one day tour in london

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One Day in London – What to Do in London in A Day

Last updated: May 28, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 72 Comments

Planning on spending just one day in London? Sure, it’s not very long, but you’ll be able to see a lot of London’s highlights even in such a short space of time.

In this post, we’re going to help you plan your perfect day in London. We’re going to take a look at some of our favourite sights in London, capital of the UK and a spot I was thrilled to call home for a couple of years before I set off on my travels.

This guide to what to do in London in a day makes for the perfect day exploring London. It would make for a great way to start a longer trip around the UK , or to see some of London’s top sights if you have a few hours stopover in one of London’s airports .

This itinerary would also help someone planning a general European adventure – take a look at our 2 week Europe itinerary for a suggestion of how to plan something like that.

This post is set up to help you see all of these key London sights in one day and I’ve ordered them in the way that I’d recommend you go about doing that.

1 Day London Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick overview of what this plan has you doing, for quick reference

• The Tower of London & Tower Bridge
• The South Bank and London Eye, Shard or St. Paul’s Cathedral
• The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End
• Traditional London Pub

Now, let’s see how that looks in our detailed guide to what to do in London for a day.

One Day In London: What to Do in London for A Day

Below is a detailed guide to what to do in London if you only have a day, in the order that makes the most sense in terms of getting around and minimizing transport.

Ideally, you’ll start the day at opening time of the first attraction (between 9am and 10am, depending on the day of the week), and keep going until you’ve seen everything!

1. The Tower of London

History! If you like the TV show Game of Thrones (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll love the Tower of London . This place was home to so much plotting, scheming, death and betrayals that it almost makes George’s epic tale of Westeros seem pale in comparison.

Queens, princes and archbishops died here, and history was literally made on the grass underfoot.

Admittedly, there are less dragons in London.

Expect to spend a least two hours here, exploring all there is to see, from the tower, to the execution block, to the crown jewels themselves. You can see full ticket pricing information here . It’s free for holders of the  London Pass .

Otherwise, you will want to buy tickets in advance of your visit to ensure you are able to visit. You can do so via GetYourGuide here , who we normally use for ticketing at attractions around the world. You can also check prices on the official website here , where you can also see opening times. Note that tickets bought via GetYourGuide normally include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit (although do check the ticket description prior to purchase to be sure).

While you’re at the Tower of London, you might as well take the opportunity to pop across the Thames on Tower Bridge, easily the most famous of London’s bridges, and for good reason!

You can also actually go inside this bridge and learn all about how it works by visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which is often a place we love to take friends and family when we show them around the city as it’s quite a unique experience.

2. The South Bank and London Eye

Once you’ve crossed over Tower Bridge, you’ll find yourself on the South Bank, cunningly named because it’s on the south bank of the river Thames.

As you walk west along this lovely bit of pedestrianized riverway you’ll find yourself passing such sights as HMS Belfast (one of our favourite military museums in London ) and London’s City Hall.

You’ll also be walking past the recreation of Shakespeare’s famous Globe theatre, the Shard (Western Europe’s tallest building), the Millennium Bridge which leads to St. Paul’s cathedral and the quite magnificent Tate Modern Art Gallery, all of which are likely to tempt you in. Go on, I won’t tell anyone.

Once you’ve made it past all these attractions, and maybe grabbed a bite to eat at Borough Market just behind London Bridge, you’ll find yourself coming around the corner, with the Houses of Parliament swinging into view and the giant Ferris wheel known as the London Eye looming large.

If you want a spectacular view of London, take a spin in the wheel, and marvel as the city unfurls beneath you.

For tickets, it’s cheaper to book in advance than in person. You can book tickets and check prices on the official site here . It’s also included on the London Pass, which you can buy here .

We also have a complete guide to the London Eye here with lots more information to help you plan a visit.

Another option is to visit the Shard, which also offers spectacular views from a higher vantage point. The Shard has better views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, whilst the London Eye gets you close to the Houses of Parliament.

You can book tickets for the Shard in advance on Tiqets here (book online in advance for the best prices). It’s also included on the London Pass.

If you’d prefer not to walk from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament, you can also take a river “bus” from either Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier all the way down the river to Westminster Pier.

It’s a nice way to see London from the water, and prices for the river bus are pretty good value. See our guide to getting around London for tips on the different public transport options in the city.

3. The Houses of Parliament

After your London Eye ride, walk or boat ride (whichever you opt for!), you’ll want to pop across the river to take in the Houses of Parliament, home to the English lawmakers and the bell known as Big Ben.

This is one attraction that is easy to see from the outside, but not many people know that you can also drop inside if you want to, and go on a guided tour.

Tours aren’t quite “turn up and go in”, as they only run-on certain days, but with a bit of research and forward planning (and by visiting this site ), you should be able to visit the English home of power and authority without too much trouble. You can also book a guided tour of both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament here .

If it is too much trouble though, fear not. The building is very impressive from the outside, and you can sate your thirst for history quite easily by popping to Westminster Abbey, which happens to be just behind the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Abbey has played host to some of the most important historical events of the last thousand years in the UK, hosting 16 royal weddings, around 50 coronations and a host of memorial services, including that of Diana, Princess of Wales.

It is also home to some of Britain’s most famous dead, including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, notable royals, and many more. Very much worth a visit and free for holders of the London Pass. Full details on pricing and opening hours here . You can also book your tickets online in advance here .

4. Buckingham Palace

Ah, the Queen. Depending on you who you talk to in the UK, she’s either a lovely old dear who the country needs, or a tragic waste of taxpayers’ money.

Whichever, she does happen to have a number of rather lovely houses to live in, the most famous of which is of course Buckingham Palace. Here you can peer through the railings to watch the changing of the guard and wonder as to how the other half live, and wave frantically at the windows on the off-chance that someone waves back.

On our itinerary, you’ll likely miss the Changing of the Guard (see when that happens here ), so you would need to move things around if that happens to be a priority for your visit. Missing it isn’t the end of the world though, as it gets really crowded at that time of day.

You can also visit and actually go inside Buckingham Palace in very narrow windows of opening during the summer, with full details of pricing and opening hours available on this website.

Of course, whilst you’re at Buckingham Palace, you should probably take a moment to explore some of the other local attractions.

A quick stroll down the Mall will take you past the pretty St James’s Park, home to a number of pelicans. Then you can head out onto Trafalgar Square, where you can enjoy seeing the lions, Nelson’s famous column and sate your art appetite at the excellent, and free, National Gallery .

Note if art and museums is more your thing, you might want to schedule a visit to the British Museum in this itinerary. From Trafalgar Square it’s a 20 minute walk or a 12 minute tube ride to one of London’s most famous (and free) museums.

5. Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End

From Buckingham Palace you could either stroll up the Mall, or head back towards Westminster Abbey, and go up Whitehall. I’d advise the latter, and not least because one of the Harry Potter London locations is nearby .

Going up Whitehall takes you through the heart of government in Britain, and you’ll pass right by 10 Downing Street. Don’t be upset if you miss it though, you can’t actually see the famous door from the street.

As you walk along Whitehall you’ll find yourself passing the Cenotaph, one of Britain’s most well-known war memorials . You’ll also pass the Horse Guards, where you can get photos of the, well, Horse Guards atop their horses, before finally arriving at Trafalgar Square.

This is home to Nelson’s Monument and the National Gallery, and a photo with one of the lions is pretty much mandatory. From here, you’re an easy walk to the West End, home to the famous covered market of Covent Garden and a number of London’s most well-known theatres.

If you have time, you might now consider visiting the excellent Transport Museum in Covent Garden, where you can learn all about the history of London’s transport system. Alternatively, you can just take in a free show from one of the street entertainers here.

This is also where you’ll find Leicester Square, which is famous as where major films are first shown in the UK.

Here you might want to take in a show to round off your day in London – we can recommend the Mousetrap , the world’s longest running stage show in the world!

6. Visit a Decent London Pub

It’s not all hard work and sightseeing, you know. When you’re in London, you really should take the time to experience a truly British experience – a pub.

Enjoy a pint of something exotically named hand-pulled from a wooden handle, and marvel as to how the decor is likely not to have changed for a good couple of hundred years.

If you’re hungry, try out an English classic like fish and chips or steak and ale pie, and rejoice at how much of London you were able to see in one day.

If you’ve gotten to this point and think the idea of focusing on the pubs of London is more your scene, check out this walking tour which does just that. For more food tour suggestions, see our complete guide to the best food tours in London , which has recommendations on lots of tours as well as detail on all the food and drink to try when you’re in London.

Map of 1 Day London Itinerary

To help you visualise the above we’ve put it into a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Getting Around and Saving Money in London

For the day in London as described above, getting around by foot is entirely feasible – contrary to public opinion, central London is perfectly walkable. If you’re not so into walking though, then London is very well served by public transport.

The cheapest way to use that is with an Oyster card, a pre-pay system which works out much cheaper than paying for tickets, and available at nearly every transport hub. You can also use a contactless credit card or a device which supports contactless payments.

We have a detailed guide to using the London transport network here which covers all your options.

In terms of visiting attractions, a number of London sights are free, including some of the top museums like the Tate Modern.

However, places like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, and St. Pauls Cathedral aren’t free, and if you think you’re going to be visiting a few sights, then you have a couple of options for saving money.

First is the  London Pass , a sight-seeing pass that gives you access to over 80 top attractions across the city.

From those listed on this page, the London Pass includes the Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, View from the Shard, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Transport Museum.

If you plan on visiting all those attractions (we’d suggest either the London Eye or the Shard rather than both though), the entry fees as of April 2024 would be around £153 per person (assuming you pick either the Shard or the London Eye, it would be even more if you visited both!).

A 1 day London Pass currently costs £114, so that would save you around £39 per person. It also saves you the hassle of having to book separate tickets for each attraction or joining long ticket lines on site.

Check our full review and guide to the London Pass to see if it’s for you.

The second option we recommend is the GoCity London Explorer Pass . This lets you pick and choose from a set of attractions. You can choose to go to 2, 3, 5 or 7 attractions from the selection of over 60 attractions.

We think that both of these passes can save you money in London, the difference is largely down to which attractions you want to see, and how many attractions you want to see.

Get your London Pass online from the official site here .

What about a walking tour of London?

If you’d prefer to have a guide for all or part of your day in London, who can share with you some of the history of this city as well as more local knowledge and insights, then we can recommend this London in a Day tour .

This tour covers nearly everything we have in our one-day London itinerary, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Changing of the Guard, and Westminster Abbey.

It’s a full day tour, but we think is one of the better options if you would prefer an escorted experience and the input of a guide.

We’ve used the tour company “ Take Walks ” for walking tours around the world, and have always had a positive experience, and are happy to recommend this tour . They also have a number of other tours in London that are worth checking out.

Another option we suggest are  these tours by City Wonders , they offer a wide range of tours in London, from introductory tours through to more detailed and specific tours.

They also offer attraction entry to most of the attractions in this list if you want to book items individually. Definitely a good one-stop shop for your London trip planning.

Harry Potter fans will want to check out this guided tour of Harry Potter filming locations in London .

We have a full guide to some of the best walking tours in London , which is also worth reviewing if you are interested in a walking tour while you are in the city.

Where to Go After Your Day in London – Day Trips & More

We’re often asked where to head to from London after this itinerary is over, or just for suggestions on good day trips from London.

We’ve done quite a  few day trips from London, including a day trip to Oxford and a day trip to Stonehenge from London , and we wanted to share some ideas, for both day trips from the city and longer trips to see more of the country.

• Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds are really popular destinations, and you can easily do these together as part of a day trip from London. This tour features all of those destinations, as well as Windsor Castle. It even includes lunch!
• Lovers of Downton Abbey will want to visit Highclere Castle where the show was filmed. See our guide to visiting Highclere Castle , which includes tips for visiting as a day trip from London, then check out this tour .
• A tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford . Three popular destinations from London that you can visit as part of a day trip. Also see my guide to visiting Oxford from London for more ideas.
• A private tour down to Portsmouth . This is a good tour for those of you with an interest in naval history and/or visiting a lovely English seaside city. Also see our guide to things to do in Portsmouth for more ideas.
• For a longer trip, check out my 10 day UK itinerary by public transport , which starts with a couple of days in London, but then has you touring some highlights of the rest of the country. We also have 1 week and 2 week self drive itineraries .
• Visiting Paris as a day trip from London is a popular option as well, and with the Eurostar train direct from central London to Paris in around 2 hours, this can even be done as a day trip. You can either do this yourself, booking train tickets here , or you can take a day tour like  this one . See our guide to spending a day in Paris for sightseeing tips.
• If you want to take a longer guided tour from London and see more of the UK, we recommend  this small group tour , which takes eight days to take you from London to Edinburgh.

Hopefully these give you a starting point for the next stage in your trip!

Where to Stay in London

If you’re planning on spending the night in London, you have no shortage of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury five star properties.

For this itinerary, we’d suggest placing yourself fairly centrally if you can, to minimise travel time. For a short stay like this, we’d definitely recommend using booking.com to book your property – whilst we love apartment rentals, we think they are less sensible for a whistle stop visit.

For examples of properties at different price points that are centrally located, here are some options:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• The Resident Victoria Hotel – a well reviewed and centrally located hotel offering excellent value for money
• The Savoy – true luxury as close to the city centre as you can get!

Generally when searching for somewhere to stay our first choice is booking.com. They’re easy to use, usually have the best prices, and have everything from hotels to hostels , guest-houses and even apartments . Try them for London and see!

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend either Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide doesn’t have quite so many choices, but they carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their listings for London here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB which you should check out!

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

We also have a complete guide to where to stay in London . That has over 60 recommendations for where to stay across a number of areas in London for all budgets. It also has tips on which neighbourhoods to stay in and things to know before booking a property. Well worth a read.

Practicalities for Visiting London

Electricity in London is of the 220v standard, with a three pin plug that isn’t found in too many other countries. Travellers from most of the rest of the world, including mainland Europe and the US will need an adapter like this .

In addition, US travellers will need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter.

As a general rule, we have found that laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

London uses the British pound, which is accepted across the British Isles. You can get Pounds from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency.

If you do use a credit or debit card, just make sure it doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees or have a poor currency conversion rate. There are a number of excellent credit cards for travellers, and it’s always worth checking to be sure you have a good deal before travelling and racking up unexpected fees.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city, including in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. These are usually excellent value as data rates in the UK are very competitive.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water 

The water in the taps in London is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like this to save on having to buy water bottles.

London is a safe city in our experience, although as with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home. If you’re going to use a taxi, make sure you use a licensed operator such as a black cab.

Further Reading on Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third party content we think you’ll find useful in planning what to do in London, as well as the wider UK.

• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing.
• Spending more time in London? Check out our itinerary for spending two days in London , as well as our detailed itineraries for 3 days in London and 6 days in London .
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• A guide to public transport options in London , as well as the best ways to pay for public transport in London
• A guide to the best food tours in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Jess’s guide to a 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• A detailed London packing list to help you pack
• A guide to getting into central London from all London’s airports
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information
• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations

And that sums up our idea of the perfect one day in London! Have you visited London? What would your perfect day look like. Let us know in the comments below!

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Leeroy Jenkins says

22nd August 2023 at 8:11 am

This is the best guide I’ve found in looking for how to hoof it around London in a day. Exactly the itinerary I was looking for and practical guidance and helpful tips. Thank you, we are there tomorrow!

Laurence Norah says

22nd August 2023 at 8:52 am

Thanks very much Leeroy! Have a great time and remember, stick with your team and watch out for dragons 😉

Ajitabh Gupta says

1st January 2023 at 10:26 pm

Hi there , this is a fantastic itinerary. Thanks for putting this together . We have a 12 hour layover at Heathrow and we are planning to book a private car for the entire duration. We land at 9 am on Sunday with return flight at 8:55 pm same Day. Will you suggest any changes to the itinerary since we will have a private taxi for the entire duration, if so , what ? Thanks in advance

3rd January 2023 at 4:39 pm

Hi Ajitabh,

It’s my pleasure! So I think you should have plenty of time with a vehicle. Traffic into and around London can be a bit slow, I’d estimate you’re looking at around an hour each way from Heathrow conservatively. But this should give you time to see the highlights as described. The only recommendation I might have it to do the itinerary in reverse. Depending on the day and how long it takes you to clear customs, you might make it to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard in the morning. Then you can work your way through the sights in reverse and finish at the Tower of London. I believe it is still recommended to book timed entry for the Tower of London, so if you do that for the afternoon you don’t need to worry about getting there by a certain time in the morning, which could be stressful. I’d also recommend booking a timeslot for the London Eye / Shard if you plan on visiting one of those.

Other than that though, have a great trip!

Kelly Powell-Smith says

15th August 2022 at 6:27 pm

These are great tips! Thank you for posting them. My daughter and I will have a full day in London (plus the afternoon we arrive) and are looking at this one day itinerary and it seems perfect. High on our list of things to do are Tower of London, London Eye, and Westminster Abbey. I think we will start at the Tower of London when it opens at 9 am. Estimating about 2 hours there as you suggest. If we take the walking route shown, about how long might it be before we arrive at the London Eye? Trying to buy tickets in advance so trying to guess arrival time. Same for the Abbey. Thinking we’d do the latest afternoon tour and then stay for Evensong since there will be one of those services on that day. Thank you for any tips you can share.

16th August 2022 at 9:13 am

Thanks very much! So if you take the route I suggest, which crosses Tower Bridge and follows the South Bank, it’s about a 55 minute walk. However, you are going to see quite a few things along the way, including Tower Bridge from various angles, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and the Golden Hind ship. These will probably all have you stopping and taking photos, so I’d suggest planning for a 1.5 hour trip just to be on the safe side.

Then from the Eye to Westminster Abbey is a 15 minute walk, but again, you’ll be going past the Houses of Parliament, so I’d recommend planning for 30 minutes.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help 🙂

27th September 2021 at 4:50 pm

Wow, you’re quick! Thank you Laurence, I appreciate your help.

We (my mom and me) fly to London Stansted around midnight and from there have a transfer to Victoria. We’re not staying at any hotel, but have an evening flight back, so have to transfer back to the airport from Victoria around 4pm, so basically we have 15 hours or so to spare. Unfortunately most of it is at night 🙁 We have only our backpacks, no other baggage, so that’s good. I’m so afraid we’re not going to see much and walk in circles or be late for the transfer back to the airport.

I thought we could first go from Victoria to walk around Soho and China town, then maybe to St Paul’s Cathedral and through Tower Bridge toward Tate Modern – but it opens at 10, so we have several hours to get there… After that I was thinking London Eye & Big Ben and, since it would be after 10am – The National Gallery, Buckingham Palace and back to Victoria.

What do you think?

27th September 2021 at 6:39 pm

It’s my pleasure 🙂

Ok, so that sounds pretty full on! Unfortunately, yes, London is going to be mostly closed. Obviously late night bars and clubs will be open, but other than that the sights will be closed. SoHo will be pretty lively I expect as there are a lot of bars and things there. Overall your plan sounds pretty good, as long as you don’t mind spending a fair amount of time with not too much open. You will at least see a side of London that is less seen, especially in the early hours of the morning! Should be an experience 😀

Let me know if I can help any more! I think you’ll have more than enough time to do everything you want 🙂

27th September 2021 at 11:45 am

Hi! How are you?

What free attractions do you recommend? And what could I see at night? I’m arriving at Victoria Coach Station at midnight and go back home from the same station around 4PM, so I have some time to sightsee but I don’t really know how to schedule all that 🙁 I would really appreciate your help!

Thank you so so much in advance

27th September 2021 at 12:59 pm

Good to hear from you! So I’m not sure from your message if you are planning to sleep somewhere or just sightsee. At midnight pretty much all the attractions will be closed in London until the following morning, although you can of course see the outside of all the sights. So I’d probably suggest sleeping until the morning and then getting up quite early and sightseeing. I’d suggest staying near the coach station so you can get to and from your accommodation, and ensure to pick somewhere that lets you store any bags you have as well as one which has late check in.

From the Victoria Coach station area you could easily follow our route in reverse if you just wanted to see sights from the outside. So that could include Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden, London Eye, South Bank, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

In terms of free attractions, it depends on your interests. I like the science museum, V&A museum and Natural History Museum, which are all close to each other in Kensington. The Tate Modern is good if you like modern art, and the Museum of London is awesome to learn about the history of the city.

I hope this helps a bit, let me know if I can provide any more input! Have a great trip!

