1 week london trip

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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One Week in London: Itinerary

What to Do and See During One Week in London

An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to London

 TripSavvy / Gautier Houba 

This article was submitted by Rachel Coyne .

Whether you head to London for the history, the museums or the theater , a trip to London should be on even the most infrequent traveler's to-do list. My friend and I found a week to be a good amount of time to check out many of the typical tourist spots, as well as a few personal interest sites that are off the traditional path.

Before traveling to London for a week, make sure you have a few things taken care of:

• Check the weather forecast and pack (but don't over pack) accordingly. (See London Weather advice.)
• Get a city map that clearly labels the streets and where the tube stations are
• Let your bank and credit card companies know the dates you'll be traveling
• Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes that you've tested enough to make sure they don't give you blisters (I learned this one the hard way)

Day One: Arrive in London

We arrived too early to check into our hotel, but since we were staying near Hyde Park and it was unseasonably warm for early October, it was the perfect opportunity to walk through the beautiful park. The park is huge, so make a plan to check out some of its key spots like Kensington Palace , the Round Pond (where there are geese and swans waiting to be fed), the Italian fountains, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and the Peter Pan statue , commissioned by the author J.M. Barrie.

This is also a good time to take care of things like getting cash from an ATM or exchanging currency , getting an Oyster card for riding the tube (definitely the easiest way to get around the city), and exploring the area that you're staying in.

After having dinner at a restaurant near the hotel, we headed for the Grosvenor Hotel near Victoria station, where we were joining a Jack the Ripper walking tour. The tour took us through the somewhat unappealing East End of London, where our tour guide led us along the path where the victims of Jack the Ripper were found in 1888 and filled us in on the various theories about the still unsolved crimes. The tour also included a night cruise along the River Thames and a bus ride that points out some other slightly macabre sites, such as the hospital where the Elephant Man lived and the plaque where William Wallace (aka Braveheart) was tortured and killed.

Day Two: Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

For our second day we spent the day riding around the city on one of those double-decker buses for an all day hop-on, hop-off tour. It's a great way to see all the key London sights  like Buckingham Palace , Trafalgar Square , Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament , Westminster Abbey , the London Eye and the many bridges that cross the River Thames. Be sure to make a note of any stops you'd like to come back and revisit for longer later in the week.

We ended the day with dinner at the Sherlock Holmes Pub , near Trafalgar Square , which features a decorated sitting room inspired by the detective's office as described in the novels and various Sherlock Holmes books. A must-see for any fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

• Suggested Reading:
• London Tours
• Sherlock Holmes Museum

Day Three: Road Trip!

While there's no shortage of things to see and do in London, there are some pretty cool spots right outside of London we wanted to check out. So we boarded a bus for a full-day tour out to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath.

On the way to Windsor Castle, we passed by the Ascot racecourse, home to one of the Queen's favorite pastimes. Windsor Castle is an official residence of the Queen, but it was originally built as a fortress to keep invaders out. You can wander through the State Apartments and see various treasures from the Royal Collection. Also on view is Queen Mary's dolls house, a miniature working replica of a portion of the castle.

After about an hour's drive we arrived at Stonehenge, which is quite literally in the middle of nowhere. As we walked the perimeter of the stones, we listened to an audio tour that told us about the various theories about the origins of Stonehenge, from being built by the Druids to being dropped from the sky by the Devil himself.

Our final stop of the day was Bath, where we toured the Roman Baths and the city of Bath itself. After a two-hour drive back to London, we arrived at our hotel late at night and exhausted from a very full day of touring.

• London Day Trips

Day Four: The Tower of London and Shopping

A morning tour of the Tower of London took a couple of hours and we got to check out where so many important figures were imprisoned and eventually executed. The Crown Jewels are also on display and made for a nice distraction after learning about some of the grislier stories about the Tower. Be sure to join one of the Yeoman Warder-guided tours, which depart every half hour (to call our guide a "character" would be an understatement).

The afternoon was spent shopping in some of the well-known, and admittedly touristy, shopping areas, including Portobello Market , Harrods department store, and Piccadilly Circus. We also checked out a temporary Dr. Who exhibit at Earl's Court, which happened to be in town at the same time we were. Having never seen the show, I was at a bit of a loss, but my friend (a true fan) found it to be "cheesy, but entertaining."

See Days Five and Six on the Next Page...

• Before You Visit London for the First Time
• London Restaurant Reviews
• 100+ Free Things to do in London

See the Other on the Previous Page...

Day Five: South Bank

Knowing we would never hear the end of it if we went to London and didn't check out at least one London museum, we headed for the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square (admission is free!). The museum is immense and takes a few hours to explore, but is worth it even for the most casual art lover. With artists like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Seurat, Degas and Monet on display, everyone is bound to find something they're interested in.

We then headed for the South Bank for a trip on the London Eye. The trip itself was sort of anticlimactic, as there isn't any audio commentary to accompany it (and you have to share your pod with potentially annoying strangers), but the clear and sunny day lent itself to some fantastic photographs of the city. We then walked along the South Bank Walk, heading towards Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The Walk runs alongside the River Thames and took us past such sights as the London Aquarium, Jubilee Gardens, Royal Festival Hall, the National Theatre, Tate Modern , and several bridges, such as the Millennium Footbridge and Waterloo Bridge. There's also an abundance of street vendors, street performers and restaurants along the way to keep you entertained and well fed.

After our walk we toured Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (a replica, since the original was demolished some time ago). There are several displays on hand to entertain any literary geeks, including costumes and special effects used during performances of Shakespeare's time. There is also a guided tour of the theater itself where you can experience what it was like to see one of Shakespeare's plays and be thankful that theaters now offer cushioned seats. We then capped the day off with some actual theater by attending one of the West End musicals.

• How To Get Cheap London Theater Tickets Wicked The Musical Review

Day Six: Library, Tea and More Shopping

We started our last full day in London at the British Library , where there is a room full of literary treasures on display (in addition to, well, a lot of books). From behind panes of glass you can view Shakespeare's original folio, the Magna Carta, Jane Austen's writing desk, original music manuscripts from artists like Mozart, Ravel and the Beatles, and original writings from authors Lewis Carroll, Charlotte Bronte and Sylvia Plath. There are also temporary displays in the lobby of the library, where we were able to check out the history of the Old Vic theater.

Finding that we needed to get more shopping done, we made our way to Oxford Street, which is a shopper's paradise and offers everything from high-end shops, exclusively British shops (like Marks & Spencer and Top Shop) and touristy souvenir shops. The end of Oxford Street (or the beginning, depending on where you start) meets up with Hyde Park, which we walked through, heading toward the west end of the park to have afternoon tea at the Orangery in Kensington Palace .

Afternoon tea overlooking the lawns of Kensington Palace was a beautiful and relaxing way to end a very busy week touring London. Nothing can help prepare you for a long flight home quite like a relaxing afternoon in a palace!

• Suggested Reading
• London Department Stores
• Afternoon Tea at The Orangery, Kensington Palace
• Best Afternoon Tea in London

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How To Spend One Week In London

• Post last modified: February 11, 2024
• Post category: England / Europe / Itineraries / One Week Trips

London is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of almost 9 million. It is also one of the top tourist destinations in the world. So what drives all these people to this amazing city? Well, lots of stuff to do, of course. So what do you do on your first visit to London? We’ve put together this itinerary for one week in London to help you plan your time wisely.

London’s hustle and bustle is what draws so many visitors. However, this busy city does not lend itself well to the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants traveler. Because of long lines, limited tickets, sometimes strange hours, and travel time, if you don’t plan ahead you can waste a lot of your valuable time in London. And with so many things to do in London, you’ll want to squeeze every minute out of your London itinerary.  

Our one week in London itinerary is meant to give you a base point for your London travel planning . It includes all of the main attractions, like the palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London. It also gives you days filled with attractions farther afield, like Kew Gardens , Greenwich and the Harry Potter Studio Tour . So continue reading to see all the things we did in our one week in London, in the more efficient order we wish we would have done them. If you have any questions about your London itinerary, leave them in the comments below and we’ll be happy to help.

Stuff In This Post

Where to Stay

It’s tempting to stay outside of the city to get a cheaper fare. However, the time and money you’ll waste traveling into the city each day isn’t worth it in our opinion. Fares for traveling within the inner circle of London via public transit are less expensive than those fares going outside of town. When you’re choosing a place to stay, make sure to get accommodation that is within the same zone as a majority of the things you’ll be visiting. This is most likely the central zone of London. And this makes getting to things easier and less expensive, especially if you’re using public transit.  

Also, if you can find a location that is close to a Tube station, that is even better. It is so nice to get home from a busy day of sightseeing and only have a short walk to your base camp. Plus, the Tube is underground so there is no need to worry about noise.  

Other than proximity to central London and the tube stations, it doesn’t really matter where you stay in London. So just look around and try to find a hotel that is a great deal. Consider paying a little bit more for extra perks, like included meals, transportation deals or ticket deals, if they’ll save you money overall.  

An average hotel room will cost around $300-400/night. Home rental accommodations are generally less expensive. You’ll find studio apartments for two people for around $180/night. We did stay in a hotel because of the location. However, when we checked out home rentals after the fact, those were amazing too! Check out some unique stays below.

By buying from the links below, we'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full Terms and Conditions here.

For more information on a London vacation budget, check out our post here!

How Long To Stay In London?

London is huge and has tons of things to do. If you’ve never been before, you should stay for at least 4 days. However, staying for 7 days will give you extra time so that you can see and do all of the top things. With 7 days, you’ll still have some time to do a few day trips outside of London. So we’ve put together this itinerary for one week in London. If you don’t have that much time, we’ll give you advice for cutting it down.  

If you want more details on things to do in London, including prices for the attractions below, check out our post here.

London itinerary – day by day, day 1 – bus tour and hyde park.

Arrive at Heathrow for your first day of your one week in London itinerary.  

Fight the jet lag and spend your first day relaxing on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. This is a great relaxing way to get your bearings and learn a little bit about everything London has to offer. We love doing hop-on-hop-off bus tours first when we arrive in any big city. They give you a great overview of the city. They also allow you to learn about anything you want to add to your itinerary right away, when you still have options for making adjustments.  

When doing your hop-on-hop-off tour on day one, we recommend staying on the bus. You’ll visit a lot of the main attractions throughout the rest of the week so don’t try to fit it all in on day one. The bus tour that we did involved a few different routes. So we rode each route in a loop to get a good overview of the city. Hop off for lunch when you get hungry and then hop back on to finish up your tour.  

Once you’ve seen a good portion of the city via the iconic double decker buses, hop off at Hyde Park. Wander this large park. See the parakeets that roam wild in the park. Then, explore Kensington Gardens. When you get tired, head back to your accommodations.

Day 2 – Tower of London and Boat Tour

Spend your morning touring the Tower of London . This includes the Crown Jewels! You’ll definitely want to book tickets for this in advance. We recommend getting there when the tower opens and heading straight to the Crown Jewels. The earlier you check out the jewels, the easier it will be for you to see them at your own pace.

Purchase all the tours you'll need for this London itinerary here. By buying from the links below, we'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full Terms and Conditions here.

After seeing the crown jewels, explore the Tower of London. This is a fascinating historical attraction bathed in blood and gore. We would definitely recommend doing the Beefeater Tours. These fancily dressed guards give such great tours. Our guide was hilarious and full of strange facts – like did you know those ravens you’re seeing are royal ravens. This is one of the best guided tours I’ve ever done.

After your tour, consider walking across the Tower Bridge to catch the views.  

Grab lunch and then head to a hop-on-hop-off boat tour. After seeing London from the bustling streets. Get a different perspective as you view London from the water. There are some really cool things that these tours point out that you never would have noticed from land.  

Hop off for dinner. If your boat tour operates later into the evening, it’s worth hopping back on after dark to catch amazing views of London lit up. Lastly, use your boat tour to get you back home for the evening.

Day 3 – Kew and the British Museum

Wake up early in the morning and head to Kew. You can do this trip via public transit very easily. Once you arrive in Kew, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens . Explore Kew gardens for the morning.  

Check out our more detailed Kew Gardens itinerary here.

Grab lunch in Kew as you head back to the rail station. Kew was our favorite place in England because the people and food here were just wonderful. We bought meat pies from the local butcher shop and these were the BEST things we ate during our one week in London stay.  

After lunch, head back into London proper to visit the British Museum . You’ll need the entire afternoon to explore this huge museum. This museum is filled with artifacts from around the world. The main attraction is the Rosetta Stone but there are tons of things to see in this amazing building. You’ll most likely be here until the museum closes as there is so much to see. Then head back to your accommodations, grabbing dinner on the way.

Day 4 – Churchill War Rooms, St Paul’s, Tate Modern and the Sky Garden

First, arrive at the Churchill War Rooms early. Explore these bunkers turned museum for a few hours and learn some interesting history of World War II.

Next, head to St Paul’s Cathedral . Here you’ll want to do an audio tour of the church. St Paul’s is in our top three favorite things to do in London because of this amazing tour. On the tour, you’ll learn so much history. After you’re done with the tour, head to the top of St Paul’s where you’ll get to explore the whispering gallery. Next, head outside where you’ll get to take in the views from the top of St Paul’s dome.  

Afterwards, grab some late lunch and head to the Tate Modern . This museum of modern art is worth exploring for a short period. When you’re here, make sure to go upstairs and head outside to view beautiful views of the Thames and St Paul’s.  

Next, head to the Sky Garden to take in the views of London. We put Sky Garden into our one week in London itinerary instead of the London Eye. The London Eye is super expensive and often involves waiting in a long line. Sky Garden is something you should book tickets for ahead of time as slot fill up fast. However, it is free and because of the tickets, you generally won’t have to wait very long for a good view. Also, it’s a pretty cool little garden area so that is pretty on it’s own. You can also grab dinner or drinks here and watch the sun set.

Day 5 – Westminster Abbey and Harry Potter Studio Tour

First, head straight to Westminster Abbey in the morning. Get there before Westminster opens and take some great daytime pictures of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.  

Next, start your Westminster Abbey tour . This tour will take a few hours. Have fun exploring Westminster which is basically a big graveyard. Kinda morbid but still cool. If you want to move at your own pace, consider doing an audio tour instead of a guided tour.  

Next, start your public transit journey to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and explore the Making of Harry Potter. You’ll definitely want to book your tickets for this ahead of time. You’ll want to grab lunch on the way. Once you arrive, explore the Harry Potter Studios as long as you want.  

For more information on this entire trip and what to expect, check out our full post on the Harry Potter studio tour here.

You’ll most likely get back late at night. So consider grabbing dinner on your return journey or eating at the Studios.  

If you want transportation provided, check out the tour below instead. By buying from the links below, we'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full Terms and Conditions here.

Day 6 – Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament and a Night Walk

Get an early start this morning and spend your early morning hours exploring St. James’s Park.  

Then get to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard. You’ll want to get here by 10 AM in order to get a good spot for the 11:00 show. During summer months, this happens daily. In the offseason, these happen on an irregular schedule. Check the schedule here . This is super crowded and is one of the top areas for theft so keep an eye on your belongings.

After the Changing of the Guard, consider taking a tour of Buckingham Palace. Tours are not available year round. Check out the tour schedules here and consider purchasing tickets ahead of time if this interests you.

Next, grab lunch on your way to Trafalgar Square. Explore the fun square and consider taking a short amount of time to explore the National Gallery .

Then, head to the Houses of Parliament . If they are in session, you can enter and watch the sessions for free. You may also consider doing an audio tour of the building which will provide a bit more history. The audio tour does have an admission fee and typically takes an hour. Tours are available on a limited schedule so check their website ahead of time.  

Next, grab dinner in this area and eat until after dark.  

After dinner, explore this area at night. This is one of the prettiest areas at night because all the buildings are lit up. Make sure to check out the night view from Westminster Bridge.  

Day 7 – British Library, Greenwich and Covent Garden

Spend your last morning of your one week in London exploring the special collections of the British Library . Here you’ll see a Gutenberg Bible, Shakespeare’s First Folio and more.  

Then, consider using a hop-on-hop-off boat or water taxi to get to Greenwich. Here explore the Royal Observatory which includes taking the famous picture straddling the Prime Meridian, which divides the east and west hemispheres.  

Next, grab lunch in Greenwich.  

Then explore the National Maritime Museum . This provides a history of ships and gives a good overview of British colonialism.

Next, head back to London proper and make your way to the Covent Garden area. This is a good area to do shopping. It’s also super fun to watch the street performers here. Consider getting dinner in this area as it has some great international food.  

Optional Evening Additions

This one week in London itinerary leaves your evenings pretty free. Consider filling this up with exploring pubs, London has a lot.  

If you’re interested in seeing theatrical performances, make sure to book your tickets ahead of time. Also, if you’re a fan of Shakespeare, consider attending a show at the recreated Globe Theatre.  

If your original hop-on-hop-off boat tour doesn’t include an evening portion, consider doing a sunset or dinner time cruise of the Thames.  

Want to Adjust the Itinerary

Don’t visit London in two days. You’ll leave feeling frustrated and like you missed out on so much. However if you insist, spend a day doing a Hop-on-hop-off bus and boat tour. Spend your next day doing your top 2-3 things located in central London. Our top three were the British Museum, St Paul’s and a walking tour.

Explore our full list of the top 30 things to do in London here.

If you only have 3 days, we’d recommend doing day 1, day 2 and day 6. While these weren’t our favorite experiences, they’ll definitely give you the opportunity to visit all of the London must-sees.

In 4 days, follow the itinerary for day 1, day 2 and day 6. On your fourth day visit St. Paul’s, Westminster Abbey and The British Museum.  

If you would like to visit London in 5 days, sad as we are to say it, but we’d take out the day trips to Greenwich, Kew and Warner Bros. Studios. While these are all amazing experiences, the time you’ll spend traveling is valuable. So skip these day trips and come back and visit these areas when you explore England – sans London – at a later date.  

If you only have 6 days, just take out day 7. Day 7 is fun but it’s very history loaded and you’ll likely be historied out by the end of your trip.  

If you have more time you can add more London activities to your London itinerary.  

Check out our list of 30 things to do in London here.

However, we are not city people and we were a little “citied” out after spending one week in London. So if you’re like us, we’d recommend taking some extra day trips outside of London and seeing more of England . When we put together our top 3 things we did while we visited London, two of them – Kew and Harry Potter Studios – were outside of London. So if you have extra time, fill them with fun day trips which are easy to take with England’s amazing public transit. We wish we would have visited Stonehenge and the Cliffs of Dover. These both take a bit more time to visit but if you have extra days, it’s a great way to spend them

Explore 10 amazing day trips that you can take from London in our post here.

And that wraps up our recommendations for one week in London. We hope this helps you to plan your own trip to this amazing city. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below and we’d be happy to help. Or check out our England travel guide for additional information.

This Post Has 4 Comments

Great information! I like how you adjusted the top attractions to visit in London in fewer than 7 days. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks! We had a great time and kept busy (like we like to).

I really enjoyed reading your blog, so amazingly written, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.

Thank you so much! It’s great to hear that people enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them 🙂

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One Week in London

Planning a trip for 7 days in London may give you so much to worry about, but as travelers too, we are very happy to help you out.

We’ll make things easier for you. From the list of things to do, the places you must visit, to what to try out while you’re in one week in Greater London. We all have it here.

Our full guide covers:

• Basic Introduction
• Where to stay in London
• How to get around
• What to see in London
• Things to do in London
• Tickets you have to buy before – must read
• Food and Restaurants
• Day Trips from London
• Itinerary for London
• Packing List

Moreover, not only do you find the list of things to do in London here, but also give you tips and reminders for you to achieve a smooth-sailing trip.

Above all, we know how stressing it is to plan a trip, thus we are here to guide you through. We wrote as well three major guides you should give it a read:

• Where to stay in London – with maps!
• 37 Unique experiences in London
• best places to eat with restaurants and brunch

For now, imagine yourself in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. From their astounding history and culture, outstanding food, amazing people, you will never run out of things to try in your one week in London.

Without further ado, let’s keep you excited and curious in your one week in London, read more.

1. Basic Introduction

We want to start with a simple intro to the things you need to know before coming to London.

Currency : GBP ( £ ) pound sterling

Language Spoken : The official language of London and the UK is English. Similarly, there are other several languages spoken in London. To name a few are Welsh, Irish, and Scottish.

Population : 8.8 Million (the biggest city in Europe)

Known for : The largest city and the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is also considered as one of the world’s most important global cities.

Not only does it is known for the most powerful, but also said to be the most visited city in the world.

Moreover, Big Ben is one of the famous landmarks in the city being referenced for timing around the world. There are also the world-famous Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

Accommodation : Without a doubt, you will be able to find many world-class luxury hotels in London as well as numerous apartments, guesthouses, smaller hotels, and even youth hostels for your one week in London.

Moreover, the offer is huge, and it depends on your personal preference in budget, style, and location.

We share details in our where to stay in London section below.

Public Transport : London has one of the largest urban transport networks in the world, with integrated bus, river and road systems spanning the city’s 32 boroughs.

In this way, traveling around the city is made easy and convenient. Plus, they have the Oyster Card, a ticket that covers all your transport needs.

More under how to get around .

Safety : London is a very safe city even to solo-female travelers. But as one of the famous cities in the world as well as the most visited, there is a high pickpocket risk in London, especially on crowded Tube (subway) or Buses.

Certainly, we highly recommend that when in the tube, never take an empty carriage at night.

Plus, just like when visiting foreign cities or areas, whether for the first or the n-th time, adopt personal safety practices.

Safety Reminder: During your stay, avoid wearing football shirts or showing any kind of support for any football team. Most of all, in the UK, such a show of support might end violently since some rivalries are taken very seriously.

City name : London is also known as the Greater London or The Great Wen. Others also call it The Smoke or the Big Smoke. Furthermore, London is also spelled as LDN informally.

Electricity : 230V/50Hz (Type G). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter . This will both fit for European plugs as well as UK plugs.

2. Where to stay in London

Is finding accommodation in London easy?

Yes, if you know what you need to keep an eye on.

Read : our detailed guide to where to stay in London – with a map.

We included there as well a map with districts and handpicked hotel recommendations.

Since we know how hard it is to decide on which places you should highlight during your one week in London. Therefore, through this guide, let us help you have a more smooth-sailing list of where to go.

Even more, we have included a map to make things easier for you to navigate the city and see where everything goes. Thus, get more chances to decide what accommodation fits you according to your travel classifications.

Our handpicked recommendations:

• Families : The Waldorf Plaza / The Ampersand
• Couples: Novotel London Canary Wharf / charming Airbnb
• Luxury Travelers:  Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London
• Design Lovers: Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels / The Curtain
• Groups: Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage / Wilde Aparthotels
• Solo Traveler: The Z Hotel City / Generator Hostel
• Nightlife Traveler: Hilton London Tower Bridge / The Dictionary Hostel
• On a low budget: Meininger London Hyde Park / The Luxury Inn

Furthermore, here we cover all neighborhoods, and for which type of traveler we recommend the areas and hotels.

2.1 Best for Families

For families in London, we recommend two different accommodations. Either one with a balcony and kid-friendly amenities or one with that offer a very good location and a games room.

Your choice:

• The Waldorf Plaza

The Ampersand

The waldorf plaza (apartment).

Featuring a fitness center and a bar is The Waldorf Plaza .

Ideal for families, the apartment offers b ooks, DVDs and music for children. Moreover, you can be worry-free to let the babies roam around the room since they also provide child safety socket covers.

Nonetheless, if you have plans to do something for your one week in London without involving the kids, the accommodation offer babysitting services for your convenience.

Plus, you can perfectly enjoy the morning on the balcony and terrace. Or have a wonderful BBQ time in the afternoon.

Good to know:  Take advantage of the apartment’s hot spring baths to relax after a long tiring day.

The Ampersand is just a 2-minute walk from the National History Museum, Victoria and the Albert Museum.

Moreover, the hotel features a game room and a gym you can certainly use in your one week in London. Also, there is a game of table tennis that the kids could use.

Besides, we are certainly sure that you and your kids will appreciate the discounted family menus. This includes a Sci-Fi afternoon tea inside a tent.

Good to know : There are free items in the minibar. Even more, a real milk for your coffee in the fridge.

2.2 Best for Couples: Novotel London Canary Wharf

How romantic would it be to have dinner over a majestic overlooking 360-degree view of the entire London?

Look no further, stay at Novotel London Canary Wharf .

Besides, the hotel features The Bōkan Restaurant, Bar and Roof Terrace where you and your partner can have great nights in your one week in London.

Furthermore, you can swim in the hotel pool. Or do some exercise at the gym.

Good to know:  Join some hotel activities like evening entertainment and live music to name a few.

Looking for a more local experience? Then I do recommend you this charming Airbnb in London city center.

A beautiful design apartment in a quiet area where you will get a local feeling.

2.3 Best for Luxury Travelers: Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Appreciate London from the skies and be swept off your feet by its beauty.

Also, being with the same building as The Shard, Shangri-La will surely give you the best-overlooking view of The Great Wen.

Even more, waking up and sleeping through this scene will surely complete your one week in London. Wherever you’ll go, this amazing view will follow.

Further, the hotel also offers an infinity pool and a bar that stills give you the panoramic view of the city.

Looking for more luxury? Then read this complete guide to the best boutique hotels in London .

Good to know: Visit the highest cocktail bar in London, the GŎNG on level 52.

2.4 Best for Design Lovers

Looking for a cool design hotel in London? Lucky you, here are our favorite design-led accommodations.

Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

The curtain.

Each room at the Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels is uniquely designed with vibrant colors and decors. Perfect to feel homely yet luxurious.

Moreover, the 5-star hotel features a garden, terrace, and sauna that you try during your one week in London.

Above all, what’s unique about the hotel is that you can also go bowling with your friends or new acquaintances at the alley.

Even more, the hotel features a wellness facility where you can get a massage, a sauna, a fitness spa.

Good to know : Also best for families, the hotel offers c hildren television networks, kid’s meals, and babysitting services.

More than just your cool boutique hotel is The Curtain .

Take a swim and enjoy the panoramic view of the city in the rooftop pool available all year round.

Moreover, the hotel features 3 restaurants where they serve American and European cuisines. All you can try alternately on your one week in London.

Good to know: Catch a yoga or fitness class during your stay. Even more, make use of the hotel’s wellness facility and pamper yourself with a spa or a massage.

2.5 Best for Groups

Whether you’re looking for accommodation with the best location or with great facilities, we got you covered. Here are two of the best places to stay in your one week in London as a group.

• Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage
• Wilde Aparthotels

Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage (Hostel)

Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage is just the perfect avenue to socialize and meet people from around the world.

Not only do they offer good rooms but the place also puts you in access to great gigs and a piece of live music.

Furthermore, the accommodation organizes a regular pub-on-site and have night performances to hype your one week in London.

Even more, beds ave individual curtains to give you more privacy. Rooms are accessed with a key card and your staff is insured in your locker.

Good to know : You can perfectly ask for a packed lunch or a bar-hopping activity from the hostel’s staff.

Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Covent Garden (Hotel)

The perfect hostel that puts you right in the heart of London is the Wilde Aparthotels .

Furthemore, just a few minutes walking distances from the hostel is the Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Besides, the famous theater houses like Savoy theater and the Royal Opera house are also near the accommodation.

Ideal for groups, some rooms are installed with its kitchenette equipped with a microwave and a toaster.

Good to know:  You might find the blackout blind very helpful during your stay.

2.6 Best for Solo Travelers

For solo travelers, we have here options between a hotel and a hostel. But both will surely give you an amazing stay in your one week in London.

The Z Hotel City

Generator hostel.

Located in central London and just across the Royal Courts is The Z Hotel City .

Plus, St. Paul’s Cathedral can be reached within an 11-minute walk from the hotel.

Breakfast is served with a variation of scrambled egg dishes, fresh croissants, pastries, cereals, yogurts, and fresh fruit salad.

Furthermore, enjoy a 40 inch HD TV for your one week in London. They got free Sky Sports, BT Sports and Sky Movie channels you can choose from.

Good to know: Complimentary cheese and wine are given in the evening for the happy hour.

Generator Hostel offers large and vibrant accommodation in the heart of the city.

Moreover, the hostel features a shared lounge and a games room with a billiard table. These areas will enable you to socialize with other hostel guests from different parts of the world.

Also, you will love the special food deals that the hostel gives every day on meals and drinks.

Even more, you can join the hostel’s daily activities to keep your one week in London exciting. To name a few, they have pub crawls, walking tours, happy hour, karaoke, and live music entertainment.

Good to know:  You can find vending machines in the hostel for your convenience.

2.7 Best for Nightlife Travelers

A hotel with a stunning bar view over a hotel that offers a great party location, you decide. Listed below are two great hotels that will give the best party experience in your one week in London.

• Hilton London Tower Bridge.

The Dictionary Hostel

Hilton london tower bridge.

Just opposite of The Shard is the Hilton London Tower Bridge.

Additionally, rooms are designed with a modern exterior and executive rooms offer a terrace overlooking The Shard.

Further, you can have amazing nights in your one week in London through the TwoRuba bar. Grab your favorite beer or cocktail and have conversations with other hotel guests.

Good to know: The Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour passes in front of the hotel.

You can find The Dictionary Hostel in Shoreditch High Street. Putting you in the most popular places for night fun.

Furthermore, just right outside the hostel are London’s best bars, clubs, restaurants, galleries, and independent shops. All that you can easily explore in your one week in London.

Plus, more than a great location, the hostel features a common kitchen where you can cook your meals. There is also an onsite mini-market for your convenience.

Good to know: The hostel can keep your luggages safe for free on the day of check-in/out.

2.8 Best for Budget Travelers

Looking for great room deals in London? We don’t only give you the best accommodations in the city but also those with very budget-friendly offers. You can choose from the list below.

Meininger London Hyde Park

The luxury inn.

Grab the great value for private and shared rooms in Meininger London Hyde Park .

Aside from its great location, the hostel also offers a common lounge and a bar. Perfect place to meet new friends from across the globe.

Moreover, the rooms are wooden and equipped with a TV and have a private shower.

Further, you can reach Kensington Palace in a 5-minute walk from the hostel. On the other hand, Hyde Park and The  Royal Albert Hall can be reached in 10 minutes.

Good to know:  The drawers you put your staff in need a little locker. You can bring your own.

All rooms at The Luxury Inn boasts a coffee maker.

Also, the hostel features a shared lounge and a garden you can chill at and relax during your one week in London.

Furthermore, the hostel has a kitchen where you can make your breakfast. And that would mean a reasonable value.

Good to know: The street is residential, tree-lined, with flowers in gardens as you walk up the street.

Cheap Hostels in London

Our last recommendation for budget travel in London is getting a cheap hostel. There are many all over the city.

Prices always change and depend on date and availability. The easiest way to find the cheapest places to stay in London is as follows.

• Open Hostelworld
• Order the listing by price

This way you see the cheapest options out there. Make sure you read still the reviews!

3. How to get around

So, we have your accommodation set, now let us get out and explore.

Best for sightseeing : One great and easy way to go around the city is through the Hop on Hop Off Bus . Hop on and off as much as you like and switch between 6 different bus routes and see the capital’s attractions.

Even more, cruise along the River Thames between Westminster and the Tower of London with your complimentary river cruise pass.

Check more in for  Hop on – Hop off Bus here.

Public transport : London has an extensive and developed transport network. Furthermore, their public transport network serves as the central hub for the United Kingdom in rail, air and road transport.

On the other hand, London underground is the most highly used system in all of London sending people in and out of London in “tubes”.

I enjoyed taking the Tube. However, avoid business hours in the morning from 7 am to 9 am. Thus, many people commute to work with the tube, and there can be long queues.

London Transport Networks:

• London Underground (Tube)
• Docklands Light Rail

Oyster Card : Even more, they also have a universal ticket called the “Oyster Card” that gives you access to all the transport networks that you can use at any time of the day, any day of the week with the cheapest deals.

Bikes : Another way to go around the city is through bikes. Hence, you can hire bikes in London using a public cycle hire scheme, the Santander Cycles.

Moreover, Santander Cycles has more than 750 docking stations and 11,500 bikes to hire around London that makes it easy and quick to use 24/7, 365 days a year. Plus, it only takes £2 to access a bike for 24 hours that go with FREE 30 minutes in each of your first journeys.

I did enjoy cycling around the river. However, make sure you read up your itinerary. Still, there are some routes I would not take with the bike. But, along the river and near the park it is wonderful – when the weather plays along.

Furthermore, you can also join bike tours and go visit London and be escorted with expert guides here.

Walking : Just like in Florence, many landmarks in London are close to each other. Such as Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey.

So it would be most convenient to just walk and to see London from a personal perspective and skip the traffic.

Besides, London is one of the most foot-friendly cities in the world.

Interested in Harry Potter? There is a Harry Potter Walking Tour ! Walk in the footsteps of your favorite wizards (and witches) around the muggle world of London.

Furthermore, check out the detailed tour and book here .

Taxi : One interesting thing about the taxis in London is that only black cabs can be hailed in the street or at designated ranks situated in prominent places, including many mainline rails, Tube and bus stations.

Even more, all their taxis are wheelchair accessible and carry assistance dogs at no charge. How cool is that?

Above all, most of the taxis have in London have more extra aids to help a traveler.

Other Taxi features:

• Swivel seat
• Intermediate step
• Seat sight patches
• Large colored grab handles
• Induction loop

Good to know:

• If the yellow TAXI sign is on, the cab is available for hire.
• Minicabs can be a cheaper alternative but make sure you prebook your trip or else they are breaking the law.

Boat : Travelling by river in London is popular. Hence, if you want to get out onto the Thames, City Cruises is one of the top sightseeing tours, showcasing the best sights for affordable prices.

Moreover, my favorite cruise is the Hon On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise .

This cruise, most of all, lets you hop on and hop off for 24 hours at any of London’s main destination piers, such as Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich.

Nevertheless, the Woolwich Ferry carries foot passengers and road traffic across the Thames between North Woolwich and Woolwich Arsenal, for FREE.

Adventure tip: Specifically, if you want to try something out of the ordinary during your one week in London, take an exhilarating ride along the river Thames on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tour.

Feel like James Bond for the day as you experience London on the fastest speed boats.

Furthe, see more detailed information on Speed Bout Tour here.

4. What to see in London – The Must-Do’s

What to see in London? A very good question!

Most of all, being unquestionably one of the most visited places in the world, London has it all.

Furthermore, London is a city unlike any other in the world. Having so much to offer, we have made life easier for you hence we narrowed down things you might and should do while you’re in one week in London.

Besides, there are specific places you definitely MUST visit. However, you might need to book some tickets ahead of time to skip the long lines or simply get the chance to get in.

The Must Do’s are:

• See Westminster
• Explore the Tower of London
• Experience Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter (day trip)
• Change of the Guard
• Visit the Buckingham Palace
• Tour the Windsor Castle
• Ride the Coca-Cola London Eye

Exclusive Houses of Parliament Tour and Westminster Abbey

You will LOVE this one! With the tour by TakeWalks you have exclusive acess to the houses of Parliament.

This is seriously unique!

The exclusive Houses of Parliament tour takes you into the heart of British democracy, including Westminster Abbey. Most tours only offer audio guides inside Parliament, but this experience gives you a guided visit with one of the most expert and informed guides in London. You’ll hear the building’s epic story as you see the rooms and antechambers that forged the British empire and continue to set its course in the 21st century.

More great sights to see in London are:

• The National Gallery
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tate Modern
• The British Museum
• Shakespeare’s Globe
• The London Dungeon
• Trafalgar Square
• The View from The Shard

Photo by Mark de Jong

5. Things to do in London

There are some things in life we get to know only when we experience London in 3 days personally. And the city is unquestionably one of those.

Moreover, it is among the few cities that can take you thousands of years into the past and also let you explore what the future holds in store for you.

Surely, there is always something interesting going on. Thus, we have made a list for you to do while you’re in 3, 4 or 5 days London, no matter what time of the year you are visiting.

Therefore, here are the lists of things to do one week in London, accordingly.

We collected for you a great list of cool Things To Do in London:

• 37 unique and immersive experiences in London
• 101 Cool Things to do in London
• 14 things to do in London with kids
• 30 Best Spots in London that are Instagram worthy
• 62 Things to do in London for FREE

Here are more ideas:

• Experience the Street Art
• Walk across the Abbey Road
• Attend a home game
• Dinner cruise in River Thames
• Eat your way around Borough Market
• See the Sky Garden

Wanna find out more about this activity below? Then read our guide on 37 most unique things to do in London .

6. Tickets you have to buy before (Must Read)

I sincerely hope you are reading this section carefully! Generally, it will make a difference. Moreover, this is important so you actually can enter the places you would love to see from the inside.

There are exactly four tickets you have to buy beforehand:

• Tower of London
• Warner Bros. Studio Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter (day trip)
• Sky Garden (free)

6.1 Tower of London

Not only does it plays a significant role in London, but it also was declared as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

The Tower of London is officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Conqueror’s fortress.

My Best Tip : Join the tour with TakeWalks. You get early Access to the Crown Jewels with the Opening Ceremony and on top, a complete Tower of London Guided Tour .

Moreover, being one of the world’s leading tourist attractions, lines are expected to belong and crowded and tickets are likely to sell out.

So if you want to see yourself the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy and explore the grounds of the Tower of London and skip more than an hour of waiting in line, book your tickets ahead of time.

Good to know: When you are visiting during winter, the Tower is open until 5:00 but the last admission is at 4:00 PM. Most importantly, anyone arriving after this point will not be able to enter.

Compare Tours : GetYourGuide | Take Walks

6.2 London Eye (Skip the 2 hours line)

Certainly, with over 3.75 million visitors annually and being the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, we highly recommend that you book your tickets in advance.

Luckily, I knew of the long line before I came and pre-booked my ticket. There was a massive line of around 2 hours just to get the ticket. And then another line of 1 hour just to enter the London Eye.

Ufff…I was really lucky!

Further, the London Eye , as one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, will truly take your breath away as you witness the beauty of London as you rise.

