travel advice london this week

Travelling in London this weekend: All You Need To Know

• London buses
• Saturday 3 September 2022 at 12:39pm

If you're planning to travel in and around London this weekend - you may want to check ahead; there are some planned closures on the Overground, Underground and on buses.

On the District Line, on both Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September, there's no service between Turnham Green and Ealing Broadway. Londoners aren't left without options however: instead, there will be replacement buses operating between Gunnersbury and Osterley.

On the Elizabeth Line - services between Paddington and Abbey Wood currently operate Monday to Saturday only. On the Sunday - there will be a reduced service between Liverpool Street and Shenfield. There won't be any trains at Acton Main Line, Hanwell and West Ealing.

If you're planning to take the Overground this weekend - there are changes to Euston to Watford Junction services. On Saturday 3rd September Transport for London are running a reduced timetable from Kilburn High Road to Euston, between 6:30 am and 7:30pm.

There's no service on the Overground between Barking and Barking Riverside on Sunday 4th September. Travelers are advised to use the appropriate bus routes instead.

Across the weekend, there will be no services available between Hammersmith and Heathrow on the Piccadilly Line - including the Night Tube. Replacement buses are available. The Waterloo and City Line remains closed - service will resume from Monday morning.

There are also some changes to a handful of bus routes, so don't forget to check Transport for London's website before you travel.

Check out more travel stories here!

Remembrance day travel advice: How to get around London as some tube lines shut

Buses will replace trains during the disruption on the London Underground this weekend, as the capital ramps up for Remembrance Sunday .

As well as the traditional remembrance event on Sunday, tens of thousands of demonstrators calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s attacks on  Gaza  are also planning to take to the streets of  London on Armistice Day on Saturday, November 11.

The Metropolitan Police has vowed to use all its powers to stop disruption of Remembrance weekend commemorations amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests but now there could be travel disruptions on top.

To mark the Remembrance Day on Sunday, which for 2023 is a commemoration of the end of the First World War, five London buses have been wrapped with poppies .

Here is everything we know about the travel disruptions planned:

Which London Underground lines will be shut and when?

Closures will take place on Saturday, November 11, and will last throughout the day until early afternoon.

Buses will be enlisted to replace the Circle, Jubilee, District, and Hammersmith and City lines for the Saturday. It is expected that the closures will begin at the start of the day and will continue until around 3pm.

What work is happening?

Transport for London (TfL) says a new signalling system is being installed on that day. It is thought that the new technology will also be tested on the Saturday, to see how efficient it is at improving journeys, and check that it is working.

Transport for London say that travel will be returned as normal in time for Remembrance Sunday.

How can you travel to the event on Remembrance Sunday?

In previous years, transport has been made free for serving members of the military and veterans on Remembrance Sunday and that will be the same for this year, too.

Those who qualify will be attending the ceremony at the Cenotaph in London this year will be able to travel to and from any London terminal for free.

Armistice Day demo to go ahead as ‘law gives no absolute power’ for ban – Met

Met Police will do 'everything it can' to stop Armistice Day protest disruption, Rowley pledges

To get free travel, personnel should either be in uniform or show their MoD ID card or Veterans Railcard.

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Essential travel guide to london [updated].

London is one of our favorite cities to explore, not only because it’s a major cosmopolitan city, or because of the countless landmarks, museum, and restaurants to explore. London is the perfect vacation destination for everyone – romantics , food lover , history lover, or adventure junkie.

If you’re planning a trip to London and would like to find the best things to do, places to eat and drink in the city, this essential travel guide to London covers it all.

Millions of visitors flock to London every year in their quest to see the various attractions that the city has to offer. The City is blessed with abundance of museums, palaces, magnificent landmarks, and wide variety of cultural sites including the parliament buildings, Buckingham palace and the Camden Town Market.

London is very spread out and there are multiple neighborhoods that offer something different and unique. You can see all the major sights along the Thames in a day or two , then spend many more days exploring neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Angel, Shoreditch, Soho and Camden.

Planning your trip to London?

• Book a  transfer from the airport  to the city center with  Welcome Pickups .
• Rent a car  from London airport through  Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in London See all hotel options

• Marriott County Hall ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .
• Clermont London Charing Cross ⇒ Read reviews on  Trip Advisor .

Best Tours and Experiences in London

• Best of London, Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard + Cream Tea or London Eye – Best of London’s landmarks on a comprehensive city tour.
• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London – Experience a guided day trip from London to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath, where you can explore historic landmarks.

Looking for more information about London to make your planning easier? Check out these resources:

• Visit London’s top sights on a one-day walking tour
• Find a unique dining experience , top international restaurants and the best cocktails and rooftop bars in London
• See what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in London in this Essential travel guide to London
• Paris is only a short train ride away. Check out these fun foodie things to do in Paris .

Table of Contents

Top Things to Do & See in London

The most famous attractions are Big Ben, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the historically rich Westminster Abbey.

If it’s your first time in London, you’ll no doubt be wanting to see the sights. We’ve got a full walking-tour guide to the top sights of London that you can do in one day. London is also full of iconic buildings to admire.

For us, foodie activities always take up at least a portion of our itinerary. Find some of London’s best foodie activities . One thing you can’t miss is visiting the various food markets , of which there are plenty, including my favorite, Borough Market .

Once you’ve seen Big Ben and Westminster, you might want to head further out of town to see Windsor Castle and the charming little town of Windsor . It doesn’t take long to get there on the train and is a perfect day trip from London. You can also visit Stonehenge on a day trip from London.

One-Day in London

If you only have one or two short days to see London, we recommend going on a walking tour around the major sights to start with.

After you’ve traversed a large part of the tourist attractions, spend some time discovering London’s best food markets , like Borough Market, where there are also dozens of great restaurants like Padella and Tapas Brindisi, plus wine bars like Bedales.

If there’s still time in your itinerary, make sure you do some good people watching at one of the major parks. We love Hyde Park and St. James Park for this.

Tours You Must Take in London

Honestly, London has so many tourist activities that it’s hard to fit it all in to even the longest vacation itinerary. Look over the tours below and choose the ones that you want to see the most.

For some of the best tours in London, we recommend booking tickets on Viator . They make it super simple to book everything you want to see in one place!

• Classic London Landmarks Bicycle Tour
• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour and read our full review of the tour.
• Soho Food & Cocktail Tour (through Eating Europe )
• East End Food Tour (through Eating Europe )
• London Eye Fast-Track Ticket
• Easy Access Tower of London & Crown Jewels with Tower Bridge Tour
• London Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Entry to Over 60 Attractions
• Small-Group Tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London
• Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London

More Tours to Book:

Top sights in london, the british museum.

Founded in the year 1753, the British Museum had a collection of over 71,000 unique items that had all been contributed by Sir Hans Sloane. Spend a day wandering through the eternal, labyrinthine corridors, exploring and discovering some of the greatest works of mankind’s cultural accomplishments and some take in some of the greatest relics of the Egyptian and Greek empires. Entry is free.

The London Eye

TThis gigantic wheel stands almost 135 meters over the entire city of London and is presently considered to be one of the tallest observation wheels in the world. From here you can view all of London with an entirely new perspective. Visiting the London Eye is an enchanting and inspiring experience.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Saint Paul’s Cathedral is famous for hosting royal birthdays, weddings, celebrations and even funerals of some of the greatest leaders in Britain. The Cathedral attracts millions and millions of tourists every year and is a historical accomplishment of the reconstruction that took place after the great London fire of 1666.

The National Gallery

Situated in the center of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is home to some of the finest works of art in the world. Some of these pieces date back to the 13th century. Construction of the gallery commenced in the year 1832 and ever since it has collected many great pieces of art, which include works by Monet, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Renoir and many more.

Tate Modern

One of London’s most contemporary galleries, the Tate Modern consists of great collections and diverse exhibitions of modern art. Appealing to both, children as well as adults, connoisseurs as well as novices, the Tate Modern houses grand collections of artists like Matisse, Andy Warhol and Bacon.

The Tower of London

Constructed with white stone that was imported from France , the Tower of London or the ‘Bloody Tower’ has been known to imprison, protect and even execute the wrongdoers in the past.

The Natural History Museum

An enigmatic gothic building that is home to some of the largest collections of dinosaurs in the world, the Natural History Museum consists of exhibitions that dominate the huge halls and tower.

Westminster Abbey

It is a medieval work of monumental significance and the burial ground for some of the most famous kings, statesmen, musicians, scientists and poets since the 11th century. The Westminster Abbey offers some of the most intriguing literary works and artistic talent in the way of paintings, murals and tombs.

Where to Eat & Drink in London

London is overflowing with exciting places to drink and eat. We won’t pretend to stay on top of the ever evolving restaurant and bar scene in London, but we do have some great recommendations for visitors to this vibrant city.

Frog by Adam Handling is my absolute favorite restaurant in London. It’s fine dining, but in a casual atmosphere. The food is incredibly good. Every bite is surprising and delicious.

The brisket buns and pork ribs at Smokestak in Shoreditch are insanely good. The sticky toffee pudding is the best here too. Life changing, really.

Sunday roast is a serious business in London. You need to book well ahead – like 4 weeks ahead – to get a table at one of the most popular spots. Blacklock (multiple locations) is an absolute must. You can order the All In with 2 people or more, but it’s really impressive with 4+ people.

Cocktails are a specialty in London. Everyone is addicted to gin in this city. There are tons of cocktail bars that make super fancy craft cocktails.

At Cocktail Trading Company , the cocktails are super creative in a fun and carefree way. The menu changes frequently and so does the barware. It’s located in trendy Shoreditch, near the historic Brick Lane where there’s a fun Sunday market along the whole street.

Mr. Fogg’s Tavern Gin Parlour in Covent Garden is my favorite gin bar. It’s incredibly unique in both atmosphere and cocktails. There are a few locations. Also check out the London Gin Club for unique gins and cocktails.

How to Get Around in London

The easiest way to get around, if you’re hopping between tourist sights is on foot. Walking will get you to all the main sights along the Thames and with the least amount of hassle.

If you can’t walk between the sights you want to see, then the Tube (Underground) or buses are the way to go. To make your travel in the city easy and convenient, get an Oyster card to use on public transportation. You can’t use cash to pay for buses – you will need an Oyster card. You can also use a contactless credit or debit card directly at the terminal on the bus and the Tube. Your card needs to have the contactless symbol on it to use it. Regular credit cards are not accepted.

With an Oyster card you can travel to any part of London without the fear of being stranded anywhere. You can top-up your Oyster card at almost any newsagent or convenience store in London, or in a Tube station.

Where to Stay in London

There are many different parts of London, and each has a different feel to it. The best location for tourists is near Covent Garden, because it’s so convenient to the typical tourist attractions of the city.

Soho is also a great location if you want to be in the heart of the action, near tons of great restaurants and bars. Here are our recommended places to stay in London:

• Marriott County Hall: Great value for the price. Nice affordable luxury hotel in a great location »  Read reviews on Trip Advisor or check prices on Expedia
• Clermont London Charing Cross: If you’re planning your time seeing the main tourist sights in London, this is the perfect location »  Read reviews on Trip Advisor or check prices on Expedia
• The Resident Covent Garden: Covent Garden is one of the most fun neighborhoods in London for visitors. This hotel is prime location, and really nice » Read reviews on Trip Advisor or check prices on Expedia

Essential Travel Guide to London

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

13 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to London [Updated] ”

Love the way you’ve laid this out, much easier to read than an article! We’re headed there in January, reckon the chocolate ecstasy and gin tours need to be on the cards!

Glad you like it, Heather. We have a bunch more under Destinations! Enjoy your trip to London!

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I would like your advice for my sister and me. We are planning a trip to London and The Netherlands from Atlanta next May, our first time. Thinking we would prefer heading on to The Netherlands for the first week then back to London for last week. Wondering about the first night. Stay in London then take Eurostar next morning to Rotterdam (we think we’d like staying in Delft)? Try to manage customs and getting Eurostar soon after we land? Just not sure the best way to plan our first night. Much appreciate your advice.

Hi Peggy. I sent you an email to answer your question, but for others wondering here, it’s definitely possible to go from Heathrow to Eurostar in about 2.5 hours. It’s a straight shot on the Piccadilly line.

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Amazing article, your blog looks awesome. Thank you for sharing the best information about london with us and other travelers. By the way your pictures are very nice

Fantastic guide! Thanks for the updated tips. Currently staying at Presidential Serviced Apartments London for my London adventure – the central location makes exploring the city a breeze. Your insights are truly valuable!

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• Travel Resources

Train company advice for travel to London this week as Queen lies in state

Huge demand for tickets to the capital expected during period of mourning

• 12:07, 12 SEP 2022

It’s estimated that upwards of 750,000 people will descend on Westminster to pay their respects to the Queen this week. The queues of people waiting to file past the Queen’s coffin may extend to up to five miles.

From Wednesday evening, the members of the public will be able to file past the coffin in Westminster Hall 24 hours a day until the morning of the funeral next Monday. The number of people is expected to dwarf the 200,000 who saw the Queen Mother lying in state in 2002.

Many people will be taking the train down from Yorkshire to pay their respects. And train companies have been issuing urgent travel advice to manage the huge demand for tickets.

Read more: Prince Harry's moving tribute to 'granny' who was his 'guiding compass'

There may also be a rush for tickets for Monday, September 19, the day of the state funeral. Millions are expected from the UK and around the world in the capital to watch the funeral procession.

The situation will be helped by the fact that industrial action by train staff planned for this week has been postponed. Nevertheless, there will still be huge pressure on train operating companies such as LNER, Grand Central, East Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast.

What is the latest travel advice for this week?

LNER says: “Between now and the Royal Funeral, trains to and from London on all routes are expected to be very busy. We ask people to plan ahead and check before they travel. For up-to-date London travel information, please visit www.tfl.gov.uk .” It also advises that customers no longer wishing to travel in this period, who purchased tickets before the announcement of the Queen’s death on September 8, are eligible for fee-free refunds and changes .

Today (September 12), the LNER website advised that people wanting to buy tickets or make changes to travel on Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18 should check again from the morning of Tuesday, September 13. It said it was currently updating the tickets available to buy and change, to reflect that the industrial action and engineering works on these days have been suspended.

East Midlands

The latest message on the East Midlands Railway website reads: “We are working with the rail industry to enable members of the public to pay their respects. We will provide further information and updates via our website over the coming hours and days.” East Midlands runs three trains an hour to London from Sheffield at peak times.

Grand Central

The train operator says : “Grand Central services to and from London are expected to be busy this week but we currently have seats available on most trains.” It also says there will be a flexible approach on tickets – “if you decide that you no longer wish to travel during the mourning period, you can request a refund on your Grand Central ticket or change the dates you have booked to travel fee-free.”

In terms of the day of the funeral, it advises off-peak tickets can be used on services on the day. However, it strongly recommends you book your ticket and reserve your seat in advance of travel.

Avanti West Coast

For those who travel to London from Manchester using the West Coast Mainline, Avanti West Coast has the following advice : “We expect services to be very busy during this time so we ask people to check before they travel, plan ahead and leave plenty of time for your journey.” It says it will update its website with new timetable information in the coming days.

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What to Pack for London: Packing List (2024 Update)

Europe Packing List , Packing Lists , Travel Packing Lists

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Wondering what to wear in London? This London packing list will help you plan for your dream trip. With a stylish wardrobe, you won’t look out of place with these tips!

What to Wear in London

Table of contents.

We want you to have a stress-free travel experience, and the main goal of this article is to help you plan your packing choices in an efficient way so you won’t be unprepared for your trip and know how to dress in London.

