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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » London

WEEKEND in London – 48 Hour Guide (2024)

London is without a doubt one of the best places in the whole world to spend a weekend! It boasts some of the most iconic architecture in Europe as well as world-class theatre, sport, shopping and music. Basically there’s so much stuff going on that a single weekend in London is not enough and you’re guaranteed to return!

One bonus of spending a weekend in London is that many of the best attractions are free! So, despite the hefty exchange rate of the pound, a London weekend can be very reasonably priced.

With so many indoor activities on offer, it’s actually a fantastic city to visit year-round so don’t let the infamous British weather put you off. The museums are some of the best in the world housing global artifacts and technologically driven research. Public transport in London is also great   so you can easily get to all of London’s iconic landmarks in a single weekend!

Whether you’re a theatre-goer, a sports fan, a foodie or a raging partier, there’s lots to love about London.

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Insider Tips for an AMAZING Weekend in London

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These tips will help you enjoy London at its best and help you avoid any unnecessary headaches, struggles or concerns. In this guide, we’ll look at the best hostels in London , what to do in London and how to find the best food in London!

Know Where to Stay in London

With only a weekend to spare, you’ll want to stay somewhere in central London in order to minimize travel time. London’s a large city, and some of the best things to do in London are spread out. It is therefore worth taking a look at the various different neighborhoods and working out which one is best for travelers with little time!

Covent Garden is possibly the ideal neighborhood for first-timers in the city. It’s close to some of the top London attractions, with a great dining and cultural scene. Public transport goes everywhere from here, and you can comfortably spend the day walking around.

Another great place to stay in is Soho particularly if you’re into London’s party scene.

If you do want to save some cash while travelling in a big group, you can find many cute cottages in London ‘s outskirts areas that are close to transport links to the city center.

Our Favorite Airbnb – Private room in central location

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This massive room is great for travellers who visit London for the first time. The apartment is located in central Leicester Square. There are lots of great places, cafes, and restaurants around. You’ll also get free breakfast every morning. The main bathroom is shared, however, you’ll have a private toilet. If you’ve seen enough of the city, you can enjoy the free Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on your TV.

Our Favorite Budget Hotel – The Z Hotel Shoreditch

The Z Hotel Shoreditch is our favorite budget hotel in London!

• Quaint, boutique hotel with handcrafted beds
• Located in the hip, heart of London
• Great amenities and buffet breakfast available

This treasure is a quaint, lovely little hotel, reminiscent of 18th century London, set in a perfect location! The staff are great, and the beds are comfortable. The breakfasts, at a small extra cost, are incredible, and there’s unlimited coffee available to fuel your busy weekend. Basically have everything you need and more!

Our Favorite Splurge Hotel – Montcalm Royal London House

Montcalm Royal London House is our favorite splurge hotel in London!

• Spectacular views over the city, with rooftop bar
• Restaurants, bars, spa and indoor swimming pool
• Luxurious rooms with 24-hour room service and concierge

With large rooms and all the amenities you can dream of, this 5-star luxury hotel combines modern luxury with old-school class. It’s terrific for couples and the views over London are perfect. The staff is helpful and friendly, and the food is some of the best in the city. 

Our Favorite Hostel – Meininger London Hyde Park

Meininger London Hyde Park is our favorite hostel in London!

• Great location with easy access to public transport
• Vibrant, colorful and clean rooms
• Fun, comfortable general spaces

Located right next to Hyde Park, this hostel is perfect for those looking for something well-priced and comfortable. If you are looking to meet people then get yourself a drink in the bar or lounge and make some friends! The staff are friendly and helpful, and the vibrant rooms are clean with comfortable beds.

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Know How to Get Around in London

Getting around London is easy, despite the city’s size. Many of the attractions are close together, and walking between them allows you to get a real feel for the city! However,  there are also many public transport options should you need them.

You can catch the London Underground, the tram link, busses, railway, river services or the overground. With so many options, you’re able to get anywhere you want from wherever you are, fast.

Transport is quite expensive in London. It is a good idea to take some time to check if it’s going to prove cheaper to buy single tickets, or a weekend ticket, depending on your London itinerary . 

If you’re spending most of your time walking around and occasionally catching a tram or train then single tickets are probably your best bet. If on the other hand your itinerary means you’ll be needing a lot of transport get an Oyster Card ; an Oyster card allows you to load money onto it, and use it on all of the public transport systems.

The bright red London busses are iconic and are a great way to get around and explore London . The trains are incredibly efficient, but if you try to catch one during peak hours (between 8 and 9 am, and 4 and 6 pm), you’ll be packed like sardines against impatient strangers.

London has some amazing nightlife options!

Despite a number of high-profile club closures, London still has some of the best nightlife in the world. Check out these awesome options for some inspiration.

Piccadilly Circus

• Go pub-hopping until the early hours of the morning (many stay open until 4 am on weekends)
• Guaranteed great night out with some of London’s best nightspots and a vibrant atmosphere
• You can also go to an after dark museum, musical, or casino, for great alternatives to clubbing

Iconic enough during the night and day, Piccadilly Circus is an absolute must-see at night time! Neon lights contrast with historical buildings, and everyone is having a great time. For bar hopping, visit Irish-themed bar Waxy O’Connor’s, and Graphic, a gin palace with great DJ’s every weekend. For glitz and wild dancing, go to Cafe de Paris.

• A historic hub of London’s famous entertainment scene throughout the ages. 
• Bars, pubs and clubs line the street, catering to an incredibly wide variety of party styles
• Explore some of the area’s flamboyount gay bars or circus-themed clubs, like Cirque le Soir, for something totally out of the ordinary (but don’t bring your Mother!)

Soho is certainly one of the best nightlife scenes in London, if not the world! With a rich history and a diversity of clubs to match, you are bound to have a brilliant time. Ronnie Scott’s has some of the world’s top jazz and blues musicians performing in its basement club and other great options are Swift and the gay pub Admiral Duncan.

• Enjoy lively bohemian nightlife and night markets for something different
• Great place to find live music, quirky bars, and some very unusual people
• A long history of counterculture entertainment and alternative rock make for a night unlike any you’ll find elsewhere

Camden is a more offbeat but equally vibrant London nightlife destination. Leading the alternative rock & Indie scene, you’ll find great music and unique hair-styles in abundance here. For an old-school rock club experience, go to KOKO or Underworld. For a unique combination of the night market, club and casino, try out Electric Ballroom.

Want to save money on accommodation?

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British food has a pretty bad reputation which is both undeserved and outdated. As you will see for yourself, London actually has one of the most diverse, cutting-edge culinary scenes in the world. Not only that, but you can find any type of cuisine in London, because it is so multi-culural and diverse. With so much to choose from at these stops, you’ll want to eat everything! And maybe you should…

Sunday UpMarket at Brick Lane

• A very different kind of Sunday Roast, with both street vendors and classic pubs like the Old Truman Brewery to dine with
• Great organic food options and authentic international cuisines
• Vendors let you try tasters, so you can taste everything before you decide on one option

Be sure to arrive with an empty stomach as you’re going to want all the space you can get! Here you can find traditional ethnic foods from across the globe, and quaint craft and vintage stalls to explore while you eat. A lively market with a fun vibe, this is the perfect place for adventurous foodies.

Camden Market

• Not only for the night-time crowd, Camden is also one of London’s best foodie scenes
• Camden’s famous market features an eclectic mix of cuisines from around the world
• Prices range from street food to gourmet, and you can find a taste of everything to either eat on the spot or take home. I recommend trying the Indian Paneer burger.

Truly, there is something to quench every craving and curiosity in Camden Market! Leading the race in vegan innovations is Nora and Nama, and providing delightfully meaty options to the punks and alternatives, is Roadkill. Come to Camden Market to try tonnes of food and stroll through the market, admiring the weird and wonderful wares on offer.

Bob Bob Ricard

• Iconic Soho restaurant serving delicious British-Russian cuisine and amazing cocktails
• Dining takes place in luxurious old-school booths with Art Deco style
• Every booth has a ‘press for champagne’ button, which is  the absolute epitome of British class

With a dress code of ‘elegant’, uniformed staff and art-deco surrounds, this restaurant is a one of a kind foodie stop! This luxury dining experience needs to be booked well in advance  but it is well worth it. Try either their Russian specialties or local favorites, and be sure to enjoy the glamor and great atmosphere.

London’s The Rubens at the Palace Hotel

• Iconic spot for afternoon tea , overlooking Buckingham Palace
• A quintessential afternoon activity for those who like to live a little lavishly
• Enjoy the best scones with clotted cream and jam in the city!

No London trip would be complete without taking time out for some afternoon tea, and the four-star hotel, The Rubens at the Palace Hotel, is one of the best places to enjoy this as it’s upper class and elegant, making for a fine afternoon affair. It’s also super romantic, if you’re travelling as a couple.

In England, Afternoon Tea is not just a term for drinking tea in the afternoon. It is usually accompanied by sandwiches, cakes, macarons, scones with clotted cream and jam, plus of course, tea. It can be a little pricey, but totally worth it – plus you actually get a ton of food, so it could count as a late lunch or early dinner.

With famous stadiums hosting popular British sports, there’s some great choices for sport lovers. 

See a Game at Wembley Stadium

• England’s national Football team is one of the most famous in the world – if you can, watch a match at the famous Wembley Stadium
• The venue for many memorable events, it’s incredible just to see Wembley stadium, never mind watching a match in it
• Wembley stages sports events and live performances every weekend with teams and performers from around the world.

There are several other football stadiums across London so be sure to pick up a ticket and come cheer on your favorite team!. You can even plan your London visit around your favorite sport and team! Just check out Wembley Stadium events .

Play Tennis at Regents Park

• Enjoy a game or two of tennis on beautiful courts across from a London park
• One of England’s few great pay-and-play tennis centers where you can book with minimal advance
• Fun, great exercise and perfect for couples, families, and friends

While you can’t play at the private Wimbledon arena, Regents Park is the next best thing for tennis enthusiasts!

Play England’s most elegant and popular sport on this lovely public field. You can book a drop-in session a day in advance. And of course, equipment is available to rent or buy, if you didn’t bring your own.

(Note – In the UK tennis is largely confined to the months of May – August when the weather is fair)

Try Flying Trapeze at Gorilla Circus

• Try something new and learn to fly trapeze in a two-hour lesson
• It’s a great outdoor activity and an opportunity to learn something new while you take a break from the stadiums
• Fun and great for all ages, it’ll get your blood pumping and you’ll leave with a sense of achievement

Do something a little different! You’ll find them at Kensington Gardens and Regents Park, so you’ll have great views while you fly through the air., This sport is a great way to soak up the sun if you are lucky enough to visit during the summer season.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Musical theatre and talent-filled plays are popular pastimes in London! Join the locals, and watch something incredible.

The O2 Academy, Brixton

• You can find the perfect performance at one of London’s leading music venues, nightclubs, and theatres
• Raised floor so everyone has a great view, and experiences fantastic acoustics
• Beautiful architecture and incredible live acts every weekend make it a very worthwhile stop

For some of the best international bands and coolest gigs, book a spot at the O2 Academy! The slope of the venue accommodates everyone, and the vibe is always brilliant. The Academy caters to all music tastes, as well as comedy, so be sure to check what’s on and book in advance before your weekend in London.

Apollo Victoria Theatre

• Beautiful old theatre with lots of character and beautiful decor
• Lovely campy fun, with bar service to your seat if requested, binoculars provided
• Great international acts every weekend (and during the week) – like the long-running musical Wicked

Opening as a cinema in 1930, the Apollo has a rich and interesting history in entertainment. With vibrant art-deco architecture and decor, there’s much to see without even watching a performance! But that’s not to say you shouldn’t – the musicals performed here are legendary, and there’s no better place to watch them than here.

English National Opera

• Experience something truly grand with a visit to the opera in one of London’s oldest theatres
• Modern versions of classic operas make them accessible to a wide audience, in English
• Enjoy performances bringing to life stories you’ve known since childhood, with incredibly talented casts and beautiful acoustics!

For another different experience (London is full of them), watch a show at the ornate and classic London Coliseum. One of London’s most luxurious theatres, it opened in 1904 and continues to awe its audiences today. The English National Opera brings classic opera to the modern audience. Experience London at its finest!

West End Theatre

• Enjoy a variety of musical and stage performances in several theatres in the West End.
• Family friendly shows and matinee performances available.
• One of the most popular attractions in this wonderful city!

For anyone wanting to see a show in London, the West End in Covent Garden district is the place to be. Covent Garden has 38 theatres, from family-friendly musicals such as The Lion King, to timeless classics like Les Miserables, or popular rock numbers such as We Will Rock You. There is a show for everyone in Covent Garden.

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It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

11 Other Awesome Things to do in London This Weekend

There is so much more on offer in London! If you have more time, then try to squeeze in as many of these amazing attractions and landmarks as you can.

#1 – Buckingham Palace

When visiting London, I guess you have to see Buckingham Palace! Home to the British Queen, the palace is massive, opulent and beautiful. Be sure to come and watch the changing of the Guard at 11am to experience a long-standing, British royal tradition.

You can also explore the palace if you have more time, with either a guide or audio guide to learn more about the palace’s curious history . There’s quite a collection of artifacts and gifts from foreign dignitaries acquired over the centuries!

Arguably the most important landmark in England and a national treasure, this is a must-see.

#2 – National Gallery

Whatever your preferences, visiting the National Gallery will be one of the best things you do on your weekend in London! The gallery houses England’s great collection of art from the 13th to the 19th century.

They have most of the artworks you learned about in school, and it is an absolutely magnificent experience to be able to see so many masterpieces in one day. As an added bonus, it’s also free!

You can spend hours here without getting bored marvelling at the changes in art through the centuries.

#3 – Hop on the London Eye

This giant Ferris Wheel is Europe’s biggest, and one of England’s most popular tourist stops! Take a ride on it to see a brilliant view over London and the Thames river, or just take a photo with it.

The best way to see the city and all your favorite stops, you’ll have 30 minutes up in the air which is plenty. The surprisingly large and roomy capsule moves around, so you can get all the perfect angles from your seat, or you can walk around!

It’s open daily from 10 am to 9:30 pm. e suggest you book early as it’s an extremely popular attraction.

Just across the river, you’ll find Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. If you’re ever struggling for London weekend ideas, you’ll find plenty to do around this area.

#4 – Oxford Street

The biggest shopping street in the world, Oxford Street is a must-see when you’re spending a weekend in London! Go window-shopping, or find those brands you’ve always wanted to try on. It’s a shopaholic’s dream, but great fun for everyone.

Aside from shopping, the street is enjoyable for its beautiful architecture with a few modern buildings contrasting beautifully with the many old ones. There are also a few theatres and pubs.

Find something to snack on while you walk, and take in all the happy people and the activity. Our advice is to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid rush hour as it can get packed. This is one of the most popular things to do in London .

#5 – St Paul’s Cathedral

This immense, colorfully decorated cathedral is an important British site and one of the best places to visit in London . Built in 1666 after a fire destroyed its predecessor, the working Cathedral is an architectural marvel.

Visit one of the daily services, or with a tour, it’s five levels to experience the unique acoustics of the Whispering Gallery, and the panoramic views over London. The cathedral has staged many historic, state occasions, including royal weddings and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill!

The church has a peaceful atmosphere that sets it apart from much of London. Be advised that there are a few areas you cannot explore though.

Book your full St Paul’s Cathedral tour here.

The Z Hotel – Shoreditch

Located in the trendy Shorditch district, this hostel offers top-notch accommodation right in the heart of the city.

• 24 Hour Reception
• Laundry Facilities

#6 – Leicester Square

Laid out in 1670, the pedestrian square is a cultural hub. One of the best parts of London’s West End, there’s something great for everyone including unique restaurants, vibrant musical theatres, and family fun. Stroll through the brightly lit streets at night to get the best of Leicester Square!

There are always street performers and a great vibe.. Whether you watch a play here, have dinner at one of the charming eateries, or just walk through the streets, it’s a great place to be in central London. Do be mindful of pickpockets and keep your wits about you.

#7 – Kensington Museums: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Allbert Museum

Discover scientific discoveries, classic artist pieces, and rich historical exhibitions and research at the incredible museums in Kensington. And, they are all free! For those even vaguely interested in nature, science or history, this is an amazing opportunity to learn more about life.

My personal favourite is the Natural History Museum. The most interesting exhibit you’ll find in the Natural History Museum is the dinosaurs exhibit (with real skeletons and facts galore), plus a life-size robot dinosaur! There are also exhibitions about human evolution and space exploration.

There are also lots of really cool night-time options for weekend trips, like a silent disco, murder mystery, or sleepover inside the museum! These are, of course, adults only (over 18) allowed.

Plus, for any royal lovers, Kensington Palace is just down the road, making Kensington a hot spot to visit for a weekend in London.

#8 – Take a Cruise on the Thames

Cruising down the Thames is one of the best ways to see London’s sights! You can choose between different types of cruises, but our favorite is the hop-on-hop-off day pass from South Bank. This is simply the best way to fit it around your own schedule, allowing you to stop at any of the landmarks you see.

On the tour you’ll see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Greenwich, Tate Modern, the London Eye, London Bridge and Tower Bridge, and for Harry Potter Fans, the Millenium Bridge. All from the water!

Enjoy lively commentary, and a relaxing sightseeing experience. Be sure to bring your camera and a raincoat.

Book Your Thames River Cruise here!

#9 – The British Museum

This national museum exhibits over two million years of human history and culture! It holds world-famous ancient artefacts, such as  Egyptian mummies, and the Rosetta Stone.

With so much to see here, be sure to set aside a good few hours, and definitely wear comfortable shoes. The exhibits are extensive and educational, with a wealth of antiquities from around the world.

There’s nothing like seeing it in person to bring human history to life.

#10 – Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of London’s best-loved icons! The beautiful suspension bridge is a feat of Victorian engineering, with great views of London. Stroll along its pedestrian sides and marvel at the castle-like turrets.

This one is perfect for Instagram so get someone to take a photo of you at this iconic London landmark. You can also take the stairs or a lift to the top of a bridge tower where you’ll walk on glass floors and watch the action below you! You can join a tour to learn more about the bridge, or you can do it yourself.

#11 – Walk around Movie Sets in Notting Hill

Notting Hill has been the backdrop to many blockbuster movies, Bridge Jones, Love Actually, Paddington and of course, Notting Hill.

It’s also where you can pick up some sweet vintage items in the boutique stores and market stalls of Portobello road.

As you walk around Notting Hill, you are walking around the streets where the record labels live, giving birth to London rock Legends such as Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, and Pink Floyd. Just a short distance away in St John’s Wood, you’ll find the iconic zebra crossing that became a Beatles album cover.

If you’re a fan of pop culture, you’ll love Notting Hill. Plus, you’ll get some cool shots here for your social media.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting London. If you know where you’re going and what you’re doing, it’s a great city to explore. But it can be a bit much for people who have no game plan! So check out these helpful FAQs.

What should I pack for a weekend in London?

– A sturdy raincoat and a warm jacket . London can get chilly and rainy all year round, and when you wake up you never know how the day will end. Yes, it may be bulky but a good thing to pack for your London weekend is some protection from the elements! – Comfortable walking shoes . This may seem like an obvious one, but many people visiting the great city focus on style over comfort. However, when you’re walking around and moving between some of London’s top attractions, you’ll want your feet to feel cozy and comfortable. Ditch those blisters! – A camera! If you have one, be sure to bring your camera along with you on your London weekend. The city is so full of beautiful and historic sights, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to capture them. And there are many friendly people you can ask to take a quick photo of you and your favorite landmarks. – Check out our packing list for London for more info about how to pack.

Can I get an apartment in London for the weekend?

You certainly can!  London is an expensive city  to live in and many of its residents rent out their homes over the weekend or during the week to make rent. So if you book early (preferably a few months in advance), you can find a place in the center of the city for a good price! There are also loads of  London bed and brekies  available if that’s more your scene! Apartments often feel more private, comfortable and ‘homey’ than a hotel. So if you’re looking for a party atmosphere or new friends from around the world, definitely find a hostel or laid-back hotel. But if you’re into your personal space, then an apartment is great! For families in particular, an apartment is ideal London accommodation. You can find one with a washing machine, a proper kitchen and multiple beds. This can help minimise eating costs y and is certainly less stressful than at a hotel not specifically kitted out for children and families.

Is London safe for a weekend trip?

London is considered reasonably safe  for all genders and cultures. That ‘reasonably’ is due to its being a typical large city with the usual crime issues. Stay alert for scams aimed at tourists such as selling fake tickets to different landmarks. Always make sure your ticket is from a trusted and well-known source! Pickpockets are also quite common and usually work in very busy places. So while you’re exploring popular landmarks, make sure your belongings are safe and insight or underhand. You can comfortably walk around busy areas at night, with the same considerations around pickpockets. Violent crime is a rare concern in London and as long as you take the usual city precautions mentioned here, you’ll have a great, safe trip!

Don’t Forget Your London Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on a Great Weekend in London

While more time in this great city would be excellent, even spending a weekend in London will leave you with a mind full of memories and a big smile for weeks. There are just so many cultural and historical hubs, and great fun for everyone of all interests and ages. You cannot go wrong!

Be sure to book accommodation in the city center, and work out you favorite way to get around! Like with everything else in London, you have a wealth of choice.

So, find a cheap flight to London with your friends, or plot the perfect solo trip. With our London weekend ideas, you’ll be able to fill up your time with whatever your heart desires!

(Psssst –  If you’re planning a weekend in London as part of a wider England or the United Kingdom trip, then be sure to check out our backpacking UK travel guide .)

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Sophie Steinebach

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31 best things to do in London this weekend: 13 - 15 September 2024

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When searching for the best things to do in London each weekend, it’s hard not to end up more confused and indecisive than when you started. While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the  best restaurants  in the capital, spend an evening in one of the latest  innovative bars  on the scene, or even explore an iconic  London attraction , we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events. Each week, we get the inside track on exciting things to do in  London  for the upcoming weekend to help us discover a new area of the city or explore a new address in a neighbourhood we (thought) we’d already uncovered.

31 best things to do in London this weekend

1. See culinary greats in action

Japanese grill and sushi bar NIJŪ welcomes Aulis London’s head chef, Charlie Tayler, for a one-off, four-hands dinner this Thursday. The evening sees two sets of unique skills come together for a lip-smacking multi-course menu showcasing signature dishes from both restaurants, from Aulis’ truffle pudding caramelised in birch to NIJŪ’s A4 wagyu "tournedos rossini" with black truffle and foie gras. Bespoke drink pairings come courtesy of Glenmorangie, the historic single malt whisky brand, at an additional cost.

Address: NIJŪ, 20 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EE Website: nijulondon.com Price: £125 per person Date: Thursday 12 September

2. Feast on a tasty collab

Burger & Beyond have teamed up with chef and best-selling author Laurent Dagenais for a month-long menu collaboration across all their sites. Highlights of the Canadian-based social media sensation’s menu include steak tartare tostada (45-day aged tenderloin, caper condiment and shoestring fries) and pineapple and chilli butter fried chicken.

Address: Burger & Beyond sites across London Website: burgerandbeyond.co.uk ; instagram.com Date: Available until Monday 30 September

3. Treat your four-legged friends

Dog owners and dog lovers unite at The Big Woof Festival in King’s Cross this weekend, as the two-day canine extravaganza returns after a successful launch last year. Participate in dog yoga, treat pooches to special massages, and see the more zen pups unwind at sound baths by The Wellness Foundry. A talks programme hosted by Samsung, featuring dog experts Lottie Gross and Rupal from Talula Eats, covers topics from canine nutrition to dog gut health and travelling with your dog, while others can show their skills on agility tests.

Address: King's Cross, London, N1C Website: kingscross.co.uk Price: Free Date: Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 September

4. Shop for chic hardware

The latest opening getting London’s shoppers in a spin is Matilda Goad & Co. The debut hardware store welcomes customers as part of an exciting pop-up until the end of September. Pop in to peruse all things DIY and seek autumn interior inspiration from the goods on display, and keep an eye out for workshops covering drill skills, knife sharpening and recycling.

Address: 19 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2EU Website: matildagoad.com Date: Until Thursday 26 September

5. Dance at one final festival

Autumn may be on the horizon, but festival season isn’t over just yet according to DJ doyenne Annie Mac. Following sold-out events in the capital and a jam-packed summer spinning tracks at some of the UK’s best festivals, Annie takes to the stage at Gunnersbury Park to deliver her unique clubbing concept Before Midnight on Friday.

Address: Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, London W3 8LQ Website: visitgunnersbury.org Price: from £51 plus booking fees Date: Friday 13 September

6. Admire celebrated designers

The 22nd edition of the London Design Festival kicks off this weekend, as leading visionaries continue to promote the capital as the world's design capital. Highlights include Flying In Nuanced Colours: Manifestation and Moulding , a captivating work by artist Pauline Loctin that “breathes life into paper.” Created in collaboration with G . F Smith and Uncommon Workspaces, the interactive installation fuses breathwork and manifestation with music and a paper-folding masterclass that celebrates the ancient craft of origami. Meanwhile, Hart Shoreditch unveils its most exciting collaboration to date; an immersive exhibition created by the innovative minds at ‘2LG Studio’. Spectrum invites hotel guests and the public to embark on a sensory journey redefining the experience of colour, spanning three of Hart Shoreditch’s most uniquely designed spaces.

Address: Uncommon Holborn, 81-87 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DF; Hart Shoreditch, 61 - 67 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3HU Website: londondesignfestival.com ; hartshoreditch.com Date: London Design Festival, Saturday 14 - Sunday 22 September; Flying In Nuanced Colours: Manifestation and Moulding , Tuesday 17 September; Spectrum, Saturday 14 - Sunday 22 September

7. Unwind in London's suburbs

Seek inner peace in the leafy suburbs of Clapham this Saturday as meditation practitioner Ciara McGinley, founder of Finding Quiet, and yoga teacher Maud Eekman lead a day of wellness activities. Join the duo for vinyasa yoga, grounding meditation, a gua sha workshop, and more on either side of a nourishing lunch, all with like-minded attendees.

Address: The Space London, Unit 3B, 9 Park Hill, London SW4 9NS Website: findingquiet.co.uk Price: £130 per person Date: Saturday 14 September

8. Raise a toast to British beer

Descend on the Duke of Greenwich for a fabulous beer festival this weekend. Expect a full day of great beer and tasty bites between 12pm and 11pm in the pub’s garden as craft breweries pull their brews, including Bermondsey’s Bianca Road Brew Co, Herne Hill’s Bullfinch Brewery and Brixton’s London Beer Lab. Dishes on offer include crispy fried Korean short rib and kimchi wraps and smoked BBQ chicken with pineapple and corn salsa.

Address: The Duke of Greenwich, 91 Colomb Street London SE10 9EZ Website: dukeofgreenwich.com ; eventbrite.com Price: £10 plus booking fees Date: Saturday 14 September

9. Celebrate south-east Asian culture

Battersea Power Station celebrates the wonders of south-east Asian culture this weekend at CelebrASIA Festival. Spot striking decorations such as elephant sculptures and traditional kites alongside hundreds of lanterns hanging under Grosvenor Bridge. Sample fare from street food vendors, explore the artisan market and bring little ones along for face painting, arty activities and craft sessions. Swing along on Sunday 15 September, for a special screening of the 2015 Thai drama Cemetery of Splendour .

Address: Battersea Power Station, London Website: batterseapowerstation.co.uk Date: Friday 13 - Sunday 15 Septembe

10. Pop into a thrilling bar takeover

This Saturday, KOL Mezcaleria opens its doors to Athens’ Line Bar for a one-off takeover focused on Mexican spirit and foraged flavours. The Greek bar set in a former industrial space draws inspiration from fermentation, sustainability, and local producers, creating unique hybrid fermented products and reimagined bar food with a focus on zero-waste. Sip along as the two bar teams led by Vasilis Kyritsis of Line and Irene Diaz of KOL Mezcaleria immerse themselves in flavours from the British wilderness.

Address: 9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London W1H 7BA Website: kolrestaurant.com Date: Saturday 14 September

11. Tuck in at a supper club

There's certainly no shortage of new restaurant openings in the capital right now. However, London's most discerning of foodies often crave something with a little more community feel from time to time. Look no further than the city's supper club scene . Food markets and event spaces fill up every week with hungry Londoners as chefs take residence in kitchens to cook up a storm. Sign up to all the relevant newsletters to stay in the loop – these events sell out at breakneck speed.

12. Savour street food favourites

For every Michelin-starred hotspot in London, there are a dozen delicious street food stalls selling their wares. After days of exploring London’s attractions or visiting the latest exciting pop-up, head to Seven Dials Market for slices of pepperoni drizzled in honey from Bad Boy Pizza Society or indulgent burgers from Truffle. Alternatively, explore all Camden Market offers, or pick up picnic treats from Borough Market and lounge by the river. Other honourable street food menus from our team include Juma Kitchen, Duck Frites, and Gyoza Guys.

13. Rate London's roast dinners

The French have haute cuisine; the Japanese embrace Omakase – in London, it’s all about the battle of the Sunday roast . Securing a coveted spot in one of the city’s best restaurants for a hearty plateful is one of our favourite pastimes. Head to The Midland Grand Dining Room in King's Cross for an opulent dining experience, tuck into truffle cauliflower cheese at The Laundry in Brixton or unwind over a glass of red at Hicce Hart Islington. Roasts aren't just for winter, so head to one of London's leafy boroughs, such as Richmond or Hampstead, for a meaty feast al-fresco after a sunny stroll through a local park.

14. Reach for the rooftops

Rejoice – it's rooftop bar season once again. South of the river, eye up the glitzy Battersea Power Station development from all angles at Joia Rooftop Bar , where live entertainment and events are flavoured by Portuguese tipples and smokey flavours. Heading East? Boundary Shoreditch is an oasis far from the hustle and bustle on the streets below, and an ideal hideout for crisp glasses of rosé and tasty sharing plates.

15. Sample London's lastest cocktails

Competition on London's cocktail bar scene is fierce, as beloved speakeasies compete with a constant flurry of new openings. Unique concoctions are a surefire way to keep clientele engaged. Soma , the sleek subterranean bar below Soho's Indian restaurant Kricket, is one spot for a special tipple or two. New takes include ‘Peas’, a sweet and tangy muddle of Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, Disaronno Velvet, garden peas yoghurt and mint, and ‘Shallot’, made with Hapusa Gin and pickled shallot.

16. Have a nose around London’s new hotels

In true Traveller style, one of our favourite hobbies is exploring the hot new hotels opening their doors in the capital. Best of all, there’s no need to stump up the eye-watering fee for a dazzling suite. The Peninsula is home to myriad bars and restaurants, from Cantonese restaurant Canton Blue to Brooklands, the Modern British hideout with fabulous views. The BoTree is now open on Marylebone Lane: step inside for supper at the brasserie or enjoy a mixologist-led evening at the teal-marble bar, which curves across the space, while trying out the bar menu curated by chef Stefano.

17. Go ABBA-crazy

It may be party season up and down the land, but there’s one that is never short on RSVPs – and it’s a kaleidoscopic extravaganza featuring all the ABBA classics. Mamma Mia! The Party sees the sell-out West End tale given a new lease of life, performed in a Greek courtyard complete with a pyrotechnic water fountain and restaurant tables that performers must navigate. While the four-course dinner is truly delicious, the focus is the immersive show, which works its way around the taverna between courses. It’s an unforgettable evening of napkin-waving, feet-stomping and, of course, lots of singing. Elsewhere, ABBA Voyage continues its run thanks to unprecedented popularity; see life-like avatars perform all the greatest hits at what could be one of the best parties in the city.

18. Cook up a storm

Cooking classes are ideal for groups of friends or a date night idea, and there’s always something special sizzling away in London. Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy is best for hungry Italophiles, where passionate chefs instruct clueless cooks on the dos and don’ts of homemade pasta making. Many events have a theme, so check the website and decide whether you want to learn the Roman methods, try a taste of Tuscany , or see how Puglia does it. For something a little more in-depth, head to Sauce by The Langham , where leading chefs such as Michel Roux Jr. lead the way – cocktail masterclasses and kid-friendly courses are also regularly held.

19. Dine al-fresco

Dining in the city's prettiest outdoor restaurants is one of our favourite pastimes come spring and summer. Savour intense Portuguese flavours on one of Casa do Frango 's terraces from Picadilly to Victoria or dream of La Dolce Vita over pizza and arancini at Daroco Soho following the launch of their heated terrace. Other honourable mentions for London's prettiest outdoor dining spots include Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond, Seabird in Southwark, and The Orangery in Kensington, which has just opened following an extensive renovation.

20. Get zen at a sound bath

First, there was yoga, then came acupuncture, reiki, breathwork, cryotherapy and the Headspace app. But now, busy Londoners are seeking respite from city life over sound baths . The different frequencies emitted by gongs, chimes and Tibetan bowls work to soothe the mind and heal the body, stimulating the brainwave frequencies associated with total relaxation and switching on the nervous system's repair mode. Clementina Jackson

21. Pick a park for an adventure

The best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is to embark on a stroll through one of the many parks , commons, and other green spaces London has to offer. Head for the southwest and amble through Wimbledon Common, picking up iced coffees and sweet treats at the Windmill Cafe; extend the walk into Richmond Park and the leafy suburbs of Richmond-upon-Thames if time permits. North of the river, head for Hampstead Heath and the swimming ponds, or scout out pretty views and planetariums in Greenwich Park before an al fresco lunch in one of the historic pubs nearby.

22. Let loose in a live music venue

London’s live music scene is one of the most eclectic in Europe, and there’s always a superstar act or up-and-coming performer to be found. Soho ’s notorious music venues, such as Ronnie Scott's and 100 Wardour Street , host musicians and singers that span endless genres, while Camden’s pubs hosted artists, including Adele and Amy Winehouse, before their names became known worldwide. Check out the recently renovated Koko Camden for evenings of live music and late nights of dancing, or discover something new at a Sofar Sounds gig – where rising stars take to the stage in unique venues announced just before the event.

23. Treat yourself to something sweet

We Londoners like a sweet treat, so it’s a good thing there are so many bakeries in the capital to choose from. There’s nothing better than picking up freshly-baked almond croissants from Pophams on a Sunday or popping into Fabrique for brunch -ready sourdough. Bakery-mania is evolving, though, and the most exquisite bites can be found in patisseries such as The Connaught Patisserie by Nicolas Rouzaud and Maison Bertaux . Lastly, a moment for doughnuts – cast your eyes on the designer desserts at Donutelier and consider yourself a convert.

24. Try and escape

If being locked in a room with a ticking clock and dozens of clues is your idea of fun, you’re in luck in London. The escape room craze continues, and there are many places to chase an adrenaline fix. See gory scenarios from the SAW movies played out by live actors under flickering lights and the gaze of Jigsaw at Saw: Escape Experience – make it out alive and sip themed cocktails in the cosy cocktail bar. Control Room B in Battersea Power Station is another fun adventure: solve mind-bending puzzles, decipher cryptic clues and unveil the mysteries that lie in wait.

25. Get theatrical

Think of London, and any culture vulture’s mind instantly wanders to the theatrical opportunities across the West End. Bop to ABBA classics at Mamma Mia! , or get all the family involved at Matilda: The Musical . Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in one of the historic theatres – and sometimes for less than you’d expect. Fully-grown thespians, check out TodayTix for discounted last-minute tickets to the classics and fringe shows.

26. Buff up on your London history

London’s history dates back more than 2,000 years, and there are London attractions detailing everything the capital’s ancient riverbanks have witnessed. Uncover gruesome details of how prisoners were treated in the Clink Prison close to London Bridge , or take a tour of the Tower of London , guided by a beefeater, as they surprise and delight with fascinating nuggets of the royal residence’s history. Go even further back in time at the London Mithraeum – the ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, found under the Bloomberg headquarters.

