4 days trip from london

2 – 4 Day Tours from London

2-4 day tours departing from london.

We love London. The history, the fashion. Culture and music, food and architecture. It’s exhilarating and exciting. But it can also be a little exhausting. So, on your visit, if you fancy getting a little break from the buzzing city life, why not pop into England's quaint surrounds to see the landscapes, visit the villages, and experience things you've only ever read about in Jane Austen novels?

Explore Beautiful England in Comfort

What's a beautiful view without a beautiful place to view it from? Of course, we make sure you're off the bus as often as possible - exploring the beauty of England. But while you are on the bus, we want to make it as pleasant as possible. That's why we take you around in our 16-seat mini-coaches . They're comfy, they're stylish, and they have large windows for you to gaze out of. Sounds ideal, doesn't it?

Tours from London with Guaranteed Departures

We understand there's always a bit of stress around travelling. But with us you can feel safe, knowing that we will never cancel your tour because of minimum numbers. You can relax knowing that your adventure will go ahead even if you're the only traveller on the bus. Well, you and the  driver-guide , who is eager to regale you with great myths and legends the country is steeped in. 

4 Days in London: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visitors)

How to spend 4 days in london: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend 4 days in London and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 4-day itinerary in London.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Soho, Camden Town and a lot more!

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, what are the best places to visit in London in 4 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The London Pass

4 days in london: must-see attractions:, one last tip for a perfect 4-day stay in london, b. westminster abbey, c. buckingham palace, d. trafalgar square/the national gallery, e. london eye, f. tate britain and/or tate modern museum, a. saint paul’s cathedral, b. the city, c. the tower of london, d. tower bridge, e. the shard, a. notting hill, b. the natural history museum, c. hyde park, d. 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, where to stay in london, london in 4 days with kids, more things to do during your 4 days in london, map of your 4-day itinerary in london, find the best flight prices for your 4 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.

Since London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world , it’s really useful to know how to avoid queuing for hours to see the iconic landmarks of England’s capital.

Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey.

You probably agree that there’s nothing more irritating than seeing your plans for your 4 days in London shattered because you lost 3 hours waiting around!

Fortunately, there are 2 very simple solutions to avoid the inconvenience and not miss any of the must-see sites during your 4 days in London.

Here are the details:

To save as much time (and money!) as possible during your 4-day itinerary in London, the first option is to buy the London Pass.

This type of city pass exists for all the most touristic cities around the word.

The London Pass will give you direct access to the most famous sites without having to queue to get your tickets first.

The great thing is that it’s a digital pass , so you can download your London Pass directly on your smartphone and scan it at the entrance of each attractions included in the pass.

Valid for between 1 and 10 days (depending on the option you choose), the London Pass works by giving you tourist credits. They are deducted each time you visit a tourist site in London:

For example the 4-day London Pass comes with 515 credits, which corresponds to 515€ in entrance fees even though the pass costs only 147€ to buy!!

It’s undoubtedly the most comprehensive pass if you’re spending 4 days in London!

What’s included in the London Pass:

• Entry to the main must-see attractions of my itinerary: Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Tower Bridge… It’s quite simple: the 80 best attractions in London are included!
• A trip on the hop-on hop-off tourist bus, which is a great way to see London without wearing yourself out, especially if you’ve decided to visit London with your kids or don’t want to walk too much.
• Discounts in certain souvenir shops
• A tourist guide to the city, including opening hours and how to get to each attraction.

To buy your London City Pass, you simply 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. Fast track tickets for London’s best tourist attractions

To visit London in 4 days, you can also buy skip the line tickets individually.

Just like the London Pass, they will allow you to access the monuments and tourist attractions without queuing.

There’s a really long list of fast track tickets available for the main historic landmarks and activities you can do in London during your 4-day trip.

For your convenience, I have listed a few of them below . You’ll also find them mentioned throughout this article.

To book, simply click on the attractions names (in orange) or on the green buttons you will find in this guide.

• Westminster Abbey
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Tower Bridge + Tower of London VIP Visit
• Tower of London
• Cruise on the Thames
• See a musical
• Madame Tussauds
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Harry Potter-themed guided tour – Awesome if you like Harry Potter’s universe!
• The hop-on hop-off double-decker bus

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!

4 days in London: the ultimate itinerary

Now let’s see what you can do during your 4-day itinerary in London

For each day of your stay, I will give you all the details you need to organize your visits , as well as a map showing the attractions of the day.

I assume that you’ll be spending 4 full days in London and that you’ve already purchased your London Pass or your fast track tickets.

This way, you won’t waste time waiting in line to buy tickets and will be able to see as many places as possible during your 4 day stay.

And if you have any questions once you’ve read this article or just need help planning your holiday, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the end of this article.

So, what should you see during your 4 days in London?

First day – the historic centre

Day 1 tourist attractions:

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

The best way to start your 4 days in London is for sure to go admire the city’s most iconic landmark.

So first, let’s head to the famous Big Ben , located in London’s historic centre.

Built on the banks of the Thames in 1858, the 106 metres high Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower!) features 4 clocks located on each faces of the tower. Each clock is 7 metres in diameter!

Big Ben is part of the Palace of Westminster , perhaps better known as the Houses of Parliament.

If you were thinking of going to the top of the Elizabeth Tower and admiring the view from up high, it’s sadly not that simple: to get to the top of Big Ben, you have to submit an official request.

There’s a few months waiting list and, in addition, you have to be a UK resident.

Continue your visit on foot by heading to Westminster Abbey , located right next to Big Ben.

This historic landmark is the place where many kings and queens have been crowned , including the current monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

Inside the abbey, you can see the tombs of many past kings and queens, including the one of the famous Mary, Queen of Scots .

If you want to learn more about the history of the abbey, you should take an audio guide at the entrance.

The audio guide can be configured to do one of the several tours offered: a short 30 minutes tour, the standard 1 hour tour or the “more fun” tour for families with children.

If you’re visiting Westminster Abbey during your 4 days in London, you really need to buy your fast track ticket if you want to avoid queuing for 2 hours at the entrance!

If you’ve bought the London Pass , entrance is included. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy a fast track ticket by clicking on the button below:

Given your itinerary for the day, you should get to the abbey at the opening (9.30 am on weekdays, 9.00 am on Saturdays and closed on Sundays).

You can also book a 2-hour guided tour by clicking here!

Let’s now head to Buckingham Palace .

The royal residence is another historic landmark you must see during your 4 days in London!

Situated about 1km from Westminster Abbey , it will only take you around 15 minutes to get there on foot.

For a more immersive experience, you should go in the morning so that you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

It’s an impressive show that follows the rhythm of the band, and that will delight young and old alike.

The Changing of the Guard begins at 11.00 am and lasts for around 40 minutes, but you should get to Buckingham early to secure a good spot. The ceremony attracts thousands of spectators every day, so you won’t be alone!

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is cancelled if it rains . You can check whether it’s taking place on the online calendar .

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):

• 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.

Once you’ve enjoyed watching the Queen’s soldiers parade to the sound of the band, continue your 4-day trip to London by heading to Trafalgar Square.

It’s a 15-20-minute walk to get there through St James’s Park, a public park with lovely flowerbeds just opposite the Palace.

You’ll probably recognise this famous square with its 4 big statues of black lions . It’s a lively spot where you can watch street performances and enjoy a bite to eat.

While you’re at Trafalgar Square, you should visit the National Gallery.

Like all the national museums in London, entrance is free of charge . So you have no excuse to miss one of the city’s most beautiful museums , founded in 1824 and renowned throughout the world.

Here, you’ll discover a rich collection of European paintings, including original works by Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Rembrandt, Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci and more.

You can grab and audio guide at the entrance , and then opt for one of the several itinerary options to see the museum (including a 1-hour tour designed with children in mind).

Opening times can be found on the official website.

After this culture break, let’s continue your 4-day stay in London by returning to the historic centre (a 15 to 20-minute walk – or you can of course take the bus).

The London Eye is located on the banks of the Thames , very close to Big Ben. You have probably already spotted during the morning!

While you’re in London, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity of a ride on the London Eye: the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe allows you to enjoy an incredible panoramic view over the whole of London.

Get ready to ascend to more than 130 metres high in spacious enclosed capsules that can accommodate up to 25 people. As the wheel turns very slowly, the full ride takes 30 minutes.

You need to book your ticket for the London Eye in advance by clicking on the button below:

If you prefer, you can opt for a combined ticket which offers a great value for money: London Eye + Thames Cruise + Hop-on Hop-off Bus.

To end your first day in London on a cultural touch, you can visit 2 more must-see London museums.

The Tate Britain and Tate Modern museums are both located by the Thames , one on the north bank and the other on the south bank.

A river bus operates between the two galleries every 30 minutes, so you can easily visit them one after the other if you wish to.

Opened in 1897, the Tate Britain houses a magnificent collection dedicated to classical British art . You can appreciate works by Turner, Hogarth and William Blake in particular.

The Tate Modern is dedicated to modern art .

Entry to the two museums is free of charge, and the opening hours can be found on the official website.

If you want to see London by night , you can switch the Tate museums with the London Eye and do the Ferris wheel at the end of the day.

Once you leave the National Gallery , head for Embankment Pier , located on the Thames. Take the river bus to Millbank Pier , it will drop you at the entrance to the Tate Britain. For the Tate Modern , get off at Bankside Pier.

2nd day: Things to do and see in London

Day 2 tourist attractions:

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

Located in the City of London business district, St Paul’s Cathedral is a must-see landmark if you have the chance to spend 4 days in London.

This baroque-style cathedral was built in the 17th century to replace the old church that was destroyed by fire in 1666.

In St Paul’s Cathedral, you can discover:

• The wonderful nave
• The mysterious Whispering Gallery and its incredible acoustics
• The Stone Gallery
• The Golden Gallery and its fantastic panoramic view over the city
• The crypt , featuring tombs of several famous British figures, including the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Entry to St Paul’s cathedral is included in the London Pass .

If you don’t have the City Pass, you can book fast track tickets by clicking on the button below:

After visiting the cathedral, you will stay a bit more in the City of London district.

London’s business district , which is also its geographical centre, is well worth spending some time in.

Take a stroll through the streets and admire the area’s most iconic landmark : nicknamed The Gherkin , this unusually shaped skyscraper is also sometimes called “The suppository”!😆

If you book your place in advance on the Sky Garden website , you can also enjoy a fantastic and free 360° panoramic view over London from the city’s highest public garden.

This 155-metre high skyscraper , nicknamed the “Walkie-Talkie”, is situated at 20 Fenchurch Street, in the heart of the City of London.

There are limited spaces available each day and you can only book 3 weeks to 1 month in advance.

The City district is also home to 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 .

Built in 1066 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London was once a royal residence , but has also served as a prison and place of execution.

Today, it’s a museum dedicated to medieval history, and focuses in particular on the macabre aspects.

Tales of execution told by guides in period costume , a tour of the torture chamber and other gory details immerse you in one of the darkest chapters in London’s history.

All in good fun, of course, and with a touch of British humour! The visit is totally suitable for children.

Everyday, hordes of visitors come to see the top attraction of the Tower: The Crown Jewels. You can see the crowns of several kings and queens, including Queen Elizabeth II.

And don’t miss taking a look at the beautiful gardens outside the Tower.

Guided tours start from the main entrance every 30 minutes.

And of course, you should purchase your entrance tickets in advance so you don’t waste time in the often endless queue!

Entry to the Tower of London is included in the London Pass . You can also buy your tickets separately by clicking on the button below:

The Tower Bridge , the next stop on your 4-day trip to London is located close to the Tower of London.

With its 2 huge towers and sky blue ironwork , you will instantly recognise this landmark of the city!

Built over the Thames in the 19th century, this impressive Gothic-style bridge connects the north and south banks of London. It’s a bascule bridge, that means it will open up to let big boats through!

When it was built, Tower Bridge was the most sophisticated bascule bridge in the world.

Take your time to admire Tower Bridge from the banks of the Thames over a snack or a drink (there’s plenty of shops around), or simply enjoy the moment.

You can also walk across the bridge and even visit the old engine rooms located inside one of the towers.

If you go up to the highest level , you can walk across the glass walkway and get the feeling you’re floating above the Thames.

Entry to Tower Bridge is included in the London Pass.

At the foot of the Tower Bridge, the charming little marina of St Katharine Docks is a lovely place to take a stroll and enjoy something to eat in one of the many restaurants overlooking the Thames.

To end your second day in style, you should go to the top of The Shard to enjoy panoramic views.

The Shard is the name of London’s newest landmark, a skyscraper standing over 300 metres high located a 10-minute walk from Tower Bridge.

It’s also the highest viewing platform in Western Europe , allowing you to enjoy an incredible 360° view across the whole city.

In addition to the spectacular panorama, you can also learn more about London through multimedia displays within the building.

The Shard is well worth a visit, and you need to book your tickets by clicking on the button below:

3rd day in London: The best places to visit

Day 3 tourist attractions:

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

For your 3rd day in London, you will head to Notting Hill district, located in the western part of the city.

This fashionable part of London, made famous by the film of the same name – “Notting Hill” has more the feel of a quiet and elegant village. If you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll for sure recognise a number of the locations where it was shot!

There, you can admire beautiful houses featuring pastel-coloured façades and take a stroll to Portobello Road Market (open every morning).

This market is actually the main attraction of the area, and is always busy. You will find Second-hand clothes, vintage items, antiques , diverse accessories and even culinary specialties. You will see, it’s lovely place to stroll around!

If you have the chance to spend 4 days in London in August, don’t miss the major annual event held here in the last weekend of the month: Notting Hill Carnival , a festive parade of over 5 km to the sounds of Caribbean music.

To get to Notting Hill, you can take the metro to Notting Hill Gate underground station.

And if you want to be certain you don’t miss anything, you should book this guided tour:

Following your morning in Notting Hill, let’s continue your day with a visit to London Natural History Museum , one of the biggest and most beautiful museums in the city.

It will take you around 20 minutes by bus to get there.

This museum is literally huge, and attracts over 5 million visitors each year. It’s the most visited natural history museum in Europe!

The Gothic building housing the displays is as magnificent from the outside as it is on the inside . During your visit, you’ll discover exceptional exhibits and learn all about zoology, botany, volcanology, archaeology, the dinosaurs, and much more besides.

You can’t actually see everything in one go unless you spend the whole day there. There are also lots of fun activities for kids.

You should spend a maximum of 2 hours in the museum so you have enough time left for the rest of your day’s visits.

Visiting London in 4 days on foot also gives you time to take in some fresh air.

So now, why not enjoy a little greenery in London biggest park: Hyde Park.

It’s one of the most beautiful city parks in the world, the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, have lunch on a terrace or simply take a walk.

And in the north-east corner of the park, you can see a little London oddity: The Speakers’ Corner . Every Sunday, anonymous speakers give a speech to passers-by , often with a touch of humour.

If you’re in London towards the end of the year , you can explore Hyde Park’s huge Christmas Market . There’s also a Winter Wonderland fair and the biggest outdoor skating rink in the United Kingdom.

If your stay in London happens to be during the summer , you can also enjoy the festivals and concerts that are held in the park each year.

After this short break in Hyde Park, you should head to Oxford Street , a continuation of the north-east entrance to the park (Marble Arch).

This 2.5 km long commercial avenue attracts hordes of tourists, and can be likened to Paris’ Champs-Élysées.

This is your chance for a bit of shopping or window-shopping in the 600 stores that line the street, including the big British names like Marks & Spencer, TopShop, Mush, Primark, Urban Outfitters and more.

If you continue along Oxford Street, you’ll arrive in Soho.

This is the most vibrant part of London , and the favourite place for Londoners and tourists to come to party!

It’s a small area, but it’s home to an impressive concentration of pubs, theatres, restaurants, cinemas and clubs. It’s the perfect place for a good night out and to enjoy the party atmosphere on any day of the week.

You can even watch a musical in one of the many theatres in the area, an unmissable experience during your 4 days in London!

If you want to see the famous musical “Les Misérables” at the Sondheim Theatre in London, make sure you buy your tickets in advance here.

And if you prefer to see the no less famous “Phantom of the Opera”, you need to book by clicking there!

If you want an original experience in Soho, you really should opt for the Harry Potter-themed guided tour .

Your guide will take you to the cult locations from the films including Diagon Alley, Gringotts, platform 9 3/4, Knockturn Alley and much more besides. The guide is brilliant and the tour is really well put together.

This tour is so good that it’s labelled “GetYourGuide Originals” . It means that if you’re not 100% satisfied of your guided visit, you can ask for a full refund!

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

Your walk in Soho will inevitably lead you to Piccadilly Circus , the famous London square recognisable from its gigantic advertising screens.

It can be considered as the Times Square of London . Here too, there’s always a lively party atmosphere.

Continue walking east until you reach Covent Garden (a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus).

Covent Garden was once the site of London’s covered market, before it was relocated in the 1970s.

Fortunately, the very beautiful glass roof was kept and the building now houses several shops, restaurants, artists’ studios as well as the brilliant London Transport Museum.

The area attracts crowds of tourists, and you can watch lots of street performances making it the perfect way to end the day.

4th day – Walk around London

Day 4 tourist attractions:

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

To conclude your 4-day itinerary in London , you should explore the north of the city.

Start with a stroll in Hampstead Village , a delightfully green and quiet area sat on a hill above London. Hampstead is actually an old village that has retained all its charm.

It’s an integral part of London today, but you really feel like you’ve left the city when you’re there.

As quaint and peaceful as a provincial village, it’s full of flower-filled gardens, beautiful Victorian houses, shops, restaurants and cafés. You will see, Hampstead Village is really a calm and relaxed place to take a stroll .

Just 20 minutes by metro from central London, Hampstead Village is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Continue exploring the north of the UK’s capital with a tour around Camden Town.

This very trendy area of London is home to alternative cultures and alter-globalisation . It’s a blend of punk, Gothic, hip-hop and hippie cultures all in a condensed array of shapes, colours and eccentric shops.

It’s one of the busiest and liveliest areas of the city, especially thanks to Camden Lock Market which is open every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

There are all sorts of stalls, unusual clothes and accessories , live music, plus stands selling street food from all over the world.

You can grab something to eat and go by Regent’s Canal, where there’s always a really friendly atmosphere.

Walk south from Camden Town for 10 minutes and you’ll arrive in Regent’s Park.

Of all the parks in London, Regent’s Park boasts the finest flower beds. Covering 166 hectares, this park once belonged to the royal family and was originally (in 1811) intended to accommodate several lavish properties, including a palace.

A lack of funds meant the project was never completed, but not before several neo-classical residences had been built around the park by the architect Josh Nash.

Today, Regent’s Park is one of the most beautiful public green spaces in the city.

A lot of Londoners come here for their daily or weekly running session or to play other sports in the landscaped grounds.

It’s also the perfect place for couples or families to hire a rowing boat or a pedalo , enjoy a picnic or simply stroll through the greenery.

There are also children playground for the little ones, a magnificent rose garden (Queen Mary’s Gardens – not to be missed in the summer!), cafés and restaurants.

If you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll have been waiting for this moment to come!

Abbey Road and its legendary pedestrian crossing is less than 2 km to the west of Regent’s Park. Follow in the footsteps of countless fans, and take a photo on the pedestrian crossing, just like on the famous cover of the group’s Abbey Road album.

You may well face a crowd, and risk annoying drivers who often have problems driving on this very busy street. Opposite the pedestrian crossing, you can see the studios where The Beatles recorded the album as well as a souvenir shop.

So here you are at the final stop of your 4-day itinerary in London .

To end your visit of the city, you can choose one of these two museums:

• Madame Tussauds: 20 minutes by bus from Abbey Road, and one of the most visited museums in London.

It’s a bit like Paris’ Grévin Museum, but fancier and on a bigger scale!

You’ll need 2 to 3 hours here , the idea being to get photographed with the top celebrities …or rather with their wax lookalikes. Most of them are incredibly realistic!

You need to book your tickets in advance by clicking on the green button below:

• The British Museum: if you’re more interested in culture and history , this museum located 20 minutes by metro from Regent’s Park is the perfect way to end to your holidays.

Entry is free of charge and you’ll learn about the history of civilizations, in particular through the many archaeological relics (including the famous Rosetta Stone).

The museum has one of the richest collections in the world with more than 7 million exhibits on display.

Don’t hesitate to book a guided visit (click here) to discover the best of the main exhibitions in 2 hours!

You now have all the information and tips you need to see London in 4 days!

Now you know what to do in London in 4 days, but there’s one crucial question to answer: where to stay for these few days?

I’m not going to lie, the cost of accommodation in London is pretty high and it’s not easy to find affordable hotels, especially in central London. The best deals are always booked months in advance.

That’s why you really do need to book as early as possible to get the best rates!

If you already know your travel dates, you should thus really book your accommodation now.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in London depending on your budget:

• The Chamberlain: Close to 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 an hotel in London 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

If you plan to spend 4 days in London with your children , you can be assured they won’t get bored, and they’ll really love most of attractions. You may however need to adjust the itinerary slightly to suit their age and interests.

Here are a few ideas for a 4-day stay in London with kids:

• Spend a bit less time in the museums and more time in the parks (if the weather permits). Nevertheless, you can visit the majority of London’s museums with your youngsters because most of them offer short, fun tours for children.
• The Tower of London, with its medieval ambience, is one of the attractions children love the most
• A ride on the London Eye will make them feel like they’re on a giant merry-go-round.
• The Changing of the Guard on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace will put a sparkle in their eyes
• An evening seeing a family musical in Soho is also a lovely way to spend time together
• Travel by red double-decker bus and sit upstairs, and right at the front if you can! For kids, this sort of journey is a real adventure in itself. Book this double-decker hop-on hop-off bus tour by clicking here!

You also have a choice of several theme parks: the Shrek Adventure Tour at Dreamworks , Legoland or Kidzania.

If you or your kids are Harry Potter fans , you can also spend a day at Harry Potter Studios , located a bit outside the city.

It’s really a magical experience!

The best tour include the entrance ticket to Harry Potter Studios as well as the transportation from your hotel.

You need to book this tour by clicking on the button below:

If you’ve followed my itinerary for 4 days in London and still want to explore more, you should read my guide of the 20 best places to visit in London .

You can read it here: The 20 Best Things to do in London .

It might even leave you wanting to stay longer in London! Why not spend 5 days, or even a whole week there?

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 4 days in London, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day . You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested 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:

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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Discussion 4 comments.

Hi there! Thanks for writing this very interesting article. Will be visiting in May for 4 days and will use this as a base for my visit. Just a question about the London Pass: does it also allow you to book a time slot? Or you just go and have a separate entrance then? For example the tower of london, will it really help to avoid the long queu? Thanks for the help 🙂

Hi Michele,

Thanks! I’m glad that my 4-day itinerary in London helps you to plan your visit.

For the London Pass, it will depend on the attractions. For the Tower of London, you don’t need to book a time slot, just join the queue of people who already have their ticket, at the security checkpoint. But for The View from the Shard for example, you do need to book a time slot. When you receive your London Pass, it also comes with a digital guide giving you full details of each attraction.

Enjoy your 4-day stay in London!

Thank you for this informative itinerary & tour guide to London We are planning our trip in September & looking forward to our visit My question – I want to visit the Pursley Farm in Shenley, do you have any information about it? I am a Pursley descendant & would love to have the history of this old historical place & possibly visit if possible Thank you very much & God bless!

Thanks Catherine! I’m glad that my 4-day itinerary in London helps you to plan your stay.

About the farm, I didn’t know about it as it’s not a touristic sites and there’s virtually no information about it online. The best is to contact them directly and see what it’s possible to do. Here is the phone number that you can find online: +44 1923 855760

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The 21 Best Day Trips From London

By Condé Nast Traveller and Anna Prendergast

London ’s hustle and bustle can become overwhelming, even for the most dedicated locals—but its handy location means that day trips from London are easy for anyone who needs a quick escape, whether it be for a country walk, a seaside jaunt, or a cultural getaway. Most of our selection of the best day trips from London can be reached by train , within less than two hours—and many couldn’t be further from the busy streets and crammed schedules of the capital. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, delicious eateries or a new selection of shops, these easy-to-plan day trips should slot nicely into your schedule.

Below are 21 of our favorite day trips from London, in no particular order.

Read our complete London travel guide here .

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Canterbury, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a colorful, food-fuelled history lesson in the garden of England How to get there from London: The direct train from London St Pancras to Canterbury West can take as little as 53 minutes

Prehistoric settlements have been uncovered in this corner of Kent, and it was a popular haunt of the Romans, who surrounded the early city by constructing an earth bank and fortified walls around 130 acres of land. The story of Canterbury that schoolchildren learn, however, comes from the medieval period, courtesy of Chaucer.

The city is home to one of the UK’s most spectacular cathedrals. Pilgrims have navigated the route to this ethereal site for many centuries, and it’s here that Thomas Becket was infamously slaughtered at the order of Henry II–although this series of events has been contested by countless historians. From the cathedral, scan the selection of novels through the crooked door of the Catching Lives Charity Bookshop, before soaking up the sun in one of the city’s hidden pub gardens–The Dolphin and The Parrot are some of our favorites.

Stroll along the remnant of the ancient wall that is still accessible, or settle in for a lazy afternoon on the colorful banks of the River Stour after collecting treats from The Goods Shed. Historic river tours of the river are touristy but not overly expensive, so well worth booking ahead of a visit to uncover the secrets of these romantic, cobblestone streets.– Connor Sturges

If you decide to stay over: Parts of The Falstaff Hotel date to the 13th century, and original features such as fireplaces and oak beams are a nod to the city’s medieval history. The city’s main attractions are within walking distance, and comfortable beds, craft cocktails, and a signature afternoon tea await once you are back in the cosy setting.

Elmley Nature Reserve

The best day trip from London for:  getting fully immersed in nature How to get there from London:  The train from London St Pancras International to Swale takes 1 hour 50 minutes and then it’s a short taxi ride to Elmley Nature Reserve

Think of day trips to Kent and you’ll probably skip straight over the Isle of Sheppey. Just off the northern coast of Kent next to the Thames Estuary, Sheppey is an unglamorous largely industrial island that initially lacks the tourist appeal of some of its Kentish neighbours. But there’s a secret gem here right off the mainland–the bucolic Elmley Nature Reserve, 3,300 acres of wetlands and wilderness. This family-run estate is a true wildlife conservation haven and is the perfect trip for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With over forty varieties of birds raising their young at Elmley each year, there are some beautiful walking trails to spot them all, plus the other resident hares, frogs, dragonflies, cows, voles, bees and more. As soon as your taxi turns onto the long entry drive, it’s easy to see elegant birds such as egrets, lapwings and redshank happily frolicking on the flat marshlands and that’s before you’ve even started exploring. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the entry fee is £6 and that gets you access to the beautiful open landscape for a self-guided wander (although you have to stay on the paths!); they also arrange organised tours at dusk and dawn for £29.50 if you want an expert to help you spot marsh harriers, long-eared owls, sparrowhawk and peregrine falcons. It might be only 40 miles from London but it feels like another world. As well as an incredible place for a day out in nature, there’s also a lovely barn restaurant to get cosy in for toasties at lunch and more hearty evening meals, plus an impressive range of smart places to stay dotted across the reserve if you want to extend your visit.– Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  From decked-out shepherd’s huts with outside baths to four poster beds in the grand 18th-century main house, there’s a wide range of places to stay – all with stunning views over the nature reserve.

Great Garden Escape, The Newt in Somerset

The best day trip from London for: a VIP experience How to get there: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 25 minutes

If you’re not the planning type, The Newt in Somerset’s Great Garden Escape is a fun-filled organized day trip that shows off the best of the British countryside and its charming traditions. With a jam-packed schedule starting at Paddington station, day trippers travel First Class with breakfast served on-board. On arrival, they’ll be given a tour of the gardens at The Newt, which have been landscaped over hundreds of years and are now home to wildlife including deer and newts–of course. There's even an opportunity to explore the grounds with experts, along with a dive into the history and traditions of Somerset. Plus, a stopover at the incredible Roman Villa Experience.

Lunch leads into a cider tasting, made on-site using apples grown in local orchards, where you’ll undoubtedly be swayed into picking up a bottle or two to take home. When you’ve breathed in just enough country air, the train journey home serves up afternoon tea, depositing you back in the city just in time for sundowners. The whirlwind tour is the ideal tonic for shaking off burnout and reminding yourself of the beauty on your doorstep.– Abigail Malbon

If you decide to stay over : Should you choose to forego the train ride home in favor of waking up somewhere new, The Newt is a Jane Austen dream, whether you choose a room in the Georgian house or the converted outbuildings, barns and stables. Bedrooms are simple and beautiful, with a focus on relaxation, but those with a view are truly exceptional. In the morning, wake up early and treat yourself to a swim in the spa pool as the sun comes up – you’ll return to London feeling like a new person.

Clifton, Bristol

The best day trip from London for : packing a lot in How to get there from London: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 35 minutes.

After hopping off the train at Bristol Temple Meads, take a stroll to Clifton–the city’s most beautiful leafy suburb. Quiet residential streets are lined with pretty Georgian townhouses, spots of greenery to wander through off the cobbled streets and an eclectic mix of independent cafés, restaurants and shops.

Start with a gander around Clifton Arcade in the heart of Clifton Village, where the 17 boutiques are filled with knick-knacks and intriguing antiques. It’s not a true shopping experience without a pit stop for coffee and cake – try one of Bristol’s top coffee spots, Spicer + Cole, or–for a 100-per-cent plant-based menu–refuel with a slice of rose and vanilla loaf and a superfood latte at East Village Café.

Pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocers and head to Clifton bridge for fabulous views across the River Avon. It's one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. Learn about its history at the Visitor Centre, stopping off for a pint of traditional Somerset cider at the White Lion by its side. Continue the historical tour by walking up to Clifton Observatory, which has a museum featuring a Victorian-era Camera Obscura and a mythical Giant’s Cave, alongside its own rooftop café serving up breathtaking views. And don’t miss out on a walk down Royal York Crescent–one of the most expensive streets in Bristol, which was also once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe.

Next, spend time at Bristol Lido, a restored Victorian swimming bath from the 1800s surrounded by a spa and poolside bar for the ultimate in pampering. Round off the day with a cozy pub meal at The Albion, an Indian fine-dining experience at Nutmeg or a hearty pizza at Bosco around the corner on Whiteladies Road.– Cordelia Aspinall

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the recently refurbished Number 38 boutique hotel for a peaceful stay overlooking the Clifton Downs, perfect for your morning stroll.

Andrea Cheng

Jessica Puckett

Sophie Yun Mancini

Bath, Somerset

The best day trip from London for: soaking up history How to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Bath is known for its history, but among the buttery-hued Georgian architecture and ancient thermal springs there’s a fresh independent spirit. When the weather is good, there are a couple of brilliant walking routes to try: the six-mile Bath Skyline, for example, is a short stroll from the city centre and tramps through woodland, meadows and orchards with views of the buildings below.

The Somerset city’s literary heritage is well documented–Jane Austen is probably the most famous one-time resident–and there’s still a thriving network of bookshops and literature festivals here, including at bookworm magnet Topping and Company, which stocks more than 55,000 titles. Restaurants are driven by excellent local produce and seasonal ingredients. Grab a traditional lunch at The Circus (we recommend the Wiltshire lamb two ways) or order bun cha at Vietnamese spot Noya’s Kitchen. After a bite, shop at clever concept stores such as Nām, which sells antique furniture and homeware curated by owner Sharan Kaur, and Found, where you can buy clothes from niche global brands, or spend an afternoon at wine bar Corkage, where about 70 bottles are available to sample by the glass.– Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Small hotel Eight lives up to its name; there are just eight rooms, and the ground-floor restaurant always has eight dishes on the menu.

Read more about the best things to do in Bath, Somerset

The New Forest, Hampshire

The best day trip from London for : woodland walks and long pub lunches How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes

With its purple carpets of heather, ancient woodland and England-of-yore villages, the New Forest has long been a release valve for Londoners eager to clear the cobwebs and the cortisol. The apex of its beauty has to be autumn, when its rich hues cut through morning mists and dazzle in the afternoon sun. It's best enjoyed during a long ramble, where you’re likely to meet free-roaming New Forest ponies, cattle and even pigs, followed by a hearty pub lunch with local ale and a warming log fire.

Take the train from Waterloo to Beaulieu Road station and fuel your hike with a pint of real ale at the Drift Inn. If independent shops, cafés and beaches are on the agenda, it’s best to head to Lymington instead, as this one-and-a-half-hour loop around the pub on the edge of the New Forest is blissfully rugged and remote. Having traipsed through a mixed mosaic of woodland and absorbed the silence and sweeping views across the heathland, hunker down at the Drift Inn for a Hampshire beef burger, ale-battered haddock or the pie of the day (invariably something along the lines of mud pie with mash and gravy).– Rosalyn Wikeley

If you decide to stay over : Those seeking the quintessential heather-and-wild-ponies New Forest should bed down at The Pig hotel in Brockenhurst or Limewood near Lyndhurst (about five minutes from the Drift Inn). However, the trusted favorite among New Forest devotees, Chewton Glen continues to lure weary urbanites with its coveted position – wedged between woodland and the coast – and commitment to the good, old-fashioned service and comforts of a country club. You’ll find few zeitgeisty design details or next-gen touches here. Instead, antiques, thick carpets and mahogany furniture keep this 18th-century manor house sure of its identity – save a few fun treehouse bedrooms, should privacy or the 21st century fall into your criteria. Don’t miss the fresh salads and fish lunches once you’ve been pummeled in the spa or worked up an appetite in the Grecian-style pool. The gardens are also glorious for afternoon tea after visiting Highcliffe beach.

Hertford, Hertfordshire

The best day trip from London for : pub-crawling and country walks How to get there from London: The train from Finsbury Park takes 35 minutes

With its higgledy-piggledy, pastel-colored buildings and cobbled streets, this county town serves up a slice of English antiquity that’s postcard-pretty enough to satisfy both shiny-eyed visitors from further afield and weary Londoners searching for fresher air, shorter queues and somewhere different to look at for the day. With trains running every half hour, it’s possible to find yourself marching around its 15th-century castle grounds (check ahead for cinema screenings, talks and events), net fishing from a sandy cove in Hartham Common or wandering about its dinky museum within the hour. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can cycle from London along the River Lea towpath.

On arrival, dip into its handful of local shops – The Women's Society Boutique has an imposing exterior but is a real treasure trove–before stopping at one of the many independent cafés and restaurants. Popular deli-bar Giambrone’s serves authentic Italian plates, while Hertford Coffee Lab makes for a cool pit-stop, and Georgian townhouse and B&B Number One Port Hill hosts occasional pop-up suppers. Plus, the artsy Dog and Whistle, once a pop-up café, has blossomed into a hipster foodie pub and music venue with rooms. Indeed, Hertford – quiet market town by day and more bustling nightspot come evening – specializes in pubs, particularly old-world ones. There's The Salisbury Arms Hotel, said to have been the place where Oliver Cromwell stayed during the Civil War and home to a number of ghosts; the 16th-century White Horse; the 17th-century Blackbirds; and the riverside Old Barge (exact age unknown, but 'old' is part of the name…). If you have time, go on the three-mile walk to Ware alongside the River Lea towpath–the neighboring town also has a plethora of pubs – and catch the train back to London from there.– Becky Lucas

If you decide to stay over: Hertford House Hotel took over the former local newspaper’s offices in pretty Parliament Square in 2006 and hasn’t stopped evolving since, with its latest restaurant and bar renovation completed in autumn 2020. Don’t miss out on brunch in the secret garden, a locally sourced roast in the restaurant and a pint in smart sister pub The Quiet Man.

The best day trip from London for: an under-the-radar getaway How to get there from London: The fast train from St Pancras International takes 1 hour 22 minutes

This hillside scribble of Georgian streets tucked behind the Kent coast really hit our radar in 2018. Nicknamed ‘Margate’s little sister’, it’s a much cosier, countryside version of its arty neighbour. And that’s exactly its appeal. Deal is less shouty than Margate, but there’s still an exciting slew of shops, cafés and galleries that have arrived over the past few years. The Saturday Market stalls are worth a rummage, but it’s the food that brings the locals back each weekend. For more of a sit-down lunch we love Frog and Scot where the chef, previously of The Sportsman in Seasalter, cooks up a daily changing menu based on hyper-local produce. Founder of Smugglers Records Will Greenham (ex singer and guitarist of the band Cocos Lovers, who’ve supported Mumford & Sons on tour) is at the heart of the town’s music scene, and in terms of art, Linden Hall Studio is a contemporary gallery in a converted chapel that wouldn’t look out of place in Mayfair.– Tabitha Joyce

If you decide to stay over: The Rose was revamped in 2018 and now there are eight cute bedrooms splashed in bold colors and filled with vintage finds. The restaurant is looked after by Rachel O’Sullivan (previously of East London’s Towpath Café) who dishes up Scandi-inspired breakfast plates of smoked salmon, avocado, soft-boiled egg, dill and whipped cream cheese.

Read more about Deal, Kent

Whitstable, Kent

The best day trip from London for: oysters on the beach How to get there from London : The train from from St Pancras takes 1hr 13 minutes

This little town on the north Kent coast isn’t quite the sort-of-secret it was back in the 1990s, when DFLs (local jargon for Londoners) rediscovered it, arriving at weekends for seafood at Wheelers on the high street and pints of Kentish ale at the beach-side Old Neptune pub. But it’s still an atmospheric place to head for a hit of vitamin B12 – via a dozen or so oysters – then a scrunch along the shingle shore, spotting Second World War sea forts across the waves and seals in the harbour. There are plenty of places to eat: avoid the overpriced Royal Native Oyster Stores and head instead to JoJo’s, just down the road in Tankerton, for mackerel fillets and Med-inspired small plates. Or Samphire, a Whitstable bistro with cuttlefish risotto and Romney Marsh lamb on the menu. There’s also a thriving micropub scene here, with The Handsome Sam, The Black Dog, and the larger Twelve Taps for hoppy experimentation. But our favorite pastime is picking up a pot of cockles and whelks from the quayside, or fish and chips and oysters from The Forge shack, and devouring them in the shade of a wooden groyne on the beach, preferably with a bottle of English fizz to hand.– Rick Jordan

If you decide to stay over: The Victorian fisherman’s huts on the beach are the best place in which to hole up, the sound of waves and boat masts jangling in the wind outside, and can be booked via Hotel Continental. Along the coast in Seasalter is the Driftwood Beach House B&B .

Rye, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : a bracingly fresh seaside getaway How to get there from London: The train from St Pancras International takes about 1 hour 10 minutes with a change at Ashford International.

Rye is home to what might just be Britain’s prettiest (and most prettily named) street, and a wave of newcomers have moved in alongside the quaint old-timers in Mermaid Street and beyond, opening smart interiors stores and artisan bakeries next to unironically vintage tea rooms and souvenir shops. After breakfast at Whitehouse Rye–order the halloumi hash–pick up a new read at The Tiny Book Store (the clue’s in the name) and window shop for that fantasy mansion at striking antiques shop Strand House Interiors. The blustery dunes and invigorating waters of Camber Sands, one of the best beach near London , are a 15 minute ride away on the local bus, but head back in time for a rustic supper at Tuscan Rye, where fresh pasta (ricotta ravioli with brown-butter sauce, potato and thyme tortellini in a rich ragu) draws loyal locals.– Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the lively George in Rye , which welcomes A-list guests (George Clooney and Helena Bonham Carter have both checked in for sleepovers) and smart locals in the same breath.

These are our favourite things to do in Rye

Margate, Kent

The best day trip from London for : a cultural day out How to get there from London: the fast train from London St Pancras takes 1 hour 25 minutes.

It’s no secret that this Victorian seaside town has had quite the hipster renaissance in recent years, sparked mostly by the arrival of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011 and spurred on by a slew of new openings and a wave of Londoners upping sticks and moving down to the Kent coast. For a cultural outing, the waterside Turner Contemporary is still a must. Entry is free so it’s worth popping in even if you’ve never heard of the artists on show, and the shop has some nice local products. For more contemporary art head to Crate, an artist-led project space in an old printworks. If you’d prefer something older–much older–wander over to the most ancient building in town, the Tudor House, a Grade II-listed 16th-century timber-framed house on King Street. It’s on your route from the seafront to the mysterious Shell Grotto, a spooky set of underground tunnels covered in more than four million shells.

A trip to Margate isn’t complete without a few hours in Dreamland, whether it’s for some spins on the rides or to see one of the amusement park’s impressive line-up of gigs in the evenings. Do take a stroll around town to hit up the vintage shops selling retro clothes, furniture and homewares, where you can still find some decent bargains. And don’t forget to head over to Cliff Terrace to visit the flagship store of cult natural skincare brand Haeckels, which makes divine-smelling beauty products using seaweed gathered on the beach nearby. Speaking of the beach, if you want to go swimming walk along the coast to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a man-made sea lagoon where you can find calm waters and steps for easier access. If you arrive early (or stay the night), tuck into cracking breakfast at Storeroom coffee shop or at Cliffs, where there’s also a record shop, a hair salon and a yoga studio. In fact, the whole up-and-coming area of Cliftonville is worth exploring. After all that roaming, great seafood can be found for dinner at either Angela’s or Hantverk & Found–reserve a table in advance though, as both get booked up. – Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over: The best beds in town are at The Reading Rooms , a boutique b&b in a restored Georgian townhouse a few minutes’ walk from the seafront. Be sure you don’t have to rush off in the morning as they’ll bring breakfast to your room so you can eat it overlooking the leafy square.

Read more about Margate's best things to do

Eastbourne, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : fair-weather walkers How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Eastbourne is an old-timey British seaside town with a Victorian pier, a pebble beach, and a much-loved bandstand where tribute acts reign: ‘Queen’, ‘ABBA’, ‘Frank Sinatra’ and ‘Lady Gaga’ have all played. You could spend the day taking in the town’s thriving art galleries, with plenty of opportunities for refueling stops along the way (our favorite is the stripped-back-trendy Nelson Coffee Co opposite the station) but the real draw here is enjoying the great outdoors at Beachy Head, where you’ll find the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. A hike with seriously impressive views out to sea runs across the top. Wander all the way along to neighboring Seaford or make one of the secret beaches tucked away at the foot of the cliffs your way point. It’s a steep climb down, but Falling Sands Beach is quiet and sandy and well worth the adventure. Eastbourne often makes the list of the sunniest places in the UK, so don’t forget your sunglasses.– Olivia Holborow

If you decide to stay over: Book into the Beachy Head holiday cottages –there’s a choice of 8, all set around a rambling walled garden with fruit and vegetables you can help yourself to.

An insider guide to the South Downs

Brighton, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : blasting the cobwebs away by the sea How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 34 minutes.

Brighton is a brilliant mish-mash of retro, seaside fun and progressive culture. Book in advance and you can get return tickets from London for as little as £10. A maze of bunting-lined streets, The Lanes bursts at the seams with vintage shops–don’t miss Beyond Retro and Dirty Harry, and our two favorite independent boutiques, Our Daily Edit and Peggs & Son, as well as retro memorabilia (navigate the turnstile at Snoopers Paradise for collectors’ items, vinyl, and furniture). Time your day trip to include breakfast at Kensingtons – grab a table on the balcony for giant plates piled high with eggs, toast and beans. It’s not the easiest spot to find, so look out for a shop called Artemis on Kensington Gardens, which overflows with sheepskin rugs and pelts – the café is on the left; follow the smell of bacon up the stairs. Later, reserve a table at Food for Friends, a superb veggie restaurant with award-winning flavours and presentation. A short walk away is the huge 8km pebbly beach–the section near the Palace Pier is dotted with stripy deckchairs and usually buzzing from spring to autumn (and often absolutely crammed in summer). There’s something terribly British about layering up and enjoying a windswept walk in the winter months, too. Reward yourself with a bag of hot, sugary donuts from the pier.

If you decide to stay over : Walk along the seafront to The Ginger Pig, a restaurant-with-rooms with pre-mixed cocktails in the minibars and Cowshed bottles by the standalone bathtubs.

The best restaurants in Brighton

Lewes, Sussex

The best day trip from London for : history buffs and vintage hunters How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes just over 1 hour.

Lewes: the market town in the South Downs that sits against a backdrop of chalk hills and green peaks. Cobblestoned 'twittens' (narrow streets), hand-painted shop signs and crumbling tiles from the 1960s make it feel like a town time forgot, and its slower rhythm makes for a reinvigorating gear-change. The Needlemakers on West Street is home to a range of small, independent shops that sell local craftsmanship, from jewelry to books–Alexis Dove is a favorite for delicate silverware and Susie Petrou has an eye for vintage blouses and Romanian embroidery. There’s an incongruous well at the bottom by the vintage shops – throw in a penny for good luck before you start hunting through piles of clothes and bags. Lewes Flea Market is an alluring source for antique furniture and quirky homeware, and is open daily (not to be confused with the outdoor Sunday market, which is also worth a visit). At the other end of town, at the bottom of Cliffe High Street, you can find Bill Collison’s very first Bill’s restaurant, a European deli-turned-eatery, where you can get hearty dishes such as pumpkin, fig and chestnut roast, or a beef, bacon and camembert burger. After lunch, ponder the paperbacks at the Fifteenth Century Bookshop, which has been carefully restored in recent years but remains as much of a landmark as Lewes Castle. Finish the day with a pint; Harvey’s Brewery is the only independent brewery in Sussex and provides the John Harvey Tavern over the road with local cask ales (download the self-titled app to find out where you can get it in London).

If you decide to stay over : Head to Firle for a night at The Ram Inn , and enjoy crisp linen and generous breakfasts served by an open fire.

Folkestone, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a coastal up-and-comer How to get there from London : The fast train from London St Pancras to Ashford takes 40 minutes, where you can change for Folkestone Central.

The seaside town of Folkestone is mid-makeover, which is the ideal time to visit – before everything gets priced up and the place’s quirks glossed over. The appeal of Sunny Sands beach is self-explanatory – this tiny, windswept slip of sand is one of the best beaches in Kent and the ideal spot to kick off your day (unsurprisingly, it fills up with families wielding buckets and spades, sticky with sunscreen, too). A trio of swashbuckling pubs and restaurants–The Ship Inn, The Mariner, and The Captain’s Table–lines the seafront, but the real treasure can be found in the Creative Quarter. At the bottom of The Old High Street is Bounce Vintage, an open space with rails full of retro sportswear, French chore jackets and Aloha shirts. If you exchange smiles and pleasantries with the rosy-cheeked owners, they might just offer you an espresso on the house. Failing that, further up the road, Steep Street sells specialty coffee, homemade cake and books . Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shelves of hardbacks tower over fat leather armchairs and blackboard tables that you can doodle on in chalk. There are endless places to eat and drink around town: Rocksalt for a smart menu and sea views; Papas for old-fashioned fish’n’chips ; Beano’s for veggies; La Casa Del Bello Gelato for ice cream Follies for pizza and The Pullman for pints. The Harbour Arm, though, is where Folkestone’s own folk go – the Champagne bar hidden in the lighthouse at the end is rustic, romantic, and completely charming.

If you decide to stay over : Book a room at the Linen Shed , a dove-grey, weatherboarded house on the old Roman road to Canterbury.

The best restaurants in Kent

Oxford, Oxfordshire

The best day trip from London for : a traditional slice of British culture How to get there from London : The Oxford Tube coach service takes 1 hour 30 minutes and runs until 3am; trains also run from Paddington and Marylebone stations and take 1 hour.

In one of the most quintessentially English cities in the UK (and the most expensive to live in outside London), cream tea is not just a rite of passage – it’s a requirement. And there’s only one place to take it – The Vaults & Garden Café, signposted by the presence of an antique bicycle with a flowerbed in its basket, is a gorgeous 14th-century building surrounded by colleges (Oriel, Brasenose, Murton, All Souls), where scones come loaded with clotted cream and seasonal homemade jam (the café has serious sustainability credentials, too). Architecture is a major draw in Oxford ; the libraries, bridges and even cinemas feature Palladian domes, Norman design, ziggurat influences and listed buildings which make this a city to see on foot (Radcliffe Square is a must, and it’s worth paying £4 to climb the tower at the Church of St Mary The Virgin for the best view of Oxford). If you’re taking kids, the Pitt Rivers Museum is packed with bizarre artefacts and stories they’ll tell their friends about, and The Story Museum welcomes you through a wardrobe into Narnia and other fictional worlds of wonder. If you booked a babysitter, however, grab a drink at the brilliant Freud bar in Jericho–a stained-glass church-turned-cool-cocktail-bar that is grown-up enough to feel sophisticated but student-y enough to have plenty of atmosphere and frivolity in the air (or perhaps it’s something in the drinks).

