2 week trip to london cost

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• How much does it cost to travel to London? (Average Daily Cost)
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Is London expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to London?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
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How much does it cost to travel to London?

You should plan to spend around $239 (£190) per day on your vacation in London. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $43 (£34) on meals
• $32 (£26) on local transportation
• $310 (£246) on hotels

A one week trip to London for two people costs, on average, $3,343 (£2,653) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 239 £ 190
• One Week Per person $ 1,672 £ 1,327
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 3,343 £ 2,653
• One Month Per person $ 7,164 £ 5,686
• One Week For a couple $ 3,343 £ 2,653
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 6,687 £ 5,306
• One Month For a couple $ 14,329 £ 11,371

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to London cost?

A one week trip to London usually costs around $1,672 (£1,327) for one person and $3,343 (£2,653) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to London on average costs around $3,343 (£2,653) for one person and $6,687 (£5,306) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in London will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to London on average costs around $7,164 (£5,686) for one person and $14,329 (£11,371) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to London has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in London are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, London is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Interlaken or Basel.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is London Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to London?

The average London trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these London travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in London

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in London is $155 (£123). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in London is $310 (£246). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 155 £ 123
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 310 £ 246

Hotel Prices in London

Looking for a hotel in London? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in London based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $126. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Premier Inn London Angel Islington Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 95
• Hotel 41 Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 368

Transportation Budget in London

The cost of a taxi ride in London is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $32 (£26) per person, per day, on local transportation in London.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 32 £ 26

Recommended Services

• One Way Taxi Transfer from London to Stansted Airport Viator $ 193
• Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Private Transfer Pickup & Return Viator $ 283

Flights to London

Rental cars in london, what did other people spend on transportation in london.

Typical prices for Transportation in London are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in London, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi Ride £ 15
• Heathrow Express £ 18
• Luggage Storage £ 8.00
• London Map £ 1.29
• Oyster Card £ 36
• Train to Gatwick Airport (2) £ 22
• Oyster Card £ 27

Food Budget in London

While meal prices in London can vary, the average cost of food in London is $43 (£34) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in London should cost around $17 (£14) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in London is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 43 £ 34

Recommended

• Royal English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours Viator $ 127
• Spice Quest - London's First and Only Spicy Food Tour Viator $ 154

What did other people spend on Food in London?

Typical prices for Food in London are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in London, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch at Starbucks £ 13
• Tea £ 6.00
• Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason £ 39
• Morning Tea £ 6.35
• Pastry £ 5.00
• Sushi Dinner for One £ 18

Entertainment Budget in London

Entertainment and activities in London typically cost an average of $41 (£33) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 41 £ 33

The Go City London Pass offers great discounts on attractions in London. With the Go City Explorer pass, you can choose to visit specific sights and attractions at a discount. Or, you can visit as many included attractions as you like with a multi-day All-Inclusive Pass. The average visitor saves 30% off of the regular admission prices.

Recommended Activities

• The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour Viator $ 32
• British Museum & National Gallery of London Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl… Viator $ 221

What did other people spend on Entertainment in London?

Typical prices for Entertainment in London are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in London, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Two Tickets to a Concert £ 83
• London Symphony Orchestra £ 34
• London Pass £ 47
• Comedy Show £ 8.00

Tips and Handouts Budget in London

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in London is $4.23 (£3.35) per day. The usual amount for a tip in London is 10% - 20% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 4.23 £ 3.35

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in London

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in London is $23 (£18), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 23 £ 18

Alcohol Budget in London

The average person spends about $19 (£15) on alcoholic beverages in London per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 19 £ 15
• East End Craft Brewery Tour Viator $ 63
• Pub Tour of Notting Hill & Kensington Viator $ 77

Water Budget in London

On average, people spend $5.09 (£4.04) on bottled water in London per day. The public water in London is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 5.09 £ 4.04

Related Articles

London on a budget.

When to go?

Neighborhoods, food and dining, transportation, tips to save money in london, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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How Much Does a Trip to London Cost? (2024 London Trip Budget)

London’s reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world is well-earned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by families and budget travelers all the way to luxury aficionados. If you are wondering, “how much does a trip to London cost?”, we’ve got your answers.

After planning our own 7 days in London , and helping numerous other families plan a trip to London, I’ve done a ton of research into hotel options, activities, and ways to cut costs on your London trip budget (check this post for ideas of free things to do in London with kids .)

If you are still debating where to go, also check out our budget guides for Italy , Paris , Greece , Portugal, Ireland , Japan , and Iceland .

London Budget assumptions

To help you create your London trip budget, this post outlines pricing for two adults and two children between the ages of 6-11, traveling in the summer, and spending a week in London (six nights, seven days). If you are traveling in the off-season or not with a large family, your costs will undoubtedly be lower. When planning your own London trip budget, make adjustments as needed to suit your specific travel companions and travel style.

I’m going to assume that this family is traveling in the summer months, since that is when most families travel, although London would also be a great spring break destination and we also enjoyed visiting London for Christmas . This budget also isn’t for budget travelers, but rather for small families that are comfortable sharing a family-size room in three to four-star accommodations.

London Trip Cost

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Remember to keep in mind the exchange rate when looking at rates listed in British pounds. I use xe.com to convert currency. To figure out how much is a trip to London, I included the following elements:

• Airfare from a major U.S. airport hub
• Hotel/Accommodations (6 nights in family-friendly, mid-range accommodations)
• Tours/Entrance Fees (for a mix of self-guided and private family tours and activities)
• Transportation within London and to/from the airport
• Food (including one special high tea)

Souvenirs/Miscellaneous

• Travel insurance

While it used to be common to find airfare between the U.S. and London for $500 per person, those prices have gone up recently, especially for summer travel. If you book at least six months in advance or travel during shoulder seasons, you can find airfares under $750 if you are willing to connect (typically through Iceland or Dublin using Iceland Air or Aer Lingus). However, direct flights in the summer will cost closer to $900 per person.

This is certainly the time to redeem frequent flier points or credit card points to cover flights. If you have flexibility on your vacation time, I recommend subscribing to an airfare deal site such as Going or Dollar Flight Club to look for sales and sign up for deal alerts.

If you want to find the best way to accumulate points and miles through credit card spending and sign up bonuses, I’d suggest downloading the  Travel Freely app  to track your credit cards and learn how to earn points.

Heathrow Airport is a major global hub for most international airlines, but you may find deals on budget airlines such as Play or Norse Airlines to Stansted or Gatwick airports.

Total airfare cost: $2700 (4 people x $900 per person)

Accommodations

The two biggest factors in determining hotel room costs will be space and location. If you’d like two adjoining rooms or a family suite in the immediate central part of the city at a four or five-star hotel (we loved the Atheneum Hotel & Residences ), plan to spend $900 – 1,500 per night. If you have the budget, you’ll be within walking distance to many attractions with luxury hotel services like a concierge, on-site fine dining, etc.

However, if you’re willing to stay in one of London’s charming neighborhoods, just a short tube ride away from the immediate center of the city, then not only will you save money, but you can often find more spacious accommodations like apartment-style hotels or wonderful vrbo rentals . Just keep in mind that some of these will require a minimum of a 5-7 night stay.

The average cost per night for four-star accommodation or apartment rentals in areas like South Kensington (we also loved the Royal Garden Hotel ), Notting Hill, and Little Venice is approximately $300-600 per night.

Find accommodations options in London:

Just be careful when booking stand-alone rentals… ask for the exact address or closest major cross street so you can map it out. If you’re outside the T1 London Tube area, you’ll pay more for transportation and waste precious time each day traveling into the city. See my tips for booking Airbnb or other vacation rentals .

Total accommodation cost: $3,600 (based on $600 per night for 6 nights)

Tours/Entrance Fees

Investing in a Blue-Badge guide for half-day tours or a walking tour is a great splurge and a perfect way to explore some of London’s most popular attractions. The cost of a private family tour is usually around $300-400 for a half-day experience.

These guides can make the history of London come alive for you and your children. My two favorite attractions to invest in a guide are the British Museum and the Tower of London . We also enjoyed having a private tour of Westminster City .

If a private guide is too much of a stretch, spend the extra few pounds to supply each member of the family with an audio guide at major attractions. Many have dedicated children’s versions.

The other sightseeing expense that adds up quickly when visiting London is entrance fees. Expect to spend $15-60 per person to enter places like the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, London Eye , and the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio .

Keep your eye out for family passes when booking tickets in advance. Most attractions offer a discount for families that will include admission for two adults and two to three kids for one discounted amount.

If you plan on visiting quite a few attractions in just a couple of days, the London Go City Explorer or the London Pass can also be a money saver!

Luckily, most major museums are free (the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, etc.), as are all the large parks (Hyde Park, St. James, Regent’s Park, and the Olympic Park). So pair pricier activities with free options throughout the week.

Total tour/sightseeing cost: $1,200 (based on two private tours of $300, plus $100 per day for six days in additional entrance fees)

Transportation

Airport Transfers

The Heathrow Express is a great value and only costs about $10-15 per person when purchasing an advance ticket for a specific day of travel (flexible tickets are more.) The ride takes 20 minutes and takes you directly into Paddington Station, from which you can usually hail a reasonably priced taxi to take you to your accommodation. It is a bit of a long walk within Heathrow from one terminal to the other but it is worth it for the cost and time savings. Plus, children aged 15 years and under travel free in Express Class when accompanied by a paying adult.

Otherwise, arrange a driver in advance for about $150-200 through your hotel concierge. Taxis to and from the airport can sometimes be much pricier as traffic is so unpredictable in that part of the city.

London Tube

Taking the tube is not just a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around London, it’s frankly an integral part of the London experience. Invest in a Visitor Oyster card for each adult and any child over age 10, as it will reduce the per-ride cost compared to individual tickets.

If you have seven days in London , a day trip or two out of the city is fun. Train tickets to places like Oxford, Windsor, or Bath usually price out around $40-60 per person roundtrip. Be sure to book in advance for the best rates. If you decide to hire a driver, expect costs to be $500-1,000 for a full day of service.

Total transportation costs: $400 (based on using public transportation)

Food expenses can be difficult to budget for any destination, both because it can vary so drastically based on personal preferences and because it’s hard to know what your family will want to eat each day. Personally, I like a mix of quick, convenient food and sit-down, upscale dining, and London offers options at both ends of this spectrum.

This is typically included in a hotel stay. Otherwise, plan to hit a grocery store (small shops are prevalent throughout the city, look for chains like Waitrose and Sainsbury) and stock up on some basic supplies to keep in your room and apartment. Be sure to try a full English breakfast at least one morning of your trip… you likely won’t need lunch it’s so robust!

You can score some great savings at lunch if you duck into a grocery store and take advantage of their package deals. Most grocery stores offer a sandwich, drink, and a bag of crisps (potato chips) for around $4-7. Pick up some fruit or prepared veggies to share, and you can feed the whole family for around $40. Plus there are quick service Pret a Manger shops on nearly every corner.

If you’ve got access to kitchen facilities, then once again you’ll find great savings at the grocery stores. Most offer high-quality, upscale pre-made food that only requires you to heat and serve (think roasted chicken dishes, veggies, potatoes, and dessert).

This is often less than $30 for a healthy, satisfying meal that requires little effort. Takeaways are also fairly inexpensive, and it’s a fun way of trying the more ethnically diverse food like Indian and Thai, or the famous fish n’ chips! that London is known for.

When to Splurge

London has some outstanding restaurants, and I love to have a nice sit-down meal at least a few times during a week-long trip, balanced out with casual, cheaper fare. And don’t forget to indulge in afternoon tea!

While it typically prices out between $40-60 per person, many hotels will offer discounts or complimentary tea to their guests. Also, know that you’ll be served lots of food during the experience, so I encourage people to make their tea bookings for later in the day, and it will double as dinner.

Total food cost: $1,330 (based on free hotel breakfast, $40 for lunch x seven days, and $150 per day for dinner x seven days)

I have a strict rule with my kids that the trip itself is the treat, not all the kitschy souvenirs found in the gift shop of every major attraction. But London is a great place to shop for specialty items.

One of my favorite places to go for souvenirs or gifts is Fortnum & Mason, where you can buy some of England’s legendary tea and biscuits, perfectly packaged to bring home. And a stop at Hamley’s toy store is also a fabulous experience for the whole family to enjoy. We also enjoy browsing the many floors and departments at Harrods.

Total souvenir cost: $200 (based on each family member spending $50 while on the trip)

Travel Insurance

I would recommend protecting your trip with travel insurance . Pricing varies depending on your level of coverage, age, trip costs, and more. However, I would use $300-500 as a rough estimate.

Total Cost for a 7-day Family trip to London: $9,830

Bottom line is that the trip to London cost for a family of four would cost approximately $9,830 , or about $350 per person, per day . Your family could certainly spend less if you can utilize airline miles, score a great accommodation deal, cook your own meals, or focus your time on the free activities and landmarks in London instead of the pricier places to go.

That said, London is an expensive city, so it can be a challenge for families with an extremely tight budget. If you want an English countryside experience, I found very affordable inns and food in Northern England this past summer during my Hadrian’s Wall walking trip.

How much does it cost to go to London?

Visiting london read more:.

• 7 Day London itinerary
• 5 Festive things to do in London at Christmas
• Ultimate fan guide to Harry Potter attractions in London

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: November 18, 2023

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Love your transparency with the costs it is so helpful for those planning.

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How Much Does a Trip to London Cost? (2024 real prices and data)

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London is quite possibly the best city in the world. But that “best” comes with a price tag. It’s also one of the most expensive cities to visit in the world. But there are many ways to have a vacation and a trip to London doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. 

After living in London and having friends visit as well as now traveling back as much as we can, we’ve learned a bit about how much a trip to London costs as well as ways to save without sacrificing those dream vacation vibes. 

Using all of the estimates we’ll dive into below, a trip for two to London in 2024 will cost $6,087 for a week . But that’s just a starting point. We’ll give you different budget options for your trip so you can better estimate how much a trip to London will cost you. 

Don’t miss some of our best London travel planning resources: Our London Travel Guide has everything you need to know for your trip. Learn about taking the Tube in London , you’ll be using it a lot! You won’t want to leave before checking our London Packing List . Decide whether a day trip to Paris is worth it on your London vacation.

How Much Does a Trip to London Cost (2024 prices)

To estimate how much a trip to London costs, we’re going to look at 5 major categories: Airfare, Hotel, transportation, Food, and Activities. We’ll estimate how much it costs for two people to visit London for one week, but give you all the details so you can adjust the estimates to fit what you’re looking for. 

We’re also looking at dates in June 2024, which is not quite the top of the peak season (July is!), but it’s a month where you’ll usually have lovely weather and prices that are high but not outrageous yet. 

Note: we’re using the exchange rate of £1 = $1.25

Airfare Costs: San Francisco to London

To start off with our trip costs, we’re tackling one of the biggest costs: airfare. We pulled estimates from San Francisco for a direct flight. While there are definitely cheaper months to fly, this is a good baseline estimate. 

For a 7 day return flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) in June 2024, you’re looking at an average price of $1,300, per person with taxes and fees. 

We selected a very basic economy seat departing June 9 and returning June 16, 2024 for a total of $1,305 on British Airways. Other airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Aer Lingus prices were pretty comparable. 

Total flight cost: $1,305 per person, or $2,610 for two people.  

Hotel Costs

London has so many different accommodation options that span a wide range of budgets. You can stay really far out of the city center and save a lot of money, you can find a single room with a twin bed if you’re a solo traveler or you can stay at an uber luxury hotel and have all of your needs catered to. 

So if you’re looking for a place to save money on your trip, booking cheaper accommodation is a great place to start. 

As far as costs go, Visit Britain reported that in the first six months of 2023, greater London saw the average daily rates of hotel rooms of £187 per night ($234). 

Going along with our June 2024 trip, we have prices for seven different hotels in central London: 

For our cost calculation, I’m going to use the Sydney House Chelsea as it’s mid-priced for central London and we loved our stay at this boutique hotel. 

Total hotel cost: £1,524 or $1,905 for six nights

Check out all our favorite hotel options here .

Transportation

While London is an expensive city to visit, getting around London doesn’t have to be expensive. Public transport is one of the best ways to get around and we love taking the tube , bus, and train. You may have noticed renting a car did not make the list, see our Should You Rent a Car in London for details.

If you’re using an Oyster card or a contactless credit card to get around London (which you should!) there is a daily cap of £8.10 when you’re riding the tube or the bus in Zone 1 and Zone 2 in London. And as most of the sights that you’ll be seeing are in Zone 1 and Zone 2, that means the most you’ll spend on public transport for the day will be £8.10 per person. That’s a great deal! 

If you’re using a contactless credit card, just make sure each person uses the same credit card all day, so you don’t get charged the daily cap on two different cards. 

To estimate total costs, we’ll assume that two people will be hitting the daily cap on their contactless card riding the tube and the bus around London for six days. 

Getting around London will cost £97.20 over six days, or $122.

To and From Heathrow Transportation Costs

There are several different ways you can get to central London from Heathrow Airport and costs vary widely. We’ve done them all depending on how much luggage we have and whether we’re traveling with our kids or riding solo. 

In order from most expensive to least expensive, your options include:

• £80 for a Black Cab (estimate)
• £60  for Private Car Service Addison Lee (estimate)
• £55 for uber (estimate)
• £25 per person Heathrow Express
• £13.30 per person Elizabeth Line (tube)
• £5.60 per person Piccadilly line (tube)

For our estimate, we’ll assume that you’re taking the Elizabeth Line to and from Heathrow Airport for £13.30 per person (£26.60 roundtrip), for two people, or £53.20 total.

Total transportation cost estimate: £97.20 + £53.20 = £150.40 or $188

Food Cost in London per Day

London has a thriving food scene and you’ll want to take part in it! Whether you’re ducking into a Chippy (fish and chip shop), stopping for a pint at a pub, or hitting up a trendy Soho restaurant, the food in London is great.

And unlike Switzerland which has staggeringly high restaurant prices, prices in London are in line with any big city. You can find well-priced places like food markets and food halls, upscale options, and everything in between. 

Per day you can expect to spend £75 per person on food, with a moderate budget. 

To get there, we expect that you’ll pay £15 for breakfast, £20 for lunch, and £40 for dinner, on average. 

You can spend less and you can spend more. If you want to gauge how much you’ll spend, here are some examples of what we’ve recently spent eating out in London. The prices below are per person! 

• Pizza Dinner at Franco Manca: £17 per person
• Dishoom Dinner: £45 per person
• Pub lunch: £25 per person
• Breakfast at Gail’s: £ per person
• Afternoon tea: £40 per person

A good way to save money on food is to eat at pubs! Read our London Pub Guide for details on visiting pubs.

Total food cost for two people: £900 or $1,125 (£75 per person, per day for six days)

London has so many wonderful free activities. Museums ! The Royal Parks! Sky Garden!

But some things are worth paying for. 

If you’re following our free one-day itinerary in London, you’ll pay for entrance to the Tower of London (£37) and Tower Bridge (£12.30). And for us, paying that to see it was worth it.

Some other example costs include:

• London Eye: £25.50
• Buckingham Palace entrance: £19.50 per adult
• St Paul’s Cathedral entrance: £23
• Westminster Abbey Entrance: £27
• Churchill War Rooms: £30
• Harry Potter World ticket: £53.50 per adult
• Hamilton Theatre tickets: £54 per person

For the sake of estimating, we’ll assume that two people are going to pay for two different London activities or attractions that cost £30 per person, for £120 total spent ($150) on activities during your trip. 

For a full list of the free museums in London, see our article on the 12 Best Museums in London . Plus you won’t want to miss London’s hidden gems (with lots of free options!)

If you’re in London for a week you do have time to squeeze in a quick day trip outside of the city. Maybe a quick train ride to Windsor, or a visit to Cambridge to go punting in the river? 

To save money, book those rail tickets well in advance! Some examples of train costs include: 

• Return ticket to Windsor from London: £13.60
• Return ticket to Cambridge from London: £43.90
• Return ticket to Oxford from London: £12.00
• Return ticket to Bath from London: £46.00

We’ll assume you’re going to make a one-day trip to Windsor, spending £13.60 per person on a train ticket and £30 per person on an entrance ticket to Windsor Castle. 

The total cost for a day trip to Windsor is £87.20, or $109

How Much Does a Trip to London Cost for One Week?

Using all of our estimates from above, a trip to London for two people for one week will cost $6,087.

Of course you can spend a lot more or a lot less on your trip, depending on how you like to travel. Prefer the backpacking/hostel route? You could probably easily slash $1,500 or more from the bill. Or if you want to step up your comfort, there are plenty of ways to spend another $2,000.

How Much Does a Trip to London Cost: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

We don’t all travel the same way or on the same budget, so what does this one-week trip look like at a variety of different price points? We’ve put together some different budget options. 

For the budget traveler, we grab cheaper hotel and food options, as well as cut out a day trip and any paid activities. That doesn’t mean you miss out! But you’ll need to get creative. For example, instead of touring Westminster Abbey, go in for Evensong when it’s free. 

The midrange trip is what we already covered above.

Looking for a little luxury? We’ve upgraded the hotel, and transportation options, and added in a bigger food budget. Grab a room at the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, add in afternoon tea at the Ritz (£144 for two), a few more splashy dinners, and a private day tour. Book private transportation to and from Heathrow, and enjoy!

How to Cut Costs on Your Trip to London without Sacrificing Fun

While a trip to London is expensive, there are some ways to trim back on your trip to London costs without it feeling painful.

Travel in the Shoulder Season

The most expensive time to visit London is June and July. The summer months usually see a big surge in visitors thanks to better odds of having sunny weather. So if you’re traveling during those months, expect to pay a premium!

If you’re looking for deals, you can find great prices during the winter months, but you’ll have to contend with the dreary weather. If you love the rain and cold and plan to spend most of your time in museums, this can be a wonderful option. 

But if you’d prefer to steer clear of the coldest and wettest months and you are hoping for cheaper prices, the shoulder season is the time to go. Aim for a trip in May, September, or October. You’ll usually find moderate weather and lower costs. And in my opinion, fall in London and the Cotswolds is extremely underrated. 

Related read: check out the best (and worst) time to visit London so you get your timing right .

Book With Points

If you want to seriously cut costs without sacrificing anything, booking part of your trip with points is a solid option. And you don’t need to be a hard-core travel hacker or a million miler frequent fliers to pay for part of your trip in points. 

We strategically open credit cards throughout the year to qualify for sign-up bonuses. Those sign-up bonuses are usually enough to pay for our flights to Europe (in points!) and a few nights at a hotel. 

And we always make sure to pay off our balance in full each month, because no amount of free travel is worth credit card fees, interest, or debt. 

To learn how to book with points and step-by-step guidance on getting a free hotel stay, check out our BookedWithPoints.com for details.

Book Your Travel Early

The earlier you book the more deals to be had! Trying to book last-minute trips can be prohibitively expensive and can throw your travel budget out of whack. Plus, when you book early you have better options as more things are available!

We try to book at least six months out to find the best rates and availability. While you can still find deals closer to your travel, you’re rolling the dice with last-minute deals. We’ve sometimes done well planning last minute (we scored a great deal on a last-minute apartment with a view of the Eiffel Tower), but we usually end up paying more. 

Last year we rented an apartment in London for a month and we were able to get such a good deal by booking it nine months in advance. Had we booked later than that, the price of the stay would’ve been far too expensive. 

Stay a Bit Further Out

While staying in central London is extremely convenient, it’s also very expensive. Thankfully, London has a very easy public transport system that can get you anywhere you want to go. If you’re having trouble finding hotels that are in your price range, there are so many great options if you want to stay outside of the city center. 

To keep things easy, make sure you’re booking a hotel that is on the tube line or a train line. For example, you can book a well-priced room at the Spread Eagle Pub in Wandsworth, which is just a quick train ride to Clapham Junction or London Waterloo. Or the Lodge Hotel in Putney which is just a quick 5-minute walk from the East Putney Tube stop. 

Rein in Food Costs

I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again: London has great food. And what’s more, London has great food at a range of price points. Eating in London does not need to be an expensive affair. Grab a coffee and a Bircher Muesli for breakfast from Pret. Eat at a food market for lunch (check out a list of our favorite food markets in London) or a museum cafe. Enjoy £5 cream tea rather than a full afternoon tea. And grab a kebab for dinner. Jordan and I used to get a takeout kebab all the time for dinner when we lived in London and it was a cheap and filling £15 meal for the two of us. 

Eating in London can be as expensive or inexpensive as you make it. 

Use Our Free Guide

Do you know what else can be expensive? Losing a day of your trip thanks to bad information or bad planning. We have you covered with our free download: an easy one-day tour of London. Download the walking tour that we used to send all of our friends and family on when we lived on London. Beautiful sights, great food, interesting history — it’s all here!

THE BEST 1-DAY LONDON ITINERARY

If you have limited time in this capital city, don’t miss out. Our one day itinerary takes you to great spots on an easy walking tour of London. Download to your phone and take it on the go.

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Easy London Budget Calculator: How Much Does it Cost to Visit London? 

How much does it cost to visit London? That all depends.

A lot of estimations out there are outdated, have the wrong average prices for hotels, and don’t factor in things like what attractions you want to see or what your dining style is. 

Plus, a London trip budget pre-pandemic looks a lot different from a London trip budget post-pandemic. Prices have changed dramatically. 

To give you a better idea of your real London trip budget, I’ve created a London budget calculator for you using the most up to date pricing. 

Take it from someone who lives here and spends (too much) everyday: sticking to a budget in this city is hard but it can be done!

I want you to be able to visit our incredible city with a realistic sense of how much things cost and make the most out of your time and money here. 

Let’s calculate your London trip budget!

London Budget Calculator for 2024

Use the London budget calculator below, and read on to find out how I came up with these figures and how to save the most money.

Keep in mind these are estimated figures and it’s only to give you a realistic idea of how much things will cost.

Your total spend in London may be more or less because there are so many factors that I can’t include all of here.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit London in 2024? 

To create my London budget calculator, I pulled real-life, current 2023 prices for everything from attractions to hotels from their actual websites.

For figures where I needed averages, I analyzed a sample of current prices and came up with the most accurate average price I could. 

Below may contain some affiliate links, for which I may receive. small commission if you make a purchase. It doesn’t cost you anything extra!

Accommodation Cost in London

Looking for the average cost of accommodation in London, I came away unsatisfied. The numbers looked too low to me, so I did my own research and analyzed the data.

To calculate the average prices of Airbnbs and hotels in London, I needed real figures of actual listed properties. So I took a sample from each category, ran the numbers, added average fees, and came up with a good representation of the average cost.

You can see my full breakdown of the average costs of hotels and Airbnbs in London in my post here. 

What’s the Average Cost of Airport Transport in London? 

To calculate the average cost of private airport transfers in London, I sampled prices from Uber and several private car companies that you can book ahead. 

• Average price of Public Transport from London Airports (not calculated in above calculator; add to total if you’re using this method): £12.50pp (Underground) – £25pp (Express trains)
• Average price of UberX from London Airports: £60
• Average price of private car from London Airports to Central London: £120
• Average price of private van or people carrier from London Airports to Central London: £200

🤑 Money Saving Tip:

Take public transport from London airports ! It’s so much cheaper, plus fast and efficient.

The only time I wouldn’t do this is if you are a large family with a lot of luggage. Navigating the tube or trains with lots of bags isn’t ideal, as not everywhere has step-free access and lifts.

What’s the Average Cost of Daily Transportation in London? 

Daily transportation costs within London can vary widely depending on which method of transportation you want to use.

I needed to do a little estimating here, as the cost of Uber, taxis, and private cars totally depends on how far you’re going, what traffic is like (bad, generally) and which company you use. 

For public transport, prices are divided by zone and capped per day depending on how many zones you travel through, though most tourists don’t generally go outside of Zone 3. 

• Average cost of public transport per person per day: £9 ( using an Oyster card or contactless payment method)
• Average cost of using some public transport and some private (some Uber or Taxis per person per day): £25
• Average cost of using only private transport (taxis & Uber only) per person per day: £60  

🤑 Money Saving Tip: 

Use public transport in London! It’s fast, efficient, and completely affordable. Use CityMapper or Google Maps to get easy to follow instructions from place to place. 

What’s the Average Daily Food Cost in London?

Other than accommodation, food may be your second largest expense in London.

I’m not going to lie: I cringe at our grocery and restaurant bills in London. But there are ways to keep it affordable.  

To pull real data, I created a bunch of sample checks from real London cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, pubs, and coffee shops.

I also went through my own family expenses for food, and averaged all of these numbers out to a rough estimation.

• Average daily cost of budget dining in London (sticking to only fast-type food, grocery stores, and cheap restaurants and takeaways. Not including alcohol): £26 per person
• Average daily cost of mid-range dining ( some cheap restaurants, some more expensive, not including alcohol ): £55pp
• Average daily cost of fine dining ( not including alcoho l): £130 pp

Picnics are your very best friend in London to keep eating affordable.