You’ll find insight on general London attire, in addition to visual examples of the type of clothing you might want to wear based on the weather and how to build a London wardrobe.

As a bonus, you will also learn some general travel tips including safety precautions such as using anti-theft products like this that  can help you feel less stressed during your travels.

Please use the visuals in this post as a guideline to help you create London outfits and choose corresponding items based on your own style and clothing preferences.

Quince Italian Leather Crossbody Bag | Lo & Sons Rowledge Backpack

What Do People Wear in London?

When considering how to dress in London, it is important to remember that the city style is tailored and chic, yet conservative with an edge. Londoners love neutral colors and adhere to the “No more than 3 colors” rule.

To avoid standing out as a tourist, avoid items like original UGG boots, clunky tennis shoes, flip flops, and sweatpants. London clothes look presentable at all times; your goal is to maintain a comfortable look, while exuding femininity and edge.

In London, it’s easy for the traveler to stick out like a sore thumb in walking boots, convertible zip leg trousers , an SLR camera, guidebook, and a backpack. Wearing all this in the middle of London screams, “tourist”! That level of travel gear is more appropriate for countryside treks in the Lake District , for example, not a city.

British fashion isn’t quite as chic as the French , and it isn’t always as slouchy as American fashion or as zany as Australian fashion. It can be edgy or conservative. But one thing’s for sure: just like the rest of Europe, a good fit is key. And when in doubt, choose dressy over casual.

These are the most popular shoes for London  for every season of the year!

Columbia Pardon My Trench Rain Jacket  (Plus)  |  Cole Haan Packable Rain Jacket

In general, day-to-day London style is casual but more dressy than American style. This DOES NOT mean business clothing. Think nice blouse plus tailored jeans (dark colors are always a good choice).

Like anywhere, pack for the environment. Are you spending your time café crawling in the cities or getting lost in the wilderness?

Jeans are easy to wear and don’t have to be washed frequently so they make the ideal travel pants. For something more versatile and lightweight, take a look at our favorite women’s travel pants .

Also remember that if you forget anything, you’ll be able to pick it up when you get there, so don’t be afraid to pack light. Try to stick to a small selection of colors to make it easier to mix and match your items.

What Should I Wear in London?

The most important factors in planning and packing for London are the activities you’ll be doing on your trip AND the weather.

Always, always, always check the weather forecast before your trip. What to wear in London now could be different a week later. Nothing will ruin your trip faster than being unprepared with the wrong clothing for the weather. London summer fashion is very different than winter fashion.

Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a capsule travel wardrobe , which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of  packing cubes  to compress your clothing.

If you’re not used to colder climates, still plan for “light winter” weather year-round and follow these tips on how to pack for cold weather . Layers are key!

Blondo Waterproof Ankle Bootie |  Sorel Emelie III Chelsea Waterproof Boots

What are the best shoes for London?

Generally speaking, you’ll probably need some type of boot year-round. Choose a calf-height for the winter and ankle boots the rest of the time.

If there’s heavy rain in the forecast, a rubber bootie would work well for extensive city exploration on foot. However, regular leather boots (or faux leather boots) will work much better than rain boots on most occasions.

Most people DO NOT walk around in wellies in the city – they’re usually reserved for time in a muddy countryside or for the Glastonbury Music Festival .

Read these tips on what to wear on a rainy day !

When in doubt, a tan chelsea ankle boots is the go-to style of choice. These tips on how to wear ankle boots should work in every season except winter, when a tall boot is needed like these waterproof boots are recommended.

Popular shoe options include (click each item below for suggested styles):

• Ankle Boots for spring and autumn
• Ballet Flats to dress up or for warm weather
• Waterproof Boots for rain and snow
• Comfortable Sightseeing shoes for year round visits
• Cute Comfortable Summer Sandals

Read this post about the how to choose the best walking shoes for Europe .

Below you’ll find helpful seasonal clothing tips and suggested packing lists that you can use as a guideline to prepare for a trip to London:

Shirt  | Tunic | Blouse |  Sweater | Shirt | Skirt |  Pants | Jeans | Shirtdress |  Dress | Coat | Jacket  | Sneaker |  Boot | Umbrella | Backpack

What to Wear in London in Spring

What is the weather in london in spring (march, april, may).

In spring, it rains a lot. I usually carry a compact umbrella at all times in the UK, so I’m always prepared for spontaneous showers.

Spring is that transition period between winter and summer, so layers are still important when planning what to wear in London, but in the later months think about swapping that chunky coat for a regular jacket.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for spring travel:

• How to Pack for Trips with Mixed Weather
• How to Layer a Summer Dress for Spring
• How to Pack for Europe in Spring
• Best Shoes for Traveling in Spring and Fall

Read these tips on how to pack for transitional weather .

What clothes should I wear in London in Spring?

Transform a temperate outfit on a chilly day with a scarf, hat, and tights. Skirts are fun but remember that it can get quite breezy, so you’ll have to wear double layers underneath.

If you’re in the countryside, be prepared for muddiness.

While the waterproof boots shown above will work for most trips, here are a few more ideas .

What shoes should I wear in London in spring?

As with your clothes, plan your shoes based on the weather and your planned activities. Choose no more than two to three pairs of shoe in neutral colors that can mix and match with all your clothing.

Make sure your sightseeing shoes are broken in properly. Opt for a pair that is comfortable and you can wear it for hours without discomfort.

Popular styles include light brogues, sneakers, or waterproof shoes. Note that the best waterproof shoes are not made out of rubber; instead choose leather ankle boots , which are the best shoe option for travel to Europe in spring.

While not recommended for all day sightseeing, ballet flats are also a good option should you want a dressier pair of shoes on your trip for warmer days or evenings. Alternatively, being closed toe wedges for a dressy alternative.

London Packing List for Spring

• Two short sleeve tops
• Two long sleeve tops
• Two additional tops
• One pair of blue jeans
• One pair of black ponte pants
• One additional bottom
• One rain or winter jacket
• One warm layer
• Thermals (if very cold)
• Three socks
• Ten underwear
• One versatile sleep set
• Waterproof ankle boots (sightseeing)
• Slip on sneakers (sightseeing)
• Ballet flat (dressing up)
• Wedges : (optional)

Shirt  | Tunic  | Long Sleeve | Shirt  | Sleeveless |  Jeans |  Skirt |  Pants | Shirtdress | Dress  | Raincoat |  Jacket  | Sandal |  Sneaker | Scarf | Crossbody

What to Wear in London in Summer

What is the weather in london in summer (june, july, august).

Summer can be warm but also very wet. As you plan what to pack for London, be prepared for both. Check BBC Weather before your trip to get the most accurate forecast. Don’t be surprised if it’s grey and gloomy in the summer!

If the forecast calls for sun, be bright and bold! Bust out the summer dresses, sunglasses, and hats. Once again, be aware of the breeze and consider layering. Sometimes jersey skirts and dresses hold their shape better than wispy skater styles.

You can’t go wrong with a leather jacket for cool summer days and nights.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
• Top Summer Dresses Perfect for Europe
• Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
• Best Walking Shoes for Europe’s Cobblestone Streets

What clothes should I wear in London in summer?

A cardigan and a scarf are essential layers for any summer outfit in case the sun is hiding behind the clouds. Use this easy packing tip to help you transform a summer dress into an autumn one if the weather is cooler than expected.

For added versatility, these are popular convertible travel dress styles!

A note on bags: Personally, I am a big fan of satchels for cities and backpacks for countryside. I feel that a satchel or tote bag with a zip can be safer than many daypacks, which might be unnecessary for city exploring.

Find out why cross-body purses are the best travel shoulder bags for women.

What shoes should I wear in London in summer?

When wondering what to pack for London, plan your shoes based on the weather and your planned activities. Choose no more than two to three pairs of shoe in neutral colors that can mix and match with all your clothing.

A comfy pair of sandals are great for walking around town if there’s sun in the forecast, but ankle boots , sneakers , and ballet flats are ideal the rest of the time.

Take a look at these London-appropriate women’s casual sneakers for travel!

London Packing List for Summer    

• Three short sleeve and/or sleeveless tops
• One ¾ sleeve top
• One additional top
• Two bottoms
• One maxi dress
• Two summer dresses
• One light rain jacket
• One light layer
• Comfortable sandals (sightseeing)

Shirt  | Tunic  | Long Sleeve | Sweater   | Blouse | Skirt   | Jeans | Jeans  |  Dress | Shirtdress | Coat | Jacket  | Sneaker  |  Boots | Scarf | Crossbody

What to Wear in London in Fall

What is the weather in london in fall (september, october, november).

Autumn is my favorite season to dress for. I love the crunchy leaves, the mild weather, and the earthy colors.

As the transitional period between summer and winter, things start to get colder and milder in the autumn. When planning what to pack for London this time of year, think about a woolly hat and stylish travel raincoat like these .

Start by reading these general tips on packing for autumn travel:

• How to Layer Clothes
• Use a Summer Dress to Pack Light in Fall

What clothes should I wear in London in fall?

If you prefer skirts and dresses rather than trousers, choose leggings and opaque tights to make outfits a little warmer.

These are the best leggings for women that travel as voted for by our readers!

When planning what to pack for London, remember that scarves are extremely useful. A warm, knit option will help keep you warm during this transitional season. When it’s not quite cold enough for a coat, then a jumper or cardigan combined with a hat and a scarf will do.

Remember, layering is key!

What shoes should I wear in London in fall?

When deciding what to pack for London, plan your shoes based on the weather and your planned activities. Choose no more than two-three pairs of shoe in neutral colors that can mix and match with all your clothing.

Popular styles include light brogues, sneakers or waterproof shoes are essential. Note that the best waterproof shoes are not made out of rubber; instead choose leather ankle boots , which are the best shoe option for travel to Europe in fall.

If it will be cold during your trip, opt for one of these chic leather boots – they’re waterproof but look good, too!

London Packing List for Fall

• Two dresses
• Waterproof leather boots (sightseeing)
• Canvas sneakers (sightseeing)
• Closed toe Wedges : (optional)

Shirt  | Sweater  | Blouse  | Sweater 2 | Longsleeve | Leggings  | Jeans | Pants  | Dress 1  | Dress 2 | Cardigan | Jacket | Boot 1 | Boots 2 |  Scarf | Backpack

What to Wear in London in Winter

What is the weather in london in winter (december, january, february).

For city exploring, add jeans to your London packing list. They aren’t appropriate for hiking, but I can’t think of anything more ideal to wear while walking around London on a frosty winter morning.

Wear leggings or tights under your jeans for extra warmth. These leggings are a popular choice with the TFG readers and are lined with fleece.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Winter
• How to Pack for Cold Weather
• How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather (without the bulk)
• The Best Travel Shoes for Winter

Use these tips to learn how to stay warm in cold weather without looking like a snowman!

What clothes should I wear in London in winter?

Winter is cold. The key is to wear lots of layers (especially if you don’t fancy bringing along a heavy winter coat), drink plenty of tea, and be prepared for the possibility of snow.

When planning what to pack for London, choose tights , leggings , knee-high socks, and thermals like these for extra warmth. Don’t forget the essential winter woollies, either: hat , scarf , and gloves .

Find out why thermals are a must for traveling light (and staying warm) in winter!

What shoes should I wear in London in winter?

I find a comfy pair of waterproof ankle boots to be perfect. Soggy feet aren’t fun; neither are blisters. Be prepared for the wet as well as the cold.

Take a look at the best waterproof boots for travel!

Depending on the weather, you may even opt for a pair of warm winter boots . If it will be cold and rainy without snow, opt for cute and versatile waterproof leather boots instead.

Leather sneakers are also an option for mild days. (Tip: wear skin colored stockings underneath for discreet warmth around your ankles.)

London Packing List for Winter

• Three long sleeve sweaters
• One long sleeve dress
• One winter jacket
• Waterproof tall or ankle leather boots (sightseeing)
• Leather sneakers (sightseeing)
• Ballet flat or heeled ankle boot (dressing up)

What is the Best Luggage for London?

So the hard part’s out of the way; after much turmoil you’ve finally perfected your packing list for London and created a chic capsule collection – now it’s time to get packing! Which luggage will work best for you?

There are various things to consider when choosing the best luggage for Europe including a difference in carry on size, strict weight restrictions, mobility on the cobblestone streets, and long flights of stairs.

The best suitcase to have when traveling London is a rigid trolley case, ideally with four castors. The trolley should be divided into two compartments (not just one big compartment) for easy packing. These are easy to travel with on bumpy terrain.

For a European carry-on size bag, a backpack is always a safe option. It’s also the perfect fit for those of us who prefer to travel hands-free.

Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes

Depending on how many days or weeks you’re traveling, you may want to use luggage organizers such as packing cubes ,  which allow optimum use of the space in your luggage, keeping everything organized and in place during your travels, and making the task of unpacking and repacking simple and stress-free.

As you’re headed to fashionable Europe, use an equally stylish carry-on , such as the Osprey Ozone , which is a personal favorite. Keep in mind that most of Europe’s budget airlines have a carry-on bag allowance of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Always check your airline’s individual baggage rules and regulations in advance.

Find out the most popular Europe travel bag styles according to our readers along with their tried and tested reviews.

When traveling to London, you’ll need some of the standard, essential toiletries, including:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Moisturizer (face and body)
• Makeup (we recommend keeping it simple: mascara , concealer, and a lip tint that doubles as a blush)
• Hair ties and bobby pins
• Dry shampoo

Worried that all your toiletries, makeup, skincare, and hair styling tools won’t fit into your suitcase? Read these tips on how to travel size toiletries to learn how to make the most of limited space without sacrificing your routine!

We recommend you take the most important products in travel containers like these and try to either buy basics like shampoo and shower gel in Europe or use the items provided by hotels.

Also, consider your makeup–in many European cities, women opt for natural makeup focusing on a well groomed but not over-the-top appearance.

While a daily salon blow out isn’t necessary, be mindful of your hair and makeup. Find out if it’s necessary to bring a travel blow dryer here .

When choosing your styling tools, choose items that have dual voltage and bring along a travel adapte r for all your electronics. Just make sure to add all these items to your backpacking packing list for Europe so you don’t forget them.

Check out our guide to toiletries for more tips!

What Should I NOT Pack for London?

One unexpected issue that many travelers discover once they get to Europe are the cobblestone streets.

While great to look at, stone streets aren’t always the easiest to walk on and can make for sore feet even if you don’t normally have discomfort. Depending on the city, these streets can also be hilly, slippery when wet, and uneven.

Are Jeans Appropriate to Wear in London?

While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in London. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!

Are Leggings Okay to Wear in London?

Some travelers love wearing leggings for comfort, but they’re often too casual looking as pants for London. If you’re a big fan of leggings, consider pairing a black pair with long tunics during the spring, or wearing them under dresses and skirts in fall and winter.

What are the Best Shoes to Wear in London?

Based on reader recommendations, we suggest tall boots for winter and wedges for summer; other styles can be used interchangeably throughout the year.

Depending on the weather, flat ankle boots, boat shoes, or driving mocs are other top recommendations amongst our readers. They’re classic options and make the perfect alternative to ballet flats, especially if you need a little more room for soft insoles.

Here are the best travel shoes for London in warm weather:

• Flat walking sandal
• Slip-on sneakers

Here are the best travel shoes for London in cool weather:

• Ankle boots

London Travel Tips

Before you head on your tour of London , check out these frequently asked questions on traveling to London.

What’s the best time of year to visit London?