If you decide to stay over : There are plenty of lovely hotels in the Cotswolds , such as The Wild Rabbit –the latest outpost from eco-queen Carole Bamford of Daylesford Organic fame.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The best day trip from London for : people-watching and scenery How to get there from London : The train from London King’s Cross takes 45 minutes.

Like cycling in Amsterdam or taking trams in San Francisco , punting really is the most sophisticated way to see the city of Cambridge and the university grounds. Scudamore’s is the oldest ‘chauffeur’ company and offers a more traditional tour, but board a boat from the Garret Hostel Bridge for a younger, more humorous experience (ask your punter why the GHB is also known as Orgasm Bridge). For lunch, foodPark is a top hawker convoy of Sri Lankan curries, wood-fired pizza and open-wide burgers that sets up from 12pm until 2pm in varying locations around Cambridge from Wednesday to Friday. For something more upscale, book one of Galleria’s terrace tables on the south side of the Magdalene Bridge, with British fusion food and views of the River Cam (your gluten- and dairy-free friends will thank you, as there are two separate menus specifically catering to their diets). In the autumn, the leaf-covered colleges are particularly picturesque as they turn red and rust, and in spring, Parker’s Piece is a scenic stretch of greenery from which to navigate (spot the lamppost that supposedly inspired the post in CS Lewis’ Narnia). From here, find eccentric English shop Bowes & Co, Fitzbillies for iced buns, Aromi for Italian nibbles, Kettle’s Yard art gallery and G David for antique books. Finish your day with the choral evensong at King’s College Chapel around 5.30pm: goosebumps guaranteed. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Cambridge .

If you decide to stay over : It doesn’t get much better than the iconic University Arms hotel , reopened in 2018 after a serious reboot.

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for: welly-wielding outdoorsy types How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour to East Grinstead (a 15-minute drive from Forest Row).

AA Milne famously wrote the stories of Winnie the Pooh while living just north of Ashdown Forest. Known as 100 Acre Wood in Pooh’s world, the forest is home to the spellbinding stories and is an enchanting place to stretch your legs for a day, easily accessible via East Grinstead station. Stretches of open heathland give way to leafy walkways and carpets of bluebells in spring, where the woods teem with wildlife (spot fallow deer, badgers and the odd friendly pheasant–no honey-eating bears, though), and the only noise is birdsong. You can even visit Pooh Bridge (for a game of Poohsticks, naturally), but be warned, it’s a prominent tourist spot. Pooh was a big fan of having ‘a little smackerel of something’, and nearby village Forest Row has plenty of places for elevenses. Taffels deli is a family-run café and much-loved lunch spot (there is nothing skinny about the skinny chips; they are double-fried and divine) and caters to all dietary requirements, while Java & Jazz serves huge hot chocolates cakes and crispy-crusted pizza. For proper pub food, the cosy Hatch Inn (one of our favorite country pubs near London) is known for roasts with all the trimmings and offers plenty of dog-patting opportunities. If you’re not in a hurry to get home, head to Linton’s car park–locally known as ‘the viewpoint’–for sunset.

If you decide to stay over : Gravetye Manor is a very English Elizabethan country-house classic and one of our favorite weekend breaks in the UK .

Dungeness, Kent

The best day trip from London for : nature enthusiasts How to get there from London : The drive to Romney Marsh via the A20 and M20 takes 2 hours.

Arriving in Dungeness from London feels a little like stepping out of a Tardis into a different time zone, where a recent apocalypse has left the landscape barren, the wildlife overrun, the buildings flattened, and the population dramatically compromised (in fact, the Dungeness Power Station appeared in Doctor Who in 1971). Unofficially known as ‘Britain’s only desert’, Dungeness has a unique environment–single-story buildings appear to have been swallowed by the shingle and plants let loose with little regard for human-imposed order. The beach resembles a mass shipwreck; abandoned fishing boats, crumbling shacks, winches and forgotten tractors coated in decades of rust sit, untouched, unmoved and as mysterious as a Russell T Davies plot. There’s not a whole lot to do here – but there’s so much to see, and so much to pique your curiosity that you’ll spend the journey back Googling the area. Kids will love the sheer strangeness of it all, and it’s impossible to resist the childlike urge to climb and run and play. Few places so close to London feel like such an adventure; the journey can take less than two hours and, if you time it right, you can order the catch of the day for lunch from roadside hut the Snack Shack, which does the freshest fish, lobster rolls and ice-cold cans of San Pellegrino.

If you decide to stay over : You’ll have to venture out of Dungeness–try The Rose in Deal , a grown-up bolthole splashed with bold colors and covetable vintage finds.

The best day trip from London for : switching off How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo to Dorking takes 50 minutes.

Surrey’s proximity to London makes the journey a breeze–and it’s an especially astute pick if you’re likely to be coming with a car full of little ones. At Henry VIII’s home Hampton Court Palace, there are family-friendly events such as beast quests and ghost tours, as well as the famous giant hedge maze, where adventurous kids can lead the troops. In winter, an ice rink is set against the historic backdrop of the palace, a building whose grandiose architecture is shaped by both the Tudor and Baroque periods. If you’re escaping the city (and the kids), however, check in at Grayshott Health Spa, a traditional country home with cutting-edge treatments. Surrounded by 47 acres of flowering gardens, it’s a peaceful place to step back and take stock. Connect with nature at Kew, too, where the Royal Botanic Gardens are open to the public all year round. The winter light show is particularly mesmerizing, when the sun starts to sink earlier and earlier. Be sure to take cash for mince pies and mulled wine as you wander through the grounds. Having been awarded a Michelin star, Steve Drake’s restaurant Sorrel in Dorking (a market town with chocolate-box charm) is currently the county’s hottest restaurant with the most exciting ‘discovery menu’.

If you decide to stay over : Surrey is home to some of the best spas near London, such as Grayshott, where the Manor House rooms offer faded charm.

Hastings and St Leonards

The best day trip from London for:  old-school seaside charm How to get there from London:  The fast train from London St Pancras International takes 1 hour 32 minutes with a change at Ashford International

There’s almost too much to fit into a one-day visit to Hastings, especially if you want to pop over to the neighbouring town of St Leonards. Over the last few years, these two East Sussex enclaves have become a popular bolthole for burnt-out Londoners looking for a bohemian seaside escape. To see what all the fuss is about, head straight to explore Hasting’s quaint Old Town, a picturesque maze of streets sandwiched between two dramatic cliffs. Pedestrianised scenic George Street is where most of the action happens, with a thrum of cafés, shops and pubs, but it’s worth wandering the surrounding streets too. Seek out AG Hendy & Co on the High Street for well-curated vintage homewares and stop into The Crown for cozy pub grub made with excellent local produce. If you’re up for a wander, get the funicular up and walk along to the cliff to Fairlight Glen, a beautiful secluded beach where clothing is optional. Or if that sounds a bit much, stay in the Old Town and explore the dramatic black fisherman’s huts on Rock-A-Nore beach where there’s Hastings Contemporary art gallery, a tiny shipwreck museum, fresh seafood stalls and a very cute miniature railway. Next up, take the 40-minute amble along the beach past the pier to St Leonards and stop off for food at the fabulous seafront café, Goat Ledge. It’s worth the trip for their crispy panko fish baps and katsu curry sauce chips alone. Nearby, there are great independent shops selling everything from candles to kimonos on Norman Road and King’s Road where you can easily spend a few hours happily browsing and café hopping before settling into dinner at Michelin-recommended pub The Royal.  Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  Book into  The Old Rectory , a bijou  b&b  in Hasting’s Old Town with treatment rooms and a walled garden.

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 4-Day Trips from London You’ll Love Taking

Today I want to share my list of the best 4-day trips from London with you. If you have a long weekend or you want to go somewhere further afield, these trips are ideal escapes and getaways. Whether you’re looking for bank holiday breaks or you just want a couple extra days to travel, these 4-day tours and excursions will allow you check off some new destinations from your bucket list.

4-Day Trips from London

From the English countryside to the Scottish Highlands, my list of 4-day trips from London covers a diverse range of places. It includes spots in Wales, Northern Ireland, and continental Europe, too.

Whether you’re passionate about city breaks, coastal retreats, bucolic landscapes, or country villages, there’s a 4-day trip from London that will satisfy your wanderlust and suit your travel style.

You can do these as independent trips or as guided tours. I’ve done many of them with Rabbie’s , a company offering small-group tours throughout the UK and Europe.

They provide the driver and you choose what you want to do and where you want to stay. It’s the perfect balance between a guided tour and an independent trip. You can see their tours here .

1. Edinburgh

I’ll start my list of 4-day trips from London with Edinburgh. This city in Scotland is hard to beat when it comes to aesthetics and historic charm.

From the castle on the hill to the Royal Mile and the storybook houses in Dean Village, Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK .

This is the perfect 4-day trip to Scotland from London. It’s enough time to explore the highlights of the city and the best secret places in Edinburgh while you’re visiting. My itinerary for 4 days in Edinburgh can show you more.

You’ll also have time to take a day trip from Edinburgh if you want to explore the surrounding area. Places like Rosslyn Chapel, the Scottish Borders , Culross, Falkland , North Berwick , Dunbar , and St Andrews are easy excursions from the city.

You can get to Edinburgh from London by train or flight. It takes around 4.5 hours all-in either way, so it’s up to you how you prefer to travel to the Scottish capital.

If this appeals, you can book a hotel in Edinburgh here . My top pick for a place to stay is The George . It’s in a central location on George Street near St Andrew Square. You can book a room here .

2. Cornwall

Next on my list of 4-day trips from London is Cornwall . There are plenty of things to do and see in this part of the UK, from coastal walks to big beaches and historic sites.

Whether you choose to visit St Ives with its beaches and world-class art museums, surf-friendly Newquay, or foodie Padstow, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to 4-day tours of Britain here.

There are also highlights like St Michael’s Mount and unique attractions like the Eden Project. The former is a tidal island with a castle in Mount’s Bay, and the latter is a visitor attraction with huge biomes in a reclaimed clay pit.

And that’s to say nothing of Land’s End, the westernmost point in mainland England. There’s plenty of rugged coastal scenery to admire here.

If you want to visit, you can get to Cornwall by train (I took the overnight train once and I loved it), flight, or car. Just don’t underestimate how far it is from London.

If that all appeals, you can book a place to stay in Cornwall here . My favorite town to base myself in is St Ives. You can book accommodation in St Ives here .

3. Belfast and the Causeway Coastal Route

In Northern Ireland, Belfast and the Causeway Coastal Route make for another of the best 4-day trips from London.

Belfast is known for its lively nightlife, friendly locals, and history, and the coast around it is packed with beautiful views and stunning scenery.

The Causeway Coastal Route starts in Belfast and runs north through the nine Glens of Antrim and along the water.

From medieval castles and hanging rope bridges to famous distilleries and Game of Thrones filming locations, there’s a lot to discover along this driving route.

And that’s to say nothing of the Giant’s Causeway, where interlocking basalt columns result in a stunning natural landscape. It’s worth seeing on a 4-day getaway from London.

You can easily fly to Belfast from the UK capital. There are daily flights on multiple airlines, and fares tend to be reasonable if you book well in advance.

If that all sounds good, you can book accommodation in Northern Ireland here . There are lots of good places to stay.

4. South Wales

Another of the best 4-day trips from London is South Wales. From Cardiff to the Gower Peninsula , Pembrokeshire, and Brecon Beacons National Park, there are lots of fun places to visit here.

Cardiff is home to a fairy-tale castle, the Gower shows off the best of the Welsh coast, Pembrokeshire has some of the most beautiful beaches in the United Kingdom, and Brecon Beacons has great walking paths and waterfalls.

Worm’s Head and Rhossili Beach are two of my favorite places to get outdoors here, Castell Coch is straight out of a storybook, and hiking Pen-y-Fan is a rewarding experience.

Which is to say nothing of St Davids. This pint-size city in Pembrokeshire is home to the famous 12th-century St Davids Cathedral. It’s one of the most important religious sites in Wales.

If you want more ideas, you can take a look at my guide to weekend breaks in Wales or my itinerary for this part of Wales .

You can get to South Wales by train or car from London. Once in the area, it’s easiest to travel by car. If you need ideas for places to stay, you can see recommendations and book accommodation here .

5. Edinburgh & the Scottish Highlands

Back in Scotland, Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands are another of my favorite 4-day trips from London. It’s hard to top this part of the UK when it comes to beauty. The hills and glens, lochs and coos all make for a rugged beauty rarely seen away from Scotland.

Add to that hilltop castles, famous monsters (in Loch Ness, anyway), and tragic history, and Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands are the stuff of legends.

Whether you want to visit the Hebridean islands , the Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeen , Inverness , the Isle of Skye or Glen Coe, there are a lot of options for places to travel in this part of Scotland.

If you need inspiration, you can take a look at my 4-day Scotland itinerary . It will show you how to see both the capital and the highlights of the Highlands in one trip.

You can travel independently or go on a tour. You can see all the Rabbie’s 4-day Scottish Highlands tours here .

Either way, you can book your accommodation here . There are lots of great places to stay in Edinburgh and the Highlands (including fairy-tale castles!).

6. North Wales

North Wales is another of the top 4-day trips from London. This part of Britain is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, legendary castles , and beautiful coastline.

There’s no shortage of places to visit in North Wales. If you like the outdoors, Snowdonia is popular for hiking, Llandudno is a seaside resort town, and Anglesey has stunning island scenery.

If history and culture are your passions, Caernarfon is home to a huge castle and Portmeirion feels like an Italian village on the Welsh coast (it’s one of the most magical places to visit in the UK ).

If you want more inspiration, take a look at my blog post about a road trip in North Wales . It has additional ideas for places to visit in the region.

You can get to North Wales from London by car or train to somewhere like Chester . Once you arrive, it’s easiest to get around by driving.

If this sounds like your kind of trip, you can book accommodation in North Wales here . There’s a range of accommodation on offer here, from hotels to B&Bs and more.

7. Isles of Scilly

Next on my list of the best 4-day trips from London are the Isles of Scilly . This archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is one of the most remote places in England .

The islands are a treasure trove of natural and human-made wonders. From white-sand beaches that look like they could be in the Caribbean to harbors dotted with colorful boats, this is the perfect place to get off the beaten path in Britain.

There are five inhabited islands in the Isles of Scilly. St Mary’s is the largest, but it’s also worth visiting Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes, and/or Bryher while you’re in this part of the UK.

Tresco Abbey Garden is home to enchanted ruined arches, and Bryher has a lone red phone box redolent of a bygone era. These isles are truly some of the most enchanting islands in the UK .

If you want to visit, there are several ways to get here. When I went, I took a combination of a train, bus, and flight from London (it’s easier than it might seem).

If that all sounds good, you can book a hotel here . I stayed at the St. Mary’s Hall Hotel , a townhouse with classic decor and a sense of history. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book a room here .

When it comes to continental European destinations, Paris is one of my favorite 4-day trips from London. This is one of the most popular places to travel from the UK capital, and a lot of my travel planning clients visit on a twin-city trip with London.

The French capital is one of the prettiest cities in Europe , and 4 days in Paris is enough time to see the sights and take in the major cultural highlights. From Paris landmarks to events and exhibitions, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

You can also do some shopping while you’re in the city. Whether you want to go to the grands magasins or the boutiques in the Marais , there’s no shortage of opportunities for retail therapy in the City of Light.

If want to, you can take a day trip while you’re here. From Giverny to Chartres, the Loire Valley, and Versailles, there are lots of great options.

You can get to Paris by train or flight from London. Most people choose to go by rail, as it’s easy to get from the heart of London to the heart of Paris quickly.

If this trip appeals, you can see my top picks for accommodation on my guide to the best area to stay in Paris .

Next on my list of 4-day trips from London is Rome. The Eternal City is one of the best places to visit in Europe , and there’s a lot to do and see in 4 days in Rome .

This place is famous for its ancient ruins. Several days is enough time to see highlights like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon.

Rome also has world-class art. Whether you want to browse the Galleria Borghese or walk through the Vatican Museums, there’s no shortage of things to see. The Baroque squares, fountains, and churches around the city are worth visiting, too.

There’s delicious food in Rome as well. It’s worth taking the time to seek out the famous Italian cuisine (and gelato!) the city has to offer.

From seasonal dishes like artichokes to Roman pizza and the four pastas Rome is known for, there’s no shortage of good things to eat.

If you want to, you can also take a day trip while you’re here. Spending 1 day in Naples , the Amalfi Coast, or somewhere else in the region is a fun thing to do.

If this getaway sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here . I love staying at The Hoxton . This hip hotel is in a local neighborhood and I like its stylish decor, buzzing lobby bar, and guest rooms. You can book a stay here .

10. Barcelona

In Spain, Bareclona is another fun trip from London. This Spanish city is an easy flight from the UK, and there’s a lot you can do in 4 days in Barcelona .

That’s because the city is packed with historic streets, stunning beaches, beautiful museums, and fun restaurants and nightlife.

Barcelona has a bit of everything, and it’s a great place to explore for several days. From Barri Gotic to the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, it’s a beautiful city.

Barcelona’s historic streets are easy to walk around, and the metro is helpful for places like Tibidabo that are further afield.

You have enough time to take a day trip while you’re in town, too. Highlights include the rugged seaside area of Costa Brava, mountain areas like Montserrat, urban centers like Girona, historic places like Tarragona, and beach destinations like Sitges.

If this 4-day getaway sounds good to you, you can book a place to stay here . I’ve stayed at Le Meridien Barcelona and I love its central location. You can book a room here .

11. Santorini

Santorini is next on my list of 4-day trips from London. This island hardly needs an introduction. It’s one of the most famous in the Cyclades, with its unique cliffs rising out of an underwater volcanic crater.

Santorini is one of the best Greek islands for a number of reasons. The views over the caldera are spectacular, the whitewashed buildings with blue trim are classic, and the food is amazing.

I’ve traveled to Santorini a number of times, and I’ve always enjoyed visiting Fira (also called Thera or Thira) and Oia, the main towns. My itinerary for 4 days in Santorini will show you both.

Fira is the primary town, and its shops and narrow streets are bustling. It also has both a cable car and a donkey path that transport visitors up from the port below.

Oia is just as beautiful. It’s full of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, and it has great restaurants with sea views. Its main street is full of independent shops selling everything from art to books, too.

If this sounds good, you can book a place to stay in Santorini here . I’ve stayed at the Canaves Sunday and loved it. The unique rooms in the caves, the sunset views, and the amazing pool are hard to beat. You can book a room here .

I hope you’ve liked reading about these 4-day trips from London, and that you enjoy visiting the ones that appeal to you most. They’re great places to discover, and they make for fun escapes.

If you want more inspiration, take a look at my blog posts about weekend trips from London and 3-day trips from London . Happy travels!

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4 Day Trips From London, England: A Guide to Escaping The City!

Today we’re sharing 4 different day trips from London you should consider on your next visit. 

There is so much more to England than London , its dynamic capital city. Shocking, I know! This isn’t meant to sound patronizing at all; this is a fact that even Londoners quite often forget.

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of big city life, especially if that city has an incredible range of historic attractions and weekly cultural events .

Day trips from London

However, while London appears to have it all , it certainly doesn’t represent the entirety of England.

Thankfully, the number of trains and buses you can take to explore the rest of the country are plentiful and extremely convenient. I urge you to take full advantage of this and break out of The Big Smoke, even if it’s just for a day.

Also, fun London fact : this city has twice as many tourists each year than residents, so that’s another reason to explore beyond the capital.

Trade in those skyscrapers and noisy streets for a taste of some ancient monuments and rolling, green hills. Go on, I dare you!

Here are some easy day trips from London to get you started:

The Royal Borough of Windsor is located less than 30 miles from London which means easy access by car, train, or bus.

I’d highly recommend taking the train from Paddington Station. After one easy change at Slough, you’ll find yourself arriving at Windsor & Eaton Central in just under 30 minutes.

Not only is this railway station a 19th century gem, but it just so happens to be located almost directly across from Windsor Castle. After all, Windsor Castle is the main attraction!

This is one of several official residences belonging to HRH Queen Elizabeth II and her family, but it’s common knowledge that Windsor is her favourite. As her weekend retreat , she arrives every Friday, or sometimes Thursday if she can get away from Buckingham Palace early.

It was William the Conqueror who chose the site for Windsor Castle and began building in 1070. That’s over 900 incredible years of history! Every monarch since King Henry I in the 12th century has used Windsor Castle.

Just admiring the castle is enough to impress you, but learning about how it survived so many tumultuous years throughout history is truly mind blowing.

If you have more time to explore outside the castle walls, I’d recommend visiting The Guildhall which has been the town hall of Windsor since the 1600’s. Inside you’ll find a few rooms filled with rare portraits of England’s most notable monarchs.

If you’ve had enough of the royals, I’d recommend strolling the cobbled streets in the town center, passing along colourful buildings which date back to the 15th century.

When your feet get tired, hop on a river boat for an hour and sail up and down the River Thames, taking in beautiful views of the castle.

Salisbury is mainly known for its stunning cathedral and its close proximity to Stonehenge. Both of these are reason enough to hop on a 90 minute train from London for a day trip .

This cathedral city recently celebrated its 800 year anniversary and you’ll find traces of its extraordinary history sprinkled throughout the city.

Before heading straight to Salisbury Cathedral, take your time to walk through the charming city center.

If you’re visiting on a Tuesday or Saturday, you’ll see the market in the main square. Like most markets, you’ll be able to purchase locally sourced food, as well as handmade gifts and souvenirs. What’s impressive is the fact that there’s been a market held here since the 1300’s!

I’d recommend eating at the Ox Row Inn on Butcher Row or any of the delicious Indian restaurants on Fisherton Street.

Salisbury’s city center is extremely walkable and you’ll be able to get around easily thanks to helpful street signs for tourists.

When you finally make it to Salisbury Cathedral, take a moment before you enter to admire one of the finest examples of early English Gothic architecture from the 12th century.

Try and fathom the incredible hard work, skill, and bravery it took to build something like this without the help of modern-day machinery.

Luckily, the cathedral is free to enter but I’d highly recommend taking the 90-minute Tower Tour for about 12 pounds.

Expert guides will give you a “behind the scenes” tour of the cathedral and take you up to the very top where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over Salisbury and Wiltshire County.

I wouldn’t recommend spending more than an hour or so at Stonehenge, but it is so worth seeing if you’re already in Salisbury. It’s an easy 8-mile bus ride which you can combine with your entry ticket when you book ahead online.

To be honest, I don’t want to tell you much about Stonehenge. I think it’s better to visit with an open mind and imagination.

Why? Well, it’s quite a mysterious place as many historians have varying opinions on how the stones got there and what their purpose was. This leaves some people either fascinated or bored. Personally, I love a good mystery.

There’s also a great audio guide you can download on your smart phone and a brand new visitor’s center which houses permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Two words: Harry Potter. If you’re a fan, then a day trip to Lacock should be very high on your list. Be sure to hop on a Great Western Train from Paddington Station in London with Chippenham as your destination, just two hours away.

Lacock s a very small village without a local rail station so once you’re in Chippenham, take the local X34 bus which takes you directly to Lacock.

It might sound like a lot of fuss, but I promise you it isn’t. And even so, it’s absolutely worth it!

Head straight to Lacock Abbey if you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or history buff. This picturesque country home dates back to the 13th century, built upon the foundations of a former nunnery.

Visitors can explore the medieval rooms which may be recognizable from the first and second Harry Potter Films. Several of these rooms, as well as the cloisters , were used as the classrooms and school hallways of Hogwarts.

There are so many different layers of history to discover and learn about at Lacock Abbey.

If the weather is nice, I’d recommend exploring their extensive grounds as well.

Lacock was also used as a film set for the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, which is why the streets might look a bit familiar.

Walking through this quaint village is like stepping back in time. You won’t find any chain restaurants here, only cozy pubs and cafes.

Speaking of pubs, you must try the fish and chips at Sign of the Angel. This was actually a coaching inn back in the 1400’s and visitors today can enjoy the charm and history over a good meal. The inviting atmosphere of the pub reflects the overall feel of Lacock.

I’m sure it’s no surprise that the famous collegiate town of Oxford has made this list. Yes, it’s very touristy, but that’s no reason to avoid it!

If you’re adamant about avoiding crowds, I’d steer clear from visiting on weekends or during school holidays. From London , you can easily book a coach through Megabus and pay less than 5 pounds each way if you book ahead. It’s a two hour journey on a very comfortable, double-decker bus. What more could you want?

My number one piece of advice? Don’t make any plans before visiting Oxford. Despite the whole city looking like a movie set, real students attend these prestigious colleges which means certain areas can be closed at weird times or dates which conflict with what their websites say.

Besides, the best activity to do in Oxford is walk. There’s really no better way to explore the winding, cobbled streets, and to soak in the incredible history of this university which was founded over 900 years ago!

Please don’t leave without seeing the stunning views atop the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. It was originally built in the 13th century and is the center from which the University of Oxford grew.

It’s free to enter and 4 pounds to climb to the top of the church tower.

Another must-see is Bodleian Library, where a guided tour for 7 pounds will take you around one of the oldest libraries in Europe , and another filming location for the Harry Potter films.

If the weather is nice, bring a picnic to Christ Church Meadow where you’ll find a tranquil, open space in the middle of Oxford. It’s the perfect place to relax and absorb everything you’ve seen in this enchanting and historic city .

16 Comments

Oxford is my favourite. Harry Potter fan over here. But Brighton and even York are also great and easily doable!

Love Brighton too, it’s been awhile since I’ve been there. I have yet to go to York but it’s definitely on my list!! Thanks for reading 🙂

Good to know about Lacock, that looks like the perfect Instagram spot! And to satisfy my inner Potter nerd. 🙂 I’ll be in London next month and have been looking for day trips (thinking about Stonehenge) so it’s good to know it’s only worth a few hours there.

Oh Lacock is perfect for Instagram! Ha. Thanks for reading, Ashley! I hope you enjoy London and get to go on a few exciting day trips.

Never heard of Lacock before! It’s going on my list. England is such a beautiful country, thanks for sharing 🙂

I love England, especially quaint villages like Lacock!

I’d never hear of Lacock either! Looks beautiful! Salisbury was one of my favourite spots in England to visit- that cathedral and the surrounding countryside is just stunning! Would love to get back there sometime soon!

Glad you enjoyed Salisbury as well! I think you’ll love Lacock, it’s so quaint and charming. Thanks for reading 🙂

Great post guys, Lacock is a stunning little place and a nice alternative to Stonehenge or the Cotswolds that all the package trips do. Plus it has a funny name. Tee Hee. C&K

Thanks, Charlie! The name is quite funny 😉

I’ve seen embarrassingly little of England, and I really need to change that! Oxford especially is high on my wish list – it looks beautiful!

You must visit Oxford!

Thanks for sharing, it’s great to know the places to escape the city’s crowds and rush 😉 Cheers!

Thanks for reading and commenting!

As a local I thoroughly suggest a visit, I always like trotting along there myself as often as possible, the abbey is very interesting. My parents once stayed at The Sign Of The Angel Inn in Lacock, a beautiful building and apparently it’s got a benevolent ghost!

Ooo, I’d love to stay there! Next time 🙂

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The Ultimate 4-Day London Itinerary

This 4-day London itinerary is packed full of famous sights, fun experiences, delicious food and hidden gems.

London is my favourite city in the world. It’s my home and has been for over 15 years. It’s a place where there’s always somewhere new to explore, tonnes of amazing restaurants to eat at and experiences you never imagined existing. London is vibrant, exciting and constantly evolving.

Yes, I just really love London … OK?

Lots of people visiting London for the first time only have a day or two in the city. That’s enough time for a whistle-stop tour of the sights, but if you can afford a few extra days you’ll understand a bit more of what makes London so special.

If you’re planning your trip at the moment, this 4-day London itinerary is a great place to start. It can be stressful planning a good route in a city you don’t know. Now you don’t need to worry about a thing!

Across your 4 days in London you’ll get to see all of the famous sights including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London, visit some of the city’s top museums, enjoy some retail therapy, stroll through some of the prettiest parks, explore some urban and edgy areas AND even take a day trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

This 4 day itinerary is perfect for families, couples or groups of friends as there’s something for everyone! Ready to start planning your dream city break in London? Here we go!

Planning your trip to London? Here are a few quick highlights:

Day 1: See the sights of Central London

Whether this is your first trip to London or you’ve been several times before, it’s always exciting to see the city’s famous landmarks. I’d recommend kicking off your trip in style with a self-guided walking tour starting at Buckingham Palace. Time it right and you could even see the changing of the guard ceremony!

After a quick pose in front of the famous gates at Buckingham Palace, take a stroll through St James’s Park towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The architecture is absolutely breath-taking and is guaranteed to have you reaching for your camera.

Continue your self-guided tour by crossing the River Thames over Westminster Bridge and enjoying views of the London Eye. Built as temporary structure for the millennium celebrations, it was so popular it has stayed ever since.

I used to work as a tour guide on the London Eye (back in my student days) and despite going around on that wheel 200+ times, I still always recommend it to tourists visiting London. One rotation and you’ll get your bearings, see the city landmarks and enjoy a fun tourist experience all at once.

If you’re tired of walking, I’d suggest you catch a boat along the Thames from the pier in front of the London Eye all the way down to Tower Bridge. The Uber Boats by Thames Clippers stop at 23 piers along the Thames. For this journey you’ll only be going a short distance, and you’re looking to hop on board the RB1 or RB2. You can use Oyster Cards or Contactless bank cards on board.

As you head downstream, look out for more of London’s famous landmarks. On the right you’ll see the Tate Modern art gallery, which is housed in a former power station. On the left you’ll spot the enormous dome of St Paul’s Cathedral (the final resting place of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren.)

You’ll also pass under London Bridge and spot the looming towers of the city, as well as seeing London’s tallest building, The Shard. Kids will adore travelling by boat – it’s a really fun way to see the city.

Once you’ve taken some photos in front of the fairytale-esque Tower Bridge, it’s time to explore the Tower of London. This UNESCO World Heritage Centre is one of the oldest buildings in London and has a fascinating past. In fact, the White Tower dates back to 1078!

Over the years it’s been a royal palace, a prison and a treasury. These days it’s where you’ll find the dazzling crown jewels. I didn’t visit until I was in my 20s, but it was an amazing experience to get up close to so much British history.

I’d definitely recommend booking tickets to the Tower of London in advance , as it can get pretty busy.

You’ve packed a lot into day 1 of this 4-Day London itinerary. It’s time to enjoy some food and rest before a busy day tomorrow!

Day 2: Museums, parks and shops of West London

After a busy day of sightseeing yesterday, today we’re kicking off with some of London’s most popular museums.

South Kensington is home to three of London’s largest and most interesting museums. Not only are they located moments from each other, they’re also free to enter. Yes, totally free! Check the websites before visiting as it can be necessary to book a ticket with a time slot.

The Natural History Museum is dedicated to creatures great and small, and hosts fascinating exhibitions throughout the year. It’s home to around 80 million plant, animal, fossil, rock and mineral specimens, and is somewhere you can see stuffed dodos, whale skeletons and even learn about dinosaurs. The building is beautiful too – a true London architectural wonder.

Meanwhile, head a few paces along and you’ll be in the Science Museum . This world-class museum has seven floors packed full of interesting exhibits. It charts everything from transport to computers and biology to physics. Kids will adore the WonderLab, an area filled with interactive exhibits which genuinely make learning fun!

Or for those interested in art and fashion, the Victoria and Albert Museum is home to one of the greatest collections of decorative art, design, fashion and textiles in the world. You could spend an entire day at the museums here, but I’d recommend picking one for the morning of day three.

After spending the morning in the museums, it’s time for some fresh air. It’s lucky that a few minutes away on foot is London’s most famous park, Hyde Park. This 350-acre park is home to over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow and pretty flower gardens. It’s a lovely place for a walk or a cycle. You could rent a boat on The Serpentine or even take a dip in the lido!

If you head north through Hyde Park, then west through Kensington Gardens, you’ll eventually emerge close to Notting Hill Gate, another vibrant part of London.

Spend the afternoon wandering the pretty streets and enjoying the pastel-coloured houses and old-style charm. Some of my favourite streets include Lancaster Road, St Luke’s Mews, Colville Terrace and Elgin Crescent. I just love how colourful this part of London is. You’ll definitely want to take some holiday snaps!

One of the big draws in Notting Hill is Portobello Road Market. This legendary London street is synonymous with vintage and antique shopping. The best day to visit is Saturday, as that’s when you’ll find most of the stalls on the street.

There are also plenty of pubs, cafes and street food options around the market area, so you can refuel between purchases!

That’s quite a lot to pack into day 2, so it’s time for another good night’s sleep before you find out what’s in store for day 3.

Day 3: Cool days exploring Camden and East London

It’s hard to cram the best of London into just 4 days, but I’m giving it a go with this fun and varied itinerary. After ticking off London’s most famous sights on day 1 and exploring the city’s cultural and colourful side on day 2, it’s now time for something completely different.

Day 3 kicks off with a wander up to one of my favourite London viewpoints, Primrose Hill. Close to Regent’s Park, this hill boasts a gorgeous view of the city skyline. On sunny days, it’s one of the most popular picnic spots in the entire city. You might even struggle for a spot!

After taking in the London skyline, it’s time to visit another of the city’s most famous markets. Camden Market is home to over 1000 shops and food outlets, and has a vibrant independent spirit.

After wandering through the shops in the Stables Market area, grab a bite to eat from one of the stalls out in the courtyard by the lock. From Greek souvlaki and Caribbean jerk chicken, to metre long sausages, authentic Portuguese nata tarts and liquid nitrogen ice cream, this delicious food market has something for everyone!

Be sure to soak up the quirky Camden vibes before you venture to the next spot. I’m talking street art, goths, music and more! It’s a vibrant spot and somewhere that feels very ‘London’… if you ignore the hordes of foreign tourists of course! Although, what could be more ‘London’ than tourists?!

One of my favourite walking routes in London is along the Grand Union Canal, which stretches towards the north of the centre of the city. The walk from Camden Lock to King’s Cross takes around 30-minutes.

King’s Cross is another area I love. It’s recently been regenerated and it’s fair to say it’s changed a lot – 100% for the better!

One of the newest additions is Coal Drop’s Yard – a multi-purpose shopping and eating district. It’s upmarket and cool, with lots of places you’ll be dying to visit. Feast on tacos at Casa Pastor, enjoy tasty Spanish flavours at Barrafina or enjoy cocktails out on the terrace at Parrillan. When the sun is shining, this is a great place to go.

After embracing this new hotspot, enjoy a stroll through Granary Square where, if you’re still hungry, I’d recommend eating at Caravan . With a menu of interesting small and large plates, and a buzzy ambience, it’s one of my favourite restaurants in London.

Still got some energy? Now it’s time to hop on a train east from St Pancras International over to Stratford for a stroll through the Olympic Park. There you’ll be able to see the huge stadium used in the 2012 Olympic Games as well as exploring the gardens and park areas that have become the legacy of the epic year in London’s history!

Walking through the Olympic Park is also the perfect way to reach Hackney, one of London’s coolest and most urban areas. Walk along the canal path and you’ll see huge murals by some the world’s top street artists. There are endless cool bars, pop ups, foodie spots and hidden gems in this part of London. I spot new things every time I go there – it’s constantly changing!

If you’re looking for cocktails or beers, Barge East (located on a barge, but with a large garden area too) and Number 90 are two favourites of mine. The authentic Italian pizza at Natura is also incredible!

This area is great for nightlife, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’ve still got the energy to party, you’ll love Hackney!

Day 4: Harry Potter Studio Tour or who knows?

So, you’ve made it to day 4 and you’re wondering what else there is to see in London? Well, absolutely loads to be honest! The last three days have given a flavour of the city, but wow is there a lot more to see!

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you’ll definitely want to squeeze in a day trip to Warner Bros Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter. There you can explore the real-life sets, check out props and costumes from the movies and learn about the magical film series.

If you’re planning to visit, it’s worth bearing in mind that this isn’t really IN London! It’s just outside so you’ll need to book transport as well as entry tickets. You can catch a train to Watford Junction, then hop on board the magical shuttle bus. Or, book an all-inclusive ticket which includes transport to and from the studios.

If you’d rather spend your final day in London exploring more of the city, I’ve got lots more suggestions. You could visit Westminster Abbey, the world-famous British Museum or the National Portrait Gallery. This itinerary hasn’t included Soho, Chinatown, Covent Garden, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus either. These spots are all pretty close together so could be explored in half a day.

If you enjoyed exploring Camden and Portobello Markets, how about seeing a few more? Borough Market is one of the foodie hubs in the city, with tasty treats from across the globe.

Alternatively, there’s a mix of vintage clothing, handmade items and food on offer at Old Spitalfields Market near Liverpool Street. This is also close to Brick Lane, also known as curry mile! I challenge you to stroll down this street and NOT stop for some Indian cuisine.

If you feel like you’ve ticked off the key sights and fancy something a little bit different, I’d recommend taking a look at my huge guide to quirky and unusual things to do in London . From awe-inspiring afternoon teas and escape room experiences , to water sports and helicopter tours , you’re guaranteed to find something you’d love to try on your final day in the city. Plus, I’ve created this London post which is full of helpful advice and tips for planning a trip to the city.

How to get around London

If you’re spending 4 days in London, the easiest way to get around is using public transport. This is a congested city, so travelling by tube will save you a lot of time.

If you’re a visitor to the UK, purchase an Oyster Card when you arrive. This is a card that can be topped up with money to cover each journey you go on. You tap the card on the entrance and exit gates at tube stations, or just once when you board a bus or a boat.

If you have a Contactless bank card, this is the easiest way to pay. Tap your card or mobile on the receiver and the barriers will open.

One other tip for visitors to London – I’d recommend downloading the App Citymapper . It’s brilliant for navigating on public transport and is always up to date with timings. I use it every single time I go out in London!

The other simple way to travel is by Uber. No matter where you go in London, you’ll never be far from an Uber. These taxis are great for getting directly from A to B.

You might also find it useful to order a London Pass. Now digital, the London Pass gives you access to over 80 attractions in the city. It’s only economic if you plan to visit a lot of attractions (which isn’t something I’ve focused on in this itinerary).

Recap of 4-day London itinerary

Day 1: Sightseeing in Central London

• Buckingham Palace
• St James’s Park
• Houses of Parliament
• River Thames Boat Trip
• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum
• Notting Hill
• Portobello Road
• Camden Market
• Primrose Hill
• Walk along the canal to King’s Cross
• Coal Drop’s Yard
• Granary Square
• Olympic Park, Stratford
• Hackney Wick

Day 4: Harry Potter Studio Tour OR Quirky things to do in London

I hope you have an amazing time in London and this guide helps you plan your trip. Let me know if you have any questions.

Enjoyed this London 4 day itinerary? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
• Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
• Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

• Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

• Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
• Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

• Stonehenge & Bath .
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

• Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
• Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

• Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
• Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

• Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
• Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

• Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
• Hidden Gems of London
• Camden Market
• What to See in Camden Town
• Best Views in London
• London Travel Tips
• Where to Stay in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2-day London Itinerary
• London with Kids
• Family Afternoon Tea in London
• Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• Painted Hall
• Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

• Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
• Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
• Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
• Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
• Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
• Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
• …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
• Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

Posted on Published: 10th November 2022  - Last updated: 5th December 2022 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

28 Brilliant Day Trips from London

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We all love London… but the UK is full of wonderful spots that are ripe for exploration. Planning your next adventure? Here are 28 cool day trips from London to get you started.

London is a great city – but there’s so much more to the UK to explore.

Hop on a train or into your car and you can go on an adventure around some of the UK’s historic sites and beautiful landscapes.

In need of some inspiration? Check out this guide to the best day trips from London by train and by car.

Sneak a peek at the day trip destinations in this video to see what they look like in action!

Day Trips from London by Train

Planning your day trip from London? We love using Omio for finding the best deals when it comes to train travel around the UK. They work with over 1000 major travel companies to bring you the best deals (including many major airlines if you’re looking to travel a little bit further). 

Better yet, download the Omio App and you can store all of your travel tickets in one place. This means that you can spend less time organising your tickets and more time planning an adventure. Yes, please!

Oxford, the city of the dreaming spires is an easy day out from London. It’s only an hour on the train and trains run frequently until the early hours.

We might be biased, but we really think that it’s one of the best places to visit in the UK – a gorgeous city that’s brimming with history and cool things to do.

While there’s a lot to see in the city, its small size means that a lot of the biggest Oxford attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

From the iconic Radcliffe Camera to the world-famous Ashmolean Museum, you certainly have your work cut out when it comes to seeing Oxford in a day – but it is possible. Start with this 24 Hours in Oxford guide .

Train departs from: London Paddington and London Marylebone

Average journey duration: 1 hour

Hassle-free option: Book this Oxford day trip from London

Read more: The Best Things to do in Oxford Finding Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

Canterbury has always been an important place to visit in the UK – it was the destination for many a pilgrimage in times past (hence its role in Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales). It still deserves to be at the top of your list of days out from London today.

What’s there to see? How about one of England’s great cathedrals, ye olde English pubs and quaint little streets that look like they’ve been plucked straight from medieval times? Add to that a selection of cool museums and some scenic walks and you’ve got an excellent day trip in the making.

Train departs from: London Victoria and St Pancras International

Average journey duration: 1 hour from St Pancras, 1.5 hours from Victoria

Hassle-free option: Book this day trip to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover

Read more: One Day in Canterbury Itinerary

Cambridge is beautiful. This world-famous university town is another popular day trip outside London – and for good reason.

Visiting impressive colleges such as Trinity College and King’s College (whose chapel you simply must see) would be enough to fill your day alone. But you should also take time to visit some of Cambridge’s other landmarks – The Fitzwilliam Museum and Botanical Gardens among them.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months be sure to hire a punt and indulge in the traditional pastime of gliding down the River Cam. Bonus points to you if you don’t fall in or lose your pole along the way.

Train departs from: Kings Cross and Liverpool Street

Average journey duration: 50 minutes from Kings Cross, 1 hour 20 minutes from Liverpool Street

Hassle-free option: Book this London to Cambridge Day Trip

We think that Brighton is South East England’s coolest beach destination. 

First thing’s first – the beach is pebble – so don’t get your hopes up with dreams of golden sands. It’s still perfectly good for plumping down on your towel and soaking a few rays of the rare British sun.

Away from the beach, Brighton’s history as the seaside escape for the UK’s rich and famous has left its mark.

Long rows of Regency houses, the long-standing Pier, not to mention the out-and-out fabulous Brighton Pavillion stand as testament to Brighton’s colourful past.

There’s a thriving dining and drinking scene – and a number of cool little independent shops clustered in The Lanes area. Just be sure not to have so much fun that you miss the last train home (this has totally happened to me).

Train departs from: St Pancras International (also stops at Farringdon, Blackfriars and London Bridge) and London Victoria

Hassle-free option: Book a bike tour of Brighton (doesn’t include transport to Brighton)

Read Next: 21 Brilliant Beaches Near London

Hampton Court

Hampton Court is one of the easiest day trips from London – easy transport connections and short travel time make it perfect for an impromptu trip.

Hampton is pretty much all about the palace – which was first built by the ill-fated Cardinal Wolsey before being pinched by Henry VIII.

All six of Henry’s wives lived here at some point or another, before it passed through a number of hands and was finally opened to the public during the Victorian times.

Wonderful as Hampton Court’s interiors are, we would recommend visiting during the summer months when the gardens are at their best (avoid the summer holidays if you can though, when it’s always busy). Don’t miss the maze, which is the oldest surviving hedge maze in the world.

Train departs from: London Waterloo

Average journey duration: 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: Buy your Hampton Court tickets in advance

A trip to the Georgian spa town of Bath is like stepping straight into the pages of a Jane Austen novel (not surprising, seeing as she set so many of them there).

Jaunt around town, checking out the city’s many historical sites. Start with the immersive experience of the Roman Baths (unfortunately you’re not actually allowed to bathe there any more) and the Pump Room.

You can even “take the water” at the Pump Room – sipping on the supposedly restorative waters in the fashion of the hoi polloi of old.

We should warn you that the water tastes absolutely gross though.

Just across the road, Bath Abbey is one of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals – make sure that you take a look inside too, it’s just as spectacular.

Small but entertaining, The Fashion Museum walks you through the catwalk of British fashion through the centuries.

Don’t think that Bath’s spa heritage is dead and gone – it’s still home to more than its fair share of spas that are perfect for a spot of pampering.

The reasonably-priced Thermae Bath Spa is a popular option thanks to its rooftop pool and indulgent massages, while the high-end Gainsborough Bath Spa is the place to go when you really want to push the boat out.

Train departs from: London Paddington

Average journey time: 1hr 30 minutes

Hassle-free option: Book this Bath & Stonehenge Day Trip

The fact that it’s the home of the royal residence Windsor Castle means that Windsor’s many other charms often get overlooked.

Windsor is well-known as one of the best day trips from London. Even so, many visitors disembark from the train, make a beeline for Windsor Castle, have a nose around and then head straight back home. It’s a shame as Windsor is a rather charming riverside town that merits your attention.

Sure, you should start your visit with a look at the castle, which just so happens to be the oldest inhabited castle in the world. The State Rooms and beautiful grounds take some time to explore.

However, you shouldn’t make the mistake of dashing home the moment that you are finished. Stick around to visit the Royal Windsor Racecourse and its more famous counterpart Royal Ascot Racecourse next door.

Or why not walk around the expansive Windsor Great Park then test your skills on the water rowing or kayaking along the Thames?

Train departs from: London Waterloo and Paddington Station

Average journey time: 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: Half-Day Windsor Day Trip and Tour

Read More: 15 Must-Visit Castles Near London

The Lake District

The Lake District is a long day trip from London but it’s just about doable and worth the effort if you’re short on time and can’t stay overnight.

With its gorgeous green pastures, towering fells and chocolate-box villages, it’s no surprise that the Lake District tops the list of Britain’s beautiful regions. The fastest train to the Lake District takes around 2.5 hours to Oxenholme, so is easiest to tackle on a day trip from London.

Luckily, the area surrounding Oxenholme is ripe for exploration.

There are frequent buses to Kendal, a pretty Lakeland town with lots of cute shops and tea rooms. You can also catch a local train (or taxi) to Windermere – the most famous of the Lakes – the walks around the lake are superb.

As we have already mentioned – The Lake District is not close to London, so you will need to start early and come back late to make it worth the effort.

Don’t even think about doing it by car either – you can just about do it by train but you’re really much better off staying overnight if you want to drive. Or you can go the full mile and head off on a road trip to a few British national parks .

Train departs from: Euston

Average journey time: 2 hrs 45mins

Hassle-free option: A 10 lake day tour

Read more: Walking in the Lake District

Despite being pretty far from London, York is actually not a difficult day trip.

Trains take just a smidge under two hours and run frequently enough that you can just turn up and go.

The walled city is best-known for the Gothic masterpiece that is York Minster but, with more attractions per square mile than any other UK city, there’s a lot to see here.

It’s tough to cover it all in one day – start with York Minster, the fascinating Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum (which comes complete with a restored street of Victorian shops) then add in a few other spots if time allows.

Chocolate-lovers will want to head to Chocolate Story – where you can learn about York’s important role in the history of British chocolate and, more importantly, gorge yourself on your own handmade chocolate bar.

Train departs from: King’s Cross

Average journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: See the best sights on foot

Lewes (pronounced Lewis ) often sits in the shadow of nearby Brighton, but there’s a lot to charm in the county town of East Sussex on a one day trip from London.

The town itself is pretty, with a few spots like Lewes Castle, the remains of Lewes Priory and the timber-framed Anne of Cleves House to lure you in for an hour or two.

A surprising number of Lewes’ medieval buildings have survived the test of time – there’s history around every corner.

Personally, we think the spectacular walks in the area surrounding Lewes are also worth the trip. We recommend the six-mile walk to Glynde – there are a couple of steep hills but each step comes with views out over the South Downs.

You can extend the walk to Southease and back to Lewes if you’re feeling really energetic – then quench your thirst with a locally-brewed pint of Harvey’s when you’re finished.

