8 of the Best London Day Trips That are Fun and Easy
Looking for day tours from London to picture-perfect castles, charming countryside villages, and stunning coastal cliffs? These recommendations from professional travel bloggers include easy half-day trips by train and guided coach tours to famous sites like Stonehenge, Windsor and the historic town of Bath.
These London day trips include castles, legendary monuments, and stunning sea cliffs.
Looking for day tours from London to picture-perfect castles, charming countryside villages, and stunning coastal cliffs? After spending a few days in London checking landmarks off your London bucket list, you might be itching to get out and explore the famous historic surroundings like Bath, Stonehenge and Windsor.
Whether you’re searching for easy London half-day trips by train, coach excursions with a pro guide, or day trips from London by car, this list will get you started. It includes some of the best London day trips recommended by travel bloggers with all the scoop on what to see and do and how to get there.
A few of these outings can even be done in half a day if you want to return to the city for an afternoon activity or evening show. Be sure to check out this London itinerary to help plan the rest of your trip to the city.
Bristol Day Trip
By Nabiha of Verses by a Voyager
One of the most amazing day trips from London is to Bristol, a large and lively city in the southwest of Great Britain with a maritime legacy and plenty of sightseeing.
One of the top Bristol activities is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which crosses the River Avon over a dramatic gorge. The Victorian-era landmark offers splendid views of the surrounding area and an incredible sunset. You can walk, bike or drive the stretch, or take in the scene from the blufftop Clifton Observatory, a lookout tower in a 1766 windmill.
Located on Brandon Hill, 105-foot-tall Cabot Tower is another symbol of the city. It requires a steep hike to reach the viewing platform, but the reward is spectacular panoramas.
The vibrancy of Bristol along with its dedication to culture and arts can be witnessed through the graffiti murals all around. Legendary street artist Bansky is said to be from the area and has left his marks around the city.
Bristol is about 120 miles west of London on the River Avon. The trip typically takes between 2 to 3 hours by car or bus (check Megabus or National Express for tickets).
Direct trains depart Paddington Station in London stop for Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads. A super-fast version of the rail route launching December 2019 cuts the travel time to 68 minutes and 1 hour 19 minutes respectively.
Stonehenge and Bath Tour
By Sydney of A World in Reach
One of the most popular London day trips is to Stonehenge and Bath, a pair of legendary UNESCO World Heritage Sites outside of the city.
The 4,500-year-old Stonehenge in Wiltshire is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Though I’ve heard many say they were disappointed by the small size of the stone circle and the crowds, I definitely thought it was a bucket list experience! Make sure to spend some time at the museum in the visitor center. Here, you’ll learn more about the history of Stonehenge as well as about what life was like during the neolithic times.
After visiting Stonehenge, make your way to the ancient city of Bath and its thermal springs. The picturesque downtown is ideal for grabbing some lunch and taking a walk around admiring the beautiful architecture before heading to the city’s namesake: the Roman Baths. If you still have some time before heading back to London, pay a visit to the beautiful Bath Abbey and grab a cornish pasty from The Cornish Bakery.
Day Trip to Arundel Castle
By Kelsey of Sights Better Seen
Looking for a cute historic market town just a stone’s throw from London? How about one with a castle, too? Arundel has it all in one London day trip.
The highlight of this West Sussex destination is certainly the hilltop medieval fortress, where the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and their family still live. If you’re castle obsessed, you definitely don’t want to miss it! Tickets to Arundel Castle include access to the Keep, for views over the River Arun and the sea in the distance, the 14th-century Fitzalan Chapel, and the well-manicured gardens, which are said to be full of rehabilitated hedgehogs.
After spending a few hours exploring the castle, pop over to the Arundel Museum for some history on the town (admission is discounted if you have a ticket to the castle) and to the Blackfriars Dominican Priory Ruins, the stone remains of an old friary. There are plenty of tea shops to choose from for an afternoon cuppa with scones and clotted cream (Lulamae’s has a great atmosphere).
Arundel is about 65 miles south of London, down the A3 to the A283 by car. For public transit, take the Southern Line from Victoria Station in the direction of Bognor Regis (about 90 minutes to Arundel).
Coventry Day Trip
By Dagney of Cultura Obscura
Coventry is a great option for a day trip from London, with a fascinating history and unique museums.
One of the real standouts is the Coventry Transport Museum. This place is massive, and definitely one of the top things to do in Coventry! The museum details the history of transportation throughout the years, from monocycles to race cars.
There’s even a 4D simulator so that visitors can experience driving in the world’s fastest car. However, we particularly loved the bicycle section — did you know that bicycles contributed to progressive views of women in the UK?
You can also explore the ruins of the Old Coventry Cathedral, bombed during WWII, and learn about the Coventry refugee experience at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
The city is often overlooked by tourists, and none of the sites we visited were particularly busy. This is a shame because we thought Coventry was a real underrated gem! If you’re looking for a unique day trip from London, definitely consider Coventry.
Coventry is located in central England, about 100 miles northwest of London. Express trains from London Euston reach Coventry in an hour and the regular London to Coventry train just under 2 hours. Alternatively, National Express buses leave regularly from Victoria station and take around 2.5 hours.
Seven Sisters Cliffs and South Downs National Park Outing
By Loredana of Destguides
The Seven Sisters, a range of white coastal cliffs on the English Channel, is a great place to go for a half or full-day hike just outside of London proper. The chalky bluffs are part of South Downs National Park in East Sussex, a sweeping landscape of rolling hills, ancient forests and breathtaking seaside.
A circular walking route along the cliffs is about 8 miles long and takes 6 or so hours to complete. From the top, you can see excellent panoramic views over the water and of the grasslands. Access to the path, along with parking and some facilities, can be found in Birling Gap, East Dean and Seven Sisters Country Park.
I decided to check out the Seven Sisters cliffs on New Year's Day for a half-day walk in nature. They were simply stunning and the weather was stable and temperature relatively mild. It only took about 2.5 hours to get there by car from Central London (give or take a bit depending on traffic), a drive through the quaint villages and countryside that the UK is known for.
The Seven Sisters are about 80 miles south of London on the coast. For transit, take the Southern line from Victoria Station to Eastbourne or Seaford (about 90 minutes) and hop on bus route 12 for stops at Birling Gap, East Dean or Exceat (for Seven Sisters Country Park).
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
(The Making of Harry Potter)
By Elizabeth of The Fearless Foreigner
Calling all Harry Potter fans! Whether you are a muggle or a wizard, a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of the best day trips from London. Located in Leavesden, the studio tour gives you a behind the scenes look at how the Harry Potter films were made.
Leavesden has one of the largest movie studios in Europe. Two huge warehouses are now designed for Harry Potter fans to visit and see how the movies were made.
While walking through the huge spaces you can see the real props, costumes and sets from the films. There are several interactive exhibits, including broomstick riding. Even the biggest Potter fanatics will learn some new interesting facts and stories.
Have you been wanting to try Butterbeer? You can do that here too! There are special events and workshops to participate in as well, like a “Behind the Seams” experience all about the costumes used and the work that went into creating them. It was pretty cool to be able to try on some of the actual robes!
Make sure to buy your ticket at least two to three months in advance, as this day trip from London is extremely popular.
London Day Trip to Windsor Castle
By Michelle of Harbors and Havens
Known as the queen’s weekend home, Windsor Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror and has been home to the royals for more than 1,000 years. At an impressive 13 acres, the fortress is one of the oldest and biggest castles still occupied today (look for the Royal Standard flag flying to see if the Queen is there). This is a great London day trip if you’re into the royals, castles, or history.
Carve out some time to walk around the charming riverside towns of Windsor and Eton just outside the castle, too, where the old-timey streets are full of pubs and souvenir shops.