While summer offers perfect temperatures, it’s also the busiest time of year for visiting London. For this very reason, many experts say fall is the best season to visit London because the temperatures are still comfortable but there are fewer tourists.

Weather in London

In summer, you can expect sunny days in the 70s and occasionally in the 80s, with temperatures dropping into fall. Winter gets very cold, so prepare to bundle up – especially in December and January.

Never travel without checking the weather forecast as this will be your ultimate packing guide for London. Remember that each city will have its own weather pattern so check the forecast for all the destinations you plan to visit.

Use websites such as Accuweather or Holiday Weather for advanced forecasts and don’t forget to check the weather one week and three days before your trip as mother nature doesn’t run on a tight schedule.

What are the best accommodations in London?

We love Airbnb for accommodation in London. Sign up here for a free $40 credit!

I prefer to book “the entire home” instead of opting for shared accommodation on Airbnb. Aside from safety, I also like to feel like I’m living in the destination. It’s a small taste of local life plus you get more amenities than you would at a hotel such as a kitchen and washing machine.

Read these Airbnb tips for more info!

If you prefer the convenience and comfort of a hotel room, I like using both Agoda.com and Hotels.com . Tip: Hotels.com gives you a free night for every ten nights you book!

For hostels, we recommend Hostelworld and Hostelbookers . Always read the reviews before booking to get the best idea if the hostel is right for you. Some are quiet and family friendly while others are known for their party atmosphere.

Not sure about staying at a hostel? Read this.

Transportation

For flights, I like booking through Travelocity or Cheapoair (whichever one’s cheapest). Although I prefer Travelocity because they have a 24 hour money back guarantee.

To maximize your vacation time, fly into the city where you’re starting your trip and out of the city where your trip ends. Many times it’s the same price and saves you from having to spend extra time and money to go back to where you started your trip.

How do I get around London?

The Tube is a popular option to visit the site’s in London. Make sure to purchase an Oyster Card for £5 and top up with just the amount you need for the duration of your trip. Your Tube rides will be less expensive and you can return the Oyster Card at the end of your trip to get your £5 reimbursed.

Tip: the city is very walkable! All the major sites are within walking distance so don’t rely on the Tube too much! Take a free walking tour when you arrive to London so you can get oriented with the city.

Things to Do in London

London is one of the most amazing cities to visit because there are so many beautiful sites to take in. Follow our recommendations before you travel to London .

What are the best sites in London to see?

• Buckingham Palace
• British Museum
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• Tower Bridge

What are the best tours in London?

Some travelers prefer the guidance of professionals for planning their trip. If you’re a fan of tours, check out these top tours for London.

• Rick Steves’ Tours
• Secret Food Tours
• London City Tours
• The Original Tour

Along with these recommendations, one of my favorite type of tours to do when I travel are food tours. In London, I received a complimentary tour by Eating London and it was awesome. 

They also hosted me in Rome where I received a  complimentary Twilight Trastevere Tour and a Cooking Class with Nina. TFG readers and I both loved their tours! Read my reviews here and here .

For more city tours, New Europe has excellent tours and the best part? They’re free! All you have to do is tip your guide.

Where’s the best shopping in London?

London is synonymous with fashion. It’s a city filled with designer fashion, but if you are looking for more budget-friendly shops, try Topshop and Boots where you can get all your basic travel essentials.

Be sure to check out Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus for great shopping districts!

Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet

Safety is a big concern whenever you travel, and in busy, touristy areas like London, pickpocketing can be a common occurrence. Taking a few safety precautions can help you feel less stressed during your travels.

How can I stay safe while traveling in London?

Be cautious about where you stash your cash so you don’t fall prey to muggings and pickpocketing. Make your clothing theft-proof and choose items with strong zippers.

Jeans are handy for this reason: you can put important items, like your wallet and phone, in your front pockets, where it’s very difficult for a wandering hand to snatch it. Add items like the Secret Bra Pocket and Underwear with Pockets to your packing list.

And be mindful of purse snatchers! They either slash the bottom of your bag so the content fall out or slash the strap. Wear your purse strap across your body and the zipper towards the front. For extra security, check out the “theft-proof” bags featured in this post about crossbody purses .

These are articles with other suggested anti-theft products:

• Money Belts and Anti-theft Accessories
• Best Anti-theft Bags for Women
• 6 Tools to Protect Your From Pickpockets in Europe

Remember, the safest place for your passport is locked in your accommodation. Carry a photocopy or other ID when you’re sightseeing or are out at night.

Read these tips on how to keep your passport safe when you travel!

Suggested Anti-Theft Accessories for London

• Bra stash , neck pouch , or  money belt  with RFID protection
• Anti-theft Crossbody Bags
• Passport case
• TSA-approved luggage lock
• Clothing with hidden pockets (like underwear ,   tops , and  scarves )

Key Takeaways:

• In general, day-to-day European style is more dressy than American style, but this does not mean business clothing. A nice blouse and well-tailored denim is a timeless uniform that can work in London just as well as any other part of Europe.
• Ultimately, choose comfortable, classic clothing that will transcend trends so you can look back at the pictures from your trip with fond memories.
• With shoes, always choose comfort over fashion as you’ll spend long hours on your feet – don’t forget to break them in!
• Elevators are not prevalent in local accommodation; be prepared to lift your own luggage up many flights of stairs and steep cobblestone hills.
• Avoid oversized, heavy luggage if you plan to use trains, buses, or budget flights as storage space is limited. You should be able to maneuver through train stations (and trains) with ease.
• Pickpockets are prevalent in all tourist cities, be aware of your surroundings and be practical about your belongings.
• ALWAYS check the weather before you travel.

For more ideas on what to wear in London, please read this  10 Step London Packing Guide !

What are your tips on what to pack for London and the rest of England? Comment below!

Please note: Most of Europe’s budget airlines have this carryon bag allowance: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Always check your airline’s individual baggage rules and regulations in advance.

For more tips, please read these Europe packing lists:

Suggested travel resources:

• Lonely Planet Europe on a shoestring
• Lonely Planet England (Country Guide)
• Travel Shoes for Europe
• The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe

Please read our Ultimate  Packing List for Europe  featuring stylish outfits and travel tips for 9 countries.

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67 comments.

Perfect list to pack while travelling to london. I am glad I bumped into your website. Now I can confidently pack whats necessary and leave the rest home. thank you very much.

So glad you found this helpful with your packing. Have an amazing time on all your travels!

We are planning soon a trip to London and it was great, that someone have already put all together for easier travel. Thanks.

I really appreciate your packing ideas for the different times of year! Planning a trip to England, and this is so helpful!

Great post! I’m going in a month and a half and I can’t wait!

Hi, I’m traveling with my wife and kids on mid of June 2023, I want to know what type of cloths to wear? summer cloths or winter or something in between?

Hi Ali, London is known for it’s 4 seasons in a day, so the best advice is to pack clothes that you can easily layer as needed.

You can experience the occasional heat wave soon followed by wind and cold. The weather can be unpredictable, which means you have to be prepared and always check the weather forecast before traveling!

to get the best advice about what the weather is like at that time of the year, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/

It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations.

Have an amazing time!

I’d add a washcloth to the toiletries list, since some UK & European hotels don’t offer them. I’d also consider bringing a mini towel for the daytime if wet benches & seats might be encountered.

This and the lists for long trips have helped me so much with preparing for my year in London (which was cut short due to COVID). Thank you!

This site was CRUCIAL for my trips to Ireland and London in 2017!! This packing list saved me!

Thank you for creating these lists and tips – they’ve been very helpful for my upcoming trip, and especially helpful for my sister who hasn’t traveled abroad in decades.

Hello! i will be visiting London in the 1st week of May but am unsure of what to pack for my trip. i’ve asked various people and many told me that it’s still really cold and trenchcoats are not warm enough. while your website has provided me with a lot of useful information, i will like to seek some advice on what to wear for London this coming May (1st week) and if thermal wears are required?

Hi TT, the beat thing is to check the extended forecast to get the most accurate information for your trip. Right now it looks to be a high of 55F during the day and 35F at night. Layers are always suggested but the most accurate clothing will be based on the weather forecast for the week you’re going. Have a wonderful trip!

Just a quick question, I am going to London in like 8 days so not sure if this will get answered by then. I am just wondering if I do bring my Hunter boots will that make me stick out like a tourist. I’m sure we will anyway but just wondering. I HATE wet feet so I kind of want to bring them.

How up-to-date is this information? Are these fashions current for September 2017?

Hi Sally the visuals are used for inspiration so you can adjust the tips to meet your own personal style preferences and needs. Here are the full guidelines on how to use our packing lists: https://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/ Hope this helps!

Hello! 🙂 I found this post very helpful when I planned my 5 month-long trip to London in my home country which is Hungary. I was totally lost because I didn’t know how and WHAT to pack for this long trip. Eventually I was able to carry only a backpack with me. Now, I’ve been in London for 4 days and I have (almost 🙂 ) everything that I need.

Hi! So this might be an odd question, but I can’t seem to find anything written about it here on your site, which is still super helpful btw, but what about socks? I’m a Florida girl traveling to London in March 2017, so what’s cold to most people it’s REALLY cold to us Floridians, lol. So I’ve already been wrestling with the right shoes, jackets, and pretty much everything, but what about socks? Do you recommend a sock that is warm and also wicking, so your feet won’t get sweaty, eew, but also thin and lightweight so it doesn’t add bulk to your shoes? I’m used to spending probably 10-11 months in flip flops so preparing for this trip, has really been challenging, lol! Thanks so much for all of your great tips!

Hi Georgina! Thanks for reading! We actually had a reader ask for sock recommendations recently on the FB Page, there are some great recommendations there. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/posts/1270845219605810?match=c29jaw%3D%3D I don’t think you will need heavy heavy socks that time of year, as it does start to get warmer in London around then! Enjoy your trip!

Hi! I will be visiting London in May next year and will like to know if the weather/season in May is appropriate for the weating of knee high HUNTER boots in London? Or will normal sneakers do the trick?

Sneakers or low boots would probably fine! The weather starts to get pretty mild in May. It may still be rainy, tho, so boots never hurt! Whatever you’re most comfortable in! Happy travels Tracy!

This list is so helpful! I’m packing for a 10 day trip to London in early September and I’m torn between the summer and fall clothes. I’ll err on the side of caution and go with the fall clothing. I was going to pack two jackets – a more stylish city jacket and a white raincoat, but I’m thinking to skip the raincoat in favor of am umbrella. Thanks TFGs!

Glad we could help Lindsey! Enjoy your trip!

Is shorts and T-shirt appropriate for London around July and August?

Or do I need to wear pants to avoid mosquitoes?

Hi Daisy, you might want to keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go. You might find that jeans and a sweater might be more appropriate this time of year. You shouldn’t have to worry about mosquitos in London. Check out weather.com for the extended forecast and weather averages before traveling. This layering idea should help you plan for your trip: https://travelfashiongirl.com/the-easy-packing-solution-for-trips-with-cold-and-warm-destinations/ Have a good time!

I normally love all your packing lists, but that London Autumn one makes me cringe! Of course, that’s the one I’m needing too – going in September. Any chance you can throw together? I would not be caught dead in #s 3 – 9 (with the exception of a long sleeve sweater…just not THAT long sleeve sweater). I usually get so inspired by your lists. Please help!

Thanks for the feedback Courtney! Here are some tips on how to apply our tips to meet your own styling needs: https://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/

I found the umbrella wasn’t helpful. I observed many being blown inside out. If you have a hood and or a scarf you will be fine.

Thanks for the feedback!

I live in London. Always remember to bring some kind of a jacket no matter how warm it might be where you are coming from. Even in the depths of summer there usually is a bit of a cool breeze, especially in the shade and after dark. Also, don’t forget that the UK is an island and the weather is usually very changeable in one day so layers are essential: on, off, on off all day! Tubes can be boiling and walking by the river chilly!

Great tips, thank you!

I always put my tablet or laptop into a bag that I can put it next to me on the plane. I use a carry on luggage for 3-4days but 2 weeks defo a big suitcase. I would recommend also if you have young kids 1-5 pack their clothes in a suitcase at a time (2 sets a clothes in a suit case for the kids sharing). For girls defo have their own suitcase because they have more stuff than boys..

Hi, we are travelling to London on the 4th of august and staying for 4 nights and then heading off to Germany for 4 days . We are then heading off to U S to for couple of weeks I am a bit of a fashionista and need to know what sort of shoes, clothes etc. i will need. We will be away for amonth before returning home . Please help

Hi Dimpy, sorry to have missed your question! I hope you found our ten step packing guide for Europe with extensive tips for trips of any length: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-europe/

Hello my name is Marlene I will be going to London on 9/12/18 my first time!! not sure what to wear so these tip on here was very helpful

Hi Marlene, so pleased you found the tips helpful!! Have the most amazing trip!! 🙂

Hi, we are travelling to London on the 25th of June and staying with family for 4 nights and then heading off to Paris for a week. We are then returning to London for a week and hiring a car to explore some ancestry out in the country for another week. Warwickshire, Cornwall, Bath, . A few more places before we get back to Sidcup. I am a bit of a fashionista and need to know what sort of shoes, clothes etc. i will need. We will be away for amonth before returning home to Adelaide Australia. Please help

Hie Sue, looks like you found the right article to help you pack. Here’s a few more to guide you:

https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-london-summer-style-guide/ https://travelfashiongirl.com/the-only-backpacking-packing-list-for-europe-youll-ever-need/

I’ll also post your question on Facebook to get more feedback for you. Get updates here: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl

Thanks for reading!

i’m going to London in a couple of months and this post was very helpfull!

Great, thank you!

Hi! I will be in London this weekend 😀 Can anyone tell me what the weather is like right now?… Coats still in? or out?

Hi Ayesha. I always recommend checking the extended forecasts on weather.com. you probably want to always pack a coat or jacket for London year round. Have fun!

Hello!! I’m visiting London England with my best friend in April of 2014!!! I have a medium size northface Jacket I plan on wearing while touring and sightseeing!! Would a jacket of that size would be appropriate for that time of year in England,will the weather be to warm?? Please help!!

Hi Patrice, I don’t think you’ll ever have to worry about the weather being to warm in England 🙂 It does have it’s warm weather once in a while (even heat waves) but I’d always pack a warm coat – even in the Summer it’s usually more grey and rainy than hot and sunny.

Your coat doesn’t have to be ultra-thick – your best bet is to plan on layering. Learn about layering in this post: https://travelfashiongirl.com/packing-tips-and-travel-clothing-for-multi-season-trips/

Great tips for travel, thanks so much! I will be in Ireland late April-early May and was wondering about tall boots. Is it too late to still wear these at that time, or would it be best to stick with an ankle boot? Thanks for the advice!

Hi Dawn, I wouldn’t think it would be too late any time 🙂 I’ll go ahead and post your question on Facebook so keep an eye out: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl?ref=hl

Boots with heels- no no? Going to be there in a few weeks!

Heels are always a travel no-no 😉 but it depends on the type of travel and where you’ll be going. Perhaps boots with no heel for walking and with a heel to dress up?

Thanks for the tips. Where are some great but affordable places to shop for clothes in England?

Great question, I’ll post it on facebook 🙂

Primark! Born and bred in Liverpool and I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t shop there – v.cheap! (like £4 UK pounds for a top, £6 jeans, £8 dress) pick up lots of dressy flats and shoes there too so you dont have to pack heels

thanks for the tip! get all my clothes at Primark when I travel to the Uk 🙂

Would it be appropriate to bring tall riding boots to wear in London in the autumn?