Train departs from: London Victoria

Average journey time: 1 hour

Hassle-free option: This is a DIY trip – but it’s really easy

Read More: Fantastic Hikes Near London You Shouldn’t Miss

Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town. With a long history that dates back beyond the Roman times, it was a Roman city and traces of that heritage can still be found dotted all over Colchester today.

Walking in the footsteps of the Romans, visit the remains of the Roman wall, as well as the Roman Circus – the only verified Roman chariot-racing track still standing.

Move onto Colchester Castle, which while not Roman itself, displays a few Roman mosaics and many Roman artifacts in the large Norman keep.

The castle is actually the largest Norman keep in Europe – testament to the fact that you can pretty much spy architecture from every single period in British history in Colchester.

Away from the past Colchester also happens to be the home of some very good tea shops. It would be rude not to indulge in a cream tea before you hop on the train back home again.

Train departs from: Liverpool Street

Hassle-free option: Book onto one of the frequent tours run by Visit Colchester

There haven’t been nearly enough seaside towns in this guide to day trips around London – time to fix that. Where better to head to than Whitstable with its picturesque, cobbled streets and famous oyster eateries?

There’s not a tonne to do in Whitstable – you can visit Whitstable Castle, but really, most of the appeal is wandering around the gorgeous town, seafront and harbour.

Seafood-lovers will be in their element – there’s no better place to tuck into a pint of fresh prawns or guzzle down half-a-dozen oysters.

If you’re really keen, time your visit for the annual knees up that is the Whitstable Oyster Festival .

Not only can you eat all the oysters you can ever dream of (20 is our personal best), but there’s live music and markets selling local wares and wine.

Train departs from: St Pancras International, London Bridge and London Victoria

Average journey time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Hassle-free option: None – but it’s a really easy trip

Henley on Thames

More than just the annual regatta that sees it burst into life, Henley on Thames is one of England’s traditional market towns.

The best way to explore Henley on Thames is on a self-guided walking tour – be sure to stop by the River & Rowing Museum for a walk through the history of the famous sport.

It contains an immersive Wind in the Willows experience that’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids – you’re led through the eccentric world of Mr Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole.

Henley also used to hold the dubious title of having more pubs per head than any other town in the south east. While those days are gone, the upshot is that there are still a number of cool little pubs for you to explore.

Train departs from: London Paddington, change at Twyford

Average journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Hassle-free option: Just hop on a train and go and explore

Margate’s renaissance has been a marvel to behold. Once the darling of the British seaside, it had a bit of a slump before transforming itself into one of the UK’s coolest seaside spots.

That transformation is complete – these days you’re more likely to hear Margate being compared with Copenhagen than with any shoddy seaside town.

There’s the Turner Contemporary of course, which turned heads when it opened in 2011 and is still doing so several years later.

Add to that an assortment of chic independent shops, contemporary restaurants and even a gorgeous tidal pool for a quick dip and you’ll start to understand why it charms the pants off of so many people.

Average journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Hassle-free option: Check out the Thanet Tourist Board’s Page for Inspiration

Manchester is the small city that packs a big punch. With a strong culture and identity (think the Industrial Revolution and Oasis and you’re on the right track) a visit to Manchester is a breath of fresh air.

There’s too much to see in one day – Manchester Art Gallery, Imperial War Museum North, a guided tour of the BBC, the Museum of Science & History among them. If you’re a footie fan, a visit to Old Trafford is a must.

Seeing as you’re short on time, we recommend stopping off at a few museums, visiting Manchester Cathedral and fuelling up from one of the city’s cool eateries. Then, if you’re so inclined, stay for a taste of Manchester’s legendary nightlife before you head back home.

Average journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Hassle-free option:  Book a private tour with a local (transport to Manchester not included)

Bristol is one of our favourite cities. The chilled-out, easygoing city (which just so happens to be the largest in the southwest) is a brilliant day trip from London.

Bristol is a city of contrast – on the one hand, there are plenty of big landmarks to see – the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain being two. On the other hand, a lot of the city’s appeal is the cool and quirky culture it’s fostered over the years.

A hive of street art, indie cafes (where you can guarantee you’ll get a great flat white) and alternative music venues – Bristol is just so damned cool.

It’s perhaps no surprise that one of the city’s biggest claims to fame is that the street artist Banksy hails from there.

Hassle-free option: Book this Self Guided Tour

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Lincoln (@visitlincoln)

Although it was previously a bit far for a day trip, LNER has launched new trains to Lincoln after the success of their Lincoln Experience event, which was part of a Visit Lincoln week celebrating the city. 

This is big news. It means that in just two hours you can escape London and make your way to the city steeped in Roman history.

The day trip alone is worth it for Lincoln castle and the picturesque grounds surrounding it, but you’ve also got plenty of shops, cafes, and pubs to make your way through in the city centre between museum hopping.  

Train departs from: London King’s Cross

Average journey time: 2 hours 19 minutes

Hassle-free option Book a guided walking tour of the city

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stonehenge (@stonehenge)

As one of the strangest day trips from London, a visit to the mysterious Stonehenge is a must for everyone. This is a rock formation that has puzzled historians for centuries.

How did the stones get there? Nobody is quite sure, but experts reckon that they were carried for over 160 miles, so they must be pretty special. 

We highly recommend booking a guided tour of the site, so you get to hear about all the interesting theories surrounding the mystical Stonehenge – and you can ask any burning questions (trust me, you’ll have a few).

Bear in mind that post-lockdown you need to book your entry time slot for Stonehenge well in advance, and remember to bring your booking confirmation with you.

Train departs from: Waterloo

Average journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: A morning tour of Stonehenge with London transfers

Harry Potter Studios

From the mystical to the pure magical – if you haven’t visited the Harry Potter Studios yet, what are you waiting for? 

This is one of the best family days out near London and whether you’re a Potterhead or not, it’s so fun to go behind the scenes of arguably the most popular franchise to ever exist.

If the idea of heading to a city and wandering aimlessly doesn’t appeal to you, book yourself a ticket to the studios and experience Hogwarts for yourself.

If you want the full lowdown on the studio tour, including how to get there, tickets, and what to expect when you arrive, check out this article.

Train departs from: London Euston

Average journey time: 30 minutes

Hassle-free option: Entry tickets and London transfers all rolled into one

This old spa town is one of the prettiest in Gloucestershire and can be reached in around 2 hours from London. Cheltenham boasts Regency buildings in abundance, including the Pittville pump room which was incredibly important in Cheltenham’s spa town history. 

Famed for hosting both the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival and the Jazz Festival, this historic town is incredibly lively during the summer months. 

Don’t get us wrong, it’s equally beautiful in winter – but there’s just something so magical about hanging out in Montpellier Gardens in the sunshine.

Make sure to visit The Wilson Museum for fine art and catch a movie at the Everyman Theatre – the ornate Victorian ceiling is divine.

Average journey time: 2 hours

Hassle-free option: Take a self-guided tour

Explore two capitals in one day by taking a day trip to Cardiff. It’s surprisingly easy thanks to the high speed train from London Paddington, and Cardiff Castle is beautiful and well worth the journey alone.

Other things to do in Cardiff include taking a trip to the famous Wales Millenium Centre – an arts centre which hosts plenty of live performances and workshops – and exploring the harbour nearby, as well as trying a famous Welsh Cake. Fabulous Welshcakes (opposite the castle) is our top pick for the best.

Hassle-free option: Take a day trip tour from London

Guildford is a picturesque medieval town with a castle at its heart. It’s a surprisingly quick day trip here from London and one we implore you to make – after all, it’s one of our favourite places to visit outside London.

Nestled in the Surrey countryside, it may be small but this town certainly packs a punch when it comes to things to do. Not to mention it’s filled with plenty of brilliant pubs for a well-deserved pint.

What to do? Our top picks include Guildford House, a 17th-century townhouse gallery with rotating exhibitions, hikes along dapdune walk, and a visit to the hilltop cathedral that boasts views of the town.

Hassle-free option: Take a walking tour

Day Trips from London by Car

Easy as it is to hop out of London on a train, some places are more suited to day trips from London by car.

The Cotswolds

It’s a rare event indeed when the words picture-perfect and Cotswolds aren’t mentioned in the same breath.

The Cotswolds is the kind of England you find on the postcards – twee villages with thatched cottages in golden hues, rolling green hills, steaming piles of scones piled high with jam and clotted cream for your afternoon tea.

If it all sounds perfectly lovely, it is.

There’s a reason that the Cotswolds find themselves on many a travel itinerary. Bibury and Burford are two of the prettiest villages- be sure to visit them during your trip.

If you want to see as many villages as possible, I’d recommend starting in Burford and finishing in Winchcombe, meandering through Northleach, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Camden along the way.

It’s an easy drive, but it means you don’t get much time any one spot.

Alternatively, you can narrow it down to a couple of villages and add in a long walk and some afternoon tea for a much more relaxed trip.

Average driving time from central London: 2 hours

Hassle-free option: Book this full-day Cotswolds four-village tour

Read Next: Pretty Spots You Have to Visit in the Cotswolds

Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford Upon Avon – the birthplace of Britain’s famous bard, Shakespeare and a twee little Tudor town set around the River Avon.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Theatre dominates the town – rightly so. There’s always something fantastic to see on one of its several stages.

Away from the theatre, Stratford Upon Avon’s Tudor architecture offers a glimpse into days of yore. You can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, as well as the home that he retired to after the bright lights of London proved too much.

His final resting place, Holy Trinity Church is said to be the most visited parish church in the country.

But Stratford isn’t just Shakespeare – hop onto a boat and row along the Avon, go on a river walk out of town, hole up in an old pub for a pint or two and appreciate the sleepy appeal of this quaint little town.

Seven Sisters Country Park

There are few landscapes as striking as the sight of the chalk faces of the Seven Sisters rising up from the coast.

These gorgeous cliffs form the focal point of the larger Seven Sisters Country Park, part of the South Downs National Park.

Strap on your hiking boots and set off on a walk along the Sisters for a refreshing day out from London. Park at the Visitor Centre (where you can also pop in to learn about the history of the country park) and take the path to Seaford Head View Point for the classic view of the cliffs.

Alternatively, why not tackle the part of the South Downs Way that runs through the country park and over the sisters themselves.

Hassle-free option: Seven Sisters and South Downs day trip

The New Forest

The New Forest might be less than 100 miles outside of London but it feels like a world away. It’s the largest stretch of unenclosed pasture land and forest in the country and is famous for the wild ponies that roam across its lands.

In terms of attractions, The New Forest has surprisingly varied arsenal of things to see. Beaulieu, a vintage car museum, stately home and medieval monastery rolled into one is one such destination and worth seeing if you’re not a complete petrolhead.

Still, a lot of the appeal is in getting outdoors and onto the many walking trails that crisscross the region. Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes.

Hassle-free option: Train to Lymington or Brockenhurst and hop onto the New Forest tour bus

Leeds Castle

London has plenty of castles nearby that make for great day trips, and, despite its name, Leeds Castle is actually in Kent.

This castle is no stranger to royalty with 6 medieval queens previously residing here, and Queen Elizabeth I was even imprisoned at the castle before her coronation. If you fancy stretching the day trip into an overnight experience and live the life of a royal yourself (who wouldn’t?) you can even book a place to sleep in the Maiden’s Tower.

Humbly labelling itself as the “loveliest castle in the world”, you’ve got over 900 years of history to uncover at Leeds Castle – if you can make it past the moat!

Tickets cost £28 for adults and £19.50 for kids, but you get a better deal if there’s a group of you, which is definitely worth looking into.

Average driving time from central London: 1 hour 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: Tour Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover with transfers from London

Highclere Castle

Yes, this is the Downton Abbey Castle. I can’t guarantee that you’ll run into any of the Crawley family while you’re there, but I can promise you a brilliant day trip from London at Highclere Castle .

Take a walk around the grounds and make sure to snap some all-important insta pics of the Jacobethan facade, before you enter the castle and soak in all the history.

Admission tickets cost £24 for adults and £14 for children but check out the website as they host plenty of special events throughout the year, including Downton Abbey Tours and quaint Afternoon Teas.

Average driving time from central London: 1 hour 30 minutes Hassle-free option: Combine Highclere Castle with Oxford

Cirencester

Looking for the best day trip from London? Technically Cirencester is in the Cotswolds, but we think it’s so nice that it’s worth us raving about it separately. It has, like many other English cities, a distinctive Roman history that you can explore in the Corinium Museum.

Cirencester is also great when it comes to shopping – it boasts plenty of independent boutiques and dreamy bookshops that you could spend an entire day exploring alone. 

Cirencester Park is the perfect place to spend an hour or two if the sun decides to make a much-welcomed appearance. You might just catch a game of Polo here, too.

Average driving time from central London: 2 hours 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: There isn’t one – though this is an easy DIY

So, there we are – 28 day trips outside London. We hope that you have found more than a few things to inspire your next jaunt out of the city.

PS: Looking for a longer trip? You’ll want to scope out our guide to Weekend Getaways from London .

Practical Tips for Planning Day Trips Out of London

• It’s always worth checking your train times but you should be sure to do so if you are planning to do your day trip on a Sunday. Sunday train service is notoriously bad – with rail replacement buses, less frequent services or indirect connections often popping up to mess up your travel plans.
• If you are travelling by train, try and book your tickets as far ahead as possible for the best prices. You should also consider whether it’s worth purchasing one of the many railcards available if there are a few of you travelling or you plan to do several excursions within a short period of time.

Best London Day Trips: Map

Discover More Day Trips From London Guides

• 2 8 Fabulous Beaches Near London
• National Parks Near London for a Weekend Break
• Caves in and Around London That You Have to See

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24 Hours in Oxford – insidersoxford.com

Wednesday 5th of May 2021

[…] looking for a short break or escape in the United Kingdom within easy reach of London, Oxford is a perfect day trip. Even if you aren’t, you should go […]

Wednesday 27th of May 2020

Juliana - thank you for all of your posts. We have one weekend left in London coming up before returning to the US. We've been here 3 months and enjoyed exploring London by foot and the city cycles.

I'd love a recommendation on a day trip knowing we have to take the train and that we are still in lock down (somewhat).

In the last weeks we visited Cambridge, Hastings, Greenwich and Seven Sisters. Prior to lock down we have visited the Cotswalds and the Lake District and Oxford.

I look forward to your reply! Beth

Julianna Barnaby

Thursday 28th of May 2020

A total pleasure Beth - sounds like you've been exploring a lot! If you haven't been to Bath, I'd normally recommend a trip there - it's very pretty but obviously destinations like the Roman Baths and the Pump Rooms will be closed. I would say the city is pretty enough to more than justify a trip to spend some time walking around. That said, I think the official guidance is only to use transport for necessary journeys, so I'd check that before you book anything.

Sunday 3rd of February 2019

What a great assortment of day trips! I've bookmarked this post for when I'm visiting London later this year - so handy. Thanks very much!

Tuesday 5th of February 2019

Thanks Lesley - I hope you get to head on at least a couple of the day trips while you're in London. Have an awesome trip!

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

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10 ways to get out of London and into the countryside for the day

Mar 12, 2024 • 11 min read

Brighton Beach is just a short train journey from London © Klaus Vedfelt / Shutterstock

Since London is a world unto itself, it’s only natural that many travelers never look beyond the confines of the city limits for a fulfilling trip.

But when you’ve made the most of free entry to the city’s best museums  and wandered through its many vast parks and green spaces , you might be ready for a day trip to explore the towns, historic sites and coastline that lie just beyond the capital.

Many of the most famous attractions in England  are just a short train ride away from London . While road trips are also a great option farther afield, in and around London, traffic and exorbitant parking fees mean escaping the city by train (or bus) is usually your best bet. For the cheapest rates, try to book rail tickets at least three months in advance. 

Then set out on one of these great itineraries, the 10 best day trips from London.

1. Explore royal Windsor and nearby Eton 

Travel time: 1 hour

Most people who visit Windsor do so to see Windsor Castle , the location for many a royal wedding  and the place where Queen Elizabeth II (and many other monarchs before her) spent much of her life and is now resting in peace. Along with its towers and beautiful chapels, you can also see the Changing of the Guard , a ceremony packed with music and pageantry.

The best way to appreciate the full majesty of Windsor Castle is to approach via the aptly named Long Walk. This arrow-straight road cuts through Windsor Great Park . (There are no cars, but you might see some deer.) While the castle could keep you busy for days, must-sees include Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House , the Albert Memorial Chapel and the State Apartments. Across the river, Eton is a pretty little town that's quieter than Windsor and worth a stroll.

How to get to Windsor from London: Trains run from London Paddington and London Waterloo twice an hour; the journey takes between 40 and 60 minutes and the Paddington line requires a change at Slough. It’s around a 45-minute drive, and there are parking lots near the town center and at the base of the castle.

2. Enjoy art and amusements in Margate

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Its long curve of golden sand made Margate a  top seaside destination for the Victorians, only to fall out of town with holidaymakers in the late 20th century. Recent investment has brought many day-trippers back to enjoy its retro charm.

Leading the way with this regeneration is art gallery  Turner Contemporary , one of the top attractions in the area, which showcases world-class art exhibits with superb views of the harbor and beyond. The skies off the coast here captivated the great painter JMW Turner; linger in the gallery yourself to take in the light out on and off the sea. Internationally renowned artist Tracey Emin has also opened a studio and exhibition space in Cliftonville. 

If you like your day to be sprinkled with a bit of mystery, then book a ticket to tour the intriguing  Shell Grotto  (is it an ancient site or a 19th-century hoax?), while  Dreamland  is the town's famous amusement park and a great day out for the family, with many different classic rides. Once you've got your fill of the windswept beach, artworks and rides, warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the independent cafes in the rejuvenated old town before browsing or buying in the many vintage stores.

How to get to Margate from London: Trains run to Margate station, right on the beach, from London St Pancras International (1 hour 30 minutes) and Victoria (1 hour 40 minutes). It takes around two hours to drive from London to Margate, and you should expect to pay upward of £10 to park all day in town.

3. Spot Harry Potter fans in Oxford

Best known for its world-famous university and forest of ocher spires, Oxford is a grand old place steeped in privilege and prestige. Though it’s hard to escape the history of this storied town, the large student population keeps the atmosphere young and fresh, and there’s plenty for visitors to do. Highlights include several museums, punting along the River Isis and the 30 colleges that make up the university, the most famous of which are Christ Church and Magdalen . You could easily spend more than a day in Oxford.

A tour of the university colleges is a must. (Harry Potter fans will recognize various locations used in the movies.)  Blenheim Palace , a monumental 18th-century country house and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, is a short bus ride or drive from the city.

How to get to Oxford from London: Trains from London Marylebone and London Paddington to Oxford run several times an hour, and the journey time is about an hour. If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking the Oxford Tube , a coach that departs from several locations in London. Driving time is around two hours, but you’ll have to park outside town and catch a shuttle bus for the last leg.

4. Visit the country’s most important cathedral in Canterbury

Canterbury is one of England’s most attractive and important cathedral cities, with its star building considered one of the finest in Europe. The town itself is almost absurdly quaint, with narrow alleyways following the original medieval street plan and the River Stour idling past Tudor facades.

Visiting  Canterbury Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. As the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England, it’s the most important Christian site in the country. Just outside, you can see the ruins of the 6th-century St Augustine’s Abbey .

Other highlights include the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge  and boating trips  on the River Stour. On these peaceful jaunts in a flat-bottomed punt, knowledgeable guides share stories of the city as they expertly navigate the boat under bridges with barely any headroom. For a traditional English tearoom experience, visit  Tiny Tim’s Tearoom . 

How to get to Canterbury from London: Fast trains from London St Pancras International depart once an hour, with the journey taking about an hour. Slower trains (1 hour 30 minutes) run from London Victoria and London Charing Cross. The drive takes around an hour and a half.

5. Head into nature in the New Forest

Designated a  national park  in 2005, the New Forest dates all the way back to 1079. So it’s anything but ”new.” And it’s not even really a forest.

Comprising woodland, bog, marshland, heathland and coast, with many quaint villages in between, the area is home to free-roaming animals, including pigs, cattle and the famed ponies. You can easily spend more than a day in the New Forest, and while there are fantastic cycling routes and hiking trails, to make the most of the region as a whole, it’s best to explore by car.

If you’re in the New Forest for just the day, focus your attention on one activity, whether that’s visiting a historic site, such as Buckler's Hard, Hurst Castle  or Beaulieu ; or following a walking trail, where you’ll be drawn in by the beautiful colors of the landscapes. Many people come to the area simply to dine at The Pig  in Brockenhurst, which celebrates home-grown and local produce (book well in advance).

How to get to the New Forest from London:  The region is slightly under a two-hour drive from central London. If traveling by train (1 hour 30 minutes from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst), consider renting bikes and following trails that take you beyond the town.

6. Step back in time in Winchester

Travel time: 1 hour

Its fabulous cathedral officially makes  Winchester  a city – though it has more of the feel of a friendly small town. The city served as England’s capital about 1000 years ago and was the home of King Alfred the Great; today, it boasts a variety of excellent pubs, countryside walks and lively streets.

At the top of the high street is an imitation of King Arthur’s Round Table hanging in the Great Hall . Just off the high street through a short alleyway is Winchester Cathedral , a stunning building with the longest nave of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Back on the high street, head past the statue of Alfred the Great to the River Itchen, then follow it to get to Winchester College .

How to get to Winchester from London: Trains leave London Waterloo several times an hour, and the journey time is about an hour. The drive from central London takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and Winchester’s city center has several parking options.

7. Marvel at Roman ruins and Regency streetscapes in Bath

Bath might be Britain ’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who used the area’s thermal springs to create a spa retreat, it’s now the premier tourist attraction of southwest England . It’s also celebrated for its magnificent Georgian architecture, with grand squares and felicitous crescents defining the city.

Start at the beginning with the Roman Baths complex, which is divided into four main parts: the Bath House, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple and the museum, displaying fascinating finds from the ruins. Next, have a wander around Bath Abbey , a huge medieval church that you can climb to the top of. Fuel up with the substantial gastropub fare at  Marlborough Tavern .

If you have time, it's worth staying in Bath for the full weekend. Wander the streets and enjoy the architecture, including ulteney Bridge and the  Royal Crescent , two of the city’s Georgian masterpieces – then take time to relax in Thermae Bath Spa .

How to get to Bath from London: Direct trains leave London Paddington twice an hour; the journey time is 1 hour 30 minutes. Driving takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, but traffic around the city is often heavy, with parking very limited and expensive.

8. Soak up Brighton’s indie attitude

Stuffed with independent businesses and creative spirit, Brighton is often referred to as London-on-Sea – though these days that’s more a nod to property prices than a reference to its character. This city has a personality all its own – grungy, creative and bohemian – and it's one of the UK's most LGBTIQ+ friendly cities.

There’s no shortage of things to do  in Brighton. Start in the North Laine neighborhood, packed with pubs, cafes and theaters, before going shopping in The Lanes a little farther south. Make a visit to the eccentric Royal Pavilion – built by King George IV in 1787 as a seaside retreat – and take a walk along the pier while checking out the amusements and swimmers at the beach. Brighton teems with great bars and restaurants:  Food for Friends offers excellent vegan dishes and is a great spot for lunch, while the Walrus pub is a good place to grab a beer.

How to get to Brighton from London:  Get on one of the frequent direct trains from London Victoria or London Bridge. The journey time is about an hour. Since it takes about two hours to drive from London to Brighton, and parking is both hard to find and expensive, the train is generally a better option.

9. Tour the colleges and go punting in Cambridge

With its world-class university, clutch of ancient colleges and love for punting (river rowing), Cambridge shares many similarities with its Oxfordshire counterpart. But with more green space and less traffic, this city is a more tranquil affair. A walking tour of the university is a must: the university colleges are the highlight, with Corpus Christi, Clare College, King’s College and Christ’s College being the most popular.

Once you’ve had your fill of academia, a punting trip along the River Cam is a lovely way to see the city. On a summer’s day, a picnic on the Backs is highly enjoyable.

How to get to Cambridge from London: Trains from London Kings Cross run several times an hour, with a journey time of about 50 minutes. It takes about 90 minutes to drive to Cambridge from central London.

10. Ponder the mystery of Stonehenge

Travel time: 2 hours

Stonehenge  is like an amazing magic trick – it boggles the mind, but you don’t really want to know how it happened. Which is convenient, because no one’s fully figured it out yet . Here’s what we do know: this massive, prehistoric stone circle is believed to have been constructed around 5000 years ago, making it older than the Pyramids of Giza. The largest stones weigh 25 tons and stand 9m (30ft) tall. 

Although you can’t touch the stones (to protect them), you can stroll around them on paths. The visitor center has an interactive presentation that allows you to experience among the stones as the seasons change. If you have your own ride, you could drive north to Avebury, home to another famous prehistoric circle – whose stones you can touch.

How to get to Stonehenge from London: Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury depart twice an hour, taking just over an hour and a half. From Salisbury, hop on the Stonehenge Tour Bus , which takes you directly to the visitor center in just over 30 minutes. Alternatively, the drive takes around two hours from central London (traffic depending), and parking is available at the site.

This article was first published May 2019 and updated March 2024

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35 Easy Day Trips from London + 24 to Avoid

If you’re visiting Europe, it makes sense to make the most of your time in England with a day trip from London.

I get a lot of emails asking which day trips from London are feasible, and which ones aren’t. Here I’ve compiled the most common destinations that travelers ask about and analyze whether they’re fit for a day trip or need more time.

Let’s go over the best day trips from London that won’t leave you totally depleted, and explore the day trips from London that just aren’t realistic.

Disclosure: I only recommend products & services I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read my full privacy policy here .

Day Trips from London that are Absolutely Feasible ✅

Please note that these travel times are approximate and can vary based on specific starting points in London, traffic, specific train schedules, and other factors. Always check current travel times before planning a trip using Google Maps or my favorite app: Citymapper .

This is not an exhaustive list – that would take up the whole of the internet 😉

1. Oxford ✅

• Drive: 1.5 hours
• Train: 1 hour 

Famous for its prestigious university, Oxford offers beautiful architecture, museums, and the Bodleian Library.

Oxford is one of the best day trips from London by train. It’s like stepping into the Harry Potter films, and it’s such a short train ride to be transported a world away.

2. Cambridge ✅

• Train: 50 minutes

Another charming, ancient university town with punting on the River Cam and the stunning King’s College Chapel.

Cambridge is truly magical and makes for one of the easiest day trips from London by train.

3. Brighton ✅

• Drive: 2 hours
• Train: 1 hour  

A vibrant seaside town with a pier, the Royal Pavilion, and quirky shopping lanes.

If you want a day trip from London by train that takes you to the beach, Brighton is the way to go!

• Drive: 4 hours
• Train: 2.5 hours 

A historic city with a rich Viking and Roman heritage. While it’s possible to visit in a day, you may may feel rushed as there’s lots to see here!

5. Windsor ✅

• Drive: 1 hour
• Train: 50 minutes  

Visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. I always encourage London travelers to fit this in if they have time, as it’s much more magical than Buckingham Palace.

6. Canterbury ✅

Home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and a charming medieval town center. This day trip from London by train will take you worlds away in just 1 hour.

• Drive: 2.5 hours
• Train: 1.5 hours  

Known for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, Bath is a picturesque town in the Cotswolds. This is one of the best day trips from London by train because once you arrive in Bath, it’s all walkable straight from the train station.

8. Stonehenge ✅

• Train (to Salisbury, then bus): 1.5 hours 

The iconic prehistoric monument is a super popular day trip from London. Many tour companies offer excellent Stonehenge tours in conjunction with other nearby attractions like Windsor and Bath for a really affordable price.

Personally, I don’t think Stonehenge on its own is worth the trip, but if you book with a company that also takes you to other iconic locations on the way, it’s totally worth it.

9. Stratford-upon-Avon ✅

• Train: 2 hours 

The birthplace of William Shakespeare! So much charming history, and a great day trip for students and history lovers.

10. Cotswolds ✅

• Train (to various towns): 1.5-2.5 hours 

Picturesque villages and rolling hills. Bath is the most visited place in the Cotswolds, but there’s so much more to explore here, especially if you drive or rent a car there .

11. Bristol ✅

A vibrant city with a rich maritime history. Bristol is a great day trip from London if you want a larger city (not a small village) with more things to do.

12. Winchester ✅

The ancient capital of England with a stunning cathedral. This place is charming as heck.

13. Blenheim Palace ✅

• Train (to Oxford, then bus): 1.5 hours 

A monumental country house and UNESCO World Heritage site. Blenheim Palace is truly magical, and well worth the trip from London.

14. Bletchley Park ✅

• Train: 40 minutes 

The historic site where British codebreakers decrypted German codes during WWII. History and science nerds – this one is your best bet. So much world history happened here!

15. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour ✅

• Train: 20 minutes to Watford Junction, then a shuttle bus, though most tour companies include transport from Central London.  

Dive into the magical world with The Making of Harry Potter tour, a must for fans of the series.

This is the most popular day trip from London, and tickets often sell out months ahead. Read all my tips to scoring tickets here.

16. Hampton Court Palace ✅

• Train: 35 minutes  

A historic palace once home to Henry VIII, showcasing Tudor and Baroque architecture. Fans of SIX the Musical and history nerds, you have to go!

• Train: 1.5 hours 

A medieval town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a rich smuggling history. A super charming, quaint little village!

18. Leeds Castle ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Maidstone, then a local bus 

A picturesque castle set on two islands in a tranquil lake.

19. Hever Castle ✅

• Train: 40 minutes to Hever, then a short walk 

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, set within beautiful gardens.

20. Salisbury ✅

A historic city close to Stonehenge, home to the impressive Salisbury Cathedral.

Known for its magnificent cathedral and the historic home of Oliver Cromwell.

22. St Albans ✅

• Train: 20 minutes 

A historic market town boasting Roman ruins and a stunning cathedral.

23. Rochester ✅

A town steeped in history with its Norman castle, cathedral, and Charles Dickens connections.

24. Hatfield House ✅

• Train: 20 minutes

 This is a lesser-known day trip from London to a really incredible spot. Hatfield House is a Jacobean house with sprawling gardens, once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I.

25. Sissinghurst Castle Garden ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Staplehurst, then a local bus 

A historic estate renowned for its beautifully designed gardens by Vita Sackville-West.

26. Cardiff, Wales ✅

• Drive: 3 hours

Wales is the closest country to England , so if your goal is to just get to another country cheaply and quickly, go to Cardiff!

The capital of Wales, Cardiff boasts a blend of historic and modern attractions. The Cardiff Castle, located in the city center, showcases 2,000 years of history, while the Cardiff Bay offers a modern waterfront with dining and entertainment options.

27. Dover ✅

• Train: 1.5 hours

Famous for its iconic White Cliffs, Dover also offers the impressive Dover Castle. The port town is a gateway to the continent, with ferries frequently departing for France.

On a clear day, you can actually see France from the cliffs!

28. Birmingham ✅

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham offers a mix of cool experiences. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, and the historic Jewellery Quarter are among its top attractions.

29. Lille, France ✅

Hop on the Eurostar and be in another country in 1 hour and 22 minutes ! Lille, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a vibrant city with a rich blend of French and Flemish influences. It’s not nearly as big as Paris, so it’s perfect for a day trip from London.

30. Southend-on-Sea ✅

• Train: 1 hour

A popular seaside resort, Southend offers the longest pleasure pier in the world. With its beaches, arcades, and Adventure Island amusement park, it’s a fun destination for families.

31. Broadstairs ✅

A charming coastal town, Broadstairs boasts sandy beaches and a rich history. It’s known for its association with Charles Dickens, who visited frequently.

32. Portsmouth ✅

A historic port city, Portsmouth is home to the Historic Dockyard, where you can see the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. The Spinnaker Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.

33. Bournemouth ✅

• Train: 2 hours

A vibrant coastal town, Bournemouth is known for its seven miles of sandy beaches, beautiful gardens, and a bustling town center. The Bournemouth Pier and Oceanarium are popular attractions.

34. Brussels, (Belgium) ✅

• Eurostar: 2 hours 

As Belgium’s capital, Brussels is accessible via Eurostar for a day trip , but you won’t get to explore this huge city for very long. 

35. Bury St. Edmunds ✅

• Drive: 2 Hours
• Train: 2 Hours

Commonly just called “Bury,” this is a charming historic market and cathedral town in Suffolk.

Day Trips from London that Are Just Too Far ❌

While all these destinations are fascinating and offer unique experiences, the travel times and logistics involved make them challenging for day trips from London. If you do decide to visit, consider staying overnight to truly appreciate what each location has to offer.

Keep in mind that although flights to some of these places might be a short time in the air, getting to and from the airport in London will take at least 1 hour, not to mention time going through security and passport control & immigration.

1. Edinburgh ❌

• Drive: 7-8 hours
• Train: 4.5-5 hours 

Scotland’s capital is too far for a comfortable day trip. It deserves an entire trip of its own!

2. Paris & Disneyland Paris ❌

• Eurostar to Paris: 2.5 hours
• Eurostar to Marne-la-Vallée (Disneyland): 3 hours  

Can you do Paris as a day trip from London? Technically yes. But even with the short(ish) Eurostar journey, it’s a stretch to do in one day and truly enjoy. Paris deserves so much time as it’s such an incredible and massive city. 

Disneyland Paris is equally difficult to do in one day, especially with kids – everyone would be absolutely exhausted.

3. Lake District ❌

• Drive: 5-6 hours
• Train: 2.5-3 hours to Windermere  

While beautiful, it’s a long journey from London!

4. Dublin ❌

• Flight: 1.5 hours
• Ferry: 3.5-8 hours (depending on route and ferry type) 

Requires a flight or a long ferry ride.

5. Cornwall (Penzance, St Ives, etc) ❌

• Drive: 4.5-8 hours (depending on destination within Cornwall)
• Train: 3-5 hours 

The stunning coastline is too far for just one day. The trouble with Cornwall is you really need a car once you’re there, but driving from London takes forever with traffic and the narrow twisting lanes of the West coast.

6. Isle of Skye ❌

• Drive: 12-13 hours
• Train (to Mallaig, then ferry): 10-11 hours 

Located in Scotland, it’s too remote for a day trip.

7. Liverpool ❌

• Drive: 4-5 hours
• Train: 2-2.5 hours 

Home to The Beatles and rich maritime history, Liverpool is doable for a day trip but would be very rushed.

8. Loch Ness ❌

• Drive: 9-10 hours
• Train to Inverness: 8 hours, then drive or bus: 30 minutes 

Located in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is famous for its legendary monster and beautiful scenery, but it’s too far for a day trip from London.

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour
• Eurostar: 4 hours 

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, historic houses, museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and vibrant nightlife.

While technically reachable in a day, Amsterdam really deserves a longer stay of at least 2 days minimum. Here’s all the ways to get there from London.

10. Provence, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Marseille or Nice: 2 hours, then drive/train varies 

Known for its lavender fields and picturesque towns, Provence in the south of France is too far for a comfortable day trip.

11. Nice, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 12-14 hours
• Flight: 2 hours 

Located on the southeastern coast of France, Nice and its surrounding towns are famous for their Mediterranean beaches, but the journey would be too long for just a day trip.

12. Bordeaux, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 8-10 hours
• Train (Eurostar to Paris, then TGV): 6 hours

 Famous for its wine, Bordeaux in the southwest of France would be a stretch for a day trip.

13. Snowdonia National Park, Wales ❌

• Train: 3-4 hours to Betws-y-Coed

In Wales, it’s a lengthy journey from London. This is an incredible area that deserves more than a day to explore fully! 

14. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Belfast: 1.5 hours, then drive: 1 hour 

Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a unique geological formation and UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s too far away for a practical day trip from London.

15. Bruges, Belgium (Brugge) ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3.5-4 hours total 

A medieval gem with picturesque canals, Bruges is technically reachable for a day trip from London, but you won’t hardly any time to spend in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.

When booking travel to Bruges, don’t confuse your destination with Bruges, France. Try typing in “Brugge” instead of “Bruges, ” and you’ll be sure to find your correct Belgian destination.

16. Ghent, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3-3.5 hours 

Slightly closer than Bruges, Ghent’s blend of historic sites and vibrant culture can be sampled in a day.

17. Antwerp, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 2.5-3 hours 

Known for its diamonds and port, Antwerp isn’t feasible for a day trip from London.

18. Scottish Highlands ❌

• Drive: 8-12 hours (depending on destination)
• Train: 8-9 hours to Inverness 

While parts of the Highlands might be reachable by a very long train journey or flight, the vast landscapes truly deserve more than a day.

I know this makes some of you Outlander fans sad, but you really can’t do a day trip from London to the Highlands.

19. Pembrokeshire Coast ❌

• Train: 4.5-5 hours to Tenby 

Located in the southwest of Wales, this stunning coastal national park is too far for a day trip from London.

20. Isle of Man ❌

• Ferry: 2.5-4 hours 

Situated in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man has its own rich history and culture. Getting there would involve a flight or ferry, making it impractical for just a day.

21. Belfast, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 8-10 hours 

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is steeped in history and culture. From the Titanic Belfast museum, which commemorates the city’s shipbuilding heritage, to the political murals of the Falls and Shankill roads, Belfast offers a deep dive into the region’s past and present.

22. Guernsey ❌

• Ferry: 3 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London).

Located in the English Channel, Guernsey boasts beautiful beaches, historic forts, and a unique blend of British and French influences. The island’s compact size is perfect for exploring, but its distance from London makes it a challenging day trip.

23. Jersey ❌

• Ferry: 4.5 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London)

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey offers a mix of sandy beaches, cliffside walking trails, and historic castles. Its rich history spans from prehistoric times to its occupation during World War II.

Even though the Channel Islands look quite close on the map, it’s not feasible for a day trip from London.

24. Rotterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour to Amsterdam, then train: 40 minutes
• Eurostar to Amsterdam, then train: 4.5 hours in total 

A major port city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, maritime heritage, and cultural attractions like the Kunsthal and the Cube Houses. It’s a bit of a stretch for a day trip from London, especially if you want to explore the city in depth.

Taking a Day Trip from London: Final Tips

The most important tip I can give you is this: if you’re only in London for a short time, don’t do a day trip. London has so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored.

If you’re in London for more than 5 days, I would absolutely recommend a day trip. Just make it something that won’t exhaust you too much – two hours on a train, max.

If you live in London like me, you probably have a list as long as your arm of day trips to take. All you can do it tick them off, one by one!

More on Trips from London

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Visiting Greenwich with Kids: 5 Things That Adults Will Love, too! 

The Perfect Day out in Cambridge: 7 Things you Have to See 

Is Solo Travel Boring? 5 Reasons You Should Travel Alone ASAP

Trip from London to Amsterdam: 4 Ways to Get there for Every Budget

How to Get from London to Cornwall: 3 Easy Ways for Every Budget

Kynance Cove in Cornwall: 10 Must-Read Tips before Visiting 

Kennack Sands Beach: Is it the Best Beach for Kids in Cornwall? 

10 Things to Know about Visiting Stunning Poldhu Cove

Day Trips from London by Train FAQ

What is the best day trip out of london.

The best day trip for you depends on your goals and preferences.

Do you want to see a pretty village? Try St Albans, Canterbury, Bath, or Rye. Do you want to go to the seaside? Try Brighton, Dover, or Margate. Are you into history? Definitely check out Blenheim Palace, Bletchley Park, Stratford upon Avon, or Windsor Castle. Are you a student or an academic? Check out Oxford or Cambridge.

The list goes on, and all you can do is pick a place that sounds cool, get your train ticket, and go!

Can you do a day trip from London?

If you have enough time to spend in London and want to explore more of England, you can definitely do a day trip from London!

The best way is to pick a destination (start with this list!) and hop on the train. There’s so much to see in England, you don’t have to go far.

What is 1 hour away from London?

Harry Potter Studios, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Windsor, Canterbury, Winchester, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, St Albans, Rochester, and Hatfield House are all within a 1 hour train ride from London.

What countries are a day trip from London?

Wales is the closest country to London for a day trip. Try Cardiff, which is a charming Welsh city less than 2 hours from London by train.

Other countries like France are possible for a day trip, but you won’t get much time to spend there. Lille is a short 1.5 hour journey from London on the Eurostar, and it’s a much easier and smaller place to explore than Paris.

Belgium is also fast to get to, with only a 2 hour train ride to Brussels. Brussels is a bit easier to explore than Paris, but it’s also a large city.

What towns are 2 hours away from London?

York, Stonehenge, Stratford upon Avon, Cardiff, Dover, Birmingham, Worcester, Bournemouth, Bristol, Brussels, and many more towns are just a 2 hour (or less) train ride from London.

What is the closest beach to London?

Brighton is the closest proper sandy beach to London, and it takes less than 1 hour to get there by train. Margate is also a popular beach destination that takes only 2 hours on the train.

What is the shortest Eurostar journey from London?

The shortest journey on the Eurostar from London is to Lille, France at just 1 hour and 22 minutes.

What is the closest countryside to London?

There is incredible countryside bordering London, but the prettiest and closest natural woodlands are probably Epping Forest , which is just 1 hour from London on the Overground.

Which country is easy to travel from London?

France, Belgium, and Wales are the easiest countries to travel to from London by a short train ride.

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I’m part British on my Mom’s side, so I was excited to visit London to learn more about a culture that is part of my heritage. I found that 4 days in London was enough for me to feel very connected with the city, in a way that I hadn’t expected. The truth of it is that with 4 days in London, you will have to pick and choose what you see – but this itinerary will help you plan it out, and fit a lot in!

What to Expect in London, England

New cities can always be a little bit overwhelming, and London is no exception. If you’re not from a big city, like me (Ottawa, Canada is home for me!) then it’s actually a lot overwhelming. Here’s a little bit of what you can expect.

London is busy, but it’s well-managed.  Although London is the second most-visited city in the world and very crowded, most places do a great job of handling and addressing large groups. Security check points run smoothly, tour guides are used to addressing large groups, and overall crowds are not an issue. 

It’s good to have a map. it’s super easy to get lost in London. We  actually went in circles on the way to Buckingham Palace one morning. My advice to you is to always have a map with you! 

London is expensive.  London is pricey. Come ready to pay a fair amount for food, accommodations, and most activities. I’ll tell you in advance that almost nothing on this itinerary is free, however it is totally possible to spend a few days in London and only do free things ( here’s a list of free things to do in London by Lonely Planet ). If you’re doing a lot of paid attractions, you will want the London Pass because they’re pretty much all on there. More on that later!

4 Days in London is enough time for the highlights. I think it would take a few weeks (months?) to see everything that I want to see in London. The key to having an amazing short trip is to pick a few of the must-see items for  you , and then build around them to have a great trip! This London itinerary will help you do just that!

Tips for Visiting London

Here are a few other good-to-know things about London!

Get Around in London With the Oyster Card:  the tube is the easiest way to get around in London. Order your Oyster card before you go, and pre-load funds based on where you’ll be going during your visit. Or, pick one up when you arrive in London. I have to say that I did like already having it. 

Grab Lunch at Pret-a-Manger:  I discovered Pret-a-Manger in London. It’s an international chain, and it’s all over the place. If you’re looking for a snack or a quick, affordable lunch, this is the place. Consistently, I was able to get a wrap and a drink for £5.00. 

Book accommodations that are close to a tube station:  central London is an expensive place to stay. Don’t worry about trying to find accommodations right on the Thames River, so long as wherever you book is walking distance from a tube station that will bring you right downtown. We stayed at an Airbnb near Kennington Station, and it was really easy to get around from there. When you only have 4 days in London (or however many days you’re staying) you don’t want to spend too much time commuting!

London is a great place to use Airbnb! There are lots of private rooms in Check out this post if it’s your first time using Airbnb .

Check your luggage for the day:  If you’re exploring London before check-in or after checkout, leave your bags with  LuggageHero.  This is a network of more than 120 storage points in local shops located around traffic hubs and popular districts. Store your bags near  Buckingham Palace , the   London Eye , or  Piccadilly Circus .  Use the map at the LuggageHero reservation platform to find a verified storage site. Each bag receives a safety seal, and the bag and contents are insured for £2,200. If your plans change, there’s no cancellation fee. Storage prices start at £1 per hour, with a daily max of £10 and a one-time £2 handling charge. If your plans change, there’s no cancellation fee. I’ve used this service in Montreal and it was great!

Check the Museums for live events: there’s a lot of special programming and events going on in London. Make sure you check what’s going on while you’re there, for example there might be a party or yoga at the Museum of Nature !

Always bring a rain jacket: I recommend bringing a light rain jacket or an umbrella that fits in your back pack or purse. It rains on and off in London. There can be sunshine one minute, and rain the next.

Last minute shows are cheap: Want to see a live show? If you’re not picky, you can get last minute tickets at low prices. The official TKTS booth   in the centre of Leicester Square sells all remaining tickets for shows on the day, and they’re often heavily discounted. 

The Perfect London Itinerary – 4 Days

Day 1 – river thames.

London is a big city, with lots to see. It’s best to explore things that are close together all in the same day. This itinerary works it’s way along the River Thames so if you go in order, you won’t be doubling back at all!

I highly recommend the London Pass for this itinerary. Most of the things in this 4 days in London itinerary are on there. Everything on Day 1 is on the London Pass, as are a couple activities on Day 2 and 3. The way it adds up, the London Pass will save you at least £60. It’s worth it even if you cut out an activity or two, because it’s easy to use and includes fast-track access, and you will still get your money’s worth.

I purchased a London Pass on my visit and was really, really happy with the decision. There’s an app for the London Pass, too, so you don’t actually have to carry anything extra with you. 

The Tower of London

Start your 4 days in London at the Tower of London. Get there first thing when it opens at 9AM, because it gets very busy as the day goes on. Once you’re in, go straight to the Crown Jewels. This dazzling (granted, elaborate) display is a must-see on your visit.

Guided tours of the Tower of London are available, at no additional cost. The Yeoman Warder Tours  begin every 30 minutes. The first one runs at 10AM Tuesday to Saturday, and 10:30 AM on Sunday and Monday. Tours begin near the main entrance, and last about an hour. This is a great way to get familiar with the Tower of London! This brings you to 11AM so if there areas of the Tower that you want to circle back and see more of, take your time!

Website: Tower of London Admission:  £26.8 / adult (included in London Pass )

The Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge is easily the most recognizable bridge in London – though it’s sometimes mistakenly called the London Bridge. When you’re finished at the Tower of London, make your way to the Tower Bridge. You can go up, across, and down the other side. Go down below the to check out the engine rooms, and get a view from above through the glass floors. Crossing the Tower Bridge with the occasional stop to read information panels and enjoy the view took just under an hour.

Website: The Tower Bridge Admission:  £9.80 / adult (included in London Pass )

Potters Field Park is on the south side of the Thames River. This is a very popular spot for photos, and there are loads of restaurants here for lunch!

If you only had a day in London, then I suggest this morning (Tower of London and the Tower Bridge) and then a Hop On Hop Off bus tour in the afternoon.

St. Paul’s  Cathedral

Go for a leisurely stroll down the Thames Rivers to the Millennium Footbridge, and make your way across to St. Paul’s Cathedral. This cathedral is recognized world-wide for it’s stunning dome – which has been destroyed 4 times throughout history! On your way you will also have a chance to pass the Globe Theatre (details below) and make a stop in if you’re interested. 

Visitor entry includes entry to the Cathedral floor, crypt, and three galleries in the dome. Guided tours or multimedia tours are also available. The last entry for visitors is at 4PM, and St. Paul’s closes for sightseeing at 4:30PM.

Website: St. Paul’s Cathedral Admission:  £20.00 / adult (included in London Pass )

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

The reconstructed Globe Theatre stands a few hundred meters from it’s original site. The Globe Theatre was originally built by Shakespeare’s playing company. Many of his plays were performed there.

The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour and Exhibition takes you through the Globe’s history and modern day – including some amazing historical artifacts! It’s a 20 minute walk from the Tower Bridge. 

P.S. if you want to go to St. Paul’s you will not make it for visitor hours if you stop at the Globe… but you can go to a service instead! This way you still get to see inside, and you actually get to experience St. Paul’s as a place of worship (whatever you believe, it is a great experience).