27. Sweat it out

Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s always a unique way to get sweaty in the capital. Start the day by stretching towards the sunrise at Sky Garden , where yoga and pilates sessions occur throughout the summer. Joining the likes of Boom Cycle and SoulCycle recently is the Psycle site in Victoria, complete with a 50-bike ride studio and state-of-the-art barre and yoga space.

28. Build up the book collection

No, we’re not talking about the bookstores everyone knows and has on their high streets – but no judgment for picking up those holiday reads on the go. London is full of charming independent bookstores worth exploring on those drizzly summer afternoons. Gay's The Word on Marchmont Street is the UK's oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, set up in January 1979 by gay socialists as a community space that funnelled all profits back into the business. Alternatively, hodophiles feel most at home in Stanfords , the world’s largest map and travel book retailer in Covent Garden .

29. Check out an exhibition

There's no shortage of captivating exhibitions in London right now. Whether you're into fine art, contemporary design or history, the capital's galleries have something for everyone. Hello Brain! at The Francis Crick Institute explains the mind-bending complexity of the brain, and runs until December, while Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence is a fascinating showcase at the V&A South Kensington. For something more under-the-radar, gallery hop around arty East London neighbourhoods, stopping off for a street food fill along the way.

30. Unwind at a spa

While we're a fan of spa weekends, nothing beats a visit to one of the capital's most sumptuous spas . Restore your glow with a facial at Claridge's Spa, do some lengths in one of the city's best pools (Bulgari Hotel London to Dorchester Collection's 45 Park Lane among them) or ease aching muscles at one of the more affordable spots across the city.

31. Escape (for a few hours)

One of the best things about living in London is how easy it is to explore nearby cities and coastal towns. Hop on a train from one of London's largest rail hubs such as Paddington or King's Cross St Pancras and you'll be picnicking on a sandy stretch or licking ice creams in a nature reserve in no time. Our favourite spring and summer hideouts include the historic city of Canterbury, the lush plains of the New Forest, and the seaside revelry along Brighton and Hove's coast. For more inspiration, see our guide to the best day trips from London .

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Weekend In London: An Epic 3 Days In London Itinerary

January 16, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   Leave a Comment

Are you looking for how to spend 3 days in London? If so, I have you covered with this epic itinerary!

Let me be your London trip planner and take the guesswork out of how to spend 3 days in London! I love spending weekends in London and think it is the perfect amount of time to explore all the city has to offer. From world-class museums, attractions, and landmarks to high-tea and public parks, there is so much to see in this city!

You might be asking what a weekend in London will cost. That depends on your personal preference. But, unlike in other major cities in Europe, many of the museums are free of charge to enter!

I have a guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to London and the best times to visit! I love visiting during the holiday period when everything is decorated [go in November to avoid crowds], and find late [or very early] summer another period I enjoy when the weather is warm and there are fewer crowds!

3 Day Weekend In London Itinerary 

It is my experience that most flights from the US arrive early in the morning in London; for day 1 of your three days, they will start on arrival! Be sure to pack comfy walking shoes, as your first day will be jam-packed with exploring the best of London.

Stop 1 Tower of London and Tower Bridge 9:00 am

On your first day in London, stop 1 will be the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Located outside the burn area of the Great Fire of London, this 9th-century castle, built by William the Conqueror, was spared from devastation. Explore over 1000 years of history, see crown jewels, and walk back in history.!

Next, walk across the iconic Tower Bridge. Book tickets to travel back in time as you explore the inside of the bridge. Explore the Victorian engine rooms, or climb 42 meters above ground on a glass walkway where you can take in views of the city! I suggest this for first-time visitors!

Insider Tip: To get amazing views of the Tower Bridge, you will want to head to London Bridge to catch the best views!

Here are multiple tours that I personally suggest! Each is different, so look at which matches your interest!

Click here to book : London: Tower of London and Tower Bridge Early-Access Tour

Click here to book :  London: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Click here to book: London: Tower Bridge Entry Ticket

Stop 2:  Leadenhall Market, 10:30 am 

With 3 days in London, you have to visit a market! The Leadenhall Market dates back to 1321 and is part of Roman London! Here, you will find shops and restaurants. Even if you are not hungry, stop in to view this historical building!

I like to grab a pasty at French bakery Aux Merveilleux de Fred and coffee at Danish coffee spot Hagen to keep me going until lunch. There are tons of options to choose from!

Stop 3: Sky Garden 11:00 am

Perfect for year-round visits, as it is indoor with floor-to-ceiling windows on the 42nd floor with views over central London. It feels as if you are in a botanical garden in the sky, one of the best free things to do in London for 3 days!

Insider tip: You MUST reserve your entry in advance! The window opens shortly before you are set to visit, so make sure to do this in advance of your trip! It is free but you MUST reserve in advance!

Stop 4: St. Paul Cathedral 12 pm

Jump on the Central Line at Bank Station and ride 3 minutes to St. Paul, where your next stop is St. Paul Cathedral. As this is a place of worship, visitors must pay to go inside. I like viewing the church from outside on my walk along the Thames. You can visit indoors, as well as the dome for views of the city.

Stop 5: Millenium Bridge 12:15 pm

From St Paul’s Cathedral, walk down Peter’s Hill towards the glass Millennium Bridge. Here you will be crossing the Thames, where you can also get a view of Tower Bridge.

Insider tip: This was a Harry Potter filming location!

Stop 6: Shakespeare Globe 12:30 pm

For theater lovers looking for what to do with 3 days in London, make sure you visit Shakespeare Globe Theatre. You will get to see how plays were performed in open-air spaces during Shakespeare’s times.

This realistic reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse was originally built in 1599 and destroyed by the great fire of London in 1666. This “new” theater opened in 1997, and during summer plays are performed here!

Click here to See More : Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Guided Tour & Experience

Stop 7 Borough Market – Lunch 1:30 pm

On your first afternoon in London, you must grab lunch in the Borough Market! Taste all the iconic British dishes, along with other culinary treats! For those who are overwhelmed, take a tour that will guide you on all the best foods in the market!

This central London market is open every day but Monday from 10 am to 5 pm . Built in the 1700s this market has a rich history of passageways and cobblestone streets that transformed into a foodie destination with over 1000 vendors.

Some favorite vendor choices:

• Brindisa – chorizo roll
• Gujarati Rasoi   – Vegetarian Indian
• Kappacasein – grilled raclette (cheese)
• Ginger Pig – sausage roll
• Black Pig – sandwiches
• Padella – pasta
• Arabica – Middle Eastern food
• Bao Borogh – bao buns
• Mallow – 100 % plant-based
• Wright Oyster House – oysters

Click here to Boo k : London: Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour

Click here to Book: London: Borough Market Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings

Stop 8: Tate Modern 3 pm

The Tate Modern is just a 15-minute walk from Borough Market! The first museum on your 3-day weekend in London itinerary is the Tate Modern. Did I mention the best part? The museum is free (please note that paid admission is required for special exhibits)! This art gallery is home to one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art post-1900s worldwide.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. See works from Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney.

• Don’t miss the viewing platform on the rooftop
• I love to grab a cup of tea during wintertime in the Tate Caffe
• Popular Yayoi Kusama:  Infinity Mirror Room only runs until April 2024 (£10)

Click here to book : London: Tate Modern Official Guided Tour with Art Expert

Stop 9: National Gallery 4:30 pm

From the Tate Modern, walk across Millenium Bridge to Blackfriars underground and take the District line to the Embarkment. It is then a 10-minute walk to the National Gallery, open until 6 pm. Just so you know, admission is free, but timed tickets are required!

I love a quick visit to this museum to see works of art by my favorite artist Monet. Also featured are Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Jan van Eyck,  and the over 2600 paintings in the collection!

For those who want to try a high tea, why not book a National Gallery Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea ! 

Click here to book : London: National Gallery Self-Guided Audio Tour in English

Click here to Book: London: National Gallery Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea

Click here to Book : London: Explore the National Gallery with an Art Expert

Stop 10: Trafalgar Square 5:30

Trafalgar Square is one of the public squares in central London you must see on your 3 days in London. Museums and shops surround this buzzing area and are also home to Nelson’s Column statue and a fountain!

Named in 1830, the public square has been a gathering place for Londoners and visitors alike. It was transformed into a pedestrian area in 2003.

Stop 11: Covent Garden and Dinner 6 pm

You will always find me exploring Covent Garden, especially on a London long weekend itinerary!  This area is comprised of 17 cross streets, a historic piazza, a Royal Opera House, Apple Market, and home to tons of shopping and restaurants. You can’t miss Neal’s Yard and Neal’s Street one of the prettiest streets with cafes.

I find the history so interesting; it was the first urban planned area of London and after the Great Fire of 1666 it was opened as London’s largest market! It was not until the 1980s that it was saved from demolition and renovated as Europe’s first shopping center.

I suggest wandering around for a bit before stopping at a restaurant that catches your eye. After if you are not too tired, grab a cocktail at a bar. This area comes alive after dark.

Day 2 

On Day 2 of your 3 days in London weekend trip, you will explore the iconic sights, and attractions such as the London Eye, parks, museums, high tea, a boat ride on the Thames, and a play! This is another packed day to make the most of your trip!

Stop 1: Big Ben 9 am 

After breakfast, the first stop on day 2 of your 3 days in London itinerary is Big Ben. While Big Ben is the name of the bell inside the clock tower, this iconic London landmark is part of the House of Parliament.

Those interested in going inside Big Ben (climbing 334 spiral steps) must book their tickets several months in advance on the UK Parliament website! I always just marvel at the architecture from the grassy area below! It just reopened in 2023 after a 3-year renovation period!

Stop 2: West Minister Abbey 9:30 am

West Minister Abbey is the royal church of London and a must of things to see in London in 3 days built in 1066, it has been the home of British royal coronations and weddings! 

I find the Gothic architecture stunning, and always marvel at the coronation chair the oldest piece of furniture in the entire country! Please remember this is a place of worship so dress appropriately and be respectful!

Click here to book :  London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Tour

Click here to book :  London: Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket

Stop 3: Changing of the guard 10:00 am

You can’t come to London and not catch the changing of the guards. My favorite “hidden gem” spot to see the changing of the guard is off of Whitehall at the Royal Horse Guards . Stand to the left or right-hand side of the building to be just steps away from the changing of the guard. 

I highly recommend putting this stop on your itinerary for London in 3 days, as it is truly amazing the watch!

• Remember, do not get too close or touch the horses or guards!
• January to April, and August to December the changing of the guard happens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:45 am.
• During Summer (May to July) happens daily at 10:45 am
• Book a tour to take the guesswork out of seeing Changing of Guard

Click here to book : London: Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour

Stop 4: London Eye 11:30 am

On Day 2, of your London trip itinerary will bring you to the iconic London Eye. This attraction showcased an aerial view of London from one of the tallest observation wheels in the world! There is a reason there is always a line, and why it needs to be on your 3 days in London itinerary. While expensive, I very much enjoy going especially when visiting London with friends who have never been!

On a clear day, you can see 360-degree views of the city including famous landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge. 

• Book the FAST TRACK option to skip waiting in line!
• I always like to book the second time to cut down on time spent in line ( visit 11 am to 5:45 pm daily) 

Click here to book : London: The London Eye Entry Ticket 

Click here to book: London: London Eye and Madame Tussauds Combo Ticket

Stop 5:  Churchill War Room 12 pm

As a history lover, the Churchill War Rooms is one of my favorite London museums. A visit here will allow you to step back in time to WWII, which housed the underground command center of the British government. 

• Included in your London Pass, book your tickets in ADVANCE
• Open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm
• Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 am taking a special behind-the-scenes secret room tour (I learned SO MUCH!)

Click here to book : London: Walking Tour and Churchill War Rooms Entry

Stop 6: Lunch 1 pm

I suggest eating a light lunch, as later on you enjoy high tea. I like to pop into Tesco for a grab-and-go meal deal to enjoy while walking through the park.(Check out our guide to London Grocery stores ) But, if you want to sit down and enjoy a meal head to the Two Chairmen pub . The food and service here is excellent. Try the steak and ale pie, vintage cheddar mac, or fish and chips with peas!

Stop 7: St. James Park 1:15 pm

One of my favorite things about central London is the parks! If traveling during summer, or spring, why not have a picnic in the park? Strolling in the gorgeous parks is one of my favorite activities on short London trips!

St. James ranks as one of my favorites as it leads to Buckingham Palace. This stunning park has manicured shrubs, gardens, ponds, and more! For those traveling with children, there is an amazing playground here. Even during winter , it is magical.

Stop 8: Buckingham Palace 1:45 pm

Buckingham Palace is on EVERY London bucket list and needs to be on yours. Most visitors only ever take pictures from outside the gate with the guards, but, I highly recommend you book tickets to see the INSIDE of Buckingham Palace.

• Book tickets to see the Royal State Room – see the royal collection of artwork
• Check the official Buckingham Palace website for tour options

Stop 9: High Tea at the Drawing Room 3:30 pm

One of the first things I do when planning a trip to London is book my high-tea reservation. I am already salivating thinking about the scones and clotted cream. The place I return to trip after trip is high tea in the Drawing room at Rocco Forte Hotel.

I love grabbing tea in the wood-paneled room with a fireplace and mural ceiling make the perfect backdrop to enjoy traditional tea service. While high tea is pricy, I think it is worth the splurge! I suggest choosing the seasonal tea made only for tea service! You can choose from a traditional, plant-based base or children’s tea menu, and add on a glass of champagne!

Other Amazing Places to Enjoy High-Tea I recommend during an afternoon in London:

• The iconic Ritz hotel
•  Langham and Savoy hotels also have delicious traditional high tea
• For family-friendly themed tea I suggest Science Tea at the Ampersand Hotel
• Shakespeare theme high tea at the Globe Theatre

Stop 10: Uber Boat by Thames Clipper 5:30 pm

I think one of the unique vantage points to see any city is from the water. If looking at what to do with 3 days in London, why not take a trip down the Thames River ( included with a London Pass)? 

• The boat leaves every 10-20 minutes from 10 am to 6 pm
• 19 piers to board from
• Admire iconic London sights from the water
• Climate-controlled cabins and outdoor seating 

Click here to book : London: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Single River Ticket

Stop 10: Show in West End + Drinks 6:30 pm

One of my favorite ways to spend an evening out on a weekend getaway to London is by seeing a play in the West End. Tons of shows are performed, and I have seen everything from Mamma Mia, Wicked, Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, and Les Miserables. If it is in your budget, and you love theater, go see a play in London!

If you are looking to save money, there is a TKTS discount ticket booth in Leicester Square for same-day show tickets!

After the show, I like to grab drinks to cap off the night . Some of my favorite bars are below! The perfect ending for night two of your 3-day itinerary for London!

• Connaught Bar – the old fashion here is perfect
• Elementary – walk-in only with communal table perfect for Solo travelers
• A Bar with Shapes for name
• Swift – one of the few you can make reservations at

My favorite way to spend a Sunday ( Day 3 of your weekend trip to London) is by starting in Nottinghill for a leisurely breakfast and stroll! Then hit a pub for Sunday Roast and visit a museum or two!

Stop 1: Notting Hill 8:30 am

I find Notting Hill to be one of the prettiest areas of London, perfect for a Sunday morning stroll. You can not go wrong with any of the local spots, depending on what you are in the mood for! I especially find the coffee in this area to be amazing!

After breakfast, stroll along and see the colorful homes in Notting Hill one of the most Instagrammble spots in London , or head to Portobello Road Market. For book lovers, pop into the numerous bookstores ( I love to browse and bring home a book each trip).

Stop 2: Hop-on hop-off tour 10 am

After spending 3 days in London, your feet are sure to need a break. I love the option of taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour (included with your London Pass). On this tour, sit back, relax, and listen to the audio guide’s history tour of the city.  

The bus stops at over 36 attractions throughout London on 3 different routes. I love this option, as you can hop off at any stop that piques your interest, or explore a new area or part of London that looks cool!

• The Red Route tour is every 10 minutes from 8:30 am to 4 pm and takes 150 minutes
• The Green Route is every 20 minutes from 8:55 am to 3:55 pm and takes 35 minutes
• The Blue Route runs every 20 minutes from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and takes 1 hour

Click here to book : London: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour

Click here to book : London: Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Stop 3: Pub for Sunday Roast 12:30 pm

Eating Sunday Roast at an English Pub is a must on any London itinerary for 3 days! It is a hearty traditional British meal of roasted meat with potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, and vegetables! A must-try in my book, and it pairs very well with a pint! 

Stop by any pub that looks good, or is on a best-of list, and cozy up for some traditional British food. If it is your first time in London, I would spend a few minutes researching some pubs you want to visit!

The perfect way to spend your last afternoon on your 3 days in London!

Stop 4: Option A Cable Car 2:00 pm

I recently took the train out to Canary Wharf/ O2 Arena to take the IFS Cloud Cable Car and it was a highlight of my itinerary for London! You have two options, either catch the cable car from North Greenwich or the Royal Victoria side of the river. There is also an option for a round-trip, although I thought one-way was plenty! We used our oyster cards to purchase tickets.

As the cable car ascends into the air, you will get gorgeous views of the O2 Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and London skyline! I did this during the day but I think sunset would also be perfect!

For those who are looking for something more adventurous why not try the Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Stadium? This is something unique to those looking at what to do for a weekend in London! Where you will suit up and climb the roof for an urban adventure over London! I can’t wait to try this on my next trip.

Click here to book : London: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and Cable Car Ticket

Click here to book: London: Take on the Skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Stop 4 : Option B Historic Pubs Walking Tour 2 pm

For those who are not interested in taking a Cable Car or adventure on a Stadium roof, why not add a Historic pub walking tour to your list of things to do in London over a weekend? 

This tour starts at 2 pm and explores the best pubs in Central London on this 2-mile walk that lasts 3 hours!

Click here to book : London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

Click here to book : London: Royal Historic Pubs Walking Tour

Stop 5: Old Royal Naval College 4 pm

Across the River from Canary Wharf you will find the Old Royal Navy College open daily until 5 pm. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is included for those with the London Pass. 

My favorite part of this museum is that you can’t miss the magnificent painted hall. Designed in the 18th century this Baroque hall features over 200 images on the ceiling and walls depicting English royalty. It recently reopened in 2019 after a years-long conservation project!

Click here to book : London: Painted Hall and Tour of Old Royal Naval College

Stop 6: Dinner in Chinatown 5:30 pm

On the last stop of your 3-day Weekend London trip, you will head to the Chinatown neighborhood. You will know you have arrived when you pass under one of the 4 ornate gates. This vibrant neighborhood is the perfect spot to wander and find dinner! 

After dinner, I love to get dessert and try the pineapple buns, custard pastries, and ice cream or bubble tea!

• Dumpling Legend – for dumplings and dim sum
• Cafe TPT – Street food in a restaurant setting
• Good Fried Chicken – grab-and-go popcorn chicken
• Four Seasons – roast duck and crispy pork

Where To Stay on your London itinerary 

Check out my complete guide to where to stay in London for more options! 

Kimpton Fitzroy London

I find the Kimpton Fitzroy to be one of the most architecturally stunning hotels in London. Located in Bloomsbury, this hotel is within walking distance of Covent Garden. The stunning mosaic tile floors and fresco-painted walls of the common areas are in contrast to the rooms which are white and calming. Grab a drink or enjoy tea at the lobby bar Fitz. A great centrally located hotel for your London weekend trip!

NoMad London

For those looking at where to stay in London and want a luxurious stay, the NoMad Hotel in London. Located in Covent Garden is another hotel I keep returning to. The rooms feature wood floors, plush bedding, custom artwork, and ample space! The hotel has a restaurant inside a glass atrium, a lobby bar, and a restaurant. I love relaxing in the library after a day of exploring London.

The Hoxton, Southwak

One of my favorite boutique hotel brands in London is the Hoxton. There are 4 locations in London however, this one is South of the Thames River in Blackfriars and is within walking distance of almost all the major attractions. The hotel is bright and lively with plants located throughout the lobby. The rooms are have concrete ceilings and very cozy! Each comes with free coffee, water, and tea! Plus there is a rooftop restaurant and the lobby bar serves up amazing cocktails.

Where to Eat During Your 3 Days in London

Dishroom .

I strongly believe that some of the best food in London is Indian, and my favorite is Dishroom. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a vegan menu!

I love ordering the dish room chicken tikka, vegetable samosas, the house chat, and the jackfruit biryani with a side of garlic naan. They also serve delicious cocktails!

Hobson’s Fish and Chips

Every London travel itinerary should include eating the best fish and chips, a London staple.  This family-run restaurant sources fish directly from the Billingsgate fish market, and potatoes grown in the UK. And for all my gluten-free travellers they have a delicious gluten-free batter. Plus, if you are Vegan my best friend said the banana blossom vegan fish was quite tasty!

I always opt for the Haddock over cod, and add on an order of mushy peas.

There is a reason Padella is on every best restaurant list. The pasta at this Borough Market staple. The dishes are “tasting” size, so I always suggest ordering several and sharing. Try dishes like tagliarini with dried chilis and garlic, fettuccine with mascarpone and lemon, agnolotti with pumpkin and sage butte, and pappardelle with dexter beef ragu.

Beware the restaurant does not take reservations and is quite small but the wait is worth it! A must-eat with 3 nights in London for dinner.

Getting To And Around London 

London is a very easy city to navigate once you understand public transportation. If traveling to London by air, there are 6 major airports, however, the two most popular for international flights are London Heathrow ( LHR) and Gatwick ( LGW) . For those traveling from other European cities, Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), and Stansted (STN)  are other popular airports.

While London St Pancras is the Eurostar terminal for those arriving by train from Paris and Brussels.

Now, for getting around London, I highly suggest taking public transportation . 

• You can use your credit card to tap for lower fares throughout the tube ( underground – look for the red and white circle).
•  London is broken into zones 1 to 6, with central London as zones 1-2. There are rush hour peak fares in the morning and evenings. 
• The overground ( orange circle)
• Train service from Gatwick ( regular train and Gatwick Express), same with Heathrow (underground or Heathrow Express)
• Bus (cheapest option at under $2 ride)
• Iconic London Black taxi ( MUST do once!) and Uber
• Walking is very easy 

Insider Tips For Your First Trip To London 

Oyster Card

For those traveling to London for a weekend, invest in an Oyster Card. It will save you so much money on metro rides, plus they cap the daily rides at just over £8! And for those with children, kids under 11 ride free with an Adult! The card does cost £5 to activate but you will save more than that in just one day!

One of my favorite free things to do in London is the Sky Garden! You MUST book your tickets 3 weeks in advance! You will be awarded a stunning view over London and it won’t cost you anything!

  Look the opposite way when crossing streets

Remember, in London, they drive on the opposite side of the road, which means when you cross the street you will need to look the opposite way (don’t worry they have reminders on the street for you!) 

Pack an umbrella

I always make sure to pack a little travel umbrella when traveling to London! Take it from me there is nothing worse than being caught in a rainstorm, or your hotel not having enough umbrellas. Be prepared so you can make the most of your weekend in London.

London Pass

Many travelers overlook what I think is one of the biggest money and time savers, the London Pass. Choose from 1, 2, 3…day pass!  If you buy The London Pass it gives you advanced reservations to over 80 attractions, hop-on hop-off bus tours, guided walking tours, Thames Clipper boat rides, museums, and more on your 3 days in London itinerary!  I think the ability to skip lines and have advanced reservations makes purchasing the London Pass a no-brainer!

I opt to add the London Pass with an Oyster card when purchasing!

Visit Markets for Lunch

One of my top tips is to visit one of the many markets in London for Lunch. A few of my favorites are Borough, Maltby, Mercato, Camden, and Pop Brixton. Especially if traveling with friends, or family everyone can find exactly what they want to eat, or you can do as I do and sample a variety of dishes!

Take advantage of Free Museums

If you are looking to travel to London on a budget, visit the over 20 free museums in London . Choose from museums such as the British Museum and Library, Science Museum, Natural History Museum ( try the high tea here if traveling with kids), Museum of London ( one of my favorites), National Gallery, Tate Modern, and More!

Visiting the free museum in London can be a huge money saver for those on a tighter budget!

Check the Exchange Rate

I remember a time not too long ago when exchanging US Dollars for British Pounds you were losing 40% of your money. I always like to check exchange rates so that I can budget accordingly and know what things cost!

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Savvy Travel Advice

3 Days in London: A Perfect 72 Hour London Itinerary

Last updated: July 22, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 162 Comments

London is one of the world’s largest and most exciting cities, offering visitors thousands of things to do, including museums, royal palaces, beautiful parks, historical sites, and world-class theatre.

With all these options, planning a trip to London can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first time visitors. We’ve put together a recommended 3 day London itinerary that will help you see the city’s highlights if you have at least 3 days in London.

Our suggested 3 day itinerary has you visiting all the city’s most famous attractions (e.g., Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Tower of London) as well as some of the city’s lesser-known attractions.

In addition to the 3 day itinerary, we also provide tips on how to get around London, a map that plots out each day’s suggested itinerary, and tips on how to save money during your 3 days in London.

Table of Contents:

Planning Tips for 3 Days in London 

Before we share the 3 day London itinerary, we wanted to make sure you have all the planning information to make the most of your 3 days in London. So we first share information on how to get around London, how to save money on sightseeing, day trip recommendations, advice on where to stay, and further trip planning resources.

How to Get to London

London is well-connected to the rest of the world and easy to reach by plane or train. Most international visitors arrive by air.

London has six main airports, and you can get to London from almost any part of the world. If you are arriving from an international location outside Europe, Heathrow  is likely to be your arrival airport. For helping in getting into London from an airport, see our London airport guide  which covers transport options from all 6 airports.

If you are arriving by train, London is well-connected to train routes throughout the UK and Europe with a number of train stations in and around central London. Those planning to travel by train throughout the UK might want to see if a BritRail Pass might save you money, or another rail pass if traveling throughout Europe by train.

Those arriving from Scotland can check out our Edinburgh to London guide , and might want to consider taking an  overnight sleeper train .

If you are arriving from continental Europe by train or car, you’ll need to travel across the English Channel on the  EuroStar  train or take a ferry.

How to Get around London

London is best explored either on foot or by public transportation. Cabs and bike hires are also options.

London has a great public transportation network and most visitors spend at least some time traveling on it. This includes public bus, tram, and rail services (including “the Tube”) within the city. You can buy individual tickets for each ride, but many visitors get an Oyster Card  which allows you to travel on almost all the city’s public transit options and can save you time and money.

If you are considering an Oyster Card, you can read our full Oyster Card review . For more information and tips on getting around London, check out our detailed  public transport guide to London .

We do not recommend driving in London unless you are planning to stay on the outskirts of the city as driving and finding parking in central busy locations can be a nightmare. Parking is also expensive in many areas and there are congestion fees for driving in the city center.

If you are driving to London, I’d park your car when you arrive in the city and then use public transport to get around the city.

If you need to book a taxi in London, we recommend using minicabit to compare prices and make a booking.

How to Save Money on Sightseeing in London

London can be an expensive destination for visitors and the costs of a trip here can quickly add up. There are a number of London discount passes you can purchase before your trip to help you save money (and time) at London’s most popular attractions and museums.

Our favorite London discount pass is the  London Pass which allows free entry into over 80 of London’s top attractions, including the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey, View from the Shard, Windsor Castle, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and many more.

The Pass also comes with a free hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, hop-on hop-off river boat, and additional discounts on food, shopping, theatre tickets, and tours. You can see a full list of attractions and benefits here .

We’ve used the London Pass on a number of visits and have written an in-depth London Pass review  which you can read to help determine if the London Pass would help you save money or time on your trip.

Although London can be expensive, it also has a number of fantastic free attractions including beautiful green parks, historic sites, and world-class museums like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Victoria & Albert Museum. Also be sure to check for special events and festivals that may be happening during your visit. 

Possible Day Trips from London

If you only have 3 days in London you certainly won’t need to leave the city for want of things to do. If this is your first visit, we actually would recommend spending the full 3 days in London as there is so much to see, do, eat, and take in! But we know that for many visitors, there is a must-see attraction outside of London that they want to see such as Stonehenge, Oxford, or the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio tour .

If there is something you really want to see in southern England and you only have the three days, then you can visit it as a day trip from London. For most places, you’ll have the option to see it as part of a guided tour, take public transit, arrange a private transfer, or rent a car and drive yourself.

We recommend taking public transit, joining a tour, or booking a private transfer to do a day tour from London. Unless you arrived by car or are planning to drive in the UK after your visit to London, we don’t really recommend having a car in central London as it can be a headache with the traffic, lack of parking, high overnight parking rates, and congestion charges.

Below are some popular London day trip options to consider:

• Stonehenge – This ancient and mysterious stone circle is one of the most popular stops on a day trip from London. Most commonly done as a bus day trip, but you can also do it via public transit (train plus shuttle), rent a car, or book a private transfer. Read about our Stonehenge day trip experience here , which was a version of this tour  of Stonehenge, Bath, and the Cotswolds. A couple other suggestions for guided tours are this express half-day trip  to Stonehenge or this full day trip which includes inner stone access at Stonehenge and a stop in Bath.
• WB Harry Potter Studio – Harry Potter fans will likely want to make time to visit the Warner Brothers Studio located outside the city in Leavesden where all of the Harry Potter films were filmed. The Harry Potter Studio Tour  (fee) includes loads of original sets, clothing, props, interactive exhibits, and a giant gift shop. You can get here from London via public transit (train plus shuttle) or by booking a tour or transfer. Tickets must be booked in advance. You can also  book a tour  from central London that will take you directly to and from the studio so you don’t have to take the train and shuttle. If you want to take a walking tour of the Harry Potter London filming sites consider this guided tour .
• Oxford – Oxford is a compact and scenic historical city that is home to England’s oldest university. You can read our post about things to do in Oxford and how to plan your own Oxford day trip from London . It is easy to reach by train. If you are interested in a guided tour, you might consider this tour which visits Oxford plus the Cotswolds.
• Highclere Castle  – Highclere Castle is the country house home of the Earl of Carnarvon, but it is better known as Downton Abbey from the hit British period TV series. The best way to get here is by car or by joining a tour. Here is a suggested guided tour option that includes a visit to Highclere Castle, Bampton (used as Downton village), and other Downton Abbey filming locations. Open seasonally so check opening dates before planning a visit.
• Stratford-upon-Avon  – Stratford-upon-Avon is a picturesque Midlands market town that is best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare and for its well-preserved Tudor buildings. Best ways to get here is by car, train, or guided tour. Here is a  guided tour option that includes a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds. See our guide to things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon here .

Where to Stay in London for 3 Days

If you are planning to do a visit that is similar to our suggested 3 day London itinerary, we’d recommend staying in central London to avoid added travel time. We’d suggest staying somewhere in the region between Kensington in the west and Canary Wharf in the east.

London has every type of accommodation option that you can imagine, from  inexpensive hostels  to self-catering  apartments  to 5-star  luxury hotels .

London is home to some really classic luxury hotels like  The Ritz ,  The Dorchester ,  Brown’s , and  The Savoy , but it also has a number of mid-range and budget friendly chains like  Holiday Inn Express ,  Travelodge ,  Best Western ,  Premier Inn , and  Ibis.

London is an expensive city so expect to pay a bit more than you might normally in less expensive destinations. But if you book in advance and compare prices, you should be able to find something that will fit most budgets.

To find the best rates on hotels in London, we recommend searching on Booking com or Hotels.com as in our experience these two sites tend to have the best prices and widest choice on both hotels and a range of apartments.

If you are looking for self-catering apartments or rooms, we recommend checking out Plum Guide . In our experience they offer some of the best options. See their listings for London here . There are also loads of other apartment booking sites  you can check.

Here are a few suggestions across budgets (lowest to highest):

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel  – A well reviewed centrally located hostel, only a 15 minute walk from the Palace of Westminster (Big Ben) and Parliament Square.
• SoHostel – Another well-reviewed hostel located just at the edge of Westminster, only a 15 minute walk from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
• Point A Hotel – This is a hotel within the well-priced Point A hotel range, and this one is well-reviewed and located in Westminster. A 17 minute walk to Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey. We’ve stayed here; rooms are tiny but clean and a great budget option.
• Premier Inn – This well-rated mid-range 3-star option is located hotel is located near the Borough Market and London Bridge.
• Hilton Tower Bridge – This well-rated hotel offers a good value for what it offers and is located within a short walk of Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Borough Market.
• The Resident Victoria Hotel – A centrally located 4-star hotel offering excellent value for money located near Buckingham Palace. We’ve stayed here; the lower priced rooms are small but the hotel is very well-located.
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• Brown’s – If you are looking for a classic 5-star London luxury hotel, you can’t go wrong with Brown’s which provides intimate boutique luxury. It is the oldest hotel in London and is located in Mayfair within a 12 minute walk from Buckingham Palace.
• The Savoy  – Another classic 5-star luxury hotel, this one much larger, located in central London. Less than 10 minute walk to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.

For many more options, see our complete guide to where to stay in London , which also has tips on what to look for and the different neighbourhoods in the city.

Have More or Less than 3 Days in London?

If you have less than 3 days in London, we have also written a suggested guide to spending  1 day in London  as well as a  2 day London itinerary . We also have a guide to seeing the best of the city and its royal sites in a  one day London walking tour .

If you have more than 3 days, we also have a 6 day London itinerary  that should give you plenty of ideas of how to spend up to 1 week in London.

If you’re in London for longer than 1 week and want some advice, feel free to leave us a comment and we’re always happy to provide some suggestions based on what you enjoy doing and seeing.

Further Information & London Resources

We have written a lot about London on both of our travel blogs, so you can check out our  London articles on Finding the Universe  and our  London articles  on this blog for more info and to see where we’ve been.

For additional planning resources, the  city tourism website  and  Visit Great Britain  websites also offer tons of helpful information for visitors. If your travels are taking you beyond London, you can check out Laurence’s suggested  2-week UK itinerary  to get you started.

If you are looking for a London guidebook, we recommend either the latest Rick Steves guidebook or Lonely Planet guidebooks .

Most of our suggested itinerary has you walking and using the Tube, so we recommend picking up a decent walking map for London. We really like the London  laminated Streetwise map  (it also includes a central Underground Tube map), but you can also probably find a free paper map at your hotel or at a visitor center.

If you are looking for packing tips for your trip, check out our suggested  London packing list .

3 Day London Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in London

Now, we’ll share our suggested 3-day London itinerary. Our itinerary is geared to the first-time visitor to London who has 3 days in London (or more), and is interested in visiting a number of historic and cultural attractions as well as some green spaces and scenic viewpoints.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we recommend that you use this as a guide for your trip and tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and speed of travel. If you have any questions as you are planning your trip to London, please feel free to leave us a comment in the Comments section at the end of this post.

Be sure to check on the opening dates and hours for any must-see attractions before you set out as many attractions close for one day per week, or may be closed due to renovation or a special event.

For all attractions with an entrance fee, we’ve noted there is an entry fee by writing “(fee)” next to them. Since many visitors use the  London Pass , the attractions that are included on the London Pass are starred (*) denoting that passholders receive free entry so these attractions have “(fee*)” next to them. We do our best to keep this information updated, but things change so you may want to double-check fees and London Pass inclusions before your trip.

The map below shows the suggested walking routes for each of the three days in London with all major London itinerary locations noted. Click  here  or double click on the map below for a closer look and to see exact locations in Google maps:

London Itinerary Day 1 – Explore Westminster

We recommend starting your trip to London in Westminster as it is the geographical, cultural, and political center of the city. The City of Westminster is actually its own city within London! Here you’ll find some of London’s most iconic buildings, including Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster, and Westminster Abbey.