St. Albans Day Trip
By Deeptha of The Globe Trotter
With historic streets, beautiful buildings and a thriving food scene, the old market town of St. Albans is truly a gem of a city, and an easy and fun day trip to take from London. The city is packed with places to discover and experience, including several historical St. Albans attractions.
The St. Albans Cathedral, one of the oldest places of continual worship in the UK, is the main draw for visitors. The city has a few other notable distinctions, like being home to a medieval clock tower and the ruins of a Roman theater from around 140 AD. One of its pubs, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, even claims to be the oldest in the country. Other places to visit include the St. Albans Organ Theatre and the St. Albans Museum and Gallery.
St. Albans is located 25 miles north of central London in Hertfordshire. The train from St. Pancras International to St. Albans City takes less than 30 minutes so it is an easy half-day trip from London.
75 of the Best London Landmarks for Your London Bucket List
This mega London bucket list packs in 75-plus London landmarks, from medieval churches and castles to epic city views to free museums. The guide is broken into categories so you can find exactly what piques your interest, be that parks, galleries, shops and markets, historic sights, or Harry Potter.
This London bucket list includes everything from storied castles and cathedrals to parks and gardens with city views.
From medieval churches and grandiose palaces to huge green parks and epic city views, this London bucket list packs in tons of London landmarks. Whether you’re searching for the best place afternoon tea in London or curious about free museums in London, we’ve got you covered!
There are 75-plus historic haunts and fun activities in London on this list, broken down into categories so you can scroll straight to the topics that interest you most, whether that’s gardens, medieval castles, art galleries, shops and markets, or Harry Potter attractions.
Make sure you check out the London landmarks section first for what should soar to the top of your London itinerary. And if you’re here for a few days, I’ve rounded up some London day trips you don’t want to miss.
London Bucket List
Wondering what to do in London on your first trip? Or looking for something off-beat and under the radar? This London bucket list has a mix of tourist musts and cool spots in the city for every taste.
London Landmarks and Experiences
These London landmarks are the classic destinations you have to see and experience at least once. Even though they’re popular London tourist attractions, these spots help tell the story of the city.
Buckingham Palace
Changing of the Guard
This famous ceremony takes place when guards switch shifts at Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace. The showmanship part in front of Buckingham starts at around 11 a.m. (check the calendar for dates) and includes inspections and music performances, but you’ll need to arrive an hour early to get a spot close to the gates or around the Victoria Memorial in front of the palace. Since this is on a lot of folk’s London bucket list, it gets crowded. If you’re not set on seeing the whole thing or want to avoid the throngs, you can watch the troop movements from St. James Palace or the Wellington Barracks (where the new guard exits and old crew retires) instead. Standing along The Mall path in front of the palace will get you views of the marching to and from St. James as well.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
You can’t visit London without snapping a few photos of the famous Big Ben clock tower and the gorgeous Palace of Westminster it’s attached to. In the building, tour the Houses of Parliament with a guide or multimedia device, or attend one of the debates in the House of Commons or House of Lords. There’s also an afternoon tea service here, if you want to sip Earl Gray by the Thames. Walk across the Westminster Bridge for the best views of Big Ben.
Read Next: Add These 50 Landmarks and Experiences to Your Paris Bucket List
Westminster Abbey
Trafalgar Square
This buzzing public space seen on many a postcard is most recognizable for its twin fountains and lion statues that surround the Nelson’s Column monument. Typically filled with camera-wielding tourists and street performers, it also fronts London’s National Gallery, which holds famous artworks dating back to the 13th century.
London Eye
Tower Bridge
Often mixed up with the London Bridge, which is a pretty plain structure in its current form, Tower Bridge spans the Thames between the Tower of London and the Southwark district. Built in the late 1800s, the suspension structure is distinguishable for its two turrets that give it a castle-like appearance. You can stroll across it for free, but visiting the old engine rooms or walking 140-feet above the river on glass floors requires a ticket.
Tower of London
St. Paul’s Cathedral
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Piccadilly Circus
Though its function is a vehicular traffic junction of a handful of busy streets, Piccadilly Circus is always packed with pedestrians, thanks to its proximity to a wealth of retail, dining and entertainment around Soho. A bronze fountain and its tiered platform here offer a little spot to sit and rest in the middle of shopping and sightseeing, in view of Times Square-esque electronic billboards plastered between Victorian-era buildings. You’ll likely stumble upon it without even trying if you’re wandering between stores, museums and theaters in the West End.
Afternoon Tea
Double Decker Bus
Thames Clipper
Harry Potter Tour and Platform 9 3/4
London Palaces and Castles
Obsessed with the royals or just curious to see what a real life palace looks like? London has several historic castles and palaces you can visit. Check these out.
Buckingham Palace & Tower of London
See the “London Landmarks” section for more info on these historic sites, the first the queen’s London residence and the latter a medieval fortress.
St. James Palace
This Tudor residence near Buckingham Palace holds royal apartments and participates in the famous changing of the guard ceremony, too. You can’t visit inside, but you can snap photos of the exterior and St. James Park across The Mall.
Clarence House
Next to St. James Palace, the 19th-century Clarence House has been the royal residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II when she was a princess, and The Prince of Wales. The home typically opens for tours in August each year.
Kensington Palace
Winchester Palace
Once a grand building in medieval times, Winchester Palace succumbed to fire and now sits in ruins next to the Thames. You can view the exterior remains for free on a quick walk by. It’s between the Southwark and London bridges on the Southwark side of the river.
15 Things To Do on a Solo Trip to London
Somerset House
A neoclassical London palace built in the late 1700s, Somerset House mostly hosts events and exhibitions. Entrance to the grounds, courtyard and fountains here is free, as are occasional tours, but you’ll need a ticket for exhibitions. You’ll find it on the Strand next to the Waterloo Bridge.
Lambeth Palace
Home to the Archbishop of Canterbury (that’s the leader of the Church of England), Lambeth Palace has roots in the 13th century and sits on the South Bank of the Thames. It’s mostly closed to the public as a private residence, but occasional tours and events at the grounds and gardens offer a peek. It’s worth the photo op from the outside, though, on a stroll by.
Hampton Court Palace
Theater and the Arts
The London theater scene is worth the visit alone. If you’re into the arts, add these museums and theaters to your London bucket list.
Shakespeare’s Globe
West End Theaters
With award-winning shows like the Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserable performed in its old-timey theaters, the West End district is London’s version of NYC’s Broadway. London’s TKTS booth for last-minute, discounted tickets can be found in Leicester Square a couple of blocks from Trafalgar, and this article is packed with other ideas for scoring bargain theater tickets. Seeing a show in London should definitely be on your London itinerary.
National Gallery
Names like Monet, Michelangelo, van Gogh, and da Vinci plaster the walls at the National Gallery, located at Trafalgar Square. Free tours throughout the week introduce the museum’s collection, which spans the 13th to 19th centuries. Late hours on Fridays means you can squeeze it in when other attractions close, and there’s no charge for admission.
National Portrait Gallery
Neighboring the National Gallery, this art museum was the first of its kind, featuring paintings, photos and sculptures of famous Brits throughout history. Notable faces on display range from kings and queens of old to Elton John and Ed Sheeran. Entry is free.
Tate Britain
This more than a century-old establishment holds a huge collection of British art dating to the 1500s. Entry is free to the gallery, which is housed in a striking columned building about a mile down the Thames from Big Ben.
Tate Modern
This riverfront art gallery in Southwark displays modern, international pieces. The building, once a power station, is located by the Millenium Bridge across the Thames from St. Paul’s Cathedral, with views from the museum cafe and the walkways outside. Entry is free.
Royal Albert Hall
Museums and History
Museums in London range from history and science museums with thousands of artifacts to niche spots telling the story of the London guards, London’s role in World War II, and the city’s transportation systems.
The British Museum
This London bucket list museum holds an antiquities collection in the millions, including Greek sculptures from the Parthenon, medieval samurai armor from Japan, the Rosetta stone, and Egyptian mummies. The British Museum is free to visit (but make a donation if you’re able), and educational talks and tours are offered throughout the week in different zones of the facility.