Soar above as high as 135 meters and just enjoy the stunning view from above for 30 minutes.

Therefore, avoid waiting for the long line ques and enjoy fast-track admission only if you book your tickets in advance.

Best time to visit the London Eye : I went up during the day-time with a clear view all over the city. Although the best time to visit would be right before sunset. The colors can be beautiful – again if the weather plays along.

Good to know: 

• Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult over 18
• Infants aged 3 years and under ride free, but must still reserve a ticket
• Disabled guests pay the standard price and their carer enters free of charge

6.3 Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter

Just like the other major tours in London, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is more likely to sell out, too.

Let’s face it. Who wouldn’t want to set foot on the actual sets where the famous Harry Potter movies were filmed? But not us.

However, this is one of the most popular activities for families in London!

Therefore, if you want to enter the magical world of Harry and have a wizardly adventure, book your tickets ahead of time. Not unless you want to gamble the chance and buy tickets on the same day. That’s certainly going to be a disaster!

Good to know: Entrance to the Studios will be around 2 hours later from the starting time you have chosen for the tour. For example, booking for 10 am will also be your bus boarding time, the entrance at the studios is at noon, depart the studios at 3.30pm and arrive back in London at 5.00pm.

6.4 Sky Garden – Free, but you need to register

Number 4 is one of my favorite free things to do in London.

Moreover, the Sky Garden us one of the tallest buildings in London and you can go up – again – for free!

All you need to do is: Sign up and plan your visit!

Most importantly, tickets are usually fully booked up to 2 weeks before .

Therefore, hurry up! You can save your spot for free on the official website www.skygarden.london/booking

You have to book for a certain time, and you have to be on time. On top, there is a restaurant and bar. However, I did not have a drink, but rumor has the quality is good and it is worth it to eat here.

When to book : There is a security control before entering. Thus, tickets are released on a Monday for the following 3 weeks.

Security Check and Pets : Moreover, they enforce airport-style security checks at Sky Garden and therefore large bags and suitcases are not permitted. And sadly, pets are not permitted.

Best time to come here : Before sunset – so you can see the city by day and night.

7. Food & Restaurants

People from all over the world dream to visit Greater London even at least once in their lives.

Aside from their amazing culture and rich history, tourists like us, want to personally see and experience what its to be in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

And common! This is London we’re talking about.

Read our guide on where to eat in London .

Even more, we added our favorite 14 places to eat in London (with photos) and put them on a map for you.

As part of a traveler, there is no way better to see a place aside from through their food.

Interestingly, we can’t resist the inviting foods especially when they are new to our tastebuds and extremely looking sumptuous. And let’s be honest, even a person on a diet won’t want to miss to try out what the city has to offer.

Ergo, here are lists of foods you recommend you try and places you should visit in your one week in London. Just click on the links and get ready to discover more food details in the city.

Of course, while you’re in London, take the chance to try out British food .

Even more, you should experience 20 Fun Foodie Things to Do while you’re in one week in The Great Wen like a local.

Catch a perfectly good coffee in London’s 7 Prettiest Cafes that are Instagram-worthy, too.

And don’t miss out to try among the 37 Brunch Spots in London .

Nevertheless, choose among the best meals and dinners for under £10 in London, when you are on a tight budget.

Food not to be missed while in London is their fish and chips, check out the city’s best fish and chip restaurants here .

8. Day Trips from London

Though there could be so much to see and do in London for 7 days.

However, there could always be a chance that you might want to expand your tour and make the most out of your one week in London.

Might as well consider a day trip among London’s beautiful neighboring cities and famous landmarks. For more details, we wrote a guide on the best UK Attractions for families to visit .

Therefore, here are popular day trips from London which includes:

• The iconic Stonehenge (my favorite!)
• Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds combined
• Seven Sisters Cliffs
• Bath and Stonehenge Tour
• Windsor Castle
• Warner Bros Studio Tour with Making Of Harry Potter (great for families!)

Find all the day trips from London directly here.

9. Itinerary for 7 days

When spending a week in London, you can explore the city itself and its surroundings.

Even more, we’d like to help you out have an incredible time in The Great Wen that you’ll surely look back on. Being the world’s most visited city, we know you’ll have a hard time deciding what to include in your one week in London.

To make it easier for you, here are itineraries we have gathered that are sure to make most out of your adventure in the city.

• London Itinerary: Planning Your Time by Rick Steves
• 4 Days in London Itinerary

10. Packing List

There are a few things we recommend for your packing list London.

• Travel plug adapter
• A Dictionary of British Slang
• Portable Charger

Optional but always useful:

• Packing Cubes
• Good quality camera
• Water Bottle with Built-In Filter
• Sleeping mask

11. Printed Guides & Map

These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.

Once you come to London, you will also receive a paper map of the city.

• Lonely Planet Guide for London
• Rick Steves London Guide
• Top 10 London: Up to date (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide)

Here is again our map of London with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.

Questions? Contact us

I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.

Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?

Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help. I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.

You see, your question helps me as well. Do not be shy and send me an email .

Hey there, fellow adventurers! I'm Matt, a passionate explorer with an unwavering love for vintage cafés and an appreciation for the artistry of handmade design. Though my heart belongs to Europe, I bid adieu to my homeland in 2010, embarking on a thrilling journey across the continents. With Europe as my stomping ground, I've delved deep into its charming corners, from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the rustic villages of Tuscany. My mission? To be your dedicated European travel companion, unlocking the secrets of this enchanting continent.

Below we list again all our detailed guides to spend 3 days in London or more.

Safe travels!

All our handwritten articles

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Where to Stay in London on a Budget 2024? Top Affordable Accommodation Picks

37 Unique Experiences in London in 2024 – Labyrinths, Virtual Reality and HotTugs

Where to eat in London? 14 Places to eat in London like a KING

Where to Stay in London for a first time visit? An insider’s guide 2024

How to rent a Car in Europe 2024? A simple Solution named Discover Cars

Airbnb Alternatives and Competitors in 2024 – 43 Websites you should know

7 day London itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide for First Time Travellers and Beyond

Are you planning a 7 day London itinerary? Well you are in luck, London has to be one of our favourite cities. It’s full of museums, beautiful buildings, and awesome places to just explore. Living in Manchester means that we get to visit quite often. Every time we go we turn into instant tourists, cameras at the ready . There is so much to see and do in the city, and it can be hard to decide where to start, so we have put together a 1 week London itinerary for first time visitors and beyond. 

London Itinerary Factsheet

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Country:  England

Languages Spoken:  English,

Currency:  British Pound – GBP

Famous for: Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Red Buses, Royalty…..the list goes on

Visit if you like:  history and culture, theatre, and really old buildings

London is the capital of both England, and the United Kingdom. It’s also famous for being the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country.

London is highly populated with almost 9 million people living her. But what you might not know is that this statistic actually represents Greater London. The city of London itself is only small and covers 1.2 square miles. It has a population of around 9000 people.

Greater London is incredibly diverse, and there are over 300 languages being spoken in the area. The top 5 languages after English are Polish, Turkish, Bengali, French, and Punjabi.

Before you embark on your 7 days in London you probably want to know how to get there. Well, good news, London is probably one of the easiest cities to get to. There are 4 airports that you can fly into including, London City, Stansted , Gatwick , and the busiest, Heathrow . There are good public transport links from all airports and you can easily hop onto the tube and get yourself into central London.

If you are arriving from within the UK the train is usually your best option, with most National Rail services stopping at Euston Station. We recommend looking at Trainline website for some great deals. You can even get the bus to Victoria Station if you are trying to save your pennies. Before you start to plan your 7 days in London we highly recommend that you book your train in advance. The cheapest tickets are found well in advance. 

A 7 day London itinerary is going to involve a lot of travel around the city. Once you are in London the easiest way to get around is via the Tube. You should purchase an Oyster card and top up with the required credit. Alternatively you can download the app, or use your debit card to tap in and out of stations. For more information on this we recommend having a look at the Transport for Greater London website .

Public transport is brilliant in London and most major attractions can be accessed by Tube, but admittedly it can get tricky when signal failures or planned engineering works strike. It can look daunting at first but study the Tube map, and once you know how the stations connect you will be commuting like a pro in no time. Google maps is also a Godsend and you can easily navigate your way around on the Tube and the buses with it. 

If you are spending 7 days in London you can purchase a Travelcard. These are valid for either 1 day or 7 days depending on the option you pick. You can also choose what zones you would like it to cover as well. For more information here is a handy link for you. 

Accommodation in London ranges from the super expensive to the more budget friendly options so you have a lot of choices when planning your 7 day London itinerary. Just keep in mind the more budget you go, the less amenities in the hotel and the further away it will be from the main city attractions.

You are probably best looking at hotel booking sites well in advance of your trip to find the best deals.

On our last trip we decided to stay at the Assembly Hotel which was located a couple minutes from Leicester Square tube station. The hotel was very modern with clean rooms and a very central location. The only downside was that there was no TV or coffee/tea making facilities in the room. This can be standard in London and to be honest who wants to sit inside and watch TV when you are in London anyway? 

One of the tips when planning your 1 week London itinerary is to make sure that you book accommodation near a Tube Station. This means no matter how far our of central London you are staying it will still be easy to get around.

When planning your 7 day London itinerary you will need to think about where you want to stay. London is huge! Like seriously HUGE! And therefore deciding on where to stay can be quite overwhelming at times. For that reason we wanted to list a couple of our favourite areas. This list is by no means comprehensive, but hopefully will give you some ideas when planning your own 7 days in London.

Covent Garden

Our top area to stay in for 7 days in London is definitely Covent Garden. It’s a really well connected area in terms of transport, and there are a number of attractions located around this area too. Accommodation can be a bit expensive, but we think it is worth it. For starters there are a number of restaurants, and bars in the Covent Garden area, which makes it a fantastic base particularly if you want to enjoy a few nights out.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is another great area, especially if you are after something a little quirky. It’s a little less touristy then Covent Garden (only just) and is close to the Portobello Road Market too. There are lots of bars and restaurants in the area, and it’s definitely a lot cooler than Covent Garden. It’s a good area if you are travelling as a couple.

Westminster

Accommodation in Westminster is certainly on the more expensive side, and rooms are smaller here too as space is at a premium (although it pretty much is anywhere in London). Westminster is great if you want to be close to a lot of the tourist attractions, and public transport. Although not so great if you are planning to have some wild nights out. The nightlife in the area is pretty much non-existent.

South Kensington

South Kensington is another good all-round area to stay in. It’s close to some cool restaurants and bars, as well as being close to a number of museums. It’s a central location with good transport links, and is often suggested as one of the best locations to stay in London for families.

One of our favourite neighbourhoods in London has to be Camden. Admittedly it is a little further out then say South Kensington, but still has great transport links. It’s also close to the London Zoo if that is your thing. What really makes this area great though is the nightlife. There are a lot of indie rock bars, grungy markets, and a lot of different restaurants serving international cuisine. Camden probably attracts a slightly younger, partygoing crowd, so if its peace and quiet you want this might not be for you.

You might be wondering when is the best time to plan your 7 days in London . Well London really is one of those cities that can be enjoyed year round. Here is our seasonal breakdown on the best time to plan your 1 week London itinerary.

Winter (December – February) 

Winter in London is great because there are way less tourists. So you won’t have the queue for hours to visit the big attractions. It does get cold and rainy in winter, though so you will want to limit your time outdoors. If you want to take advantage of the museums and the galleries then this is a good time to go. In December there are a number of Christmas markets to enjoy as well as ice skating rinks, in preparation for the holidays. 

Spring (March-May)

Spring is probably the best time to visit London in our opinion. The weather is mild, and whilst it is busy with tourists, it isn’t as chaotic as the summer months. Spring is also a nice time to enjoy walking through the parks with the daffodils in bloom. 

Summer (June – August)

Summer is peak tourist season so expect a very sweaty warm, and crowded 7 days in London. The weather is at its best, and there are a number of summer events that take place in the city. A lot of schools are finished for summer holidays so there are a lot of families around, and a lot of activities for kids and adults alike. If you visit in summer make sure that you book things like accommodation and attractions well in advance. It can get really warm in London over summer, so remember this particularly as travelling on the tube squashed up against other commuters in 30 degree heat is not fun. 

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn is another good time to book your 7 days in London. The weather starts to cool, but hasn’t quite reached the cold temperatures of winter. It also isn’t as busy as the summer months with tourists. 

Realistically, 7 days in London is a good amount of time to really get to grips with the city. It gives you the chance to explore some of the neighbourhoods, eat a lot of British  food (or visit a lot of British pubs more to the point), and see the key tourist attractions.

That being said, London is such a vibrant and incredible city that there is always something to do. We honestly don’t think even 2 weeks in London is enough. And ask some of our friends who live there, even years in London isn’t enough. But in all seriousness, a week in London is doable, particularly if you want to immerse yourself in the place.

London can be really daunting, because there is literally so much that you can see and do. With 7 days in London sometimes this can be overwhelming so it is good to have a plan. These are our recommendations for things to do.

Further down in the article we have a 7 day London sample itinerary to help you plan your trip. This guide is probably best for first time visitors as it covers the key tourist attractions in London, but also a few hidden gems as well. 

Westminster Bridge

Every time we come to London we take a walk along this bridge. To me this really symbolises London. Get off at Westminster Station and the first thing you will be greeted with is the Houses of Parliament looming over you. I like to start the walk on Westminster Bridge on the left side walking towards the London Eye. You can then cross over on the way back and face the Houses of Parliament for an excellent view.

What I love about the bridge, and London in general has to be the intricacy, and the designs. Make sure you take time to appreciate the little things like the beautiful street lamps on the bridge. Directly opposite the Houses of Parliament instead of turning towards the London Eye walk under the tunnel and you will find a secret photo spot where you can take a picture of Big Ben. 

Getting Here

Get the Tube to Westminster Station and take a short walk past the Houses of Parliament to the Bridge. 

A 7 day London itinerary is not complete without a visit to Southbank. This is one of our favourite places just to people watch. Here you will find street performers, and skateboarders, as well as tourists gazing out at the Houses of Parliament.  The Sealife centre is also here, if time allows as well as the main attraction, the London Eye.

Get the Tube to Westminster Station and take a short walk past the Houses of Parliament and across Westminster Bridge. 

The London Eye

We have done this a few times now and whilst some people may say it is over rated we love it. It costs about £36 although if you get advance tickets this can be cheaper. You can visit their website for further information. It takes about 30 minutes to do a full rotation and you really do get an amazing view of London.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a beautiful gothic cathedral which is a short walk from the Houses of Parliament. If you are into the Royal Family, then you will recognise it from a lot of Royal Weddings, including Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton. It is also the traditional place of both coronation and burial for English Monarchs.  You can see the inside of the Abbey for £25 or if you are short on funds you can admire it from the outside.

Get the Tube to Westminster Station and take a short walk away from the South Bank. 

Trafalgar Square

Another must for your 7 days in London has to be a visit to one of the most photographed public squares in the city. Trafalgar Square was built to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar that took place in 1805. These days it is swarming with tourists all trying to get those iconic shots of the fountains and the lions.

I actually remember visiting the Square as a kid and it being filled with pigeons, in fact I even remember feeding bird seed to them. If you visit these days however you won’t find many. In fact you may even see some of the trained birds of prey that fly around discouraging pigeons to visit. Apparently pigeon droppings caused some of the Square’s monuments to erode and so pigeon feeding was banned.

Charing Cross is the closest Tube Station, but it is also walkable from Piccadilly Circus and Leicster Square. 

The National Gallery

The National Gallery which is located right at Trafalgar Square, houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings. Entry into the main exhibits is free although for special or visiting exhibits you do need to pay for entry.

Buckingham Palace

The Palace is the official headquarters and residence of the British Royal Family. If you are a fan of royalty then make sure you add this to your 7 day London itinerary, even though it does get really busy with tourists. One of the most amazing things to witness is the changing of the guards. It is a daily ceremony where the old guards welcome the new guards to take over the duty of guarding the Palace and St James Park. You really do need to get in early for a good view and it is best to check the Palace website for up to date information on times.

Buckingham Palace is only a 15 minute walk from Trafalgar Square. 

St James Park

Located just next to Buckingham Palace St James Park is a lovely place to take a stroll. It also has a wonderful view of Westminster Abbey and the London Eye when you stand on the Blue Bridge and look west.

The park is located right next to Buckingham Palace. 

Speaking of parks, the most famous park in London to visit is of course Hyde Park. It is a wonderful place to sit and feed the ducks, go for a stroll or rollerblade, or even take a boat ride on one of the lakes.

The Park is huge but one of our highlights include Speakers Corner. This is a place where speakers get on soap boxes to try and convince the masses of particular points of view. There is no set schedule to whom you may find here but if you like your debates then this is the place for you. Famous speakers have included Karl Marx and George Orwell.

The park also includes the famous pedal boats you can hire on the Serpentine, which makes for a really beautiful summers day out. There is also the Diana Memorial which is a must for any Royal fans. Bring your walking shoes if you do want to do a proper explore of Hyde Park as it is massive. 

Considering Hyde Park is huge there are a number of Tube Stops that you will lead you here. The main stations around the park though are:

• Lancaster Gate 
• Marble Arch 
• Hyde Park Corner
• Knightsbridge 
• Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is the place to go for all your natural history needs. With exhibits ranging from dinosaur bones to collections relating to botany and zoology. The best thing is this museum is free, although be prepared to wait in line especially during peak season in the summer (usually around the August summer holidays). Even if you aren’t into museums it is a great place to visit to marvel at the architecture. Construction was finished on the museum in 1880 and it really is an architectural dream.

The best station for the Natural History Museum is South Kensington. 

St Pauls Cathedral

The cathedral is one of the most famous sights in London and has been the location for a number of Royal weddings and funerals, much like Westminster Abbey. The interior is worth a look, and if you are brave enough you can actually climb to the viewing platform for some incredible sights over London.

The aptly named St Pauls station on the Central Line is your best best for getting here. The cathedral is only a 2 minute walk away. 

If you are looking for restaurants and quirky bars then head to Covent Garden. There are so many places to eat, drink and be merry. If you get the chance explore the area and see if you can find the secret Neal’s Yard courtyard. Neal’s Yard is basically a small alley with restaurants and shops and very colourful buildings.

Conveniently the closest Tube Station is Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line. 

Camden Town

Ok so Camden is our absolute favourite part of London. It is sort of an alternative/indie paradise. You can explore the markets and pick up some quirky T-Shirts. There are also some amazing indie music inspired bars where you can sit and have a drink. Our favourite bar has to be the World’s End located just across from the Camden Tube Station.  Overall Camden is a great place to go if you want to buy anything from funky jewellery, to souvenirs, to sunglasses. The atmosphere in Camden is almost an anything goes kind of feel. It’s also a great place for people watching.

You will need to get on the Northern Line and take the tube to Camden Town. 

Churchill Arms

If you are looking for the prettiest pub in London then look no further than the Churchill Arms. Its located a short walk from Notting Hill Gate Tube Station, and it is a great place for a pint or some pub food. The pub is decorated form head to toe in flowers and its even quirkier inside.

Notting Hill Gate or High Street Kensington are your closes Tube Stations with the pub being a short walk from both. 

Tower Bridge

Another of London’s most famous monuments that often gets confused with London Bridge, is Tower Bridge. The bridge was completed in 1894 which makes it nearly 123 years old. You can pay for entry into the Tower Bridge Exhibition, and more information can be found here .

The area around Tower Bridge is also great to explore. There are some lovely bars and coffee shops nearby with wonderful views of the bridge. 7 days in London will involve quite a bit of walking so we recommend popping into Vicinity which is a bar and restaurant with prime views of the Bridge. 

The bridge is about a 5 minute walk from the Tower Hill Tube Station. 

Tower of London

Located next to Tower Bridge is the Tower of London a historic castle founded in 1066. If you are into history this is a fascinating place to visit as you get a full understanding of the history of the castle. This includes its time as a Royal residence and even a prison. Entry for adults is £21.50 but do keep in mind that this is a popular attraction and the queues can be long so you are best booking in advance .

Again this is a short walk from the Tower Hill Tube Station.

Piccadilly Circus

Home to the iconic advertising hoarding that you will see other tourists trying to get a picture of, Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s busiest squares. I should also note that if you are expecting to find a circus acts this is not your place. In this context circus actually refers to the fact that it used to be a roundabout.

Get off at the Piccadilly Circus Tube Station. 

St Dunstan in the East

This is a quaint little garden on the site of a former church that was damaged in 1941. Whilst they decided not the rebuild the church the remains add to the atmosphere in this secluded garden. This is a real hidden gem in London.

Either Tower Hill or Monument will be your closest stations and you will need to take a short walk from both to get here. 

Imperial War Museum 

The Imperial War Museum is another of London’s amazing museums and it is free. Here you can learn all about Britain’s involvement in historical wars. One of the most haunting parts of the museum has to be the section documenting the Holocaust. There were some bits where it was so hard to keep reading, but it is so important to document what happened in the past in the hopes that we can learn from these atrocities. 

You can either get the Tube to Lambeth Road and walk (7 mins) or to Elephant and Castle and walk (10 mins). 

Churchill’s War Rooms

This is another fascinating insight into Britain’s involvement in war. This time documenting Churchill’s involvement in the second world war. The museum is housed in an underground complex where the government operated a command centre during WWII. You do have to pay for entry but it really is worth it.  

Get off at either St James’ Park Underground station or Westminster. 

Leadenhall Market

One of the prettiest places in London has to be Leadenhall Market, a victorian era building with shops, restaurants and bars. It is a great place to explore and take those all important social media photos. 

The closest station is Monument. 

Harrods is one of the world’s most famous department stores. It is ideal if you want to purchase luxury goods and designer clothes. But if your budget doesn’t cater for that it is still worth a visit. We purchased a tin of hot chocolate and left with the satisfaction that we ticked ‘shopping in Harrods’ off our London bucket list. 

Knightsbridge is your closest station. 

• Tate Modern

The Tate is a must for art lovers. Located just across the Thames from St Paul’s Cathedral the building houses works from artists from around the world. This is another attraction that is free to visit, unless you want to go to one of the special exhibitions in which case you will need to pay. 

Blackfriars is the closest station right near the Tate Modern, but a lot of people also walk from London Bridge Station which is about 10 mins away. 

Chelsea is one of the most affluent areas of London and certainly a great place to walk around and explore. In fact there are a lot of really cool things to do in Chelsea . If you get the chance visit some of the back streets with those pastel houses that you see all over Instagram. Do be mindful that people live here though so have a peak and then leave, and don’t trespass on other people’s property. 

Sloane Square is probably your closest Tube Station and it is a bit of a walk to get to Chelsea from here. 

Nunhead Cemetery 

I know adding a cemetery on a list of things to do in London, might sound weird, but Nunhead Cemetery is truly beautiful. It is a really old cemetery that was left to go to ruin before being restored by the council. It’s fascinating looking at the really old graves that have become overgrown with plants and vines, which to me is a symbol of life going on after death. Nunhead is accessible via the overground network, so you will need to get a tube to Victoria and change there. 

You do need to get the overground to Nunhead Station, and the cemetery is a short walk from there. 

Thames cruise

Departing from Westminster Bridge a Thames cruise is a really nice way to see London from the water. Plus its also an awesome opportunity to get up close to some of London’s beautiful bridges.

The cruise departs from different locations but if you are leaving near Westminster Bridge then Westminster Station is the closest. 

So now you have seen our list of things to do in London in 7 days, here is our sample 1 week London itinerary. 

We recommend starting your 7 day London itinerary by getting acquainted with the Westminster and Southbank areas. Start the day at Southbank and check out some of the street performers and the incredible views of the Thames and Houses of Parliament. Be sure to ride the London Eye for some amazing city views. 

Afterwards cross Westminster Bridge and do a Thames cruise, before checking out the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey before finally making your way over to Trafalgar Square. Once you get your selfie with a lion head into the National Gallery. 

For dinner there is a great pub called the Admiralty that serves the most amazing selection of pies that you simply have to try. 

7 days in London is not complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. Afterwards check out St James’ Park before making your way to the Natural History Museum in the afternoon. 

In the evening head to Covent Garden for dinner and do visit Neals Yard which is one of the hidden gems of London. 

Head to St Pauls Cathedral, and if you are both brave and fit enough you can climb to the top and enjoy the views of London. Afterwards cross the Millennium Bridge and make your way to the Tate Modern. 

In the evening/ afternoon head to the Churchill Arms near Notting Hill to rest your weary legs and grab some pints and dinner. 

In the morning explore Leadenhall Market, before making your way over to St Dunstan in the East in the afternoon. Take a trip to Chelsea and explore the neighbourhood and get some photos of those incredible pastel houses. Checkout Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street in the evening. 

Start the morning with a visit to the Tower of London. You will probably spend a good few hours here taking you to the afternoon. Afterwards walk towards Tower Bridge to see it up close. Explore the surrounding area and see if you can find the girl with the dolphin statue. Grab some lunch here and some drinks with a view. 

In the late afternoon head to Camden Town to explore before having some dinner and drinks there in the evening. 

In the morning visit the Imperial War Museum. Entry is free and in all honestly you could spend a good day exploring. In the late afternoon get a bus to the Churchill War Rooms. Along the way make sure you take a photo of the classic red phone boxes with Big Ben in the background. 

In the evening head to Harrods to see it all lit up and explore the food hall. If you are feeling flashy grab some dinner here, otherwise grab something cheaper in the area. 

Take a trip out of the city and head to Nunhead Cemetery. It is a great place to walk around and whilst there see if you can spot the framed view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore Hyde Park. we recommend having dinner and drinks in Shoreditch afterwards. 

If you are looking for some fun experiences to add to your 7 day London itinerary here are some of our favourites.

Rock and Roll London tours

Let’s be honest London is pretty synonymous with some of the greatest musical acts of all time. So a rock and roll style tour of London is something that music lovers should immediately add to their 7 day London itinerary. There are a couple of tours we recommend, like this London Rock and Roll history tour taking you to places such as Jimi Hendrix’s flat and Abbey Road.

Or if you are a straight up Beatles fan then do the Beatles London tour that takes you to all the key Beatles’ locations in the city.

Climb the roof of the O2 Arena

If you fancy yourself a bit of a daredevil this might be the tour for you. It gives you the chance to climb one of the city’s most popular entertainment venues, but also to get a completely different view of the city.

Do a bike tour

A guided bike tour is actually a really fun way to see London, and there are so many different ones to choose from during your 7 days in London.

Jack the Ripper Tour

London’s most famous serial killer has to of course be Jack the Ripper. We highly recommend doing a Jack the Ripper tour, that takes you back to historical London, as you walk in the footsteps of the killer and his victims.

If your week in London happens to be with your significant other than there are a lot of romantic things to do in the city. Here are a few to give you some inspiration.

The London Eye itself is pretty romantic, that is if you think sharing views of the cityscape with your significant other constitutes as romance. But there is actually a champagne package that you can purchase. It might be a little pricey at £55 pp but can you really put a price on love?

Little  Venice

One of the more romantic spots to add to your 7 day London itinerary has to be Little Venice. Here you can do a canal boat ride, or even just sit at a café and soak up the views.

A romantic river cruise

Another romantic option for London is to do a river cruise with dinner . What could be more romantic than sailing up the Thames devouring a three course meal and drinking wine?

Ice skating

In the winter months take your significant other to the pop up ice skating rink outside the Natural History Museum. Not only is the setting beautiful but you can skate hand in hand in the cool London air.

Hyde Park Picnic

One of my favourite romantic things to do in London is to have a picnic in Hyde Park. Why not grab some bread and cheese from one of the local supermarkets, and enjoy them whilst people watching in the park.

Do a tour in a mini cooper

This one is advertised as a bit of a romantic treat. You get a 90 minute tour in a classic Mini Cooper , which is such a British thing to do. Plus you can sip on champagne whilst being driven around the city.

There are also so many restaurants and cocktails bars to plan the perfect date night in places like Camden or Covent Garden. London is literally your romantic oyster.

A lot of the things we have already mentioned in the post are free, but to make it easy for those on a budget here are our suggestions for free things to add to your 1 week London itinerary.

VISIT THE MUSEUMS

If you are travelling from the US or other parts of Europe you might be surprised to discover that some of the top museums in London are actually free. For your information here are some of the free museums can you visit as part of your 1 week London itinerary.

• Imperial War Museum
• National Gallery
• The British Museum
• Science Museum
• National Maritime Museum
• Victoria and Albert Museum

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

One of the top things to add to your 1 week London itinerary has to be to see the Changing of the Guard. It’s a lot of pomp and ceremony and it is completely free.

It’s essentially a ceremony when the King’s Guards change shifts. It’s really interesting to see and attracts a lot of visitors.

LEADENHALL MARKET

Leadenhall Market is another free thing to add to your 7 day London itinerary. It’s also popular among Harry Potter fans as you may recognise it from the films.

It’s free to walk around, but obviously if you buy anything or have a drink or coffee, you will need to pay.

VISIT PLATFORM 9 3/4

Speaking of Harry Potter, located near the Harry Potter Shop at King’s Cross Railway Station you will find Platform 9 3/4. Here you can get a photo with a disappearing trolley and make your Harry Potter dreams come true. Lines do get long though so expect to wait.

CHILL IN SOME OF THE PARKS

For a bustling metropolis London is pretty green. There are so many great parks you can add to your 7 day London itinerary for free. Here are some of the best:

• Richmond Park
• Greenwich Park
• St James’ Park

The weather in London isn’t always perfect so here are some rainy day ideas in case it rains during your 7 day London itinerary. We have mentioned museums a lot in this article already, so I’ll keep those out.

THE SKY GARDEN

Located on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building in London the Sky Garden is one of the prettier places to visit in the city. You get panoramic views over London and get to chill out in the indoor garden area. And the best thing is you get complete shelter from the rain! It’s also free you just have to book your space in advance.

THE BARBICAN CONSERVATORY

One of the quirkier things to add to your 7 day London itinerary, has to be the Barbican Conservatory. It’s a garden/ oasis that is completely indoors, which is great for sheltering from the rain. It’s located in the Barbican Estate and it was originally designed to hide the massive fly tower. It started with a few plants and things escalated quickly into the amazing conservatory we see today.

It is free to visit but you must book your space in advance

HAVE AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon tea is a very English thing to do. And there are so many incredible places to do this in London. One of our favourite spots is  Peggy Porschen . Not only is it incredibly pretty, but you can have tea and cafe whilst sheltering from the rain.

GO TO THE PUB

Another quintessentially British thing to do, is head to the pub. In fact your 1 week London itinerary will not be complete without a pub experience. They obviously provide some excellent shelter from the rain.

There are so many to choose from but our favourite is the Churchill Arms. You will know you are in the right place once you see the baskets of flowers that decorate the pub.

Spring is the best time to visit as all the flowers are in bloom. That being said they also go all out at Christmas as well. The closest station is Notting Hill Gate. The pub is about a 4 minute walk from the station.

If you are travelling to London with the kids you might be wondering what to do. Here are some suggestions for the best things to add to your 1 week London itinerary when travelling with kids.

SEA LIFE LONDON

Right next to the London Eye in Southbank you will find the Sea Life London Aquarium. It’s a popular attraction particularly if you are visiting the city with kids.

It’s a great experience for kids as they can see seahorses, piranhas, sharks and much more.

MADAM TUSSAUDS

Madam Tussauds is another top attraction for your 1 week London itinerary with kids. You can get your photo taken with wax royalty, as well as celebrities and sports stars. Plus there is also the Marvel Universe 4D experience which is a lot of fun.

SEE A MUSICAL

There are a number of kid friendly musicals in London at any given time. And many of these have lunchtime or early afternoon showings so you don’t have to stay up super late to go.

DIANA PRINCESS OF WALES MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND

If you are visiting Hyde Park as part of your 7 day London itinerary then make sure you visit the playground. There is a giant pirate ship for kids to discover, and it is one of the better playgrounds in London.

LONDON DUNGEON

The London Dungeon is probably better suited to older kids. I say this as a 30 something year old who screams every time she visits!

It’s an interactive and fun way to learn all about the gory history of London including Jack the Ripper, and Sweeny Todd. It can be a bit gory and you do have actors jumping out at you which is why it’s not great for really little ones.

IFS CLOUD CABLE CAR

Another fun thing to add to your 1 week London itinerary is the IFS Cloud Cable Car. It goes from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks and glides above the Thames in about 10 minutes.

Tickets cost £5 for a single trip for an adult, and £2.50 for kids.

HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOUR

Personally this is one of my favourite things to do in London because you can literally just sit there and watch the world go by. It’s a fun activity to do with kids, especially on a nice day when you get a seat on the open top part of the bus. You will get to learn all about the history of London as you pass the sights.

Here are some tips for planning your 7 days in London. 

• Book attractions in advance when you can
• Book restaurants and bars in advance to avoid missing out
• Bring decent walking shoes – because you will want to get out there and explore
• Be prepared for things to be more expensive than other parts of the UK
• Tipping isn’t customary in the UK, but some restaurants will add an additional service charge to your bill. You can request for this to be removed, but if the service was good do leave it. 
• Bring a waterproof jacket/ umbrella. It’s London- it rains!
• If you are not from the UK you should remember to look right when crossing a road. 
• Choose public transport over a taxi. It is way cheaper and you will get where you need to go much faster. 

London is massive and you honestly have so many places to choose from when it comes to eating and drinking. If you are spending 7 days in London we recommend that you explore a different area each evening. Some of our favourites include:

We highly recommend spending a bit of time around Camden as part of your 7 day London itinerary. The World’s End is a must when visiting. It is somewhat an institution in London and attracts an eclectic crowd. It is genuinely one of those places that you feel that everyone is welcome. 

Another favourite, particularly if you love indie music is the Dublin Castle . It is a live music venue/ pub with great music and chilled out vibes. 

Covent Garden/ Chinatown

If you are after something a little more upmarket Covent Garden is a great night out. With a mixture of pubs and cocktail bars you can never go wrong. We really like Eve which is a dimly lit cocktail bar serving some quirky cocktails in a sort of Garden of Eden type setting. Cocktails can be a bit expensive (£17 on average) but they are nice and it is a good place to stop by for a few drinks. You should book before visiting, especially if you are planning to go around 6pm/ 7pm as it gets very busy. 

Another quirky cocktail place is Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration . It is a speakeasy style bar with an around the world theme. Cocktails are grouped into location and there are quite a few to choose from. What we like about this bar is that it is a lot of fun without feeling pretentious. 

Our final recommendation of bars is Opium which is a little out of Covent Garden and situated in Chinatown. It is a 1920’s Shanghai themed bar serving some tasty Dim Sum as well. You definitely should book a table if you want to visit although they do try to fit you in, you just might be waiting for a while. 

If you are a first time visitor to London you might be wondering what traditional foods you should add to your 7 day London itinerary. Here are some of our suggestions.

Fish and Chips

I don’t know what is more quintessentially British then a good serving of fish and chips with mushy peas. If you are going to give them a try the best fish and chips are found at your local ‘chippy’ takeaway and not a restaurant.

English Breakfast

Commonly referred to in the UK as a ‘fry up’, English Breakfasts are very popular and a must try if you are visiting London. It includes things like eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, fried bread, mushrooms, tomatoes, and black pudding.

A good old London Pub

One of the things London is famous for (and the whole of the UK for that matter) is of course the pub. Pubs in London can be traced back to Roman times, where they started the idea of the Tavern, a place visitors, importers, and soldiers could visit to quench their thirst. Ale was one of the more popular things brewed in the UK, which is another must try when you are in London.

There are so many pubs dotted across London, although one of the prettiest has to be the Churchill Arms in Notting Hill.

Pie and Mash

No 7 day London itinerary is complete without chowing down on some good old English comfort food. And Pie and Mash is certainly one that we recommend. Originating as a working class meal from the Industrial Revolution, a good Pie and Mash usually consist of a steak and ale pie, fluffy mashed potatoes, peas, and then a whole lot of gravy.

If you are wanting to add some food tours to your 7 days in London here are some suggestions.

British food tour

If you are struggling to find the best places to go to indulge in some British food why not do a food tour. There are so many different tours to choose from that all guarantee good food, and good company.

Historical Pub Walking Tour

A 7 day London itinerary is not complete without a visit to the pub. So a pub tour is a great way to experience some of the more historic pubs in the city.

If you have a little bit longer in London or if you are wanting to explore a bit more of the UK as part of your 7 day London itinerary, you could do a day trip. Here are some of the best day trip ideas from London.

Oxford is another good choice for a day trip. You can do an organised tour like this one  that takes you to Oxford and the Cotswolds. Alternatively you can get to Oxford yourself by train in about an hour.

Surry itself might not sound like the most exciting place to visit but it is home to Denbies, a wine estate with wine tours and accommodation. If you are thinking of a day trip here, there are some wonderful walking trails and of course some wine tasting at the end. It takes about 1 hour to get here by train with a 20 minute walk at the end.

One of my favourite day trip options from London has to be Brighton. If you are looking for a beach escape this one is for you. On average it takes about 1.5 hours on the train to get to Brighton. This one is obviously weather dependant so try and plan this for a dry day.

Depending on what time of year you are visiting London you will need to pack accordingly. In the winter months make sure you wrap up warm with a heavy coat, scarf, and gloves.

If you are visiting in summer London can get quite hot so carry a bottle of water around with you (especially on the Tube), and wear sunscreen. Summer evenings can be chilly as well so bring a light jacket.

In general it does tend to rain a fair bit in London so an umbrella is a really good shout when visiting London. Or you could be a super tourist in one of those giant rain ponchos!!! Also make sure you bring a good pair of shoes with you because you will do a lot of walking in London we can guarantee it.

Short answer yes, London is quite an expensive city. Particularly in comparison to the rest of the UK where you might find items are a lot cheaper. In fact we judge how expensive London is in terms of the cost of a pint of beer. It depends where you go in London but a pint can cost you around £5 and up whereas in other parts of the UK you can purchase a pint for £3 or less in some places.