Many people enjoy taking a sightseeing bus or walking tour to get a good overview of a city before heading off to explore on their own. If this is you, I’d recommend doing it on your first day in London to get a good orientation.

• If you like hop on hop off buses, the City Sightseeing bus covers many of London’s highlights. A  free sightseeing bus is included for those with a London Pass.
• If you enjoy walking tours we can recommend  Take Walks which offers several tours in London as well as many other locations in Europe. We have used them several times and all their tours are well-rated.
• If you are looking for a full day walking tour that will cover most of the highlights of Westminster, we recommend this one  or this one . Both cover many of the highlights including a visit to Tower of London , a Thames river cruise, and seeing the Changing of the Guard. You can read a full description of the full day London walking tour I did on my very first visit to London to get an idea of what these are like.
• If you are looking for a half day tour, you might consider this 4 hour tour .
• If you are a Harry Potter fan, consider a Harry Potter guided walking tour like this one
• If you are looking for a private walking tour of London or a customized tour, we recommend checking out the London tours offered by Context Travel.

Our suggested Day 1 London itinerary starts and stops near Parliament Square, but you can begin it at any point along the route. Today’s route is walkable but you can also get around via public transit, taxi, or a sightseeing bus as well.

Parliament Square & Houses of Parliament

We’re going to start off our itinerary at Parliament Square which is a well known public square in Westminster that is easy to get to via public transport and is a stop on all the main sightseeing buses as well. Around the square you’ll also find the statues of a number of famous people, including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Peel, and Gandhi.

This popular square is surrounded by famous buildings, including Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret’s Church, the UK Supreme Court, and the Palace of Westminster. The Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament, is probably best known for its famous Big Ben bell which sits within the iconic golden Elizabeth Tower.

The large government building is named after the former medieval palace of the same name. A few sections of the medieval palace of Westminster still remain, including the 14th century  Jewel Tower  (fee*) which you can visit.

Although perhaps not a priority stop with only 3 days in London, the public can tour the  Houses of Parliament  (fee) on certain dates. Tours include visits to the Westminster Hall, St. Stephens Hall, Commons Chamber, and the Lords Chamber. UK residents can contact their local MP or a Member of the House of Lords to arrange a free tour. Otherwise, you can  book a tour ticket online  for a self-guided audio tour or guided tour. Tours must be booked in advance.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey  (fee*) is one of the most famous and impressive churches in England. It dates back to 1245 and was mostly built in the Gothic style. Inside the church are tombs and memorials to a number of the most famous British people from the past 1,000 years, including royalty, scientists, aristocrats, and artists. It has also been used for all English and British coronations since William the Conqueror in 1066 as well as being the site of numerous royal weddings, including the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

If you plan to visit Westminster Abbey be sure to leave extra time to get in and see everything as it is a popular place and it takes a while to explore. An audioguide is included and will help you make the most of your self-guided visit. You can skip the line and get fast track entry by booking your ticket online in advance here .

In summer 2018, the  Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries  (fee) via the new Weston Tower of Westminster Abbey Tower was opened. The galleries house exhibits about the history of the abbey as well as a number of priceless artifacts. Admission to the Galleries is currently an extra £5.00 and you will receive a timed ticket since space is limited.

Guided tours of the main sections of the Abbey are also possible for a small extra fee (currently £5/person), check at arrival or on the Abbey website for tour times.

Churchill War Rooms

The  Churchill War Rooms (fee) is made up of two connected museums: the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. The Cabinet War Rooms allows visitors to explore the huge underground secret bunker where the majority of the World War 2 effort was directed from 1939 to 1945. An audioguide and interpretive exhibits help visitors understand the maze of underground rooms and what happened here.

The Churchill Museum is a large room dedicated to the life of Winston Churchill. It provides information on his life from his early years to his death in 1965, with a focus on his long political career. This is the most comprehensive museum I’ve ever visited on Churchill and our favorite site of the many  Winston Churchill sites in London . Book your tickets online in advance here .

For those with an interest in the London Blitz, we can also recommend the  London Churchill War Room tour  (save 10% off any Context tour using this link) by Context Travel which includes a guided visit to the Churchill War Rooms as well as a guided tour of parts of London related to the Blitz.

Those interested in military and war related history, should check out this list of London war museums and memorials .

St. James’s Park

We now recommend walking through St. James’ Park in the direction of Buckingham Palace for a bit of greenery. The 50-acre park is one of the city’s 8 Royal Parks and is known for its famous pelican residents. There is a café located within the park if you need a tea or coffee break or a light lunch.

Near the park is the  The Guards Museum  (fee*) which tells the history of the British Army Guards regiments as well as St. James’s Palace , a 16th century palace that was once the main residence of the British monarch. Today the palace is still used as a residence for members of the British royal family (although not the monarch) and as a meeting place. The palace is not open to visitors.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the most famous palace in the UK and serves as the primary London residence for the reigning sovereign of the United Kingdom. The royal palace dates back to 1703 and was originally built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham, but was later acquired by King George III. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to officially reside in the palace.

If you want to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you’ll need to skip either the morning visit to Westminster Abbey or the Churchill War Rooms (you can visit one later in the afternoon instead) to get to Buckingham Palace before 11am. The Changing of the Queen’s Guard ceremony takes place on most days at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace around 11am, and lasts about 45 minutes. If you want to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, check the  schedule online  in advance (may be cancelled last minute due to weather or security issues) and show up early to get a good viewing spot.

If you want a spot to watch part of the Changing of the Guard with fewer people, you might consider watching from in front of Friary Court in front of St. James Palace (the Old Guard normally lines up and starts here). Another alternative is to watch the Changing of the The Queen’s Lifeguard (horse guards) at the  Horse Guards Parade .

Most visitors are happy to just get a look at the palace and perhaps see the Changing of the Guard, but you can also tour the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace (fee) in the summer (generally August and September only). You need to book tickets in advance if you want to tour the palace, you can get tickets here for a tour and self-guided tours include audioguides.

Even if you can’t visit the State Rooms of Buckingham Place, there are places on the palace grounds that are open to the public year round. At the  Royal Mews  (fee) you can see a large number of royal carriages and coaches, including the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. At the Queen’s Gallery  (fee*) you’ll find excellent art exhibitions from the royal collection which change regularly throughout the year.

Piccadilly Circus

We now recommend heading to Piccadilly Circus en route to Trafalgar Square. Piccadilly Circus  doesn’t have any clowns, but it is a famous circular road junction well-known for its neon signs and advertising. You’ll find the well-known Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain  here.

From here, it is a short walk to many of London’s West End theaters (head up Shaftesbury Avenue) or to London’s West End shopping area (follow Regent Street).

Trafalgar Square & the National Gallery

Trafalgar Square is one of the most popular public squares in London and is home to Nelson’s Column (a monument to Admiral Horatio Nelson) and London’s famous stone lion statues. The square also features performing street artists and contemporary art (a changing featured piece of art occupies the square’s Fourth Plinth ).

Here you’ll also find two of London top art museums, the  National Gallery  and the  National Portrait Gallery . We’ve spent a lot of time in both over the years and they include world-class art from artists such as Picasso, Turner, Titian, and Monet. If you love art, I’d plan to spend some time at one or both of these museums. Entry is free (special exhibitions may cost extra) at both museums although donations are greatly appreciated.

If you are traveling with kids, they may enjoy creating a brass rubbing they can take home with them at the nearby  London Brass Rubbing Centre (fee) located underground within St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Note that this isn’t always available, check the website for when you can do it.

Now we recommend walking down Whitehall, which is the street running south from Trafalgar Square towards Parliament Square. Whitehall is so named for the Palace of Whitehall, a large medieval royal palace complex that stood here until it was destroyed by fire in 1698. It was the largest palace in the world at one time with over 1,500 rooms!

A small well-preserved section of the Whitehall palace complex, the  Banqueting Hall (fee), can still be visited today. The Banqueting House was designed by Inigo Jones and features a beautiful ceiling painted by Peter Paul Reubens.

Today Whitehall is still the center of the UK Government and you’ll pass a number of government buildings along your walk. You’ll also pass the  The Household Calvary Museum  (fee*), a small museum dedicated to the history of the Household Cavalry which is located in the 18th century stables of the Horse Guards. In the middle of the street, you’ll also see The Cenotaph , the UK’s national war memorial.

You’ll also pass by the entrance to Downing Street which is where the Prime Minister (at 10 Downing Street) and other UK government ministers reside. The street is gated and guarded, but you can peek through and should be able to get a glimpse 10 Downing Street, which is the headquarters of the UK government and official residence of the UK Prime Minister.

As you continue your walk, you’ll end back in Parliament Square where we started our day.

Westminster Bridge

Now we recommend walking across Parliament Square and onto Westminster Bridge. This bridge dates back to 1862 but there has been a bridge here since 1750. From the bridge, you’ll have a fantastic view back of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. You can then take a walk along the Thames or head off to dinner.

London Dungeon

If you still have time and stamina you might want to continue on across Westminster Bridge to where you’ll find several attractions located along the Thames, including the London Dungeon and the London Eye (fee*).

The  London Dungeon (fee) is a popular interactive walkthrough attraction that uses costumed actors, special effects, and rides to share some of London’s darker and more gory history and provide some laughs and screams along the way.

The educational and historical part of the experience here is a bit questionable, but if you enjoy amusement parks and haunted houses, you’ll probably enjoy this. Not recommended for young children or those with a nervous disposition.

Next door to the London Dungeon are two family-oriented attractions, the Sea Life London Aquarium (fee) and DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure (fee).

The  London Eye (fee*) is Europe’s tallest observation wheel and a great place to get some nice views over London and the Thames. Visitors stand in large enclosed glass pods on this giant ferris wheel like attraction and it spins very slowly to give visitors expansive views. You can also add champagne to the experience or even get a private pod.

The London Eye is open late (depending on the time of year) making it a great last stop or even after dinner visit. Around sunset is a nice time to do this ride. Great in good weather, I’d skip if the weather is too bad as it will spoil the views.

You can save money (and time) by purchasing your tickets in advance. Online prices are usually much lower than if you buy at the ticket desk.

You can buy tickets for the London Eye from the official site here . It’s also included on the London Pass.

We also have a complete guide to visiting the London Eye here .

London Itinerary Day 2 – City of London & Southwark

Today we recommend exploring the City of London. The City of London is another “city within a city” like Westminster. It is home to much of the city’s financial and banking services, and is also the oldest part of the city. This area was named “Londinium” by the Romans and you’ll find an interesting mix of the city’s oldest landmarks and most modern buildings here.

Across the River Thames from the City of London is the London Borough of Southwark. A number of top London attractions and landmarks can be found here including HMS Belfast, the Tate Modern, The Shard, Southwark Cathedral, the Imperial War Museum, and Borough Market.

You can get around and do this itinerary on foot, but you may want to take public transit to get from the Sky Garden to St. Paul’s Cathedral to save time. If you are planning to do a Thames river cruise, you may want to do it today after your visit to the Tower of London. 

Tower of London

The  Tower of London  (fee*) was first built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a royal castle and defense tower. It was then expanded over the centuries and served many purposes, including a fortress, prison, armory, and Royal Mint. Today is it a UNESCO world heritage site and it is famous for serving as a prison and execution site of famous people like Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, and for housing the Crown Jewels.

The Tower of London is definitely one of the most popular (and one of our favorite) attractions in London, so we recommend being there near opening time if you can. Once inside, we recommend visiting the Crown Jewels first as this part can get very crowded.

There is a lot of to see here but some of the highlights are the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the Tower Green, and the tours given by the Beefeaters ( Yeoman Warders ). For more information, see our complete guide to visiting the Tower of London .

The Tower of London is included on the London Pass, or you can book tickets in advance here .

If you enjoy nice views, we recommend a stop at Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden. The terraced garden area is laid out over three storeys (level 35 to 37) and there is an observation deck, bar, and open air terrace.

Although the Sky Garden is technically a public garden and can be visited for free, we recommend booking a space in advance as they are often fully booked and can’t always accommodate walk-ins. Tickets are generally released each week and can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance. If the free slots are already booked out and you still want to visit and enjoy the views, you can generally still get in by making a restaurant reservation and eating at one of the several restaurants located here.

Nearby, we recommend stopping by to see The Monument , a 202 foot Doric column monument designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 . The column stands approximately at the spot the fire started. Visitors can actually go inside (fee*) and climb the over 300 stairs to the viewing platform on top.

You can then walk to St. Paul’s (about 15 minutes) or take the Underground from The Monument stop to the St. Paul’s Cathedral stop.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral  (fee*) dates back to 1697 after the previous one was badly destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was rebuilt by Christopher Wren in the English Baroque style, but a church dedicated to St. Paul has been on this site since the 7th century!

The dome of the cathedral is a recognizable feature of the London skyline and the church has long been seen as a symbol of the spirit of the British people, especially during World War II. The church is an active place of worship with regular Anglican services, and has been the site of a number of notable events including the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, the state funeral of Winston Churchill, and Jubilee services for Queen Elizabeth II.

The church can be visited and tour and admission prices include an audioguide for a self-guided visited. Guided tours are often given throughout the day by church staff.

Visitors have the option to visit the main parts of the cathedral, the dome, and the crypt. There is often a line to visit the dome as only a certain number of visitors can climb the steps at a time, so allow extra time if you want to climb the dome to visit the Whispering Gallery and/or the Stone and Golden Galleries.

If you don’t have the London Pass (free entry included), we recommend booking your ticket online in advance to save money and to skip the ticket line.

Alternative: An alternative (or additional) attraction in the area that you may want to visit is the Museum of London . A great free museum that we’d highly recommend to anyone interested in the history of the city (note, closed until 2026).

Shakespeare’s Globe

Now we recommend heading across the Millennium Bridge, a steel pedestrian suspension bridge, to the other side of the Thames to see Shakespeare’s Globe (fee*).

This is of course not the original Globe Theatre (built in 1599) used by William Shakespeare, but it is as faithful of a modern construction as could be produced of the open-air theatre where Shakespeare staged many of his famous plays. The Globe is located near where the original would have stood. The original Globe Theatre stood about 200 meters away and you can go see the site and it is marked by a plaque.

The reconstruction of The Globe was the dream project of American actor/director Sam Wanamaker. If you want to see the inside of the theatre, you can visit the museum exhibition, learn how it was constructed, and do a guided tour of the open-air Globe where you get to see the stage and seating areas.

You can also enjoy open-air performances here in the summer or at the indoor candle-lit Jacobean style Sam Wanamaker Playhouse year-round. A great venue to see a Shakespeare play in London. Just be sure to book your performance ticket in advance.

Alternatives:  Other nearby attractions include the Tate Modern (free, charges for exhibitions*), HMS Belfast  (fee*), Southwark Cathedral (free, donations welcome), and  The Old Operating Theatre Museum  (fee*).

Borough Market

Borough Market is the best known and one of the oldest markets in the UK. It is believed that a market has been in this area since around 1014!

Today the market is filled with fresh produce, fresh meats and fish, baked goods, cheeses, flowers, wines, spices, and other food stuff. There are also cafes, demonstration kitchens, and restaurants that are part of the market as well as many food stalls selling ready-to-eat foods, including sandwiches and all kinds of street foods from Ethiopian wraps to Galloway beef stew to vegetarian pastries. This is a great place for a snack or meal!

If you are really interested in food, we’d recommend considering cutting out some of the other stops in the itinerary today and doing a food tour here, such as this one . A food tour will allow you to understand the history of Borough Market and allow you to sample and taste a wide selection of local products and dishes. For more on food tours, see our complete guide to the best food tours in London .

The market is normally open from 10am to 5pm and is closed on most Sundays during the year. Check the hours ahead of time when planning your day.

London Bridge & Tower Bridge

From this area you can admire London’s two most famous bridges, London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Both are active road bridges over the River Thames that can be crossed by vehicles and pedestrians.

Given time, you probably only have time to admire them today, but both do have associated attractions if you want to visit them. You’ll also have a good view of HMS Belfast (fee) moored in the Thames, a WW2 era Royal Navy light cruiser that is now a popular tourist attraction.

London Bridge has existed in some form since Roman times, although the current one was built in the 1970’s. Next to London Bridge is the  The London Bridge Experience  (fee*) which tells the darker history of the London Bridge over time through the use of interactive exhibits and theater and is geared towards families and young adults that don’t mind a bit of a scare.

Tower Bridge is the more iconic bridge, although often mistakenly referred to as London Bridge. It is a Victorian bascule and suspension bridge built between 1886 and 1894, and is very photogenic with its iconic bridge towers.

If you want to learn more about the Tower Bridge (and have extra time) you can visit the  Tower Bridge Exhibition  (fee*) which covers the history of the bridge and allows access to the towers and walkways, including a glass walkway you can walk across that extends 138 feet above the Thames!

The Shard  is a modern pyramidal shaped skyscraper that is home to several restaurants, a hotel, offices, shops, and a viewing gallery. It was completed in 2012 and is currently the tallest building in Western Europe at 1,017 feet (309 meters) with 87 floors.

The viewing gallery, called The View from the Shard (fee*), is the highest public viewing gallery in London located on floors 68, 69, and 72. The building offers spectacular 360 degree views over central London and you can see just about all of the city’s major landmarks. On a clear day they say you can see up to 40 miles away, and it definitely offers the most expansive views over London we’ve every seen! Good views both during the day and the evening.

Now, The View at the Shard is fairly pricey (currently £37/person) for what it offers. So I’d carefully consider your visit here especially if you have already visited the London Eye and/or Sky Garden which both also offer good city views. If you do want to visit book your tickets online in advance for the best prices.

The View from the Shard is also included on the London Pass , so if you have one of these then it is definitely worth visiting.

Another way to enjoy the view is to head to the GONG Bar on Floor 21, and while not as high as the viewing platform, still offers sweeping views of the city for the price of a cocktail. This is a great spot to enjoy a before or after dinner drink. You can book ahead but they also take walk-ins at the bar. The Shard also has several other restaurants and bars, reservations recommended or required for meals.

West End Show

The West End is one of the most world-renown places in the world, along with New York City’s Broadway, for professional theatre. Over 30 theaters can be found in the West End offering a wide variety of musicals and plays. Here is a good list  of the theaters which also denotes the current main production being shown at each.

If you are wanting to go to a West End theater performance, you can book tickets in advance online before your trip (recommended if there is a specific performance you want to see) or try to find a deal once you are in London if you are flexible in what you see. Here are some  tips for buying theatre tickets,  and London Pass holders have access to  theater ticket discounts  on several West End shows.

But if theater and musicals are not your thing, there are a number of nighttime performances in London every day, from rock concerts to opera to films to comedy shows. For operas, symphonies, and classical music, you can find a list of upcoming performances here .

London also has a great nightlife scene with hundreds of bars, pubs, discos, and clubs. No matter what your taste, you are sure to find something of interest!

London Itinerary Day 3 – Kensington & Windsor Castle

So now you’ve seen some of the BIG highlights in London like Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the National Gallery. For your last day we’d suggest exploring a neighborhood like Kensington in the morning and then head to Windsor Castle in the afternoon.

Alternative London Neighborhood Options. We are going to recommend Kensington as the neighborhood to explore today, as we feel it offers something for every type of traveler and also has a large number of attractions, including several free museums. But if you are wondering about other neighborhood options we can also recommend Greenwich or Camden.

Each of these 3 neighborhoods are interesting and have a number of attractions and are worth a day of exploring. If you’d prefer to explore Greenwich or Camden, you can find a day itinerary for both of these neighborhoods as part of our suggested 6 day itinerary .

Or you can instead use this day to visit sites of interest to you that didn’t make it into our 3 day itinerary, such as the British Museum (free), Kew Gardens (fee*), the London Zoo (fee*) or a tour of the FC Chelsea stadium (fee*). Indulge in a particular passion or just enjoy a leisurely day of shopping or pub hopping.

Or head out of London for a day trip (see “Possible Day Trips from London” section at the beginning of the post for ideas) to visit popular sites in southern England such as Stonehenge or Oxford. It’s you last day, so spend it however you like!

You can get around Kensington today by foot, but you will need to take a train to reach Windsor Castle.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace (fee*) is a grand 17th century home that was first used as a royal residence by King William II and Queen Mary II. It continued to be used as a royal residence by a British monarch through the reign of King George II. Since then it been used as the residence and workplace of “minor royalty”, and is still an active working royal palace.

One of the people most associated with the palace is Queen Victoria although she never lived here as queen. Victoria was born at Kensington Palace and it was here that she learned that she was queen. Fittingly, outside of Kensington Palace is a large marble statue of Queen Victoria, designed by her daughter Princess Louise, that depicts her at the age of 18 in her coronation robes.

In more recent times, it has been the home and workplace of Princess Margaret, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Henry. It is still the official London residence of Prince William and Prince Henry and their wives, Princess Eugenie, and several other members of the Royal Family.

Despite it being a working royal palace, visitors are able to visit many of the rooms in the palace year round. There is a lot to see here and you can easily spent a few hours wandering around the warren of rooms. I would recommend taking a look at the different self-guided routes that the palace staff recommend and these are color coded and mapped out. The routes are based on different themes (e.g., Queen Victoria, King’s Apartments, Queen Victoria, royal fashion) so you can be sure to see the parts of most interest.

Note, the palace currently has a very popular Princess Diana fashion exhibition (entry is included with the palace ticket but expect additional lines for this exhibition). This has led to increased visitor numbers.

If you don’t have a London Pass I would recommend purchasing your ticket in advance here and if you do have a London Pass, I’d recommend arriving near opening time. I’d also recommend visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend if you can.

There is a  café here serving meals and refreshments, and also a garden worth exploring if you have time and the weather is good.

Kensington Gardens

After visiting the palace, we recommend spending some time exploring the surrounding Kensington Gardens. The gardens are another one of London’s royal parks and covers 265 acres. It’s a beautiful green space and we recommend a little wander if the weather is nice.

Some of the highlights of the park are the two Serpentine Galleries (free contemporary art galleries), an ornamental water garden, the Albert Memorial, the Elphin Oak (carved hollow oak tree), and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.  Food and drinks are also available at cafés in the park year round.

Probably the most striking memorial in the park is the Albert Memorial, a giant ornate memorial to Prince Albert who died of typhoid in 1861, leaving his wife Queen Victoria grief stricken. From the memorial, you’ll have a good view of the Royal Albert Hall.

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall (fee*) is the top performance venue in London and the hall hosts everything from classical concerts to rock bands to sporting events. The world-class concert hall was the idea of Prince Albert and was first opened in 1871. Everyone from the Beatles to Winston Churchill to Nine Inch Nails have made appearances or performed here, and each year it hosts the BBC Proms .

If you are heading off to Windsor Castle this afternoon, you may not have time go inside and can just admire it from the outside. But if you do have time, visitors can join a guided tour of the hall. Guided tours of the Royal Albert Hall help you understand the history of the concert hall and take you to see the auditorium, gallery, and the private suites of the Royal Family.

If you want to do a guided tour, we recommend booking these online in advance, as they are very popular and do sell out.

If you are looking for an evening entertainment option during your time in London, there is almost always something happening at the Royal Albert Hall. You can book a ticket online or stop by the Ticket Office.

Now we recommend deciding between a visit to Windsor Castle or spending the rest of the afternoon exploring more of Kensington.

Afternoon Option #1:  Windsor Castle 

Windsor Castle  (fee*) is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and still an active royal residence. It was originally built in the 11th century as a defensive motte-and-bailey castle by William the Conquerer and has been a royal residence since the reign of King Henry I. Today the castle is a favorite weekend home to Queen Elizabeth II, a place where state visits are often hosted, and a popular tourist attraction.

During most of the year, parts of Windsor Castle are open to the public. This includes the castle’s  magnificent State Rooms which were mostly designed and built in the 19th century. Other highlights include the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the 15th-century St. George’s Chapel, and the Changing of the Guards ceremony (a much smaller version of the ceremony that takes place in front of Buckingham Palace). 

Most visits are self-guided and there is a good audioguide included with admission. You can also join offered guided tours at the castle, I’d check the website in advance for tour times. Note that the castle can get very busy, especially in the summer months. 

If you want to visit Windsor Castle, the afternoon is currently the recommended time as the castle gets very crowded in the morning. We’d recommend getting on a train to Windsor at least 3 hours before closing time (it varies by season so check the website) to ensure you have enough time to visit. We’d recommend allowing 1 hour to travel to the castle and at least 2 hours for the visit.

To get here you need to take a train out of London (about 1 hour ride each way). You cannot use your Oyster Card to travel to Windsor as it is outside London, so you will need to buy a rail ticket at the station. Paddington Station is a 25 minutes walk (or slightly shorter Tube ride) from either Kensington Palace or Royal Albert Hall.

Afternoon Option #2: Afternoon Tea, V&A Museum, Shopping, & Hyde Park

If you decide to continue to explore Kensington, we recommend considering an afternoon tea break, visiting the V&A Museum (or one of the other free museums in Kensington), doing some shopping, and taking a stroll through Hyde Park. Check our guide for more things to do in Kensington .

Afternoon Tea in Kensington

The tradition of afternoon tea originated in the aristocratic homes of England in the 19th century, and there is no better place to have afternoon tea than in London. You’ll be spoiled for choice in London as there are thousands of places that serve tea from casual cafés where you can get a cuppa and a scone to luxury hotels offering a 3-tiered silver tray fancy afternoon tea experience.

If you are just looking for a casual tea, you’ll be able to find that at many cafés in this area. One suggestion is to break for tea within one of the cafés at the Victoria & Albert Museum , which include both opulent Victorian era rooms as well as casual outdoor courtyard spaces. Once a week, The Victoria & Albert Museum also serves a formal Victorian afternoon tea that recreates the afternoon tea experience of Queen Victoria, and for this one you do need to book in advance.

But if you want a more luxurious experience, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. Luxury spots to enjoy afternoon tea in the Kensington area include The Berkeley and The Lanesborough . Also a few to consider in nearby Mayfair (west of Hyde Park) are The Ritz , The Dorchester , and Claridge’s .

We have oddly had a lot more afternoon teas in Paris (see our Paris afternoon tea guide ) than London so far. But we can suggest in this area that if you are looking for something a bit different, you might want to check out the fashion-inspired Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea at The Berkeley. This fun and colorful tea is designed for those who love fashion and the tea menu changes each season along with the fashions on the catwalk.

Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum , often referred to as the V&A, is one of the world’s leading museums of art and design. The museum collection is extensive and items range from Chinese embroidery to John Constable paintings to Baroque furniture to Alexander McQueen gowns. It’s a must visit for anyone interested in art or design.

The museum is also known for hosting a lot of really interesting exhibitions which often attract a large number of visitors. The museum is also known for its current café and restaurant located within the beautiful Morris, Gamble and Poynter Rooms, which is the oldest museum café in the world.

Entry to see the permanent collection at the V&A is free. Some temporary exhibitions are also free but there is generally a fee to enter the major ones. If you have a London Pass, you get free entry into one of the paid exhibitions.

Alternatives: Kensington is home to several other well-known museums, including the   Science Museum  and the Natural History Museum . Both are free (donations appreciated) and both are good alternatives if you aren’t excited by the V&A. The Science Museum in particular is a great family-friendly option.

Harrod’s

Now if you are in the mood for some shopping or just some window shopping, Kensington has some excellent shopping areas. The most concentrated areas are along King’s Road, Kensington High Street, and Sloane Street. You can find everything from more budget friendly international brands like Zara and H&M to high-end luxury department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Harrod’s is one of the most famous luxury department stores in the world. It was founded by Charles Harrod in 1835 and grew to be the best known British department store in the world, being patronized by celebrities, politicians, royalty, and the British elite. Although in recent years it has been bought by the state of Qatar and has suffered from some bad press, it is still a luxury store worth checking out for those who enjoy shopping. Other department stores in this area are Harvey Nichols and the more traditional Peter Jones.

If you are more into antiques, you’ll want to head to Church Street where you’ll find a number of antique stores like Andrew Nebbett Antiques and Designs, Alfie’s Antique Market, The FM Gallery, and Church Street Antiques.

Hyde Park is yet another of London’s great Royal Parks, covering 350 acres. It used to also encompass Kensington Gardens, but the two are now divided by the Serpentine Lake and Carriage Drive. The park offers lots of tress, ornamental flower gardens, a large lake, walking and cycling paths, sport facilities, and a playground. 

Attractions with the park include The Serpentine Bridge, Holocaust Memorial, the Diana Memorial Fountain, Speaker’s Corner, and several war memorials. Located at the northwestern and southwestern corners of the park are the Wellington Arch and Marble Arch.

Each Sunday at Speakers’ Corner , located on the northeast edge of Hyde Park (near intersection of Marble Arch and Oxford Street), you can hear people give speeches and hold debates about a variety of topics in the name of free speech. The tradition dates back to the mid-1800’s and anyone can participate.

The park is a great place to get active as you can boat, cycle, play tennis, skate, ride horses, or even swim within the park. In the summer boating is popular and you can rent a rowing or pedal boat to enjoy the Serpentine Lake or you can take a ride on the solar-powered Solarshuttle. There are also a few places to grab coffee or have a meal, including lakeside dining.

Enjoy your final evening!

It is your last night in London so plan something you’ll enjoy and remember. This could be a nice dinner out, a pub crawl, attending a late night museum opening, a sunset River Thames cruise, a creepy Jack the Ripper tour , seeing an event at the Royal Albert Hall, a sporting event, a  classical music performance , or just relaxing after 3 busy days of sightseeing!

Save Money on your 3 Days in London with the London Pass

We wanted to give you an example of the cost savings over 3 days in London if you were using a London Pass. The following calculations are based on the above itinerary although it doesn’t include every single attraction we suggested but includes what we believe is a realistic number for someone planning to actively sightsee based on the above itinerary.

Here is the cost savings for 3 days in London for 2 people using the London Pass.

So in the above example, visitors would have a cost savings of £107.8 per person for a total cost savings of £215.60 for 2 people. This is definitely a considerable savings on entry fees for three days of sightseeing!

Even if you change some of the attractions or take away a couple of them, you would still save money with a London Pass if doing a similar amount of sightseeing. In general, you need to visit an average of 2 to 3 higher priced attractions per day to save money with a 3 day London Pass.

We highly recommend that all visitors check out the London Pass, especially if it is your first visit to London. The pass covers free entry to over 90 attractions and museums, plus a number of discounts on tours, restaurants, souvenirs, and theater tickets. Not only will it save many visitors money, it can also save time as it provides fast track entry into certain busy sites.

You can check the latest prices and purchase the London Pass at the official website for the pass here . We also recommend checking prices on and GetYourGuide here as sometimes one will be better value than the other.

However the London Pass is not a good fit for all travelers, and if you are not sure if it is a good fit or not, read our  full review of the London Pass to help you decide if it is worth it. Our review breaks down the features, ways to purchase, how to calculate your cost savings, and more.

There you have our suggested London itinerary on how to spend 3 days in London!

Planning a trip to London? Pin this article to Pinterest to read later:

How many of these attractions would be on your London itinerary? If you’ve visited London, what were you favorite spots in London? If you have any questions about the itinerary or visiting London, just ask them in the comments below and as always we are happy to help!

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Jewel Post author

May 31, 2024 at 1:53 pm

Do you have any taxi recommendations for London to brighton?

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 31, 2024 at 3:01 pm

I would recommend checking out minicabit which is a popular UK taxi comparison site. It is used by hundreds of cab companies.

However, that drive takes about 2 hours so is going to be very expensive if you take a taxi or other type of private transfer. So I would also recommend considering public transit for such a long journey.

You will save time and money by taking a train to Brighton, the quickest trains only take about 1 hour. You can also take a bus which is cheaper but that will take about 3 hours. There are regular trains and buses/coaches between London and Brighton daily. If you are just going to Brighton for the day, I would choose the train as it is the fastest and most cost effective way to do a return day trip.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any question as you plan your trip to England!

Best, Jessica

Kai Parker Post author

March 28, 2024 at 2:50 am

London has always been a dream destination for me, and this city itinerary just sealed the deal! I can’t wait to immerse myself in the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of this iconic city. Thanks for the inspiration, I’m definitely bookmarking this for my next adventure!

March 31, 2024 at 6:58 am

Glad you found our London itinerary to be an inspiration for your future trip to UK. Once you start your planning, feel free to ask us any questions about your trip!

Wishing you happy travels! Jessica

Michelle Post author

February 25, 2024 at 1:11 am

Hi There, the map above is AWESOME! Just wondering if there’s a list of the numbered points on the map, rather than having to comb through the information, like a quick reference? Thanks 🙂

February 26, 2024 at 12:46 pm

Hi Michelle,

I am so happy that our London map and 3 day London itinerary have been useful in planning your trip. So I think you are just referring to the image, but if you double click on the image or the link above it (look at the paragraph above it where it says click here) that will take you to the map I created within Google Maps so you can see all the points on the map that are numbered in the picture. Does that help?

But just note that you should definitely consider reading through each day of the itinerary as these are just suggested routes and places to visit and you should modify it per your own time and interests. You may not have time for everything on each day so best to know which places are must-sees for you and which you are OK just seeing from the outside and all that.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to London!

December 27, 2023 at 6:26 am

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your insightful 3-day London itinerary! Your detailed suggestions and personal experiences really add a genuine touch. I followed your recommendations and had a fantastic time exploring the city. I’d like to share an additional budget-friendly tip: consider staying at Serviced Apartments in London. My recent stay there was both comfortable and affordable, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to make the most of their London trip without breaking the bank. Thanks again for your fantastic suggestions!

December 28, 2023 at 1:31 pm

So glad that you enjoyed you stay in London!! Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you found our itinerary and advice helpful in spending 3 days in London. And thanks for sharting your tip about having a good stay in a serviced apartment. I hope you get a chance to return to London again soon!

Alan Post author

August 22, 2023 at 3:22 am

just wanted to say a big thank you for all the work you put into this itinerary, we used it to plan our own 3 days in London, got the pass, had a wonderful time! your advice made our time much easier and less stressful!

August 23, 2023 at 12:47 pm

Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad you found our 3 day London itinerary helpful. Very happy to hear that you had such a wonderful trip to London!

Hapy travels, Jessica & Laurence

Mary Jo Lauscher Post author

July 31, 2023 at 1:15 pm

Hi there, I found your three day itinerary very helpful.

We are going to London at the end of September. My question is about getting advance tickets for any of the sites. If we plan on using the London Pass, how do I order advance tickets, make a reservation, or skip the line ticket, etc? I have not been able to find any information on that. Also with the London Pass can we use the Hop on hop off both days of the 2 day pass? Thanks for all your information, it was very helpful!

August 2, 2023 at 8:04 am

Hi Mary Jo,

Glad you are finding our 3 day London itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip. So if you decide to go with the London Pass, you do not need to make advanced reservations for most attractions. But you do need to book for most walking tours, bus tours, and other types of guided activities. You can find all the details for the attractions and tours that need to be reserved and how to do that on this page .

The hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket included with the London Pass is only valid for 1 day (no matter the length of your pass). This is the same with the Thames boat cruise ticket.

For skip the line access, you can skip the ticket line for most attractions with the pass but you can’t skip the security lines. Your London Pass essentially acts as your ticket for most attractions. I don’t think since COVID that there have been many attractions that have a specific line for pass holders, but generally you get in the same line as those who have prebooked tickets.

For popular attractions not included on the London Pass, such as the London Eye , Churchill War Rooms, UK Parliament tours, Madame Tussauds , etc. then it is best to buy tickets in advance for these. I would check on any must-see attraction if reservations are recommended or required. But if you only have 2 days, I suspect that the London Pass will cover your admission fees for most attractions that you plan to visit.