Yes, that’s a great idea! Have fun 🙂

Hi, question about shoes for London in August. I was planing on bringing my pair of Sperry slip on boat shoes and a pair of sandals, however i’m wondering if I will get cold at night or if it rains. Would you recommend bringing shoes a little warm for walking around at night and or weather? thank you , Ricki

Hi Ricki, I think boat shoes sound perfect however it does get cold and it does rain – year round. Add a pair of ankle boots or regular boots – they are always the way to go 🙂

Thank you, this is a very helpful blog 🙂

where did you get the waterproof winter boots ?

Hi Amber, I’ll let Lottie answer this one 🙂

I have a feeling that those particular ones came from New Look, a clothes shop in England. But they’re pretty easy to find and a pair of suede boots can always be waterproofed with waterproofing spray.

Great post! I love how there is an umbrella for every season… it really is an essential! 😉

haha yes, that one caught me by surprise two summers ago in England. You can never be to ready!

I would wear anyone of these pieces!

Lottie sure knows how to dress! Love her picks too 🙂

What a great post! I always find packing for colder climates a challenge!

Thanks! It’s a challenge for me too as I’m never in cold climates. I am now though and I’m happy with my travel wardrobe choices – i’m staying warm 🙂

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31 best things to do in London this weekend: 12 - 14 April 2024

By Connor Sturges

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

31 best things to do in London this weekend

1. Sip on Italian-inspired tipples

Dream of Italy from the cosy confines of Mama Shelter London Shoreditch as the hotel celebrates the arrival of summer with Malfy Gin. The Italian-inspired cocktail pop-up sees the brand bring a selection of speciality cocktails to one of East London’s coolest hangouts, from zesty belli lemons to the punchy Italian cherry. Visit between 5pm and 6pm, Monday to Thursday, to enjoy complimentary light bites alongside drinks.

Address: Mama Shelter London Shoreditch, 437 Hackney Road, London E2 8PP Website: mamashelter.com Dates: Until Tuesday 30 April

2. Take to the rooftops

Rooftop season is back, and Yasmin has some of the hottest tables in town right now. The restaurant is located atop 1 Warwick and, after opening to members in March 2023, is open to the public for the first time this season. Executive chef Tom Cenci’s menu features seasonal small plates inspired by the sunnier climes of the Middle East; think sumac cured salmon, sesame-smoked duck, and charred flatbread to mop up bowls of hummus. Cool down over chilled cocktails and baklava ice cream sandwiches on the pretty 64-cover terrace before the hoards find out about it.

Address: Yasmin Soho, 1 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LR Website: 1warwick.com Dates: Opens Tuesday 9 April

3. Get green-fingered

Petersham Nurseries Urban Green Workshops are some of the most wholesome tickets in town right now. City gardeners are descending on Petersham Nurseries’ tranquil floral courtyard, rolling up their sleeves, and getting to grips with spring . The theme this Friday is ‘A Celebration of Blossom and Branches’; create romantic hand-tied bouquets with the finest blossoming branches and seasonal blooms sourced from Petersham Nurseries’ network of British growers before taking them to display.

Address: The Petersham Wine Bar & Deli, 31 King Street, London WC2E 9DS Website: petershamnurseries.com ; sevenrooms.com Price: £95 per person Dates: Friday 12 April; more classes online

4. Savour Mediterranean flavours

Following the success of Carmel Queen’s Park since its opening in 2021, Brothers Josh and Paul Katz, with Mattia Bianchi, open the doors to the new Fitzrovia site this week. Set to be the hottest place for Mediterranean flavours in the leafy suburbs this summer, the 95-seat restaurant feels a world away from bustling Oxford Street – in reality, it’s just a stone’s throw. The menu features a selection of raw and cured dishes, including monkfish crudo and lamb tartare, to start, plus sharing plates including whole sea bream with Calabrian hot honey, lemon butter, fennel and Kalamata olive. Swing by in the morning to pick up a freshly baked pastry or secure a spot for a leisurely lunch or supper.

Address: Carmel, 7-8 Market Place, London W1W Website: carmelrestaurant.co.uk Dates: Opens Monday 8 April; reservations open now

5. See top-tier comedy

Laugh the night away at Spencer Jones’ latest show Making Friends when it arrives at Soho Theatre this week. Spencer’s comedy has seen him nominated for two Edinburgh Comedy Awards, so expect hilarious tales about his post-lockdown relocation from London to Devon and much more – including a “vicious feud”... with a chicken.

Address: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE Website: sohotheatre.com Price: From £14 Dates: Wednesday 10 - Saturday 20 April

6. Bake with the best

Learn how to bake from the best in the game at CORD restaurant by Le Cordon Bleu on Fleet Street. This Friday’s two-and-a-half-hour course sees experts lead fans of the humble bun through the process of creating an enriched dough, transforming it into a range of delicious hot cross buns, cardamom buns and apple buns. Take the bakes (and all the credit) home after a three-course meal in the restaurant.

Address: CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, 85 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AE Website: cordrestaurant.co.uk Price: £195 per person Dates: Friday 12 April

7. Join a panel discussion

Sex Talks returns to The London EDITION this week, led by broadcaster and writer Emma-Louise Boyton. The monthly series sees Emma invite thought leaders from across the sex and wellness industries to share their insights with a live audience. Listen to the panel discussion before anonymously aiming questions at the experts – this week’s guest is Anna Whitehouse (aka Mother Pukka ).

Address: The London EDITION, 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP Website: editionhotels.com ; eventbrite.co.uk Price: From £15 Dates: Wednesday 10 April

8. See Olympians in action

The brand new Supertri E World Triathlon Championships arrive at London’s Aquatics Centre this weekend, set to be a thrilling day of e-sport for all the family. Settle into the stands and see Olympians in action ahead of the Paris games this summer, including triple Olympic medalist Jonny Brownlee and GB’s most successful female triathlete, Georgia Taylor-Brown.

Address: London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 2ZQ Website: londonaquaticscentre.org Price: From £15 Dates: Saturday 13 April

9. Visit an artist in residence

The Mandrake ’s latest collaboration in its Artist in Residence Programme sees Scottish artist, director and multi-instrumentalist Magnus Westwell take over the hotel’s Masha Hari Theatre. The space is Magnus’ personal laboratory for sound and movement, and the exhibition showcases archival artworks, photography and video footage of the creative’s work. Email directly to meet Magnus at the open studio session this Sunday.

Address: The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman Street, London W1T 1PG Website: themandrake.com Dates: Until Sunday 14 April

10. Enjoy a lunar-inspired supper

Chef Mauro Colagreco will bring his three Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur to Raffles London this Wednesday and Thursday for a series of special lunar-inspired suppers to celebrate his new book Mirazur, Under the Sign of the Moon . Each evening, diners tuck into a seven-course meal made up of dishes from Mirazur’s acclaimed Universe Menu in the comfort of new restaurant Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO .

Address: Mauro Colagreco, Raffles London at The OWO, 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX Website: raffles.com Price: £225 per person Dates: Wednesday 10 - Thursday 11 April

11. Tuck in at a supper club

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

12. Savour street food favourites

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

13. Rate London's roast dinners

The French have haute cuisine; the Japanese embrace Omakase – in London, it’s all about the battle of the Sunday roast . Securing a coveted spot in one of the city’s best restaurants for a hearty plateful is one of our favourite pastimes. Head to The Midland Grand Dining Room in King's Cross for an opulent dining experience, tuck into truffle cauliflower cheese at The Laundry in Brixton, or unwind over a glass of red at Hicce Hart Islington. In addition to the classics, there are a few new roasts on the scene this winter. The Montagu Kitchen and Lounge , found within the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill in Marylebone, has launched a new offering created by executive chef Carlo Martino, and slow-cooked roast joints sourced from the Ethical Butcher change each week. Elsewhere, Elliot Cunningham recently announced his brand-new Sunday ‘roast’ offering at Lagom , where the menu celebrates open-fire cooking and his Swedish heritage.

14. Reach for the rooftops

While open-air drinking venues shut up shop in many seasonal European cities, London’s rooftop bars aren’t just for summer. Many become cosy havens where hours fly past, eyes out on the sparkling skyline. Florattica ’s eye-catching interiors and delightfully botanical cocktails make it a favourite of those working in the city, while 12th Knot at Sea Containers remains a year-round favourite.

Roxy Kavousi-Walker

Lauren Burvill

Alessia Armenise

Stacey Lastoe

15. Try the capital's latest cocktails

Before dry January comes the indulgence of party season, and there are still many new venues and menus to try this season. Chocolatier Pierre Marcolini oversees the mouth-watering menu at Marylebone Hotel’s 108 Brasserie . Velvety ‘choctails’ include the Marcolini Mocha, a combination of Diplomatico Rum and steamed hot chocolate, and Gingerbread Dream, a non-alcoholic steamed chocolate with swirls of vanilla, gingerbread, and cinnamon syrup. Some of the latest cocktail bars to open their doors in the capital include Lowcountry , a cocktail bar inspired by the American South below Joe Laker’s debut restaurant counter 71 in Shoreditch, and Dover Yard , a sleek, sustainable watering hole inside 1 Hotel Mayfair.

16. Take to the ice

While many of the ice rinks close down in early January, Canary Wharf ice rink stays put until the last week of February – ideal for February half-term fun. For a year-round space to practice on, check out Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre .

17. Mamma Mia the Party

It may be party season up and down the land, but there’s one that is never short on RSVPs – and it’s a kaleidoscopic extravaganza featuring all the ABBA classics. Mamma Mia! The Party sees the sell-out West End tale given a new lease of life, performed in a Greek courtyard complete with a pyrotechnic water fountain and restaurant tables that performers must navigate. While the three-course dinner is truly delicious, the focus is the immersive show, which works its way around the taverna between courses. It’s an unforgettable evening of napkin-waving, feet-stomping and, of course, lots of singing.

18. Cook up a storm

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

19. Dine on a heated terrace

Even when temperatures in the capital plummet below freezing, you'll find Londoners tucking in at the city's prettiest outdoor restaurants – albeit draped in faux fur blankets under heaters. The Maine in Mayfair is an elegant dining spot tucked away beside Hanover Square, ideal as spring edges ever closer. Casa do Frango has heated terraces for fiery chicken feasts, Brat's greenhouse-style dining space is one for the bucket list, and Bentley’s Oyster Bar in Mayfair is one of the most indulgent spots to slurp under the heaters.

20. Get zen at a sound bath

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

21. Pick a park for an adventure

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

22. Let loose in a live music venue

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

23. Treat yourself to something sweet

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

24. Try and escape

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

25. Get theatrical

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

26. Buff up on your London history

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

27. Sweat it out somewhere new

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

29. Check out a new exhibition

There’s no shortage of captivating exhibitions in London , and the schedule is particularly strong this winter. Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science Museum is an excellent option for an interactive family day out. Learn how music impacts our emotions, psychology and wellbeing, and see if you can tell the difference between songs written by humans and machines. Elsewhere, Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum is a captivating showcase – catch it before the end of June.

30. Build up the book collection

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

31. Have a nose around London’s new hotels

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

Everything you need to know before you go to London in 2024

Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Make the most of your trip to London with these expert tips © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.

1. Know your Tube etiquette

One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don’t create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either the right or left of the doors) before you board. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, an elderly person, someone who is disabled and so on. And definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals (if you want to blend in). 

2. Skip the car

London ’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 a day, while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 and only certain energy efficient or electric cars are exempt. The best way to get around is on public transport (although check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action and weekend engineering works). Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online.

3. Bring layers (and a raincoat)

London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built before air-conditioning). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day – simply switch to more indoor-based activities, there are hundreds of them to choose from.

4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes

Most people cover a lot of ground when exploring London, plus different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and even cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue. 

5. Make reservations for top restaurants

While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to queue for the best joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.

6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club

Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse community. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try The Bridge Club  serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.

7. Know how to order at a pub

There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.

8. Go to a football game

Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and four Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "The Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.

9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing

Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you’ll might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged. 

10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard

London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.

11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around

Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening. 

12. It's an election year in London

The incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face an election race in May 2024 (he's been in the top job since 2016). This might not be particularly noteworthy for travelers, but it does mean there's greater incentive to make sure London is working well. Policing, housing and public transport are high on the agenda for all the candidates. Services have been expanded to support the rising number of "rough sleepers" in the city, with the visible issue of homelessness a concern for locals and visitors alike. Tube strikes, which brought the city to a standstill in 2023, have been averted but industrial action on national rail services in and out of the city continue. The city goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May, 2024. 

This article was first published September 2023 and updated March 2024

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11 Things To Do This Weekend In London

London is a pretty incredible city! There’s so much to do across all the areas of London . That being said, so much choice can make it hard to whittle down just a few things to do this weekend in London. After all, you want to make the most of your time in the city and see as much as possible.

Now, one of the best things about London is that it’s ever-changing. For instance, Quirky markets , new pop-ups, cool sporting events and new places to fill a grumbling tummy. Altogether, this makes the choices of things to do this weekend in London pretty tough.

This is exactly why I wanted to share some of my favourite things to do this weekend in London. I’ve tried to share a few places from all across the city. So, I’m really hoping a few will take your fancy. 

Best things to do this weekend in London

Take a look, below, at the best things to do this weekend in London. Have the most amazing time. 

1.) Stroll through Notting Hill

Notting Hill is not just famous for a lovesick Hugh Grant trying to win back his Julia Roberts (From the film, Notting Hill ). It’s also a vibrant neighbourhood filled with amazing eateries, shops and even farm-to-table restaurants that are just too yummy to ignore.

Once you’re here, check out some of the things to do this weekend in London that are art-based. for instance, Graffik Gallery on Portobello Road has a whole heap of changing shows and exhibitions. Afterwards, pop over to Electric Diner for a tasty brunch.

Their raspberry French toast is amazing. 

Read more: Resturants and cafes in Notting Hill

2.) Explore Shoreditch

Londoners seem to either love or hate Shoreditch . That being said, there’s a shed load of amazing things to do this weekend in London all around the neighbourhood, making it a good stop when exploring the city.

Once you arrive, make sure to pop into over to the rooftop Pillow Cinema, where you can snuggle up whilst watching some classic films that change each week. Oh, and make sure to check out Made In Shoreditch that detail some of the best events each weekend.

Alternatively, pop over to Ballie Ballerson which is a bar with epic cocktails and the biggest ball pit to enjoy! It’s amazingly fun.

Read more: Best bars in Shoreditch

3.) Gorge at Leadenhall Market

This Victorian hall is one of London’s most lovely markets to explore. Nowadays, many of the smaller stalls have gone but the building still remains with plenty of shops and eateries to enjoy. Make sure to gorge at the Lamb Tavern (for some tasty Welsh lamb) or head over to the M Bar for a little tipple.

It’s a great place to grab a bite, smack bang in the centre of London. Better still, there are a good few places to just around Leadenhall Market, too. Head up to the top of the monument to the great fire of London and see a different perspective on this area of London. 

Read more: Best bars in Lonon

4.) Discover Greenwich

Greenwich is much more than just the O2 Arena and it’s well worth a visit on a Sunday afternoon jaunt to the older part of this Royal borough.

Make sure to visit the Royal Navy College that was built in the 19th Century, explore the Cutty Sark and dive right into the food stalls at Greenwich Market (a firm favourite of mine is the Ethiopian Stall… it’s so tasty).

Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Painted Hall which has just been lovingly restored. 