Website: The Globe Theatre Admission:  £17.00 / adult (included in London Pass )

If you still have some energy left after a big day of history and site seeing, take in a great view from the Shard! 4 days in London isn’t complete without a great view. It’s open until 6PM Sunday – Wednesday, and until 10PM Thursday – Saturday. You have more time to visit the Shard than most other attractions because it’s open late. It’s near the Tower Bridge!

Admission:  £32.00/adult (included in London Pass )

The Sky Garden is a free alternative for a great view of London. It’s nearby, just make sure you book your tickets in advance!

Day 2 – Westminster and Kensington

The theme of Day 2 is royalty! Pick a palace and a couple of other attractions, and enjoy. If you have an extra day in London beyond this itinerary (or if you want to skip the day trip on this 4 days in London itinerary) then there are enough suggestions in here to split in to 2 days.

If you only have 2 days in London, then I recommend Day 1 + Day 2 of this London itinerary.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the residence and headquarters of the monarch of the UK. It’s open to visitors for just 10 weeks every summer! Whether you decide to go inside or not, you will at the very least have to see Buckingham while you’re in London. If possible, time your visit with the Changing of the Guards . With 4 days in London, seeing one of the palaces is a must.

The only problem is it’s not always open to the public, so if that doesn’t line up with your trip, Kensington Palace is a great alternative.

Website: Buckingham Palace Admission:  £25.00 / adult for State Rooms only, £45.00 / adult for the Royal Day Out.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is another royal residence, located in Kensington Gardens. It’s been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century. The State Rooms and the gardens are open to the public, and many painting and objects from the royal collection are on display.

The best part – it’s always open! If Buckingham Palace is closed during your 4 days in London, this is another chance to see a royal residence that has been standing for centuries. Kensington Palace opens at 10AM. Expect your visit to end around lunch if you visit first thing!

Website: Kensington Palace   Admission:  £19.50 /adult (included in London Pass )

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, in the centre of London. The abbey is the traditional place for coronations and a burial site. It’s probably one of the most iconic and most visited places in London, and essential to a 4 days in London itinerary.

On your visit, see the coronation chair, the royal tombs (there are over 3,000 people buried at Westminster Abbey), and the cloisters. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries is a new museum within the medieval triforium that recently opened to the public. 

Getting there from Buckingham Palace:  15 minute walk along St James park.  Getting there from Kensington Palace: Notting Hill Gate Station to St James Park Station. The tube only takes a few minutes, or you can enjoy a nice one-hour walk there!

Website: Westminster Abbey Admission:   £20.00 / adult (included in London Pass )

The Victoria and Albert Museum – Afternoon Tea

The Victoria and Albert Museum host’s one of the world’s best art and design collections. The museum opened in 1952, and it’s a must visit if you love art. Permanent exhibits include an extension photography collection, theatre performance, and art pieces from around the world.

Entry is  free,  but there are fees to visit some temporary exhibits. On the London Pass you have free access to even the paid exhibits.

Best of all, the Victoria and Albert Museum is the perfect place for afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is an English tradition going back to the 19th century. There are lovely cafés in the Victoria and Albert Museum for a tea break, or you can have the full afternoon tea experience for £30 in the Morris Room . 3 tiers of scones, sandwiches, and treats, and your choice of tea. Afternoon tea is one of my favourite experiences!

The Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms are the perfect addition to your 4 days in London itinerary if you love history. The war rooms consist of two, connected museums – the Cabinet War Rooms, and the Churchill Museums. Experience a secret, underground bunker in the Cabinet War Rooms with an audio guide to hear all about it’s role during WWII.

The Churchill Museum is focused more on Winston Churchill, on his life and hist story. Entry to the Churchill War Rooms is £22 or included with the London Pass .

Day 3 – Covent Gardens and Sightseeing

There are a lot of places and sights in London that are worth seeing that are squares, alleys, and areas. On Day 3 of your 4 days in London, take some time to wander around the Covent Gardens area and see a few of the sights! In the afternoon rest your legs on a Hop on Hop Off bus, and pop in to some free museums.

With 3 days in London, stick to Days 1 to 3 of this London itinerary. Note that these first 3 days  basically  serve as a 3 Day London Pass itinerary, because nearly everything on here is on the London Pass .

Covent Gardens

Covent Gardens in a shopping, food, and entertainment area in London. There is plenty to see and lots of exploring to do in this area. Come for a morning and walk around, browse shops, find beautiful alleys, and try some food! Check out Cecil Court, part of J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley. Marvel at Picadilly Circus, home to what is quite possibly the busiest and most confusing intersection that I have ever seen. Visit Covent Garden (the mall) for hand-made goods and delicious food, and walk through Trafalgar Square to see the lion statues!

Here’s a map to what’s in the area:

• Going along the top row, left to right: Picadilly Cirus (left side of the map), Leicester Square, Cecil Court (by Leicester Square tube station), Covent Garden (top right corner)
• Trafalgar Square is right by Charging Cross Station on the map.  The National Gallery is also located here.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square. It’s free to visit, and it’s holds over 2,000 paintings going back to the 13th century. This art gallery is truly home to the history of European art.

There are audio tours available and free guided tours of the museum so that you can get the most out of your visit.

The British Museum

The British Museum is only a 12 minute walk from Covent Gardens. It’s free, and a great way to spend an afternoon. The building itself is beautiful and impressive, and it’s home to thousands of art pieces and artefacts.

I suggest choosing only one of these museums for today, or taking another day to come back and do both if you have more time in London. Much as these museums are amazing, there are a lot of sights to see with your 4 days in London!

Hop on and Off Bus

Rest your legs in the afternoon with a Hop On Hop Off bus ride. 4 days in London isn’t a lot of time to see everything in this amazing city, so a bus ride is a great way to fit in a little more sight seeing! 

There are two major Hop On Hop Off bus companies in London: The Big Bus  ( £33.00 for one day) and Golden Tours   (£25.00 for one day) . The longest, most scenic route available is the Gran Tour on the Golden Tours Bus. It goes  everywhere.  The Red route on the Big Bus tour, similarly, goes  almost  everywhere. If you’re looking to relax on the bus for a couple hours, choose one of these. Both are included on the London Pass . Pick one and go!

This 4 days in London itinerary includes a lot, but you just can’t see everything. A Hop on Hop off tour is a great way to see more of London with limited time!

King’s Cross & The British Library

Here’s a suggestion if you’re looking to hop off the bus. King’s Cross Station (home to Platform 9 3/4) is fun for any Harry Potter lover to see. Harry Potter was a fairly high priority for my 4 days in London… more to come! Psssst: Platform 4 was actually used for the filming of Harry Potter.

Fans of literature, the British Library is right across the street. Find medieval manuscripts and British classics here. On our visit we saw original excerpts from James Bond, Lord of the Rings, and Alice in Wonderland!

Get here by taking the Green Route from Covent Gardens on the Big Bus Route. King’s Cross is also on the Grand Tour on Golden Tours, but it’ll take a long time to get there.

Day 4 – Day Trip from London

Now, I know you’ve only got 4 days in London, but if it’s 4 days in  England altogether, then it’s good to get out of the city for a day! London is just one part of England, and it’s a big, busy city that is very different from the surrounding areas. This far in, you’ve seen a lot of London itself with this 4 days in London itinerary.

It was really hard to choose! The common theme in all of them is an opportunity to enjoy a small town. My favourite place to book day trips is Viator. There are lots of options, and I’ve always had great experiences!

Check out all day trips from London.

Warner Brothers & Oxford

Oxford is known as home to University of Oxford, and on a visit you will have a chance to see some of the beautiful buildings that make up the campus. There are lots of adorable cafés and shops here. It’s a really nice to place to spend a day, and a very different experience than London!

On my trip, I took a combined day trip that included the Warner Brothers Studio (Harry Potter! ) and an afternoon in Oxford. I loved every minute of it, this was an awesome combination. There was a brief guided tour, a great way to get the lay of the town, and then we had a couple of hours to explore ourselves. Here’s the tour that I booked . This tour sells out!  Book in advance. If you’re not a big Harry Potter fan, you can go straight to Oxford or find a tour that combines Oxford and another place like Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, or Stratford-upon-Avon.

Stonehenge and Bath

Stonehenge and Bath are a standard day trip combination. Stonehenge was constructed between 3000 and 2000 BC, and archaeologists are always learning more about it!

The city of Bath (a relatively small city, with less than 100,000 people) was built as a spa when the Romans built baths and a temple. There’s lots to explore here, and it’s absolutely beautiful!   Book a day trip like this one   that combines Stonehenge and Bath, and that gives you lots of free time to explore. Resist the urge to do a day trip that has you hoping on and off without any time to the places!

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are adorable. Little cottages covered in ivy and flowers, fluffy white sheep roaming the fields, tiny canals running alongside the streets, and people peddling around on bicycles. It looks like a postcard!

This is the tour that we very, very seriously considered. It’s a day trip, lunch included, to the Cotswolds. The moment that I return to London, I’ll be booking this!

One Reply to “4 Days in London: The Perfect Sightseeing Itinerary & Travel Tips”

Great ideas! You’re saving me lots of research. I’m hoping to make it to London in September to meet my friends from australia! Will definitely reference this list.

Comments are closed.

The perfect 4 days in London

How much of London can you really cover on a long weekend? Quite a lot, actually. Explore art and artifacts at famous museums, marvel at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sample food at the city’s oldest street market, and drink plenty of pints at historic pubs. Throw in a few lines of Shakespeare (at the Globe Theatre, no less), a red phone booth (they’re everywhere), and a rainy day (almost a given), and your London checklist will be complete.

Our itinerary packs in as much as possible without running you ragged, grouping activities together by location. Plus we’ve added lunch and dinner stops, so you can sightsee with your fork (think classic English food like fish and chips). And to make sure you don’t waste a single second, we’ve used Tripadvisor reviews and ratings to hit the London hotspots that real-life travelers love most.

MORNING: A taste of royalty

Prioritize an essential London experience by heading to Buckingham Palace first thing to watch the changing of the guard , which typically starts at 10:45 a.m. (It’s every other day in some seasons and can be earlier on the weekends, so be sure to double-check the schedule online.)

The best vantage point is from the Buckingham Palace Gates, but you’ll need to get here some 90 minutes early (especially in busy summer months) to score a good spot. If you’re running late or not feeling the wait, locate an easier-to-come-by spot along The Mall. After the guards march past, follow them over to Buckingham Palace to catch what you can of the ceremony through the crowds.

AFTERNOON: Iconic London in a Gothic mode

By 11:45 a.m. the changing of the guards is complete, so snap pics of the palace and then head out with the crowds to amble your way through St. James Park , the city’s oldest royal park, toward Two Chairman Public House , a charming 18th-century pub with classic English dishes. You’ll get there around noon, right when it opens. (Tripadvisor users rave about the steak and ale pie here.)

Once you’ve rested your legs and refueled, take the five-minute walk to Westminster Abbey , a stunning gothic cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with Westminster Palace, which is right around the corner). The Abbey gets busy, so book a timed ticket ahead to ensure a spot inside. For a small extra fee, you can also visit The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries , a small gallery that gives you a bird’s eye view of the abbey. Expect to spend at least 45-minutes marveling, though some visitors spend as much as two hours scouting out the famous figures buried here (e.g. Charles Dickens, Stephen Hawkins, Henry VII) and taking in all the ornamental sculptures and stained glass.

Exit the Abbey, and walk around the corner to Westminster Bridge, which extends over the Thames River and offers an epic view of several top attractions. We’re talking the London Eye , an enormous Ferris wheel with city views, and Westminster Palace (the House of Parliament) with its attached clocktower, aka Big Ben (though technically , Big Ben is the bell inside). Get there at the top of the hour to hear it chime.

If you managed a quick trip to the Abbey, you might even squeeze in an extra attraction. We recommend either taking a spin on the London Eye for an epic—if pricey—view of London or a visit to the Churchill War Rooms , once the underground command center for World War II and kinda literally one of London’s hidden gems. (Arrive by four, and you can still get in a solid two hours before the museum closes at 6 p.m.) Both are a quick walk from Westminster Bridge. As with other London attractions, the safest bet is to book tickets ahead online.

Travelers say: "I was so excited to finally get to see the [Queen’s Diamond Jubilee] Galleries, and was NOT disappointed! It’s kind of amazing to see the structural ‘insides’ of the Abbey, and the view ‘down below’ is spectacular… you also get unique views of the gargoyles on the buttresses. It was well worth the extra fiver!” — Kris M

WESTMINSTER TOURS OPTIONS

• Don’t want to shell out extra money for a guided tour? The Westminster Abbey audio tour, included with your entrance, is well-produced and packed with info. Download the app ahead of time, and BYO headphones.
• If navigating via Google maps exhausts you, this three-hour Westminster walking tour is basically a survey course on London attractions and includes entry into Westminster Abbey.
• History buffs who would prefer ending their tour of Westminster with Churchill than in a church will enjoy this walking tour, which closes out with a trip to Churchill’s War Rooms .
• The London Landmarks & Secret Gems Bike Ride + Historic Pub + Graffiti Session bike tour is fantastic and fun, taking riders all over Westminster and beyond. It also features a key pub stop in Covent Garden and some (legal) graffiti-making in a tunnel beloved by street artists.

EVENING: The show goes on

Take the 15- to 20-minute trip by tube or bus to Scarlett Green , where of course you’ve already booked a reservation for a 90-minute seating. This beloved Aussie restaurant balances a chic atmosphere with famed “bottomless” meals, including a stuff-yourself-silly dinner of either Aussie BBQ or vegan favorites, plus a cocktail and dessert.

Now, it’s show time! The West End Theater District is London’s answer to Broadway, and it delivers with plays, dance performances, opera, and hit musicals (expect new shows along with long-running classics like Lion King and Phantom of the Opera). If theater isn’t really your thing, 100 Club is an iconic basement venue where bands like the Kinks and Metallica have rocked out, plus it’s just around the corner from Scarlett Green. Make sure to book tickets in advance.

Worthy detours along the way

MORNING: English breakfast and two million years of human history

Fill up before a day of sightseeing at Salt & Pepper , which serves up a classic English Breakfast (bacon, eggs, and, yes, baked beans). It also has a handy location just a five-minute walk from The British Museum , your first stop of the day. This museum of human history, art, and culture is arguably London’s best, which means getting there early is a good strategy for heading off the crowds. (The museum opens at 10 a.m. daily; tickets are free and can be booked ahead, though you may be asked to donate.) Even half a day here isn’t enough to see it all, so make a beeline to the Rosetta Stone, then pick and choose which exhibits to explore. If deciding which of 80,000 artifacts to look at is overwhelming, just take a tour—many are free, though booking ahead is recommended.

Travelers say: "The British Museum is an absolute treasure box! What do you want to see? Ancient maps, Egyptian mummies, sculpture from Greece, the first printed Bible, original handwritten words to Beatles song, Shakespeare, the Magna Carta? All this and MORE! There is never enough time to see it all." —@ Dream6793

AFTERNOON: Light lunch and 700 years of European art

Bottomless meals and heavy English food weighing you down? Hop across the street for lunch at Bloomsbury Street Kitchen (open Wednesday through Saturday) which serves up outstanding Mediterranean and Japanese small plates.

Once you’ve refueled, pop on the Northern Line at Tottenham Court Road or take the 15-minute walk to Trafalgar Square , London’s most photographed square, thanks in part to the 145-foot-high Nelson’s Column.

Next up is The National Gallery , a free museum right on the square. It’s easy to spend two or three hours losing yourself in 2,000-plus Western European paintings from the 13th to the 20th century. Keep an eye out for Vermeer, Cezanne, van Gogh, Rembrandt, and other famous painters.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE TOUR OPTIONS

• Trade in an afternoon at The National Gallery for an afternoon exploring London’s under-the-radar attractions in the Secret Walking Tour of Central London , which starts and ends at Trafalgar Square and covers spots like a teeny, tiny police station.
• The Pub Tour of London’s West End: Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Soho is a neighborhood tour with a side of beer. The tour leads you to several historic pubs, passing major attractions along the way. We love that they cap the tours at 15 people, so you can get chummy with your drinking buddies.

EVENING: Fish, chips, and British pubs

There are plenty of dinner options near The National Gallery, but to really recover from a day of culture we recommend The Marquis , which serves up quintessential cozy pub charm and equally quintessential British dishes, like fish and chips. If it’s good enough for Charles Dickens, who was once a regular there, it’s good enough for us.

From here, amble your way around Covent Garden , a charming neighborhood that’s home to shops, street performers, pubs, and cafes. (Note that most stores in the area close at 8 p.m., so if shopping is a priority you may want to amble first, then eat.) Make your way north to Soho , the city’s nightlife neighborhood, which is home to the Red Light District and is also LGBTQ+ central. We love The French House , an authentic no-frills bar that was once a gathering point for the French Resistance during World War II.

MORNING: Tour some British treasures

If you picked up the tab on a few pub rounds last night, you’ll be happy to hear the Victoria and Albert Museum is 100 percent free. Even better, it doesn’t require booking ahead, so just wander over when you’re ready. (It opens at 10 a.m. if you want to avoid the crowds.) The V&A is the world’s largest museum of the decorative arts, home to prints and paintings, costumes and ceramics. Highlights include one of the world’s oldest and largest carpets and Tipu’s Tiger, an almost life-size statue of a tiger with a mechanical organ that mimics the cries of the person it’s attacking (though you may want to read up on its controversial history ).

AFTERNOON: Afternoon tea and a walk in the park(s)

Take the 10-minute walk to Harrods , London’s world-famous department store, situated in one of the city’s fanciest shopping districts. Here you can cross off another square on your London Bingo card with tea time— Harrods’ version is exceptional —complete with the required tiny sandwiches and scones. If you forgot to make a reservation or can’t pull off “smart casual” on a day of sightseeing, Harrods has plenty of other bars and restaurants for a pit stop. While you’re here, you may want to check out the wonderfully bizarre Egyptian Escalator, pick up some souvenirs, or visit the toy department, where you can nab the official Harrods’ version of a Paddington Bear plushie.

After tea, it’s just a five-minute walk north to Hyde Park , once Henry VIII’s hunting reserve. With dirt paths and grassy fields, it’s the perfect place to stroll, picnic, or people-watch, especially on sunny days. You might want to pass through Speakers’ Corner , which has quite the dramatic history. This used to be an execution spot where the condemned could say their last words. Later, figures like Karl Marx, Marcus Garvey, and George Orwell demonstrated here. Now it’s a monument to free speech—especially on Sunday, when anyone can pull out their soapbox.

Stroll over to the Serpentine Bridge to cross into Kensington Gardens , a carefully landscaped park, formerly the private gardens of Kensington Palace. While here, you can stop by Albert Memorial , a show-stopping monument to Prince Albert complete with a gilded canopy. Or opt for something a little less grand and more whimsical and visit the Peter Pan Statue , a tribute to author J.M. Barrie, who lived nearby.

KENSINGTON AREA TOUR OPTIONS:

• The Victoria & Albert Museum has loads of free tours daily. Look out for specialty tours (like one geared toward LGBTQ+ art), as well as the excellent Highlights Tour, which covers the V&A’s most popular exhibits in just 45 minutes.
• If your feet are tired, let your quads pick up the slack with this London Royal Parks Bike Tour . It covers major London attractions along with Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
• Trade out the usual tour bus for a 1960s double-decker bus with the London Vintage Bus Tour with Cream Tea at Harrods . Not only does this thorough half-day tour drive by a ton of major attractions, it includes a Thames River cruise and ends with tea and scones at Harrods.

EVENING: A meal with a side of history

Cut back across the park to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal , one of London’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Blumenthal’s big draw is a five-course set menu, which changes seasonally and highlights dishes from different eras in British history. If dining this fancy isn’t quite in the budget, scope out the la carte menu or opt for lunch instead. And if this spot is all booked up, try Marcus , another Michelin-star British restaurant, which is practically next door.

Extend the night at the Library Bar , a classy club-like cocktail bar famous for its cognacs. Bonus: It’s less than a 10-minute walk from dinner and sits right next to the Hyde Park Corner Underground station, making it convenient for end-of-night travel, especially if your hotel is on the Piccadilly Line.

Travelers say: “There are three meal 'experiences' you can select [at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal], which are essentially the following: Don't tell me anything about the food I want to be surprise;, tell me a little about what's in the dishes; or tell me everything—where the inspiration for the dish came from, where the ingredients came from, etc. We did the third because we were intrigued by the time periods that inspired the chef (recipes and meal pairings from thousands of years ago)…which made the night a magical evening.” — travelingss

MORNING: Ghosts from the past at the Tower of London

Word of warning: The Tower of London gets mobbed, so arrive right when it opens (9 or 10 a.m., depending on the day) to avoid the crowds, for a little while, anyway. This fascinating 11th-century fortress castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site is where, among other things, 16th-century queen Anne Boleyn was locked up and beheaded. (Supposedly, she is one of many ghosts that haunt the grounds.) While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Crown Jewels.

TOWER OF LONDON/THAMES RIVER TOUR OPTIONS

• Beefeaters, aka the Tower of London guards (famously pictured on bottles of Beefeater Gin), give tours that are the stuff of legend —not to mention free with entry. Tours run every half hour; no need to book ahead.
• If you want to spend more time on water, the Thames Hop-On-Hop-Off River Cruise is an excellent option. Note that it stops at several sights already on this itinerary, so you’ll double up on some attractions.
• No way around it: The Tower of London gets packed. If it’s your priority, consider getting a skip-the-line, early access pass to the Tower, which also includes a tour and tickets for a river cruise.
• Lovers of true crime and the spooky stuff will enjoy this 60-75 minute Ghost Bus Tour of London . Bonus: You’ll be cruising around in a 1960s black double-decker bus as it passes by Tower of London, Fleet Street, and other iconic spots.

AFTERNOON: From a historic market to modern art

Head over to Tower Millennium Pier and take the RB1 “River Bus” to London Bridge City Pier, with the added benefit of a built-in (if brief) river cruise. From here, it’s a seven-minute walk to Borough Market , where food has been sold for over a thousand years. Today, along with fresh produce, there’s also street food in every direction. Check out the meat pies and paella, the bao buns and fish and chips, then choose whatever looks the most delicious.

Travelers say: “Borough Market is a prime destination for food lovers, and it has been in continuous operation since 1014 near London Bridge. […] From French cheeses, olives and bread to traditional English pies, Spanish paella, French confit duck, Asian curries… it perfectly reflects the melting pot identity of the city.… Don’t miss it.” — LonderGuide

Once you’ve filled up, take the five-minute walk to The Shard , which has the highest viewing deck in London. While entry is pricey and often sold out in advance, the views are epic, especially on sunny days when you can see out as many as 40 miles.

Next, take public transit or walk 15 minutes to the Tate Modern , known for its art from the early-1900s to the present. Entry to the regular gallery is free; no need to book ahead. But definitely take a sec to read up on the special exhibits. Yes, they cost extra and may require advanced booking, but their spectacular shows will earn you London bragging rights. Expect to spend at least an hour here hunting down Picassos and Dalis and discovering new artists, and add another hour if you’re touring a special exhibit.

EVENING: All’s well that ends well

Start your evening off with a dinner at Swan at the Globe , a chic modern restaurant offering seasonal British dishes and classy cocktails, just a few minutes’ walk from the Tate. An added bonus: It has a great view over the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral , which means you’ll cross yet another attraction off your London sightseeing safari.

Then head next door for a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre , a full-size reproduction of the famous playwright’s original open-air theater. (When you book tickets ahead, make sure they’re for The Globe; it’s easy to accidentally book tickets to The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse instead.) Standing room tickets on the floor are super cheap and super fun—it’s like you’re watching a production back in the 1600s. But after a full day of sightseeing, we understand if you want to rest your feet and sit on a bench. (If you do, spring the extra pound for a cushion.) Even in an open-air theater, the show must go on, as they say, so if the weather looks iffy bring a raincoat (umbrellas aren’t allowed) and enjoy a truly British experience: Shakespeare in the rain.

Know Before You Go

London is bright and bustling June through August, with weather in the mid-70s (though heat waves are getting a bit more common). While May and September are a bit cooler, their budding flowers or falling leaves are a bonus, plus there are fewer crowds. November through February are cool, dark, and even rainier than usual, but travel and hotel rates can be at their cheapest. Dark days are a bit cheerier from mid-November through December, when the city is dotted with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and epic holiday lights.

As a global capital, London tends to keep open hours the whole week long. Most museums are open regular hours seven days a week, though church-related sights are often closed on Sundays. Shops tend to open a little later Sundays, around noon, and some restaurants are closed Sundays and/or Mondays.

Museums and shops in London open around 10, with museums typically closing at 5 or 6 and shops at 7 or 8. Restaurants tend to be open from noon to 9 p.m., though some close between 3 and 5 to make the transition from lunch to dinner. Despite the fact that most Londoners aim for afternoon tea in the hours of 2 to 4 p.m., high-end venues will take reservations for tea time anywhere from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to max out reservations. Pubs tend to open around noon. And don’t expect to do a pub crawl into the late hours—they actually close “early” compared to cocktail bars, usually around 11 p.m.

Covent Garden : Smack-dab in the middle of the action and featured at the end of our Day Two itinerary, Covent Garden is one of the most central locations in London. The Claremont, Charing Cross is an elegant 1865 hotel with chandeliers, marble columns, and a chic cocktail bar, just a few minutes’ walk from tube stops and Trafalgar Square and a 15- to 20-minute walk from both The British Museum and Westminster Abbey.

Westminster : You might not realize how close you are to London hotspots when you’re lounging in St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel ’s classy courtyard with its own fountain, but it’s located right between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. With both the District Line and Circle Line a few minutes’ walk away at St. James Park, even the sights not right outside the front door will feel pretty close.

East End : OK, it’s not as central or scenic, but hotels in the East End are cheaper and closer to attractions like The Tower of London. Travelodge London City Hotel isn’t fancy, but it gets high ratings for covering the basics for a cheap price. Plus, it’s just a four-minute walk to the Circle Line, which means most of London is easily within reach.

Public transportation : The tube, aka London’s underground transit system, is wide-reaching, relatively simple, and always running, with 24/7 service on major lines. That said, trips can add up. A Day Travelcard includes unlimited trips on the tube, trams, and buses within most of central London, and it’s worth it for travelers making three or more trips a day. If you like to linger over your hotel buffet breakfast, an Off-Peak Travel card, which can be used after 9:30 a.m., is an even better deal. The Oyster card is also an option but requires a deposit fee so may not be worth it for shorter visits.

By bike : London is not as bike friendly as other European cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, though there are designated bike lanes in some areas, like the three-mile cycle route running along the river from the Tower of London to Big Ben. If you’re looking to pedal your way around the city, guided bike tours are a good option, such as one that covers London’s Royal Parks or another to see major attractions with stops for art-making and beer .

By taxi : London’s iconic black cabs are super cute, but a word of warning: They tend to be pricey, with fluctuating rates that depend on traffic. And that traffic can also inch along. As of this writing, the ride-share app Uber was running in London, but Lyft was not. London taxis also have their own app: Gett.

Airport transfers : London has six international airports, including City, Luton, Stansted, Southend, and, the two largest, Heathrow and Gatwick.

From Heathrow, the Piccadilly Line on the tube runs directly to Piccadilly Circus in 50 minutes. The faster option is the Heathrow Express rail line , which runs to Paddington Station in just 20 minutes. It’s more expensive than the tube, but it still beats taking a taxi, the priciest option by far and—thanks to traffic—often the slowest. Some hotels also offer hotel bus service—the Heathrow Hotel Hoppa, for example, makes trips to 25 hotels around the city and is as cheap as public transit.

From Gatwick Airport, the 30-minute Gatwick Express is by far the fastest option, running direct to Victoria Station. The ThamesLink train costs half as much but takes twice as long, though it runs to more stations, including Blackfriars, St. Pancras International, and London Bridge. Both depart every fifteen minutes during the day. Buses are the most time-consuming choice, departing hourly and taking at least 90 minutes depending on the stop and time of day. Through easyBus , the National Express runs a bus from Gatwick to Victoria Station for as little as two pounds, but be sure to book ahead online or it could cost as much as the train.

Home » Travel » Destinations » 4 Days in London: Itinerary + Local’s Guide (2024)

4 Days in London: Itinerary + Local’s Guide (2024)

I created this 4 day London itinerary to celebrate my one year anniversary of moving to The Big Smoke. Since then, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the city on my own and playing travel guide for visiting family. And now, I’m sharing my updated guide for spending 4 days in London–along with some insider tips!

From culture to architecture, London beautifully mixes old and new. You can have a traditional afternoon tea in a skyscraper with panoramic views. There are quiet, overgrown ruins surrounded by bustling office buildings.

Even the Changing of the Guard still happens with all the pomp and circumstance of Queen Victoria’s time.

Though you can’t see everything in London in 4 days, this efficient itinerary covers as much ground as possible. It includes the typical touristy stuff along with a few hidden gems to make your visit extra special.

Most of the days are designed as walking tours, so bring your comfiest shoes!

Heads up: this itinerary is detailed and long! Save it now so that you can refer back to it on your trip.

RELATED: A Beautiful Road Trip Itinerary from London to Edinburgh

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Table of Contents

4 Days in London: Know Before You Go

Where to stay in london, the best time to do this 4 day london itinerary, is 4 days in london enough.

• Day 1: Belgravia, Mayfair, Westminster, & Embankment
• Day 2: City of London & Southwark
• Day 3: Notting Hill, Kensington, & Regent’s Park
• Day 4: Hampstead, St Pancras, Bloomsbury, & Covent Garden

Other Ideas for Your 4 Day London Itinerary

Budget-friendly things to do in london, 4 day london itinerary map, where to go next.

FYI, I have an entire guide on London travel tips that covers everything from transport to pub etiquette. But you can find the cliff notes version below.

Estimated Budget for London in 4 Days (excluding transport and accommodation): £300 / $365

England uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP, £), a.k.a. “pounds” or “quid”. Aside from a few sidewalk food carts, I’ve never encountered a place in London that’s cash only. In fact, a growing number of places are becoming cashless.

However, it’s always good to have pounds on hand for leaving tips (just a couple quid will do), as service is not always included in bills. Paper bills don’t start until £5, so it’s best to bring a coin purse for carrying change.

London is a notoriously expensive city, not unlike Paris or NYC. Though there are ways to save money in London (more on that later), expect to pay a premium for hotels, restaurants, and alcohol.

The nice thing about buying stuff in London is that tax is already included. What you see on the tag/menu is what you’ll pay.

Despite the complaints you’ll hear from Londoners, the Underground (a.k.a. “the tube”) is usually a very efficient way to get across the city. Between buses, overground trains, and the tube, you’ll be using public transit a fair amount during this 4 day London itinerary.

While it used to be essential to buy an Oystercard when you first arrived in London, there’s a good chance you can pay for public transit using your own contactless-enabled banking card.

That being said, there’s nothing more awkward (or irritating) than trying to pass through the train/tube gates or boarding the bus with a card that doesn’t work.

For this reason, I suggest getting an Oystercard when you arrive and loading a small amount onto it. That way, you have a fallback plan in case your country’s bank card doesn’t play nice with the Transport for London payment network.

These contactless cards make riding transit a breeze. Simply add money to the card, and tap it on the round yellow readers to pay for your journey. You tap in and out at gates for trains and the tube, but only tap in for buses.

Every London airport, train station, and tube station has an Oyster machine where you can buy a card. The airports have them outside the escalators/elevators to access the underground. Some machines are cash-only, but most accept debit and credit card payments.

When on the tube, please respect the handicap seats nearest the doors. It’s okay to sit here, but if someone who’s handicapped, elderly, or pregnant enters the car, you need to offer up your seat.

A Note About Rush Hour:  From 7-9am and 4-6:30pm, most tube lines are packed with commuters. Riding the tube during rush hour is unpleasant, particular if you’re claustrophobic or new to public transit. Expect there to be standing room only. If you’re hauling a large bag or suitcase, avoid riding the tube during these times.

Also, you should absolutely download the Citymapper app before setting off on your 4 days in London itinerary. It’s great for finding the best public transit routes from point A to B. And it’s updated in real time, so you won’t get caught off guard by delays or closures.

There isn’t one perfect answer to the question of where to stay in London. This itinerary covers a large portion of the city, so the most important thing is to consider your budget.

The city is well-connected by tube, so you don’t need to splurge on a hotel near Buckingham Palace. But you do want to be within a 5-7 minute walk of a decent tube station. Here are a few areas I recommend:

• Notting Hill : If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay, grab a hotel or serviced flat in this neighborhood famous for its colorful homes.
• Paddington : There are tons of hotel options near Paddington Station that will fit any budget.
• South Kensington : This posh area has excellent shops and restaurants, and is on the tube lines for Heathrow Airport and central London.
• Southwark : Located across the river from the Tower of London, Southwark has quality accommodation for reasonable prices.
• Wombat’s City Hostel : This highly-review hostel chain has a great Whitechapel location and fills up fast.

Additionally, there are tons of lovely VRBO apartment options across the capital . They’re the perfect way to get that authentic London life experience (and save some money on dining out)!

From summer blooms to Christmas lights, London is a gorgeous city no matter the season. Here’s a quick summary to help you choose the best time of year to visit London:

• December – February: Christmas cheer and mulled wine in December makes London a popular winter city break in Europe . Temperatures stay around 9°C/48°F. January is dreary, but perfect for those looking to avoid crowds. And February sees London’s shops decked out in elaborate floral displays for Valentine’s Day.
• March – May: Spring is definitely the best time to visit London weather wise, with temperatures around 16°C/60°F. Flowering trees decorate the sidewalks and parks, and the crowds aren’t too bad (aside from the first and last Mondays in May, which are bank holidays).
• June – August: Summer is the worst time to visit London. The weather may be warm (around 23°C/75°F), but the city is packed with tourists. August is especially crowded, being the most popular time for Europeans to take holidays.
• September – November: Visiting London in autumn is an excellent idea. Crowds thin out starting in late September, and autumn leaves arrive in October. Temperatures range from 20°C/68°F to 12°C/53°F, perfect for long walks around the city.

A Note on London’s Weather: London has a reputation for being cold and rainy. But in reality, temperatures are quite pleasant most of the year. And though the rain can be unpredictable, it’s not enough to need rain boots. Opt for a light rain jacket instead of an umbrella, which is very hard to hold when walking down crowded London streets.

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in London, the answer is: as many as possible! I’ve lived here a year and have barely scratched the surface–this city is packed with UK bucket list experiences .

4 days in London is not enough to experience everything the city has to offer. However, you can cover most of the major sights and still get off the beaten path.

This London itinerary is packed full of excursions, but is highly efficient. So, you’ll have time to explore each place without feeling too rushed.

My Favorite London Travel Planning Books

These books win my travel blogger Seal of Approval for vacation planning:

• The Rough Guide to London
• Rick Steves Pocket London
• Fodor’s Essential Great Britain: with the Best of England, Scotland & Wales

Save me for later!

4 Day London Itinerary

Day 1: belgravia, mayfair, westminster, & embankment.

After a long and likely crowded journey into the city, you won’t want to dive right into crowded tourist spots. Instead, you’ll start your 4 day London itinerary in beautiful Belgravia.

Located just west of Victoria Station, Belgravia is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London. It’s also one of the places to find the best gifts from London .

If you follow me on Instagram , you’ll recognize the area’s quintissential London row homes and stunning floral displays.

The best way to get here is via Victoria Station . After arriving by train or tube, use the western exit towards Grosvenor Gardens.

There are no real sightseeing spots here, but there are several places you won’t want to miss on your Belgravia walking tour:

• Peggy Porschen’s pink, flowery facade   is probably the most Instagrammed spot in London. If you were hoping to try their famous treats, expect a long line.
• Moyses Stevens Flowers is beautifully decorated inside and out. Every few months, they update their door display with eye-popping flowers.
• Halkin Mews looks lovely year round, but spring and summer blooms make this street pop. Please be quiet and respectful of the residents when you visit.
• Orange Square  is the heart of the neighborhood, with weekly markets and locally owned shops.
• Wilton Crescent is a curving row of stately homes that’s very similar to the Royal Crescent in Bath.

Once you’ve finished exploring Belgravia, walk north to Hyde Park.

Hyde Park is a massive green space in the heart of London. Here, you’ll find families having picnics, horses trotting along the trails, and pedal boats drifting along the Serpentine.

Don’t try to see the entire park, because you won’t have enough time. Instead, stick to the eastern half, which includes the unique Princess Diana Memorial Fountain .

If you’re visiting London in winter, Hyde Park will be a very different place. December sees the place transformed into Winter Wonderland, complete with an ice rink and carnival rides.

After your stroll, head east through the Wellington Arch towards Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace

After a laid back taste of London life, it’s time to visit the most tourist-heavy place in the city.

For most of the year, Buckingham Palace is closed to the public. So, this stop on the London itinerary is mostly just to see the outside and snap a few photos.

However, from late July through September, Buckingham Palace opens its doors. Tickets must be booked in advance for a designated time slot. Prices start at £30 for the general tour, and £56 for the more extensive “Royal Day Out”.

You can book your tickets online and have them delivered to you. Or, you can print your ticket voucher and exchange them onsite. However, using the voucher method means waiting in a (sometimes) long queue, which steals valuable time out of your 4 days in London.

If you do decide to tour Buckingham Palace, you’ll need at least 90 minutes. Consider skipping one of the parks on today’s itinerary to make up on time.

Changing of the Guard: If you want to catch the ceremony, you’ll need to tweak this itinerary. Due to the timing, you’ll want to visit Buckingham Palace before Hyde Park. Get to the golden Victoria Memorial by 10:30am for the best view of the parade and the changing of the old guard to the new. Then, climb the monument steps so you can see over the crowds.

St. James’s Park

Just opposite of Buckingham Palace is the regal St. James’s Park. Follow east along the lake path, where hundreds of ducks, geese, and swans hang out in the flowers and foliage.

Don’t miss the ultra-charming Duck Island Cottage and view towards 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister’s residence) before exiting toward the Horse Guards Parade. Most tourists miss this lovely piece of architecture, which houses the Royal Horse Guard.

Walk though the open parade grounds and towards Whitehall Street, and turn left to reach Trafalgar Square.

Trafalgar Square & The National Gallery

No matter the time of day, Trafalgar Square pulses with energy. You’ll find people resting on the steps of the National Gallery , meeting friends by the fountains, and passing through to reach Charing Cross station.

Don’t sleep on the National Gallery–it’s home to jaw-dropping paintings and organized by period, so you can quickly navigate to the Dutch masters, Impressionists, or any other style that speaks to your sensibilities.

Enjoy the monuments on your way out before heading south to Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey & Big Ben

Whether you’re an architecture lover, history buff, or literature fan, Westminster Abbey is a must see. This Gothic masterpiece has been hosting England’s coronations and royal weddings for nearly 1,000 years.

And it’s also the final resting place of the country’s most famous figures, including Elizabeth I, Sir Isaac Newton, and Charles Dickens.

Because of long queue times, I highly suggest buying advance tickets online .

However, if you’re starting this London itinerary on a Wednesday, you can score a “Wednesday Lates” admission for £13 from 4:30-7pm in person (last entry is at 6pm).

Just next to the abbey sit the Houses of Parliament, known officially as the Palace of Westminster. This ornate building is the oldest royal palace in London, and it’s clock tower (now named Elizabeth Tower) houses the much-beloved and world-famous Big Ben clock.

While it’s possible to tour the Houses of Parliament on certain days, there’s not much time to squeeze it into this 4 day London itinerary. Instead, we’ll admire the buildings from the outside and possibly experience the chiming of the bells.

Embankment & The London Eye

Wrap up your first of four days in London with an evening stroll along the Thames and a birds-eye view of the city.

From the north side of Embankment, you’ll have great views of the London Eye and other parts of the London skyline. You can walk as far as you’d like, as there are numerous tube and train stations along the way.

Depending on the time, you could also pop over to the outdoor Southbank Centre Book Market to pick up some books set in London .

Crossing over the Thames via the Golden Jubilee footbridge will bring you to the iconic London Eye. I used to think a ride on the Eye was a touristy gimmick, but after experiencing it myself, I now believe it’s a fun experience and a cool way to see the city’s famous landmarks.

I strongly recommend booking your London Eye tickets in advance , as this gives you an exact timeslot that you can change online for free (once). The queues for same-day tickets are always long, so you’ll waste precious time if you don’t buy them online.

And when you get hungry for dinner, there are great pubs and restaurants near Waterloo Station. I highly recommend OK AN if you like Japanese food.

Day 2: City of London & Southwark

Leadenhall market.

Harry Potter fans will recognize Leadenhall Market as a filming location for Diagon Alley.

Walking through this covered Victorian market is like stepping through time. One look around, and you’ll realize that coming here is one of the best non touristy things to do in London .

Though the architecture is old, Leadenhall Market’s shops are a mix of modern and historic. Most places don’t open until after 10am, but a morning visit makes photographing the area much easier.

Exit the market east towards Fenchurch Ave, and look on your right for the sleek modern entrance to The Garden at 120.

The Garden at 120

First opened in February 2019, the Garden at 120 is London’s newest public rooftop with a view. Unlike the Sky Garden, you don’t need a reservation for these amazing and free panoramic views of London.

Visiting hours start at 10am, and you’ll need to pass through security before heading up the elevator.

Currently, there’s nothing on the roof but benches and plants, but there are future plans to open a bar and restaurant. However, it’s still an essential stop on your 4 days in London itinerary thanks to the unique views of the city’s famous landmarks.

From here, head back down the elevator and walk south to reach the Tower of London.

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

I’ll be honest: the Tower of London is one step removed from a tourist trap. Even the yeoman warders aren’t afraid to admit it. And yet, despite the cost and the crowds and the guided tours (which I usually hate), the Tower of London is pretty fantastic.

While you can explore the place yourself, I think the free Yeoman Warder tours are excellent.

These folks are more than tour guides: they actively served in the British military before being awarded a post at the Tower. And if you’re lucky enough to get Billy, you’ll get a dose of history mixed with plenty of sarcastic English humor.

If you buy tickets in advance online , you can skip the long line and head straight for the ticket exchange counter. The queue for buying tickets at the gate can get extremely long!

After touring the Tower, head south and cross the Thames via the epic Tower Bridge. Once across, there’s a waterside pedestrian path that leads west towards the Globe Theatre.

Shakespeare’s Globe

It would be crazy to visit London without at least walking past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Though the original burned down a long time ago, this authentic replica is a must see.

If you do opt for a tour, it’s best to book ahead online . It takes about 30 minutes for the guided tour, and another 45 minutes to see the exhibition.

Borough Market

Foodies will rejoice at Borough Market, where local vendors sell everything from artisanal truffles to exotic spices. There are restaurants all along the outside, with food stalls mixed throughout the space. I highly recommend the paella and the pie stand.

Many places are cash only, so bring plenty of quid if you want to eat and shop. The market is open every day except Sundays, though some stalls are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s is my favorite place in all of London. It miraculously survived the WWII bombings, and stands as a symbol of hope and resilience.

The building is gorgeous inside and out, with ceiling frescoes, golden accents, and ornate doors. It’s also the final resting place of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Christopher Wren, the famous London architect.

One thing not many tourists realize is that you can actually climb the dome for stunning views over London. It’s over 500 steps to the top, but there are a few stopping points along the way, including a Whispering Gallery.

St. Paul’s last entry time is 4pm, so don’t wait too late for your visit.

You can buy advanced tickets online and save £3 off the £20 door price. Online tickets also give you fast track entry, and you can enter any time during the day.

Also, photography inside the building is forbidden.

One New Change

One New Change is the perfect example of London’s blend of old and new.

Sitting just across from St. Paul’s, the building’s glass walls beautifully reflect the cathedral. And for more lovely city views, head up the elevator to the public rooftop. It’s an incredible place to watch the sunset–free of charge!

One New Change and the surrounding area is packed with shops and restaurants, so you won’t have any trouble finding dinner here. If you’re keen to splurge, I suggest Enoteca da Luca–they have two locations nearby.

Day 3: Notting Hill, Kensington, & Regent’s Park

Notting hill.

Thanks to the eponymous film and Instagram, exploring Notting Hill is one of the most popular things to do in London for first timers.

Most people come here for the brightly colored row homes and famous Portobello Road market. But there’s more to see if you know where to look.

Starting from Ladbroke Grove tube station, here are some highlights and hidden gems to see on your walking tour of Notting Hill:

• St. Luke’s Mews might be the prettiest residences in all of London, with pastel painted homes and cobblestone pavers.
• Lancaster Road is home to the iconic row of bold, colorful houses you often see in photos of Notting Hill.
• Ladbroke Walk is one vibrant strip of cute homes that hasn’t been overrun by Instagrammers (yet).
• Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antique market, with stalls and brick-and-mortar shops lining both sides of the road. On Fridays and Saturdays, international food stalls sell everything from Peruvian sandwiches to Jamaican jerk chicken.
• The Prince Edward pub caters to locals and tourists alike, with tasty food and fun bookshelf print wallpaper.
• The Churchill Arms knows how to show off: this pub’s facade is always decked out in florals, and boasts dozens of tiny Christmas trees in December.

Photography in Notting Hill: When taking photos of Notting Hill’s colorful streets, please be respectful. At no point should you trespass on someone’s property (i.e. go on their porch, sit on the steps, etc.).

Once you’ve finished exploring the area, head to Notting Hill Gate station and take the Circle line to South Kensington station.

Exhibition Road

Perhaps the greatest thing about London is the collection of amazing, free admission museums. And the three best ones are all right next to one another!

• The Natural History Musuem –a.k.a. “the cathedral to nature”–has everything from animatronic dinosaurs to massive diamonds.
• The Science Museum is very hands-on, with exhibits ranging from the human body to space flight.
• The Victoria & Albert Museum showcases global international design, including jewelry, furniture, and even appliances.

Once you’ve had your fill of culture, head back to South Kensington station. Take the Picadilly Line towards Cockfosters. Then, change for the northbound Bakerloo Line at Picadilly Circus Station. You’ll get off at Regent’s Park Station.

Regent’s Park

After the long day, you’ll be ready to relax in Regent’s Park. This regal spot is lovely year round, but really shines in summer when Queen Mary’s rose garden is in full bloom.

If somehow you’re not utterly exhausted, you can walk up to Primrose Hill for stunning views of the London skyline.

Day 4: Hampstead, St Pancras, Bloomsbury, & Covent Garden

Hampstead village.

Before your four days in London are up, you should get a taste of village life. Hampstead is so charming, you’ll wonder if you’re still in the city.

Much like Belgravia, there’s no specific sightseeing to be done here. Instead, take a leisurely stroll through the alleys and up the high street.

Here are a few must see places for your Hampstead walking tour:

• Visit  Kape Barako for coffee served from a converted red telephone booth.
• Head down photo-worthy  Perrin’s Lane and Flask Walk for picturesque storefronts and cafes.
• Take in the garden views and Edwardian charm of  Burgh House , which also serves as the Hampstead museum.

When you’ve had your fill of village charm, walk north along the stately Downshire Hill to reach Hampstead Heath.

Hampsted Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of London’s biggest green spaces. Walking trails wind through forests and fields, and residents use the public bathing ponds year-round.

Dracula fans may recognize Hampstead Heath as one of the places where Lucy did her “hunting”. It’s a must visit if you’re traveling to London in the fall–even if you care more for foilage than vampires.

Don’t miss the Parliament Hill viewpoint for sweeping views over London.

After your walk, check Google Maps/Citymapper for the optimal route to the British Library. Depending on where you come out of Hampstead Heath, a bus might be the best option.

British Library

If you love literature, you will be elated to see the British Library’s Treasure Room. It’s home to a Gutenberg Bible, an original Shakespeare folio, and personal diaries of celebrated authors like Jane Austen.

There are also ancient copies of the Quran, Japanese scrolls, and handwritten notes from famous composers.

Once you’ve finished, cross the street and head south along Cartwright Gardens. Turn right on Bernard Street and follow it along Russel Square to reach the British Museum.

British Museum

Exploring the British Museum’s first floor is like being in a rich old man’s library. The original exhibition space is packed floor to ceiling with artifacts, sculptures, preserved creatures… It’s truly a marvel to behold.

This place is utterly massive, with exhibits organized by continent. You cannot hope to see it all in one afternoon, so don’t bother trying. Admission is free, so just visit the regions you find most interesting.

When you’re done exploring, head south along Museum Street until you enter the neighborhood of Covent Garden.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a vibrant area packed to the brim with stores and restaurants. Frankly, you could spend all day here and still not see everything.