For any attractions or tours that you want to do in London that recommend or require reservations (with or without the London Pass), I would start booking those soon if you have your dates set for next month.

Hope that helps and let me know if you have any questions as you plan your trip!

Katie Post author

July 6, 2023 at 11:32 pm

Hello! Your itinerary is awesome!! I was wondering if you could help me with mine for four days in London in November. Is it doable or too packed? What should I take out or add? Should I buy an Oyster card? What should we actually go in and see? We are most likely staying at the Hoxton Holborn, AMANO hotel, or Wilde Aparthotel. Any dinner recommendations or cocktail/ house music places? 🙂

Day 1: Friday On and off bus tour Buckingham Palace Churchill War room Big Ben Westminster Abbey Dinner dishoom Shoreditch neighborhood for dinner/drinks

Day 2: Saturday St Paul’s Cathedral Borough Market Tower bridge South bank river walk Tower of London Leadenhall Market Soccer game

Day 3 Sunday Walking Notting Hill Kensington Palace Hyde Park Bond Street Regent street/Park Camden Market Abbey Road Hampstead Heath

Bermondsey neighborhood to eat?

Day 4 National Gallery Seven dials market Tennis museum?

July 9, 2023 at 7:05 am

So Day 1, I think all that is doable. Doing HOHO bus, visiting the Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey. Seeing Buckingham Palace and the Parliament/Big Ben from outside. Also lots of other things you can easily see in that area such as St. James Park, Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge, London Eye and National COVID memorial. Dishoom is a great restaurant to try for atypical Indian food, we love it and just be sure to make a reservation as they are often fully booked. Although I’d also recommend trying a typical British curry place at some point too if you want the typical British Indian experience. The closest Dishoom to you (if stay in Holborn area) is the location in Covent Garden as its within walking distance. But if you are wanting to go to Shoreditch that night, then there is a location there as well, just note you’ll be looking at a 30 minute Tube/bus ride each way. Shoreditch might make more sense on the day you plan to visit Tower of London and be in the City of London.

Day 2 – I’d probably start with the Tower of London in the morning as it is normally worse with crowds than St. Pauls Cathedral. So I’d reverse the order and go from the Tower of London then to Tower Bridge and Borough Market before heading over to St. Paul’s. You can have lunch at or near Borough Market. Leadenhall Market is nice but limited options there compared to Borough Market. I think it would be hard to fit in a soccer game today if you want to visit all those places unless there is an evening football game on that day, might be better to try to do on Day 4?

Day 3 – If Kensington Palace is the only place you really want to visit the inside of, I think this is doable. Just note if walking it is about a 1 hour or so walk from Kensington Gardens to Hampstead Heath (so may want to take public transit as well). So if wandering on a more relaxed day today except for the palace, I’d just priortize your day for what you really want to see most and if you don’t make it to everything, you won’t be disappointed. The other thing to note is that Bermondsey is very far from any of the places you are planning to visit this day.

Day 4 – This might be a good day to also include the British Museum, especially if staying nearby. Its free, donation only and you can book time online in advance. Also easy to visit in the same day as the National gallery and Seven Dials Market. For a tennis museum in London, I am guessing you mean Wimbeldon – this is doable but it is well oustide central London and will take you about an hour each way to visit so I would just be sure this is something you really want to see. You could try to do the soccer game this day instead perhaps? Or consider a West End play or musical?

In terms of timing, I would go back through your itinerary and just make sure the timings will work out when you check the opening times/days and how long you expect to spend at each one. So say you expect to spend 2 hours at Tower of London, 1.5 hours at Westminster Abbey, 1 hour Borough Market, etc. plus the amount of time you think it will realistically take you to get from one place to the other. I’d then build in a bit of extra time so you don’t feel rushed. That should help you decide if there is too much on any one day. You want to try to balance seeing all the must-see things on your list without feeling rushed and having a little down time to relax and make unexpected stops.

London has so many restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars – I would just think about where you are going to be/want to be and look for well-rated options nearby. It sounds like you are going to be staying in the Covent Garden area and there are lots of options there that would likely be within walking distance of where you are staying. For a cocktail bar with live house music (and also food), you might check out STEREO. If looking for a historic pub for a typical pub lunch or dinner, you could try Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden or Museum Tavern across from the British Museum. Just note that for meals, especially for dinner you’ll want to be sure to book a table in advance.

In terms of Oyster Card, you can read our Oyster Card review post here . Based on your itinerary, I would say you will be taking public transport quite a few times so you can either get Oyster Cards or use your credit cards if they are PIN & Chip ones. You would also probably save money with the London Pass , and you can order your Visitor Oyster Card with the pass if you want. For a London Pass, I’d probably do a 3-day pass and just be sure to fit anything in that you want to see included on the pass on the first 3 days, and stick to free or not included attractions on Day 4. But that would cover all the big attractions you have listed (Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, St. Paul’s, sightseeing bus, Kensington Palace, etc.) except for Churchill War Rooms which sadly is not currently on the pass.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to London.

Wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

katie Post author

July 12, 2023 at 6:34 pm

Thank you so much for the info!! What restaurant would you suggest for a traditional curry? Also out of my day 1 and day 2? Which do you think I should visit vs just see? Anything overrated? Are the markets worth it? Anything more local that I should include?

July 13, 2023 at 4:11 am

You’re very welcome, happy to help.

You can find good Indian curry places all over London, Brick Lane is famous for them but I’d just go some place that is convenient. I’d just check reviews or ask a local person of best curry place nearby. Chicken tikka masala is probably one of the most classic British Indian dishes and one of the most popular dishes eaten in the UK (of all foods!), but there are lots of popular curries. Indian curry is one of the most popular takeaway foods in the UK.

For Days 1 and 2, I would recommend visiting all the places you want to see (see my prior comments on each day). The places you listed are some of the most popular places to visit and all are worth visiting. But of course it depends on your specific interests, time, and budget.

Leadenhall Market is OK – it’s a beautiful setting (I think most tourists come here for the Harry Potter connection as it was used a filming location) and there are several places to eat here. But if you are looking for more of an actual fresh food market, then Borough Market has both fresh food/produce stalls as well as prepared food stalls and restaurants. So I would recommend Borough Market over Leadenhall but they are both different. You can walk through either fairly quickly (although Borough Markets gets really busy around lunch time) so if on your way, they are easy enough to visit but if you want to try food or buy food, I’d recommend Borough Market over Leadenhall.

I would just build your itinerary based on what you are most interested in seeing and doing. Just make sure to allow yourself enough time and build in some flexibility.

Hope that helps! Jessica

TF Post author

June 27, 2023 at 4:41 am

Hello there! Just finished reading your article on the “3 Days in London” itinerary, your detailed itinerary and insightful recommendations have truly sparked my wanderlust.

Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive and well-thought-out itinerary. Your passion for travel and your love for London shine through in your writing, making it an enjoyable and informative read. I can’t wait to plan my own trip to London using your recommendations. Keep up the great work, and I’ll be eagerly following your future travel adventures!

June 28, 2023 at 7:58 am

You’re very welcome, glad you enjoyed reading our London itinerary, and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to London!

Happy travels, Jessica

Lyn Fields Post author

May 26, 2023 at 6:08 am

LOVE all this info about London. We will be following the three day walking tour. We would like to have high tea/afternoon tea on Day 2. Do you have a recommendation for a location that would be in the vicinity of our Day 2 itinerary?

June 2, 2023 at 4:28 am

So glad that you are finding our London itinerary and info helpful!

So in terms of afternoon tea options in that area, you have a lot of them. Fortnum and Mason at the Royal Exchange would be a good bet in the City of London. Others in that area you might check out are The Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square, The Ned, and the Rosewood Hotel. Another option could be the Helix Restaurant at The Gherkin for a more contemporary setting with a city view. But pretty much any nice hotel in that area serves afternoon tea (although some only on weekends) and you can also find more informal and less pricey afternoon tea options at cafes and such in the area (one is Cafe Rouge near St. Paul’s Cathedral). Just be sure to check dates and times, and make sure location makes sense with your schedule. And be sure to book your time in advance.

Enjoy! Jessica

Henry Cris Post author

February 5, 2023 at 7:05 pm

Amazing tips on London travelling. Hoping to visit here soon. And really liked your article about London. It will help me a lot on visiting here. Thanks for sharing.

February 13, 2023 at 7:24 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment, and so glad to hear our article was helpful to you! Wishing you a great trip to London and just let us know if you have any questions as youplan your visit to London.

Amy Bull Post author

January 7, 2023 at 9:22 pm

Hi J & L, I have read your advice for many cities we visit and it is WONDERFUL! I am actually going this week and we are celebrating a 60th birthday. I wanted to know if you recommended a few restaurants that are note worthy of a memorable birthday dinner for two. Maybe with a view or great environment? I want to make the entire day memorable and his biggest request is to see Stonehenge. Any thoughts would be very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! Amy

January 11, 2023 at 1:03 am

So happy to hear that you have found our travel blogs helpful in planning your travels to various cities!

So for London, I don’t have any specific recommendations as it would depend a lot on budget, type of food, part of London, etc. There are just so many restaurants you could choose. Some thoughts might be to go to one of the old historic pubs for a pub lunch or dinner one day. For something fancy, the 5-star hotels (Savoy, Dorchester, Grosvenor Hotel, Claridge’s, Browns’, Ritz, etc.) all have very nice restaurants & bars and some of the top rated ones in the city. In terms of views, that is much harder but you could consider a restaurant near the top of The Shard as there are a few restaurants and bars there with great views over central London, and the nicer ones would make a good potential b-day dinner spot. Another option is the Sky Garden which has a restaurant. Or you might consider a restaurant along Thames with nice view of river. Anyway, hope that gives you some options and ideas to research.

For Stonehenge, it really depends if you are planning to drive yourself, take public transit, or join a guided tour from London? We’ve done all three at one point or another. Laurence has written a guide to visiting Stonehenge that might be helpful. Last visit, once we arrived, we took the free Stonehenge shuttle to the end to walk to the site, and then walked back through the field using the little map there to see some of the other prehistoric remains on walk back through fields. There is also a good visitor centre/museum that is worth spending some time to learn more.

If your husband is specifically interested in stone circles and prehistoric stone sights, Avebury might be a good secondary stop which is nearby and much less crowded (you can walk up and touch stones). There are also lots of other prehistoric sites in the region. Other places that people might combine on a day trip to Stonehenge are Oxford, Salisbury, or Bath. But I would just be careful to not pack in too much, especially if traveling on your own as it can make for a long day. But if doing a day tour, then at least you are not doing the driving. The only drawback to a guided tour is to make sure you will have a enough time in the places you visit for what you want to see/do.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have more questions as you plan your specific bday trip! Jessica

Florence Post author

November 1, 2022 at 8:15 pm

Hi Jessica & Laurence, This is Florence and i am making my 1st trip to the UK soon. May i know what’s the best site that i can look at for booking of train tickets in advance for travelling within UK? Apprecaite any advise. Thank yo.

November 2, 2022 at 7:04 am

Hi Florence,

So I am assuming you are meaning for travel outside of London? As within London itself, you don’t need to book in advance for the public transit Underground trains, buses, etc.

There is National Rail website which is the official UK train website which has info on the trains in England, Wales, and Scotland. But since there is not actual national rail service operator (but several independent operators), there are a number of website operators where you can book trains online in the UK so you can also go directly to the train service website (LNER, ScotRail, Avanti, Lumo, NI Railways etc.). The local operator will depend on where you are going in the country.

One convenient website to compare times and prices you can book on a website like Trainline . This is what we normally use for convenience to book online and they also have a mobile app.

You can also of course buy and book tickets in person at the actual train stations but we recommend booking in advance if you can for any longer journeys. You are often not guaranteed seats if you don’t book in advance on many trains. It depends on the company but tickets are often available to purchase 90 days in advance.

Another good website for figuring out how to get from one place to another and general travel info and connections (also works for buses and such) is the Traveline Info website . It is a very helpful website.

Anyway, hope that helps get you started. If you have any specific questions about booking train tickets in the UK, just let us know.

November 3, 2022 at 2:58 am

Great! Thanks Jessica. I will look into it and will inquire again if I have any other questions with my travel plans. Have a great day!

Bart Post author

October 3, 2022 at 12:53 am

Top tip if you’re visiting Borough Market… don’t venture there on a Saturday. It’s crazy busy, rammed full of people from very Early on! Visiting during the week is a far more pleasant & leisurely affair – you won’t feel like you’re being rushed off of your feet.

October 3, 2022 at 7:09 am

Thanks for sharing your tip for visiting Bourough Market in London – it is definitely busier on the weekends. But it is also the most lively so it can still be interesting to visit on the weekends if that is when you plan to visit, but you do have to expect the crowds and be more patient than on weekdays.

Also on Saturdays is usually opens earlier (8am) so going near opening time is a great way to enjoy the market on Saturday.

Shelley Post author

September 20, 2022 at 11:29 am

Hello! I love your 3-day itinerary and plan to use most all of it. Is there link where I can download it? Maybe I missed it but I am trying to work smarter, not harder and am copying and pasting a ton. Thanks in advance!

September 21, 2022 at 4:16 am

Hi Shelley,

Glad you are finding our London itinerary helpful for your trip. Is there a reason you need to copy it? We’d recommend just using it directly from the website for best functionality.

But you can also print or download it as a PDF file for offline personal use as long as you are a newsletter subscriber (it is free and easy to sign up). Once signed up you can then click on the Printer icon on the sidebar or at the end of the article.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Lonon!

Bright A Post author

September 15, 2022 at 12:04 pm

Great tips to hear from you for 3 days itinerary. You blog is awesome to read also to explore London within the days. Thanks!

September 16, 2022 at 4:01 am

Hello Bright,

Thanks for letting us know our London itinerary is helpful.

Obviously if planning to visit London in the next few days, things are a bit crazy because of the Queen’s passing and upcoming funeral. So be sure to check opening dates/times and closures. Many businesses and attractions will be closed on Monday for the funeral.

Wishing you a great trip to London! Jessica

Suzie Post author

July 15, 2022 at 1:52 pm

Wow so glad I stumbled across your blog . So informative. I will be visiting London this July and am taking a lot of tips from your blog . For shopping , what would you recommend? Any outlets where I can get a good deal on bags ? Thanks so much

July 18, 2022 at 5:51 am

Glad you are finding our London articles on our travel blogs helpful in planing your upcoming trip.

In terms of shopping in London, Oxford Street is probably the best known shopping street. Also Regents Street, Bond Street, Mayfair area, Knightbridge area (Harrods). So lots of shopping opportunities, but not sure about great outlet stores in the city or where to get a good deal. London is generally an expensive city so we find shopping is often less expensive elsewhere. But you can often get good deals if you shop the sales and pay attention to discounts. It just depends on your budget and the types of stores you are prefer.

Bicester Village is a shopping outlet located near Oxford (about 1.5 hours from London) which has a lot of outlet stores all together and is a popular place for shopping for tourists. So that might be a place for your to consider.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your trip to London!

tuhina roy Post author

June 27, 2022 at 11:56 pm

wow…great info….wud be visiting in Oct’22….might add perfect fit for me at one glance/place…have been asking so many people around for last one month abt London n places to visit n here its given in such a nice n informative way….wonderful:-)….thanx much for collating these kind of info for people like us who r visiting from other countries….thanx again

June 28, 2022 at 10:41 am

You are very welcome, and so glad to hear that you are finding our London itinerary helpful! If you have 3 days in London, this should definitely give you some good ideas of where you might want to visit on your trip.

But if you have any questions as you plan your trip about things to do in London or elsewhere in the UK, just ask us and we are happy to try to give advice.

Rebecca Post author

June 12, 2022 at 5:34 am

Jessica & Laurence, We just returned from an awesome visit to London and we used your recommended 3 day itinerary. Thank you SO MUCH for your work in preparing the itinerary. All of the information you provide from the London Pass, Oyster Card, the description of places to visit and how to get there helped our visit to go smoothly. We didn’t waste too much time looking for things or figuring out how to get there and we were able to fit in everything we wanted to do! Having the London Pass helped us avoid lines, plus everything was already paid. The Oyster Card was also a huge benefit because we didn’t have to keep buying tickets. THANK YOU! Rebecca

June 12, 2022 at 6:11 am

Hi Rebecca,

So happy that you had such a great trip to London! And we are happy that our tips and advice were helpful in planning your trip.

Yes, I think that if you have limited time on a trip, you want to plan ahead and do what you can so that you can spend as much time as possible doing things and visiting places rather than having to plan and figure things out on the go.

Thanks for taking the time to comment and let us know about your trip. We always love hearing that our advice was helpful!

shelly v Post author

April 27, 2022 at 8:12 pm

Hello Jessica, Wow! Thank you for all the valuable info in your planning tips and itineraries. We are traveling to London and Paris this June. It is our first visit and traveling with teenage daughters so are focused on the most iconic sites. Based upon your 3-Day Itinerary for London, we have selected our “Must-See” London List ( most likely the minimum time to tour the area for each site since I’ll be traveling with teenagers). – Explore Westminster: Buckingham Palace w changing of guard; Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Bridge, Westminster Abbey – City of London: Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market, London Bridge & Tower Bridge, – Windsor Castle & Kensington: Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Shopping at Harrod’s

1) Based upon our Must-see list, will the 3-day London Pass cover the attractions we plan to visit? 2) We are staying close to Earl’s Court Station – do you recommend we also purchase the Travelcard? 3) Since we arrive 6/9 midday into London (after overnight flight), what might you recommend for day 1 itinerary?

April 28, 2022 at 9:27 am

Thanks very much!

So based on your itinerary we have the following feedback if you are trying to visit them all in 3 days:

– For Westminister: Make sure you check Westminster Abbey opening dates and hours. It is closed on Sundays to visitors and for certain occasions/holidays so you’d want to make sure to schedule around any closures if you want to visit here. – For City of London sites: I would probably choose to do either the London Bridge OR Tower Bridge experience. I think otherwise you’ll be rushed for time as the Tower of London, in particular, can take a while to visit. But you can of course see both from the outside without paying but as far as doing the full attractions on them, I’d probably do one or the other. – For Windsor & Kensington – Because you will need to travel out to Windsor, this could be a lot to fit into one day, but depends of course on how long you spend at each place. For the Royal Albert Hall, the tours are only given at certain hours so you may want to make sure that will fit in with your day. – Note that it looks like you are planning to visit a few days after the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (June 5th) so we expect things will be busier than usual during this general period. Although luckily you are arriving after the Jubilee weekend itself when things will be super busy and hard to visit I think. It may make sense to book timed tickets directly for some attractions that have limited capacity such as Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, and Royal Albert Hall so you are guaranteed entry within a certain time period.

1 – Yes, the 3-day London Pass will cover all the paid attractions you plan to visit, which are Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge Exhibition, London Bridge experience, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall. If you were to pay adult (16+) entry to all those it would cost around £178, whereas a 3-day adult London pass is normally £123. However, as noted above, you may not have time to do everything on your list so keep that in mind. The price saving will also depend on the age of your daughters, if they are under 16, then they can use a child pass so I would do those cost-savings separately. If you plan to take the sightseeing bus at any time during your visit, that would also add to the cost savings.

2 – You are definitely going to use public transport during your time in London, so will need a travel card. Bundling the travel card will save you some time and is convenient, although it costs the same as buying a Visitor Oyster Card separately. It’s really just for convenience, there’s no saving or extra cost to buying it with the London Pass. You can see more about getting around London here.

3 – For your first day, it sounds like you will just have probably a half day once checking in at hotel. I am guessing this is not a day you plan to use the London Pass? If not, I’d recommend maybe the British Museum and/or London Eye, both of which are not included on the pass. You’ll likely be pretty tired so I wouldn’t plan too much that first day.

April 9, 2022 at 5:07 pm

Hi Jessica, The information you provide in the 3 days itinerary is amazing, so detailed and informative! We will be getting off a cruise in London on a Friday and will stay until Monday.

We have reservations at Point A Hotel in Paddington. What would you recommend for transportation from the port to our hotel? We’ve already purchased the 4 day London Pass and Visitor Oyster card. Is our hotel near public transportation? It looked like it when we checked, but would like to verify. What would you recommend for getting to the airport on Tuesday morning? We need to arrive at the airport at 6:00 A.M. Transportation begins at 5:00 A.M. Is it feasible to use the public transportation and arrive to the airport on time? Our Oyster Card will be expired so we’ll need to pay for the transportation to the airport.

On Day 2 you recommend the river cruise right after visiting the Tower of London in the morning. If we do that, will we have time to visit the other sites recommended for that day? Might it be better to take the cruise in the evening? I looked at the times and it looks like it runs later on weekends, but stops in the afternoon during the week. Am I reading that right? Is the Thames River Cruise the same as the Uber Boat by Thames River that’s included in the London Pass?

If I download the London Pass app on my phone prior to the trip, will I use data as I access it while in London?

April 10, 2022 at 6:35 am

First, glad you are finding our London itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip! Sounds like you have already got a lot of your trip planned.

Yes, the Point A Hotel (a good budget option) is near a lot of public transit options. You have Underground stations (e.g, Edgware and Paddington), bus stops, a train station (Paddington), and the Heathrow Express service (at Paddington) all under a 10 minute walk from your hotel. So you should not have any issues accessing public transit.

For getting to the airport, probably the best option, if flying out of Heathrow (I assume you are flying out of Heathrow? there are 6 airports around London) would be to do the TfL Rail train from Paddington Station to the airport. It takes about 30-40 minutes. I would just double check the timetable for your specific date to make sure it works for when you need to leave.

You should be able to still use your Oyster Card by just adding some credit to it if you have used up your prepaid credit (you can do it at the machines at the stations) as the Oyster Cards do not expire. Or you can buy tickets at the station or in advance online.

Other options would be to take the Heathrow Express (a bit faster but more expensive) or the Underground/Tube (but you would have to change stations).

Yes, we do mention taking the boat after visiting the Tower of London just because it is very convenient to do so there as there is a boat pier just next to where you exit the Tower of London. But you can of course do it later in the day from elsewhere along its route. It can be a good late afternoon or evening activity as it keeps running after many of the other attractions close. But just make sure that you will be near one of the piers where you can use the London Pass (you can only start a journey from 4 of the piers). And yes, there are a few options for taking Thames River Cruises but the one included with the London Pass is now called the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. So you want to make sure to get on that one.

I think you may be reading the timetables wrong on the boat schedule as that doesn’t sound correct as I think the boats run until 10pm/11pm all week. Some of the boats don’t run as much on weekends, especially the routes focused on commuters, but the more tourist-oriented routes generally run regularly all week. I would double check the schedule and specifically look at the times for the 4 stations where you could start your journey with the London Pass. The boats are normally about every 20 to 30 minutes. You can choose how long you want to stay on the boat as there are regular stops and you can do hop-on, hop-off if you wish.

In terms of how much you can do, it will just depend on which places you intend to visit and for how long, and which you just plan to stop and see during your day. The Tower of London for instance will likely take up all or most of your morning. I would not plan for more than 3 big visits per day. So you may need to pick and choose and prioritize certain attractions over others. I would write down which places you want to visit, how long you think you’ll spend at each, and the time it takes to get between them to get a good idea of what is feasible. Everyone goes at their own pace. You also want to work in some flexibility and free time so you aren’t too rushed and also leave a little time for getting lost/waiting in lines, etc.

If you download the London Pass app and install it prior to your trip, you should then not need to use any data to access the app on your phone. You just need data to download it and set it up. The only reason it would need data would be if the app needed an update. We also recommend downloading your QR code to a separate local place on your phone so you will have access even if you can’t open the app for any reason. We also recommend printing the QR code and London Pass # so you also have a paper copy you can use to access sites in case your phone battery dies or something.

Anyway, hope all that helps and makes sense! Happy to answer further questions as you plan your trip to London.

April 15, 2022 at 10:53 am

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide thorough answers to all of my questions! You are an amazing wealth of information! Rebecca

April 15, 2022 at 11:20 am

You’re very welcome and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to London!

April 29, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Hi Jessica, I’m trying to finalize our plans for our trip to London. We’ll be getting off a NCL cruise. What do you suggest is the best transportation option for getting from the port to our hotel, Point A Hotel in Paddington? We’ve purchased the Oyster Card. Thank you, Rebecca

April 30, 2022 at 4:29 am

It depends on where specifically your cruise ends, where is the cruise terminal? You say the cruise goes to London but does it actually end in London itself?

Most cruises end in either Dover or Southhampton, and if that is the case, you would need to catch a train from either to London. For a journey to London from either of these cities, you would need to pay for your train tickets separately (can’t use Oyster Card) since that journey would be well outside of greater London. Then once in London, if you are not arriving into Paddington station, you would probably want to get the Tube to your hotel and you can use your Oyster Card for that. Or you can of course take a taxi if you have a lot of luggage.

May 1, 2022 at 3:30 pm

Trish Post author

April 8, 2022 at 9:40 am

Thank you for your article on visiting London! I’m doing research for a trip I’m planning in early 2023. My question is, are there any of the locations you mention that could be unsafe for an older lady traveling alone? Or any special tips for me related to this?

April 8, 2022 at 10:37 am

London is considered a pretty safe city in general for travelers. I’ve generally felt safe when in London, even in the “less nice” neighborhoods. So I would not worry too much about it when visiting London.

However, as with any large city, there are pickpockets and thieves, and you should always use normal caution (e.g., not carrying large amounts of cash, securing your valuables so difficult to pickpocket, being aware of your surroundings, trust your gut). Most crimes against tourists are opportunity ones where a theif will steal someone’s wallet, smartphone, or purse. Thefts and muggings tend to take place in London’s busiest tourists areas, including Westminister, Camden, and Kensington.

And of course, more serious things do happen (we were in London during the 2017 London Bridge incident for instance) but these are unusual. Violent crimes against tourists are pretty rare in London (and the UK in general).

The only thing I would say other than regular safety advice would be to be more cautious if walking around the city at night after dark, such as after dinner or after leaving an evening West End play or something. But it is generally pretty easy to stay in well-lit main streets and around other people. If you need to go a longer distance, you can always take a taxi/minicab/Uber or get a bus instead of walking. Also a good idea to have your route and transport planned out in advance before leaving the attraction/restaurant/hotel.

If it’s late at night (after 10pm), particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, I tend to avoid the Tube. It’s not necessarily unsafe but a lot of drunk people tend to be riding on these evenings and it can be more unpleasant.

In terms of planning your time, our suggested London itinerary is pretty geared to someone trying to do a lot each day. But if you like to go at a slower pace, I’d just recommend planning a bit less each day so you have plenty of time to enjoy each attraction and get from one place to the other.

Hope that helps, and feel free to reach out if you have further questions as you plan your London trip!

tatiana Post author

March 2, 2022 at 12:21 pm

HI. I saw the London Pass includes a walking tour, any reviews on this tour?

March 3, 2022 at 2:49 am

Hi Tatiana,

Yes, the two general London walking tours: 3 hour Palaces and Parliament Tour and then the 5-hour 30+ London Sights Tour are newer additions to the London Pass. We haven’t done either of those tours or taken any tours yet with the company that runs those two tours but the company has a 5-star rating on Google. The tours are pretty similar to ones we have taken in London with other companies and seem like they would both be good intro tours to London.

Just note that the tours don’t include entry into any attractions. If choosing one of them, I would choose the 3-hour tour as 5 hours is pretty long without visiting any attractions. But both of them have very good reviews online.

If you decide to take any of the walking/bus/bike tours with the London Pass, just be sure to make your reservation in advance once you have your Pass. I believe that all the guided tours required advanced bookings.

Marina Teramond Post author

February 11, 2022 at 3:09 am

I can subscribe to everything mentioned about London because it is truly an incredible place with its unique atmosphere and I think that if you have an opportunity, this city should be in your list of places which you plan to visit. It is so cool that you devoted your article to a detailed plan for implementing a trip to London. I really like this idea to cover London for three days because if you plan it in a smart and thoughtful way, you will be able to spend this time eventfully and it will be enough for you to observe wonderful landscapes there. Your plan seems so elaborate and convenient in all respects because it provides you with a great deal of opportunities. I think that it is important to put exploring Westminster first because it is a real calling card of this city and it has its own individuality at the same time, being truly unique. I also want to visit Trafalgar Square because I think that it perfectly conveys the vibe of London.

February 11, 2022 at 9:35 pm

Glad you are finding our 3 day London itinerary helpful in planning your trip. You will want to tailor it to your interests, pace, mobility, time, etc. but this should be a good starting point for what you might want to see on a first time visit with 3 days to visit London. Just let us know if you have any specific questions as you plan your trip!

Kitkat Post author

February 5, 2022 at 1:42 pm

So glad I found this article! I live in UK and my family is visiting soon but was having a hard time planning on what to see in London. This is perfect! Although I would like to ask, roughly how long or how many hours does the daily itinerary last? As I have to factor in touring with a child and a 60 year old. 🙂

February 6, 2022 at 5:28 am

Glad you are finding our 3 day London itinerary helpful in planning things to do with visiting family. For each day, we list a lot of potential places you could see and things to do; however, you would want to pick and choose what is of the most interest. We give some of the main sights as well as alternatives. The itineraries are definitely designed with those packing in a lot for a full day from after breakfast in morning to about dinner time, but you can adjust to suit your own pace and interests.

I would say visiting 3 major sights per day is going to be plenty with children but you could also see additional things along the way (without taking the time to go inside and visit). I’d try to estimate amount of time you’d want to spend at each and plan day accordingly with plenty of time for breaks and plenty of time to get in between each place, depending on how far away. Most of the places we list each day are within a reasonable walking distance from one another, but it will depend on everyone’s physical mobility.

Since you have a child visiting, I’d maybe pick at least one place that would be particularly fun for him or her. Depending on age and interests, this could be a place like the London Dungeon (not for young children), Sea Life, London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, Tower of London, London Zoo, Science Museum, etc.

Some places you could easily spend a few hours (such as the Tower of London or National Gallery) whereas another place you may only be interested in a brief visit. If you have London Passes , this can save you a lot of money if visiting several places. We used them when we had family visiting over the summer and they were great. Note that a few places in London (including free museums) require reservations due to COVID-19 precautions so be sure to check in advance if reservations or time slots are needed to visit.

Our 6 day London itinerary may also be helpful as it includes a couple more areas of London you may want to explore in addition or instead, depending on how long your family is staying.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions. Wishing your family a fun visit to London!

elena gilbert Post author

December 28, 2021 at 9:22 pm

Amazing blog on visiting London, really interesting I loved reading it.

December 29, 2021 at 8:12 am

Glad you enjoyed our London itinerary and hope you found it helpful. Do let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to London!

Vicki Copeland Post author

October 2, 2021 at 5:08 pm

Hi Cats- This is a fantastic travel site! Thank you so much. There are 2 of us headed to London for 3 days and your itinerary is perfect! I think we should definitely get the London Pass. Being that we are going in October, do you think there will be fewer people already booked for the places that are currently selling tickets for specific times? I’m guessing that even if we have a pass, if the time we arrive is booked we will have to wait? We are so looking forward to some pints and Shepard’s pie!

Laurence Post author

October 3, 2021 at 1:55 am

London is a busy city year round but there should be fewer visitors in October. A lot of tourist attractions have not been very busy this year due to Covid and travel restrictions. We last used the London Pass in late August and never had any long waits when we visited (including Tower of London & Westminister Abbey) but it does just depend as some have security checks. So just be sure to book those places that require it and you should be OK. But I would leave a little extra time in your itinerary just in case.

Note that most of London’s free museums currently also require pre-booking a time slot due to COVID to ensure entry so be sure to check in advance.

Wishing you safe & happy travels to London! Laurence

Elena Post author

September 24, 2021 at 4:18 am

Amazing blog about London, really interesting and very informative!

September 26, 2021 at 6:03 am

Glad you enjoyed our suggested 3 day London itinerary! Just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to London.

vertoe Post author

August 26, 2021 at 4:21 am

Thank you for this amazing itinerary on 3 days to spend in London. London is a beautiful place to visit .

August 29, 2021 at 3:58 am

Thanks Vertoe, glad you enjoyed our London itinerary and had a good visit to the city! We were just back in London ourselves just yesterday and spent 3 days there – so much do there!

Johani Ponce Post author

August 19, 2021 at 6:49 am

I am planning to go to London next year. Very good guide

August 20, 2021 at 4:55 am

Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you enjoyed our London itinerary. Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to London for next year!

Vertoe Post author

March 25, 2021 at 5:52 am

Wow what an amazing London itinerary and list of things to do! Thanks for sharing this valuebale information.

March 25, 2021 at 8:44 am

Thanks very much, and just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to London!

GG Post author

January 19, 2021 at 4:00 am

This was so useful in planning my first trip to London! Thank you so much.

January 23, 2021 at 8:31 am

You’re welcome GG, just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to London!

Raleigh Truitt Post author

September 17, 2020 at 9:12 am

Will you publish a fold-up plasticized (rain-proof) version of your 3-day London guide? I could use one.

September 20, 2020 at 5:34 am

Hi Raleigh,

Glad you like our 3 day London itinerary. We do not have any published guides (waterproof or otherwise) of our itineraries but you are welcome to print (and laminate!) it. Just let me know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to London.

Vernon Post author

April 15, 2020 at 10:22 pm

Great blog, very helpful! If you’re visiting Europe and would like to stop over in London, but only have a 3 days to spare this blog get you covered it contains all the information.

April 16, 2020 at 5:24 am

Glad you found our 3 day London itinerary helpful and wishing you safe and happy travels!

Lia Post author

February 26, 2020 at 2:30 pm

Hello, Me and my mom are going to travel to London next week, we arrive on the 4th at about 3pm and we leave on the 7th at about the same time, so that means we have 2 full days and 2 half days…we have a lot things we want to do but we are kinda short on time and we need to stay with a budget…This time, I’m really lost and it has been really difficult to plan this trip….Do you have any tips or suggestions for our trip? Thank you ^-^

February 27, 2020 at 5:13 am

It really depends on what you want to do, your budget, and where you are staying in London. But I would recommend considering getting a London Pass or London Explorer Pass if many of the places you want to visit are included on those passes. They can help save you money and also help you organize your time – the London Pass also includes a sightseeing bus and boat tour you can do.

I’d make a list of the places you really want to see and can realistically see in the time you have and then group them together by where they are in London. The half-days are going to make it harder to plan around, especially if you are arriving into London via the airport as most places will be closing by the time you get in so I’d focus on the evening only activities that night (London Eye, theatre shoes, late night museum openings) so you don’t feel rushed.

I would also focus on some of the many free and low-cost attractions in London – many of London’s best museums have free entry (donation only) and there are of course the parks, gardens, and you can do your own walking tours of neighborhoods of interest.

If dining out is not a must-do, you can definitely save money in London on food and drink by picking up sandwiches, salads, snacks, etc. on the go rather than dining in. Grocery stores, Marks & Spencer, Greggs, Pret a Manger, fast food, etc. Museum cafeterias can also be great places to stop and eat that are normally good value without taking up too much time (if you are there already). It can also save you time, especially in the day, if you are trying to see a lot in one day.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip! Jessica

Karen Gilbert Post author

February 8, 2020 at 8:23 pm

Good Morning My friend and i will be in London (first time) on 14th April departing 18th April from Gatwick to South Australia. I have looked at so many things and have got myself very confused. We woud like to see Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, the Mews, Kensington Palce, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, Parliment Houses, Harrods and Portobella Markets and a cruise on the Thames. Is this realistic??We have a hop on hop off bus ticket for the 15th only. Is it worth getting the London Pass or would it be better to pay as we go in case our wants exceed our endurance. We are both in our 60’s. We dont want to do too much walking (ie a complete walking tour)but we can manage some walking. Should we get an oyster Card? we are staying at Hyde Park Executive Apartments which is close to a train station and bus line i understand. Any help you can give 2 older ladies would be appreciated very much.