That being said a lot of things in London are free. The museums are completely free, and even seeing a lot of the attractions is free. It doesn’t mean you necessarily have to go in to them. The Tube can be costly and so is food and drink, but it also depends on how much you want to spend.

You might be wondering how much money you need for your 7 days in London. In reality London is a pretty expensive city. To put it into context a mid-range hotel room around the 3 star mark will probably cost you upwards of £100 per night. And these rooms tend to be small, particularly the closer you get to central London. If you stay a little bit further out you can save a bit of money but anything that you do save in hotel prices will probably end up being spent on transport trying to get back into Central London.

The good news though is that in terms of other essentials like transport, with an Oyster Card the Tube is capped at £7.70 per day as long as you stick to Zones 1 & 2. In fairness most of the tourist attractions are within this area anyway.

Tourist attractions can also be a little pricey depending on what you want to do. For example, a ticket on the London eye will set you back around £36. Obviously, it all starts to add up.

We would recommend budgeting around £100 – £150 per person per day not including your accommodation. You can spend less if you avoid actually entering the tourist attractions. For example, the London Eye is still pretty cool to see even if you don’t go on it. And you can further bring costs down by eating at cafes and local pubs as opposed to restaurants. Also as mentioned above do keep in mind there are tons of free things to do in London as well like museums and public gardens to help you save your pennies.

Speaking of money matters, London as well as the rest of the UK use Pound Sterling (GBP). We recommend carrying some cash on you for things like tipping, or emergencies, but you can get away with just using your credit card here too as most places will accept these.

If you do take out cash you will find that ATMs dispense notes such as £20 & £10. Although some may dispense £5 notes too.

 A £50 note is rarely used in the UK, and if you do find yourself with one, you might discover that a lot of places won’t accept this. And if they do, they may examine the note, to make sure that it is real and not counterfeit. Don’t take offense to this, this is pretty standard.

Coins are made up of Pence – and come in 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p & 1p. You will also come across £1 and £2 coins too. The £1 coins come in handy particularly for tipping, or paying for public bathrooms (as do the 20p).

7 days in London is a really good amount of time to get to grips with the city, explore the vast majority of the tourist attractions, and basically have a really good holiday. London is such a fascinating city, and there is basically an endless number of things to do. We have visited so many times now, and find something new and exciting to do each time we go. It might be expensive and overwhelming at times, but London is one of the greatest cities in the world, and we absolutely recommend visiting.

If you are still wondering if London is worth visiting here is a useful guide.

Or trying to decide between London and Dublin – here is a helpful guide.

Hopefully this guide will help you plan your own trip to the British capital and has answered your questions about what to do in London in 7 days. It really is an incredible city with so much to see and do. and if you plan ahead you will be able to cover a lot of ground in a week.  Don’t forget to Pin this 7 day London itinerary for later. 

And if you are trying to decide between London or Amsterdam or London or Manchester here are some handy guides.

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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I’ve been visiting London regularly for the last 6 years and there are still lots of places I’ve never been to. My favourite spots from your list are Camden (there’s such a great vibe there) and the Natural History Museum, mainly for the stunning architecture. The first time I went I barely noticed any exhibits, I was so blown away by the building itself!

I so agree. The Natural History Museum is just an incredible building! And Camden is probably one of our favourite places in London too.

this is the place to be http://www.tripindicator.com/view/attractions/london.html There is a large number of fascinating sights in this huge, lively city. Above all else, you’ll need to look at Buckingham Palace, regardless of the possibility that just to take a gander at it from outside, and on the off chance that you time it right you can see the Changing of the Guard. The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are in a split second conspicuous notable images of London. There are the vivacious markets, for example, the outstanding one at Camden where numerous a deal can be found, and brilliant road entertainers in Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Investigate the city’s terrible past at the London Dungeon, and see tremendous dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. For astonishing perspectives, move to the highest point of St Paul’s celebrated Dome or take a ride on the London Eye. For a fun day out with the children, go to the edges for a visit to Chessington World of Adventures or LegoLand in Windsor, which offer an assortment of rides.

You definitely listed up all the main things to discover in London! It’s been so many years since I was there, and your post makes me wanna go again 🙂

Aww thanks! There is so much to do and it always feels like so little time.

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Spend One Week In London – Example Itinerary For 7 Days

An example itinerary with the best places to visit during your seven-day stay in London

Day #1 – London Eye, Parliament, Horse Guards, Trafalgar Square

If you’re coming to London for a week then you’ll have plenty of time to do everything, so we’ll spend this first morning walking around Whitehall and ticking off all the landmarks there. You also want your first morning to be exciting so we always recommend a ride on the London Eye .

The great thing about the London Eye is that it only uses up an hour of your day (30 mins queueing, plus 30 mins on the ride), and you can try and spot all the places you’ll be visiting later.

When you’re finished cross over Westminster Bridge and take some photos of Big Ben and Parliament . Then look around Parliament Square and stroll across to Westminster Abbey .

Westminster Abbey is one of the most historic buildings in London and contains the tombs of Henry V (Agincourt), Edward V (War of the Roses), Elizabeth I (Spanish Armada) and Edward the Confessor (allow for 2 hours).

Now walk down Whitehall and stop outside Downing Street – the famous front door is halfway down the street on the righthand side, and if you get lucky then you might even see the Prime Minister.

Just past Downing Street is Horse Guards . There’s usually a big crowd of tourists around here, all taking it in turns to go up to the horses and pose for a selfie. Remember to walk through the central arch afterwards and have a look at the impressive parade ground.

Now return to Whitehall and keep walking in the same direction until you reach Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column .

Seeing as it’s your first day in London you might still be tired from all the travelling, so how about spending a couple of hours inside the National Gallery ? If you only visit one gallery all week then you should definitely make it this one – it contains works by the likes of Rembrandt, Renoir, Raphael, Titian, Turner, Da Vinci and Vincent Van Gogh.

It should be late afternoon or early evening by now so recommend walking to Leicester Square (3 mins walk) or Piccadilly Circus (another 3 mins walk) for something to eat.

Day #2 – Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Square Mile, The Shard

We’ll spend the second day of your holiday looking at some more landmarks across the other side of town. Let’s start at Tower Bridge because every tourist wants to see that. We don’t recommend going inside the exhibition.

Spend the next 3 hours inside the Tower of London . We recommend starting with an hour-long Yeoman Warder Tour that you can pick up at the entrance gate, and then you can explore the inside of all the towers at your own leisure afterwards.

After you’ve finished with the Tower walk up Great Tower Street and turn into Philpot Lane. Keep going into Leadenhall Market and admire one of the loveliest places in London – it looks like it’s been lifted straight off the pages of a Dickens novel.

Now walk along Cornhill towards Bank and take some photos of Mansion House and the Royal Exchange .

Now walk down King William Street, past The Monument on your left, and stop halfway across the river for a great photo of Tower Bridge.

You’ll know where we’re going next because you can see it rising a thousand feet above you – The Shard . You can see everything from up here. The viewing floors are so high that it almost feels as if you’re coming in to land on a plane.

Day #3 – SeaLife Aquarium, Globe Theatre and St. Paul’s Cathedral

The London Aquarium starts with a walk across the top of a shark tank, and then you can walk through a glass tunnel and see all the flatfish gliding silently above your head. They’ve also got a North Pole enclosure full of penguins (allow for 1½-2 hours).

We’re going to give you a choice of two options now, but you’re only going to have time for one.

Option 1 – Globe Theatre

Walk along the river until you reach the Globe Theatre . This is a reconstruction of the Tudor playhouse that stood here in Shakespeare’s day.

We recommend going on a guided tour , but if you don’t mind messing up the rest of the itinerary then you might like to watch a play . Unfortunately it’s an open-air theatre which means they only hold the plays during the sunny months (allow 1½ hours for the tour, and 3 hours for a play).

Option 2 – Tate Modern

Alternatively you might like to go inside the Tate Modern instead, which is home to the country’s largest collection of contemporary and modern art. If you enjoy works by Rothko, Pollock, Picasso, Dali and Matisse then give it a try (allow for 1½ hours).

Now cross over Millennium Bridge to St. Paul’s . You can’t spend a week in London and not look around Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. The crypt contains the tombs of Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington , and if you can brave the stairs the exterior dome has a fantastic view of the skyline (allow for 2 hours).

Day #4 – Kensington Palace, Natural History Museum, V&A, Harrods

Catch the tube to Queensway and walk through the park to Kensington Palace . Tourists know it as the palace where Princess Di lived, but Brits might know it better as the childhood home of Queen Victoria (allow for 2 hours).

Now walk across Kensington Gardens to the Round Pond, and then down to the Albert Memorial for a look at the Royal Albert Hall .

Don’t bother going inside the Royal Albert Hall because we’re going to give you a choice of three different museums – but you’ll only have time for two.

Option 1 – Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum probably has more animals than London Zoo , but all of them are dead. And we’re not just talking about fossils and skeletons either – most of them are stuffed. They also have lots of dinosaur bones (allow for 2½ hours).

Option 2 – Science Museum

The Science Museum has everything from computers, clocks and cars to planes, trains and spaceships. Best of the bunch are a life-size model of the Apollo moon lander and a hangar full of airplanes halfway up the building (allow for 2½ hours).

Option 3 – Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum is for people interested in art and design. The Cast Room contains models of the world’s most famous monuments, and they also have some paintings by the likes of Constable, Turner and Raphael (allow for 2½ hours).

When you’re finished walk up Brompton Road to the world’s most luxurious department store – Harrods . Even if you can’t afford to buy anything it’s still worth a look inside the food halls (allow for 45 mins).

Day #5 – Greenwich, Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory and Planetarium

We haven’t included a sightseeing bus in this itinerary because when you’re here for a week you’ve got plenty of time to see all the most important landmarks anyway – but a sightseeing boat is different. Sitting on a bus for an hour is boring. Sitting on a boat is fun!

Three are three boat companies in London: City Cruises , Thames Clippers and TRS , but we always recommend TRS because City Cruises are always too busy and Thames Clippers don’t have very many outside seats.

The hour-long journey from Westminster pier will take you past lots of landmarks including St. Paul’s , Globe Theatre , Tate Modern , Tower of London and Tower Bridge , before passing by the skyscrapers at Canary Wharf .

When you pull into Greenwich pier head to the Old Royal Naval College on the left.

The famous Painted Hall is like one big picture. The walls are covered in works by Nicholas Hawksmoor and it has been described as London’s Sistine Chapel. You can also look ins the chapel by Christopher Wren (allow for 45 mins in total).

There are three more places worth visiting in Greenwich but you’ll only have time for two:

Option 1 – Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is an old clipper ship that used to carry tea back and forth between Britain and China in world-record times. They’ve cleverly suspended it in the air so you can walk under it and explore all of the cargo decks and the crews’ cabins (allow for 1½ hours).

Option 2 – National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House

National Maritime Museum tells the story of the British navy and how it helped to spread the British Empire by expanding its trade networks all around the world. It has a very good exhibition about the Battle of Trafalgar which contains the jacket Nelson was wearing onboard HMS Victory .

Queen’s House is an architectural jewel by Inigo Jones, and contains the museum’s collection of naval artworks.

Option 3 – Royal Observatory

If you don’t mind climbing up Greenwich Hill then you can visit the Royal Observatory . Flamsteed House was built by Christopher Wren and still contains its 17th-century decor. The museum has a collection of old clocks and telescopes, but the real fun comes with a visit to the planetarium next-door (allow for 3 hours).

When it’s time for lunch we recommend the Gipsy Moth pub next to the Cutty Sark, or you can walk into the town centre and try one of the traditional little tea shops.

Note: depending on the date and which company you sailed with, your return boat might leave as early as 4 PM or as late as 9 PM, so remember to check their timetable. Alternatively you could just catch the tube from Cutty Sark to Westminster .

Day #6 – Day trip outside London

The great thing about spending a whole week in London is that you’ll have enough time for a day trip. Getting outside central London will help to break up your holiday. There are plenty of great places to choose from and we’ve included what we think are the best six below.

Option 1 – Oxford

Tourists will usually try and choose between Oxford and Cambridge but we think Oxford is definitely better. You’ve got the fantastic architecture of the old colleges, plus the Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum and Museum of Natural History – Oxford’s equivalent of the Natural History Museum (allow for 8-9 hours in total).

Option 2 – Cambridge

Cambridge is another beautiful university town full of cloisters, chapels and squares. The highlight of your day will be a visit to the world famous King’s College – England’s gothic masterpiece (allow for 9-10½ hours in total).

Option 3 – Canterbury

Canterbury is another chocolate-box town, but not quite as pretty as Oxford or Cambridge. If you want to visit here then it will probably be because of Canterbury Cathedral, to see the spot where the Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket was murdered by Henry II’s rampaging knights.

Option 4 – Bath

If you like the architecture of Oxford and Cambridge but want a bit of Roman history thrown in, the try the beautiful city of Bath . These are probably the best-known Roman remains in Britain. You can also visit the 12th-century Bath Abbey and walk along the famous Royal Crescent on top of the hill (allow for 8-9 hours in total).

Option 5 – Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest occupied castle in the world. It dates from the reign of William Conqueror and has been home to thirty-nine different kings and queens over the last 1,000 years. Windsor is also worth visiting for the pretty little town centre which looks like something on a chocolate box (allow for 5 hours in total).

Option 6 – Stonehenge

Another popular day trip with tourists is taking a train to Salisbury to visit Stonehenge . This neolithic stone circle could be as old as 5,000 years. It’s also worth visiting Salisbury Cathedral in the town centre (allow for 6-7 hours in total).

Day #7 – Changing the Guard, afternoon tea, theatre show in the West End

It’s your last day in London and we’ve saved some of the best things until the end. Let’s start with Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace was is high up on every visitor’s bucket list .

You ideally need to get there by 9.30 AM if you want a good view, but you’ll have to get there even earlier than that if you want to stand up against the railings. This means you don’t really have much time to do anything else beforehand because most of the attractions don’t open until 10 AM. Maybe you could just have a last look around Trafalgar Square before walking to Buckingham Palace (10-15 min walk).

We recommend going via St. James’s Park so you can get a great photo of Buckingham Palace from the central bridge. If you turn around 180 degrees then you’ll get a great shot of Horse Guards as well.

When the parade ends at 11:30 AM walk through Green Park and turn right until you see the Ritz Hotel .

How about treating yourself to one of their famous afternoon teas ? It takes place in the Palm Court and they insist that everybody dresses smart, so make sure you check their rules beforehand. You should be able to make the 1.30 PM sitting easy enough, but you need to book a table at least 2-3 months in advance.

If you want an afternoon tea that’s slightly easier to book then try Fortnum & Mason instead. You’ll find it a short walk down Piccadilly. This is second-poshest shop in London after Harrods, and where Buckingham Palace buys its groceries from – so if it’s good enough for the Queen then it should be good enough for you!

Hopefully your afternoon tea will be finished by about 3 PM, so walk down Piccadilly until you reach Piccadilly Circus . We’ve set aside the next three hours for you to do some last-minute gift shopping. Regent Street is one of London’s busiest shopping streets. Hamleys, Liberty and Carnaby Street can be found up by Oxford Circus, and Selfridges is at the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street. If you want some corny tourist gifts like cups, mugs and magnets, then try the shops around Leicester Square .

How about spending your final night in the West End and buying a ticket to one of the musicals . Most of the big shows start at 7 PM or 7.30 PM. If you want some last-minute discount tickets then check out the TKTS booth in Leicester Square .

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 1 Week in London Itinerary

It’s time for another London itinerary. My London travel guide series has been a popular one, and today I want to continue the tradition. I’ve shared my ideas for how to spend anywhere from 1 day to 6 days in London, and now I want to share my 1 week in London itinerary with you.

1 Week in London Itinerary

You can do a lot with a full week in the UK capital. Whether you stay here the whole time or spend a day or more further afield, there’s no shortage of things that can keep you entertained.

I suggest starting with my 6-day itinerary and spending your final day exploring some secret London spots.

Secret London

I’ve written about some of my favorite secret places in London , and with 1 week in London it’s easy to spend a day discovering a few of them.

Whether you head north to take in the Pergola Garden and South End Green or west to marvel at quirky Eel Pie Island , there’s a lot you can uncover in a day.

Alternatively, you can focus on exploring one of the under-the-radar London neighborhoods . I’ve written about many of them, and each one has enough to do to fill a day and let you live like a local in London.

From the great parks and picture galleries in Dulwich to the colorful doors in Ladbroke Grove , theses areas are worth venturing out to see.

If you love food, east London has no shortage of pop-up restaurants and tucked-away cafes that come and go with the seasons. With 1 week in London, you can go to several of them.

It’s easy to spend a day indulging in some of the lesser known spots, and worth exploring the ever-improving culinary scene in the city.

The same goes for London’s shops. While there’s lots of shopping on Oxford Street, some of London’s most beloved retail outlets are independent boutiques filled with creative designs by local makers.

From Hackney to Highbury , Brixton to Balham, there’s a lot to find in these places.

If your passion lies in discovering London’s past, there’s no shortage of hidden spaces to explore in a week in London.

I’ve written about my favorite London architecture from the 11th century through the 21st, and some of the buildings on the list are secreted away in plain sight.

If you want to explore more places like the ones in this section, Secret London – An Unusual Guide will help you find them. If you’re in the UK, you can get it here . If you’re in the US, you can get it here .

More London in a Week

But maybe you haven’t seen enough of the rest of London yet. My previous itineraries have included a lot of options, so if there’s something you haven’t covered, you can always spend your last day doing it.

Whether it’s exploring some of the city’s small museums or taking a walk through the parks or mews , there are a lot of ways to spend your time.

Or maybe you’ve fallen in love with the areas outside of London. There are a lot you can see with 1 week in London.

You could easily dedicate your last day to taking another day trip from London or your last two days to going on an overnight getaway to the Cotswolds or another part of Britain.

1 Week in London

The good news is that there’s no right or wrong way to craft your 1 week in London itinerary. Pick what appeals to you most, and leave the rest for a future trip.

Because after you’ve spent 7 days in London, I’m sure you’ll want to come back for more.

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How to Spend One Legendary Week in London

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-10-25

Spending a week in London is an exciting experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list ! This amazing city is packed with history, art, and delicious food. It’s hard to decide to take an entire week for one city, but trust me: you need it for London.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Why One Week in London?

There is so much to see in London, you could honestly spend weeks here. But we don’t all have that kind of vacation time or money.

One week in London gives you enough time to submerge yourself in city life, hit your top 5 must-see sights, and have a backup day or two in case it rains. You’ll be a pro at using the Tube, London’s underground trains, by the end of the week and will have completely tuned out the cheery reminder to “mind the gap!”

Now, I’m guilty of packing in as much sightseeing as possible into my vacations. City adventures are nonstop, and my feet will ache at the end of every day from all the walking. My husband, however, is not a huge fan of aching feet. So I’ve learned to break up city itineraries with time off our feet .

I chose London for my first one week vacation abroad, but then decided to add Paris and split the week over 2 cities. (I blame the ease of access between cities via the Chunnel. Hop a train in London and cruise under the British Channel and into Paris in just over 2 hours. Too easy!)

Normally, three days is a reasonable amount of time to get a good taste of a new place. See a few favorite sights, try several restaurants, and devour at least 3 desserts…

Believe me when I say that 3 days is not enough for London or Paris.

But sometimes 3 days is all you can afford to spare because you’re actually adding a weekend of castle hunting onto the end of a work trip. Or maybe all you’ve got is a 24hr layover as you’re passing through.

If you’re in a hurry, check out this guide for planning one day in London or pick one of these itineraries for a weekend in London .

Fair warning : it will leave you wanting more and wishing you had more days to explore. (Who are we kidding? That’s every vacation ever.)

How to Schedule a Week in London

When you have a full time job, you have to ration your paid time off (PTO) to get the most vacation bang-for-your-buck.

Maximize vacation time but minimize PTO days used by taking advantage of weekends.

In particular, target holiday weekends for international trips . The UK doesn’t celebrate Labor Day on the same day that the United States does, so you get the extra time off without all the extra tourist/traffic you would at a destination in the US.

Don’t forget to check your destination’s holiday schedule, too . Otherwise, you may show up to a shuttered business that’s closed for a holiday you didn’t know about. (Hello Whit Sunday in the Bahamas…)

Pro Tip : There are a lot of cheap and free things to do in London , so don’t limit your time just for expenses!

Itinerary for One Week in London

This one week itinerary for London assumes you lose a day to travel, both when departing and when returning home.

So say you leave Friday night and don’t arrive until noon on Saturday. And if you’re flying west to return home, assume you lose a full Sunday. Any extra time you have on that first Saturday or last Sunday is bonus time!

That leaves a full 7-day week for your London adventure! With a couple of exceptions, all the activities listed are flexible and can be moved around as needed for weather.

Or when you oversleep that first day. (Jetlag is real , folks.)

Here’s how I’d spend one week in London:

>>Buckingham Palace

Start with the most famous royal residence , open for visitors when the Queen is out of town. Tight security and long lines are typical, but the State Room tour is worth it to feel like a visiting diplomat.

The State Rooms are gold-gilded to the ceiling and simply stunning! Admire wall-sized paintings of past monarchs as well as paintings from famous artists like Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt.

The tour ends in the garden at the back of the palace. A café is available for visitors, and you can eat lunch in Buckingham’s famous garden. Whenever you’re ready to break the spell, stroll through the garden, past the gift shop, and out the back.

>>Changing of the Guard

Watch those iconic guards in their red jackets and beaver hats march in to Buckingham Palace to relieve their counterparts. This happens every day during the summer at 10AM on Sundays and 11AM the rest of the week, so catch it when you can.

Fair warning : crowds will swarm the area, traffic will stop, and you won’t be able to move for most of the ceremony. You can get fantastic photos if you stay on the Victoria Memorial in the middle of the street, but bobbies will ensure you cannot leave until the ceremony is over. #worthit

Come back later, after the crowds have dispersed, to get better pictures of the palace without all the people.

>>St James’ Park

Stroll the park, enjoy the lake and the swans, and maybe grab a drink and sit for a bit on a bench and enjoy people watching. The crowds from the Changing of the Guard ceremony disperse pretty quickly, but it’s nice to sit and watch rather than fight with the crowd.

>>Thames River Ferry

Continue out of the park, past both Westminster Abbey and Palace, and to the Westminster Millennium Pier to hop on a City Cruises river ferry. This cruise provides a unique perspective for photos of all the amazing sights along the river! Ride all the way to Greenwich Pier for some amusing commentary and new info about the city as you cruise.

>>Greenwich Observatory

There is a lot to see in Greenwich but the top of the list for first-timers should be the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian : 0° 00’ 00” longitude on a map. This imaginary line separates the eastern and western hemispheres of the world. Straddle the line and stand in both hemispheres at once !

Exit the ferry and walk past the Cutty Sark ship, the University of Greenwich, and the National Maritime Museum, and on into Greenwich Park. The observatory is on the hill above.

It’s a steep hike at the end. But there are plenty of places at the top to sit and rest and take in the amazing views of the City of London.

Once you’ve got a picture of your feet in both hemispheres at once, head back down the hill (oh so much easier). Depending on time, explore some of the other sights in Greenwich or catch the last ferry back to central London.

>>Churchill War Rooms of the Imperial War Museum (IWM)

See where Winston Churchill led the British people through the Blitz. It is fascinating to see how they lived and worked underground while being continuously bombarded for eight months straight. Keep calm and carry on, indeed!

>>Horse Guards Parade Ground and 10 Downing Street

Re-emerge at street level and continue north (parallel to St James’ Park) to the Horse Guards Parade Grounds. Cross the grounds and pass through the tunnel, out to Whitehall street on the other side.

See a very well-behaved horse guard (and his human) on duty, but don’t tempt the horse to misbehave.

Turn back south towards Westminster and catch a glimpse of 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence. You won’t be allowed down the street so continue on to Westminster Abbey.

>>Westminster Abbey

This church is gorgeous and steeped in history, having seen the coronation of every monarch since 1066. Although, most people visit just to see the famous scientists, politicians, royals, composers, and authors that are interred here.

Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and George Frederick Handel are just a few of the well-knowns buried here.

An audio guide will ensure you don’t miss anyone, but strolling through with a pamphlet is also good for those short on time.

>>Westminster Palace

Home of the UK’s Parliament and open for visitors when Parliament is not in session. Grab an audio guide for a crash-course in the history of the palace and a bit about British Parliamentary procedure.

Begin in Westminster Hall: admire the amazing wood-timbered ceiling and find historic plaques in the stone floor for William Wallace and Thomas More as well as Winston Churchill, George V, and others.

Next is St Stephen’s Chapel. Stand in awe of the gorgeous stained glass, statues, and beautifully tiled floor . Finish with a tour of the House of Lords and House of Commons and their respective red and green decors.

>>Kensington Palace

Start the day with some history at Kensington Palace. You will not see Prince William or Duchess Kate or the children on this tour, but you can see how three different eras of monarchs once lived here. The Stuarts, the Hanoverians, and Queen Victoria all have their own fascinating stories to tell.

Not to be forgotten, Princess Diana also usually has an exhibit or two on, and you can see the Golden Gate on the south side of the Palace where thousands of mourners left flowers after her death.

>>Hyde Park

Once you’re done exploring Kensington, grab some ice cream from the café and head into the Gardens and out into Hyde Park. This wonderful green oasis in the middle of the busy city is the perfect place to spend some down time.

Stroll the many paths and stumble upon art galleries and memorial markers , or watch the swans on the Serpentine lake. Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s husband) and Princess Diana both have memorials on the south side of the park.

Walk to the northeast corner and find Speaker’s Corner and the Marble Arch. You’ll find the Wellington Arch and Queen Elizabeth Gate at the southeast corner of the park.

>>Afternoon Tea

When in London, embrace the tradition of afternoon tea! There’s something just so English about sitting down for tasty finger sandwiches and decadent pastries over a pot of tea.

Splurge on a reservation at Claridge’s to do afternoon tea right. Or, for a more reasonably priced afternoon, check with your hotel for their afternoon tea recommendation. There is no shortage of places across the city to try for afternoon tea.

>>Window Shop on Bond Street or in Knightsbridge

Get in a walk to help digest all the delicious pastries you just ate at teatime. Visit Harrod’s in Knightsbridge or go window shopping on Bond Street. Stroll past all the world’s finest luxury retailers, like Chanel, Cartier, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton.

>>Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery of Art

Check out those magnificent lions and Nelson’s Column. Then head inside the free art museum to browse the masters at your leisure. Some of you could spend all day here. Others could be in and out in an hour.

>>Leicester Square

A few blocks on the other side of the National Gallery is Leicester Square. Get some fresh M&M’s of every flavor at M&M’s World, or grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in London’s Chinatown. You may even stumble upon a movie premiere here if you’re lucky!

>>Hampton Court Palace

Navigate to Waterloo station and hop a train to Hampton Court Palace via Surbiton. About 45min outside of London, this royal palace was the favorite home of King Henry VIII (the one who went through six wives). Exit the train and walk across the river to the palace.

Leave yourself plenty of time to explore both the palace and the gardens. There’s also a hedge maze to conquer and see The Great Vine: the world’s largest grape vine. (Weird flex, bro.)

>>Stroll the South Bank area

Once you’re ready to head back to London for the evening, return to Waterloo station and head out to the South Bank for some dinner, ice cream, and night time wandering. The South Bank at night is magical, all lit up. If you’re a photographer, don’t miss this opportunity!

Reserve tickets for the London Eye, and see fantastic aerial views of the city lights!

>>King’s Cross station (optional, unless you’re a Harry Potter fan)

Harry Potter fans on their first trip to London have to visit King’s Cross station. Get your picture taken as if you’re passing through the barrier to Platform 9 3/4! Then check out the gift shop for all the Harry Potter gear you didn’t know you needed.

>>Sherlock Holmes Museum

Fans of the books and/or movies will appreciate the opportunity to step into the world of Sherlock Holmes in Victorian England. Get here early for little to no line and tour the legendary detective’s apartment at 221b Baker Street with a witty Victorian era-clad tour guide.

The gift shop next door sells tour tickets and has some funny odds and ends for souvenirs. Hard core enthusiasts can even find an official pipe, magnifying glass, and hat from their favorite character.

Explore the neighborhood a little further when you’re done at 221b Baker Street. Nearby bookstores also have fun and unique Sherlock Holmes souvenirs, sometimes for a better price.

>>Windsor Castle

The Queen’s weekend home showcases impressive State Rooms, Queen Mary’s legendary dollhouse, the Round Tower, and St George’s Chapel. Windsor Castle is open for visitors when the Queen is not in residence and is well worth the visit, even though it is outside of London.

Pro Tip : This castle has its own Changing of the Guards ceremony and is a great way to enjoy the pomp and circumstance with significantly smaller crowds than you’ll find at Buckingham Palace.

Hop a train at Paddington station and arrive in the town of Windsor in about 30min. Expect airport-style security with metal detectors and x-ray machines for small bags at the castle entrance.

>>Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the top 5 things you must do the first time you visit London!

The Tower has at various points been a castle & fortress, a royal residence, the Royal Mint, a prison and execution ground, a menagerie, and currently, home to the British Crown Jewels .

Catch a Yeoman Warder guided tour for a hilarious good time and to learn a bit along the way. Also note: you can’t get in the Chapel without a Yeoman Warder unless it’s 30min before close.

All other areas of the Tower of London are accessible without a guide, including the White Tower’s armor and weapons displays and the Crown Jewels exhibit.

>>Tower Bridge

Another iconic must-see sight for first-timers in London. Check out the full guide here.

Check the schedule online and time your visit to coincide with a bridge raise! Walking across the Skywalk between the towers is already a cool experience, watching cars and double decker buses below. But time it so you’re on the Skywalk when the bridge deck raises and see the River Thames and a boat beneath your feet, too!

The Victorian Engine Room exhibit is across the river on the south bank side, but you should also book a behind the scenes guided tour to see the Control Cabin, Machinery Room, and the giant Bascule Chambers, which still raise the bridge today. This tour is always sold out so book ahead!

>>British Museum

Open late on Fridays, the British Museum is a free history museum with exhibits from around the globe. The building itself is an architectural wonder, and the Great Court is Instagram-worthy.

The Rosetta Stone was discovered by chance and unlocked the key to deciphering ancient hieroglyphic writing in Egypt’s ancient tombs and temples, and it’s on display here at the British Museum.

The Easter Islands, Mayans, and ancient Egyptian cultures all have their own exhibit halls as well. If you get hungry, there are a couple restaurants on-property to fill you up.

>>St Paul’s Cathedral

Go early in the day to avoid crowds and see the cathedral gorgeously awash in the rising sunlight. Brave the winding stone staircase and climb to the Whispering Gallery in the dome for another amazing view of the church below. Check availability for a guided tour further up the dome and even see outside.

Don’t forget the crypt below! See memorials for Wellington, Nelson, and Florence Nightingale. The crypt is well-lit and surprisingly spacious; not gloomy or creepy at all. The gift shop and small café are also located at the far end of the basement, outside of the crypt area.

>>Millennium Bridge

From St Paul’s, head south to the river. Cross the Thames via the pedestrian only Millennium Bridge. Get your own iconic photograph with St Paul’s in the background. Harry Potter fans : be on the lookout for dementors, just in case.

>>Globe Theatre

Exit the bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is immediately to your left.

A historical replica of the original structure, and just a few hundred feet from its original 1600’s location, the Globe still puts on open air theatrical productions. Catch a show if you have time!

>>Thames Riverfront

There is so much to see along the Thames riverfront. Exit Millennium Bridge right in front of the Tate Modern (Art Museum with free wifi ). If you’d rather skip the modern art, turn left and just keep walking along the river until you’re tired.

Spot the aforementioned Globe Theatre and carry on to the Clink Prison Museum , the Winchester Palace ruins , and Sir Francis Drake’s ship: the Golden Hinde . Southwark Cathedral deserves a minute of your time, and then stop by Borough Market .

Another few blocks and you’ll find the Old Operating Theatre Museum and the Shard skyscraper, to end the day with beautiful sunset views!

What are you most looking forward to on your next week in London?

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 36 US states and 14 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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This post has 2 comments.

This is a great post! I love London so much! I could keep going back and still never feel like I’ve had enough time! I don’t know that I will ever see everything but this is a great list of things to do for people that have never been to London before!

Completely agree! It’s definitely one of my repeat destinations!

Comments are closed.

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England , Europe , Travel

Perfect london itinerary.

This is the perfect London itinerary for a week in London. See all the main sites and a few unique ones as well. 

The perfect one week in london itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links.

I’ve spent a lot of time in London over the last few years, and countless hours organizing itineraries to London for friends and families who visit. London is one of those places that you could live your whole life in and still not behold all its wonders. The best things to do in London England are not simply the main sites, but the hidden gems as well. 

I’ve tried my best to create this itinerary for one week in London for the first time visitor that will cover a broad range of interests while seeing the most iconic sites in London along with some lesser-known, more quirky sites. I’ve also included some of my favorite spots to eat. This itinerary for one week in London should allow you to walk everywhere you go, depending on where you are staying. You can arrange these however you want.

Here's a Short Cut

Where to Stay in London

Need more london inspiration, before you go to london, easy london itinerary, interactive london itinerary map, click here for the map, 1. full english breakfast at regency cafe, 2. westminster abbey, 4. london eye, 5. afternoon tea at the library lounge, 6. south bank, 1.  juice & public, 2. leicester square, 3. trafalgar square, 4. the wolsely, 5. buckingham palace and horseguards, 6. 10 downing street, 7. covent garden dinner, 8. catch a show, click here for map, 1. pret a manger, 2. kensington palace, 3. eat at wagamama for lunch, 4. victoria & albert museum, 6. wander through hyde park, 7. dishoom indian food, click here for map 1. simply tasty cafe & kitchen, 2. tower of london, 3. tower bridge, 4. lunch borough market, 5. shakespeare’s globe theater, 6. st paul’s, 7. rules.

•  1. Daylesford Organic

2. Notting Hill

2. portabello road.

• Click Here for MapHarry Potter Tour:

Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios

1. biegel bake or cereal killer cafe, 2. explore brick lane, 3. dickens museum and/or british museum, 4. fryer’s delight, 5. piccadilly circus, 6. tea at the ritz.

If you’re planning your stay for a week in London and you want to minimize your traveling time, it’s important to stay in a good location. We have a few favorite places that we have stayed in, but it really depends on your group size and interests. 

We stayed in this beautiful house in London over Christmas and it was perfect for our family. 

Here is a list of some amazing and affordable apartment rentals in London

If you’re looking for more information on London, don’t miss my other great articles about my favorite city!

London Travel Guide London Transportation Guide: How to Get Around London 115 Amazing things to do in London A Guide to London with Kids Harry Potter London Vacation Paddington’s Guide to London The Best Day Trips from London Christmas in London

Before you go to London, you’ll want to purchase the London Pass. This will save you tons of money! It includes entry to over 80 attractions, including:

• Tower of London • Hop on Hop off Bus Tour • Thames River Cruise • Windsor Castle • Westminster Abbey • London Bridge Experience and London Tombs • Tower Bridge Exhibition • London Zoo • Kensington Palace & The Orangery • Hampton Court Palace • ArcelorMittal Orbit • Arsenal FC Stadium (Emirates Stadium) • Apsley House • Banqueting House • Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour • Benjamin Franklin House • Best LDN Walks tour around Royal London • Cartoon Museum • Chelsea Cinema • Chelsea FC Stadium Tour • Chelsea Physic Garden • Chislehurst Caves • Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms • City Cruises • The Courtauld Gallery • Curzon Mayfair Cinema • Curzon Soho Cinema • Eltham Palace • Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art • Eton College • Fan Museum • Foundling Museum • Guards Museum • Handel House Museum • Household Cavalry Museum • HMS Belfast • Imperial War Museum London • Jason’s Canal Boat Trip • Jewel Tower • Kew Gardens • KIA Oval • London Bicycle Tour Company • London Canal Museum • London Motor Museum • London Museum of Water and Steam • London Legends Walk • London Transport Museum • London Wetland Centre • Lord’s Cricket Ground • Monument • Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising • Museum of London Docklands (with guidebook) • Museum of Rugby • National Gallery • National Theatre Backstage Tours • Old Operating Theatre Museum • Pollocks Toy Museum • Queen’s Gallery • Queen’s Ice & Bowl • Renoir Cinema • Royal Albert Hall • Royal Mews • Royal Observatory Greenwich • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre • The British Museum (entry to one exhibition)  • The Postal Museum • Tour & Exhibition • Southwark Cathedral • Tate Britain • Tate Modern • Wellington Arch • Wembley Stadium Tours • Wernher Collection at Ranger’s House • Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum • Wimbledon Tour Experience

If you’re looking for an easy, stress-free way to plan your trip to London, this itinerary is a must! It walks you through what to do each day and provides interactive maps and detailed information along with tour and accommodation recommendations. This guide has helped thousands of people plan trips to London with ease.

I’ve created this interactive map for you to use. There are 7 layers or “routes,” with every day being a separate layer. You can open this up on your phone into Google Maps. 

Day 1: London’s Main Sights

Day 1 of this London itinerary will show you around London’s main sites so that you can be sure you see all the important things from the beginning! You may be tired and jet-lagged today, but it’s important to push through! If you sadly, only have one day in London, I recommend starting with this day’s itinerary and then fitting in as much as you can from day 2. 

It’s your first day in London, be sure to start it off right with a full English breakfast. What’s that you may ask? Well, besides a walking heart attack, it’s usually bacon, sausage, eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushroom and toast, and no one dishes out a great no-frills full English like the Regency Cafe.

After you’ve gorged yourself, you’ll have a half-mile to walk to Westminster Abbey. So much history is found here. If you are interested in British history or literature at all, you will love this!

Walk around the corner just one block away. There’s not a more iconic sight in London than Big Ben! “Big Ben” is actually the name of the bell inside the tower and the tower is called the Elizabeth Tower. But everyone lovingly refers to this part of the houses of parliament as “Big Ben” and it’s one of those iconic pieces of architecture that does not disappoint in real life. The best views are found on Westminster Bridge. Watch out for selfie sticks!