Read more: Best things to do in Greenwich

5.) Plod along the streets of Southwark

Southwark stretches quite far south from the River Thames banks and there’s always something going on here. For instance, make sure to check in at the Tate Modern for the newest exhibitions that change constantly.

Afterwards, head across the National Theatre and the Southbank Centre for a show and installations that are always different. 

Oh, and one of my favourite areas is in and around Bermondsey street, which is the perfect place to whisk away a Saturday in the city. Make sure to visit London Glassblowing to try your hand at the art itself, they hold regular taster events on particular days.

Read more: Secret Spots London

6.) Visit the Harry Potter Studios

Yup, any Harry Potter worth their salt will want to dash over to the Warner Bros Studios. Head here to experience the incredible Harry Potter sets, costumes and eerie goings-on in the Forbidden Forest.

It really is one of the best things to do this weekend in London if the rain starts to fall. Oh yeah, and for guaranteed entry, make sure to book your tickets online, especially on busier weekends. 

Alternatively, you can book this really fun Harry Potter walking tour around London. It’ll take you to some of the most iconic Harry Potter spots that you’ll love. 

Read more: Best bakeries in London

7.) Explore Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular areas to visit but don’t let that put you off.

Head over to some of the neighbourhood’s best haunts like Clos Maggiore for some yummy French-inspired cuisine.

Head inside the old market to visit the Moomin Store and grab a tasty cocktail at The Escapologist or just chill out and watch a performance at the Royal Opera House which has new shows each weekend. 

Read more: Things to do in Covent Garden

8.) Stroll the Museums

One of the best things about London is that our museums are free. Head over to the world-class; Natural History Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum and the incredible British Museum (to name a mere few).

Both Londoners and visitors totally love to wander the impressive collections, especially on a lazy weekend in the city. It really is amazing and the best things to do this weekend in London if you love museums.

Read more: How to visit London on a budget

9.) Visit Whitechapel

The infamous stomping ground of Jack The Ripper, Whitechapel has thankfully returned from his scary grips! Nowadays, we can all go and learn about the past in a dedicated Jack The Ripper Tour. 

If that doesn’t take your fancy, head over to the Whitechapel Gallery which showcases some of the world’s best up-and-coming artists (and changes constantly). It’s so amazing and totally one of the best things to do this weekend in London if you love art. 

If you’re feeling peckish, grab a table at Tayyabs, for some traditional Punjabi cuisine and the best curries in London . It’s one of the most famous in the area, so expect a queue.

Read more: Things to see in Whitechapel

10.) Wander the markets in Camden

Long gone are the horses of days gone by, nowadays, the Stables in Camden is a rabbit warren of cobbled streets, vintage stores and worldly food that you’ll struggle to resist. Don’t forget to visit Cyber Dog too – a 90’s neon rave store that is beyond funky.

It’s so much fun and the market is changing almost every day. 

Read more: Best things to do in Camden

11.) Find some secret spots

London has many nooks and crannies that are just begging to be explored. Even for us Londoners, it’s easy to overlook some of these hidden spots in the city. From the ears and noses scattered around Covent Garden, caves and much more.

London is a treasure trove of secret places to discover and sometimes it’s just good to find something a little different. 

Read more: Secret spots in London

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One Week in London: Perfect 7-Day Itinerary (1st time visit)

7 days in london: the best one week itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend one week in London and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 7 days itinerary in London.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city as well as (if you wish to!) amazing places to visit nearby such as Oxford, Cambridge, Windsor, Stonehenge, Brighton or Stratford Upon Avon.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, how to spend 1 week in London? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The London Pass

7 days in london: must-see attractions:, one last tip for a perfect 7-day stay in london, b. westminster abbey, c. buckingham palace and the changing of the royal guard, d. trafalgar square & national gallery museum, e. london eye, f. tate britain and/or tate modern museum, a. st. paul’s cathedral, b. the city, c. the tower of london, d. tower bridge, e. the shard, a. notting hill and portobello market, b. the natural history museum, c. hyde park, d. shopping on oxford street, f. piccadilly circus, g. covent garden, a. hampstead village, b. camden town, c. regent’s park, d. abbey road (optional), e. madame tussauds or the british museum, day 5: greenwich, day 6 – visit to harry potter studios, option 1: day trips around london, option 2: visit the city of london for one more day, where to stay in london, london in one week with your family, map of your 7-day itinerary in london, find the best flight prices for your 7 days in london, you’re traveling to england these articles will help you, how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at london’s tourist attractions.

You know it, London is certainly one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

The British capital , like all other European capitals and big cities ( Rome , Madrid , Barcelona , Paris…), attracts millions of visitors every year. And all these travellers will want to do just like you: discover London’s must-see attractions such as the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey.

So you might have to wait for hours at the ticket office to enter these places.

But don’t worry: I have 2 solutions that will allow you to save a lot of time (and money!) during your one week trip to London.

Your first option is to buy the London Pass for your 7-day itinerary in London.

It gives you priority access to all attractions of London!

Very convenient , the London Pass is in fact an electronic pass to download on your smartphone. Instead of having to queue at the ticket office, you will just need to scan your London Pass at the entrance of each site.

It’s valid for between 1 and 10 days (depending on what you choose when booking).

And that’s not all, the London Pass is also a great way to save money . Let me explain:

The London Pass will grant you tourist credit. They are deducted each time you visit a tourist site in London.

For example the 7-day London Pass comes with 740 credits , which corresponds to 740€ in entrance fees, yet it costs only 167€ to buy!

It’s thus easy to understand why all savvy travelers opt for this solution.

The London Pass is without doubt the most complete city pass to visit London in 7 days!

The London Pass includes:

• Access to more than 80 of the best sites and museums in London. That’s most of the attractions I will talk about in this one-week London itinerary: Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Tower Bridge…
• A hop-on hop-off bus ticket. For those who don’t want to walk too much, or simply to enjoy a guided tour in a double-decker bus!
• Discounts at some souvenir shops
• A guide of London, including opening times and information for each site.

To buy your London City Pass, you just need to click on the button below:

As an alternative, there’s also the London Go City Explorer Pass which works a bit differently.

You will need to purchase a pass based on the number of attractions you want to see. So you can buy a pass for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 attractions.

You can book it by clicking here!

2. Skip-the-line tickets for London’s tourist attractions

If you don’t want to get the London Pass, your 2nd option to visit London in one week is to buy priority tickets for each attraction individually.

There are skip-the-line tickets for all major historical monuments, and you can also book fun and original activities or guided visits to enjoy a memorable one week stay in London.

Here is the list of all skip-the-line tickets and excursions I will be talking about in this 7-day itinerary in London.

To view the prices and to book, simply click on the links below (you’ll also find them throughout the article):

• Westminster Abbey
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Boat tour on the Thames
• See a musical
• Madame Tussauds Museum
• Saint Paul’s Cathedral
• Harry Potter-themed guided tour – I love this guided tour!
• Double-decker hop-on/hop-off bus tour

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As London is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in London by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in London.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in London , simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

A week in London: the best itinerary

Let’s now start your 7-day itinerary in London!

For each day, I will give you all the details you need to plan your visits + a map that will allow you to visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in London for 7 full days and that you will be using the London Pass or have purchased Skip-the-Line tickets . It’s the best way to save time and money during your one week stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

I will be glad to help you plan your trip 😄.

So, what are the best things to do in London in 7 days?

Day 1 – The historic centre

Day 1 visits:

A. Big Ben B. Westminster Abbey C. Buckingham Palace D. Trafalgar Square E. London Eye F. Tate Britain and/or Tate Modern

You should start your week-long stay in London by first greeting the city’s icon: the legendary Big Ben.

The famous neo-Gothic style tower topped by a 7-metre diameter clock is of course a must-see for the first-time visitor to the capital.

The Clock Tower (Big Ben’s real name, as “Big Ben” is actually the name of the bell located inside the tower) is located in the heart of historic London, on the banks of the River Thames.

It’s part of the Houses of Parliament , also called the Palace of Westminster , which you can admire at the same time.

Just next to Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, you should visit another historical landmark of London: Westminster Abbey .

This is the place where many kings and queens have been crowned , including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.

The London Pass includes a priority entrance to Westminster Abbey, however if you don’t have it, you should really purchase a skip-the-line ticket in advance.

There is often a 2-hour waiting line at the entrance , and you don’t want to waste your time to start your 7-day itinerary in London right? 😅

You need to book your skip the line ticket by clicking on the button below:

And if you want to learn more about the history of the abbey, you should opt for the 2-hour guided tour (click here) . It also acts as a priority entrance.

To avoid the crowds, you should ideally be at Westminster Abbey when it opens (9.30 am during the week, 9.00 am on Saturday, closed on Sunday).

Visiting London in 7 days of course includes seeing Buckingham Palace , King Charles III’s main residence.

The palace is just a few minutes’ walk from Big Ben and if you get there at the end of the morning , you will be able to witness the Changing of the Royal Guard.

This solemn ceremony attracts crowds all-year-round and takes place every two days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) at 11.00 a.m.

The Royal Guards switch teams in a carefully orchestrated parade to the sound of the marching band.

To get a good spot, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins . Otherwise you risk being relegated to the back and not seeing anything.

In rainy weather (Ok, that might happen in London, but the weather can also be nice, I swear 😁), the Changing of the Guard may be cancelled. You can check this online calendar for the latest schedule.

You can only visit the interior of Buckingham Palace during 2 months of the year, generally in August and September. As the places are very limited, you will need to book as early as possible.

You have a choice between 3 different tickets (click on the orange links for more info and to book):

• Ticket for the State Rooms , so you can see the reception chambers
• Entrance to the Queen’s Gallery featuring a large collection of works of art
• Entrance to the Royal Mews (stables) , where the Royal Family’s carriages are kept.

Your one-week itinerary in London continues with a visit to the National Gallery , one of the city’s best museums.

But before you do that, first head towards Trafalgar Square (a 15 minute walk from Buckingham Palace via St James’ Park).

Trafalgar Square, one of the most popular squares in the capital, is characterised by its 4 large black lion statues that surround the fountain in the centre.

The National Gallery overlooks Trafalgar Square, and I strongly recommend you to visit this beautiful museum, especially since entry is free of charge (and it’s the same for all British national museums!).

This art museum was founded in 1824 and exhibits an impressive collection of well-known works including the Sunflowers by Van Gogh and other paintings by Monet, Cézanne, Picasso, Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci .

Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit.

Opening hours are available on the official website.

It’s now time for an activity both kids and adults alike will love: a ride on the London Eye Ferris wheel!

This huge Ferris wheel (130m tall, the biggest is Europe!) rotates very slowly and a complete turn lasts about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect way to admire the city from above !

So after visiting the museum , return to the historic centre (which will take you 10-15 minutes on foot or by bus ) and head to the London Eye , located on the banks of the Thames, opposite Big Ben.

Note that if you want to go on the Ferris wheel, you absolutely need to book your seat in advance .

Your ticket for the London Eye needs to be booked here:

And if you want to do several activities, a great way to save money is to opt for the combined ticket : London Eye + Thames Cruise + Hop-on Hop-off Bus.

Once you’re down from the sky and back down to earth, finish the day with a visit to 1 or 2 unmissable museums in London: the Tate Britain and/or the Tate Modern museums.

They are both located by the Thames , one on the north bank and the other on the south bank.

The Tate Britain is dedicated to classical British art . You can see works by Hogarth, Blake and Turner, for example.

The Tate Modern museum , on the other hand, is focusing on contemporary art.

The two museums are connected by a river shuttle that allows you to visit them one after the other. It runs every 40 minutes.

Of course, as they are national museums, both museums are free. They are open every day from 10.00am to 6.00pm.

If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of London at night , you can switch the Tate museums with the London Eye and do the Ferris wheel at the end of the day.

For this, after the National Gallery:

• Head to the Thames and “ Embankment Pier”
• Take the river shuttle to Millbank Pier , where the Tate Britain entrance is located.
• For the Tate Modern , stop at Bankside Pier.

Day 2 – Best things to do in London

Day 2 visits:

A. St. Paul’s Cathedral B. The City C. The Tower of London D. Tower Bridge E. The Shard

For the 2nd day of your one week trip in London, you will discover the City district.

Let’s start with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral , dating back to the 17th century.

Admire its baroque architecture from the outside and enter to see:

• The beautiful nave
• The Whispering Gallery and its amazing acoustics
• The Stone Gallery
• The Golden Gallery
• A superb panoramic view from the dome (85 metres high).

If you purchased the London Pass , entry to St. Paul’s Cathedral is included.

Otherwise, you need to purchase your skip the line tickets by clicking the green button below:

After visiting the cathedral, you will stay a bit more in the City of London, the British capital’s business district and geographical centre.

So take a bit of time to stroll through the streets of the neighbourhood, admire the buildings and soak up the atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on the famous ‘Gherkin’ skyscraper , the most iconic building of the City.

While in this district, you should also visit the Sky Garden , the highest public garden in London. It offers a breathtaking view over the city.

To enter the Sky Garden, you will need (free) tickets. You need to book them in advance here.

In the City district, there are not only skyscrapers and businessmen, but also historical monuments such as the famous Tower of London.

The fortress siting on the banks of the Thames (not far from Tower Bridge, your next stop) is just a 15-minute walk from The Gherkin .

The Tower of London dates back to 1066 and has served throughout history as a royal residence, a prison and also a place of torture and execution.

Inside, you can discover the torture chambers , but also visit the very beautiful outdoor gardens and, the highlight of the show, admire the Crown Jewels.

Kids really love this visit , as the guided tour done by guides in period costumes is particularly awesome!

The guided tour is included in the price of the admission ticket. They leave every 30 minutes from the main entrance.

The London Pass includes entry to the tower, but you can also buy your tickets separately by clicking here:

Let’s now head to the famous Tower Bridge , located right next to the Tower of London.

This magnificent Gothic bascule bridge with sky blue ironwork is another iconic monument of London.

You probably have already seen pictures of it!

It connects the north and south banks of the Thames , and sometimes opens up to let the big boats pass. At the time of its construction, in the 19th century, it was actually the most sophisticated bascule bridge in the world.

You can simply admire Tower Bridge from the river bank , and then cross it on foot.

You can also visit the old engine room located inside one of the towers. On the upper decks, you can walk on a transparent glass footbridge just above the Thames. It’s very impressive!

Entry to Tower Bridge is included in the London Pass.

If you only want to buy a skip-the-line ticket for this attraction, you need to click the button below:

At the end of the day, you can head to The Shard, just a 10-minute walk from Tower Bridge.

This huge building is the newest skyscraper in London and also the highest observation platform in Western Europe . Climb and enjoy a 360° view over the whole city at sunset.

You need to book your tickets for The Shard by clicking on the button below:

Day 3 – Landmarks to visit in London

Day 3 visits:

A. Notting Hill B. The Natural History Museum C. Hyde Park D. Oxford Street E. Soho F. Piccadilly Circus G. Covent Garden

Let’s start your 3rd day in London by visiting Notting Hill, a chic neighbourhood  located west of the city.

Made famous by the movie ‘Notting Hill’ starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, it’s considered as one of the most beautiful districts of London.

With its large pastel-coloured mansions , antique shops and flower-filled cobbled streets , the least I can say is that Notting Hill is truly charming!

In the morning, the area hosts the very popular market of Portobello Road . There you can take a stroll, do a bit of shopping and enjoy the street food stalls.

To make the most of your visit to Notting Hill, you should really book this guided tour:

If you’re travelling for a week in London during the last weekend of August, you will be able to attend Notting Hill Carnival , a festive parade of over 5 km to the sounds of Caribbean music.