February 9, 2020 at 5:38 am

I would look at how much time you have from arrival to when you need to depart London for Gatwick airport. Do you have 4 full days for instance? 3.5 days?

Then I’d break down the places you want to see by day and think about how much time you wan to spend at each. For instance do you plan to tour Westminster Abbey or do you just want to see the outside of it? Most things are not time specific except for things like the Changing of the Guard so you will want to take that into account when planning our your days.

For the busiest places, like Tower of London you’ll want to try to get there first thing in the morning to make the most of your visit.

Given the number of places you want to see, I would suggest that you’d probably save money with a 3 day London Pass. The London Pass allows you to be flexible as it sounds like you don’t want to pre-purchase your tickets for attractions in advance? So then the pass would be ideal if you plan to visit several places on it.

The Oyster Card can also make transport easier for you if you plan to use the public transit and you can also use it to get to and from the airport.

The apartments it looks like you are staying are near some metro and bus stops. The Paddington train station is about a 15 minute walk away. However, if you are flying into Gatwick Airport, you might be better off staying near Victoria Station in London as the bus and train connections to and from Gatwick are better to Victoria train station. But you can of course just transfer and change trains to get there as well.

Veronica Webster Post author

January 28, 2020 at 11:17 am

Hi Jessica, I love your blog!! My husband and I are travelling in March to London-Paris-Amsterdam and your blog has been very useful. Very well organized, the information is fantastic. Here gomy questions. Based on your 3 days itinerary we have planned the London part. My “problem” seems to be fitting Saint Paul’s Cathedral in a more efficient way, on day 2, as we also plan to take the river cruise that day. I’m breaking down the draft so maybe you have some suggestions

Day 1, we arrive 10:50 am in London, we are giving ourselves like 2-2:30 hours to arrive to hour hotel (customs, picking up Oyster card, London pass, etc), our hotel is very close to Saint Pancras station (5 minutes walk, on Argyle square). As it will be the afternoon, we’re trying things not included in the London Pass. If we make it to he museum well, if not we will just take time to walk around and enjoy the evening by Picadelly Circus.

Day 1 Arrival Hotel British Museum Picadelly Circus

Day 2 (we start the London Pass) HopOnOff (we actually use it as transportation to Westminster) Parliament Square Westminster Abbey Big Ben ( I know it’s under renovation, just watch) Churchill War Rooms Trafalgar Square Buckingham palace

Day 3 Tower of London Tower Bridge/London Bridge (we walk to St Paul’s and views of bridges) St Paul’s Cathedral (here we would use the tube to go back to almost where we started to take the cruise) Cruise Tower of London-Westminster Westminster Bridge to London Eye London Eye

Day 4 Kensington Palace Hyde Park Harrods

Thank you very much!! Veronica

January 29, 2020 at 6:34 am

Hi Veronica,

Yes, I would probably leave yourself 3 hours for everything just to be on the safe side for everything as it is hard to predict time it takes for security etc. and you don’t want to feel rushed on your first day.

Day 1 – The British Museum is a great place to visit and entry is by donation only and there is so much to see that you could spend most of the day here if you wanted. From there you could also wander around the Covent Garden area and go to Picadilly Circus. If you don’t get to Picadilly Circus your first night, it is very close to Trafalgar Square on your second day so easy to fit in there between Trafalgar and Buckingham Palace. Day 2 – Looks good, yes, I think they’ve uncovered Big Ben finally (it was under wraps for a while) but it is still under construction. But you will see it from as soon as you step off the bus into Parliament Square. You’ll also see it from Westminster Bridge which you cross to get to London Eye on Day 3 which is our favorite view of the Houses of Parliament. I am guessing you are going by Buckingham Palace just for the view, correct? The palace is not open to the public in March but you can visit the next door Queen’s Gallery (royal art gallery) and the Royal Mews (royal carriages). Both are included with your London Pass if you have extra time that day. Day 3 – I think St. Paul’s is fine as you have it and it is only about a 30 minute walk between the two sites if you go along the river and it is a nice walk along the Thames (provided weather isn’t too bad!). Just note that the London Eye is not included as part of the London Pass so you’ll want to buy tickets for that separately. Day 4 – Looks good. If you are staying near St. Pancreas train station, you are a fairly short walk away from the Eurostar station if you are taking the train from London to Paris.

If you are still planning your Paris part, this suggested 3 day itinerary may be helpful.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip to London, Paris, & Amsterdam!

Leslie Post author

December 1, 2019 at 5:25 am

Thank you so much for your 3 day itinerary! I visited London for the first time in October and only had 3 days; I followed your itinerary almost exactly (with just a few slight variations). London seemed a little overwhelming as I was planning my trip and your itinerary made it so easy to figure out how to organize and spend my time. I was able to see all of the highlights I wanted to without feeling rushed. It turned out to be one of the best trips I’ve ever taken!

December 1, 2019 at 6:28 am

Hi Leslie, So happy to hear that you had a great trip to London and that our 3 day London itinerary was helpful in planning your trip. Thanks for letting us know! Feel free to share any highlights from your own trip or tips for future readers visiting London as I know a lot of other visitors only have a few days to explore. Best, Jessica

December 2, 2019 at 2:30 pm

I think the highlight of my trip was the morning spent in Kensington; walking through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, touring Kensington Palace, then walking by Royal Albert Hall and on to the History Museum. One thing I did that was not on your itinerary was take the Thames Clipper (you can use your Oyster card) from the Tower of London to Greenwich. I enjoyed walking around Greenwich, visiting the market and a pub there, and of course see the Royal Observatory and standing on the Prime Meridian!

December 3, 2019 at 9:38 am

So glad you enjoyed Kensington so much. Yes, it is nice a nice area of London to wander around and there is a lot to do and see while still being fairly relaxing with lots of green spaces and free museums.

We enjoy Greenwich too, especially the historical sites and market! We have it as part of our 6 day London itinerary but not on our 3 day one. But yes for those wanting to take a Thames river cruise, to any destination, the Tower of London is a great place to do it as the boat stops just a short walk from the Tower.

So glad you had a great trip and thanks so much for sharing some of your favorite places and tips!!

Trevor Hall Post author

September 25, 2019 at 7:10 am

I’m glad London has great transportation that I can take all around the city. My wife and I are taking our kids to the UK soon to make some fun memories. I’ll try to incorporate public transportation into our plans.

September 26, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Yes, it is very easy to get around London using public transportation and you can check out this guide to London public transit for some more information and tips. You can explore just about all of London using a combination of public transportation and walking. Best, Jessica

Sanjay Kadam Post author

September 7, 2019 at 8:17 pm

Dear Team, Excellent information provided for visiting London. I am sure with such descriptive and in-depth study of spending 3 days in London anyone as per his/her budget can explore London . it will be much more easier and convenient to a first time traveler. Thanks and keep up the good work.

September 8, 2019 at 2:24 am

Hi Sanjay, Thanks for taking the time to comment, and glad it was useful to you. Wishing you a wonderful trip to London! Jessica

Taryn Hristova Post author

August 27, 2019 at 5:55 am

Thanks for this awesome article! My daughter and I just spent three days in London earlier this month and your itinerary was a lifesaver! We used it as ours. We did a ton of walking and feel like we packed so much in. Thank you so much for all of your research and advice 🙂

August 27, 2019 at 6:10 am

So glad you had a great visit to London and thanks for letting us know that our itinerary was helpful in planning your visit!

John William Post author

August 26, 2019 at 9:49 am

nice article, thanks for sharing.

August 26, 2019 at 11:33 am

Hi John, Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed it! Wishing you a great trip to London, Jessica

Tiffany Bui Post author

August 12, 2019 at 10:46 am

My friend and I are going to London Sept 14-18. We’ll arrive at Heathrow airport noon the 14th and travel to Paris morning the 18th from St Pancras station. We already got 3 days London Pass (mobile). Which London transportation pass do you recommend for our stay?

August 12, 2019 at 11:34 am

Hi Tiffany,

For your time in London, I’d recommend the Oyster Card if you are looking for a transport card. You can read our Oyster Card guide for more info – you can purchase it in advance (the Visitor Oyster Card which can be purchased here ) or get one once in London.

For tips on using the public transit in London, you can read this London public transport guide .

For your trip to Paris, you’ll want to book your EuroStar tickets in advance for the train if you haven’t done so already.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a great trip to London & Paris!

Tiffy B Post author

August 12, 2019 at 1:04 pm

Thank you so much for the prompt response and all the helpful tips. I really appreciate your work. May you and Laurence be blessed in everything that you do!

Have a wonderful week!

August 9, 2019 at 3:58 pm

Great itinerary, thank you so much for your recommendation. I’m going to buy 3 days pass and how should I best fit Hop on hop off bus and the river cruise to this itinerary?

August 10, 2019 at 2:47 am

Glad you are planning to use our London itinerary. You can modify the itinerary as you wish but we would suggust maybe doing the sightseeing bus on the first day you arrive to get an overview of the city (rather than so much to get from place to place) by taking one of the routes. This can be a nice way to get an overview of a part of the city. But you can take a look at the routes and see what will make the most sense for you as it could work on other days as well.

We recommend doing the Thames River cruise on Day 2, perhaps after a morning visit to the Tower of London. There is a stop located near the Tower. You can also check out Day 2 suggestions as part of our 6 day itinerary as we have the Thames cruise included as part of it.

Simone Post author

August 6, 2019 at 5:38 am

Hey Laurence and Jessica, Thanks for the content, it has helped me a lot to craft the best route for my short-visiting.

August 7, 2019 at 5:44 am

Hi Simone, You’re very welcome and wishing you a great trip to London. Best, Jessica & Laurence

Claudel P Post author

June 11, 2019 at 8:57 am

Great post! We will be heading to London for 5 full days during Thanksgiving this year.. so I am loving reading on your 3 and 6 day posts! Will there be christmas decorations or christmas markets during this time (november 27-december 2). if so, do you know where and what we should hit? We love Christmas! Have you seen either plays: Harry potter & cursed child, wicked, or matilda? which would you recommend?

Thank you so so much! I’m sure I’ll have more questions once I continue reading 🙂

June 11, 2019 at 10:14 am

Hi Claudel,

Glad you are finding our London posts helpful in planning your trip.

Some Christmas decorations should be up by the beginning of December, especially in the stores. Some of the larger Christmas markets also start around this time. One of the biggest is the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and it is expected to begin in late November so you should be able to catch that which has Christmas market, decorations, ice skating, rides, circus shows, etc, but it is a bit early for exact dates for most of these so I’d check a bit closer to your trip. You can see the official website for the Winter Wonderland here .

I have personally seen Wicked and enjoyed it but not the other two, but all have really good reviews. I doubt you’d be disappointed with any of them and I would go for the one that is of most interest to you. Or if you are on a bit of a budget, you can see if you can get discount tickets for any of the shows once in London. If you are getting a London Pass, then Wicked is currently one of the shows that pass users are eligible for discounted tickets, you can see more about this here .

Note that the Harry Potter & Cursed Child is a long two-part show (either both shows on same day or 2 over 2 days) and tickets often sell out well in advance, and you are very unlikely to get a discount for that show. So if that one is your fave, I’d book it in advance to guarantee a seat.

If you enjoy Harry Potter, Laurence has a Harry Potter filming location in London guide that you might enjoy, as well as a guide to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour .

Olga castillo Post author

May 29, 2019 at 12:49 pm

Great tips and great 3 day pass information.

On the London pass does that include theater tickets? Any recommendations for a nice pub for lunch and for a good place for fish n chips. Also if you can help me out or give me some suggestions. I purchased London eye tickets for the wrong date, now it seems that I can’t change therefore will lose my money what can I do please help. Also can we wear shorts and go into the churches and the museums? Please advice if all possible. O. Castillo Miami Fl

May 29, 2019 at 2:23 pm

Glad you finding our London itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip. Sure happy to try to answer your question.

– The London Pass does not include free theater tickets, but it gives you up to 50% off on certain shows so you can purchase theater tickets at a discounted rates through their concierge service with your Pass. For example, there is usually 4-5 shows discounted (e.g., Aladdin, Thriller Live) and the discounts are usually between 20 to 50% off the normal ticket price. You can see more about this here . -BTW, I assumed above you were referring to West End performance theater, not movie theaters / cinemas as the London Pass does allow free entry to see films in a few area Curzon movie theaters right now. You can see those listed under the included attractions.

-There are LOTS of good pubs in London and many also serve fish and chips so you can get both at the same place in many cases. I’m not an expert on good fish n chips, but I would just do a search online depending on where you are and you’ll find lots of recommendations. The Clarence in Whitehill (Westminster) is a long-standing central pub where many Prime Minsters have had a pint including Winston Churchill. One popular spot for fish n chips is Ben’s Traditional Fish & Chips. But as I said, there are lots and lots of pubs, you’ll run into them everywhere as you walk around.

-For London Eye tickets, I can’t really help with that. You will need to call or email the London Eye or ticket seller where you purchased the tickets to see if they can change the date for you. Where did you purchase them?

-Appropriate shorts (e.g., not too short) should be OK in London. Most of the churches in London are active places of worship and so you should dress respectfully and act as you would in churches in your own country. You are asked to dress respectfully and modestly (e.g., avoid wearing things like skimpy tank tops, midriff baring tops, really short shorts/skirts) and for men to remove hat upon entry, etc.

-Note that if you are from Miami you might find London a bit chilly depending on the weather when you visit, as it can be cool and rainy even in the summer at times (or it can be pretty hot). So be sure to check the weather before your trip and make sure you bring some clothes for layering.

Stanley Post author

May 18, 2019 at 8:58 pm

Hi Jessica,

We, a party of 4 adults and 6 teenagers, will be in London this December. First arrival on the 18th, then off to Europe the next day, and back to London for a few days from the 31st to the 2nd

My questions are:

1. Would moving around London (mainly using tube, HIHO, and walking) during New Year’s eve and New Year’s day itself be congested, meaning we may have to scale down on the number of places that we plan to visit?

2. Will the attractions be open on New Year’s day?

3. For the above reasons, and to avoid the crowd, we are actually considering the option of taking a day trip to Bicester Village on New Year’s eve for some shopping. But, can you advise if we would have problems returning to London due to overcrowding on the trains and tube?

May 19, 2019 at 3:42 am

Hi Stanley,

Sounds like a fun family trip to Europe.

1. Yes, things will likely be congested on New Year’s Eve, especially towards evening as many people will be heading off to eat, celebrate, and party. So expect it to be busy and the Tube may not be the best place to be later in the evening (e.g., plenty of loud drunk people). But New Year’s Day shouldn’t be too bad as most people in the UK are off work and sleeping in as it’s a public holiday.

2. Some attractions will be closed on New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day so I would be sure to double check the ones you plan to visit to be sure they are open. Some may just have reduced hours. But you should still find plenty to do in London on these days as many attractions stay open.

3. Bicester Village is definitely an option and I think it only closes on Christmas. You can get there by train or you can book one of the dedicated shuttle buses that goes back and forth from central London to Bicester Village if worried about the trains/Tube. It is a very popular destination with the Chinese and other international tourists so it will likely still be busy but not more busy than usual. Other non-shopping options is to book a day tour to some place like Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Kent, Cambridge, the Cotswolds, etc. Since you have such a large group, a private tour is likely to be less expensive than joining a group tour and most private tours will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel so you don’t need to worry about transportation.

May 19, 2019 at 9:15 pm

Many thanks for the speedy response and useful tips, much appreciated.

Warmest Regards,

Vicki Baker Post author

May 17, 2019 at 6:51 am

So informative. Thanks so much. I have planned our UK trip from your suggestions. What SIM card for my cell phone do you recommend for the UK. We are coming from Canada.

May 17, 2019 at 7:33 am

Hi Vicki, Glad you are finding our London itinerary and other UK content helpful. For a SIM card, perhaps the easiest is going to be the Three SIM card , which you can pick up at the airports in booths or once in London. Then you can just add data to it as required, and they come with unlimited texts and minutes. Three is our provider here in the UK.

Another to consider is the SIMS and SiM stickers by KnowRoaming which is a Canadian company and you could get one before your trip. We’ve used them as well before.

But you can read more about these and other options for getting online and staying in touch internationally in this article .

May 17, 2019 at 7:56 am

Thank you Jessica for the quick response. Will look up the article you suggested. Great help. Keep up the good work!

May 17, 2019 at 9:03 am

Hi Vicki, Glad it was helpful and just leave Laurence (my husband who wrote the article about SIM cards, hotspots, etc.) a comment if you have further questions as he is more of an expert on UK SIMs 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful time in the UK. Jessica

Tim Riley Post author

April 5, 2019 at 10:10 am

Wonderful web site. We are going to be in London 2 days prior to a Princess Cruise around the British isles. There are 8 of us, ranging in age form 62-82. We arrive Heathrow, June 4 @ 6:45am and will be staying 2 nights 6/4 & 6/5) at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel. Boarding the ship on Thursday, June 6. Would like your suggestion of how best to make the most of 2 these days.

Thanks for your time.

April 5, 2019 at 1:04 pm

Your hotel is well suited for exploring the central highlights of London. I would recommend doing Day 1 and Day 2 of this itinerary. And then I’d recommend taking a few things out and slowing it down since you’ll be traveling in a bigger group. Getting a 2 day London Pass can help as it will allow you to bypass ticket lines at many attractions.

I’d also recommend asking everyone for 1 or 2 must-see things to do or see in London and see if you can incorporate at least one thing everyone really wants to do. Hopefully most will fall within the main highlights (Tower of London, Buckingham Place, etc.) of the itinerary, but may also include changing the itinerary a bit to visit the British Museum, going to a particular shop, or making sure to stop for a fish and chips pub lunch or going to a West End performance.

It may also make sense for a group of this size to split into 2 if there are differences in interests (e.g., one wants to spend the day in museums and one wants to go shopping).

If you have any specific questions about how to modify the itinerary, let me know!

Ken Post author

March 25, 2019 at 10:09 pm

Hi Jessica, we are planning 4 and half days in London and then 3 days and nights starting in Bath and Cotswold. Any suggestions on a mid range hotel/ bed and breakfasts . We are taking a train to Bath and I’m asking for help on the transportation to the Cotswolds area, places to stay for 3 nights,tours and rentals car to get around. Thanks in advance, Ken

March 26, 2019 at 11:29 am

I’d book your train ticket in advance to Bath to save money and also ensure a seat reservation. You can see schedule here .

For exploring the Cotswolds, you can either explore on your own by car or you can take a half day or full day tour from Bath. So if you stay within walking distance of central historic Bath (e.g. Roman baths) you could probably do it without a car if you wanted and rely on public buses and day tours. Or you can rent a car in Bath but you don’t really need a car to explore Bath itself as the highlights are located within walking distance of each other.

If you rent a car, there are a few agencies in Bath including Europcar and Enterprise, we normally use Enterprise, you can check prices here . Just note you need to take a short bus or taxi ride from central Bath to many of the car rental agencies, including Enterprise, as most are a little outside the city center.

For activities and day trips from Bath, I’d check out this list . Some good day trips might be Stonehenge, Cotswolds, Oxford, Bristol, Cheddar Gorge, but I’d recommend spending one day just exploring Bath itself.

We haven’t personally stayed in Bath overnight so I don’t have any personal recs, but there are a number of mid-range hotel and B&B options, I’d just pick something near the city center. Some to check out might be Annabelle’s Guest House , Henrietta House , or The Rising Sun Inn .

Menaka Post author

March 18, 2019 at 5:06 pm

hi Jessica This is super awesome…all your blogs have helped me tremendously in planning my itinerary. Would greatly appreciate your inputs on a few of my questions below: 1- as part of the London pass, I believe we get one day of HOHO bus and River Thames cruise option. Assuming the 24 hour clock for HOHO starts the moment we take the bus but do we also have to take the River Thames cruise within that 24 hours or can we do it any time within the 3 days of London Pass validity? 2- how did use the HOHO option with the 3 day pass itinerary? 3- we want to do the stonehenge, bath and windsor day trip as a part of a tour so I’m assuming the admission fee to Windsor would be a waste for us? 4- we are a party of 6, 2 kids (5 and 9) and 4 adults (2 over 60)- how family friendly would you consider the 3 day itinerary, also considering, we will be jet lagging first couple of days. We are staying a total of 6 days in London and 3 in Edinburgh- London 4 days, Edinburgh 3 days and London 2 days.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

thanks Menaka

March 18, 2019 at 6:05 pm

1. The HOHO bus ticket is good for 1 full day, so not for 24 hours. Just for one full operating day of the sightseeing bus to whenever the bus service begins to when it ends. The HOHO River Thames cruise is good for 24 hours, and I would probably do this a different day than you are using the bus ticket. 2. You can use the HOHO bus anytime/day you want, but I’d probably do it the first day so you can listen to the commentary and learn more about the city and sightsee from the bus before you start visiting a lot of places. If you are feeling tired the first day from jet lag, this can also be a nice break from walking. Since our itinerary is designed for walking, you don’t really need the bus or public transit too much to get around so you can also use it more to just sightsee than to get from place to place, but it is up to you. 3. For the day trip, yes, the price of the entry fee for Windsor is probably included in your tour cost. I’d try to do the day tour on a day when you don’t have the London Pass if you have days when the pass is not going to be valid. 4. With 2 younger kids and a group of 6 people, it is going to take you longer and you’ll need more breaks. So I’d cut out a little bit from each day or just take it at a relaxed pace and do what you can each day, without trying to rush too much. Maybe just set priorities to make sure that everyone in the group gets to visit their top attraction. I’d get some info from everyone what their must-see thing to do in London is so you know it ahead of time and can make sure you can fit it in.

Elaine Post author

February 24, 2019 at 8:54 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence, My friend and I are traveling to London and Paris from 4/19 (land at 9am) – 4/26 (leave at 6:40 pm) . My son is studying abroad in Bologna and will be meeting us in London for the weekend. We are in London from 4/19-4/23 but are going on a day trip to Highclere Castle on 4/22. What days’ itinerary would you suggest for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is Easter so hope that doesn’t impact our stay too much. We were planning on attending Mass(Covent Garden) around 9ish that morning then continuing on from there. We are staying at the Doubletree Hilton – Victoria. Thank you, Elaine

February 24, 2019 at 10:15 am

I think our suggested 3 Day itinerary will work for you since you essentially have 3 full days with one day going to Highclere Castle. I’d just check on the opening dates for each attractions you want to visit. Some may be closed (or have reduced hours) for Easter Sunday. Many attractions are closed certain days (Westminster Abbey closes on Sunday) so I would just plan as you would any other trip. If you plan to follow our itinerary (at least loosely), I’d recommend considering the London Pass.

Covent Garden is a good area as you are within walking distance (or short ride) from several good attractions including St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Transport Museum, The National Gallery, and the West End theatres.

At Highclere Castle be sure to take time to stroll the gardens and visit the museum – the focus of the visit here has become on Downton Abbey but I think the true life story of the family is more interesting.

I would expect that London will be busier than usual that weekend as many people, locals and tourists, will be enjoying a long weekend in the city. But it should not be as busy as summertime.

For Paris, it looks like you may have at least 2 full days there. Here is a suggested 2 day Paris itinerary that may be helpful.

Hope that helps, and let us know if you have any specific questions as you continue planning your trip to London!

Cindy Post author

January 13, 2019 at 1:05 pm

I am researching my first trip to London. I think that our flight will come in around 11:00 am. Is this too late to start with the day 1 itinerary? Is there something else that you would recommend for this day?

January 13, 2019 at 3:22 pm

Hi Cindy, If your flights lands around 11am and then you go through security, baggage claim, travel into London, and check into your hotel to leave your luggage, you’ll probably have about half the day left. So you could probably fit in part of the day’s itinerary, but you won’t be able to do it all.

I would suggest just picking one big attraction that you want to visit and head there after you get into London and drop off your luggage, perhaps in Westminster. Then after your visit you can see how much time you have left. I’d do some walking around and visit one or two of the attractions that are open later hours, such as the London Eye and the the Shard or you can do a tour such as the Jack the Ripper tour or get tickets for a West End show. Some of the museums also are open late one night of the week (Fridays is a popular day) so you can check that as well.

Hope that helps, Jessica

Cindy Dunlap Post author

May 6, 2019 at 3:01 pm

Hi Jessica, I think this was my post to you from January. Now that I have solidified my itinerary a little more, it raises more questions. You were so good with your last reply I am reaching out to you again. We land at Heathrow at 10:10am on May 12th, with transportation to our hotel in Bloomsberry already covered. Should we purchase our Oyster Pass at the airport? We will be in London May 12th, 13th, 14th, then Paris on the 15th for a one day visit. (Already have tickets for EuroStar) Back in London 16th with a 1:15 Harry Potter Tour and 17th with an afternoon tour of Stonehenge. We fly back home at noon on Saturday the 18th. We are planning to get a two day London Pass since my understanding is they have to be used on consecutive days. Should we pick up the pass at their Center? We love your 3 day itinerary but how can we tweak it to fit our schedule, any suggestions? Also, we want to do the London Eye, any idea as to when would be best time to squeeze it into our time in London? So much to see so little time???? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, Cindy

May 7, 2019 at 1:11 pm

Hi Cindy, Yes, I think getting the Oyster Card at the airport make sense and then you can start using it right away. Otherwise you can purchase the Oyster Card at just about any Underground station (the standard one, not the Visitor one).

Yes, the London Pass has to be used during consecutive days so it does sound like you would want the 2 day London Pass. I would then to try to visit all the main attractions you want to visit covered by the London Pass on those 2 days. You can often save money by purchasing the London Pass online and then you could pick it up in central London. Otherwise, you can purchase it at the Heathrow airport Information Center, but the lines here can sometimes be a bit long.

If you like the itinerary and you only have 2 days, I would just do Day 1 and Day 2 of the itinerary as that covers most of the central highlights of London. The London Eye is already included as a suggestion for something to do in the evening of Day 1. Since the London Eye is not included on the London Pass, it is good to do in evening when other attractions are closed. It is also nice for sunset views and is open late.

Grace lee Post author

October 17, 2018 at 5:46 pm

Wow! I can’t believe how helpful this site is! You’re amazing. We will be in london in June for about 5 full days and will follow your 3 day itinerary. We want to explore Cotswolds area. Is there a way to do it without a tour guide? Sounds like it’s not an easy area to visit on your own? We will rely on public transportation. Any suggestions please? Thank you! Sincerely, Grace from Chicago

October 18, 2018 at 12:19 pm

Public transport is generally very good in the UK, particularly England, but it is not the best in the Cotswolds area. You can take a train to get there but a train will not get you around efficiently. There are several bus companies that operate within the area but you can spend a lot of time waiting and changing buses to see the main towns with tourist appeal unless you only want to stop in one or two of them. It is doable though to see the area by bus, and best if you have 2 days from London to explore just so you have adequate time to really explore. If you decide to do public transit, I’d recommend taking a train to Oxford and then taking buses from there.

But probably the two best ways to explore the area, especially as a day trip or overnight trip from London, are by renting a car or taking a guided bus tour (or private tour). If you are only doing a day trip, it is probably not worth renting a car unless you have a bit more time. Taking an escorted tour of the Cotswolds is very time efficient as you don’t have to worry about driving or parking, can visit several villages in one day, and they will take you to some of the most scenic and popular spots.

Check out our article on visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds , as it goes over the various options in how to get to Oxford and the Cotswolds from London (car, train, bus, guided tour, self drive). It can also help you decide what villages and attractions you may want to visit on a day trip.

Hopefully that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to London!

Julie Post author

October 17, 2018 at 12:00 am

Hello I will be arriving at Gatwick airport next month. It is my first trip to London and I am very excited! Can I know where can I buy the London oyster card and London pass in Gatwick airport? Will the shop be opened? Also how much to rent a wifi router there? My arrival time is 5am. I will need the card to go to St Pancras station. Thanks in advance!

October 17, 2018 at 1:23 pm

Sounds like an exciting trip to London!

You can buy the London Pass at Gatwick Airport at the travel concierge and reservations desks. I don’t know for certain their hours, but it says here that there are 2 and both open at 4:00am. I would call in advance just to double check their times and what they have available if you need to purchase something there and you can find all the phone details here: https://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/shopping-eating/shops/airport-concierge/

But I would actually recommend buying the London Pass online in advance if you can. It is currently on sale so it will save you a little money – you can then have it delivered to your home (for a shipping fee) or pick it up once in London (for free).

If you are planning to get a Visitor Oyster Card , you need to purchase it in advance. You can purchase it alone or in combination with the London Pass.

The regular Oyster Card can be purchased at the concierge desks in Gatwick North Terminal or Gatwick South Terminal or at the Gatwick Airport train station (or most Underground stations once in London).

I am not sure about mobile WiFi hotspots, but you can certainly rent them if you need to. If you can’t rent one in the airport (or they seem too pricey), you can certainly rent them once you get into London. Here is a guide to getting online while traveling that might be helpful. But you might also look into options before your trip. Prices generally range from about $7 to $12 per day depending on the company.

Hope this helps and do let us know if you have more questions as you plan your trip to London!

October 19, 2018 at 10:35 pm

Hi Jessica, thank you for your quick reply. 🙂 Could you let me know if our itinerary (first week of Nov) is feasible? We do not want to wear ourselves out, yet do not wish to miss out on any interesting sights.

DAY 1 (5pm onwards) – Watch a musical. Which do you recommend? And any tips on getting a cheaper tic? I have watched The Wicked, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera and the Les Miserables at my hometown. Would love to watch one that I have not seen before in London itself!!

DAY 2 – 1) Free & easy day trip to Stonehenge. Love to see the magnificent wonders of nature! Is it the most convenient way to go by the tube? Can I just use the Oyster card?

2) Leicester Square to see the Christmas lights (heard it will be up already?)

DAY 3 – 1) Sky Garden, 2) Imperial War Museum, 3) Westminister Abbey, 4) Churchill War Rooms, 5) Thames River Boat Cruise @Westminister Pier, 6) London Eye.

DAY 4 – 1) St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2) Tower of London, 3) Tower Bridge, 4) Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, 5) Borough Market, 6) View From The Shard.

DAY 5 – 1) Kensington Palace, 2) Windsor Castle.

DAY 6 (Need to leave for Gatwick around 6 – 7pm) – 1) British Museum, 2) London Zoo.

I am thinking to get a 3 days London Pass to use from Days 2 ~ 4. Is the free transport to Windsor Castle still valid on Day 5, after the 3 days?

We are also keen in the following: Is it possible to squeeze into the above?

1. Mudchute City Farm (If we go for this, should we skip London Zoo?) 2. Chinatown 3. Museum of Brands, Packaging & Advertising 4. Brick Lane visit 5. Big Ben (Is it under renovation?) 6. B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

We are also on a tight budget as have spent most on the airfare and accommodation. It would be great if you can recommend any affordable and nice places to eat, shop (for souvenirs, snacks, etc) or apps that can use to get discounts? Is UK Groupon good for tourists? Our budget is around 20 pounds/pax for lunch and dinner.

Thank you in advance!

October 21, 2018 at 9:33 am

There are a lot of musicals (and plays) always playing in London – you’ve seen some good ones, some other popular ones include Kinky Boots, Book of Mormon, Aladdin, Matilda, Mamma Mia, Thriller, Hamilton, and School of Rock.

If you are flexible about the performance you see, a good way to save money is to check in at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square which offers half-price and discounted theatre tickets or you can go directly to a theatre’s box office on the day for cheap standby tickets and returns. But you can also save money often by booking online (just be sure to book with a reputable ticket seller). You can also get discounted theater tickets with the London Pass (performances change but currently includes Thriller, Kinky Boots, and Aladdin) as well and you can see more about that here .

If you want to go to Stonehenge, you will need to book train tickets (and then take a shuttle) or book a bus trip. Stonehenge is far from London so you cannot use your Oyster Card or take the Tube. You can read all about that in our Stonehenge day trip post. I’d recommend booking a day tour for the most convenient option.

Day 3 – This will be a busy day and a bit spread out. I’d start early and perhaps consider starting at either Westminster Abbey or Churchill War Rooms as those are the busiest 2 attractions. Or start really early at Sky Garden (breakfast or coffee) so you can get to one of the others by opening time.

Day 4 – Tower of London gets very busy, so you may want to go there first. St. Paul’s is also busy but absorbs crowds a bit better. Just a thought.

The London Pass will definitely save you money on your time in London if you do all the above. I’d consider the 6 Day London Pass (especially since it is currently on sale) as I think it will be worth it as you’ll save money on entrances to Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, and the travel to Windsor and back. Otherwise you will need to pay for these entrances and the travel.

I would probably not try to squeeze much more into your itinerary as it is already pretty full. If you find yourself with extra time, it is always good to know what else is around you but I would maybe not try to do too much more. Having some time to relax and enjoy just wandering around and enjoying a pub lunch is always nice 😉 Big Ben is under renovation and is not expected to reopen to the public for tours until 2021.

Some budget tips: London Pass will save you money on attractions and theatre tickets. Grab sandwiches and snacks from places like Boots or Marks & Spencers during the day – most UK grocery stores and convenience stores offer grab-and-go meals deals around £10 which include sandwich or pasta, side or snack, and drink. Compare menus for sit-down meals before you sit down – traditional pub meals usually offer a good value in London as well as ethnic food spots like Indian, Thai, and Pakistani. London has great Indian food! I have not used Groupon in the UK but it is here.

October 24, 2018 at 12:21 am

Noted on your tips.

If I buy a 3 days London Pass, do I have to activate the HOHO bus and transport to/from Windsor Castle during the same 3 days? Or can they be used outside of the 3 days?

Also what is the current theatre 1 for 1 promotion on the Visitor Oyster card? I read up online and it seems that the train play (can’t remember the name) has finished? Does it offer discount for Aladdin and the other plays that you mentioned?

If not, would it better if I just buy a standard Oyster Card at Gatwick airport’s concierge counter upon arrival? Is it for sale there? I emailed them but no response.

Where are the places that I can get affordable souvenirs and snacks?

October 25, 2018 at 12:51 pm

Yes, you do need to get and use the HOHO ticket while your London Pass is valid, you use your London Pass to get a same-day ticket to get on the bus. It is the same for Windsor Castle as if the person checks your London Pass date and it is expired they won’t let you though the gates (they are manned by a staff member). So for your itinerary, I’d recommend the 6 day pass as it will probably be a better value than the 4 for what you want to do.

For the discounts with the Visitor Oyster Card, you can see them here . They change regularly so not sure which theater tickets are currently on offer. For the London Pass, you can see the discounted tickets on offer here (currently includes Aladdin).

The Oyster Cards are essentially the same but the Visitor Oyster Card provides discounts so it is normally the pick for most visitors. But if you don’t plan to use any of the discounts, then either will work exactly the same. Just remember the Visitor Oyster Card would need to be purchased before your arrival to London.

As noted before, there are several locations you can purchase the regular Oyster Card at Gatwick. If you need to get a hold of the airport concierge counter, I’d recommend calling them rather than email them. The phone number to both desks is on the page I sent earlier.

For discounts on passes and cards, you won’t find them in person, only online. So if the London Pass is on sale, I’d definitely recommend buying it online. The London Pass has fairly regular sales online. As far as I know there are not sales on the Oyster Card as it is a transport pass.

A good area for budget souvenirs is actually where you pick up the London Pass (if you buy it online, and don’t have it mailed) around Leicester Square as there are several shops there. But it depends on what you are looking for as you’ll see souvenir places all around as you travel in London. Snacks can be found all over – grocery stores like Boots, Sainsburys, Aldi, Tesco, etc. all have affordable snacks.