Even if you’re not a big spender, there’s plenty to see and do. Here are some of the area’s highlights:

• Check out the 7 radiating streets of  Seven Dials, which looks extra festive at Christmas.
• Neal’s Yard is an ultra-colorful courtyard of hip shops and restaurants.
• Covent Garden’s covered market is beautiful all year, but it becomes the most stunning place in London in December (see above photo)
• Architecture fans will enjoy  The Royal Opera House’s menagerie-looking glass entrance.
• Rules is one of London’s swankiest and oldest restaurants, complete with candlelit tables and pricey British fare.
• Grab a drink at the  Lamb & Flag, an 18th century pub frequented by Charles Dickens.

If you couldn’t tell from the pictures, Covent Garden really comes alive during the holiday season. From early November through December, you’ll find the shops, restaurants, and market area decked out in Christmas finery.

Although this itinerary covers loads of London’s highlights and hidden gems, there may be a few spots that aren’t to your taste. No worries!

Here are some other excellent ways to spend your 4 days in London:

Department Stores

Even if you aren’t flush with cash, (window) shopping at London’s posh department stores is still a fun experience.

Most people know about Harrod’s with its marble floors and ultra-rich clientiele. Selfridges is another snazzy spot (though a bit less touristy than the former).

But I’ve recently fallen in love with Mayfair’s Liberty London. The building itself is gorgeous, with a half-timbered facade and an airy, wooden interior built around a central atrium. While most of their wares are on the pricey side, it’s an absolute wonderland if you’re into interior design and homewares.

Kew Gardens

Fans of gardening, flowers, or nature in general will have a blast a Kew Gardens.

At more than 300 acres, it has everything from multi-story glass greenhouses to an 18th century cottage plucked straight from a fairytale. Every season has something special on offer, from the spring bluebell fields to the brilliant autumn foliage at the Japanese garden.

Hampton Court Palace

If you’re into palaces, British History, or Bridgerton , a visit to Hampton Court is a must. Built in the 1500s, it served as home to Henry VIII and his many ill-fated wives and was continually expanded by future royals to become the grand location we see today.

Its Great Hall, Chapel, and Fountain Court are the major highlights, along with the manicured grounds complete with water features and conical trees.

I always book my tickets in advance to save time at entry, as Hampton Court is very popular with tourists and school groups alike.

London Cable Car

The London Eye isn’t the only place to get a moving birds-eye view of the city. You can criss-cross the Thames for cheap via the London Cable Car gondola, which is now sponsored by IFS Cloud.

The line connects the Royal Docks to Greenwich Peninsula, and you can hop on with a tap of your Oyster or contactless card. While it is a bit out of the way from the rest of this itinerary’s activities, it’s much faster to reach thanks to the new Elizabeth Line (or you can take the Thames Clipper from central London).

Plays and Performances

London is positively brimming with opportunities to catch performances of all sorts. Whether you’re after a play at Victoria Palace, a symphony at the Royal Albert Hall, or a rock concert at a small basement venue in Islington, you’re spoilt for choice any day of the week.

Summertime visitors who like classical music should absolutely look into The Proms, which is a century-old tradition of performances running from mid-July to early September. It’s a great time to catch a world-class performance of beloved works.

Afternoon Tea & Sunday Roast

If London is your only stop in the UK, make an effort to try one of the country’s two classic meals: afternoon tea or Sunday roast.

Afternoon tea is traditionally comprised of finger sandwiches (and perhaps a few other savory items), a few bite-sized sweet pastries, scones with jam and clotted cream, and your choice of tea.

Some venues have add-ons like champagne or a larger savory dish, while other places have full-on themed menus like the Charlie & The Chocolate Factory tea at One Aldwych (this was a hit with our young nephews).

There are loads of places to get afternoon tea in London, but if you want a quality experience without a hefty pricetag, I recommend booking tea at a nice hotel. My favorite so far has been the Haymarket Hotel , which is about 40% cheaper per person than the famous spots like Fortnum & Mason or The Savoy.

If your four days in London coincide with a Sunday, try booking in at a local pub for Sunday roast. A heaping pile of roasted veggies and meats (or vegan-friendly bakes) served alongside crisp Yorkshire pudding and gravy… What more can you ask for?

If you’re traveling to London on a budget, you’re in luck! There are plenty of fun free things to do in London that you can substitute for this itinerary’s paid activities. Here are some suggestions for how to save money in London as a tourist:

• Take advantage of more amazing free museums. Some of my favorites include the National Gallery , Tate Britain , and National Maritime Museum .
• Know where to get delicious budget-friendly restaurants in London , from Pret A Manger sandwiches to Indian curry.
• Find free events and festivals to attend around the city.
• Check out the unique skyline and street art of Shoreditch, one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods.
• Explore the stunning grounds of Richmond Park, where wild deer roam free.
• Skip the high street boutiques and do your shopping at London’s thrift markets, from vintage find at Portobello Road to bohemian Brick Lane.

Click here to access the full interactive map!

• Check out this list of 21 day trips from London by train for tons of easy excursions from the city!
• Stonehenge: This ancient wonder of the world is just outside of London, and you can use my guide to see Stonehenge for free !
• Cotswolds: Home to England’s most picturesque villages, it’s easy to take a day trip to the Cotswolds from London.
• Lake District: Swap the bustling city for stunning natural landscapes, from a scenic hike in Latrigg to a romantic break in Buttermere .
• Edinburgh: Take a 90 minute flight or overnight train from London to Edinburgh, where you can spend 2 days exploring castles and cobblestone streets.

19 thoughts on “4 Days in London: Itinerary + Local’s Guide (2024)”

One place our friends, family and other visitors love is Camden Market. That can easily become a full day trip!

After moving to the UK in 2004, we live about an hour and a half from London by car & train, and visit often (one daughter lived there for 7 years), but we still have only scratched the surface of London.

Thanks for the recommendation, Jerry! Camden Market was one of the first places we visited in London, and you’re right that there’s so much to see, do, and eat there. I especially loved the crepe cart.

As a Brit (though a Northerner) I have visited London many times, but still not seen half the things on your comprehensive itinerary. I’ll just have to go again!

Thanks Alizon! I hope you can come back for a visit, especially now that spring blooms are filling the sidewalks.

I loved London and am hoping to visit again soon. I went in March and though it was raining, it was a great time to go. I’d love to see the wisteria bloom next time!

I am eagerly awaiting wisteria season! There are so many brunch spots and houses with beautiful hanging vines.

This is an incredible itinerary – don’t think I could come up with a better one myself, haha! I’ve never been to Hampstead so I’ll have to check that out, it looks lovely. Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill are both supposed to have great views of London, and I haven’t been to either! I need to get myself back to Portobello Road too, it’s been a long time since I’ve been there. Btw I am in LOVE with your photo of St Paul’s!

Thanks so much! You’re right that both Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill offer beautiful views of the London skyline, especially at sunrise and sunset. I love how One New Change reflects St. Paul’s dome 🙂

Thanks, Chelsea I enjoyed your content very much. When I was on my trip to London, I visited first to the convent and then Camden both are near to my Best Western hotel London. There are many things to do and it is the most amazing place to visit.

Thank you James! London is the city that keeps on giving. There are endless things to see and do, and I hope you get to come back soon for more adventure.

Hello Chelsea, Thanks a lot for sharing such an informative post. Last year on the month of December I visited London with my family and I can definitely say London is one of the best places I would love to visit again and again. Thanks a lot again.

Hi portable wife, ? In less than 20 hours we will start our 4-days-trip to London. Not our first one but it is plenty of years ago. Thank you for all the wonderful places you recommend. After our trip I will let you know what we could manage to see. I copied all your writing and hope we can see and enjoy as much as possible. Thanks again we are looking forward. You‘ve done a great job. Fridi and Eric from Switzerland

Thanks so much Fridi and Eric! I hope you had a wonderful visit to London. Christmas and NYE is always a fun time to be in the city.

Thanks so much for this! I’m headed to London for 4 days and Paris for 3 this May. So excited but overwhelmed, I’m finding a ton of useful information in your posts 😊

I’m happy I could help, Laura! London and Paris in the spring are both lovely. I hope you have a great trip!

Wow just wonderful travelling by myself so helpful thank you

This was amazing! Thank you sooooo much!! You have made my life so much easier with this itinerary! Bless you!

Thank you for your post. Taking hubby and youngest two (of four) 25 yr old adult children…and a bit overwhelmed as my mode of travel has gone from hostelling and backpacking alone to trying to meet demands of a less flexible group on a budget!! Your guide will keep me focused and sane! Thank you, Lynda

Thanks Lynda, I hope you all have a wonderful time!

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The best day trips from London

Whether you’re after a seaside jaunt or a country retreat, here are the best trips from London we’re planning right now

If you're fed up with city life, it's tempting to daydream about a leisurely fortnight somewhere deliciously hot and exotic. But your great escape doesn't have to be quite so involved, or spendy. You can microdose that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London: historic cities, cute villages, sandy beaches, we've got 'em all.

Planning a quick getaway? Here’s some fuel for your own day(trip)dreams. These are 17 of our favourite day-tripping spots, complete with cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to London to get there and back in one glorious day. Or keep things even simpler with a trip to this city's best   beer gardens ,   green spaces   or   rooftop bars . 

RECOMMENDED: 101 incredible things to do in London instead RECOMMENDED: the best Airbnbs near London RECOMMENDED: Quirky Airbnbs in the UK

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17 dreamy day trips from London

1.  The New Forest

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath you’ll be watched the famous ponies, which have grazed there for thousands of years, plus free-ranging Highland cattle and pigs hoovering up fallen acorns. Don’t fancy being stuck in the car all day? Hire a two-seater electric Twizzy buggy to explore in, or book a beginners’ hack at one of the stables. Don’t forget to make time for a proper ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham.

How far? 90 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst; around two hours by car. Just remember that animals, not drivers, have right of way here.

2.  Deal

Though it might not get shouted about the way Margate and Whitstable do, Deal ticks all the day-trip boxes with its quaint rows of Georgian houses, unique boutiques and well-loved Saturday market. Kick things off at Deal Castle (built by Henry VIII as part of an ambitious chain of coastal forts), then treat yourself to lunch at 81 Beach Street or Victuals & Co. Parisian-style bottle shop Le Pinardier is great for stocking up on gluggable goodies, and make sure you stop by gallery-cum-homewares boutique Taylor-Jones & Son, where Delilah the sheepdog will welcome you with open paws.

How far? Just over 80 miles

Get there One hour 20 minutes b y train from St Pancras International; around two hours by car. 

3.  Box Hill

Biking to green and pleasant Surrey is a wheely nice way to spend a Sunday (sorry) – plus, Box Hill was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. Start in Richmond Park and pedal down past Hampton Court – it should take you about two hours. After a 1.6 mile climb and some hairpin bends (easier than it sounds!), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the North Downs from the top of Box Hill. Grab a slice of cake from the National Trust café, and save space for lunch at The Tree, which serves homemade pies and crumbles. Your last stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can load your bikes on to a train back to Waterloo. Whew!

How far? 30 miles

Get there  Two hours by bike (obviously). Plan the route carefully before you set out, and take a map and a puncture repair kit, plus water and snacks.

4.  Dungeness

Dungeness’s shingly, shipwreck-dotted beach is so spookily empty that it’s been described as Britain’s only desert (though the Met Office refuses to technically recognise it as such, the party-poopers). But look a little closer and there’s plenty going on. It’s a nature reserve, for one thing. Follow the two-mile trail around RSPB Dungeness for the chance to glimpse glossy ibises and marsh harriers. Come lunchtime, queue up at the famous Dungeness Snack Shack: they’ll serve you their catch of the day in a warm bun, plus lobster and crab rolls or smoked cod chowder. Finally, go in search of the huge concrete ‘sound mirrors’, which date from the First World War and were designed to listen out for planes.

How far? 86 miles

Get there O ne hour  by train from St Pancras International to Folkstone, with a one-hour 30-minute bus ride to Dungeness; around two hours by car. 

5.  Hastings

From the battleground of William the Conqueror’s victory in 1066 to its role as an eighteenth-century smuggling hotspot, Hastings has a lot of colourful history. So it makes total sense that London’s sunseekers have been flocking like seagulls to this town for centuries.

Learn more about the town’s rich history by exploring the beautiful ruins of its Norman castle or paying a visit to Smugglers Adventure (a museum housed in former smugglers’ caves). Browse the independent shops in picturesque Old Town, stroll along the pier, and definitely just take some time to admire the views from the clifftop at the summit of Britain’s steepest funicular, the Hill Cliff Railway. 

How far? 54 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from London Bridge; around two hours by car.

6.  Mersea Island

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods (and pub quizzers, take note: this is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island), Mersea feels properly remote at high tide. The big draw is The Company Shed, which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It’s BYOB – bring your own bread – and they don’t take bookings, so get there before noon to make sure you can feast on prawns, smoked fish, oysters and dressed crab. Speaking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is encouraged – there are specially marked areas near the water, and shops selling the kit. Or you can book a boat trip around the bay.

How far? 69 miles

Get there  One hour by train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, then a 45-minute bus to Mersea Island; around two hours by car. D on’t forget to check the tide timetable before you set off...

7.  Whitstable

It’s hard to think of a lovelier seaside spot than Whitstable. Kick off a day there at Blueprint Coffee and Books with a pot of something strong and ethically sourced (and maybe a mini orange-and-rosemary bundt cake). Next, rent a bike from Whitstable Cycle Hire and pedal your way along the five-mile seafront Oyster Bay Trail. And for lunch? Oysters, of course – watch them being shucked in front of you at The Forge. Stay on the beach for a drink as the sun sets: Whitstable is one of the few in the UK with a pub, the Old Neptune, right on the shingle.

How far? 61 miles

Get there One hour 20 minutes by train from Victoria or one hour 10 minutes from St Pancras International to Whitstable; around one hour 40 minutes by car.

8.  Rye

The antique shops and higgledy-piggledy cobbled lanes of Rye make it feel like a little slice of the Cotswolds on the coast. After you’ve satisfactorily browsed around the accurately named Tiny Book Store, treat yourself to a seafood lunch surrounded by lobster pots at Globe Inn Marsh, followed by Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. The Chapel Down vineyard is just up the road and well worth a visit if you want to know the ins and outs of wine-making – or simply enjoy a tipple with their signature wine tasting. Ten minutes away are the pillowy dunes of Camber Sands: roll your trousers up and splash through the shallows, take a kite for a spin or just park your towel and stretch out.

How far? 79 miles.

Get there  One hour 10 minutes by train from St Pancras International (with a change at Ashford); around two hours by car. 

9.  Margate

The Kent coastal town of Margate is awash with cold-brew coffee and craft beer, with enough salty charm to help you weather gusty sea winds. Start at the Turner Contemporary gallery, then mosey over to retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland. Once the effects of the waltzer have worn off, head to Hantverk & Found for a lunch of fresh seafood and natural wines. Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping: snap up stunning vintage pieces in Breuer & Dawson, and seaweed-based skincare at Haeckels.

How far? 76 miles

Get there  One hour 25 minutes by train from St Pancras International; around two hours by car. 

10.  Bath

A glorious water-themed day awaits you in the city of Bath. Start as you mean to go on with a tour of the Romans baths (no paddling allowed, you’ve been warned), before making a splash in the Thermae Bath Spa – the rooftop pool has stunning views of the city. Once you’ve dried off, make like Jane Austen and stroll along the Royal Crescent. Peckish? Sally Lunn’s teahouse is home to the Sally Lunn Bun, a kind of sweet brioche bap – for a Bath take on the cream tea, order one toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

How far? 115 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington; two hours 30 minutes by car. 

11.  Brighton

With its pebble beach, wall-to-wall live music venues and buzzing LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere better for topping up your Vitamin Sea levels than Brighton. Start your day by dodging seagulls on the Palace Pier, then shop up a storm in the Lanes, which are packed with independent boutiques, record stores and vegan eateries. Sit down with a couple of pints in the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which champions small Sussex breweries like the Hand Brew Co.

How far?  A little over 50 miles

Get there One hour by train from Victoria, Blackfriars or London Bridge; around two hours by car. 

12.  Canterbury

In Chaucer’s day, this was where people came for a big old religious knees-up. Today, Canterbury is a little more sedate, but its large student population means there’s still a pleasingly rowdy edge. Kick things off with a leisurely stroll down the King’s Mile, home to boutiques aplenty. Lunchwise you’re spoilt for choice, from gourmet scotch eggs with slaw and fries at Pork & Co, bento boxes at Tamago or pizza straight from the oven at indoor farmers’ market The Goods Shed. Round off your very own Canterbury tale with a visit to the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, which features one of the world’s most important collections of cow paintings and a mummified  Egyptian cat.

Get there  One hour by train from St Pancras International; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

13.  Guildford

Heads up, horror fans: Guildford’s cathedral stars in cult bone-chiller ‘ The Omen’ . That said, everything else about Surrey’s county town is bucolic in the extreme: if it’s sunny you can lounge beside the water at pretty Dapdune Wharf, or actually get in it at the Guildford Lido. Lunch on locally sourced nacho boxes at Burrito Loco, before checking out the 400-year-old Star Inn. Still thirsty? Hop on a train to tour the nearby Hogs Back Brewery.

How far? 31 miles

Get there  30 minutes by train from Waterloo; around one hour by car.

14.  Southend-on-Sea

For nostalgic seaside fun, you could do much worse than Southend. From amusement parks, fairground rides and the world’s longest pier (it has a train running along it) to old-school chippies and retro ice-cream parlour Tomassi’s, the place has all the typical trappings of a vintage seaside town. On top of that it boasts some ambitious eateries , like fine-dining joint Aurum and gastropub The Pipe of Port, plus a burgeoning creative scene spearheaded by Focal Point Gallery and the annual Village Green music and arts festival. 

How far? 36 miles

Get there  One  hour 15 minutes by train from Fenchurch Street; two hours by car.

15.  Cambridge

Quieter, smaller and (whisper it) prettier than Oxford, Cambridge has plenty to keep you entertained. A visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum is a fine way to start your trip, followed by a bite at Fitzbillies. Make sure to buy a box of the sticky chelsea buns to take home. Spend a couple of hours wandering around the colleges and King’s Chapel before taking to the river for a spot of punting: behatted guides will do the hard work, or you can hire a boat of your own (it’s trickier than it looks: you’ve been warned). Come teatime, head for Grantchester and feast on scones in The Orchard Tea Gardens, just like poet Rupert Brooke.

How far? 64 miles

Get there  45 minutes by train from King’s Cross; one hour ten minutes from Liverpool Street; around two hours by car. 

16.  Chichester

Dinky, pastel-coloured Chichester looks like it’s built of macarons – but it’s more than just a pretty face. Start at the Norman-meets-Gothic cathedral before moving on to the Pallant House Gallery, home to brilliantly curated exhibitions, a first-class bookshop and a courtyard café that gives Rochelle Canteen a run for its money. Some of the best bits of Sussex are an easy drive (or, if you’re feeling full of beans, a slightly less easy bike ride) away, from the Goodwood Estate to West Dean Gardens and the gorgeous sandy beach at West Wittering.

How far? 80 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes from Victoria; around two hours by car. Car is best, so you can really explore. 

17.  Stratford-upon-Avon

The Bard, of course, is the big draw here, and Shakespeare’s house, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the RSC’s famous theatre are all must-sees. But Stratford is more than just a Tudor Disneyland, we promise. Take a boat tour of the canal basin to find out more about the West Midlands waterways, refresh yourselves in the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern and stop for a scoop of Eton mess ice cream at Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen. 

How far? 104 miles

Get there T wo hours 15 minutes  by train from Marylebone; around two hours by car. 

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4 days in London itinerary: Plan a trip to London 4 days

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Cosmopolitan – cultural – (sometimes) crazy, that is London for you! If you’re thinking of spending 4 days in London itinerary, you’re in for a treat! 

A London 4-day itinerary will be full of history, culture, and an endless array of things to do. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, there’s something for everyone in London. And with a vibrant nightlife and dining scene, you’ll never be bored. 

So start planning your trip and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

4 days in London itinerary: Plan a trip to London for 4 days

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Planning your trip to London: London Travel Tips

Planning a trip to an iconic European city like London might be overwhelming, and to fit everything in four days is also difficult, and it’s understandable why. The bustling metropolis of the British Capital City is literally overflowing with things to see, making it all the more bewildering if you’re a first-time visitor.

So how do you fit everything that London has to offer in 4 days? Choose only activities that interest you (musuems, shopping, attractions, etc.) and keep a few hours each day to enjoy green parks, walks, and dining. 

We have tried to include the must-do London bucket list experiences , a day of museums (we picked history museums, but we also got natural and art museums on this list), afternoon tea, and shopping!

4 day London Itinerary: Snapshot

Day 1 of 4 day London itinerary: Arrive in London, visit Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, explore Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, West End

Day 2 of 4 days in london itinerary: national gallery, trafalgar square, hop on and hop off tour, london south bank, big ben, houses of parliament, westminster abbey, london eye, churchill war rooms, night tour of london (optional).

• Day 3 of 4 days in London itinerary : Day of museums (Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum), Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square
• Day 4 of London 4 day itinerary : Imperial War Museum, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Afternoon Tea Cruise, Sky Garden, Dinner at an old English pub

Getting to London, United Kingdom: 

London has six major airports: London City Airport, Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport, London Luton Airport, London Stansted Airport, and London Southend Airport.

When traveling from North America or Asia, Heathrow and Gatwick are your best options, considering flight deals and frequencies. We have stopped at Heathrow many times, so you know that makes London an excellent stopover destination. 

For our first trip to London, we flew from Toronto, Canada to Gatwick, London. We booked a transfer from Gatwick to London Victoria Coach Station via National Express. You can take the train as well. We had some luggage and just preferred a coach for comfort. 

Travel and commute in London: 

So we walked a LOT in London and used public transportation only a few times. 

Depending on where you stay during your 4 day London trip, you may need a London City Pass, which includes transportation for 1 to 6, and 10 days along with a sightseeing bus tour and access to attractions like the Tower of London, London Zoo, Windsor Castle, and more. 

So essentially London Pass is a transport, sightseeing, and hop on and hop off ticket – all bundled into one. We found this pass useful for savings on attractions tickets and the one-day sightseeing tour. You can purchase your ticket here.

The 48-hour hop-on and off tour is handy – night or day. The nighttime tour is worth it – to relax and enjoy sightseeing after a day of museum hopping!

Without the London Pass , an affordable and convenient way of using public transportation to get around the city is by buying the Visitor Oyster Card London. 

It is valid for travel on the overground and underground network in Docklands, on the tube, buses, and trams, the Emirates cable car, the Thames River Ferry, and on many National Rail Trains.

Where to stay in London for first-time visitors?

As you prepare for your trip to London, you will need to plan well. Since you are visiting for the first time, it is important to choose a hotel that is centrally located. Doing so will also allow you to take trains or coaches to places nearby and explore more of England. 

We did a lot of research and found the Victoria Coach station area perfect for us. We stayed in a friendly and clean 3-star property (and there were many in the neighborhood), and attractions like Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, transportation, and restaurants were located within walking distance. 

Our second and third area options include Covent Garden and Mayfair, as they enjoy a prime location and offer a wide range of accommodation to choose from. Covent Garden is home to the London Transport Museum, and The Royal Opera House.

Here are some of the top picks: 

• Sidney Victoria Hotel: This is a reasonably priced hotel in the heart of London, near the Victoria Coach and train station. We stayed here in a room with street views and loved it. The suite was clean and comfortable, and we walked to attractions like Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, and restaurants. Note that the rooms are a bit small though, but also affordable. Click to view hotel room availability here
• Club Quarters Hotel Trafalgar Square: This is a nice 4 star property located near Trafalgar Square. This is perfect as you are in the midst of tons of shopping, and fun dining options. There are attractions also near the Square, and you can walk to museums as well as Buckingham Palace (like we did). Click to view photos and availability
• Marriott Grosvenor Square: This luxury Marriott property is only a few minutes away from many tube stations and Bond Street. It is located in the Mayfair area – great access to sightseeing and restaurants. Book your stay here

Now, here’s our recommended 4 day London itinerary 

This London itinerary assumes that you are in the city the night before, allowing you to enjoy the four full days. 

If you are arriving on day 1, in either of these airports, – Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, or Stansted, set aside the first half of the day for arrival, getting to your centrally located hotel, and then sightseeing.

We recommend staying in and around the Victoria Station and then walking to Buckingham Palace and nearby parks. You can skip the Kensington Palace on day one if you are pressed for time. 

Also, note all airports have trains which will take you to Central London quickly. 

Start your morning (or afternoon) from your centrally located hotel such as this one, and then walk to the pretty pink cafe – Peggy Porschen Belgravia – for coffee and cake. It is recommended that you book a table so that you can enjoy a nice breakfast.

This cafe is great for London Instagram photos, and also for a lovely all-girls afternoon tea party!

Peggy Porschen Belgravia is a little pricey, and the area near it has many other local cafes and bistros where you can enjoy a nice breakfast. 

Do remember to carry your credit card for payment, as many cafes near Victoria Station won’t accept cash (British Pounds).

Kensington Palace and Gardens

After breakfast, head to the area around Kensington Palace. Kensington Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. 

Located in Kensington Gardens, the palace has been a royal residence since the 17th century. Today, it is open to the public and houses a number of historic artifacts and works of art.

We recommend buying a morning ticket to visit the staterooms. They are open to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Although entry is £20 for adults , it is free for London Pass holders.

Do spend some time at the Kensington Gardens, which is home to the Italian Garden, the Peter Pan Statue, the Diana – Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, and of course the Palace itself.

Royal Albert Hall

A walk across the palace gardens will bring you to the Royal Albert Hall , inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1871 in memory of her husband Albert. From movie screenings and the annual Proms to tennis matches, there is always something going on here. 

Entry is free for London Pass holders.

Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London, and one of the Royal Parks of England. Covering 342 hectares (843 acres), it is the largest of four parks that form a continuous chain along the north side of the River Thames.

It is located next to the Kensington Gardens. Both parks are administered by The Royal Parks.

Hyde Park is the site of Speaker’s Corner, where open-air public speaking, debate, and discussion are allowed on almost any topic. And it is busy with visitors and locals enjoying a walk, picnic or jogs almost all the time. Access is free. 

You can also enjoy the Serpentine Gallery, a contemporary art gallery housed in a converted tea pavilion; the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain; the Albert Memorial; and the Serpentine Lake, located at the Hyde Park.

Boating is also possible at The Serpentine. It is open from April until October 31st, from 10 a.m. to around 4 p.m. (during the winter) and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (during the summer).

Buckingham Palace 

Up next is Buckingham Palace . We recommend walking to this spot, and it is a lovely stroll, especially in the spring and fall months. Walk to the Palace grounds via Hyde Park from Kensington Gardens. 

Try to get there at least by the late afternoon so that you can finish sightseeing with St. James Park nearby. 

First off, set aside 45 minutes to view the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It is perfect to do so after the crowds disperse, and it is a little calmer and quieter.  

Note that the Changing of the Guard takes place daily in summer but only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in winter. It gets called off on occasions so check timings before you go. You can book a Changing of the Guard tour here

It is important to note that there are night tours that take place in the summers, so this is another reason you should see the palace at the end of the day. 

If interested to view the State Rooms, you must aim to be there by afternoon as well. There are tours/passes for 2:00 pm or 3:45 pm on selected days. Check availability here .

St. James Park

St. James Park is a perfect place to end sightseeing on day one. This green oasis in the heart of the city is perfect for a nice evening stroll. 

In the warmer months, you can see flowers blooming everywhere. There is a cafe on-site where you can enjoy some drinks – tea or coffee, before nighttime activity. 

Nighttime activity 

No trip to London would be complete without seeing a West End show. Book your tickets in advance and enjoy a night of entertainment at one of the world’s most famous theatres, some of which have been running for many years. 

From The Lion King to The Phantom of the Opera there is a musical or show for every taste. 

On the morning of day 2 of London itinerary, try to utilize your one day hop on and hop-off tour that comes with the London Pass.  

Trafalgar Square

Plan to get down to the Trafalgar Square . Located in the heart of the city, this historic square is home to Nelson’s Column, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery. 

The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey are also nearby, making this area a must-visit for any first-time visitor to London.

Spend time around the square admiring the various structures and the ambience of the surroundings. 

National Gallery

The National Gallery is a must-visit for art history fans. It is home to many masterpieces of art from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

Admission to the collection is free, but for special exhibitions held in the Sainsbury Wing, there is an entry fee, which can be purchased online. 

If you are not a museum fan, we recommend completing one round of the hop on and hop off tour , and then get down by the Big Ben stop.  

If walking, make your way to the south bank of the River Thames from the National Gallery to see three of the most iconic landmarks of the city –  Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the gothic building of the Westminster Abbey, the site of the country’s coronation church since 1066.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Big Ben is a must-see – it’s an iconic London landmark that you won’t want to miss. On our trip, we were able to see it, in all its glory without any scaffolding. Take a walk around the clock tower and marvel at its beauty. It makes for a nice photo spot in London as well. 

The Houses of Parliament is the seat of the British government, and it’s definitely worth a visit. You can take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, or simply admire the architecture from the outside. Either way, it’s a must-see when you’re in London. 

Set aside 1-2 hours for sightseeing here. 

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the world, and it’s definitely worth a visit. From the Houses of Parliament, it is only a 3-minute walk. 

It is a gothic church and a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site in London. The architecture of the Abbey is incredible, and there’s so much history inside. It has been the coronation church of the British monarchy since the 11th century, and the final resting place for over 17 monarchs. 

Plus visitors love to see where Kate and William got married! 🙂 

Make sure to check out the Royal tombs (where 30 royals are buried), and the beautiful stained glass windows while you are there. 

You will need to book an entrance ticket for the Westminster Abbey, and it is free with the London Pass .

Across River Thames is the London Eye or the Millennium Wheel. This is a great spot to soak in 360° views of London. 

A ride to the top takes about thirty minutes, and the views are worth the effort. We do recommend booking tickets in advance so that you can skip the line. Buy your fast track tickets for the London Eye here.

After visiting the London Eye, take a walk along the banks of the Thames to see the skyline of London at its best which includes the Millennium Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe. 

Optional: So we did squeeze in the Churchill War Rooms on this day. It was an easy visit as we stayed in Victoria and the museum is on the way from here to Big Ben and back. 

Coming from the Big Ben/London Eye it will be a 7 to 10-minute walk. 

This is a paid museum, but it is worth it! The War Rooms had been on my bucket list for a while. Both Salil and I loved WWI and WWII history, and if you do too, then you must visit this museum. 

Plan to spend at least 1.50 to 2 hours here. This is where the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived and worked during WWII. 10 Downing Street is also located nearby.

Here is a walking tour of the area, along with the entrance ticket for the Churchill War Rooms. 

Nighttime activity

We personally liked a night tour of London City. This tour is all of 1.50 hours, and it was amazing to see the various landmarks under the night lights. Here is a ticket to book

If you are not interested in a night tour, walk to Chinatown (20 minutes) for dinner!

Day 3 of 4 day London itinerary: Day of museums (Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum), Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square

On day three of the London itinerary, start with some museum hopping and then go shopping in the evening. 

If you are not into shopping, you will still love to walk through various neighborhoods and find spots and hidden gems for photos, and places to eat.

Explore some of the finest museums in London, as they are free! These museums are also located pretty close to each other and can be reached on foot. 

Natural History Museum

Start with the Natural History Museum, which is one of the must-see attractions in London. It’s free to enter, so there’s no excuse not to go! 

The museum is home to over 80 million specimens, including dinosaurs, animals, rocks, and minerals. You could easily spend a whole day here, but if you only have 4 days in London, make sure to at least see the dinosaurs!

Victoria and Albert Museum

If you’re a fan of art, history, or simply beautiful architecture, then a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum is a must during your time in London. 

Founded in 1852, the museum is home to over 2 million objects from a range of different cultures and periods, making it one of the largest collections in the world. 

Victoria and Albert Museum is United Kingdom’s popular art museum, with one of the world’s most comprehensive and significant collections of Chinese art, as well as one of the West’s largest. 

The collection of South Asian Art here is the most important in the Western world. The scope of coverage includes items from South and South East Asia, Himalayan Kingdoms, China, and more. 

The Victoria and Albert Museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:45 pm, with a late opening on Fridays until 10:00 pm. Admission is free, although there may be charges for special exhibitions.

After museums, we stopped at a cute and Instagrammable cafe – EL&N. It is all pretty in pink, and they serve brunch, light lunch, and coffee! The nearest tube is South Kensington. 

You can spend time shopping here, or make your way to Piccadilly Circus and then Leicester Square.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus, a vibrant square is always buzzing with activity, day or night. You can catch a show at the world-famous theater, do some shopping at one of the many nearby stores, or just hang out. 

No matter what you do, you’re sure to have a great time at Piccadilly Circus! 

Leicester Square

A short walk from Piccadilly is Leicester Square, the area noted for movie premiers in London. It is not only known for its theatre shows, but also for food joints and shopping. 

This area is also close to Chinatown and Covent Garden (see London is very walkable), but you can take your pick for dining! 

When you walk 5 to 7 minutes from Leicester Square you will be at the Apple Market in Covent Garden, and here you will also find lots of cool bars and restaurants for dinner. 

More shopping

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, Oxford Street is the place to be. This busy shopping street is home to all the major retailers, as well as plenty of smaller shops and boutiques. 

Day 4: Imperial War Museum, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Afternoon Tea Cruise, Sky Garden, Dinner at an old English pub

Spend your last day in London at the iconic Tower of London. In the afternoon, take a cruise down the River Thames with an afternoon tea. To round off your trip, enjoy dinner and drinks in Soho or at an old English pub near your hotel!

Imperial War Museum

As you make your way to the Tower of London (from Victoria), you will pass the Imperial War Museum. We enjoyed our stop here. 

It is a free museum and has permanent exhibitions from the World Wars and other present-day conflict exhibits. 

We spend a lot of time at the Holocaust Galleries and highly recommend it. 

Borough Market

If you are not interested in a museum, consider a stop at the Borough Market before arriving at the Tower of London. 

London’s most renowned food market, Borough Market is a must-visit for any foodie. With over 100 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to artisan cheese and meats, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Be sure to try some of the delicious street food on offer too – the chorizo burgers are a personal favorite!

Tower Bridge

From the Borough Market, it is a short walk to Tower Bridge (15 minutes). You must walk across the bridge for getting nice pictures and views of HMS Belfast, once a WWII ship now converted into a museum. 

There are a lot of places to take photos of the Bridge – from either side of the river, near the Shard, outside where cruises leave, or from the Tower of London entrance areas. 

Note that you can access the top of the Tower Bridge, and even walk on the glass floor and enjoy an exhibition after. These exhibits will provide an insight into the fascinating history of this impressive structure. 

Tower Bridge and London Bridge are two different entities. There are a few bridges in London known as the ‘London Bridge’, but they aren’t very spectacular like the Tower Bridge and many visitors confuse between the two. 

When you see pictures of a gorgeous bridge with blue guardrails that is massive and iconic – then that is the Tower Bridge, which we are referring to here!

Tower of London

Near the bridge is the Tower of London, the place where many infamous prisoners were publicly executed. Also home to the Crown Jewels and a vast variety of other gemstones, this is a must visit fortress on any London itinerary . 

Remember to book tickets in advance, (included in the London Pass ) and keep at least two hours to see all the main sights. 

Try to get all the sightseeing done before 3:00 pm so that you can enjoy a lovely cruise after. 

Afternoon tea cruise on River Thames

We really enjoyed our afternoon tea cruise on River Thames. It was a great way to check out all the city highlights from the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, and more with cups of tea, scones, sandwiches, and desserts!

You can book a spot online here . The tour lasts 2 hours, and you can access the meeting point at the Lower Pier by the Tower of London. 

Another fast and cheap alternative option is to opt for a Thames River Cruise only (without afternoon tea). This is operated by the same company as above, but it is a budget option. 

You can also take advantage of hop-on and hop-off river services to see more places along the river on your way to/from the Tower. 

A ten minute walk from the Tower will bring you to Sky Garden, which offers epic views of the city similar to the London Eye, but from the opposite side of the Thames. 

Entry is free but you have to book a slot beforehand. 

We found the drinks fairly costly here, but considering the ambiance, it was worth it. Try and get here by sunset to watch the skyline turning into gold.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional English dinner at a pub or restaurant. We opted to stay closer to our accommodation in London Victoria and dined at the Marquis of Westminster. 

We order fish and chips with a chilled pint of beer and absolutely loved the ambiance here. This English pub dates back to the year 1839 when it was established as a corner house. 

The restaurant has four fabulous red telephone boxes opposite it – perfect for photos!

London 4 day itinerary sightseeing Map

More things to add to your London itinerary 4 days

We tried to add a mix of history, museums, shopping, and a fulfilled city break to London in this itinerary. However, there is still a lot that you can do in London. We have compiled a list of attractions, especially musuems which you can swap for any of the activities above,

Tate Modern London

If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the Tate Modern – it’s a modern art museum with some really interesting pieces. 

This is a free attraction and can be best explored when you are on the south bank of the River Thames (it is a 3-minute walk from Shakespeare’s Globe and Millennium Bridge).

British Museum 

If you’re looking for a bit of culture, the British Museum is a must-see. One of the largest museums in the world, it houses a vast collection of artifacts from all over the globe. 

From Egyptian mummies to Roman coins, there’s something for everyone at the British Museum. This museum is also free to explore, and we recommend planning a visit in the morning to beat the rush. 

If you are following this itinerary, swap one of the museums on day 3 of the London travel itinerary to make room for this attraction.  

St Paul’s Cathedral

We saw the St Paul’s Cathedral on one of our walks in London. It is one of the most iconic landmarks and is definitely worth a visit for epic photos. 

St Paul’s Cathedral boasts of one of the biggest domes in the world at 366 feet high. You can walk up the steps to reach the top of the cathedral for panoramic views whilst checking out the stunning architecture.  

This is where the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana took place. You can book an entry ticket here .

Notting Hill

Noting Hill is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. A lot of people come here to see the famous Notting Hill Carnival, which is held every August. 

If you’re not visiting for the carnival, you can still enjoy the area’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture by strolling through its charming streets.

In addition to being a great place to people-watch, Notting Hill is home to some of London’s best markets. Portobello Road Market is the most famous, but if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, try Spitalfields Market or Camden Lock Market.

Wandering Notting Hill is perfect from South Kensington – in the late afternoon or evening for dining and shopping!

Camden Market

If you’re looking for a more alternative market experience, Camden Market is a good option. This vibrant market is full of unique stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewelry. There’s also a great selection of street food on offer, so you can refuel after a day of shopping. 

This is a great afternoon or evening activity to add to your London itinerary. 

Old Spitalfields Market

If you want to get a feel for the local London scene, then make your way to Old Spitalfields Market. This is one of the city’s most popular markets, attracting locals and tourists alike.

It is a covered market in Spitalfields, located just outside of the City of London. This market has been on the site for over 350 years.

You’ll find everything from fresh produce to vintage clothes, so there’s something for everyone. Make sure to try some of the delicious food when you are there.

Day trips from London England 

Planning to extend your visit, or swap one of the 4 days in London to include a day trip? Great choice! 

London is one city that deserves to be visited often to actually feel its pulse and discover all the attractions. 

You can surely take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and venture on a day trip of your choice (we did too. Actually we stayed in England for over a week, and included day tours from London). 

Here are some of the options,

Windsor Castle: 

Windsor Castle, with its 700-year history as the official residence of the Queen and home to the royals for more than 900 years, is a stunning example of medieval architecture. 

The castle is a major tourist attraction, from seeing the magnificent cabins and vast castle property. 

You can take the train from Waterloo station, which takes around one hour to reach Windsor station. Admission tickets should be booked online , for those who do not have the London Pass. 

Harry Potter Studio Tour: 

Even if you are not a Harry Potter fan, you should find time to take this studio, especially if you are traveling with kids. These tours last anywhere from 7 to 11 hours and include round-trip transportation. 

This experience gives you an insight into Harry Potter filming. So if movies are your interest, then the special visual effects section will showcase the incredible Potter film location of the Forbidden Forest among others. 

The best way to get to the studio is by taking a bus tour from either Victoria Station or King’s Cross.

Tours for Harry Potter fans

• Ticket to Warner Bros Studio with Transfer : Book here
• Harry Potter Studio Tour and Oxford Day Trip (full day): Book here
• Harry Potter Walking Tour with Platform 9 ¾ (3 hours): Book here
• Harry Potter London Walking Tour: Book here

If you’re looking to get outside of London for a day, Stonehenge should definitely be on your list. This prehistoric monument is about 2 hours away from the city and is one of the most famous sites in all of England. 

Built over 5000 years ago, the architectural marvel of Stonehenge was on top of our England bucket list. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site today, and pretty popular with tourists of all ages.

Not that you can’t go inside the stone circle, but you can walk around it and learn about its history. 

Trust us, it’s definitely worth the trip! We booked a half-day tour and it was absolutely enjoyed it.

Another day trip option from London is the city of Bath. This picturesque city is home to the Roman Baths, which are well-preserved Roman ruins that you can actually go inside and explore. 

There’s also a lovely Abbey and plenty of cute shops and cafes. Bath is the perfect place to spend a day if you’re looking to relax and soak up some British history.

The Cotswolds

For something a bit more rural, head to the Cotswolds. This area of England is known for its rolling hills, cute villages, and quaint country pubs. 

It’s the perfect place to go for a day of hiking or biking, and you’re sure to find plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way. 

The Cotswolds is also home to some great castles and gardens, so there’s plenty to see and do. You can also book a full-day tour that combines a few villages stop.

White Cliffs of Dover

The best spot to see some of the impressive white Cliffs of the Southern Coast of England are from Dover. 

They are easy to explore on a day tour that combines a few more stops along the way to make the most of your England trip! 

This one includes the White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury on a guided day tour.

More London Travel Tips

To further help with your London trip planning, here are some additional tips to make your visit more enjoyable. 

Wear comfortable walking shoes and walk as much as possible : Despite the excellent public transport system, London is actually a great walking city. We walked a ton (30k steps every day) and LOVED it.

Tons of cute cafes, historic sites, and neighborhoods allowed us to break without being tired or bored. 

Exploring Victoria and the city of London was like a self guided walking tour for us, and were able to cover a lot of places in a short period of time!

Coaches are not bad: Coaches in London were actually very convenient to get to the airports and back, and affordable too (as compared to Express trains). Plus you can enjoy the views outside! 

UK is not a part of the EU, and Schengen Visa won’t work: If you require a tourist visa to visit London, then know that the usual Schengen Visa for Europe won’t work. You will need to apply for a separate/different travel visa prior to your arrival.

Passport holders from the USA and Canada do not need a visa and can stay there for up to 6 months. 

The United Kingdom is no longer an EU member, so Euros won’t work here either. Ensure you carry pounds (or exchange for them).

Credit cards are widely accepted and are preferred over cash in many places like restaurants, tour buses, etc. 

Take insurance : If you want your London trip to be perfect, do apply for travel insurance to protect you from any untoward incident or any potential risk associated with it, including medical emergencies. This is a requirement for visa purposes. 

Download travel apps: Download some of these handy apps prior to your London trip. Such as The London Pass App (sightseeing), Google Maps app (save our map from this itinerary), Citymapper (transport system), XE (for currency exchange), etc.

Budget for 4 day London trip

London can be an expensive trip if you don’t plan it right. It is possible to experience the best of what London has to offer by allotting a budget for accommodation and flights first and then getting a transportation savings card.

If you are planning on staying in a hostel, you can surely save money. Hostel dorms can be reserved for one around $35 USD. 

Hotel accommodation is definitely expensive in central London, or in areas close to popular attractions.

When we were researching hotels (we stay in 3-4 star properties) we found that the City of London properties were in the range of $250 to $500 USD. 

Victoria London had a ton of options in the $150 to $280 USD and that’s what we went for.  

These were 3 star properties with clean rooms, sort of standard accommodation, but walkable to attractions in Westminster and transportation (both coach and train stations were nearby). 

When it comes to food, you can surely splurge in cute cafes or pubs. But can also get groceries or eat in fast-food restaurants (pick healthy choices like salad, etc.). 

Set aside $50 to $100 USD per person when eating out all day.

Transportation can be as low as $40 USD set aside just for getting in and from the airport and then walking to various attractions (as long as you choose a centrally located hotel). 

With airport transfers and everyday rides, you will be averaging $15 to $20 USD per day. 

There are a lot of free things to do in London, particularly the Royal Parks and museums. 

Visiting Staterooms in various palaces and access to them with a tour guide will cost anywhere from $30 to $80 USD per person. 

In this case, getting a London Pass will be beneficial as you can get savings on transport and free/discounted entrance tickets to attractions.

So, all in all, for those on a budget it will cost between $65 to $100 per day depending upon the neighborhood you choose to stay in and where you eat. 

If you want a room upgrade + attractions tickets, add another $50 to $120 to your budget (can be saved with the London Pass).

Safety in London

London is relatively a safe city. Being a popular tourist destination and with many sad/negative recent events, we made sure to be aware of our surroundings and avoided crowded areas. 

Scams and pickpocketing incidents are common in London attractions, so do keep your personal belongings – cell phone, money, and cameras close to you. 

When someone asks you for a passport or any ID, always check to confirm that it is a real official – and not bogus police or border security personnel. 

The overall safety risk is low, but we recommend checking your government advisory for travel (against threats, terrorist events, etc.). 

Also, be careful when using public transit for pickpockets. 

In spite of the warnings, we felt safe walking around London – night or day. As a female traveler, I felt safe, and I think London is a nice solo travel destination – full of culture, shopping, reliable metro, and a plethora of tours to choose from (in case you are lonely)!

Lastly, be careful when you cross roads in London. We are so used to the way traffic moves here in Canada, but in London, the traffic moves very fast, and so do pedestrians. 

We are told that traffic accidents are common here, and caution should be the key while crossing the roads or driving.

At a minimum, you do need 3 days in London . That is 3 full days. On our first trip to London, we had 3 days and we utilized it to check out all timed attractions (musuems and cruises).  In the early morning and evening hours, we checked out various neighborhoods and shopping areas, parks, and London spots meant for outdoor pleasures!  With four days in London , you can go easily and cover the most important sites (important as per you). If you are in London for more than 3 or 4 days and taking day trips – you can surely explore markets and parks in the evenings. The city actually never sleeps so definitely utilize all the time you get! Prior to our trip, we had a long list of things to do in London (not including day trips) and felt that we needed 5 days to comfortably explore all the museums.  We had to skip a few museums on our first trip but made up by utilizing the evenings in London after our day tours.

Probably not, but it’s a good start. Try to add a mix of popular attractions, shopping, and some wandering in various neighborhoods.  When it comes to intimate sightseeing, choose museums and tours that appeal to you, instead of trying to see it all! London is one city, which requires repeat visits to explore all that it has to offer.

We hope you enjoyed our London itinerary and found it useful to plan your trip!

London is a city that has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a world-class museum experience, historical landmarks, or a vibrant theater and nightlife scene, you can find it all in London. 

The city is also home to some of the best shopping in the world. With four days in London, you’ll have plenty of time to check out numerous attractions and highlights. 

If you liked this post, read our UK and Europe travel guides below,

• London virtual tours
• Europe itinerary 2 weeks

Pin: 4 day London itinerary and guide

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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4 Days in London: Complete London Itinerary for First Timers

When we booked a last minute trip to London, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. We had both been to London before, though not for a few years, and we decided two weeks would be a comfortable amount of time to explore the city, and maybe take a day trip or two to explore other parts of the United Kingdom.

Turns out, we never left the city and STILL ended up having things within the city that we didn’t get to.

London is huge, and there’s a ton to do and see. The hardest part about planning a trip to London is choosing between attractions. If you’ve only got 4 days in London, you definitely don’t have time to make it to every museum, church, and market in London.

But that’s where we come in.

In this guide, which is based on our recent experience staying in London for two weeks, we’re going to give you our take on what you should prioritize in London. Along with what you shouldn’t.

Our favorite parts about London were the diverse range of food stalls at the innumerable food markets around the city, the city’s great green spaces, and the amount of history that exists in London (most of which we didn’t really know about, because to us, London history starts in the 16th Century according to what we learned in school).