UK grocery stores have a much larger selection of prepared foods than other countries do, so it’s quite easy (and cheap!) to pop into a grocery store and create your own ready-to-eat meal. Take it to a park and have a lovely lunch! 

For restaurants, stay off the high street . In touristy areas, go away from the crowds to find hidden gems, or enjoy a lovely food hall.

If you want to experience afternoon tea, here’s my full list of afternoon tea on a budget options!

London Trip Budget: Attractions and Day Trips

In my London budget calculator I have plugged in the current 2024 per person attraction ticket prices. Children’s tickets are usually only a few pounds less.

For the London Eye, for example, adult tickets are £38 and children’s are £34. Not much difference.

Keep in mind that there are so many attractions and museums in London that are totally free! These are just the most popular paid attractions you might want to see.

For day trips , I have found prices from tour companies that offer these day trips including transportation.

It may be cheaper if you book your own trains and navigate these day trips on your own. 

🤑 Money Saving Tip

Take advantage of all of the free museums that London has to offer! Consider booking day trips yourself and not using a tour company to save the most cash.

You can also potentially save money on attractions using the London Pass or similar program. 

London Trip Budget: Final Tips

How much does it cost to visit London? I hope if you’ve used my London budget calculator you now have a better idea of how much you’ll need to visit our incredible city.

Keep in mind that accommodation cost in London will by far be your biggest expense, but there are tons of ways to maximize your hotel or Airbnb budget.

More on Budgeting for London 

31 Costly London Tourist Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Is the London Pass Worth it? Analysis & Easy Calculator

What NOT to do in London: The Truth About these 15 Tiring Tourist Traps 

Is Tipping in the UK Expected? A Super Simple Guide

Is the London Pass Worth it? Use the Calculator

Your Ultimate Guide to a Family Trip to London on a Budget

The Perfect Ladies Day Out in London: 3 Itineraries for Every Budget

The Best Thrift Shops in London: 7 Areas to Score the Best Second Hand Bargains

What’s the Closest Country to London? 10 Incredible Trips to Take Today 

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The Cost of Travel in London: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

How has it taken me so long to get around to writing a budget breakdown for London?

London is everything to me.

I was born in this incredible city and spent the first 23 years of my life exploring everything it has to offer. Even now, over a decade after leaving to travel the world, I consider London home and return every single year to spend my summers strolling its streets. I spent several weeks there last summer, and have already booked my tickets for this year’s trip!

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s impossible to run out of things to do and see in this magnificent place. A list of things to do would stretch into the hundreds, if not the thousands; my top restaurant recommendations would require months to visit them all. You could spend a week in London doing nothing but visiting world-class museums and leave with just as many left on your to-do list. And that’s before I even dive into the countless day trips that are up for grabs around the U.K.

And all of this wonder? Yeah, it won’t be a surprise to hear that it comes at a steep price.

London is expensive, but there are plenty of ways to keep your budget to a minimum — when I returned to the city after backpacking in Southeast Asia, I was still able to keep my costs low by staying in hostels and eating the delicious street food. But if you’re all about that luxury life? London is unlike anywhere else in the world, with so many world-class hotels and restaurants to dip into.

Today, I’m going to be sharing exactly how much you can expect to spend on a trip to London. Prices are in USD and GBP.

How to Save Money on the Cost of Accommodation in London

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer. And when you see the price of some of the accommodation in London, you might just be able to find said time!

Couchsurfing  exists in the UK– and, of course, London — and lets you stay with a local for free, sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget is tight and you don’t mind roughing it, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can search for potential hosts on the Couchsurfing site .

Housesitting  is another option. This is where you take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees: you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and when you go there.

If you do have that freedom, though, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting — they usually have hundreds of housesits available for London at any one time, so it’s well-worth having a look to see if any coincide with your travel dates.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation: you just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available.

The Cost of Accommodation in London

The best hostel in London: YHA London Oxford Street (dorms $45/£35 a night, private rooms $141/£110 )

Want to visit London on a budget and still stay in the heart of the action? Well, you can’t get much more central than right beside the city’s premier shopping street, and YHA London Oxford Street lets you stay there for as little as $45/£35 a night! That’s assuming you’re happy to stay in a dorm, of course, but even if you aren’t, private rooms are still very reasonably priced. Despite the affordability, you still get a quiet building, clean rooms, individual lights and power sockets beside each dorm bed, and the option of an inexpensive breakfast each morning. You can also buy drinks and light meals onsite, but of course there are about a thousand eating and drinking options nearby as well! Everything is within walking distance or a short tube ride away, so if all you’re really looking for is a cheap, clean place to lay your head in central London, this is definitely the place to do it.

The best budget hotel in London: The Lilac Door ( $167/£130 a night)

The Lilac Door is an adorable, family-run bed and breakfast in Dulwich Hill that’s an affordable yet charming place to stay in London. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but as always with a B&B, it’s the hosts that make or break it. In this case, they definitely make it: not only were they super warm and welcoming, but the breakfasts I had there were exceptional. They had no problem catering for dietary requirements like gluten-free or vegetarianism, but if you’re not limited in what you can eat, you have so many options, from a full English to a huge spread of croissants, yoghurts, and omelettes. There’s plenty to see and do nearby, including the well-known Dulwich Picture Gallery and Crystal Palace Park, while a bus or overland train gets you into the centre of the city in about 40 minutes.

The best mid-range hotel in London: Blackbird ( $277/£216 a night)

It’s no surprise that you’ll need to up your budget a bit if you want to stay closer to the heart of London: with that in mind, Blackbird offers impressive value. Honestly, I was surprised to find out that it’s actually a pub first and accommodation second: it’s a very upscale version of the classic “pub with rooms” that you find all over the UK. The rooms are clean and spacious for the area, with all the amenities you need for a few days in the city. Food (and drinks) at the pub downstairs are definitely a step above traditional pub fare, and with breakfast included, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample it! In terms of getting around, you’re in a great location: Kensington Palace and Hyde Park are a lovely half-hour stroll away, and the hotel is basically over the road from Earls Court station, with regular tubes that can whisk you directly to Covent Garden in 20 minutes or Heathrow airport in 40 minutes.

The best high-end hotel in London: Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection ( $555/£432 a night)

Ever since I stayed in one of Marriot’s amazing Autograph Collection hotels in Seoul last year, I’ve been keeping an eye out for the chance to do it again. The stylish design, exceptional staff, and attention to detail was unlike anything I’d experienced before, and Bankside Hotel brings all of that and more to London’s bustling South Bank. You couldn’t ask for a better location, less than a five minute stroll from the Tate Modern and the Thames, and an easy walk or short cab or tube ride to everything you’ll want to see in central London. As you’d expect, the rooms are super-quiet and the amenities are top-notch, from remote-control blackout blinds to marble bathrooms, and the artwork around the hotel is quirky without being tacky: not an easy balance. In short, if you’re happy to spend a bit extra to make your stay in London especially memorable and comfortable, Bankside is the place to do it!

The Cost of Transportation in London 

Your first travel experience from London is going to depend a hell of a lot on which airport you choose to land at. Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, or even London City: all are potential options, but only London City is anywhere close to the centre of the action. It’s a small airport that mostly services flights to nearby European countries, so you’ll likely be flying into somewhere else, which means a solid hour of public transport to get into central London.

Yeah, it’s a pain in the ass.

Other than London City, Heathrow is the only London airport that’s serviced by the Underground, which means it costs as little as $7.20/£5.60 to get into the central city. It takes about an hour, though: if you want a faster journey, the Heathrow Express zips between the airport and Paddington station in 15 minutes, and costs $26/£20 if you book in advance .

All the other airports are further out and require a bus and/or overland train journey into central London. Gatwick has an express train service that takes about half an hour and costs $30/£22.90 . If you’re traveling at an off-peak time and don’t mind if your journey takes a bit longer, just take a non-express service from Gatwick instead; it’s under half the price.

Stansted also has an express service, which takes about an hour and costs $30/£23 . Cheap advance fares are sometimes available that cost as little as $13/£9.90 , but there are only a limited number available and they sell out quickly. Check the website just in case, though! Luton doesn’t have a direct train service, so you’re looking at a fairly painful 90 minute bus journey there, for $17/£13 .

Once you’re in London, though, moving between attractions is a breeze. You’ll often be able to walk from one to the next, but if not, there’s a diverse range of public transport options available. Buses, underground and overground trains, light rail, trams, and even boats criss-cross the city, and most of them are integrated into a single payment system.

Prices vary depending on the type of transport and how far you’re going, but expect to pay $2.25/£1.75 for a bus ride (with free transfers for an hour) and $3.50/£2.70 for a single tube ride in zone one. Daily fare caps apply, so you won’t pay more than $11/£8.50 per day for journeys in zone one and two.

Note that those prices and caps apply only if you’re using a contactless card: either a credit or debit card, Apple or Google Pay on your phone, or an Oyster card that you can buy and top up at ticket machines and counters at major stations. Cash tickets can be noticeably more expensive.

The London Overground is a more recent addition, using existing railway lines to cover a wide area that generally wasn’t well served by underground routes. There’s also the Docklands Light Railway, or DLR, an innovative driverless option that starts at Bank station and heads out through the old London dock area on a few different routes towards Greenwich, London City Airport, and elsewhere.

When you tire of the railway and bus system, hop on a boat instead. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a unique way to skip the (often) chaotic London transportation scene and enjoy the beauty of the Thames River. It’s rarely the fastest way to get around, but it’s definitely the most scenic, and a lot cheaper than paying for a Thames cruise. The river is split into three fare zones: Oyster/contactless cards are accepted and kids under five ride free. An adult single zone fare starts at $8/£6.20 .

As a rule, you’ll likely end up taking the tube most of the time, a bus for shorter trips or where the tube doesn’t run to, and then the occasional overground train, tram, or boat. Unless you’re heading to Greenwich or flying in or out of London Airport, you probably won’t take the DLR much or at all.

If you’d prefer to power your own explorations, there are many dockless bike share systems in London as well. The biggest is Santander , which has over 12,000 bikes around inner London and a handy $4/£3 day pass option that includes unlimited rides of up to half an hour each.

The Cost of Food in London

Yeah, I’ll point directly at the elephant in the room right now: English food has a terrible reputation.

Jellied eels, spotted dick, and toad in the hole are often called out by visitors to my homeland, with many still believing the British cuisine of the pre-millennium is still in favour. That couldn’t be any less true today!

London is one of the greatest cities in the world for eating these days, and you’re going to have so many delicious meals while you’re in town.

Let’s start with the breakfasts. Even if you’ve never come across any other British food before, you’ve probably heard of the full English: a breakfast smorgasbord of bacon, eggs, potatoes, sausages, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and grilled tomatoes is a well-known way of setting yourself up for the day. It’s probably also a good way of setting yourself up for a heart attack if you have it all the time, but fortunately continental options of cereal, yoghurt, and fruit are commonplace, along with avocado toast and other lighter fare.

If breakfast isn’t included in your room rate, expect to pay around $15.50-19.50/£12-15 for a full English at a good cafe, and $8-11.50/£6-9 for a continental option. You might get tea or coffee with that, but if not, it’ll be around $2/£1.50 for a cup of milky tea, $2.50/£2 for a basic brewed coffee, and $4/£3 for a good latte or flat white. Avocado toast normally runs about $13-15.50/£10-12 .

Lunch is usually a relatively light meal, and you’ve got endless options. It’s pretty much impossible to walk more than a block in central London without seeing somewhere selling sandwiches, from the infamous supermarket “meal deals” of a sandwich or wrap plus a drink and crisps/chips, through chain sandwich stores like Pret a Manger with a wider range and somewhat higher quality, to specialist delicatessens. Fillings like egg mayo or cheese and pickle are common, but there’s a huge variety. Expect to pay around $5.25/£4 for a supermarket meal deal, and $4.50-7.75/£3.50-6 for a wrap or sandwich elsewhere.

If you’re after something heartier (and still have room left after that full English breakfast), many pubs and restaurants have weekday lunchtime specials. Keep an eye out for signboards as you walk around: these specials typically change regularly, but can offer a significant saving over having something similar for dinner. I recently paid $24/£18.50 for ham, eggs, and chips plus a pint of cider at a pub in inner London, which is about what it would have cost without the drink later in the day.

One of my favourite London activities is afternoon tea and I’ve been fortunate to have sampled over a dozen of the city’s offerings in my lifetime! It’s a fantastic tea-based tradition in this country; a multi-hour experience, during which you’ll sample sandwiches, scones, cakes, pastries, cocktails, and tea. Perfect for a special occasion! There are so many different options available to suit a range of budgets. My personal favourite options are:

• For a luxury afternoon tea: The Lanesborough afternoon tea ( £80 /$100). A high-end option in one of London’s fanciest hotels. The staff were amazing and their cakes are some of the best I’ve had.
• For a wow-factor afternoon tea: Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea at the Shard ( £70 /$88). You’ll have the best views in London at this one. I loved sitting beside the window and gazing out across the city.
• For a fun, themed afternoon tea: Mad Hatter’s afternoon tea at the Sanderson ( £65 /$82). This is a London classic, with Alice in Wonderland-themed treats. I’ve been to this one three times as it makes for a great place for first-time visitors to the city!
• For a budget afternoon tea: Tapas-themed afternoon tea at Map Maison ( £28 /$35). I really enjoyed this afternoon tea in East London and thought it offered amazing value for money. It’s Spanish-themed, so expect lots of delicious jamon .

If you’re near a pub at lunchtime on a Sunday, be sure to stop in for a Sunday roast. Most pubs that serve food offer it, and it’s a real British institution. There’s usually a choice of two or three meat-based options and a vegetarian/vegan version, along with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding that you absolutely have to try at least once. Expect to pay $18-23.50/£14-18 for it.

You’ll have even more choice about what to eat and drink for dinner than at lunchtime, but to give just a few examples:

• Fish and chips: $10-18.75/£8-15
• Steak and chips: $18.75-37.50+/£15-30+
• Indian curry: $15-25/£12-20
• Pizza: $12.50-22.50/£10-18
• Glass of house wine at a pub: $6.25-10/£5-8
• Cocktails at a fancy bar: $15-22.50+/£12-18+

Those prices really can vary a lot, though, based on which part of the city you’re eating in and how fancy the establishment is. London caters for all budgets!

After you’ve eaten your way through the city it’s ok to step outside the traditional English cuisine to taste the many flavours from all over the world. With so many people from all over the world choosing to make London their home, it’s hardly surprising that their country’s cuisine also makes an appearance. If you’re craving almost any type of food at all, chances are there’s a restaurant that serves it.

The Cost of Activities, Tours, and Entrance Fees in London

Where to even begin? There’s so much to do in London that I could write an entire article for each and every activity.

We’ll start things off with the big hitters.

When it comes to paid activities within the city, the London Eye is one of my favourites.

I’ve been for a ride on this giant observation wheel three times now — once in the morning, once at sunset, and once in the evening — and it’s one of my favourite places to take friends who are new to the city. It’s a great first destination in London, in my opinion, as it gives you a sense of the size of the city and where the attractions are in relation to each other. I recommend going at sunset, as at this time, you’ll still be able to make out the monuments but also get to watch the city start to light up. Prices come in at £32 for a standard ride or £51 to skip the line and enjoy a glass of champagne onboard . As somebody who has spent over an hour queueing to board the Eye, I recommend the latter if you can afford the extra cash.

The Tower of London is another iconic location that you have to check out. You can catch a glimpse of the famous Crown Jewels while you’re there, of course, but that really is just the beginning: after all, there’s over a thousand years of history inside those stone walls!

Churches and museums grace nearly every corner, enlightening history fanatics of the centuries old religious presence and modern art spirit that lives there. Most of the to-dos are best seen by simply walking through them. Big Ben, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge are all a sight to be seen and an opportunity to capture that ‘London pic’.

Piccadilly Circus is London’s version of Times Square. It’s busy, brightly lit and full of people. But most importantly, it’s free. Yes, people watching at the circus is totally free of charge and totally worth it. For all you night owls, take notes. Pubs, Broadway productions, restaurants and clubs will keep you happily vibing until the wee hours of the morning if you so choose. 

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is a beautiful way to see a different side of London. Picnics, bike paths, swans, blooming gardens and a memorial walk pathed with history are all features of this must-do. There are no costs associated with this, but there are vendors scattered around eager to serve you a coffee or lunch to accompany you on your stroll. 

And day trips?

After you’ve wandered every museum, toured every church, and sat in every pub (which means you’ve spent 50 years in London!), it’s time to explore more of the U.K.

Oxford and Oxford and Cambridge offer a portal back in time with winding cobblestone roads, thousand-year-old churches, and universities that hold both clout and tradition. Stonehenge is a mystery worth digging into during your time here. Just short of a three-hour drive from London, you will find a pile of rocks strategically placed. By whom? No one knows. Day trip tours start at $89/£69 .

The Cost of Travel Insurance in London

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to London. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in London?

Travelling on a mid-range budget like I was, my costs were as follows:

Accommodation:  $195/ £152 per day between two people ( $97.50/£76 each) Transportation:  $9/ £ 7 per day Food:  $57 /£44.50 per day Activities:  $48 /£37.50 per day

Total amount spent per day: $211.50/£165

Related Articles on the United Kingdom 🥾 What’s it Like to Walk the South Downs Way? 🚶🏼‍♀️ How Not to Walk Hadrian’s Wall 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 15 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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44 comments.

We spent a couple of weeks pre-Christmas in Brixton two years ago (in a very cute Airbnb also!) and I fell in love with it. The first night our host sent us to Brixton Market for dinner, and we ate ALL THE DUMPLINGS at Mama Lan’s and after that we pretty much loved being in that neighbourhood. I wish we could afford to live in Brixton full-time – you and Dave don’t fancy going halfsies on a house for us all to share, do you?!

Um, yes, we absolutely do! :-D

I was wondering why on earth you were having conversations about candy, sidewalks, friends, pants, restrooms, drapes, parking lots , and jelly. Seemed like odd/trivial topics of conversation! ….Until I realized that those are all Americanisms and, being American, I didn’t even realize that there could be a second meaning to that sentence :D

Hahahaha! That made me laugh so hard.

I just ate my oatmeal breakfast, but after reading this article and looking at your photos I think I need to eat something that contains fat. I should have stopped reading after a title, cause I knew this would happen to me.

Hahaha! I should have added a warning to the top of the post as well ;-)

I lived in London for two years and didn’t venture to Brixton once. Now I’m kicking myself! But I’m a north of the river girl and you can definitely eat your way around Archway…

It’s funny how England has a reputation for having terrible food, but one of my favourite things to do there these days is eat!

Aww what a lovely story! I should have timed reading this better though – it’s 5pm and I’m starving now ha ha! A friend of mine used to live in Brixton but I haven’t been for years – sounds like there’s some amazing places for food – I’m gonna have to pay it a visit next time in in the city I think…

Definitely do so, Keri! Brixton Village is so incredible for eating :-)

Brixton is totally going on my travel list! Also, just looking at those photos makes me hungry (and I have just finished dinner…)

Then my work is done! :-) Glad you enjoyed the post!

Lauren!! You absolutely have to go to Ms. cupcake – its a vegan bakery…..everything they make is to die for! X

Ah, amazing! Will add it to my list :-D

I have only been to London once and never made it to Brixton. However I did spend a day at Camden Market and had an amazing time there.

I love Camden Market! Lots of fun and great for people watching :-)

I got so hungry from reading this post and looking at pics :)

It took me longer than usual to write it because I kept having to head out to grab some food!

My God, Lauren – these photos! Arghghghgh, it’s only 9:20am here and I’m now ridiculously hungry!

I’ve always wanted to try out the mad-hatter’s afternoon tea. Have seen loads of my friends go and then paste the photos all over Facebook. Definitely one to add to the list for when I’m back home next!

Brixton sounds like a food-lover’s dream come true. I love the idea of having a ‘local’ currency, too, in order to help support local businesses. Brilliant.

Haha, sorry! I’ll be writing a post about the mad-hatter’s tea party next week and sharing lots of photos :-)

I live here!! And it’s AWESOME! I love all the places you mention. Would also recommend Spanish… Brindisa, Gremio de Brixton, Boqueria… Or for slightly smarter meals go for Salon or Naughty Piglets. If you want cocktails there’s Shrub and Shutter (although that’s gotten more expensive recently) or the Beast of Brixton. Gremio does good cocktails too. I love the food in Brixton – I’m a triathlon blogger but reviews of Brixton restaurants always seem to creep onto my blog because I just want to give them a big shout-out – so I am so pleased you have done too!!

Yay! I’m glad I could do it justice :-) Thanks so much for the suggestions — I’ve added them all to my list of where to check out when I return (and maybe hopefully move there!)

Yum, the food pictures look delicious! Being in your hometown with a traveller’s mindset is the best thing! I’ve rediscovered my own country recently as well and I’m happy to live at home. Also wandering around with a camera makes you appreciate all the sights you would normally miss!

It makes such a difference, doesn’t it? I was even admiring the lampposts as we were walking around London recently haha!

As a born-and-bred Londoner for 27 years (I moved to Manchester 6 months ago), I’m almost ashamed to say that my only experiences of Brixton have mostly involved underage drinking and various emo gigs at the Academy. I’m travelling at the moment and trying to plan a Christmas visit home with my boyfriend and I think it’s safe to say that eating my way through Brixton is now firmly on my list! …as well as the rugby!

Hahaha! Yes, definitely add Brixton to your list! And the rugby was so. much. fun!

P.S. I love your Taiwan post!

Forget about the food in Brixton and drag Dave down to the O2 and watch a live band. Having just been to see Garbage play the 20th anniversary of their debut album I can definitely recommend it.

Loved the book by the way and from your blog over the years I’m guessing there is more to come ;-)

Ha! Our music tastes don’t align all that often. I’m all about classic rock and he loves grunge. One of the the great things about London, though, is how many people play there! I’d be going to gigs all the time if I lived there :-)

And thank you! So happy to hear you enjoyed my book :-D

That Honest Burger looks and sounds amazing. I will definitely have to check it out on my next visit to London! I’ve never spent much time in Brixton, and now I’m wondering how in the world I missed it.

It’s definitely worth visiting! :-)

Oh wow! I could probably live there too with all that food, and you are right they are not that pricey for London. I lived in the UK for almost 5 years around 12 years ago and haven’t been back since. I remember that I was always complaining about the weather (!) but now I kinda I miss it, especially during the hot and dry season here in Indonesia. And I also miss the prawn cocktail crisps!

Prawn cocktail crisps: so good! It surprises me how much I miss the weather, too.

Oh yum, I could eat everything in this post. Looks like you had an amazing month!

http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com

It was definitely a month of eating! :-D

This has been so helpful. My friends live near Brixton, this article pushed me to get my friends to explore Brixton more. We’ve had great experiences at Mama Lans and Okan. Thanks for posting this!

So happy to hear that, Laura! :-)

Looks like you guys had a fabulous time. Can I explore London with you?? LOL!! Why would you have to fake an American drawl? That is so terrible. Granted I think Brits can fake an American accent better than anyone. You sound even better than Americans do and I am American. LOL!!! Can’t wait to see what your new year of travel brings.

Haha! I fake the accent because nobody can understand my British accent and I get fed up with having to repeat myself 50 times only to have people ask me why I didn’t just pronounce it the American way. Americans usually can’t even understand me when I say my name!

Congratulations on your success with Dave. I have always felt that no matter where you go, home is home. I love food blogs, and yours was that and more. The apartment is stunning, and the food looks delicious. The Mad Hatter’s tea is one party I want to go to. You must have had such a delightful time. Prawn cocktail crisps sound so yummy.

I just love Brixton one of my favourite areas in London always check it out for the Jamaican food to be found there. As for Borough market what a heavenly place for a market fan like me. I adore a good farmer’s market and am hoping to collect guest posts on markets around the world.

Yes! I definitely need to head back there for an eating holiday soon :-)

It was interesting reading about your experience in Brixton. I would be interested to visit the place too if I ever go back to London, though I would not be interested in trying out most of the food. Perhaps, I could get a nice flat too that have a nice little kitchen that I can try out my cooking skills.

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Meet Lauren Juliff

Cost of a Trip to London, GB & the Cheapest Time to Visit London

The average price of a 7-day trip to London is $2,002 for a solo traveler, $3,596 for a couple, and $6,741 for a family of 4 . London hotels range from $77 to $351 per night with an average of $148, while most vacation rentals will cost $280 to $590 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to London City Airport ( LCY ) are between $752 and $1,157 per person for economy flights and $2,360 to $3,631 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $68 to $138 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit London, GB

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to LCY and stay in a London hotel:

• January 8th to March 18th
• April 16th to May 27th (except the week of May 7th)
• September 24th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in London is usually late January and early February .

Average London Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit London for a week is $1,484-$3,209 ($212-$458 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $68 to $138 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $438 to $1,007 for economy

Lodging : $95 to $96 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $168 to $206 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit London for a week is $3,026-$5,482 ($432-$783 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $136 to $276 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $876 to $2,014 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit London for a week is $4,796-$9,746 ($685-$1,392 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $272 to $552 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,752 to $4,028 for economy

Lodging : $190 to $192 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $235 to $309 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to London

How cheap can you make a vacation to London? The cheapest trip to London is about $114 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $21 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $67.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit London for a week is $795-$1,931 ($114-$276 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $33 to $66 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $67 to $77 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $21 to $51 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit London for a week is $1,464-$3,400 ($209-$486 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $66 to $132 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit London for a week is $2,868-$6,800 ($410-$971 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $132 to $264 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $134 to $154 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $32 to $71 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to London cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury London Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in London.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit London for a week is $3,189-$12,141 ($456-$1,734 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $150 to $304 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,077 to $2,225 for first class

Lodging : $177 to $351 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $590 to $1,298 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit London for a week is $5,316-$16,494 ($759-$2,356 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $300 to $608 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,154 to $4,450 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit London for a week is $10,632-$29,874 ($1,519-$4,268 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $600 to $1,216 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $4,308 to $8,900 for first class

Lodging : $354 to $702 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $826 to $2,077 per night for a preferred vacation rental

London Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in London is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in London due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

London Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on London hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in London.

Flight Costs to London

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,157 average in early to mid June to a low of $752 in late January and early February. Median flight price is $879. These prices are based on millions of flights. For London our data includes 251 originating airports, and 85 airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to London from an airport like Stewart International ( SWF ) in Newburgh/Poughkeepsie, NY (the United States) for an average $10,336 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Edinburgh ( EDI ) in Edinburgh (the United Kingdom) at an average of just $124.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Monday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In London, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $406, so you can easily save about 54% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around London can easily cost $490 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $33 per person. Private tours can cost $988 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other London Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Tower Hamlets, the United Kingdom
• London City Centre, the United Kingdom
• St James, the United Kingdom
• Covent Garden, the United Kingdom
• Soho, the United Kingdom
• West End, the United Kingdom
• Fitzrovia, the United Kingdom
• Holborn, the United Kingdom
• Bloomsbury, the United Kingdom
• Mayfair, the United Kingdom

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Mt. Hood National Forest, the United States
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Cape Town, South Africa

How Much Does a Two Week Trip to London Cost?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning a two-week trip to London and wondering how much it might cost? Well, the answer largely depends on your travel style, preferences, and budget. However, here’s a breakdown of the typical expenses you can expect during your trip to London.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation is one of the significant expenses during any trip. In London, you can find plenty of options ranging from hostels to luxury hotels.

On average, a budget hostel or guesthouse might cost around £20-£30 per night. A mid-range hotel might range from £70-£150 per night, while a luxury hotel can be upwards of £200 per night.

Transportation

Taking public transport is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around London. The city has an extensive network of buses, underground trains (Tube), and overground trains (National Rail).

A single journey on the Tube or bus costs around £2.40 with an Oyster card (a rechargeable smart card for travel). If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider buying a Travelcard or Visitor Oyster card that offers unlimited travel for a specific period.

Food and Drinks

London is known for its diverse culinary scene with plenty of options ranging from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. On average, expect to spend around £10-£15 for a meal at a fast-food joint or pub.

For a mid-range restaurant meal, you might spend anywhere between £20-£40 per person. Drinks are comparatively expensive in London; expect to pay £4-£6 for beer/wine and £10-£15 for cocktails at bars.

Entertainment

There’s no shortage of things to do in London with several free museums and galleries such as the British Museum and Tate Modern. However, some attractions might charge a fee, such as the London Eye or Madame Tussauds. On average, expect to spend around £20-£30 per attraction.

Additional Expenses

Apart from the above expenses, you might incur additional costs such as shopping, tours, and nightlife. Budget around £50-£100 per week for these expenses.

Based on the above estimates, a two-week trip to London can cost anywhere between £1,000-£3,000 per person. However, this cost can vary depending on your travel style and preferences.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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London price guide | calculating the daily costs to visit london.

How to estimate your budget for food, hostels, hotels, attractions, alcohol & more for visiting London on a budget.