NOTE: Poor Ben is covered in scaffolding for the next 2 years! It’s expected that renovations will be finished in 2021, making this a 5 year project! 

Time to walk across the Westminster Bridge to the London Eye. You’ll get a fantastic view of the city from the top of this 443-foot tall Ferris wheel on London’s Southbank.

Just behind the London Eye you’ll find the Library Lounge in the beautiful Marriott County Hall. Enjoy a filling afternoon tea with fantastic views of the London Eye and Houses of Parliament.

Southbank is a fun area near the London Eye along the Thames with a  roller rink called BUMP, a skate park (seen on Sherlock) and a hot chocolate stand called Beltane & Pop (they “adult” hot chocolates too). You also get the lovely view of the London Eye and Big Ben across Westminster Bridge all lit up at night!

If you’d like the help of a local seeing the main sites of London, consider booking a tour with a true Londoner! 

Day 2: More Main Sights & a Show

After indulging on your Full English Breakfast yesterday, it might be time for something a bit healthier. Try a smoothie or juice at Juice & Public.

Then head over the short distance to Leicester (pronounced Lester) Square, where you’ll find tons of movie theaters, awesome street performers, the cheap theater tickets booth (stop here for tonight’s tickets), the M&M Store and more!

Head on over to Trafalgar Square and hang out with the pigeons in Trafalgar Square and don’t miss the world’s smallest police station!

Stop into the Wolsely for a fancy lunch at this iconic restaurant.

Walk off your delicious lunch to visit the queen at Buckingham Palace. If you time it right you can catch the changing of the guard. You can check the times here . If you’re lucky enough to be in London during the months of August or September, you can tour the staterooms of the palace. 

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Ever wonder the exact address of the Prime Minister? Walk by his front door here.

Walk to Covent Garden to take in the performers and ambiance. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from here. Hang out here until it’s time for your show.

Most of the theaters will be around this area. Be sure to get your cheap tickets in the morning at Leicester Square. SEE WHAT’S PLAYING HERE

Day 3: Palaces, Parks, Museums

Start your day off at Pret A Manger, which you can find all over the city and offer juices, smoothies, sandwiches, and prepackaged healthy food.

Immerse yourself in British history with this interactive Palace turned museum. You can try on Victoria era clothing and play a game of cards!

This modern Japanese inspired food will be a nice change to all the meat pies and fish and chips you’ll be eating this week. CHECK THE MENU HERE

Walk down the road to the world’s largest mueum of decorative arts and design. The best part? It’s free! If that’s not for you, try out the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum across the street.

Take a little shopping break at this luxury department store. Be sure to head downstairs to the grocery section for snacks. If you go at Christmas time this place is an expensive wonderland.

Wander through Hyde Park and work up an appetite on your way to dinner on the other side of the park.

Indian food is a staple in London. Hit Dishoom London for some beautiful and authentic Indian food! 

If you have time, take this Hidden London Tour with my friend Fabian. Learn interesting history of this amazing city. 

Day 4: Ancient History

It might be time for another full English breakfast, or try something new. This traditional shop serves breakfa st all day, so don’t worry if you get up late.

The Tower of London is not to be missed. See the crown jewels and hang out with the beefeaters! They’re not just tour guides, but decorated veterans and all-around awesome people!

This is one of the best views of Tower Bridge so be sure to get a picture when you’re done at the tower. You can also go to the top of Tower Bridge, which is really amazing. There is a glass floor where you can look down at the River Thames. My kids love this! 

Cross the river either on Tower Bridge or London Bridge next door and wander on over to Borough Market to grab some lunch! There are so many options here, you may have a hard time not trying them all! If you have time, take a market tour with a local and learn about all the amazing food in London! 

After filling up on tasties from Borough Market, waddle on over to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. You’ll need to take a tour to see the inside of the Globe, or, even better, see a show if you’re there from April-October.

There has been a St. Paul’s church at this site since 300 AD. The church has been burned and rebuilt 3 different times. The current St. Paul’s was the tallest building in London for over 200 years. You can pay to go inside or just walk around the outside, either choice is impressive!

After a one mile walk, treat yourself to a fine meal at London’s oldest restaurant, Rule’s, established in 1798 and frequented by the likes of Charles Dickens and Charlie Chaplin. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance. BOOK HERE

Day 5: Notting  Hill

  1. daylesford organic.

If you’re looking for a healthy, organic breakfast, this place is fantastic! SEE MENU HERE

This affluent West London district will make you wish you could move into one of the adorable pastel terraced victorian houses and never leave. Wander the streets and take the perfect Instagram picture until you get hungry again. I recommend taking a fun photo tour that will show you all the most beautiful places in Notting Hill! 

Day 6: Harry Potter 

Day 6 of this London itinerary is ALL about Harry Potter! If you’re not a Potterhead, feel free to skip this day, but you’ll honestly still enjoy the tour even if you’re not. The guides discuss a lot of the connections between London and Harry Potter, but you’ll also get a lot of interesting history and information. 

If you’re really into Harry Potter, you may want to add an extra HP day to your London itinerary. Definitely read my guide to Harry Potter London! 

Click Here for Map Harry Potter Tour :

Today is ALL about Harry Potter! If you’re not a fan, you can skip this day, but you’ll still be seeing some awesome sights. Alternately, you can book a Harry Potter walking tour here . 

• Westminster Tube (Closest tube to the Ministry of Magic as seen in The Order of the Phoenix)
• Downing Street (Muggle Prime Minister’s Office and location of communication between the Muggle PM and the wizarding world)
• Horseguards Avenue (Ministry of Magic Staff Entrance as seen in Deathly Hallows Part 1)
• Scotland Yard Place/Horse Guards Avenue (Ministry of Magic Visitors entrance as seen in the Order of the Phoenix and Deathly Hallows Part 1)
• Trafalgar Square (Location of the final Harry Potter film premiere)
• Cecil’s Court (aka Diagon Alley)
• Godwin’s Court (aka Knockturn Alley)
• The Palace Theatre (home to the ‘The Cursed Child’ – the 8th story in the Harry Potter franchise)
• St. Paul’s ( Geometrical Staircase as seen in the Prisoner of Azkaban)
• Millennium Bridge (Rebuilt after the attack by the Death Eaters! (then a walk past Shakespeare’s globe)
• Leadenhall Market
• Finish your day off at King’s Cross Station for Platform 9 3/4 and the Harry Potter Shop . I you want to take pictures pushing your trolley through Platform 9 3/4, I HIGHLY recommend buying the VIP photopass, which will mean you can skip the long photo lines while also pre-paying for your photos. I think it’s so much fun and totally worth a stop on your London itinerary. 

Alternatively, you can also take a visit just outside London to the Harry Potter Studios where you’ll be treated to Butterbeer and be able to see some amazing things from the set of the movies! It’s a special place for sure! 

Day 7: Shopping & High Tea

Start your day off in Brick Lane. Once associated with slums and the scene of the crime for the Jack the Ripper murders, Brick Lane is now an edgy and artistic area. Start your day off with breakfast from either Biegel Bake (most amazing bagels ever) or if you’ve got a sweet tooth, head to Cereal Killer Cafe and have your pick from hundreds of cereals from around the world in any kind of combination you like. Or have both, I won’t judge!

After you’ve gorged yourself on bagels and cereal, wander around Brick Lane and do some shopping. You never know what you’ll find. Be sure to stop in at Dark Sugars, for some seriously amazing and different chocolate!

It’s up to you if you’d like to do both or just one. Both of these museums are fantastic. If you’re a major Dickens fan, go to the Dickens Museum. It’s small and will only take you about an hour.

This is a no frills chippy, but the fish is good and the chips are crisp!

The Times Square of London, Picadilly Circus is the crossroads of London.

If you want to finish off your trip to London with a bang, book yourself an afternoon tea at the Ritz London, where you’ll be treated like royalty! Make reservations ASAP as they book out quickly! Plan on this for dinner, because those little delicious sandwiches are endless! BOOK HERE

I hope this is the perfect London itinerary for you and that you fall in love with this city as much as I have! What else would you add to this to make it perfect? Email me at [email protected] and let me know!

Be sure to follow my London Pinterest Board for more ideas!

Wanderlust Crew

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7 Day London Itinerary: Plan a Perfect Week in London

We recently spent one week in London and, as you can imagine from a travel planner, I spent a lot of time thinking about our London itinerary before we left. One thing that always surprises me about planning a trip to London is just how much there is to do in the city. While 7 days in London seems like a long time, you will be surprised by how quickly your time fills up.

With 5 days in London, you will have enough time to hit all of the highlights if you are smart about how you organize your time. However, I’d recommend planning a week in London to leave some time for day trips to places like Stonehenge, Oxford , or Bath , or specialty tours. Based on our own trip, and my experience planning multiple London trips for other families, I’ve put together this 7 day London itinerary as your very own cheat sheet to planning an awesome trip.

Wondering how much a 7-day trip to London costs? Check out my London trip budget guide .

7 Day London Itinerary with Family

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

I’ve created this 7-day itinerary with London for families in mind, taking care not to overstuff the days racing from attraction to attraction. Trust me, it is easy to fill every second of the day and still not see everything in London. But since that will make most kids miserable, I’ve tried to balance out sightseeing with some downtime and included the must-see attractions that are appealing to families with children of all ages.

We visited London with our teen (see more things to do in London with teens ), but this is a trip that will appeal to school-age children and tweens as well. If you do plan on visiting many of the attractions and historical sights listed in this London itinerary, you may want to look at investing in the London Pass.

Day One – Arrival

If you are coming from the United States, you will likely arrive pretty early and have a lot of time to kill on not much sleep before you are able to check into your hotel. Ideally, you can book a room for the night before so that you can check in as soon as you arrive, but at a minimum try to request early check-in.

We stayed in two different locations in central London, which I will explain more about later. The first, the Royal Garden Hotel , was near Kensington Palace and Hyde Park, with easy access to the Tube. The second, the Athenaeum Hotel & Residences , was within easy walking distance to most of central London in Mayfair. For more options, also check out the top family-friendly hotels in London on TripAdvisor.

If you decide on an apartment rental , be sure to work out luggage storage with the property managers so you don’t have to lug your bags around until check-in time.

If you do need to kill some time, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a good way to get a sense of the city without expending too much energy.

You can also spend some time relaxing in Hyde Park. In nice weather, you can rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine. Young children will love the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, or you can take a tour of Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens.

We loved staying at the Royal Garden Hotel, just steps away from Kensington Palace. We spent our time until our room was ready taking in the Princess Diana exhibit at Kensington Palace . That night we took advantage of the hotel’s food and flicks package to watch a movie and order up a room service buffet of fun treats.

Whatever you do, don’t overdo it on your first day because you want to save your energy for the rest of the trip. This is your day to get acclimated and seek out those classic British experiences (like a family photo in a red telephone booth!)

Day Two – Royal London

If you start your day early, you can fit in many of London’s most recognizable attractions for a big “wow” factor on your first full day. Start off at Westminster Abbey, the coronation church since 1066 and the burial spot for many of England’s most famous authors, poets, and royalty, including 17 monarchs. With over 1,000 years of history, this has been an important historical landmark for centuries.

It is highly recommended to book online tickets and ticket sales open up two months in advance. If you aren’t taking a formal tour , at least rent an audio guide so you can understand what you are looking at.

Depending on how much time you spend in Westminster Abbey (allot at least one hour) and when you started, you may be able to catch the Royal Horse Guard Parade . This can be a nice alternative or complement to the more well-known Changing of the Guard (and it is much easier to get a better viewing spot.)

The Queen’s Life Guard changes daily during the Horse Guards Parade at 11:00 on weekdays and   10:00 on Sundays. The Horse Guards leave Hyde Park Barracks at 10:30 on weekdays and 9:30 on Sundays to ride to Horse Guards Parade via Hyde Park Corner, Constitution Hill, and The Mall on their way to the guard change ceremony.

The New Guard arrives at Horse Guards Parade at 11:00 am and the ceremony lasts about half an hour. The Old Guard leaves Horse Guards Parade at 11:30 and passes Buckingham Palace at 11:45 am. Just be sure to check the schedules in advance as they can vary by season and depend on any royal appearances.

From there, walk down to the River Thames for a boat trip down to the Tower of London. The London Pass will get you into Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and includes a Thames River Cruise, or you can just buy a hop-on, hop-off boat tour ticket.

Or, you can take a faster water taxi using your Oyster Card . An Oyster Card is a transportation pass for the Underground Metro. You can get a Visitor Pass and load it up depending on how much you think you will use the Tube during your stay. Either way, arriving at the Tower of London via the Thames is reminiscent of how prisoners or visitors were brought to the Tower back in the day and it is a cool way to cruise through the city.

I would highly recommend a tour of the Tower of London . I know the first time I visited, we mainly went to see the Crown Jewels and nothing else really stuck with me, but there is so much history there to soak up. The Tower of London was built in the 1070s by William the Conqueror and has been a prison, royal armory, royal mint, and even a zoo.

For 500 years, the Tower was used by monarchs as a luxurious palace, but today it is more well-known for some of its most infamous prisoners and the mysteries surrounding some of them. With all the history, you can see why I recommend visiting with a guide. Walking around on your own is fine if you just want to see the Crown Jewels or the Ravens, but the rooms are rather bare without the stories that fill them.

You can always take one of the public Yeoman Warder tours, but you may end up with a group of 40 people. We saw those around the grounds and I imagine it would be very hard to hear and see in a group that large, let alone ask questions.

What we did was take a half-day tour that included Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London , which worked out great. If you are visiting London around Christmas , like we did, you can expect really long lines to get in. Luckily your guide can navigate lines and get you fast-tracked.

If you need lunch beforehand, take a walk over to Leadenhall Market. This covered market is filled with boutiques, shops, restaurants, and bars, and was even used in filming Harry Potter as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley.

If you don’t want to go out of your way, there is also a small cafe on-site at the Tower of London that serves meat pies and small snacks.

After spending a couple of hours exploring the Tower of London, I would recommend walking across the Tower Bridge and visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition . Tower Bridge is the iconic bridge that many of us think of as “London Bridge.” Today you can walk across the Bridge on high-level glass walkways for stunning panoramic views.

You can also go into the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms and see the engineering magic behind this landmark.

Day Three – City of London

If you didn’t catch the Horse Guard Parade yesterday, make sure you get to Buckingham Palace early for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Be sure to plan ahead and check the schedule , especially if you are visiting in the winter as the ceremony doesn’t happen every day in the winter.

If the ceremony is taking place at 11 am, I would recommend arriving at the Palace NO LATER than 10:30 am (10:15 or even 10 am would be better to get primo spots by the fence.) Expect big crowds so keep an eye on your children and your purses/bags.

You may want to bring a selfie stick to take pictures above the crowds. You can also gather by the monument across from the palace and still get a good view of the guards as they march in.

After the parade, walk through the Mall over to Trafalgar Square. It is always fun to pose with the lions in front of Nelson’s Column. You can also stop at the National Gallery in the Square (admission is free!)

From here, walk through Leicester Square (you may want to check out the giant Lego Store) and over to Covent Garden for lunch and some shopping. Try Chez Antionette for fresh soup, tartine, and charcuterie, or make a reservation at Dishoom for some excellent Indian food (you MUST try the Black Daal!)

If you aren’t too tired, continue on to St. Paul’s Cathedral . You can visit and see where Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married. St. Paul’s is open to visitors Monday through Saturday. It opens for visitors at 8:30 am on most days and 10:00 am on Wednesdays and the last visitors can enter at 4:00 pm.

You can buy tickets right up until the time of entry, but it is recommended that you purchase them in advance. You can even climb to the top of the Dome for views over London.

Day Four – South Bank

Start your day at either Westminster or Waterloo station and get some good views from the South Bank side of the Westminster Bridge of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

After catching your photo opportunity, head over to the London Eye . I’d highly recommend booking in advance so you can skip the line when you arrive.

If you don’t want to worry about arriving at a certain time, you can always buy a Flex ticket that lets you skip the line at any point during the day that you reserved.

This could be a good idea to give you more flexibility to work around the weather. When we visited we booked a timed-entry ticket and it was great to skip the line, but there wasn’t a very big line anyway because it was rainy. The rain definitely impeded our views from the top, but it was still a fun experience.

Stop for lunch at Black & Blue near Waterloo or Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe . If you can continue to walk along the waterfront, you will pass the Millennium Bridge and arrive at Shakespeare’s Globe.

You can stop in for a guided tour of this reconstructed theater or visit the Tate Modern museum.

End your exploration of the South Bank at the fantastic Borough Market . Just make sure you save some room after lunch to sample some of the tasty food stalls and shops. Borough Market is the oldest and largest food market in London, with a focus on quality food, sustainable production, and social interaction. Nearby, you can see filming sites for both Harry Potter and Bridget Jones’ Diary.

There are also plenty of other things to do on the South Bank, but some are really touristy (e.g. SEA Life Aquarium) and these will give you a more authentic experience. If you have some extra time, you may want to try to catch the sunset from the viewing gallery at The Shard, a skyscraper comprised of office space, residences, and restaurants and bars. The viewing platform is on floors 68, 69, and 72, almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in London, offering 360-degree views for up to 40 miles.

Day Five – Museums and more

There are many museums in London (and so many are free!) but one that you can’t miss is the immense British Museum . There are eight million artifacts to see, so it is best to explore the museum with a guide . I should recognize that many of these artifacts were taken from their native homes and that is something to explore as you talk to the kids about colonialism (and rewatch the museum scene in the Black Panther.)

If you are visiting London with kids, make sure to find a family-friendly guide that can orient the tours to capture the imaginations and spark the curiosity of kids of all ages.

Set aside at least half a day to explore the museum. Afterward, stop into Hamley’s, the world’s largest toy store, to delight the kids. Or, enjoy some ice cream sundaes at the Fortnum & Mason department store.

Today may also be a good day to schedule an afternoon tea. After all, that is a must-do when in London and there are so many options that are kid-friendly. There is the science-themed afternoon tea at the Ampersand Hotel, the Arcane Wizard’s afternoon tea at the Wands and Wizards Exploratorium, and the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tea at One Aldwych, along with many others.

Day Six – Shopping and Special Interests

You won’t run out of things to do with 1 week in London, but make sure you leave time for the things you really enjoy. As major Harry Potter fans, we enjoyed a day out at the Warner Bros. Studio Making of Harry Potter tour . Between transportation and time on site, this really ends up taking nearly a whole day from your London itinerary.

Just make sure if you plan on doing this that you book your tickets months in advance because they sell out really early!

We also spent part of one of our days taking a Harry Potter Black Cab driving tour to see all the Harry Potter attractions in London. See my post about Harry Potter sites in London for my full review of both the Studio Tour (spoiler alert: totally a must-do for Harry Potter fans) and the Black Cab Tour (spoiler: only for true die-hards.)

If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, I have to say I found that museum pretty disappointing. There are so many options depending on your interests from a Beatles walking tour, Dr. Who walking tour ,  ghost tours , a street art tour , and even a Paddington bear tour .

You may also want to visit some of the classic London department stores like Harrod’s or Claridges. And take time to go to the theater. This could also be a good day to visit some other London attractions like Churchill’s War Rooms, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Kew Gardens, or Nottinghill.

If you enjoy food and drink (who doesn’t?), you may want to look at a gin tasting tour or an evening SoHo food tour .

Day Seven – Day Trip

If you have one week in London, you should have enough time to plan at least one day trip. Popular day trips include Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath. You can visit Oxford or Bath as a day trip by train on your own, or book a guided Stonehenge and Bath day trip .

We wanted to do something on our own but didn’t want to drive. So we took a custom day trip with British Tours to Stonehenge and Oxford . Our driver-guide Michael did an excellent job explaining Stonehenge’s fascinating history and showed us all the Harry Potter tie-ins at Oxford.

Located about 1.5 hours from London, a Stonehenge day trip is one of the most popular for families. There is just something about those mysterious prehistoric stones that fascinates kids and adults alike — especially families like ours that have a special interest in sci-fi and fantasy. After all, isn’t it fun to imagine that those stones were placed there by aliens? (But don’t worry, they weren’t.)If you are visiting Stonehenge on your own, you will want to spend some time in the visitor center to understand its history. You will park at the visitor center up the road and then take a shuttle over to the stone circle. You can no longer walk right up and touch the stones, as barriers have been erected to preserve this historical site.

Our driver-guide Michael from British Tours filled us in on the history of Stonehenge on the ride up from London. We don’t really know the purpose of the stones, since they are 5100 years old (built around the same time as the pyramids) and pre-date written history.

We don’t know what is special about the area, but we have to assume that the whole area was considered sacred as there is also another mini Stonehenge nearby. The smaller stones are 5,000 lbs. and they came from Wales 125 miles away. It is mind-boggling to consider how the ancient Druids crafted and moved these stones when the wheel hadn’t even been invented yet and there was no metal yet to use to shape the stones. The larger stones came from only 25 miles away but they are tens of thousands of pounds!

Oxford is another great day trip pick for families. There is enough to see that you could spend a weekend in Oxford . This university town is both quaint and rich in history. In warmer weather, families can enjoy taking a punting boat out on the river. But one of the main draws for us (and other families) is that it was the filming site for many scenes in the Harry Potter movies. If you visit on your own, you can join a Harry Potter walking tour. But since I told British Tours that this was important to us, our driver guide Michael was able to focus much of our visit on seeing these sites.

Oxford used to be called Oxenford (where oxen crossed or forded the Thames to be brought to market), but it became a place for study after students were thrown out of the Sorbonne in France because of a war in the 1200s. They came to Oxford to study and it grew until it was granted status as a University. Today, the University of Oxford has 38 individual colleges.

There is so much to see in Oxford you can really spend at least a full day but our Oxford tour started off at New College, where Michael pointed out the Cloisters, which were used for many hallway scenes in the Harry Potter movies. You can also see the tree where Draco Malfoy was turned into a ferret.

After lunch we visiting the Great Hall at Christchurch College, which was where they filmed scenes for the dining hall at Hogwarts. And the staircase was where McGonagall greeted all the first year students in the first movie. Something about it just makes you want to put on a robe, head into the library and start studying (magic or something else!)

Oxford is such a wonderful place to visit for those with a literary bent. Famous authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, Lewis Carroll and others have spent time in Oxford and it is fun to follow in their footsteps.

Visiting both places was a full day, departing at 8am and returning to our central London hotel by 6pm. In the summer, it would be light longer and attractions would stay open later. If that was the case, we would have included a stop in the village of Lacock in the Cotswolds, another Harry Potter filming site.

So there you have it, a London itinerary with 7 days jam-packed full (but not too full) of fun!

Getting to and around London

Most airlines from the USA will fly into London Heathrow (LHR) airport, although you may find some that go into London Gatwick (LGW.) If you are looking for cheap flights to London, you may want to look at discount airlines like Play Airlines through Iceland, or use miles and points on JetBlue or American Airlines (or other OneWorld Alliance Members.)

We actually found cheap flights (under $500 per person just before Christmas) on Aer Lingus through Dublin. While it took a little longer, it was worth the cost savings and if you have more time, you can always combine a trip to London with 3 days in Dublin .

If you fly into Heathrow, the fastest way to get to Central London is on the Heathrow Express train. This high-frequency train service provides a 15-minute journey from London Paddington Station to Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3, with an extra six minutes to Terminal 5. A free transfer is available to Terminal 4.

Alternatively, the average price of a cab from Heathrow to central London is £90. If you want to arrange a private transfer instead of waiting in line for a cab, it will only cost a little bit more.

Once you arrive in London, you will want to learn how to use the Underground metro to get around. The “Tube” as it is called in London is easy to navigate. The Underground is divided into nine zones and all of central London is covered by zone 1. There are 11 Tube lines in all, so you just need to identify the line you want to take, the endpoint of the direction in which you are traveling, and the station you want to get off at.

The Tube fare depends on how far you travel, the time of day, and how you pay. The Oyster card or contactless payments are the cheapest way to pay for single fares. An adult cash fare on the London metro for a single journey in zone 1 is £5.50. The same Tube fare with a Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card or contactless payment card is £2.40. 

A Visitor Oyster Card is a smartcard that lets you pay for journeys on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, River Bus, and most National Rail services in London. You put money on your Visitor Oyster card and use it to pay as you go. You can purchase the Visitor Oyster Card before you travel and it will be delivered to your home and ready to use when you arrive.

Where to Stay in London with Kids

Note: We received a media package at the Royal Garden Hotel and hosted stay at the Athenaeum, all opinions are my own.

Royal Garden Hotel

The Royal Garden Hotel is located just outside of Kensington Gardens, nestled between Hyde Park and Millionaires Row on a sought-after piece of real estate on Kensington Road. With some rooms overlooking the park, the location really offers the best of both worlds.

It is convenient to all major attractions (Tower of London, London Eye, etc.) with the Kensington High Street tube station just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Yet you also have the peaceful views of the park with easy access to fun and play. It is a five-minute walk to Kensington Palace and just 10 minutes to the Princess Diana Memorial playground. The Royal Garden hotel even offers loaner scooters to families that want to spend time enjoying the park!

The Royal Garden Hotel décor has the feel of an upscale business hotel – clean and classy without a ton of personality. We stayed in an Executive Room and it was surprisingly spacious for the three of us. I didn’t have a chance to tour other rooms but the Executive Room with a king-sized bed and full pullout sofa bed is plenty of room for a family of four with two small children or a family of three with a teenager.

The bathroom was also quite large with both a tub and stand-up shower. Of course, it always makes me happy when a hotel offers a heated towel rack, robes, and slippers – especially when I want to warm up after a chilly, wet day exploring London. Some of the other luxe perks that I appreciated were the turndown service with complimentary bottled water, complimentary shoe shine, and no additional charge for breakfast room service – this really helped us get out the door on time in the mornings!

Since we stayed for four nights, we had time to enjoy all three of the Royal Garden Hotel’s restaurants. The kid-friendly Park Terrace restaurant offers pretty views and a generous breakfast buffet (so it pays to book a package that includes free breakfast), as well as options for lunch and tea. Bertie’s Bar offers light bites, perfect for when you need just a little snack after indulging at high tea. For a splurge, the Min Jiang restaurant on the tenth floor offers authentic Chinese cuisine with beautiful views over Hyde Park.

Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

For the latter part of our stay, we switched over to the Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, on Piccadilly in the Mayfair neighborhood. This is a great location in the heart of London, just a couple of minutes’ walk to the Green Park tube station. Buckingham Palace, Fortnum & Mason department store, Hamley’s toy store, and Trafalgar Square are all within a five-to-ten-minute walk.

The Athenaeum really prides itself on making you feel at home. Every time we walked in, it was “Welcome home Mrs. Gruber” and when we left “Have a good day Mrs. Gruber.” The deluxe rooms are a bit tight for a family of three once you bring in the rollaway bed, but the Athenaeum also offers family rooms and luxury serviced apartments with fully-equipped kitchenettes.

The design and decor are luxurious and fashionable, while still feeling comfortable and child-friendly. The lobby is small but a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of tea and watch the foot traffic along Piccadilly. It was especially beautiful all decked out in its Christmas finery.

Just off the lobby is 116 at the Athenaeum, featuring local produce from independent farmers across the United Kingdom for a modern take on classic British dishes. We had dinner at the restaurant on our second night and enjoyed the braised venison shoulder, Dingley Dell bacon chop with bubble and squeak, and the parsnip and cider soup. For pickier eaters, there is also a children’s menu.

Upstairs, it was all about comfort. Our deluxe room was cozy and the bathroom was also much smaller than the family-sized bathroom at the Royal Garden, but the decor and touches were all about stylish luxury. You couldn’t beat our views over Green Park and, for overlooking Piccadilly, the room was surprisingly quiet.

The Athenaeum also provides the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel — robes, slippers, turn-down service, a coffee maker, and a mini-fridge with free coffee, tea, milk, juice, and water. With such luxurious comforts, stand-out service, and a convenient location, I would have loved to stay even longer at the Athenaeum.

Looking for more information?

If you are planning a trip to London, be sure to also check out these posts:

• Trip to Lond on cost
• Festive things to do in London at Christmas
• Ultimate fan guide for Harry Potter attractions in London

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

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Publish Date: November 23, 2022

4 thoughts on “7 Day London Itinerary: Plan a Perfect Week in London”

The ITINERARY appeared to be ok. How ever I think you could have visited more places in London in seven days. Good to see that South Bank was in list of places to visit. Thanks you very much, I like your experience in London.

I am sure we could have but we like to make sure we have downtime on our trips too.

As a Brit who has visited London many times and because my brother-in-law is a yeoman warder at the tower of london ( so he and my sister live inside the tower so thats where I get to stay 😉 )I have to say this is a pretty good ITINERARY although maybe exhausting.One always seems to spend an inordinate amount of time on the underground.

My one tip for visitors. If you are British contact your MP for a free visit around the house of Lords and commons – it is your right to claim one. If you are a foreign visitor but have british friends get them to contact their mp so they can take you for free. I also recommend the 24hr open top bus ticket and remember you get a free boat trip too and access to walking tours. There is also a Jack the Ripper Walk that starts at 6pm near to Tower Hill Underground station. Make sure the leader is an off duty Yeoman warder (beefeater) because they are the best tours. Good Luck

Thanks for the feedback Rob! I tend to plan to keep us busy but then cut things out if we are tired or time runs short 🙂

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How to Spend the Perfect Week in London

Oh, London! City of culture and queens, castles and cathedrals. So much to see! Here’s our one week in London itinerary to help you along!

The ancient city of London thrives today as one of the world’s foremost financial centers, a beacon of history and art, and the home of iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. “The Smoke” has endured multiple city-wide fires, Viking invasions, the reign of Jack the Ripper, and the bombings of World War II, giving it grit and heritage that’s hard to rival. Our one-week in London itinerary is jam-packed with castles, gardens, museums, and cathedrals, as well as some of the finest theatre shows on earth. Few cities in the world merit an entire week to explore, but London is one of them! We would highly recommend that you spend at least five days in the city for your first visit, but if you have a full week, you can fit in a few short day trips too.

Writer Note: London was one of the first international trips that I took purely for pleasure. After years of traveling and countless cities, London is still among my very favorite places on earth to wander. I rarely revisit a place once I have conquered it, but London is a city I go to time and time again, and one that never gets old.

Let’s Roam Locally

For a fun way to explore a week in London and cities all over the globe, download the Let’s Roam app and check out our Local Guide. Our travel experts and locals from all over the world have filled this section with their favorite tourist attractions, restaurants, and hideaways. It’s a wonderful way to explore the major sites and a few unknown ones too! You can even get in on the action, by uploading a picture of your favorite find in London and giving us a full explanation of why you love it. The platform grows by the day, as intrepid travelers like you add in their must-see spots.

In our interactive app, you’ll also find the “Palaces, Parks, and Piccadilly Circus” scavenger hunt! This app-guided tour of London’s West End packs a major punch. You’ll compete in ciphers, word scrambles, and photo challenges with your crew to earn points, all while learning interesting facts about St. James Palace, the oldest playhouse in London, and Buckingham Palace. It’s the most adventurous way to explore London, and we think you’re gonna love it!

Orientation to London

Straddling the famous River Thames, London is a massive city. Thankfully most of the famous royal and historical sights are centralized in a small portion of the sprawling city. The A501 (and a piece of A3220) encircle the heart of Central London, encompassing Chelsea, Westminster, Victoria, Covent Garden, and Mayfair, and most of your time will be spent within this confine.

Walking the streets of London is truly a feast for the eyes. It’s an enduring place of wonder where a surprise lies around every corner. The population hovers around a whopping nine million, but thankfully the world’s oldest public transit system runs like clockwork and keeps everyone flowing smoothly. You will need to become familiar with the tube system, which is thankfully very easy to utilize.

Where to Stay in London

It will be tempting, when looking at the price tags of Central London hotels, to score a deal outside of the city center. While I’m all for bargain travel, London is one of those places where you really should splurge on a room in Westminster, Kensington, or the West End. The cost of transit, and the time wasted, to come into the city every morning is not a good use of your limited hours. The South Bank also has some nice options, or you could venture slightly outside the barrier to Shoreditch.

Public transit within Central London is cheap, but it gets more expensive to hit the exterior zones. Plus, if you stay in Central London, though it’s a maze of old walkways, it isn’t that large and is really quite walkable. If you have ever experienced rush hour at King’s Cross or Piccadilly Circus tube station, you realize how valuable a walkable neighborhood is. Save yourself the hassle, and get the best deal you can within walking distance of major sites.

Travel Tips for London

England’s capital is a fairly easy city for most travelers to work out. If you’re coming from the United States, then there’s (relatively) no language barrier, though my English mates would beg to differ. While most things are pretty self-explanatory, there are a few tips that will help you navigate the beast, not miff the locals, and save a few dollars in this notoriously expensive city.

The London Pass

London, wonderful as she is, will try to bleed you of every pound and pence if you aren’t careful. For busy tourists who plan to see all the big sites, The London Pass is a no-brainer. This sightseeing pass comes in several options, depending on how many consecutive days you need. The seven-day pass is £145, which is a hefty price tag, but it covers over 90 attractions and tours, and popular sites in London carry steep price tags. You will save money by getting the pass if you hit all the places on this itinerary. For instance, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London both cost close to £30. The hop-on-hop-off bus tour is £40. So, just on those three sites, you have spent £100.

If you plan well, you could get the pass for three or four days and save a few more dollars. You will just need to organize your itinerary well (more on that later). The pass is based on consecutive days, not 24-hour periods. That means if you start your days on Monday, it doesn’t matter if you start at 8:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m., Monday counts as one day. Therefore, you need to start early in the day and plan your sights to see as much as you can on the days that your pass is valid.

You used to have to order the pass and have it shipped, but now everything is digital, and the program comes with a stellar app that will help you plan your trip with ease! In short, if you plan to see more than three of London’s major sites, then the pass is worth it. It allows you to skip the line as well and comes with some other perks like free audio guides and gift shop discounts. You can also tack on a public transit pass, which leads to our next tip.

The Oyster Card

The Oyster Card is a simple public transit card that gets you onto all major transit options in Central London and the surrounding area. It comes preloaded, and you can easily top-up at any metro or train station. Buy it in combination with your London Pass, or score one at any metro station or train station. There is a £5 refundable deposit that you’ll get back when you return your card. It’s cheaper and much easier than buying multiple transit tickets along the way.

The Number II Bus

If you don’t get the London Pass, which includes a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of London, you can take the same route for much less by jumping on the Number 11 Bus. It takes you past Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Strand, and much more. It’s an economical way to get your bearings on the city with just a swipe of your Oyster Card.

The Theatre

While your days will surely be filled with historical sites and museums, don’t forget about your nights! London has a world-renowned theatre scene in the West End, and the musicals are to die for. To enjoy the scene like a local though, head for the National Theatre or the Old Vic for a huge variety of excellent shows.

Love Theatre is a great website for finding out what’s on in the city and getting tickets.

Handy London Apps

We have already mentioned that the London Pass App is a must for sightseeing in the city, but there are a few others that you’ll also find helpful!

Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt App

Let’s Roam is loaded with fun-filled scavenger hunts that allow you to explore London on foot for just a few dollars. You’ll learn important facts and compete with your travel crew in photo and video challenges along the way. Also, check out the Local Guide within the app for a collection of restaurants and sites suggested by locals and other travelers that will add some insider info to your planning.

You need this fabulous public transport app! It tells you the quickest route between any two points and lets you choose which type of transit you would like to use. Citymapper, in combination with a downloaded map of London from Google Maps, should have you navigating the city with ease.

Tube Map App

The tube can get pretty crowded, and sometimes it’s hard to maneuver your way to the wall map. Good thing there’s Tube Map App! Keep a full map of the tube and your next stops in the palm of your hand, no pushing necessary.

Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App

Rick is the king of Europe, and his walking tours are fantastic! They provide quirky facts, free audio guides for major spots, and excellent information on opening days, hours, and budget tips. His app also has wonderful interviews with tour guides that can help you with your trip planning.

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is London’s famous shopping lane, but honestly, in the age of mass consumerism, there are no stores that you aren’t familiar with. It’s crowded, and it’s not that pretty. There is better and more unique shopping in SOHO and Shoreditch.

The River Bus

Like the Number 11 bus, The River Bus can save you big bucks when compared to tourist Thames River cruises. It runs from the far east of the city to the far west, though you would have to take multiple boats. You can, however, get from Waterloo to Greenwich on one float, and it will cost you a fraction of the tourist boat tours.

The Tipping Rules

Tipping in England is more compulsory than in mainland Europe, but still not as prominent as in the United States. For nice restaurants, you’ll usually see a 12.5% surcharge already added. There is no need to tip above that. If no charge is seen, then 10-15% is satisfactory for London. There is no need to tip at pubs or bars.

A customary tip for taxi drivers would be £1-2, but we would suggest strongly limiting your taxi usage. It’s not a budget-friendly option in London. Tipping your bellhop is expected if they help you with bags. Again, £1-2 pounds is sufficient. London workers receive a minimum wage, not like in the United States, so tipping is expected, but not detrimental if you forget.

Note about Water Bottle s

Food and drinks are expensive in the city, but the tap water is clean and drinkable. Fill up on free hydration and carry a few snacks in your day pack.

Sky Garden for Breakfast

The Sky Garden is a popular place to catch some of the best views of London, and it’s free! You do have to have a ticket though, and they can be hard to score. You can book online, but they come out on Monday mornings, sell out fast, and you often are booking for weeks in advance. The best way to see this green space is to book a table at the garden’s brasserie for breakfast. It opens thirty minutes before the garden, and you can eat your reasonably-priced breaky in front of the view, with little to no one else around.