In this guide to planning your trip to London, we’re going to help you make the most of your time.

We’ve put together a comprehensive 4 day London itinerary below, but we also have thoughts on what to do with less time (one, two, or three days) if you have a shorter trip. If you do have a shorter trip, you can still use the details in the main itinerary for the sections you’re actually going to use.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into planning your trip to London.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in London

One of the major themes you’re going to find in this itinerary is that London is massive, and you’re definitely going to want to be strategic about organizing your time to avoid running back and forth across the city. 

This also applies to where to stay. We’d recommend staying somewhere relatively central if you’ve either got a short trip (four days or less) or it’s your first time in London .

We have an entire, super detailed guide dedicated to deciding where to stay in London , but here is the short version. 

If you’re looking for a central location and great food and drinks , stay in Southbank . This is our top pick for basically everyone.

We spent our first four days in London here, and it was a great location both for exploring the rest of Central London, and for eating and drinking in its own right (psst – skip the restaurants along the river). This is an upscale part of town with modern high rises and fancy office buildings.

We stayed at the CitizenM Bankside , which is our favorite hotel chain in the world and this location was their first in London.

There are two splurge-worthy hotels in the area – the Hoxton and Sea Containers – the latter of which has dazzling views from some of the rooms right above the banks of the Thames. 

If you want to stay in the middle of all the action , stay in Covent Garden . It’s touristy, sure, but the central location and great public transportation connections will make getting around London a breeze. Plus, it’s full of great bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping. 

If you’re looking for something more offbeat and hip , look north east to Shoreditch , which is a place that made us feel very old and uncool. Lots of vintage stores, hipster coffee shops, nightlife, and great street art in this gentrifying (gentrified?) area. There’s another CitizenM location here, which is where we were set to stay before we decided to stay up in Camden instead.

Tips For Visiting London (Especially for First Timers)

Here are some tips and tricks for planning your first visit to London that are probably most helpful for first timers.

As Americans, traveling to London is noticeably different than traveling to other places in Europe, like Italy or Portugal, due to the absence of a language barrier. It feels much more similar to home, even though it’s really not. There are certainly cultural and practical differences that you’ll want to know going in.

Here are a few things that we’ve learned about London to keep in mind as you’re planning your trip.

Early Mornings are Best for the Main Sights

For sights like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey, try to get there when they open. Especially on a Sunday.

Alysha went on a solo trip to the Tower of London (Matt has been multiple times before) and was surprised at how empty it was on a Sunday morning! We had the same experience on a Thursday morning at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

In the summer, it will still be busy in the morning, but not as busy as midday or later in the afternoon. 

London is Massive

We LOVE walking around cities, and think it’s the best way to experience a city. But if we’re being honest, it’s nearly impossible to walk around London – it’s just too big!

The good news is that the public transportation network in London is excellent. You can use the buses and the tube (the Underground) to zip around the city. 

Public Transportation is Both Expensive and 100% Worth it

A lot of people balk at the £6 per ride cost of riding the Tube in London, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that it’s definitely worth it.

The alternative to public transportation is taking a taxi or rideshare, which is more expensive.

And, though you’re only in London for four days, a weeklong unlimited transit pass is just £38.70, which means it’s £10 a day for unlimited access (plus £5 for an Oyster card – more on this in the section on getting around below the main itinerary). 

The Museums are Mostly Free!

Unlike most other cities, where you’ll have to shell out a lot of money to visit the museums, the main museums in London are free.

In high season, it’s best to make a reservation for a timed entry in advance to make sure you can get in.

We love this aspect of London, because it makes it so that you can poke your head in, see if you’re really interested in something, and then decide to opt out if it’s not for you without the “we just spent £30 on this, I guess we have to stick it out” guilt. 

They Drive on the Other Side of the Road

We, of course, knew this going in, but that didn’t stop us from nearly getting run over on our first few days in London.

Luckily, in the center of London, there are helpful “look left / right” signs on the ground at crosswalks, which saved our lives multiple times.

When in doubt, look both ways. Three times. 

More London Travel Guides to Help You Plan Your Trip

• ITINERARY : How to Plan an Amazing London Itinerary
• WHERE TO STAY : How to Choose Where to Stay in London
• GLUTEN FREE : The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in London
• COFFEE : The 11 Best Coffee Shops in London

4 Days in London: A Complete 4 Day London Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered some of the logistics and other things that are good to know before your trip, let’s get into exactly how we’d spend 4 days in London.

There’s a lot to do and see in London. You’re not going to be able to see it all with just four days (even with two weeks, we had to scrap a couple of day trips because we felt like the city deserved more of our time). 

Our goal with this itinerary is to help you decide what to do in London, and to give you a mix of the traditional tourist sights – the museums, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, etc. – and some of the less visited places that don’t make it on every tourist’s radar, but we found to be worth the time and effort. 

There are a few things that you WON’T find in this itinerary, and we wanted to get them out there up front. 

• The British Museum : We actually did go here, and left within 30 minutes or so. For two reasons. First, it’s not well thought out, and it’s kind of all over the place. We didn’t know where to start, so we started with the Egyptian artifacts, which leads me to the second reason. Second, this is all stolen stuff. Imagine this for a second: you walk into a museum in Egypt and find the remains of the British Royal Family on display for the world to see. Do we think that would go over well? We don’t, and the cultural voyeurism felt a little strange to us. At the end of the day, it really just seems like they threw everything they could find into the museum and said “look how cool this stuff is.” It feels more egregious than places like the Louvre, for some reason. 
• Climbing Tower Bridge : We were flabbergasted when we saw a line stretching from the middle of tower bridge back towards the north bank. It was a line to climb to the top of Tower Bridge, which at one point was a legitimate pedestrian way to cross when the drawbridge was up, but now really seems like a transparent cash grab. Also, we think the best views are of the bridge, not from it. Skip it!
• Kings Cross and Platform 9 ¾ : Look, I’m a Harry Potter fan. I’ve read the books 8+ times all the way through, and they were an important piece of my childhood because I was the same age as the characters as they grew up. However, I can say with 100% certainty that the whole Platform 9 ¾ thing is extremely underwhelming. There’s a long line, a “professional” photographer who tries to sell you pictures, and it’s really not worth the journey up there. 
• The National Gallery : There are a lot of museums in London, and the truth is you’re just not going to be able to make it to all of them AND do some of the other cool stuff like food markets and scenic walks. This is the one that gets cut, in our opinion. It’s similar to other art museums around the world, and doesn’t feel super unique to London. Although the same could be said of the Natural History Museum, so choose the one that looks most interesting to you, I suppose.
• The London Eye : We blinked, and apparently we missed the part where every city all of a sudden has to have a Ferris wheel. This is one of the originals, but we still think it’s expensive and overrated for what it is (Matt has done it twice, and if he had to do his first trip over again, he’d skip it and opt for the free rooftops in Central London instead). 

Day 1: The City of London & Shoreditch

On the first day of your trip to London, start in the oldest part of the city (which, as we’ll cover below, actually feels like the newest part) to gain an understanding of where the city started, and how it got to where it is today. 

Along the way, you’ll learn about the origins of London. Most historians think London’s history starts with the Roman settlement, but there were certainly people here before that. 

You’ll visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Museum of London, and take a walk through the “old town” before spending your afternoon and evening in the part of London that is definitely not the old town – Shoreditch (which is the hip spot to be with great bars and restaurants of all kinds). 

Important itinerary note : Old Spitalfields Market and the Upmarket are best on the weekends, which means you should do your best to have this day fall on a weekend. In particular, this would make an excellent Sunday itinerary.  

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the more interesting aspects of London’s history, and the archaeologist who led our excellent walking tour (we’d highly recommend it if you’re interested in the history of London – here it is ) remarked that it’s probably the single most important building in all of London when it comes to the city’s history. 

Why, you ask? A couple of reasons. 

There are two times in London’s history that the city has essentially been leveled. The first was in the late 17th Century, when a fire started at a bakery on “Pudding Lane” (yes, that’s actually the name of the street where all the bakeries were) and ended up burning down something like two thirds of the City of London. 

In both cases, St. Paul’s Cathedral played an important role in the city’s healing and coping with the disasters.

It was built after the fire as a sort of “feather in the cap” of the government at the time. We learned on the walking tour that it was very much a political symbol more than a religious one, one that said “we’re rebuilding London, and we’re doing it right.” 

Then, during the Blitz in World War 2 when a huge portion of Central London was reduced to rubble, the dome of St. Paul’s stood strong, serving as an important symbol of the resilience of the city in the face of adversity. 

The truth is that German bombers could recognize the dome from above, and did their best to avoid it (though I’m not quite sure how possible that really was given the technology at the time). 

We’d recommend heading up to the dome of St. Paul’s, and being the first ones up there if you can swing it. The dome access starts at 9:30 am, and it’s a long climb up a variety of different staircases to reach the top. 

There are three levels on the way up – the Whispering Gallery (the interior of the dome), the Stone Gallery (the exterior of the base of the dome), and the Golden Gallery (at the tippy top of the dome).  

It’s definitely worth stopping at all three, and definitely go all the way to the top, where the views are outstanding!

Make sure to visit the crypt, where two important figures in British history are buried. You’ll find the Duke of Wellington (famous for leading British forces in the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo) and Lord Admiral Nelson (also famous for outwitting Napoleon, among other things), among others. 

Entry is a little pricey, but we think it’s worth the money. To save money, you can book tickets online in advance for a slight discount, which saves you a few pounds a person. 

More information on hours, costs, and more here . Monday to Saturday only, closed on Sundays for service. 

One New Change’s Rooftop Terrace

After you’ve done the cathedral itself, head up the sixth floor free rooftop terrace of One New Change , a fancy shopping center across the street, for one of the best views of the dome in all of London. 

It’s completely free, and it’s open from 6:00 am to midnight every day. You take the elevator from the middle of the building up to the terrace, and from there you have an unobstructed view of the dome of St. Paul’s. 

You can find information on the terrace, including opening hours, here . 

The Museum of London

Head directly north from the cathedral up to the excellent – and free – Museum of London .

It’s worth taking an hour (or two, if you’re really into it) to peruse the museum, which covers the history of the city from prehistoric times to modern times in chronological order, weaving a story about the history of London and how it came to be the city it is today.  

We enjoyed this museum, and we learned a lot about British history and the history of the city that we definitely had never thought about before. I’ll give you two examples. 

First is the fact that, for large swaths of its history, London was under the control of outsiders. As Americans, we never really think of the British as being colonized and oppressed, but that is certainly how they spent the bulk of history before the medieval periods. First it’s the Romans, then they leave and the Saxons move in, then it’s the Normans. 

Second is the fact that London, the cosmopolitan city that we know and love today, was shaped by two disasters (which we already touched on above) – the fire in the 17th Century that burned the majority of the city – which at the time, was mostly wood – to the ground, and the Blitz during World War 2.

Without those two events, the modernization of London would have been much more difficult, and Central London would likely look very, very different from how it does today. 

We enjoyed the museum, and think it’s a nice short way to get an understanding of the history of the city before diving into what it is today. 

An Afternoon and Evening in Shoreditch

We’re not sure we’ve ever seen a higher concentration of vintage stores than we saw in Shoreditch. And that tells you a lot about this hip neighborhood in northeast London and the transformation it has undergone in the past decade or so. 

At one point, Shoreditch was completely separate from the city of London, but over the years the borders of London have continually expanded, swallowing up former suburbs on its way to becoming the city it has become today. 

Even the origin story of Shoreditch is a little counterculture. It became famous because in the 16th Century, some politicians got the idea that banning playhouses (and theaters) in London sounded like a good idea. You know, to remain chaste and godly and all that. Imagine what they’d think if they saw London today! 

So, in order to meet the demand that certainly hadn’t evaporated despite the ban, new theaters were built in places like Shoreditch and Southwark, which at the time were outside of the city limits, and thus its jurisdiction. In the 19th and early 20th Centuries, it was a legitimate rival to the West End as the center of London’s arts scene. 

After the second world war, during which large swaths of the neighborhood were demolished – including a lot of housing – the reconstruction process took a little longer than other parts of London.

Since then, the story of Shoreditch is similar to many other highly gentrified areas in major cities around the world.

First the artists moved in, creating a demand for businesses that those artists liked, and finally ending with astronomical housing prices that drove out many of the original residents (and those artists, too) and brought in a more wealthy contingent, who in turn brought a different set of businesses to cater to their different needs. 

On your way from the City of London to Shoreditch, there are a bunch of stops worth making, but we’re going to give you a few to start. 

Start with a rooftop drink in the roof garden at the Culpeper , make your way to Old Spitalfields Market to wander the stalls with art, food, and drinks (weekends only), and then head over to Brick Lane, stopping by the Upmarket if this happens to fall on a weekend, and follow Brick Lane north into Shoreditch. 

Dinner at Dishoom – From Bombay With Love

Multiple people have recommended Dishoom to me, although we didn’t actually eat there ourselves because I wasn’t confident they could serve me a totally gluten free meal. My older brother and a friend both said it was among their favorite meals in London, which is why it gets a spot in this guide. 

This upscale Indian restaurant’s combination of home-style cooking, retro surroundings and awesome cocktails make for a venue that’s almost always busy, with a palpable air of excitement. Their mini-franchise is rapidly becoming a phenomenon, with multiple locations around London including one in Shoreditch.  

You’ll definitely want to make a reservation in advance – when we stopped by to order a chai for take away on a Monday morning, they were turning people away because they didn’t have enough tables. 

Bar Hopping in Shoreditch and Hoxton

Shoreditch and Hoxton party until the early hours of the morning pretty much every night, so you’ll have no problem finding some of the best bars, clubs and raves the city has to offer.

So where to start? 

We’ll give you a few places to get you started, but if we were you, we’d head to local-run “Design My Night” to get the scoop on the best nightlife spots. Because we’re not really the right people to give you night life advice, with a 9:00 pm bedtime and all that. 

• For the overall vibe : London Cocktail Club is situated between Shoreditch High Street and Brick Lane. A mashup of biker bar and man cave, this place is best described as “British Americana”. Great selection of drinks and really friendly staff. 
• For cocktails : Cocktail Trading Co is said to be the best cocktail bar in Shoreditch. Passionate, friendly staff make for a great start to an evening on the town. Try the “American Pie” and thank me later!
• For a great cider selection : Williams Ale & Cider House bills itself as a classic “East London Boozer”. I wholeheartedly agree, especially with 14 hand pumps offering a great selection of both ciders and ales. 
• For late night mini golf : Junkyard Golf, as the name suggests, is a bar and mini-golf course, set among a plethora of “pre-loved and reclaimed random sizzle”. Want to drink a cocktail while playing golf among circus freaks and jungle bathtubs? Of course you do!
• For drinks and ping pong : Drinks at Bounce Old Street are punctuated by apologetic patrons scrabbling around under your table for lost ping pong balls. And you know what? That’s part of the charm! This place is a great ice-breaker and a much better idea than a boring old pool hall.

Day 2: Westminster, the West End, and a Museum

On your second day in London, start your day in the city of Westminster, make your way to Covent Garden, and head through Hyde Park to check out a museum (there are two choices here, which we’ve outlined below). 

Westminster is a relatively small patch of London, but contains a higher concentration of London’s famous spots than anywhere else in the city, so we’d try to beat the crowds and head out early .

Westminster Bridge & Big Ben

The first stop of the day should be the eastern end of Westminster Bridge, across the river from Big Ben. You might be tempted to go straight to Westminster station, but we think the walk over the bridge is well worth it because of the excellent view of Big Ben you get as you cross the bridge. 

The world famous tower, officially known as the “Elizabeth Tower”, houses the giant bell affectionately known as “Big Ben”, whose unmistakable chime has sounded across the city for over 150 years. That’s right, Big Ben refers to the bell, not the tower itself. 

To hear the bell going off, you’ll want to be on the bridge about 10 minutes before the turn of the hour (so, 8:50 am to hear the 9:00 am bells). 

Either side of the bridge works fine, but the better view is going to be from the southern end of the bridge. 

As of the time of writing, Big Ben has been under construction for several years, and there’s likely to be some scaffolding up around it. It’s still a great view, though.

At the other side of the bridge, you’ll find yourself adjacent to the Houses of Parliament. You can actually visit the Houses of Parliament and take a guided tour that allows you to access parts of the complex you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to.

If that sounds interesting to you, you can find more information here (it’s a 90 minute tour, and it’s fairly pricey). 

Westminster Abbey

Walk across the square in front of parliament – make sure to walk by the statues of famous Brits like Winston Churchill and Gandhi – on your way over to Westminster Abbey , which is your first stop of the morning.

This is a gigantic Gothic Cathedral that was built in the 13th Century by Henry III as both a monument to Edward the Confessor, and as a final resting place for his own body. 

The history from there is kind of fascinating, mostly because of the intermingling of the monarchy and church over the course of centuries.

On a walking tour, the history professor leading the tour (we did this walking tour and really enjoyed it) said that, essentially, the church was very, very rich, and the monarchy said something to the effect of “yeah, we want in on that.” Which I’m sure is painting with broad strokes and missing a lot of historical nuance. 

But on the other hand, yeah, that checks out. 

Essentially, in the mid 15th Century, Henry VIII (yes, that one, the one that enjoyed beheading his wives) got mad at the Catholic Church for not signing off on his divorce. So, naturally, he seized all assets owned by the church and took control of them for himself. Often, selling off pieces of them to fund his various adventures around Europe. 

From there, the royal family and the church became intertwined. Divine right and all that jazz. 

Today, it’s the site of royal weddings, coronation ceremonies, and burials, but it’s mostly a tourist attraction. 

More than 3,000 Brits are buried in Westminster Abbey – the most famous being many of the royals of the last few centuries, and people like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Make sure to look down as you walk around the interior – it seems like every step you take inside of the Abbey, you’re walking onto a new burial site with the name and dates of their life/death. 

The Abbey opens at 9:30 am (9:00 am on Saturdays, closed on Sundays), which is pretty early, and we’d recommend trying to be one of the first people in the door. To do that, we’d buy online tickets in advance , which go on sale two months in advance. 

Buckingham Palace (and the Changing of the Guard)

From Westminster Abbey, it’s a nice walk through St. James’s Park to get to Buckingham Palace , which is where the queen supposedly lives (but spends almost zero time there these days, according to multiple people we talked to). 

If you’re into coffee and you’re craving some caffeine, we’d recommend a slight detour out to Formative Coffee , which is a short walk from both Westminster Abbey and St. James’s Park. It makes the list of our favorite coffee shops in London for a reason.

Side note : What the heck is going on with that “s’s” at the end of “St. James’s Park”? Yes, that’s the correct spelling. We had to quadruple check. 

This is also where the most “touristy” activity on this entire itinerary happens – the Changing of the Guard. That being said, it’s quite the spectacle (we can’t believe this still happens, to be completely honest) and it’s worth seeing once, as long as you’re prepared for the crowds and have the flexibility to show up a little early at a specific time on a specific day. 

You’ll need to pay close attention to the official schedule for this one, as the ceremony schedule varies by the season. You’ll also need to plan your day to arrive here by at least 10:45 am, and probably a lot earlier if you want to get a good view, especially in high-summer.

Trafalgar Square and the West End

At some point during their London visit, virtually everyone ends up at Trafalgar Square . Probably because it’s right in the middle of all the action.

To get there from the palace, just walk straight out “the Mall” and you’ll land at the southern end of the square after you walk under the Admiralty Arch. 

The square is home to Nelson’s Column, dedicated to the beloved naval hero of the same name who outwitted Napoleon multiple times, Trafalgar Square has been a huge draw for tourists, locals, and flocks of pigeons since Victorian times.

There’s also an excellent view back towards Big Ben from the south end of the square. And lots of lions. What is it about lions that makes every single king or queen go “what animal do I want to be? Yeah, a lion, that’s the one!” Why not switch it up and get creative every once in a while and be a warthog or a water buffalo or something?

While we didn’t include it on this particular itinerary (because we’ve done it before, and think it’s not the most interesting attraction in London), art lovers should absolutely take the time to visit the National Portrait Gallery . 

Trafalgar Square’s pigeons are shockingly tame. It’s easy to coax them into landing on you for a photo opportunity, but you’ll get a hefty fine if you feed them! I’m reliably informed by locals that in years past, the square was home to thousands of the creatures (we call them “sky rats,” but I once said that to a woman whose father raised pigeons and apparently that was very offensive), probably due to the many vendors selling bags of bird feed to passing tourists. DO NOT FEED THE WILD ANIMALS.

Seven Dials Market for Lunch (& Covent Garden) 

Another food market! Hooray! 

Seriously though, our favorite part of London was all the incredible food markets, which is pretty evident in our construction of this itinerary. There’s basically a different food market every single day! 

Today, it’s the Seven Dials Market , a food hall housed in a former warehouse in Covent Garden. We were confused by the banana logo that we saw all over the building, and it turns out this warehouse was primarily used to store bananas back in the day, hence the logo. And cucumbers, too!

There are a ton of good food options here, and we have two recommendations.

First is El Pollote on the ground floor, which has excellent (and gluten free!) guava-glazed chicken wings and sandwiches (the latter is not gluten free). Second is Chai Guys , which is some of the best chai that Alysha had in London (she LOVES chai, and these guys / gals do it right!). Get the kadak, which is a sweeter, creamier version. 

The area around the market is also worth exploring. Historic and elegant Covent Garden, situated in London’s West End, is probably our favorite part of central London.

There’s enough to do in Covent Garden to last an entire day, with attractions such as the London Transport Museum, The Royal Opera House, The London Film Museum and many more, but you’ve got a lot to see, so we’d say that you should get some food, do some wandering around the Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard areas, and move on. 

There’s some good shopping, some great coffee ( Monmouth , in particular), and we enjoyed Neal’s Yard Dairy , where we picked out a couple of English cheeses to enjoy later with some excellent fig jam. 

Next, make your way towards the southeastern corner of Hyde Park .

To get there, you can either walk down Oxford Street through Soho, which is similar to Times Square in New York or the Champs-Élysées in Paris, or you can hop on the Tube (Piccadilly Line) and get off at Hyde Park Corner station, which is at the southeastern corner of the park. 

We’d recommend starting at that corner of the park because you get to see the Wellington Arch, which commemorates the Duke of Wellington’s defeat of Napoleon.

Side note: everybody has a victory arch – the Arc de Triomphe in Paris , the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin , the many victory arches in Rome around the Forum, everybody gets an arch!

Then, as you enter the park, you’re immediately confronted with the rose garden, which is cool (although it won’t be blooming in the winter and fall). 

Spend some time wandering through the park, checking out the Serpentine (that’s the lake) and the Serpentine Waterfall ( here on Google Maps), a particularly pretty section of greenery.

You’ll want to make your way to the southern edge of the park – here on Google Maps – which will put you a few blocks from the best museum complex in London (in our opinion, anyway) for a little afternoon education. 

Choose Your Own Adventure, Museum Edition

Now, we’re not huge museum people. We’d much rather spend our time wandering various neighborhoods, checking out some nice green spaces, and eating. Mostly eating, if we’re being completely honest. 

However, we do think that museums are an important part of an itinerary for any big city. We just wouldn’t spend your entire time inside of a museum. 

There are two good museums here that appeal to different interests and audiences – the Natural History Museum , and the Victoria Albert Museum . 

Entry to both is free (although they ask for a donation), so the level of commitment is minimal. If you don’t enjoy it or find it interesting, you can leave! Alternatively, you could visit both and pick and choose what collections you want to look at to get a taste of both, rather than going deep on one or the other.

We chose the Natural History Museum because, well, we like nature? Also because they had a temporary exhibition featuring the winners of an annual wildlife photography contest, which was excellent (though, PRO TIP: temporary exhibitions aren’t free!).

You could pretty easily spend an entire day inside this museum, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, pick a few different sections that sound interesting. 

Oh, and be prepared for kids. LOTS of kids. Although, we were told there are less kids on weekday afternoons, which is part of the reason we slotted it in here.

The second is the Victoria Albert Museum , which is more focused on design – think fashion, interior design, and other more practical applications of art (as opposed to something like a portrait or a painting). It’s an eclectic collection, and is a unique museum that might give you a little more insight into British history and culture than the Natural History Museum might.  

Dinner at Ceru

Ceru , which has a location in South Kensington near the museums, was definitely at the top of our list of our favorite meals we ate in London. 

They do tapas – which really just means you’re going to be ordering a bunch of small plates to share with the table – but in a style that features flavors that come from a region called Levant , which includes places like Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.

“Levant” was a new word to me, and I’d recommend a read through the Wikipedia page for a brief history lesson. 

The food is excellent, and it’s a fun dining experience with some really unique wines coming from places like Greece, Lebanon, and other countries you don’t ordinarily associate with wine production. 

Of all the things we ordered, the best thing we ate was the side of roasted parsnips, which is kind of funny.

You’ll also want to try their excellent dips – the hamara, which is made with red peppers and pomegranate molasses, was our favorite of the three – and you can’t go wrong with fried halloumi (which is a squeaky cheese similar to paneer). 

By the time we were done, the plates in front of us had practically been licked clean. 

Day 3: Walking Southbank & the Tower of London

On your third day, start off bright and early at the Tower of London, then make your way across the Tower Bridge to start a walk along the south bank of the Thames down to Westminster Bridge, with plenty of stops along the way (including a stop at Borough Market for lunch). 

Important itinerary note : Since Borough Market is closed Sundays, we’d make sure this day lands on any day but Sunday. 

The Tower of London

We’d highly, highly recommend visiting the Tower of London first thing in the morning.

It’s a popular tourist attraction, and we were totally expecting it to be crowded early on a weekend morning when we showed up. But, somehow, when the doors opened, it was miraculously empty, save for a few other groups. 

Get there at opening time if you can. You’ll have the place largely to yourself. 

The Tower of London sits at the southeastern corner of the town of Londinium, which was established by the Romans. The tower as we know it today was built in the 11th Century by William the Conqueror as a fortress, and has served a wide variety of purposes since its construction, including as a royal palace and, probably most famously, as a notorious prison. 

When you really get into it, the history of the Tower of London is pretty dark. There were so many people executed and tortured here that there are more than three different areas that are marked as places of execution in and around the tower.

Mostly, it was political opponents who were executed for trumped up crimes to get them out of the picture. Multiple members of the royal family have also died within the walls of the Tower, including Henry VI and a pair of princes who disappeared (and were later confirmed to have been buried in the tower).

Since its construction, it has been constantly added to and expanded. Today, the main attractions you’re going to focus on are the Crown Jewels , the ramparts , and the White Tower – the big castle-looking structure in the middle of the complex. 

We’d highly recommend joining one of the Yeoman Warder tours , which happen every 30 minutes and are included in the price of entry. 

More information, including prices and current hours, is available here . 

Tower Bridge

To get to your next destination – the south bank of the Thames – you’ll need to cross the river. You have two options here, and both have their advantages. 

We’d recommend crossing over Tower Bridge , which was built in the late 19th Century and is probably the most iconic of London’s bridges. The Twin Towers, connected by a walkway (we’ll get to that in a second), is one of the main elements of architecture that people think of when they think of London.

Although, as the archaeologist who led our excellent walking tour of London pointed out, most people think it’s the London Bridge. 

We would NOT recommend going up to the top of the bridge, which used to be a legitimate mode of transportation for pedestrians to cross when the drawbridge was up to let boats through, but has shamelessly been turned into a tourist attraction. 

The alternative is crossing London Bridge , which is west of the Tower of London. The advantage? A picture perfect view of Tower Bridge. The downside? The bridge is kind of boring in terms of architecture. 

Plus, one of the best views of the City of London’s skyline is from the river level just west of Tower Bridge on the south bank.

Here, you get a great view of the bridge, and also a nice view of the Tower of London and City of London across the river. 

Borough Market

Borough Market , dating back (almost unbelievably) to before the 12th Century, is one of the largest and oldest markets in the city. 

Despite being crowded and very touristy, Borough Market is one of our favorite places in the city, full stop. There are a couple of sections of the market, not to mention the countless bars and restaurants lining the streets around the market.

You should know that Borough Market is VERY MUCH a lunch destination – it closes in the late afternoon. And it’s closed all day on Sunday, so make sure this falls on any other day of the week.

Essentially, the market is split into two main sections: the ready-to-eat food section (which is where you should eat lunch), and the gourmet food items section. The latter features stands selling everything from English cheese, to tea, to all things Italian, and just about everything else a foodie could dream of. 

If you’re looking for coffee, Monmouth Coffee is excellent, and has a location right outside the western edge of the market ( here on Google Maps). 

Take some time to wander through that section of the market and, when you’re ready for food, head over to the section with all the food stalls for lunch. 

We found ourselves here not once, not twice, but three different times over the course of our time in London. Here are the places we fell in love with, in no particular order. 

• The Black Pig : Amazing pork sandwiches that Alysha demanded to return to on our last day in London. The line here can be nuts. Get the Honey Truffle Parmesan, which is made with slow roasted pork shoulder, honey-truffle mayo, slaw, and aged parmesan. YUM. DEFINITELY NOT GLUTEN FREE. 
• Horn OK Please : Vegetarian Indian street food, including dosas and amazing chai. Matt ate here three times, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Gluten free and vegan options. 
• Tacos Padre : We’ve had some pretty mediocre tacos around the world, but I would put Tacos Padre somewhere near the top of the list of the best tacos I’ve ever had outside of California and Mexico. The lamb barbacoa and the cochinita (a pork slow cooked with achiote) were outstanding. 

After lunch, there’s one more stop that we highly recommend at Borough Market – the Cider House . 

They have a great selection of hard ciders, both on tap and in bottles, to try.

Most are from English cider producers, but we also found offerings here from New Zealand, France, and South Africa. The friendly staff will help you figure out what kind of cider to try based on your tastes. 

A Walk Along the South Bank of the Thames

From Borough Market, make your way all the way down the river to Westminster Bridge, which should take you the better part of a few hours, including stops for a museum, a drink, a bookshop, a snack, and whatever else piques your interest along the way. 

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

For over 500 years, England has been a powerhouse in the world of theater, thanks in no small part to William Shakespeare.

A visit to The Globe, a stunning recreation built close to the original Elizabethan theater, gives you the chance to travel back in time and experience a performance in the playhouse that premiered some of the Bard’s best loved works.

Even if you’re not a fan of the theater, The Globe is absolutely worth a visit. The circular outdoor venue hosts productions between April and September, with some of the UK’s most talented actors performing modern (and traditional) interpretations of Shakespeare’s works in an unbelievably atmospheric setting.

If you do want to catch a show, check the schedule here and find a place to fit it in on your itinerary. 

The Tate Modern

Located at the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern is well worth a visit as you wander along the waterfront. The Tate Modern is England’s national gallery dedicated exclusively to modern art.

The permanent collections are completely free of charge to view, and include an impressive selection of art from the likes of Picasso, Rothko and Monet.

On the 10th floor of the Tate’s Blavatnik Building is an open terrace with fantastic views across the city to St. Paul’s and Canary Wharf.

Millennium Bridge

Just outside the Tate, this bridge is in this guide for one reason: the excellent view across the river to St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s one of the best views in London, and is worth a slight detour to catch it. It’s here on Google Maps. 

Here are a few other stops along the river bank.

Beer Hawk : If you like craft beer and want to sample a selection of the best beers that London has to offer, this is the place to go here. They have a bunch of beers on tap, and even more in bottles. 

Foyles Bookshop : This is one of the best bookstores in London, and they have a location on the ground floor of Southbank Centre, right before you get to Jubilee Bridge (if you’re heading southwest). 

Southbank Centre Food Market : This was a happy accident. It’s Friday-Sunday only, so skip it if this day happens to be a weekday. We walked by it on a walk down the river and discovered Pabellon , our favorite arepa place in London. Arepas are basically a sandwich made between two corn patties that comes from Venezuela. Seriously, go here. It was so good we went back three times. There are plenty of other food stalls here, and there’s also a nice outdoor courtyard with food and shopping called “Gabriel’s Wharf” a little ways back ( here on Google Maps) that is worth poking your head into. 

The London Eye : The London Eye is a little overrated, if we’re being honest. We’ve done it before, but opted out on our latest trip. It’s a little expensive, the lines are long, and the view from the Tate Modern viewing platform – which is free – is a little better. If you have kids, this is a fun experience. If not, we’d probably skip it and spend time elsewhere. 

Once you’re at London Eye, you’re essentially at Westminster Bridge. You’ve already seen that if you followed the first day!

Dinner and Drinks at Mercato Metropolitano

To close out your day, head south of the river to another of our favorite discoveries in London, Mercato Metropolitano . This place is fantastic, and is essentially a big food hall with indoor and outdoor seating (in an atmospheric garden) and a huge variety of different food stalls… all attached to a beer garden!

From Sicilian arancini and granita (two of our favorite discoveries on our Sicily road trip ) to Venezuelan arepas, there are options for basically everyone here, which makes it a good option for groups. 

It’s a very, very popular spot – it was packed full to the brim on a Thursday night when we were there – and there are a bunch of different options to grab a drink. We’d recommend getting there a little early to snag a table, and hanging out and soaking up the atmosphere until you’re ready for dinner. 

Day 4: A Foray into North London (Camden & Notting Hill)

On your last day, venture out of Central London and head north (it’s really only 20 minutes or so, nothing too crazy) out to Notting Hill. From there, make your way along the Regent’s Canal to Little Venice, and finally stroll into Camden, with a stop for the view at Primrose Hill on the way. 

Notting Hill and Portobello Road

Start your morning in Notting Hill at Notting Hill Gate station , which is serviced by the Central District, and Circle tube lines. 

From there, embark on a self-guided walking tour of one of London’s most charming neighborhoods, made famous by the movie of the same name. 

You’ll essentially follow Portobello Road all the way through the neighborhood from south to north, which will take you to both highlights here – the Portobello Road Market, and the colorful houses at the other end of the neighborhood. 

Here’s a map of the walk . 

The Portobello Road Market is best on Saturdays, when the streets are packed with vendors. But it’s worth a stroll on other days of the week too, particularly Fridays. It’s part food market, part antique market, and part everything else market. 

At the northern end, leave Portobello Road and head to the two most photogenic parts of the neighborhood, where you’ll find those colorful homes that have made this area Instagram famous in recent years.

Both areas are literally a block away from each other – Saint Lukes Mews is a colorful back alley, and Lancaster Road is where you’ll find the multi-colored houses (which remind us of the famous Victorians in San Francisco !). 

A Walk Along Regent’s Canal

This next section is optional, and is best for people who are up for a nice walk. It’s sometimes scenic, sometimes a little boring. If that doesn’t sound like something you’re interested in, take the Tube to Camden and skip this section. 

We actually walked all the way from Notting Hill to Camden along Regent’s Canal, which took a couple of hours and led us through Little Venice, which is easily the most picturesque piece of the walk. 

Here’s a map of the route . Near the end, you’ll be walking across the canal from the London Zoo in Regents Park, and you can see the giraffes, warthogs, and African wild dogs from the path. 

Camden Market (and Camden Town)

Camden is a fascinating area, and we spent a third of our trip staying here to soak it all up. 

Punk music was essentially born in this part of London, and that part of the neighborhood’s character is still very much front and center, with a variety of eclectic shops blasting heavy metal music lining Camden High Street. 

However, the highlight here is London’s most-visited food market, Camden Market . 

Situated right on Regent’s Canal, Camden Market is a sprawling complex of shops, food stalls, and more permanent restaurants. There are several sections of the market, but the best part is on the north side of the Canal ( here on Google Maps).

The market is overwhelming, with all sorts of smells and sounds attacking your senses, but it’s well worth wandering a bit to take in everything it has to offer, from Indonesian curries to heavy metal-inspired t-shirts. It feels like it just keeps going and going, and the scale of the market is pretty staggering. 

Here are a few of our highlights that, unsurprisingly, heavily focus on food. 

• Maize Blaze : A contemporary take on Colombian food (we spent six weeks in Colombia , and absolutely LOVED it), they have a limited menu available at the stall here that has bowls with various toppings. If you are looking for things like arepas and fried plantains with a sweet chili sauce, you can find them at their kitchen just a few blocks away (you’ll have to order online for pickup). 
• Arepazo / Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen : To be honest, I don’t know what the name of this stand is. But I do know that it’s the place to get arepas at Camden Market. The pabellon, a pulled beef, was some of the best we had in London, and the vibes at the stand with the blasting music and dancing chef were awesome. 
• Kolkati : Not gluten free, but Alysha saw it at Broadway Market (another market worth visiting) and decided she had to have it. So she finally got it here at Camden Market. They make kati rolls, which are a street food staple of Kolkata that consists of fillings (either meat and accouterments or paneer) wrapped in bread. 
• Pamban Chai & Coffee House : If you like chai (like Alysha does), you shouldn’t miss this place. Their rose chai was Alysha’s favorite chai in London, and we drank A LOT of chai while we were in town. You can get a flight to try multiple of their chai offerings!

Chalk Farm Road

After lunch, you’ll undoubtedly start to notice Camden getting busier. While it’s tempting to spend the day drinking at the Ice Wharf, overlooking the lock, drag yourself out of busy Camden Town and wander down Chalk Farm Road towards the station of the same name.

Along the way, ( see here for directions ) you’ll see lots of cool street art and pass the famous Roundhouse (the famous punk concert venue), shortly after which you’ll need to turn left along Regent’s Park Road and across the bridge that takes you over the railway tracks.

Continuing up Regent’s Park Road takes you to another world. This pretty part of London has some lovely little shops and cafes, and is a favorite haunt for local (and international) celebrities, many of whom live close by.

Primrose Hill

As you head further up the street, you’ll find two of the once commonplace bright red British phone boxes, and after a classic photo opportunity, you’ll see that you’ve reached the entrance to Primrose Hill park. 

Primrose Hill is a wonderful place to spend a sunny couple of hours. You won’t find many tourists in this part of London, just lots of locals lounging in the sun or taking in the amazing vistas from this perfect vantage point, where you’re able to see nearly every famous building in the city.

After Primrose Hill, you’ll be well into the afternoon of your last day in London. For the evening, we’d recommend grabbing dinner and drinks in a place that you’ve already visited, but wanted to spend more time. 

Catch a Show!

We’d also recommend using this evening to catch a show, either at the Globe Theatre if you want a unique experience, or somewhere in the West End if you’re looking to see one of the more famous contemporary shows. 

We’ve seen Hamilton , Book of Mormon , and Lion King , and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , and we’d recommend all of them (although Book of Mormon probably isn’t for kids or people who are easily offended). 

Check out what shows are happening in London while you’re in town here . 

What to Do with Less Time in London

We had almost two full weeks in London, but we realize most people aren’t blessed with that much time to explore. Or even able to spend four days. 

Here’s how we’d spend less time in London, from one to three days. You can use these overviews to get an idea of the plan, and then use the detailed sections in the itinerary above to go deeper on the places you end up including. 

London in a Day

With just a day in London, you’re really going to have to pick and choose what you do and see, because a day is not nearly enough time. 

But, we’re here to give you our best take on how to spend your time, so let’s talk about what a perfect day in London looks like, at least for us. 

Immediately, we think you should skip the museums. The Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum are both cool, but they’re pretty far away from the rest of Central London. 

The other thing you’re going to have to miss is the Changing of the Guard . First of all, it doesn’t happen every single day year-round, so there’s a chance that it’s not even happening on the day you’re in London. Second, having that specific time in mind makes it hard to plan the rest of the day.  

Instead, focus on exploring the area around the Thames. Start your day at Buckingham Palace , the Queen’s part time residence (we were told by multiple people that she’s hardly ever there these days). Make your way to Westminster Abbey from there, and admire Big Ben before walking over the Westminster Bridge . 

From there, make your way along the south bank of the Thames, following the walk in the main itinerary above. 

Stop at Borough Market for lunch, then make your way across either London Bridge (better views, specifically of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London), or Tower Bridge (worse views, but a cool experience) and head to the Tower of London . 

Finally, make your way on a walk through the city of London, and end at St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

2 Days in London

With 2 days in London, you’ll need to do some swapping around of activities, but you can use the first three days of the itinerary above as a baseline. 

Here’s how we’d do it. 

On the first day, combine the morning of day 1 (St. Paul’s, the London Museum, and the City of London) and the morning of day 2 (Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace). Start with the Westminster stuff to make sure to get to the Abbey early, and end with St. Paul’s. Head to Shoreditch for dinner and drinks. 

On the second day, follow day 3 as written above. If you want to catch a show while you’re in town do it on your second evening. 

3 Days in London

With 3 days in London, we’d follow the itinerary above as written, and skip day 4 altogether. While it’s a bummer to miss out on Camden Market, you’re making it to Borough Market, so you’ve got a taste of London’s food markets. 

If you want to catch a show, you can add it to any of the evenings pretty easily. 

Specific Days of the Week to Keep in Mind for Your Trip

One of the things we realized as we sat down to outline this guide is that a lot of the things to do depend on what days of the week you’re in town. This is particularly relevant for some of the food markets. 

For example, Borough Market is amazing on Saturday, closed on Sunday, and pretty good on weekdays. But only at lunchtime!

On the other hand, Broadway Market up north is really a Saturday destination, when the streets are packed with vendors selling all kinds of delicious food. 

Here are some considerations for days of the week to keep in mind as you’re planning your trip (there’s more detail on what exactly these places are and what they offer in the detailed 4 day London itinerary above). 

• Borough Market : Lunch only, Monday to Saturday. 
• Broadway Market : Definitely go on Saturday for lunch. 
• Camden Market : Mostly a lunch spot, and you should also go on Saturday if you can. 
• Spitalfields Market : Weekends are best here, when the entire interior is lined with stalls selling food, arts and crafts, and other fun stuff to peruse. 
• Portobello Road Market : The market in Notting Hill is, again, best on Saturdays, when the majority of vendors are set up. 
• Columbia Road Flower Market : Sundays only!
• The Sunday Upmarket : The vintage/food market on Brick Lane is a weekends only destination, both Saturday and Sunday.  

“WOW” you say, “that’s a LOT of weekend only markets – which ones do you like best?” 

We purposefully made sure our 12 days included two weekends, because the food market culture in London stuck out to us as something that was super unique.

If we had to choose, we’d opt for the Broadway Market , which feels much more like a neighborhood farmers market than any other market we visited (and we went twice!), and the Spitalfields Market and Upmarket , which are a few blocks away from each other. 

You should also definitely visit Camden Market and Borough Market, but the day of the week matters less for those (though they’re both lunchtime destinations, rather than evening destinations). 

When to Visit London

London is a city of seasons, though those seasons might look a little different than the seasons you’re used to. 

Matt has now been to London multiple times in the spring , and it’s a little bit of a toss up in terms of the weather. On this last trip, we were in London for two weeks. At the beginning, it was summer weather, and Londoners came out in full force on the first sunny weekend after a dreary winter. We’re talking tank tops and sundresses all over the place. 

A few days later, it was snowing. Literally. 

So if you’re coming in the spring, be prepared for unpredictable weather – you might be warm, cold, or wet, or all three in one day! Layers are going to be your friend, and a rain jacket is essential. 

In the summer – which means about June through August – the weather is warm, the skies are clear (mostly), and summer festivals are in full swing. It’s easily the busiest time of year, so you’ll be paying more for accommodations, and you’ll want to book things like museum entries as early as possible. 

Fall is similar to spring, but it’s a little bit more predictable. It’s going to be cool – think 50’s and 60’s on most days – and it will rain a few days here and there, but it’s a lovely time to be in London. 

Winter is gray and dreary, and the days are very, very short. However, London around Christmas is supposed to be magical, and the city lights up with Christmas lights, with markets set up all around the city. It’s going to be relatively cheap, aside from December, when prices are surprisingly high. 

Getting Around London (Using Public Transit)

We didn’t quite understand just how massive London is until we had spent some time moving around it. I mean, sure, we knew it was a huge city with 10 million people, but I don’t think we quite understood just how long it takes to get from one end of the city to the other. 

For that reason (p.s., the answer can be well over an hour, depending on where you’re headed), we highly recommend investing in an unlimited public transportation card while you’re in London , which is called a Travelcard and is something you can buy at the machines at most Tube stations. 

The Travelcard gives you unlimited access to the Underground and buses in London. Both are efficient, relatively clean (coming from the US), and will get you from point A to point B far faster than your own two feet. You’ll need to choose the duration based on your trip – one day, two days, a week. More information here . 

Since you’ll likely only need zones 1-2 for most of the sights in Central London, we’d recommend purchasing your Travelcard separately from your trip from the airport (more on that in a second). The airport is outside of that range, and it would increase the price of your pass substantially. 

An alternative would be to pay £5 for an Oyster Card, which you can top up as you go. Again, you’d buy both the card and add any value at Tube Stations. You can use this to tap on and off the tube and buses (you don’t actually tap off when you ride the bus in London, just to be clear). 

Top Travel Tip : Search for “TFL” (Transport for London) on the Apple or Google Play store for an app with a wealth of maps, timetables and transport information. 

Getting Around by Electric Bike

Electric bike rentals have exploded in popularity across London over the last decade. 

The largest bike rental company in London is Santander Cycles, though locals refer to them as “Boris Bikes”, after their introduction by then-mayor and now Prime Minister Boris Johnson, way back in 2010. 

The bikes have been rented over ninety-three million times since their introduction, and cost £2 per 30-minute ride, with drop-off and pick-up points all across the city. 

Getting Around on Foot

Unlike San Francisco, the last place we lived full time, London is fairly flat, which makes it easy to get around on foot. In fact, you’ll notice that a lot of the itinerary above involves walking from place to place, which is a very pleasant way to explore the city. 

However, we also mentioned that London is huge, which means you’re going to want to supplement your walking with public transportation if you’ve got limited time and want to fit in as much as possible. 

Getting to the City from London Heathrow

As far as getting into the city from the airport, you have a few different options, and which you end up choosing is going to depend on your budget and how much time you have. 

We’ll go from fastest (and most expensive) to slowest (and most affordable). 

First is the Heathrow Express , which is a train that runs between Paddington Station and Heathrow in 15-20 minutes flat with no other stops. The downside is that it’s VERY expensive if you book it at the last minute, and it doesn’t quite get you into the areas of London you’re probably staying in, so it will require a transfer. 

If you’re able to book more than 90 days in advance, you can get tickets for as little as £5.50 each way , which is a steal of a deal, and will cost about the same as the longer Tube option, taking about ¼ as long. 

The second option, which is expensive and likely takes about an hour, door to door, is taking a taxi . You can either pre-book a car hire to pick you up and drop you at your hotel, or grab one of London’s charming black taxi cabs from the stand at arrivals. Fares are standardized – sort of – and depend on the time of day and day of the week. You can find a general guide here on the government website with approximate fares based on when/where you’re going. 

Last is taking the Underground all the way from Heathrow, which is what we ended up doing. It costs right around £6, and takes about an hour to go from the airport to Central London on the Piccadilly Line. Depending on where you’re staying, you might need to make a transfer, which is relatively straightforward. Buy tickets at the machines at the airport just before you leave the concourse and enter the Underground station. 

Taking the Tube (another name for the Underground) during rush hour with luggage will likely be a nightmare, so take that into consideration if you’re arriving between 8:00 am – 10:00 am or 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. 

Getting to London

When it comes to figuring out how to get yourself to London, you’ll find that the city is extremely well connected. The city is a major travel hub for Europe, the United States and countless other destinations around the world. 

Flying into London

Here’s a brief rundown of the major airports surrounding the city. There are three of them, and the main airport with the widest array of flights (and ways to get into the city) is London Heathrow (LHR) . 

London Heathrow (LHR)

Heathrow is by far the busiest airport in the UK. That means it’s probably the airport you’re most likely to be arriving at, especially if you’re flying in from the United States. 

Heathrow is the closest of the large London airports to the city center, so it’s definitely the best place to land if you have the choice.

London Gatwick (LGW)

Gatwick Airport is located 28 miles to the south of London. The airport is smaller than Heathrow, and mainly connects to destinations across Europe. If you’re planning on arriving on a budget flight (Easyjet, WizzAir, Ryanair) there’s a good chance you’ll come into Gatwick. 

Don’t be put off by Gatwick’s location. It’s extremely easy (and fast) to reach the center of London using the Gatwick Express direct train service. The trains run every 15 minutes between the airport’s South Terminal and London’s Victoria Station daily from 5:00 am until 12.30 am. The nonstop journey takes around 30 minutes.