David Bunting says

22nd September 2021 at 11:12 pm

Hi me and my wife are coming down to London in October we are trying to plan a good tour to see the sights I’ve just seen your walking tour in one day and it’s just what we are looking for we are staying in kings cross and would get the tube to the start point and walk it to finish up in convent garden area we are not planning on spending much but may do London eye or shard we may do a river cruise but we like to walk and take in the sights how far from start to finish is your walk if we start between 10 and 11 taking it steady calling for a couple of drinks and maybe the attractions I’ve mentioned would we be round for mid afternoon maybe or would it take longer we may not use the attractions we may just take the sights on foot we enjoy just walking your walk plan I think is ideal for us I think we will see all we want in the walk I hope you can help me it will be much appreciated. Cheers. David

23rd September 2021 at 9:50 am

So the total walking time you are looking at on this route is about 2 hours. I’d also recommend when you get to the Tate Modern, to cross over the millenium bridge and take a look at St. Pauls Cathedral. It only adds five minutes walk to the trip but is well worth the detour.

Obviously, depending on how long you stop to look at attractions / have a drink or two, the journey will take longer, but I’d say if you started around 10am you’d definitely be able to do this by mid-afternoon.

Have a great time in London, let me know if you have any more questions!

Deana Rasberry says

7th January 2020 at 4:09 am

I have been reading all your lovely suggestions and that is great information to have. I am planning a first time trip to London in May and arriving at 0900 in Heathrow and staying at Accor hotel right near that airport. My question is I have the full day from arriving to 7:30 where I booked tickets to see WICKED at Apollo Victoria Theatre, but in terms of sites to see in which order would you recommend with that event in mind? The morning after I fly ( on 16th) back to States. Its just one full day in London after 3 weeks around Europe, I am departing out of Heathrow so decided to arrive one day before. Thanks for your time in advance and look forward to suggestions. I already down loaded the LONDON city mapper for trans options….. wanted to see much as possible including Piccadilly and maybe Abbey Road studios.

7th January 2020 at 3:16 pm

I would actually say that the order in the itinerary should work just fine for you. The only change I might make would be to switch the last two stops around, but only if you don’t want to go inside Westminster Abbey. This is because the abbey closes fairly early, so if you get here late you will only be able to enjoy the outside (which is also magnificent). Otherwise, the rest of the itinerary should work fine in the order it is in, as the theatre is near Westminster Abbey 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help, and have a lovely time in London,

7th January 2020 at 5:14 pm

Osum!! Thank you For all the advice. I appreciate them. Deana

8th January 2020 at 11:56 am

My pleasure!

1st January 2020 at 7:15 pm

Such a helpful overview of 1-day in London! And one short ‘day’ is all we have. To make the most of our time I’m wondering if you can help fine tune our itinerary plan.

We arrive at Heathrow at 8pm on a Sat night in Sept, and fly out on Sun at 5pm. Given the relatively late arrival we’re wondering which neighbourhood we should stay in. We’re looking for something that would put us in good position to launch into the walking tour the next morning and at the end, be in a good position for picking up the luggage and whisking back to the airport. Accomodation-wise, we’re look for something moderate meaning charm and comfort but not luxury.

Also, are there any parts of the tour or off-tour suggestions that would be conducive to squeezing in 10pm-midnight on Saturday?

Look forward to any further advice you have for us!

Karen & Carla

1st January 2020 at 8:29 pm

Hi Karen & Carla,

Great to hear from you, and thanks very much.

So I would personally suggest staying at a hotel near Paddington train station. We stayed at this one a couple of weeks ago, which was just a five minute walk from the train station, and they held our luggage on our last day with no problem. It’s also a short walk to nearby tube, from where you can easily get to the start of your day. There are quite a few in the area. From Paddington, you can get the Tfl rail service direct to Heathrow for around £10 per person each way, and it takes around 30 minutes. There’s also the Heathrow Express, which is twice as fast and costs twice as much, so it’s up to you!

In terms of what you could squeeze in, obviously most indoor attractions will be closed at the time. However, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square are pleasant to walk at night, and I always love walking across the Thames Bridges near the London Eye at night as it is so pretty and lit up.

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip, and do let me know if I can be of any further assistance!

All the best, and Happy New Year,

2nd January 2020 at 1:06 am

Happy New Year to you as well, Laurence, and wishes for many more happy travels. Thanks for the advice. We’re booked and ready to go. 🙂

2nd January 2020 at 11:20 am

My pleasure – have a great time!

Vijay Patel says

3rd September 2019 at 6:10 am

It’s my dream to visit London for once in my life as I am very fond of places to visit in London. especially, the London Eye. The list of places and other things to do in London is just amazing. London is such an amazing place to reside and visit hence I will be definitely sharing this great blog with my friends and family. I am glad I came across this and thanks for investing time and sharing this informative post with us.

3rd September 2019 at 9:45 am

My pleasure Vijay, thanks for your comment 🙂

7th August 2019 at 11:41 am

These are some fantastic tips which I will definitely be going to follow on my next one day trip to London. And please suggest any of the budget hotels in North London which have all the necessary facilities and close to these attractions. Thanks

7th August 2019 at 8:52 pm

Thanks Ammy!

So the two properties in our list we’d suggest based on your criteria would be:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options

If those don’t work, the linked site should have plenty more options for you 🙂

21st March 2019 at 6:38 am

Hello Laurence, I stumbled upon your posts in Google, I found very helpful tips from your website. I’m thankful for such detailed, well-done posts. It will by our first time in London, I’m nervous because I’m bring my parents and will be there for only a day. Taking Euro Star train from Paris we will arrive Monday May 13, 2019 at St. Pancras @ 8AM and leaving same day at 8PM. Knowing that we won’t have a lot of time and afraid to get lost, your posts have eased somewhat my anxiety.

I’ve been watching other channels on YouTube but yours is the best by far and have met my needs. I saw your 1 day London itinerary & map. London has comes alive to me, I was so happy because I’ve been trying to study the map, city mapper, bus routes…and was so overwhelmed.

We’re on a budget so we’ll take public transportation and will do sightseeing only.

I was planning to take public bus but since you mentioned taking the Tube & River Boat/Bus will save some times from and back to St. Pancras is a great idea.

Is there any way you can give more details of how to take the Tube, bus numbers/routes efficiently for our trip?

I plan to go directly to Buckingham from St. Pancras to watch the changing of the guards then head to Sky Garden and Borough market for lunch. I’m excited to take River Boat and walk to some of your suggested sites as time allows before we head back to St. Pancreas.

Not to be greedy but do you think we can stop by and check out Little Niece on the way back to the train station and call off the day? Hopefully we can visit British Museum as well. .So sad already…

Lastly, will we have trouble of finding public toilets there?

Thanks so much again for your time & people like you to help out others via Internet of travel needs. Annie N.

21st March 2019 at 11:12 am

Thanks for your comment (and e-mail!).

So you have quite a lot of time – 12 hours should give you plenty of time to explore.

In terms of your route, the easiest way to plan a route in London, in my opinion, is just to use Google Maps. It has all the transportation options that you need and will pick the fastest route. Even if you don’t have data, there’s free WiFi available throughout London to help you.

It’s hard to give you an exact route plan as I’m not sure of your overall itinerary. However, from St. Pancras to Buckingham Palace, the best option is going to be the Victoria line ( https://goo.gl/maps/w9C3mATLCHu ).

From there to the Sky Garden you can take the Circle and District Line ( https://goo.gl/maps/nPLm5VNNi1q )

I would definitely advise downloading London as an offline Google Map to your phone, then you will be able to find your way around the streets.

I’m not familiar with Little Niece – where is that?

There are some public toilets in London, so you should be able to find them without too much trouble 🙂

Have a great trip, let me know if I can help any more!

22nd March 2019 at 5:44 am

Thank you Laurence for your quick reply! Sorry I meant Little Venice not Little Niece.

22nd March 2019 at 9:57 am

Ah, that makes sense. So you could try and squeeze that in, although you would be cutting it quite fine with everything else as well 🙂

22nd March 2019 at 6:50 pm

Thanks! One more question please, if we follow your suggested routes and start from St.Pancras to Towel of London…will we make it to watch the changing of the guard in time?

22nd March 2019 at 6:55 pm

The Changing of the Guard usually takes place from 10.45 – 11.30am. From St. Pancras to Buckingham Palace shouldn’t take you more than half an hour. So if you arrive into St. Pancras at 8am you will have more than enough time 🙂 I’d suggest seeing something else on the way. Unfortunately many attractions do not open until 10am, however you could explore Covent Garden and see Trafalgar Square in the meantime.

2nd March 2019 at 8:56 am

Hi, myself, husband and two teens (16 and 17) are visiting London in June for one day. Our first time visiting and feeling anxious. We would like to maybe visit some free places but also do a couple of paid sites. what would you recommend for us, and of interest to the teens. Is your itinerary doable by foot and how far between each site to walk? Thanks in advance

2nd March 2019 at 9:03 am

I understand the anxious feeling of wanting to see everything! I guess I would say that it is definitely possible to see many of the highlights in a day, but not to worry too much about trying to see everything London has to offer in just one day, as it’s a big city with hundreds of attractions! I’d try and focus on a few big items that you really want to see. My suggestions would be things like Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, which are some of the more iconic landmarks in the city.

The itinerary as I have laid it out is do-able on foot yes. You’re probably looking at a total of 2 hours of actual walking, but obviously you will take a lot more time as you’ll be taking pictures and looking at the sights. You’ll also need to get from wherever you are staying to the start and end point.

In terms of paid sites, I would definitely recommend the Tower of London. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and one of the oldest castles in the UK, and there is so much history to learn about here. After that, many of the attractions can be enjoyed from the outside, like the Tower of London and the south bank. You could also pop across the Millenium Bridge from the Tate Modern to visit St. Pauls. Even if you’re not into Modern Art, I can recommend a visit to the Tate Modern as there’s a great view from the balcony.

I hope this helps – do let me know if I can be of any more assistance 🙂

Melissa says

20th January 2019 at 12:52 am

Hello, I’m visiting in March for one day coming in on the Eurostar. What should be my first stop on your list ? And how can i get to it ? Thanks so much

20th January 2019 at 12:07 pm

Hi Melissa!

So the Eurostar arrives at St. Pancras. My suggestion is to follow this itinerary in the order it’s laid out, so your first point of call will be the Tower of London. This is easy to get to from St. Pancras, you just take the Underground. Specifically, you’ll want to take the Circle line (Yellow colour) from St. Pancras in the direction of Liverpool Street, and get off at Tower Hill. It’ll take around 10 minutes.

I hope this helps! I have a using the London transport network here which might be useful too 🙂

Have a great trip!

Kathleen Trakas says

27th January 2019 at 4:10 pm

Hello! My Husband & I also are in Paris for our 3rd trip in December & want to take the Eurostar to London for the day. Reading your suggestions we feel confident we can do your itinerary in just one day- we’re early birds so with this itinerary what train times do you suggest would give us a relaxing but full day? We can catch the 6am train and how long would this all take to get back to the train station without worry?

27th January 2019 at 4:38 pm

Hi Kathleen!

So it’s around a two hour trip to London from Paris, meaning the 6am train will get you in at just after 8am. The only thing to bear in mind is that many of the attractions in London don’t open until after 9am.

To make the most of your time therefore, you might want to reorder the day. I’d suggest starting with some of the outdoor sights like Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the Houses of Parliament first, and then Buckingham Palace. You can then make your way along the south bank past the London Eye, Tate Modern, Golden Hind and HMS Belfast before getting to Tower Bridge, and then seeing the Tower of London.

From the tower of London you can then hop on the tube for the ten minute ride back to St. Pancras, for the train. I’d advise giving yourselves plenty of time for all that, as you’ll likely want to eat at some point as well and not feel rushed, so a train at around 6 or 7pm would be my suggestion.

I hope this helps!

28th January 2019 at 4:55 pm

Thanks so much! Pretty excited to be Headed to London for a day! Cheers!

Helena says

20th December 2018 at 4:28 pm

Heey, I’m going to London with a friend inJanuary. He are arriving sunday at 9am at Gatwick and sleeping somewhere in Enfield and going to Southampton the next day. I enjoyed looking your guide for one day and i would like to ask your opinion on what to do in one day, knowing that the tickets are kinda expensives and we love nature and high-views. Thank you! And good work!

20th December 2018 at 4:39 pm

So are you asking for advice in London? I will assume so 🙂

For views, I would recommend the Sky Garden. It’s free to visit, but you do need to book a timeslot in advance which you can do on their website here . Tickets are released on a Monday for the following week, and they alway go very quickly, so you’ll want to set a calendar reminder. Another good viewpoint can be had in the Tate Modern museum, which is also free 🙂

In terms of more sightseeing, many of the sights and attractions in London are free, such as watching Changing of the Guard, and looking at the outside of the major buildings like Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and so on. So I would advise you to basically follow this itinerary fairly closely, but just to skip any attractions you don’t want to pay to see if budget is a key concern.

For nature, you will likely enjoy a visit to some of the parks, like Hyde Park or Green Park, which are just near Buckingham Palace / Trafalgar Square.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip

Kadeer says

13th December 2018 at 10:12 pm

Hello my family and I are traveling and have one day in London, we fly in to Gatwick at 12 pm and out of Gatwick the next morning at 7 am. We are staying at a hotel close to the airport…. would you recommend any changes or advice for us (kids ages are 11/13/15). I am not sure if we should take uber, train, the express train, or taxi. Also while in London should we do the hop on and off bus?

14th December 2018 at 2:47 pm

So from Gatwick one of the easiest ways to get into London is to take the train (see my full guide to getting to central London from all the airports here ). You can take the Gatwick Express, but these tickets are usually £20 per person each way, so if budget is a consideration i would instead suggest taking the normal train, which has tickets starting at £9.90. You can check ticket prices and times here – it’s always cheaper to buy in advance online, just make sure you get on the train that you buy the ticket for.

In terms of the itinerary, you will definitely have to reduce the sight seeing a bit as you only really have half a day. My suggestion would be to visit Tower Bridge and look at the Tower of London from the outside, then take the tube to Westminster where you can see Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

I hope this helps – have a great time in London!

3rd December 2018 at 1:07 am

family of 4 person , visiting london for one day what tips you suggest for us. thanks alot

3rd December 2018 at 11:05 am

My advice would be to follow the itinerary, but to perhaps slow it down depending on the age and stamina of your family. Certainly, everything is do-able, but in hearing feedback from family travellers, travelling as a family will require you to take things a bit slower (depending on age).

Have a great time!

Amanda says

4th November 2018 at 7:16 am

Your itinerary sounds perfect everything I would love to see! I’ve been so anxious just thinking of how to plan my ONE day in London. Could you provide some tips on where to start the day? I will be arriving in London in the morning about 9 at Heathrow. My departure will be about 11 that evening from Gatwick. I’ll be using your itinerary as my guide. But need tips on how to use my time as efficiently as possible. I also want to make sure I make my flight that evening. Please help!

4th November 2018 at 9:04 am

Hi Amanda! Sounds like you have lots of time to see all the things on my itinerary, but I would suggest in a different order to make it more efficient based on your airport arrival and departure. 🙂 So from Heathrow the cheapest option is to take the tube, you could take this to Leicester Square. From here you can get out and see Trafalgar Square, then walk to the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace – you should be in time to see the Changing of the Guard. From here you can then walk along the south bank of the river, from the London Eye all the way around, past Shakespeare’s Globe and HMS Belfast, the Tate Modern, the Golden Hind etc. You’ll finish near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Then, when you are done you can take the train from London Bridge train station which goes direct to London Gatwick airport 🙂

Hope this helps – have a great day out!

Nandini says

11th August 2018 at 11:55 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica! Thanks so much for the post! Most certainly, It gives a pretty good idea to plan a one-day trip! I will go to London from Birmingham on 31st August and leave on 2nd September. That gives me 1 evening and 1 full day and 1 morning to explore London! Would you please give me any particular suggestion so that I can utilize my stay to the best extent?

13th August 2018 at 9:23 pm

Hey Nandini!

Sounds like a fun trip 🙂 So, it’s a bit hard to give specific advice without knowing your interests, but our general advice would be to figure out what you really want to see, and try to plan your time so you can see them as efficiently as possible. So for example, if you have an evening in London, some attractions such as the London Eye or the Shard are open later, so you can go to them on your first day perhaps. Or you could catch a show. Essentially, try to make the best use of your time as possible whilst you are there 🙂 Hopefully this helps!

Talva Walker says

2nd August 2018 at 8:12 pm

Hi, I’ve been enjoying your post. Very insightful. I’m planning a trip to Paris Aug 31-Sept 5, arriving CDG at 7:20am on Sept 1, staying at the Mercure Paris Alesia. I am planning a day trip to London via EuroRail. Can you please suggest the best travel and sightseeing routes from Paris to London so I can get the most out of my day while in London. Thanks

2nd August 2018 at 8:21 pm

HI Talva, thanks for your comment. Could you just elaborate for me what you need – as you say you are taking the Eurail train, which will put you right in central London, are you looking for a tour guide or a suggested itinerary? There’s only one train option as far as I know, you just have to pick a time that works for you 🙂

8th August 2018 at 9:24 pm

Hi Laurence, thanks for your response. I’m sorry I wasn’t clear. I’m looking to find the best way to spend my day in London allowing time to/from the Eurorail. Is this doable.

9th August 2018 at 2:41 pm

Hey Talva! Well, that makes more sense. This itinerary is definitely do-able in a day but it does depend on what time your train gets in and leaves. If you are looking for the highlights, I’d suggest the Tower of London, walking across Tower Bridge, the London Eye or The Shard for great views, the exterior of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. That should all be very achievable in a day 🙂

11th July 2018 at 4:52 am

Hi, We are planning a trip to England and visit to Scotland and/or Ireland in early August. This may be too optimistic coverage but we have 12 full days. Our flight lands in Gatwick and we come back via Shannon. What is your recommendation? I plan to rent a car after spending 3 days in London.

11th July 2018 at 9:46 am

My advice would be to check out our 2 week UK itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/two-weeks-in-ukmy-perfect-itinerary/ and adjust it slightly to meet your time-frame and particular interests 🙂 We also have 1 week and 10 day UK itineraries, as well as loads of other content on travelling in the UK. So I am sure you will find the answers you need, but I’m always happy to provide further information as well.

Camilla says

1st July 2018 at 6:45 pm

I love the tips! We will be staying in a hotel near Covent Garden and will follow this! Any recommendations for places to eat around the area? I will be travelling with my in-lawsmy parents and my husband, we are not picky with food and we want to try where the locals eat.

3rd July 2018 at 10:30 am

Hey Camilla! Thanks very much 🙂 To be honest, we rarely recommend restaurants as recommendations can go out of date very quickly. Our advice would be to ask at the hotel reception when you get in, or look on Yelp / Google for nearby restaurants or pubs that have good ratings. A good pub meal is a must when visiting London. I would also add that there is a huge volume of visitors to London, as well as a very multi-cultural feel to the city, so most venues will cater to both locals and visitors 🙂

Beccare says

19th May 2018 at 10:38 am

Hello there, I will be heading into the Uk at the ending of this year and I have a list of places I would like to see in one day but not very sure how to see them all. I only have one day for sight seeing unfortunately. I plan on purchasing a one day london pass, the places are: British Museum, St Paul Cathedral, London motor museum, Charles Dickens museum, Globe Theater, Kensington Palace, London Zoo, London Bridge, West Minister Abbey, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The view from the shard.

19th May 2018 at 7:09 pm

Hi Beccare!

I will be honest with you, I think you will struggle to see all of those locations in one day. I think you should be able to see a lot of them, but not all. My suggestion would be to start at the Tower of London, then Tower Bridge, Globe Theater, St. Paul’s cathedral, London Motor Museum and Westminster Abbey. Then head to the shard as that is open later. I think that would be achievable, but still you will have to go quite quickly. Otherwise you will rush so much you won’t see anything so well. I hope this works!

Alma J Saad says

16th May 2018 at 5:05 am

Excellent photographs. particularly the one of the Routemaster transport. Notwithstanding the 9 appeared, one additionally keeps running on the 15 (Heritage) course, which takes guests past numerous traveler spots (Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and so forth.) an incredible method to see London and considerably less expensive than a visitor transport!

17th May 2018 at 9:12 am

Thanks very much Alma!

Mohamed Haikel says

30th March 2018 at 3:35 pm

Im planning a honeymoon trip to europe and london is one of my stops and this article/post has been very helpful in narrowing down my list of places to visit. ill have a full day for sightseeing. Im staying at the Novotel Wembley in London. Any advice or recomendation on where i should start my sightseeing?