“Mind the Gap” and Manners

Londoners sometimes get a rep for being aloof. They aren’t, and if you need help, they will likely drop everything to get you out of a pickle. That being said, British people, in general, are very polite! Therefore, mind your manners. Never cut the queue. Stand on the right on the escalators and subways to leave room for those in a hurry to get past you for work. Don’t stop in the middle of busy sidewalks to take photos or perform Tik Tok dances in areas where people are trying to get to work. Say “thank you” to the bus driver. Just use general good taste and be respectful of others, and you’ll be treated well in London.

Tickets Please

You should just assume that you need an advanced ticket to most of the major sites in London. While you could chance to get theatre tickets at the last minute, there’s no guarantee. Many of the tours sell out, and even some free items need a reserved time ticket. This takes lots of planning, but if you want to ensure that you see it all, that is the way of it. Even if you have the London Pass, check the websites of your intended attraction and make sure that you don’t need to reserve a time.

We’ll start by saying that the gray, rainy days of London are real, but they aren’t as prominent as some would have you believe. Unless you just get unlucky, you’re not going to get rained on all day every day. However, you should pack a light rain jacket and a sturdy umbrella. Alternatively, you could skip the umbrella, and just use the occasional shower to duck into a pub!

Time for Tea

You’re in the UK! It’s unacceptable to not take some time to enjoy a cuppa. As stated, it’s going to rain on you at some point anyway, so tuck into a classic pub or tea house and wait out the drizzle with a fresh cup of Earl Grey. Brits generally drink Earl Grey with honey and lemon, given its lemon-center Bergamot flavoring. However, many of their other teas are served with milk and sugar. Don’t get too bent out of shape with the tea rules. London is a multicultural place, and there’s a lot of leniency in the tea-drinking arena. Just know that “cream” to the Brits is clotted cream, and it’s for scones and the like. Just ask for milk.

Most of London’s major museums are free, which is a gift to the world. You can visit Tate Modern, the British Museum, the Museum of London, and the National Gallery for zilch! London also has glorious green spaces in Hyde Park, St. James Park, and Regent’s Park. Borough Markets has tons of tasty free food samples. Peruse the glorious street art of East London for free as well. Brick Lane and Sclater Street, in Shoreditch, always have nice pieces.

Express Trains

Both major London airports have “express” trains into the city. These are a scam. The trains still have multiple stops. They shave off less than ten minutes from your journey, and they can cost up to £15 more than the normal train. Always check the prices of your train tickets online and book in advance, but generally, the express trains are not a good value.

The Perfect Seven-Day London Itinerary

This seven-day itinerary will help you visit London efficiently and without tons of excess walking. It’s a plan built for first-timers. London is filled with hidden gems that you can come back and explore one day, but on your maiden voyage, you need to hit the standards. They are famous for a reason. Even if you have been to London multiple times, you may choose to revisit some of these iconic sites for a second peak!

Day 1—Getting Your Bearings

The best flights land at Heathrow or Gatwick early, so you can board your bags, and hit the pavement! Your first day is ideal for a hop-on-hop-off bus tour on one of London’s famous double-decker buses. Then stretch your legs with “The Magnificent City of London” scavenger hunt. Spend your afternoon touring the exquisite collection at the British Museum where you can lay eyes on the Rosetta Stone, statues from the Athenian Parthenon, and the giant bust of Ramses the Great. You will be close to the Royal Opera House should you like to spend the evening taking in an operatic show or ballet, or catch the Olivier-award-winning production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre.

Alternate Option: If you’re a true Potterhead, you can choose to take the Harry Potter Studio Tour and the Warner Bros tour in Watford for one of your day trips.

Day 2—Old School

Today you’ll see some of the oldest major sites that London has to offer. Start your day with Rick Steve’s Westminster Walk in your handy app (don’t forget your earbuds). Then, take a tour of Westminster Abbey. The gorgeous cathedral is the burial place of the most famous Brits, a testament to the genius of old English architects, and the wedding chapel of the royals. Give yourself a couple of hours to take in the history of this iconic site.

Stroll along Westminster Bridge to get up close and personal with Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. Take some time to enjoy the incredible architecture and snap a few photos. If it interests you, you can check the parliamentary schedule and sit in on a meeting.

After you get your fill of Westminster, catch the train to Windsor Castle and spend your afternoon exploring the largest and oldest continually-inhabited castle on earth. Wander the gardens. Explore the staterooms, and visit Henry VIII’s grave in St. George’s Chapel. Windsor sits in a lovely little village with some shopping and nice eateries outside the castle wall. Take some time to explore, or snag your dinner there.

Day 3—Banks of the Thames

Today, you’ll meander along the tiny lanes near the River Thames. If you’re staying in Southbank, then it will be a short walk for you. If you’re staying in any of the other suggested areas, head for Millennium Bridge and cross over the Thames to the land of Shakespeare. Your day begins with a tour of the gorgeous re-creation of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Take some time to enjoy this historic area of the city with a walkabout. This neighborhood is one of the most charming in the city. You catch a glimpse of the Shard too.

After you have worked up an appetite, grab lunch in the massive International Food Market inside Borough Market. There is food from every corner of the earth, and you’ll smell the deliciousness from blocks away. The United Kingdom is certainly not famous for its food, but contrary to popular belief, London has plenty of tasty treats, though most of them hail from somewhere else. Exception: Fish and Chips! If you want to try the traditional dish and keep within the Shakespearean era, then skip the market and visit the lovely Anchor Bankside for fish and chips. Both options are just a short walk from the Globe.

After lunch, head across Tower Bridge to the Tower of London. Stop along the bridge for some photos and a view of the much-less-stimulating London Bridge. Give yourself several hours to explore the Tower of London complex. Tour the White Tower, and the Crown Jewels exhibit, and take in all the historical readings. You could also opt for a guided tour by the Yeoman Warders, or score tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys , a 700-year-old tradition of the guards. After the tower, stop in the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral. Consider staying around for the free evensong. Then, step back in time to Victorian Whitechapel on a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour.

Alternate: If you wanted to reverse the order of this day, it would be the perfect day to do breakfast at the Sky Garden, as it’s near the Tower of London.

Day 4—Royal London

For those who love all things royal, this is your day! Start your morning with the changing of the guards outside Buckingham Palace. The changing of the guards usually takes place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:00 a.m. and on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. You will need to get there early and try to place yourself along the black fence in front of the Victoria Memorial. The procession will come down the Mall, but the actual guard ceremony occurs inside the courtyard of the palace, so it’s easiest to view from the fence. If you’re visiting in summer, you can follow that with a tour of the palace, Queen’s Gallery, and the Royal Mews.

After your visit to Buckingham, walk down the Mall alongside St. James Park on the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk. Then, visit the Churchill War Rooms for a little history lesson. From there, stroll through Hyde Park, admiring the war memorials and Wellington Arch. Cross over the Serpentine and into Kensington Gardens. From there, proceed to a tour of Kensington Palace, the childhood home of Queen Victoria and the current dwelling of much of the royal family. Enjoy a late afternoon tea at the Orangery in Kensington Gardens. If you still have enough time and energy left in you, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National History Museum are right outside the Kensington Estate. You could also choose to take an evening walk through Notting Hill.

Day 5—Hampton Court Palace

While most seven-day itineraries to London skip over Hampton, in our opinion, it’s a must-see for first-time Londoners. Hampton Court was the over-the-top palace of cardinal Thomas Woolsey. That is until he stepped on the toes of Henry VIII, and subsequently “donated” his mansion to the monarch. The palace along the Thames was the favorite palace of Henry and his court, and it’s just a short train ride from Central London. National Rail Trains run every 30 minutes from Waterloo Station, stopping at Hampton Court Station. The palace is a five-minute walk from the station.

The sprawling complex takes at least half a day to tour, so catch the early morning train. Explore King Henry’s Great Hall, his favorite tennis court, and over 60 acres of gardens. Mind your back in the haunted gallery, and see how a court of hundreds was fed every day in the Tudor Kitchens. During high seasons, Hampton Court is filled with period-dressed courtiers that will explain the palace to you, but even if they have the day off, the audio guide is superb!

When you arrive back in Waterloo, you’ll be just a short walk across the Golden Jubilee Bridges from Her Majesty’s Theatre where you can catch a showing of Phantom of the Opera that is phenomenal.

Day 6—Stonehenge and Bath

Golden Tours offers an incredible day trip by private coach to explore the ancient Celtic site of Stonehenge and the Roman retreat of Bath. You will explore the 5,000-year-old ruins of the famous henge and its accompanying museum, and then head for the quaint town of Bath. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the Roman bath complex and museum, as well as the gorgeous Bath Abbey! However, the highlight of your day will be your visit to a famous little eatery by the name of Sally Lunn’s Eating House. Here, you’ll experience the indescribable goodness of the original British bun, and your life will be changed forever.

The tour begins at 8:30 a.m. and lasts approximately 10.5 hours. The current cost is just £101, which includes your entrance to the Roman bath complex and Stonehenge site. Photographers, do not miss the incredible interior of Bath Abbey. It’s one of the only cathedrals on your trip that you’re allowed to photograph, and the lighting and delicate ceiling details make for some epic stills.

Writer’s Note : We have consolidated your day trips in this itinerary to days five and six to save you some money. With this schedule, you can get the five-day London Pass, instead of the seven days and save a few dollars. Hampton Court is included on the London Pass, but Stonehenge and Bath are not.

Day 7—The Clean-Up

If you have managed to score a late evening flight out of London (highly recommended), then take your last morning to explore Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and Leicester Square. If you’re a fan of modern art, then you must see Tate Modern, no questions! Grab lunch at one of the lovely cafes in the area. Then, scoot to the airport.

Writer Note: If you have bought the five-day London Pass, then that is all the more reason to save your museum visits for your last day, as most of the museums in the city are free.

London Awaits

If you’re traveling to London soon, then know that we are all jealous, and we hate you. Okay, okay, we don’t hate you, but we are jealous! London is an absolute treasure trove. Hopefully, this seven-day itinerary will help you sort out the amazingness that London has to offer. Have a great trip!

Did we miss your favorite London attraction? Drop it in the comments!

If you have a few extra days, you might want to check out some of “The Most Picturesque Palaces in the UK.”

If your trip to London includes a tour of the rest of the United Kingdom, then you’re certainly going to want to explore Scotland’s capital city! Here’s our recommendation for “The Best Things to do in Edinburgh.”

Frequently Asked Questions

A trip to London is not complete without a visit to the British Museum, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

No! You will need at least five days to explore the major sites of London. With a seven-day itinerary , you can include a couple of great day trips to Stonehenge or Hampton Court Palace.

While river cruises and double-decker bus tours are popular, the best way to tour London is on foot! Take a historic walking tour of Westminster, or enjoy a scavenger hunt through the West End!

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1 Week in London

1 week in london: an itinerary for first-time visitors.

• Post author: Elina Michaelidou
• Post published: 02/07/2017
• Post category: Itineraries / Travel
• Post comments: 6 Comments
• Reading time: 25 mins read

Here it is, my first itinerary to spend 1 week in London, the capital of the U.K. (including all the necessary modifications to make it work today) as I did it in summer 2010 (a long time ago). For the records, that was the first itinerary I have ever created! ? While you read, you will notice see some alternative options. These make the itinerary suitable for a wider range of people. So, even if you don’t find yourself fall into the suitable for category, do read it as you may find something interesting in the alternative sections.

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link marked with [AD] and proceed to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you .

Getting Ready for 1 Week in London

Length: 7 days

Time of the year:  Summer – July

Suitable for: Families with younger children

Difficulty:  1 |  1,5  | 2 | 2,5 | 3

Highlights: London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Zoo, LEGOLAND, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Harrods

What to book in advance?

• Tickets to places you are visiting. Advanced tickets are usually cheaper than on the door tickets and allow you to skip the queues.
• Theatre tickets, if you definitely want to go there.
• Train tickets, again to take advantage of the advance prices and other deals that there are online.
• A table to your favourite restaurant (if you have one). Keep in mind that for Friday and Saturday evenings most places for dinner need a reservation (if they accept one) from a couple of days in advance.

Arrive at your own pace. Relax at your hotel/hostel/apartment/etc. Sort everything out (transportation – very easy in London, visas, etc.) and… Let’s begin!

Learn more about getting around London on Transport for London website .

18:30 London Eye

Go up the “big wheel” and admire the first views of London. Since it is summer, the sun is still there. If you want to see the sunset, get up on the last ride of the day that is 30 minutes before closing (for July the closing time is 20:30). The flight is half an hour so after that go for dinner in one of the nice places along the river Thames.

Find out more about London Eye here .

What if it rains?

London Eye still operates and on rainy weather, but I assume you don’t want to go all this way up and not enjoy the view. Then, take one of the alternative options.

Alternative 1:  Very close to the London Eye, there are many other attractions (you can even get joint tickets for them). Sea Life Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure and London Dungeon can keep you busy until it is time for dinner. However, you should arrive earlier as these places have different opening hours from 16:00 to 19:00 depending on the attraction and the day of the week.

Find out more about Sea Life Aquarium here , Shrek’s Adventure here and London Dungeon here .

Alternative 2: The National Theater is located in that area too. So, if you are the cultural type of traveller, then you should check what’s on their agenda and secure your ticket from advance.

Find out more about National Theater here .

How to get there?

The easiest way to get there is by tube. The closest station is Waterloo (Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern and Waterloo & City lines). Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines) and Westminster (Circle, District and Jubilee lines) stations are both a 10-minute walk away. If you prefer the bus,  buses 211, 77 and 381 go there.

Today, the tourist list continuous with another Merlin Entertainment Group attraction and with wildlife exploration. End your day Down Town to get a glimpse of London’s nightlife.

10:00 Madame Tussauds

Get up early, have your advanced tickets ready (to avoid the queues) and spend a couple of hours with wax celebrities from across the globe. Don’t forget to check out the 4D experience.

By tube: Baker Street station (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith and City, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines) By bus: Many buses pass by 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 189, 205, 274 and 453.

Find out more about Madame Tussauds here .

13:00 London Zoo

Next for today is London Zoo, since the two attractions are quite close (only a short walk/bus ride). The Zoo has more than 15 000 animals (17 480 as of 2015 to be exact according to Google). If you want to grab something to eat before entering the Zoo head to Camden Town, otherwise there are many places for lunch inside the Zoo.

Alternative: If you are not an animal fan, take a stroll along Regent’s Park or go to Camden Town.

How to get there (from Madame Tussauds)?

Take bus 247 from Baker Street Station (Stop A) or Marylebone Road (Stop Q) towards Islington Angel and get off after 7 stops at Primrose Hill (Stop H). The bus ride itself is approximately 10 minutes, but the whole transfer from one place to another is about 20 minutes. An alternative option that is approximately the same time – 20 minutes is to walk through Regent’s Park by following the Broad Walk.

19:00 Down Town

If you are early back, why not go for a walk at Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square (the two are next to each other). If you choose the second, then don’t forget to pass by China Town.

How to get there?

Take the tube to Picadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) or Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) respectively. Many buses stop close to the two places: 6, 12, 14, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 453, N3, N18, N19, N22, N38, N97, N109, N136 for Piccadilly Circus and 24, 29, 176, N5, N20, N29, N41, N279 for Leicester Square (the prefix N indicates the night service).

Mmm… what’s for today? Well, today the day is dedicated to shopping. Shopaholic or not, you should at least visit Oxford Street, the largest shopping street in London. So, start early.

10:00 Oxford Street

You can start earlier than that if you can’t wait. Some shops open from 8 am. The official opening hours are on weekdays at 9:30, on Saturdays at 9:00 and at 11:30 on Sundays. You can even start much later than that as some stores remain open until 10 pm. Officially, stores stay open until 9 pm every day except Sundays, when they close at 6 pm. It doesn’t matter what time you start because Oxford Street is waiting for you to explore its 300 shops. Don’t forget to check out Regent Street for more expensive buys.

The easiest way, as usual, is by tube . There are four underground stations along the Oxford Street: Marble Arch (Central line), Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines), Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines) and Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines). For Regent Street, the closest stations are Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines) to its one end and Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) to its other end. Buses to Oxford Street are: 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 53, 73, 88, 94, 98, 113, 137, 139 and 159.

For more information about Oxford Street check its website here (it also has a useful shopping planner!).

If you are not exhausted yet, I suggest a walk to Covent Garden. There are some nice places for dinner (consider reserving a table) and street shows, but in my opinion, Covent Garden is better during the daytime when the Apple Market is open.

Alternative:  Watch a musical. Make sure to check the plays in advance and book tickets early for the best prices (for Friday and Saturday evening plays, the prices are usually higher). In addition, make sure to check the time the performance starts as it may be earlier than 7 pm. A small tip, you can also check for last minute places in theatres. You may still find something (and sometimes cheaper).

By tube: Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line). By bus: Buses 6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176, N9, N11, N15, N21, N26, N44, N87, N89, N91, N155, N199, N343, N550, N551 stop close by.

The day is all about amusement. Wake up early, go to the train station and head to Windsor. There is not always a direct train from London Paddington station, so take one to Slough and change there for the next train to Windsor & Eton Central. For a direct train, you should go to London Waterloo station. From there take the shuttle bus to LEGOLAND, which unfortunately is not operated by the park and therefore, there is an extra fee.

10:00 Windsor – LEGOLAND

All the above should happen before 10:00 so there is time to enjoy the place. Actually, the park opens at 9:30 if you want to be there earlier and closes at 6 pm. If you are visiting LEGOLAND any other time of the year, check their opening hours in advance as they vary throughout the year. The park is nice; there are some nice rides and some amazing LEGO constructions in Miniland (40 million LEGO were used to create them). My personal reflection about the place is that: I’ve been there when I was 12, and I felt that it was for younger children (okay that was after I visited Disneyland and Asterix Parks in Paris, so maybe my opinion is biased). Nevertheless, the thrill seekers can’t find the ride of their dreams there.

Please read the introduction to Day 4.

Find out more about LEGOLAND here .

Alternative 1: If you don’t have children or you hate amusement parks then visit Windsor Castle and explore the city. There are some nice activities in and around town to spend your time.

Find out more about Windsor Castle here .

Alternative 2: If you have teenage children then, they may appreciate it more if you take them to Thorpe Park (a short train journey from London, this time take the train from London Waterloo to Staines). There, there are more rides for older children but expect long queues.

Find out more about Thorpe Park here .

Alternative 3: Another amusement park close to London is Chessington World of Adventures Resort, again a short trip from London to nearby Chessington. I’ve never been there, but from what I can see from photos is that younger children would enjoy it more. To get there take the train from London Waterloo to Chessington South Station and it’s a 10-minute walk from there.

Find out more about Chessington World of Adventures Resort here .

After today’s adventure, if you still have time and energy left, go to Trafalgar Square. But don’t worry if you don’t have time, there are still three more days.

Today and tomorrow we will hang around South Kensington (my favourite area). There are three museums – Natural History Museum (NHM), Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in the area and are all of them free (although you are usually asked to leave a donation) except some temporary exhibitions that may have.

10:00 Natural History Museum

The museum opens at 10 am, but you may want to go there a bit earlier to get to the queue. Be prepared as you may spend the whole day at the museum and not finish it! So, if there are certain places you want to visit, make sure to spot them in advance.

There are two underground stations approximately 5 minutes walk away, South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly lines) and Gloucester Road (Circle, District and Piccadilly lines). Get off at South Kensington if it is your first time, as there are more labels to get you there. Buses  14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1 stop close.

Find out more about the Natural History Museum here .

Alternative: If you are not into nature and you are more into art, then go to Victoria and Albert Museum, just across the road, that has over 4,5 million objects of decorative art – the largest of its kind worldwide. If you like nature, but you don’t enjoy science, then use it as your alternative for tomorrow.

Find out more about Victoria and Albert Museum here .

17:00 Knightsbridge

When you are done with the wonders of nature (you can stay at the museum until 17:50 when the museum closes), take a short walk up to Knightsbridge and why not visit Harrods, the luxurious shopping centre. The store is open until 9 pm, except Sundays when it closes at 6 pm.

How to get there (from NHM)?

I suggest walking. Exit the NHM, pass V&A and continue to Brompton Road until you see Harrods on your right. It’s about 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, you can take the tube  (Piccadilly line) and get off at Knightsbridge, or take the bus (14, 74, 414 or C1) from Victoria and Albert Museum (Stop M) and get off after 2 stops at Harrods (Stop KB). The last two options take in total 10 minutes.

Find out more about Harrods here .

As I said above, today the plan again says South Kensington, but this time it features another museum.

10:00 Science Museum

Spend your day exploring the Science Museum. It is a bit smaller than its neighbouring museums, but you still need the whole day as there are a lot of hands-on activities, which means queues, not only before entering the museum but also within the museum.

Follow the instructions to get to the Natural History Museum; they are next to each other.

Find out more about the Science Museum here .

Alternative: See alternative for Natural History Museum.

17:00 Hyde Park

After you are done with science (you can stay at the museum until 6 pm or 7 pm during school holidays) go to the nearby Hyde Park, one of the largest parks in Central London.

How to get there (from the Science Museum)?

Walk on the Exhibition Road. It’s a 5-10 minute walk.

For more information about Hyde Park check its website here .

Alternative 1:  Kensington Palace is also close by (a 20-minute walk) through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. If you take this option, you need to be there by 5 pm when it is the last admission (the Palace closes at 6 pm).

I think the best option is walking as I state above, but you can also take the bus 9, 10, 52 or 452 from Exhibition Road (Stop RB) and get off after 3 stops at Kensington Palace (Stop N). You can also take 360 from Victoria and Albert Museum (Stop K) and get off the next stop at Royal Albert Hall (Stop RC) and then walk for another 10 minutes.

Find out more about Kensington Palace here .

Alternative 2: Check out Royal Albert Hall’s calendar online to see what’s on and spend your evening there. There are also tours of the Hall if you just want to get inside. Make sure to book in advance and check their dates and times as they vary depending on the type of the tour.

The closest underground stations are South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly lines) and High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines). From there it is a 10-minute walk.  Buses  9, 10, 52, 70, 360, 452, N9 and N52  stop nearby.

Find out more Royal Albert Hall here .

This is the last day in London. I hope you enjoyed your trip. If you still have time to spend I suggest a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, to see what you haven’t manage to do the previous days. London has plenty of museums so pick one. National Gallery is a good one if you ask me. Royal London is next door with Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park. You can also go to Tate Modern for more contemporary art. Other options include St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, Borough Market, Tower Bridge and Tower of London that is close by.

When I made this trip with my family, we actually visited Science Museum on our last day, and the previous day we went a tour of the city and then to Hampstead Heath park (a bit away from central London). Below I put a few links for you to explore and decide how you want to spend your last day except for going to the airport.

Find out more about National Gallery here , Buckingham Palace here , St James’s Park here , Tate Modern here , St Paul’s Cathedral here , Millennium Bridge here , Borough Market here , Tower Bridge here , Tower of London here and Hampstead Heath here .

Buy the London attractions tickets from AttractiontTix b following this link   [AD] .

Have a nice trip!

P.S. Feel free to mix and match the days and make your own unique itinerary. For more suggestions and additional places to visit, keep an eye on future posts about London. To keep you excited I have a 2-day trip, a 3-day trip, a 15-day trip and many day-trips! Stay tuned! 🙂

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Elina Michaelidou

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This Post Has 6 Comments

Awesome, there are still places on my list for my next visit to London!

Elina your first itinerary for London is super organised!!! Congratulations. I highly appreciate the alternative suggestions. Do you have any itinerary suggestions for my upcoming 4 day visit in Ámsterdam?

I suggest a walk along the canals and in Dam Square. Damrak is a short distance from Amsterdam Centraal, the city’s central railway station that is a nice neo-Renaissance building. Vondelpark is also a lovely green space in the city. In term of museums, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in the Museum Quarter and Anne Frank’s House are the most popular but expect long queues if you didn’t buy tickets in advance. Another popular attraction for beer lovers is the Heineken Experience. Close to that is the Albert Cuyp Market, a vibrant market with many stalls. The best way to move around the city is by bike, but trams are a convenient alternative. I hope you enjoy your stay in Amsterdam and be careful of bikes when walking! 😉

It’s arduous to find knowledgeable folks on this matter, but you sound like you understand what you’re speaking about! Thanks

Well done Elina. Continue with the good work!!! P.S. I am the first participant in Elina’s itineraries. Elina, I will always follow you around when ever this is possible. Keep on creating itineraries:)

Merci!:) Let me know on your availability!;)

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How to Spend a Week in London

London . The Big Smoke. It’s a sprawling city, covering over 600 square miles and home to almost nine million people. It’s also one of the most popular destinations in the world.

While referred to in the singular, London is actually a collection of cities. The City of London (aka “The City”) is just 1.1 square miles (and the site of old Roman settlement Londinium). What we think of as London today is actually other cities (Westminster, Camden, etc.) that “The City” gobbled up over the years. (Fun fact: The West and East Ends of London are so named because they were outside the ancient wall that enclosed London.)

My like for London turned into love on a visit several years ago. Maybe it was the beautiful weather that stood in stark contrast to my other visits, maybe it was the people who I suddenly felt bonded with, maybe it was all the good restaurants and bars I found. Maybe it just took a decade of visits for the city to just “click” with me. Maybe it was all of it. I don’t know.

But now it’s one of my favorite cities in the world.

With so much to see and do, planning a trip to London can be overwhelming. Where should you stay? How should you plan your days? What day trips are worth doing?

To help you make the most of your visit, have fun, and save money, here is my detailed itinerary for visiting London.

London Itinerary

Day 1 : Walking tour, Parks, Soho, & more!

Day 2 : British Museum, National Gallery, & more!

Day 3 : Buckingham Palace, War Rooms, & more!

Day 4 : Natural History Museum, Jack the Ripper tour, & more!

Day 5 : Art galleries, Tower of London, & more!

Day 6 & 7 : Bath, Oxford, Stonehenge, & more!

What to See and Do in London: Day 1

Take a Free Walking Tour Start your first day off with a free walking tour to orient yourself and learn about the history of London. They are the best way to get situated on arrival and get some tips from a local guide (you can ask the guide for suggestions about what to see and where to eat during your visit).

New Europe and Free Tours By Foot both offer tours that can show you the highlights and help you get your bearings. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

If you’d prefer a more detailed and in-depth tour, check out Walks . They offer all kinds of cool tours around the city, including an early-access guided tour of the crown jewels .

For more walking tour suggestions, here’s a list of the best walking tour companies in London.

Explore New Neighborhoods London is a great city to explore on foot. You can follow the ancient Roman wall (part of the wall still exists and so does an old Roman amphitheater, which was rediscovered in the 1980s) from the Tower of London through the center of the city. The city maintains a series of panels about the wall and the history of the city along the way. Visit London has a free app that lets you create personalized maps and itineraries that you can use offline as well.

For in-depth paid tours that take you around specific neighborhoods, check out tour marketplace Get Your Guide . It’s where local operators can list their tours, so there are a ton of different tours for all interests and budgets, including a street art walking tour around East London and a Harry Potter tour around central London.

Relax in a Park After all that walking on the first day, chill out in any one of the city’s many parks. Some of my favorites include:

• St. James’ Park (Westminster)
• Green Park (Westminster/Central London)
• Regent’s Park (Camden Town)
• Kensington Gardens (Kensington)
• Hyde Park (Central London)
• Holland Park (Holland Park)
• Battersea Park (Battersea)

I like to pack up some food, bring a book, and just relax and watch the world go by. It’s what the locals do — and you should too!

Hang in Soho I love Soho. It has cute little parks, world-class restaurants, lots of popular bars, funky bookstores, beautiful buildings, and everything in between. I recommend you spend your evening (or many evenings) here eating and drinking and hanging out with the locals. Some recommended places include:

• Ceviche Soho – Great Peruvian food. 17 Frith Street.
• Flat Iron – Simple menu featuring steak and salad and a daily special. 17 Beak Street.
• La Bodega Negra – Amazing Mexican food. 16 Moor Street.
• Eat Tokyo – Delicious ramen. 16 Old Compton Street.
• Mr. Foggs – The best gin London can offer! Several differently themed locations.
• The Three Greyhounds – A fun traditional pub. Fun story: I ended up drinking with Rami Malek from Mr. Robot! He was nice. 25 Greek Street.

What to See and Do in London: Day 2

Museum Hop Take advantage of London’s incredible of museums and overload on history, art, weird oddities, and everything in between. Some of them are so big you can barely see them in a week, let alone a day. Here are some of the best ones to start with:

• British Museum – By far one of the best museums in all of Europe, this giant museum houses one of the most comprehensive art, cultural, and historical collections in the world. Be sure to budget at least three hours to get a good sense of the museum, though you could easily spend a whole day there. Great Russell St, +44 20 7323 8299, britishmuseum.org. Open daily 10am-5pm (8:30pm on Fridays). Admission is free but they recommend booking tickets in advance .
• National Gallery – This art museum was founded in 1824 and houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to around 1900. There are works by Johannes Vermeer, Sandro Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo, among many more! It’s a really extensive and wonderful art museum. Trafalgar Square, +44 20 7747 2885, nationalgallery.org.uk. Open daily 10am-6pm (9pm on Fridays). Admission is free but they recommend booking tickets in advance. An official guided tour of the museum’s highlights is 19 GBP.
• National Portrait Gallery – Here you’ll find portraits of famous Brits from over the centuries, from kings and queens to celebrities and artists. St. Martin’s Place, +44 20 7306 0055, npg.org.uk. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Open daily 10:30am-6pm (10:30-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays).

What to See and Do in London: Day 3

Visit Buckingham Palace Start off with a stroll through Hyde Park’s lush and expansive grounds, with its picturesque walkways, ponds, and ducks, before heading to Buckingham Palace, the royal residence and administrative headquarters of the monarchy, to watch the changing of the guard at 10:45am. It lasts for about 45 minutes (arrive early to get the best view). Be sure to check the website first though as the changing of the guards doesn’t happen daily (it’s usually every other day).

If you’re visiting during the summer, Buckingham Palace is open to the public. Booking online in advance is recommended. Tickets cost 30 GBP if you book in advance and 33 GBP on the day . You’ll be able to explore the lavish State Rooms and see some of the crown’s treasures. Expect to spend a couple of hours. Note that the State Rooms are only open for 10 weeks each summer (this year from July 14 to September 24, 2023). Book your tickets to the State Rooms in advance here.

See the Churchill War Rooms

Next, meander over to the Churchill War Rooms. Located beneath the Treasury Building in the Whitehall area of Westminster, this includes the government’s command center during World War II and a museum about the life of Winston Churchill, who served as Prime Minister of the UK from 1940-1945 and again from 1951-1955. The centerpiece of the whole place is an interactive table that enables visitors to access digitized material from the Churchill archives. It is one of the best museums in London. Book online in advance to avoid the multi-hour wait! Admission is 30 GBP. Open daily 9:30am-6pm.

Tour Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament

Afterward, marvel at Westminster Abbey and Parliament. You can see the tombs of 17 monarchs dating back to Henry III (who died in 1272) in the Abbey. Other famous people buried here include Charles Darwin, Sir Issac Newton, Aphra Behn, and Charles Dickens. Westminster Abbey costs 27 GBP ( book online in advance here ) but you can visit for free if you go during a service. Just be quiet and dress respectfully. Open 9:30am-3:30pm (last entry).

On Saturdays, you can tour the Parliament. This is where the UK government conducts its business. Tours last 75 minutes and include visits to the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. You’ll learn about the history of the building (the first parliament was held in 1265), how the government was created, and how the UK political system functions. Amongst the ornate rooms, there are all kinds of artwork to admire, including statues of Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, and Winston Churchill.

Tours are 32 GBP and tickets can be booked online in advance. During July and August, tours are also offered Tuesday-Friday in addition to Saturdays.

Eat in Borough Market After that, hop on the tube from Westminster to London Bridge (or walk along the South Bank) and head to the famous Borough Market to grab a meal from one of the many vendors. It’s hugely popular with locals, especially around lunchtime. The market here dates back to the 12th century while the building itself is from the 1850s. It’s open daily from 10am-5pm. Bring an appetite!

Wander South London After you’ve satiated your hunger, wander around South London. See the site of the original Globe Theater (where Shakespeare put on his plays), visit the eerie Crossbones Cemetery that honors the working girls and lost souls of London, walk along the riverfront, marvel at Millennium Bridge, and pop into the Tate Modern for a few hours to take in some of the best modern art London has to offer (it’s free).

Then head back toward Borough Market for a drink at the George Inn, one of London’s oldest pubs and where Charles Dickens used to drink (it’s also likely that William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe drank here). The new Globe Theater is also here if you want to take in a Shakespearean play (standing tickets can be found for as little as 5-10 GBP).

What to See and Do in London: Day 4

Visit More Museums London is a museum city. It has some of the best in the world, so I suggest you visit a few more before you go:

• Natural History Museum – There are over 80 million items in this comprehensive museum, including specimens collected by Charles Darwin. It also has a great collection of fossils, making it a fun and educational stop if you’re traveling with kids. Cromwell Road, +44 20 7942 5000, nhm.ac.uk. Open Monday-Sunday from 10am-5:50pm (last entry at 5pm). Admission is free but you should pre-book your ticket online in advance .
• Science Museum – Founded in 1857, this is actually one of the most popular museums in London, attracting millions of visitors each year. There are some really neat interactive galleries on flight and space, and the temporary exhibitions are usually pretty amazing (though those often cost extra). Exhibition Road, South Kensington, +44 20 7942 4000, sciencemuseum.org.uk. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is free but you should pre-book tickets online in advance as they cannot guarantee tickets at the door.
• Victoria and Albert Museum – Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this museum is home to over 2,000 works of art covering over 3,000 years of human history. Cromwell Road, +44 20 7942 2000, vam.ac.uk. Open daily from 10am-5:45pm (10pm on Fridays). Admission is free (temporary exhibits may charge a fee).

Eat on Brick Lane Head east to the famous Brick Lane and eat your heart out — it has some amazing Jewish delis (Beigel Bake is the most famous — and delicious) and Indian cuisine. On the weekends, this street becomes a bustling flea market and a hub of activity when it fills with antique and flea market sellers, food vendors, and people eating and drinking their way down the street.

Take a Jack the Ripper tour Jack the Ripper was a serial killer in London from 1888-1891 with at least 5 murders to his name. He’s one of the most infamous killers in the world and every night, you’ll find tons of people in the East End learning about Jack the Ripper on a ridiculous number of similar tours.

My favorite is the original Jack the Ripper Tour . Their guides are experts on the 19th-century murders and really bring this dark, gruesome topic to life. While dark, the tours are fun and informative, lasting just under two hours and costing 18 GBP. Every day at 7:30pm and weekends 5pm and 7:30pm .  

What to See and Do in London: Day 5

Wander Trafalgar Square Stroll around and admire the fountains and the famous monuments, such as the four bronze lion statues and Nelson’s Column. The column honors Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The naval battle saw over 70 ships and 50,000 men battle for control of the seas, with the English defeating the combined forces of Spain and France. Lots of people hang out here so it makes for a good place to people-watch and takes in the local pace of life.

Explore the Tower of London and See the Crown Jewels Built in 1070 by William the Conqueror to defend his royal power, the tower is actually a castle located on the north bank. The fortification was used as a prison and palace and was expanded many times over the centuries. Until the 1800s, weapons and armor were made here and all coins were made here until 1810 under the Royal Mint.

Today, it houses the famous crown jewels (royal ceremonial objects, including coronation regalia). Admission is 33.60 GBP ( book your tickets online in advance here ).

The Tower of London’s changing of the guard (known as the Ceremony of the Keys) takes place daily at 9:30pm and is worth seeing. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked because it fills up quickly. Make sure and get there beforehand as they won’t let anyone in after 9:25pm.

Be sure to also head to nearby Tower Bridge, which opened in 1894 (and a lot of people confuse it with London Bridge). You can access the bridge deck to take in the view or check out the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you can see the old Victorian engine rooms and get a sense of just how epic an engineering feat the bridge’s construction actually was. Open daily from 9:30am-6pm. Admission is 12.30 GBP.

Take in a Show London is my second favorite theater spot after New York City . You can’t leave without seeing a show. Check out TKTS for discounted tickets for shows in the West End.  

What to See and Do in London: Days 6 and 7

See Stonehenge Stonehenge, located near Salisbury , is one of the oldest man-made structures in the world (it dates back to 2500 BCE). You can’t approach the stones anymore as they are now cordoned off, but it’s still quite a fascinating site to explore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, each stone weighs around 25 tons and stands around 4 meters (13 feet) tall. And because Stonehenge was built by a culture that didn’t leave any written records, we still have no idea why they built it.

The audio guide is a must so you can get some historical context (it’s free to download here ). Admission ranges from 20.90-23.60 GBP depending on the time of year and you can book your tickets online here (though it’s possible to legally visit without paying by taking the nearby pedestrian path).

Day Trip to Bath Bath is named after its famous mineral baths and is home to an ancient Roman bath that is marvelously well preserved.

The Romans settled here when they invaded Britain because of the hot springs that bubble up from the earth. The locals thought this place had spiritual significance, and when the Romans came, they felt the same and dedicated this site to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. Despite being on the edge of the frontier, the city grew to become a major religious and cultural center. People came from all around to pray to Minerva and use the baths, which they believed had special healing powers.

Admission costs 28 GBP on weekends and 26 GBP on weekdays. Audio guides are free. For a more detailed experience, take a guided walking tour around the city with Footprints Tours . You’ll learn a ton about the city and have a much more in-depth experience before you explore the baths.

Day Trip to Oxford Oxford is home to one of the oldest universities in the world (it was founded in the 11th century as a hub for theological learning). Exploring all the beautiful colleges here makes for a fun day trip. The University is the main attraction here and Bodleian Libraries offers guided tours of the university, including the inside of many historic buildings. During the tour, you’ll get a look at university life, the history of the school, the architecture, and more. You can take a 30-, 60-, or 90-minute tour, with costs ranging from 10-20 GBP.

Other highlights include South Park, the Bridge of Sighs, the botanical gardens, and punting on the river (pushing a small boat around the River Thames or the River Cherwell with a pole).