London is a world-class city but It’s also one of the most expensive cities in the world. Luckily, hostels are reasonably affordable (at least for a major city) and there are plenty of great free museums. However, the cost of attractions and food prices will put a major dent in your budget.

In this London travel price guide, we’ll outline the estimated travel expenses for food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and other things that you’ll experience so you can better budget your trip to London.

This London Price Guide is part of our  City Price Guide Series  where we break down the travel costs of Europe’s most popular cities.

Average Daily Cost For Visiting London

It costs around £60-£95/day ($75-$115) to visit London comfortably as a budget traveler. These prices are based on what you’ll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler.  

If you want to upgrade your accommodations, add another £40-£100/night depending on your stay. These prices also don’t include things like big nights out at the bar/pub, club entry fees, souvenir/clothing shopping, tours, random purchases, nicer food, etc.

Daily Cost of Budget Travel in London: £92 (Approx. $115)

• Attractions:  £20 (one paid attraction + any free museums)
• Breakfast: £4
• Dinner: £15
• Treat (dessert/beer/wine): 4
• Transportation:  £8
• Accommodation (hostel): £33/night

Daily Cost of Frugal Travel in London: £57 (Approx. $70)

• Attractions: £10 (visit one of the many free museums and do a free tour)
• Breakfast: £2
• Lunch: £6 (ethnic street food or takeaway shop fare)
• Dinner: £10 (cook your own meal in the hostel or cheap takeout)
• Transportation: £2.30 (single tube ride)
• Accommodation (cheap hostel bed): £23/night

London Attraction and Museum Prices

Good news… London has amazing museums and most of them are completely free. Bad news… all the other attractions are expensive. However, you might be able to save some money by using the London Pass if you plan on visiting multiple attractions. Read our London Pass Review for more information.

• Tower of London :  £29.90
• London Eye : £31-£53
• St. Paul’s Cathedral : £20.50
• Buckingham Palace :  £30-£33
• Westminster Abbey :  £27.00
• British Museum :  Free
• Victoria and Albert Museum :  Free
• National Gallery :  Free
• Imperial War Museum :  Free
• Tate Modern :  Free
• Natural History Museum :  Free
• Walking Tours: Free (but you should tip the guides) — £20+

Tip: Many attractions now offer online booking and there is often a small discount for booking online vs buying tickets at the door (and you get to skip the ticket line).

London Food Prices

England isn’t traditionally known for great food but London does have a world-renowned food scene—but that high-end food is a budget killer. Budget travelers will have to stick to the basics, and even then, the food isn’t cheap. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to cook for yourself as much as possible.

Check out The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To London On A Budget because it has a ton of great budget-friendly restaurants.

Budget Breakfast Prices in London: £ 3-£10

• Many hostels will offer a free, simple breakfast that normally consists of cereal, bread/croissant, and maybe milk, coffee, tea, or juice (some hostels will offer more and some less).
• A traditional English breakfast from a typical café will cost £6-£9.
• You can also find plenty of budget-friendly options at the bakery or grocery store. Croissants and other baked goods start at around £1.50. Coffee from a typical café will cost around £2.50-£4.

Budget Lunch Prices in London: £5-£15

• Super-budget travelers can make a super cheap lunch of bread, cheese, and fruit from any grocery store for a few pounds.
• Takeaway meals (like kebabs with fries) or similar dishes from a takeaway shop will cost about £7-£9.
• Check out street markets for pizza, falafel, tagines, burritos, curries, wraps, and sandwiches for £5-£9.
• A simple, yet filling and tasty, lunch from a local (i.e. non-touristy) restaurant will cost about £10-£15.

Budget Dinner Prices in London: £7-£18

• Budget travelers will want to seek out the many ethnic restaurants in London. It isn’t too tough to find a good meal for about £12-£18.
• McDonald’s combo meal (burger, fries, and a drink) will cost about £7.
• Fish and chips from a quality fish and chips shop will cost around £8-£12 for takeaway and a bit more to dine in.
• A simple, yet filling and tasty, meal from a local (i.e. non-touristy) restaurant will cost about £12-£18.
• Many of the options from the Budget Lunch section above also apply to dinner.

Drinks and Alcohol Prices in London

• Pint of standard beer out: £3.20-£6+
• Pint of beer from a grocery store: £1-£2
• A glass of the house wine at a restaurant: £4-£5+

Local-Favorite Budget Restaurants in London:

Here are a few budget restaurants that I pulled from our Guide To London On A Budget .

FISHCOTHEQUE

This traditional hole-in-the-wall joint is tucked under a bridge and serves up generous portions for a reasonable price. They’re a local favorite so it can get busy during lunch and dinner.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £15-£18
• See On Google Maps

Opened in 1982, this bustling award-winning shop serves up some of the best traditional fish and chips in London. Dine-in or takeaway.

• Order of Fish and Chips: £10-£14

GIGS FISH & CHIPS

Opened in 1958, Gigs obviously knows what they’re doing if they’ve survived this long in a city that seems to have a chippy everywhere you look. 

• Order of Fish and Chips: £9 (takeaway) – £14.50 (dine-in)
• See on Google Maps

REGENCY CAFE

Cheap, no-frills, delicious, and always busy (get there early to avoid a long wait). This authentic spot has been around since 1946 and is a local favorite.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £6.00

TERRY’S CAFE

Old-school, family-run cafe. Quality food for a good price. A local favorite since 1982.

• Full English Breakfast: Starts at £8.50-£12

Expect long lines and excellent Bombay-style comfort food at this popular restaurant. The prices are fair, the atmosphere is buzzing, and the quality of food and drinks is excellent. Many people say this is their favorite Indian restaurant in London.

• Main Dishes: £9-£15

Solid Italian-style pizza at a solid price. 

• Prices: £5.50-£8.50

GODDARDS AT GREENWICH (BRITISH)

This traditional pie mash restaurant has been around since 1890 and they serve up handmade pie & mash daily at a fair price. They have some nice traditional British desserts as well.

• Main Dishes: £5.50-£9

SÔNG QUÊ CAFÉ (VIETNAMESE/PHO)

Excellent Vietnamese place to get authentic beef pho at a great price. Super popular so expect a line.

• Main Dishes: £7.50-£10

London Transportation Prices

London is a big city so you’ll need to use public transportation a few times during your visit. Unfortunately, it can be kind of expensive and it can be a bit confusing because London has multiple travel zones which determine the price.

You should use an Oyster Card (a refillable travel card) or contactless payment as these methods greatly reduce the ticket price vs buying a single one-way ticket.

• Single One-Way Ticket:  £6.30
• Single One-Way Fare with Oyster Card:  £2.80 (peak), £2.70 (off-peak)
• Max Day Fare:  £8.10 (you’ll never pay more than £9.10 in a single day when using the Oyster Card)
• Heathrow Express (fast train between LHR and London— travel time 15min):  £22.50-£25
• London Underground (between airport and city — travel time 60min): £5.70
• Heathrow Connect (30min journey): £10.30
• Bus from LHR airport into the city (60-80min):  £6-£10
• Taxi LHR airport into the city:  £50 – £70

London Hostel, Hotel, & Rental Apartment Prices

London has plenty of hostels throughout the city and all the competition helps lower hostel prices—but you still shouldn’t expect cheap prices. Don’t expect much from budget hotels as most are small, rundown, and dingy. Apartment rentals can be a very attractive option if you’re traveling with two or more people.

Hostel Prices in London: £23-£47/night

The nightly price of a well-rated hostel in London starts around £30 per person—although many hostels raise their prices on the weekend. Remember, these prices are for a bed in a shared dorm room. Private rooms start are around £110-£160/night.  Check out the latest London hostel prices at  Hostelworld .

Here is a list of the top-rated hostels in London:

• Wombats City Hostel London
• Astor Hyde Park
• Astor Queensway
• Barmy Badger Backpackers
• MEININGER London Hyde Park

Check out The Savvy Backpacker’s guide to The Best Hostels in London to get a more in-depth look at London’s various hostel options.

Budget Hotel Prices in London: £90-£150 /night

Budget hotels in central London start around £70-£95/night but the quality will be low. A well-rated budget hotel in London starts at around £130-£145/night. Prices do rise if you book last minute—especially during the summer and Christmas.

We suggest checking out  Booking.com  to see hotel prices for your dates since they’re always changing.

Rental Apartment Prices in London: £90-£170+ /night

London has a lot of rental apartments throughout the city. They can be a good option for large groups or travelers who want a little more space (and a kitchen). On the other hand, you may also have to deal with inconvenient check-in processes and things like extra cleaning fees and service charges. For short stays, we prefer hotels/hostels but rental apartments can be a nice option for longer stays. Airbnb is always popular but you can sometimes find cheaper/better options on our list of  Airbnb Alternatives .

LEARN MORE ABOUT EUROPE TRAVEL COSTS

Check out our guide on  How Much It Costs To Backpack Europe  to learn more about budgeting your entire trip (including many more city price guides).

Be sure to also check out our London Travel Guide and our Guide to London on a Budget for more London travel tips.

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Is London Expensive? London Trip Cost Guide in 2024

Last Updated on December 14, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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Is London expensive to visit? Though it is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities on earth and has so much to offer visitors — from an incredible history to world-class museums to an incredible restaurant scene to some of the best theatre in existence — London also has a reputation for being quite a pricey destination. So how much will a London trip cost?

While London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, it is possible to visit on a budget with an average trip to London costing £75-245 per day (roughly $95-310 USD).

You can budget at the lower end if you’re staying in budget accommodation, cooking your own meals and visiting mainly free attractions. A higher budget is required if you prefer to stay in nicer accommodation and want to eat out regularly.

Having lived in this incredible city for a few years, I gained some great insight into the general costs associated with travelling to London.

Table of Contents

London Trip Cost Guide

This guide will break down prices across accommodation, transport, food, activities and entertainment to help you understand how expensive is London and where you can potentially save some budget.

Accommodation Prices

The first aspect of any London travel budget that you need to consider is the cost of accommodation as it is likely to take up the biggest percentage of your average cost of a trip to London. I am going to be frank here; traditional accommodation options in London can be expensive. This includes even the budget traveller strongholds of backpacker hostels.

And if you want to stay in a hostel dorm in or around Central London (and you don’t really want to be far from the centre because you will inevitably end up spending quite a lot of time on public transport if not), then you can expect to pay at least £35 per night for that privilege.

If you’re travelling as a couple or with a friend, you might think you can save money by getting a private room in a hostel. However, Central London hostels tend to be just as expensive as a budget hotel, with prices clocking in at around £150 for the most basic of rooms.

It might seem a bit fruitless to expect to save any money on accommodation in London, however, this doesn’t have to be the case. Enter: Airbnb.

While entire private flats on Airbnb in London can be quite expensive, nevermind the fact that there is a considerable amount of controversy surrounding them (ie. they’re driving up rent prices and contributing to a housing crisis for people who actually live in the city – there is already and incredibly high cost of living in London), renting a private room through Airbnb is an incredibly popular and cost-effective way to cut down on your overall trip cost.

On average, a private room on Airbnb located in or close to Central London will start around £75 per night, depending on the location. If you are splitting this cost between two people, it can actually work out to be quite affordable to stay in London.

Of course, you’re not going to get all of the amenities associated with staying in a hotel or hostel, however, you do get the added benefit of seeing exactly what it’s like for locals in London (it’s not nearly as glamorous as you might think!) while saving money at the same time.

For those looking to stay in a hotel while in London, expect a budget to mid-range hotel to start at around £1050 per night a bit outside of the centre and going up to about £200 in Central London. For a high-end stay in the centre of the city, don’t expect to pay anything less than £250-300 per night.

Transportation Prices

London is HUGE and a surprisingly large amount of visitors don’t seem to realise this. However, this will become immediately apparent as soon as you leave the airport (any of them) and realise it takes at least an hour to get to Central London.

So basically, you’re going to be spending some money on transportation unless you are keen to walk about 20 miles each day.

Getting from the airport to Central London

The first thing you need to consider when it comes to transportation costs is getting to Central London from the airport. Greater London is served by a whopping six different airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and London Southend — only two of which (Heathrow and City) are actually technically IN London.

It is most likely that you will begin your trip at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, which is where the majority of long-haul flights arrive. However, if you’re coming to London from elsewhere in Europe and are flying a budget airline such as Ryanair, Easyjet, or Wizzair, you will probably fly into Stansted or Luton.

We travelled frequently and our trips were mostly limited to these airports when we lived in London. Though we have flown in and out of Southend a couple of times, we have yet to have the opportunity to travel through London City and I’m not even sure which airlines operate out of it.

There are trains from all airports that serve most major London stations and it is almost always less expensive to book these trains in advance. Make sure to do your research before you arrive to find out the best route to your accommodation and book try to book your train at least one week ahead of time in order to get a good deal. Expect the journey to cost around £15-20 one way. It is also cheaper to book a return ticket.

If you are flying into Heathrow, however, there is another option for transport into the city that, for some reason, is rarely marketed toward tourists. You might have only read that you have to take the Heathrow Express from the airport, which goes from the airport to Paddington Station in about twenty minutes. This is fast, yes, but it’s also quite expensive — even if you book in advance.

It is also extremely likely that you’re going to need to transfer to the bus or underground in order to reach your accommodation unless you’re staying in Paddington itself — and you really shouldn’t be if you’re trying to save money.

The best option to get from Heathrow to Central London is to take the Piccadilly Line (which is dark blue on the tube map) of the underground. It might take more time, however, it will save you a considerable amount of money (it will cost roughly £4 depending on the time/day you’re travelling).

There are signs for the tube around every Heathrow terminal and you can’t miss it. Take this time to purchase an Oyster Card (you will have to pay a £5 deposit, which you can get back upon returning the card when you leave) and load some money on it as well. You also can use a contactless credit or debit card in the same way. This is your ticket to affordable transport all around London.

Cost of transport in London

Once you’ve figured out how to get from the airport into Central London, you’re going to need to factor in the cost of actually getting around London. As I mentioned earlier, London is a massive city and it is entirely unlikely that you can see everything you want on foot.

Luckily, the British capital has an excellent public transport system that will get you everywhere you need to go. However, it just so happens to be one of the most expensive in the world.

Your best bet to combat high travel costs is to invest in an Oyster card, which you can get at any tube station and top off with however much money you might need. The benefit of using an Oyster card vs purchasing single-journey tickets or travel cards is that the Oyster has daily travel caps .

You can also use a contactless credit or debit card in the same way, and save your £5 for the Oyster card. Contactless cards are still subject to the same caps as Oyster cards.

This means if you are travelling within zones 1-2 in the transport system (and it is highly unlikely that you will travel beyond that) the maximum amount of money you will be charged per day is £8.10. When one single tube journey costs around £2.80, this can be a significant amount of savings if you are going to take more than three trips in a day.

Another way to save money on transit is to take the bus wherever possible. Any journey on the iconic red double-decker buses in London costs £1.75 no matter where in the city you are going. Another benefit is that if you need to change buses on your journey, you won’t be charged the £1.75 fee again if you switch within an hour.

A great way to keep on top of all of the best routes to your destination and to weigh the expenses of them is to use an app called CityMapper. This is what most Londoners use to get places and it can be invaluable to tourists as well.

Another tip to save money while travelling in London is to avoid taking black cabs whenever possible. These taxis, though iconic to London, are notoriously expensive and I know very few locals who use them frequently.

If you need to get somewhere and public transport isn’t running (say it’s after midnight or there’s a tube strike), then use Uber or Bolt. These ride-sharing apps are considerably less expensive than the traditional cabs. Keep in mind that if there are public transit issues, fares may be inflated.

All in, you really shouldn’t have to spend more than £10/day on transport when you’re visiting London, factoring in the cost of getting to and from the airport.

Food Prices

As one of the most international cities in the world, London has a thriving food scene and it is possible to get cuisine from nearly every single country in this one city. It is time to shed any preconceived notions about British food when visiting London because the restaurant and street food scene here is absolutely fantastic. It can, however, greatly impact your overall London trip cost.

While London is home to some of the greatest restaurants in the world, these can come with a steep price tag. It is, however, entirely possible to enjoy some of the best cuisine that London has to offer while still maintaining a tight travel budget.

The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to limit your eating out (in a restaurant, at least) to once per day. Stop by a supermarket and pick up some things for breakfast to make at your accommodation, or stay somewhere that offers breakfast in the room rate.

For lunch, the best way to save money is to take advantage of “meal deals” from local supermarkets. These include pre-made sandwiches, a packet of crisps or popcorn, and a drink all for around £5 depending on where you’re shopping.

All major supermarkets offer these, but it is worth noting that Waitrose tends to be more expensive (they’re the posh supermarket). We would recommend looking at Sainsbury’s, Co-Op, or Tesco.

Street food can also be affordable and London is blessed with a seemingly endless amount of street food markets. The most popular for tourists would likely be Borough Market near London Bridge, which is open every day but Sunday, and has so many food stalls that it can be incredibly hard to choose what to eat.

Other popular markets include Brick Lane (open weekends), Broadway Market (open Saturdays), KERB Camden (open daily), and Southbank Centre food market near the London Eye (open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

A street food meal can be more expensive than a meal deal from a supermarket, but you do get more option and a higher quality of food. Expect to pay around £5-10 for a meal from a food market.

If you want to eat out in London — and you should, there are a number of great restaurants in the city — follow the advice I say for literally every single city in the world: don’t eat anywhere near a main tourist attraction.

Restaurants like these are catered directly toward tourists and can cost more than 20% more than a restaurant catered toward Londoners and savvy visitors such as yourself. Eating away from tourist sites can really cut down on your overall cost of a trip to London.

If you do go eat out, expect a main dish at a mid-range restaurant to cost somewhere around £12-15 and a starter to cost around £8-10. Add about 10-20% to that if you’re eating at a higher-end place.

All in all, you really don’t need to break the bank if you want to experience the food culture of London. You can expect to spend around £15-20 per day if cooking the majority of your own meals and closer to £30-40 if having one or two mid-range meals out per day.

Activity Prices

Now that we’ve covered such basic needs as food, shelter, and transportation, it’s time to cover the cost of actually doing things in London.

There is a ton to do in this amazing city and, luckily for travellers, a vast majority of it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Sure, tourist attractions in London like Madame Tussauds , the London Eye , and the Tower of London can charge quite a bit to enter, some of the most famous and best museums in the world are completely free.

These include the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Science Museum among numerous others. If planning on visiting a number of the paid attractions, the London Go City Pass can save money on entry fees.

You could easily spend a number of days hopping from museum to museum in London and only spend money on your transport and food for the day.

Another great and affordable sightseeing option in London is to take a free walking tour. There are myriad tour operators throughout the city that offer different free tours through various boroughs and neighbourhoods. While the tour themselves are free, you do need to tip the guide — usually around £10-15 depending on the quality and length of the tour.

There are also a number of paid walking tours you can take — such as an East End street art tour — that won’t break the bank either, usually these clock in at around £20 depending on the operator. Often, it can be cheaper for you to book the tour online in advance, so make sure to do your research beforehand.

If you’re keen to go to the theatre while in London, note that West End tickets can be very expensive. However, there are definitely ways to get around the steep price. If you don’t mind sitting in the nosebleed section, it can actually be quite affordable — the cheapest tickets often cost around £30.

Another fantastic way to save on West End theatre is to enter a ticket lottery. Many of the top shows offer these where you can enter in to win some of the best seats in the house for around £20. How shows run lotteries differ, however, it can be worth doing a quick Google search of “west end show” + “lottery” to find out the process for whatever you might want to see.

Another great way to save on theatre is to look away from the West End. There are fantastic productions all throughout London and it can be a lot cheaper than staying in the main theatre district. Some theatres, such as the Hampstead Theatre in North London, offer £10 tickets to those under 30 and they have incredible production quality and some big-name actors as well.

All in all, though, if you’re planning on keeping your average London trip cost low, you don’t really need to budget more than £10-15 per day on activities.

Entertainment Prices

Now we come to the last factor you need to consider in your overall London holiday cost: entertainment. London has a famous nightlife and pub culture and no visit to the Big Smoke is complete without sampling it.

Well, unfortunately for budget travellers, booze prices in London can be exceptionally high. While that should stop you from heading to a cosy pub and grabbing a beer, it is worth knowing that a pint will set you back around £5-6 in Central London, often more depending on what kind of beer it is.

London is also famous for its cocktail bars, however, a cocktail in the city will set you back considerably more than a pint.

If you head to one of the hip, subterranean, speakeasy-style cocktail bars that have become so popular in London over the past few years, expect to pay around £12-15 per drink. Oftentimes, it is more depending on the esteem of the bar and where it is located.

If you want to have a great London drinking experience without breaking the bank, consider purchasing your booze from the supermarket or liquor store. A bottle of beer will cost around £1.50-2 and a decent bottle of wine will cost around £10-15.

If the weather is fine, find a place in a park or a bench along Regent’s Canal or River Thames and enjoy your drink while watching London go by.

Not only do locals do this kind of thing frequently, but your bank balance will also surely thank you as well. One of the best ways to cut down on your overall trip cost is to limit how much and where you drink alcohol.

All in, if you want to enjoy a few drinks daily while visiting London, then plan to budget about £10-20 per person per day for this.

Average London Travel Cost

The above factors considered, here is how much you should expect to spend per person per day if you’re spending a week in London. This is assuming you are travelling as a couple so are splitting some costs and doesn’t include any pre-trip expenses (like investing in a good coat for London !) If you are travelling solo, expect some things (namely accommodation) to cost a bit more.

Accommodation:  £35-150/night

Transport:  £10-20/day

Food:  £15-40/day

Activities: £5-15/day

Entertainment:  £10-20/day

Overall, you can plan to spend an average of around £75-245 per day while visiting London. The lower costs will apply if you’re staying outside of the centre in budget accommodation and cooking most of your own meals. While the higher end will apply for travellers who wish to stay in nicer accommodation and eat out around once per day.

Many people think that London is an expensive place to visit and fail to do the proper research on how to adequately budget. If you are smart about where you spend your money and how you travel, your total travel costs can be minimal.

Are you planning to visit London? Have questions about the prices? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thank you for all the wonderful information. I will be using your suggestions on my trip to London in June. Darlene

This has been one of the, if not the most helpful travel blogs I have read for London. Thank you so much!

Thanks, Lilly! I’m so happy you’ve found this helpful 🙂

Incredible information. Thanks.

Love the information and the ideas thank you

Planning on living in London for a while and this helped a lot with the preparation. It’s made me a lot more excited to live in a different city. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

So happy that I could help! Hope you have a great time living in London 🙂

Going to travel to London this August. Thank you Maggie. Your page answered ALL my questions and now I have a better attitude and peace about this trip.

Happy I could be of help, Kenneth! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

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Top tips for visiting London on a budget

Mar 11, 2024 • 7 min read

You can see the best of London without blowing your budget © AzmanJaka / Getty Images

London has a reputation as one of the most eye-wateringly expensive cities to visit in Europe. Its fame and global appeal have long made it a top "bucket list" destination, with jacked-up accommodation prices and exorbitantly priced experiences, from swanky fine dining to designer shopping.

But there are easy ways to enjoy London without taking out a giant bank loan. Follow these transport, accommodation and meal hacks to save stacks of cash when exploring England's capital.

Daily costs

• Dorm bed in a hostel: £15–30
• Basic hotel room for two: £100–200
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from £100
• Daily transport travel card: £15.20
• Cup of coffee: £2–6
• Lunchtime sandwich: £3–8
• Three-course restaurant dinner for two: from £80
• A pint of beer at the bar: £4–8
• Theatre ticket for a West End show: £25
• Average daily cost: £200

Flying is generally the cheapest way to get to London

Europe's budget airlines, including EasyJet , Ryanair , Wizz Air , Wow Air and others offer hugely competitive fares to the UK capital. However, check which airport you are flying into, as you may have to tag on the price of a costly train fare if you arrive at an airport farther from the center (including London Stansted, London Southend, London Luton and London Gatwick). Also check flight times, as arriving early in the morning (particularly on a weekday) can mean tricky transport links, and possibly a pricey taxi transfer to town.

Stay outside central London to find lower overnight rates

London is divided into nine transport zones, with the most expensive accommodations found in the center in Zone 1 and Zone 2. To save money on accommodation rates, consider staying in Zone 3 or Zone 4 near a Tube station – you'll pay less and you can still take public transport to the main attractions. Good deals can be found in areas such as Stratford and Islington, or try near King’s Cross if you must be downtown. Budget motel-style hotels such as Premier Inn and Travelodge are another option, as are hostels for solo travelers. Prices for Airbnb apartments can also be reasonable if you're traveling in a group (stay in the suburbs for lower rates).

Take a walk or use public transport to get around

London is a huge, sprawling city – it would take more than a day to walk across town from east to west. However, in central London, distances between attractions are very walkable, often along atmospheric old streets lined with historic buildings. When your legs get weary, hop on a red London bus or take the Tube to cover more distance.

Another great option is to rent a Santander Cycle from one of the docking stations dotted around the center. This budget transport option costs less than £2 per day, allowing unlimited trips if you ride and dock within 30 minutes on each trip.

Take advantage of pre-theater restaurant deals

Dinner in the West End is usually cheaper if you go before the curtain call. Many restaurants in London's "Theatreland" offer three-course meals for a fraction of the regular price, starting from when they open at around 5pm until around 7:30pm, on the condition that you'll be gone by the time the shows start. Another option is to dine out earlier in the week (Monday to Wednesday) when restaurants and pubs offer "Taco Tuesdays" and "Steak Clubs" and other similar offers. 

Buy theater tickets far in advance

Sign up to theater mailing lists when you book your trip to London, and whenever a show you are interested in begins its run. Tickets in the West End can cost as little as £20 booked ahead of time, but you might pay hundreds if you leave booking to the day before. Some last-minute theater booking websites may have tickets available for the next day, but these will likely cost you more.

Budget diners should look for end-of-the-night deals

Apps such as Too Good To Go can help you find takeaway meals at restaurants just before closing time, at a fraction of the normal price. Sometimes the food can be a mixed bag, and you may not know what you’ll be getting until you turn up – it's not ideal for fussy eaters, but it helps restaurants reduce food waste, serving up portions that would typically be thrown away.

Save money on attractions with a discount pass

Buy a London Pass and you'll get free entry to some 80 attractions in the city, including the Tower of London , Hampton Court Palace , London Zoo and Windsor Castle . If you plan on visiting multiple sights over several days, the savings can be considerable. If you intend to visit royal attractions such as the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace , consider getting a Historic Royal Palaces annual membership (from £55 for unlimited entries), as admission fees for these attractions average around the £25 mark for each visit.

Hit the free museums and galleries

One of the best things about London is the fact that many of its world-class attractions don’t charge a penny, from the extraordinary Natural History Museum and Science Museum to the magnificent Tate Modern . There are also free theater shows, music concerts, movie screenings and more (read our guide to free London for tips).

Eat street food at London’s many markets

Visiting London's street markets will give you a chance to support local vendors, and you'll also get to sample home-grown British produce and all sorts of flavors from around the world, often for just a few pounds. Camden Market , Borough Market , Seven Dials Market and Broadway Market are some of the best. Many vendors are happy to offer free samples before you buy.

Eat local foods to save on cash

There’s a reason we say "cheap as chips" – a bag of chips in a local chippy (fish and chips joint) should only set you back a few pounds if you head out of the center. It’s one of the cheapest, most filling meals you can eat in the capital. Alternatively, hit a local "greasy spoon" cafe – these traditionally working-class joints offer breakfasts (usually fried) for less than £10 in a cafeteria-like setting.

Head to a traditional East End pie-and-mash shop to try another working-class delicacy that won’t break the bank; expect to pay £5–15 for a full liquor-slathered pie with mashed potatoes. Alternatively, eat at the pub, where meals are usually a fraction of the price of a restaurant (again, head out of central London to get the most bang for your buck). Also, seek out all-you-can-eat curry buffets (like the one served by Indian Veg in Islington’s Chapel Market) to load up on tasty Indian dishes for around £15.

Go to a BYOB restaurant

Dining establishments without a liquor license often allow patrons to bring their own bottles of booze, either for free or with a small corkage charge. This means you can get your plonk in a supermarket for a fraction of the price charged by restaurants, and save a ton on service charges too.

Hit the happy hour drinks deals

If you’re prepared to drink early – typically between 3pm and 6pm – you'll save money on cocktails, beers and wines in London. Look for details of the best happy hour deals on listings websites such as Design My Night , Time Out , Secret London and London Drinks Guide . Happy hours usually run from Monday to Friday and target workers leaving the office early.

Students, children and over-60s get discounts

Discounts for students, children and the over-60s are available at many tourist attractions, at some entertainment venues and on public transport. Checking for these discounts every time is an easy way to save cash. Free events are regularly held for these groups too; check on attraction websites and social media for upcoming deals.

Check for voucher deals online 

Spas, tour companies, stores, restaurants and some tourist sights offer regular voucher deals online (see websites such as VoucherCodes , Groupon and Wowcher ). Also look out for promo coupons for family attractions such as the London Aquarium and Legoland Windsor on packets of snacks and breakfast cereals. It’s well worth checking for internet or app deals before you book any London experience.