30th March 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Mohamed! Congratulations on your wedding 🙂 The easiest way to get around London is to take public transport, so my suggestion would be to take the tube (also known as the underground) from near your hotel. There are two easy options. First would be to take the Metropolitan line from Wembley Park Station to Aldgate Station, and then walk to the Tower of London. Alternatively, and I think my preferred option, would be to take the Jubilee Line from Wembley Park Station to London Bridge Underground Station, and then walk from there. It’s a prettier walk from the latter.

If you need information on getting around London, I have two posts to help, one on how to use the public transport system in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/guide-public-transport-london/

And one on paying for transport in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/pay-public-transport-london-oyster-contactless-best/

Andrea Heys says

26th March 2018 at 6:34 pm

Wow, This is really helpful, thank you. We are 4 ladies (3 Canadians and 1 Brit) staying around the Gatwick area at the end of April 2018. We have one full day and evening to see everything. We would love to see as much as possible (1 lady can’t walk a long way at a time but can rest for a few minutes and then carry on). The Canadians are leaving it up to me, the Brit (but from the North) to show them around. They want to sight-see and then take in a west end show in the evening. Can you recommend a route that can accommodate not too much walking?

26th March 2018 at 6:44 pm

Hi Andrea – delighted that you found the post useful 🙂 I’ll do my best to help out!

From Gatwick (I’m assuming the airport), my advice would be to take the train into central London – specifically London Bridge. This will put you almost directly across the river from the Tower of London, as well as a number of other great London sights (HMS Belfast, St. Pauls Cathedral & Tower Bridge). So a good place to start.

I’d then suggest after seeing all that you want in that area, that you take the River Bus service from either Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier, and go to Westminster Pier. It’s pretty cost effective, and is a good way to see London from the water 🙂 Then you’ll be in the heart of Westminster, right next to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the Churchill War Rooms, and whatever else you want to see in that area. You could also do the London Eye quite easily. Then, from Westminster it’s a short walk up Whitehall past 10 Downing St to Trafalgar Square, from where you have your pick of the shows.

Hopefully that all makes sense! I wouldn’t advise doing everything in the comment, obviously pick and choose what you’re interested in. IF you are interested in going in a few of the different attractions, definitely check out the London Pass (linked in the post) to see if the cost savings make it a benefit to you.

Have an amazing time – do pop back and let me know how it went!

29th March 2018 at 3:37 pm

Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll definitely let you know what we chose. This is great information and I heard about the London pass so we’ll check it out. This is a fantastic website that I’ll be recommending to all I know in Canada. Great information about London. Thank you again ?

29th March 2018 at 4:19 pm

My pleasure Andrea – and thanks very much!

Dale Fisher says

25th March 2018 at 2:50 pm

Your itinerary sounds perfect since we are staying for one day. We, husband and two daughters 21 & 23, leave in a few days and I will use your itinerary. We are staying at the London Arch so should I still start my day at the Tower of London? What if I begin at Westminster Pier and take the River Cruise to the Tower? I have pre booked tickets to the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. I plan to do it all walking. I value any opinions. Thank you!! Dale

25th March 2018 at 3:02 pm

Glad to be of help! It’s really up to you. From Marble Arch, it would probably make the most sense to go in the following order:

Buckingham Palace Westminster Abbey / Houses of Parliament River cruise or walk along south bank to Tower of London Tower of London Then you could either take public transport back or the river cruise again.

Alternatively you could take public transport to the Tower of London, and then the itinerary would finish near Buckingham Palace and be quite close to where you are staying 🙂

25th March 2018 at 3:23 pm

Thank you!! This was extremely helpful! We arrive the day before and have the evening free, any suggestions to make the most of our evening? All the best, Dale

25th March 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure! There are a few options, you could try one of the following;

Take in a West End London Show (there are many to choose from, we know the Lion King is very popular!) Take a ride on the London Eye at sunset or head up the Shard for great views Pop out for a meal or a drink – there are so many dining and drinking options we don’t think you’ll struggle to find somewhere

simon harding says

26th November 2015 at 9:00 am

beautiful photos. especially the one of the routemaster bus. In addition to the 9 shown, one also runs on the 15 (Heritage) route, which takes visitors past many tourist spots (Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral etc.) a great way to see London and much cheaper than a tourist bus!

Claudia Luxembourg says

6th August 2015 at 11:43 am

You got it covered! I know London so well that whenever people visit me I take them on my very personal walking tour. I usually start in Covent Garden, walk to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, then head to Trafalgar Square where we stop at the National Gallery. Keep on to Buckingham Palace and then continue to Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster. Then I go to the British Museum too. I taylor it depending on what people are interested in. But it usually works fine. It is an amazing city. I also love Chiswick. Perhaps my fav. part of London!!

Laurence says

7th September 2015 at 9:11 am

That’s one of my favourite routes 😀 I lived in Covent Garden for a couple of years, love that part of town!

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London in One Day

If you plan to visit London in one day, you want to make the most of it and see the most important attractions and sights, especially if it’s your first time in this beautiful city.

London has a long list of iconic places and attractions that every visitor wants to see and visit, but if you only have one day to spend in London, you need to plan your day to see as much as possible. We have prepared two options for you to consider, two different itineraries for you to have two possibilities and make the most of your one-day trip to London.

One Day in London: Option 1 – Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour + River Cruise + London Eye

If you are only visiting for a day and want to see as much as possible, I highly recommend that you go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, do a Thames River Cruise and go on the London Eye.

Our Experience

We went on the bus tour, which very easily takes you around the most important places in London. With the bus tour, you get a free river cruise, which I enjoyed the most as the views are amazing, and we also went on the London Eye to round it all up. And this is exactly what I recommend you do if you are planning to spend a day in London.

Sightseeing bus tour and river cruise

The open-top bus tour takes you to all the important places, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Oxford Street, Regent Street… And you can stay on the bus or get off at any stop and then get back on the bus whenever you want to. It´s an easy way to explore London, and not have to worry about public transport.

The free river cruise is fantastic, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in London if you have one day. From the river, you’ll be able to see the houses of parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare´s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral… You will also see London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and the famous Tower Bridge. The river cruise will also allow you to take beautiful photos of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

If you are arriving at King´s Cross St Pancras Station, then the open-top bus tour would be ideal, as there is a bus stop to hop on the bus as you exit the station.

We recommend that you get fast-track tickets for the London Eye online beforehand, so you avoid the long queues and go directly to the prepaid tickets queue; this way, you’ll make sure you make the most of your day in London.

One Day in London: Option 2 – Walking Route + London Eye

We have designed a walking route enabling you to discover London in a day if you would rather walk to see the city’s sights. With our walking route, you will see some of the most important landmarks, and you will probably have time to see the Changing of the Guard, visit Westminster Abbey and go on the London Eye.

Walking route to visit London in a day step-by-step

Changing on the guard at buckingham palace.

Our walking route starts at Green Park Underground Station . From here, we will walk towards Buckingham Palace, where the famous changing of the guard ceremony takes place at 11.00 am on certain days. Make sure you check the exact dates of the changing of the guard to avoid disappointment.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and London Eye

After seeing Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, we will walk across St James´s Park and head towards Westminster Abbey and Big Ben along Whitehall, past 10 Downing Street. We can then cross Westminster Bridge, admiring the views from this bridge, and make our way towards the London Eye .

Tower of London and River Cruise

At this point, one option is to go to the Tower of London by boat. We can jump on an Uber boat at London Eye Pier and go to Tower Pier. This is a riverboat service (like a river bus), so just an easy and cheap way to cruise the Thames and take in the views. As it isn´t a touristic cruise, there is no live commentary. Still, it´s a perfect way to go from one part of London to another. On the way, you can spot Shakespeare´s Globe , the Millenium Bridge , Tate Modern, Hay´s Galleria … Get off at Tower Pier to see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Afterwards, jump back on the Uber boat and return to London Eye. If you are feeling a bit hungry, you could go to St Katharine´s Dock to grab a bite, as there are several restaurants in the area.

Once we return to the London Eye, we can continue our walking route. Explore London´s beautiful Southbank for a bit. This is where the Sea Life Aquarium, London Dungeons, Shrek´s Adventure and Southbank Centre are . You will find many restaurants here.

Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden

We´ll cross the Thames over Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges and make our way towards Trafalgar Square . This is where the National Gallery (free entry) is. From Trafalgar Square, we can easily walk towards Piccadilly Circus.

From Piccadilly Circus, we will walk along Regent Street and explore Carnaby Street . After walking through London´s Soho, we will reach Leicester Square and Covent Garden .

Covent Garden is a great place to grab a bite. There are many restaurants in the area. Seven Dials Market is also just around the corner from Covent Garden, another great option if you´re hungry. This is also where we can find several theatres and London´s best musicals .

Itinerary to visit London in a day

Transport suggestions

If you are going to spend just one day in London, it may be tempting to buy single fares if you’re going to use public transport, such as the underground or the bus. We encourage you to buy an oyster card for the day or use contactless payment if possible.

You will pay less for each journey this way than buying single fares or even a day travelcard, as the oyster card´s daily capping makes it cheaper to use than a day travelcard.

You can also use oyster or contactless on the riverboat service mentioned above.

Related Posts

Changing of the guard in london: dates 2024, the best black taxi tours in london, best musicals in london in 2024, thames river cruises in london: options, offers and available routes.

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London in a Day: Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & River Cruise

468 reviews

Why take this tour?

• See all of London's top attractions in a single day with an expertly crafted itinerary.
• Step inside Westminster Abbey, home to the Coronation Chair and the final resting places of some of the UK's greatest scientists, writers, monarchs and more.
• Enjoy a beautiful Thames River cruise complete with fun and informative commentary from the crew as you sail past scenic vistas.
• Skip the line into the Tower of London for a comprehensive tour of the imposing palace-turned-prison, and marvel at the magnificence of the Crown Jewels.
• Sites Visited
• Westminster Abbey
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels
• Tower Bridge (exterior)
• Buckingham Palace (exterior)
• St James Palace (exterior)
• Trafalgar Square
• Houses of Parliament (exterior)
• River Thames
• Big Ben (view)
• London Eye (view)
• St Paul's Cathedral (view)
• The Shard (view)
• The Gherkin (view)h
• Tour Includes
• Skip the line ticket for Westminster Abbey
• Skip the line ticket for Tower of London
• Thames river cruise
• Blue Badge guide
• Expertly guided walking tour

See all of London's highlights in just one day on this in-depth tour covering more ground than any other.

Total customer reviews: 468, latest reviews.

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Posted on Published: 30th August 2023  - Last updated: 13th February 2024 Categories London Travel Tips

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

One Day in London: The Best Way to See London in a Day

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Planning to spend one day in London and not sure where to start? Don’t worry – it’s a tough task but we have you covered with this step-by-step itinerary – everything you need to know to tackle London in a day.

We’re going to start this guide by being brutally honest with you here – seeing London in a day is no easy feat.

This crazy city that we are proud to call home can be overwhelming – 8 million people call it their home also and 20 million people visit annually. It’s busy, large and can be a bit confusing if you’re visiting for the first time. Our London bucket list alone is enough to keep you entertained for about a year.

That all sounds like a lot to deal with – and it would be… if it were not for a little secret.

You can tackle a day in London, seeing many of the city’s biggest sights without breaking a sweat… if you just know how.

Sure, you could run around in a blind panic, trying to see everything in different parts of the city, visiting all the museums, stuffing in as much as possible.

But (there’s always a but).

We can guarantee that you would come away from the whole experience a) exhausted b) with only the vaguest idea about any of the places that you’d encountered in your whirlwind tour of the city. That’s the silly way.

The smart way is to focus on a relatively small area of central London with the biggest concentration of sights, all in walkable distance of each other and taking the time to enjoy them all. That’s what this one day in London guide does.

What’s more? If you want to take things at an even slower pace, simply cut out a thing or two. Simple.

One Day in London Itinerary

Wondering what you can do in London if you only have one day? This cool itinerary takes you to the city’s highlights.

Buckingham Palace

Alright, alright – we know you want to feast your eyes on Buckingham Palace and who are we to deny you? The monarchy’s official London residence is a pretty good place to start your London one-day trip.

The imposing Georgian palace isn’t the fanciest building in London, but even we’ll admit that it is pretty impressive – in no small part thanks to its gargantuan size.

The palace is monstrously large: it contains no fewer than 775 rooms, counting 52 bedrooms (and an additional 188 bedrooms for staff… because the Royal Family are so extra about everything).

You can’t actually go inside for most of the year, but they do open the State Rooms for 10 weeks in the summer and a couple of other dates throughout the year to enable you to witness the truly OTT (dare we say it… garish) decor – including the thrones – up, close and personal.

Buckingham Palace is also one of the main locations for seeing the rather cool Changing of the Guard – a formal procession marking the changing of the Royal Guard.

It’s brilliant – the guards are accompanied by a full brass band and it’s rather cool watching a tradition that has been going for centuries. The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 10.45am during the summer months, and on alternate days for the rest of the year.

Book tickets to see the state rooms

Read More: The Changing of the Guard: What You Need to Know Before You Go

St James’s Park

St James’s Park is a hop, skip and a jump away from Buckingham Palace and our favourite of the Royal Parks.

St James’s Park is the prettiest park in central London – with a large lake, willow-lined banks and gorgeous flower beds that somehow always seem to be in bloom all year round. It’s the kind of park that is just made for leisurely picnics and chitchats, all in the shadow of the royal palace across the road.

You can take some time out here if the weather is nice, otherwise we’d say just stroll through – towards Westminster, the political heart of the city.

Top Tip: If you stand at the top of the park with your back to Buckingham Palace (the cheek!), you can see the whole of the park, framed by a few landmarks in Westminster and the South Bank (including the London Eye) – one of our favourite views in central London.

Westminster Abbey

World Heritage Site Westminster Abbey is one of the most striking churches in London (the other is St Paul’s Cathedral, which unfortunately we’re not going to have time to visit today).

What do you get when you combine Gothic architecture with centuries of history? Answer = one hell of an impressive building.

Interestingly, Westminster Abbey is not a cathedral as is often thought. It’s a “Royal Peculiar” meaning that it’s directly responsible to the monarchy – that explains why it’s so closely connected with royal events.

You know all the Royal weddings you watch on TV (if you bother to watch, we don’t) – most of them happen here. Same for all coronations and many state funerals.

Westminster Abbey isn’t all about the royals though. It doubles up as the burial site of some of the UK’s most important historical and literary figures, including Charles Dickens, Stephen Hawking, and William Wilberforce.

There’s even a section called Poet’s Corner that… kind of does exactly what it says on the tin, except quite a few novelists are buried there too

Buy Tickets for Westminster Abbey (Complete with Audio Guide)

The Houses of Parliament + Big Ben

You barely have to stretch your legs to get to the next spot on our 1 day London sightseeing itinerary – none other than The Houses of Parliament (to which the clock tower Big Ben is attached).

If you had more time in London, we’d suggest visiting inside Parliament – either on a guided tour , or just to the public galleries to watch a debate in process (one of our favourite free things to do in London ) but time is, sadly, of the essence, so we’ll have to move you along to our next destination.

The London Eye

We have a real soft spot for The London Eye for many reasons. First of all, we remember the pomp and circumstance surrounding its opening in the year 2000 – back in those long lost days when it was called the Millennium Wheel.

Secondly, one of our team worked there for several of their college and uni holidays, meaning they’ve ridden, stared at, talked about and directed people to the damned thing enough times to have it ingrained in their mind.

Do we recommend that you go on it? Yes! It should go straight (and we mean straight) to the top of your list of best things to do in London for a day. Don’t even think about skipping it.

The London Eye is not the cheapest London sightseeing spot but on a clear day, the views that you get from it are beautiful – you can even see as far as Windsor Castle 25 miles away.

The wheel rotates super-slowly, so you have plenty of time to take in the ever-changing views (and a lot of photos we’re sure) during your 30 minute ride.

Book tickets for The London Eye here

Trafalgar Square

Time to cross back over the River Thames via Golden Jubilee Bridge to head to another of London’s biggest landmarks – Trafalgar Square. Every city has its main square and Trafalgar Square just so happens to be London’s.

Personally, we think the square itself is a bit overrated – the hodgepodge of architectural styles and random statues dotted all over the place are charming enough but not crazy beautiful. Do we still think it’s worth visiting? Totally.

Swing by the famous lion statues (here’s a fun fact – the sculptor Edward Landseer had never seen a lion when he was commissioned to make the statues so he had to wait for a lion at London Zoo to pass away so he could use it as a model for the statues) and take a peek at the famous statues -not forgetting Nelson’s Column in the middle of the square.

Keep your eyes open and you’ll even see an old Tardis-style building that used to double up as a police watchpoint and holding station – leading it to be dubbed as Britain’s smallest police station.

Now it’s crunch time people.

Trafalgar Square is flanked by the National Gallery and, next to that, The National Portrait Gallery.

If you’re into art our suggestion would be that you spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at least one of them and then pick up at the West End Show / Theatre Point .

The National Gallery contains over 2,300 works dating from the 13th century to 1900 – with a broad range pieces of leading artists including Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin on the Rocks.

The National Portrait Gallery is smaller but no less mighty – with a collection of 215,000 works to discover. Entrance to both museums is free.

If you have decided to skip the museums (there’s always a next time right?) then it’s time to march on with the London one-day tour.

Read More: Insider’s London: Trafalgar Square

Spend Some Time in Covent Garden

Covent Garden Market tops many a list of what to do in London for a day. Sitting at the heart of theatreland, it’s a lively part of the city, with lots of cool bars , pubs and restaurants and things to do.

You should visit the famous Apple Market. It’s a beautiful covered market – but we wouldn’t bother to go shopping here: most of the independent shops are long gone, replaced with many of the same brands you’ll find all over the world. Yawn.

Much more charming is the pretty little Cecil Court – a 17th century alley lined with bookshops that’s rumoured to have inspired Diagon Alley in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books.  

See if you can find quirky Neal’s Yard – accessed via two small passages that open up into a cool courtyard filled with brightly coloured buildings that bring some sunshine to even the greyest London day. It’s a refreshing haven of independent businesses – shops, restaurants and bars, in an area that’s increasingly dominated by large brands.

After that, if you still have time, walk over to Somerset House – a former Thameside royal palace that is now one of London’s leading cultural and arts venues. It’s free to enter and the striking courtyard is one of my favourite places to chill with a nice coffee in central London.

Read More: The Covent Garden Area Guide

West End Show (Or a Play at the National Theatre)

We maaaay be prejudiced, but we’ll come out and say it. London has one of the most exciting theatrical scenes in the world and you absolutely should book a ticket to see a play or a West End show while you are in town.

Personally, we favour plays over musicals but go and see whatever catches your eye – this is your one day in London and you want to make it count.

There’s a whole other post we’ve written about London’s numerous theatres and what they’re showing so you should go and check that out.

In the meantime, you can always have a browse on Ticketmaster for tickets to most of the big shows (including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I and II – still one of the hottest shows in town) at the West End Theatres.

Your other option is to pick an “Off West End” play – basically a play or show taking place at a venue that isn’t in the tiny London area defined as the West End. That covers a hell of a lot of brilliant venues including The National Theatre and The Young Vic , two of our favourite theatres in London.

The National Theatre is probably the easiest to fit into this London one-day trip as it’s only a short walk away from Covent Garden (albeit on the other side of the river), though the Young Vic is only about another 15 minutes further). The National also stands out for having not one but three theatres inside – meaning you can take your pick of which play to see.

Whichever way you swing it, a trip to the theatre has the benefit of a) making you cultured AF b) immersing you into the full London experience during your 1 day in London.

Drinks and Dinner in Soho

That’s it! Your hard work is done (we wouldn’t blame you if you took the time right now to give yourself a congratulatory pat on the back, we certainly are) – all that’s left for you to do is to have a few drinks and dinner in buzzy Soho. Let’s face it, drinks and dinner are a breeze compared to the rest of your epic day in London.

Soho is bursting with options when it comes to places to drink and places to eat (don’t believe me? We suggest you check out our Soho bar guide , where we painstakingly rated and reviewed all of the best bars in the area – the things we do for this blog).

Ultimately where you end up depends on what you are looking for. If you’re up for a blow-out night, we would recommend drinks at Disrepute or Swift Bar followed by a meal at Bob Bob Ricard – you know, the one with the press for champagne booths and to die for food.

Alternatively, Yauatcha is the hottest place in town for delicious dim sum (yeah, we know you traditionally eat it for lunch but we are renegades and we don’t play by those kinda rules).