Wishing you a great trip to London!

Sulastri Gunawan Post author

October 14, 2018 at 7:33 am

We’re interested to follow your 3 days itinerary and buy a London Pass for 4 people. Please advise which 3 stars hotel should I stay which is close to the HOHO bus so we can save transport cost.

Many thanks and best regards, Lastri

October 14, 2018 at 2:37 pm

Hi Sulastri,

Glad you found our 3 days in London post helpful in planning your trip itinerary 😉 In terms of hotels in the 3 star range a few to check out are Premier Inn (located near the Borough Market and London Bridge), Hilton Tower Bridge (within walking distance of Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Borough Market) and Nadler Victoria Hotel (a 4-star near Buckingham Palace). All are centrally located and within a 10 minute walk of a HOHO bus stop – all work well with the itinerary and will minimize the amount of public transport (or taxis) you’ll need to take.

Those should give you some good places to start, but you have loads of lodging options in London near bus stops as the buses stop near almost all of the major centrally located tourist attractions.

sergio Post author

October 10, 2018 at 10:58 pm

This itinerary is amazing. The best one I’ve seen while researching my London trip next week. Is there a way to get this in a PDF or hard copy so I can keep it with me while on the road? Or should I just print it from my web browser. I feel like it may get too cluttered that way. Thanks!

October 12, 2018 at 7:28 pm

Hi Sergio, So happy you found our 3 day London itinerary so helpful in planning your trip! We don’t have a great way to get a PDF of our content at this time, but since a lot of people have asked over the past year, we are trying to come up with a solution soon.

But can definitely print it if you wish and the best way to do that might be to scroll to the bottom of the post and then find the “Share this Post” social icons. If you then click on the “More” button, you’ll find a print option.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to London! Jessica

Karen Post author

October 10, 2018 at 9:50 am

Hi, We will be visiting London October 25-28. I am having a hard time deciding on how to plan out our days. We arrive October 25th at 10:00 am from Los Angeles. I would like to do some sightseeing that afternoon. What would you recommend doing that day? Th next day we will try to see a lot!! Then on the 27th I would like to go to Windsor and if you have other recommendations I would greatly appreciate it. Do you think we should book any tours? Sorry for all the questions. It’s difficult to cram so much in a short time. I appreciate your help. I love your site!! Its been very helpful.

October 10, 2018 at 10:53 am

I would recommend following the Day 1 suggested itinerary on your first afternoon in London. Since you will have a later start, you won’t be able to go inside too many places, so prioritize any of the sites you want to visit the interiors, but there is lots to see by just following the walking tour. Then on Day 2, I’d start at Tower of London if you want to visit there. On Day 2, you can also go back and visit anything on Day 1 that you missed and prioritize the places you really want to see/visit. Then Day 3 you can follow the Day 3 itinerary as it includes Windsor.

Since it sounds like you have about 3 full days, I’d just modify the 3 day London itinerary into how it fits your time in London and interests. The more you plan ahead, the more you’ll be able to see. Just make sure to leave in some flexibility so you are not too rushed and have some time to explore and enjoy!

Let me know if you have questions as you put together your itinerary.

Anais Hernandez Post author

October 1, 2018 at 5:42 pm

My brother and I will be spending 3 full days in London in November. After sooooo many reading of London itinerary, this one is the most complex. I feel it covers everything and most importantly at my pace. Love it! Well done!

October 3, 2018 at 8:31 pm

Hi Anais, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a comment and thanks so much for the kind words. We are so happy that you found our 3 day London itinerary helpful for planning your trip to London. We wish you and your brother a wonderful 3 days in London. Please let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip – we will be back in London in November ourselves for a week 😉 Best, Jessica

Hugh Post author

August 25, 2018 at 4:49 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence,

Simply wow….!!! Your efforts are really appreciable, this is an amazing itinerary for spending 3 days in London. I love all the images that you have shared. Thanks for sharing this!

August 25, 2018 at 5:45 am

Thanks Hugh, thanks for taking the time to comment and wishing you a great trip to London! ~ Jessica

Rio Post author

August 25, 2018 at 4:00 am

This is a great itinerary. As a native Brit I only visited the Tower of London last year and still have yet to visit The Churchill War Rooms (it was closed the last time I was there). I used to visit London several times a year as I had family living there at the time and we would rarely do any tourist attractions. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve actually managed to properly explore our Capital.

August 25, 2018 at 5:43 am

Hi Rio, Glad you enjoyed our London itinerary and hopefully you get a chance to visit some more attractions on your next trip. It is so true that we often don’t properly explore our own home. My husband lived in central London for a few years, and only went to a few of the major tourist attractions while he was there. Now, with me, he’s been to just about all the highlights over the past few years 😉 Best, Jessica

Rob+Ann Post author

August 21, 2018 at 8:55 pm

We’ll definitely be using both this itinerary and the London Pass on our next visit. Sadly, we have yet to actually dedicate a trip to explore the city properly! Fixing that is high on our list. Thanks for all of the ideas and details – pinning this one for later! Only thing is, so much to see we’ll have to repeat several times. At least, that’s our plan! 🙂

August 23, 2018 at 5:40 am

Hi Rob & Ann, Hope you get a chance to visit soon and the London Pass is definitely a great way to explore the city. Yes, there is so much to do in London that it can take a few visits to do all the things you might want to do. We visit at least once a year and always leave with things we want to see next time 😉 Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

August 20, 2018 at 6:10 am

The last time we were in London I was surprised at how crowded it was. It had been awhile since I’d been there, and I found it pretty packed. If I were to go back, I’d love the side trips. I’ve never done any of them. I would love seeing Highclere Castle and the Harry Potter world. I wonder what I would think of Stonehenge, but hey, why not? I love the detail of all of your posts.

August 20, 2018 at 6:29 am

Hi Seana, Yes, London is just one of those cities that is busy and popular year round – it can particularly be busy in the summer months. We tend to visit in the autumn, winter, or Spring although you can get some amazing weather in summer. Day trips are pretty easy to take from London and we’ve done all three of those ones and really enjoyed them – I am not even a huge Harry Potter fan but the Harry Potter Studio is still really interesting and well done. Best, Jessica

Anna Post author

August 19, 2018 at 7:43 am

London is such an awesome city and what a great itineary! I´ve spent a month there for my masters thesis 6 years ago and really wanted to go back to do more of the sightseeing ever since! Especially the day trips like Stonehenge or Oxford!

August 19, 2018 at 11:11 am

Hi Anna, Thanks, and hope you get a chance to return to London to do some of the day trips and explore more of the country. Stonehenge and Oxford are both great places to visit in England – we particularly really love Oxford. Best, Jessica

Michael Post author

August 19, 2018 at 3:26 am

Wow what an extensive list of things to do! WE live in London and are meant to be planning 3 days here for our friends later this year. I think I might just send them the link to this and then spend my afternoon in the pub!? Thanks for sharing!

August 19, 2018 at 4:59 am

Hi Michael, So you can just print the 3 day London itinerary, have them buy a London Pass, and meet up with them after their sightseeing in the evening for drinks and dinners – all sorted 😉 It can be hard to show people around a popular destination, I used to live near San Francisco and we now are in Edinburgh (Laurence used to live in London as well) and most people want to go do/see many of the same things but how many times do you really want to ride the cable cars or visit Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy your friends’ visit to London and hope this helps you a bit in your planning! Best, Jessica

Wendy Maes Post author

August 18, 2018 at 7:00 am

It’s been 16 yers since I was in London, but next month I am finally going back with my BFF. This itinerary is perfect! I am going to pin it to use it next month.

August 18, 2018 at 7:59 am

Hi Wendy, Thanks for pinning and so happy to hear you are getting a chance to visit London again next month. I hope you have a wonderful time and glad our London itinerary came at such a great time – enjoy your vacation in London! Best, Jessica

California Globetrotter Post author

August 17, 2018 at 7:20 pm

We thoroughly enjoyed using the London Pass and would highly recommend it again! And probably get it again on a future return to do more! So convenient, and it’s so nice to be able to visit as many locations as you wish without any limits, unlike Nashville.

August 18, 2018 at 7:47 am

Hi Lolo, Yes, the London Pass is one of our favorite city discount passes and we’ve used it a few times now. It would definitely save you money (and time) if spending three days in London and visiting many of the places on this itinerary. It along with the Paris Museum Pass are our two favorite city passes we’ve used.

There is a limit with the London Pass (there is a maximum purse value) but it is pretty high so very few travelers would be able to visit enough places to max is out, and we’ve never heard from anyone about this being an issue. Best, Jessica

Cynthia Post author

August 17, 2018 at 6:41 pm

This is a great itinerary! I was in London for 5 days a few years ago. My favorites were the National Gallery, the British Museum, and the Tate Modern. Also went to a couple other museums can’t remember names of! One had pre-Raphaelite art. Wonderful collections. The Tower of London and other iconic sights were faves as well. I liked seeing the sparkly jewels. 😉

August 18, 2018 at 7:41 am

Hi Cynthia,

Thanks, yes, London has some amazing museums and art galleries and you could easily spend 3 full days just visiting them! Sounds like you visited a number of great ones. Umm, for the pre-Raphaelite art, it may have been The Tate (not the Tate Modern) but it could have been one of several museums. Yes, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels is always a popular favorite 😉 Best, Jessica

Anda Post author

August 17, 2018 at 6:15 pm

London is one of my favorite travel destinations. We’ve spent a week there a few years ago, but my sweet memories started to fade. I think it’s time for another trip. Your 3-day itinerary gave me the idea to add London to our trip to Italy this fall.

August 18, 2018 at 7:36 am

Hi Anda, Ours too! Although I didn’t have a very good impression of London on my first day there, it was raining, windy, and there was tons of some sort of debris in the air that kept blowing into our faces. One of our first stops was also visa related which didn’t add to the appeal. But I’ve come to really love the city and there is just so much to do there, which is a good thing since is it one of the places we visit the most 😉 Hope you get a chance to stop in London in the fall. Best, Jessica

Katherine Post author

August 17, 2018 at 2:35 pm

I lived in London for a few years, and the best thing about it is that you’re never done seeing everything there. There’s always something new and different to check out, and your London itinerary is an awesome first taste! I miss it so much 🙂

August 18, 2018 at 7:34 am

Hi Katherine, I hope you get a chance to get back to London soon 😉 Laurence also used to live in London but saw very few tourist attractions while in London so he enjoys returning with me and seeing all the museums, historical attractions, etc. We’re excited to head back for a week in November! Jessica

Anisa Post author

August 17, 2018 at 1:46 pm

I have spent a fair amount of time in London but I still have so many things I want to see! I need to go to the Churchill War Rooms and do the tour of the Houses of Parliament. I still need to go to the Sky Garden too, but I never plan enough in advance.

August 18, 2018 at 7:31 am

Hi Anisa, Both the Houses of Parliament and Churchill War Rooms are great sites in London and both are easy to visit on the same day as they are a short walk from one another, but you do need to plan ahead for the Parliament. There are also some similar threads between them that make them good stops for the same day. We’ve visited the War Rooms twice, once with a guide and once without and found it interesting both times. Best, Jessica

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How to spend a perfect weekend in London

Jun 14, 2019 • 2 min read

River Thames and the London skyline at night © Tony C French / Getty Images

London has a ridiculous number of sights, activities and events to enjoy. You can’t possibly cram it all in to a short visit, so it's best not to try. Instead, take it one neighbourhood at a time. If you just have a weekend to spend in this fantastic city, follow Lonely Planet’s guide to making it perfect.

Start your day in Trafalgar Sq , gaze upwards at Nelson standing on his column and downwards along Whitehall to the Houses of Parliament , then head straight to the National Gallery , which holds a huge collection of European art. Pause for lunch at Portrait on the top floor of the gallery.

Stroll down towards the Thames, crossing at Hungerford Bridge, before taking a ride on the London Eye (book ahead online). Walk the South Bank  – home to Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre and the National Theatre – enjoying the buskers performing along the riverside and the skateboarders practising under Queen Elizabeth Hall. Tate Modern , a former power station, is home to a huge modern art collection. The views of the city from the 10th floor are spectacular, particularly of the Millennium Bridge across to St Paul’s Cathedral .

Take a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe or head straight for drinks and dinner in Borough Market near London Bridge. Try Arabica Bar & Kitchen for modern Middle Eastern sharing dishes, or join the people waiting patiently for a seat at popular pasta restaurant Padella .

The Square Mile is the finance centre of London, and also home to the Tower of London . Meet the ravens and have a chat with the Beefeaters before going in to the Jewel House to admire the spectacular Crown Jewels. When you’re done with the Tower, take a moment to admire the icon that is Tower Bridge , either from the riverside or on a visit that takes you up to a glass floor, 42m above the Thames. Stop for a pub lunch at The Ship .

Back to the West End we go, either on the tube or by bus, allowing you to see more of the city. Go to the British Museum and follow the object trails or hire an audio guide to help you get the most out of this collection of world treasures and culture.

Stop by the Museum Tavern for a well-earned drink. An evening in Soho, Chinatown or Leicester Sq beckons. Here you can find any kind of food, drink or entertainment to suit your mood. If it’s theatre you’re after, try your luck for last-minute tickets at the booths in Leicester Sq.

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2 Days in London: An Action-Packed 2 Day London Itinerary!

Are you planning a 2 day trip to London and wondering how to see and do it all?

In this 2 Day London itinerary, I’ll cover exactly how I recommend spending 2 days in London for first timers. This itinerary hits all the highlights like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Borough Market, Covent Garden, and more in a whirlwind 48 hours!

Of course, you won’t be able to see everything in the city (that would take weeks or months!), but 2 days in London will allow you to scratch the surface and experience the most iconic sites London has to offer.

So, keep reading if you are interested in an action-packed 2 day London itinerary for first time visitors!!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you!

London Trip Planning at a Glance

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to London to help plan your epic adventure!

Where to Stay: – The Z Hotel Covent Garden (Budget) – Hilton Doubletree Marble Arch (Mid-Range) – The Cavendish London Hotel (Mid-Range) – The Chesterfield Mayfair (Luxury) Places to Eat & Drink: – Dishoom Bombay Street Food – Sky Garden – Cahoot’s Underground – Roti King – plus Sunday Roast at a pub! Things to Do : – Westminster Walking Tour – Ride bikes through Hyde Park – Explore Soho and Covent Garden – Thames River Cruise to Tower of London – Eat your way through Borough Market

The Ultimate 2 Day London Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Action-Packed Days in London

Frequently asked questions, is it worth going to london for 2 days.

Absolutely! London is always worth it in my opinion. Of course, you won’t be able to see the entire city in 2 days, but you can hit most of the highlights. Plus you can always come back again!

What is the best way to get around london for 2 days?

I recommend taking advantage of public transportation as much as possible if you only have 2 days in London! Walking the entire city is a quick way to kill your feet, plus you’ll waste valuable time! London has an excellent public transportation system including the Underground (Tube) and double-decker buses that can get you all around the city.

What to do in London for 48 hours ?

Keep reading to find out more! But in general, I recommend hitting these highlights: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, Borough Market, Tower of London, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, and West End.

Is 2 days in London enough ?

2 days is the bare minimum I recommend spending in London! This will allow you enough time to see the main highlights if you are efficient with your time. 3 days is even better, but 4 days in London is the perfect amount in my opinion!

Where to stay with 2 days in London ?

With only 2 days in London, I recommend staying in the heart of central London so you can maximize your time. The neighborhoods of Marylebone , SoHo , Covent Garden , Victoria , and Westminster are the best options if you only have 2 days. However, these will be more expensive than if you stay outside the city center!

How to Get to London

Before we dive into this 2 day itinerary, let’s talk about the different ways of getting to London, England! If you are traveling to London from the United States, you will most likely be flying into London Gatwick Airport (LGW) or London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

These are London’s two largest airports and have the most international flights coming in and out of them. Did you know London actually has SIX airports?! The others are more commonly used for smaller, regional flights to other parts of England or Europe.

Once you arrive at either Heathrow or Gatwick , you’ll need to pass through border control, grab your bags, and make your way into the city center!

You have a few different options for getting from both airports into the city. Heathrow is about 16 miles outside central London, while Gatwick is around 28 miles.

Since you only have 2 days in London, I recommend choosing the fastest option for getting into the city to maximize your time (if it fits in your budget).

For Heathrow, this means taking the Heathrow Express, a high-speed train that runs several times a day from Heathrow Airpot directly to Paddington Station in the center of London. The train ride is only 15 minutes, and it is a very nice train with dedicated checked baggage areas.

If you decide to go with this option, I recommend looking at tickets as far ahead of your trip as possible to save money. If you book far enough in advance, you can snag one way tickets as low as 10 pounds! However, closer to the trip, you can expect to pay 25 pounds for the same ticket.

Another option for getting to London quickly from Heathrow is the newly opened Elizabeth line. This line, which also runs from the airport to Paddington station, takes around 30 minutes due to several stops it makes in between the two stations.

However, it can be significantly cheaper than the Heathrow Express, especially if booked closer to your trip or the day of. Fares for the Elizabeth line start at just 13 pounds.

You can read more about both the Elizabeth Line and the Heathrow Express, as well as other transportation options, on the Heathrow Website here !

For Gatwick Airport, your options are quite similar! Gatwick has the Gatwick Express, which is the fastest option and provides non-stop service to central London in 30 minutes. There is also the Southern line, which follows the same route, is cheaper, but takes a bit longer!

You can read more about the Gatwick Express and the Southern line, as well as other transportation options, on the Gatwick website here !

Where to Stay in London

Now that you know how to get into central London from the airport, let’s talk about where to stay in London ! You probably know that London is a large city – the main city center is around 16.5 square miles .

However, the greater London area is much bigger than that and actually has 32 boroughs!

Since you only have 2 days in London, I highly recommend staying in the heart of London. This means staying in either the City of Westminster or the City of London proper.

You can see what I am talking about on the map below! I’ve notated in purple specifically where I recommend looking for hotels during your 2 days in London.

Staying in this central area will help maximize your time for activities instead of wasting time commuting into the city center each day.

In terms of specific hotel recommendations in London, there is truly something for every traveler and budget! There are a few specific neighborhoods within the purple box above that you can use to narrow down your search, including Westminster, Victoria, Soho, Marylebone, Mayfair, Covent Garden, and St. James.

We chose to stay at the Hilton Doubletree Marble Arch in Mayfair, which was walking distance to Hyde Park and Soho, as well as two tube stations and several bus stations! This was the perfect location in my opinion, since everything was either walking distance or a short journey away on public transport.

Here are some other hotel options to consider in the purple area!

• The Z Hotel Covent Garden (Budget)
• The Cavendish London Hotel (Mid-Range)
• The Resident Soho (Mid-Range)
• The Chesterfield Mayfair (Luxury)

Whatever hotel you choose, my biggest tip is to make sure it’s within walking distance of a Tube station. With only two days in London, you should rely on public transportation as much as possible, which brings us to our next section!

Getting Around London

As mentioned above, with only 2 days in London, you’ll need to rely on public transportation as well as your own two feet to maximize your time for sightseeing!

This two day London itinerary will include a combination of public transportation (Tube or bus), bikes, and walking depending on where you are headed for each activity.

In general, I always recommend checking Google Maps or Citymapper before you set out to your next destination. These apps will be able to tell you the fastest way from Point A to Point B.

Sometimes, that means a quick Tube ride, but other times there is a public bus that will take you exactly where you need to go! We actually loved taking the bus during our time in London.

While sometimes the Tube looks like the faster option, it doesn’t always account for the time (and stairs!) it takes to get down into the station, which adds up!

Plus, the public buses in London are the red, double decker buses you’ve seen in travel magazines and on postcards. It can be very fun to ride up on the top level, especially if you get the front seat!

Day 1: River Cruise, Tower of London, Borough Market, and the London Eye

Welcome to your first day in London, England!!! It’s time to hit the ground running since you only have 2 days in London.

To make your trip planning as easy as possible, I’ve created the below map with all the locations mentioned in this itinerary pinned! The purple pins are for Day 1, and the yellow pins are for Day 2!!

Journey to Westminster

As expected, today is an action-packed day, so make sure to start your morning with a large breakfast near your hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll be heading down to the heart of Westminster to see Big Ben and board a Thames river cruise!

🚇 Transportation Tip: Depending on where you are staying, the fastest way to get here is to take the Tube to Westminster Station , which can be reached on the Circle (yellow) line or District (green) line!

Upon exiting the Tube station, you’ll be greeted by Big Ben towering over you! (It took me a few minutes to release where we were when we first arrived).

Fun Fact: Did you know Big Ben is NOT the name of the iconic tower?! Big Ben is actually the giant bell inside the clock tower, which is officially named Elizabeth Tower (named to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee).

Feel free to walk around this area a bit, including crossing over the famous Westminster Bridge for even more incredible views of Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben! You’ll also have time to explore Westminster Abbey tomorrow more!

Thames Sightseeing Cruise to Tower Bridge

Don’t stroll too far, however, since your next activity leaves right from Westminster Pier in front of Big Ben. You’ll be embarking on a Thames Sightseeing Cruise .

While it seems touristy, we actually loved taking a sightseeing cruise in London!! You get to see some iconic London landmarks like the Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and downtown London from a new perspective.

In addition, this cruise includes live commentary, so you’ll get to learn some fun facts about London along the way. It’s the perfect introduction to the city for first time visitors.

⛴️ Check pricing and availability of this Thames River Cruise here! ⛴️

Leaving from Westminster Pier, the river cruise will head east along the Thames. It will make a stop at the Waterloo Pier, which will give you the perfect opportunity to snap some photos of the London Eye as well as with Big Ben (like the one above).

From there, the cruise will continue along the river, passing other famous London landmarks like Cleopatra’s Needle, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Bridge (very underwhelming), and the HMS Belfast.

Finally, you’ll arrive at the iconic Tower Bridge (which is often confused as the London Bridge), with its signature blue suspension cables and castle-like structure.

You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities of the bridge from the River, as the cruise will slowly turn around in front of the bridge and dock at the nearby Tower Millennium Pier . Bonus points if you get a photo of a red bus crossing over the bridge like the one below!

When the cruise stops at the Tower Pier, it’s time to disembark and head over to the Tower of London , the next stop on this itinerary!

Tower of London

With only 2 days in London, I’ve cut out most of the museums and tours from this itinerary to maximize your time. However, I personally believe the Tower of London is a must-do attraction in London and something almost everyone will enjoy!

If you do plan on visiting the Tower of London, I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance . Tickets to visit the Tower are known to sell out, most commonly the morning time slots and especially if you are visiting in the summer.

Once you arrive at the Tower of London, you’ll be able to wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site as you see fit (I’d plan for 2ish hours here).

The Tower is a site to behold, as it dates back to the early 1000s and has been used as many different things since its inception (including a ZOO!).

Today, the Tower of London is most famous for housing the  Crown Jewels , a sparkling collection of regalia and gemstones. The jewels are kept under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, and some are still used by the monarch for national ceremonies, like Coronations or the State Opening of Parliament. 

In addition to the Crown Jewels, I also recommend checking out the  Lower Wakefield Tower , where you can see replicas of torture devices used at the Tower of London in the 1500s and 1600s. Creepy right?!

You can also see historic armor of past kings in the White Tower , learn about prisoners that were held at the Tower, and so much more! Overall, this is a great place to spend a few hours learning about London’s history.

Borough Market

By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite for lunch! So, it’s time to head to one of my favorite spots in London – Borough Market!

🚶🏼Transportation Tip: The best way to get to Borough Market from the Tower of London is actually just to walk! You’ll head back west along the river, cross over the London Bridge , and arrive at Borough Market in less than 20 minutes.

The market is tucked away right off the river, but it’s easy to find! Once arriving, you’ll be overwhelmed with all of the different food stalls. Here, you can get everything from paella to wine to coffee to cheese to meats and more!!

Make sure to try some fresh oysters and a sausage roll from the Ginger Pig – you won’t be disappointed!

London Eye and Pub Dinner

Now it’s time to leave Borough Market and head back towards the main city center across the River.

If you still have energy (and daylight), this is a great time to ride the iconic London Eye, a 400+ foot tall ferris wheel that towers over the London skyline and offers incredible views of the city.

🚇🚏 Transportation Tip: To get here from Borough Market, you can hop on the Jubilee line from London Bridge Station and ride 2 stops to Waterloo Station . Or, you can catch the #381 bus from the Hop Exchange to County Hall (Stop G).

Similar to the Tower of London, I highly recommend booking your tickets to the London Eye in advance of your trip. In fact, the London Eye even offers skip-the-line tickets !! This will be a huge time-saver, especially during peak travel months (like summer).

To end your first day in London, grab a traditional dinner at a local pub near your hotel. If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, make sure to try the famous British Sunday Roast .

This is a pub speciality that typically includes hearty foods like roast chicken or beef, carrots, potatoes, and gravy! YUM !

Day 2: Hyde Park, Westminster, Covent Garden, and Historic Squares

Now it is time for day 2 of 2 on this incredible London itinerary!!

To recap, yesterday you saw the iconic Big Ben, Tower of London, Tower and London Bridge, Borough Market, and the London Eye!

Today, we will be focusing on the northern side of the Thames river, including a deeper look into the City of Westminster and the lovely neighborhoods of Soho and Covent Garden in West End.

Biking Through Hyde Park

To save you some steps, start your day after breakfast by renting electric bikes from one of the many bike share companies in London like Lime or Santander.

🚇🚏  Transportation Tip : If you are not staying within a mile or so from Hyde Park, I first recommend taking a bus or Tube ride to Bond Street, Marble Arch, Hyde Park, or Paddington Station so you don’t have to bike TOO far on the main roads of London.

If you’ve never rented e-bikes before, they are super easy to use and operate a lot like Uber. All you have to do is download the company’s app (like Lime), find a bike on the road with full battery , scan the QR code, and you’re good to go!

The rental costs will automatically be charged to your credit card when you end your ride, depending on how much time you spend on the bike!

Once you are near Hyde Park and have rented your bikes, make your way into the park from any of the main entrances. From here, spend around 30 minutes biking through Hyde Park and enjoying the beautiful scenery!

Buckingham Palace

After a bit, input Buckingham Palace into Google Maps on your phone (most bikes will have a handy phone holder) and then set your transportation type to bicycle .

Follow the biking route on your phone, which will most likely take you past Wellington Arch along Constitution Hill road to Buckingham Palace!

🚲 Transportation Tip : This route is totally walkable as well, but after yesterday, your feet might want a break! Plus, it’s a beautiful bike ride, especially if the weather is nice.

Upon arriving at Buckingham Palace, you have a few options! If you just want to get a glimpse of the Palace, you can stop quickly, take some photos, and continue your biking journey towards Westminster Abbey.

However, if you want to explore around Buckingham Palace and maybe catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, I recommend ending your bike share here and park the bikes in a designated parking area (the app will show you where that is).

For the Changing of the Guard, it’s important to note that this Ceremony only occurs on certain days of the week and at certain times. You can check the latest schedule on this website if you are interested in attending.

We accidentally arrived at Buckingham Palace about 5 minutes before the Changing of the Guard during our trip in mid-August, and the place was absolutely swamped with people!

So, if your priority is seeing the ceremony up close, you’ll need to arrive very early to get near the front gates.

Westminster Abbey

After you’re through with Buckingham Palace, continue on through St. James Park all the way to Westminster Abbey , either on bike or on foot (it’s about a 15-minute walk).

If you are interested in going inside Westminster Abbey, you are going to want to (you guessed it) book a ticket in advance . We were unsure whether or not we wanted to go inside.. and upon arriving, there was a HUGE line, so we decided to skip it!

That said, if going inside the Church is a priority for you, book your timed-entry ticket in advance . Or, you can get a skip-the-line ticket by going on a guided tour like this one .

Speaking of tours, if you are someone who likes to learn about history from a local when exploring new countries, another way to conquer the first half of today is through a guided tour!

You can walk through Hyde Park on your own and then book a guided tour that includes Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. In addition, this specific tour also includes a stop by Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Downing Street, and the Houses of Parliament.

This is a great experience, especially if you prefer to learn from a local guide on your travels!

Dishoom and Covent Garden

If you’ve made it this far without lunch, I have the perfect spot for you!

Assuming you’ve ended around Westminster Abbey, hop on the #24 bus at Westminster Station and ride 4 stops to Cambridge Circus. From here, it’s a quick 3-minute walk to your lunch spot, Dishoom Covent Garden.

Now, if you’ve asked people for food recommendations in London, I can almost guarantee someone said Dishoom. But I promise it’s not overhyped!

This Bombay-style street food restaurant is absolutely mouth-watering. All of their products are imported from India, so it’s extremely authentic. For example, I ordered a juice, but the waitress said the shipment was stuck in India!!!

Feel free to pig out here, no judgement!!

After lunch, head over to Covent Garden Market , a quick 5-minute walk away. This market is actually made up of 3 different markets and has everything you could need on a shopping day!

Spend your afternoon wandering through the markets. I recommend grabbing a gelato and maybe an Aperol spritz at one of the open air restaurants and watching the street performers!

Famous Squares & Museums

In the afternoon, walk off all that food and drink by heading towards the famous Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.

I was surprised to find out there’s not much here to do.. it’s mostly just tourist shops and street performers. However, it’s worth a quick visit since you are in the area!

If you’re a film fan, I recommend checking out the famous statues in Leicester Square, known as  “Scenes in the Square” . Here, you’ll find fictional British icons like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Mr. Beans, and Paddington Bear!

Next, head south towards Trafalgar Square for some more photo opportunities! Trafalgar Square has a long history behind it, which you may have learned about if you booked one of those guided tours earlier today!

The Square is most recognizable for the giant column in the center, known as Nelson’s Column , flanked by two beautiful fountains and four lion statues!

The square commemorates Britain’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar and has some other historic statues and busts scattered throughout.

I loved snapping photos around the square of the beautiful architecture, Union Jack flags, underground station, and double-decked buses (like a total tourist!)

Note : If you have extra time in the afternoon, some of London’s most popular museums are located nearby, including the National Gallery and the British Museum. Both of these are free!

Theatre or Other Nightlife

To wrap up your last night of this 2 day London itinerary, I have 2 options for you!

If you are interested in theatre, you can’t go wrong with seeing a play in London’s famous West End . Akin to New York City’s Broadway, you’ll find iconic shows and historic plays scattered throughout London’s theatre district.

My favorites are of course Hamilton and Wicked , but you can’t go wrong with a classic like Macbeth or even Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, This is a great way to end your last night in London!

If plays or musicals aren’t your thing, you can also just spend your last night in London soaking in the London nightlife scene. Right next to Covent Garden is the neighborhood of Soho , famous for its pubs, bars, clubs, and restaurants!

For example, you can head over to the famed Carnaby Street and check out Cahoot’s Underground , an old Underground station turned cocktail bar.

All of the drinks (and atmosphere) are transportation-themed, and you even have to descend to a lower level to find it, speakeasy style.

Some other top-rated spots are Swift Soho and the Little Scarlet Door!

Make sure to cheers to your last night in London! 😢

Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on my action-packed 2 Day London itinerary! As you can see, trying to fit everything into just 2 days in London is nearly impossible; however, this itinerary hits almost all the highlights.

If you have a bit more time to spend in London, some honorable mentions I would add to this itinerary are:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral and Millennium Bridge
• Afternoon tea
• Kensington Palace & Princess Diana Memorial
• Natural History Museum
• Leadenhall Market
• Sky Garden or the Shard

Or, you can check out my 4 day London Itinerary , which includes most things on this itinerary plus some extra activities at a much slower pace!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!

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How to plan a perfect weekend in London

By: Author Monica

Categories Travel Tips , UK

London is one of my favourite places in the world for a city break. There’s just so much to do and with each visit you can discover a different side to the city that you didn’t even know existed.

But with so much to do in London it can be difficult to plan a weekend there. How do you squeeze so much into a 2 day trip? London is also HUGE so if you’re not careful you could spend a lot of your time travelling across the city from one place to the next.

I recently spent 2 days in London and many of you commented on how much I managed to do in such a short trip. To be honest, I couldn’t believe how much Elle and I managed to squeeze in too! Being familiar with the city obviously helped but I was also really organized with our itinerary. I have some tips up my sleeve to help you plan the perfect weekend in London and make the most out of a short break there.

#1 List everything you want to do

I’d recommend dividing your list into three:

• Traditional and iconic things
• Unusual and quirky things
• Places you want to eat

(There are some ideas for things to see, do and eat further down)

#2. Plot all of these activities into Google Maps

Drop a pin on the locations of all the things you’d like to do. This will make it easier to see which activities you can group together so you spend less time and money travelling.

#3. Book a centrally located hotel

I know you can get bargain hotels and bigger Airbnb properties when you stay further out of the city, but when you’re short on time you don’t want to be too far away.

You’ll end up spending a lot of time and money travelling in and out of the city. And the further outside of London you are, the slower the trains are and the less frequently they run.

If you’re visiting London for a week then I’d definitely recommend staying a little further out but when you only have a weekend I’d stay central.

#4. Take the tube

Many first-time visitors avoid the tube because they find it confusing and too busy. But once you’ve got your head around it the tube is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to navigate London.

If you have a contactless debit card you can use that to get through the gates – making it even easier!

#5. Or use Uber

For the few occasions where a taxi would be better than the tube use Uber rather than a black cab. Black cabs are ridiculously overpriced and notorious for taking tourists on ‘detours’ around London that will result in an even heftier fee.

I know you shouldn’t tar all black cab drivers with the same brush but, you know, be careful!

Top Tip: You can use Elle’s Uber promo code to get £10 for new customers: gxf9o

Things to see, do and eat in London

Traditional and iconic things to do in london.

London is the best city in the world for traditional and iconic things to do but lot of these attractions can be very expensive so look out for money saving offers. Great Northern and Thameslink trains currently have a 2 for 1 spring offer with 2 for 1 tickets on most of the main attractions like the London Eye, the Tower of London, London Bridge etc.

Visit the Natural History Museum

Arguably one of the best museums in the world, the Natural History Museum is a labyrinth of natural exhibitions. And the best thing is, entry is free! There are special exhibitions on that you do need to pay for but you don’t need to pay to see the majority of attractions.

Top Tip: Get there early or late in the afternoon! The doors open at 10am and queues will be snaking around the garden by 9.30am – especially during weekends and school holidays.

Ride the London Eye

It’s a real touristy things to do but it’s also fun to see London from a different perspective.

Top Tip: This is only worth it if you have nice weather otherwise it’s all grey skies and murky views.

Visit Buckingham Palace

It’s unlikely you’re going to spot Queen Liz but you will have the chance to see some the incredible State Rooms inside the palace.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s is my favourite building in London – make sure you admire it from the inside and out.

Go shopping in Covent Garden

For cute boutiques, designer stores and cool bars, Covent Garden is the place to be.

Have a picnic in Hyde Park

When the sun comes out Londoners flock to the city’s green spaces with a football and a picnic. Hyde Park is one of the city’s most famous and beautiful parks and there’s a great atmosphere in the summer.

Have afternoon tea

There are so many options for afternoon tea in London. Hotels, cafes and restaurants pull out all the stops for this British tradition of tea, cakes, scones and miniature sandwiches. Hotels are usually the best option for the fanciest afternoon teas and cake shops often have a cheaper alternative. Some will be traditional, some are themed and some are boozy but they all include lashings of cake and bottomless teapots. Check out Poppy Loves for some afternoon tea inspiration.

Unusual and quirky things to do in London

Secret cinema.