Museum of London
Located in the old City of London, this institution tells the story of the U.K. capital through artifacts and displays tracing the prehistoric era to Roman occupation to medieval times to the present. Admission is free, and just outside you can see the stone ruins of the Roman walls that used to enclose the city.
The Guards Museum
If you’re fascinated by those marching redcoats, then a visit to this military exhibition is a must. It’s housed at the Wellington Barracks, and delves into the story behind the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards that watch over Buckingham and the royal palaces. Outside the gates at the barracks, you can watch the troops marching in and out during the Changing of the Guards ceremonies. Check here for current museum admission fees and hours.
Churchill War Rooms
The Household Cavalry Museum and Horse Guards Parade
The 18th-century Horse Guards building next to St. James Park houses the stables and barracks of the Household Cavalry, the mounted guards of the Queen. With a ticket to the museum here, you can see what goes on behind the scenes, watch daily inspections and guard changes, check out the horse facilities, and try on a Cavalryman helmet and uniform. Passersby can see the Horse Guards Parade Grounds and the Guards Memorial across the street.
HMS Belfast
Imperial War Museum
This museum collection that includes the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast has an IWM London location in Southwark that preserves military and war history. The facility features everything from actual planes, rockets and vehicles used in conflict to a moving Holocaust exhibit and gallery of heroes, all with free admission.
London Transport Museum
Once you’ve mastered the tube routes and circled the city on a double decker, it’s time to uncover the history of London’s transport systems, from the days of horse and buggies and beyond. This gem in the buzzing Covent Garden district tells of how getting around the city has evolved over the years, with actual vehicles and trains on display, as well as signs, photos and maps. Tickets are required but kids are free.
The British Library
Bibliophiles — add this one to your bookish London bucket list. Part book heaven, part museum, this facility by the St. Pancras train station catalogues millions of items, thought to be the largest national library in existence. Among the collection are maps from the 15th century, vintage periodicals and newspapers, music scores and recordings, and the Magna Carta.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Named for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and founded during her reign, the V&A is themed around art and design. A collection of more than 2 million includes works of textile and fashion, furniture, glass and ceramics, and photography. Along with free admission, the museum offers complimentary tours with topics like the Renaissance era, performance and theater, and African heritage.
Natural History Museum
Known for its massive dinosaur displays, London’s Natural History Museum houses more than 80 million different specimens, from blue whale bones to rare minerals to a rock from Mars. Interactive and educational exhibits make it a family-friendly option, while the outdoor Wildlife Garden offers a quiet oasis full of native flora and fauna. The free facility is along South Kensington’s museum-filled Exhibition Road.
Science Museum
London’s Science Museum packs in all sorts of technology, space, invention and engineering exhibits. Entry is free, but things like IMAX tickets, shows and demos in the Wonderlab, and flight simulators carry a fee.
National Maritime Museum
This free Greenwich museum forms part of a complex listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List that includes the Royal Observatory. The National Maritime Museum delves into British naval history, with interactive exhibits like a ship simulator and a kids play zone.
London Gardens and Parks
London isn’t all history and culture. The city actually has some pretty incredible green spaces with room to row, bike, hike, picnic and enjoy the outdoors. If you want to spend some time outdoors, add these parks to your London bucket list.
Green Park and St. James Park
Neighboring Green and St. James parks front the Buckingham Palace complex and offer a necessary bit of nature in the midst of the heavy tourist zone. Shady trees line winding walkways with a bench here and there, while big green lawns draw sunseekers, readers and picnickers. Waterfowl can usually be spotted hanging out on the reflective St. James Park Lake, while a bridge across provides views of the palace in one direction and the London Eye in the other.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Just steps from Green Park, massive Hyde Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities, as well as historic sights in the form of monuments and memorials. Walkers and cyclists frequent the huge network of paths here, and an onsite sports center also offers activities like tennis, mini golf and lawn bowling. At the east end of the 350-acre space, you can spot the white Marble Arch, designed as a triumphal piece a la Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and Speakers’ Corner, known as a historic soapbox-style speech and rally site. The central Serpentine lake is often dotted with row and peddle boats, and has a pair of art galleries on either bank. The west side of the park transitions to Kensington Gardens, notable for the massive gilded Albert Memorial erected by Queen Victoria for her late husband, and Kensington Palace Gardens, a well-manicured space of flowers and hedges.
Regents Park and Primrose Hill
Part of the Royal Parks collection, Regents Park is the central city’s sports zone, with fields for rugby, cricket, football and more, as well as walking and biking lanes. It’s also home to Queen Mary’s Garden, with a collection of 12,000 roses. A boating lake, playgrounds, an open-air performance space, zoo and food venues round out the amenities. Neighboring Primrose Hill offers stellar views of downtown London from an elevated vantage point a few miles away.
Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill
Just 4 miles north of the river and the tourist buzz, Hampstead Heath is a sweeping space for recreation. Marked and rough-hewn paths for joggers and horseback riders weave in and out of wooded areas, while sports facilities include tennis and croquet courts and fields for football and rugby. A few of the ponds allow swimming. Like Primrose to the south, Parliament Hill here rises above the park for vistas of the London skyline.
Greenwich Park
This Royal Park a couple blocks from the river is home to the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the Prime Meridian, known as the dividing line of the earth’s longitude. In addition to the astronomical attractions, the park has a wilderness zone where deer roam, herb and flower gardens, paved trails, and a hilltop lookout over the Thames and city skyline to the west, perfect for sunsets. It’s about 5 miles southeast of the City of London in the borough of Greenwich.
Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
These two queenly parks are in the northeast suburbs, less than 5 miles from the old city. Victoria is one of the oldest public parks in London and features multiple recreational lakes, rose gardens, and spaces for walking, cycling and sports. The neighboring park named for Queen Elizabeth hosted the London Olympics in 2012, and its grounds are full of wetlands, waterways and play areas. You can also snap photos with the famous Olympic rings.
Kew Gardens
London Shopping Streets and Markets
If you’ve come to London to shop, these are the spots you need to check out first.
Borough Market
Southwark’s Borough Market is one of the city’s oldest, largest, and best-known retail food venues, dating back 1,000 years. Dozens of traders gather here with stands of locally grown produce, fresh deli cuts and seafood, artisan chocolates and jams, and aromatic cheeses, breads and flowers. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and pastry or order a hot lunch with international flair prepared in front of you.
Leadenhall Market
With roots in the 14th century, the current Leadenhall Market has a distinct Victorian look in its covered passageways lined with shops and restaurants. It’s the place to go for designer retail therapy or for dining and drinks in a buzzing, picturesque atmosphere.
Harrods
A department store to rule all department stores, Harrods could be more accurately described as an emporium, housing everything from high-end designer fashion to pastry counters. It’s a must-see on your London bucket list. Even if you don’t care to splurge on shoes and purses here, it’s worth a visit to see the impressive Food Hall, packed with luxury cheese and charcuterie, tins of biscuits and tea, and mouthwatering chocolate truffles in the confectionery.
Soho
With everything from jazz clubs to Victorian theaters to some of the best London shopping streets, Soho’s eclectic vibes hail from a red-light district past. The nightlife still buzzes here, as does the food scene, but during the day you can head to Oxford Street to stumble upon every retailer you could imagine and Carnaby Street for fashion along pedestrian-friendly brick lanes.
Covent Garden
A near neighbor to Soho, Covent Garden district packs in shopping, dining and theater as well. A historic covered market bearing the same name serves as a central neighborhood landmark, as does the Royal Opera House, which hosts the Royal Ballet.
Camden Town
Less than two miles north of King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations, this little canal-front neighborhood is known for its unique markets. It’s the place to go for antiques, vintage fashion, handmade accessories, one-of-a-kind art pieces, retro decor...you name it! There’s also tons of global cuisine at restaurants and street stands.
Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
When you see a photo of pastel-colored row houses in London, it was likely taken in Notting Hill. This Kensington district neighborhood hosts the festive yearly Notting Hill Carnival, but it’s perhaps best known for the Portobello Road Market, which started with produce stalls but has evolved into a world of antiques and second-hand fashion.
Shoreditch and Brick Lane Market
Full of street art, independent boutiques and global food carts, Shoreditch is a trendy zone on the east side about a mile north of the old city. Graffiti-adorned Brick Lane is one of the more famous Sunday markets in London, especially for vintage and second-hand goods, while the Columbia Road Flower Market adds in some sweet fragrances and vibrant colors on weekends.
London Bucket List Churches
A tour of cathedrals is a must for your London bucket list. Check out these gems with stunning stained glass and long legacies.
Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
You can read more about these two bucket list London churches in the landmarks section above.
Southwark Cathedral
This 800-year-old London church building just steps from the Thames and London Bridge once held the royal wedding of King James I of Scotland. Pop in for free to see the stained glass windows, request a quick tour from one of the cathedral guides, or join in a daily choral service in the late afternoon.
All Hallows by the Tower
Said to be the oldest church in London, this institution dates to the year 675. Though many restorations and renovations have happened since, including a post-WWII rebuild, some remnants from the early days still exist. Since it’s located just by the Tower of London, those executed on Tower Hill were often brought to the facility for temporary burial. Another claim to fame, future U.S. President John Quincy Adams and wife Louisa were married here in 1797. Free, guided tours take place on weekday afternoons for much of spring through fall.
St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden
Destroyed during the Blitz in World War II, this medieval church now shelters a public garden within its ruins. The steeple and tower designed by famous English architect Christopher Wren still stand, but flowers, ivy and benches fill the leveled-out interior. It’s about a block west from the Tower of London.
St. Helen’s Bishopsgate
Situated by the bullet-shaped Gherkin building in the old city, St. Helen’s was constructed in 1210 and is said to have been William Shakespeare’s parish church. Nearby bombings by the Irish Republican Army in the early 1990s severely damaged the building and shattered its historic windows, but it has since been repaired. The church participates in the yearly Open House London for tours, but allows visitors during the week (call ahead) and at services.
St. Olave’s Church
Long before the beloved Disney character of “Frozen” fame, there was a King Olaf II of Norway, who later became the country’s patron saint. This medieval church is dedicated to him, and is one of the rare survivors of the Great Fire of London. Visitors are allowed during the day when the building is not otherwise being used.
St. Martin-in-the-Fields
This elegant Trafalgar Square church with roots to the Middle Ages is well known for its evening classical music performances. During the day, you can pop in for a look around or grab a bite at a cafe housed in the crypt. A few days a week, free lunchtime concerts are offered to the public.
St. Bartholomew the Great
Adjacent to a hospital bearing the same saintly name, Great St. Bart’s was built about 900 years ago and restored throughout the 19th century. You can wander the halls and churchyard during daily visiting hours for a small fee.
St. Giles’ Cripplegate
Though is has roots in the 11th century, this Gothic-style structure was first built in the late 1300s. One of the few London churches to survive the Great Fire of London, it took big hits during other burns and was bombing in WWII. From the remaining shell and surviving bell tower, St. Giles was rebuilt using restoration plans saved from 1545, so it retains a medieval look. Outside of service times, the church typically opens on weekday afternoons.
Best London Views
Viewing London from above really highlights the blend of old and new in the city. Some of these spots are ticketed attractions, but read through to find a few free London lookouts.
London Eye
Scroll up to the “London Landmarks” section for more on this London bucket list must on the River Thames with elevated views of the Westminster district and beyond.
Golden Jubilee Bridges
This pair of pedestrian crossings sit on either side of a rail bridge near Charing Cross Station. The northern one looks toward the City of London at a bend in the river, but the southern one has an epic shot toward Westminster District, with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on one bank and the London Eye on the other. It’s the perfect spot to catch a sunset.
The Shard
One of the most recognizable London skyscrapers, the 95-story Shard rises well above its surroundings, but the pointy glass design is what really makes it stand out. Poking up from the Southwark district about a block from the river, it’s in the perfect locale to gaze out at the city for one of the best views in London.
The Monument
A tribute tower to the Great Fire of London, the Monument sits in the heart of the old city. It was erected a few years after the 1666 tragedy, designed by the same architect who rebuilt the scorched St. Paul’s Cathedral. Reaching the top requires climbing 311 spiraling steps up the column-like structure. Sweeping platform view take in the Shard, Tower of London and Tower Bridge (which offers a combo ticket with the Monument).
Sky Garden
This skyscraper in old London offers 360-degree city views and lush landscaping from its glass-surrounded top level dome called the Sky Garden. The public space spans three stories and features Mediterranean and South African species with year-round blooms. Tickets are free but should be booked online ahead of time to reserve a space. There are also window-filled restaurants and terraces to enjoy. It’s one of the best free city views you can add to your London bucket list.
Westminster Bridge
Crossing the Thames next to the Palace of Westminster, the Victorian-era Westminster Bridge is the oldest road span over the river in the central city. It’s popular with pedestrians as well, connecting the Westminster district to the South Bank. You’ll often encounter street performers in this touristy zone, and it’s a prime spot for snapping photos of both Big Ben and the London Eye.
Primrose Hill
Located behind Regents Park a couple miles north of Soho, this hilltop vantagepoint takes in a sweeping expanse from about 200-feet up for one of the best views of London’s skyline. It’s considered a protected view and is popular with visitors. The huge park nextdoor contains a rose garden, sports fields, trails and more.
Parliament Hill
Another of London’s protected viewpoints, Parliament Hill is another mile-and-a-half to the north and elevated. Amongst the buildings poking up from the city skyline, you can spot the Shard, the London Eye and the tip of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The surrounding park of Hampstead Heath is full of trails, swimming spots and athletic fields.
Greenwich Park
On the other end of the city, you can find the best London views from a hilltop in this Royal Park. Just next to the Prime Meridian and statue of General James Wolfe, a scenic platform looks toward a bend in the Thames and the skyline from the east. The borough of Greenwich is some 5 miles from the City of London.
This is How to Plan the Best 2 Days in London Itinerary
This two days in London itinerary is perfect for first-timers, full of bucket-list landmarks, incredible skyline views, top-rated museums and so much more! We’ve outlined a day-by-day agenda and recommended schedules to keep things on track. There are also options for each day so you can pick and choose from what interests you the most.
This 2 days in London itinerary helps you maximize your sightseeing on a quick weekend trip to the city.
So you only have 2 days in London for your visit? Don’t worry, there’s plenty you can pack into a quick city break or weekend in London if you plan ahead.
This London itinerary for two days is perfect for first-timers, full of bucket-list landmarks, incredible skyline views, top-rated museums and so much more! It’ll help you figure out just what to do and see in London in two days, whether that’s historic castles and palaces, art and theater, or shopping.
Since I have family in England, I’ve been visiting London since I was a kid. The day-by-day agenda below is based on my own experiences on weekend trips to London. The recommended schedules will help to keep things on track while allowing enough time to soak up each sight.
There are also a few alternate options for each day so you can pick and choose from what interests you the most. You’ll be exploring by zone, walking between nearby attractions so you don’t waste too much time waiting for buses and hopping from one end of the city to the other.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for tips on how to maximize two days in London, and if you have longer in the city, check out our itinerary for four days in London and favorite day trips from London.
2 Days in London Itinerary
Use this London 2 day itinerary to figure out how many museums, palaces and shopping trips you can pack into your short visit to the city. I’ve included options for different interests so you can find the perfect activities for your travel crew.
All of the attractions on this itinerary are pinned to the map below. You can click to open it and save a copy to help with your planning.