This article was first published September 2023 and updated March 2024

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Jan 29, 2020 • 9 min read

Find cheap flights to London from $136

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to london departing on 10/3. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to london.

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Cheap flight deals to London

Flights to london - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to london to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to london.

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight to London was $136 for a one-way ticket from New York and $361 for a round-trip. The most popular route searched for by our users was for flights from Los Angeles to London and the best round-trip deal found in the last 3 days was $369.

How much is a flight to London?

On average, a flight to london costs $690. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $122 and departed from miami. the most popular routes on kayak are los angeles to london which costs $792 on average, and new york to london, which costs $674 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to london, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to london is wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $819. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $893 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to london, the cheapest month for flights to london is january, where tickets cost $558 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are june and july, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $995 and $922 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is january with an average price of $535., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to london, the cheapest time of day to fly to london is generally in the evening, when flights cost $593 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to london is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $667., what is a good deal for flights to london, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to london, 25% of our users found tickets to london for the following prices or less: from new york john f kennedy intl airport $314 one-way - $555 round-trip, from los angeles $340 one-way - $589 round-trip, from chicago o'hare intl airport $467 one-way - $698 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to london, to get a below average price, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 87 days before departure., which is the cheapest airport to fly into in london, prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in london is london southend airport, with an average flight price of $73., which airlines fly to london, airlines flying the most to london from united states are british airways, american airlines and virgin atlantic. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to london., which airline offers the most flights to london, of the 6 airlines that fly to london, british airways offers the most flights, with around 473 per week, followed by easyjet with 315 flights per week., how many airports are there in london, there are 6 airports in london: london heathrow airport (lhr), london gatwick airport (lgw), london stansted airport (stn), london luton airport (ltn), london city airport (lcy) and london southend airport (sen). the busiest airport is london heathrow airport (lhr), with 50% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to london, the duration of your flight to london depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to london on kayak are from boston , which takes 6h 20m, new york , which takes 6h 50m, miami , which takes 8h 45m, and san francisco , which takes 10h 19m., how many direct flights to london are there each day, there are around 224 direct flights from within united states to london every day. most flights depart in the evening, with 6:00 pm the most common departure time and 56% of flights departing in the evening., how many direct flights to london are there each week, each week there are around 1,564 direct flights from within united states to london. the most common day for departures is friday, with 15% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to london each week, each week, there are 1,462 long haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration) and 103 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration) to london. there aren't any short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration)., how many cities have direct flights to london, from the united states, there are direct flights to london from 30 cities. the city with the most direct flights is new york, with 374 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to london, faqs - booking london flights, how many terminals does heathrow airport have.

Heathrow Airport (LHR) has four terminals: Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Travelers can walk through the pedestrian underpass from terminals 2 to 3 and vice versa. You can use the free shuttle trains or underground London services when connecting to other terminals. Moving from one airport terminal to another takes about 20 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is recognized worldwide as home to the royal family. The state rooms are open to the public for ten weeks during the summer and selected days during winter and spring. London City Airport (LCY) is the closest to the palace, 9.2 miles away. Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 15 miles, London Gatwick Airport (GBR) is 34 miles, London Luton Airport (GBR) is 34.3 miles, and London Stansted Airport (STN) is 39.5 miles from the palace.

How do I get to the city from London City Airport (LCY)?

There are various ways to get into the city from London City Airport (LCY). First, you can take a public bus which takes 50 minutes to the city and will cost £5 (about $6). A Taxi ride costs £41 ($50) and takes 15 minutes. A train ride costs £5 (about $6) and takes 21 minutes and lastly, a shuttle ride costs £58 (about $50) and will take you 21 minutes.

What services are there for business travelers in Heathrow?

Heathrow has bookable meeting rooms, such as its Regus Express business lounge, which can be rented by the hour. Along with their premium lounges, business travelers can also rent cell phones and pre-order foreign currency in advance, ensuring that the required currency will be available upon arrival. These services further enhance the convenience for business travelers.

Which London airport is closest to downtown?

London City Airport (LCY) is the closest in terms of physical proximity to the downtown area and can be reached via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and city buses. However, most of its flights are short hauls to mainland Europe. If your flight to London originated across the Atlantic, chances are that Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the best airport option for quick access to the city.

Which London airport offers good services for families traveling with children?

Both Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (GBR) have excellent facilities for families and children. Heathrow’s Stay & Play is available in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 and features slides, play spots, and separate areas for babies and young children. At Gatwick, there are Kids zones in both the North and South Terminals, both of which provide play areas and free TV for young travelers.

Can I store my luggage at Heathrow Airport (LHR)?

Layovers are frequent at Heathrow Airport (LHR). The airport has excellent luggage storage facilities managed by Excess Baggage Company, where storage duration determines charges. Baggage and luggage can be stored for a few hours or up to 90 days. 0-3 hours will cost you £7.50 and 3-24 hours will cost you £12.50.

Are there good restaurants in Heathrow?

Heathrow Airport (LHR) has an expansive restaurant selection, ranging from fine dining to quick bites. Additionally, you can even order your food in advance from participating restaurants via the LHR London Heathrow Airport app. Furthermore, many restaurants in Heathrow offer 15-minute menus, as they understand that every minute counts during your travels.

Which London airport is closest to central London?

Out of the 6 airports in London, London City is the nearest to the city center (8 miles). You'll travel 14 miles to reach the center of London if you land in London Heathrow Airport, 24 miles if you land in London Gatwick Airport, and 28 miles if you arrive in London Luton Airport.

On average, a flight to London costs $690. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $122 and departed from Miami Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to London?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to London.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to London?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to London?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to London with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to London?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to London

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest London flight deals.
• Landing at any of the six international airports in London guarantees an excellent travel experience. These airports have passenger assistants to help travelers navigate through the airports and special assistance programs for those who require extra help. Programs such as the Sunflower Lanyard at London Luton Airport (GBR) and London Southend Airport (SEN), as well as the Blue Badge scheme at Heathrow Airport (LHR), assist airport employees in identifying travelers who may need additional assistance.
• Inter-terminal movements are often unavoidable at Heathrow Airport (LHR). If you land at the airport, you will need to obtain a free inter-terminal ticket from one of the machines at the station in order to use the airport shuttles. However, if you have a connecting flight at Heathrow, you won't need to use the shuttles. The airport provides frequent flight connections and buses to take you to the next terminal without leaving the passenger-only area.
• Flights to London can land you in any number of airports serving the greater London area . Six international airports service London and, in terms of number of passengers served, they rank as follows: Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (GBR), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (GBR), London City Airport (LCY) and London Southend Airport (SEN). Lucky travelers flying to London have a plethora of options.
• The most popular airport, Heathrow Airport (LHR) easily connects to the London Underground and can be reached via the Piccadilly Line. Travel time should be under an hour and a single-way fare will be upwards of £6 (around USD $8.00). Heathrow has three separate stations on the London Underground: one for terminals 2 and 3 and one each for terminals 4 and 5.
• Landing at London Gatwick Airport (GBR)? There are several popular ways to reach the city from the airport. Trains run to London Bridge and Victoria, and many locations around the city are reachable from London Blackfriars. As if that weren't enough, coaches and shuttle buses also offer services to numerous other locations across the city.
• When traveling with a lot of luggage and flying to Heathrow Airport (LHR), you can request porter services available at the airport. You can hail a porter in the baggage halls, and they will assist you with your luggage. Porters charge £30 for 1-8 bags and operate from 6 am to 9 pm.
• If you love animal therapy, you should consider landing at London Southend Airport (SEN). The airport has partnered with Essex Therapy Dogs to provide therapy dogs. These dogs roam around the airport's terminals seeking to ease the anxiety and stress travelers face.
• The No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 is a serene refuge in one of the world's busiest airports, perfect for travelers on long layovers . It features snack machines, cozy seating, and complimentary buffet-style food options. The fully stocked bar offers a wide selection of premium beverages. The lounge provides various seating areas, including a mini cinema, a bistro with high tables for work and snacks, a lounge area with comfortable sofas, and private meeting spaces.
• Are you landing at Heathrow Airport (LHR)? If you would like a quiet place to meditate , take advantage of the multi-faith prayer rooms available. You can find the rooms at Terminal 2 Gate A21, Terminal 3 Gate 24, Terminal 4 Mezzanine Level, Terminal 4 Gate4, and Terminal 5 Gates A8, B34, and C52. The prayer rooms are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
• If duty-free shopping is one of the perks you enjoy while traveling, then Heathrow Airport (LHR) is definitely the airport to visit. Not only do they offer an extensive range of luxury stores and products, but you can also save time by pre-ordering purchases a day in advance, allowing you to skip the lines. Additionally, Heathrow Reward members earn points with every purchase, which can later be redeemed for miles and various other perks.

Prefer to fly non-stop to London?

Find which airlines fly direct to London, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to London

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +121 more

ANA, AccesRail, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, +123 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +123 more

ANA, AccesRail, +124 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +119 more

ANA, AccesRail, +120 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +125 more

ANA, AccesRail, +126 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +124 more

ANA, AccesRail, +125 more

Nonstop returns

London to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to london.

The flight was delayed but we got to our final destination.

Boarding was great. The flight landed early. It took the crew over an hour and a half to bring out drinks. I paid to upgrade my seat to Comfort+ only to be near a crying/screaming baby who was seldom quiet. Noise-cancelling earbuds didn’t even help. Waste of money to upgrade.

Boarding was good, was able to get on early and get settled in . Loved the glass of wine before take off. Once in the air the service was amazing, from the snacks, drinks and the food was good. The flight attendants were very good and attentive. Love flying with Delta..

Seats in first class on the E175 recline too far back. I was in 2A, and the man in 1A fully reclined almost the entire flight. It took 6-7 inches of space away from me and made it very difficult to work on my laptop.

On 2 different flights the wifi was horrible and there was no drink or snack service.

Wifi wasn’t working well so we couldn't view any media.

Flight was late. Club was full. Experience is exactly what I expected.

Carly the flight attendant was extremely helpful and very accommodating to passengers on the flight from what I noticed. Couldn't be more satisfied with the service and assistance from Delta's flight attendant, Thanks again Carly!!

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

I didn’t like that I could not select my seat and was assigned a seat when I checked in at LAX

The delay was an issue. Other than that. Every thing good

Staff didn’t check cabin well for landing seemed more interested in chatting to each other. Food was poor and differed from pre order.

We were in the last group to be called to the flight - which was 30 minutes late taking off. While we were lucky enough to have been given bulkhead seats (due to a medical condition I’d told them about beforehand) the seats weren’t particularly comfortable. A crying baby for the whole trip made things worse, so the crew managed very well with coping. The final thing I’d say was that there wasn’t enough food served during the flight.

Very good. Glad we had Premium for the flight out.

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meal was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast. Staff were fantastic friendly nice they came round and check we need anything else to eat or drink

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meal was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast. Staff for a fantastic friendly nice we came round and check we need anything else to eat or drink

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meeting was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast.

We originally had a window seat. Our seats were changed to the center isle between 2 bathrooms. This was a red eye flight and we were traveling with an infant. Due to the light from the bathroom doors opening and closing throughout the night our infant would not sleep and cried the whole night which kept us awake and everyone around us. It was a very unpleasant experience for everyone trying to sleep.

Tai-City to Atlanta :Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation that training was taking place would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him. Atlanta to London: Check in was difficult we had been unable to do this online for 2 of the family members on the same booking both in their mid to late-80s. No seats had been allocated for them and we were all travelling Premium Economy. After several phone calls to the booking agent and conversations with Delta staff at TriCites airport, we were told that seats would be allocated at the gate in Atlanta. When we arrived at Atlanta, and spoke to a member of the boarding staff at the gate, he was curt and repeated back exactly what we had just told him, that only one of us was checked in. I explained that we had been unable to check-in online for the 2 family members (I had tried twice). He again repeated back that we needed to check-in. As we were in transit, I was at a loss at what he wanted us to do, but he kept repeating that we needed to do this. I asked where we should do this. No answer. In fact all he did throughout was look at his screen. He told us that there were no seats in Premium Economy, and that he could offer my parents-in-law 'two seats at the back'. I asked if he meant at the back of Premium Economy, and he replied, 'No, at the back of the plane'. At this point, myself and my father-in-law pointed out that they had paid for Premium Economy tickets and expected seats there. He never took his eyes off the screen once. Then he hit a button and it printed out two boarding passes for my parents-in-law. The seats were directly across from my seat. He had gone from saying there were no seats to somehow finding two together. No explanation, no eye contact, nothing. The flight: As we boarded, our first introduction to the flight was the stewardess at the entrance addressing a passenger with an annoyed and loud voice about a bag that belonged to them. That was not promising. The seats were good, and so were all the accessories. The food, etc.: we had flown with Virgin on our outward journey and I could not fault it. The service and food was excellent, the stewards very helpful, offering additional drinks and snacks. The toilets were more accessible than Delta, which were in the economy area and were told in no uncertain terms that we should not use the First Class toilets, even though they were much closer to our section of the plane. We had a menu for both flights, yet when I asked for the chicken dish on Delta, I was told that there was none left and that there was another chicken dish with mashed potatoes and that 'it was fine'. This was almost pushed on me before I could answer. I was sitting 3 rows from the front of the section, so I was surprised that they had already run out. I repeated that I would like the chicken dish on the menu, and asked whether she would be able to get one from her colleague who was serving in the other aisle. The stewardess replied 'No, that's not how it works!' It always has on previous flights, so I was a bit confused. I accepted that I would have to opt for the pasta option (no choice), but was a little perturbed by her response. Minutes later she returns and hands me the chicken dish I had originally asked for. I had already started eating the other one, but was told curtly that I could have both. This was the same stewardess who was shouting at a passenger as we boarded the plane. The food was very poor in the end, nowhere near as good as Virgin's. Unlike Virgin, there was no starter, no bread roll, just a main and a brownie served in a cardboard container. Virgin had provided real china and glass. Unlike Virgin, they did not return to ask if we wanted more drinks, and there was no tea or coffee served after the meal. The breakfast that was served later was equally poor and inedible, apart from the fruit. At the time, the stewardess, a different one, completely walked past my mother-in-law and did not offer her a hot drink. Both my parents-in-law are in their mid to late 80s, they have been world travellers in their time and had decided that this would be the last flight that they ever take. They have health problems, including memory issues. I feel that overall the journey back to London was pretty unpleasant for them especially, and that they were treated badly, especially by the ground staff. We have lived on two continents and are used to long haul flights, and I have to say that this is up there in the worst flight category. Bearing in mind that we had paid extra money expecting comfort and additional attention, it was extremely disappointing. I would fly Virgin again, but never Delta. The two flights were incomparable.

Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him.

The flight was delayed for over four hours due to “maintenance “. Your ground staff made no efforts to avoid my family missing their connecting flight to London. They did not try to reroute them and didn’t even offer meal vouchers without being asked. My daughter, her husband and four children were in the States for our son’s celebration of life service. They experienced rude and unhelpful staff in Asheville. The lack of communication was disgraceful. They missed their connecting flight and the first rebooking. Then the 2nd rebooked flight was delayed by over two hours. They didn’t leave Charlotte until 1:30 AM. Since returning home my granddaughters sleep has been so disrupted that they are overly tired and cry hysterically at bedtime. I have already contacted you regarding compensation but have yet to receive a response. All I’ve received is a canned wrote response. This is not acceptable!!! When my wife and I traveled to England in December on your partner, British Airlines, we were delayed for 4 and one half hours. We missed our connecting train to Leeds and had to pay double. They not only reimbursed our extra train expense, they also refunded half our airfare. And upon our return to the States we were surprised to find that they had upgraded us for free! Now that’s customer service!!! I look forward to a prompt real human response. Sincerely, Jon Cannon

Was flying in premium eco and there were around 5-6 movies I wanted to watch and none of those could I play for some reasons. Not just me we checked w the person sitting next to me. Few of the movies were only playable :( Also that was not great that we couldn't upgrade to business however tried to, many times before the flight :(

You cancelled my flight by email then made it very difficult to get in contact with you. Then put me in a flight with a long layover in Mexico returning to the wrong airport in uk. Mind blowing my stressful. I missed see my grand dad because of you.

This was not the BA business class it used to be. Mediocre food, attendants seemed stretched thin. All the little luxuries that used to make BA business fun were missing. Flight delayed and the explanation given was they forgot to pick up crew - I hope I misheard! Transfer in LHR “sticky” - we thought we had way too much time at 3hours but it was needed. Next time will try different route.

Always getting updates by email very easy to check in on line. There was plenty of checking in staff to get you all through. It was nice that the flight attendants took time to talk to you and were interested in your holiday.

Flight from Phoenix to London was very quiet. Excellent space available for comfort, couldn't fault

Food was very average. And top up drinks offer was absent. For a 11 hour long flight that should be the minimum. The crew didn't want to be there. I understand it was new year day but given they had signed up for it

It was my fault choosing the seat nearest the entrance but it was ok.

It was good, the staff was friendly and it was a typical flight to Europe.

My flight was a little marred by poorly fuctioning / loose headphone sockets meaning I had to move twice. The meals were good and the staff are always amazing, attentive and friendly. My bag was lost on my previos trip with BA for 15 days of my 18 day trip, however I experienced no such issues this time despite my fears. Overall ok but aircraft need better looking after.

This was an American Airlines flight. The crew were very unhappy and quite grumpy. Abrupt to the point of being rude. The food was dreadful. Indeed the breakfast was in edible. I will avoid AA at all costs in the future.

As expected for a BA long haul flight in economy - you get what you pay for. Good leg space, in flight entertainment and food and drink provided. Staff on the return flight (overnight) we're a bit brisk and just wanted to get everyone fed and watered before turning the lights down. We're vegetarian so ordered it separately through the booking, although when we were in flight we realised there was a normal and vegetarian option anyway, and we were given vegan. This is fine, however on the return trip we were told there were no more specially ordered meals left, so be aware in case you have specific dietary requirements.

Fare was much lower with a layover in London as I was able avoid numerous landing fees that would have been added to the ticket price had I booked a direct flight to Amsterdam.

We have business class seats from Los Angeles to London. The crew is friendly and provided great service. The flight was very comfortable and very smooth. Will use this airlines again in the future.

The flight was delayed numerous times with inconsistent updates and very ambiguous information. When it was finally cancelled the logistics of handing out vouchers and rebooking was extremely chaotic. Meal vouchers were completely inadequate for the airport restaurants, and not even accepted at some. All-in-all, it was a very disappointing experience.

Terrible. The flight from Islamabad to London took 3 hours more then previously planned, I missed my connection to Chicago, and instead had to go New York, spend an extra day before arriving at my final destination. The return leg of the journey was similar. The connection time in Qatar was shrinked to less then an hour unannounced, I had to scramble to barely make it to my flight to Islamabad. Terrible experience, never using British airways again.

The crew on this flight were attentive, efficient and friendly. It really made for an enjoyable flight.

They canceled my flight , they put me on a different flight that was delayed and the connection was lost . They lost my luggage. And now I’m stuck with any of my belongings.

British Airways canceled our plane and gave us a new flight scheduled to leave in only three hours, so we had to drop everything and rush to the airport. The new itinerary only left us a one hour layover in Madrid, which was too short because the plane landed late and so we missed our connecting flight. We were then booked onto a flight scheduled to take off 8 hours later, and were not given any compensation or remedial measures.

Seat layout, flight/club attendant service, food variety and quality could have been better. Business class Standard is visibly low compared with 6 other airlines that we have traveled for the past two years.

I loved the ability to upgrade my seat which was worth it. The large seat and ability to recline made it comfortable to fall asleep. My only two complaints were entertainment (movie selections were old) and approx 30 mins before landing the crew started to collect the blankets despite the cabin air temperature remaining cold. Maybe wait for passengers to get off the plane before collecting the blankets.

Excellent! Although it stinks to pay extra for leg room and then have no screen option.

Very much dislike: Airline requires check-in at the Airport Airline does not work with TSA PreCheck

Overall a great experience. Only complaint was the movie selection was pretty limited, but that's pretty minor in the grand scheme of things and easy to overcome.

The crew was unfriendly front check-in. The filth in the plane was so disappointing. I could smell dirt and looked up and there was literally dirt that was blowing in through the air. Old food on the seat back tray in front of me so I didn’t use it. No toilet paper in the bathroom and scum/old dirt next to the seats.

No blanket pillow headphones, not even a water or snack makes for a very uncomfortable flight. There are too many extra fees that should be basic and standard included.

There was no communication about the check-in process, even the fact that Norse doesn’t do online check-in! And once we were at the Los Angeles airport (LAX), there was no signage or assistance about where to check in. I kept Googling for 3rd party information until I finally found on the airport website that we had to check in at Terminal 1 and be bussed back to Terminal B, the international terminal. How were we supposed to know that?! Otherwise, the flight itself was comfortable and the attendants were helpful and friendly. I just feel like we were lucky to have managed the check-in and boarding process on our own - why keep it a secret??

The flight was comfortable, smooth, hardly any bumps even though we encountered some jetstream. The onboard entertainment could be jazzed up a little, the TV shows were old ans not much variety. The movies we ok. The staff was pleasant. The Orlando ground crew was excellent, they were pleasantand friendly. My kids and I were seated separately but the Orlando crew was able to reassign us together. The ground crew at Gatwick, UK need some work on attitude, they were not so sociable. All in all wonderful flight to and from England. I will be definitely traveling with Norse again. Ps...Norse need to work on an app for both Android and iOS.

Crew at airport who completed boarding were incredibly and blatantly rude and unhelpful. 0/10 customer service. I was going to upgrade my seat to first class and upon asking, I was met with an awful attitude so I changed my mind.

Boarding was a disaster. 2 hours in line to get boarding passes and we had no luggage to check in. Coffee was $4 so is water. 11 and a half hour’s flight and food was not included. You could purchase the food but it was complete garbage, This is worse than spirit airline. Never again

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How much does a trip to London cost?

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• London travel costs

If you’re planning on travelling to London, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking London is best for travellers with some spending money.

Accommodation costs are generally on the high side and food and drinks are reasonably-priced. Many of London’s best attractions are very affordable or even free and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too.

How much should I budget for a trip to London?

A reasonable budget for two for a weekend in London is around £850 . This assumes you’ll be spending two nights and three days in the city.

The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and going to a mix of restaurants and cafes for meals . It makes allowances for a couple of sightseeing activities, but doesn’t take into account expensive activities like adventure sports or private tours.

How much does accommodation cost?

You can expect to spend between £120-£200 a night, per couple, on accommodation in London. This will get you a private room with your own bathroom in a 3-4-star hotel or apartment rental.

Hostels are, of course, cheaper, but a private room with a shared bathroom will still cost around £120 per night. A bed in a dorm room also averages around £40 per night, per person, although there are definitely cheaper options out there.

Like many major cities, accommodation costs in London vary depending on which neighbourhood you choose to stay in. Generally speaking, the closer you are to central London and the major sights, the more expensive the neighbourhood. Saying that, there are a few cheaper neighbourhoods in London which are still very convenient. If you're still deciding where to stay, read our neighbourhood guide for London .

How much should I budget for food and drinks in London?

Budget to spend around £350 for two for a weekend in London. This assumes you’re eating out and drinking some alcohol.

If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around £70 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink. A meal at a pub is likely to be around £40 for two, with cheaper meals available (especially for lunch) for around £13 each. You can buy a beer from a bar for around £6 and you can expect to pay around £3 for a cappuccino from a local café.

How much does it cost to get around London?

Getting around London is easiest with a train. Transport costs fluctuate depending how much you travel, but budgeting around £75 for two is a good starting point. This should allow you to take a couple of intercity train routes. If you’re planning on doing any tours or using hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll need to up your budget a bit.

The Underground is the most convenient way to get around London. You can buy an Oyster card or Travelcard in advance to use public transport in the city. The above amount should be enough to cover public transport for two as well as travel from the airport.

What should I expect to spend on activities?

A lot of the best things to do in London are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money – entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around £20 - £35 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around £80 per activity per person.

London is a beautiful destination to visit and although it’s not cheap, it’s definitely possible to travel there for less. Cooking your own meals, carefully selecting accommodation or limiting meals out will definitely help you to reduce your travel costs. And, if you're wanting to treat yourself, there are many luxury options available.

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Last Updated 26 May 2022

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An Extensive Estimate of a Trip to London Cost

by Writer MC

March 6, 2023

A city is sometimes defined as more than just the convenience of modern life. The sediments of time and its iconic landmarks are the mighty forces that polish the city over the trickling of time. London is a city that enjoys a rich history. It was first settled by the Romans in 47 A.D., and was first named as Londinium .

As the wheel of history moved onward and with the change of dynasties ruling over it, the London of today is truly a time capsule. It is a city that has witnessed the ups and downs of prehistory up to the modern and contemporary day. From locations that helped shape the course of history to modern architectural feats, London is an indispensable city to admire. That is why planning a trip to London and its cost ahead of time can really build a solid foundation for the fun adventures it offers.

Breath-taking Views of the Big Ben / Source: Trip.com

How much do flights to London cost?

Busy London Heathrow Airport Before Take-off / Source: Trip.com

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Like any international travel, an exciting trip to London begins with booking flights ✈️ . The price of plane tickets is volatile and often varies. The number of passengers, the airport of departure, baggage requirement, the time of flight, layovers, and different airlines all affect the recommended flight budget. Usually, a direct flight means a slightly higher price range and is slightly easier on the passenger since there is less need to adapt to jet lag.

For those who are already living in Europe or North America, a trip to London would be so much easier compared to the time and budget needed for Asian travelers 😉 . There are three major airlines: oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance , but there are also some major affiliated airline companies ready to go, like American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, IBERIA, Jetblue Airways, Lufthansa, etc.

During the tourist off-season , flight prices are usually lower 😍 . Suppose the flyer currently resides in New York. A direct flight to London would usually take approximately nine hours on average without any trouble caused by special weather conditions. 👉 A trip to London's cost ranges from US$600–US$900 . Therefore, any traveler should plan their schedule ahead based on their available budget and time.

What kind of accommodations should any traveler expect during their trip to London cost?

London Cheval Three Quays / Source: Trip.com

An international flight can be seriously exhausting. Upon arrival, the one thing that you would want is to get a restful sleep in a nice and quiet hotel 👍 . Booking a hotel in advance is in compliance with the local custom and often cuts the most out of a budget.

Before decidedly clicking the button to place the order for a hotel, savvy travelers must do their due diligence and gain a better picture of all the potential resorts based on popularity, price range, location, star rating, guest rating, etc 🤔 . People can choose the place of stay based on property type, hotel facilities, services, or even bed types.

Luckily, as London is one of the most popular travel destinations, there is a long list of accommodations ready to make the trip to London more accessible to anyone interested ❗️❗️ .

Best Hotels in London

Tower suites by blue orchid, cheval three quays at the tower of london, mondrian london shoreditch, 100 queen’s gate hotel london, curio collection by hilton, pan pacific london, business travel, club quarters hotel st paul's, london, the grand at trafalgar square, doubletree by hilton london heathrow airport, andaz london liverpool street, family friendly, moxy london heathrow airport, dorsett shepherds bush london, central park hotel, novotel london canary wharf, doubletree by hilton hotel london - tower of london, some tasty dishes during the trip to london and its costs.

Typical British Breakfast of Beans and Toasts / Source: Debora Cardenas@Unsplash

Being a cultural melting pot that houses people from all over the world, London is more than just a quiet and quaint place that is home to more than 9 million people 😳 . It is also a place that accommodates all sorts of taste buds of people from all over the world. A wide variety of cuisines from A–Z, dietary restrictions, or even the MICHELIN Guide can really ease the nerve of a first-time visitor in a foreign land. During your trip to London, feel free to check out all sorts of eateries to explore the local food culture 😆 .

During the past few years, the global COVID-19 pandemic has made a significant impact on many brick-and-mortar stores all over the world. Local restaurants, on the other hand, have been affected in more ways than one. The rents and overheads for running a restaurant without sufficient customer volume to break even added more insult to injury. This forced many business owners to do more deliveries and cut costs to the bones. After relevant restrictions have been lifted thanks to the invention of vaccines and drugs, many restaurants have re-opened their business to welcome the new normal.

The Milestone Hotel Afternoon Tea / Source: The Milestone Hotel & Residences

Gladly, some still take precautionary cautions even if the COVID restrictions have been lifted 😭 . Therefore, anyone who has a taste for local cuisine should check in advance with the business owner and then set out for the place in mind and have an authentic experience during their London trip 😍 .

What makes suitable souvenirs at the end of the trip to London cost for friends and families?

Concession stand that sells souvenirs for the London trip / Source: jossie hu@Unsplash

Have you ever had a major headache shopping for souvenirs before flying back home? Keychains, refrigerator magnets, or t-shirts with local colors make handy and popular souvenirs but can sometimes be kitschy keepsakes. In order to capture that British touch, people have to scout for the best ones across London. From the down-to-earth local pop-up flea markets to the high-end Oxford Street and Leicester Square, there are plenty of quintessentially British souvenir shops that can make the entire trip to London cost worthwhile.