When you’re done exploring Notting Hill, let’s now head to the Natural History Museum of London.

To get there, it takes about 20 minutes by bus .

The museum, housed in a very beautiful Gothic building, is literally huge!

Zoology, botany, volcanology, archaeology, dinosaurs, anthropology, mineralogy … the National History Museum boasts numerous rich and varied galleries. There are also lots of fun activities to do with children.

Attracting 5 million visitors annually, it’s actually the most visited natural history museum in Europe.

To be honest, you would need to spend a whole day there to see everything , however, you should try to focus on what interests you the most and spend about 2h there, to have time for the next visits.

After your visit to the museum, let’s enjoy a bit of fresh air in central London’s largest public park: Hyde Park.

It’s for sure one of the most beautiful city parks in the world, and many London residents come here to do a bit of sport , stroll or picnic on summer weekends.

At the end of the year , you can enjoy huge Christmas market in Hyde Park, as well as the Winter Wonderland amusement park and the largest ice rink in the United Kingdom.

If your week-long stay in London takes place in summer , then you will have the opportunity to attend the concerts and festivals held there every summer.

Let’s now leave Hyde Park via the north east exit (Marble Arch) to reach Oxford Street.

You will find more than 600 shops on this 2.5km shopping avenue, including major British brands such as Marks & Spencer, TopShop, Mush, Primark, Urban Outfitters etc.

So you can do a bit of shopping or window shopping while heading to Soho, the next stop of your itinerary.

At the end of Oxford Street, you will arrive directly in the Soho neighbourhood.

Soho is the smallest district in London but also the most lively and festive . With its numerous theatres, comedy clubs, restaurants, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs , it attracts Londoners and tourists alike who come to party every night of the week.

If you’re looking for a unique activity during your 7-day itinerary in London, you can attend a musical in one of Soho’s theatres!

You can for example see “Les Misérables” at the Sondheim Theatre ( you buy your tickets in advance here )

The equally famous “Phantom of the Opera” is also staged regularly. Tickets can  be purchased in advance right there.

If you’re looking for an original experience in Soho, you really should opt for a Harry Potter-themed guided tour .

Departing from Soho, your guide takes you to the cult locations from the films including Diagon Alley, Gringotts, platform 9 3/4, Knockturn Alley and much more besides. It’s a really good tour and the guide is amazing!

To book your Harry Potter guided tour , simply click on the button below:

Stroll through Soho and follow the crowd to get to Piccadilly Circus, the famous square featuring giant advertising screens. This is also a great area for party-goers.

From Piccadilly Circus, you can walk for a bout 10 minutes to reach Covent Garden.

The former markets of London, famous for its beautiful glass roof , is now a very touristy area with shops, restaurants, art galleries and street performers.

There, you will also find the London Transport Museum , that you can visit if you have time.

To end your evening, head to a good local restaurant before going back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep

Day 4: exploring other districts of London

Day 4 visits:

A. Hampstead Village B. Camden Town C. Regent’s Park D. Abbey Road (optional) E. Madame Tussauds or British Museum

Your 1 week itinerary in London continues, it’s now time to discover the north of the city.

You should start your morning in Hampstead Village, a peaceful district in the heights of the city, just a 20-minute metro ride from central London.

You will see, it really feels like being in a small countryside town rather than in the busy British capital!

You will for sure love walking among the flower-filled gardens and the beautiful Victorian houses. You can also stop in one of the numerous cafés for breakfast or a brunch.

You simply can’t spend 7 days in London without visiting Camden Town.

Probably the trendiest district of the city, Camden Town is famous for its alternative culture.

While walking there, you will encounter Punks, goths, alter-globalists… as well as numerous offbeat boutiques, piercing/tattoo parlours and second-hand shops. All in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere!

The local flea market, Camden Lock Market , is open every day from 10.00 am to 6.00pm.

You can browse through vintage treasures, unusual gadgets, and unique pieces of clothing, taste street food from around the globe , or simply take a walk along Regent’s Canal while listening to the live music.

From Camden Town, head south and walk for about 10 minutes to reach Regent’s Park, another famous public park in London

Filled with flowers, this pretty park covers 166 hectares.

In Regent’s Park, you can see and find:

• The lake, where you can go boating or hire a pedalo
• Restaurants and cafés
• Several playgrounds , if you’re traveling with kids
• Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens (interesting to visit, especially in spring/summer!).

The 4th stage of the day is a must-see for Beatles fans and an optional little detour for everyone else.

Abbey Road and its legendary zebra crossing are located less than 2 km from Regent’s Park. It’s here, in Abbey Road studios, that the iconic English band recorded their album of the same name.

The famous picture illustrating the album was taken on this zebra crossing. So you can take a few minutes to reproduce a similar picture. Just be careful of the traffic!

Near the studios, you can also find a souvenir shop dedicated to the Beatles.

To end the day, you can visit one of the following 2 places:

• Madame Tussauds: The legendary waxworks museum in London.

Located about a 20-minute bus ride from Abbey Road , it’s one of the most visited museums in the city. There, you can take pictures with celebrities (or rather their wax lookalikes!)

This fun visit lasts between 2 to 3 hours. You need book your tickets in advance by clicking on the button below:

• The British Museum: if you prefer culture and history (and free tickets!), then I recommend visiting the British Museum to end your 4th day in London.

From Regent’s Park, you can get there in 20 minutes by metro . Housed in a magnificent building, this museum of anthropology has numerous archaeological remains, including several mummies and the famous Rosetta Stone.

The museum’s collection is one of the richest in the world with more than 7 million objects on display!

Let’s slow down the pace a little bit for this 5th day.

I would suggest you to spend the day in the neighbourhood of Greenwich. You can easily get there by boat (departure from the historic centre of London).

Here are the best things to do and see in Greenwich:

• The remarkable Victorian and Georgian architecture
• Large wooded parks
• A beautiful walk along the river
• The famous Greenwich Meridian (you need to buy tickets here) at the Royal Observatory
• The splendid view of London from the Observatory
• The Cutty Sark (tickets here!), a huge sailing boat built in 1869 and converted into a museum
• Greenwich Market
• The National Maritime Museum: one of the largest maritime museums in the world.

If you have the chance to spend one week in London , you will have time to visit the city’s surroundings.

And the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios is the perfect day trip for fans of the Harry Potter saga!

The Warner Bros. studios, where the 8 Harry Potter movies were shot, are just a few kilometres outside London.

There, you will get immersed in the world of the famous wizard: try your hand at flying on a broom , taste the famous butterbeer and take a stroll along Diagon Alley!

Discover the film sets, the props, the costumes and learn all the secrets and anecdotes about the films. Personally, I loved it!

The tour must be booked in advance by clicking on the green button below.

And you know the best? The bus transfers from London are included 😎.

Day 7: Last day in or around London

For your 7th and final day in London , I have prepared a few options, depending if you prefer to visit the city of London a bit more or would rather explore the surroundings of the city

• Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon , the home town of Shakespeare, is a very charming rural town just a one-hour drive from London.

There, you can take stroll around the town and see traditional English cottages and houses , including the house where Shakespeare was born and lived.

The cool thing is that you can visit Stratford with an organized day trip that also goes to Oxford!

You need to book your guided tour here:

• Visit to Windsor Castle

Windsor is another charming little town in the London suburbs, only 45 minutes by train from Paddington Station.

The main attraction in town is for sure a visit to Windsor castle , the royal family’s second home .

Admission tickets to the castle must be booked in advance by clicking here.

The hassle free way of discovering Windsor is to opt for an organised day trip from London.

The best one includes not only Windsor, but also Oxford and Stonehenge! For more information and to book your day trip, simply click on the button below:

Cambridge is one of the most beautiful cities to visit around London, and it’s only a 45-minute train ride from King’s Cross Station.

There, you will be able to visit Cambridge’s world-famous university and its Gothic buildings, including the magnificent King’s College chapel.

To discover the city, you should opt for a guided tour:

• Guided walking tour of the city + river boat tour
• Guided tour of the university with entrance to King’s College
• Hop-on hop-off bus tour

Oxford is the other famous British university city , and it’s located an hour’s train ride from London .

Slightly bigger than Cambridge , its architecture is just as remarkable!

You might not know it, but Oxford University and the whole historic city actually inspired Hogwarts , the school of the Harry Potter saga.

As I mentioned earlier, the day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon also goes to Oxford . You need to book it by clicking here.

If you are going there by yourself, here are a few great tours to discover Oxford like a local:

• Walking tour of the university and the city with a student from Oxford
• Private guided tour of the city and university
• Harry Potter filming location Oxford tour
• Hop-on hop-off bus tour.

If you fancy fresh air and sea water, then head to Brighton for this final day of your 1-week stay in London.

This pretty coastal town is less than an hour’s train ride from London and attracts many Londoners every weekend.

In Brighton, you can:

• Take a walk on the beautiful pebble beach
• Eat in one of the seafront restaurants
• Wander in the old town cobbled streets.

In the modern part of the city , you can also go to the top of the British Airways tower (138 metres). From up there, you will be able to contemplate the view over the entire coast.

Tickets for the British Airways tower needs to be purchased here.

• Discover Chelsea district

You can take advantage of your 7th day in London to visit Chelsea district.

Chelsea is a wealthy and very upmarket neighbourhood , with many luxury shops and designer boutiques located mainly around King’s Road .

During your visit, you should also go to the Duke of York Square , see the Saatchi Gallery contemporary art museum and enjoy Chelsea’s chic bars and restaurants.

And for those who prefer simplicity, Chelsea is also famous for its stylish and colourful houses located in quiet alleys. If that’s what you’re looking for, head to Burnsall Street, Godfrey Street and Bywater Street.

This last street also regularly attracts cinema and photo shoots.

After spending your morning in Chelsea, enjoy the afternoon discovering the city from another angle by taking a boat tour on the Thames .

Several companies (City Cruises, Crown River Cruise, Thames Clippers and Thames River Services) offer 20-minute to 3-hour river tours. The piers are located:

• Near Big Ben
• Next to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• Close to the London Eye.

There are also hop-on hop-off boat tours where you can get on and off the boat at your leisure to visit the main tourist attractions.

You need to book your ticket for the Hop-on Hop-off cruise here:

And now you know how to visit London in 7 days!

Do you know your travel dates? One piece of advice: book your accommodation night now!

There is just one more thing to do: booking your hotel. Where will you stay during these 7 or 8 days?

In order to help you out, I have selected the best hotels in London depending on your budget.

Remember that t he further in advance you book , the better your chance of finding affordable accommodation. The best deals don’t last long, especially in London!

So if you know your travel dates, you should really book your hotel night now!

• The Chamberlain: Close to the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the banks of the Thames. This British-style hotel offers cosy, comfortable double rooms from 120€ per night, breakfast 12€. Strong points: a smartphone is made available, excellent locations, the welcoming staff and the comfortable bed linen. It’s my favourite for its excellent value for money!
• Hotel Indigo London – Kensington: This hotel is in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and very close to a tube station. Well-equipped, quiet and warm double room from 200€, breakfast from 19€. Strong points: the quiet area, cosy ambience cosy, the smiling and efficient staff.
• Haymarket Hotel, Firmdale Hotels: 5* hotel close to London’s “theatreland”, minutes on foot from St James Park and 15 minutes from Buckingham Palace. Really comfortable, spacious and quiet double room from 390€ per night, breakfast 20€. Strong points: perfect location, charming staff and excellent bed linen. The best choice for a romantic stay in London!
• The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels: A luxury hotel right in the heart of London, 5 minutes from Oxford Street and Soho, and just 10 minutes from Piccadilly Circus. Really spacious designer and magnificently decorated double room from 500€ per night, breakfast 29€. Strong points: the perfect geographical location, magnificent bedrooms, the sumptuous breakfast. The best hotel in London for a luxury stay!

If you’d prefer a London hotel that isn’t too expensive, you should check out the “Z Hotel” chain. You can find them in lots of different areas of London, and prices start of 60€ per night. They’re the best bet for budget accommodation in London.

• The Z Hotel Shoreditch
• The Z Hotel Gloucester Place
• The Z Hotel City
• The Z Hotel Victoria
• The Z Hotel Piccadilly
• The Z Hotel Soho

You’re planning a one-week family stay in London ? Wondering if the visits will suit children?

Remember, London is a city that lends itself to all ages. There are so many things to do abd see that you are sure to find tours and activities that everyone will enjoy.

Here are a few ideas to make the most of your trip to London with kids:

• The National History Museum 
• Greenwich Maritime Museum
• Most of the museums in London offer short and fun tours for children (such as the National Gallery).
• Madame Tussauds museum promises a fun time for the family.
• The Tower of London is one of the favourite tours among kids and adults alike.
• The Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace
• A must for a family holiday:  1 day at the amazing Harry Potter Studios!
• Book a family musical evening at one of Soho’s theatres.
• A boat tour on the Thames is also a great thing to do with your family
• Your children will for sure love a trip on the red double-decker buses, preferably upstairs and all in front! Book your multi-stop double-decker bus tour by clicking here.

There are also several amusement parks: the Shrek Adventure Tour at Dreamworks , Legoland or even Kidzania.

To help you visualise your itineraries during your 7 days in London, I have created a map listing all the places to visit each day. You can display the map legend by clicking the button on the top left with a small arrow.

You will then be able to view the itineraries for each day.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to London, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

If you need help organising your one-week trip to London, feel free to ask me your questions via the comments section below.

Discover all my articles about London : All my articles to help you plan your trip to England are listed there.

• London: Top 20 best things to do
• 2 days in London – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in London – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in London – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in London – How to plan your itinerary + My best tips!
• One week in London – The perfect 7-day itinerary
• Where to stay in London? My guide of the best places to stay for all budgets

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Is it safe to travel to Taiwan right now? The latest travel advice after earthquake and tsunami warning

Here’s everything we know so far

Taiwan  is one of Asia’s most underrated travel destinations, with a magnetic capital city in  Taipei  and a stunning mountainous landscape. Located at the crossover of the South and East China Sea, the island nation offers travellers a long list of adventures .

However, an earthquake struck the east coast of the island at 7:58am (local time) this morning, which is the strongest experienced by Taiwan for 25 years. Locally, it’s been recorded as a magnitude 7.2, but the US Geological Survey recorded it as 7.4.  It was also felt in southern Japan , eastern China and the Philippines .

Here is what we know so far about travelling to Taiwan in the wake of the earthquake. 

Is it safe to travel to Taiwan? 

Though travelling to the island is yet to be explicitly advised against, aftershocks of at least 6.5 magnitude are expected to continue over the next four days at least, according to Taiwanese Central Weather Administration’s Seismology Centre. 

The tremors set off nine landslides, and the debris collapsed onto Suhua highway in the city of Hualien, which has been the worst-hit area. Multiple residential buildings have been damaged, and a couple have even collapsed. 

Taiwan’s electricity operator, Taipower, has said more than 87,000 people are currently without power. 

Where was impacted by the earthquake? 

The epicentre of the earthquake was around 18km south of Hualien, with the surrounding county being the worst-hit area, according to local officials. Three hikers were killed in Taroko National Park. The death toll in total so far is nine people, and 821 have been injured – this number is expected to rise.

Train services across the island have been suspended, as have subway services in Taipei. 

Is there still a tsunami warning in place?  

The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the region, but according to Al Jazeera , those have now been lifted. 

How close is Taiwan to Japan? 