Day 1 — Westminster Walking Tour and London Landmarks
This first of 2 days in London is all about bucket-list sights, cool historic landmarks, and cultural gems. You likely won’t have time for a proper tour of every single attraction listed, but you can at least snap photos from the outside and pick which ones you want to dive into. The schedule at the bottom will present options for utilizing your time. Charge up the camera and get an early start to squeeze in as much as possible!
Buckingham Palace
The official home of the monarch in London, Buckingham Palace is the perfect start to a tour of the city. Neighboring St. James Park and Green Park are ideal for a morning stroll with a cup of coffee, offering a bit of respite from the London bustle.
During a few weeks in summer, the 1703 palace opens the State Rooms and gardens to tourists. You’ll have time for either an interior tour, a walk through the Queen’s Gallery, or a visit to the Royal Mews, where the carriages and horses reside. Or, just take a selfie in front of the iron-gated landmark from the outside and move on to other activities.
Churchill War Rooms
This underground bunker served as a meeting spot and refuge zone for Winston Churchill and other leaders during World War II. Touring the war rooms and a museum about the former prime minister takes at least 90 minutes, so pick between this or Buckingham Palace for a morning visit.
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace takes place about every other day and includes marching, inspections and musical performances. The most popular place to watch the activity in front of Buckingham is from the gates or the Victoria Memorial.
As a top London activity for first-timers, it can get a bit crowded, so folks typically gather an hour-plus early for the 11 a.m. ceremony. Since this takes up a good chunk of the day, we recommend skipping it for a short visit or just watching a few minutes from the outskirts where the guards move in and out from the Wellington Barracks. At the beginning and end, you can also catch them moving along The Mall path to and from St. James Palace as well.
With only 2 days in London, you may want to skip this activity unless it’s high on your bucket list.
Westminster Abbey
With a legacy dating back more than a thousand years, Westminster Abbey’s legacy includes coronations and royal weddings. The present Gothic-style church went up in the 13th century, and a host of famed figured and monarchs are buried or memorialized within its grounds.
Allow at least 90 minutes to tour the inside with an audio guide. The abbey closes by 3 p.m. most days but offers later hours on Wednesdays (for a reduced price). Services and a choral evensong also take place throughout the day.
I definitely recommend checking out Westminster Abbey on your first trip to the city, even if you only have 2 days in London.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
London’s famous clock tower sits at the end of the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament. Tours inside the parliament building are available and you can also watch the debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords. For the best photos of Big Ben, walk across the Westminster Bridge just outside or cross the river to the South Bank.
London Eye
Trafalgar Square
Recognizable for its towering column monument, fountains and lion statues, Trafalgar Square’s central location near museums and shopping makes it perfect for a quick break. Snap a few photos, watch the street performers, and chow down on a sandwich before moving on to one of the nearby museums for the rest of the afternoon.
Read Next: This is How to Spend 4 Days in Paris
National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
This neighboring pair of art museums at Trafalgar Square offers free entry, so you can pop in for a quick look around while in the area. The National Gallery features the likes of Michelangelo and Monet, with works dating back to the 1200s, while the National Portrait Gallery displays paintings and sculptures of monarchs and other famed Brits through the centuries.
British Museum
If you only have time for one museum in London, make it this one. Filled with millions of antiquities, the British Museum displays collections from ancient Greece, the Middle East, and beyond. Allow at least a couple of hours to wander the multiple levels and admire the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, Easter Island statue and Egyptian mummies. Admission is free.
West End
The perfect spot to end the day and start the evening, London’s West End is known for its performance scene and buzzing retail and dining districts. Soho packs in tons of shopping along Oxford, Regent and Carnaby streets, while Covent Garden’s entertainment and pubs surround a pedestrian piazza.
Many of the top London theaters line the roads branching off from neon-lit Piccadilly Circus. Pop by the TKTS counter at Leicester Square a couple blocks away to grab reduced tickets for a show.
Day 2 — City of London History and Kensington Gardens and Museums
For the second part of your 2 days in London, split time between the historic City of London and Southwark just across the river, and the Hyde Park and South Kensington area. There are several options to pick from today, including a pair of viewing platforms and a handful of museums. The hour-by-hour agenda at the end will help you figure out what you have time for in the districts you’ll be visiting.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
With roots to the 7th century, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an institution in the old City of London. The present-day church was built in the 1600s after the Great Fire of London destroyed the previous version.
Inside, ornate designs splashed with gold adorn the sanctuary and dome. With a ticket, you can enter to see the crypt and galleries. The church opens earlier than many attractions at 8:30 a.m., so early risers should have time for a quick interior visit. Otherwise, just stop by to see the steps where Mary Poppins sang to the birds in the famous movie.
Evensong choral services are a chance for a glimpse outside of regular visiting hours if you land here at the end of the day instead. Though you won’t be able to tour the facility, the melodies echoing through the grand hall add a little something to the ambiance. Visiting for part of a choral service is a great way to maximize your 2 days in London.
Tower of London
The storied Tower of London weaves through nearly 1,000 years of British history. It’s housed royals and prisoners and seen many an execution.
Tickets to the tower include access to the Crown Jewels display and the Royal Armouries, as well as educational and humorous tours given by Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters, the castle’s guardians.
Plan for two to three hours here if you want to tour with a Beefeater and see all the highlights.
Tower Bridge
The twin turrets of Tower Bridge make it easy to spot the iconic structure stretching over the River Thames next to the Tower of London. You can stroll across the late 1800s suspension structure to get from one bank to the next, but touring the inside engine rooms or walking on an elevated glass floor feature requires a ticket. Be sure to look out on the water to spot the HMS Belfast, a WWII warship turned museum.
The Shard and Sky Garden
For elevated outlooks of the city, it’s hard to beat the views from these two buildings on opposite sides of the Thames. With just 2 days in London, you may only have time for one of these lookouts.
Sky Garden’s glass dome sits atop a skyscraper in the old city, offering 360-degree vistas as well as eateries and terraces. Designed as a public space, it’s filled with lush plants and perennial blooms. Free tickets are available to book online for timed slots.
Read Next: These are the Best Views and Landmarks in Paris
Borough Market
Located in the Southwark district, Borough Market is the perfect spot to grab a quick lunch. With a legacy spanning 1,000 years or so, this retail food venue features everything from cheese and deli vendors to fresh flower and artisan chocolate stands to global cuisine served up hot.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
A massive green space in the midst of the city, Hyde Park packs in walking and biking paths, outdoor sports like tennis and lawn bowling, a lake with rowboats, and historic sites like the Marble Arch and numerous memorials and monuments.
On the west end is Kensington Gardens, home to the huge Albert Memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria’s husband, the Diana Memorial Playground for kids, and the Serpentine Gallery, one of a pair of art exhibits on either side of the Serpentine lake.
Kensington Palace
This home to young royals for the past few centuries sits on the west side of Kensington Gardens. Built in 1605, Kensington Palace opens its doors for tours of the staterooms and special exhibits centered around regal former residents like Queen Victoria and monarch couple William and Mary, who first acquired the property.
The Kensington Palace Gardens outside doesn’t require a ticket to access the sunken floral display and greenery-covered walking tunnels.
Exhibition Road Museums
Just a couple of blocks from Hyde Park, a few complimentary museums sit along Exhibition Road in South Kensington.
The Victoria and Albert Museum features an art and design theme, with photography, ceramics, decor, textile and fashion displays. Free tours center around topics like performance art or the Renaissance.
At the interactive Natural History Museum, you can examine dinosaur and whale bones as well as geology exhibits and a Mars rock. Outdoors, a Wildlife Garden features native fauna and flora.
The Science Museum is all about invention, engineering, technology and space in a hands-on environment that caters to families. Tickets are required for extras like an IMAX theater and a flight simulator.