👉 Drinking tea would have to be one of the most fundamentally British activities. It has become so important in British culture that they have even designated a specific time of the day for it, called tea time . The British taste buds have a strong liking for brewed tea. Some prevalent brands like Fortnum & Mason and Whittard of Chelsea . These can be considered two of the top dogs over other competitors. From the overall taste to its aesthetic packaging, they are practically pieces of art ready to be taken home.

👉 For those who are price-sensitive, supermarket tea brands also make an equally good choice as souvenirs. Since tea usually comes in lightweight packets, they won't take up too much baggage weight.

King's Cross Station & Platform 9 3/4 / Source: Sarah Ehlers@Unsplash

For those who have relatives who are avid Harry Potter fans, pay a visit to the gift shop located at King's Cross Station . Platform 9¾ would make any Potterhead go nuts. There are free photo ops, and the gift shop right next to it is styled to resemble Ollivander's wand emporium, where you can get lost in the world of magic and bring back home some authentic paraphernalia that makes great mementos.

👉 For those who have finer tastes, opting for perfumes and colognes is also a good idea. The city has a few niche perfume stores scattered all over town. You can also visit the duty-free store located at the airport. Since all airports have regulations in regard to the maximum capacity for fluid, usually, it should be around three fluid ounces (100 ml) per bottle. For those who have fickle tastes, small perfume gift sets allow them more choices that will help them find their holy grail.

Downtown London bookshops / Source: Noralí Nayla@Unsplash)

👉 Lastly, for culture lovers, a museum gift shop is another viable option for finding meaningful gift items. For book lovers, discovering the bookshops in London is like a treasure hunt. All the nooks and crannies of London might have rare editions of items hiding from plain sight Thus concludes the treasure hunt for souvenirs during one's trip to London cost so that everyone can get the most out of it.

How does one get out and about in London?

Iconic signs of London tube / Source: Will H McMahan@Unsplash

London Buses / Source: Dave kim@Unsplash

Some top-notch landmarks when traveling to London

👉 If you are a museum fanatic, then you are in for a treat. London is the home to some of the most renowned museums in the world.

1. The British Museum

A small peak at the British Museum / Source: Roman Fox@Unsplash

TheBritish Museum was first founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759. It was the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge and is open to visitors from all over the world. Founded by the enlightenment of ideals and values, driven by the insatiable curiosity for the world, all the artifacts here are silent witnesses of human history.

The British Museum houses almost four and a half million objects and more than two million records. With the different themes and cultures of its collection, there lies the universal values and fascinating stories that transcend the bounds of time. The gallery is divided into the lower floor, ground floor, and upper floors, which exhibit splendid and glorious civilizations since the dawn of human history. Thanks to the great strides of modern technology, we are able to explore the different historical relics from different regions.

The British Museum / Source: Trip.com

2. Tate modern art museum

Outside Tate modern art museum / Source: Jay Mullings@Unsplash

3. Victoria and Albert Museum

Fossils at Victoria and Albert Museum / Source: Ming Han Low@Unsplash

For the history buff and art lovers out there, feel free to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum . The museum was founded with a sole mission, which is to educate and inspire its visitors. It was designed to educate designers, manufacturers, and the public about art and design. Prince Albert, as the founder and initiator of the 1851 Great Exhibition, aims to drive the British industry's standard internationally. It sowed the seeds which brought more of the art and sciences to the public.

To this end, he pooled all the proceeds from the Exhibition to be used for the development of art and science education. It was first founded in South Kensington and was known as the South Kensington Museum for over 40 years, and was later relocated and renamed after Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, as a way of remembering and commemorating the vital role of Prince Albert for this fine establishment that people get to enjoy today. General admission is free and requires no booking. People can also contact its staff for assistance with regard to its accommodations for disability and access to the museum.

4. Trafalgar Square

The majestic bronze lions by Sir Edwin Landseer at Trafalgar Square / Source: Tânia Mousinho@Unsplash

If all the indoor museums are a bit too stuffy for you, and you would like to learn history out in the open, then Trafalgar Square is the place. It is situated near the London tube stations of Leicester Square and Charing Cross. During the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, when the British troops, with 27 ships, had successfully defeated 33 French and Spanish vessels, British naval supremacy all over the world for centuries to come was established after this battle. It was an amazing feat as they won with inferior numbers. This square was hence established as a way to commemorate this monumental battle, featuring Nelson's Column–a sculpture named after the great Admiral Horatio Nelson, who valiantly died in the battle while leading the British troops to victory.

Trafalgar Square / Source: Trip.com

However, the history of this place doesn't just stop there. It was formerly known as Charing Cross, which was used as a guiding point to measure distances across the city and was literally a landmark throughout the city's history. It was used as a place for meet-ups for the locals and is now used as a place to celebrate New Year's Eve.

👉 During the brief trip to London cost, one can make acquaintance with some locals for some of the best places that the locals would frequent so as to gain an authentic experience during the trip.

How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication during one's trip to London cost?

Red telephone box designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott / Source: Nick Fewings@Unsplash

Sim card / Source: Andrey Metelev@Unsplash

✅ For those who accidentally ran out of their portioned data plan and are in dire need of the Internet, here are some ways around it.

Wi-Fi / (Source: Jadon Kelly@Unsplash

👉 First,use the Wi-Fi of the hotel where you currently reside. For most people, when they are planning their trip to London cost, the living situation should be at the top of the list. Some booking sites now provide a one-stop-shop experience for travel, meaning that people can book their flights and their stay in advance online and just ride the plane, grab a cab, or take an airport shuttle to the inn. Since the hotels of the 21 st century are mostly equipped with high-speed Internet connections, enjoying the comfort of the hotel and dealing with all the urgent matters that require the Internet is the easiest solution.

👉 Second, when you are outside, in tunnels, or in the tube stations, it was announced that tube customers will be eligible for free Internet connections by late 2024. People can then easily use the Internet to initiate and receive phone calls and texts, surf the wonderful web, or scroll through social media to pass the time during transport. Since this is free, the cellphone can automatically search and connect to it just as if they are above ground. This service also requires no charge at all from Transportation For London (TFL), provided that the device in question has already signed up with the major communication services providers, like Virgin Media, Three, EE, O2, and BT Mobile. By then, through authentication, people can seamlessly register and log onto the Wi-Fi networks for seamless connection as a tourist during the trip to London cost.

👉 Third, for those who are out and about but are nowhere near a tube station or a tunnel, then it might be time to treat yourself to a cup of coffee or tea and leave for the nearest coffee shops since they usually have nice Internet connections. In fact, many people piggyback off the Wi-Fi and spend a day studying or writing there. The quaint ambiance there makes it a great place to address the need for the Internet or sort out the days ahead while still in town.

How much does it cost for a passport during one's trip to London cost?

Passport for travel / Source: ConvertKit@Unsplash

A passport is a vital piece of paper when traveling abroad since it usually entails some key information about you and can be used to get in or out of travel destinations. In the nick of time, one can use it to contact the local embassy for humanitarian aid or policy refreshers. Therefore, it is vital for anyone traveling abroad. Usually, the passport fees can be further divided into two categories: 1. The British citizens who are applying for the passport for out-of-state travel or business trips. 2. Foreign nationals whose destination is the U.K.

✅ For the first type, based on the applicant's age, the number of passport pages, or the means of application (online or paper), the fees may vary extensively. Any U.K. citizens looking for trips abroad can visit the official website for detailed information about the paperwork and fees for application. But the ballpark price for its application starts from free to as much as £104.

The London Eye / Source: Trip.com

✅ For the second type, foreigners who seek entry to the U.K. will need to search the official website or consult insiders for the required paperwork for passport applications. Since people from all over the world would like to have a taste of the great London city, naturally, the ballpark price range for a passport varies a lot as well and would be deemed unilateral to single out one country. So people might need to do some field research for it before embarking on the trip to London cost.

On top of a passport, people would also need a visa for entry. It can be said that the passport and the visa are two tightly-linked buddies that cannot live without each other. A passport is futile without a visa, and vice versa. This is especially vital for those who are trying to gain entry to the U.K. since there are lots of rules and regulations for it too. The official website has listed the detailed steps for choosing a visa, preparing one's own application, proving one's identity, and getting a decision on one's application. Before one is out of state, sorting out the paperwork is quite important. To be responsible for one, anyone should pay their due diligence so as to avoid unnecessary troubles abroad because by then, the situation might be even more befuddling and can cause emotional stress in troubled times.

The rough estimate for two nights & three days as the entire duration of the trip to London cost

Crunching numbers for the trip to London / Source: Mika Baumeister@Unsplash

Here are some pointers before choosing a hotel room.

👉 For starters, try not to choose hotels that are too close to the railway stations or airports, since there is naturally a lot of noise both before departure and after arrival. Also, try to avoid the noisy parts of town or those that sit right on the side of a street if you prefer silence and tranquility over the hustle and bustle of modern society and if you highly value personal privacy. Since some would expect their trip to London to be free of trouble, a little precaution should be in order.

👉 Then, the neighborhood is another vital factor at play here. The general safety and stability of the surrounding neighborhood can really make or break the sense of security for travelers. The surrounding can help the visitor feel safe, helping them have a better first impression of the place or even the country on their first trip to London.

Bulgari Hotel London / Source: Trip.com

👉 Besides, the location of the hotel during one's short period of stay should be carefully planned. The visitor should have a meticulous itinerary of the London trip planned before leaving for London, and in fact, the hotel should be the center of all the activities and events since spending too much time on transportation is obviously tedious. It would be more like traveling abroad to end up in traffic jams and wasting a huge amount of precious time only to be stuck with the locals in transport. Granted, for some, that would be fun too. After all, it is a great way to observe the customs and outlooks of society. But for those who intend on visiting as many landmarks as possible, that is terrible news. So try to find an optimal location that has convenient public transport and shares close proximity to the place in mind. This will make the trip to London worthwhile.

👉 On top of that, price is obviously an important factor to take into consideration when planning travels. Normally the price should be the direct reflection of the services that one is eligible to enjoy during one's stay. However, due to factors like popularity and location, there definitely would be more expensive hotels that offer the same quality as cheaper ones in other places. Remember, just because a room is less expensive, it doesn't necessarily mean that it has bad service or unsatisfactory living conditions.

Corinthia London / Source: Trip.com

👉 Furthermore, always check out the detailed info before making hasty decisions. When you are trying to book a room on the website in advance, there usually are a lot of strings attached. Like whether the room has breakfast included, and if so, what kind of breakfast is available? Is it continental or a buffet? Whether the hotel offers free cancellation within a certain period of time or not? If not, what kind of cancellation fees should one expect before one embarks on a trip to London? There are many strings attached, so it would be wise to dig deeper before hitting the "book now" button.

👉 In conclusion, it could be a time-consuming task to choose a suitable hotel room that checks all the boxes mentioned above without breaking the bank. But the truth is, during one's time abroad, it's all about compromises and whether or not one is willing to bend the rules a bit to fulfill the major expectations during one's stay. Overall, suppose that there are two adults sharing a room for two night & three days trip in London during the low travel season. The starting price would be around $80 before tax for the trip to London cost.

Windsor Castle / Source: Trip.com

To elaborate on this topic in an orthodox fashion, it's better to break down the relevant fees into several aspects for convenience.

👉 First, check out the price for the paperwork application before departure. As mentioned above, if the visitor does not have any valid paperwork and is not eligible for compensation, then this is the first expenditure that is necessary for the trip to London.

👉 Second, after the relevant paperwork is all done, it's time to think about the plane tickets. Check and compare prices between different airline companies and choose one that meets your budget. It would be cheaper if the visitor booked the tickets in advance. It's best to steer clear of the holiday season since it will be expensive and crowded. Thinking outside the box is the key to planning a satisfactory trip to London.

Chinatown / Source: Trip.com

👉 Third, plan a food budget for the entire trip. Since the foreign cuisine might not agree with your stomach, you can bring some food from back home as long as you don't break any rules of your destination country. However, thanks to globalization, you can practically buy anything, even abroad. Well, with a heftier price tag, of course. For savvy tourists, searching for coupons either online or from the local newspaper can greatly cut down food expenditure without compromising the taste and quality of food and your budget for the London trip.

👉 Fourth, book a hotel in advance and choose it carefully, as mentioned above, for the trip to London cost.

St James's Park / Source: Trip.com

👉 Fifth, plan the route of the visit. With a clearly-stated itinerary for the trip to London cost, naturally, one must plan the touring route and check out if the spot in mind requires any admission fees or if there is something in particular that one has in mind and if the places require a small amount fee such as for special artworks on display, for example, then double-check and document the price. In this case, the transportation fees should fall into this category. Using a spreadsheet (written or digital) to record the fees and requirements for each project is very straightforward and leaves no room for error.

👉 And finally, make a budget for souvenirs. Try to figure out the likes and dislikes of the key family members or close relatives. If you have been entrusted with shopping for something that they need, then bring them back safe and sound. Since this is not something that can be fixed entirely in advance, then it's better to estimate the budget needed for souvenirs and leave some leeway for something extra when you are actually shopping for souvenirs near the end of your trip to London.

Tips for saving money during one's trip to London cost

Save small money / Source: micheile dot com@Unsplash

For transportation

For souvenirs.

👉 Usually, the old and musty book stores hidden in the street corner is another great place to treasure hunt goodies. Most items sold in stores are in relatively good or acceptable condition. This way, every party involved can utilize the stuff and squeeze more use out of them. However, be sure to check that the person on the receiving end is okay with second-hand stuff.

March through May when the weather is nice, and there are a lot fewer tourists.

From July 29th, 2022 to May 6th, 2023. The Championship Play Off will take place on May 29th, 2023, at Wembley Stadium, London.

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in the U.K. Check out the official website for detailed updates.

£10,000. One must declare cash of £10,000 or more to the U.K. customs before entering Great Britain and its affiliates. Check out here for detailed info.

Approx. there are more than 1,200 high streets spanning across London. Here are some for reference. And for detailed info, please check out here.

Table of Contents

• 1. How much do flights to London cost?
• 2. What kind of accommodations should any traveler expect during their trip to London cost?
• 3. Some tasty dishes during the trip to London and its costs
• 4. What makes suitable souvenirs at the end of the trip to London cost for friends and families?
• 5. How does one get out and about in London?
• 6. Some top-notch landmarks when traveling to London
• 7. How much does it cost for Wi-Fi & communication during one's trip to London cost?
• 8. How much does it cost for a passport during one's trip to London cost?
• 9. The rough estimate for two nights & three days as the entire duration of the trip to London cost
• 10. Tips for saving money during one's trip to London cost

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Solo Travel London on a Budget: How to Get the Most for Your Money

September 15, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Solo travel to London on a budget. Does it sound impossible?

We're here to tell you, it's not.

As with any big city, there are many opportunities to spend a fortune, if a fortune is what you have to spend. Likewise, though, big cities usually also offer cheaper options to explore and enjoy. If you're working with a tighter budget, we have lots of tips to help you get the most out of the city without returning home with debt. From getting into the city from the airport to finding reasonably-priced accommodation to saving on food and transportation to enjoying arts, culture, and attractions on a dime, we've got what you need to successfully enjoy London on a budget.

Table of Contents

Your Solo Trip to London: Getting from the Airport to the City Center

You'll likely arrive in London by plane so that's where we'll start. As a solo traveler you'll have to navigate the city all by yourself. Here's what you need to know.

The Cheapest Way to Get from Heathrow to London is the Tube

First, pack light so that you can manage public transport with your bags. Here's your post for that:  Carry On Packing List That Makes Sense: Traveler Tested . You can go from Heathrow to the center of London very inexpensively by the Underground (it's a subway also known as the Tube). This is from the Heathrow website: “Journey time by Tube is under an hour and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train, even off-peak. Underground tickets are available at all stations.” The single cash fare to central London (Zone 1) is £6.70. Oyster or contactless pay-as-you-go fares are £5.60. The Oyster fare refers to London's transit card. See below for more on the Oyster card.

Word to the wise : the train is likely to be quite empty when you board at Heathrow, but by the time you get into the city, it may be very crowded. Choose a seat as close to a door as possible to make exiting with your luggage quicker and easier.

When you leave the arrivals area of the airport just follow the signs for the Underground. At the entrance to the Underground, go to the ticket booth and buy an Oyster card. Top it up with the amount you've decided is best for your stay and get information on how to get to the Tube station closest to your accommodation. To save you the hassle of buying the card when you're jet-lagged, it's a good idea to buy one in advance, which you can do here:  London Visitor Oyster Card .

More Heathrow to London Transfer Options

You'll actually have a number of options in a variety of price ranges. Though nothing beats the Tube when you're exploring London on a budget, here are some additional ways to get to and from the airport.

National Express Heathrow Coach Transfer – The price is right, starting at £6.00, and you don't have to lug your bags like you do on the tube, but the time ranges from 40 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Heathrow Express Tickets  – The Heathrow Express is a high speed train between Heathrow and London. The trains depart up to every 15 minutes and take just 15 minutes. You save £5 per ticket when you buy in advance. Price: £25.00 (£22.00 off-peak).

Heathrow to Central London by Uber or Private Transfer will start at around £60.00 and go up (in some cases, way up) from there.

Gatwick Airport Transfer Options  

If you're flying into Gatwick, consider the train at US$35 and the bus from US$18.

Planning to Go Beyond London?

Consider a British Rail Pass. The BritRail Pass will get you around the country. The pass is sold by number of days and you have a choice of a pass that only allows consecutive days and a flexi pass that allows you days between trips. If you use it at the beginning or end of your trip, you will also save on your airport transfer as it includes the Heathrow Express. Note that it is not available for purchase in the UK. You must buy it in advance of your visit.

Budget London Accommodation Great for Solo Travelers

Cozy into a neighborhood and likely save some money by renting an apartment. I've had great success with VRBO.com (Vacation Rental By Owner). Here's a link to their London listings.  Of course, there's also Airbnb, but I've found better prices on VRBO.

But there's more. This topic requires an entire post unto itself. In fact, we have  Where to Stay in London: Budget to Luxury + Interactive Map,  which covers recommended places to stay in London from luxury to budget to hipster and everything in between.

The map above is from the Where to Stay in London post. The map is your cheat sheet on accommodation for solo travelers.  It's interactive so click on one of the colored markers:

• yellow for budget accommodation
• green for middle-of-the-road prices by London standards
• blue for luxury hotels
• purple are hipster hotels

When you click on a marker, the name of the hotel, hostel, or B&B and a link for more information will slide in from the left. Click on the link and you'll be taken to detailed information on the hotel. Hit the left facing arrow and the information will slide back out of the way.

You can also zoom in and out with this map to get a better look at what's near the various hotels. I love maps and study them before traveling so that I have a sense of the destination.

London on a Budget: Cheap Eats for Solo Travelers

London's street food . A city with a diverse culture always makes for really interesting food truck and market options. Time Out has an excellent list of possibilities for you to consider.

St. Martin's-in-the-Field Cafe. Beneath the church is a cafe and gift shop. It's reasonably priced with a wonderful ambiance.

Hostels have great breakfasts. A full breakfast with juice, cereal, yogurt, coffee, and a croissant was £4.95. Just cereal (which is all I want in the mornings) was 95p. And, they had adult cereal. I'm not into sugary cereal, so it was great. The cost of food throughout the day was very reasonable, plus there's a kitchen onsite if you want to cook your own.

Eat at a pub. Not only will you be fed, but you'll also get a classic London experience. And watch for happy hours when there are often special promotions.

Marks & Spencer takeaway section. They have an extensive section dedicated to takeaway and easy fix meals. Some you have to cook, which is fine if you're staying at an apartment or hostel.

Check out the markets . There are many markets to try. Tracey loves Borough Market, which has been around for about 1,000 years (though only open to the public in its current form for about 20). Here's a list of food markets around the city , including maps and opening times. Try the Brixton Market as an interesting place to mingle with locals as well as for the best pizza.

Fish and chips. I've never had a bad fish and chips meal in the UK. Affordable and delicious, but not something to have every day.

Don't let the windows fool you. As you wander the streets looking for a place to eat you may think that every place is full. Step in to confirm this as many places have additional seating upstairs or down.

Another tip from Tracey: check out London cheap eats here for a wide variety of meal options around the city, all under £10.00. The people at Timeout have compiled a list of 50 inexpensive places to dine when you travel solo to London on a budget.

Now this is worth it!

Spend a little of what you save by taking a fabulous food tour. I've had wonderful experiences with  Eating Europe . Enjoy the following London tours and you won't only learn things but you'll leave full as well.

• East End Food Tour
• Twilight Soho Food & Cocktail Tour
• Eat the Borough Market Food Tour

London Solo Travel: Budget Ways to Get Around

Taxis add up. Public transit is the most cost-efficient way to go any distance in London and it is easy if you have an Oyster Card, which is a transit pass. A Tube journey in central London costs £2.40 with Oyster or £4.90 with cash. The Oyster card is a good deal.

You can buy one in advance of your trip here: London Visitor Oyster Card  . You'll buy it already loaded with your choice of credit on the card. Doing this means you have one less thing to think about when you arrive in London. Alternatively, you can buy the card for £5 at any Underground station and pay as you go. Don't worry about putting too much on the card because if you have money left at the end of the trip you can go to a ticket booth to get a refund. You can also give your Oyster card back and get your £5 reimbursed or save your Oyster Card for future trips. As far as using it as you go, it's a tap in/tap out process.

We mention the Oyster card first because we find it the easiest. However, when Tracey put the question out to members of the Solo Travel Society, using a contactless debit or credit card was also recommended. She hasn't been able to make this work with a Canadian-issued debit card, so you'll want to check whether your card has this feature (some non-UK issued cards don't currently work on this system) and whether or how much your bank charges for transactions so you can keep costs down. You can also use your phone to make mobile payments using services such as Apple or Google Pay. Just remember to tap out with the same payment form you tapped in with, and be sure to keep your device charged. Get all the details from Transport for London.

More Tips for Getting Around London

Download the London Tube app.  The London Underground is large and complicated. Use the routing option of this app to get detailed instructions on how to get where you want to go from where you are. It will also tell you approximately how long it will take.

Don't forget that there are buses as well. Tourists tend to opt for the Underground because there are maps to show where you're going. However, sometimes buses are a better option. You can also download an app called the London Bus Free Map and Route Planner .

Rent a bike . Like most major cities, London has bikes available for short-term rental. Officially called  Santander Cycles , they are more commonly known locally as Boris Bikes. The pay-as-you-go cost is £1.65 for up to 30 minutes, then £1.65 for each additional 30 minutes.

Walk, walk, walk. As far as London budget options go, you can't beat walking! This is a big city but most of the tourist attractions are within one big walking district, so take yourself on a walking tour as you head to your destination. Note that one street can have many names. These go for main streets as well as small ones. Charing Cross turns into Tottenham Road. Mortimer turns into Goodge. Knowing the changes will help you navigate more easily. Also, be careful. At every intersection look down and you will see painted on the ground which way you should look for traffic. There's a reason they invested so much to paint these. It takes time to adjust to the different traffic flow.

Get the Google Maps app. I don't like to walk about looking at my phone but with all the tiny streets in London the Google Maps app can be very handy at times.

Pick up a free map at a hostel or your hotel. The free map at hostels tends to have some of the better low-cost recommendations.

Budget London: Attractions for Solo Travelers

Once you're on the ground in London the question is what to do. Let's start with getting an overview of the city.

Hop-on Hop-off with a discount . A hop-on, hop-off London sightseeing bus tour is great if you’re short on time or want to get an overview of the city before you dig into its specifics. This company has five different routes and live commentary which is always better than recorded versions.

Take a free walking tour. Take a free tour of the city. There is a 3-hour tour offered by Sandeman's  and several different 1.5-2-hour tours offered by Strawberry Tours , along with other, more specific itineraries. Remember to tip your tour guide. In addition to not being paid for their time and expertise, they have to pay the company for every person who attends.

Royal and Historical Highlights of London

If you're going to take in a number of London attractions, then the London Pass  is likely worth it. It gets you into Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, museums and historic houses, Wimbledon, and more. If you won't take in many attractions your better bet is likely the hop-on, hop-off tour . Ask the driver if they have any discount coupons. They often do.

What the London Pass covers . The London Pass  includes 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, Skip the Line on certain attractions, admission to 85 attractions including Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, View from the Shard, London Zoo, Kensington Palace, and Thames River Cruise. It's sold on a per day basis. Even better, it's valid for two years from the date of purchase. If you don't use it all in one shot, you can use it on a future trip.

National Trust Touring Pass . The National Trust takes care of British heritage sites. The National Trust Touring Pass  gives you free entry to over 300 historic houses and gardens in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It's really worth a look. In London, you can visit many Georgian houses and even a Tudor house. They hold special events as well. This pass is especially valuable if you'll be traveling beyond London.

Buckingham Palace and more.  The palace and its gardens open to visitors for 10 weeks (mid-July to late September) every summer. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended . If those months don't work for you, why not visit Windsor Castle , which is an hour outside of central London, or get a ticket that takes you into all palaces . You can get to all three with your Oyster card.

The Changing of the Guard . This time-honored ceremony takes place daily from May to July and every other day the rest of the year. If you want to actually see the spectacle without climbing a fence, get there by 11:00 am. Free .

Afternoon tea . Traditional afternoon tea is a lovely experience and makes for a wonderful break in a day of exploring London. It can be very pricey, though. Luckily, Browns restaurant, which has been operating for over 50 years, has several locations in London serving a very reasonably-priced tea. Try the one in Covent Garden for just £26. Bonus: they also offer a gluten-free menu.

Check out Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. This is a replica of the theater that Shakespeare and his fellow artists built. It's just across the Millennium Bridge that connects, in my mind, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern. There are tours and, during the high season, plays as well. If you don't mind standing, tickets for performances at the Globe can be had for as little as £5.

London museums rich in heritage and free. To really stretch your London budget, go to the museums which offer free access to their permanent collections. There is usually a fee for special exhibits. Unless you're a real museum enthusiast, you may want to ask at the front desk for a recommendation as to how to approach the museum. I did this at the Tate Modern and, rather than dashing through trying to take in a lot, I took in a little but with more appreciation. Here's a list of 25 free museums in London . Free

Day trips from London. The country is not large and there are many wonderful destinations that can be visited in a day from London. Check out day tours from London here .

Explore London As a Local

Feel London at a different pace. Walk the Victoria and Albert Embankment from the Houses of Parliament to the Millennium Bridge and you'll enjoy London at a more relaxed pace while seeing some of the major sights.

Take in the street art . London has lots of great street art and many famous street artists. Here's a free street art and graffiti tour .

Window shopping. There are many places to shop in London but I love to go to Covent Garden for some unique shopping. While there, wander the West End theater district to see the range of plays. It's a sight unto itself.

Go to the best bookshops in town . Stop into Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street and check out the travel section for which they're famous.

Go to the parks. There are a number of lovely parks in London. Hyde Park is famous for Speaker's Corner which is often entertaining if not thought-provoking. Here's a list that's sorted according to park locations in the city .

Wander the neighborhoods. London is made up of neighborhoods made famous in literature and film. They have a certain familiarity to them and yet there's more to them when you see them live. Go to Notting Hill, Bloomsbury, Marylebone, and for more action, Camden.

London's Theater and Music Scenes On a Budget

London's West End theater scene. Buy tickets for the shows at Leicester Square. There are a couple of places there. Go to the one on the south end with the permanent structure as I was told by a theater box office person that they sell their best available seats to them. While they promote half-price tickets, not all tickets are half-price.

Don't forget Off-West End productions . Check the reviews carefully and enter the really local theater scene.

Enjoy a pint with your play . For something a little different, check out this list of pub theatres . Comedy nights, musicals, and plays are performed upstairs at London pubs at a fraction of the cost of theaters.

Royal Albert Hall tour.  I love touring grand opera houses and theaters when I travel. Doing so reveals so much about a place's history and culture. The Royal Albert Hall is one of London's absolute top historic buildings. But beyond historic, it's a magnificent building where anyone who is anyone has played. You can buy a ticket for Royal Albert Hall Tour  or get free entry with your London Pass .

Handel and Hendrix House . “Separated by a wall & 200 years are the homes of two musicians who chose London & changed music.” This is a new find for me. Check it out .

Free concerts in Trafalgar Square . Go to St. Martin-in-the-Fields at noon for a free concert most days. It's usually an organ recital. If you don't like the idea of that, go just to enjoy the church. It's very pretty, a refreshing change from most churches. FREE

The Scoop. In the summer, The Scoop amphiteater, which is beside City Hall, close to Tower Bridge, offers live music, plays, or film screenings almost every evening. FREE

Take in an event or festival . The  Time Out app  is a great resource for local events and festivals.

Adventure and Active Travel in London

What's your favorite sport? Why not do it in London on a tour or by joining in with locals?