Taiwan and Japan are 2,163km apart. While this might sound like a long distance, tsunamis have been known to travel up to 5,000km, and small tsunami waves were experienced on the coasts of Japan’s Miyako and Yaeyama islands. 

What’s the latest UK Foreign Office advice? 

The UK Foreign Office updated its Taiwan travel advice page today (April 3), stating: ‘On Wednesday 3 April 2024 at 07.58 local time, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Eastern Taiwan with shocks felt all across the island including Taipei. Aftershocks continue to occur and you should expect travel disruption. You should consult the Central Weather Administration website and other official sources for more information.’

What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip? 

Until the UK Foreign Office issues advice against all but essential travel to Taiwan, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cancel your travel plans without any penalties. To see what can be done, it’d be best to contact your accommodation, flight or trip provider.  

Have flights to Taiwan and Japan been cancelled?

So far, there’s no news of flights to either Taiwan or Japan being cancelled, but just to be sure, it’s best to check with your airline directly if you have one booked. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.

• Liv Kelly Contributing Writer

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

London’s secret nature reserve is just minutes from Kings Cross

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We all know about London ’s vast green spaces like Hyde Park and Battersea Park , but there’s a lesser-known nature reserve in the heart of London you likely never knew was there.

Just a short walk from King’s Cross station , you can wander through Camley Street Natural Park, an urban oasis with over-water walkways and forested trails.

With opportunities for children to lean about the birds, bugs and plant life that dwell there, it’s great for a family day out, and there’s even an on-site café.

Run by volunteers from the London Wildlife Trust, the park is one of London’s hidden gems, dubbed a ‘peaceful respite’ by visitors.

Nestled between King’s Cross and St Pancras , the nature reserve is free to visit and has been open every day since 1985.

The park was once a site for coal drops for King’s Cross Railway Station, before being demolished in the 1960s.

@loveandlondon Places Londoners don’t want you to know about 🤫 follow for more gems like this ❤️ #londonhiddengems #londontravel #londonhiddengem #londontrip #explorelondon ♬ original sound – loveandlondon

After being shut down it was colonised by nature, so the Trust campaigned to save it from development – and it was successful.

The park boasts woodland and grassland, and even wetland habitats which are home to countless species.

If you’re lucky, you may even see pikes (a type of fish), kingfishers and dragonflies.

According to the WildLondon website the best time to visit is from April to September – but it’s open year-round.

A TikTok post from @loveandlondon about the hidden park hit nearly 600,000 views and got 26,000 likes, with plenty in the comments sharing how they’d never heard of the secret reserve before.

Latest London news

• Exact date the UK is set to be hotter than Los Angeles revealed
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To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

One TikToker wrote: ‘Bruv even Londoners don’t know about these places, I don’t know what you’re on about.’

Another said: ‘I suspect a lot of Londoners haven’t heard of it either! But it’s a lovely little oasis among all the urbanity.’

‘Always hidden in plain sight,’ said another.

The two acre park is sat on Regents Canal but it isn’t dog friendly – only service dogs are allowed.

It’s received some great reviews too. Dean S wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘A small nature park adjacent to Regent’s canal in a reclaimed industrial site. A peaceful respite in the midst of London. They have a coffee shop that offers outdoor tables, pastries, and sandwiches at reasonable prices.’

Elaine W shared: ‘Short walk from Kings Cross and Coal Drops Yard. Lovely café with hot and cold drinks. Super choice of cakes. Bagels cooked to order served with crisps.

‘Lovely small wildlife area with labels as you explore the various woodland paths. Area and equipment for pond dipping. A great hidden gem . You can also watch the canal boats entering the locks from here too! Super.’

Camley Street Nature Park isn’t the only park in London you’ve likely not heard of though. Barnsbury Wood in Islington is also a great day out.

The little-known conservation site is brimming with nature, covering just 3,500 square metres, and was built in the 1840s by George Thornhill, who owned the land, before being left to rewild when it was eventually abandoned.

The council bought the land, then overgrown with shrubs and trees, in 1974 to build on it, but decided it should be conserved as a Local Nature Reserve in the 1990s. 

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However, it’s only open two hours a week, from 2pm to 4pm on a Tuesday, during October to June, and 2pm to 4pm on a Saturday from July to the end of September.

Three longer walks around London:

Fancy a longer walk? A recent survey by Cotswold Outdoor found that  47% of people  say that going on long walks improves their mental health.

These longer walks just outside of the capital might be what you’re after.

Marlpit Hill, Kent

This walk starts and ends at the family-friendly Swan Pub in Edenbridge, takes around two hours to complete, and while moderate, includes several stiles.

How to get there:  You can take the train from London Bridge to Marlpit. It takes one hour. 

Goring Gap and the Thames Path, Oxfordshire

Allow around 2.5 hours for this scenic walk beginning in Oxfordshire, which follows the Thames Valley and takes you past Hartslock Nature Reserve.

How to get there: You can take the train from London Paddington to Goring & Streatley station in about 50 minutes. 

Box Hill, Surrey

This circular walk, known as Happy Valley, is perfect for getting your endorphins going. Make sure to take a moment at the Salomons Memorial Viewpoint and soak in the views. This walk does have some steep steps. 

How to get there:  Take the train from London Victoria to Box Hill and Westhumble station in under an hour. 

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More travel misery with Tube strike this week as underground staff to shutter stations after trains left at a standstill

• Morgan Johnson , News Reporter
• Published : 10:21, 8 Apr 2024
• Updated : 11:56, 8 Apr 2024

PASSENGERS are set to be hit by more travel chaos as another two-day walkout was today announced.

Commuters were left scrambling to get to work this morning as Aslef drivers walked out for the third strike in the past four days.

More mayhem is just around the corner as talks have yet again broken down with Tube workers over a dispute about job roles.

Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) will now walk out on Wednesday, April 10, and Thursday, April 11.

The union said its members are concerned about potential changes to their terms and conditions, job role and location.

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said the strike could have easily have been avoided.

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She said: "Our Customer Service Manager members are united and determined to take strike action this week in defence of their terms and conditions.

"This strike could have been avoided if London Underground had negotiated with us in good faith.

"Instead, we have been left in a position where London Underground is still unable to explain the impact of its 'Stations Changes' proposals."

It comes after trains on some of the busiest routes were today cancelled.

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Members of Aslef walked out for the third strike in the past four days, crippling services.

The strike hit c2c, Gatwick Express, Greater Anglia, Southeastern, Southern, South Western Railway, Great Northern and Thameslink.

Lines are also likely to be disrupted and start later on Tuesday following a full strike day.

In the coming weeks, the country can also be expected to be brought to a halt with further cancellations to services.

The Aslef union added that its members at LNER will walk out on April 20 and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from April 19 to April 21.

Members of Aslef at Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern will walk out, mounting picket lines outside stations.

All five train operators said they will not run any services, with passengers urged not to attempt to travel.

• London Underground
• Travel delays strikes and disruption

Money blog: Sales of viral Prime drink sink - as one supermarket 'sells at discount price'

Sales of the viral Prime sports drinks have fallen sharply in 2024 and are down by more than half year on year. Read this and the rest of today's personal finance news in the Money blog - and comment on any of the stories we're covering, or leave a Money Problem, in the form below.

Monday 8 April 2024 16:07, UK

• Pensions rising 8.5% today - as benefits go up 6.7%
• Money Problem : The monthly charge on my leasehold flat has gone up by more than £60 a month - what are my rights?
• Sales of viral Prime drinks sink - as one supermarket 'sells at discount price'
• London restaurant chain ditches tips - just before new legislation saying staff must get 100%
• You may be buying herbs and spices all wrong - and spending six times more than you need to
• The price of getting divorced

Ask a question or make a comment

Higher interest rates mean more people are opting to take out out longer mortgages in order to afford their repayments.

If you've recently agreed a mortgage deal that will take you past retirement age, we'd like to hear from you.

Are you worried, or do you feel it doesn't matter? Have you had to change any of your life plans to take on the mortgage?

Let us know by sending us a message via our  Whatsapp here.

Aldi is now Britain's third-biggest supermarket after kicking Asda from the bronze medal spot, according to one set of industry figures.

NIQ data shows Asda's growth has slowed, with sales up just 0.8% in the past three months - the worst performance of any big-name retailer.

Its market share has also dropped below Aldi's, with Asda making up 11.7% of the grocery market in the 12 weeks to 23 March, compared with 12.2% for Aldi.

The cost of living crisis has seen major supermarkets in the UK battle to market themselves as the best value for money for shoppers.

Aldi's UK operation reported a 26% rise in sales in December compared to the previous year.

Ex-Lidl UK boss Ronny Gottschlich said previously that he thinks the combined share of the two budget supermarkets will overtake Tesco "by 2027 at the latest".

Here's the latest Which? survey on the UK's cheapest supermarket for a basket...

Sales of the viral Prime sports drinks have fallen sharply since the start of 2024 and are down by more than half year on year, according to a report.

Chaos broke out in UK supermarkets at the end of 2022 following the release of the drinks, with some being re-sold by shoppers at inflated prices due to intense demand.

Prime, founded by KSI and fellow YouTuber Logan Paul, was the fastest growing food and drink brand in 2023, according to The Grocer.

But a new  report by the grocery news outlet cites NIQ data which shows that sales of Prime in the first quarter of 2024 sat at just £12.8m - less than half the £26.8m reported over the same period last year.

A picture emerged on social media last month of bottles of Prime being sold for just 31p in Tesco - although it's worth pointing out that the supermarket giant had previously been reluctant to stock them and other companies are still selling them at around the £2 mark.

You no longer have to pay a fee to sell pre-owned clothing on eBay.

The online marketplace says it has scrapped the charge for private sellers in the UK in a bid to prevent items from ending up in landfill.

In reality, eBay is trying to compete with popular apps such as Vinted and Depop. These apps tend to attract a younger market - which eBay is eager to infiltrate.

Under its change, all items are covered except hats, footwear, watches, bags and jewellery, which still incur a fee.

Items listed before today will benefit from the change.

Kirsty Keoghan, general manager of global fashion for eBay, said: "Free fashion selling has come at the right time for a nation sitting on billions of pounds worth of unwanted clothes.

"We know selling clothes can sometimes feel like a chore, so free selling and new updates like new AI-powered listings will help more of us to sell clothes easily, putting more cash in pockets."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

The price of oil is hovering around $90 a barrel, levels last seen six months ago in the wake of the Hamas attacks on 7 October.

It's a slight fall from the $91.50 recorded on Friday but still not good news for motorists and for most of the economy, which is largely reliant on oil to fuel production. 

The FTSE 100 index of most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange is down 0.03% this morning with Marks and Spencer experiencing the biggest fall. 

Its share price is down 2.45%, followed by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) itself. 

Following stories of a shareholder revolt in LSEG, as its chief executive David Schwimmer is in line for a pay rise from £6.3m to £13.2m, the share price fell 1.9%. 

A pound buys $1.2616 and €1.656.

Nail salon prices across the UK are going up today as thousands of workers band together.

The Nail Tech Org (NTO) says its member nail technicians make on average just under £7 per hour, well below the minimum wage of £11.44 - and so they're collectively coming together to raise prices to help increase pay.

Lauren Pritchard, owner of The Beauty Bar in Birmingham, told Sky News the cost of opening her salon on a day-to-day basis has doubled in the last four years because of increased energy and product costs.

She says she has already lost some clients after announcing her price increase of £2-3 per service.

"It's always going to be a bit scary," she said, but increasing her prices at the same time as others makes it easier.

"It's us coming together to encourage each other rather than pitching us against each other by undercutting prices."

The state pension rises by 8.5% today.

The "new" state pension, for those reaching state pension age on or after 6 April 2016, will rise to £221.20 a week - up from £203.85.

The "basic" state pension, for those who took it out prior to April 2016, is rising to £169.50 a week. These people may also get SERPs (State Earnings Related Pension Scheme), which goes up by 6.7%.

Both groups may get more or less depending on individual circumstances. 

While the rise is welcome news for some 12 million pensioners, we reported last week that 650,000 additional pensioners could be dragged into paying income tax for the first time.

This is down to state pensions rising in line with inflation while the tax threshold has been frozen at £12,570 (and will remain so until 2028).

The 8.5% increase in the "new" state pension this week will take it to £11,502. While welcome, it means any pensioner with an additional income over £1,068 per year - for example from a private pension - will trigger a tax bill.

Means-tested benefits will also increase today - along with other benefits increases this weekend and at the start of the month. Here's a round up...

• Child benefit

The amount people can earn before child benefit is reduced or taken away is increasing.

At the moment, people lose 1% of the benefit for every £100 they earn over £50,000. At £60,000, the benefit is cut completely.

From this month, the benefit won't be reduced until one parent earns more than £60,000. And it will only go completely at £80,000.

Benefits and tax credits that are linked to inflation will rise by 6.7% this month.

That was the level CPI in September.

These benefits have to go up 6.7% by law:

• Personal independence payment (PIP)
• Disability living allowance
• Attendance allowance
• Incapacity benefit
• Severe disablement allowance
• Industrial injuries benefit
• Carer's allowance
• Additional State Pension
• Guardian's allowance

The government also pledged the same raise for benefits including:

• Universal credit
• Contributory employment and support allowance
• Contributory jobseeker's allowance
• Statutory maternity/paternity pay and maternity allowance
• Income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA)
• Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• Income support
• Working tax credit
• Child tax credit

From April universal credit rates are:

• Single and under 25 - £311.68
• Single and 25 or over - £393.45
• Live with partner, both under 25 - £489.23 (for you both)
• Live with partner, either of you are 25 or over £617.60 (for you both)

Every Monday we put your financial dilemmas or consumer disputes to industry experts. You can find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post.

This week, Sky News reader SBwrry  asks...

"I own a flat in a block where the developer contracted a company to manage the communal facilities. The first year the monthly charge was £149 per month. From April they will increase the monthly charge to £216 per month. What rights do I have to challenge this increase?"

Mark Chick, senior partner at Bishop and Sewell law firm, picks up the first half of this one...

Firstly, we need to understand whether this is a shared ownership property or not. 

However, assuming the lease has a service charge, and that the common facilities form part of the costs which are recoverable under the terms of the lease, then the leaseholder would have the right to challenge the costs in the first-tier tribunal.

In accordance with the provisions of the Housing Act 1985, service charges must be "reasonable" and you have the right to bring a challenge.

In this situation, the leaseholder would need to pay their own costs of going to tribunal and therefore it may make sense to act collectively; if the tribunal did order the service charge is "unreasonable" and should be reduced, this should benefit all those that pay it.

But the first step is to write to the freeholder or manager querying why the increase has been levied, and also to review carefully the provisions of the lease to ensure these are costs which they can legitimately pass on to you as the flat owners.

The Money team's Katie Williams has looked at another avenue you could explore...

Leaseholders in a block of flats can take over management of the building under a process introduced in 2002 called right to manage (RTM).

The leaseholders have to set up a RTM company in order to be able to take over management duties. It can be done without the permission of the landlord, but they will have a right to be a part of the company. They'll also have the option to dispute the claim if they think the RTM company isn't entitled to manage the building.

The RTM process can be used to take back control of a poorly managed block, but flat owners don't need to prove mismanagement to exercise their right.

There are some conditions that have to be met before management can be taken over:

• The building must be self contained and include at least two flats;
• At least two-thirds of the flats in the building have to be leasehold;
• At least 75% of the building must be residential;
• At least half the leaseholders must participate, or all if the building consists of two flats only.