Tips for Seeing London in 2 Days
Check Opening Times in Advance
Many attractions only open from 9 or 10 in the morning to 5 or 6 in the afternoon, so save anything available beyond those hours for the evening (e.g. shopping, sit-down meals, shows and entertainment).
Some museums in the city stay open as late as 9 or 10 p.m. weekly or monthly, so check the hours to see if you can squeeze in an extra visit. (Ex. British Museum and National Gallery every Friday, Natural History Museum and V&A monthly Fridays, Science Museum monthly Wednesdays).
Westminster Abbey opens late on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at a discounted price.
Keep Mealtime Short
While eating can be a fun part of vacation, if you only have a short time in London, you don’t want to waste too much of it to long meals. Especially for breakfast and lunch, don’t sit down for an hour-plus dining experience.
London has some great food markets like Borough Market, where you can grab a speedy and delicious meal while also sightseeing. Quick counter service or grab-and-go spots like Pret A Manger stores are everywhere and easy for ready-made food like sandwiches and crisps (plus the meal deals are a bargain).
Book Tickets Ahead of Time
If you already know which attractions you want to visit, book your tickets ahead to save time waiting in line the day of.
Book a Hotel Near a Tube Station
Unless you want to splurge, you might not be able to afford a hotel with a palace or castle view. But that doesn’t mean you have to waste a lot of time traveling each day, either. Just search for accommodations that are close to a tube station so you can hop a ride toward your sightseeing zone each morning. This rail and tube map can help you plan out your routes ahead of time.
Travel Insurance for a London Trip
I recommend reviewing the coverage closely to see what travel and medical benefits you will be eligible for while traveling internationally. Travel medical insurance can save you a lot of money and headaches when things go wrong while you're out of your home country.
Best Places to Stay in London
London Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect 4 Days in London
Looking for a London itinerary that features the best of the city in one compact trip? This guide to spending four days in London includes iconic markets, elegant royal palaces, and intriguing museums and galleries. Plus, you’ll find handy tips for your first visit, like where to stay, what to bring and how to save on your London visit.
This is my favorite way to spend 4 days in London seeing palaces, cathedrals, museums and historic neighborhoods.
Double-decker buses, red phone booths, fish and chips, stone castles, clanging bell towers — endless iconic sights and sounds spring to mind at the mention of England’s capital city. If you’re getting ready to visit and wondering what to see and do with 4 days in London, this itinerary will help you get started.
With so many museums, palaces, parks and markets around the city, and a plethora of day trips a train ride away, it’s impossible to fit everything into a short London itinerary. But you can definitely see plenty of London in 4 days, especially if you plan ahead.
This agenda rounds up the top London landmarks for first-timers, alternating between busy days packed with sightseeing, and more flexible ones that allow for things you really enjoy, be it culture, shopping, sports or Harry Potter. Be sure to scroll down to the tips section for money-saving suggestions, ideas on where to stay, and other useful tidbits.
4 Days in London Itinerary
This 4 day London itinerary starts with a overview walking tour of the city before diving deeper into some of the coolest neighborhoods around the city. If it’s your first time in London, this guide has all the heavy hitters you don’t want to miss.
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Day 1 — London Walking Tour and Highlights
A walking tour around the City of Westminster is the perfect way to start your 4 days in London. You’ll be introduced to all the iconic London landmarks you’ve seen on postcards, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square.
Free walking tours are a great way to do this on a budget and help you get your bearings if you’re a bit overwhelmed, but you can also DIY this approximately 3-mile route with a tourist map. With a full first day, you should have time for an interior tour of a couple of the big sites mentioned below.
Buckingham Palace
Start the morning at Buckingham Palace, so you can try to snap some photos of the iron gates and Victoria Memorial in front before the masses arrive. In summer, you can tour the State Rooms of the monarch’s London residence, built in the early 1700s.
Neighboring Green Park and St. James Park offer a bit of mellow in the midst of the bustle, with a lake and green lawns — the perfect place to start the morning sipping coffee and people-watching from one of the sidewalk benches.
If you want a prime spot to observe the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, you’ll need to be situated along the iron railings or the steps of the Victoria Memorial by around 10 a.m. for the event, which begins an hour later. (Check this calendar for which days the ceremony takes place).
To get just a taste and allow more time for other activities, you can catch some of the action by hanging out around The Mall or Marlborough Road, where the old and new guard march to and from St. James’s Palace, or along Spur Road and Birdcage Walk, where they undergo inspections and switch shifts at Wellington Barracks.
Westminster Abbey
Next up, Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded more than a thousand years ago. The current Gothic structure has hosted coronations for centuries and is a burial place of monarchs and notable figures (think Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Lord Byron).
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
From the abbey, walk across the street toward the River Thames and you’ll bump right into the Palace of Westminster, home of the famous Big Ben. Snap your photos of the clock tower from Westminster Bridge or across the river on the South Bank. Inside the Palace of Westminster, you can tour the Houses of Parliament or catch a debate in the House of Lords or House of Commons.
Read Next: You’ll Love These 50 Paris Bucket List Landmarks
Churchill War Rooms
History buffs might want to check out the Churchill War Rooms next, where Winston Churchill and other leaders plotted and sheltered during World War II. The underground bunkers are now open to visitors and a museum about the former prime minister is here as well.
Trafalgar Square
Mosey on down Horse Guards Road toward The Mall, passing 10 Downing Street (the PM’s residence) and the Horse Guards Parade. About a half-mile away, Trafalgar Square’s twin fountains and soaring monument guarded by lion statues await. There are a couple of museums around the square worthy of a visit (scroll to day two for more on those), and lots of street performers and tourists buzzing around.
London Eye and South Bank
A stroll along the South Bank of the river is the perfect way to end your first day in the city and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area to grab dinner before or after.
Day 2 — Culture and Museums
There are dozens and dozens of galleries and museums in London. It would be nearly impossible to see even just the top ones all in a single visit but try to pop into a couple that pique your interest, whether that’s art, natural science, war history, or antiquities.
Many museums in the city run on donations, so you don’t have to waste a huge admission price if you can only afford a couple of hours to look around. And some institutions stay open late one night a week, which is a good way to sneak a peek after other attractions have shuttered. If museums just aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of shopping and dining in this area, too. Or, you can opt for a day trip from London instead.
British Museum
You would be remiss to skip the British Museum, a massive institution with a global collection in the millions spanning regions from Egypt and the Middle East to Greece and Rome. Just a few notable objects on display include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, samurai armor from medieval Japan, and an Easter Island statue. Admission is free, as are tours and talks throughout the week that give culture buffs a deeper look at different areas of the museum.
Soho
If you’re ready for lunch or want to do a little shopping, now’s a good time to veer a couple blocks west from the British Museum to trendy Soho, a bustling retail and dining zone that’s also full of theaters and performance venues. Oxford and Regent streets, two of the big thoroughfares here, pack in tons of stores, but wander past the traffic to Carnaby Street for pedestrian friendly browsing on brick lanes.
National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
Sticking close by, the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square are worthy options to round out museum day. The first packs in famous works from the likes of van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, Botticelli, et al. while the latter is full of paintings, sculptures and photos of noteworthy individuals throughout history. Historic St. Martin-in-the-Fields church across the street offers free lunchtime concerts on certain days and has a cafe hidden down in the crypt.
West End
Stick to the West End this evening to partake in London’s vibrant theater scene. Many of the top venues line the streets shooting off from the busy, neon-ad filled Piccadilly Circus junction, with a concentration along Shaftesbury Avenue (including the Palace and Sondheim theaters). Check the TKTS booth at Leicester Square for discounted tickets. After dark, Soho and the Covent Garden district nearby stay lively, with restaurants, pubs and entertainment for night owls.