Run London . What about a tour company that's specifically for runners?  Here's a list of a number of running tours.

Bicycle Tours of London . Check out the variety available from Fat Tire Tours .

Kayak on the Thames . Kayaking London is another company that offers unique, active tours of London.

Join a local race. Use Find a Race  and search on London to see what races might be going on when you're there. Running, swimming, cycling – this site offers a lot.

Good to Know

Need a computer? If you need access to a computer you can go to any of the libraries and get it free.

Need help?  The emergency number in London is 999, not 911.

More Posts to Help You Plan and Save on Travel

Whether you're traveling solo to London on a budget or anywhere else, here are lots of ways to help you save money.

• Feeling the Pinch? Solo Travelers Save Money at The Airport
• How to Make Solo Travel Affordable, Cheap or Even Free
• Your Solo Travel Budget: It’s All About Balance
• How to Save on Shoulder Season Travel
• How to Plan Your Travel Budget: Luxury or Frugal
• Solo Travel Tours: Best Deals for Solo Travelers
• How to Save Money for Travel: Smart Advice. Seven Steps.

When planning your trip to London you may want to click here to…

• For accommodation read  Where to Stay in London: Great Accommodation for Solo Travelers
• Get your London Pass to attractions.
• Purchase a BritRail London Plus Pass for day trips for destinations like Bath, Cambridge, Stratford-Upon-Avon and more or a rail pass for the UK .

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Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

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2 Weeks in the UK: 6 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

The United Kingdom (UK), comprised of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, has long been one of Europe’s most well-liked travel destinations. The country’s diversified landscape and rich cultural heritage play a significant role in its charm.

The best places to visit in the UK range from its many top-notch art galleries and museums to its exquisitely preserved castles. Spending 2 weeks in the UK means seeing historical sites, war-related museums, bustling cities, film locations, and of course, scenic nature.

The UK is in western Europe and bordered by the Irish Sea, the North Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Quite often, the entire United Kingdom is referred to as Britain.

>> EXTRA READ: 2 weeks in Europe – 6 itineraries

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE UK

One important thing you should know about the UK that many people actually get wrong is that the UK is composed of four countries; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This means that visiting the UK for two weeks, there’s so much to experience.

To not overwhelm you, below are some things you should know when planning your trip to the UK and how to make this vacation perfect.

When is the best time to go to the UK

The best time to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) depends on several factors, including the type of activities you’re interested in and the weather. Spring (March to May) is generally considered an excellent time to visit the UK, as the weather starts to warm up, and it’s a great time to explore historical attractions as the flowers bloom.

Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, and it’s also the warmest time of year in the UK which is best for water sports and beach vacations.

Autumn (September to November) is another excellent time to visit the UK. The crowds thin out, and the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Winter (December to February) can be a less popular time to travel to the UK, as it’s cold and some places shut down. Still, it can also be a magical time to visit, especially if you’re interested in winter sports and cosy pubs.

Are 2 weeks enough for the UK

14 days in the UK is doable. Enough planning allows you to maximise this timeframe and see 3-4 cities. This also goes down to your choice of transportation to ensure that you don’t waste time and do not feel like your travel itinerary is cramped and too busy.

Luckily, the UK has some decent public transportation, making travelling from one city to another convenient. I will discuss this more in the next section below.

Getting around

There are lots of ways to get around the UK. The most convenient would be to use the train system. The good thing about the trains in the UK is that it connects big cities to rural areas. It’s also a scenic way to travel and comfortable since you can walk around to stretch your legs.

Another option is by bus, which is the cheapest. But it can also be the slowest due to the number of stops along the way. Some bus companies offer hop-on and hop-off services, but most are only available in big cities when visiting multiple attractions.

Car rental is another popular choice. Although I only recommend this when you’re venturing out of the big city. What I mean is, renting a car to travel around the London area is not a good idea. The traffic will just waste your time, and the cost is much higher.

On the other hand, renting a vehicle to discover national parks such as Peak District or hiking in Scotland and Wales is a fantastic way to travel. Having a car lets, you travel from point A to B to C in your own time at your own pace.

Language and currency

English is the primary language in the UK. But you also have the regional languages, such as Welsh, which is spoken by 20% of the population in Wales. There’s also Scottish Gaelic is spoken by 1% of Scotts. Irish is spoken by a small minority in Northern Ireland.

BSL, or British Sign Language, is also a recognised official language. If you know ASL, you might be able to use it to communicate. It won’t be as accurate, but it could get you by.

When you’re in London, you’ll hear so many languages too. From Spanish, German, Chinese, Polish, French, Urdu, and Bengali, just to name a few. Remember that as you move between regions, the accent of the English language changes and can be hard to understand at times.

The pound or GBP, is the main currency in the UK. You’ll also hear it being referred to as Sterling Pounds, and the sign is £. Payment by card is the most preferred option around the UK, although cash is still common.

It’s best to carry some cash with you at all times, especially if you plan to go to rural areas. There should be ATMs almost anywhere. However, most of the machine’s withdrawal limit is around £200 ($275)-£500 ($680) depending on the ATM bank and your bank.

Visitors who wish to travel to the UK must hold a passport from the US, Canada, many parts of Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and the EU. You can stay for up to 6 months.

If your country is not mentioned, you must apply for a UK visitor visa in advance.

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in the UK

It can be hard to give an exact cost of a 14-day trip in the UK. This is because the costs in different cities are very different. Accommodation in London is one of the most expensive in the world, but it’s not the same cost in Cardiff or even Edinburgh.

But to give you an average range, an estimate of $2,300 is a decent budget for 2 weeks in the UK. Accommodation is the most expensive and transport cost and entry fees are the most affordable. With this budget, you can have a private room in a mid-range hotel.

If you’re on a tight budget though, you still have to plan the cost to be about $1,800 , and you’ll have to stay in dorm rooms most of the time.

Regarding a luxury trip, put the estimated cost down to $4,000 to enjoy some four to five-star hotels, private tours, and high-end restaurants.

These costs are for an individual person and don’t include your flight to the UK and back home, travel insurance, or other travel gear.

Other basic travel tips

If you’re unsure where to book flights and travel insurance, the list of travel services below is my personal collection. From booking tours, flights, and hotels, to arranging an airport pick-up and car rental – these are my go-to travel sites. Some of these tools even allow me to cancel the booking at the last minute for low to zero fees.

PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN THE UK

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN THE UK ITINERARY

If you want to see as much of the country as you can while you’re there but aren’t sure where to begin, here are six of my best 2 weeks in the UK itineraries to give you some inspiration. Each of these well-known trips will provide you with a fresh perspective on this beautiful and lush country.

But one thing they all have in common is that you’ll definitely leave with a profound appreciation of all that makes the United Kingdom unique.

When planning an itinerary, keeping your desired type of travel in mind is crucial. Keep in mind that these are only general recommendations, and you don’t have to follow them strictly. Feel free to modify them in a way that will give you the most enjoyable trip possible.

Itinerary #1: England only

First up is two weeks in the UK itinerary, specifically for England, which includes all of the finest attractions in the nation. You can travel quickly and see a new location every day, but if you’d prefer a more leisurely tour, you should generally plan on spending a few days in some of them, especially considering travel time.

Since many locations are just as lovely, it was pretty challenging for me to decide which ones to include, but this route offers you a nice variety. You can follow this itinerary below or check out our 2 weeks in England itineraries .

London for 5 days

London is an extraordinary place to start your trip or even spend an entire 14 days. There is so much to see, food to eat, things to do, and shows to watch. First, for history lovers, make sure you have the historical sites listed.

This includes everything related to the Monarchy. Whether you’re a fan of the Monarchy or not, it’s undeniable that a lot of the UK or England’s history revolves around the Monarchy, which is a big part of the British Empire.

Make sure to visit the Tower of London, Buckingham Palance, the London Eye, and Kensington Palace, just to name a few. You can book combo tours to make sure you see all these places in one day. This is an awesome way to make the most out of your time in England.

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square are among the most well-known sites in England. Aside from that, The Tower of London offers plenty to see and do, including the magnificent Crown Jewels exhibition, the Royal Mint, and exhibits on executions.

If you’re travelling with kids, look into kid-friendly events like “Knights School” and other engaging programs that give fascinating insights into the castle’s history.

Day trips from London

There are also many day trips from London, including Europe’s most famous prehistoric site – Stonehenge. I highly suggest purchasing a ticket in advance to ensure admission. You can also visit Bath/Costowld or Cambridge.

If you only have time for one royal attraction, Windsor Castle is the best choice which is one of the Royal Family’s residences that routinely welcomes guests when the head of the Monarchy is away.

Northern England for 3 days

Northern England is located in the Midlands and consists of many cities and lots of remarkable towns, such as Manchester, Liverpool, York, Newcastle, Leeds, and Sheffield, to name a few. The best way to explore this area is by choosing one city or town as your base and travelling from there.

This is also the region you want to be in if you like hiking and plan to visit Peak and Leak District. If the season is correct, you can even go wild swimming, picnic, and camp inside the National Park.

For those who are fans of football and the Beatles, Northern England should be on your two weeks in the UK itinerary.

South of London for 3 days

South of London, you will find the remarkable Royal Pavilion and the charming city of Brighton. Apart from that top attraction, you must also add High Weald AONB to your list. Remember the National Trusts list, including BAteman’s Scotney Castle, Smallhythe Place, and Nymans.

This region is best explored with a rented car, although public transit is also well-placed here. There are definitely guided tours you can join, which will take you to multiple locations in one day.

Choose between Brighton, Eastbourne, and Crawley as your base. Crawley is right next to Gatwick Airport, which is ideal if you prefer to stay near the airport for your next flight.

West England for 3 days

West England is the destination for surfing, seeing magnificent cliffs, and doing more outdoor activities. North Devon ( and Cornwall are the two top surfing spots in this part of the UK. You can base yourself in Plymouth or Exeter.

Exploring will be much easier if you rent a vehicle to drive yourself around than relying on public transit. If you don’t feel like doing that, you can do also sign up for guided tours where a tour guide and a transit are included.

Dartmoor Nation Park is one the best spots in West England. But don’t forget to discover the National Trusts in this region. To name a few, you must check out Baggy Point, Heddon Valley, Woolacombe, Arlington Court, and Castle Drogo.

Itinerary #2: Wales and Northern Ireland

Wales and Northern Ireland are great destinations for travellers, offering a wide range of activities, historic sites, and natural beauty. They have also been featured as filming locations for popular TV shows and movies, making them an even more exciting destination for fans.

If you’re into photography, this list of beautiful places in North Wales will be a great spot. Many top sites, such as Snowdonia, Trefor Sea Stacks, and South Stack Lighthouse, are featured.

Wales for 7 days

Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of English King Henry VII in 1457 and featured in the romance film “Me Before You”, has breathtaking views over the coast and the old town. Don’t forget to check out Carmarthenshire County Museum and St. Peter’s Church. Laugharne Castle, a historic fortress from medieval times that saw action during the Civil War, is another landmark in the vicinity.

Northern Ireland for 7 days

The Giant’s Causeway, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, is mainly known throughout the world for its blocks of layered basalt. Many treats are along the Causeway Coast, including Portstewart and Portrush’s stunning dunes and beaches.

By taking a short 10-minute journey to the west and passing through the charming community of Bushmills, you can reach the Dunluce Castle, also featured in “Game of Thrones”. You can also plan a trip that covers only Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for 2 weeks .

Getting from Wales to Northern Ireland

The most popular and quickest way to travel from Wales to Northern Ireland is by plane. The main airports for travel between the two countries are Cardiff Airport in Wales and Belfast International Airport in Northern Ireland. There are several direct flights per day from these airports, and the flight time is usually around 1 hr 20 min.

Itinerary #3: England and Scotland

England and Scotland both provide an outstanding balance of urban and outdoor experiences, making them ideal destinations for those who want to explore busy cities and enjoy hiking, and outdoor activities.

If you have 2 weeks in the UK, you definitely have to visit at least 2-3 countries and try out two different things. What I mean by this is you can visit busy cities, but don’t miss out on exploring nature’s beauty and going for a hike or wild swimming.

England for 8 days

With 12 of the country’s major lakes and more than 2,000 miles of trails waiting to be explored, the Lake District National Park is a must-visit destination for travellers to England. Here, you can visit numerous fells in the park, including the highest mountain in England known as Scafell Pike.

On the other hand, among the best routes in The Cotswold is along the Cotswold Way, which offers stunning sights of the Vale of Evesham and the Severn Valley.

If you love history or are fascinated by the British Empire, there are many well-preserved historic locations around England. The must-see ones are Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall, Wall Roman Site, Jirby Hall, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Broadway Tower, Tower of London, and many castles.

Scotland for 6 days

Loch Lomond is a favourite day trip in Scotland since it offers plenty of open space for hikers, water activities, and an abundance of salmon and whitefish as bait for fishing. Located at the southern end of the loch, you can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as playing golf on the lakeside of Cameron House.

Take a tour down Loch Ness to see some of the most amazing highland scenery, including the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle, where you can experience the romantic side of Scotland.

Getting from England to Scotland

Flying is the fastest option to arrive from England to Scotland, and it typically takes around 1 hr 10 min to come from London to Edinburgh. Another option is to hop on a high-speed train from London to Edinburgh, with an average journey time of 4-5 hr.

Itinerary #4: England and Wales

For those searching for remarkable bays and dramatic sea cliffs, you’re in for a treat with your 14 days in the UK. Some of the best beaches are found off the usual path, making up for an ideal retreat for individuals wanting solitude. Cornwall (England) and Gower (Wales) are both great destinations for surfing and are located near one another, making it easy to visit both places in one trip.

If you want to hone your surfing skills, head to the UK’s top surfing location, Fistral Beach. Another must-visit destination in England is Porthcurno Bay which offers a secluded coastal cliff range that includes one of the best beaches in England.

For surfers, families, and couples seeking a peaceful seaside getaway, Bigbury-on-Sea Beach is for you. But definitely check out Northern Devon and Cornwall for fantastic beaches and fun surfing waves.

Wales 5 days

Encircled by turquoise water, golden sand beaches, and ragged cliffs, the Gower Peninsula in Wales is a sight to behold. This paradise is considered Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which offers an abundance of activities, including hiking and surfing.

The area’s main attractions are the picturesque Rhossili Beach, Worm’s Head, and Three Cliffs Bay. For Wales, it’s best to stay in Cardiff or Swansea to have plenty of accommodation options.

Getting from England to Wales

There are no direct flights from Cornwall (England) to Swansea (Wales), but you can drive a car, with the most popular route being the A30, M5, and M4. The road trip journey is around 3 hr 53 min, depending on the traffic situation.

Itinerary #5: England and Northern Ireland

Travel back in time and discover the mysteries of the past on a historical journey of the UK. With this itinerary, you’ll undoubtedly see the main historical sites rich with tales of how World War II affected England.

In addition, you’ll discover how “The Troubles” began during the centuries-long conflict in 1992 that followed the Catholic people of Ireland’s attempt to overthrow British control, which was dominated by the Protestant religion.

Check out Fan Bay Deep Shelter, where you can glimpse the tunnels constructed beneath the artillery battle during WWII. Located directly across from Pines Garden’s main entrance, The St. Margaret’s Museum houses several WWII-related relics, including period clothing and an air raid bunker.

The tunnels beneath Dover Castle, which served as an evacuation centre during WWII, are also open to the public. If you’re curious to see Cambridge and Oxford, there are day trips from London heading towards those areas.

Northern Ireland for 6 days

The Titanic Belfast, a spectacular landmark that commemorates Belfast’s maritime history and pays tribute to the RMS Titanic, is worth visiting. You can also swing by The Ulster Museum in Belfast, which houses exhibits about the cultural heritage of Northern Ireland cultural heritage.

Just a short drive from Belfast is home to Carrickfergus Castle, one of the country’s finest medieval structures that fended off enemies centuries ago.

Getting from England to Northern Ireland

To get from England to Northern Ireland, you can fly from Dover to Belfast, which takes around 1 hr 15 min. The closest airport to Dover is London Gatwick Airport, and from there, you can take a flight to Belfast City Airport.

Itinerary #6: Wales and Scotland

This trip takes you through the most scenic areas of England’s natural beauty, which have served as a source of inspiration for countless authors and musicians. Put your hiking boots on as we ramble around some of the best national parks and open spaces in the nation.

Wales and Scotland are both known for their incredible hiking trails and stunning landscapes, perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and those who love to hike.

The fun Four Falls Walk includes the stunning Blue Pool, the Sgwd y Pannwr, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, and the Sgwd yr Eira, a famous hike in Wales. The Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a 14-mile stretch of picturesque that runs from Porthcawl to Aberthaw, has grown more prominent with hikers and cyclists due to its proximity to Dunraven Bay.

Scotland for 7 days

Scotland’s Northern Highlands is a must for those who enjoy golf, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and water rafting. With breathtaking views of the Trossachs National Park, you can hike up Ben Lomond if you prefer longer treks. Then there is Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in Britain, which attracts hikers of all skill levels and can be reached in about 2 hr 30 min.

Getting from Wales to Scotland

When travelling from Wales to Scotland, I highly suggest taking a direct flight from Cardiff to Edinburgh as it usually takes approximately 1 hr 15 min. From Edinburgh, you can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley railway station to Glasgow Queen Street railway station, which takes around 50 min to 1 hr. If you choose to drive, the quickest route is via the M8, which takes about 1 hr 15 min.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE UK

• Tower of London and Crown of Jewels – you can book a tour
• Tower Bridge and Big Ben
• Join a fun Harry Potter guided walking tour and get a ticket to Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio
• The British Museum
• Kensington Palace – you can join a sightseeing tour or a Royal high tea
• Buckingham Palace
• Book a spooky Jack the Ripper tour
• Westminster Abbey – hop on a boat cruise from Westminster to Greenwich
• The National Gallery
• London Eye – you can get a fast-track ticket to save time
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Stonehenge – you can get on a tour from London
• Madame Tussauds – visit one of the most popular museums in London, get your entry ticket
• Windsor Castle – get your admission ticket
• World War II – walking tour with a visit to Churchill war rooms
• Trafalgar Square
• The Shard – you can get a ticket to enjoy a panoramic view
• Book a dinner cruise at the Thames River

South and southwest of London:

• The Royal Pavillion
• Leeds Castle
• Bodiam Castle
• Hever Castle & Gardens
• Hampton Court Palace
• Thorpe Park Resort
• Salisbury Cathedral
• Stonehenge – get your ticket here if you’re planning to get there on your own

North and northwest of London (Leeds/Liverpool/Manchester):

• Cadbury World
• Get a hop-on-hop-off bus for Liverpool – this includes a city tour and Beatles tour – or simply book The Beatles Story tour
• Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Mersey River – book a cruise
• Dayton Manor Theme Park
• National Railway Museum York
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Northern Ireland

• Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre – get a self-guided tour
• Peace Wall Belfast – combine Peacewall and Mural in a tour
• Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
• SS Nomadic – you can book a guided tour for SS Nomadic and Titanic Experience
• Titanic Belfast
• Vertigo Titanic Park
• Wall Mural – join a political taxi tour
• CS Lewis Square
• Game of Thrones – book a day tour that includes Giant Causeway
• From Dublin – there’s a package tour for Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Belfast
• Have fun at Beer Bike tour in Belfast
• Giant’s Causeway – you don’t want to drive there, you can enjoy a luxury coach tour
• Get the hop-on, hop-off bus for Belfast
• National Trust – Divis and the Black Mountain
• Join the Bloody Sunday and Bogside Mural guided tour
• Museum of Free Derry
• Bishop’s Gate, part of the Derry Walls
• If you can spend five days in Scotland, check the itinerary on this 5-day tour to save you time and make the trip more convenient
• Edinburgh Castle – get your skip-the-line ticket
• The Royal Palace
• National War Museum
• Loch Ness – join a full-day Scottish Highlands tour or this tour
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Dean Village
• Hogwarts Express – ride the train from Inverness or from Edinburgh
• See more of the Harry Potter – HP guided walking tour
• National Museum of Scotland
• Arthur’s Seat – you can take the trail from Holywood Park
• St Andrews and Fishing Villages – check the tour price
• Calton Hill
• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• Craigmillar Castle
• Portobello Beach
• Don’t miss the spooky features – haunted underground and graveyard tour
• Duddingston Golf Club
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• Loch Lomond – you can enjoy an hour of boat cruise
• The Trossachs National Park
• Tease your taste buds with – chocolate tour and Scotch whiskey tour or food tour with drinks
• The Gatehouse
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery
• From Inverness – you can do a full-day tour to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Join the wandering tour of South Wales – read the reviews and check the price
• Caernarfon Castle
• Snowdonia National Park and Snowdon – book this tour with 3 castles visit or Snowdonia with Portmeirion tour
• Conwy Castle
• Llangollen – go on a whitewater rafting or canoeing tour
• Cardiff Castle
• Prembrokeshire Coast National Park
• West Wales – there’s a mystical tour you can join
• Harlech Castle
• National Trust – Bodnant Garden
• Barry Island – filming locations of Gavin and Stacey
• Swansea Castle
• The National Waterfront Museum
• Devil’s Bridge

MUST-TRY BRITISH DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

If you’re looking to try traditional British food, here are some dishes you shouldn’t miss:

• Fish and chips – battered and fried fish served with chips
• Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding – slow-roasted beef served with gravy and a large, fluffy Yorkshire pudding.
• Shepherd’s pie – a casserole made with minced lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes on top
• Bangers and mash – sausages served with mashed potatoes and gravy
• Toad in the hole – sausages baked in batter and served with gravy and vegetables
• Cornish pasty – pastry filled with meat and vegetables, originating from Cornwall
• Ploughman’s lunch – hearty meal typically consisting of cheese, bread, pickles, and sometimes ham
• Full English breakfast – classic English breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and baked beans
• Sticky toffee pudding – sweet dessert made with dates and a toffee sauce, often served with vanilla ice cream
• Trifle – traditional English dessert made with layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard, and cream

When it comes to drinks:

• Tea: One of the most famous drinks in Britain, tea is typically served with milk and sugar
• Scotch whisky (especially in Scotland)
• Whisky (especially in Ireland)
• Sarsaparilla: A sweet, carbonated soft drink that is flavored with sassafras.
• Square mile coffee
• Elderflower cordial

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Affordable: Hootananny Hostel or Dover Castle Hostel or The Phoenix Hostel
• Mid-range: Central Hotel or Keystone House or Studios2Let
• Luxury: The Londoner or The Ampersand Hotel or One Hundred Shoreditch
• Affordable: The Full Moon Backpackers or The Washington
• Mid-range: The Alma Taverns Boutique Suites or Arnor Manor Hotel
• Luxury: Leonardo Hotel or Number 38 Cliffton or Clayton Hotel
• Affordable to Mid-range: EI8HT Brighton or Selina Brighton or The Beach Hotel
• Luxury: Drakes Hotel or The Charm Boutique Hotel & Spa or Jurys Inn Waterfront
• Affordable: Piccadilly Central or YHA Manchester
• Mid-range: ibis Portland Street or Castlefield Hotel
• Luxury: Motel One or Maldron Hotel
• Affordable: High Street Hostel or Royal Mile Backpackers
• Mid-range: Wilde Aparthotels or Point A Hotel
• Luxury: The Balmoral Hotel or Market Street Hotel
• Affordable: easyHotel or Euro Hostel
• Mid-range: Point A Hotel or The Z Hotel
• Luxury: Native Glasgow or Maldron Hotel or Radisson Blu
• Affordable (Cardiff): BunkHouse
• Mid-range hotels (Cardiff): ibis Budget Cardiff or Cardiff Sandringham Hotel
• Luxury hotel (Cardiff): Lincoln House or Hotel Indigo
• Affordable (Belfast): Vagabond Hostel or Belfast International Youth Hotel
• Mid-range (Belfast): Tara Lodge or ETAP Hotel
• Luxury (Belfast): Ten Square Hotel or Titanic Hotel
• Affordable (London): Wombat The City Hostel or YHA London Central
• Mid-range (London): The Lilac Door or The Brownswood
• Luxury (London): Montcalm Royal or The Landmark London

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN THE UK

The UK, consisting of Northern Ireland, England, Wales, and Scotland, is a mix of classic and modern attractions to which any traveller will be drawn. If you are taking panoramic photos or snapping selfies, you can take Instagram-worthy shots in the UK.

The UK never falls behind when it comes to being one of the most popular tourist destinations globally. This area has many incredible things to see and do, including historical sites, hiking trails, and magnificent coastal views. Your 2 weeks in the UK will definitely be worthwhile.

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The Perfect 2-Week England Itinerary

From Stonehenge and the Tower of London to Cheddar Gorge and the Lake District , England’s best sightseeing attractions are as iconic as they are diverse. Stretching from the long shores of the English Channel, north to the border with Scotland , England is a destination that you’ll never forget.

You’ll start your trip in London , where you’ll immerse yourself in the multicultural capital that sits at the heart of the nation. We’ve got endless historical sights for you to see in the city, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament, before you journey into the countryside in search of England’s rolling hills and green fields.

In the southwest, you’ll see Roman spas and Georgian architecture in Bath, while in Bristol, you’ll delve into England’s most eclectic cultural and foodie hub. Oxford and the Cotswolds are quintessential England at its best, while Liverpool is the nation’s creative hub and a must-see destination for music fans everywhere (we presume you’ve heard of a band called the Beatles?). 

Manchester offers a glimpse into England’s industrial past and inventive future, and York is packed with Viking and medieval history. It’s not all about urban sights, though, and our itinerary has ample opportunities for you to hike into spectacular national parks like the Peak District and the Lake District, which are hugely romantic in their enduring, natural appeal. 

And if you can’t bear to leave after your 2 weeks in England, then you can always extend your stay in the United Kingdom with a trip to Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. If you’re planning your next getaway, then keep reading as we reveal the best 2-week England itinerary!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in England

Things to know before you go.

England is one of four countries that together comprise the United Kingdom, the others being Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Of the four, England is the largest country in terms of area and population and is a serious powerhouse in terms of natural, cultural, and historical attractions. England has its own unique national identity, so try not to conflate “England” with the rest of the UK when you’re visiting!

The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, which means EU citizens no longer have unlimited visa-free access. Schengen visas also don’t work here, and the UK’s entry requirements can be strict for certain nationalities. Many nationalities do have visa-free access to the United Kingdom (and England) for up to 6 months at a time, though. 

For longer stays, you’ll need to check the requirements with your consulate or embassy. Leaving the European Union has caused delays at entry and exit points into England, while “Brexit” has also caused countless divisions within the country (it’s still a difficult topic to bring up in conversation with the locals!). 

England uses the British Pound (GBP), which is freely accepted across the United Kingdom. If you’re traveling to Scotland, though, you may have trouble using Scottish pounds in English shops. 

Scottish pounds can be changed in banks, however. The use of cards is now almost universal in England, and in London, you’ll often struggle to pay in cash. In smaller, more rural destinations, it’s a little different, and it can be helpful to have small cash reserves, just in case cards aren’t accepted. 

The Best Time to Visit England

England is known for being a rainy nation, and while it doesn’t quite rain all the time (as many visitors expect!), it does rain often and unexpectedly. No matter when you’re traveling to England, you’ll always want to be prepared with a rain jacket or umbrella on hand – even in summer.

But England is a temperate country, with four seasons, mild summers, and cold-ish winters. There are no real weather extremes, and it’s extremely rare for temperatures to exceed 30°C (86°F) in summer or dip below freezing in winter. 

Summer is the most popular time to visit England, but it can be overwhelmingly busy in popular destinations like London, Bath, or Stonehenge. We recommend avoiding June, July, and August completely. 

Instead, try to visit England during spring or autumn. There’s a higher chance of rain (but when isn’t there in England?). However, you’ll avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful trip. 

April and May are lovely as the days get much longer, while September and October see the scenery transformed into golden autumnal hues. Alternatively, winter is much quieter at traditional tourist sites, but you’ll love the Christmas markets and seasonal festivities that brighten up the short, cold days and long nights. 

Getting Around England

England is incredibly well-connected to the rest of the world. London’s many airports – including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City – are some of the busiest in Europe, and you’ll find long and short-haul flights to almost any destination in the world. 

For this reason, we recommend starting and ending your 2-week trip to England in London, although there are also many international flights scheduled from regional airports, including Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester. For more extensive trips to the United Kingdom, you can also look at flying into or out of Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Belfast. 

For the London section of the itinerary, it’s no problem using public transport. In fact, we encourage it. The Heathrow Express whisks you from the airport to central London in just 15 minutes, for example, while the London Underground (or “The Tube”) is as much a sightseeing attraction as it is a convenient means of getting around. 

You simply tap on and tap off with a debit or credit card, in London, and no tickets are needed. For private transport in London, try a Black Cab, Uber, or Bolt. We don’t recommend driving yourself.

Our itinerary below is intended to be traveled using public transport. The train network in England is extensive, and from London, you can reach most major cities within a few hours. 

