you have to see that hasn't been mentioned yet.
Natural History Museum, Even if you just check out the architecture (just across the street from the V&A museum)
The Science Museum is just round the corner also and has a great display of some old aircraft.
If your going to do St Pauls, then you might want to compare the Oratory which is just down the road from the V&A also, it's a smaller version of St Peter's Rome. Harrod's (think Bloomingdales) is just up from these places as well.

Camden Town Market is a bit ecelectic and a bit tatty & cheap now a days but still worth a visit and can be combined with a canal walk and a trip to London Zoo / Hyde Park.

With regard to the tube, unless the weather is poor and you don't mind doing it, then I would walk mostly. You'd be surpised the amount people who use the tube when walking can be just as quick or a little bit slower and you get to see so much more. The are so many stations so closely packed together in the "West End" (down town) and the city centre that getting down too and up from the platform then waiting for the next train that can sometimes be a bit of squash to get in, is an experience on it's own.

That said if you've got tired legs it's chucking it down and a reasonable distance to go it is great.

All the best any other q's I'll chip in.