Day 3 — Southwark and City of London
The old City of London is the historic core of the metro, dating back to Roman settlement in the 1st century. The Great Fire of London in 1666 desecrated the medieval town, so what you see today is a blend of the reconstruction from that era and the modern buildings of the central business district. Since you can cross the Thames on foot via a few bridges here, it’s easy to explore the nearby Southwark district, too, in one big sightseeing excursion.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern
From the cathedral, cross over Millennium Bridge to the opposite side of the Thames for Shakespeare’s Globe theater and the Tate Modern gallery. The art museum has free entry if you want to pop in for a quick browse, but the theater, which is a replica of a Shakespearean-era playhouse, requires a paid tour.
Borough Market
Just a half-mile away, Borough Market is perfect for a brief brunch break. A sort of urban farmers market, the venue offers everything from fresh-baked bread to fishmongers to an array of ready-to-eat global cuisine. Head back toward the water from the market and you’ll encounter the 800-year-old Southwark Cathedral, where you can pop in for a quick look around.
The Shard
The towering Shard rises from the rooftops, a modern skyscraper with a jagged design resembling a piece of glass. The building’s viewing platform boasts a 40-mile lookout from floor 72. You can book your tickets in advance here.
Tower Bridge
Walk along the Thames on this side to see London Bridge (but not the one from the song), the HMS Belfast warship museum and Tower Bridge, the Victorian-era structure with two turrets seen on many a postcard. It’s free to cross the bottom level by foot, but tickets are needed to see the old engine rooms and walk on the modern glass floors nearly 140-feet above the water.
Tower of London
Monument to the Great Fire of London
About a half-mile from the castle, The Monument to the Great Fire of London offers another chance for elevated views of the city from 311 steps up, for a negligible admission. The monument pays tribute to the devastating 1666 fire and was constructed just after as the City of London was rebuilt.
Sky Garden
For free city views, you don’t want to miss Sky Garden, where a glass dome atop a skyscraper offers three levels of botanicals and panoramic vistas. Timed tickets booked online are required, but there is no admission charge.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market a couple blocks north is perfect for dinnertime. The covered shopping center dates to the 1300s, with a current remodeled Victorian look.
Day 4 — Hyde Park and Kensington
After all the busy sightseeing, consider slowing down for the last of your 4 days in London a little with a visit to one of the city’s incredible green spaces, 250-acre Hyde Park. With classic museums and picturesque neighborhoods in surrounding blocks, you can tailor the day to suit your mood and travel crew — keep it nature-filled with biking and boating, playgrounds and picnicking, or toss in some museum visits on the surrounding blocks.
Hyde Park
Massive Hyde Park packs in everything from monuments and memorials to sports courts to Speakers’ Corner, a historic free-speech space for soapbox orators. If you want to enjoy most of the day outdoors in the park, consider renting a bike to wander along the weaving park trails or a rowboat to explore the Serpentine. The Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre has tennis courts, lawn bowling, a putting course and playgrounds.
Kensington Palace and Gardens
South Kensington Museums
Just outside park bounds is the Royal Albert Hall, which hosts classical concerts and music festivals. The 1871 venue also offers tours during the day. A few blocks beyond along Exhibition Road are a series of free museums — the Victoria and Albert Museum for decorative arts and design, the Natural History Museum with its dinosaur collection, and the Science Museum, full of hands-on learning and family-friendly exhibits.
Harrods
The iconic Harrods department store is also just a couple blocks from Hyde Park. Even if you aren’t into shopping, the food and dining halls here will win you over. Display cases brim with luxury cheeses, breads and charcuterie while a huge chocolate and confectionery area is full of sweet (and pretty) temptations.
Other London Neighborhoods
If you have any extra time, consider hopping on the metro to the Notting Hill neighborhood for pastel row houses and antiques at the Portobello Market, trendy Shoreditch for graffiti art and the Sunday Brick Lane Market, or Camden Town for street food and eclectic shopping.
Tips for Visiting London
Get an Oyster Card
Though you’ll certainly get some walking miles in, using public transit is a must if you’re going to maximize your 4 days in London. Plastic Oyster cards make it super simple to pay for your rides on the bus or Tube with a simple tap instead of having to buy individual tickets every time.
You can purchase a card online ahead of time, but it’s simple to get one on arrival from the ticket machines at underground and rail stations. You can even grab one at Heathrow and ride the tube into central London. You’ll have to make a £5 deposit plus whatever amount you want to prepay on top of that, and when you leave, you can get the balance (including your deposit) back by returning the card.
You can also just tap to pay with a credit card at most underground stations.
Stay Near a Tube Station
If you’re on a budget, you might not be able to afford one of the hotels in prime districts like Chelsea or the West End, but that doesn’t mean getting around to all the sights has to be a hassle.
When you’re searching for accommodations, look for one that is near a tube station, marked on Google maps by a little red circle with a blue line crossing through. If you click on it, you can see which tube routes use the stop, and you can reference this tube and rail map to see which lines you’ll be riding often.
Visit Museums During Late Hours
It can be hard to fit all of the amazing London museums into just a few days, especially when many close as early as 5 p.m. Luckily, some popular museums offer extended hours once a week, typically on Fridays.
The National Gallery, Tate Modern and British Museum are among those that stay open late on Fridays, while the Science Museum offers Lates events for adults monthly on a Wednesday. Westminster Abbey, which ends tours at 3 p.m. most days opens for Wednesday Lates from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for a reduced price.
Buy a London Pass
Passes span one to 10 days, and while the single-day version seems a bit expensive, the price rises in smaller increments as you add more days. Plus, you can plan your agenda to hit the covered attractions in a shorter time span and purchase a pass just for those days.
Dress in Layers
Invest in Travel Insurance
Where to Stay in London
London’s tourist sights are spread out around a few districts, so there’s lots of great places to stay by museums, shopping and dining. Plus, with a massive network of public transit, you can easily hop around no matter where you’re based.
Solo Trip to London: 15 of the Best Things To Do Alone in London
Planning a solo trip to London? This travel guide will help you find fun things to do alone in London, from palace tours and high tea to museums, parks, and more.
Planning a solo trip to London? This travel guide will help you find fun things to do alone in London, from palace tours and high tea to museums, parks, and more.
London is one of my absolute favorite cities to visit – from the iconic palaces and cathedrals to the vibrant theater scene to markets full of delicious food. If you’re planning to solo travel to London, this guide will help you find all the best things to do and offer practical tips for your trip.
I’ve visited the city several times over the years, including solo London trips, and these are the activities I think everyone should consider for their first time in the U.K. capital.
The list below of the best things to do in London solo has a little bit of everything, including free art museums, historic castles and churches, cool shopping districts, and gorgeous skyline views. If you want to squeeze it all in, I recommend spending at least 4 days in London, or a little longer to add on day trips from London.
Things to Know Before Visiting London
Should You Solo Travel to London?
The capital of the UK makes such a great first destination for a solo trip. Since it’s a popular vacation destination, there are always lots of other people around, which makes me feel safer when I’m wandering alone.
London solo female travelers should take the same general precautions as needed anywhere, including keeping someone back home informed of your plans, being cautious and aware of your surroundings (especially at night), getting travel insurance for emergencies, and not oversharing that you’re by yourself.
If you want to make friends during a solo trip to London, you might want to consider staying in a hostel with female dorms, which tend to attract other friendly solo travelers.
The ultimate London bucket list
What is the Best Time to Visit London?
The best time of year to visit London depends on your priorities and expectations. Thanks to the warm weather and school holidays, summer is the most popular season, which also means higher prices on accommodations and more crowds.
Spring and fall are a bit less busy with pleasant weather that typically averages in the 50s for daytime highs. Spring can be rainy, but you also get longer days to spend sightseeing. The end of fall brings Christmas decor and markets around the city.
A winter visit can be fun if you come for the holiday season, while January and February tend to have much lower crowds and cheaper hotel prices thanks to the chilly weather.
How to get around London solo?