Read More: Cool Things to Do in Soho

If you want something a little more budget friendly, then Bodega Negra serves banging Mexican food (and some killer cocktails), Flat Iron dishes up perfectly-cooked steaks and Pizza Pilgrims hawt and freshly-made pizzas – all at reasonable prices (well, by London standards anyway).

After that, if you still have a little life in you, Soho is also home to one of London’s best jazz clubs – Ronnie Scotts (oh and endless clubs if you really want to go large or go home – these days we personally go home).

Just like that, you’re done – we hope you’ve enjoyed your day in London. Time to retire to bed to get some beauty sleep.

If You Have More Time… A Few Other Places You May Want to Consider Adding to your London Trip

• The Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• Museum Mile in South Kensington with the Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and Natural History Museum (you can check out my Kensington guide here)
• Borough Market
• The Tate Modern and/or the Tate Britain
• The British Museum

One Day in London: Where to Stay

If you only have one day in London and you want to know where to stay – our advice is to stay centrally. That means Covent Garden, Westminster or Soho if possible.

Yes, the prices are high but it means that you are able to walk to all of the places on the itinerary and base yourself in the heart of the action so no time is wasted during your short trip.

Covent Garden

Our favourite hotel in Covent Garden is the absolutely gorgeous The Henrietta , mere metres from the Apple Market. The decor is beautiful, service is slick and you’re located right in the centre of London.

Check rates and availability on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor

Gone are the days when Soho used to be the seedy heart of central London. These days its all chic bars and stylish restaurants – with a few chic hotels thrown into the ring for good measure.

If you love boutique hotels with personality and bags of style, plump for Ham Yard Hotel – which offers arty rooms, its own bowling alley, spa and rooftop terrace in the midst of Soho.  

Westminster

Westminster has the bonus of being a bit quieter than the West End locations, though, as a rule, the prices are just as high (and sometimes higher).

You have a real pick of hotels to choose from here – The Conrad London St James is a great high-end option favoured by many a politician, while The Nadler is a stylish but reasonably priced option nearer to Victoria.

Check rates and availability for the Conrad London St James on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor

Check rates and availability for The Nadler Victoria on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor

Read More: The Best Areas to Stay in London

King’s Cross

King’s Cross has the bonus of being a bit less expensive than staying in the other areas in our guide while still not being too far away from the action. Given that the area is a bit of a transport hub, you’ll have plenty of options for getting around the city, as well as out of it when it comes time to leave. 

You’ll also be about a 30-40 minute walk away from the locations in our one day in London guide should you want to stretch your legs. 

For a bit of an up-market stay, choose The Standard . This plush (and highly trendy) hotel boasts stylish rooms that put the C in comfort. Then, on the top deck, you’ll find Decimo, a high-end Spanish restaurant with 360-degree views of London and some rather excellent food. 

For something a little more budget-friendly, try out The Alhambra . This hotel offers double rooms for around £127 per night and doesn’t sacrifice on the things that you’d want from your stay. Rooms come with all the regular amenities, clean linen, towels, TVs and free Wi-Fi and en suite bathrooms. 

The only issue might be that the rooms aren’t so big – but that doesn’t matter too much when you’ve got such an action-packed day on your hands. 

Check Rates and availability for The Standard on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor Check Rates and availability for The Alhambra on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor

Read More: The Best Airbnbs in King’s Cross

How to Visit London in One Day: Practical Tips to Help You Plan a Day in London

Best way to see london in a day.

The best way to see London in a day is to put on some comfortable walking shoes and follow this one day itinerary. If you’re unable to walk long distances, you may want to consider the hop on hop off Big Bus Tour .

What to Pack

Pack comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella.

You cover a lot of ground on this itinerary and the last thing you need is to be wearing shoes that look great but cut your feet to ribbons the moment you move. Repeat the mantra. Comfort is king. Comfort is king.

As for the umbrella… well I’m sure London’s reputation for rainy weather precedes me so we don’t need to say anymore on that.

Best Ways to Get to Central London from The Major Airports

Gatwick airport.

Gatwick is super-easy to get to central London from. Simply make your way to the train station and get a train to central London (destinations covered include London Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars and Kings Cross / St Pancras).

Top Tip: Do not bother with the Gatwick Express – it’s way more expensive and the trains to central London from Gatwick are pretty fast anyway.

You have a few options for getting to central London from Heathrow. The fastest is probably to take the Heathrow Express, which, unlike its Gatwick counterpart, saves enough time to make it worth the expense – it terminates at London Paddington. You can also get a normal (non-express) train to Paddington too.

Heathrow is also connected to London via the Underground (a.k.a. the tube), so you can hop on and make your rather slow way to central London this way.

Using the tube does have the added benefit that the Piccadilly Line (which is the line that Heathrow is on) takes you to much more central locations – including Covent Garden, so you can get into the heart of the city without having to change.

As Stansted is basically the arse end of nowhere, they have you pretty firmly in their grip when it comes to ways to get into central London.

You can get the so-called Stansted Express (which takes 45 minutes to get to Liverpool Street – we struggle to see how there’s anything express-like about it) or you can get a coach.

Both are a bit of a drag but take around 45-50 mins in total.

Again, another “London” airport that’s about as close to London as Paris (yes, we’re exaggerating a bit). Catch the airport bus to the train station and hop on a train to central London or get the coach. Again, your options are fairly limited here.

How to See London in One Day – Recommended London One Day Tours

We have outlined all the things that you need to know to cover what to see in London in one day but I know that sometimes it’s still nice to take a tour. If you do want to take a one day London tour, here are a couple of options that you should look at.

• London – Top 20 Sights Walking Tour (Includes Entrance to the London Eye)
• Sights and Tastes of London Walking Tour

Harry Potter Self-Guided Walking Tour 

We’re big fans of Harry Potter at London x London and needless to say we’ve charted all the film and book locations you can find in the capital. On top of that, we’ve concocted a walking tour that will take you round all of them in an afternoon. If the world of witchcraft and wizardry appeals to you more than the world of the muggles, you might want to check it out. 

Read More: The Ultimate Self-Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour of London

Literary London Self-Guided Walking Tour 

We’re massive fans of London’s wider literary history too – and boy is there a lot of history. Many of the world’s greatest writers from Orwell to Dickens have lived in London and left their mark for you to see. We’ve also got a self-guided walking tour of the city’s literary past for any bookworms who don’t want to see the big tourist spots (it also involves a few pub stops). 

Read More: The Ultimate Self-Guided Literary Walking Tour of London

What to do in London in a Day: Map

Click here for a Google Map of all the destinations featured in this guide.

Looking for more London tips and guides? Check these out…

• 2 Days in London – What to Do and What to Skip
• London Visitor Map: Interactive Map of London
• The Ultimate London Bucket List
• Unusual Places to Visit in London
• Sightseeing in London – London’s Biggest Landmarks and Attractions
• The Best Bus Tours of London

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London x London is the insider’s guide to discovering the best of London.

We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way. 

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

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Perfect One Day in London Itinerary for 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2024

Categories Europe

Looking to plan the perfect one day in London itinerary but feel kind of stressed out about it?

Yeah, I totally get that. I mean, there is so much to see and do in this iconic city that it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a perfect day in London .

However, luckily for you, I’ve lived in and visited London more times than I can count. So, I really do know how to experience London like a savvy local, not a tourist.

So, if you want to quickly and easily plan 24 hours in London then this post is for you.

Because I’ve laid everything out in this one day in London itinerary so that you can quickly and easily enjoy all of the city’s top attractions.

This way, you can get a taste of the pure awesomeness that is London and maybe even plan a return trip to the immortal capital of England.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

🏆 Want to plan the BEST ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY? Then book the Westminster And Changing Of The Guard Tour . You’ll get to see the famous ceremony of the changing of guards and catch all the sights around Westminster. It is hands down one of the best tours in the city. 🏆

Where to Stay for One Day in London

😊 Not sure where to stay in London? Then try the Yotel London Hotel . It is also located in a central neighborhood and has nice clean rooms. If you need a gym then it has that too! Plus breakfast is also available for a charge. 😊

When you’re planning a whistle-stop tour of London in a day you’ll need a decent place to hang your head after a busy day of sightseeing.

Save time scouring the web with my top picks for where to stay in London.

• KX Rooms (budget) – London isn’t exactly known for its budget-friendly digs and it’s a challenge to score a private room without forking out over $100 a night in Zone 1. So, your best bet is the KX Rooms where you’ll enjoy a private bathroom and clean, safe lodging for the night. Although veering on the snug side, doubles and family rooms are well-equipped with a kettle, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. This hotel also sits next to King’s Cross St. Pancras Station so you’ll save a fortune on travel.
• Citadines Barbican London (mid-range) – If you’d prefer to stretch out during your trip to London, choosing an aparthotel the way to go. In fact, studio apartments at Citadines come with a kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom. Plus, regular guest rooms are a tad cheaper. And if you’re hoping for a lie-in the night before tackling London in a day that you’ll love that this aparthotel isn’t far from the first attraction on this itinerary!
• Yotel London City (mid-range) – The Yotel London City is outfitted with bright rooms complete with an en suite bathroom and essential amenities. Continental breakfast is available at a surcharge and there is a 24/7 fitness room available for gym rats. The Farrington neighborhood is also central and well-connected but benefits from quiet evenings.
• St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London (luxury) – Fancy living like royalty during your 24 hours in London ? Well, then you’ll love this 5-star hotel that comes with all the trimmings. For starters, all rooms are beautifully appointed with plush furnishings, elegant décor, and marble bathrooms. Top-tier rooms even feature clawfoot bathtubs and fireplaces. There’s also a pool, spa, sauna, gym, and a fleet of restaurants. Plus, it’s centrally located in the fashionable King’s Cross St. Pancras area.

Tips for Getting Around During Your One Day in London

London is famous for its eyebrow-raising prices and, inevitably, you will spend more than you’d like to in the city.

However, there are plenty of ways to reign in your spending! Therefore, here are my tips for saving money and getting around London in a day.

1. Get an Oyster Card

An Oyster Card is one of the easiest ways to pay for your travel around London. This is a rechargeable card that works out way cheaper than paper/single-fare tickets.

So, you can order a Visitor Oyster for £5 ($6.50) and have it delivered before you arrive. Or, you can pick up a regular Oyster card at any station in London.

You can then use your Oyster Card to pay for the Tube, bus, and even the river bus ferry services. Also, do be aware that buses do not accept cash payments!

2. Go contactless

In place of a loaded Oyster Card, you can just use a contactless credit or debit card to get around. The fares are exactly the same and you’ll benefit from daily capping.

If you do have an Oyster card, make sure you don’t accidentally tap any contactless cards while tapping in or out. Card clash is a thing and it means that both methods get charged.

Pro Tip: Buses work out much cheaper than the Tube. Each journey is capped at £1.65 ($2.15) regardless of how far you travel.

Plus, if you change buses within one hour, you won’t pay a penny more thanks to the “hopper” fare.

3. Walk as much as possible

Despite the epic size of Greater London, the central area is actually fairly compact and walkable. And this 1 day in London itinerary is designed so that you can walk throughout most of the day and save money on public transportation.

For that reason – comfortable shoes should be at the very top of your London packing list.

4. Book tickets in advance

All the sights you’ll want to see while exploring London in a day are prone to crowds and long lines.

Therefore, book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid wasting valuable sightseeing time. To make this easy, I’ve included all the relevant links below.

5. Pick up a London Pass

If you’re spending longer than a day in London and want to tour top attractions and museums, consider getting a London Pass .

After all, this amazing resource will grant you free admission to over 80 sights. Passes are also available for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 10 days and are priced accordingly from $103.

So, browse through your options and choose the London Pass that is perfect for you, especially if you want to do some London at night tours .

6. Carry a reusable bottle

Tap water in the UK is perfectly safe to drink.

However, stay hydrated and do your bit for the environment by carrying around a reusable water bottle.

Plus, many cafes and pubs will be happy to top you off if you run out of water. And you can put all that money that you saved on bottled water towards a night out at the pub.

Yup, it’s a total win-win.

How to see the best of London in a day

Curated especially for first-time visitors , this guide to 24 hours in London is designed to take you to London’s most famous landmarks .

So, if you follow the itinerary as outlined below, you can walk between the majority of the points of interest on this 1 day in London itinerary.

1. The Tower of London

⭐️  Rating:  4.6/5.0 ( 102777 Reviews)  Price:  $36.33 per person 📍 Meeting Point:  Main entrance gate  Details:   Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

But first: breakfast.

The first item on today’s agenda is located next to the handsome St. Katherine’s Docks. See, White Mulberries is a lovely little cafe that overlooks the marina.

Nourishing breakfast bowls, pastries, and brunch classics alongside excellent coffee are on the menu. The cafe also opens daily at 7:30 am.

So, once you’ve filled your tummy at one of the cutest cafes in London , you can walk to the first attraction of the day.

The Tower of London is a medieval fortress with a gruesome history of executions, beheadings, and imprisonment.

On a lighter note, it also houses the Crown Jewels and provides gorgeous views of the Thames.

Highlights of the Tower of London include:

• White Tower – At the heart of the Inner Ward, this turreted tower once provided lodging for the current king. Nowadays it houses the armor of Henry VIII.
• Wakefield Tower – Also known as the Bloody Tower, this is the goriest of all. The young princes, Edward and Richard, were imprisoned here in the days leading up to their slaughter by their uncle, King Richard III.
• Crown Jewels – As well as the Imperial State Crown, you’ll see the scepter and robes worn by British kings and queens at their coronation services.
• Ravens – Legend warns us that if the resident “unkindness” of ravens leaves the premises then the Tower of London will fall.

So, expect to spend around two hours roaming throughout the premises of the tower.

“ There is a lot to see at the Tower of London but it really depends on what you are interested in. The Crown Jewels are worth the price of admission just to see them up close. All of the ancient torture was also very interesting as was how the King and Queen at one point lived there. The Beefeater guided tour I wish we had time for so be sure to make time for that 45 minute tour it sounded amazing .” Nathan ( read more reviews now )

Pro Tip: Be sure to purchase a skip-the-line ticket well in advance of your one day in London to avoid long queues. Then, once you’re in, feel free to fire any questions you have at the Yeoman Wardens. They’re knowledgeable, friendly, and love to share trivia with eager visitors!

Address : Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB

Hours : Open Tuesday from 9:00 am 5:30 pm, and Sunday to Monday from 10:00 am 5:30 pm.

Price : Tickets start at $40 for adult admission.

How to Get There: Tower Hill Tube Station (Circle and District Line) is located right next to the Tower of London and St. Katherine’s Docks.

2. South Bank and London Eye

⭐️  Rating:  4.5/5.0 (9984 Reviews)  Price:  $39.48 per person 📍 Meeting Point: Meeting point depends on options booked  Details:   Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

London’s South Bank is a cultural center for theater, film, festivals, and food.

It’s the place to be in London whatever the season since there’s always something going on. So, expect to find Christmas markets in winter, sandpits/festivals throughout the summer, bookstalls on weekends, and more.

Also, getting here is the most fun on foot since you can soak up the energy and sights of London.

Then, Cross over the river via Tower Bridge (the huge blue suspension bridge) and follow the Thames Path west.

Along the way, you’ll walk past dozens of attractions, such as:

• The Golden Hinde – A replica of the ship that circumnavigated Sir Francis Drake around the globe.
• The Clink Prison Museum – Ghastly setting depicting a notorious prison from the 12th-century.
• Shakespeare’s Globe – A recreation of the original theater where punters can pick up “standing” tickets during the summer season.
• Tate Modern – A museum filled with mind-boggling contemporary pieces within a former power station.

Therefore, if you can manage to spend more than 1 day in London you might want to revisit some of these iconic spots.

“ Purchased London Eye tickets through Get your Guide. Booked for wrong day initially which they amended without any bother. Printed tickets but also downloaded the App. Arrived at the Eye and showed our tickets. Enjoyed our flight and would recommend both Company and The Eye.” Jayne ( read more reviews now )

Then, standing in stark contrast against the innumerable ancient buildings here, the London Eye oscillates at the heart of the South Bank.

After all, it’s Europe’s largest Ferris wheel and offers visitors lovely views of the city during a 30-minute ride.

So, do yourself a favor and avoid the ridiculously long queues by pre-booking a fast-track London Eye ticket now .

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling peckish, pick up an early lunch during your walk since Borough Market is open daily from 10:00 am (8:00 am on Saturdays). A second, and cheaper option is Southbank Centre Food Market.

It opens Friday through Sunday. And then lastly, food trucks can usually be found dotted all around the South Bank at the foot of the Eye.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

Hours: London Eye is open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Tickets start at $35 when booked online in advance.

Getting There: Walking from the Tower of London to the London Eye takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can hop on the Tube to Embankment Station and walk across the bridge.

A more swashbuckling alternative: take the River Boat from Tower Pier to Westminster and cross over Westminster Bridge.

3. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Once your feet touch the ground, catch your breath and make your way to Westminster Bridge. On the way, stop to snap some photos of your next attraction: the Houses of Parliament.

You’ll also be delighted to know that Big Ben has recently been liberated from its oppressive scaffolding to reveal a splendidly refurbished clock face.

Therefore, that means that now is the best time to plan your 1 day in London.

However, this place is also known as the Palace of Westminster. In fact, this vast building was at the center of controversy in 1605.

See, in an attempt to overthrow the Protestant monarchy and government, Guy Fawkes plotted to blow the complex up with his Gunpowder Plot.

And while this all didn’t go accordingly to plan, Brits nowadays “celebrate” his failure every year on the 5th of November with fireworks displays, giant bonfires, and sweet treats.

So, if you want to learn more about this intriguing place, you’ll be happy to know that guided tours of the palace are on offer. But, they operate on a limited schedule.

Accordingly, you’ll need to consult the UK Parliament website to check availability and make a booking.

Pro Tip: You can get unobstructed photos of the Houses of Parliament from the Victoria Tower Gardens.

Address: Parliament Square, London SW1A 0AA

Hours: You can visit the exterior any time of day. However, tour dates and times do not follow a set schedule.

Price: Free to view the exterior. Multimedia tours cost $30 per person while guided tours cost $38.

Getting there: It’s a 10-minute walk from the London Eye via Westminster Bridge.

4. Westminster Abbey

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 ( 243 Reviews) Price: $76.54 per person 📍 Meeting Point: Outside Westminster station Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Westminster Abbey is the setting for royal weddings, coronations, and memorial services.

Besides monarchs, the abbey is also the burial site for prominent scientists, poets, and historical figures including Rudyard Kipling and Charles Darwin.

Therefore, as you might expect, this ornate church is a feast for the eyes with its Gothic towers and stained glass windows.

It’s also the site of Britain’s oldest door! So be sure to grab a ticket and explore the incredible interiors so that you can see Poet’s Corner, Lady Chapel, and the Quire.

On the downside though, lines to get into the abbey are always long, no matter what time of day/year you visit.

So, if you want to go inside, it pays off to guarantee your visit with a timed ticket .

“Great experience overall! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. He spent a lot of time answering questions and peaking our interests in the details, which was perfect for my teenagers. Finding the meeting point was a little difficult but we figured it out. Better signage would’ve helped.” Amy ( read more reviews now )

Pro Tip : Although the abbey doesn’t have a set dress code, you are expected to dress modestly while inside the building. If the sun is shining while you’re exploring London in a day you’ll also need to remove your hat.

Address : 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Price: Skip the line ticket is $33 per adult. The Westminster Abbey tour is $76.54 per person.

Getting There: The abbey is in Parliament Square – yards away from the Houses of Parliament.

5. Buckingham Palace

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 ( 1729 Reviews) Price: $36.45 per person 📍 Meeting Point: Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and workplace of the Queen (and her beloved corgis).

And regardless of where your thoughts stand on the royal family, the building is well worth a visit.

Alas, you can’t tour the interior of Buckingham Palace outside of the peak summer season.

However, you can sneak a peek through the railings, marvel at the façade, and see the Queen’s Guard standing to attention.

You can also watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place a couple of times a week. This is usually around 11:00 am so you will need to return to London in the future if you want to watch.

“Very worthwhile tour to Buckingham Palace. Redeeming voucher was right next to entrance. We arrived over an hour early and was permitted to go in early as there was no queue at the entrance. Tour of the palace was great and you were able to view some great art and some of the Crown Jewels. The tour which is by audio (headset) moved along at a very nice pace. Definite recommend.” Norman ( read more reviews now )

Spending one day in London during summer? You can pre-book a tour of the State Apartments and find out how the royal family really lives.