Day Trip to Cambridge Cambridge is similar to Oxford with some of the best universities, parks, museums, and theatrical productions in the country. I enjoyed the museums, wandering around the parks, and embracing the relaxed pace of life (there are only around 125,000 people here compared to the almost 10 million in London!). Visit the colleges, stroll along the Backs, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, or go punting.

Most people visit for just the day; however, I recommend staying overnight. For such a small city, there’s a lot to see and do here!

Take Another Walking Tour During a recent visit to London, I tried out over 25 different walking tours. There are many amazing companies that have created some insightful, entertaining, and delicious walks for every type of interest. From Harry Potter walks to historic pub crawls, there will definitely be something for everyone. No matter your interests or budget, there is a tour for you.

Here are some of my favorite walking tours in London to help you get inspired and plan your visit.

London is one of the biggest — and best — cities in the world, with a ton of things to see and do (I didn’t even get to mentioning Camden, Notting Hill, and all the other neighborhoods!). It’s easy to get lost in every neighborhood as you explore this bustling, exciting metropolis.

And while a week in London barely scratches the surface, it is enough to get a good overview of the city, dive into its smaller neighborhoods, and experience the local history and culture. Use this London itinerary as a guide for your next trip and get a feel for why I love this city so much. You won’t be disappointed!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggested places to stay, check out this list of hostels .

And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of London !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want a Guide? London has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!

Want More Information on London? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on London for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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One Week In London 2023: A Full Itinerary to 7 Perfect Days

Home » One Week In London 2023: A Full Itinerary to 7 Perfect Days

Are you planning a one-week trip to London in 2023 and don’t know where to start? Look no further! This blog post have you covered with an exciting itinerary for seven days in the beautiful city of London. From iconic landmarks to local gems, you’ll experience the best of what London offers. 

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Table of Contents

1) Basic Introduction – One Week In London

Basic Introduction

London is one of the world’s most vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. From the iconic Tower Bridge to the bustling markets, there’s no shortage of things to do, see, and explore in this exciting metropolis. Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or just passing through for a few days, London is sure to provide plenty of opportunities for adventure and fun.

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to plan the perfect one-week stay in London. We’ll discuss the best places to stay, how to get around, what to see, and what to do, and even offer an itinerary to make the most of your time in the city. 

So let’s get started!

2) Where to stay in London

When it comes to choosing a place to stay in London, there is no shortage of hotels and hostels to choose from. Whether you are looking for a luxurious stay or a more budget-friendly option, London has it all. 

For those looking for a luxurious stay, The Tower Hotel , London offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the iconic Tower Bridge. Located just moments away from the famous bridge, you will have easy access to many of the city’s main attractions. This five-star hotel also offers an onsite spa, fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.

The Tower Hotel

If you’re looking for a more modern experience while still enjoying the city’s attractions, Grand Royale London Hyde Park is a great option. Located near Kensington Gardens, you’ll be able to explore all of the local sights. With its contemporary design and modern amenities, this hotel is perfect for those seeking a stylish stay. 

Grand Royale London Hyde Park

Finally, Notting Hill Gate Hotel is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. This hotel is located in an area known for its bustling nightlife and trendy restaurants. With its cozy atmosphere and affordable prices, it is the perfect spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Notting Hill Gate Hotel

3) How to get around – One Week In London

How to get around

When visiting London, one of the most important things to know is how to get around. London has an extensive public transport system that makes it easy to move around the city with ease. The most common way of traveling is via the Underground (also known as the Tube), which is a network of underground trains that cover all of London. If you’re looking for a more scenic journey, there are also numerous bus routes and even boats that you can take.

For those on a budget, London has plenty of options for affordable transportation. The city is well served by buses, which are cheap and convenient. Numerous bike hire companies offer daily, weekly, and even monthly rentals. Additionally, Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing apps operate throughout the city, making it easy to get from point A to point B. 

If you’d rather explore the city on foot, there are plenty of walks you can take around the city. From Hyde Park to Notting Hill, there are a variety of beautiful areas you can explore and experience in London. 

Finally, if you’re looking to make a journey outside of London, numerous train services connect to major cities across England and beyond. All in all, getting around London is straightforward – just make sure to plan your route and you’ll be good to go!

4) What to see in London

What to see in London

When it comes to sightseeing, London has something for everyone! From iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Big Ben to beautiful parks and gardens, there is plenty to explore. The following are some of the must-see attractions in the city:

Tower of London: The famous fortress was once a royal palace and prison and is now home to the Crown Jewels. Take a guided tour of the grounds or marvel at its impressive architecture from the outside.

Big Ben: One of London’s most iconic landmarks, Big Ben stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament and is instantly recognizable. Take time to admire this majestic clock tower during your visit.

Buckingham Palace: A must-see attraction, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarchy. Tour the State Rooms and view the magnificent collections on display.

Westminster Abbey: This historic church has been the site of many royal weddings and coronations throughout history. Marvel at its stunning Gothic architecture and take in the serene atmosphere inside.

The London Eye: This enormous observation wheel offers incredible views over the city. Enjoy 360-degree views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

St Paul’s Cathedral: This famous Anglican cathedral is one of London’s most beautiful buildings and offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop terrace.

Kensington Palace: Once home to Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace is now the official residence of several members of the British Royal Family. Explore the State Apartments and gardens before admiring the beautiful palace from the outside.

Hyde Park: Enjoy a stroll through London’s largest park and take in some of its impressive sights, such as the Serpentine Lake and Diana Memorial Fountain.

Piccadilly Circus: This iconic square is one of London’s busiest areas and is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and theatres. Admire the bright lights and soak up the lively atmosphere.

5) Things to do in London – One Week In London

Things to do in London

London is a vibrant city filled with countless things to do and explore. Whether you’re into art, culture, food, history, or adventure, there’s something for everyone! Here are some of the top things to do in London:

1) Visit Buckingham Palace – take a tour around the grand palace and its surrounding gardens, or see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

2) See London’s historic sites – take a walking tour around Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, and Big Ben.

3) Take a ride on the London Eye – enjoy spectacular views of London from the world’s largest Ferris wheel.

4) Catch a West End show – experience a night of classic theatre in one of London’s most famous venues.

5) Explore Borough Market – sample some of the best food and drink from the city’s renowned food market.

6) Visit the British Museum – explore the vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

7) Wander through Hyde Park – relax and take in the scenery at London’s largest green space.

8) Go shopping on Oxford Street – check out the latest fashion trends at one of the world’s busiest shopping streets.

9) Cruise down the River Thames – enjoy a leisurely boat ride down London’s most famous river.

10) Experience one of London’s rooftop bars – sample some craft beer and delicious snacks while enjoying views of the city skyline.

6) Packing List

Packing List

No matter where you travel, a packing list is essential. The list below is designed to make sure you have everything you need for your London vacation.

• Passport/Identification: Make sure to bring your passport or another form of identification. You may need to present it to gain access to certain attractions and venues.
• Clothes: Depending on the season and the activities you plan to participate in, bring clothes appropriate for the weather. If you’re unsure about the forecast, it’s always better to be safe and err on the side of bringing heavier clothing items such as a coat and an umbrella. 
• Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must when you’re spending time exploring London. Make sure they’re broken in before you leave.
• Camera: Capture all your London experiences by bringing a camera or phone with a good camera lens.
• Currency: Make sure to carry some British pounds (GBP) with you during your stay.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any other toiletries you need for your daily routine. 
• Chargers: Don’t forget to pack all the chargers for your devices. 
• First Aid Kit: Pack a first aid kit with basic items such as ibuprofen, bandages, antiseptic cream, and anything else that may come in handy during your travels. 
• Rain Jacket: If there’s a chance of rain, be prepared and bring a rain jacket or an umbrella with you. 
• Travel Documents: Carry any documents you need, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations. 
• Snacks: Pack some snacks like nuts or trail mix in case you get hungry while out sightseeing or while waiting in line. 

With this comprehensive packing list, you can ensure you’re ready for all the adventures that await you in London!

7) Itinerary for London: A Full Itinerary to 7 Perfect Days – One Week In London

Itinerary for London: A Full Itinerary to 7 Perfect Days

Day 1: Arrive in London and explore the city. Start your day with a trip to the Tower of London, then continue sightseeing at St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and Big Ben. End your day with a visit to Piccadilly Circus and soak up some of the city’s vibrant nightlife. 

Day 2: Head out of the city and explore the stunning countryside around London. Visit Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle before returning to London in the evening. 

Day 3: Spend the day visiting the historical sights in London. Take a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. Finish your day with a stroll through the Royal Parks. 

Day 4: Take a day trip to Oxford or Cambridge. Take in the colleges, punting on the river Cam, some of the famous pubs, and the tranquil gardens. In the evening, return to London for dinner and drinks. 

Day 5 : Get to know more about London’s cultural attractions, such as the British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. 

Day 6 : Spend the day shopping in London’s iconic shops. Explore Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Portobello Market, and Camden Town.

Day 7: Start your final day in London by exploring some of its unique neighborhoods such as Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Soho, and Mayfair. End your trip with afternoon tea at a traditional English tea house. 

With seven days to spare, this is a comprehensive itinerary to ensure you experience all that London has to offer. With a mix of culture, history, and entertainment, you can get a real sense of this beautiful city within a week.

As you plan your one-week trip to London in 2023, we hope you’ve been inspired by our full itinerary. Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two or a family holiday, there is something for everyone in London. 

No matter what your plans are, don’t forget to document your journey with Framey App ! This innovative application makes it easier than ever to share and store all of your treasured memories. With just a few clicks, you can take beautiful photos, and share them with your friends and family in an instant. Plus, you can be inspired by the trips of your friends! 

So don’t forget to download Framey App before you leave for London – you’ll thank yourself later!

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The Ultimate 1 Week UK Itinerary — Must-Visits in London, Scotland and Wales

With non-stop flights to London, you can now resume your dream vacation. But why stop there? Make the most of your trip in the UK —  from visiting the highest mountains in Wales to majestic castles in Edingburgh. Kick start your trip planning with some ideas in this ultimate one-week UK itinerary!

*Pro-tip: Get up to 10% off flight bookings on Qatar when you book with your UOB Card before 31 August 2022

Travelling Around the UK

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

To travel across the three destinations in this itinerary, get the three-day BritRail Flexipass for unlimited rides on the extensive UK train network.

The main transport system within the city is the London Tube. Similar to Singapore, you can either get an Oyster card for £5 (like an EZlink), or use your credit card to tap and pay.

Day 1 – 3: London

1) london’s hipster markets , camden market.

Photo credit: TripAdvisor

Start off your trip exploring Camden Market, a popular vintage market that opens daily!

Apart from thrift shops, there are over 60 food stalls serving everything from burgers and pizzas, to sushi and curry — grab a Venezuelan wrap packed with flavour from Arepazo Bros, or indulge in a sinful serving of The Mac Factory’s gourmet mac and cheese!

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 10AM – late (individual stalls vary)

Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF

Brick Lane Market

Only open on the weekends, Brick Lane Market is the place for antique finds and secondhand goods like furniture, clothes and vinyl records. 

For food, we recommend trying the ham at Pigling Street‘s Posh Pork Baps. Their meat boxes have slices of their signature slow-roasted pigling topped with applesauce, and a side of salad and pickles!

Opening hours: 11AM – 6PM (Saturdays), 10AM – 6PM (Sundays)

Address: 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QR

2) Check out Windsor Castle and London’s Unique Museums

Spend a day delving into Britain's rich history. 

Visit the world’s oldest castle that the royal family still calls home. At Windsor Castle, look firsthand into the lives of British kings and queens since medieval times as you visit the State Apartments and Queen Mary’s Doll House. 

Catch the Changing of Guards ceremony at 11AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. And don’t miss out St. George’s Chapel too — it’s where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married

Entrance fee: From £26.50 

Opening hours: 10AM – 4PM (1 March - 31 October), 10AM – 3PM (1 November- 28 February), closed on Tue and Wed

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ

Next, head to the Natural History Museum. The museum’s extensive collection of fossils will leave you in awe — just imagine a blue whale skeleton “swimming” above you, and getting up close to a full-sized Sauropod replica! You’ll also love learning more about the Earth’s history, human evolution and many other animals past and present. 

Other museums worth visiting include the British Museum, for a deep dive into Britian’s history, and Tate Modern Museum for its impressive collection of international modern and contemporary art. 

Entrance fee: Free (for Natural History Museum)

Opening hours: 10AM – 5:50PM, last entry 5:30PM

Address: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD

3) Harry Potter Studios Tour

Photo credit: Tom Kulczycki

Potterhead or not, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a quintessential experience in London. The recommended time here is three hours but if you’re a fan, it’s easy to spend double that time here. Experience the magic of Hogwarts, get up close with the sets, props and costumes down to the minute details. Don’t forget to chug down some delicious butter beer too!

Entrance fee: From £49.95/adult (~S$86)

Opening hours: 10AM (first tour) – 6:30PM (final tour), first tour begins at 9AM on weekends

Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR

4) Buckingham Palace

Photo credit: Jean Carlo Emer

Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace that takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

*Pro-tip: Be there at least half an hour earlier to secure a good viewing point. 

Changing of the Guard ceremony timing: 11AM

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA

5) London’s Beautiful Churches

Westminster abbey.

Photo credit: Ian Branch

If this 13th century gothic church looks familiar, you’ve probably seen it from where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, got married!

Entrance fee: £25 online (~S$42, free with London Pass)

Opening hours: 9:30AM – 3:30PM, closes 3PM on Sat, 4:30PM – 6PM on Wed

How to get there: Walk 350m from Westminster Underground Station

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Here’s a pro-tip, skip the queue for the London Eye and head to St. Paul’s Cathedral instead. Although you’ll have to work for the view (climbing up 528 steps to be exact), you’ll be rewarded with three different viewing points: One with a top-down look at the nave, and two outdoors at varying heights — offering views of the city skyline and River Thames.

Entrance fee: £18 online (~S$30, free with London Pass)

Opening hours: 8:30AM – 4PM, opens 10AM on Wed

How to get there: Walk 400m from Borough Market to London Bridge Underground Station. Take the Northern line to Bank, transfer to the Central line and alight at St Paul’s Station. Walk 150m to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Where to Eat in London

There are lots of food options as you explore the markets, but here are some spots you don’t want to miss:

Brick Lane Beigel Bake

This 24-hour bakery is almost always seen with a long queue up front. They have the classics like smoked salmon, and cream cheese bagels. But the star of the show is their delightfully tender and flavourful signature salt beef beigels.

Cost: £4.30 (~S$8)

Opening hours: 24 hours

Address: 159 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB

Steak at Flat Iron

This wallet-friendly steak is not only generous in size, but also ​​incredibly delicious and tender. 

They don’t take reservations, so queues can go up to two hours. But fret not, just leave your number with the staff and they’ll text you when your table is ready.

On top of your yummy meal, there’s also free-flow popcorn and a free ice-cream dessert. Just ask the server for it after your meal. 

Cost: £12 and above (~S$21) — 1 steak

Opening hours: 12PM – 12AM, closes 11.30PM on Sundays

Address: 17-18 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH 

Photo credit: Dishoom

It’s a tad strange but ask any local for food recommendations and Dishoom’s Indian street food seems to come up frequently. Some must-haves are the House Black Daal, Mattar Paneer, and Spicy Lamb Chops.

Cost: Grills start from £6.90 (~S$12) 

Opening hours: 8AM – 11PM, closes 12AM on Fri and Sat

Address: 12 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9FB

Day 4: Wales 

Escape into the mountains as you head to Wales. A full day at Snowdon Mountain is exactly how you’d want to spend your time in nature. 

You’ll see waterfalls, vast lakes, and adorable sheep as you make your way up to the summit — the highest point in Wales! It’s a six to eight-hour hike up Snowdon, but thankfully, you can cut your time to two hours with the Snowdon Mountain Railway (from mid-March to October). 

We recommend taking the train up to Clowgyn (the ¾ point), then slowly making your way down by foot. You get a decent view of the ridges and valleys at this viewpoint, and some exercise afterwards. The hike down is about two and a half hours, so be careful as the terrain can get rocky and steep at times.

Cost: £29/adult (~S$50), Llanberis – Clogwyn Return Fare Early Bird

Opening hours: 8:30AM (First train at 9AM). Closing varies (Call +44(0)1286 870223 to confirm)

How to get there: From Turf Square Bus Station, take Bus S2 for 30mins and alight at the Snowdon Railway Station. Purchase your bus ticket directly from the driver for £1.80 (~S$3)

Where to Eat in Wales

Platform grill at snowdon mountain railway.

Platform Grill is a fuss-free eatery perfect for a post-hike fill. Located right by the Snowdon Mountain Railway, they serve Quarter Pounders and Jumbo Hotdogs, which you can choose with or without chips!

Ainsworth’s Traditional Fish & Chips

Ainsworth’s serves the classic Fish & Chips as well as mushy peas dip, which goes well with both fries and fish.

Opening hours: 11:45AM – 9PM, closes 10PM on Fridays and weekends

Address: 41 Bridge Street Turf Square, Caernarfon LL55 1AF

Day 5 – 7: Edinburgh

1) edinburgh castle .

Photo credit: The Times

It’s hard to decide what’s more iconic about Edinburgh Castle, its rich royal history or the fact that it’s perched atop an extinct volcano.

Marvel at the architecture of this former royal residence, and learn of its dark history — the underground prisons here housed prisoners of war back in the 1800s!

Entrance fee: £18 (~S$31)

Opening hours: 9:30AM – 6PM, last entry 5PM (1 Apr to 30 Sep). 9:30AM – 5PM, last entry 4PM (1 Oct to 30 Mar)

How to get there: Walk 600m from Edinburgh Waverley Station

2) Calton Hill

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Calton Hill is one of the more prominent areas in central Edinburgh, known for its collection of historic monuments. One being the National Monument inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, which is currently unfinished due to lack of funding. 

How to get there: Walk 480m from Regent Gardens Entrance

3) Day trip to St Andrews

St andrews castle .

Photo credit: About St Andrews

This seaside castle may be in ruins now, but it’s every bit intriguing. What you don’t see above ground is made up for with underground passages to explore. These were created during the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s!

St Andrews Cathedral

St Andrews Cathedral is just a 350m walk from St Andrews Castle and is another must-visit in Edinburgh. What was once Scotland’s largest church, is now an open-air museum housing collections of medieval artefacts. Within it, you can also scale the 33-metre high St Rule’s Tower for a sweeping view of the town!

St Andrews Castle and Cathedral 

Entrance fee: £12 (~S$20)

Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM (1 Apr to 30 Sep), 10AM – 4PM (1 Oct – 31 Mar),  last entry 30 minutes before closing

How to get there: Walk 1km from St Andrews Bus Station

St Andrews Museum

Wrap up your visit in St Andrews at the Victorian-style mansion (turned museum), and learn all about St Andrews’ historical origins. You’ll find out how the city came to be known for its university, and even golf. End the day with some tea and cakes at the museum’s in-house cafe before heading back.

Opening hours: 10:30AM – 4PM, closed on Sun

How to get there: 1.2km walk from St Andrews Cathedral

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

Photo credit: Papii Cafe

Papii Cafe is a popular breakfast and brunch spot that’s known to serve a big stack of fluffy buttermilk vanilla waffles topped with bacon, maple syrup, strawberries and cream.

Cost: £5.68 (~S$10)

Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM, closed on Mon

Address: 101 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ

Oink Hog Roast 

Photo credit: @oink_hogroast via Instagram

Don’t miss the pulled pork sandwiches made with Scottish hog roast. Have yours stuffed with traditional haggis (pudding made out of sheep lungs, hearts, and liver) and homemade mustard mayo for an added kick!

Opening hours: 11AM – 5PM

Address: 34 Victoria Street, Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JW

Make the most of your London trip with UOB Cards

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One Week Family Friendly London Itinerary For Kids and Teens

Our users support our website. therefore, we sometimes earn affiliate commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our website. rest assured that all of our recommendations are made whole-heartedly with the intent of helping travelers like you discover the world authentically and responsibly., about london.

London is not only the capital city of the  United Kingdom , but it is also one of the oldest and most magnificent cities in the world. Today it is a bustling metropolitan hub full of world-class restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. But the history of London spans nearly two thousand years, and for curious travelers, it holds countless stories, mysteries, and legends. Families traveling to London can rest assured that there is plenty to keep everyone entertained and off their devices for the duration of your trip. Read on to discover our time-tested one-week family-friendly London itinerary for kids and teens. 

“In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in.”  Paddington Bear

Where To Stay: 

While the options for accommodations are seemingly endless, choose from one of our favorite  family-friendly London hotels  to ensure a central location, child-friendly amenities, connecting rooms, and spacious suites to unwind after long days of sightseeing and adventure. 

Day 1: Planes, Trains, Automobiles, and Observation Wheels

Many flights from the US depart in the evening and arrive in London in the morning or early afternoon. So hop on one of the dozens of direct flights into London Heathrow Airport and start your adventure. Although the Tube is relatively easy to navigate, we recommend saving public transportation adventures for another day. Instead of attempting to make your way through the London Underground with luggage and cranky children in tow, upon arrival, enjoy a transfer in a private luxury vehicle complete with a knowledgeable driver, fresh water, and a stress-free ride. Trust us; you will be glad you did. Booking through a trusted travel agent can ensure these transfers are confirmed and on time. 

Although you will likely feel exhausted from your overnight flight, fight the fatigue and avoid napping. Instead, drop off your luggage at the hotel and grab a bite to eat at one of London’s many authentic local fish and chip shops.

Once the kids are fed and refreshed, head back to your hotel to meet with your engaging, family-friendly London guide. But, of course, the best way to orient yourself in a new city is on foot. Take advantage of the central location of your hotel and embark on a history-filled walking tour of the town. Your guide will help you get your bearings and introduce the whole family to London’s incredible array of culture, entertainment, and adventure. 

End the tour at one of London’s most iconic landmarks and take in the bird’s eye view of the city from the top of the London Eye. 

We recommend an early dinner at a local restaurant and a great night’s sleep. You’ve earned it! 

Day 2: Living Like The Royals

This morning enjoy a delicious early breakfast and prepare the family for a day of royal adventure. Your guide will be waiting in the lobby to start the tour around London. You will drive past many of the most famous sights of this majestic city. En route, your driver will regale you with stories of the British Monarchy and how they maintained rule for over 1000 years. 

You will see statues of Henry VIII, Alfred the Great, memorials to Diana, Prince Albert, George VI (“The Kings Speech”), and Elizabeth, his wife. But that’s just the start. Children and adults alike will have fun following in the footsteps of the Royal families. Peek at the exteriors of the magnificent homes and palaces they have lived in and those they still do, the places they shop, dine and socialize. 

Today you will learn about the fascinating lives of Henry VIII (and his doomed wives), Queen Victoria, George VI, Her Majesty the Queen, and many more historical figures. 

While the Diamond Jubilee Celebrated the 60-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, your guide will take you on a journey through her life, from birth in 1926 to the present day. Stop in one of the famous stores the queen favors with her Royal Warrants before heading for lunch in a building built in the reign of Elizabeth I (1562) and still in use today. 

After lunch, continue your royal adventure with fascinating stories and tales of scandal and intrigue. Explore palaces, memorials, sites of famous executions, and burials. Your guide will show you where Princess Anne was nearly assassinated and the apartment Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong Jones would meet for their clandestine rendezvous. Curious about other royal gossip? Ask away. There is always more to the stories than meets the eye. 

Day 3: Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms & Thames River Thrills

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before meeting your family-friendly London tour guide at the hotel and walking together to Westminster Abbey. Founded by Benedictine monks in 960AD, today, it is still a place of worship and the site of coronations and other important ceremonies. As with most historic buildings in London, the interior of Westminster is a veritable treasure trove. 

Your guide will point out the impressive medieval coronation throne and the Poet’s Corner with memorials to William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and other giants of literature. But don’t miss the tombs of Queen Elizabeth I, “Bloody” Queen Mary, explorer David Livingstone and the father of evolution, Charles Darwin.

As you end the visit to the Abbey, walk over to Churchill War Rooms, a critical site in modern history as this is where Winston Churchill lived and worked during the darkest hours of the Blitz in World War II. Families with kids who enjoy studying history will find this experience incredibly fascinating. Close your eyes and imagine the scenes taking place as London was being bombed and air raid sirens were wailing. Yet, the implacable Churchill planned and executed the seemingly impossible feat of beating the Nazis. 

Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts. Winston Churchill

For an extra unique experience, inquire about a behind-the-glass, exclusive private tour where you can see the scratch marks still visible on the chair Churchill sat in as he plotted a way to alter the course of history.

After spending the first part of your day exploring these historic locations, it’s time to change the pace and scenery. Your guide will bring you to the pier on the River Thames, where the entire family can embark on an unforgettable adventure. See London’s famous sights from a new perspective, with the added thrills and spills courtesy of 880 horsepower engines racing at 35 mph! From the London Eye to Tower Bridge, prepare yourself for twists, turns, and a few screams. 

Day 4: City Break From London To Bath, Windsor Castle & Stonehenge

This morning you will wake up early and embark on a full-day adventure to many of England’s most iconic sights. A day visit to  Bath , Windsor Castle & Stonehenge. Sure, it is a long day, but it is entirely worth it! This is a must for any family-friendly focused London trip.

The first stop of the day is the largest occupied castle in the world and the ancestral home of Britain’s monarchs. While today, Windsor castle is a favored weekend residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Kings, and Queens have lived here for nearly a thousand years. Just imagine all the tiny princesses and princesses playing in the gardens, riding horses, learning to shoot, and practicing their sword skills in this very spot. You might see a colorful display with all the pomp and pageantry the Monarchy is known for if you’re lucky. The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place on select mornings.

Fancy a bit of pop culture entertainment? Step inside St George’s Chapel, the site where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in one of the most extravagant royal weddings of the century. 

Then take a look inside the State Apartments and explore the rooms used by The Queen and members of the Royal Family. Intended to rival the Palace of Versailles in France, the castle is adorned with paintings by renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens.

After saying your goodbyes visit the historic city of Bath, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site city in the UK. Stop in at the world-famous Roman Baths, taste the famous mineral water thought to promote youth, and wander the charming city streets to grab a bite to eat. 

After lunch, step back 5000 years and head over to the world’s most infamous stones. Stonehenge is a mysterious site and the world’s most famous Neolithic monument. Play along as you try to solve the mystery of who built Stonehenge, how they did it (without any modern tools), and why? 

Day 5: Harry Potter Adventure Day

A family-friendly London itinerary wouldn’t be complete without Harry Potter! Harry Potter fan’s young and old, will look back on this day as one of the highlights of the entire trip. Meet your driver and begin the day with a visit to Oxford and explore one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, founded in 1167. It has been home to many famous people, from world leaders to renowned storytellers.  The Importance of Being Earnest, Alice in Wonderland, Dr. Seuss, The Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia  all got their start within these walls. 

After lunch, the real Harry Potter Fan fun begins. Step inside the same studios used to create the Harry Potter films. Sit in Weasley’s flying car, enter Hogwarts Hall, stroll along the spectacular Diagon Alley and visit the Gryffindor Common Room.

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Albus Dumbledore

Wonder how Harry’s parent’s house looks in person? Step out into the backlot and see for yourself. 

Visit Hogsmead station and climb aboard the Hogwarts Express. The latest addition to the Warner Bros Studio for fans of Harry Potter is the Gringotts Wizarding Bank. This exhibit is lined by marble pillars, sparkling chandeliers, and props and costumes belonging to the Goblin bankers, like Bogrod and Griphook. Discover the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange and peek inside the vault, where you will see the Sword of Gryffindor, piles of golden Galleons, silver Sickles, and more. 

At the end of the tour, make your way back to London and reflect fondly on the day.

Day 6: Jewels, Rolling Heads, and London’s Dark Side

Start the day by being one of the first people to enter the storied Tower of London. This nearly impenetrable fortress on the River Thames has withstood almost 1000 years of wars, plagues, and insurrections. Skip the long lines and enjoy fast-track entrance with your experienced and engaging guide. Did you know that its official name is  Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London?  Originally designed as a castle for William the Conqueror in 1078, the Tower of London has held strategic importance for centuries of rulers. 

Meet the legendary  Yeoman Warders  and  ravens , get a close look at the priceless collection of  Crown Jewels  and watch in amazement as your children soak up thousands of years of history immortalized within these walls. 

If your children love animals and have begged you for a puppy for their birthday, stop by the Tower menagerie. Learn about the wild and exotic animals housed here from the 1200s to 1835. How did this happen? In 1235, Henry III was ecstatic when the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II gifted him three leopards. Needing a place to house them, the King decided to start a zoo at the Tower. Over time the collection of animals grew, and the tradition of gifting exotic pets from elephants to lions and polar bears as royal gifts continued.  This is noted as a highlight of many family-friendly London trips!

We cannot do justice to the Tower of London without acknowledging its dark past as a place of torture and death. Your guide will regale you with famous stories that occurred within these walls. For example, during the Tudor Dynasty, it gained its notorious reputation as a place of pain and torture where Henry VIII imprisoned two of his six wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. 

Perhaps even more sinister, in 1483, after staging a coup d’etat, Richard III is believed to have hidden and murdered his nephews, 12-year-old Prince Edward and his younger brother, 9-year-old Richard, in the Tower. Skeletons of what appeared to be the young princes were found beneath the staircase of the Tower in the 1600s. Their ghosts are said to roam the grounds to this day, seeking to reclaim their rightful place and avenge their uncle. 

While we recommend touring the Tower of London in the morning and attending the Opening Ceremony, true history buffs may want to consider adding on an evening  Ceremony of The Keys  experience. 

At precisely 9:53 PM, the Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower, wearing the traditional red Watch Coat and Tudor Bonnet, emerges from the Byward Tower and begins the 7-minute ceremony. 

In one hand, he carries a lantern, still lit by a single candle, and in the other, he holds a set of the Queen’s Keys. He heads to the archway of the Bloody Tower.

Footsteps are heard in the dark corridors. 

The sentry cries out, ‘Halt, who comes there?’

 the yeoman warder replies, ‘the keys.’  , ‘whose keys’ , ‘queen elizabeth’s keys.’ , ‘pass then; all’s well.’ .

While the name of the monarchs may change, this precise exchange forms part of the traditional ‘locking up’ of the Tower of London.  

This ancient tradition has held steadfast every evening for 700 years. Through every war, natural disaster, pandemic, and social crisis. 

The ceremony was delayed only once! On September 7, 1940, Germany relentlessly bombed London, and a bomb fell close to the Tower. Amidst the explosions and extreme danger, a guardsman was injured, delaying the ceremony by 7 minutes.

After Hours Experience:

Families with teens and older children who enjoy murder mysteries should partake in an after-hours adventure retracing the footsteps of the infamous Jack the Ripper and other sordid killers. Start the tour with your guide in the middle of the Whitechapel district where the murders took place.

Visit the three remaining murder sites and the building where it is believed Jack hid from the police on the night of the double murder. Then stop by the church where his victims prayed unsuspectingly before grabbing a pint at The Ten Bells Pub that the Ripper’s victims frequented before their deaths.

Your guide will keep the whole family entertained (if a little scared) with stories of executions, witchcraft, grave-robbing, and murders.

Day 7: Choose Your Own adventure

“With your feet on the ground you’re a bird in flight with your fist holding tight to the string of your kite.” From Marry Poppins

It is hard to believe, but your one-week family-friendly London adventure is nearly over. So spend your last day at leisure soaking up the sights, exploring various museums, or doing a little shopping. By this point in the trip, you will undoubtedly have a good sense of the city. That being said, venture out and ride the Tube or hail one of the famous London taxis. Be sure to explore off the beaten spots and new neighborhoods. 

After enjoying plenty of family time in the beautiful city of London, be sure to look ahead and secure a romantic getaway for you and your spouse! Although time with the children is amazing, so is one-on-one time with your significant other.

Boutique Travel Advisors is a full-service, luxury travel agency . We specialize in creating  bespoke itineraries  for discerning clients around the world. Please visit our   website   or call 480-787-1477 to speak with a dedicated travel expert. 

Are you planning an international or domestic trip? Check out our other articles to help you come prepared!

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to protect your financial investment and health while traveling internationally. To purchase a policy with our preferred travel insurance company Chubb   click here .

At this time, anyone that resides in CA, CO, KS, MN, MO, MT, NH, NY, PA, TX or WA is unable to purchase an insurance policy online. If you would like assistance purchasing a travel insurance policy, please get in touch with a BTA advisor .

About the Author: ANGELA RICE & JANET SEMENOVA

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One Comment

I visited the Tower of London and saw the Crown Jewels on day one, and on day two, I explored the British Museum and saw the Rosetta Stone, it was one of the best tour experiences which I received from city tours London , would recommend people to visit.

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• Discover London on a walking tour to Westminster and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
• Embark on a tour of Windsor Castle.
• Cross the English Channel aboard the Eurostar Train.

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• Marvel at the archeological wonder of Stonehenge and discover all you need to know about the rich history of this iconic site.
• Wander along the picture-perfect trails in Dartmoor National Park, stopping for a refreshing picnic lunch along the Dartmoor Princetown Walk.
• Hop between coastal hubs in Cornwall, including Tintagel and Penzance, and explore must-see spots like Land’s End and the Minack Theatre.
• Get your history fix at the ruins of Tintagel Castle and learn about the historic ties to King Arthur as you brace the sea breeze.
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• Tour the magnificent Blenheim Palace decorated for the season.
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London reviews & ratings, why travelstride, additional details, what you should know before going on a london tour, best time to visit london.

The largest city and capital of the England attracts millions of people annually, round the year. Every season has its own perks and benefits, and it depends very much on your interest that which time suits you the best. There is no offseason in London; hence, if you expect empty streets to have the region all to yourself is nearly impossible.

The busy city is the hub of the country and is always crowded with local or international visitors. There are times when the crowds are small when a huge bunch of tourists has not yet arrived but still expect crowd everywhere. No matter what time of the year you choose to travel to London, one thing that you have to keep with you always is an umbrella. The unpredictable weather in London can get you trapped in the rain anytime. So, better be ready for it.

Summertime, June – August , is the most popular time, and various people choose to travel to London during these months. The main reason is the pleasantly warm weather that will make you so comfortable that you won't mind the huge tourist crowds.

It is also the best time to visit if you want to visit the royal sites as they are open to the public during summer when the occupants are away for a holiday. From late June to early July you will have the chance to enjoy Harrods's summer sale and many other good summer sales.

Autumn, mid-September to November , brings with it a mild chill, signaling the approaching winters, but the weather is still comfortably pleasant. Streets are still crowded with tourists to some extent. If you are interested in experiencing the local culture, then you might get a chance to witness any of the annual events like Guy Fawkes Night, The Lord Mayor's Show, etc.

Being a low tourist season, due to the freezing temperatures, wintertime is best to get the discounted deals on everything, except December. The post-Christmas sales in January, along with discounts on airfare and accommodation, can let you save a lot. If you don’t mind all packed up in warm clothes, then you should travel to London during winter as that will help you save a lot in every aspect. Also, there will be fewer people and shorter queues for everything, saving you lots of time as well.

The second best time after summer is the spring season with its beautiful blooming flowers. Enjoy the beauty of royal gardens and parks with various colors inviting you to indulge in the natural beauty. The winter chill has left already, and the summer warmth welcomes you with open arms. Tourists have not yet arrived, so you will find lesser crowds everywhere during early spring. This time of the year has minimum rainfall and is considered to be the best time of the year concerning the weather.

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Helene in Between

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Perfect One Week London and Paris Itinerary

By Helene Sula

No two cities in the world inspire such wonder as London and Paris. Can you name two greater cities in the world? And the fact that they're a train ride away means easy access to some of the top sights in the whole world.

A one week London and Paris itinerary is one of the best you can have. You'll see Tower Bridge, the iconic red telephone booths, and incredible skyscrapers in London along with the glittering Eiffel Tower, the grand architecture of Hausmann, and the long boulevards of Paris. Really, you can't go wrong in either city, which is why this itinerary is so fantastic.

Because I know there is so much to do and see in each city, you can't possibly see it all in 7 days. So I've put the highlights, as well, as additional options and ideas to make your trip your own. This guide will help you plan your perfect trip to London and Paris.

• London and Paris Itinerary in 7 Days

Day 1 Arrive in London, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden & See a Play in the West End

Day 2 tower of london, tower bridge, the shard, borough market, globe theater, st. paul's cathedral, guided tour, london eye, day 3 buckingham palace, parliament, trafalgar square, national gallery, regent & oxford street, churchill war rooms, day 4 hyde park, kensington palace, head to paris, paris tour, how to get from london to paris, day 5 river cruise, notre dame, saint chappelle, pont neuf, lourve, tuileries garden petit and grand palais, pont alexandre iii, eiffel tower, day 6 versailles, galeries lafayette, palais garnier, champs-élysées, arc de triompe, day 7 monmarte, moulin rouge, sacré-couer, head home, how to get around london and paris, best time to visit london and paris.

This 7 day London, Paris itinerary will ensure you make the most out of your time. These are two of my favorite cities in Europe because they offer such beauty, have an in-depth history, and every time I go I learn something new.

You'll land in London, and hit the ground running to see the top sights. Then you'll take a train to Paris to get to know this wonderful city. I traveled with Globus on this excursion to immerse myself in everything these cities had to offer. Because Globus handles things like hotels, transportation, tickets to see a play, and more, I was able to get my fill of travel experiences. It's independent travel with ease.

Below you'll find a detailed guide to 7 days in London and Paris. You'll see we have a bit more time in London since it's a bigger city. I've mapped out (literally) each day so you can make sure you don't miss anything along the way!

You'll arrive in one of London's major airports like London Gatwick, London Heathrow or the smaller London Stansted or London Luton. These are about an hour form the city center, but I suggest you take a high speed train from the airport to your hotel. If you've booked with Globus , there will be transport provided for you (one of my FAVORITE perks of booking with them!).

You'll first want to get your bearings, but then I suggest you hit the town! I always recommend seeing a play in the West End . I've been to London dozens of times, and I never miss my chance on seeing a play.