Tickets can be expensive, though, so try to book in advance where possible. Long-distance bus companies, including National Express, Mega Bus, and Flix Bus, provide inexpensive inter-city travel routes but typically take longer than trains. 

If you prefer, then you could rent a car when you’re set to leave London. Having your own vehicle would make it quicker to travel between destinations and help you to maximize your time in England. It would also make it easier to reach rural destinations in places like the Cotswolds, Peak District, and Lake District. 

Just remember, they drive on the left in England!

England Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

London – 2 nights.

Your 2 weeks in England begin in London , the nation’s largest city and the capital of the United Kingdom. London is a bucket list destination, and you’re guaranteed to have an action-packed introduction as you spend your first two nights here.

Buckingham Palace

The writer Samuel Johnson famously said that “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” There’s so much to see here, and you’ll start by visiting iconic sights like Buckingham Palace , Westminster Abbey , and the Houses of Parliament before taking a stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. 

Kensington Palace

For more royal history, you can visit Kensington Palace (home of Will and Kate), and for a spot of history, you can head into the Churchill War Rooms, which sheltered the British government underground during World War II.

Museums and Galleries

If you love museums, then you’re in the perfect city. Take your pick from the British Museum , the Natural History Museum , the Science Museum , the Imperial War Museum , or the V&A Museum . 

Tower of London

Save time for a Beefeater-led tour of the Tower of London , founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 and home to the royal family’s Crown Jewels. Cross Tower Bridge, take a cruise along the River Thames, or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city from the London Eye or from the dizzying heights of The Shard (the tallest building in the United Kingdom). 

Tate Modern

If you prefer culture to history, then you’ve got endless plays, musicals, and performances to see in the West End. Head to Leicester Square for a taste of movie stardom at famous cinemas or visit artistic gems like the Tate Modern .

Borough Market

British pubs await you on every street corner, while bustling foodie destinations like Borough Market will keep you well-fueled throughout your London adventure. For nights out, hit up the live music venues of Camden Town or the bars of Shoreditch. 

Central London

If, somehow, you’ve still got time to spare, then day-trip opportunities abound from central London. Warner Bros Studios is a must-see for Harry Potter fans, Richmond Park is a beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle, and more royal history can be found in Hampton Court Palace (Henry VIII’s home) and Windsor Castle (which is still a royal residence).

Stonehenge – 1 night

From London, it’s a two-hour drive west through rolling countryside and into England’s heartland. Your next stop is a sight that’s known the world over, and that’s thought to be at least 5,000 years old.

That’s right – you’re visiting the iconic manmade attraction that is Stonehenge, a historic masterpiece of ancient engineering constructed by the earliest Britons. Visit this impressive archeological site, and you’ll be awed by the towering megalithic standing stones that rise toward the heavens. 

The true purpose of Stonehenge will possibly never be known, but many of the standing stones align with the changing seasons, including the summer solstice, for example. In the Visitors Center, you can learn more about the many theories that surround Stonehenge and gain an insight into the engineering techniques and sheer manpower that went into its construction.   

If you’re driving, then it’s easy to visit Stonehenge on your way further west. If not, then you can take a bus or train from London to Salisbury, then transfer to Stonehenge. You can spend the night in Salisbury, if needed, and also visit the city’s magnificent cathedral, or you can continue westward to Bristol and Bath.

Bristol and Bath – 2 nights

Two of the best cities to visit in England are Bristol and Bath, which both await you in the West Country. Bristol is the largest city in southwest England, and it’s a multicultural hub that’s famed for its street art and diverse dining scene. 

This is the home city of Banksy, and you can take a street art tour in search of his hidden murals and graffiti. At M-Shed , you can learn more about Bristol’s fascinating history, including the dark transatlantic slave trade that the city profited from for decades. 

When you’re hungry, visit the St. Nicholas Markets to indulge in everything from Persian kebabs to dim sum before making your way to Clifton, where spectacular views await you from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. 

Cheddar Gorge

Outside of Bristol, you can visit the winding turns and steep cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, the home of cheddar cheese, or you can take a day trip to the piers and tidal beaches of Weston-super-Mare. 

Explore the Town of Cheddar

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in England, and its marvelous Georgian townhouses and historic cathedral are just a half-hour train ride away from Bristol.

Jane Austen Centre

Made famous by the countless period dramas and movies that have been filmed here ( Bridgerton being the most recent), you’ll be taking a step back in time as you delve into the Jane Austen Centre or visit Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein .

Thermae Bath Spa

Long before England’s Georgian elite fell in love with Bath, the city was known for its hot springs. The Romans founded a bathhouse here around 60 AD, the well-preserved remains of which you can still visit today.

Then, at Thermae Bath Spa , you can enjoy a relaxing session in the city’s modern spa center, which offers rooftop views of the Bath skyline from a stunning open-air swimming pool. 

Oxford and the Cotswolds – 2 nights

Next up is one of the most famous cities in the world: Oxford. With a dreamy skyline punctuated by church spires, you’ll love touring through Oxford University’s many colleges, which often offer guided tours to the public. 

Bodleian Library

Visit the Bodleian Library , where you can immerse yourself in dusty tomes of literature, or in the library’s newly-opened museum, which hosts regular exhibitions and events delving into the history of the English language. 

Oxford is a city for history lovers, and you can spend hours hunting through ancient history at the Ashmolean Museum (England’s first museum, opened in 1863) and explore cultural curiosities collected from around the world at the brilliant Pitt Rivers Museum . Follow it up with a pint at The Bear , which claims to be the oldest pub in Britain (a very debated title!).

From Oxford, you can day trip into the heart of the Cotswolds. This beautiful area of countryside is filled with rolling green fields and sandstone villages. 

Iconic Villages and Town

This is quintessential England at its best, and we recommend touring through iconic villages and towns like Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Chipping Norton. If you’ve got extra time, you could also tackle the long-distance Cotswolds Way walking route or spend a day in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown. 

Liverpool – 2 nights

Now you’re traveling north, and the next stop on your England itinerary is Liverpool . This is one of the country’s most creative cities, but equally, it’s a city of contrasts too.

The Beatles Story

Music fans will want to book a Beatles tour of the city. Explore the many locations from the band’s home city that inspired famous songs before visiting The Beatles Story and spending an evening at The Cavern Club where they became famous.

River Mersey

You’ll love Liverpool’s revitalized docklands, where shops, restaurants, and hotels line the wharf, and you can take a cruise of the River Mersey for a waterside view of the city.

Don’t forget to visit the International Slavery Museum , though, to learn how the city’s wealth was originally accumulated. 

Liverpool is also home to interesting sights like the Museum of Liverpool and the Walker Art Gallery , and of course, sports fans can visit the home stadiums of Premier League teams Liverpool and Everton. You could easily spend two days seeing Liverpool’s sights, but you could also take a day trip to nearby Chester, which is just a half hour’s drive away.

This small city traces its origins back to a Roman army camp that was founded almost 2,000 years ago in 79AD. Being so closely located to Wales, Chester played a huge role in England’s history for centuries after.

Today, you’ll find an impressive example of a walled medieval city, which still follows the original Roman design in places. Layers of history are waiting to be uncovered, so join a walking tour to learn more. 

Manchester – 2 nights

Manchester is England’s northern powerhouse. Rising to prominence during the Industrial Revolution, the city is known for its canals, red brick buildings, and Gothic architecture (check out the John Ryland Library, for example).

Cultural Things To Do

Manchester is packed with cultural things to do, and you can take your pick from the Science and Industry Museum , the Imperial War Museum North , Manchester Cathedral , and the Manchester Museum . 

Take a cruise along the river, visit the Lowry Centre (dedicated to local artist Lowry’s industrial-themed artwork), and explore the Manchester Art Gallery.

National Football Museum

Sports fans will already know that the city is home to two of football’s greatest teams, and you can take tours of Manchester United and Manchester City’s stadiums before visiting the National Football Museum . 

Peak District

A short drive from Manchester brings you to the Peak District, one of England’s most rugged national parks. Take a day to hike striking trails to natural peaks like Mam Tor or Kinder Scout or explore charming towns like Ashbourne, Buxton, and Bakewell. 

Lake District National Park – 2 nights

Your journey now takes you further north, where you’ll have two days to spend in the great outdoors. Your destination is the Lake District National Park, where you’ll find stunning landscapes that inspired the greatest romantic artists and writers of the Victorian era.

This is the land of Wordsworth, and we recommend basing yourself in the town of Kendall, which is easily reached by train from Manchester. Book yourself a traditional bed and breakfast, then get your hiking boots and walking poles ready. 

Lake Windermere

There’s lots to do here, and first-time visitors will want to start with a boat tour of Lake Windermere. Hike the Ullswater Way, explore beautiful villages like Keswick and Ambleside, and enjoy dark skies that are perfect for stargazing. 

Scafell Pike

Avid hikers can tackle Scafell Pike while they’re staying in the Lake District National Park. This tall mountain stands 978 meters (3,209 feet) in height, making it the tallest peak in England. You’ll need to be in fairly good shape, but one of the best routes starts in Borrowdale, taking around 6 hours there and back to the summit of Scafell Pike. 

York – 2 nights

York is one of the must-see places in England. This charming destination is refreshingly compact in comparison to London, Liverpool, and Manchester, but it’s easily the most historic city in the north. 

York dates back to the Roman era, but it’s best known for being the center of Viking kingdoms that came to rule northern England in the Dark Ages. The city is also fantastically situated within easy reach of outdoor northern beauty spots like the Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire Moors. 

York Castle Museum

It’s the perfect place to end your 2-week trip to England as you delve into Viking and medieval history at the JORVIK Viking Centre and York Castle Museum .

York Minster

Visit York Minster, where you’ll find one of the finest examples of an English cathedral, take a stroll along the Shambles, or delve into the world of trains at the Yorkshire Railway Museum . 

From York, you can continue your journey north toward Newcastle and the Scottish Borders, or you can turn back south to London. 

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week England itinerary. Where will you be traveling on your trip to England?

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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• England / Europe / Travel

Perfect England 2 Week Itinerary: How to Plan an England Itinerary

by Stephanie · Published February 18, 2019 · Updated February 6, 2024

England is one of those destinations that has so much to offer. Whether you are seeking history and heritage or gardens and the great outdoors, you’ll find what you’re searching for in England. But planning a trip to England can be daunting. So, I’ve created the perfect England 2 week itinerary to help you see all the top cities and sights.

In this guide I’ll share what to do in England, top attractions, as well as when to visit, how to get in and around, and even some cool facts. Let’s get planning your 2 weeks in England today!

This post contains affiliate links. By booking through these links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Time to Visit England

In my opinion there is no wrong time to visit England. But your interests, budget, and preferences could determine the best time to visit for you. Peak season is from June through August. This is also the warmest time to visit.

But if you want less crowds and still comfortable temperatures then the ideal time to visit is between April and early June or September through October. And if cooler temperatures and a wee bit of snow don’t bother you then winter in England can be perfect.

How to Get to England 

A great and easy city to begin your England itinerary is  in London. It is the central hub of travel from west to east and onwards with endless flights arriving every day.

Some budget travelers choose to fly into Gatwick, as flights are sometimes cheaper. But make sure to factor in travel time and budget to get you to central London.

If you do fly through Gatwick, be sure to purchase your transport in advance, whether through National Express or other services, which is cheaper than purchasing on arrival.

The easiest airport to fly into London is Heathrow. Don’t be overwhelmed, it may be big, but it’s easy to navigate and it’s in a convenient location right at the end of the Tube line. Having access to the Tube (London’s metro system) makes getting anywhere in the city a breeze, and it’s affordable.

How to Get Around England

With London the main city for your English vacation, I suggest getting an Oyster Card for use on public transit. You can load it with money for use on buses and the Tube.

Not only will you save money on your fares, but you can also return the card for your initial deposit back. The Oyster Card pairs well with a London Pass, which can be pre-ordered before your trip.

Many of England’s cities are easy to navigate on foot – even London. Public transit, like the Tube is also easy to navigate. Most transit systems have maps available in stations to help you find where to go.

One of the best ways to get around England is by train. They are affordable, efficient, and a scenic way to see the beauty of England’s countryside.

Where to Go in England + England 2 Week Itinerary

If you’re planning an England 2 week itinerary then I have the perfect guide for you! In this travel guide, you’ll discover the top places to go in England, how long to stay in each destination, plus where to stay. So, start getting ready for an epic trip with this ideal two weeks in England itinerary!

London, England is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world. It is, in my opinion, a fascinating mix of 21 st century meets rich history dating back to the Roman times. So, it makes the perfect first stop on your England 2 week itinerary. And while there are endless things to do in London I recommend visiting for at least 5 days. This is an ideal amount of time to see some of London’s best attractions.

Related Post: Top 10 Tips for First Time Travelers to London

What can you do and see in London in 5 days?

Grab one of the city’s iconic double decker buses for a cheap way to enjoy the best of London, without paying for a proper sightseeing tour. A couple of great bus routes to choose from that will take you by London’s top attractions are, Route 11 and Route 9.

A few must visit attractions are; Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Covent Garden, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Kensington Palace. And don’t forget to check out one of the many free museums like the British Museum and the National Gallery.

For a slice of the great outdoors visit London’s top parks like Hyde Park, St. James Park, and Kew Gardens.

If you’re travelling the family, you’ll find plenty of attractions to entice the kids. One of the top places to add to your London with kids itinerary is the Natural History Museum. This massive museum is full of awe-inspiring sights and interactive exhibits to entertain the kids and adults alike.

And if you’re looking for a few purely London experiences consider the following. Indulge in high tea. Enjoy the views from a ride on the London Eye. Plus, visiting Little Venice isn’t complete without a ride along the canal on an old long boat.

I can’t forget one of the top picks for many royal fans, Buckingham Palace.

Where to Stay in London

There are a ton of great accommodation options for London! If you’re looking for great places to stay in London I have a few recommendations. The West End is great for first-time visitors. For a hotel, try The Z Hotel . They have various locations both in the West End, like one near Covent Garden and across London. Rooms are just what you need, small, modern, and en-suites.

Another top location is Westminster. Here, you can stay at the Sidney Hotel . It’s close to Victoria Station and the Gatwick Express train. Rooms are bright, modern, and have Hypnos beds. Or if you prefer the South Bank book your stay at The Wellington Hotel . The hotel is only a two-minute walk from The London Eye and has modern rooms and a pub.

For those looking for alternative accommodation try The Lincoln Suites . This aparthotel is close to Covent Garden and has both standard rooms as well as suites with kitchens.

Book your stay in London today!

Stonehenge or Avebury

For many Stonehenge is on their bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with interesting stories and makes for a great day trip from London.

But did you know there is another mysterious stone circle that you can visit? Avebury is another sight of mysterious stones. And while both make a great day trip from London, which should you visit?

Stonehenge is busy, expensive (around £20), and you can only walk around a path laid out at a distance from the stones. But, Avebury is free, much less full of tourists, and you can walk amongst the stones.

After you enjoy a whirlwind tour of London head to Bristol, only a 2 hour train ride away. This will be your next base for four days. This hip city has been touted as the next London. And it makes for a great base as it’s much more affordable than London and is close to some of England’s best places to visit.

What can you do and see in Bristol in 4 days?

Some of the top things to do in Bristol include; Bristol Cathedral, Temple Church, exploring the historic harbour, climbing Cabot Tower, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, and St. Nicholas Market.

I also recommend walking across the Suspension Bridge for epic views. And for all the street art fans, Bristol is home to Banksy, one of the most famous street art artists. It’s also Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival. So street art is everywhere!

Where to Stay in Bristol

You’ll find a ton of great places to stay in Bristol. If you’re looking for accommodation that is central to attractions I have a couple of options for you! The Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel is a fun hotel that’s a stone’s throw from St. Nicholas Market. This four-star hotel is located in a historic building right in the heart of Bristol. Along with a pub on site, the hotel is full of awesome art, over 500 pieces, by local artists.

Another great option is the ibis Bristol Centre . This modern hotel is close to all the top Bristol attractions downtown. Plus, it’s located in the Harbourside area, where it overlooks Millennium Square. There’s also a 24-hour front desk and fabulous bar and café.

Book your Bristol stay now!

Day Trips from Bristol

Just outside Bristol are some incredible places to visit in England. Bath is only a 15 minute train ride from Bristol.

It’s easy to take in all the main sights during a day trip to Bath . Like the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Parade Gardens, Royal Crescent, and the Bath Guildhall Market. If you want to learn more about the history and details of Bath join one of the free walking tours.

Another great day trip from Bristol is to Glastonbury and Wells. You can easily do both in one day. Glastonbury is only a 1.5 hour bus ride from Bristol.

In Glastonbury you can wander around Glastonbury Abbey and hike up to Tor for incredible views of the English countryside.

On your way back to Bristol stop in Wells. Home to one of England’s most stunning cathedrals, Wells is full medieval. Don’t forget to visit the Wells Market, the Bishop’s Palace, and try one of their many walking tours.

Related Post: Best Bookshops in the UK

The next stop for your England 2 week itinerary should be York. It’s only a 4.5 hour train ride from Bristol. Founded by the ancient Romans, York is has a wealth of history. Even the Vikings were in York!

This historic walled city has so much to offer and you’ll find it truly enchanting. I recommend staying in York for a minimum of 2 days in York.

What can you do and see in York in 2 days?

A visit to York usually starts with a visit to the Gothic York Minster Cathedral. But there is so much more to do. Some of the best things to do in York include, walking the walls of the city, wander the Shambles, Yorkshire Museum, Clifford’s Tower, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Did you know that York is considered one of the most haunted places in the world? So its no surprise there are ample ghost walks to go on, if you dare!

Where to Stay in York

When looking for places to stay in York you’ll find a variety of options from grand hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. If you’re looking for an interesting place that is rich in history then The Roman Bath is for you! On the site of a historic Roman bath, this hotel has modern rooms, a bar, and is close to everything. The best part is that it’s within 300 metres of York Minster!

For those looking for something newer then book your stay at the Hampton by Hilton York . Overlooking York’s Roman walls, the Hampton has a great location. It’s across from the York Railway Station and is only a 10-minute walk to York’s historic centre. Plus, it has awesome views of town and York Minster! Another bonus, if you’re using a car for your UK road trip this hotel offers parking.

Other destinations to fill in your England 2 Week Itinerary

If you’re planning a week trip through the UK, the above itinerary can easily work within that timeframe. However, if you’ve got more time, the following places are my top picks to add to your England 2 week Itinerary.

The Lake District

England’s Lake District is one of those wondrous destinations that live up to everything you hope. Located a 3 hour scenic train ride from London, in North West England, the Lake District is known for its lakes, mountains, and forests.

As England’s largest National Park, it’s perfect for those seeking the wonderful world of nature with endless hikes.

But the Lake District is a magical place for literary travellers. You can visit Dove Cottage in Grasmere, the home of Wordsworth that is now a museum. Or head to Hill Top in Hawkshead, the home of Beatrix Potter.

Depending on what you want to do, you can spend anywhere from one or two nights or up to a week.

Or if you’re looking for an alternative to the Lake District, consider adding the Peak District to your itinerary. A favourite for outdoor adventurers, there is a wealth of things to do in the Peak District ! Along with epic hiking trails, there are charming small towns, interesting historic sites, and more!

Related Post: Top UK Literary Stops for Book Lovers

Where to stay in the Lake District

Whether you’re looking for a one-night stay or a cozy cabin, you’ll find some charming accommodation in the Lake District. One thing to note is that there are a lot of lodging options on the outskirts of the Lake District, so you’ll have to weigh where you’ll want to stay.

One lovely option is the Bower House Inn . Located in the Eskdale Valley, this Inn is set in a 17th-century building that is home to a restaurant with tasty food! It’s close to the Cumbrian coast and makes for an ideal base for those looking to enjoy countryside walks.

You can also stay at the Cuckoo Brow Inn . Located in the sleepy village of Far Sawrey, it has cozy rooms and a continental breakfast in its pub. A fabulous bonus is that the Inn is in the same area that inspired Beatrix Potter!

Another great place to add to your England 2 week itinerary is Canterbury. Located southeast of London, it’s only a 1.5 hour train ride.

Canterbury was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Home to ancient walls that encircle the medieval centre, it will have you feeling like you’re stepping back in time with its cobbled streets and timber framed houses.

A few things to do in Canterbury include visiting the Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury Roman Museum, the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury Castle and Westgate Gardens.

Where to Stay in Canterbury

You’ll find everything from contemporary hotels to historic lodgings in Canterbury. A great choice is Hampton by Hilton . With a location near Westgate, sleek spacious rooms, plus a continental breakfast, and views of Canterbury, it’s a win-win!

If you’re looking for unique places to stay in Canterbury then check out the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge . Located on the tranquil grounds of the Cathedral, it has an awesome location as it’s only a two-minute walk to the historic centre of Canterbury. The Lodge offers solid breakfasts and scenic views too!

If you’re after fun times and beaches then consider adding Brighton to your England vacation itinerary. This English seaside town is an hour south of London by train. But beyond the beach, what is there to do in Brighton?

It’s most famous for the Brighton Palace Pier . Home to rides, food kiosks, and full of entertainment. But don’t forget to visit the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Marina and wander around to take in the beautiful Regency-era buildings.

Related Post: Cotswolds Best Villages – A Roadtrip Around Cotswolds

All you’ll need for Brighton is one or two nights. However, if you’re extending your England itinerary then making it longer allows for fun day trips like Arundel Castle, Rye, and The Seven Sisters.

Where to Stay in Brighton

Accommodation in Brighton is as varied as the city. Plus, there’s a ton of great waterfront hotels! One of which is the Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront .

Located close to the Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion, Jurys Inn overlooks the sea. Another option is the Pink Pavilion . Set in the heart of Brighton, this boutique hotel is a five-minute walk to the sea and close to the Pier.

Related Post: 21 Best Things to do in Falmouth Cornwall

If you stay an extra day in London then Oxford is the perfect day trip to round out your 2 weeks in England. Only an hour and a half train ride from London, Oxford is a fantastic university city full of old-world charm.

Beyond visiting the prestigious Oxford University, which was established in the 12th century, there is plenty of other fun things to do in Oxford . Visit one or more of the historic museums. Go to the Oxford Castle. And don’t forget to climb one of the towers for awesome views of Oxford.

Many visit Oxford as a day trip from London. However, if you’d like to dig a little deeper into this old university town then I recommend staying at least one or two nights.

Where to Stay in Oxford

If you’re looking for places to stay in Oxford you’ll be surprised that the diversity. One lovely place is Head of the River . Set along the banks of the River Thames, it’s a short walk to the city centre. Along with a restaurant, Head of the River also has a riverside terrace.

For those wanting more amenities then consider staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Oxford’s city centre. With a great location, this hotel also has a restaurant and bar.

Related Post: 14 Free Things to do in the West Midlands

Cool Facts about England

Some of the world’s most incredible people have come from England, like Shakespeare, The Beatles, Charles Darwin, Charlie Chaplin, and Alfred Hitchcock.

No matter where you are in England you are no more than 115 km away from the ocean.

Ontario, Canada is more than 8 times larger than England

Extended UK Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re looking for a proper UK road trip itinerary, consider adding Scotland and Wales. I once did a crazy road trip that took me from London to Scotland, then over to Ireland, and back through Wales. While I don’t recommend the speed of that week long trip, it can be done in two weeks.

Or you can add to this England 2 week itinerary, with another week in Scotland, a few days in Dublin, and a couple of days in Wales. Making the above two week England itinerary extended for another two weeks, for an epic four weeks in the UK and Ireland.

For those looking for castles and green rolling hills then add Wales to your England itinerary. Whether you’re travelling via public transport or by car, Wales has a scenic train system as well as incredible roads to drive.

Wales is known for its stunning coastline, quirky Welsh language (just look at those street signs!), and epic national parks. If you’re looking for what to do in Wales a few top attractions include Snowdonia National Park, the castle and National Museum in Cardiff, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Snowdonia National Park is a must for outdoor adventures. The park is home to lakes, hiking trails, and a railway taking you up to the peak of Snowdon! A visit to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a must! Here, you’ll want to check out the Cardiff Castle and the National Museum.

How long do you need in Wales? A few days is ideal if you’re travelling by car to visit Cardiff and a few other small towns, like Caernarfon. However, if you’re using rail to see Wales then you may need more time. Same thing goes if you’re planning to explore Snowdonia!

The grandness of Scotland has so much to offer! With incredible cities, tons of castles, and picturesque roads, you could easily spend weeks exploring Scotland. However, if you’re adding Scotland to your England itinerary, I recommend five to seven days.

Scotland is known for its historic capital, Edinburgh, haggis, and creative locals! Plus, who can resist visiting a country that has the Unicorn as their national animal!

If you only have a week, a few top things to do in Scotland include sightseeing in Edinburgh and exploring Glasgow’s street art.

I also recommend taking a day tour to the Scottish Borders ! If you’re a Da Vinci Code fan like me, you’ll love this tour of the Scottish Borders and Rosslyn Chapel ! I loved it!!

How long do you need in Scotland? While you can do a quick visit of four days, I highly recommend staying for five to seven days.

The distance between Edinburgh and Glasgow is only an hour, so you can easily do that as a day trip from Edinburgh. There are a ton of great tours that will take you to the Scottish Borders. There’s this awesome Alnwick Castle and the Northumberland Coast day tour.

Or this history-driven tour of Hadrian’s Wall and Roman Britain .

Sample England 2 Week Itinerary

You can easily customize this England 2 week itinerary to suit your needs. Below you’ll find a few suggestions to help you plan your two weeks in England.

London – 7 days > Bristol – 4 days > York – 3 days

London – 4 days > Bristol – 2 days > York – 2 days > Lake Districk – 2 days > Canterbury – 1 day > Brighton – 1 day > Oxford – 1 day

London – 8 days with day trips to Canterbury, Brighton, Oxford > Bristol – 2 days > York – 2 days > Lake District – 2 days

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Tags: England London travel

I'm a Canadian gal with a passion for travel, the great outdoors as well as coffee and books. I hope to inspire others to feel the same way! Traveling mostly solo, I love to explore my own backyard of Ontario as well as exotic cities around the world.

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England is on my bucket list!! What a great list of things to do while in England! How cool! Thanks for the tips!!

You’re so welcome Jaclyn! England has so much to offer and this will certainly get you started!

England has so much to offer! I live in Bristol and love a stroll over the suspension bridge or around the docks. We are off to Cardiff tomorrow so will be living your itinerary! Wales and Scotland are magnificent too and well worth adding on to any trip if possible.

That’s so awesome that you live in Bristol! I absolutely fell in love with the city when I visited! And you’re right, there’s so much to do and see in England. I hope you have a fabulous trip to Cardiff! I’d love to see more of Wales!

Great post. I like the idea of visiting Stonehenge as well as the less popular Avebury. Thanks for the tips.

Thanks so much! Stonehenge is so popular and can be expensive, so I always like offering up cheaper and more off the beaten path alternatives.

What an interesting itinerary! I have been to the UK a few times but never for such a long time. But you shared so many beautiful places that you make me wanna go again for more time!

I hope you get a chance to return and explore more! There are so many great places in England and the UK to visit!

What a lovely itinerary with loads of variety! I hope to visit all of these spots one day, but I’m especially interested in extending my trip to include Scotland and Wales. Thanks for the great insight.

If you can spare more time then adding Scotland and Wales will make for an epic itinerary!

That is such a comprehensive guide. I am planning to visit UK in summer this year, and it is going to be helpful. Thank you for sharing.

I’m thrilled you’re visiting the UK this summer and love that you were able to find some helpful tips in this guide! I hope you have an amazing trip!

This is such a great itinerary! I’ve been to most of these places and agree they’re great places to visit! And I love that you suggested going to Wales too! I think it’s so overlooked and it’s my favorite place in the UK 🙂

I’m so happy to hear you agree with my suggestions! And yes, I agree Wales is so incredible and sadly overlooked. I hope more people discover it!

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13 Ideas For A 2-Day Trip To London With Kids

L ondon is one of the oldest and most exciting of the world's great cities. From phenomenal shopping to award-winning restaurants to some of the globe's best attractions, this exceptional city offers everything you'd want from a family vacation. Although it would take days, or better yet weeks, to truly explore the U.K.'s buzzy capital, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of a quick, 48-hour visit with kids.

Traveling with an aspiring history buff? The Tower of London will pique their interest with tales of war, murder, and imprisonment. Have a budding actor in tow? A West End musical is sure to inspire their love of theater. Perhaps your little one is obsessed with all things vehicular. Whether they adore buses, trains, or horses and buggies, they'll find it, and so much more, at the London Transport Museum. 