If you’re lucky enough to be in London when Secret Cinema is on then you can’t miss the chance to experience one of the most unique experiences of your life. Secret Cinema is where you don’t just watch a film, you become part of it. Actors immerse you in the film as you dive into a giant film set where the lines between fiction and reality are blurred.

Tickets for Secret Cinema are expensive but I can promise you it’s worth every single penny.

Outdoor Cinemas

London has a great selection of outdoor cinema screenings. Some are in iconic locations like Trafalgar Square or Somerset House and others are more intimate in small parks. My local park in Wimbledon used to host one in the rose garden and it was gorgeous.

Take a blanket and a comfy cushion or deck chair to stay warm and comfy throughout the film.

Check out Time Out for a lot of the outdoor cinema listings.

The trend for live escape rooms has spread to London and clueQuest offers a range of exciting and challenging games. There are currently three games and you can play the game in teams of two-five. If you ever dreamt of going on an escape room game show then you can’t miss this!

Take a look at my clueQuest review .

Curious London has a great selection of unusual things to do in London. There are loads of awesome things suggested in the under £25 section!

Where to eat and drink in London

Suggesting places to eat and drink in London is a near impossible task as there are so many options and restaurants come and go so quickly.

Pop-ups – Try a pop-up restaurant for something quirky and unusual. TimeOut London is a great place to keep up to date with the latest openings.

Markets – There are lots of markets where you’ll be blown away by the choice of food and drink. Borough Market is one of the biggest and most famous and many foodie markets are seasonal.

Fancy meals – If you’re looking for something fancy then check out Angie Silver’s blog, Silverspoon London . Angie reviews some of London’s best restaurants so she’s a great resource!

Spotted by Locals App – I mention this app a lot because it’s a great way to find local recommendations for restaurants and bars. I find that Googling something like ‘best bars in London’ will bring up a list of tourist traps so local recommendations are always the best.

Do you have any more suggestions for planning a perfect weekend in London?

If you’d like some more ideas for a short getaway, check out our 52 weekend away ideas.

Wednesday 12th of February 2020

Reading your article in 2020 and still helpful. Thanks for the great content.

Sajjan Dharel

Friday 22nd of March 2019

I have got offer from my friend for 2 weeks visit to London at the end of 2019. Definitely, I will be looking for these places.Thanks for your help.

Monday 5th of September 2016

Where did that wonderful looking food (waffle/meat/cheese dish) come from? I'm in London for a while and it looks so good I'd love to try it!

TheTravelHack

Wednesday 7th of September 2016

That's from Duck and Waffle - I 100% recommend a visit, it's amazing! There's more info here - https://thetravelhack.com/uk/londons-best-restaurants-with-a-view/ and here - https://thetravelhack.com/uk/a-perfect-2-days-in-london/

London's best restaurants with a view

Tuesday 23rd of August 2016

[…] around sunset or sunrise? Monica and Elle went for breakfast and the views were incredible. See here for more pics and their […]

George baker

Tuesday 31st of May 2016

Never seen such a detailed post on traveling in London anywhere. Super detailed. And best of luck traveling with your baby.

Vacations in London

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• There are loads of types of vacations in London and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $585; Family vacation $508; Romantic vacation $683; Luxury vacation $648; Budget vacation $360.

Why should you book a vacation package to London?

A time and money saving vacation package is the smartest way to enjoy London. It's generally more expensive to reserve rooms and book flights separately, so doing so simultaneously means better rates. Plus, you won't waste time matching room availability to flight times when you opt for London vacation deals.

When should you book a vacation package to London?

You'll normally find the cheapest London packages between November and January when average temperatures range from 39.2 to 48.2F. Beat the crowds and save money by choosing May and catch events like the Chelsea Flower Show or the Museums at Night festival. Although it's peak season, good London travel deals can still be found from June until September. Plan your trip to coincide with top sporting events like Wimbledon or music festivals like BST Hyde Park.

Where should you stay in London during your vacation?

For any vacation type in london:.

Located in fashionable Clerkenwell, The Rookery is a smart choice for vacations in London. This chic but friendly hotel is under one hour from Heathrow by London Underground and well connected by train and bus to other main airports.

Try London Wembley International Hotel if you're looking for versatile London package deals. Ideally placed for music and sporting events at London's famous Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena, the hotel is also easily reached by taxi, bus or train from the main airports.

For family vacations in London:

The Premier Inn London Hampstead is just 2 minutes from Hampstead Heath, 10 minutes by tube from the West End and Oxford Circus, and easy to reach from all London airports. Take the tube to Hampstead from Heathrow or the overland train service to Paddington Station before completing your journey by taxi.

Little Bullocks Farm in Stansted, Essex enjoys a quiet rural setting and offers excellent four star service. Plus, it's just 6 minutes by taxi from Stansted Airport and easy to reach from central London via Liverpool Street Station.

For romantic vacations in London:

With its prime location on Piccadilly and opulent rooms and suites, the Ritz London is a great choice for couples searching for romantic London travel packages. Take a taxi from the airport to arrive in style or board trains at all four main airports.

Although it's located in the heart of London's vibrant West End, the Sanderson is a calm and tranquil base for couples. Noted for its luxurious decor and excellent services, the hotel is easy to reach from any London airport by rail or taxi.

For luxury vacations in London:

The Sheraton Grand is one of London's most elegant hotels. Located in upmarket Mayfair, the famous art deco building occupies a prime spot on Park Lane. Upon arrival at the airport you can take a taxi directly to the hotel or hop a train to central London.

Opt for trendy Chelsea and the stylish Sloane Square Hotel for a memorable London getaway. It's just a short walk from the famous Saatchi Gallery and is easy to reach by taxi or train from any of London's airports. Sloane Square station is nearby for those traveling via the underground from Heathrow Airport.

For budget vacations in London:

The Astor Museum Hostel is a friendly hostel right next to the British Museum. Just a few minutes walk from Oxford Street, the hotel can be reached by underground from Heathrow or by rail or bus from other London airports.

Looking for inexpensive London package deals? Try Villa Verde Gatwick, a friendly and comfortable hotel just a few minutes by taxi or shuttle bus from Gatwick Airport.

Where to stay in London

London vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 17 Weekend Trips from London by Train

Today I want to bring you my list of the best weekend trips from London by train. The UK has a great rail network, which makes it easy to get around Britain (and beyond) using trains. If you’re looking for an exciting weekend break from London, my list will help you find the perfect getaway for your style. I’ve included a map, too.

Weekend Trips from London by Train

My guide to weekend trips from London by train features a range of travel destinations. Whether you love the English countryside or the British seaside, the best cities or the prettiest towns, there’s a short break for you.

From England to Scotland and Wales, these trips will take you to some of the best places to visit in the UK . I’ve included a few getaways to Europe, too.

If you’re not familiar with taking rail journeys in Britain, you can read my guide to train travel in the UK . It will help you avoid the mistakes I made when I first moved to London.

I’ve been to all the places on my list (a lot of them more than once), and I can personally say they’re worthwhile spots to visit. There are a lot more ideas in the book 52 Great British Weekends , too. You can get it on Amazon here .

1. Weekend in Edinburgh

I’ll start my list of the best weekend trips from London by train with Edinburgh . The Scottish capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK , and the train ride from London passes through stunning countryside, cities, and coastal areas.

Edinburgh is famous for its hilltop castle, historic streets, and village-like areas. The views from the Scott Monument and Calton Hill are stunning, the food scene is world-class, and the Royal Mile has amazing history.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Edinburgh here . I’ve stayed in the city many times and my favorite is the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh . It’s in a great location right by Edinburgh Castle. You can book a room here .

2. Weekend in St Ives

Next on my list of weekend trips from London by train is St Ives in Cornwall. This town in southwest England is one of the best places to go to the seaside in the UK. With great coastline, delicious food, and pretty beaches, it’s hard to beat.

I did a weekend trip to St Ives by sleeper train once. It was great to experience an overnight train journey from London , and waking up to the sunrise in Cornwall was incredible.

St Ives is famous for its art, too. From the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden to Tate St Ives and lots of local galleries, it’s a great place to channel your inner art lover (and collector).

If you want to take this trip, you can book accommodation in St Ives here . From cottages to hotels, there are lots of fun places to stay.

3. Weekend in Brighton

Down on the south coast, Brighton is another of the best weekend trips from London by rail. Just an hour by train from the UK capital, this seaside city is famous for its beaches, pier, Royal Pavilion, and narrow streets filled with shops and restaurants.

With 2 days in Brighton you can see everything from the English Channel to the shopping streets and beyond. You’ll have time to hit the big attractions and take in the city’s legendary nightlife and street art scenes, too.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Brighton here . I’ve stayed at the Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa and I love its seaside decor and location right on the waterfront. You can book a room here .

4. Weekend in Bristol

Next on my list of the best weekend getaways from London by train is Bristol. It’s an easy rail journey from the UK capital, and with 2 days in Bristol you can see all the highlights.

Located in southwest England, Bristol is known for its independent spirit and riverside attractions. The Harbourside area is home to the contemporary M Shed museum, which explores the city’s industrial and social heritage.

Converted 19th-century waterfront warehouses shelter fun restaurants, shops, and art galleries, and Clifton is full of Georgian townhouses, elegant crescents, and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Bristol here . I’ve stayed at the Hotel du Vin and I like its spacious rooms and central location. You can book a room here .

5. Weekend in Kent

Next on my list of weekend trips from London is Kent . This county in southeast England is teeming with places to escape to for a couple days.

If you like the coast, Kent has some of the best places to go to the seaside near London .

From oyster-famous Whitstable to pretty Rochester , hip Margate , lovely Deal , beachfront Broadstairs , harborside Ramsgate , underrated Folkestone , and castle-renowned Dover , there are plenty of places you can get to by train for a weekend getaway from London.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Kent here . I’ve stayed at The Bay Tree in Broadstairs and The Relish in Folkestone, and I recommend both.

6. Weekend in Bath

Bath is one of the best cities in England , and it more than deserves a place on my list of weekend trips from London by train. Known for its beautiful stone buildings and rich history, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Britain.

The Roman Baths are amazing to see, and the Jane Austen connections offer another historic draw. That’s to say nothing of The Circus and the Royal Crescent, where the curves and columns are a photographer’s dream.

There are also a lot of independent restaurants and shops in Bath that make the city worth visiting. From bookstores to cute cafes, there’s enough on offer to fill a weekend in Bath .

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Bath here . I’ve stayed at The Yard in Bath and I love its stylish interiors. You can book a room here .

7. Weekend in Cambridge

Next on my list of weekend trips from London by train is Cambridge. One of the best university cities in the UK , Cambridge is not only beautiful, but also an important center of history and learning.

With 48 hours in Cambridge you can see the city and experience the main activities and attractions. From admiring the colleges to punting on the River Cam and going to evensong at King’s College Chapel, there’s a lot to do here.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Cambridge here . I’ve stayed at the Clayton Hotel and I love its contemporary decor and proximity to the train station. You can book a room here .

8. Weekend in Eastbourne

Back on the south coast, Eastbourne is a great weekend trip from London by rail. If you love the seaside, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. There are great beaches all around, and a fun pleasure pier to boot.

Spending a weekend in Eastbourne will allow you to explore this resort town and soak up the sun on its seafront at a leisurely pace.

If you visit during the high season, you can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants on the beach followed by a waterfront concert at the bandstand.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Eastbourne here . I’ve stayed at The Lansdowne Hotel and I love its waterfront location. You can book a room here .

9. Weekend in The Cotswolds

It’s hard to beat the Cotswolds when it comes to scenery, which is why I can’t help including it on my list of weekend trips from London.

With picture-pretty villages, bucolic landscapes, and great towns, it’s worth visiting this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There are several train stations in the Cotswolds, including places like Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Kemble. You can learn more about getting here in my blog post about visiting the Cotswolds without a car .

Once in the area, you can base yourself in one of the towns with a station and explore the local surroundings. I’ve written about a great Moreton-in-Marsh walk and an overnight stay in Kingham that can give you inspiration.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in the Cotswolds here . There are lots of great places to stay in the area.

10. Weekend in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is another fun place to take a weekend trip from London by train. This region in the north of England is full of beautiful cities, pretty towns, and stunning countryside.

York is the perfect place to visit if you love urban escapes. It has some of the most photogenic streets in England, as well as lots of good shopping. York Minster makes it one of the most important cathedral cities in England , too.

The historic spa town of Harrogate is another great place to spend a weekend in Yorkshire. It’s full of heritage architecture and pretty parks.

I combined it with a trip to Leeds , and I had a great time exploring the shopping arcades and going to the theater with friends.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Yorkshire here . I’ve stayed at a number of places in the area, and my favorite is The Lawrance in Harrogate. You can book a room here .

11. Weekend in Glasgow

Back in Scotland, Glasgow is another of my favorite weekend trips from London by train. My grandmother grew up here and I’ve been visiting all my life.

This spirited city features an eye-catching mix of historic and contemporary architecture, an amazing food scene, and great nightlife.

Add to that friendly locals, a botanical garden, lively markets, street art, and enough museums to keep one entertained for a lifetime, and there’s a lot to do in Glasgow .

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Glasgow here . I’ve stayed at the Grand Central and I like the convenient location by the train station. You can book a room here .

12. Weekend in Rye

Next on my list of the best weekend trips from London by train is Rye . This gem of a town in East Sussex is full of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, haunted inns, and postcard-perfect cottages. It’s one of the prettiest towns in England .

Rye was once home to writer Henry James, and his house and garden are open to the public now. Touring them is one of the best things to do in Rye .

The town is also in walking distance of Camber Castle, a historic fortress with Henry VIII connections. It’s one of the best castles near London .

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Rye here . If you want something unique, the Mermaid Inn is said to be haunted. You can book a room here .

13. Weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is another of the best weekend trips from London by train. This town in Warwickshire is famous for its Shakespeare connections. Not only is it full of houses he lived in and theaters showing his plays, but also historic streets and pubs.

Spending a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon will allow you to visit all the Shakespeare houses, see a play in the evening, and explore the historic streets.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Stratford here . There are lots of good places to stay.

14. Weekend in Leicester

Next on my list of weekend trips from London by train is Leicester. This city in the Midlands flies under the radar, but it’s worth a visit for a number of reasons.

First, the Richard III connections are fascinating. The former king died here, and there’s a museum dedicated to him in the city center. He’s buried in the impressive cathedral, too.

Next, Leicester is one of the best Arts and Crafts Movement places to visit in Britain. The Leicester Museum and Art Gallery houses an important collection, and leading figures like architect-designer Ernest Gimson were born here.

If that’s not enough, the city has stunning historic architecture to admire. If you look up as you walk around during your weekend in Leicester , you’ll be impressed. There are even ancient Roman ruins here.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Leicester here . I’ve stayed at St Martins Lodge , which is housed in a beautifully renovated Grade II-listed building in the heart of the city. You can book a room here .

15. Weekend in Paris

Outside the UK, Paris is my top pick for a weekend trip from London by train. The City of Light makes a great 2-day escape from the UK capital.

There’s a lot to do here, including world-class museums, great shopping and dining, fun nightlife, and stunning Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. It’s worth spending a weekend in Paris to see the highlights.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Paris here . I’ve also written about the best areas to stay in Paris if you want specific recommendations.

16. Weekend in Brussels

Also on the continent, Brussels is another great weekend getaway from London by rail. The Belgian capital is underrated as far as European cities go, but I spent a summer living and working here and I can vouch for its worthiness.

Brussels has everything from delicious food and drinks to great museums, colorful street art, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, and fun markets. The Grand Place is one of the most photogenic city squares in Europe, too.

If you want to spend a weekend in Brussels , you can book a hotel in the city here . I’ve visited many times, and my favorite place to stay is the Hilton Brussels Grand Place . You can book a room here .

17. Weekend in Amsterdam

With direct rail services between London and Holland, Amsterdam is another of the top weekend trips from London by train. This city in the Netherlands is known for its unique canals, skinny houses, abundance of museums, and fun nightlife.

Two days in Amsterdam is enough time to walk around the streets, visit the markets, take a canal boat ride, and cycle into the countryside. If it’s spring, you can visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens , too.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Amsterdam here . I’ve visited several times, and my favorite place to stay is the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel . You can book a room here .

Map of Weekend Trips from London

Below is a map of all the places I mentioned in this blog post. If you click on the blue pins, you can find more information about each one.

Best Weekend Trips from London by Train

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best weekend trips from London by train, and that it’s helped you discover new places to travel for a couple days.

If you want more ideas, you can take a look at my blog posts about weekend getaways from London , the best weekend trips in the UK , weekends in Wales , weekends in Scotland , and romantic weekend getaways to Europe . Happy travels!

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The 22 Best Day Trips From London

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

London ’s hustle and bustle can become overwhelming, even for the most dedicated locals—but its handy location means that day trips from London are easy for anyone who needs a quick escape, whether it be for a country walk, a seaside jaunt, or a cultural getaway. Most of our selection of the best day trips from London can be reached by train , within less than two hours—and many couldn’t be further from the busy streets and crammed schedules of the capital. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, delicious eateries, or a new selection of shops, these easy-to-plan day trips should slot nicely into your schedule.

Below are 22 of our favorite day trips from London, in no particular order.

Read our complete London travel guide here .

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Stratford-upon-Avon

The best day trip from London for: a Shakespearean adventure How to get there from London: a little over 2 hours by train from London mainline stations; changes are often required.

There are few places more charming than the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s the birthplace and resting place of Shakespeare, and it’s easy to fall in love with the West Midlands spot during a jam-packed day trip from London.

Day trips here, understandably, centre around the Bard. Start where the wordsmith’s journey began with an educational walk around Shakespeare’s Birthplace, now a museum highlighting how his work continues to shape our lives today. From here, onto Anne Hathaway’s cottage. The family home of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife, is full of fascinating stories and historical finds, and passionate guides are on hand to delve into tales of the famous family that resided here for 13 generations. For the full experience, visit William’s resting place in Holy Trinity Church via Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall.

Literary associations aside, entertain young minds at the Mechanical Art and Design Museum, get tropical at the stunning Stratford Butterfly Farm, and sample a craft beer before the return journey home at The Garrick Pub Restaurant, which is purportedly the oldest boozer in the town.

In a town dating back almost 1,000 years, you’d expect to stumble across a spectral resident or two in the historical buildings. Check into one of the charming hotels during spooky season and embark on a ghost tour to hear about tales from a haunted tearoom and what some unlucky guests have experienced in one of the town centre’s four-star hotels.

If you decide to stay over: For a fittingly period stay, check into The White Swan . The property’s use as an inn dates back to the sixteenth century, and the walls hold all the charm of a Tudor property with trimmings suited to twenty-first-century travelers. Cozy by the fire after a hearty meal, and sink into four-poster beds before another day exploring Warwickshire’s attractions and natural beauty.

Canterbury, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a colorful, food-fuelled history lesson in the garden of England How to get there from London: The direct train from London St Pancras to Canterbury West can take as little as 53 minutes

Prehistoric settlements have been uncovered in this corner of Kent, and it was a popular haunt of the Romans, who surrounded the early city by constructing an earth bank and fortified walls around 130 acres of land. The story of Canterbury that schoolchildren learn, however, comes from the medieval period, courtesy of Chaucer.

The city is home to one of the UK’s most spectacular cathedrals. Pilgrims have navigated the route to this ethereal site for many centuries, and it’s here that Thomas Becket was infamously slaughtered at the order of Henry II—although this series of events has been contested by countless historians. From the cathedral, scan the selection of novels through the crooked door of the Catching Lives Charity Bookshop, before soaking up the sun in one of the city’s hidden pub gardens—The Dolphin and The Parrot are some of our favorites.

Stroll along the remnant of the ancient wall that is still accessible, or settle in for a lazy afternoon on the colorful banks of the River Stour after collecting treats from The Goods Shed. Historic river tours of the river are touristy but not overly expensive, so well worth booking ahead of a visit to uncover the secrets of these romantic, cobblestone streets. – Connor Sturges

If you decide to stay over: Parts of The Falstaff Hotel date to the 13th century, and original features such as fireplaces and oak beams are a nod to the city’s medieval history. The city’s main attractions are within walking distance, and comfortable beds, craft cocktails, and a signature afternoon tea await once you are back in the cozy setting.

Elmley Nature Reserve

The best day trip from London for:  getting fully immersed in nature How to get there from London:  The train from London St Pancras International to Swale takes 1 hour 50 minutes, and then it’s a short taxi ride to Elmley Nature Reserve.

Think of day trips to Kent, and you’ll probably skip straight over the Isle of Sheppey. Just off the northern coast of Kent next to the Thames Estuary, Sheppey is an unglamorous largely industrial island that initially lacks the tourist appeal of some of its Kentish neighbors. But there’s a secret gem here right off the mainland–the bucolic Elmley Nature Reserve, 3,300 acres of wetlands and wilderness. This family-run estate is a true wildlife conservation haven and is the perfect trip for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With over forty varieties of birds raising their young at Elmley each year, there are some beautiful walking trails to spot them all, plus the other resident hares, frogs, dragonflies, cows, voles, bees, and more. As soon as your taxi turns onto the long entry drive, it’s easy to see elegant birds such as egrets, lapwings, and redshank happily frolicking on the flat marshlands, and that’s before you’ve even started exploring. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the entry fee is £6 and that gets you access to the beautiful open landscape for a self-guided wander (although you have to stay on the paths!); they also arrange organised tours at dusk and dawn for £29.50 if you want an expert to help you spot marsh harriers, long-eared owls, sparrowhawk, and peregrine falcons. It might be only 40 miles from London, but it feels like another world. As well as an incredible place for a day out in nature, there’s also a lovely barn restaurant to get cozy in for toasties at lunch and more hearty evening meals, plus an impressive range of smart places to stay dotted across the reserve if you want to extend your visit. – Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  From decked-out shepherd’s huts with outside baths to four poster beds in the grand 18th-century main house, there’s a wide range of places to stay—all with stunning views over the nature reserve.

Great Garden Escape, The Newt in Somerset

The best day trip from London for: a VIP experience How to get there: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 25 minutes

If you’re not the planning type, The Newt in Somerset’s Great Garden Escape is a fun-filled organized day trip that shows off the best of the British countryside and its charming traditions. With a jam-packed schedule starting at Paddington station, day trippers travel First Class with breakfast served on-board. On arrival, they’ll be given a tour of the gardens at The Newt, which have been landscaped over hundreds of years and are now home to wildlife including deer and newts—of course. There's even an opportunity to explore the grounds with experts, along with a dive into the history and traditions of Somerset. Plus, a stopover at the incredible Roman Villa Experience.

Lunch leads into a cider tasting, made on-site using apples grown in local orchards, where you’ll undoubtedly be swayed into picking up a bottle or two to take home. When you’ve breathed in just enough country air, the train journey home serves up afternoon tea, depositing you back in the city just in time for sundowners. The whirlwind tour is the ideal tonic for shaking off burnout and reminding yourself of the beauty on your doorstep. — Abigail Malbon

If you decide to stay over : Should you choose to forego the train ride home in favor of waking up somewhere new, The Newt is a Jane Austen dream, whether you choose a room in the Georgian house or the converted outbuildings, barns, and stables. Bedrooms are simple and beautiful, with a focus on relaxation, but those with a view are truly exceptional. In the morning, wake up early and treat yourself to a swim in the spa pool as the sun comes up—you’ll return to London feeling like a new person.

Clifton, Bristol

The best day trip from London for : packing a lot in How to get there from London: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 35 minutes.

After hopping off the train at Bristol Temple Meads, take a stroll to Clifton—the city’s most beautiful leafy suburb. Quiet residential streets are lined with pretty Georgian townhouses, spots of greenery to wander through off the cobbled streets and an eclectic mix of independent cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Start with a gander around Clifton Arcade in the heart of Clifton Village, where the 17 boutiques are filled with knick-knacks and intriguing antiques. It’s not a true shopping experience without a pit stop for coffee and cake—try one of Bristol’s top coffee spots, Spicer + Cole, or—for a 100-per-cent plant-based menu—refuel with a slice of rose and vanilla loaf and a superfood latte at East Village Café.

Pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocers and head to Clifton bridge for fabulous views across the River Avon. It's one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. Learn about its history at the Visitor Centre, stopping off for a pint of traditional Somerset cider at the White Lion by its side. Continue the historical tour by walking up to Clifton Observatory, which has a museum featuring a Victorian-era Camera Obscura and a mythical Giant’s Cave, alongside its own rooftop café serving up breathtaking views. And don’t miss out on a walk down Royal York Crescent—one of the most expensive streets in Bristol, which was also once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe.

Next, spend time at Bristol Lido, a restored Victorian swimming bath from the 1800s surrounded by a spa and poolside bar for the ultimate in pampering. Round off the day with a cozy pub meal at The Albion, an Indian fine-dining experience at Nutmeg or a hearty pizza at Bosco around the corner on Whiteladies Road. – Cordelia Aspinall

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the recently refurbished Number 38 boutique hotel for a peaceful stay overlooking the Clifton Downs, perfect for your morning stroll.

Bath, Somerset

The best day trip from London for: soaking up history How to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Bath is known for its history, but among the buttery-hued Georgian architecture and ancient thermal springs there’s a fresh independent spirit. When the weather is good, there are a couple of brilliant walking routes to try: the six-mile Bath Skyline, for example, is a short stroll from the city center and tramps through woodland, meadows, and orchards with views of the buildings below.

The Somerset city’s literary heritage is well documented—Jane Austen is probably the most famous one-time resident—and there’s still a thriving network of bookshops and literature festivals here, including at bookworm magnet Topping and Company, which stocks more than 55,000 titles. Restaurants are driven by excellent local produce and seasonal ingredients. Grab a traditional lunch at The Circus (we recommend the Wiltshire lamb two ways), or order bun cha at Vietnamese spot Noya’s Kitchen. After a bite, shop at clever concept stores such as Nām, which sells antique furniture and homeware curated by owner Sharan Kaur, and Found, where you can buy clothes from niche global brands, or spend an afternoon at wine bar Corkage, where about 70 bottles are available to sample by the glass. – Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Small hotel Eight lives up to its name; there are just eight rooms, and the ground-floor restaurant always has eight dishes on the menu.

Read more about the best things to do in Bath, Somerset

The New Forest, Hampshire

The best day trip from London for : woodland walks and long pub lunches How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

With its purple carpets of heather, ancient woodland, and England-of-yore villages, the New Forest has long been a release valve for Londoners eager to clear the cobwebs and the cortisol. The apex of its beauty has to be autumn, when its rich hues cut through morning mists and dazzle in the afternoon sun. It's best enjoyed during a long ramble, where you’re likely to meet free-roaming New Forest ponies, cattle, and even pigs, followed by a hearty pub lunch with local ale and a warming log fire.

Take the train from Waterloo to Beaulieu Road station and fuel your hike with a pint of real ale at the Drift Inn. If independent shops, cafés, and beaches are on the agenda, it’s best to head to Lymington instead, as this one-and-a-half-hour loop around the pub on the edge of the New Forest is blissfully rugged and remote. Having traipsed through a mixed mosaic of woodland and absorbed the silence and sweeping views across the heathland, hunker down at the Drift Inn for a Hampshire beef burger, ale-battered haddock, or the pie of the day (invariably something along the lines of mud pie with mash and gravy). – Rosalyn Wikeley

If you decide to stay over : Those seeking the quintessential heather-and-wild-ponies New Forest should bed down at The Pig hotel in Brockenhurst or Limewood near Lyndhurst (about five minutes from the Drift Inn). However, the trusted favorite among New Forest devotees, Chewton Glen continues to lure weary urbanites with its coveted position—wedged between woodland and the coast—and commitment to the good, old-fashioned service and comforts of a country club. You’ll find few zeitgeisty design details or next-gen touches here. Instead, antiques, thick carpets, and mahogany furniture keep this 18th-century manor house sure of its identity—save a few fun treehouse bedrooms, should privacy or the 21st century fall into your criteria. Don’t miss the fresh salads and fish lunches once you’ve been pummeled in the spa or worked up an appetite in the Grecian-style pool. The gardens are also glorious for afternoon tea after visiting Highcliffe beach.

Hertford, Hertfordshire

The best day trip from London for : pub-crawling and country walks How to get there from London: The train from Finsbury Park takes 35 minutes.

With its higgledy-piggledy, pastel-colored buildings, and cobbled streets, this county town serves up a slice of English antiquity that’s postcard-pretty enough to satisfy both shiny-eyed visitors from further afield and weary Londoners searching for fresher air, shorter queues, and somewhere different to look at for the day. With trains running every half hour, it’s possible to find yourself marching around its 15th-century castle grounds (check ahead for cinema screenings, talks, and events), net fishing from a sandy cove in Hartham Common, or wandering about its dinky museum within the hour. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can cycle from London along the River Lea towpath.

On arrival, dip into its handful of local shops—The Women's Society Boutique has an imposing exterior but is a real treasure trove—before stopping at one of the many independent cafés and restaurants. Popular deli-bar Giambrone’s serves authentic Italian plates, while Hertford Coffee Lab makes for a cool pit-stop, and Georgian townhouse and B&B Number One Port Hill hosts occasional pop-up suppers. Plus, the artsy Dog and Whistle, once a pop-up café, has blossomed into a hipster foodie pub and music venue with rooms. Indeed, Hertford—quiet market town by day and more bustling nightspot come evening— specializes in pubs, particularly old-world ones. There's The Salisbury Arms Hotel, said to have been the place where Oliver Cromwell stayed during the Civil War and home to a number of ghosts; the 16th-century White Horse; the 17th-century Blackbirds; and the riverside Old Barge (exact age unknown, but 'old' is part of the name…) If you have time, go on the three-mile walk to Ware alongside the River Lea towpath–the neighboring town also has a plethora of pubs—and catch the train back to London from there. – Becky Lucas

If you decide to stay over: Hertford House Hotel took over the former local newspaper’s offices in pretty Parliament Square in 2006 and hasn’t stopped evolving since, with its latest restaurant and bar renovation completed in autumn 2020. Don’t miss out on brunch in the secret garden, a locally sourced roast in the restaurant and a pint in smart sister pub The Quiet Man.

The best day trip from London for: an under-the-radar getaway How to get there from London: The fast train from St Pancras International takes 1 hour 22 minutes.

This hillside scribble of Georgian streets tucked behind the Kent coast really hit our radar in 2018. Nicknamed ‘Margate’s little sister’, it’s a much cozier, countryside version of its arty neighbor. And that’s exactly its appeal. Deal is less shouty than Margate, but there’s still an exciting slew of shops, cafés, and galleries that have arrived over the past few years. The Saturday Market stalls are worth a rummage, but it’s the food that brings the locals back each weekend. For more of a sit-down lunch we love Frog and Scot where the chef, previously of The Sportsman in Seasalter, cooks up a daily changing menu based on hyper-local produce. Founder of Smugglers Records Will Greenham (ex singer and guitarist of the band Cocos Lovers, who’ve supported Mumford & Sons on tour) is at the heart of the town’s music scene, and in terms of art, Linden Hall Studio is a contemporary gallery in a converted chapel that wouldn’t look out of place in Mayfair. — Tabitha Joyce

If you decide to stay over: The Rose was revamped in 2018 and now there are eight cute bedrooms splashed in bold colors and filled with vintage finds. The restaurant is looked after by Rachel O’Sullivan (previously of East London’s Towpath Café) who dishes up Scandi-inspired breakfast plates of smoked salmon, avocado, soft-boiled egg, dill, and whipped cream cheese.

Read more about Deal, Kent

Whitstable, Kent

The best day trip from London for: oysters on the beach How to get there from London : The train from from St Pancras takes 1hr 13 minutes.

This little town on the north Kent coast isn’t quite the sort-of-secret it was back in the 1990s, when DFLs (local jargon for Londoners) rediscovered it, arriving at weekends for seafood at Wheelers on the high street and pints of Kentish ale at the beach-side Old Neptune pub. But it’s still an atmospheric place to head for a hit of vitamin B12—via a dozen or so oysters—then a scrunch along the shingle shore, spotting Second World War sea forts across the waves and seals in the harbor. There are plenty of places to eat: avoid the overpriced Royal Native Oyster Stores and head instead to JoJo’s, just down the road in Tankerton, for mackerel fillets and Med-inspired small plates. Or Samphire, a Whitstable bistro with cuttlefish risotto and Romney Marsh lamb on the menu. There’s also a thriving micropub scene here, with The Handsome Sam, The Black Dog, and the larger Twelve Taps for hoppy experimentation. But our favorite pastime is picking up a pot of cockles and whelks from the quayside, or fish and chips and oysters from The Forge shack, and devouring them in the shade of a wooden groyne on the beach, preferably with a bottle of English fizz to hand. – Rick Jordan

If you decide to stay over: The Victorian fisherman’s huts on the beach are the best place in which to hole up, the sound of waves and boat masts jangling in the wind outside, and can be booked via Hotel Continental. Along the coast in Seasalter is the Driftwood Beach House B&B .

Rye, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : a bracingly fresh seaside getaway How to get there from London: The train from St Pancras International takes about 1 hour 10 minutes with a change at Ashford International.

Rye is home to what might just be Britain’s prettiest (and most prettily named) street, and a wave of newcomers have moved in alongside the quaint old-timers in Mermaid Street and beyond, opening smart interiors stores and artisan bakeries next to unironically vintage tea rooms and souvenir shops. After breakfast at Whitehouse Rye–order the halloumi hash–pick up a new read at The Tiny Book Store (the clue’s in the name) and window shop for that fantasy mansion at striking antiques shop Strand House Interiors. The blustery dunes and invigorating waters of Camber Sands, one of the best beach near London , are a 15 minute ride away on the local bus, but head back in time for a rustic supper at Tuscan Rye, where fresh pasta (ricotta ravioli with brown-butter sauce, potato, and thyme tortellini in a rich ragù) draws loyal locals. – Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the lively George in Rye , which welcomes A-list guests (George Clooney and Helena Bonham Carter have both checked in for sleepovers) and smart locals in the same breath.

These are our favorite things to do in Rye

Margate, Kent

The best day trip from London for : a cultural day out How to get there from London: the fast train from London St Pancras takes 1 hour 25 minutes.

It’s no secret that this Victorian seaside town has had quite the hipster renaissance in recent years, sparked mostly by the arrival of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011 and spurred on by a slew of new openings and a wave of Londoners upping sticks and moving down to the Kent coast. For a cultural outing, the waterside Turner Contemporary is still a must. Entry is free so it’s worth popping in even if you’ve never heard of the artists on show, and the shop has some nice local products. For more contemporary art head to Crate, an artist-led project space in an old printworks. If you’d prefer something older—much older—wander over to the most ancient building in town, the Tudor House, a Grade II-listed 16th-century timber-framed house on King Street. It’s on your route from the seafront to the mysterious Shell Grotto, a spooky set of underground tunnels covered in more than four million shells.

A trip to Margate isn’t complete without a few hours in Dreamland, whether it’s for some spins on the rides or to see one of the amusement park’s impressive line-up of gigs in the evenings. Do take a stroll around town to hit up the vintage shops selling retro clothes, furniture, and homewares, where you can still find some decent bargains. And don’t forget to head over to Cliff Terrace to visit the flagship store of cult natural skincare brand Haeckels, which makes divine-smelling beauty products using seaweed gathered on the beach nearby. Speaking of the beach, if you want to go swimming walk along the coast to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a man-made sea lagoon where you can find calm waters and steps for easier access. If you arrive early (or stay the night), tuck into cracking breakfast at Storeroom coffee shop or at Cliffs, where there’s also a record shop, a hair salon, and a yoga studio. In fact, the whole up-and-coming area of Cliftonville is worth exploring. After all that roaming, great seafood can be found for dinner at either Angela’s or Hantverk & Found—reserve a table in advance though, as both get booked up. – Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over: The best beds in town are at The Reading Rooms , a boutique b&b in a restored Georgian townhouse a few minutes’ walk from the seafront. Be sure you don’t have to rush off in the morning as they’ll bring breakfast to your room so you can eat it overlooking the leafy square.