For the evening, stroll around the busy and bustling Piccadilly Circus . This is similar to New York's Times Square (but cleaner) and is a flashy hub. From here, head to the lovely Covent Garden and grab a bite to eat , then head over to your play for the night.

I recommend getting theater tickets at TodayTix.com or in person at Leicester Square. You'll see plenty of signs for discounted tickets. You really can't go wrong, all the shows are incredible. I even dragged my husband to Mamma Mia and he LOVED it.

If you're up for it, your can head to Oxford Street for some fun pubs and clubs.

It's time to hit the ground running and see some of London's top spots! You'll start off at the Tower of London . It's not cheap, but I recommend that you take a guided tour, led by the tower guards who stay in character, of the Tower and make sure to leave time to see the crown jewels. This is London's most famous spot: it's where Ann Boleyn, among others, lost her head.

Next up, walk across Tower Bridge , the most beautiful bridge (and contrary to popular belief is not London Bridge). You can also go up the bridge if you want a more in depth history. In my Save or Splurge London post , I give you a full breakdown.

If you want the best view of the city head up to the Shard , London's tallest building. I actually recommend instead of paying just for an elevator ride to the top, going to the Shangri-La Hotel (inside the Shard) and having a drink near the top. The views are unmatched!

For a bite to eat and some famous filming locations check out Borough Market . Make sure to eat the sausage roll at Ginger Pig or grab some fish and chips at Fish! Kitchen.

From here, we're walking to Shakespeare's Globe theater , but make sure to check out the incredible architecture along the way like the “Walkie Talkie,” “Gherkin” and the odd looking “Lloyd's” building.

From here, walk across the Millennium Bridge (also a scene from Harry Potter!) to the masterpiece by Christopher Wren, St. Paul's Cathedral . You have to pay to go in, but if you go in the evening for “Even Song” a short mass, you can go for free. It's worth it to go inside for one of the largest domes in the world.

I always suggest going on a guided tour , especially in a place like London, with such rich history. You'll have to pick one area to concentrate on, so I suggest either the area with Westminister and Houses of Parliament, or near the Tower of London. I've done both and love each one!

Lastly, take a ride on the London Eye at night for some beautiful views. Located on the River Thames the third largest Ferris Wheel in the world circles slowly and offers 360-degree views.

Optional: British Museum, Head to Notting Hill, Somerset House, Harry Potter Tour (see my review of the Harry Potter experience here ).

Today you'll get to see the quintessential British treasures. Kicking off with Buckingham Palace . The seat of royalty and home of Queen Elizabeth II is best to see as early in the morning as possible. If you want to watch the changing of the guard you can see that at 11am, every day of the week.

Now you'll go to Parliament Square and Westminster Palace and see the iconic Big Ben (currently under constriction) and take a tour of Westminster Abbey , one of the most famous burial places in the world. The architecture of this building is some of my favorite.

From here, head to Trafalgar Square flanked by the massive stone lions. This busy square commemorated Admiral Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Next, head to the National Gallery . The museum is free (many museums in the UK are) and offers paintings from the 13-19th century. Another one of my favorite museums is the Natural History Museum nearby and it's also an incredibly beautiful building.

If you're up for one more museum, check out the underground Churchill War rooms . Preserved from Churchill's actual war rooms this interactive museum walks you though where the British Prime Minister and staff waged war against the Nazis.

Stroll up the shopping streets of Regent and Oxford for some pretty window displays and great photo opportunities. This is also a great spot for tea .

Optional: Tate Modern, or Victoria and Albert Museum, Regent Park

It's your last day in London! Make your way over to Hyde Park to see the swans at Serpentine Lake, the German Christmas Market (if you're there during December) or just enjoy a picnic.

At the edge of the park is Kensington Palace and Gardens , the birthplace of Queen Victoria and a lovely place to walk or take a tour. After, if you need a drink, head to the pub the Churchill Arms for some world class decor, both inside and out.

Optional: Camden Market, Portobello Road Market, Greenwich

The fastest and easiest way to get from London to Paris is via train . There are flight options too (it takes about an hour), but by the time you go through security and wait to board, you might as well take the train.

The train is super fast, it only takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. There are about 16 trains a day that go from London to Paris so you'll definitely find one that's works for your schedule. Find the best times and prices here.

The way I have the schedule set is that you'll still have half a day in London so you can maximize your sightseeing.

Arrive in Paris Day: Guided Tour

Now that you're in Paris, I suggest you do a tour. Last time I was in Paris I did a Paris Ghost Tour and it was one of the coolest I've ever been on! I couldn't get over the detailed, interesting, and even crazy history from Paris' past.

Now, I know today seems like a lot, and that's only because it is. But many of these sights we'll be walking by, so don't worry too much! Paris is extremely walk-able, or you can easily hop on a nearby metro station.

First, take a short one hour river cruise , to get your bearings, see the many bridges by water and an easy way to take in the city.

Next, head over to the Île de la Cité area for my two favorite churches: Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle . Notre Dame is under construction because of a terrible fire. But it's worth it to go see the outside and see the iconic twin buttresses. Then, head to nearby Gothic Sainte-Chapelle for the most incredible stained glass.

The ornate stained glass of Sainte Chapelle:

Pass by the Pont Neuf bridge on your way to the Louvre. If you have time, I definitely recommend spending time inside the museum. It's gigantic, but contains some of the most important art relics in the world including the Mona Lisa. The outside of the Lourve is beautiful, with detailed architecture and glass pyramids in the middle.

Take a stroll through the pretty and neatly laid Tuileries Garden . Great for a quick photo opp.

Then pass by the Petit and Grand Palais .

Next, walk across my favorite bridge in the world, Pont Alexandre III. From here you can admire the Eiffel Tower from afar.

Now stroll the Seine over to the Eiffel Tower for a picnic and to watch it light up and glitter at night.

Optional: Luxembourg Garden, Pantheon, Visit the Catacombs, Trocadéro Garden, and St. Germain

Today will definitely involve some driving or public transportation, so keep that in mind. I highly recommend a half day trip to Versailles if you've never been. It's incredible and one of the most ornate places to visit in the world. You literally step back in King Louis 14th and Marie Antoinette's foot prints. The hall of mirrors alone is worth the trip.

You MUST get there early to avoid the crowds. I also suggest buying tickets ahead of time. If you've been and want a day trip I suggest Monet's Gardens . They are so beautiful, especially in the Spring.

After that, head back to Paris. We'll spend some time at the exquisite Galeries Lafayette . You don't have to go shopping to admire the glittering interior building. Pro tip: instead of waiting hours in line for the viewing platform, head to Starbucks and get just as good of a view! I also love this area for a good representation of Hausmann architecture.

Then you'll walk a short distance to Palais Garnier , the opera house in Paris. There are also plenty of shops here. From here, I suggest taking a cab or public transportation to Champs-Élysées . This is a grand boulevard lined with shops and one of my favorite hotels, the Peninsula . Stop in for tea or a drink with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

From here it's a straight shot to the Arc de Triopmhe , Napoleon's epic arch. Make sure to take a look at the soldier's eternal flame and the detailed carvings in stone around the arch.

Optional: Monet's Garden (half day trip), Museum Orsay, Tuileries Garden, Le Train Bleu

Monmarte refers to an area of Paris and it contains one of the greatest relics of Paris, Sacré-Couer. This was also the “artists hub” of Paris so it looks a bit different from the Hausmann Architecture of Paris.

Start at the Moulin Rouge , and then head up, that's right, you'll be walking up quite a lot today. You can pass by the Instagram famous La Maison Rose while stopping for a pastry.

Then continue to Sacré-Couer . Save some time for this, as it's a great spot to watch street performers and get an incredible view of Paris.

If you have time, you can stop by Place du Tertre and pick up some art for a souvenir. Watch your stuff, Monmarte is known for pickpockets.

If flying out of Paris, you'll fly most likely out of Charles De Gaulle Aiport but there is also Beauvais-Tillé or Otly airport. You can take public transport directly here or, again with Monograms , you'll have a private stress-free transfer from your hotel directly to the airport.

Most of the time I recommend that you drive, but not for this trip. I recommend that you use public transportation since it's so easy to use and takes you wherever you need to go.

To me, there's never really a bad time to go. But if you want to avoid the crowds (Christmas and Summer are high season) then I suggest early Fall: September and October or early spring: April and May.

Where to Eat in London:

• Borough Market – great for fish and chips as well as a sausage roll at the Ginger Pig, I also love the fudge from Whirl
• Gymkhana for Indian (England's national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala after all).
• Sketch Cafe for Brunch
• One Aldwych for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
• Sushi Tetsu – hard to get a reservation so book in advance.
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese for pub food, also a place where Charles Dickens wrote.
• Crown & Anchor , Churchill Arms , Mr. Fogg's Gin Parlor for more pub food.
• Esters Cafe for breakfast.
• Savoy Hotel for something fancy.
• Head to Tesco for a meal deal and have a picnic in Hyde or Regent's Park.
• Circolo Popolare for an Instagram worthy spot. Or Peggy Porschen for the most instagrammy spot, serving cakes.

Where to Eat in Paris:

The best part about Paris cuisine? You can't go wrong.

• Cafe Julien , a cool Art Deco building with divine food
• Peninsula Paris for afternoon tea or a drink overlooking the Eiffel tower
• Refuge des Fondus for fondue and drinking wine out of a baby bottles!
• Ladurée  – I have to say.. I'm not a big fan of macarons but this is the place to go if you want some of the best.
• Cafe Kitsuné  – Arguably one of the most instagrammable cafes in Paris. The coffee is tasty and pretty.
• Comptoir de La Gastronomie  – one of the best meals I've ever had. The Foie Gras Ravioli was out of this world.
• La Stube  – This is the perfect lunch spot for a savory tart or Salmon Strudel. Also try their cakes, divine!
• La Drouguerie for crepes
• Le Train Bleu , near the colorful streets of Rue Crémieux is in the train station and ornate place to stop to eat.
• Cafe de la Poste is a good spot for lunch.
• Angelina's for hot chocolate – get it to go so you don't have to wait in line.
• For pastries there's almost too many places to name! But try Du Pain et des Idées , it's divine!

Some helpful posts about London/England:

Save or Splurge London

London at Christmas

Southern England Road Trip

Some helpful Paris/France posts:

Essential Paris Guide

Midnight in Paris Film Locations

Northern France Road Trip

It's often said that London is the whole world in one place. I disagree. Add in the art, culture, and brilliance of Paris and then, you might just have the whole world.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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A One Week UK Itinerary

Last updated: April 19, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 69 Comments

Following on from my two week UK itinerary  post, I wanted to put together a slightly shorter itinerary for those of you with less time, but who still wanted to explore more of the UK than the capital city. And so, I present, our suggested itinerary for one week in the UK.

The idea of this 1 week UK itinerary is to take in some of the essential highlights of the UK, but also throw in a few curveballs – spectacular places that you would find hard to visit without your own wheels.

If this is your first time driving in the UK, I can also recommend checking out our guide to driving in the UK for tips.

Without further ado, here’s my guide for an awesome:

One Week UK Road Trip Itinerary

We’re going to kick off this itinerary in the UK’s capital, on the assumption that this is where you’re going to fly to when you arrive. There are flights from all over the world to London’s airports, so the chances are pretty high that this is where you’re going to be arriving.

Note that as with any itinerary, this one should be adjusted to your travel style. The itinerary as laid out is very busy, and has you moving quite quickly so as to take in the highlights. So feel free to adjust it to your specific preferences. It could easily be adjusted to accommodate a longer trip for example.

• Days 1 & 2: London

In general, having a hire car in London is A Bad Idea. What with the congestion charge, antiquated road system, and the fact that the traffic moves slower now on average than it did when horses and carts plied the roads – well, you get the idea.

This isn’t to suggest writing it off though. You have two options – pick up a hire car after your time in London, or stay a little outside the centre in a hotel with parking near a public transport hub. Now, on to London itself.

For your first day of exploration in London, I’d suggest spending your day seeing the essential London sights . London is an eminently walkable city, and you’ll be able to take in the majority of the key highlights, from the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace through to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London .

Then, on your second day, you can either continue to explore London, or you might consider heading out to some of the attractions outside of London.

Popular locations outside the city centre include Windsor Castle , or Hampton Court Palace – both eminently explorable, and easy to reach with a car or by public transport from the city centre.

If you want to save money on the above attractions, and will be visiting a few, then you should definitely consider investing in a London Pass . Available in 1, 3 and 6 day versions, the savings can really be quite impressive if you plan on visiting a few locations. You can read a full break down on if the London Pass is worth buying here , and buy one yourself here .

Finally, London has no shortage of accommodation options, something to suit pretty much every budget. Check out the options for London at booking.com , and here for Plum Guide if you’re looking for an apartment. We also have a guide to where to stay in London .

• Day 3: Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds

From London, I’m going to suggest you head west, and take in one of Britain’s most recognisable old monuments – the incredible Stonehenge . Visiting Stonehenge is a popular day trip from London, and I have a guide to visiting Stonehenge from London here .

Every year new evidence comes to light as to how these got here, and you can’t fail to be impressed at their massiveness, as well as their seeming impervious nature. Since the motorway was shifted a few years ago, and the fence around the stones moved, this has become a far more pleasant attraction to visit.

From Stonehenge, head along to the old town of Bath. A favourite of the Romans, this place has, as you would imagine, some baths to explore, where you can see how the Romans kept themselves clean, plus try some of the waters yourself.

It’s also worth taking the time to check out the Georgian architecture, including the Royal Crescent and the Circus.

You can either overnight in Bath, which might be preferable to driving any more today, or you can head into the Cotswolds. If you do the latter, find yourself a cosy little B&B in the countryside – somewhere you’d likely struggle to get to with public transport – and really take advantage of having your own wheels!

• Days 4 & 5: Warwickshire, The Peak District & Yorkshire

After a pleasant overnight in Bath or the Cotswolds, it’s time to turn North, and head up towards Yorkshire. This will be a bit of a drive, but there are some highlights on the way that I’d recommend stopping at to break up the journey.

First, I’d suggest stopping off at Baddesley Clinton , a moated manor house just outside of Warwick. This is a spectacular property, over 500 years old, which will give you an insight as to how the British aristocracy lived in the middle ages.

Highlights include the glorious moat that surrounds the building, and the priest-holes in the house itself, where the Catholic priests of the time would hide from persecution and execution.

If you’d prefer to explore an interesting town, then I can recommend dropping in to Warwick. There’s enough to do here to fill a day (especially if you decide to visit the Castle!), but I’d suggest at least visiting the Lord Leycester Hospital, and St. Mary’s Church .

The former isn’t, and has never been, a hospital, instead, for over 400 years it has housed military veterans of Britain’s various wars. It’s a fascinating cluster of houses, dating from the 14th century, and is basically everything you could hope for in a medieval construction.

St Mary’s Church is one of the largest churches (I thought it was a cathedral when I first spotted it) in the UK, home to a gorgeous medieval chapel, a magnificent view from the top of its tower, and 1000 years of worshipping history.

Alternatively, you could also choose to visit Stratford-upon-Avon , the birthplace of Shakespeare.

Once you’re done with the above, it’s time to leave Warwickshire behind, and head on up to the Peak District, where I’m going to suggest you spend the night – there are some really fantastic accommodation options on hand, to suit every budget .

After your night in the Peak District, set aside a morning for visiting Chatsworth House . Often voted the UK’s favourite country house – if you’re going to take in a stately home on a spectacular scale, then this is an excellent choice.

Still home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the property has 126 rooms, with a number of these open for public viewing. Surrounding the property itself are 105 acres of magnificent garden, constructed across six centuries, and reflecting changing times and fashions. You’ll easily be able to lose a morning at Chatsworth!

From Chatsworth, it’s a 2 hour blast up to the next stop on our itinerary – the gorgeous ruined remains of Fountains Abbey , a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in Studley Royal Park.

As well as the well preserved ruins of the giant 12th century Cistercian monastery, you’ll also find the rather impressive 18th century water garden, generally recognised as the most important in the UK.

If you can,  I’d suggest exploring right through until the sun sets, which should afford you some wonderful photography opportunities. There’s lots of ground to cover, and if you find yourself tiring, there’s an excellent tea room.

When you’re done, find yourself somewhere to stay in the nearby area .

• Day 6: Northumberland

You’ll be starting your sixth day of exploration bright and early in Yorkshire, and continuing northwards, this time to the country of Northumberland, home to the city of Newcastle, the island spanning Hadrian’s Wall, and some of England’s finest medieval castles.

It’s the latter that I’m going to suggest you focus on in Northumberland. You’re unlikely to be able to do all of the following in the time available, but I’d definitely suggest that you visit at least two of the following four sights when in Northumberland, starting with:

Alnwick Castle . Home to the Duke of Northumberland, and dating from 1036, this is the sort of castle that you probably think of when you think of medieval fortress castles.

It’s also the sort of castle you might think of if you’re a Harry Potter fan, as a number of the scenes from the earlier Harry Potter movies , including the Quidditch training scenes, were filmed here. If you’re more of a Downton Abbey fan, well, the last two Christmas specials of the show were filmed here.

It would be easy to spend a day here, particularly as the gardens are also very picturesque, so you’re welcome to do just that. But, if you’re keen to see some more of England’s incredible castles, head along to:

Bamburgh Castle . I absolutely love the coastal location of Bamburgh Castle, which is just perfect for photography, atop a rocky outcrop by a golden sand beach. The native Britons of the area thought so too – with a fort housing the original Kings of Britain located here. Of course, that all came to an end when the Vikings popped over in 993 and presumably burnt the place to the ground.

The castle that’s on the site today was built by the Normans, in the 11th century, and is another imposing fortress like construction, designed to withstand brutal assault and siege warfare.

Since you’re in the area for Bamburgh, you might also take the time to take a look at either Dunstanburgh castle , a few miles to the south, or Holy Island, a few miles to the north. The former was a 14th century fortification that fell into ruin by the 16th century – the latter is an island, accessible at low tide, and where you’ll find the still inhabited Lindisfarne Castle , which you can also tour.

If you’re more interested in Roman history than castles,  then I’d suggest you visit Hadrian’s Wall. Built during the time of Emperor Hadrian (122AD if you’re not up to speed on Roman timelines), this wall stretched from one side of England to the other, and marked the northern limit of the Roman empire. The precise reason for building a 73 mile wall is still unclear, I suspect it was largely just because they could.

There are multiple locations where you can visit the wall, with my favourite being Sycamore Gap, near Housesteads Crag, where a lonely tree sits amongst the remains of the highest part of the wall.

From Hadrian’s Wall, head north, to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, either overnighting in the Scottish Borders, or Edinburgh itself.

• Day 7: Edinburgh

This trip finishes off in Edinburgh, one of my favourite cities in the UK, and where you’ll have no shortage of things to do . However, since you have a car, I have two suggestions that you might want to add to the list. First – head to the Pentland Hills. A few miles south of the city, these offer excellent walking, sheep spotting opportunities and iron age hill forts.

I’d also suggest you make the time to head out to an icon of the Edinburgh surrounds – the Firth of Forth bridges, and in particular, the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Firth of Forth Rail Bridge.

This is a mighty red cantilevered bridge construction spanning the Firth of Forth, opened in 1890, and still operational today. At it’s time of construction it was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world, and despite now being the second longest, is still mighty impressive.

Finally, of course, I’d recommend spending some time exploring Edinburgh, which has no shortage of attractions, fine dining, shopping and places to stay . Whether you’re into Harry Potter or festivals , you’re bound to find something to do.

Then – turn your car in, and head home – Edinburgh airport is easy to drive to, has all the main car hire operator’s, and you should be able to fly from here to anywhere you like. Whew! I hope you enjoyed that tour!

1 Week UK Itinerary Map

To help you visualise this driving route of the UK, we’ve put together this map of the route. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

1 Week UK Itinerary Summary

As mentioned at the start of the post, this itinerary is quite busy. If you have limited vacation time, then you can definitely do a lot in a short time and see the highlights, but be aware you will not be able to explore every location in great depth.

If you prefer to travel more slowly, you’ll definitely want to tweak this itinerary for your own travel style, either by adding more time, or changing the route.

How to Get Around the UK

Well, this one should be pretty obvious! I’m going to suggest a rental car of course. This itinerary is really only do-able if you drive yourself.

We recommend you compare car prices using a service like Discover Cars , which compares prices across a range of providers to help you find the best deal.

When To Visit the UK

The UK has what could best be described as “variable” weather. The good news is that you don’t really get extremes of weather. The bad news is that being surrounded by water, it tends to rain a lot, throughout the year.

Obviously, the summer period is likely to be warmer than the winter period, but the climate is generally mild, so whenever you visit, plan for the gamut of weather conditions, from rain to sunshine. Layers are key to your clothing, meaning you can adjust as the weather changes.

My main piece of advice for a trip like this is to avoid popular weekends and school holidays if you can. The UK has a number of public holidays throughout the year, when the roads (and attractions) get very crowded. If you can avoid these times, you’ll have a far more pleasant experience.

Time of year wise, there’s no “bad” time to visit, but I’d advise perhaps May / June might give you the best shot of decent weather, whilst avoiding the summer school holiday period.

Where to Stay in the UK

The UK has loads of accommodation options, from cosy B&B’s through to upscale hotels, as well as all the chains you’d expect.

• We’ve tried a lot of booking sites, and nearly always find ourselves using Booking.com. They have an extensive selection of properties, many with no-fee cancellation policies, and often run discounts and special offers. Click on each city title to see their listings:  London , the Cotswolds , the Peak District , Yorkshire and Edinburgh ,
• If you prefer an apartment or more of a hosted stay, then we recommend Plum Guide . We’ve tried all the others, and Plum Guide consistently has the best quality in all the locations we’ve used them in.
• If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we have some alternatives we also use. We suggest trying Vrbo to start with. For even more ideas to help you save money and get the best choice, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB , as well as a guide to our favourite holiday cottage accommodation in the UK , which you should check out!

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

What about a Tour of the UK?

We’re often asked if a trip like this can be done as part of a tour instead of driving yourself. The answer is – yes it can, and you have a few options for doing so.

First, you could take a group tour of the UK. This will take you to a wide variety of sights, with someone else handling all the logistics, and letting you just relax and chill out.

We have used and can recommend  Rabbie’s Trail Burners for group tours – they’re a small group tour operator with lots of experience and great guides, and they have a wide range of tours of varying lengths covering many parts of the UK. This 8 day tour they offer for example runs from London to Edinburgh and gives you an idea of what can be done in that time period.

You can also arrange a private tour. This will usually be a more expensive option, but will mean you can put something totally customised together. This is a service offered by a number of companies, we would again recommend Rabbie’s Trail Burners who offer a  customised tour service .

Another option we are happy to recommend is professional driver-guide Robina Brown, who is a blue-badge guide offering tours across the UK. See her website  here .

Further reading for your UK trip

And that sums up our guide to the perfect 1 week UK itinerary. Before you go though, we’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip to the UK, from posts we’ve written ourselves to third party content we’re happy to recommend. Here it is:

• If you want a longer trip, taking in some more highlights of the UK including Wales and Ireland, check out this two week itinerary of the UK that I put together. We also have a detailed Wales road trip itinerary .
• As this is a self-drive trip, you should definitely check out our guide to driving in the UK for tips.
• For budget planning, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• If you’d prefer not to drive, we also have an itinerary for 10 days in the UK by public transport .
• A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• A Two Day Edinburgh Itinerary & 21 Highlights in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh: Getting off the beaten path
• If you like Royal themed attractions, Jess wrote a full post about the Royal Edinburgh Ticket here , which can help you save money on some of Edinburgh’s top attractions.
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• A Two Day London Itinerary
• A Six Day London Itinerary
• The Best Photography Locations in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• Eight Things to Do in Kensington
• The Highlights of Oxford
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• 20 Things To Do in Dublin
• A Guide to Touring the Scottish Borders
• Our guide to things to do in Cambridge
• If you want a physical (or digital!) book to accompany your travels, then Amazon do a good line in UK Travel Guides , and there is naturally a Lonely Planet and a Rough Guide to the UK available.

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There are 69 comments on this post

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28th January 2023 at 3:25 pm

Hi Lawrence,

I’m doing a 5 day trip on my motorbike from Liverpool to London. I’ve tried to pull together a route but I seemed to have picked the wrong stop points as I don’t know a lot about the areas. I would like history, good views and to stay away from busy cities where I can. Could you recommend a route please?

Thank you! Sasha

Laurence Norah says

29th January 2023 at 9:03 am

So I would probably head east from London towards Stonehenge / Avebury, where you can definitely see some history. Salisbury is also a lovely town to explore. From there, I’d head north up into the Cotswolds, which has a lot of stunning villages and quintessential English countryside. Towns like Circencester, Bibury, Burford, Bourton on the Water etc. There are lots of nice B&B style accommodation options in the area to enjoy. If you are interested in Shakespeare, you can head up to Stratford-Upon-Avon which is also a nice town. After that I’d suggest the Peak District National Park which is also very pretty. Chatsworth House is a lovely stately home but there is good walking and lots of nice villages here as well. From there it’s an easy trip across to Liverpool perhaps via Chester if you have spare time.

I hope this makes sense, let me know if you need any more input!

Safe travels, would love to hear how your trip goes 🙂

2nd December 2022 at 4:36 pm

Hello Laurence, I need help please, so we are following your 7 days road trip to Edinburg. 1 Week UK Itinerary Summary Days 1 & 2: London Day 3: Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds from costwold, is it possible to drive through Yorkshire straight to Manchester Days 4 & 5: Warwickshire, The Peak District & Yorkshire (for this 2 days we want to stay in Manchester) from Manchester train to Edinburgh.. Do we need to rent a car in Edinburgh? Day 6: Edinburg Day 7: Edinburgh

What do you think?

Thank you in advance.

4th December 2022 at 10:39 am

Sure thing. So yes, it is possible to drive from the Cotswolds to Manchester, it’s about a 3 hour drive. However you won’t be driving through Yorkshire, which is to the east and north of Manchester. You would also have passed Warwickshire and the Peak District if you drive up to Manchester as they are both south of Manchester.

For Edinburgh you definitely don’t need a car, the city centre is very easy to get around either on foot on by local bus. The only exception would be if you wanted to visit sights out of town of course.

Have a great trip!

5th December 2022 at 4:20 pm

Thank you for your help! Merry Christmas!🎄

10th November 2022 at 4:48 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica, The only blog that I can trust. Thank you for this wonderful article. We are travelling to Uk on august , for 7 days before heading to Ireland. I have a question, my husband’s dad was born in manchester and grandmother born in Bath. so we will definitely visit bath and probably stay in costwold for the night (can you recommend a hotel or b and b) in this itinerary can we add manchester before edinburgh?

Thank you for taking time to read. God bless you both!

11th November 2022 at 11:13 am

My pleasure. So yes, you could definitely tweak this itinerary to include Manchester, it would be around days 4 or 5 and you would want to adjust what you see in that area instead. It’s quite a busy itinerary already, so you would definitely want to swap something out.

In terms of a hotel, there are so many great ones to choose from and it would really depend a lot on how far from Bath you wanted to drive. Bath is right at the southern end of the Cotswolds, and you can drive for a couple of hours from there up to Chipping Norton, and all of that drive would be through the Cotswolds. Villages to consider would be Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Chipping Campden. I think any of those would be a lovely option.

Have a wonderful time!

11th November 2022 at 4:23 pm

Great Thanks. I appreciate it.

16th August 2019 at 9:08 pm

Thank you for your blog. This is a trip for the future — just took my family to Venice and Paris for 10 nights. Anyway, as a note, I would estimate that your itinerary is too full (both of them). It’s very high paced without real time to stop and smell the roses. But, it’s a very, very solid starting point, well considered, and much better than anything I have. Thanks again!

16th August 2019 at 9:12 pm

Our pleasure 🙂 We absolutely agree that this is a pretty full itinerary, and as you say, most of our itineraries are. The idea is to show what is possible (some people really like to pack it in!), but we highly recommend folks pare them back to what is suitable for them, as everyone has a different travel style. So we hope this works as a good basis for you to work from, and that you have a great trip in the future!

16th August 2019 at 10:43 pm

Awesome photography, too!

17th August 2019 at 9:17 am

Chiang Kok Weng says

15th July 2019 at 12:42 pm

Dear Laurence and Jessica, we are from Singapore. We are a family of 4 adults planning to do a one week tour of UK at the end of the year, just after Christmas and into the New Year. We saw your one week itinerary and it looks quite fun and exciting. We are wondering if this itinerary is doable with self-drive as we are not familiar with the crowd, weather and road condition during this period.

Thanks much!

18th July 2019 at 3:32 am

This should be fine even at Christmas and New Year. Snow is uncommon in the UK – usually it is just wet. Of course, it is possible that there will be snow and ice, but the roads are usually well treated so you should not have any problems. Just drive to the conditions of the road and you should be fine. Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

13th July 2019 at 7:11 am

Hi, just wanted to say thanks for sharing all this! I know it is a ton of work but your posts are amazing!

13th July 2019 at 4:20 pm

Thanks very much Amber, it’s appreciated 😀

Carole Cavers says

3rd July 2019 at 2:25 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica, My husband and I are from New Zealand and are planning a trip to the UK for the first time. We arrive at Heathrow on the 20 August 11.45am and leave from Heathrow 20 September. We have been looking at lots of options and have decided to rent a car to travel around England, Scotland and Wales. We intend to fly to Ireland and pick up another rental car (if you think that would be wise) to see the sights there. My question is, what would you recommend for an itenarary so we get to see some sights in each country, finishing our trip with 5 days in London for sightseeing. Your recommendations would be much appreciated.

3rd July 2019 at 3:07 pm

So my advice would be to essentially follow my two week UK itinerary ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/two-weeks-in-ukmy-perfect-itinerary/ ), but to extend it to a month. I would also recommend flying across the Irish Sea rather than worrying about car rentals and ferries. It wouldn’t be heard to extend the itinerary as you could add in time in Wales, the Highlands, and much more time in Ireland. But it should give you a good basis for a trip that you can work on.

I hope this helps a bit!

5th April 2019 at 3:19 pm

Hi Laurence…so many helpful hints on your site for us ignorant non Brits! I’d love your opinion on our September 4 wk visit from Aust. All accommodation booked – 3 nts Prague, 4 nts Paris, 10nts London, train to Bath, pick up hire car to Mevagissey 3 nts, 3 nts Cotswolds, 1nt York, 1 nt Ft William, 2 nts Plockton, Edinburgh 1 nt via Perth. Leave car.. Then we’d like to train from Edinburgh to Windsor as have 2 nts booked there before flying home – . It seems that we have to change trains at Piccadilly or Kings Cross to get the Windsor line..any suggestions please? ( picturing us 3 over 65 ers in peak hr with luggage climbing stairs at a train station ???? ( pretty stretch Edinburgh to York so not keen on flying ) Locals on other forums are horrified at us doing so much driving in that time but many OP here doing similar so don’t feel so bad! Thanks so much for any thoughts you have on all of this!

5th April 2019 at 4:01 pm

Thanks very much. I’m happy to help out of course. It sounds like you have an amazing trip planned out!

Since everything is booked it sounds like the itinerary is fairly well arranged. My only feedback is that 10 days is quite a long time in London, although there is so much to see that you could easily fill more time than that. Our 6 day London itinerary is probably going to give you the most help in terms of planning. You can see that on our other blog here: https://independenttravelcats.com/london-itinerary-6-days-in-london/

For your first question, you are correct about needing to change trains. The majority of trains from Edinburgh arrive at Kings Cross, wheras trains to Windsor go from Paddington or Vauxhall. In either case, you are going to have to take the underground, and trust me, I know what carting luggage around down there is like!

The good news is that Kings Cross tube station is now fully accessible, which means that there are lifts from the platform to street level. I should warn you in advance though that you do have to take multiple lifts, there is not just one lift. There will be a lift map to help you figure this out. This is because the station was built a good long time ago, before such things as lifts to tube platforms were thought of as being handy, so they’ve had to put lift shafts where they can rather than necessarily where is totally logical.

At the other end, Vauxhall also has full lift access. Paddington has escalator access, so if you prefer a lift, the route from Vauxhall will be easier.

In terms of your itinerary, especially given that you are coming from Australia, I suspect you will not find the driving distances that long! After my year of travelling in Australia, my perspective of what makes for a “long drive” certainly changed a great deal! The longest drive you have is going to be between York and Fort William. That would be nearly a 6 hour drive without stops.

I hope this helps, don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Kathy Jones says

6th April 2019 at 1:51 am

Hi again Laurence……do you think the scenery is worth taking the train (first class maybe) from Edinburgh to London please? ( I’ve read posts that it’s lovely especially Edinburgh to York). Otherwise we’d consider flying using Easyjet. Also we wondered about train London to Truro or Bodmin ( sleeper?) to save a bit of driving! Good idea or not? Getting an idea how hire car versus train cost, for this trip is confusing …prices vary a lot. Thanks heaps.

6th April 2019 at 12:26 pm

The view from Edinburgh to York on the train is really nice, I have done that journey many times, and the Northumberland coastline is just stunning. First class is going to be more comfortable, and if you book well in advance the prices are not that expensive either. Flying is another option, but to be honest, the time saving is a bit of a myth – by the time you’ve got to the airport at one end and from the airport at the other, as well as gone through security etc, it won’t really save you any time. Plus the train doesn’t require you to worry about bag weight and size.

Train prices vary a lot depending on the time of day, day of week and how far in advance you book. Going to Cornwall for example on a Friday afternoon will likely be more expensive as it’s popular time to return from London. Car hire might be cheaper, especially as you can split it between you, whereas you need individual train tickets. Note that cars are usually cheaper to hire from city centre locations rather than airports. The overnight train is a good option, but these are usually not budget options. However you do save a night in a hotel, which is another cost. I would definitely recommend having a car in Cornwall for sight seeing though.

Kathy J says

6th April 2019 at 3:06 pm

Thanks again for your time Laurence. Sensible advice there…!! I spend too much time browsing your website ????

6th April 2019 at 3:11 pm

My pleasure Kathy. Delighted to have been of help 😀

Greg n Ramona Willingham says

6th February 2019 at 1:15 am

Laurence & Jessica, I am so thrilled to have found y’all and your amazing website. My husband and I are from Alabama here in the States and are super excited for our upcoming trip. We are working together to plan an experience of as many sites as are reasonably possible, without stressing ourselves out, and doing a fair job at controlling our modest budget. We feel that experiences shouldn’t cost a fortune and responsible spending is doable without sacrificing quality. I have been doing research for almost 2 months and cannot believe it took that long to find all of this fantastic information! Thank you for sharing your experiences, guides and useful information. My husband and I are planning our 20th anniversary trip to the UK; England/Wales/Scotland & Ireland for November 8-24, 2019. We will fly overnight on the 8th and return the 24th. I have researched public transport (coaches/trains), car hires, & even various flights from one main local to another. We are flying into London at approximately 10am November 9th and planned to nap after settling in and then exploring London. We will be flying out of Dublin the morning of the 24th back to London until our later afternoon flight that same day. We have considered doing a sail-rail pass to Dublin from Scotland or England, even though it’s a bit pricey. Many people have told us that it’s an unforgettable experience. We are strongly leaning towards a car hire for the UK portion and then returning the car for a flight to Dublin from Glasgow or the sail/rail pass over. While in Dublin, we plan on doing day trips from there. We feel having a base is more secure and comfortable than lugging around our packs….lol!!! ???? I have discovered that we can do 5 days of single day trips for about $550/each for those 5 days and have found that the price is relatively inexpensive due to the transport, entrance fees, tour guides, and the few meals included. This should also give us the opportunity to allow another to drive as we relax on the last leg of our trip. Those day trips will allow us to venture to all coasts and Belfast: 1-Aran Islands-2-Cork/Cobh-3-Wicklow/Avora Mill Village…(misspell I’m sure ????)-4-Belfast/Giants Causeway-5-Dublin itself. Respectively, that should place UAB in Dublin the night of the 18th or early the 19th. My husband wants to do the ferry but considering the cost and the time needed I am more inclined to fly over for a small fare and enjoy a day of settling in and exploring a bit for dinner and guiness rofl ????. However, I suggested we maybe do a ferry to Isle of Man. I think he would enjoy that area as an avid rock-climber. We would like to add Bath & Cardiff to our road trip out of London then maybe head to the car museum in the Coswolfs then off to Chester-York-Newcastle-then on into Scotland for Edinburgh-Pitlochry (probably spelt that wrong too ????)-Inverness-Maybe Skye-Definetly Glen Co-Glasgow-Then on to Dublin by ferry or flight; as stated prior. Stonehenge isn’t a top priority for us but we dont mind drive by for a photo or 2, then to Bath and on to Cardiff. Would this be doable with our travel time and driving ourselves or would we better served searching out daytrips or multiday trips from London on to Edinburgh, etc? If this is doable, is our planned route workable or should we modify our planned route? Oh, my husband would also like to visit Greta Green but I’m unsure how to make that happen. Could York to Greta Green before going on to Edinburgh be feasible? Thank you in advance for your time and information. Greg & Ramona ????????????

6th February 2019 at 10:49 am

Hi Greg and Ramona!

Wow, sounds like you’ve done a great job of planning 🙂 I would say that your route is certainly do-able. Personally I’d fly from Glasgow to Dublin as you have mentioned, it will take a bit less time. For your trip, I think driving yourself is going to be your best option as it will give you the flexibility you will need, and you won’t have to keep returning to a base which will cost you time. I think your timetable is busy but certainly achievable, and your route looks sensible to me.

York -> Newcastle -> Gretna Green -> Edinburgh is possible. It’s a bit of a detour but not a major one 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

7th February 2019 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for the quick reply Laurence. It’s great to hear we are on the right track with our plans and that the flight seems the most reasonable way to get to Dublin without a large amount of time wasted. Thank you again and have a blessed day. ????????????