London Stansted (STN)

London Stansted is situated to the north of the city, and it takes around 50 minutes to arrive at central London’s Liverpool Street Station by express train.  

Stansted, like Gatwick, is predominantly used by budget operators like Ryanair. Stanstead is a busy airport, but many of the flights cater to Eastern European destinations, so it may be of limited use for many of you.

Taking the Eurostar into London

Eurostar is a high-speed train service that links the UK to continental Europe. Trains travel through the Channel Tunnel, across the English countryside of Kent, before arriving in London’s King’s Cross St. Pancras Station .

So What’s the Appeal?

Well, for one, it’s very efficient. Paris to London takes around 2.5 hours, and you’ll arrive (and depart) from the heart of the city center at each end of your journey. 

It’s also possible to travel from Brussels, Amsterdam and even further out, meaning you could visit London by train as part of a longer European trip. Besides, there’s something romantic about traveling by train, and it’s something we wish we could do more of at home in the United States. 

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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• CITY BREAK , LONDON

The Best 4 Days in London Itinerary (by a local)

• November 2, 2023

4 days in London is a good amount of time to appreciate what this pulsating city has to offe r.  In this guide, I’ll be sharing a recommended four day London Itinerary, including the best places to visit, where to eat, sleep, & party, as well as all of my top tips for visiting.

London is one of the most happening and exciting cities in all of Europe.  Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner that I love London town , but it’s true.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, magnificent architecture, eccentric fashion, wild nightlife, and unrivalled culinary scene, London ignites your senses in every possible way.

I’d like to think I know London city pretty well. After all, I lived and worked here most of my life. That’s how I know that my 4 day London itinerary is the best on the internet.

I’m here to advise you on all of the top London hotspots, as well as some cool hidden gems that not many tourists get to hear about. I will also share my insider tips and knowledge to ensure you have the best possible time exploring the city.

Sound good? Let’s get to it then. Here is a perfect Itinerary for 4 Days in London.  

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Is 4 Days in London Enough?

London is a massive city, i t boasts an abundance of things to see and do.

It would be impossible to experience it all of London in 4 days, so I encourage you to plan your time wisely prioritising what you want from your trip.  

In my opinion, the perfect London 4 day itinerary combines a balance of significant landmarks.  But you’ll also have some time to wander off the beaten path and discover some of the more  unusual things to do in London .

That’s why when people ask me how to long to stay in London, 4 days is the minimum. With four days in London, you can cover most of the city’s main attractions, including parks and museums.

With this in mind, I’m confident that if you follow my suggested London itinerary, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced the very  best of what the city has to offer .

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Where to Stay in London

There are several factors to consider when  choosing where to stay in London . Budget usually being the most prevalent one.

It’s no secret that London is an expensive city. So while staying in central London is ideal for sightseeing, it’s not going to be your most budget-friendly option.

Thankfully, London’s public transport network is one of the best in the world. This means you can stay on the outskirts of London, and be able to reach the city centre quickly and easily.

With 4 days in London or more, I’d say this is a valid option. 

Best London Neighbourhoods

If you want to be at the very  heart of all the action , you may wish to consider staying in  Victoria  or  Covent Garden . You can expect to pay high-end prices for accommodation, but with many key attractions within walking distance of your hotel, this area is very convenient indeed.

For the  night owls and fashionistas ,  Soho  is a chic central neighbourhood boasting a realm of nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Also famed for being the epicentre of  LGBTQ+ culture in London , it’s one of the most vibrant and happening districts in the city.

For those looking for somewhere a little  offbeat and quirky , I would look into staying in  Shoreditch  (East London) or  Camden  (North London). Both areas are eccentric and unconventional in their own right, highlighting an amalgamation of street art, markets, nightlife and underground edge.  

If you’re  travelling as a family  or you’d prefer a more  ‘local’ neighbourhood vibe , I suggest staying in  Notting Hill  or  Kensington . Located in West London, both areas are peaceful and close to some of the city’s best attractions, while the city centre is easily accessible via public transport.

Alternatively, you may look at staying nearby, in which case you can compare hotels in here . Or use the Map below to see all your options​:

The Best of London in 4 Days

I go into quite a lot of detail in this comprehensive London Itinerary; so, for those who are short on time, here’s an overview of the best places to visit.

• See some of  Britain’s most famous landmarks  such as Big Ben & St Pauls’s Cathedral.
• Take in some of the  best views of the city  from the London Eye or the Shard.
• Meander the various  free museums in London , including the National History Museum and the National Gallery.
• Shop ’til you drop on  Oxford Street .
• Immerse in  London’s history  at the Tower of London.
• Escape the hustle and bustle at the picturesque  Hyde Park .
• Get lost in one of London’s  plentiful markets .
• Hunt for street art  and other quirky pleasures in Shoreditch or Camden.
• Enjoy some of the best Chinese food outside of China in  China Town . 
• Experience the fabulous atmosphere of a  London West End show .

Suggested 4 Days in London Itinerary

Okay, so this is an action-packed London itinerary. It means getting out early in the morning and arriving back late at night. The idea is that you experience as much of the city as you can during your stay.

Of course, this is only a guide. If this 4 days in London itinerary seems a bit much for you, you can cut out anything that you don’t mind missing. I’ll detail it all below, and then you can refine the list to suit your needs.

Here’s a quick run down of what to expect.

• Day 1 : Iconic London Landmarks & Sights
• Day 2 : London History & Culture
• Day 3 : London Museums, Parks, and Shopping
• Day 4 : Offbeat London and Hidden Gems

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Day 1 of 4 Days in London

Iconic London Landmarks & Sights…

• Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament

St James Park

Westminster abbey, buckingham palace.

• Picadilly Circus & Trafalgar Square
• Covent Garden & China Town

Waterloo is the closest tube station to our first stop of the day. When you have arrived, exit the station following the signs for South Bank. Use this Transport for London journey planner to map out your journey. 

Okay, time to get acquainted with the city you’ll be seeing alot of London in 4 days. There aren’t many better ways to do that than to view it all from above.

The iconic London Eye is a 135-metre Observation Wheel – one of the largest of its kind in the world. Located on the South Bank of the Thames, it’s one of the most recognisable structures amid the London cityscape.

It’s also quite pricy to ride the London Eye. Nonetheless, it’s still the most popular paid attraction in the UK, so it’s worth  buying your ticket in advance  so you can skip the queue.

Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament

Next, we will take a gentle stroll along the Thames and  cross over at Westminster Bridge . The bridge itself is a landmark in its own right, providing an iconic view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.   

The bridge will be bustling with tourists, locals and street performers as well.  Be wary of scammers  in these parts though, which often involve some kind of game. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Big Ben (which is the name of the bell, not the tower) and the Houses of Parliament are considered  national treasures of London .

Most will be happy to admire from the outside. But if you’re at all interested in politics, it is possible to  witness a debate at the Houses of Parliament .  

You will need to book in advance, but it is one of the few  free things to do in London .

A short 5-minute walk from Big Ben is Westminster Abbey – One of the UK’s most notable churches .

Remarkably, it was Benedictine monks that founded Westminster Abbey in 960AD. It’s the final resting place of some of the country’s key historical figures, such as Charles D!ckens, Sir Isaac Newton, and Anne of Cleves.

Alongside a striking facade, the Abbey is a treasure house of paintings, stained glass, and artefacts documenting over 1000 years of British history.

It has also served as a coronation church, bearing witness to several royal weddings. And home to the coronation chair, whereby every King and Queen of England is crowned.

It’s much cheaper to book in advance , than on the day. If you’re interested in British history, architecture, or the Royal family, it’s worth the money.

You’ll find various coffee shops and restaurants nearby the Abbey. But if it’s a nice day, I suggest picking something up to go and having a picnic in nearby St James Park.

One of  8 royal parks in London , this area is incredibly picturesque and an ideal spot to take a break from the hustle & bustle.

On route to the park, you can walk past Downing Street, the home of the British Prime Minister. You can’t walk down the street itself, but you can give Boris a wave (or the finger) through the gate.

To fool your friends, you’ll find a replica of 10 Downing Street 800 metres away.  10 Adam Street  is now a hotspot for tourists wanting a souvenir photo!

A gentle stroll through St James Park will lead you to Buckingham Palace – the official London  residence of the Royal Family .

While it is possible to go inside the Royal Palace, it is only open to the public between July and October. It’s also a rather expensive attraction.

In any case, the highlight for most visitors is to witness the  changing of the guard . This is when the Queen’s guard hands over responsibility for protecting the palace to the new guard.

The guards in their traditional red tunics and bearskin hats are national icons. Many consider the ceremony a quintessential London experience.  It’s free to attend.

Tip – Please note, the days and times of the changing of the guard ceremony, differ from week to week. Always check the changing guard website  on the date you plan to visit.

Piccadilly Circus & Trafalgar Square

From Buckingham Palace, make your way to Piccadilly. Stroll the famous street lined with luxury hotels and designer stores. Eventually, you’ll end up at Piccadilly Circus –  London’s answer to Times Square .

Here you’ll find all things iconic to London. London underground signs, red phone boxes, and red double-decker buses, all make for  the perfect Instagram photo .

8 minutes walk from Piccadilly Circus will land you in Trafalgar Square. You’ll always find something to keep you entertained. Whether it be local street performers and artists, or something on a much larger scale.

Otherwise, admire the monuments and fountains that adorn the square. Or visit the grand  National Gallery  which is free to enter.

Covent Garden & China Town

It’s been a busy day, and I don’t know about you, but I’m parched. To round off your day, I suggest making your way to Covent Garden.

Here you can enjoy a pre-dinner beverage or two at one of its  plentiful bars and pubs . You can expect a great vibe regardless of the day, time, month, or season.  

When I worked in London, after-work drinks in Covent Garden were a religion. All I will say is that  nights in Covent Garden  have the potential to escalate very quickly.

You’ll also find several  excellent restaurants  in the area if you wanted to stick around for dinner. Otherwise, I recommend taking a stroll to China Town, where you will find the best Chinese food outside of China.

Day 2 of 4 Days in London

London History & Culture…

• The Tower of London
• London’s Bridges

Borough Market

Saint dunstan in the east, st pauls cathedral, the british museum.

Tower Hill is the closest tube station to our first stop of the day. When you have arrived, exit the station following the signs for the Tower of London. Use this  Transport for London journey planner  to map out your journey.

Tower of London

The  Tower of London  is one of the  most important historical buildings  in all of the UK. And with that, an essential addition to any London itinerary.

There’s so much compelling history wrapped up in the tower that it’s hard to know where to begin. Today the fortress is most famous for protecting the Crown Jewels.

There have also been many famous executions at the Towers. Guy Fawkes, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas Cromwell to name but a few. It’s this darker history which has earned the castle  a spooky reputation .

The famous  Yeoman Warder Tour  is the perfect way to learn all about the towers grizzly past. Worth noting that areas of the tour that may be frightening for young children.

There are other tours you can do, such as  See the Crown Jewels  or  Meet the Ravens . Either way, it’s a guaranteed fun-filled experience for all the family at this famous world heritage site.  

Next up, cross over the legendary Tower Bridge to The Shard. One of the newest additions to London’s skyline, The Shard is one of the  most recognisable skyscrapers  in the city.

Designed to resemble a shard of glass, the whopping 95-storey structure is home to some of the most high-end offices, restaurants and hotels in London. It’s also London’s highest viewpoint.

Natalie and I went to the  View from the Shard  not long after its opening in 2013. We enjoyed a glass of champagne from the viewing deck. Expensive but worth it for unrivalled views over the city.

There are tons of  food markets in London , especially during the Summer. But Borough Market will always be my favourite.

I don’t know if it’s because it’s one of the oldest in London. Or whether its because of its industrial location beneath the railway arches. Either way, it is  a total vibe !

The only downside to Borough Market is that it gets extremely busy. Not only that, the multitude of stalls selling an amalgamation of cuisines can be overwhelming.

With this in mind, I’ve listed some of my favourites below.

Vegan?  Check out this  Vegan Guide to Borough Market .

• Lebanese : Nana Fanny’s
• Indian : Horn Ok Please
• Meat Lovers : Hobbs Roast Meat
• Bakery Good s: Bread Ahead

Our next stop is somewhat of a hidden gem in London. It’s always been one of my favourite places to escape the hustle and bustle.

What was once a Church of England Parish Church, now lays in ruins following an att@ck during WWII.

The ruins are now a  secluded public garden . The range of plants wending their way around the remains makes for an enchanting scene.

You won’t need long here, but I would certainly stop by en route to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Save Money with a London Pass

Are you going to be visiting all of the cities top attractions and taking full advantage of the public transport network? If yes, you should consider purchasing a  London Pass in advance. The Pass allows free access to many attractions and unlocks tons of discounts around the city.

St Pauls Cathedral is another of London’s leading sightseeing attractions. A  building steeped in history , it should be a priority over your 4 days in London.

The cathedral has played an integral role in British culture for over 1400 years. It was largely destroyed in the great fire of London. It’s gone on to host a number of high-profile weddings and funerals.

If you  purchase a ticket to go inside, you can take a guided tour of the cathedral floor and crypt, climb its three galleries, and enjoy panoramic views from the top of the dome. 

It’s no secret that London is a treasure trove of museums. And our final stop of the day is one of the most well-regarded of them all.

Like most London museums, I’ve visited the British Museum countless times. It’s honestly my favourite London activity.

Not only are most museums  completely free to enter . But I always end up learning or discovering something new.  

There are over 60 mesmerising galleries to explore at the British Museum. My personal favourites are the ancient Egyptian exhibits. Others feature artefacts from ancient Greece, Mexico and Japan.

For the real historians out there, this is an  unmissable addition  to your London itinerary.

Wow, it’s been another busy day. Now is the time to kick back and relax with a cocktail in hand. Tonight, I recommend heading to Soho – one of the  most vibrant districts  in all of Central London.

This area is renowned for being the epicentre of  London’s LGBTQ+ culture , but it’s also home to an abundance of trendy bars and chic restaurants.  

Naturally, we’ve spent a lot of time in Soho, and I could be here all day recommending the best places to go. So, for now, I’ll keep it simple.

Start your evening with a craft beer or two at BrewDog Soho, followed by dinner at Bocca Di Lupo (Italian) or Mildreds (Vegetarian).

Then if you still have the energy, party the night away at one of  Soho’s bars and nightclubs .

Day 3 of 4 Days in London

London Museums, Parks, and Shopping…

• The National History Museum
• The Science Museum
• Afternoon Tea @ Harrods
• Oxford Street & Covent Garden

West End Show

South Kensington is the closest tube station to our first stop of the day. When you have arrived, exit the station following the signs for the National History Museum. Use this  Transport for London journey planner  to map out your journey.

National History Museum

Okay, day 3 in London and we will be spending the morning at some of my favourite London museums. Remember the majority of  museums are free in London , so it’s set to be a cheap morning!

If museums aren’t your thing, I’ve listed some alternative things to do further down the article. If you’re sticking with me, the first museum of the day is the National History Museum.

Often considered the  best of its kind in the world , London’s National History Museum never fails to blow my mind.

I’ve been visiting ever since I was a little kid. I’ll always remember how small I’d feel walking amidst the giant remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric species.  

One thing I continue to love about the National History Museum is how immersive and theatrical it is. Not to mention, it’s one of the most impressive buildings in the entire city. 

Science Museum

I’ll be honest; you could easily spend the entire morning at the National History Museum. But if time allows, I also suggest checking out the Science Museum, which is just around the corner.

As the name suggests, this museum documents the accounts of groundbreaking scientific achievements throughout the years.

Young children especially, but adults too, are sure to enjoy the interactive displays, designed to both educate and entertain. 

Afternoon Tea at Harrods

Nearby the museums you’ll find several great restaurants. Or, if a Traditional Afternoon Tea is on your London bucket list (which it should be)  Harrods  is just a 15-minute walk away.  

I’m sure Harrods needs little introduction. It’s the most  famous department store in London  and despite its luxurious reputation, has a diverse customer base.

In fact, Harrod’s motto is ‘ Omnia Omnibus Ubique’ , which is Latin for  ‘all things for all people, everywhere’ .

While a little on the pricey side, you’re guaranteed the real deal when it comes to  Afternoon Tea at Harrods .

If afternoon tea at Harrod’s sounds a bit fancy, you could grab something to go and head to nearby Hyde Park.

Hyde Park to London is like what Central Park is to New York. A sprawling open space of meadows, lakes, flower gardens, and beautiful old trees. If it’s a nice day, this is arguably a better option.

Hyde Park is that  idyllic and pretty , it’s easy to forget that you’re in a city at all. I suggest taking some time to wander around.

Enjoy famous landmarks such as the Princess Diana Memorial, The Serpentine Lake, and Speakers Corner. Eventually, you’ll come out at Marble Arch, which is where our shopping endeavours can begin.

Oxford Street & Covent Garden

Everybody knows that London is one of the  fashion capitals of the world . So if you’re looking to glam up your wardrobe, this is the place to do it.

Upon leaving Hyde Park at Marble Arch, your eyes will bulge at the sight of  hundreds of designer stores  that line Oxford Street.

You don’t need to be flash for cash either. Some of the UK’s most affordable high street brands such as River Island, Zara, and even Primark have flagship stores here.  

Continue your spree into Covent Garden, where the large fashion houses are replaced with quaint boutique stores.

Meander down Neal’s Yard – one of London’s most colourful and photogenic streets, pick up some  London-themed   gifts , and find somewhere that appeals for your  pre-theatre show meal .

Listen up; you absolutely cannot spend 4 days in London without experiencing the magic of a West End Show.

I was lucky enough to have family who would take me to shows regularly as a kid, and my love for the theatre continues to thrive.

Some of my favourite shows to date include  The Lion King ,  Wicked ,  Mama Mia ,  Chicago , and  Les Miserables .  

Unfortunately, ticket prices have increased substantially in recent years. So if you’re travelling as a family, it’s going to burn a hole in your wallet.

But honestly, it’s worth it. Unless you’re from New York, where theatre productions are equally impressive, this is a  once-in-a-lifetime experience .

Plus, there are often ways of getting  cheap theatre tickets . My only advice, however, is to check the seats. Often, discounted tickets have heavily restricted views.

Day 4 of 4 Days in London

Offbeat London..

Leake Street at Waterloo Vaults

Leadenhall market.

• Columbia Road Flowers
• Camden Town

Okay, it’s the final day of our London Itinerary, and today is all about offbeat London. We will be exploring some of London’s quirkier neighbourhoods, hidden gems, and alternative cultures.

London’s landmarks may be world-famous and for a good reason. But it’s the unconventional side that gives my beloved city character.

But again, if you wanted to switch up the day with a day trip or another activity, you’ll find some options further down the article.

Waterloo is the closest tube station to our first stop of the day. When you have arrived, exit the station at Exit 2 towards Waterloo Road. Use this  Transport for London journey planner  to map out your journey.

Our first stop is Leake Street at the Waterloo Vaults. A labyrinth of old railway arches beneath Waterloo Station, The Vaults is home to  all things weird and wonderful .

During the evening, is when this venue really comes to life. At night the tunnels are bustling with theatre, comedy, music and other immersive events. But for now, we will be visiting the Leake Stret Tunnel.

Otherwise known as the ‘ Banksy Tunnel’ , it is one of the only places in London where graffiti is not only permitted, but encouraged. The result is a plethora of artwork from various artists.

Next, hop on the tube to Monument or Bank station, and make your way to Leadenhall Market.

Any  Harry Potter fan needs to include this spot on their London itinerary. It is one of many Harry Potter locations in London and inspired Diagon Alley in the films.

Every time I walk through Leadenhall, I pray that a wand store will magically appear, and I’ll finally be the witch I’ve always wanted to be. But so far, no such luck.  

Harry Potter fan or not, you’re sure to be impressed by the ornate Victorian marketplace. It’s home to several designer stores, restaurants, and London pubs.  

* Consider yourself a Harry Potter fanatic ? Check out this best-selling  Harry Potter-guided walking tour  and trace the footsteps of your favourite witches and wizards around Muggle London.

Our next stop is just a short 15-minute walk away. Look out for the infamous Gherkin skyscraper along the way. End up in Shoreditch – one of London’s  most trendy and happening neighbourhoods .

Famed for its impressive street art, diverse culinary & nightlife scenes, antique markets and infectious hipster vibe, it’s one of my favourite spots in the city. It is  offbeat London at its finest . 

You could spend a couple of days exploring all that there is to  see and do in Shoreditch , but Brick Lane is a great place to start.

While meandering around Shoreditch, don’t miss  Box Park  – a unique place to hang out and grab food. Also stop by  Beigel Bake  for the best bagel outside of New York.

If you like Indian food, you’ll find some of London’s best curry houses on Brick Lane. Finally, check out a hip rooftop bar such as  The Curtain  or  Queen of Hoxton . 

If you can find the strength to tear yourself away from vibey Shoreditch, I suggest hopping on the Northern Line and making your way to Camden Town.

As much as I love Shoreditch, if I had to choose my favourite place in London, it would have to be Camden. The vibe feels somewhat less pretentious to me and I’ve had some of the  best times of my life there .

If you’ve heard of Camden, it’s likely because of its legendary music scene. A  cool London fact  for you: Camden has paved the way to success for many iconic British artists, including The Beatles, Madness, Amy Winehouse, and Madonna.

In fact, if you do make it to Camden, checking out a live music venue such as The Roundhouse, Koko, or Electric Ballroom is the perfect way to round off your London Itinerary.  

Ideally, however, you’ll spend more than just the evening in Camden. That way, you can meander the eclectic Camden market, grab some street food at West Yard food hall, and enjoy a pint at one of Camden’s esteemed pubs. 

4 Day London Itinerary Alternatives

While I believe my London Itinerary to be the best way to spend your time, I’m well aware that our interests may vary. With this in mind, here are some of the other top things to do in and around London.

Up at the O2

Thrill-seekers might want to try their hand at some ‘ urban mountaineering ‘ at the UK’s beloved entertainment venue, The O2.

Historically, the iconic white dome was built to celebrate the turn of the Millenium; however, it proved to be such a hit that it’s now a permanent addition to the city skyline. 

While most visit the O2 to eat, drink, dance and sing along to their favourite artists,  Up At The O2  allows you to view the city in a whole new way.

Accompanied by a guide, you’ll embark on an exhilarating 90-minute climb onto the 52-metre-high rooftop.

Notting Hill

With its  ‘Insta-Famous’  multi-coloured houses, a vibrant annual street festival, and the classic Hollywood movie by the same name, Notting Hill needs little introduction.

Beyond the flock of influencers and movie-famous landmarks, its charm is timeless. I love to stroll down Portobello Road hunting for wears at one of London’s oldest markets, before finding a beautiful spot for brunch.  

By all means, do wander around the neighbourhood and admire the pastel-coloured houses. They are gorgeous and well worth a photo or 2. However, I must ask that you remain respectful of people’s privacy.

Try to avoid standing on the steps or sitting on walls outside the property, or you could experience the wrath of a true Londoner. Check out this list of the most  Instagrammable spots in Notting Hill .

Thames River Cruise

Arguably one of the best ways to experience this fast-paced city is on the water. Ditch the crowds and take in the sights without a care in the world.  

Depending on your budget, there are several Thames Cruise packages you can choose from. Some include 1-hour of sightseeing, others you can hop on & hop off. There are even romantic dinner or afternoon tea cruises. 

Get your Guide  has a wide selection of tours to choose from at a competitive rate, so it’s worth checking them out before your trip.

Take a Day Trip

Any longer than 4 Days in London, and I would suggest taking a day trip outside of the city. With our beautiful coastal towns and quaint countryside villages, there’s a lot to see.

Brighton is one of the UK’s favourite seaside destinations and an  epicentre of LGBT+ culture . Located just 1.5 hours by car or 1-hour by train from London it’s the ideal day trip. If you have more time, I recomend checking out Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast.

Or if you consider yourself history buff, you won’t want to miss out on Stonehenge. A prehistoric monument and world heritage site, Stonehenge remains one of the biggest historical mysteries of all time. 

Consider yourself a die hard Potter fan? Don’t out on miss a wizardly adventure to the   Harry Potter and Warner Brothers Studio .

London Itinerary Essential Info

With London being such a vibrant and exciting city, you’ll find it difficult not to have an incredible time. However, the tips and tricks below can help you make the very best of your trip.

• Save money on public transport, attractions, and restaurants with a  London Pass .
• Book a  hotel or hostel here  or check out these best  air bnbs in London .
• Stay connected in London with a  portable wifi hotspot  or a  local sim card .
• Get to know the city on a  best-selling London tour .
• Don’t forget  travel insurance !

Getting Around in London

You will be covering several neighbourhoods on this London itinerary, so you’ll need to know how to get around.

Thankfully, London’s public transport network is one of the best in the world. OK, it could do with some upgrades here and there (erm, air conditioning on the Central Line), but it’s super reliable and easy to understand.  

First and foremost, I strongly encourage you to get an Oyster Card. The  Oyster Card  will ensure you get the cheapest rates when travelling around London.

It also caps your spends once it reaches a certain amount, which is great if you’re moving around a lot through the day. You get the same deal if you use a contactless payment card.

If you’re travelling with children, order them an Oyster Card 4 weeks in advance. That way, children under 10 travel for free, and under 18s at a discounted rate.

Many transport networks are operating in London, from buses and trams to trains and riverboats. You can plan out your journeys using the  Transport for London journey planner .

The Best Time to Visit London

There isn’t any right or wrong time to visit London, as there is a great atmosphere all your round.

If you are relying on warm and dry days for sightseeing, between May and September will be your safest bet. Though this is London, so you should always prepare for some rain. 

July and August tend to be the warmest months, but it’s also peak season, so expect inflated rates for flights and hotels. A lot is going on in the Summer, however, such as festivals and outdoor food markets. Londoners love to celebrate when the sun is shining, so you can expect a great vibe in the city.

London is also very festive throughout December. The Christmas lights in the city are stunning, and there are a few  Christmas markets . It’s also the season for  Winter Wonderland  which is not to be missed if you find yourself in the city during this time.

Budget for 4 Days in London

It’s no secret that London is an expensive city. I cringe when I think about all the money I’ve spent living there over the years, but  c’est la vie.  

If you plan to see London the budget way, you could comfortably live on £60/$75 a day. But that means eating cheap, staying at hostels, and being selective about the attractions you spend your cash on.

Thankfully, there are plenty of  free things to do in London  if you’re travelling on a tight budget.

On the other hand, if you insist on paying for all the main attractions, eating at trendy restaurants, and staying in fancy hotels, you can expect to double or even triple that budget.

If you hope to visit most of the prime attractions in London, it pays to invest in a  London Pass . The Pass allows free access to many attractions and unlocks tons of discounts around the city.

Is London Safe to Visit?

As somebody who has lived in London for most of my life, I would confidently class London as a safe place to visit. That said, I’ve grown up there. I know the do’s and don’t, and I have the privilege of being a local.

The actual answer is far more complex, and I strongly recommend you educate yourself on  how to stay safe in London  before you travel.

Like many places, theft and pickpocketing pose the most significant risk to tourists. There’s also a trend of gangs on motorbikes who snatch bags, phones, or whatever they can get their hands on as they drive past.

We suggest  keeping your belongings close to you at all times  and using a small padlock or compartmental bag to keep your valuables safe. 

Common scams pose another risk to tourists, and we advise being vigilant at all times. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and walk away from the situation.

Check out this article for examples of  common scams in London .  And don’t forget  travel insurance !

Get the best deals on travel insurance!

If you become sick or injured, those medical bills can really add up. Or perhaps you have your bag stolen, or a flight cancelled.  Although these events are unlikely, they do happen, and having travel insurance gives you that extra piece of mind that you are protected. 5% Discount for our readers using the button below! (discount applicable for non-American citizens).

London City Tours

Some might say that taking a guided tour is the best way to experience London.

We always use  Get Your Guide  when we book tours. They have an endless selection of tours in locations worldwide, including London. Check them out!

Save Time and Book a Tour

For a more local experience, we recommend checking out the guided tours on  Get Your Guide :

Enjoy Your 4 Days in London!

Well, that concludes our recommendations for spending four days in London. What are you looking forward to seeing most? Is there anything else that you think deserves to be on this list?

Let us know! We love hearing from you. You can reach out to us in the comment section below.

Stay adventurous and happy travels.

Planning a trip to England? Check out our UK series  to help with inspiration.

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Really informative, has been really helpful. Please keep on writing blog like this.

Hi Elena, we’re glad you found it helpful. Thank you

What a fantastic guide to London! You covered so much in four days. I especially liked your suggestions for the alternative and quirky things to do in London. You have a great taste for life!

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4 Days in London (Itinerary + Best Afternoon Tea)

• February 23, 2024

A complete itinerary for 4 days in London (+ a map with all must-see places, the best Afternoon Tea experience and how to skip the lines at Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London).

Situated on the River Thames, London is the largest city and the capital of England. Founded in 50 AD by the Romans, London is now a vibrant and multicultural place with thousands of years of history. It is also the seat of the British royal dynasty.

In 1777, the writer Samuel Johnson said – “When a man is tired of London he is tired of life”. And it is still true today! With its countless attractions, world-class museums, royal palaces and beautiful parks, London is one of the most popular cities to visit in the world.

Best 4-day London Itinerary

Planning a trip to London can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. It’s a huge city with plenty to see and do! The capital of the United Kingdom features more than a dozen must-see attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Tower Bridge.

In order to help you plan your stay, I’ve prepared this extensive London itinerary for 3 to 4 days. It covers the city’s most famous attractions and historical sites, plus some great restaurants and hotel recommendations. You’ll also find my favourite places for afternoon tea!

4 Days in London Itinerary (for first-timers)

• Day 1: Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, The British Museum
• Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, London Eye, Afternoon tea at Ham Yard Hotel
• Day 3: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sky Garden
• Day 4: Windsor Castle, Soho and Covent Garden, Thames River Cruise

In my opinion, spending around 4 days in London is just the right amount of time. This timeframe allows you to explore all key attractions without feeling too rushed. You’ll be able to take a day trip to Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace as well. However, if you’re short on time, I’ve outlined some ideas for experiencing London in 2 or 3 days after the 4-day itinerary.

Tips on your 4-day London itinerary

Accommodation – already have a hotel booked? Then check your hotel’s location and make sure it’s in a good area (see my guide on where to stay in London ).

My favourite place to stay in London : Apex Temple Court Hotel Why : great central location, walking distance to metro and bus stops What I like : spacious quiet rooms with very comfy beds

Restaurants – if you want to dine at a particular restaurant, make a reservation, especially for Fridays and Saturdays. It is very difficult to get a table even during the week.

How to skip the lines – the capital of England is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so there is no true low season. So my best tip is to either buy the London Pass (free entry to over 80 attractions) or book skip-the-line tickets individually for each attraction. In this way, you won’t waste hours waiting in line.

Free museums – if you’re a museum person, you’ll love the fact that a lot of the museums in London are free. There is no entrance fee to visit the famous British Museum, the National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum and many others.

Map – find here a map of this 4-day itinerary for London (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

Money – some places like museum shops and bakeries could be cashless (accept only card or mobile payments), so make sure to have a functional credit or debit card.

4 Days in London itinerary – Day 1

Breakfast at chestnut bakery belgravia.

08:20 AM – 09:00 AM

Start your first day of this 4-day London itinerary with breakfast at Chestnut Bakery. This bakery, located in the heart of the Belgravia district, is my favourite one in all of London! Note that they also have a second branch in Covent Garden (in case the location is more convenient for you).

Pastries are amazing, especially the croissants! I loved the croque monsieur croissant and the pistachio and raspberry croissant.

Buckingham Palace

09:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous sites in London. It is the residence of the reigning sovereign of the United Kingdom and where the Changing of the Guard Ceremony takes place.

Originally, the palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. In 1761 King George III acquired it as a private residence for Queen Charlott. The palace was remodelled and enlarged (three new wings were constructed) several times during the 19th century. Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the British monarch. The first monarch to reside here was Queen Victoria.

The palace is open to visitors during the months of July, August and September. You can tour the 19 magnificent State Rooms, furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. You’ll need between 1h30min and 2 hours to see everything.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are timed-entry and often sold out). Entry ticket : Skip-the-line Buckingham Palace (free cancellation up to 24 hours)

The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 11:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and daily in the summer. It lasts about 40min and it’s free to attend. I’d recommend you show up at least 15min before the beginning to get a good viewing spot. Please note that the ceremony may be cancelled last minute due to bad weather ( see the schedule here ).

To get closer to the action and learn more about the ceremony and the royal family, join this Changing of the Guard Walking Tour .

If you are not interested in the Changing of the Guard ceremony or the palace is closed during the time of your visit, skip it. Choose another attraction nearby instead (see other options further in the post).

Lunch at Queens of Mayfair

12:00 PM – 01:30 PM

For lunch head to Queens of Mayfair , a great place for brunch. The menu is focused on seasonal produce and the coffee is excellent! Try The Royal Fungus (forest mushrooms with scrambled eggs and black truffle) or The Royal breakfast.

Another option for lunch is Victoria House Coffee & Food . It is located away from Buckingham Palace, but just a short walk from the next attraction of this London itinerary. Victoria House Coffee & Food is a great place to try traditional English brunch. The Avo Bonus Breakfast and the Protein Breakfast were very delicious!

As London is full of awesome brunch spots, I’ll share with you one more option for lunch. I found this great place, Drury 188-189 , during my last trip to London. I absolutely loved their Eggs Benedict and the fact that you can customize your avocado toast.

The British Museum

02:00 PM – 04:00 PM

The British Museum features one of the largest collections of history and art inside its walls. It was established in 1753 with the private collections of Sir Hans Sloane, Robert Harley and Sir Robert Cotton. Today the museum houses about 8 million objects in its permanent collection! Some of the highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, the Mummy of Katebet, the Aztec serpent and many more.

Entrance is free, but if you’re visiting in the high season it is recommended to book a timeslot for your visit . To see all the highlights and learn about the history of the museum and the objects, you can opt for a guided tour of the British Museum .

Dinner at Honest Burgers Holborn

For some of the best burgers in London, head to Honest Burgers Holborn . Try the Tribute Burger (if you’re a beef lover) or Buffalo Burger (if you prefer chicken) with Rosemary salted chips.

Another awesome burger place is Fat Hippo . They are famous for their dirty fries and offer an amazing selection of chicken burgers (besides the regular ones with beef).

London by Night Sightseeing Bus Tour

To discover the city’s most iconic landmarks lit up against the night sky, join this London by Night Sightseeing Bus Tour . You’ll see the famous Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the fountains of Trafalgar Square and the neon screens of Piccadilly Circus.

More ideas for 4 days in London – Day 1

Westminster cathedral.

The beautiful Westminster Cathedral is often overlooked in favour of the nearby Westminster Abbey. Completed in 1903 in neo-Byzantine style, it is made almost entirely of brick. The cathedral is the largest Catholic church in the UK and the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster.

Don’t miss to take a look inside – the interior is decorated with stunning mosaics and more than 100 different varieties of marble!

St. James’s Park

Opposite Buckingham Palace, you’ll find St. James’s Park. This is the place with the most friendly squirrels in all of London, so don’t forget to bring a bag of nuts. There are also lots of ducks and swans. A perfect place to escape the busy city for a little while.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is located right on the famous Trafalgar Square. It houses a rich collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the 13th century to 1900. You’ll have the chance to see original works by Monet, Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Rembrandt and many more.

4 Days in London itinerary – Day 2

Breakfast at royal artisan bakery.

Start your second day with breakfast at Royal Artisan Bakery . It’s a lovely bakery with an excellent range of baked goods and desserts from artisan sourdough bread.

Westminster Abbey

09:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in England. Its history dates back as far as 960 AD. The magnificent Gothic church we see today was constructed by Henry III between 1245 and 1272.

Westminster Abbey is the coronation and burial site for English and British monarchs, starting with the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066. 30 kings and queens are buried here, among them Edward the Confessor, Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots and King Henry V.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are timed-entry and often sold out) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line Westminster Abbey (free cancellation up to 24 hours)

Some of the abbey’s highlights are the Coronation Chair (in St. George’s Chapel), the High Altar, the Quire Screen, Poets’ Corner, and the Queen’s Window.

If you have additional time, you can take a look at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries as well (entrance via the new Weston Tower). The galleries tell the thousand-year history of the abbey through historic art, relics and historical documents. Note, that there is an additional fee to visit the galleries and tickets are timed entry.

Palace of Westminster and Big Ben

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Big Ben is the city’s most iconic landmark. The tower is part of the Palace of Westminster, also known as the House of Parliament.

Actually, Big Ben is not the real name of the tower. It is the name of the bell located inside of it. The tower itself is called Elizabeth Tower after Queen Elizabeth II. Big Ben stands at a height of 96 meters (315 feet) and features 4 clocks on each face of the tower.

You can visit Big Ben only on a guided tour , lasting for approximately 90 minutes. You will have the opportunity to reach the top of the tower where the Great Bell hangs. However, do keep in mind that you need to climb the 334-step spiral stairwell to the top.

The Palace of Westminster is where the House of Lords and House of Commons meet (the two houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom). The original 11th-century palace was destroyed by fire in 1834 and later rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style. The building as we see it today was completed in 1860.

It is possible to visit the House of Parliament, but only on certain days (usually Saturdays). That’s why I didn’t include a visit to the palace in this 4 days itinerary for London. Still, if this is on your list, you’ll have enough time to do it. You just need to book in advance your Palace of Westminster tour here (self-guided or on a guided tour).

The best views of the palace and Big Ben can be captured across the Thames River.

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM

London Eye was completed in 1999 and since then has been the city’s most popular attraction. The 135m (443 feet) tall Ferris wheel features an incredible panoramic view over the whole of London.

The wheel turns very slowly, so you can easily enjoy the stunning views from the glass capsules (each of them weighing 10 tons). The ride takes approximately 30 minutes.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are timed-entry and often sold out) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line London Eye (free cancellation up to 24 hours)

Afternoon tea at Ham Yard Hotel

You can’t go to London and not have afternoon tea! It’s one of the most unique British experiences.

The Afternoon tea is a 19th-century tradition. It all started with Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. She always got hungry in the afternoons (who doesn’t), so she usually asked for some tea with cakes to be delivered to her rooms. This quickly turned into a habit and soon her friends followed her. Half a century later, the Afternoon tea was a popular social event.

Today, the tea is usually served between 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM. Food consists of several types of fresh finger sandwiches, homemade cakes and pastries and scones with clotted cream and preserves. The dress code is smart casual or formal, depending on the venue. So before booking a table, always check in advance the dress code.

There are hundreds of places serving Afternoon tea in London, ranging from stylish tea rooms and luxury hotels to tea shops and restaurants. I did quite a bit of research before finally choosing the Ham Yard Hotel . I liked the atmosphere, the food was excellent and the dress code – smart casual, so there was no need to bring an additional outfit and shoes just for the event.

Also, make a reservation well in advance (for the popular places even 2-3 months in advance). I was visiting in the autumn and a few of the restaurants were fully booked for months in advance.

My other advice is as the Afternoon tea could be an expensive experience (between £30-£80 per person), book it instead of a lunch or an early dinner.

Here are some other great places for Afternoon tea (besides Ham Yard Hotel):

• Oscar Wilde Lounge at Café Royal
• The Palm Court at The Sheraton
• Grand Mirror Room at Rosewood
• The Foyer & Reading Room at Claridge’s
• Thames Foyer at The Savoy
• Dalloway Terrace at the Bloomsbury Hotel
• The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel
• The Rubens at the Palace

Dinner at Berenjak

For dinner make your way to Berenjak . This Persian restaurant, located in Soho, has a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Berenjak offers a menu, which reinterprets the flavours of Tehran’s hole-in-the-wall kabab houses. The hummus was the best I’ve ever tried, and the Jujeh Kabab and Kabab Koobideh were excellent!

It’s a small and very popular restaurant, so make a reservation at least 1-2 months in advance. If it’s fully booked, consider arriving at least 40 minutes before the opening times to secure a table. They typically set aside some seats at the counter for walk-ins.

More ideas for 4 days in London – Day 2

Churchill war rooms.

If you’re interested in WW2, a visit to Churchill War Rooms is a must. The museum occupies the British government command centre throughout the Second World War and it comprises two sections – the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum.

The Cabinet War Rooms allows visitors to explore the huge underground bunker from where Winston Churchill directed the war effort during World War 2. You can explore this maze of rooms, where people actually lived and worked. Everything is exactly how it was on the day the lights were switched off in 1945.

The museum is popular, thus it’s best to book your ticket to Churchill War Rooms here in advance. The ticket includes an excellent audio guide.

Imperial War Museum

Founded during WWI, the Imperial War Museum is one of the best military museums in Europe. It covers both the service and civilian aspects of all conflicts in which British or Commonwealth forces had been involved from 1914 to the present day. The vast collection includes military vehicles and weapons, official documents, photographs and videos.

4 Days in London itinerary – Day 3

Breakfast at watchhouse tower bridge.

08:00 AM – 09:00 AM

Start your day with some excellent coffee at WatchHouse Tower Bridge . Located just steps away from Tower Bridge, this lovely café offers delicious sourdough toasts and cakes you can choose from the display.

Tower Bridge

09:00 AM – 09:30 AM

Often mistaken as London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1894 in Neo-Gothic style, the bridge connects the north and south banks of London.

It is a bascule bridge, which means that two halves of the roadway can be raised to allow river traffic to pass. It was impossible to build a traditional fixed bridge at street level because this would cut off the access of ships to the port facilities in the Pool of London (between London Bridge and the Tower of London).

It is possible to visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which gives you access to the bridge’s old engine room, the towers and the glass walkway between them. However, considering the little time you’ll have in London, I’d recommend seeing the bridge only outside.

Tower of London

The Tower of London was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1066 as a royal castle and a fortress. It was expanded in the 13th century by Henry III and Edward I and was a royal residence until the 17th century. The tower served many purposes, including a prison and an execution place for famous people like Anne Boleyn, and Thomas Cromwell.

Today the Tower of London houses the Crown Jewels. It’s a remarkable collection, which includes the Imperial State Crown, St Edward’s Crown, Sovereign’s Orb and Sceptre and many other priceless items. The Sovereign Sceptre is decorated with the First Star of Africa, the largest colourless cut diamond in the world!

When you enter the site, head straight to the Crown Jewels. This place gets very crowded and there are long lines in the high season, which you can’t skip.

Don’t miss the sentries outside the Jewel House and the King’s House. There are three ceremonies you can watch daily: the Ceremonial Opening, the Ceremony of the Word and the Ceremony of the Keys.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are timed-entry and often sold out) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line Tower of London (free cancellation up to 24 hours) Best guided tour : Yeoman Warder Tour – included in the ticket price (tours begin every 30 minutes near the main entrance)

Lunch at Grounded London

For lunch head to Grounded London . It’s a great place for brunch, and the ingredients they use are locally-sourced and organic. You’ll find a variety of egg dishes, sandwiches and of course sourdough toasts, pancakes and French toast.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It was built in the 17th century after the Great Fire of London destroyed the previous one in 1666.

One of the most impressive parts of the cathedral is its dome, composed of three circular galleries – the Whispering, the Stone and the Golden Gallery. From the latter, standing at 85m (214 feet) height, you can enjoy some impressive views of the city. Note that you have to climb 528 steps to reach the Golden Gallery.

Take time to visit the crypt, which is the resting place of some of London’s most notable citizens, including the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson.

I’d advise you to buy your ticket to St. Paul’s Cathedral in advance if you’re visiting in the high season. An audio guide is included in the admission price. Also, free guided tours are available from Monday to Saturday usually between 11 AM and 3 PM.

03:45 PM – 04:30 PM

Located at the top of ​​20 Fenchurch Street, Sky Garden is the city’s highest public garden. It offers spectacular 360-degree views of London’s iconic skyline.

Housed in a massive glass bubble, the terraced garden occupies three floors. You’ll see a variety of Mediterranean and South African plants, including African Lily, French Lavender, Red Hot Poker and Bird of Paradise.

Admission is free, but you need to book a time slot in advance because they are often fully booked and rarely can accommodate walk-ins.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are timed-entry and often sold out) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line Sky Garden (free cancellation up to 24 hours)

If there aren’t any free slots left, you can always book a table for any of the restaurants or bars located there and enjoy the views.

Dinner at The India Restaurant

London is known for its Indian food, so for dinner head to The India Restaurant . They offer a variety of Indian food from classic to unique dishes. I’d recommend trying the Mixed platter starter and the Butter chicken.

Another great Indian restaurant is Colonel Saab . This modern Indian fine-dining restaurant boasts a stunning interior with crystal chandeliers. The Purani Dilli (samosa), Gutti Vankaya (aubergines with gravy) and dark chocolate cake were fantastic!

More ideas for 4 days in London – Day 3

Jack the ripper walking tour.

Join this Jack the Ripper Walking Tour to discover more about 19th-century London, following the steps of the notorious killer. You’ll visit some of the real-life crime scenes around Whitechapel and hear the stories of the unfortunate victims.

London’s highest viewpoint is situated at the top of the Shard (on floors 68, 69, and 72). It gives you an incredible 360° view across the whole city. The skyscraper was completed in 2012 and it is one of the tallest buildings in Europe at 309m (1,017 feet).

Make sure to book your Shard entry ticket in advance, it’s a popular attraction and tickets are timed entry.

4 Days in London itinerary – Day 4

Breakfast at gail’s bakery southbank.

Before catching the train to Windsor Castle, stop at Gail’s Bakery for a quick breakfast. Their ham and cheese croissants and banana pecan muffins are excellent.

Windsor Castle

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Located just an hour away, Windsor Castle is a perfect half-day trip from London. It is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in Europe! Windsor was originally built by William the Conqueror as a defensive castle after the Norman conquest in 1066. The first monarch to reside there was Henry I in 1110. Since then, the castle has been the family home of 40 monarchs.

Highlights of the castle include the lavish State Apartments (the ceremonial and historic rooms), the 15th-century St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dolls House.

Start your visit with Queen Mary’s Dolls House, as from there you can continue straight to the State Apartments. If you opt to visit the State Apartments first, you’ll need to queue once more to enter the Queen Mary’s Dolls House. Also, there is an excellent audio guide included in the admission price.

If you’re visiting on Thursdays and Saturdays, don’t miss the Changing of the Guards ceremony at around 11:00 AM.

Booking in advance is recommended (tickets are timed-entry and often sold out) Entry ticket : Skip-the-line Windsor Castle (free cancellation up to 24 hours)

How to get to Windsor Castle Take a train from London Waterloo Station (WAT) to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station (WNR) – about 1h journey. From there it’s about a 10min walk to the castle.

Explore Soho and Covent Garden

Soho and Covent Garden are the most vibrant areas of London. You’ll find plenty of pubs, theatres, restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops. If you’re a book lover, this is the place to look for some second-hand treasures.

There are also numerous great little bakeries. So I’d suggest you take a self-guided sweet walking tour for lunch and taste some of the delicious pastries.

Arôme Bakery Start your tour with Arôme Bakery , a great little bakery with fantastic pastries. Taste the almond croissant, the egg custard tart and the honey butter toast.

Buns from Home Buns from Home offers a nice selection of delicious savoury and sweet buns. I would recommend the cinnamon bun and the chocolate hazelnut one.

Ben’s Cookies For the best cookies in London, head to Ben’s Cookies . I found them during my first trip to the United Kingdom and since then it’s a must-eat every time I visit the country. My favourite flavours are White Chocolate Chunk, Coconut and Milk Chocolate & Peanut butter.

Donutelier For the best doughnuts in London, head to Donutelier . I particularly enjoyed the Roshers Gianduja (a must-try if you’re a chocolate enthusiast), as well as the Pistachio Raspberry roll.

St. JOHN Bakery Neal’s Yard Another great place for light and fluffy doughnuts is St. JOHN Bakery Neal’s Yard . I always opt for the classics, either the vanilla or chocolate custard doughnuts!

Whipped London For some New York-style cheesecake, visit Whipped London . Their menu boasts around 10 variations of baked cheesecake with delicious toppings. My personal favourite was the Lotus Cookie Dough Baked Cheesecake.

Crumbs & Doilies The last stop of the tour is Crumbs & Doilies . They offer amazing cupcakes, which come in two sizes – small and normal cupcakes. I opted for the salted caramel cupcake and the red velvet cupcake, both outstanding.