The city offers an extensive public transportation network that makes it easy to solo travel in London. The iconic London Underground, often referred to as the Tube offers a network of lines that provide quick and efficient travel across the capital. Even if you’re not used to riding a subway, the color-coded maps are easy to read and you can also use Google maps to help figure out the best route between your destinations.
Additionally, a bus system covers every corner of the city and offers a more scenic way to explore its streets. This can take a little longer to get around than the Tube since you’ll be contending with street traffic, but bus stops are more frequent and the fare is a little cheaper.
And if you prefer, taxis and ride-share services like Uber are widely available.
London Solo Travel Pass
Things To Do in London Solo
London City Tour
One of the best solo things to do in London at the beginning of your trip is to take a tour around the city. This is the perfect way to acclimate yourself to your new surroundings and preview some things that you might want to do later.
If you’re looking to make new friends on your trip, this can also be a chance to meet other tourists.
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the monarch in London, Buckingham Palace was built in 1703 and is a popular attraction for tourists who flock to see the towering gold-tipped gates and the Changing of the Guard.
Outside, St. James Park and Green Park offer a peaceful spot for a stroll around a lake and lawns, with benches to sit and read or people watch.
Watching the Changing of the Guard is also a must for first-timers to London. The ceremony takes place in the morning every couple of days, and you’ll want to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Westminster Abbey
One of the most famous churches around the world, Westminster Abbey was founded more than a thousand years ago. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic building that stands today opened in the 1200s and is used for coronations and royal weddings.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of my favorite spots to people-watch in the city since it always seems to be buzzing with activity. Tourists, street performers, and the occasional protesters gather in the public space notable for its twin fountains and the Nelson’s Column adorned with lions.
The square fronts the National Gallery, which is full of artworks from the 13th to 19th centuries. The Georgian St. Martin-in-the-Fields church is also here and hosts afternoon concerts.
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
One of the most recognizable landmarks in London, the Big Ben clock tower is a must-see while you’re in the city. It’s part of the Palace of Westminster, which hosts the Houses of Parliament. You can take a tour with a guide or sit in a debate in the House of Lords or House of Commons.
The best views of Big Ben, though, are from Westminster Bridge or the South Bank of the River Thames. The bridge can get pretty crowded, so I recommend crossing to the South Bank by foot and heading down to the river walkway opposite the London Eye, where the pedestrians thin out.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
I always love stopping in at St. Paul’s Cathedral during a solo trip to London. The current structure with its towering dome was built in the 17th century after the Great Fire of London, but a church has stood on this site since the 7th century. The steps in front are where Mary Poppins serenades the pigeons in the song “Feed the Birds” from the classic musical movie.
Borough Market
From fresh produce and deli meats to rows of cheese, jams, and breads, the Borough Market overflowers with delicious things to eat. You can pop in to grab a quick snack or eat lunch at one of the hot food stands that dish out global cuisine. The market is one of London’s oldest and largest, dating back about 1,000 years.
Tower Bridge
That elaborate castle-like structure with two turrets over the River Thames – that’s Tower Bridge. Many people mix it up with London Bridge, a rather plain site just to the west.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the classic things to do on your first solo trip to London. The medieval castle on the River Thames was established some 1,000 years ago and has housed and protected royals over the centuries. It’s also home to the Crown Jewels and Royal Armouries.
Theater Scene
Catching a show is one of my favorite things to do in the city, whether I’m traveling in London alone or with friends. The West End near Piccadilly Circus is London’s answer to Broadway, packed with old-timey theaters and award-winning shows.
London Lookouts
Getting a view of the city skyline is one of the best solo things to do in London. There are a few different places you can do this.
London Eye
The giant observation wheel on the River Thames is the London Eye, which opened in 2000 and quickly became a city icon. Pods with windows all around offer 360-degree views of the Westminster district and beyond on a 30-minute ride.
Sky Garden
Dubbed “London’s highest public garden,” Sky Garden is a restaurant and public space in the old city. The skyscraper offers panoramic views and lush greenery from a glass dome at the top of the building. Free tickets can be reserved in advance to secure an entry time.
The Shard
The Shard is one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the city and offers some of the best views in London. At over 1,000 feet tall, it houses offices, restaurants, a hotel, and viewing platforms, including an open-air deck on floor 72 with sweeping panoramas. You need a ticket for the observatories, but restaurants and bars on the upper floors also offer fantastic vistas.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of my favorite outdoorsy things to do in London solo. The massive green space has lawns, walking and biking trails, sports courts, and rowboats on the Serpentine lake.
There are also tons of monuments and fountains to discover as you explore. The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is also held here during the holiday season.
Kensington Palace and Gardens
Located adjacent to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens holds the Serpentine Gallery with free art displays, and the Albert Memorial, a gilded Gothic tribute erected by Queen Victoria.
London Museums
Not only does London offer nearly 200 museums, but many are free. Museum hopping is such a fun thing to do in London alone.
The British Museum
The British Museum is home to an expansive collection of artifacts from across the globe. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, the museum's exhibits span centuries and continents. General admission is free, but it’s best to book a ticket in advance to guarantee entry.
Natural History Museum
The wonders of the natural world are on full display at the Natural History Museum, where you’ll encounter everything from massive dinosaur skeletons to rare gemstones. Outside, the peaceful Wildlife Garden presents a collection of native fauna and flora. Located in South Kensington, the free museum is part of a trio (along with the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum) on Exhibition Road.
Victoria and Albert Museum
A celebration of art, design, and craftsmanship, the Victoria and Albert Museum is a cultural haven in South Kensington with free admission and tours. With a collection of over 2 million objects, the museum houses a diverse array of artifacts, from exquisite textiles and fashion to ceramics and glass. Located in South Kensington near the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial, it’s named after the famous regal pair of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The National Gallery
Located at Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is a treasure trove of timeless masterpieces from Western Europe. With works spanning from the 13th to the 19th century, the gallery offers a chronological journey through the evolution of art, from the grandeur of Van Gogh to the elegance of Da Vinci. Entry is free and you can book admission in advance.
National Portrait Gallery
Capturing a piece of British history through the faces that helped shape it, the National Portrait Gallery stands as a unique tribute to portraiture. Located just off Trafalgar Square near The National Gallery, the museum houses an extensive collection of headshots, ranging from medieval monarchs to modern celebrities. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Tate Modern
Situated along the banks of the River Thames, the Tate Modern is housed in a repurposed power station. The free museum showcases an extensive collection of contemporary and international artworks, from avant-garde installations to groundbreaking sculptures. There’s also a sweeping view of the London skyline from the terrace on the 10th floor.
Shopping
You can’t solo travel to London and not do a bit of shopping! The city’s retail scene packs in everything from high-end department stores to historic covered markets to eclectic boutiques. Below are a few top picks, but I recommend checking out this list of shopping destinations, too.
Leadenhall Market, situated in the heart of the financial district, is a Victorian-era covered market known for its stunning architecture and upscale boutiques. Covent Garden in the West End brims with street performers, upscale restaurants, and the covered Apple Market artisanal stalls. Camden, known for its alternative and edgy vibe, boasts a bustling market where visitors can find unique fashion items, crafts, and eclectic treasures.
For those seeking luxury, Harrods stands as an iconic destination in Knightsbridge, renowned for its opulent displays and exclusive selections. I always love popping in to grab some chocolates or teas when I visit. Fortnum and Mason, with its rich heritage, offers a refined shopping experience, specializing in premium goods.
The bustling zones of Oxford Street and Regent Street, lined with flagship stores and renowned brands, cater to mainstream retail with a blend of street fashion and department stores.
Notting Hill
If you have a few days to solo travel London, I recommend spending an afternoon in Notting Hill. Made famous by the eponymous Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant rom-com, the area is known for its pretty pastel houses and the Portobello Road Market, where you’ll find vintage fashion and antiques.
The annual Notting Hill Carnival in summer nods to the Caribbean roots of the neighborhood with parades, colorful costumes, and calypso music.