Although two days is a short time to spend in one of the world's greatest cities, it's easy to placate every family member with such an exhaustive list of places to visit. In addition to seeing the essential big-ticket attractions (i.e. Big Ben and Buckingham Palace), this list of the best things to do on a 2-day trip to London with kids will ensure you'll also experience some local, family-friendly fun.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Day One: Eat A Full English Breakfast

Assuming you aren't jetlagged, it's best to rise early and get the most out of your 48 hours in London. There's little worse than dragging hangry kids on a day of sightseeing, so feed them a hearty meal before setting off. London is known for its full English breakfasts, which consist of sausages, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes, and mushrooms.  Regency Café tops many lists of best breakfasts in London. Known for its affordable, full English breakfast, this is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike. You may recognize its Art Deco-styled interior from films like "Layer Cake" and  "Rocketman." Opened in 1946, this London staple lies in the borough of Westminster, almost equidistant from Pimlico and St. James Park tube stations. It's a mere 12-minute walk from Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, making this a perfect place to start a day of visiting attractions. 

Not a fan of the full English? There are plenty of tasty brekkies on offer at pubs and restaurants throughout the city, many of which include the classic jam and scone. Or, treat the kids to a meal they won't forget at Duck & Waffle , on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate in London's business district. This "gastro diner" is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and is named for its signature dish. Don't worry, there are also plenty of kid-friendly options like bacon, eggs, pastries, and a vast array of flavored waffles to go with the impeccable view. 

Take A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

While riding The Underground is one of the fastest (and cheapest) ways to get around London, climbing aboard a hop-on hop-off bus tour is much more fun, not to mention educational. Plus, it's rare to meet a kid who hates double-decker buses. Blanketing 607 square miles, the U.K.'s largest city provides tourists with a lot of ground to cover. And if you only have two days to explore London with kids, you'll want to make things as simple as possible. 

London's Big Bus Tours are more than worth the $58 for a one-day adult pass and $46 for kids. The 48-hour pass costs only $14 more, which is a bargain. These tickets also include a one-way Thames River cruise, which runs in either direction from Westminster to Tower Pier. Just hop back on the bus from a nearby stop to get back. To really package a deal, the Essential Ticket, which lasts 48 hours, gives you access to three guided walking tours -- Changing of the Guard, City of London, and Jack the Ripper. 

No matter which ticket you book, expect to see London's best attractions.  The three routes (Red, Blue, and Green) are covered on each tour and include stops at The London Eye, Whitehall, Covent Garden, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park Corner, and Piccadilly Circus, to name a few. Let your mood, or better yet the kids, guide you to where you'll hop off next.

Ride The London Eye

Hop off the bus at The London Eye and get ready for a spectacular vista. Originally called the Millennium Wheel, this massive Ferris wheel (it's 443 feet tall) was supposed to be a temporary attraction. In fact, this extraordinary landmark was designed to be dismantled after five years. However, people wanted it to stay indefinitely. So it did! Today, the London Eye is the most popular paid-for visitor attraction in the U.K. The wheel consists of 32 "ovid capsules" that transport visitors super slowly (each one only revolves twice in one hour). They represent the 32 boroughs that make up Greater London and each one can hold 25 passengers. 

From the capsule, you'll be given a bird's eye view of London's architectural gems, like Westminster Abbey, Lambeth Palace, the Natural Museum of History, Buckingham Palace, and Whitehall Court. On a super clear day, you may even spy Windsor Castle and Wembley Stadium. Make the most of your  ride on the London Eye by booking tickets in advance. Also, try to plan your visit outside of holidays and summer weekends, if possible. When you've returned to the ground, walk across Westminster Bridge, stopping halfway for a photo op with the most magnificent backdrop -- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. 

Say Hi To Big Ben

Visiting London without seeing Big Ben is akin to visiting Rome and skipping out on the Colosseum -- it just shouldn't be done. There's something magical about standing beneath the famed clock tower, which is actually named the Elizabeth Tower -- Big Ben is the name of the great bell inside. A whopping 226 feet high, this often-photographed monument is as tall as 21 London buses stacked on top of each other. While the tower's smaller quarter bells chime every 15 minutes, Big Ben itself tolls upon the hour.

With experience as a guide, it's recommended that you cross the street to Parliament Square. Kids will love running up and down the pathway to examine the bronze statues of Nelson Mandela and an imposing Sir Winston Churchill in the garden. Westminster Abbey lies just across the Square. If your little ones are up for exploring this beloved attraction, you'll be happy you spent the time. While inside, ask a staff member to point out the Family Trail. Kids can get a free badge at the shop after they've found the items on the list. Once finished at the Abbey, walk back towards Elizabeth Tower and you'll find Westminster Pier. This is a popular launch for Thames River cruises.

Take A River Cruise

River Thames sightseeing cruises leave from Westminster Pier and travel as far as Greenwich Pier. If you didn't opt for a bus tour that includes a cruise, this is a bucket-list activity your family won't want to miss -- seeing London's landmarks from the river offers a whole new perspective of their magnificence. Since you're pressed for time, the best route is a one-way ticket to Tower Bridge Quay. The trip will take about 30 minutes and passes many impressive attractions along the way, including the OXO Tower, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, and The Shard. At around $15 for adults over 16 and $10 for children ages 5 to 15, one-way cruises are pretty cheap.

The crew and skippers on these cruises are friendly and knowledgeable, offering interesting, and often funny, historical tidbits during their commentary. This is where many tourists learn about the (possibly true) legend of OXO's clever marketing scheme. When their application to add an illuminated sign outside their building was turned down in the late 1920s (advertising wasn't allowed on the South Bank), they integrated their three letters into the design. It still stands today. When the tour comes to an end, you'll embark at the Tower Bridge Quay, mere steps from one of London's most famous landmarks -- The Tower of London.

Tour The Tower Of London

As mentioned above, it's a short walk from Tower Bridge Quay to the Tower of London . Tower Hill Underground Station is five minutes away by foot and multiple buses stop nearby, making this an easy place to visit no matter where you're staying in London. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours at this attraction as there's a lot to see. Highlights include ogling the Crown Jewels, seeing the Royal Armories collections in The White Tower, and visiting the prison in the Bloody Tower. This is where you'll learn about murder plots and discover ancient torture methods. Search the Beauchamp Tower for graffiti made by prisoners in the 16th century. Your kids won't forget this experience!  

Two main eateries lie inside the Tower for when hunger pangs hit -- New Armories Café and Ravens Café. But, the meals can get pricey and often aren't as tasty as the nearby, budget-friendly, and kid-loved noodle restaurant, Wagamama. The Tower Hill location is just outside the main gate and boasts a fabulous view of Tower Bridge and a children's menu. Tickets to the Tower cost about $41 per adult and $20 per child between 5 and 15, so stay as long as possible to get your money's worth. Tip: Save money by purchasing The London Pass by Go City. You'll save up to 50% off major attractions like Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, and Kensington Palace, as well as hop-on-hop-off bus tours and more.

Visit A Museum

If anyone has energy left, make your way to the Science Museum in South Kensington. It's one of the best museums to visit in London  with children. If your kids don't find hands-on gaming experiences, interactive experiments, or rockets exciting, the Natural History Museum and its vast display of dinosaurs are a mere one-minute walk away. And the V&A (Victoria & Albert) museum's art and design exhibits are just as close. Tip: The V&A Café is a must-visit if only to gawk at the impressive architecture and décor. It's the world's oldest museum restaurant. Enjoy a quick tea and scone or play hide and seek around the columns. Museum Mile, which is home to 13 museums, is located in the center of London. If those three don't pique your interest, you're sure to find something everyone will love. The best part? Admission is free for almost all of these museums

South Kensington is packed with restaurants that will please pretty much any palate. From oysters to Italian food to Indian dishes and high-end fare, tourists are spoiled for choice. If your crew is hungry, choose a restaurant that's right for you before heading back to your hotel.

Day Two: Wave To The King At Buckingham Palace

Start day two with a trip to Buckingham Palace. The London home of Britain's Royal family since 1837, this famous landmark is worth a visit, even if you merely walk around the perimeter. The State Rooms are open for tours over 10 weeks each summer. Book in advance as they fill up quickly. Certain exclusive guided tours are also available in winter and spring. Those hoping to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony should plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m. as the ceremony starts at 11 a.m. It doesn't last long and gets very crowded during the high season. Also, it's best to confirm the date and time before you go. The ceremony doesn't always take place. 

The Palace neighbors St. James's Park, known as "the most royal of London's Royal Parks." This is where you'll find impeccable views of Buckingham Palace from across the lake, and you may come face-to-beak with a pelican. Popular attractions like the Horse Guards Parade and the Admiralty Arch are also found here.

Walk To Trafalgar Square

From Buckingham Palace, walk along the Mall to Trafalgar Square, which will take about 20 minutes. You'll pass St. James's Park on your right and the Horse Guards Parade, as well as the Admiralty Arch. A great route for sightseeing, you'll pass enough attractions along the way to keep kids of all ages interested. They may even be distracted enough to not realize how far they've walked. Once you reach Trafalgar Square, it's time to take the obligatory tourist photos of the bronze lions and Nelson's Column. You'll have to stand quite far back to fit the entire column in the frame. There are public toilets as well as a café here if any of your crew is in need of a quick respite. 

Otherwise, you can head into the National Gallery to soak up some culture and admire the incredible works of art on display. Admission is free, the bathrooms are much nicer than those found outside, and there are three places to grab a warm coffee or bite to eat. Throughout the year, there are family activities, like kid-friendly tours and creative drawing programs.

Watch Buskers And Visit The Transport Museum In Covent Garden

If the kids are still up for walking, make your way to Covent Garden, which is another eight minutes away on foot. Otherwise, hop back on your bus tour or hail a black cab. Buskers, sweets shops, and the Transport Museum will have children enthralled by this bustling neighborhood. Covent Garden's Market plays host to a bevy of handmade jewelry, arts, crafts, and soaps, among other products, and Neal's Yard is home to colorful shops and delicious restaurants.  St JOHN Bakery  serves up "London's fluffiest doughnuts," while Homeslice boasts pizza so delicious, you'll want seconds.

While you're in the West End, why not check out a musical? Many offer matinee performances once during the week and on weekends. Children under age 4 aren't permitted at some theaters, and others say children between ages 3 and 7 will be asked to leave if they become too restless, so keep that in mind if you're traveling with little ones. The Theatre Royal Drury Lane (which is currently showing "Frozen: The Musical") is a four-minute walk from Covent Garden.

Shop At Hamley's

Placate the kids with a shopping spree on Regent Street, which is easily reached by hopping on the Tube at Covent Garden Station. Want to win parent of the year? Get off at Picadilly Circus and walk the eight minutes to Hamleys , deemed by many to be the "finest toy shop in the world." It's also the largest, boasting seven floors filled with every stuffed toy and gadget a child could dream of. Shopping here is an adventure in and of itself. There are often toy demonstrations that include free manicures (for kids) and testing of the latest and greatest gizmos. Don't miss the life-sized LEGO statue of King Charles. Regent Street's not just for kids. 

This shopping wonderland is home to Massimo Dutti, Karl Lagerfeld, Burberry, and the stunning Liberty London, a historic department store set in a heritage-listed building. There are also cafés, restaurants, and pubs on hand to satiate anyone who's ready for a snack. When you've finished giving your wallet a workout, hop back in the tube at Oxford Circus and make your way to Queensway. Walk into Kensington Gardens and you'll find the Diana Memorial Playground on your right before you reach Kensington Palace and Round Pond. 

Run Around At Diana Memorial Playground

Park yourself, and your newly purchased packages, on a bench while the kids run wild at this Peter Pan-themed play space. Built in honor of Princess Diana, children can walk the plank on a pirate ship, hide in a teepee, or dig for buried treasure in the ginormous sandbox at this fantastic playground. A highlight for tourists traveling to London with kids, this park receives more than one million visitors each year, so be prepared to wait, especially if you're planning to arrive during a holiday, in summer, or on a warm and sunny day. At peak times, the wait can be up to one hour. Luckily, the Broad Walk Café is open daily from 9 a.m. to serve parents a much-needed specialty coffee or tea, as well as pastries, pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream for little ones.

Save a bit of time to wander around Kensington Gardens, another magnificent Royal Park that was once the private gardens of Kensington Palace. Lead the kids on a scavenger hunt to find the Peter Pan statue. It lies by The Long Water, just across from Hyde Park.

Have Afternoon Tea

What's a trip to London without afternoon tea ? While there are plenty of places to get a proper tea service, there are also plenty of kid-friendly tea options. Head to The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington (by black cab is easiest) for an experience every child will love -– Kid's Jurassic Afternoon Tea. For around $43 per child, they'll fill up on enough sammies, scones, and pastries that they probably won't need dinner. Everything is served in a tiered dinosaur tray with dry ice. 

Peppa Pig's Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is a must for fans of The Pig Wonder. For a full 90 minutes, you and your tykes will be transported via double-decker bus past some of London's most famous landmarks. As you ride, Peppa Pig will guide you on a built-in tablet. There's a sing-a-long, too, so warm up your voices before boarding and prepare to oink. You'll also receive a themed tea service. These tours are available two to three times daily from Thursday to Sunday and depart from Somerset House. Tickets begin at $59 per adult or $47 per child. 

Another fun option is the Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. This 1:45-hour ride takes visitors past Paddington's favorite Central London attractions with narration from the bear himself via a tablet at each table. Tours run twice daily from Wednesday to Sunday and leave from Trafalgar Square. Tickets start at $55 per adult and $43 per child and include marmalade sandwiches (obviously) as well as other tasty treats and tea, of course.

Read the original article on Explore .

Money latest: The age when the average Briton pays off their mortgage revealed

The average Briton is 61 when they pay off their mortgage - a drop of two years. Meanwhile, Spotify is raising prices again. Read about this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog, and leave a comment in the form below.

Thursday 11 April 2024 19:56, UK

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• Spotify to hike subscription price by up to £24 a year
• Minimum income for family visa rises by £10,000
• Italy mourns 'end of Italian waiters in London' as visa rule brought in
• Wendy's creating 400 jobs as part of UK expansion
• The age when the average Briton pays off their mortgage
• 'WTF is going on with the price of olive oil?'
• Could I build a home gym for less than my gym membership?
• Basically...  Tax codes
• Cheap Eats : Great British Menu legend shares ultimate toastie recipe

Ask a question or make a comment

Fake flights and caravans are the two most common items being sold by fraudsters in relation to travel, Lloyds Bank's research has found.

As Britons head online to book deals for the upcoming bank holidays and summer, they have been urged to "remain vigilant", with the average holiday scam victim being conned out of £765.

Amid rising flight costs post-COVID, people have been flocking to social media and other lesser-known websites to secure cheaper deals.

A food delivery company claims to have created an  "unshakeable bag" to avoid spillage in transit.

Bolt, which owns the Bolt Food delivery platform, said its design is based on gyroscope technology and will keep food stable "during the most abrupt movements".

In a post to its website, the firm said it would make the design available to its competitors as it is "too powerful to be owned by any one company".

"We believe everyone should enjoy a perfect meal, regardless of which app they order it from," it said.

Assaulting a shopworker is to be made a separate criminal offence after a government U-turn following pressure from campaigners.

The government previously said "more legislative change" was not needed to tackle the "intolerable violence and abuse" faced by shopworkers, arguing it did not think it was "required or will be most effective".

But Rishi Sunak is now set to announce his government will be amending the Criminal Justice Bill to bring in the new offence.

The drugmaker was on its knees when Sir Pascal Soriot took over in 2012. 

But under his leadership it now does just about everything the UK wants from a business - creating high value-added jobs and developing products that improve people's lives.

The FTSE 100's performance has lagged that of many of its peers, both in the United States and Europe, more or less since the Brexit vote in 2016.

That poor performance has reflected the poor valuation of many UK-listed companies - resulting in numerous foreign takeovers of UK businesses in recent months and years.

It has also led to a scarcity in the number of companies floating on the London Stock Exchange, most notably the  Cambridge-based chip designer ARM Holdings , which last year opted to list in the US instead.

The situation has alarmed the government, which has announced a number of reforms  aimed at raising the UK's attractiveness .

An imminent shareholder vote on Sir Pascal's pay makes a particularly interesting test case because few would dispute that he has been the most outstanding FTSE 100 chief executive of his generation.

This rise could take his potential earnings to £18.5m this year - which critics say is excessive.

Read my full piece here ...

England's average house price has risen by £103,000 over the last decade, while the average annual wage has risen by £7,734.

But some areas have seen homeownership affordability decline more than others... 

The London borough of Barking and Dagenham has seen the most significant fall, according to moving platform Getamover. 

The platform found the area has seen house prices more than double to £380,000 in the last 10 years - but wages have only risen by £2,182. 

Hillingdon in West London took the second spot, with the average property shooting up by £230,000 to £495,000, while the average income increased by just £143. 

While London remains the most unaffordable region, the East Midlands has also seen a notable fall. 

Oadby and Wigston in Leicestershire ranked fifth in the table, with the average house price increasing by £129,000 and the median annual income growing by £2,644.   

Gedling ranks sixth among the areas of England where the affordability of buying a home has declined most. 

The Nottinghamshire region has seen house prices soar by 84.8% to £231,000, while the average income has risen by just 13.11% to £33,454. 

You can see how other areas fared in the table below...

Rishi Sunak's post-Brexit rules for foreign workers are getting tough press in Italy this week - with claims they could mark the end of Italian waiters in London.

April saw the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa increase from £26,200 to £38,700 - a near 50% rise as the government tries to reduce immigration.

Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica published an article on its site headlined "Italians in London, the long goodbye" after the new rule was brought in this month.

There were an estimated 342,000 Italians living in the UK in 2021, according to the latest Office for National Statistics census data.

La Repubblica said the new rule change would lead to the "end of the story" of Italy's "ancient roots" in the capital, which was founded by the Romans in 43 AD.

Separately, Italian journalist Antonio Polito wrote in the Corriere della Sera newspaper that the new salary for skilled workers was "an amount that no young novice can realistically earn".

"Thus London gives up one of its great assets, the fact of being an offshore and cosmopolitan city," he said.

Mr Sunak's post-Brexit rule change has worried hospitality bosses who are still struggling to get to grips with a post-COVID reality and rising costs. 

Conor Sheridan, founder of Nory and Mad Egg restaurant chain, previously told the Money blog that roughly 14% of his 15,000 UK employee base were on working visas that could be affected.

Trade body UKHospitality also said the changes would "further shrink the talent pool that the entire economy will be recruiting from".

As the migration law came in, Home Secretary James Cleverly said it was "time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad".

"We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers," he said.

Several of the UK's biggest supermarkets closed their gender pay gap in the last year - while Morrisons saw the biggest rise, figures show.

Ocado and Lidl reduced their gap by the largest amounts in 2023-24 compared to the previous year, while Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Co-op, Iceland and Waitrose owner John Lewis also saw a reduction.

The data comes from the government's gender pay gap service and states the difference in hourly rates of pay. 

In contrast to other big-name brands, Morrisons saw its mean pay gap widen to 12.5% from 7.6%. M&S also saw a slight increase from 12.5% to 12.6%.

The mean figure gives the best overall view of the gender pay gap but includes extreme values which could skew the average.

Of the 11 biggest UK supermarkets, Co-op has the largest pay gap with 13.2%, followed by M&S and Morrisons.

An M&S spokesperson said: "We're committed to driving equal opportunities and making M&S a great place to work for women. Encouragingly our median pay gap has decreased, and women now make up more than 50% of our UK store management population, but we know there is more to do. 

"We're making progress with the launch of new initiatives, talent programmes, and policies, including our flexible working offer – Worklife, a Job Share Finder, and our industry-leading family leave offer."

A spokesperson for Co-op said: "We are committed to treating our colleague member owners fairly, and this includes driving equitable outcomes for female colleagues. We've seen a significant reduction in our gender pay gap since we started to report data in 2017, and this year's data shows further progress towards closing it.

"It's important to reiterate that we don't pay people differently based on their gender at Co-op. The gender pay gap is caused by us having fewer females in leadership role, where salaries are higher.

"Our focus on improving representation remains, as we know this is one of the key drivers causing the gender pay gap. Today, 40% of our leadership population are female - this is not enough, which is why we’ve launched a series of development programmes and have a coaching and mentoring offer to support women with career progression.

"We know there’s still much to do in this space and will hold ourselves to account and continue to strive for gender equality."

Morrisons has also been contacted for comment.

Every Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons, and reveal the best deals on the market (see table below for that).  This week we're talking about the best notice accounts. Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  says this...

As with the rest of the savings market, the top notice account rates have started to fall. However, there are stalwarts like the Investec 90-day notice account that are holding steady and as a result offering savers an opportunity to earn a little more, while not having to tie up their cash for too long.

A relatively unused aspect of the savings market, notice accounts offer a bit of a halfway house, with the best rates available generally paying more than the top easy access rates, but will more flexibility of access than a fixed term bond.

Just as it sounds, these savings accounts require you to give notice in order to access your money without a penalty. The usual notice period ranges from 30 to 120 days, although there are some accounts on the market that require six months or even a year's notice.

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Another record month for Heathrow. Last month was the busiest ever March for the UK's biggest airport, the second record-breaking month in a row. 

It was also the busiest Easter weekend as Good Friday became the busiest ever direct departure day, when 118,000 people began their journey at the airport. 

It shows, despite cost of living pressures, lots of Britons were going on holiday.

More good news for Heathrow came earlier this week as planned strike action by 600 border force officers was called off to allow for negotiations in its dispute over working patterns. 

Oil prices are still high, hanging around $90. A barrel of Brent crude oil, the benchmark for oil prices, costs $90.66. The last time prices were this high was in the wake of the 7 October attacks and fears of conflict spreading throughout the Middle East. 

On the currency front, £1 buys $1.2538 and €1.1678.

How old is the average Briton when they buy their first home, or finish paying their mortgage, or retire?

These are some of the questions answered in a "Journeying Through Life" data dump from the Office for National Statistics.

Here are some of the key takeaways...

Home ownership - including the one life event that's happening earlier

People are buying homes later in life, perhaps unsurprisingly given how house prices have risen in the last decade or so.

In 2022, more than half of people owned their own home (either with a mortgage or outright) by the age of 36. 

That's a significant increase on 2004's figures - which showed the average age for home ownership was 32. 

This graph shows what proportion of people own homes at what age.

It isn't all doom and gloom on the homes front, however, with the age at which people own their home outright (ie mortgage paid off) dropping from 63 (in 2004) to 61 in 2020. 

This is pretty much the only life event happening earlier, however.

Retiring later

Again, this probably won't come as a huge surprise, but people are retiring later. 

The age where more than half of people were retired increased from 64 in 2011 to 66 in 2021. ​

There has been a bigger increase in average retirement age for women (from 61 years in 2011, to 66 years in 2021) than for men (from 65 in 2011 to 66 in 2021). 

The ONS says this is because the state pension age for women was increased from 60 to 66 during this time to match men.

Gender pay gap shrinking but still present

The latest data shows that men are still, on the whole, being paid more than women - although the gender pay gap is shown to be shrinking. 

For all employees, the gender pay gap was 14% in 2023 - compared with 20% in 2013.

Despite the gap shrinking, this graph shows that men's hourly wages are higher than women's at nearly all ages. 

The grey shaded area represents the pay gap. 

Another part of the data shows that males start work a touch earlier than women - with half of males in full-time employment by the age of 23 (compared with females at 24) in 2021. 

That data could be explained by the fact that more women attend university - some 319,000 females compared with 285,000 males in 2022.  

Moving out, marrying and having children

The age at which young people move out of their family homes is increasing, too.

In 2011, half of people were not living with their parents at the age of 21 - compared with 24 in 2022. 

More men live with their parents than women, with 61% of adults living at home in 2021 were male.

When it comes to having children, the average age at which women have their first baby has risen to 29.

That's up from an average of just 23 in 1970. 

And finally, marriage.

The median age at first marriage has been steadily increasing since the 1960s. 

For opposite sex couples married in 2020, the median age was 32 years for men and 30 years for women. For those entering into same-sex marriage, the median age was older, at 36 years for men and 32 years for women.

As well as getting married older, fewer people are getting married. In 2019, marriage rates had fallen to their lowest on record. For men, there were 18.6 marriages per 1,000 never-married men; for women, there were 17.2 marriages per 1,000 never-married women.

Spotify has announced it is hiking its subscription prices by up to £24 a year.

It is the second time in less than a year that the music streaming giant has increased its prices.

Here's how the prices will change...

Individual: £11.99 a month (up from £10.99 a month)  

Duo: £16.99 a month (up from £14.99 a month)  

Family: £19.99 a month (up from £17.99 a month) 

When will the change kick in?

The subscription price will change from May and if you are an existing customer Spotify will email you and give you one-month's notice of the change.

If you are on a free trial you will pay the old price for one month once your trial ends.

A Spotify spokesperson told Sky News: "So that we can keep innovating and delivering value to fans, the music industry, and creators on our platform, we occasionally update our prices. 

"We've begun communicating with existing subscribers in the UK to explain what this means for their account."

American burger chain Wendy's will be recruiting for over 400 job roles as part of its expansion across the UK.

The chain returned to the UK in 2021 after a 20-year break and has since opened just over 30 sites, including drive-throughs in Colchester, Peterborough, Derby and Brampton Hut.

But the chain, which was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969, plans to open a further nine sites this year in Liverpool, Middlesbrough, and a second location in Sheffield.

New locations will include Liverpool, Middlesbrough and a second site in Sheffield.

Wendy's franchisee GH Burgers will open a first restaurant in Wood Green, London, this year.

There will also be restaurants in Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, Cambridge and Newcastle.

Michael Clarke, UK managing director for the Wendy's Company, told The Caterer : "We've seen great momentum in building Wendy's fandom in the UK, and the love and excitement for this iconic brand grows stronger with each new restaurant opening."

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Here's who could be responsible for paying for the Baltimore bridge disaster

• The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after a container ship collided with it.
• Several entities could be on the hook to foot the bill in the aftermath of the disaster.
• The maritime insurance industry will likely be saddled with the highest costs. 

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed on Tuesday after a large container ship ran into it, leading to six presumed deaths and millions of dollars in possible damage.

It's still too early to estimate the total economic impact of the disaster, but between the cost of rebuilding the decades-old bridge, compensating the victims' families , and paying out damages for disruptions to the supply chain, the eventual cost of the disaster is expected to be significant.

Who will pay to rebuild the bridge?

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday the federal government should be responsible for paying to reconstruct the damaged Francis Scott Key Bridge.

"It is my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect Congress to support my effort," Biden said.

The bridge was built in the 1970s for about $60 million, but the cost of rebuilding it could be 10 times its original price tag, an engineering expert told Sky News. 

Baltimore is among the busiest ports in the nation , with more than a million shipping containers passing through each year. The collapse — which closed the port to all maritime and most road traffic until further notice — is already beginning to wreak havoc on the supply chain.

The cost of building the bridge back fast enough to offset diversions as much as possible could saddle the government with a more than $600 million bill, David MacKenzie, the chair of the engineering and architecture consultancy COWIfonden, told Sky News.

Who will pay for damages to the ship and its cargo?

The container ship, the Dali , is owned by a Singapore-based firm. The ship's charterer, Maersk, confirmed to Business Insider that vessel company Synergy Group operates the ship. 

However, the companies with cargo aboard the Dali could ultimately be responsible for some of the ship's damages and cargo costs, according to Ryan Petersen , the CEO of the supply-chain-logistics company Flexport, which had two containers on the ship.

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The Dali was carrying 330 containers that must now be rerouted, Petersen said in an X thread.

An ancient maritime law known as " general average " dictates that companies with even a single container aboard a ship split certain damages pro rata based on the number of containers they had on board, ensuring all the stakeholders benefiting from the voyage are splitting the risk, Petersen said.

General average situations can occur when a ship is stranded or when cargo is damaged or thrown overboard to save the vessel, according to Flexport . The concept helps ensure that all parties who have a vested interest in the vessel share the cost and concern of protecting it.

It's too soon to know whether damages incurred to free the Dali in the coming days will qualify as a case of general average.

Who will pay for everything else?

The majority of the financial fallout is likely to lay primarily with the insurance industry, according to media reports.

Industry experts told the Financial Times that insurers could pay out losses for bridge damage, port disruption, and any loss of life.

The collapse could drive "one of the largest claims ever to hit the marine (re)insurance market," John Miklus, the president of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters, told Insurance Business.

He told the outlet that the loss of revenue from tolls while the bridge is being rebuilt will be expensive, as will any liability claims from deaths or injuries.

The Dali is covered by the Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Ltd., known as Britannia P&I Club, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

In a statement to Business Insider, Britannia said it was "working closely with the ship manager and relevant authorities to establish the facts and to help ensure that this situation is dealt with quickly and professionally."

Britannia is one of 12 mutual insurers included in the International Group of P&I Clubs, which maintains more than $3 billion of reinsurance cover, sources familiar with the matter told Insurance Business.

Britannia itself is liable for the first $10 million in damages, both FT and Insurance Business reported. Whatever remains is dealt with by the wider mutual insurance group and Lloyd's of London, a reinsurance market in the UK, the FT reported.

Update: March 28, 2024 — This story has been updated to include additional information about general average and clarify that it is too soon to know whether general average will apply in the case of the Dali.

Watch: The container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge has crashed before

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