And per usual, this is an incredibly popular experience and you should 100% book your tickets in advance now .

Pro Tip : Make a detour via St James’s Park Park Bridge for a scenic view of the palace through the foliage.

Address: Constitution Hill, London SW1A 1AA

Hours : Visit the exterior any time of day. State Rooms tours are open from late July until late September on select days and times.

Price: Free to visit the exterior. Tours cost $40 per adult.

Getting There: A pleasant 15/20-minute stroll via St James’s Park.

6. St. James Park

St. James’s Park is one of the prettiest parks in central London and is known for a large, shimmering lake that is surrounded by gorgeous flower beds that bloom to life in the spring.

Therefore, this is a great place to enjoy a picnic during your one day in London as you stroll along enchanting pathways, explore lush gardens, and feed local ducks.

It’s also well-located and is a great place to stop during a day in London after visiting nearby Buckingham Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard.

However, other fun local landmarks include Duck Island Cottage and the Blue Bridge, where birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy seeing a wide variety of local species.

Just don’t leave without enjoying epic views of Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Horse Guards Parade during your 24 hours in London itinerary.

Address: London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 5:00 am to 12:00 am

Price: Free

Getting There: Take the Circle line to St. James Park station and walk from there.

7. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is an alluring district in the heart of London that is filled with lively markets, eclectic shops, delightful cafes, fun street performers, and beautiful architecture.

Therefore, it is the perfect place to stop during your one day in London itinerary since it has a fun atmosphere that will appeal to anyone looking for a taste of local culture.

So, you can start off with a visit to the famous Apple Market. It’s a beautiful covered market where you can buy unique crafts and indulge in tasty food.

Afterward, enjoy charming street performances by talented artists that add to the lively atmosphere of this amazing place.

Next, discover the rich cultural heritage of renowned local London attractions like the Royal Opera House and the London Transport Museum.

You can also indulge in delectable cuisine at a diverse range of restaurants like La Goccia, Flat Iron, and Frenchie.

Address: 21, The Market Building, London WC2E 8RD, UK

Hours: 24/7

Getting There: Take the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden station and walk from there.

8. Trafalgar Square and the West End where You Can Catch a Show

Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden are two parts of London that everyone has heard of, and they’re actually right next door to each other.

See, Trafalgar Square is where you can pose with the lion statues, crane your neck to see Nelson’s Column, and watch the red buses sweep through the area’s gorgeous fountains.

Also, be sure to check out the Fourth Plinth which displays a special piece of modern art that changes throughout the year,

This is also the setting for the National Gallery in case you are spending more than 24 hours in London.

Then, if you have time in the evening during your 1 day in London itinerary, catch a show on the West End.

After all, London’s West End is home to some of the world’s finest theatrical productions. In fact, I can personally recommend seeing a show since I do it every time I am in London.

So, yeah, I’ve seen a bunch of shows here, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, A Christmas Carol, Billy Elliott, and more.

And if you want to get West End tickets for less during your one day in London itinerary then I highly recommend downloading the TodayTix app.

It’s a great way to score cheap theatre tickets fast and is what I use every time I’m in London to save 50% or more on theatre tickets. Also same the Playbill as a cool London souvenir .

Pro Tip: If you have time, stop for macarons and tea at Ladurée. The Parisian-style café has sumptuous velvet seats inside and an alfresco terrace.

Getting there: Trafalgar is a 20-minute walk from Buckingham Palace via The Mall.

Swanky Harrods is one of the most extravagant places to shop in London .

As Harrods specializes in high-end luxury goods, this isn’t the place to bargain hunt. But, even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, visiting alone is an experience!

Founded in 1834, the interiors are palatial. A huge variety of British and international brands are also well represented across all seven floors.

Meanwhile, the Dining Hall features six restaurants. Therefore, you’ll be tempted to pick up a pastry or two for the next day.

Pro Tip: If your plan to visit London in a day are during December, you must visit Harrods purely to see the window display. The theme changes every year and it always resembles a work of art.

Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL

Hours: Open daily 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (11:30 am to 6:00 pm on Sundays).

Price: Free unless you want to treat yourself!

Getting there : You can walk along Piccadilly and Knightsbridge in 40 minutes. Alternatively, take the Piccadilly Line from Leicester Square or Covent Garden as far as Knightsbridge. Or – hop on the 9 or 14 bus.

10. Dinner at a traditional London pub

Nothing screams English culture like the great institute of the British pub. And now that you’ve successfully seen the best of London in a day, it’s time to reward yourself with a pint.

London pubs are casual affairs where a quick drink swiftly turns into a cheeky round (or three) before last orders are called.

As well as cask ales and British brews, you’ll find a solid selection of ciders, wines, and spirits.

The Bunch of Grapes is your archetypal British pub. It’s a few yards down the road from Harrods and is the best option if you’re gasping.

On the other hand, you could venture into Shepherd Market. This atmospheric square is swimming in traditional pubs and eclectic restaurants.

In particular, Ye Grapes (there’s a theme with pub names) serves Thai food alongside London staples of fish and chips. Plus, excited patrons tend to pour out onto the square which creates a fantastic buzz in the evenings.

What, would you rather drink with a riverside view? If so then make your way back to the London Bridge area.

The Old Thameside Inn, Anchor Bankside, and the Founder’s Arms all overlook the River Thames and feature seasonal cocktails on the menu alongside a hearty selection of classic pub grub.

Pro Tip: If you want to visit a pub closer to your hotel, ask the reception team for a recommendation. As locals, they’re in the know!

Best Day Trips from London

If you are spending more than one day in London then you might want to plan an excursion or two out of the city. Here are five different day trips from London that you can plan independently or as part of a tour.

• Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour – This tour spills the secrets behind the sets of the Harry Potter film. You’ll roam down Diagon Alley, peek into Dumbledore’s office, and sample sugary delights like Butter Beer. Tour includes return transport and admission and should be booked in advance now. It’s also amazing and perfect for all my fellow Harry Potter lovers out there. For more information, check out my guide to Harry Potter things to do in London.
• Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, and Roman Baths Day Trip – This is an ambitious day out that combines history with more history before culminating in the postcard-perfect city of Bath. It’s a great way to experience the southwest of England during a quick visit.

Alternatively, you can just visit Stonehenge and Bath and tackle Windsor at another time.

• Full-day Cotswold Tour with Lunch – Journey through bucolic bliss in the charming Cotswold region. This tour includes stops at Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. Rolling hills and dry stone walls are aplenty, complete with a pub lunch too.
• Isle of Wight Day Trip from London – Depart the “big island” for the day and catch a glimpse of what England was like centuries ago. The Isle of Wight is abundant in wildlife, coastal cliffs, and cute fishing villages.
• Oxford and Cambridge Universities Tour – If London hasn’t filled your quota for historical architecture, a trip to these beautiful cities will settle things. The tour takes you to such sights as Oxford’s Bodleian Library and Cambridge’s Bridge of Sighs.
• Check out some of the beautiful flowers on display at Hitchin Lavender Farm .

Map of this One Day in London Itinerary

Is London Worth Visiting For A Day?

London is a big and bustling city. Covering all the sights in the city is definitely not possible in a day. You can however hit the highlights of the city. So yes! London is definitely worth visiting for a day.

If you’ve been here before you will find that there are plenty of options for frequent travelers. That’s the beauty about London. You never run out of things to do!

You could even do a cool day trip from London by train if you have a bit of extra time.

Is London A Walkable City?

Yes. London is definitely a walkable city. Most tourists prefer to walk about because it avoids the London traffic. Many of the top attractions are located close to each other, so if you plan your one day in London itinerary carefully, it is actually very convenient to walk about.

You’ll notice that I’ve clubbed most of the attractions together in the one day in London itinerary. This will help you know which locations are located close to each other.

Since London is such a walkable city, I always recommend wearing comfortable shoes when wandering around the city. In case you get tired, you can always find one of London’s ultra cute cafes to sit for a while. It will allow you to taste some of the famous London tea and snacks.

What Is The Most Famous Shopping Area In London?

If you want to truly experience London’s shopping districts then head to Oxford street. It is the largest shopping area in London. It covers 4 underground stations and is home to over 300 shops. 

Not only is Oxford street popular in London, it is also the largest shopping district in existence. 

Other popular shopping areas include Bond street, Piccadilly Circus and Regent street.

🏆 Want to plan the BEST ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY? Then book this Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour . It will take you for a drive right through the center of London while you sit back and enjoy a traditional cup of tea on a double decker bus. It is hands down my top pick for tours in London. 🏆

Additional London Resources You’ll Love

• Best Brunch Places in London
• Most Unusual Things to do in London

There you have it! That just about wraps up this epic guide to one day in London!

Tell me, did your fave attractions make it on this 24 hours in london itinerary if not then let me know in the comments below., and if you found this post useful, don’t forget to join our email list before pinning this post now so that you can read it again later..

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The ultimate 1 day in london itinerary: exactly how to spend one day in london.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you going to spend a day in London and looking for the best itinerary? This one is for you!

London is one of the most famous cities in the world and while a day is nowhere near enough to see it all, you can still pack a fair bit!

After living in the UK for so many years, visiting London has kind of become something I master and that’s why I decided to put together this ultimate 1 day in London itinerary.

Here you will discover exactly how to see London in a day. This includes where to go, how to get there and what to do.

So, are you ready? Let’s spend the best one day in London!

🔎 Table of Contents

1 day in London Itinerary

Let’s start with the most important bit, which is your London 1-day itinerary. Here you will find instructions on how to spend your day in London.

Please note that we tried to pack as much as possible and while this is entirely feasible, it includes a fair bit of walking so that’s something you should be prepared to do.

If you don’t fancy walking that much, then you should definitely book the hop-on hop-off bus . It will take you to all the famous sights mentioned in this article but will considerably reduce the distances you have to walk.

Also, you won’t have to worry about finding the directions since the bus will leave you as close as possible to the landmarks.

Though it may not be very adventurous, the hop-on-hop-off bus is 100% worth it if you only have one day in London.

Click here to see the latest prices.

London 1-day Itinerary Morning: Westminster

If you decide to opt for the self-guided walking tour of London, then this part is for you!

Please note that it is recommended to start relatively early so you get enough time to explore.

Also, you will be getting a bit of late lunch so make sure to grab a good breakfast beforehand (yes, that’s the perfect time to get a full English!).

Stop 1: Piccadilly Circus

You will be starting your day in London at Piccadilly Circus.

No matter where you’re travelling from, this is a very easy location to get to. There are two tube lines that stop there: Piccadilly and Bakerloo.

You’ll also find loads of buses that go there.

Piccadilly Circus is one of the most famous junctions in London. It’s located in the West End, near all the theatres.

Here you will find a beautiful statue of Eros and giant advertising boards. 

Basically, it’s London’s answer to Times Square!

Admittedly, it’s much prettier at night since you get to see all the lights but it’s also a busy place and heading there first thing in the morning will allow you to avoid the crowds.

Once you admire the circus, make your way towards Leicester Square. You will see on your left the entrance to Chinatown.

If you want to stop and take some pictures of the arch, feel free to do so. 

Chinatown in London is made of a few streets and while it’s quite a big one for Europe, it’s also quick to explore if you don’t stop for a meal.

After that, keep walking to Leicester Square.

Stop 2: Leicester Square

Leicester Square is another famous place. Here you will find some impressive shops such as the Lego or M&M’s store.

You are in the heart of the theatre district here so you should also see loads of mini box offices and adverts for the musicals. 

Leicester Square gets extremely busy so visiting in the morning is a much better experience. You will get to walk around and enjoy it.

You can also find a film-themed sculpture trail on Leicester Square which includes 8 statues of famous characters.

Mary Poppins, Harry Potter … they are all there!

Once you’ve walked around Leicester Square, keep going until you reach Covent Garden.

Stop 3: Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of the fanciest and most expensive areas in London. 

It started as a fruit and vegetable market but has since become a fancy shopping district. Here you will find all sorts of fashion brands and some flagship stores such as the Apple store.

The covered market is absolutely gorgeous in terms of architecture and decorations. It’s always so well decorated!

As a matter of fact, if you are visiting London at Christmas, you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations and trees in the city, right here!

Make sure to walk around the market and also walk in. Whether you are interested in shopping or not, it’s always worth having a wander.

You will also find loads of cafes around here.

Stop 4: Trafalgar Square

Once you are done with Covent Garden, walk down towards Charing Cross until you reach Trafalgar Square.

This is a very important spot in the city since that’s where a lot of important events (especially political) happen.

It was designed to celebrate the victory of Britain over France and Spain during the battle of Trafalgar.

This battle was led by Lord Nelson. A statue of him is located on the tall column at the front of the square.

You will also find loads of other landmarks here including the fountains, the lion statues, the National Art Gallery and a temporary art sculpture (located in front of the Gallery, on the left).

FUN FACT: Every year, Trafalgar Square hosts a giant Christmas tree gifted by Norway.

Once you are done, head to the Mall which is the road that will lead you to Buckingham Palace.

PRO TIP: This is an excellent place to go on a walking tour. Westminster is full of history and landmarks and if you want to learn more about London in the most efficient way, you can join this walking tour .

The guide will tell you loads of stories about Lord Nelson, the British monarchs and the monuments you’ll see. 

It starts at the Ritz hotel at 10 AM (or later but if you can catch the one at 10 AM it would be great!).

Not only will you learn plenty but it’s also very convenient since the guide will take you to all the best spots and you won’t have to worry about anything.

It’s a great thing to do when you only have a limited amount in London. It’s a lot of bang for the buck.

Stop 5: Buckingham Palace

Walk up the Mall all the way to Buckingham Palace.

This is the London residence of the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. It’s one of the most impressive palaces in the world as well as the centre of royal celebrations or mourning.

As you may know, the palace is guarded by the Royal Guard and that’s one of the main reasons to visit.

If you want to see a very unique experience, you should head there for the changing of the guards.

You’ll get to see the guards wearing red coats & bearskin hats marching all the way to St James Palace.

It happens at 11 AM,  every day in June and July and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from August to May.

While Londoners avoid this area at this time of the day, tourists rush there so it can get extremely busy!

If you want to be at the front, you will need to get there at least 30 minutes in advance.

PRO TIP: If you want to see the guards better and don’t mind whether the palace is in the background or not, head to St James Palace instead. That’s where the guards retrieve and most people don’t know that so it’s not as busy and you get a better view.

PRO TIP 2: If you opted for the walking tour , the guide will bring you to the best spot as well.

Please note that if you want to squeeze all the sites on this itinerary that won’t really give you time to visit the palace.

However, if that’s something you are particularly interested in, you can choose to do so and just skip some of the following stops.

HOW TO BOOK: You can buy tickets for The Queen’s Gallery or opt for the Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Tour.

Buckingham Palace also is one of the attractions included in the London Pass . If you choose to spend the entire day in Westminster and also visit the abbey and the London Eye, this will save you money. 

If you just want to visit the palace, it will be cheaper to take the ticket separately.

Stop 6: St James Park

St James Park is located right by the Mall and Buckingham Palace. It may not be the biggest park in London but it is extremely well located and one of the 8 royal parks in the city.

It’s a great place to have a little stroll. 

You will find a lake in the middle with loads of animals (squirrels, ducks, geese…).

Take the little bridge to cross the lake (this is a good photo spot by the way!) and keep going until you reach the exit on the Horse Guards Road.

Stop 7: Churchill War Rooms

The exit of the park is located right in front of the Churchill War Rooms.

As you may know, Winston Churchill was Prime Minister during the Second World War. He is famous for having worked very hard on the strategy of Britain during both wars and here is where the Cabinet War Rooms were.

Basically, they were secret basement offices where Churchill would work (and live) during the war.

They were turned into a museum and opened to the public in the 80s.

This is a very interesting place to visit if you’d like to know more about Britain’s war effort.

That having been said, you may be a bit short in time if you only have a day to spend in London so if you decide to visit them, you might need to skip some other stops.

Regardless, since you’ll be walking in front of them, it was worth mentioning it!

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your tickets on the official website or opt for the London Pass (if you plan to visit something else).

Stop 8: Parliament Square

Keep walking until you reach Parliament Square. This is an important square since it’s surrounded by many famous landmarks: Westminster Abbey, the Parliament and Big Ben.

Before you rush to the Abbey or Big Ben, make sure to take a look at the statues in this square. 

There are 12 statues of very important people here including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.

PRO TIP: You’ll see on the side of the square, on Great George St, there are two red phone booths. If you want to get the perfect ‘British photograph’, this is a great place to do so since you’ll have the red phone box and Big Ben in the background!

Stop 9: Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous religious sites in the world and you will, for sure, be impressed by it.

This is where William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066 and all coronations of British monarchs have been happening here ever since.

It’s also where the monarchs and other important British people are buried. Amongst them, you’ll find Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and many others.

Westminster Abbey is also known for its fantastic royal weddings! This includes William and Kate but also the Queen and Prince Phillip.

You will need to book a ticket to visit the abbey. While this is a beautiful abbey to visit, it also means you may need to skip a stop or two on this itinerary so it’s entirely up to you.

HOW TO VISIT: You can buy an entrance ticket to visit the abbey here . It’s also included in the London Pass if that’s what you opted for.

Stop 10: Parliament and Big Ben

If you are wondering what to see in London in a day, chances are that Big Ben is already on your list!

Big Ben is a nickname given to the tower located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster.

The official name of the tower is Elizabeth Tower. This was to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.

When it was completed in 1859, it was the largest clock of the kind. It is pretty impressive since there are actually not one but four clocks on this tower. One on each side!

The rest of the building you can see is the Parliament, otherwise known as the Palace of Westminster.

This is one of the most important buildings in London.

The parliament is still in use today and that’s where all the MPs gather.

The palace of Westminster is also known for another important event in British history, the gunpowder plot.

This was an attack conducted by a group of Catholics on the 5th of November 1605. The aim was to kill King James I by blowing up the parliament.

Fortunately, this did not happen since Guy Fawkes (the man who was supposed to light everything up) was found in the basement with the powder.

Since that day, the 5th of November has become an annual commemoration in England. It’s marked by thousands of firework displays all around the country.

Now, let’s go back to the practical side of things. 

You can admire Big Ben and the Parliament from Parliament Square. Then cross the road in front of Westminster Abbey and walk on the pavement towards Westminster tube station.

From there you’ll get to see the gardens of the parliament.

Then turn right and go on the Westminster Bridge.

From there, you’ll see the palace from a very different angle and it’s very pretty with the Thames just underneath.

While a lot of people stop on the bridge to take photos, this is actually not the best spot so don’t worry about those and keep walking on the bridge.

PRO TIP: Once you reach the end of the bridge, take the stairs on your right (instead of rushing on the left to the London Eye). You will then reach the Queen’s walk. There is a small wall and it faces the parliament and Big Ben. This is the best photo spot for Big Ben!

Also, it’s not as busy so you can take as many pictures as you won’t without having strangers in your photos.

Stop 11: London Eye

Now is the time to head to one of the most famous and best things to see in London in one day, the London Eye .

This is the tallest observation wheel in Europe and it’s definitely an important landmark in the London skyline.

It’s 135 metres high and boasts fantastic views of the city. At the time it opened, it was the highest wheel in the world and that’s part of the reason why it became so famous.

FUN FACT: The London Eye was inaugurated in 2000 and that’s why it’s sometimes referred to as the Millennium Wheel.

It’s also the most visited paid attraction in London and if you have to choose only one place to visit during your day in London, it should be it.

PRO TIP: The Tower of London is also a must-do but it takes at least 3 hours to visit so it would take most of your day. You only need 30 minutes to 1 hour to do the London Eye.

HOW TO BOOK: The best way is to book your ticket in advance online. You can also select the fast-track option to avoid having to waste time queueing. Tickets can be booked here.

I’d advise booking your ticket for around 1 PM. If you chose to do the walking tour, opt for 1:30 PM.

London 1-day Itinerary Afternoon: City of London

Now, by the time you are done with London Eye, it should be between 1 PM and 2 PM. 

I appreciate that it is a bit late for lunch but if you can make it until then, it will be well worth it since we are going to head to Borough Market, which is one of the best spots to get street food in London.

However, if you are really hungry and are visiting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can head to South Bank Market which is only a couple of minutes walk from the wheel.

This is a much smaller but great street food market. 

You’ll find delicious food here and it’s very affordable.

If you can wait another 30 minutes though, follow the instructions and get something at Borough Market!

Lunch: Borough Market

Borough Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in London. It’s located by London Bridge and is home to hundreds of stalls selling delicious street food and local products.