Patt Snow says

20th December 2018 at 3:08 pm

I loved reading your itineraries! So very helpful! I will be traveling in May, 2 weeks with my hub and granddaughter recent high school graduate, she’s an avid reader, taught herself Welsh, wants to be a librarian. Here’s my conundrum: I rented a condo near Snowdonia NP for one week and cannot cancel without relinquishing my payment. What do you recommend for that week and then if I could extend our trip for an additional 8 days what path would you take? We will rent a car in London on our way of the city…I’m allowing 2 nights in London and then onto Snowdonia! Thank you so much for any input!

20th December 2018 at 3:16 pm

Our pleasure. Snowdonia is a stunning part of the UK, and you won’t regret spending a week there. I spent a long time in this area as my grandparents used to live in the national park, and it is magnificent. There is plentiful hiking as well as lovely coastline, beaches, and cute villages and towns to visit. So don’t worry, you will have a wonderful time. It’s also the part of Wales where Welsh is quite commonly spoken, so your daughter will have ample opportunity to practice.

If you did want to extend, my advice would be to visit some of the towns and cities between London and Snowdonia, so as to have a balanced trip – Snowdonia is more countryside, so you might want to experience a bit of culture. So some ideas might be Oxford, Liverpool, Bristol or Bath, to give you a balanced trip!

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip!

20th December 2018 at 3:47 pm

Laurence, thank you for your prompt reply. We are definitely looking forward to our time in Snowdonia! I’m just not certain how to incorporate driving time. London to 2 nites Oxford, then onto Wales. Would a day trip from Snowdonia to Cardiff be crazy as far as drive time? Then, I’m thinking ferry to Dublin and driving north, reentering Great Britain in Scotland, visiting Highlands 1 day, driving to Edinburgh for two nights,and back to London for two nights???? Is two nights in Ireland enough time? Of course we want to kiss the Blarney stone! I’m all over the place????!

20th December 2018 at 3:55 pm

No worries 😀 So I think you could do just one night on Oxford and still see plenty. Snowdonia to Cardiff would be a long drive – there are no motorways in Wales, so driving times are significantly increased compared to the rest of the country. So I wouldn’t personally do that trip, but it’s up to you of course.

Otherwise your itinerary looks pretty good. Of course, there’s never enough time and always more to see, and you will be driving a fair bit, but if you are happy with that then go for it!

20th December 2018 at 5:11 pm

Laurence! You are awesome! Thank you so much for your input! I love a good Roadtrip and am so very excited to visit these wonderful places I’ve always read about!! Your site has certainly given me a great guideline…I’m not feeling terribly overwhelmed at this moment!???? I think I can plan this! I thank you so very much and I look forward to reading about more of your travels!!!

20th December 2018 at 5:13 pm

Thanks Patt, that’s brought a big smile to my face! Do let me know if we can help any more. If not, we always love to hear how trips go after the fact 😀

Sylvia says

12th October 2018 at 9:13 am

Hello Laurence & Jessica, I am so glad to chance upon your site, So love your story sharing and the photographs. THANK YOU!

I am Sylvia from Singapore, have spent 2-yr in Newcastle in mid 90’s and have been to various parts of England & Scotland. My last trip was 15 yr ago (didn’t realize it’s been so long)! I am planning a 8.5-days trip in Dec with my family (arriving 3rd, departing night of 11th). My teenage daughter has never been to UK and I’d love to show her it’s really more than London. Anyway, this trip is really for her. 🙂

I’d like to get your advice.. here’s the must have.. London, Stonehenge, Bath, Manchester (to catch a match on 5-Dec), Newcastle. My hubby has very fond memories of Wales and be great if we could include a walk/hike in the region. A trip to York/Edinburgh or Ireland would be bonus but not sure if time permits. Is it better to start from London (3-4 Dec)? Would it be less crowded on Mon/Tue to weekend? Another crazy thought is include a day trip to Paris.

Also, would be great if you can recommend some places for best fish & chips, scones and a good pint of guinness.

Much thanks! Sylvia

13th October 2018 at 11:55 pm

Thanks for your comment, it’s always appreciated! Let me try to help!

Your trip does sound do-able, but it depends on how rushed you wanted to be. We’d suggest at least two days in London, and from London it’s easy enough to do a day trip that includes Stonehenge and Bath. However, as you are doing Manchester on the 5th, you might need to do this after that, as you’ll want to get up to Manchester in time for the match on the 5th. A train to Manchester from London is easy enough, just book in advance for the best tickets. Then you can get a train from Manchester to Newcastle, and then back down to London.

If you wanted to visit Wales, I think the best option would be from Manchester. York could be done on the way from Manchester to Newcastle, either as a day stop or an overnight stop.

Personally, with the time you have I’d probably advise against adding Ireland or France, as it’s just going to involve more travel days and less time sight-seeing. For food and drink, to be honest, most pubs serve decent Guinness these days, just make sure you visit a popular one so that the barrels are regularly cleaned. We usually just check google reviews, and find a pub that does good fish and chips. London will generally be more expensive, other cities less so 🙂

Hope this helps!

14th October 2018 at 2:35 pm

Thank you Laurence! We plan to self-drive (outside of London) for greater flexibility. Will use your links to book car and accommodation. I will share with you how our trip goes. Regardless, I know it will be a blast!

Let me know if I can bring anything for you from Singapore. 🙂

17th October 2018 at 7:36 pm

Hey Sylvia! Thanks so much 😀 We’ve not actually visited Singapore, so we don’t know what we would want, but that’s very kind of you to offer 🙂 Do let us know how your trip goes!

Miyako says

20th September 2018 at 7:40 am

Hello, I would greatly appreciate some advice on our first 9D8N trip (last min) in early Nov to London. We will be flying into Gatwick and leaving from there. There are so many sight-seeings in London, however we are thinking if we could squeeze in a self-drive to see the countryside.

What would the weather be like in November? We are hoping to capture some gorgeous pics at the countryside. If the weather is bad, then perhaps we will just do London and one more city.

We would like to visit the following: Windsor Castle Bath Stonehenge Chelsea Stadium Edinburgh

Westminister Abbey St Paul’s Cathedral Imperial War museum Churchill War rooms Tower Bridge Shard skyscrapper Big Ben British museum London Bridge experience Sky Garden Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Moulin Rouge London eye London zoo

Is it too ambitious? Could you help us plan a route that is most efficient? We would also like to catch a musical.

Many thanks in advance!

21st September 2018 at 2:19 pm

Your itinerary definitely looks achievable. I would suggest you need around three- four days in London to get all those things done. You would then want a day for Stonehenge and Bath, and half a day for Windsor. These are possible as day trips from London, or you can visit them independently. So with the amount of time you have, i think you should be fine.

My only feedback is around the Moulin Rouge – do you mean the musical? Because the actual Moulin Rouge is in Paris 🙂 For Edinburgh I would recommend at least two days. If you only visit Edinburgh, it will probably be quicker to fly or take the train.

6th September 2018 at 6:32 pm

Hi Laurence,

Cass here from Malaysia 🙂 I’m doing some research to plan for a 5 days (11th -15th Sept) road trip from London to Edinburgh & back to London, and found that your article is really useful for me & the itinerary pretty fits to my itinerary!

Appreciate if you could advice on my 5 days itinerary if I’m driving with my family (6 of us)? Or would you suggest us to go with other transportation? If you recommend driving, where is good to rent a 7 seaters?

I think I would most likely follow 80% of your itinerary here but would be helpful if you could share some advice here as I have some concerns. I will skip London cz I’ve been there. Prefer to explore more of cities outside London especially Edinburgh 🙂 Not too keen on visiting churches or normal structure, but love experiencing, sightseeing., nice places for pictures haha! Of course if the church is a super historical one then we don’t mind. Just hope to visit as many places out of London as possible within these 5 days (**sorry abit greedy haha!) By the way, a lil confused on point 3 & 4.

Much apologies for the last minute enquiries as my schedule is kinda tight over here.

Looking forward to your reply! 😀

Thanks, Cass.

6th September 2018 at 6:46 pm

Great to hear from you. So to answer your question on car hire, we usually try Enterprise and Priceline. I just checked, and both have the option to specify how many passengers, and they both have options for 6 people 🙂 You can see links under our car hire suggestions here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/travel-resources/#Car-Rental

For the itinerary in this post, a car is definitely going to work better than public transport. For six of you, a car will also be more cost effective, as tickets for six people, especially at this short notice, will definitely work out more expensive.

So for your trip, I would follow the itinerary pretty closely, but skipping London. Perhaps start with Stonehenge and the Cotwolds, then overnight in Oxford on your first night ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/6-ways-spend-day-oxford/ ). Second day you could explore Oxford then head north to Warwick. Overnight at Warwick, see the sights, then head further north, perhaps to York for your third night. Then on again, maybe a night in Durham, before your last night in Edinburgh?

Should give you something to work from anyway, without too much driving every day!

Hope this works for you! Have a great trip 🙂

Stella says

4th August 2018 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for providing such a great itinerary! My family and I are planning a trip for about 5 or 6 days total to the UK and the only set plan is to leave from London at the end of the trip. Now, we either want to go to Oxford and stay in that area for a few days, or go to Edinburgh and take a train directly to London. Which would you recommend? Thanks!

4th August 2018 at 5:14 pm

Hey Stella! My pleasure 🙂

Well, it really depends on what you want to see. From Oxford you have access to the Cotswolds and highlights like the Roman city of Bath, and of course, Stonehenge. Edinburgh is a bit bigger than Oxford so there is a bit more to see and do in the city, and then of course there are a lot of great day trips you can do to places like Loch Lomond, the highlands – even Loch Ness. So I guess it depends on if you want more cute villages, or more dramatic medieval city / landscapes!

I love both cities, so it’s hard to pick, but as a city I think Edinburgh has a bit more to offer, just because of the size. Hope this helps – have a great trip!

Cherry Vanderhoek says

22nd July 2018 at 5:49 pm

HI there, I was originally going to do your one week itinerary starting in London and ending in Glasgow but now due to flights I have to start in Gatwick and end in Gatwick. I love everything on your itinerary. I want to see quant villages, Stonehenge, Castles (medieval if possible) and I do love the look of that one house where they were inspired for Lord of the Rings, beautiful. I also wouldn’t mind seeing a nice market and a couple local pubs along the way. By the looks of things, based on your one week itinerary, I could do:

London- Stonehendge/Bath/Cotswolds/- Warwickshire/Peak District/Yorkshire

but than after that I would need to start rounding back down towards Gatwick. What do you suggest and where can I fit in Cambridge and possibly a medieval castle and a market? Or should I spend more time in London at the end?

Keep in mind I have been to London before and have seen alot of the main sites but definitely not all of them. How is the driving there, I will be on my own?

Thank you 🙂

22nd July 2018 at 9:35 pm

Well, Warwick has a castle, as does Oxford, so you might want to add in Oxford on your way out. You could do Cambridge on the way back to London from York, that would be quite easy. York is also home to a pile of medieval streets which should tick that box very nicely. Also, not to forget, London has a super old castle in the form of the Tower of London – although I suspect you might have been there already.

In terms of driving, the UK isn’t too bad once you get used to being on the left side (I have some tips for driving in the UK here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/ ). I’d definitely avoid driving in London though, it’s really slow and inefficient, parking is hard to find, and the congestion charge makes it really expensive! So definitely avoid that if you can.

Otherwise, have a great trip, and let me know if I can help any more!

4th June 2018 at 5:46 pm

I would love to follow your itinerary and would love to add 2-3 more days in it. Will be a family of 5 with 3 preteens. Are there any special considerations. Would like to see Stonehenge from road and would like to drove through Stratford on Avon. Would also like to add York to our trop and see Sycamore gsp. Is it worth going to Edinburgh in August for festival or should we avoid it? Any thoughts on where to stay town-wize in the Cotswolds and where would be the best placd to make a run for York and still ser Chatworth, Baddesly and the ruins? Thanks.

5th June 2018 at 8:56 am

Hey Joe! I guess it depends on the stamina of your kids 🙂 If they are very young then usually we advise cutting back a fair bit, but if they’re closer to teenage then they probably have more energy than everyone else 😉

Edinburgh is great in August if you are into the festival, but it is very very busy (and accommodation is harder to come by and more expensive), so if you’re not that excited about the festival, you might want to visit another location. For the Cotswolds, you can try Burton on the Water, Burford or Stow on the Wold 🙂 – or you could stay in Stratford which would give you a good run up to York.

Rocksy says

19th May 2018 at 3:28 pm

Thank you so much..

Rocksy Vidiaty says

16th May 2018 at 8:17 pm

Hi Laurence, thank you so much for your article. It helps me a lot in planning our UK big family trip next June. There will be 7 adults and 6 kids in this trip. Where would you suggest us to stay? And do we need to be a member of EH or NT in order to cut off the cost of entrance fee? Thank you for your advices..

regards, RFV

17th May 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hey Rocksy – my pleasure. Wow, that sounds like quite the trip 🙂 For the English Heritage and National Trust sites, if you’re a member then you get free admission. If you’re visiting from overseas, you can pick up the passes I link to which are cheaper than annual membership, and last for a shorter duration – normally long enough to cover a trip. My suggestion would be to look up the entry prices for the attractions you are interested in, add them up, and see if the pass would save you the money or not.

For accommodation, for such a large group my suggestion would be to look at larger apartment rentals as that will give you more flexibility as a larger group. Hotels are an option, but you would likely have to book quite a few rooms, so apartments might be a better option. I have a list of accommodation sites that specialise in apartment rentals that might be a good place to start, you can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/alternatives-to-airbnb/

Have an amazing trip, and do let us know how it goes – and do feel free to send us any more questions of course 🙂

18th May 2018 at 10:36 am

Thanks Laurence. We plan to rent 2 big cars and do our self-drive UK trip. We will follow some of your route and modify the rest. So our route will be Heathrow – Stonehenge – Bath – Cotswold (in one day) -Baddesley Clinton-Chatsworth (in one day). From here we have 2 options, either go to York (in one day) – Cambridge – Oxford (in one day) -Windsor -London (in 3 days), or go to Manchester-Liverpool-Snowdonia (in 2 days) -Oxford-Windsor-London (in 3 days). We have 8 days in total. Can you please give some advice? In our group there will be 80 years old lady to 2 years old boy..

Thanks in advance Regards, Rocksy

18th May 2018 at 9:10 pm

Sounds like a great trip! Well, I don’t think you’ll have enough time in 2 days to do Manchester, Liverpool and Snowdonia, so my suggestion would be the first option you suggest, which will give you a bit more time. I’d also add that Cambridge and Oxford are fairly similar, so you might prefer to just pick one of the two 🙂

Crystal says

9th May 2018 at 6:57 pm

HI. I was wondering if you had a detailed map of this 1 week UK itinerary. Thank you

10th May 2018 at 8:52 am

Hi Crystal! That is an excellent point – I have been trying to add maps to my itineraries and seem to have missed this one. I’ll add one in as soon as I can and will respond to your comment again when I have done so – thanks for letting me know 🙂

Dylan Wright says

8th May 2018 at 10:28 am

Thank you for the article. But I would like to ask a question. I want to rent a car, but I’m under 25. What is the UK policy for renting a car to students?

8th May 2018 at 12:33 pm

There’s no UK wide policy on age restrictions for car rentals – it’s varies from company to company. I would advise checking individual car rental services like Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt etc. and seeing what their policy is. Most companies will have a surcharge for drivers younger than 25, but it should still be possible to rent a car. I have more information on my driving in the UK post, which you can eee here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/

Kathleen says

27th April 2018 at 2:01 am

I’m so happy to have found this! My husband and I are planning a one week trip this June coming from the US and this sounds perfect. I am just trying to figure out how to fit everything in along with the driving. Several things don’t open until 10 or 11 am and then close early, which doesn’t leave much time. For example, you mention staying at Fountains Abbey through sunset, but the website says it closes at 18:00. Can you stay on the grounds past closing? I’m also trying to decide if it would be worth stopping for a night between Newcastle and Edinburgh if we have time which gives us more time in Edinburgh. Any suggestions? Thanks

27th April 2018 at 9:12 am

Hi Kathleen!

I’m glad to have been able to help! Opening times can be a bit of a challenge for sure, and they vary by season – so you’ll definitely have to plan around them. It also depends what time of year you visit depending on the sunset – in June the sun won’t set until around 10pm, in December, it’s more like 4pm! With Fountains Abbey, when I spoke to the staff there they said you were fine to stay after official closing hours, there’s just no entry after those times. it’s a huge park, so they’d struggle to get everyone out anyway! For an overnight stop between Edinburgh and Newcastle, there are a few options, perhaps Alnwick would be a good option?

27th April 2018 at 5:48 pm

Thank you so much for answering my questions! I have one more for you. My husband is very leery of trying to drive since we are used to driving on the other side of the road. If we plan on picking up a rental car at heathrow on our way out of London on day 3 and returning it either in Newcastle (to take the train to Edinburgh) or at the Edinburgh airport at our arrival there, how much city driving would there be? The thought of getting confused in a roundabout scare him 🙂 Thanks so. much! Kathleen

27th April 2018 at 5:52 pm

My pleasure Kathleen 😀 The remaining cities are not really that big (London is by far the worst to drive in), but I would say that the UK doesn’t have quite the interstate system of the USA, so there will still be the odd roundabout to deal with. But if you take your time (and make sure to hire an automatic if you’re not used to driving stick!) then you should be ok. I also have a guide to driving in the UK he might find helpful, which I wrote from the perspective of someone coming from the US in mind 🙂 You definitely won’t need a car in Edinburgh. I would also advise bringing a GPS – even google maps with an offline version of the UK downloaded onto it will make your travels a lot easier.

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/

26th April 2018 at 7:17 pm

Dear Laurence and Jessica, this all sounds pretty amazing. I have lived in the UK for over ten years (Southampton and London) and I totally agree with the itinerary you’re suggesting. I was wondering if you can give me any ideas on the following: my fiance and I will be in York in June for work and then have about six days to travel around the country. We want to spend the two last days in London as we need to catch our plane back to Australia. We’ve been debating whether we should explore the Scottish Highlands or go down to Cornwall, both of which are places we haven’t visited before. Or are we missing out on a better itinerary for our timeframe? I admit I very much like your one week in the UK although I have visited most of these places before…Any ideas? Thank you!

26th April 2018 at 7:32 pm

Thanks for your comment. Let me see if I can help 🙂 My personal preference would be to go to the Scottish Highlands. I’m not sure how you are travelling exactly, either by car or public transport, but your best option would be to take a car – either take the train to Inverness and hire one, or drive up from York. For scenery, my suggestion would be to head to the west coast – perhaps Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, and then up the west coast towards Durness. That part of the country is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Definitely check out my North Coast 500 itinerary ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/7-day-north-coast-500-camping-itinerary/ ) for pointers on that, as well as our Isle of Skye photography guide ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/skye-photography-locations-scotland/ ).

One other option, I’m not sure if you’ve been to the Lake District, but if you didn’t want to drive so much then that’s also a good option from York 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know if you have any more questions!

8th May 2018 at 5:30 pm

Dear Laurence,

Many thanks for your prompt response and apologies it took me forever to get back to you! We will be renting a car to do our travelling. Lake District is currently one of our options and we are also considering the Yorkshire moors as a closer option before heading down to London. Any preference between the two (Lake District vs Yorkshire moors)? Thank you!

10th May 2018 at 8:56 am

No need to apologise! My personal preference would be the Lake District – it’s a really beautiful part of the UK. The only thing is it’s likely to be a bit busier than the Yorkshire moors, so if it’s peace and quiet you are after, the Yorkshire Moors are also very beautiful and likely to be a bit less busy! Hope this helps a bit 🙂

H Singh says

15th April 2018 at 9:41 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica, All of this is wonderful and very helpful info. What would you suggest to see and do in UK for a family of four on a net budget of around 1500 GBP. Tickets and Visa to UK I shall take care separately. We plan to visit in July and start the itinerary by travelling into London Please advise. Thanks. HS

15th April 2018 at 2:20 pm

Thanks for your message! You will be pleased to hear that I have just today published a detailed post that covers the cost of travel in the UK. This is based on two people, but you should be able to use the numbers to help inform your budget. You can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

How long are you in the UK for and what are you interested in?

15th April 2018 at 4:41 pm

Dear Lawrence,

Thanks for your prompt reply. Your article related to the costs is very timely for me, I am looking forward to a short UK holiday in July with family (me, wife, teen son, pre-teen daughter) on a 1500 GBP budget (airfare, visas separate). Seeing the costs in the article, wondering how to make it possible!!! Any advice will be very useful to me!

18th April 2018 at 6:29 am

My advice would be to book as much in advance as you can – especially train tickets or plane tickets are much cheaper if you book them in advance. For accommodation, try some of the alternative lodging options ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/alternatives-to-airbnb/ ) – which might help you save money, especially travelling as a family. I hope this helps a bit.

19th April 2018 at 6:57 pm

I’ll look into the link you provided for accommodation, as well as note your advice on advance bookings. Thank you Lawrence.

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Trip Report: One week in London with teens, March 2024 - London Forum

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Trip Report: One week in London with teens, March 2024

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Saturday, March 9: Using a one-way car rental , we drove from our home in San Antonio to Houston for our evening flight on United direct to Heathrow. We prefer direct flights on the way out when possible, and Houston was our best option this time – we’ve done this before for prior flights , and it works well for us. Flight was uneventful and on-time!

Day 1 - Sunday, March 10: Our flight landed at LHR at 10:45 am, and we quickly grabbed our checked duffle bag (carried on everything else) and took the Elizabeth line to the Bond Street station which was only a few minutes from our hotel, The BoTree, our home for the next six nights. It was raining when we arrived, and we were fairly damp, but not soaked. Fortunately our rooms (Family Connecting Suite with one King room and one Twin room) were ready, so we were able to go ahead and leave our luggage and freshen up. We loved the hotel – great location, rooms were excellent and comfortable (we especially loved the heated floors in the bathrooms!), and the service was topnotch.

St. Christopher Place was a block over with a good selection of restaurants and shops. We grabbed a quick, forgettable lunch at Marugame Udon, then took the tube to Leadenhall Market for our 2:30pm Harry Potter walking tour with Tours for Muggles. Even though it was still rainy, we had a fantastic time on this tour with our guide, Steph. Steph was fun, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable, and we got to walk past a good number of sites while also hearing about how they were used or inspired parts of the HP books and movies.

The tour ended near the London Bridge Tube Station, and we went back towards our hotel. I had a reservation for dinner at 6pm at the Mayfair Chippy. Everyone was starting to fade, and it was only 5, but we went ahead and went to the restaurant. They were able to seat us at the bar, which was really tight. In hindsight, I wish I’d either made an earlier reservation or just grabbed something quicker, but it was fine. After dinner, we were all ready for hot showers and an early bedtime.

Steps: 11,500

52 replies to this topic

DEar Amy, for some reason I cannot see your full trip. I saw it before and and now it is not coming. Can you please share it with me by email? Any chance? My email is [email protected] Thank you very much!

# 51 You should remove your post, don’t leave your email address where anyone online can see it.

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England Itinerary: 7 Days in England

1 week in england itinerary.

I ’m glad you’ve decided to come to England! There are so many great reasons to visit England , and I’ve tried to fit them all into a week’s itinerary. Starting in London and adding Bath, Bristol, the Cotswolds, and the Peak District – this England itinerary will take you through some of the best spots in the country.

This England itinerary includes:

Peak District

I’d recommend doing the first half by public transport and then hiring a car to see the Cotswolds and the Peak District. There’s more on that decision below, but it’ll allow you to see all the more.

Day 1 in London

Starting your England itinerary You’ll fly into London, so let’s go there first. After checking into your hotel and freshening up it’s time to get out and see the city. You haven’t got long, so I’d recommend staying central. Take a look at some great Hotels in Central London .

If it’s your first time in London you’ll want to hit up all the big sights on your days out in London. Be prepared for lots of walking!

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit a lot of attractions and museums, the London Pass might be a great way to save money. It gives you access to 80 attractions and you can use the Hop on Hop off bus to get around. Buy the London Pass here >>

Buckingham Palace

Head straight to Buckingham Palace and look round the Queen’s digs to see where the British Royal Family have lived since the start of time. There’s usually a special exhibition on here, featuring fashion or jewelry collections from the past. Check out the Buckingham Palace website for details.

If this is your first time in London, make sure you don’t miss the Changing of the Guards.

Westminster

From here walk through the gardens to Westminster. Here you can see the iconic Big Ben clock, Westminster Abbey where Prince William and Kate got married and the Houses of Parliament. Up to you whether you fancy going in any of them, or they’re good enough to just admire from the pavement.

Once you’re done, walk across the bridge and you’ll get to South Bank. Make sure to take the time to admire the views from the bridge though – London looks its best on a summer’s day down here.

On the South Bank you could visit the London Aquarium, the London Eye, get a bite to eat at the South Bank Food Market (depending on the day and time of year) or just enjoy sitting around and admiring the book market and street performers. Look over the Thames and you’ll see the MI5 building – famously featured regularly on James Bond.

Borough Market

Walk another 25 minutes from here, or catch a red London bus, and you can visit the famous Borough Market. This is where you can try some of the best local food in London. Don’t eat too much though as you’ll want to save for dinner and a show in Soho tonight.

London’s West End is famous the world over. Here you can see shows like The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Matilda and Phantom of the Opera. Search around online for a deal which includes food, as there are some great places to eat in Soho. If you have trouble, then just head to ChinaTown. In recent years it’s more of an ‘Asia Town’, with offerings from Vietnam, Japan and Taiwan too.

If you’ve still got the energy for a night out, then the bars and clubs of Soho will welcome you with open arms! One of my faves is the karaoke at Lucky Voice. Check it out!

Day 2 in London

If you like shopping then Oxford Street and Piccadilly are good fun, but if you’re not really bothered then this is an opportunity to see some more of London. There’s so much to do in the city, but I think these are the key sights. If you need more ideas for a day out in London , check out my post.

I’d recommend you go to Hyde Park though. It’s so nice up here and you can wander around the Serpentine Gallery and the coffee shop there. If you want to see Hyde Park in a different way, then hire some rollerskates and you’ll cover more ground.

In or around Hyde Park you can see Kensington Palace, the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Geographical Society and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Notting Hill

If you’re in London on the weekend, jump on the tube (the London Underground) to Notting Hill. Here you’ll find all kinds of antique shops and trinkets, and some great places for brunch. It’s also one of the best places in London for street photography if that’s what you’re into.

Camden Market

You can easily get the tube from here up to Camden. Camden Market is world-famous – here you can get pierced, pick up some neon studded clothes from cyberpunk, and get a tasty bite to eat to enjoy by the canal. It’s also close to Regent’s Park, where you can just wander and enjoy the green space.

Or, you can pay to get into London Zoo and enjoy the thousands of animals who call it home. From Regent’s Park you can wander up to Primrose Hill, which offers some of the best views of North London. It’s also a pretty area to pick up a bite to eat.

I’d recommend a night out in Camden to finish off your two days in London. This is where you’ll find the rockers, the musicians and the creatives. Head to Purple Turtle and The World’s End for the best nights out!

Day 3 in Bath

Right, you can either hire a car, or just get the train – up to you. Today we’re going to go to Bath Spa for a day trip. It’s an hour and a half on the train, to the other side of the country, or about two hours driving. Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The ancient Roman Baths here date back to around 65 AD. The city is built on hot springs, and you can visit the sites where Romans would relax and replenish in the hot waters.

You can’t swim in the old ones anymore, but there are plenty of new spas set up around the city where you can enjoy the natural healing properties. The best-known spa in Bath is Thermae Spa – it’s also the most luxurious. They have an open swimming pool on the top floor and plenty of rooms for spa treatments and experiences inside. You’ll need to book in advance to visit here.

Apart from all the spas, Bath is a great city to wander around and there are plenty of things to do in Bath . All the British High Street favorites are here, as well as boutique shops and cute and unique places to eat. The city is beautiful and there are some great walks around where you can look down into the valley. One of the top photo spots is at the Pulteney Bridge, looking down the River Avon.

Enjoy a more relaxed evening here, with the rooftop restaurant at Hall and Woodhouse. They serve great cocktails, a wonderful menu and it’s right in the heart of the city. Also, read my post on one day in Bath . And if you decide to spend the night in Bath, take a look at these recommended hotels in Bath .

Day 4 in Bristol

Enjoy a good breakfast in Bath – maybe at Sally Lunn’s so you can try the traditional Sally Lunn bun – and then it’s time for Bristol! Bristol is just 12 minutes on the train from Bath, or 40 minutes in the car, but it’s a whole other vibe.

Top Sights in Bristol

Bristol is known as the cool, creative part of England. In recent years house prices have gone through the roof as so many people want to live there. It’s the place to live in England right now.

You’ll need to fit in all the top sites in the city during your 24 hours here, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton, the city center, Stokes Croft, the Science Museum and Bristol Museum too. I’d strongly recommend you walk the route, that way you’ll get to see a whole bunch of amazing Bristol attractions along the way.

Other things to see in Bristol include Cabot Tower – built in the 1890s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to land, which later became Canada. Nowadays you can climb up it and enjoy the views out to the city.

Also, Bristol Zoo Gardens. This is the fifth oldest zoo IN THE WORLD, having opened in 1836. Since then the zoo has saved over 175 species from extinction. Visit and you can see red pandas, tree kangaroos, and gorillas too.

Stokes Croft Bristol

End up in Stokes Croft on your day in Bristol, as this is where you’ll have the best night out. This is where the independent traders are, and in the summer there’ll always be a beer garden party you can join. You could either stay in Bristol that night or just head back to your hotel in Bath on the train. It’s really not far and saves the worry of your luggage!

Day 5 in the Cotswolds

You can do the first five days using public transport very easily, in fact, I’d recommend it. But from this point I’d recommend you hire a car from either Bristol or Bath to really make the most of the Cotswolds and the Peak District. It’s a bit of a mission to use public transport to get from Bristol to the Cotswolds, whereas if you travel by car you can be there in 20 minutes.

The Cotswolds are an established Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) in England, and made up of small, quaint and very photogenic villages nestled in rolling hills and meadows. It’s much simpler to see by car.

I’d recommend driving to Cirencester to start your Cotswolds road trip. Cirencester is seen as the capital of the Cotswolds and it’s the busiest area. Head to Jack’s Cafe for a great breakfast to set you up for the day. Also, wander around Cirecenster a bit – lookout for the famous Fleece Restaurant, and the cute photo spots around the village.

Best Cotswold Villages

There are lots of great places to visit in the Cotswolds on a day out. Top of the list of best best places to visit in the Cotswold to add to your Cotswolds road trip though, and in order from Cirencester are:

• Bibury: the most photogenic spot in the Cotswolds. Arrived early to beat the crowds wanting to take the same photo of the same run of houses.
• Burford: totally underrated village, but also, cute houses galore! Stow on the Wold – famous for the pretty church, and church door. Looks like something from Lord of the Rings.
• Chipping Campden: here you’ll find some pretty boutique food and clothes shops, nice traditional English pubs and an old market place.
• Winchcombe: if you like castles, this is the Cotswolds village for you. Sudeley Castle dates back over 1000 years and is the number one place to see in Winchcombe.
• Cheltenham: then you can spend the night in the famous village of Cheltenham. This town is famed for its literary festival, and its horse racing, but aside from that is a spa town filled with regency buildings. You can enjoy a lovely evening here before you retire to sleep. I’m sure you’ll be tired by now. Oh, and you have the longest drive in the morning, so don’t drink too much Champers!

Day 6 in the Peak District

It’s a 2.5 hour drive to the Peak District, to Bakewell to be precise. The Peak District is one of England’s 10 National Parks, and the nearest one to where I grew up.

The Peak District is great – you can do all kinds of outdoor activities here. From cycling to hiking, to hang gliding and cable cars. Most of the activities are centered in Edale, the foodie delights in Bakewell, and the kids activities in Matlock – but I’d recommend driving round to see the stunning vistas the Peak District has to offer. If you want to know more about how to spend your day in the Peak District, then click through to my blog post.

As well as all the outdoor activities, there are also gardens to see, the stunning Chatsworth House to look round, and the underground caves to walk through. The Peak District is a really beautiful part of England, and a great chance to suck up some fresh English air before your plane journey back home.

Day 7 Return to London

Relax and head back to the airport I’d recommend a lie-in on your final day, and enjoy a good breakfast. And then maybe a short hike from Matlock to Matlock Bath to leave you feeling revitalized? It’s a three-hour drive back to London from Bakewell, straight down the M1.

Whipsnade Zoo

If you have a late flight then there are still a few gems in England to end your trip with. How about Whipsnade Zoo in the Chiltern Hills Area of Natural Beauty? It’s the UK’s biggest zoo and home to all kinds of exotic animals – including giraffes and penguins.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Or, you could go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros Studio in Watford. This is where some of the set from the Harry Potter series has ended up, and you can immerse yourself into Harry’s world.

It really is an incredible experience, even if you’re not really that into Harry Potter. They take you through how they made some of the animals, and you get to have a butterbeer. Buy your Wizarding World of Harry Potter tickets here >>

The third option is to visit Windsor and Queen Elizabeth’s famous Windsor Castle . It’s here that she spends most of her time, and it’s also where Prince Harry and Meghan got married back in 2018.

Visit for a few hours and you can see the banqueting rooms enjoy watching the changing of the guard and just walk the grounds of one of the most important buildings in the UK.

Windsor is a really nice town in itself, and has plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to keep you entertained. Windsor is only a 20-minute drive to Heathrow, making for the perfect stop off before your flight.

I hope you’ve enjoyed your week’s itinerary for England. There’s so much to do here, but I think with careful planning using this itinerary, you can see a lot of the country and make some wonderful memories.

This 7 Days in England Itinerary was written by Victoria Philpott, from DayOutinEngland.com . The essential resource for guides and itineraries to England’s best days out. Searchable by interests, counties, cities, and areas – they’re definitely not just for the kids! Also follow her on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

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Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Surprisingly, this UK airport is one of the most stressful in Europe

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Nothing can ruin a holiday like a stressful airport experience, whether it’s delays at check-in or a cancelled flight .

And now, the most stressful airports in Europe have been named – and, surprisingly, one UK location that’s been described as an ‘embarrassment to this country’ takes one of the top spots.

While there are those that might claim the smaller – and more chaotic – Stansted or Luton should perhaps take the crown, it was Heathrow Airport that came out as one of the worst.

London ’s Heathrow Airport , which played host to a staggering 79,151,723 passengers in 2023, was ranked one of the most stressful airports in Europe, coming in at third place.

There are various Reddit threads dedicated towards hating on Heathrow, with one user recalling that it took them over two hours to get through immigration.

‘My girlfriend, who doesn’t have a UK passport, had to queue for over two hours to get through immigration. This was to do the standard check,’ @ TheLegendOfIOTA penned.

‘Every time I go through Heathrow there is always a major delay. If it’s not immigration, its security or baggage delays, if you’re lucky enough for them not to lose your luggage in the first place.

‘It really is a black mark on London and the country as a whole.’

However, it’s not all bad. One Reddit comment from @someguywhocomments labelled the airport his favourite in the UK, writing: ‘As a Brit, I would choose Heathrow over any other UK airport.

‘Getting through security rarely takes more than 10 minutes, there’s plenty of facilities and it’s well connected to central London and the rest of UK.’

And, when it comes to stress, there are plenty of things at Heathrow to wind you up.

This genius hack slashes wait time at airport security — and it’s completely free

There’s nothing quite as  anxiety  inducing as standing in the queue for airport security, watching the time edge ever closer to departure, while a passenger in front of you is being told that no, she can’t take her litre bottle of water through with her.

Travel  influencer,  Raimee , shared a tip for anyone flying out of  London ’s Heathrow Airport.

Speaking in a TikTok video, she said: ‘This is the coolest thing I’ve seen any airport do.

‘They have a new thing called Timeslot that allows you to schedule when you go through security.’

Sharing screengrabs of Timeslot, Raimee continued: ‘You can pick your timeslot two to three days before your trip, you’ll get a QR code and then you’ll make your way to the specific area in Heathrow – there are signs everywhere, you’ll be able to find it.’

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The weekly car park charge is £122.97 – the most expensive in Europe’s top 10.

With four terminals, Heathrow is also one of the busiest airports in the world. In April 2024 alone, there were 4,253,739 passengers booked to fly through this West London hub. And, it was given a departure delay score of 1.8 out of 5.

At 17 miles away, it’s relatively far from the city centre, while the sheer volume of flights is overwhelming, with a potential of 217 destinations worldwide. That’s one busy departures board.

Heathrow didn’t rank the worst in Europe, though. At number one was Charles De Gaulle in Paris.

Welcoming 67,421,316 passengers in 2023, it’s even further from the city centre than Heathrow – just shy of 20 miles.

Charles De Gaulle flies to 270 destinations, the highest of the top 10 most stressful airports in Europe, and was given a departure delay score of 2.3 out of 5.

Europe’s most stressful airports

• Charles De Gaulle, France
• Schiphol, Holland
• Heathrow, UK
• Rome, Italy
• Athens, Greece
• Madrid, Spain
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Dublin, Ireland
• Berlin, Germany
• Zagreb, Croatia

Source: StressFreeCarRental.com

And it’s bad news for Holland, as Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport ranked in second place. Welcoming 61,889,586 passengers in 2023, it flies to 260 destinations (slightly less than Charles De Gaulle) and received a departure delay score of 2.4.

Meanwhile, the world’s busiest airports were also named earlier this month, with Atlanta  Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which has an impressive 5,207,792 seats booked throughout April, coming in at the world’s busiest.

In second place was Dubai International Airport with 4,879,128 passengers scheduled across April, a destination that serves both as a hub for tourists and a layover site for those travelling onwards to the likes of Australia and South East Asia.

In third place was Tokyo International Airport with 4,460,693 seats, according to new data from  OAG Aviation Worldwide , and in fourth was London Heathrow Airport (hello, again) with 4,253,739.

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: April 27, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

So, the next time you book a flight, you might want to keep its stress ratings in mind so as not to ruin the holiday vibe.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

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