The advantage of right to manage is that you have greater control over the cost of running the building which could lead to big savings - but a potential disadvantage is that it could be time-consuming and stressful in the long run.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute, leaving your name and where in the country you are, in the form above or by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog". Alternatively, WhatsApp us  here .

If you regularly buy herbs and spices from the supermarket, it could be that you're doing it all wrong.

These items have their own section, usually somewhere near the stock cubes and gravy.

If that's where you pick up your cumin or chilli flakes, for example, you should consider having a look down the world aisle instead.

They're usually much, much cheaper per 10g, and although you'll likely have to buy a slightly bigger packet, you're getting much better value for money.

The Money team popped into a Tesco Extra to have a look - though you'll find this applies to all the big supermarkets where they have a world food aisle.

• East End ground cumin - 13p for 10g v Tesco own brand 23.3p
• East End chilli flakes - 7.6p for 10g v Tesco own brand 35.7p
• East End cinnamon sticks - 13p for 10g v Tesco own brand 83.3p
• Rajah chilli powder - 5p per 10g v Tesco own brand 20p
• Rajah turmeric - 6p per 10g v Tesco own brand 22.2p
• East End fennel seeds - 13p per 10g v Tesco own brand 27.8p
• Natco ground coriander - 14.5p per 10g v Tesco own brand 27.8
• East End garlic powder - 13p per 10g v Tesco own brand 22.2p

And it's not just herbs and spices.

For example, we saw desiccated coconut at £4.25 per kg down the world aisle, compared with £7.25 for Tesco's own brand.

A popular London restaurant chain has ditched tips - and has instead introduced a 15% "brand charge" in order to increase staff wages.

Ping Pong's decision comes just months before new laws mean restaurants will have to give 100% of tips to staff - and unions have hit out.

How much are wages going up?

The dim sum chain's lowest paid employees will see their pay increase from £10.42 to £12.64.

The national minimum wage for people aged over 21 rose from £10.42 to £11.44 on 1 April. The real living wage in London is £13.15, according to the Living Wage foundation.

What is the 15% 'brand charge'?

The "brand charge" covers "costs associated with operating a franchised brand and delivering the dining experience to brand standards", Ping Pong menus read.

The charge will eventually be incorporated into menu prices.

Customers at Ping Pong will no longer be able to leave a tip by card. Cash tips are allowed - but many customers don't carry cash these days.

Unite's Bryan Simpson said offering £1 above the minimum wage to replace "a healthy per hour tip rate" is "a complete slap in the face" for staff.

"Ping Pong's decision to effectively deny workers tips by cynically changing the service charge to a 'brand charge' in order to circumvent the new fair tips legislation is one of the most blatant examples of tips theft that we've come across as the union for restaurant and bar workers," he said.

"No matter what senior management call it, customers will assume that this 15% is a tip that should go to workers, but it won't. That is completely disingenuous."

Several reviews on TripAdvisor bemoaned the bill change, with some describing it as "outrageous". 

"I thought it was a service charge at first but queried it and was told it was a brand charge and service had to be paid in cash on top! Needless to say we asked for this to be deducted and I did not then feel inclined to give them a service tip," one reviewer said. 

What has Ping Pong said?

Owners AJT Dimsum said: "The business is very proud of the reputation it has as a good employer and, despite the many recent headwinds, has acted with integrity and honour, with a high priority placed on employee retention. 

"The benefit to our employees will be stability of wages throughout the year, reducing the impact of seasonality and the higher wages will also mean improved access to financial products such as loans and mortgages."

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A yellow warning is in place from 8am until 10pm on Saturday for parts of western Britain and Northern Ireland.  

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Christoph Almond said: “Gusts of 50 mph are expected quite widely on Saturday, while some exposed spots, particularly on the coast, will see 60 to 70 mph gusts with large waves also likely.” 

⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️ Strong winds across Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and western parts of England and Wales Saturday 0800 – 2200 Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/YOYcDvKLlv — Met Office (@metoffice) April 4, 2024

Warm in many places too 

As this area of low pressure moves north-eastwards, it will be drawing up unseasonably warm air from Iberia for a time. This warm air will see temperatures rise across the UK, causing some areas to see values above 20°C for the first time this year. The locations likely to see the highest temperatures will be in parts of East Anglia and Southeast England where 21°C or 22°C is not out of the question briefly on Saturday. 

Into next week  

Beyond the weekend the confidence in the forecast isn’t as high, but there is a robust signal for further rain next week in the north, but a hint of more settled conditions in the south of England at times, especially in the second half of next week with temperatures a little above average. 

Our Weekend Outlook video will be live on the Met Office YouTube channel later today. 

You can keep up to date with the latest forecast on our  website , by following us on  Twitter  and  Facebook , as well as on our  mobile app  which is available for iPhone from the  App store  and for Android from the  Google Play store .  

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April train strikes 2024: How will Monday’s train drivers’ walk-out hit passengers?

In three days of ‘rolling’ walk-outs, most of the train operators involved will cancel all services, article bookmarked.

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National rail strikes by train drivers have entered their 22nd month with a series of “rolling” walk-outs, one region at a time, during early April.

Members of the Aslef union have halted thousands of trains on 5, 6 and 8 April. The aim is to disrupt services on the 14 rail firms in England that are controlled by the UK government and represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). Rolling strikes cause maximum disruption for minimum loss of pay.

In addition, five days of overtime bans will cause further cancellations.

The previous national industrial action by train drivers, comprising an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs, hit for nine days from 29 January to 6 February .

Industrial action by Aslef in a dispute over pay and working arrangements began in July 2022. The union is demanding a no-strings pay award, but rail firms – directed by ministers – say any increase is contingent on radical reforms to working practices in order to reduce public subsidies.

During the dispute, hundreds of millions of journeys have been cancelled. Billions of pounds have been lost to the UK economy – particularly hospitality businesses – and taxpayers are pumping cash into an increasingly decrepit and unreliable railway to the tune of £90 per second on top of the normal subsidy.

The quarrel has become increasingly bitter, with no sign of any progress towards a settlement.

Caught in the middle of a seemingly intractable dispute: the passenger. In a snap social media poll for The Independent that garnered 2,142 responses, one in three passengers say they will permanently travel less after the industrial action finally ends.

In addition to the latest walk-outs by rail workers, commuters in the capital were fearing two days of strikes by Aslef members who drive trains for the London Underground . But days before the first planned walk-out, the action was called off .

However, Aslef has called an additional strike and overtime ban at the UK’s flagship train operator, LNER, for later in April.

For passengers, these are the key questions and answers.

Which rail firms are involved?

Aslef is in dispute with the 14 train operators that are contracted by the UK government to provide rail services. They are:

Intercity operators:

Avanti West Coast

CrossCountry

East Midlands Railway

Great Western Railway ( GWR )

TransPennine Express

Southeast England commuter operators:

Greater Anglia

GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)

Southeastern

South Western Railway (including the Island Line on the Isle of Wight)

Operators focusing on the Midlands and north of England:

Chiltern Railways

Northern Trains

West Midlands Railway (including London Northwestern Railway)

When are the train drivers walking out?

Drivers belonging to the Aslef union will strike in the following pattern:

Friday 5 April

Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry. The aim is to cause maximum disruption on key intercity lines as well as Midland commuter services.

To further complicate matters, commuters on the Great Western line have faced rush hour travel disruption after a freight train derailed between Reading and London Paddington , with some services cancelled and the remainder delayed.

Saturday 6 April

Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express. This strike is designed to hit rail passengers in the north and west of England, as well as the day’s football programme. In the Premier League, it will hit Newcastle fans travelling to Fulham in London.

Monday 8 April

C2C, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway.

What are the predicted effects at each operator?

The Night Riviera sleeper train and the Gatwick Express will be cancelled throughout the industrial action period.

For other operators, these are the likely service patterns .

The four train operators – Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry – cancelled all services on the day.

“Avanti West Coast services on the days either side of the strike will also be affected,” the West Coast main line operator said.

Chiltern Railways warned people who are thinking of switching to its London-Birmingham service: “Essential travel only, due to strike action on other operators.”

Chiltern, Northern and TransPennine Express have cancelled all services.

LNER is running a skeleton service on core lines between around 7am and 7pm. Its main Edinburgh-Newcastle-York-London line will have at least one train an hour, with some additional trains on the southern part of the network.

GWR will run no long-distance trains, but will connect Reading with Oxford and Basingstoke, as well as a link from Bristol to Cardiff and some branch routes in Devon and Cornwall.

CrossCountry is not on strike but warns its services are expected to be extremely busy, and urges prospective passengers: “Please only travel if essential.”

Sunday 7 April

Although no industrial action is taking place, planned Network Rail engineering projects will hamper many passengers hoping to travel on the Sunday to dodge the strikes.

Avanti West Coast says: “No trains will serve Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Glasgow Central, Haymarket or Edinburgh, and only a limited number of services will serve Lancaster and Oxenholme. All remaining trains will start / terminate at Preston.”

Northern will run rail replacement buses between Halifax and Huddersfield.

The CrossCountry line between Derby and Burton-on-Trent is closed all weekend, with rail replacement buses and train diversions.

Greater Anglia will run to and from London Liverpool Street to Stansted airport, Southend, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich.

Southern will run a shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick airport.

Thameslink will run a shuttle service between London St Pancras and Luton (town and airport stations).

Great Northern will run a shuttle service between London King’s Cross and Cambridge.

South Western Railway will run between London Waterloo, Woking and Guildford, with some other suburban services likely.

Southeastern is urging passengers not to travel, but will run services between London St Pancras and Ashford on the high-speed line; Charing Cross and Orpington; and London Bridge and Dartford.

C2C has cancelled all services.

What about the overtime ban?

Members are also refusing to work their rest days from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 April and from Monday 8 to Tuesday 9 April. As many rail firms depend on drivers working overtime, hundreds – possibly thousands – of trains will be cancelled.

Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway have already said a reduced timetable will run on each day of the strike ban.

GWR says the overtime ban “is likely to cause some short-notice alterations and cancellations, especially at weekends or late at night”.

Which rail firms are not involved?

Some publicly funded train operators will run normally: ScotRail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London (including the Elizabeth line) and Merseyrail.

“Open-access” operators on the East Coast main line – Grand Central, Hull Trains and Lumo – are unaffected. But many of their services will be crowded on days of industrial action. They duplicate journeys of strike-hit companies, including LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Northern.

What is at stake in the dispute?

The train drivers demand a pay rise to reflect high levels of inflation since they last won a pay award; Aslef says some members have not had an increase for five years.

But the government insists that even a modest pay increase is contingent on radical changes to long-standing working arrangements in order to reduce costs – and the huge subsidies the railway is currently receiving from the taxpayer.

Since the pandemic, travel patterns have changed. Ticket revenue is about one-fifth down on pre-Covid levels. As taxpayers will foot the eventual bill for the train drivers’ pay rise, the Treasury as well as the Department for Transport will sign off any deal.

Ministers believe train drivers’ terms and conditions are part of the problem. To keep costs down, they must accept changes to how they work, such as making Sunday part of the working week everywhere.

On 27 April 2023 the Rail Delivery Group offered a pay increase of 4 plus 4 per cent over two years covering the 2022 and 2023 pay awards – subject to a host of changes on terms and conditions, covering a wide range of issues including driver training, Sunday working, sick pay and new technology.

The union say this is completely unacceptable. The train drivers will negotiate on changes, but only after they get a decent no-strings pay offer on top of their current pay.

They believe the money will be found to meet their demands, as it always has been in the past. Aslef has also always “sold” reforms to working arrangements for an extra few per cent on their pay and does intend to change that process.

Meanwhile, the corrosion in confidence among travellers continues, with no rail passenger able to plan journeys more than two weeks ahead – that being the minimum notice the union must give for industrial action.

What does the union say?

The general secretary of Aslef, Mick Whelan, said: “Our members voted overwhelmingly – yet again – for strike action. Those votes show – yet again – a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by the Rail Delivery Group which knew that offer would be rejected because a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members.

“Since then train drivers have voted, time and again, to take action in pursuit of a pay rise. That’s why Mark Harper, the transport secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers wouldn’t vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer. They don’t. That offer was dead in the water in April last year – and Mr Harper knows that.

“We asked Mr Harper, or his deputy, the rail minister Huw Merriman, to come and meet us. We asked the RDG and the TOCs to come and talk to us. We said, ‘Let’s sit around the table and negotiate.’ Because you say you don’t want any more industrial action, and we don’t want to disrupt the rail network. But the Tories and the TOCs [train operating companies] have given us no choice.

“We have given the government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute. They are happy for it go on and on. Because we are not going to give up.

“Many members have now not had a single penny increase in pay for half a decade.”

What do the employers and government say?

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.

“Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the Transport Secretary and Rail Minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table – taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000.”

A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group, representing the train operators, said: “Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people’s lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

“We want to resolve this dispute, but the Aslef leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54 million a week just to keep services running post-Covid.

“We continue to seek an agreement with the Aslef leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute.”

What does the Labour Party say?

Louise Haigh, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: “It is a staggering dereliction of duty that the transport secretary hasn’t got around the table with the unions to try to resolve it since the Christmas before last.

“Labour will take an unashamedly different approach to the Tories, and will work with both sides to reach a deal in the interests of passengers and workers. If the transport secretary took this sensible approach then perhaps we wouldn’t still be having strikes on our railways.”

How much has all the disruption cost?

According to the RDG, industrial action from June 2022 up until mid-January 2024 cost the rail sector around £775m in lost revenue. That does not include the impact of the most recent strikes and overtime bans, which probably add a further £100m to the losses.

UKHospitality estimates the lost business for places to eat, drink and stay amounts to almost £5 billion. Kate Nicholls, the organisation’s chief executive, says: “Ongoing strike action hurts businesses, prevents people from getting to work and significantly erodes confidence in the rail network.”

In addition, there is an unknowable loss of revenue from passengers who have adjusted their lifestyles or found alternative forms of transport; businesses that have stopped making trips and are using online communication instead; and people trimming back on travel because of the lack of certainty.

What about the new minimum service levels law?

Legislation now allows the transport secretary to stipulate minimum service levels (MSLs) on strike days amounting to 40 per cent of the normal service. The government says the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 aims “to ensure that the public can continue to access services that they rely on, during strike action”.

No train operator is seeking to impose the new law on the train drivers’ union. LNER said it might do so earlier this year, and opened consultations. Aslef immediately called a separate five-day strike on LNER alone. Then the train operator said it would not require drivers to work, and the strike was called off.

The Transport Select Committee has previously warned of potential unintended consequences of the legislation. The Conservative chair, Iain Stewart, said: “There is a risk of MSLs worsening worker-employer relations and that, as a result, MSLs could end up making services less reliable.”

The minimum service level rules do not apply to union bans on non-contractual rest-day working – so there would be no benefit in imposing the law when an overtime ban is in force.

What is the LNER-specific dispute about?

On Friday 19 and Sunday 21 April, Aslef members working for Aslef will refuse overtime. On Saturday 20 April, they will strike. The union has accused the rail firm of acting in bad faith. Nigel Roebuck, full-time organiser in the northeast of England, accused ministers of “leaning on the company to persuade every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days; effectively to provide a minimum service level without invoking the legislation”.

The Department for Transport for a response.

An LNER spokesperson said: “Our priority focus remains on minimising disruption to customers. We continue to encourage Aslef to work with us to find a way to end this long running dispute.”

Some cancellations are likely on 19 April, and many more on 20 and 21 April.

Anything else on the strike agenda?

Members of the main rail union, the RMT, who work for CrossCountry are striking on Saturday 13 April in a dispute over recognition.

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