Read more about Margate's best things to do

Eastbourne, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : fair-weather walkers How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Eastbourne is an old-timey British seaside town with a Victorian pier, a pebble beach, and a much-loved bandstand where tribute acts reign: ‘Queen’, ‘ABBA’, ‘Frank Sinatra,’ and ‘Lady Gaga’ have all played. You could spend the day taking in the town’s thriving art galleries, with plenty of opportunities for refueling stops along the way (our favorite is the stripped-back-trendy Nelson Coffee Co opposite the station), but the real draw here is enjoying the great outdoors at Beachy Head, where you’ll find the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. A hike with seriously impressive views out to sea runs across the top. Wander all the way along to neighboring Seaford or make one of the secret beaches tucked away at the foot of the cliffs your way point. It’s a steep climb down, but Falling Sands Beach is quiet and sandy and well worth the adventure. Eastbourne often makes the list of the sunniest places in the UK, so don’t forget your sunglasses. – Olivia Holborow

If you decide to stay over: Book into the Beachy Head holiday cottages –there’s a choice of 8, all set around a rambling walled garden with fruit and vegetables you can help yourself to.

An insider guide to the South Downs

Brighton, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : blasting the cobwebs away by the sea How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 34 minutes.

Brighton is a brilliant mish-mash of retro, seaside fun, and progressive culture. Book in advance and you can get return tickets from London for as little as £10. A maze of bunting-lined streets, The Lanes bursts at the seams with vintage shops–don’t miss Beyond Retro and Dirty Harry, and our two favorite independent boutiques, Our Daily Edit and Peggs & Son, as well as retro memorabilia (navigate the turnstile at Snoopers Paradise for collectors’ items, vinyl, and furniture). Time your day trip to include breakfast at Kensingtons—grab a table on the balcony for giant plates piled high with eggs, toast, and beans. It’s not the easiest spot to find, so look out for a shop called Artemis on Kensington Gardens, which overflows with sheepskin rugs and pelts—the café is on the left; follow the smell of bacon up the stairs. Later, reserve a table at Food for Friends, a superb veggie restaurant with award-winning flavors and presentation. A short walk away is the huge 8km pebbly beach–the section near the Palace Pier is dotted with stripy deckchairs and usually buzzing from spring to autumn (and often absolutely crammed in summer). There’s something terribly British about layering up and enjoying a windswept walk in the winter months, too. Reward yourself with a bag of hot, sugary donuts from the pier.

If you decide to stay over : Walk along the seafront to The Ginger Pig, a restaurant-with-rooms with pre-mixed cocktails in the minibars and Cowshed bottles by the standalone bathtubs.

The best restaurants in Brighton

Lewes, Sussex

The best day trip from London for : history buffs and vintage hunters How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes just over 1 hour.

Lewes: the market town in the South Downs that sits against a backdrop of chalk hills and green peaks. Cobblestoned 'twittens' (narrow streets), hand-painted shop signs and crumbling tiles from the 1960s make it feel like a town time forgot, and its slower rhythm makes for a reinvigorating gear-change. The Needlemakers on West Street is home to a range of small, independent shops that sell local craftsmanship, from jewelry to books–Alexis Dove is a favorite for delicate silverware and Susie Petrou has an eye for vintage blouses and Romanian embroidery. There’s an incongruous well at the bottom by the vintage shops— throw in a penny for good luck before you start hunting through piles of clothes and bags. Lewes Flea Market is an alluring source for antique furniture and quirky homeware, and is open daily (not to be confused with the outdoor Sunday market, which is also worth a visit). At the other end of town, at the bottom of Cliffe High Street, you can find Bill Collison’s very first Bill’s restaurant, a European deli-turned-eatery, where you can get hearty dishes such as pumpkin, fig, and chestnut roast, or a beef, bacon, and camembert burger. After lunch, ponder the paperbacks at the Fifteenth Century Bookshop, which has been carefully restored in recent years but remains as much of a landmark as Lewes Castle. Finish the day with a pint; Harvey’s Brewery is the only independent brewery in Sussex and provides the John Harvey Tavern over the road with local cask ales (download the self-titled app to find out where you can get it in London).

If you decide to stay over : Head to Firle for a night at The Ram Inn , and enjoy crisp linen and generous breakfasts served by an open fire.

Folkestone, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a coastal up-and-comer How to get there from London : The fast train from London St Pancras to Ashford takes 40 minutes, where you can change for Folkestone Central.

The seaside town of Folkestone is mid-makeover, which is the ideal time to visit—before everything gets priced up and the place’s quirks glossed over. The appeal of Sunny Sands beach is self-explanatory—this tiny, windswept slip of sand is one of the best beaches in Kent and the ideal spot to kick off your day (unsurprisingly, it fills up with families wielding buckets and spades, sticky with sunscreen, too). A trio of swashbuckling pubs and restaurants—The Ship Inn, The Mariner, and The Captain’s Table—lines the seafront, but the real treasure can be found in the Creative Quarter. At the bottom of The Old High Street is Bounce Vintage, an open space with rails full of retro sportswear, French chore jackets, and Aloha shirts. If you exchange smiles and pleasantries with the rosy-cheeked owners, they might just offer you an espresso on the house. Failing that, further up the road, Steep Street sells specialty coffee, homemade cake, and books . Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shelves of hardbacks tower over fat leather armchairs and blackboard tables that you can doodle on in chalk. There are endless places to eat and drink around town: Rocksalt for a smart menu and sea views; Papas for old-fashioned fish’n’chips ; Beano’s for veggies; La Casa Del Bello Gelato for ice cream Follies for pizza; and The Pullman for pints. The Harbour Arm, though, is where Folkestone’s own folk go—the Champagne bar hidden in the lighthouse at the end is rustic, romantic, and completely charming.

If you decide to stay over : Book a room at the Linen Shed , a dove-gray, weatherboarded house on the old Roman road to Canterbury.

The best restaurants in Kent

Oxford, Oxfordshire

The best day trip from London for : a traditional slice of British culture How to get there from London : The Oxford Tube coach service takes 1 hour 30 minutes and runs until 3am; trains also run from Paddington and Marylebone stations and take 1 hour.

In one of the most quintessentially English cities in the UK (and the most expensive to live in outside London), cream tea is not just a rite of passage—it’s a requirement. And there’s only one place to take it—The Vaults & Garden Café, signposted by the presence of an antique bicycle with a flowerbed in its basket, is a gorgeous 14th-century building surrounded by colleges (Oriel, Brasenose, Murton, All Souls), where scones come loaded with clotted cream and seasonal homemade jam (the café has serious sustainability credentials, too). Architecture is a major draw in Oxford ; the libraries, bridges, and even cinemas feature Palladian domes, Norman design, ziggurat influences and listed buildings which make this a city to see on foot (Radcliffe Square is a must, and it’s worth paying £4 to climb the tower at the Church of St Mary The Virgin for the best view of Oxford). If you’re taking kids, the Pitt Rivers Museum is packed with bizarre artifacts and stories they’ll tell their friends about, and The Story Museum welcomes you through a wardrobe into Narnia and other fictional worlds of wonder. If you booked a babysitter, however, grab a drink at the brilliant Freud bar in Jericho—a stained-glass church-turned-cool-cocktail-bar that is grown-up enough to feel sophisticated but student-y enough to have plenty of atmosphere and frivolity in the air (or perhaps it’s something in the drinks).

If you decide to stay over : There are plenty of lovely hotels in the Cotswolds , such as The Wild Rabbit —the latest outpost from eco-queen Carole Bamford of Daylesford Organic fame.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The best day trip from London for : people-watching and scenery How to get there from London : The train from London King’s Cross takes 45 minutes.

Like cycling in Amsterdam or taking trams in San Francisco , punting really is the most sophisticated way to see the city of Cambridge and the university grounds. Scudamore’s is the oldest ‘chauffeur’ company and offers a more traditional tour, but board a boat from the Garret Hostel Bridge for a younger, more humorous experience (ask your punter why the GHB is also known as Orgasm Bridge). For lunch, foodPark is a top hawker convoy of Sri Lankan curries, wood-fired pizza, and open-wide burgers that sets up from 12pm until 2pm in varying locations around Cambridge from Wednesday to Friday. For something more upscale, book one of Galleria’s terrace tables on the south side of the Magdalene Bridge, with British fusion food and views of the River Cam (your gluten- and dairy-free friends will thank you, as there are two separate menus specifically catering to their diets). In the autumn, the leaf-covered colleges are particularly picturesque as they turn red and rust, and in spring, Parker’s Piece is a scenic stretch of greenery from which to navigate (spot the lamppost that supposedly inspired the post in CS Lewis’ Narnia). From here, find eccentric English shop Bowes & Co, Fitzbillies for iced buns, Aromi for Italian nibbles, Kettle’s Yard art gallery, and G David for antique books. Finish your day with the choral evensong at King’s College Chapel around 5.30pm: goosebumps guaranteed. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Cambridge .

If you decide to stay over : It doesn’t get much better than the iconic University Arms hotel , reopened in 2018 after a serious reboot.

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for: boot-wearing outdoorsy types How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour to East Grinstead (a 15-minute drive from Forest Row).

A.A. Milne famously wrote the stories of Winnie the Pooh while living just north of Ashdown Forest. Known as 100 Acre Wood in Pooh’s world, the forest is home to the spellbinding stories and is an enchanting place to stretch your legs for a day, easily accessible via East Grinstead station. Stretches of open heathland give way to leafy walkways and carpets of bluebells in spring, where the woods teem with wildlife (spot fallow deer, badgers, and the odd friendly pheasant—no honey-eating bears, though), and the only noise is birdsong. You can even visit Pooh Bridge (for a game of Poohsticks, naturally), but be warned, it’s a prominent tourist spot. Pooh was a big fan of having ‘a little smackerel of something’, and nearby village Forest Row has plenty of places for elevenses. Taffels deli is a family-run café and much-loved lunch spot (there is nothing skinny about the skinny chips; they are double-fried and divine) and caters to all dietary requirements, while Java & Jazz serves huge hot chocolates cakes and crispy-crusted pizza. For proper pub food, the cozy Hatch Inn (one of our favorite country pubs near London) is known for roasts with all the trimmings and offers plenty of dog-patting opportunities. If you’re not in a hurry to get home, head to Linton’s car park—locally known as ‘the viewpoint’—for sunset.

If you decide to stay over : Gravetye Manor is a very English Elizabethan country-house classic and one of our favorite weekend breaks in the UK .

Dungeness, Kent

The best day trip from London for : nature enthusiasts How to get there from London : The drive to Romney Marsh via the A20 and M20 takes 2 hours.

Arriving in Dungeness from London feels a little like stepping out of a Tardis into a different time zone, where a recent apocalypse has left the landscape barren, the wildlife overrun, the buildings flattened, and the population dramatically compromised (in fact, the Dungeness Power Station appeared in Doctor Who in 1971). Unofficially known as ‘Britain’s only desert’, Dungeness has a unique environment—single-story buildings appear to have been swallowed by the shingle and plants let loose with little regard for human-imposed order. The beach resembles a mass shipwreck; abandoned fishing boats, crumbling shacks, winches, and forgotten tractors coated in decades of rust sit, untouched, unmoved and as mysterious as a Russell T Davies plot. There’s not a whole lot to do here—but there’s so much to see, and so much to pique your curiosity that you’ll spend the journey back googling the area. Kids will love the sheer strangeness of it all, and it’s impossible to resist the childlike urge to climb and run and play. Few places so close to London feel like such an adventure; the journey can take less than two hours, and, if you time it right, you can order the catch of the day for lunch from roadside hut the Snack Shack, which does the freshest fish, lobster rolls, and ice-cold cans of San Pellegrino.

If you decide to stay over : You’ll have to venture out of Dungeness—try The Rose in Deal , a grown-up bolthole splashed with bold colors and covetable vintage finds.

The best day trip from London for : switching off How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo to Dorking takes 50 minutes.

Surrey’s proximity to London makes the journey a breeze—and it’s an especially astute pick if you’re likely to be coming with a car full of little ones. At Henry VIII’s home Hampton Court Palace, there are family-friendly events such as beast quests and ghost tours, as well as the famous giant hedge maze, where adventurous kids can lead the troops. In winter, an ice rink is set against the historic backdrop of the palace, a building whose grandiose architecture is shaped by both the Tudor and Baroque periods. If you’re escaping the city (and the kids), however, check in at Grayshott Health Spa, a traditional country home with cutting-edge treatments. Surrounded by 47 acres of flowering gardens, it’s a peaceful place to step back and take stock. Connect with nature at Kew, too, where the Royal Botanic Gardens are open to the public all year round. The winter light show is particularly mesmerizing, when the sun starts to sink earlier and earlier. Be sure to take cash for mince pies and mulled wine as you wander through the grounds. Having been awarded a Michelin star, Steve Drake’s restaurant Sorrel in Dorking (a market town with chocolate-box charm) is currently the county’s hottest restaurant with the most exciting ‘discovery menu.’

If you decide to stay over : Surrey is home to some of the best spas near London, such as Grayshott, where the Manor House rooms offer faded charm.

Hastings and St Leonards

The best day trip from London for:  old-school seaside charm How to get there from London:  The fast train from London St Pancras International takes 1 hour 32 minutes with a change at Ashford International

There’s almost too much to fit into a one-day visit to Hastings, especially if you want to pop over to the neighboring town of St Leonards. Over the last few years, these two East Sussex enclaves have become a popular bolthole for burnt-out Londoners looking for a bohemian seaside escape. To see what all the fuss is about, head straight to explore Hasting’s quaint Old Town, a picturesque maze of streets sandwiched between two dramatic cliffs. Pedestrianised scenic George Street is where most of the action happens, with a thrum of cafés, shops, and pubs, but it’s worth wandering the surrounding streets too. Seek out AG Hendy & Co on the High Street for well-curated vintage homewares and stop into The Crown for cozy pub grub made with excellent local produce. If you’re up for a wander, get the funicular up and walk along to the cliff to Fairlight Glen, a beautiful secluded beach where clothing is optional. Or if that sounds a bit much, stay in the Old Town and explore the dramatic black fisherman’s huts on Rock-A-Nore beach where there’s Hastings Contemporary art gallery, a tiny shipwreck museum, fresh seafood stalls, and a very cute miniature railway. Next up, take the 40-minute amble along the beach past the pier to St Leonards and stop off for food at the fabulous seafront café, Goat Ledge. It’s worth the trip for their crispy panko fish baps and katsu curry sauce chips alone. Nearby, there are great independent shops selling everything from candles to kimonos on Norman Road and King’s Road where you can easily spend a few hours happily browsing and café hopping before settling into dinner at Michelin-recommended pub The Royal. — Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  Book into  The Old Rectory , a bijou  b&b  in Hasting’s Old Town with treatment rooms and a walled garden.

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The full list of London tube closures and disruption this weekend September 13-15

How to get around during TfL’s planned closures this weekend, which will impact the Piccadilly, District, Elizabeth lines and more

Thinking of heading out to do something fun this weekend ? You might need to plan your travel ahead. There are planned closures taking place across loads of London Underground and Overground lines so that TfL can carry out vital works.

Here’s all the information you need to know about which lines will be closed on which days. 

District line

Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15, no service between Earls Court and Ealing Broadway / Kensington Olympia / Richmond. Replacement buses will operate.

Piccadilly line 

Saturday September 14, from 12.45am until 5am, no service on the entire line. Replacement buses operate.

Saturday September 14, from 5am and all day Sunday September 15 (including Saturday Night Tube), no service between Kings Cross St Pancras and Northfields / Uxbridge. Use Metropolitan line services between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge. Replacement buses will operate. 

Elizabeth line

Sunday September 15, a reduced service operates between Paddington and Heathrow / Maidenhead. Six trains an hour will serve Ealing Broadway, Southall and Hayes & Harlington in each direction, four trains an hour will serve West Ealing and Heathrow Terminals 3 & 3, and two trains an hour will serve Acton Main Line, Hanwell, Heathrow Terminal 4, West Drayton, Langley, Slough, Burnham and Maidenhead. 

Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15, no service between Poplar / Stratford International and Beckton / Woolwich Arsenal. Use Jubilee line connections between Stratford and Canning Town. Replacement buses operate between Canary Wharf and Gallions Reach (via Beckton), between Canning Town and King George V.

Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15, no service between Surrey Quays and Clapham Junction. Replacement bus service M operates between Canada Water and Clapham Junction via Surrey Quays, Queens Road Peckham, Peckham Rye, Denmark Hill, Clapham High Street and Wandsworth Road.

Sunday September 15, until 10.15am, no service between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town / Cheshunt. Use local London Buses services for Bethnal Green, Cambridge Heath, London Fields, Hackney Downs, Rectory Road, Stoke Newington and Stamford Hill. Replacement buses will operate between Seven Sisters and Enfield Town, and Seven Sisters and Cheshunt. 

Sunday September 15, until 10.15am, no service between Liverpool Street and Chingford.  Use local buses for connections between Liverpool Street and Hackney Downs. Replacement bus service L3 operates between Hackney Downs and Chingford via Clapton, St James Street, Walthamstow Central, Wood Street and Highams Park.

Saturday September 14, until 1pm, no service between Richmond and South Acton. Replacement bus service DL3 will operate between Richmond and Acton Central via Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens), Gunnersbury and South Acton (Acton Lane).

Saturday September 14, from 1pm and all day Sunday September 15, no service between Richmond and Willesden Junction. Use replacement bus DL3. 

Waterloo & City line

Service operates Monday to Friday between 6am and 12.30am only. There is no service on Saturdays, Sundays and public/bank holidays.

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17 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from London

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Feb 15, 2023

Author Bryan Dearsley has visited England many times, including an eight week trip in the spring of 2022.

Whether you're visiting London or living here, it serves as an ideal point from which to enjoy a seemingly endless choice of fun weekend getaways. Not only are weekend trips from London easy to organize, but thanks to great rail and numerous flight connections , there are plenty of places to visit for those seeking a memorable weekend getaway.

Fancy a trip to Paris? Easy! Take the fast Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel or hop aboard a short flight from one of London's five airports. On a tight budget? You can even hop aboard a coach or bus for the journey to the French capital, a trip that only takes a few hours and often involves only bargain basement pricing.

Looking for something a little closer? Again, no problem: London's a major transportation hub that serves pretty much all of the UK. For somewhere quick and easy to get to, consider the delightful old market town of Windsor. Just 25 miles west of the center of London, Windsor offers a variety of short breaks worth looking into, including stays at historic bed-and-breakfasts and the chance to tour historic Windsor Castle.

Whether you're on the hunt for a cheap weekend getaway, a romantic couple's break , or even an exciting last-minute city stopover in the UK or Europe, be sure to read our list of the top weekend getaways from London.

Paris, France

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Few travel destinations fuel the imagination quite like Paris. Just a 2.5-hour rail journey or an hour by plane from London, the "City of Lights" offers no end of things to do during an exciting European weekend break.

Topping the list for couples seeking a romantic getaway is visiting such iconic locations as the Eiffel Tower , perhaps the world's most romantic couples' selfie spot, as well as the Louvre , home to the famed portrait, the Mona Lisa .

In addition to its many fine-dining restaurants and pleasant street-side cafés, visitors should also spend time exploring the city's many markets. Tucked away down quaint old streets and alleys, it's here you'll quite literally get a true taste of Paris, the authentic Paris known and loved by those who live and work here.

Notable neighborhoods to explore on foot include the Latin Quarter , with some of its oldest buildings dating as far back as medieval times. Then, of course, there's magnificent Montmartre , famous for its connections to the city's vibrant art and literary scene, both past and present.

Paris also boasts a wide variety of accommodation options, from opulent 5-star luxury hotels to reputable hostels perfect for backpackers.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris

The historic town of Bath in Somerset is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful small cities in England. And as such, it's another destination that's a lot of fun to visit for couples seeking a romantic weekend getaway. An easy 1.5-hour train journey east of London , this charming destination is perhaps best known for the historic Roman Baths after which it's named.

Given the fact that over six million tourists visit Bath, with many of them stopping at the site of these ancient Roman baths each year, you'd do well to plan your trip for a quieter time of year if you can be flexible. Christmas is, in fact, a wonderful time to arrive.

Not only are there fewer line-ups and crowds to deal with at the baths and other top Bath attractions , there's also the opportunity to shop for locally made gifts and crafts in the popular Christmas Market , one of the largest in England.

The elegant old homes of the Royal Crescent neighborhood are also worth checking out. Royal Crescent's beautiful architecture has been attracting visitors to the city since Georgian times. If you've got time, be sure to explore the historic No.1 Royal Crescent , built in the late 18th century. It's not difficult picturing yourself and your partner living as the gentry of the time in so opulent a setting.

Long considered one of the leading city breaks Europe has to offer, the city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands is an easy one-hour flight from London. And thanks to the Channel Tunnel, it's also now extrememly easy to get to by train, too.

You'll find plenty of fun attractions and things to do in Amsterdam , from gallery hopping in the magnificent Rijksmuseum , with its classic artworks by such greats as Rembrandt, to hopping aboard a tour boat for a cruise along the city's famous canals.

Amsterdam is where you'll find the historic location where the young Anne Frank wrote her famous diaries, a sobering reminder of the horrors of war and hatred. It's also home to the stunning Van Gogh Museum , with its vast collection of art and memorabilia relating to this most revered of painters, and the impressive Royal Palace , residence of the Dutch Royal Family since 1648.

A favorite for history buffs, the cathedral city of Canterbury in Kent is an easy one-hour rail ride from central London. Getting to Canterbury from London is also easy by road and bus.

For a truly unique weekend getaway, book a stay in the excellent Canterbury Cathedral Lodge , located in the grounds of the cathedral. You'll be rewarded not just with an extremely comfortable place to stay but also some memorable views over the gardens and the cathedral. A stay here also includes privileges such as direct access to areas in the Cathedral Precincts.

You're also just steps away from exploring the interior of the cathedral itself. A great way to get the most out of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site is to book a guided tour, taking in such features as the spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered—possibly by order of the King—back in 1170. You'll also find yourself in the heart of plenty of great shopping, dining, and walking experiences.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Canterbury

Just over an hour's flight north of London is another capital city worth exploring: Edinburgh. While driving or taking the train from London to Edinburgh is also possible, the five-plus hour journey will mean less time to explore the top points of interest in the Scottish capital.

Topping your list of must-see attractions is majestic Edinburgh Castle , which is easy to get to on foot from most centrally located hotels and B&Bs. You can expect to spend the best part of a day exploring the castle, and longer if you plan on seeing the many displays of historic artifacts, such as the impressive collection of crown jewels.

Within easy reach of the castle and the old part of the city is the Royal Mile . This stretch of historic old townhomes and shopfronts, as well as the New Town area, is a delight to explore on foot. In addition to the many fine old hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses sprinkled about this pleasant Georgian-era neighborhood, you'll have access to Princes Street with its excellent dining and shopping experiences.

If you're able, try to time your weekend getaway to coincide with some of the city's best-known events and festivals. These include the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, or the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Edinburgh

The unofficial "capital" of northern England, the cathedral city of York in North Yorkshire makes for an excellent choice of weekend getaway from London. With frequent train connections between London and York , getting here is fast and easy, especially if taking the train—a less than two-hour journey.

Fun things to do include visiting the Shambles, a pedestrian-only shopping and entertainment area that can trace its roots back to medieval times, and taking a sightseeing tour of York Minster . England's biggest medieval church dates from the 13th century, featuring an amazing collection of stained glass windows and a rich treasury with displays of priceless religious artifacts.

Other top activities include walking the city's two miles of medieval city walls, visiting the National Railway Museum, and taking a cruise along the River Ouse.

Where to stay in York? While York has no shortage of luxury hotels, a favorite among travelers from London is the recently renovated Principal York . In addition to having its own access from York railway station, this historic luxury hotel is located an easy 10-minute walk from the city's top attractions. If available, be sure to request a room with a view of York Minster.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in York, England

The capital of Wales, Cardiff, is another great UK weekend destination to explore. Easily accessed by car and only a tad under two hours by train from London, this world-class city offers everything from luxury stays in grand old hotels to cheap breaks in modest accommodations. Wherever you stay, though, expect to have fun.

Not only are the Welsh among the friendliest of people, they're known for their handiwork and craftsmanship. This can easily be experienced by taking a fun self-guided walking tour of the city's pleasant Victorian arcades with their boutiques and galleries.

While there are a number of these old shopping areas open to the public, the best is the Royal Arcade . Built in 1858, here you'll enjoy a pleasant stroll while getting the chance to explore numerous shops selling a variety of Welsh-made goods. Be sure to also spend time exploring Cardiff Castle, too.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Wales

Fresh from its stint hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games , the city of Birmingham in England's West Midlands has found its mojo.

Once shunned by domestic and international travelers alike, this former industrial city has successfully reinvented itself as one of the top places to visit in England for those seeking a fun-packed getaway from London. Just 90 minutes away from the capital by train, Birmingham is certainly a lot of fun, whatever your interests.

Those seeking great shopping experiences will want to spend time exploring the Bullring & Grand Central shopping district. This revitalized section of the city center is home to an endless variety of big-brand stores and unique boutique shops as well as entertainment including an endless stream of very talented buskers.

Birmingham has also earned a reputation as a leading center for great dining experiences. Favorites for foodies include the excellent Fazenda , popular for its authentic gaúcho meat dishes; chic Fumo Birmingham featuring fine Italian dining experiences; and Chapter, an independent neighborhood restaurant offering delicious dishes served indoors and out.

Looking for the perfect place to stay while in Birmingham? You can't get any closer to the downtown action than checking in to Staying Cool at Rotunda . Boasting views of the Bullring and Grand Central station area, this tall historic building features fully furnished apartments with kitchens, huge windows, and a surprisingly quiet sleep given its central location.

Read more: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Birmingham

An easy one-hour flight from London, the Irish city of Dublin makes for a great weekend getaway for families and couples alike. As well as having numerous fun attractions geared towards specific interests, there are plenty of great places to stay, whatever your budget.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, be sure to give serious consideration to the city's downtown core. It's here you'll find most of the best tourist attractions in Dublin along with the best hotels. Highlights include touring the splendid Trinity College , with its magnificent grounds and gardens, and the popular Grafton Street area.

In addition to its great shopping, here you'll find plenty of entertainment opportunities, much of it provided by musicians busking on the sidewalks. Dublin also makes for a great base from which to explore nearby attractions such as the attractive Wicklow Hills.

The attractive seaside resort town of Brighton is easy to get to from London . An hour by train due south of the nation's capital, this picturesque city provides an authentic British seaside weekend getaway experience with access to some of the best beaches in East Sussex .

When it comes to accommodations, choose from the numerous fine hotels and B&Bs set in the old townhomes that overlook the beach.

Once settled in, head straight for the promenade. Here, you can walk for hours as you take in the views over the English Channel, the old Regency-era architecture that lines the streets, the many pleasant gardens and parks, and its two most recognizable landmarks, the Palace Pier and Royal Pavilion .

If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with the Brighton Festival . Held each May, this fun festival features a riot of cultural events as diverse as classical concerts and pop performances, comedy and film shows, and top venues, including the majestic Royal Pavilion.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brighton

Often overlooked by visitors to the UK, the charming Channel Islands are only an hour's flight from the capital. This chain of islands off the coast of France includes the smaller islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and tiny Hern, but it's in Jersey, the biggest, that you'll want to begin your adventure...and possibly finish, depending on the length of your stay.

In addition to incredible views from almost every vantage point, you'll be rewarded with a relaxing break spent exploring seemingly endless walking and hiking trails. It's also fun exploring major attractions such as the quaint streets and fortifications of St. Helier, as well as sites such as the popular Durrell Wildlife Park .

If you can squeeze in a visit to one other island, make it Guernsey . Accessible by ferry, it's equally pretty and also popular as a hiking destination, particularly along its striking cliff-lined shoreline. Especially suited to long weekend breaks, the Channel Islands should definitely be on your bucket list.

• Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of the Channel Islands

The university city of Cambridge is another easy-to-get-to weekend getaway from London for those who don't want to travel too far. An easy hour by car or rail from the center of London, this beautiful old city has much to recommend it.

Try to set up shop as close to the heart of the old city as possible, as Cambridge was made to be explored on foot. There are many luxury hotels, as well as cheaper B&B options located here, too.

Save time to explore at least one or two of the old colleges, some of which even offer short-term stays in student accommodations for tourists. Other fun things to do here include attending cool events, such as the 800-year-old Midsummer Fair or the Cambridge Folk Festival; both are great ways to anchor a memorable weekend getaway.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cambridge, England

Most visitors to London are surprised to learn that they can fly to so many other European capital cities in under two hours. Take Berlin, for example. Just 1.5 hours away by plane, it's the perfect excuse to take a weekend break Europe-style.

There are also a surprising amount of good quality, affordable hotels near the city center. Many of the best are within an easy walk of such top destinations as the iconic Brandenburg Gate , the magnificent Museum Island area, and the remnant of the Berlin Wall .

Also worth checking out is the city's burgeoning food scene, the many war memorials here, as well as its many parks and green spaces.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Berlin

Another great seaside destination in the UK that's relatively easy to get to is Bournemouth in Dorset. Under two hours by train, Bournemouth is perhaps the classiest of the country's coastal towns. Here, you'll have plenty of great luxury hotels to choose from, along with elegant B&Bs and historic old inns, most of them within an easy walk of what the town is best known for: its beaches.

Bournemouth's beaches stretch some 17 kilometers, connecting Hengistbury Head all the way past Bournemouth to neighboring Poole. If visiting in summer, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd arrived in the warmer parts of the Mediterranean.

You'll find lush vegetation in its green parks, copious quantities of people strolling the streets and promenades, and sunbathers on the beach, not to mention many excellent opportunities to dine alfresco.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Bournemouth, Dorset

Just a 1.5-hour flight from London, the city of Zurich offers one of the best city breaks in all of Europe. Switzerland's biggest city has moved mountains to create an extremely pedestrian-friendly experience for visitors, who flock here to shop for luxury goods like Swiss watches as well as to soak up the culture and ambience of the Old Town.

After disembarking the fast and efficient airport train, you'll find yourself in the heart of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment that offers wide streets for pedestrians, with few if any cars anywhere to be seen. It's here you'll find trendy hotels and chic restaurants, superlative shopping experiences, and, just a few minutes away, one of the most romantic city centers to be seen anywhere.

In the Old Town, pull up at a table alongside the Limmat river and simply enjoy the ambience of the medieval quarter. Better still, do this on a Saturday night and you'll be rewarded with the remarkable experience of hearing the peals of bells from city churches, ringing in the night and reminding residents and visitors alike that Sunday is a church day.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Zürich

One of the top weekend getaways for those seeking short city breaks from London is to head to the town of Windsor. Just 30 minutes away by train , it's an easy trip that will drop you off in the midst of one of the most impressive old towns in the country, and just a few steps away from one of its most iconic landmarks: Windsor Castle .

A home to the British Royal Family for over 950 years, this spectacular attraction can easily consume at least a day or more as you explore its many nooks and crannies. And there are a lot of them! So many, in fact, you should consider joining an organized tour, guaranteeing you'll see highlights such as the State Apartments and St. George's chapel. Be sure to also allow some time afterwards to wander the Great Park.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Windsor

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is only a two-hour flight away from London. While not a cheap weekend away, as Norway is considered one of the most expensive travel destinations in Europe, Oslo offers many fun things to do .

If you can check into one of the city center hotels, do so. You'll enjoy access to one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities to be found anywhere. Start with a walk to the stunning Opera House , then head to the large Akershus Fortress , a military complex that guarded the city and its harbor for centuries. From here, it's a bit of a haul to the Royal Palace , but it's worth it.

Finally, no trip to Oslo is complete without spending a few hours exploring the spectacular Vigeland Sculpture Park , a sprawling area that's home to 650 sculptures created by Norway's Gustav Vigeland.

More on England

This Railcard Discount Gives 1/3 Off Most Fares And Lets You Travel Across All Of Southern England

Bummed about losing some of your railcard discount? Worry not, as this railcard discount will help you save just as much if not more.

The railcard discount cut affects those travellers with a 16-25, a 26-30, or an over-60 railcard but there’s still plenty of other ways to reap the same benefit.

One of the most versatile and popular options in London is the Network Railcard , which is specifically designed for travel within the South East, making it perfect for trips into and out of London.

The Network Railcard offers discounts for train journeys in London and the South East of England. It’s a great option for people who live or work in the region, as well as visitors who want to explore London’s outskirts. Here’s why the Network Railcard stands out:

• 1/3 Off Fares : The most significant advantage of the Network Railcard is that it offers 1/3 off most rail fares for travel within the Network Railcard area, which covers London and the South East. This includes popular destinations like Brighton, Canterbury, and Cambridge.
• Discounts for Up to 3 Adults : With one Network Railcard, you can get a 1/3 discount for up to three additional adults traveling with you. This makes it ideal for group trips with friends or family.
• Children Travel for £2 : The Network Railcard allows up to four children (aged 5-15) to travel with you for just £2 each. This is a significant saving for families planning a day out or holiday.
• Off-Peak Travel : The Network Railcard is valid for off-peak travel, which includes weekends, bank holidays, and certain off-peak weekday times (after 10:00 am on weekdays, excluding public holidays). This ensures that you can enjoy savings during less busy times, which is perfect for leisure travellers.
• London Travelcards : The Network Railcard can be used in conjunction with off-peak London Travelcards, giving you discounts on both rail fares and all-day unlimited travel on the Tube, buses, and trams within London.
• Annual Cost : The card costs £30 per year, which means the savings can add up very quickly, especially if you use the train regularly. Many users find that the card pays for itself after just a few trips.

Who Can Use the Network Railcard?

Anyone aged 16 or older can purchase a Network Railcard. It’s particularly useful for residents of London and the South East who frequently travel by train, but it’s also a great option for visitors who plan to explore the outskirts of London. The card is valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be used to buy discounted tickets for both standard and first-class travel.

How To Get The Most Out of Your Network Railcard

• Plan Your Journeys Around Off-Peak Hours : Since the Network Railcard is valid only for off-peak travel, plan your trips accordingly to ensure you can maximise your discounts. Off-peak times generally begin after 10:00 am on weekdays, so it’s ideal for leisure travel and weekend trips.
• Combine with Other Discounts : Look for additional discounts that can be combined with your railcard, such as group savings or promotions at popular attractions. Check for deals that accept railcard holders for added benefits.
• Keep an Eye on Special Offers : Keep an eye on special promotions offered by train operators and tourist destinations, which often provide additional savings or bonuses for railcard users.
• Book in Advance : For the best deals, consider booking tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling to popular destinations during the holiday season. Railcards can be used for discounted advance fares, further increasing your savings.
• Use It on Day Trips : The Network Railcard is particularly useful for day trips from London to cities and towns like Brighton, Windsor , Oxford, and Cambridge. You can save a significant amount on train fares and make the most of your trip with additional discounts on family travel.

Other types of Railcard discounts

While the most popular ones are the 16-25, 26-30 and senior railcard. You can also try the Two-Together railcard which offers 1/3 off fares when two people travel together, the Family & Friends railcard which is great for groups of up to four adults and four children offering great savings for family trips.

Whether you’re a commuter or a visitor looking for day trips from London, investing in a Network Railcard will help you enjoy significant savings, making your travel more enjoyable and less expensive.

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