It’s a must-see in London and one of the best places to get lunch (especially if you are on a budget).

Technically, you can walk there from the South Bank however, it takes about 30 minutes (1.5 miles).

To save yourself some steps and a bit of time, you can take the tube from Waterloo. The Jubilee line will take you directly to London Bridge. 

From there it’s about 1 to 2 minutes walk.

Borough Market is huge and you will find all sorts of food including Greek, Italian, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean and plenty more.

You can’t really get it wrong here so just walk around the market and pick something you’d like to eat.

You can then take the food away and eat it by the river (that way you can enjoy the view), standing or on one of the benches in the market.

FUN FACT: Borough Market was also used as a film ing location in Bridget Jones and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The rest of the itinerary is self guided however, if you want to get more information, you can join the Old City of London tour. 

It starts at 3 PM which is quite handy and you will get to see all the sites below. Click here to see the latest prices.

Stop 1: Shakespeare Globe

Your next stop on this London one day itinerary is Shakespeare Globe. It’s located on the side of the Queen’s walk and is a very unique timber-framed circular theatre.

Not only is it very pretty but it’s also one of the most important landmarks in England.

Shakespeare used to write for this theatre (back then it was known as the Globe Theatre) and that’s where most of his master pieces premiered.

Even now most of the plays here are classics from Shakespeare!

There are two ways you can visit it, you can buy a ticket for a guided tour or book a ticket for a show.

You probably won’t have time to squeeze any of these in one day but if you come back, it’s worth keeping it in mind.

You can then keep going towards the Millennium Bridge.

Stop 2: Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is a very recent bridge compared to the other ones but it has made a name for itself very quickly!

It was inaugurated in 2000 (hence the name) and gained within a few hours the nickname of ‘wobbly bridge’.

If you hear some locals talking, you might hear this nickname. Don’t worry about it, the bridge is very safe but it is true that it was wobbly on the day it was inaugurated and that’s why it got that nickname.

It’s located right in front of the Tate Modern (one of the best museums as well as a great free thing to do in London) and goes all the way to St Paul’s cathedral.

It got pretty famous in 2009 as it was featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

READ MORE:  20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London

This bridge is also great for photos since it creates beautiful lines that lead you straight to St Paul’s.

Stop 3: St Paul’s Cathedral

Once you’ve crossed the Millennium Bridge, you will arrive at St Paul’s Cathedral.

This is the most important cathedral in the city and home to the ​​Bishop of London. It is 111 metres tall and was the tallest building in the city until 1963.

Now you have quite a few buildings such as the Shard or the Walkie Talkie that are much higher but it’s still the tallest dome in the world!

St Paul’s is also famous for its connections with the royal family. This is where Prince Charles and Diana Spencer got married in 1981.

The cathedral has also hosted the services for the Silver, Golden, Diamond Jubilees as well as the 80th and 90th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II.

HOW TO VISIT: You can walk around the cathedral and in the gardens at the back. If you want to go inside and walk up to the dome (the views over the city are amazing from there), you will need to book your ticket in advance.

Once you are done with St Paul’s Cathedral, make your way to the Tower of London. 

If you can, it’s worth going on foot. It takes about 20 minutes and you will walk by St Dunstan of the East which is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in London !

Alternatively, you can take the district line from Mansion House to Tower Hill or bus 15 to Great Tower Street.

Stop 4: Tower of London

It would be impossible to put together a 1-day London itinerary without mentioning the Tower of London .

This is the most important place in the city!

This historic castle was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It was used as a prison until the 1950s.

A lot of traitors were imprisoned and tortured here including Guy Fawkes.

The tower was also used as a royal residence and is where you can find the Crown Jewels.

For all these reasons, the Tower of London is an iconic landmark and such an important castle. 

Please note that it has been on the UNESCO list since 1988.

HOW TO VISIT: Visiting the Tower of London is a must-do for any history buff however, it takes at least 3 hours so it’s pretty unlikely you’d be able to squeeze in your day trip to London.

If you do want to visit it anyway, make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Even if you don’t visit it inside, you can still walk around the Tower of London and admire it. You’ll get to see the walls of the towers, maybe some guards walking around and even a site showing the original Roman wall of the city of London.

Stop 5: Tower Bridge

Once you reach the road, walk up to Tower Bridge. 

This is the prettiest bridge in the city. It features a very unique neo-gothic style. 

It was built at the end of the 19th century and is an incredible piece of engineering since it’s both a bascule and a suspension bridge.

It is still used for this purpose today and if a large ship is on the Thames, the traffic will be stopped so the bridge can be lifted up.

It’s a very impressive thing to see however, it’s literally impossible to know when that will happen since there isn’t a regular schedule for that.

FUN FACT: Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge which is the previous bridge on the Thames. Most people, especially tourists, call Tower Bridge, London Bridge, so it’s worth checking if you are talking about the same thing.

Once you take a couple of photos, you can cross the bridge. About half-way through, you’ll find a desk selling tickets.

Please note that these tickets are just to go in the towers and not to cross the bridge. There is no need to go back, you can simply go around and keep walking.

Once you’ve crossed, you’ll find some stairs on the right hand side of the pavement, take them and they will lead you back to the Queen’s walk.

This is the best photo spot to take pictures of Tower Bridge.

Stop 6: HMS Belfast

If you keep walking for a few minutes on the Queen’s walk, you will reach HMS Belfast.

This is a must-see if you are particularly interested in learning more about WWII.

This ship was built for the Royal Navy and is the only British ship that made it back from the landings on the Normandy beaches for D-Day.

It was since turned into a ship museum that you can visit!

HOW TO VISIT: Again, you probably won’t have time for it but if you do want to visit it, you can buy your ticket straight there or online on their official website.

Evening: Jack The Ripper Walking tour or West End Show

We are pretty much done with the day activities. By now, you should have seen quite a lot!

That having been said, if you are spending 24 hours in London then you might be looking for some things to do.

London is a very lively city so there are thousands of things you can do at night however, here are two of the very best activities.

Jack The Ripper Walking tour. Jack The Ripper was a serial killer who is known for having murdered a lot of women in East London. 

Not only were his crimes awful but we still don’t know who he was! 

The story is very interesting and if you have an interest in thrillers, you should join the Jack the Ripper tour. 

You will learn plenty about the crimes and will see the exact locations where they were committed.

Seeing a West End Show. London is the best place in Europe to see musicals and plays. 

The West End is the equivalent of broadway and there are so many shows you can see here.

This is a bucket list item so if you are spending an evening in London, you should definitely consider it.

You’ll find loads of ticket booths in central London, especially near Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, but if you can it would be better to book your tickets in advance.

Here are some examples of great musicals you can see in London: 

• The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
• Mamma Mia! At the Novello Theatre
• Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre
• Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
• Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre
• The Book of Mormon at Prince of Wales Theatre

Now that you know exactly what to do in London for a day, we hope you have a fantastic time!

You may also be interested in:

• London 2-day itinerary: Exactly How To Spend 2 Days in London
• The Ultimate London Bucket List: 61 Best Things to do and Experiences you must have in London
• The Best London Quiz: 105 Questions and Answers about London (including picture rounds!)
• 23 Festive Things to do for Christmas in London
• 10 Beautiful Hidden Gems in London You Must See

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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London itineraries , London travel tips

London 1-day itinerary: how to spend one day in london.

For a city as big and rich in things to do as London, one day to explore it might not feel like enough.

However spending one day in London will give you the opportunity to scratch the surface of this beautiful city, get a feel for the London lifestyle and soak in the atmosphere.

Whether it’s for a long flight layover, if you’re visiting a friend, you’re only doing a quick stop as part of a longer trip; London has plenty to offer and is sure to keep you busy.

In this London 1-day itinerary I’ve put together a walking route that will take you to all the main attractions in London, as well as some hidden local spots.

It’s the perfect way to spend a day in London for any first time visitor, and really experience the city.

In this guide:

• 1 Best way to see London in a day
• 2.1 Covent Garden
• 2.2 Leicester Square
• 2.3 Piccadilly Circus
• 2.4 Buckingham Palace
• 2.5 Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
• 2.6 London Eye
• 2.7 South Bank
• 2.8 Borough Market
• 2.9 Tower Bridge
• 2.10 Tower of London
• 2.11 Sky Garden
• 3 London in a day route map

How well do you know London?

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Best way to see London in a day

Personally, if you have 24 hours (or less) in London, I think the best way to get around London is on foot.

While you’re walking you will be able to see all the little side streets and corners that you would otherwise miss from behind a car window, as well as really soaking in the London atmosphere.

Also in central London the traffic can get pretty hectic, it’s often faster to walk short distances than doing them by bus or taxi! This London 1-day itinerary is a walking itinerary, built around showing you as much as possible of London in one day.

If you don’t want to or can’t walk you can also take Uber, buses or the tube for the longer distances. An alternative option if you don’t want to walk is also doing a hop-on hop-off bus tour .

Yes they may be very touristy, but they drive routes specifically designed to show you all the highlights of London. You also get an audio guide that will explain to you what you’re seeing.

My one day in London itinerary

I recommend starting your day in London in Covent Garden . This is one of the most central spots in the city, easy to reach from any neighbourhood you’re staying in and with plenty of fun things to get you started.

In Covent Garden you will find loads of shops, bars , restaurants and market stalls, as well as some unique architecture. Besides the famous Apple Market there are also lots of cute side streets around Covent Garden.

Neal’s Yard is one the most colourful and prettiest streets in London , and is a short 3-minute walk away from Covent Garden.

You can start your day by having brunch  at one of the many cafes in Covent Garden, maybe do a little souvenir shopping and then hit the road for your next stop!

Leicester Square

From Covent Garden you can easily walk over to Leicester Square. Leicester Square is a pedestrian area with cinemas and theatres dotted all around it. This is the very heart of London, and you will find plenty of fun shops, bars and restaurants.

Parallel to Leicester Square you will also find Chinatown. This is a fairly big area of London, which would take up quite a big of time to explore properly, however from Leicester Square you can easily stop by Chinatown Gate.

This marks the “entrance” to Chinatown. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in London and definitely worth checking out.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is the London equivalent of Times Square in New York City. With its colourful billboards and busy streets, it’s one of the most iconic spots in London . In Piccadilly Circus you can really appreciate the chaos and busy city life of London.

If you’re a shopping fan before continuing with this itinerary you can pop over to Carnaby Street or Oxford Street to check out some shops.

They are both within short walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, and are some of the most famous shopping avenues in Europe.

Buckingham Palace

If you only have one day in London, you have to pay Buckingham Palace a visit. Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the royal family, as well as the administrative headquarters of the monarchy.

If you time your day right, you might even be able to see the Changing of the Guard. It happens every day at 10:45AM and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.

You will want to be there a bit earlier so you can get a spot with a good view.

You can also visit the State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace if you’re interested, but given that you only have one day I would just admire it from outside and then power ahead with your itinerary.

Click here to book your Buckingham Palace tour!

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

Is there anything more iconic in London than Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament? If you’re walking from Buckingham Palace you will first come across Westminster Abbey, another must-see in any London itinerary.

From there just walk on and you will soon see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. If you’re a history lover you might want to pop in for a visit, however I have personally never been in Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament.

Given that you only have one day in London, I think admiring the beautiful architecture from outside will be enough.

If you do want to visit the inside make sure to book your tickets online beforehand so that you don’t waste time queuing or having to buy tickets on the day.

Click here to book your visit to Westminster Abbey!

The London Eye is just across the river from Westminster. After admiring the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, just walk over Westminster Bridge and you will find yourself under the London Eye.

If you want to ride the London Eye you should definitely book tickets beforehand , as the queue can get pretty big. You only have one day in London, you don’t want to waste it in a queue!

Riding the London Eye might be a touristy activity, but it’s without a doubt one of the best views in London .

Book your fast track London Eye entrance here!

After visiting the London Eye I recommend you walk along the River Thames and explore South Bank.

This is one of my favourite parts of London, especially on a sunny day. Regardless of the time of year you visit, there is always something going on along South Bank.

At Christmas time you will find Southbank Christmas Market just a few minutes walk after the London Eye. In summer the same space gets used as an outdoors bar and street food area.

As you walk along the riverside you will come across some iconic London landmarks, such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Millennium Bridge (one of the most Instagrammable places in London in my opinion) the Tate Modern, and you will be able to see the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and the skyscrapers of the City from across the river.

Given that you are only in London for one day I don’t recommend going inside the Tate Modern or Shakespeare’s Globe, as it would take up too much time. However that is obviously entirely dependent on your personal travel preferences and interests.

This London 1-day itinerary is maximised to show you as much as possible of the beautiful British capital in 24 hours, but feel free to edit as appropriate!

Borough Market

After all this walking, you’re probably getting a little hungry! Time for a food stop at Borough Market. Borough Market is one of my favourite street food markets in London.

It’s one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, and you find also many normal market stalls such as fresh fruit, vegetables and bread.

On top of that there are loads of ethnic street food stalls, selling delicacies from all over the world such as pad thai, curry, pasta but also some British classics like pie and scotch eggs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Borough Market (@boroughmarket)

Tower Bridge

After enjoying the tasty food at Borough Market it’s time for another London icon; Tower Bridge!

The walk from Borough Market to Tower Bridge will take you past Hay’s Galleria, a lovely indoor shopping area, and More London Place, a cool outdoor area where you can sit in the sun, and a bit of a picnic while you enjoy the view over Tower Bridge and the City. It’s one of my favourite Londoner local gems .

Tower Bridge is famous for the two iconic towers that distinguish it from all other bridges in London. You can cross the bridge for free both on foot or by car, as well as visiting the inside.

Like everything else on this list, I recommend purchasing tickets beforehand if you want to visit Tower Bridge, so that you can save some time.

Tower of London

After crossing Tower Bridge you will find yourself next to the Tower of London. The Tower of London is a historic castle, which was used as prison for over 800 years and where the Crown Jewels are now held.

It’s one of the most famous and visited attractions in London. Here you can learn about this secure fortress, castle and prison, as well as lots of interesting history and facts about London and British culture.

If you’re visiting in winter they also set up an ice skating rink by the Tower of London, so that you can pair a fun activity with sightseeing!

Click here to book your visit to Tower of London and the Crown Jewels!

I know it’s been a packed day so far, but just one little extra push and you can end your day at one of the coolest rooftop bars and most Instagram-worthy restaurants in London .

Sky Garden isn’t only a bar, it’s also an indoor garden (as the name might suggest) with restaurants, bars, a viewing platform and they also host cool events such as sunrise yoga.

Entry is free but you have to book a timeslot online. If you visit after 7PM it’s walk in and you can just go in without reservation, although you might have to queue a little bit. Sky Garden has incredible views over the river Thames and the London skyline.

Here you can have a drink (cocktails are priced at around £15, which is pricey but not unreasonable for the venue), enjoy the sunset over London and watch the skyline light up as it gets dark. The perfect ending to your day in London!

London in a day route map

I’ve put together a map of the walking route I suggest in this London itinerary. As you can see it adds up to around 2 hours of walking, on a pretty level terrain and always on normal streets.

Taking into account breaks for photo moments, food, and just in general to appreciate the beauty of London, this walking itinerary will take up the whole day.

Final thoughts on what to do in 1 day in London

Have longer in London? Check out this London 5-day itinerary !

There you have it, the ultimate 1-day London itinerary, suggested by a Londoner! While one day isn’t enough to really appreciate this beautiful city, it will give you the opportunity to see all the main highlights and get a feel for the London vibe.

I hope you find this itinerary useful in planning your day in London! If you have any questions or suggestions for spots not mentioned in this itinerary, let me know in the comments below!

Spending longer in London? Check out these extra resources:

• How to spend 2 days in London
• Best areas to stay in London
• The ultimate London bucket list
• What to pack for a trip to London

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in London? Pin it!

Greta Omoboni is a full time blogger based in London. After 3.5 years of blogging about destinations all over the world on her main site, Greta's Travels, she decided to start a new site, dedicated to her second home and favourite city; London!

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Linda On The Run

Travel, Lifestyle, And Fitness For Those Over 60

• Destinations

The Ultimate 1 Day In London Itinerary

January 19, 2024 //  by  Linda Malys Yore //   12 Comments

Are you looking for the ultimate 1 day in London itinerary?

I recently visited London and  I was totally and absolutely smitten with Great Britain’s capital city. My visit was so extraordinary that I want to share my suggestions with you.

There are so many fun things to do in London!

Planning your trip to London last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for London!

Top Experiences and Tours In London:

• The London Eye Entry Ticket (Save time and book in advance!)
• Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour (Skip the line.)
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibit (Likely to sell out.)
• High Tea Thames River Cruise (Book ahead to save time.)

Best London Hotels:

• Sanderson London (Close to the subway!)
• The Montague On The Greens (Private and close to the subway)
• The Exhibitionist Hotel (In the heart of South Kensington)
• The Corner London City (Close to all subway connections.)

1 day in London may not seem like a lot of time to explore one of the grandest cities in the world. However, with my tips, you can make the most of every single moment you are there.

Getting to London has never been easier or more convenient. However, depending on where you call home on our planet, it can make for a long travel day or night.

Since I do not know your individual travel plans, I am going to advise many options for your 1 day in London itinerary for your consideration. You pick and choose which attractions will work best for you.

As I always advise, it is prudent to purchase tickets to attractions online beforehand. This way you will most likely be eligible for a discount.

And more than likely you won’t have to wait in any lines. This will save precious time during your 1 day in London.

Stop 1: Buckingham Palace Is A Majestic Place To Visit

Just about everyone who visits London wants to see Buckingham Palace. It is the London home of the English monarch, along with the administrative offices.

The palace gates are ornate and the palace building itself is very important to the British people, during both jubilant and sad times.

A very fascinating thing to do is watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Did you know that it does not formally happen every day? When I visited London the changing of the guard ceremony was tops on my list of things to see.

However, in my excitement, I did not bother to check the dates and times of the ceremony and when I arrived at Buckingham Palace, there was not one scheduled for that day.

Tickets Can Be Found Here:  Buckingham Palace: The Royal Mews Entrance Ticket

Tickets Can Be Found Here:  Buckingham Palace: The Queen’s Gallery Entrance Ticket

Tickets Can Be Found Here: London: Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Tour

Tickets Can Be Found Here: Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket

Do not make the same mistake as me when visiting such beautiful places in London. Check online before you schedule your visit to Buckingham Palace to verify the changing of the guards is really happening that day.

When the royal family is on summer holiday, Buckingham Palace is open for tours. So, depending on when you plan your 1 day in London, you may have the opportunity to tour.

Stop 2: Marvel At The World Famous Houses Of Parliament And Big Ben Tower

Arguably one of the most iconic and frequently visited sites in London is the Parliament Building with its Big Ben tower!  This is a great place to stop on your 1 day in London.

Making a striking presence the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Westminster Palace, has paid admission tours available. Or you can rent an audio guide instead if you so prefer.

Tickets Here: Walking Westminster: Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Tickets Here:  Westminster Tour and Houses of Parliament Entrance

Tickets:  Westminster Abbey Tour with Optional Houses of Parliament

The vertical tower that houses the huge bell otherwise known as Big Ben  is really named Elizabeth Tower. It chimes on the hour and has rarely ever stopped.

When we visited London,  Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) was under construction and covered with scaffolding and draping. I wish you better luck and hope that the renovations will be over and you will be able to view it in all its majesty.

And, there are many excellent eateries to experience breakfast in London!

Stop 3: Visit Westminster Abbey Where Royalty Is Crowned

Gothic architecture at its finest can be found at Westminster Abbey not far from Big Ben. This is where all British royal coronations occur and where Prince William married Kate Middleton.

The abbey contains monuments and memorials to lots of famous British people throughout history.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located inside Henry VII’s chapel and is dedicated to the thousands of British soldiers who were killed during World War II.

Tickets: London Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket & Audio Guide

Tickets: WWII Westminster Walking Tour & Churchill’s War Rooms

Tickets: Westminster Abbey Tour with Optional Houses of Parliament

Stop 4: Ride The London Eye For Epic London Views During Your 1 Day In London

Oh my gosh, you cannot miss seeing the London Eye. Its official name is the Coca Cola London Eye (because of who sponsors it) but the London Eye will do. Looking like a huge Ferris wheel it stands an impressive 443 feet high.

Located along the banks of the Thames River,  it was built in 1999 to usher in the new millennium and is thus sometimes called The Millenium Wheel as well.

It was a bright sunny afternoon in central London the day I rode the London Eye. From far away it is deceiving just how huge the London Eye really is.

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Each of its individual glass capsules holds ten to twelve passengers. And the wheel rotates slowly around taking thirty minutes to make its full rotation.

Tickets Here: London Eye: Skip-the-Line VIP Experience with Guide

Tickets Here:  Coca-Cola London Eye

Tickets Here:  Coca Cola London Eye Champagne Experience

And wow, what a birds-eye view!  I had breath-taking vistas in whatever direction I turned. Seeing the busy Thames River below me, the iconic London landmarks around me, and out to the horizon was really spectacular.

The London Eye is very impressive, and one of the most popular paid attractions in all of Great Britain. I think it is a great stop to add to your 1 day in London list of things to do.

Stop 5: Trafalgar Square In Central London

Trafalgar Square is a very large public square in the Westminster area. It is a pretty epic location to see during your 1 day in London.

There are usually lots and lots of tourists and locals alike meandering through Trafalgar Square. You want to begin your 1 day in London here to see this massive main square, use it as a meeting place, and admire the lovely architecture all around it.

Because it is located in central London, parking is very limited. So if you have a car rental, it is best to make other travel arrangements such as the Underground to get to Trafalgar Square. Also, absolutely no feeding the pigeons. It is the law!

Tickets here:  The Original London Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Tickets here:  London by Night Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour

Tickets here:  London: Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Stop 6: The National Gallery is Not To Be Missed For World Famous Art

Even though you only have 1 day in London, consider stopping into the National Gallery. It is literally at Trafalgar Square to its north, so you do not have far to go. And secondly, it is FREE to enter.

Here you will find the best of the best from around the world. You will want to get a map of the exhibits because the museum is huge, on many floors.

The art collections are displayed in chronological order, and that may help you find something specific you may be searching for. There is a daily free tour around 11:30 AM if you are interested.

Tickets:  The London Pass with Access to over 80 Attractions

Tickets:  London Explorer Pass

Stop 7: Head To Popular Leicester Square To Be Dazzled

As you head towards Leicester Square, you will run into  Chinatown . For sinfully authentic Chinese food, with an abundant amount of restaurants to choose from, this is the place to go.

Leicester Square is pedestrian-friendly and located in London’s popular and trendy  West End . There are shops galore to fit into any budget.

The same goes for cafes, pubs, and restaurants. This would be a great place to have lunch or refreshments. And maybe shop for a souvenir or two.

If you are a  Broadway lover  or like musicals or dramatic performances the West End of London is where you want to head for  theatre productions.

Do not be like me though, I assumed  I  could simply visit any theatre in London and purchase tickets for any show I wanted. I really wanted to see the musical Wicked , one of our favorites.

To be truthfully candid,  while it is possible to purchase tickets at the venue once you are in London, I found only the most ghastly expensive tickets, in the worst seats, were available.

So if seeing a play or musical is on the top of your 1 day in London list, please purchase your tickets online at home before you leave.

Tickets:  London: 2.5-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

Tickets:  Grand London Half-Day Bicycle Tour

Stop 8: Covent Garden Is A Stylish Shopping, Dining & Theatre Destination

Located in London’s trendy West End, Covent Garden is an upscale shopping area with a rich history. It used to be a fruit and garden market. Far from that nowadays, there is much to see and much to do here during your 1 day in London.

Frequented by locals and tourists alike, you can have high tea in one of the many stylish shops, or simply  buy  some tea. Restaurants abound along with numerous fashionable shops. Live entertainment is provided by street actors on the weekends.

Tickets Here:  The Best of London: Guided Walking Tour

Many people are not even aware of  Neal’s Yard.  A stylish little courtyard adjacent to Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard is one of the beautiful places in London to stop and take a picture or two. Until recently, it was full of garbage.

Now it has been renovated into the popular location it is today. It is worth a short visit during your 1 day in London to see the flowers and ivy-covered walls of the colorful shops. And the buildings. and to snap a memorable photo.

Tickets Here:  Top 20 Sights Walking Tour

Stop 9: No trip to London would be complete without shopping at iconic Harrods

Harrods is the most famous department store in the world. And the largest in all of Europe. Synonymous with luxury and impeccable service, Harrods should be a consideration for a quick pop in during your 1 day in London.

Consisting of 330 departments and having 23 restaurants in its iconic store, visiting Harrod’s is an experience!

And yes, I did purchase myself a Harrods souvenir!

Stop 10: The Tower Of London Is Where Famous Executions Took Place

One of the most popular tourist destinations, the iconic Tower of London is crowded just about all the time.

As with all the popular London attractions you will visit during your 1 day in London, it is prudent to purchase your admission tickets online well beforehand.

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London legendary introductory tour is led by the Yeoman Warders (AKA ‘Beefeaters’).

Self-guided audio headsets are available for a small additional fee. Afterward, you will have time to wander around at your own speed.

Tickets Here: Tower of London Ticket with Crown Jewels Exhibition

Tickets Here:  Tower of London and Tower Bridge VIP Early-Access Tour

Tickets Here: Tower of London Small Group Tour with a Beefeater

Look for the Medieval Palace, and the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels. You will be able to view the execution site of many famous historical figures and even Raven Tower.

You do not have to be a history buff to enjoy touring the Tower of London during your 1 day in London.

There are so many things to do in Kensington . If you have time, check them out!

Packing Tips For Your 1 Day In London 

Perhaps you are visiting London as part of a layover as you head to other destinations. Or maybe it is a very quick weekend trip. These packing tips will serve as a great refresher about what to bring along!

A  concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring with you for your one day in London. This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors.

It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with the RFID protection , these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft. This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected.

They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. These are the kind my family and I use not only when traveling but at home as well.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips . It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have.

And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use. It is made of durable aluminum and is very lightweight and easy to carry. I love mine and I think you will enjoy it too!

I was never a fan of  packing cubes  until I tried them out! Now  I am sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones I use whenever I travel . I cannot believe how much more organized I am now! And I never leave without them anymore.

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your one day in London.  You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle  with you.

My daughters and I never leave home on a trip without our Bobble filtration bottle.  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here

You will want to bring a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This   foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great.

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial  backpack  for your international travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well.

You will be walking more than usual during your one day in London. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is  a must-have. These  waterproof all-season shoes  are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these   Air Run high fashion sneakers  come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable. I know from experience you need sturdy shoes when navigating the cobblestoned streets of Croatia.

You may be visiting London in warmer weather, and you may want a pair of sandals  to wear exploring.  I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.   I have several pairs of these exact  Vionic sandals in several colors that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel.

They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my  Vionic Tides flip flops.  The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.

Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl . Scarves and shawls are very popular in Europe and London is no different. Both men and women wear scarves, both decoratively and as a layering piece to keep warm.

This cotton   unisex lightweight  scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season. I like this  colorful oversized scarf  too. So many colors to select from! And here’s another option to consider:

this  lightweight sunscreen shawl scarf   would do double duty to protect you from the sun in the warmer seasons as well as being a fashion accessory layering piece. This  Coolibar sunscreen scarf   has USB 50+ protection from the sun’s rays & comes in great colors.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. I like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare off the water and help you to see things more clearly. This will be very helpful in Kotor.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter on your trip to London.  This worldwide   power plug  is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days. And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time.

This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

If you are in need of  new luggage,  this  expandable soft side spinner luggage  is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this  hard-sided luggage set better.

Both sets come with TSA approved zippers locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan to travel to London.

Quick Tips For Your 1 Day In London

Here are some  quick tips  and  tricks which hopefully will enhance your 1 day in London and make it less stressful and more enjoyable.

UPDATED:  Stay vigilant!  During our last trip to Paris, our family of four was robbed 3 times. We discussed at great length how we had to remain vigilant to protect ourselves against pickpocketers.

However, we were not successful. My daughter had her brand new Olympus camera stolen in the broad daylight in a McDonald’s Restaurant in the Montmartre District of Paris while we were having afternoon refreshments.

My thief was caught red-handed with her arm up to her elbow inside of my backpack. While I was walking along a busy Parisian boulevard.  Lucky for me my daughter apprehended her, and I was carrying my passport and credit cards on my body.

She wore better clothes, better shoes, and more trendy sunglasses than I did. She did not “fit” our idea of what a pickpocketer was. (I still do not understand how she could unzip my backpack while I was wearing it, without me knowing or feeling it.)

Finally, Terrence had his backpacked unzipped while on the very crowded Paris subway. The burglar had his hand inside an outer pocket but was foiled by a Good Samaritan seated nearby.

Please do not have any preconceptions about who can violate you by stealing your possessions.  Stay vigilant and alert. I hope you have more success than we did.

Remember to always  stay hydrated . Bring a nondisposable refillable water container and refill it often! Not only will you hedge the odds against getting sick, but you will also be saving a lot of water bottles from being sent to the British landfills.

Call your credit card company  for two reasons: 1) to notify the bank that you will be out of the country and give them your exact travel dates. 2) to check to see if the bank charges foreign transaction fees every time you are out of the country and use your card.

If it does, inquire about applying for a credit card that does NOT charge such fees.

When using an ATM  in London, England, make sure it is in your bank’s network, so you do not incur a transaction fee every time you use a British ATM to withdraw money. Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of money, fewer times, to limit the transaction fees by your bank.

Whenever you can,  purchase advanced tickets to  London attractions whenever possible during your 1 day in London. Tickets purchased online, in advance, are mostly always discounted, and many times come with a “skip the line” perk.

You will have more time to spend at the attraction since you will not be waiting in the entrance line. Also, you can better pace yourself during your busy days.

1 day in London really is enough time for you to visit many of her most iconic monuments and attractions.  Using this Ultimate 1 day in London itinerary will maximize your planning ensuring you see the most during your time in London.

Please feel free to rearrange my suggestions to suit your own schedule.

Please be advised that Linda On the Run is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, a program designed to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

There are Get Your Guide affiliate links in this post as well.

Have you ever been to London? Share one highlight that was your favorite thing to do, or place to visit. What would be your top attraction recommendation?

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Reader Interactions

September 2, 2019 at 4:43 am

Lovely article. And beautiful pictures too. Keep travelling and keep sharing!!

September 3, 2019 at 3:35 pm

Thank you so much! That’s my plan!

November 30, 2021 at 6:49 am

Really interesting blog, I love to read blogs like this, please keep on writing blogs like this.

October 1, 2023 at 10:19 am

Thank you for this informative and most useful guide. I got more than I thought I needed out of it. Amazing work ❤️

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17 day trips from London to escape the city

Whether you’re after a seaside jaunt or a country retreat, here are the best trips from London we’re planning right now

Photograph: CBCK/Shutterstock.com

As much as we love London here at Time Out, we’re also partial to the odd daydream about a leisurely getaway to somewhere that’s not quite so big and busy. Microdose on that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the many laidback, joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London, which pack in plenty; from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside.

If you’re wanting a quick getaway, here are 17 of the Time Out team’s favourite day trips from London, complete with our recommendations of cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to the city to get there and back in one sweet day. 

RECOMMENDED: ✨The best day trips from London 👪 The best  family day trips from London ☀️ The best  weekend trips from London 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs near London 🌳 The best  quirky Airbnbs in the UK

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Dreamy day trips from London

1.  st leonards-on-sea.

Famed for how many Londoners moved here during lockdown (it’s even been referred to as Dalston-on-Sea, which is cringe, we’ll admit), St Leonards-On-Sea is a cracking day out from the Big Smoke for beachside drinks and a tonne of great food spots. Head to food market Heist  (basically a much nicer version of Boxpark) for orange wine and street food, then sink pints at Goat Ledge , a vibesy, colourful shack right on the beach. If you fancy splashing out a little, book dinner at the fabulously old-school  St Clement’s for white tablecloths and delicious seafood. Plus you've got easy access to the rest of Hastings for its Old Town, pier and the Norman castle ruins.

How far? 58 miles

How to get there: A one hour 18 minute train from London Charing Cross

2.  Dungeness

Dungeness’s shingly, shipwreck-dotted beach is so spookily empty that it’s been described as Britain’s only desert (though the Met Office refuses to technically recognise it as such, the party poopers). It’s a beautifully eerie landscape, with the (disused) nuclear power station and two lighthouses looming over a motley mixture of weathered shacks, beached fishing boats and sleek, modernist bungalows – all clustered along a single in-and-out road.

But despite all that emptiness, there’s a surprising amount to do here. You could catch the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch steam train down the coast, and hop off in Dungeness for a walk and a pint at the lonely Britannia Inn. Grab a freshly-caught lunch at the famous Snack Shack: specialities include lobster or crab rolls and smoked cod chowder. And check out the galleries and open houses showcasing the work of the (surprisingly) many artists who have moved down here, including the shingle garden of the experimental filmmaker Derek Jarman, whose yellow-windowed Prospect Cottage is a major landmark here. Book in advance for a 40-minute tour inside.

If you’ve got time, head over to RSPB Dungeness nature reserve for a chance to glimpse glossy ibises and marsh harriers – plus the huge concrete ‘sound mirrors’, pre-radar experiments from WW1 that were designed to listen out for planes. (Look out on the RSPB site for news of the rare open days when you can get up close.) Finish off your day with dinner at the Pilot Inn; I’m willing to back the quality of their famous fish and chips, which were the thing that brought Derek Jarman here in the first place.

How far? 86 miles

Get there O ne hour  by train from St Pancras International to Folkestone, with a one-hour 30-minute bus ride to Dungeness. Or take a bus or taxi from Folkestone to Hythe station to board the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. Alternatively, Dungeness is  around two hours from London by car.

3.  Stratford-upon-Avon

As a born-and-bred Midlander, I’ve spent many Saturdays traipsing around Stratford-upon-Avon’s lovely streets. With its half-timbered houses and canalside pubs, Stratford’s got just enough of the  small-town charm you’re craving on an escape from the Big Smoke, but unlike a small town, there’s actually loads to see and do.  

The Bard, of course, is the big draw here, and Shakespeare’s house, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the RSC’s famous theatre are all must-sees. But Stratford is more than just a Tudor Disneyland, we promise. Take a boat tour of the canal basin to find out more about the West Midlands waterways, refresh yourselves in the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern and stop for a scoop of Eton mess ice cream at Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen. 

How far? 104 miles

Get there T wo hours 15 minutes  by train from Marylebone; around two hours by car. 

4.  Whitstable

Don’t even think about thinking about it: Whitstable is far from overhyped. Sure, the secret is most definitely out about this fabulous little seaside town, but the vibes here are as great as they were 20 years ago. Grab brunch at Farm & Harper , fish and chips at Ossie’s and a glorious pint of craft at the Twelve Taps , and treat yourself to a dozen oysters to go at Wheelers Oyster Bar on the high street. Once you’ve walked the length of the beach and admired the beach huts, settle in at the famous pub-on-the-beach Old Neptune for a pint and wait for sunset to fall. Plus, Whitstable is so near, you’ll be back home before you can say ‘ another   bank holiday?’. But that’s if you don’t miss the last train.

How far? 50 miles

Get there One hour 15 minutes from St Pancras International, around two hours by car.

5.  Brighton

With its pebble beach, wall-to-wall live music venues and buzzing LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere better for topping up your Vitamin Sea levels than Brighton . Start your day by dodging seagulls on the Palace Pier, then shop up a storm in the Lanes, which are packed with independent boutiques, record stores and vegan eateries. Sit down with a couple of pints in the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which champions small Sussex breweries like the Hand Brew Co.

How far?  A little over 50 miles

Get there One hour by train from Victoria, Blackfriars or London Bridge; around two hours by car. 

6.  The New Forest

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath you’ll be watched the famous ponies, which have grazed there for thousands of years, plus free-ranging Highland cattle and pigs hoovering up fallen acorns. Don’t fancy being stuck in the car all day? Hire a two-seater electric Twizzy buggy to explore in, or book a beginners’ hack at one of the stables. Don’t forget to make time for a proper ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham.

How far? 90 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst; around two hours by car. Just remember that animals, not drivers, have right of way here.

7.  Rye

The antique shops and higgledy-piggledy cobbled lanes of Rye make it feel like a little slice of the Cotswolds on the coast. After you’ve satisfactorily browsed around the accurately named Tiny Book Store, treat yourself to a seafood lunch surrounded by lobster pots at Globe Inn Marsh, followed by Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. The Chapel Down vineyard is just up the road and well worth a visit if you want to know the ins and outs of wine-making – or simply enjoy a tipple with their signature wine tasting. Ten minutes away are the pillowy dunes of Camber Sands: roll your trousers up and splash through the shallows, take a kite for a spin or just park your towel and stretch out.

How far? 79 miles.

Get there  One hour 10 minutes by train from St Pancras International (with a change at Ashford); around two hours by car. 

8.  Box Hill

Biking to green and pleasant Surrey is a wheely nice way to spend a Sunday (sorry) – plus, Box Hill was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. Start in Richmond Park and pedal down past Hampton Court – it should take you about two hours. After a 1.6 mile climb and some hairpin bends (easier than it sounds!), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the North Downs from the top of Box Hill. Grab a slice of cake from the National Trust café, and save space for lunch at The Tree, which serves homemade pies and crumbles. Your last stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can load your bikes on to a train back to Waterloo. Whew!

How far? 30 miles

Get there  Two hours by bike (obviously). Plan the route carefully before you set out, and take a map and a puncture repair kit, plus water and snacks.

9.  Bath

A glorious water-themed day awaits you in the city of Bath . Start as you mean to go on with a tour of the Romans baths (no paddling allowed, you’ve been warned), before making a splash in the Thermae Bath Spa – the rooftop pool has stunning views of the city. Once you’ve dried off, make like Jane Austen and stroll along the Royal Crescent. Peckish? Sally Lunn’s teahouse is home to the Sally Lunn Bun, a kind of sweet brioche bap – for a Bath take on the cream tea, order one toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

How far? 115 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington; two hours 30 minutes by car. 

10.  Mersea Island

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods (and pub quizzers, take note: this is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island), Mersea feels properly remote at high tide. The big draw is The Company Shed, which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It’s BYOB – bring your own bread – and they don’t take bookings, so get there before noon to make sure you can feast on prawns, smoked fish, oysters and dressed crab. Speaking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is encouraged – there are specially marked areas near the water, and shops selling the kit. Or you can book a boat trip around the bay.

How far? 69 miles

Get there  One hour by train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, then a 45-minute bus to Mersea Island; around two hours by car. D on’t forget to check the tide timetable before you set off...

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Taylor Swift Performs Night 2 of London Eras Tour: Here's Every Celebrity In Attendance So Far

Taylor swift rips open her dress during eras tour wardrobe malfunction, monica on bonding with ariana grande through 'the boy is mine' remix process (exclusive), why eddie murphy’s daughter bria was worried she would hurt dad during filming (exclusive), betsy brandt reveals ‘breaking bad’ secret as she brings ‘the bad orphan’ to lifetime (exclusive), june squibb remembers late ‘thelma’ co-star richard roundtree (exclusive), see 'the golden bachelorette's joan vassos as an extra in 'st. elmo's fire' (exclusive), how eddie murphy was left 'traumatized' by original 'beverly hills cop' (exclusive), ben affleck admits he and his kids are stunned by j.lo's level of fame, why kevin costner officially exited ‘yellowstone’, heidi klum leaves ‘hot ones’ host shocked after stripping down mid-interview, watch bronson pinchot hit the 'beverly hills cop: axel f' premiere in character as serge (exclusive), taylor swift fights fire with gracie abrams in her nyc apartment, jerry bruckheimer on 'top gun' and 'pirates of the caribbean' sequel updates (exclusive), monica on how ariana grande's ‘the boy is mine’ remix changed her friendship with brandy (exclusive), 'hawaii five-0' and 'magnum p.i' actor taylor wily dead at 56, eddie murphy on why he thinks martin lawrence should pay for their kids' wedding (exclusive), joseph gordon-levitt still shocked by ‘10 things i hate about you’ fan reaction 25 years later, 'little people, big world's tori roloff says her dad initially didn't approve of husband zach, 'perfect match's jess vestal and harry jowsey reflect on romance and why it didn't work (exclusive), kevin costner confirms he's not returning to 'yellowstone', kevin bacon hasn’t been to the oscars since 'footloose' fame in 1984 (exclusive), et will be updating this post with all the stars at taylor swift's wembley stadium shows in london..

Taylor Swift 's Eras Tour stop in London is officially in full swing, and the celebrity Swifties are showing up and out!

On Saturday, June 22, the 34-year-old "London Boy" crooner, yet again, drew a bevy of celebrities for Night 2 of her three-night stop, with Mete and Paramore were the opening acts, at Wembley Stadium. She had already welcomed an estimated 80,000 concertgoers from across the world for Night 1, including some royals and other notable figures and fans of the 14-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist. Given Swift's connection to the U.K. capital -- she lived in London on and off with Joe Alwyn , her ex-boyfriend of six years -- it's no surprise just how many friends turned out. 

While she may have said "So Long, London" in one song off her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department , she is back and better than ever. For the Saturday show, the likes of Tom Cruise, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher and Liam Hemsworth showed up to support Swift.

Ditto for Travis, Jason and Kylie Kelce, all of whom returned after having a blast in the VIP tent Friday night, alongside Swift's boyfriend, Travis Kelce.

Those who miss out on the first London leg (featuring  chicken tenders with seemingly ranch ) will have a chance to catch the Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in August, when Swift returns for five more shows before she officially heads back to the U.S. for tour dates in New Orleans, Miami and Indianapolis. 

Until then, check out the full list of celebs below who made it to Swift's first Eras Tour stop in London. 

Cara Delevingne

Nicola Coughlin

Jonathan Van Ness 

Jason and Kylie Kelce

Travis Kelce

Scott and Andrea Swift (Taylor's parents)

Salma Hayek (slide four)

Leslie Mann (slide seven)

Prince William and his children

William and the royal kiddos -- Prince George and 10, Princess Charlotte -- made an appearance at the show. The concert fell on William's 42nd birthday, who celebrated by dancing to Swift's hit "Shake It Off." As a special treat, Swift and her boyfriend,  Travis Kelce , who also attended the show, had a private meet and greet with the royals backstage. 

Swift later went back to that same IG post and tagged Kelce, the first time she's done that.

Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson

He's back and ready for another singalong.

They're baaaaaack!

The Mission: Impossible was all smiles at Swift's show Saturday night in London.

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher

The wife-husband tandem also couldn't contain their smiles.

Liam Hemsworth

Greta Gerwig

Rachel Zegler

Swift is no stranger to big names in the crowd. In August, during her Eras Tour stop in Los Angeles , her VIP tent saw friend after friend enter, including Selena Gomez, Mindy Kaling, Charlize Theron, Emma Stone, Channing Tatum and Kevin Costner, among many others. Since then, her No. 1 VIP has been No. 87 on the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce , who Swift  began dating in late (not so cruel) summer  of last year.

In May, Kelce  attended Swift's 87th Eras Tour show , which just so happened to occur in the City of Love -- Paris, France. Coincidence or is she a mastermind ? Regardless, Kelce was accompanied by her close friends, Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper , while her mom,  Andrea Swift , and  Lenny Kravitz  were also in attendance. 

After a two-month break from the end of February to early May, Swift resumed her record-breaking world tour in Nanterre, France, and has visited Sweden, Portugal and Scotland in the weeks since, making each show with unique surprise songs -- including the recently debuted " murder mashup " and " diss track mashup. "

Sadly, Swift recently used her 100th show to announce that the Eras Tour will officially conclude  in December as she finishes out the two-year spanning undertaking in Vancouver, Canada -- the hometown of her good friend, Ryan Reynolds , who we predict will absolutely be present. 

For more headlines from the Eras Tour, check out the links below.

ET NEWSLETTER

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Taylor Swift to End the Eras Tour: Inside the Record-Breaking Concert

• Taylor Swift

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17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
• Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
• Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

• Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

• Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
• Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

• Stonehenge & Bath .
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

• Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
• Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

• Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
• Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

• Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
• Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

• Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
• Hidden Gems of London
• Camden Market
• What to See in Camden Town
• Best Views in London
• London Travel Tips
• Where to Stay in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2-day London Itinerary
• London with Kids
• Family Afternoon Tea in London
• Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• Painted Hall
• Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

• Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
• Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
• Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
• Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
• Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
• Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
• …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
• Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

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Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

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Taylor Swift’s ‘favorite’ London kebab shop shares singer’s order before show

Taylor Swift has brought her “Eras Tour” to London and isn't skipping out on her favorite bites.

Kentish Delight, a kebab shop in North London, told the BBC that Swift and her team ordered from the restaurant just before she performed at Wembley Stadium on June 21.

The shop is rumored to be her “favorite” kebab spot in the city, per the outlet, and the same restaurant that she visited in her “End Game” music video.

“Many times she comes in here and order from us, then she like the food and then they decided to make a music video here — End Game,” Ahmed Khan, owner of the restaurant, told the BBC.

As for what Swift and her team ordered on the night of her concert, Khan said they mainly bought chicken kebabs that added up to “about £100.”

While Swift was getting ready for her concert, the official X account for the royal family posted a video of the British Army performing a rendition of Swift's "Shake It Off" during the June 21 Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

"Can’t stop, won’t stop groovin'," the royal family said in a post on X with the video.

The London Zoo also commemorated Swift's arrival in the city on Instagram with three throwback photos from when the singer visited the zoo in 2012.

"A different Era at London Zoo," the London Zoo wrote in the caption . "She visited us in 2012, and now she’s back in London for the biggest tour of all time."

The zoo added that Swifties with an "Eras Tour" ticket can get 25% off a walk-up day ticket to the zoo June 21-30, before inviting Swift back herself.

“Whenever you’d like to make your next visit @taylorswift & @taylornation, we’re ready for it,” the zoo said.

Swift, 34, previously visited the Sydney Zoo two days in a row while she performed her "Eras Tour" in Australia's largest city. She was spotted one day with boyfriend Travis Kelce and talked about visiting with her opening act, Sabrina Carpenter, during an onstage duet.

“We’ve been 100% of our days off,” Swift said while sitting next to Carpenter, based on a video from the concert. “I’m really all about the red panda. I think you guys don’t understand how cool kangaroos are because you have so many. They are so cool, so strong. So bouncy.”

Swift is scheduled to play eight shows at London's Wembley Stadium, which has a 90,000-person capacity, in June and August. She most recently wrapped up stops across the United Kingdom, including Cardiff, Liverpool and Edinburgh .

During her 100th "Eras Tour" performance in Liverpool , the singer confirmed the tour would end in December.

“This is the very first time I’ve ever acknowledged to myself and admitted that this tour is going to end in December,”  she said .

Anna Kaplan is a news and trending reporter for TODAY.com.

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Travis, Jason and Kylie Kelce attend Taylor Swift's Eras Tour show in London

S wift fever has touched down on the British capital as Taylor Swift was set to perform her first sold-out night in London's Wembley Stadium ushering in new opening acts with Travis, Jason and Kylie Kelce cheering from the floor.

Travis Kelce was seen walking to the VIP floor tent during Paramore's "Misery Business" with Kelce's brother, sister-in-law and best friend Ross Travis. The Kelces were in Cannes, France the day before the concert for the Cannes Lions Festival. Fans snapped photos and videos of Jason exchanging friendship bracelets with Swifties. Also spotted on the floor, Swift's parents Scott and Andrea Swift , Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan , Queer Eye host Jonathan van Ness and actress Cara Delevingne.

Online, social media accounts have confused Ross Travis and Travis Kelce. Travis was wearing a green shirt and Cowboy hat.

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Kelce has attended the tour a half dozen times since the couple went public last year. His first stop was Buenos Aires, Argentina , followed by Sydney, Australia,  two nights in Singapore and the final night in Paris. Swift has changed the “Karma” lyrics to "guy on the Chiefs" every time Kelce has cheered her on from the sidelines. She also attended 13 NFL games in the 2023-2024 season culminating in the Super Bowl.

The Kansas City football player was in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday for his three-day event Tight End University . Before heading to Europe he hosted a the program that brings tight ends together for film study, on-field drills, recovery and rehabilitation.

Introducing Mette to the Swift universe

Mette opened up for night one in Wembley taking the stage before Paramore, the opening act for all 51 Eras Tour shows in Europe. Mette describes her musical repertoire as "sensual and sweaty." Prior to the Eras Tour she played Cassandra alongside Swift in the 2019 movie "Cats."

"This is such a special night y'all," Mette said. "Thank you, Taylor."

London transforms into Swiftmania

The City of Dreams has prepared for the three nights of Swift. She's sang about the city in several of her songs including "London Boy," "So Long London" and "The Black Dog." She has a history with the city after dating ex Joe Alwyn for six-plus years, frequently visiting Camden Market, Highgate, the West End, Brixton, Shoreditch and Hackney.

Murals appeared around the city the week leading up to Swift's show. Hours before the show, the Tube, or London subway system, created a map decked out in the singer's 11 eras, recoloring the lines to correspond to different albums and renaming stops after songs like "All Too Well" and "I Knew You Were Trouble." Gemstones were added to reflect popular landmarks like the Hampstead Heath or Wembley Stadium.

Swift has two more performances at Wembley Stadium before heading to Dublin. On Saturday, Griff will open for the singer before Paramore and on Sunday, Benson Boone will be the first act to take the stage.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Travis, Jason and Kylie Kelce attend Taylor Swift's Eras Tour show in London

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Jason and Kylie Kelce Attend Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour for the 1st Time With Travis in London

Jason Kelce and wife Kylie Kelce attended Taylor Swift’s Eras tour for the first time during London night one alongside brother Travis Kelce .

The former NFL player, 36, and Kylie, 31, were spotted by TikTokers with a “stack of friendship bracelets” attending the Friday, June 21, show at Wembley Stadium in London. The former professional athlete appeared friendly as he graciously stopped to sign autographs for fans. The England show marked the couple’s first appearance attending one of Taylor’s shows.

Travis, 34, was later spotted entering the VIP tent with Taylor’s dad, Scott Swift , just as the show was getting started. Another TikTok user captured the tight end signing his autograph on a fan’s “New Heights” hat.

Meanwhile, fans also spotted Ross Travis , Travis’ best friend. Ross, 31, has traveled the globe with Travis, being spotted at shows in Australia and Paris. Swifties were buzzing about the sightings, taking to the comments to share their excitement about the night-one show in London.

“It’s gonna be epic,” one fan wrote. Another user added, “Yay!! I can’t wait for videos of Jason having the time of his life.”

Night one in London marked the first of eight sold out shows in the city. The tour, which started in March 2023, has been highly successful, prompting the addition of numerous extra shows due to overwhelming demand.

Just one day earlier, Travis, Jason and Kylie attended the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France. During the event, Jason joined Travis on a panel discussing their “New Heights” podcast and its evolving audience since Travis began his high-profile relationship with the “I Knew You Were Trouble” singer, 34.

“My demographic when I used to go outside used to be fat, hairy guys,” Jason previously said during the June 12 episode of the brothers’ podcast. “That used to be who, like, if I was out in public was gonna stop me and say, ‘Hey, I like you, Jason Kelce.’ Football guys. Fat, hairy guys.”

However, he mentioned that the types of people who approach him have dramatically changed since Travis began dating Taylor in the summer of 2023.

“Now, I go out in public, routinely, 14-year-old little girls. That is, like, where my bread and butter’s at,” he continued. “Twelve to 14-year-old little girls are like, ‘Oh my God! You’re the brother of Travis dating Taylor Swift!’”

Deal of the Day

Taylor and Travis confirmed their romance in September 2023 when she attended her first Kansas City Chiefs game. As their relationship progressed, Taylor continued to cheer on Travis during his football games, while he traveled internationally to destinations like Rio de Janeiro and Paris to support her during the Eras tour.

The Kelce family have embraced the new spotlight brought on by the high-profile relationship, with Jason recently acknowledging that while his family is now a “fixture” in pop culture, “Travis and Taylor have it to another level.”

“That’s a whole other side of it,” the retired football star said on the “Whiskey Ginger” podcast on June 7. “Kylie and I think we have it bad and then we go hang out with one of them for a second. This is a whole other situation here … You can’t be a normal person at that point.”

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Taylor Swift Does Travis Kelce's Game-Day Arrow Move for 'So High School' at London Eras Tour with Him in the Crowd

Swift also sang the lyric "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me," during the last song of the concert

@daylightlover28/X

Taylor Swift went "full throttle" to show her love for boyfriend Travis Kelce during the first London show of the Eras Tour — while he was in the crowd.

While performing “So High School” on June 21, the 14-time Grammy winner pulled out a surprise move that her boyfriend often employs during Kansas City Chiefs games: using an invisible bow to release an arrow .

“So High School” is a love song, with pointed lyrics about their relationship , in which Swift sings, “You know how to ball, I know Aristotle,” referring to his football talents and her songwriting prowess.

In videos and photos captured by fans in the audience, Kelce, 34, can be seen dancing throughout his superstar girlfriend's 46-song setlist and smiling when she pulled out the bow-and-arrow gesture.

Swift had previously used this move while performing “The Archer,” but that song was cut from the setlist earlier this year when she replaced older songs with tracks from her latest album , The Tortured Poets Department .

Chiefs/Tiktok

This is the first time the NFL star has seen her use the arrow gesture during “So High School.” Swift performed the song live in front of him for the first time during the May 12 show in Paris .

Another cute moment came at the end of the show, when Swift performed “Karma” as the concert’s closer. Swift, as she has done only a few times in the past whenever Kelce attends, changed the lyrics to, " Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me ."

The sold-out show on Friday night attracted a star-studded crowd, including Jason and Kylie Kelce as well as Prince William and his children that he shares with Kate Middleton, among other stars.

Gareth Cattermole/Getty

This show, her first of three this weekend and eight overall in London this summer, was the latest in Swift’s long and often turbulent relationship with the English capital city.

As early as the singer’s Red era in the early 2010s, Swift name-dropped the city on the bonus track “Come Back…Be Here,” speculated to be about her British ex-boyfriend Harry Styles (“But you're in London, and I break down / 'Cause it's not fair that you're not around”).

Fast forward to Swift’s Reputation and Lover albums — which fans believe are about Swift’s six-year relationship with British actor Joe Alwyn — and references to London were back in full swing. The city is featured as the backdrop for the music video for Reputation track “End Game,” and on Lover ’s “London Boy,” Swift gives fans a taste of some of her favorite attractions, including Camden Market, Highgate and the West End.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

The references continued into Swift’s latest studio album, The Tortured Poets Department , where she used city landmarks as metaphors to seemingly memorialize the end of her relationship with Alwyn ( “So Long, London” ) — as well as the months she was linked with British musician and The 1975 frontman Matty Healy in 2023 ( “The Black Dog” ).

On Friday, as part of the surprise song segment of the show, Swift performed a three-song mashup of “The Black Dog,” “Come Back...Be Here” and “Maroon.”

To celebrate Swift’s Eras Tour shows, the London Eye announced a “Taylor by Candlelight” show , where fans can listen to live orchestral performances of Swift’s music on the iconic Ferris wheel and take home an exclusive friendship bracelets afterward. 

The city government also organized two public Swift-themed art installations, created an online guide for fans to find spots referenced in the singer's music, and even designed a reimagined Tube map with train lines renamed to match each of Swift's albums.

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In between tour stops in Edinburgh and Liverpool earlier in June, the “Cruel Summer” singer was spotted in London alongside a star-studded crew that included the likes of Kate Moss , Stella McCartney , Phoebe Waller-Bridge , Cara Delevingne , Lena Dunham , and Haim sisters Este and Danielle . The girls night out came amid news that ex Healy had confirmed his engagement to model Gabbriette Bechtel .

To round out the weekend, Swift will play two more shows at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, before she hops across the Irish sea for several shows in Dublin.

In mid-August, Swift will return again to London, where she’ll close the European of the Eras Tour with five more dates in the city — totaling almost 700,000 attendees and generating an estimated £300 million for the city's economy, according to an estimate by the mayor's office .

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Fans wonder if Taylor Swift will say 'So long, London' after Eras Tour

LONDON (AP) — Taylor Swift fans enjoy parsing the  singer-songwriter’s lyrics  for references to her romantic life and insights into her state of mind.

But the pop superstar’s fans in the U.K. didn’t have to listen closely to her  latest album , “The Tortured Poets Department,” to get the sense that Swift had soured on the country’s capital city after long making it a regular hangout and then her second home. The record’s fifth track is titled  “So Long, London.”

As Swift brings her  blockbuster Eras Tour  to London’s Wembley Stadium, some Swifties therefore are wondering if they are witnessing the beginning of an extended goodbye. She is performing three nights starting Friday, and is scheduled to return to Wembley for five nights in August to close the  tour’s European leg .

The area around Wembley was transformed for the shows, with fans posing in front of a giant mural of the singer and traveling stairs christened “Swiftie Steps.” Swift announced that 88,446 people were in attendance at Friday’s show in what she called “the most exhilarating city in the world.”

Swift gave fans a wink and a nod toward her London life during one of her two solo acoustic surprise songs: a piano medley that opened with the London-set “The Black Dog” and segued into “Come Back, Be Here” and then “Maroon.”

London  is the only city on the tour where Swift is stopping twice. Some worry the arrangement may represent a swan song of sorts, while others think it just reflects a new era in Swift’s bond with the Big Smoke. Whether “So Long, London” turns out to be a final chapter or a bookend to her valentine to the city, the song “London Boy,” Eras is arriving as an emotional milestone.

“Her relationship now kind of assumes London won’t be somewhere she will be. It’s not like there is an American football player living here,” said Maggie Fekete, 22, a Canadian graduate student who credits the London references in Swift’s music with orienting her when she moved to the city three years ago. “I think there will be a lot less London in her music, which is sad.”

Stella Elgood, 25, of London, said Friday she assumed Swift would sing “So Long, London” at some point during her eight nights in the city but that Swift “will always be welcome.”

“Especially since she dated Harry Styles, she’s been here in the Zeitgeist,” Elgood said.

For those who haven’t been paying attention, Swift had a series of romances with famous British citizens (including Styles in 2012) that ended last year, when she started dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end  Travis Kelce . The speculation surrounding “So Long, London” and a mournful companion song that mentions  a London pub , “The Black Dog,” stems from the 2023 breakup of Swift and English actor Joe Alwyn, who were together for over six years.

Alwyn is assumed to have inspired “London Boy,” a song from her 2019 album “Lover.” A special-edition “Lover” CD included what appeared to be a January 2017 diary entry in which Swift talked about being “essentially based in London” but trying to lay low. British tabloids later reported that Swift spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic sheltering with Alwyn in north London.

The Sun newspaper reported in December that the multiple Grammy-winner had bought a large property in the area and was remodeling it to be her base in Europe. After Swift released “The Tortured Poets Department” last month, however, a writer for the British edition of ELLE magazine observed that Londoners had an opening “for an all-American A-lister who can slot into her place in our collective consciousness.”

“We had Swift before we lost her to her record-breaking, box office-breaking Eras Tour and now, it would appear that her vacant position has been filled by  Zendaya ,” writer Naomi May playfully posited before listing the various locations the American actor had been spotted with her longtime boyfriend, British actor Tom Holland.

Either way, the capital is putting on quite a show of its own to make sure Swift and her fans feel appreciated. Guides are offering walking, bus and taxi tours that retrace her footsteps, including a kebab shop whose owner says his establishment is supplying sandwiches for the singer and her crew on Friday.

Before the end of August, Swifties can partake in a full diet of Swift-themed brunches and dance parties, or ride the London Eye Ferris wheel accompanied by a string quartet playing her music. Souvenir stalls in Camden Market, one of the places mentioned in “London Boy,” stocked up on Swift-specific caps, T-shirts, bags and stickers in preparation.

Amy Unsworth, 34, who is from a small town near Manchester, England, and was born a month before Swift, said Friday that the singer’s ties to the U.K. and vice versa extend beyond the capital.

“I feel like as a Northerner I have an affinity with her,” Unsworth said, noting that Swift wrote many of the songs on her “Evermore” album while in England’s Lake District with Alwyn.

“It’s hard to know how she feels right now, being back, given her history.”

Unsworth isn’t worried Swift will turn her back on the U.K. Swift said from the stage that her British fans “have been some of the most supportive people in my corner since I started making music.” Swift performed in London for the first time at age 17, when she appeared at the student union of Kings College London.

“I think she will come back” after Eras, Unsworth said. “She has too many dedicated fans not to come back. She’s built up too much momentum here to just forget about us.”

Zachary Hourihane, who co-hosts a Swift podcast called “Evolution of a Snake” and posts YouTube and TikTok videos under the name Swiftologist, said Thursday that it’s too soon to know whether the singer will retain her honorary citizenship or part ways with London. As her fans know all too well, only time will tell with Taylor.

“Taylor is someone who retraces her steps a lot. Things are never really over with her. She likes to revisit things that have finished,” he said. “Let’s be realistic about it. Her relationship, even if it is, ‘so long, goodbye,’ she has good reason to be in London and good money to make there.”

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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