Take a River Thames Cruise

Take this Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise and admire the views of the city’s most iconic sights. You’ll journey past historical sights such as the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge.

Dinner at The Mayfair Chippy

They say you haven’t experienced London if you haven’t tried fish and chips! So for your last dinner in the city, head to The Mayfair Chippy . Alongside the classic fish and chips (the best in London), they offer an extensive fish menu featuring oysters, crab and mussels.

Another great place for fish and chips is Hobsons Fish and Chips . They serve traditional British chips and their fish is delivered daily from Billingsgate Fish Market.

More ideas for 4 days in London – Day 4

Take a historical pub walking tour.

Join this Historical Pub Walking Tour and explore the city’s most historic pubs, 16th-century taverns and a grand Victorian gin palace. You’ll try some of the finest brews and learn more about the history of the city.

Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour

If you’re a fan of the books, this Harry Potter Walking Tour is a must-do! Start your adventure by finding out which Hogwarts House you belong in. Stroll down Diagon Alley (where Harry buys his first wand) and pass the Leaky Cauldron (the wizarding inn). You’ll see places where certain scenes were filmed and places which inspired the author the most.

The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection, housed in Hertford House, is one of my favourite hidden gems in London. The museum displays works of art collected in the 18th and 19th centuries by five generations of a British aristocratic family. These collectors include the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess.

The collection boasts a remarkable selection of Old Master paintings, including works by famous artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Velázquez. You’ll also find an extensive collection of armour and decorative arts.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Featuring a collection of over 2.3 million objects, Victoria and Albert is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. The museum was founded in 1852 by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The extensive collection spans 5,000 years of art from cultures all over the world – Europe, North America, Asia and North Africa. And the best part is that the museum is free, like every other national British museum.

Natural History Museum

Established in 1881, the Natural History Museum features a massive collection of over 80 million items. Among some of its treasures are Hans Sloane’s nautilus shell, Charles Darwin’s pigeons, William Smith’s ammonites, Dippy (a replica of a Diplodocus skeleton), and many others.

Madame Tussauds

The first museum Madame Tussauds was founded in London by Marie Tussaud in 1835. In fact, it is the best Madame Tussauds in Europe. The museum features more than 250 wax figures, divided into 8 different zones, from music and Marvel to royalty.

You can book your Madame Tussauds skip-the-line ticket here .

Mercato Mayfair

There are tens of markets in London, where you’ll find everything from food to flowers, art, antiques, and clothes. However, there is one, which has a truly unique setting. Mercato Mayfair is housed in the former St. Mark’s Church! You’ll find delicious food, craft beer and gorgeous stained-glass windows.

My tip: Try the gin cocktails at Jim & Tonic.

Must buy tickets in advance

London is one of the most visited cities in Europe. So, I would strongly recommend buying skip-the-line tickets in advance or getting a London Pass (free entry to over 80 attractions). Otherwise, you’ll waste hours of your time waiting in lines.

Buckingham Palace – open only for 3 months in the summer, tickets for the palace are always in high demand, so book your Buckingham Palace ticket here well in advance.

Westminster Abbey – 1.6 million visitors per year, long lines, book your skip-the-line ticket to Westminster here .

London Eye – with 3.5 million visitors per year this is the city’s most popular attraction, so book your London Eye ticket here .

Tower of London – 3 million visitors per year, lines can stretch on for hours, so book your skip-the-line ticket to the Tower here .

Sky Garden – free entrance, but as it is a very popular attraction, you need to book a timeslot to Sky Garden here in advance.

Windsor Castle – with 1.5 million visitors per year, Windsor is the most popular castle to visit near London, so book your skip-the-line ticket to Windsor here .

2-day London itinerary

If you have only 2 days in London, I strongly suggest planning ahead by selecting the attractions you wish to visit and booking skip-the-line tickets for them. During the summer, lines can stretch for hours. I’d recommend opting for 2 or max 3 attractions per day to avoid rushing through everything. Also, consider skipping Windsor Castle (unless it’s a priority for you) due to its location outside the city, which requires additional travel time.

2 days in London

• Day 1: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, London Eye
• Day 2: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The British Museum (or Soho, or Afternoon tea at Ham Yard Hotel)

Start your first day with Westminster Abbey, because it opens earlier than the other attractions. Then continue with a visit to Buckingham Palace (open during the summer), Changing of the Guard ceremony and finish the day with the London Eye (it closes at 8:30 PM during the summer) and Big Ben.

During your second day, discover East London and visit the Tower of London and Tower Bridge in the morning. In the afternoon you can visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, experience Afternoon Tea, visit the British Museum, or just explore Soho. It’s up to you!

3-day London itinerary

For 3 days in London (and if you plan your itinerary well in advance) I can say that you’ll be able to see all the key sites. You can follow the 2-day itinerary above and on the third day – take a day trip to Windsor Castle (or Hampton Court Palace) and then enjoy an Afternoon tea.

3 days in London

• Day 2: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The British Museum
• Day 3: Windsor Castle, Soho and Covent Garden, Afternoon tea at Ham Yard Hotel

Best pass for your 4-day London itinerary

The best way to save money and not buy separate tickets for each of the popular attractions is to use the London Pass. The pass gives you:

• free access to more than 80 of the city’s top attractions
• a digital guide with attraction information and instructions
• 1-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour
• Thames river cruise

By using the London Pass (£134 for 4 days) you’ll save a minimum of £11 (in case you follow my itinerary exactly without visiting additional attractions). And if you add more sights, you’ll save even more. Plus, you’ll skip the line everywhere!

• Westminster Abbey – £27
• Tower of London – £30
• St. Paul’s Cathedral – £21
• Windsor Castle (afternoon entry only, after 1 PM) – £30
• 1-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour and Thames River cruise – £37

Buying separate tickets (total) – £145 London Pass price – £134 Total savings – £11 per person

If you consider following my itinerary, note that the London Eye and the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are not included in the pass. You’ll have to book separate skip-the-line tickets for these attractions.

Where to stay in London

If this is your first time in London or if you’re visiting for a short time (a few days), stay somewhere central. London is a big city and although it has an excellent bus and metro system, you don’t want to waste hours in traffic or public transport.

Thus, I’d recommend you choose a hotel on the north bank, between Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. The most central area is Covent Garden, packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping boutiques. Also, make sure there is a metro station near your hotel because you’ll have to use public transport daily even if you stay central.

Page8 – Best mid-range

Guest rating: 9.0 | 3,650+ reviews

Fantastic central location between Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Walking distance to the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and many great restaurants.

Why book – great location for sightseeing, near several metro stations, quiet soundproofed rooms, 24-hour front desk

The Londoner – Best luxury

Guest rating: 9.0 | 3,220+ reviews

Centrally located on Leicester Square, the hotel is just a short walk from numerous restaurants, attractions and shops. Spacious boutique rooms with comfortable beds.

Why book – perfect central location, guest-only club, rooftop lounge, great Spa and indoor pool

Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Covent Garden – Best apartment

Guest rating: 9.0 | 3,460+ reviews

Perfectly situated in the heart of the West End theatre district and just a few minutes stroll from Trafalgar Square. The studio apartments feature a fully equipped kitchenette.

Why book – great location at walking distance of attractions and a few metro stations, modern comfy apartments

Getting around in London

London has an excellent public transport system, which consists of metro (known as the Tube) and buses. The metro is the most efficient way to get around the city and there are metro stations at most of the popular attractions. The red double-deck buses are a great option for shorter distances. And the advantage is that you’ll get to see much more of the city this way.

If you’re in London for a few days, the best option is to get an Oyster card . It’s a contactless card, which you can buy at any metro station. You have to pay a deposit for the card and then pre-load it with pay-as-you-go credit. The Oyster card is cheaper than buying a paper single ticket or day travel card because it offers daily capping. This means that after the third journey, you’re not paying any more for additional trips.

To use your Oyster Card just tap it on the yellow card reader when you enter a metro station or get on a bus. You need to tap it again on the yellow card reader when you leave the metro station, but don’t do this when you get off a bus or tram (you will be issued a penalty fare).

Another option to get around the city is the hop-on-hop-off bus . It features 3 specially-designed routes covering over 45 stops and a river cruise from the Tower of London to Westminster.

How to get to London

To get to London from continental Europe, you have to use Eurostar (a high-speed train service). You’ll arrive at the St. Pancras International Station and from there you can take the metro to get to your hotel.

London has several major airports: Heathrow Airport, Luton Airport, Stansted Airport and Gatwick Airport.

Heathrow Airport Located only 23 kilometres west of Central London, Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the main international airport serving the city. The fastest way to get to the city centre is by taking the Heathrow Express (the earlier you book tickets, the cheaper they are). You can also get to the city by taking the metro (Piccadilly or Elizabeth line).

Luton Airport Luton Airport (LTN) is situated 45 km north of the city. To get to the centre you can:

• take the National Express shuttle bus , which runs 7 days a week, with 4 departures an hour during the daytime (50min journey)
• take a direct train from Luton Airport Parkway to Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon or St Pancras International (40min journey). Note that in this case you first have to take a shuttle bus from the airport to Luton Airport Parkway.

Stansted Airport Stansted Airport (STN) is 68 km northeast of Central London. To get to Liverpool Street Station, take the Stansted Express (trains depart every 30 minutes and take about 50 minutes).

Gatwick Airport Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located 47.5 km south of the city centre. The Gatwick Express takes 30 minutes to get to Victoria Station, departing around two times an hour.

Day trips from London

Warner brothers studio.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you’ll want to make time to visit the Warner Brothers Studio. This is where all of the Harry Potter films were filmed. You’ll have the chance to see the original sets of the movies!

How to get to Warner Brothers Studio

• the easiest way is to take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour (more than 13,870+ excellent reviews), which will take you directly to and from the studio. The entry ticket is included in the price of the tour
• by public transport – you have to take a train from Euston (20min journey) or from Birmingham New Street (1h journey) to Watford Junction station and then a shuttle bus to the studio (15min journey)

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court is a must-see for everyone interested in the history of the Tudors. It was originally built in the 16th century for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the chief minister of Henry VIII. However, when Wolsey fell out of favour with the king, Henry VIII confiscated the palace. In fact, Hampton Court became the favourite palace of the king and it remained a royal residence until 1760.

Highlights include the Tudor Kitchens, the Great Hall and the infamous Haunted Gallery.

If you’re visiting in the summer, tickets are timed-entry, so book your Hampton Court skip-the-line ticket in advance.

How to get to Hampton Court Take a train from London Waterloo Station (WAT) to Hampton Court (HMC) – about a 40min journey. From there it’s about a 15min walk to the castle

Spend a day exploring the beautiful British countryside of the Cotswolds, an area known for its charming villages with stone cottages. Visit Bibury (the prettiest village in all of England) and the unchanged medieval towns of Burford, Bourton-on-the-water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

To explore the Cotswolds on a day trip from London, you need to rent a car. So, I’d recommend you book this Cotswolds Small-Group Tour , which will show you the best of the area in just one day.

Stonehenge and Bath

This Stonehenge, Bath & West Country Day Trip is a great option to see two popular destinations in one day. Especially if you’re not planning to rent a car.

You’ll discover the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge and the Georgian city of Bath, once the most famous hot springs in Europe. An entry ticket to Stonehenge and an audio guide are included in the price of the tour.

What to see next

If you’re visiting London as a part of a European trip, you can easily combine it with Paris. The capital of France is located just 3h away by train. For more information take a look at my perfect Paris itinerary .

How many days in London

Is 4 days in london enough.

If this is your first time in the city, I’d recommend spending 4 days in London. For 4 full days, you’ll have enough time to explore the most popular attractions without feeling too rushed. Also, plan your itinerary well in advance and book skip-the-line tickets.

Less than 4 days

If you don’t have 4 full days, spend less time in Soho and Covent Garden (not a whole afternoon). Also, choose between Sky Garden or London Eye, don’t do both attractions. You can skip Buckingham Palace if you’re not visiting during the summer (the only time when the palace is open for tourists) and Changing of the Guard is not a must-see for you.

3 or 4 days in London

Definitely 4 days, especially if you want to visit the famous royal residence, Windsor Castle, which is located outside the city. Also, if you’d like to experience Afternoon tea, plan a whole afternoon only for that. Keep in mind as well, that London is a massive city and you’ll spend a lot of time getting from one attraction to another.

Best time to visit London

Spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October) are the perfect time to visit the capital of the United Kingdom. The weather is warm and nice most of the time. London is one of the most visited cities in Europe, so if possible avoid the high season, which is in June, July and August.

In December the city could be really magical with all the Christmas lights and decorations.

Also, before booking your trip, check if an event like Fashion Week or a royal celebration is going on, as accommodation will be much more expensive during that time.

Faqs about visiting London

4 days in London is enough to see the most popular sights including Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Big Ben, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. Just make sure you book skip-the-line tickets in advance or use London Pass.

For first-time visitors, I recommend spending 4-5 days in London. This will give you enough time to explore the city, see the most popular attractions, take a day trip to Windsor Castle and have an Afternoon tea.

May and September are the best months to see London. The weather is nice and warm and there are fewer crowds.

Most restaurants and cafes add a service charge to the bill, upward of 12%. In this case, there is no need to tip. However, if a service charge is not added, it’s customary to tip between 10% and 15%.

London’s tap water is generally safe to drink. However, keep in mind that some hotels’ bathroom taps could be fed from a tank and therefore the water could be used only for washing.

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33 easy day trips from london by train.

Are you looking for the best day trips from London by train?

Then you’ve come to the right place. I’m a Londoner born and bred and am excited to share my favourite places to visit from London by train.

Whether you want to breathe in a lungful of sea air or explore more of England’s history, here are some fabulous London day trips by train.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Best Day Trips Within a 1 Hour Train Journey from London

Are you looking for the best short trips from London by train? Here is my pick of the best destinations that are less than an hour from London.

1. Cambridge

• Fastest journey time: 50 minutes via Great Northern
• From London Kings Cross

Cambridge may be best known as home to the famous university, but it has much more to offer. And as the train ride from London to Cambridge is under 1 hour, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of the train station, it is one of the easiest day trips from London by train.

Cambridge University was founded in 1209 and has 31 colleges. It’s the second oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Try to visit at least one college if you can. Better still, join a walking tour of the colleges led by a former student. My favourites are King’s College, St. John’s, and Trinity College.  

King’s College Chapel  has some of the most beautiful stained glass you will ever see. At  Trinity College , don’t miss the  Wren Library , designed by Christopher Wren, who also designed St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Additionally, the University has eight museums that are free and open to the public. 

My favourites are the  Fitzwilliam  and the  Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology . The Fitzwilliam reminds me of a smaller version of the British Museum in London because it has a diverse collection.

If the weather behaves during your  day trip to Cambridge , try  punting on the Cam River .

Punting uses a boat similar to a gondola, where you stand on the back to paddle, but you use a pole instead of an oar. If you’re not brave enough to try it on your own, you can hire someone else to do the punting or go on a punting tour through the lovely area known as  The Backs .

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK A CAMBRIDGE PUNTING TOUR

By Anisa of Two Traveling Texans

• Fastest journey time: 50 minutes via Great Western Railway
• From London Paddington

An  Oxford day trip  from London is perfect for history and literature buffs.

Oxford is best known for the  university  that shares its name.

Walk in the footsteps of greats like  C. S. Lewis  and  J. R. R. Tolkien and start your day by exploring Oxford’s colleges. You’ll be able to see where masterworks like Alice in Wonderland were written and the inspiration for the Narnia books, not to mention some of the Harry Potter film locations.

Its landmarks include the  Bridge of Sigh s and  Radcliff Camera . Once you’ve had your fill of the colleges there’s still plenty left to do.

Oxford is home to a number of first-rate museums like the  Natural History Museum , the  Ashmolean  and the  Pitt Rivers Museum,  which is unique in that it catalogues its items by item type as opposed to age or geography.

Make sure to stop by the  Oxford Covered Market  for some local goods, and to climb to the top of the  University Church of St Mary the Virgin  for a panoramic view of Oxford.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN OXFORD UNIVERSITY & CITY WALKING TOUR

By Liliane of My Toronto, My World

3. St. Albans

• Fastest journey time: 20 minutes via Thameslink
• From London St. Pancras International

If you are looking for a historic day trip outside London, visit  St Albans , a charming city located northwest of London. It’s less than 20 minutes by train from London.

Its crown jewel is St. Albans Cathedral , a architectural marvel with a rich a history spanning over a thousand years. Beyond the cathedral, there are many beautiful medieval buildings, cute cafes and a market, where you can buy local homemade produce.

Verulamium is situated in Verulamium Park, close to the city centre. Albans. These well-preserved Roman ruins include the city walls, hypocaust (underfloor heating system), mosaics and the Roman theatre.

If you have a bit more time, before going back to London, visit Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, the  oldest pub in Great Britain . A very British way to finish your day out.

By Darek of DarekandGosia

4. Colchester

• Fastest journey time: 45 minutes via Greater Anglia
• From London Liverpool St.

Colchester is another excellent day trip from London by train for history buffs.

This is England’s oldest recorded town and is the site of the  only Roman circus in England . It is home to a host of other Roman remains, including one of the most intact Roman walls in the country. There’s even a pub (the Hole in the Wall) built into part of it!

Colchester Castle ‘s keep dates from 1076, but the dungeons of the castle contain the foundations of the Roman temple of Claudius.

The museum here is well worth a visit as it contains a number of key finds, including a Roman treasure hoard that was excavated during renovations of a department store on the high street. There’s also an 11 th  Century Augustine priory,  St Botolphs , that is free to visit.

There are several  free walking tours to take in Colchester . All of these are downloadable with maps; some have audio guides.

When you’re ready for a break you should head to the  Tiptree Jam Tea Room . Tiptree Jam is local to Colchester but is famous the world over.

By Sarah of ASocialNomad

5. Hampton Court

• Fastest direct journey time: 35 minutes via South Western Railway
• From London Waterloo

Hampton Court is one of  the great buildings of England . Most people visit to look around the palace of  King Henry VIII , the most notorious English monarch of all, who had a penchant for chopping off his spouses’ heads. But this is only the half of it.

Henry’s palace is magnificent, one of the high points of Tudor architecture. This was among the very last Gothic buildings in England, and the  Great Hall  is hugely impressive.

It’s also possible to look around the  State Apartments  and  Haunted Gallery , where Catherine Howard’s ghost is said to run screaming for mercy, knowing that execution was likely to be her fate.

Hampton Court has a superb  Baroque palace and gardens , added by King William III and Mary who reigned from 1689 to 1702. This is one of the finest Baroque buildings in England, along with the likes of St Paul’s Cathedral in the centre of London.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR FAST-TRACK TICKET

By David of Delve Into Europe

6. Harry Potter Studios

• Fastest journey time: 15 minutes to Watford Junction Station via West Midlands Railway and then a shuttle bus to the studio
• From London Euston

Calling all Potterheads! If you are a Muggle craving to discover the world of  Harry Potter in London , take a day trip to the Harry Potter Studios.

Harry Potter was mainly filmed at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford. Hop on a train from Euston or Victoria to Watford Junction. From the station, the Harry Potter shuttle bus will take you straight to the studios.

When you  buy your ticket , you will have to choose a slot. I recommend you book the first one available.

Once you are in the studios, you are free to stay as long as you want so the earlier you get there, the longer you can stay. On average, visitors stay four hours.

You will see many sets such as the dining hall, the Gryffindor common room and the Gringott bank, in addition to many costumes. More importantly, you will discover how the movies were made. Everything from training animals to prosthetic makeup.

There are a couple of restaurants on site. You can even buy butterbeer!

The Warner Bros studios are a truly magical experience (whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not). The best day trip from London by train for all you Muggles out there!

If you want someone to take care of all of the arrangements for you, why not buy your skip-the-line ticket with a transfer from London? Click here to book.

By Pauline of BeeLoved City

7. Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

• Fastest journey time: 40 minutes to Newbury station via Great Western Railway and then a 15-minute taxi ride to Highclere Castle

Downton Abbey  fans will delight at the opportunity to visit the famous Highclere Castle where the series was filmed.

The castle was established in 749 and rebuilt in the 17th century when it was purchased by the grandfather of the current Earl of Carnarvon (who still resides there with his wife). Just as in the  Downton Abbey  series, Highclere Castle served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during World War I. During World War II, it was home to evacuees.

Due to popularity,  Highclere Castle entrance tickets  can be challenging to secure so be sure to book well ahead if you’re visiting independently.  Alternatively, plan to spend the night nearby and arrive bright and early for first dibs on tickets.

An easier option is to visit Highclere Castle on an organised day trip  from London as the admission ticket will be included.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR

By Chris of  Explore Now or Never

8. Rochester

• Fastest journey time: 40 minutes via Southeastern
• From London Victoria (services also leave from London St. Pancras International)

Rochester in Kent is one of the easiest places to visit near London by train as well as one of the most rewarding.

The majestic  Rochester Cathedral  is the second oldest medieval church and also the second most visited pilgrimage site in England.

Charles Dickens  lived in nearby Higham and based many of his novels in the area. Stop by the friendly Tourist Information Office and pick up a Charles Dickens trail map for a small fee. Information boards marking key sights on this self-guided walk will also point the way.

Finally, don’t leave town before visiting  Rochester Castle . Although just the carcass of the original building remains, the castle’s 12 th  Century stone tower is reputed to be one of the best-preserved in England and there are great views from the top.

• Fastest journey time: 30 minutes via Great Western Railway
• From London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (change at Slough)

As the favourite weekend home of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Windsor is one of the best-known cities in the UK and is one of  Europe’s most stunning palaces .

The city of Windsor was established by  William the Conqueror  in the 11th Century and is home to just under 1,000 residents. Situated just 25 minutes from the capital, this historic town is one of the easiest day trips by train from London.

But there is more to see in Windsor than its castle and  St. George’s Chapel . Explore  Windsor Great Park , the former private royal hunting ground, or Guildhall , where Charles and Camilla wed. There’s St. John the Baptist Church , originally built in the 12th Century and reconstructed in 1810.

Runnymede , where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215, is nearby. Cliveden House , a three-story Italianate mansion, just 15 minutes north of Windsor, is where the works of Charles Barry reside.

Finally, there’s the  Royal Windsor Horse Show that is held each May.

If you’re uncertain of what to see or where to go, there are various day tours of both the city and river to give an overall view of the beautiful sites to be found in Windsor.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET

By Erin of  Traveling Thru History

10. Winchester

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour via South Western Railway

Visit Winchester for a fun-filled day trip by train from London. Winchester station is roughly a five-minute walk to the town centre (downhill on the way there; ten minutes uphill on the way back!).

This historic city is one of the oldest in the UK and has picturesque cobbled streets, historic buildings and one of the most famous cathedrals in the country.

Some of the best things to do in Winchester include:

• Winchester Cathedral . Some very famous people are buried here- including Jane Austen. You can also see one of the oldest Bibles in the world
• Shopping! Winchester has some great shops on and around the high street.
• Mizmaze . On the outskirts of Winchester is a very old turf maze that you can try and navigate. Well worth a visit if you have time
• Visit the  Christmas market . If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in November or December, you must go to the  Winchester Christmas Market . There are hundreds of stalls and even an ice rink.

By Kat of Wandering Bird

11. Bletchley Park

• Fastest journey time: 30 minutes (to Milton Keynes Central) via Avanti West Coast

Bletchley Park , the home of the  WWII code breakers , is a fascinating glimpse into the work of these heroes and of the early days of computers. See the iconic code-breaker huts and learn more about the work of  Alan Turing  and his group of code-breakers who cracked the German’s  Enigma code machine , instrumental in winning the war for the British and Allied troops.

The estate comprises some 581 acres and the house on the site contained many WWII secrets whilst pretending to be a luxury getaway for some of Britain’s most brilliant minds. In the house are displays of the rooms just as they were used during the war and it feels like the people just left that day.

You can tour the huts that Turing and the code-breakers used and see how they broke Enigma.

Within the estate is the  National Museum of Computing  where you can try your hand at code-breaking puzzles and explore how computers have changed the world. 

Take a picnic and enjoy the grounds and the small lake where children can feed the ducks. And for adults? You can have a gin and tonic in the sunshine and dance to some retro 1940s or jazz-age music on the lawns in front of the house.

By Faith of XYU And Beyond

12. Canterbury

• Fastest journey time: 55 minutes (to Canterbury West) via Southeastern
• From London St Pancras International

Travelling from London to Canterbury is certainly not a new idea. Londoners have been making the trip for the past 1,000 years or so, although it wasn’t always possible as a day trip.

Originally,  Christian pilgrims  made the arduous journey on foot to  Canterbury Cathedral , more specifically to the spot inside the Cathedral where  Thomas Becket  was murdered. This popular journey was the inspiration for Chaucer’s  Canterbury Tales , one of the greatest works of English literature.

Nowadays, you can hop on a train in London and be in Canterbury in less than 1 hour. One thing that hasn’t changed much, though, is the imposing Cathedral.

Whilst it is the city’s main attraction, it’s not the only thing to see while you’re in Canterbury.  St. Martin’s Church  and  St. Augustine’s Abbey  are two other historic religious buildings that are also worth a visit.

A good option for lunch is the Lady Luck, which bills itself as a “rock ‘n’ roll pub”. They offer vegan as well as meaty versions of traditional pub grub, so it’s a great choice for  vegan visitors to Canterbury .

By Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

13. Brighton

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour via the Gatwick Express. However, this is more expensive than the service run by Thameslink which takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
• From London Victoria, London Blackfriars or London Bridge

Brighton, on England’s south coast, is one of the most popular train trips from London.

Home to the UK’s largest Jedi population (!), Brighton is blessed with a broad shingle beach, a cool bohemian air and one extraordinary building.

The  Royal Pavilion  is the opulent Victorian pleasure palace of Prince George, later Prince Regent and then King George IV. Indian on the outside and Chinese on the inside, it is as extravagant and eccentric as its first occupant and seems oddly out of place in an English seaside town. You can grab your skip-the-line ticket here .

Brighton Pier  is a prime example of an Edwardian pier. Take a stroll along its length, fill your face with candy floss and try your luck in one of its amusement arcades.

Finally, Brighton is a first-class shopping destination.  The Lanes  are home to independent shops, including some good antique shops, jewellery shops and boutiques.

14. Epping Forest

Are you looking for another destination near London to get closer to nature?

Located on the northeastern outskirts of London,  Epping Forest  is a fabulous walking destination at any time of year. However, it is at its best in autumn when its plants and trees are transformed into multi-colour works of art.

Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or something more vigorous, Epping Forest’s 8,000 acres offer a dizzying choice of  walking trails , nine of which are waymarked circular trails. These range in distance between 1.25 and 6.6 miles, and most start close to parking and train stations.

To reach these  ancient woodlands  take the Overground train from Liverpool Street to Chingford or London Underground’s Central Line to Chigwell, Roding Valley, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Debden, Theydon Bois or Epping.

READ THIS NEXT: Easy Epping Forest Walks

15. Mayfield Lavender Farm

On the outskirts of the capital lies South London’s purple paradise.

Instagram heaven, Mayfield Lavender Farm is a full-blown assault on the senses but in a good way. Wander through a sprawling field of purple flowers, the air perfumed with the soporific scent of lavender.

If you are feeling peckish, treat yourself to a lavender-themed afternoon tea overlooking a sea of purple.

Thirsty? This is your opportunity to sample lavender cider.

For a tasteful gift, pick up homemade lavender products, including soaps and jams, at the gift shop.

Lavender blooming season runs from June through to late August, with peak bloom around mid-July. Check  Mayfield Lavender ’s website for flower updates and opening hours.

To reach Mayfield Lavender Farm, take a train from London Victoria to West Croydon and then hop on the 166 bus to the farm. A note of caution though; this route can get very busy at weekends (I walked back one stop to make sure I was able to board the bus).

Alternatively, catch a train from London Victoria to Sutton or Cheam and then take a cab/minicab to the farm (this is the fastest route but more expensive).

More Easy Day Trips from London by Train

Whether you are looking for a day at the seaside or want to explore one of England’s cool cities, here are some more fabulous places near London. Many of my favourites are here, including Rye, Liverpool (also a fabulous weekend break) and lovely Brockenhurst in the New Forest.

Most of these destinations are within two hours of London by train.

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes via Great Western Railway

Bath is one of the most charming cities in England, filled with beautiful architecture, ancient buildings, culture and interesting places to eat and drink. Once you arrive at Bath Spa station you are only a five-minute walk from the centre of Bath itself.

This UNESCO -listed city is filled with beautiful  Georgian buildings  made of pale golden limestone. They blend perfectly with the  Roman Baths and Temple , which are a must-see.

As the queues can be long, it is better to book ahead. You can choose to join a free walking guide around the baths or go at your own pace with an audioguide. For a treat, visit the  Pump Rooms  next door for a bite to eat.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET WITH WALKING TOUR

Right next to the Roman Baths is  Bath Abbey , an imposing Gothic building that towers over the city. You can take a guided tour that includes the 212-step climb to the roof to take in the view.

Pultney Bridge and views over the River Avon are a short walk from the Abbey. The bridge has quaint shops and restaurants on top of its three arches.

For an afternoon treat, head to Sally Lunns Buns for one of their delicious cinnamon buns and a look around the living museum. Other museums are the  Holbourne Museum  in Great Pultney Street or the Fashion Museum in the Assembly Rooms on Bennett Street.

If you want to combine Bath with a visit to Stonehenge and Windsor, take a look at this excellent day tour that bundles them into one neat package.

By Larch of  The Silver Nomad

17. Bristol

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes via Great Western Railway

Sitting in Castle Park on a Monday morning, sipping coffee in a boutique café and watching commuters go about their unhurried business with a smile on their face, you can’t help but feel the harmony of Bristol.

For the consumer, you can shop at  Cabot Circus  which is also home to a good range of chain restaurants. You can walk in the parks, explore Queen’s Square and maybe grab a cider at one of the boat pubs.

There are the  renovated docks  and the  M Shed museum . Walking down the river, you can visit the famous SS Great Britain ship. Those who enjoy religious places should see the  Bristol Cathedral  or  St Mary Redcliffe .

Or you can climb the steps of Cabot Tower, perched at the top of Brandon Hill for views over Bristol. Slightly further out is the  Clifton Suspension Bridge  and the Observatory nearby. Or head out to the Ashton Court Estate.

The family will enjoy the  Bristol Zoo Gardens or the Aquarium down by the docks.

By Dave of  Dave Chant

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 10 minutes via London North Eastern Railway

Spend  a day in Leeds  to understand why people rave about this city.

The train station is right in the city centre. But if you’re looking to explore the suburbs, the bus system is cheap and easy to navigate.

Situated in West Yorkshire in the north of England, a huge draw for visitors to Leeds is the huge amount of  vintage shopping  you can do. From kilogram sales to the numerous vintage, second hand and thrift stores in the city, you’ll struggle to come away empty-handed, and all for way less than you’d pay in London.

If you’re in the mood for some culture, you won’t have to look far.  Kirkstall Abbey , the ruins of a monastery founded in 1152, is fascinating and free to explore. The  Royal Armouries Museum , which displays the national collection of arms and armour, is one of the top things to do in Leeds and could keep you occupied for hours.

By Ella of Many More Maps

Say overnight in Leeds to see more of the city and to explore the surrounding area. For a centrally-located budget choice, check in to Premier Inn Leeds City Centre .

19. Liverpool

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 20 minutes via Avanti West Coast

With its rich maritime heritage, striking architecture and buzzy cultural scene, there are more than a few reasons to visit Liverpool . And let’s not forget the stamp that the Fab Four have left on the city.

But did you know that it’s a breeze to visit Liverpool on a day trip from London?

Hop on a train at London Euston station, and two and a half hours later you’ll find yourself on the steps of Lime Street station. And as Liverpool is compact, it’s easy to explore on foot.

Make your way to the buzzy Albert Dock with its restaurants, bars and cultural attractions, including Tate Liverpool (the sister museum to the London Tate Galleries ) and the superb International Slavery Museum . If you want to pay homage to Liverpool’s favourite sons, pop into The Beatles Story , the award-winning museum that charts John, Paul, George and Ringo’s rise to global superstardom.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET FOR THE BEATLES STORY

Visit nearby Pier Head for The Three Graces, the iconic buildings that define Liverpool’s skyline, and to take your photo with the sculpture of The Beatles.

Finally, for the ultimate view of Liverpool’s waterfront, take a ferry across the Mersey. The easiest way to do this is to join a 50-minute  River Explorer Cruise (book your ticket here )

READ THIS NEXT: 13 Reasons to Spend a Weekend in Liverpool: The Best Things to Do

20. Manchester

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 10 minutes via Avanti West Coast

Most travellers make a beeline for London without considering Manchester. But with its rich history, vibrant culture and friendly locals, this northern powerhouse is 100% worth the direct train journey from London.

After arriving at the train station, grab one of the free city buses to  Manchester Cathedral , which dates from 700AD.

Next, walk down to  The John Rylands Library , a must-see in Manchester. It is like taking a step into Hogwarts for the day. Go up to the gorgeous Reading Room and be wowed by the glorious Gothic architecture.

Walk across to  Cloud 23 in the Hilton Hotel for sweeping views of the city below, with a pot of tea, a coffee or even an early cocktail.

Before you head back to the train station, don’t miss exploring the  Northern Quarter , Manchester’s hipster neighbourhood. From Arcade game bars to vintage shops, striking street art to even cat cafes, it’s worth a wander.

Finally, stop by  Mackie Mayor , a gorgeous indoor food market. Visit even just to appreciate this stunning building.

By Bisola of  Bis To The World

Read my review of Avanti West Coast First-class to decide whether it’s worth upgrading your journey

21. Norwich

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes via Greater Anglia

Norwich is one of England’s true gems.

Less than two hours by direct train from London, this beautiful city was once more important than the nation’s capital. With winding lanes brimming with independent cafés and shops, museums, historic churches, restaurants serving both traditional and modern food, and dozens of authentic English pubs, there’s no end of  things to do in Norwich .

The city’s  cathedral , with its sprawling grounds and stone walls, is almost nine hundred years old and the second tallest in the country.

Norwich’s  marketplace , sitting just outside the city hall, is even older and visitors still go there to buy goods, foodstuffs and souvenirs. And if you want to be super British, you can grab some fish ’n’ chips – one of the most  iconic British foods  – from the national award-winning  Grosvenor Fish Bar  in Norwich’s Lanes.

By Dagney & Jeremy of Cultura Obscura

22. Shrewsbury

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes via Avanti West Coast (change trains at Birmingham International)

If you are looking to escape the bustle of London, Shrewsbury provides an idyllic slower-paced destination, filled to the brim with beauty and history. The buildings are so varied in their ornateness and style that they rival the narrow, wonky passageways and steep streets for charm.

Shrewsbury has 660 listed buildings, the oldest of which was constructed in the 15th Century. Older still is  Shrewsbury Castle . Dating back to 1074, this is home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum and is set amongst beautiful grounds.

You can follow a  Charles Darwin trail  or tour and learn about the great man and his early life in the town of his birth. If you’re a fan of the other famous Charles, you can still see a headstone with the name Ebenezer Scrooge in the churchyard of St Chad’s.

To clear your head after these big doses of history and architecture, why not try a walk at  The Quarry ? This 29-acre park offers riverbank walks, regular festivals and events and even a sunken garden called The Dingle, which was masterminded by Blue Peter ’s Percy Thrower.

By Dan of Horo Travel Memories

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes via London North Eastern Railway

Do you want to immerse yourself in almost 2,000 years of history in just a day? If so, York is the perfect place to do just that.

On arrival at York station, grab a coffee and stroll along the  City Walls . The walls run 3.4km around the old city and are the most complete example of medieval walls in England.

Travel back in time to the age of the Vikings at the  Jorvik Viking Centre.  This world-class centre is also an active archaeological site and is home to interactive displays about Viking life, history, and the importance of York to the Vikings.

Lunchtime. If the sun is out, stop for lunch at any one of the cafes and restaurants along the  River Ouse .

After lunch, amble down York’s most famous laneway –  The Shambles . Fun fact: It was an inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

This 14th-century laneway is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world. From here, wander past Clifford’s Tower, the remains of  York Castle  built by William the Conqueror, and on to York Minster.

York Minster  is simply magnificent. Join a Hidden Minster Tour to explore the areas not open to the public.

Finally, end your day in York by ascending the 275 stairs of the tower to take in the spectacular views of York and beyond.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK A YORK WALKING TOUR

By Melissa of  Meet Me at the Pyramid Stage

24. Stonehenge

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes to Salisbury via South Western Railway , then Stonehenge tour bus from the railway station.

Few destinations in England fire the imagination like Stonehenge.

Shrouded in mystery, this iconic megalithic stone circle may have been a Neolithic burial site. Folklore variously attributes Stonehenge to Merlin, the Arthurian wizard, invading Danes or Ancient Romans. Some believe the stone circle has extra-terrestrial origins.

Your first port of call is the site’s Visitor Centre where there is an exhibition. see how our ancient ancestors lived by visiting the reconstructed Neolithic houses next to the centre.

Frequent free shuttle buses make the ten-minute journey from the Visitor Centre to the stones.

As this is one of the UK’s biggest tourist attractions, I recommend booking your timed-entrance ticket in advance. Although entry is free if you are a member of English Heritage or the National Trust, you still need to book your time slot.

Although you can visit Stonehenge independently from London, this is one destination where it may be more time efficient to join a day tour , particularly if you want to also visit Bath, Windsor or Oxford. Here are a few options to consider.

Stonehenge Half-Day Tour

Although Stonehenge is one of the most popular day trips from London, it is not the easiest place to reach by public transport, requiring a train and bus/taxi journey. This half-day tour includes a return transfer and an audio guide.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour

Three top destinations are bundled into one neat package here. You can choose to visit the interior of Windsor Castle and will benefit from a live guide.

Stonehenge, Windsor & Bath Tour

This guided full-day tour includes Windsor and Bath in addition to Stonehenge. Admission to the Roman Baths is optional.

25. Dover 

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 5 minutes to Dover Priory via Southeastern

Dover is one of the  best seaside towns in Kent , is rich in English history and is home to some of  Kent’s most popular attractions .

Over three million tourists per year visit both the White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle on a day trip from London. Dover is a great escape from the city for the day and is surrounded by the beautiful English countryside.

Once you arrive at Dover Priory Station, make your way to the  White Cliffs of Dover  for a scenic walk on the path that runs along the cliffs. Take in the view over the English Channel from the top of the cliffs; on a clear day, you can see France.

Next up on your day trip is a visit to  Dover Castle , which is conveniently located near the White Cliffs. With a history stretching over 800 years, this is one of Britain’s finest and most important castles. Inside, there are rooms furnished with beautiful medieval decorations and a panoramic view awaits you at the top of the great tower.

You can book your Dover Castle ticket here .

By Ann of The Road is Life

26. Rye and Camber Sands

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes via Southeastern
• From London St. Pancras International to Rye (change trains at Ashford International)

Spend  a day in Rye and Camber Sands  to sample two fabulous destinations for the price of one.

History buffs will adore the medieval town of  Rye  with its Georgian townhouses and timber-framed Tudor houses. Steep cobbled streets are dotted with haunted inns that will set your imagination on fire. There’s even a castle.

To burn off decadent cake calories consumed in one of the town’s excellent cafes, climb the tower of the 12 th  Century  St Mary’s Church.

Don’t leave Rye before checking out its  shops and galleries . The town has an impressive selection of small independent shops and a handful of galleries displaying work by local artists.

When you have finished exploring Rye, head to  Camber Sands  by taking the signposted National Cycle Network Route 2, a three-mile walk.  Alternatively, jump on bus #102 which runs between Rye from Camber Sands every hour.

With its seven miles of golden sand and rolling dunes, Camber Sands has a beach to rival any in the Caribbean. Paddle in the rock pools, collect seashells or embrace your inner child by building sandcastles. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can try your hand at kitesurfing.

READ THIS NEXT : Rye and Camber Sands Beach: An Easy Day Trip from London

27. Whitstable

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes via Southeastern
• From London St. Pancras International or London Victoria

Whitstable is a charming fishing and harbour town located on the north coast of Kent, southeast of London, and is a super easy day trip from London by train.

Famed for its seafood scene, Whitstable is a great spot for foodies and has many oyster shacks in the harbour. The town also holds a popular two-day  oyster festival  every July, featuring hundreds of food stalls, live music and a parade.

Other  things you can do in Whitstable  include taking a walk along the coast, which is lined with colourful beach huts, or visiting the main high street which is filled with boutique shops, galleries and cafes.

End your day trip with a drink at the  Old Neptune,  which is one of the most popular pubs in town. It is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy a delicious pint of locally brewed beer with a beautiful sea view.

By Caroline of CK Travels

28. Bourton-on-the-Water (The Cotswolds)

• Fastest journey time: 2 hour s 10 minutes to Moreton-in-Marsh via Great Western Railway (change at Charlbury) for local bus #801 to Bourton-on-the-Water

Known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most  beautiful Cotswolds villages  and a perfect day trip from London by rail.

This quintessential English village is famous for its golden stone buildings and arched bridges. Other than roaming around the quaint streets of the village, the best things to do in a day include exploring the  Cotswold Motoring Museum , the  Birdland Parks and Gardens and the famous  model village.

For the perfect souvenir, visit the Cotswold Perfumery  (you can also take part in one of their fragrance courses).

Finally, if you are feeling peckish, head to one of the many pubs in the village such as the Duke of Wellington, which has a great beer garden.

By Roshni of The Wanderlust Within

Thanks to less-than-stellar bus services, it’s fair to say that visiting the Cotswolds isn’t the easiest day trip from London by public transport. Joining a day tour is an excellent way for you to see a few more beautiful Cotswold villages and you will benefit from the knowledge of a local guide. Take a look at this day tour of the Cotswolds from London, which includes Bourton-on-the-Water.

29. Brockenhurst

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes via South Western Railway

Beautiful Brockenhurst is one of the best day trips from London by train for nature lovers. The town is easily reached by train from Waterloo.

The area is famous for its great  cycling  network. You can transport your bikes on the train, but it is also possible to rent bikes next to Brockenhurst train station. You will find several bike-friendly cafes and pubs in town.

In the nearby fields, it is common to spot  wild horses  roaming free. Some local stables offer  horse-riding tours  and lessons. Complete beginners and children are also welcome.

If you want to go  hiking near London , this is also a good region for that. There are many paths nearby with hidden wild swimming spots. A popular place for a picnic and swim is by the  Lymington River  in Brockenhurst. Children especially love the rope swings hung up by locals.

By Eniko of Travel Hacker Girl

30. Saffron Walden

• Fastest journey time: 50 minutes to Audley End via Greater Anglia . From here, take a taxi or bus to Saffron Walden.

Saffron Walden was once a Suffolk market town, but now it is a picturesque village filled with boutique-style shops, charming cafes and restaurants.

Here are the best places to visit during a day trip to Saffron Walden from London

Bridge End Garden   – Bridge End Garden is best visited when it isn’t raining as the gardens are beautiful. However, the highlight here is the maze, which will keep you amused for hours.

Saffron Grange Vineyard  – The Vineyard is a little out of the town centre, approximately 1.7 miles away. If you book online before arriving, you can join the vineyard tour and tasting. Wine tasting is perfect at any time of the year.

Audley End House and Gardens  – For a small entrance fee, you can explore this grand Estate.

Saffron Walden Town Centre  – Explore the town centre (at weekends you will find great little markets right in the centre). This is a great spot to have lunch or afternoon tea. The restaurants and pubs all serve deliciously fresh food, so you are spoilt for choices. A great little town to explore.

By Paula of  Truly Expat

Best Eurostar Train Trips from London

Day trips from London by train are not confined to England. Thanks to Eurostar, some cities in mainland Europe can be reached from London in under two and a half hours.

>>> Read my review of Eurostar Standard Premier to decide whether it’s worth upgrading your journey

• Journey time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Take an early train from London St. Pancras International Station and you are set for a wonderful day in Paris. Trains arrive at Paris Gare du Nord train station, from where you can travel around on the Paris Metro.

What to do during a day in Paris? If this is your first time in the French capital, you should  go up the Eiffel Tower  for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

>>> SKIP THE LINE & BUY YOUR EIFFEL TOWER SUMMIT TICKET HERE

Then, I suggest spending your time in one district so you don’t waste time navigating the city on public transport.

I recommend  Ile de la Cité , the island in the middle of the Seine River, where most of the historical buildings are located. Visit  Notre Dame  (from outside), the  Sainte-Chapelle  and the  Conciergerie.

Also, you can wander around the medieval streets of this island and watch the typical  Bateaux Mouches  sail by.

By Elisa of World in Paris

• Journey time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Lille is one of the most underrated cities in France and an easy day trip from London by train.

Located close to the Belgian border – the so-called capital of French Flanders – Lille feels more Flemish than French, from its architecture to its food.

Due to its compact city centre, it’s a breeze to  explore Lille on a self-guided walking tour .

Walk through its series of large cobblestoned squares lined with extravagant Flemish Baroque buildings. Browse the book market in the Renaissance  La Veille Bourse , formerly the city’s stock exchange, a collection of small houses arranged around a porticoed courtyard.

Pay your respects at the  Notre Dame de la Treille , Lille’s spiritual beating heart and an intoxicating mix of Gothic meets contemporary.

If time permits, stop by the  Palais des Beaux-Arts , a fine art gallery that is second only to the Louvre in France for size and stature.

Finally, don’t leave town before trying  merveilleux , little cakes of light meringue smothered in fresh cream and chocolate shavings.

READ THIS NEXT : One Day in Lille, France: A Free Walking Tour

33. Brussels

• Journey time: 2 hours

Courtesy of Eurostar, a day trip to Brussels from London is both easy and affordable. Take a morning train from London St. Pancras International and in just over two hours you can be munching on waffles in the Grand Place.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the  Grand Place  is the core of Brussels’ medieval city centre and is lined with ornate, late Medieval buildings. This is also home to the city’s  Christmas markets .

For a stark contrast to Brussels’ historic centre, head over to the city’s east side.  Ancient architecture is replaced by sleek skyscrapers, including the headquarters of the  European Union .

For something completely different, take a  comic trail  to discover just how many cartoons were created in Brussels. From The Smurfs to Tintin, Blake and Mortimer to Marsupilami, watch out for the comic

Finally, don’t leave Brussels before sampling one of the excellent Belgian beers and, of course, chocolate.

>>> JOIN A 1-HOUR CHOCOLATE-MAKING WORKSHOP HERE

READ THIS NEXT : One Day in Brussels: Itinerary and Best Things to Do  

Map of Places to Visit Near London by Train

If you find it helpful to map it out, here’s one I made earlier. To take a closer look at these beautiful places near London, simply click here or on the map itself.

Tips for Day Trips by Train from London

• As many Londoners do not own a car (myself included), expect services to be much busier at the weekend, especially to popular destinations like Brighton. To avoid the crowds, if possible try to visit on a weekday.
• However, rail improvement works tend to take place on a weekend, particularly on Sundays. Therefore check for  travel disruptions  before you set out. Trust me, a rail replacement bus is not a joy.
• Rail travel in England can be expensive but buying your ticket in advance will often save you money. For example, if I wanted to travel to Bath today, a return ticket would cost me in excess of £69 (and this would not be the most expensive ticket on this route!). However, the same ticket booked a month in advance is only £23.
• Consider booking two one-way tickets instead of a return ticket as this can sometimes be cheaper.
• A railcard can also save you money on train travel. A 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard, Two Together and Network Railcard (London and SE only) save you ⅓ on eligible fares.

ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE? THEN READ THESE NEXT!

• 40 Famous London Landmarks
• 35+ Epic Things To Do Alone In London
• 23 Famous Bridges in London
• 30 Famous Streets in London You Must Visit
• 22 Old Streets of London: Historic Roads You MUST Visit
• 10 Tasty Foods in London That You Must Try

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a Londoner who has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Tube strikes 2024: Everything you need to know as Aslef announces walkouts next month

Aslef members working on london underground will stop work on monday 8 april and saturday 4 may, article bookmarked.

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Commuters in London face yet more transport chaos in April and May. Train drivers on the London Underground will walk out in a long-running dispute over terms and conditions.

The Aslef union, which represents nine out of 10 Tube train drivers, has called strikes on the London Underground on Monday 8 April and Saturday 4 May.

The industrial action is likely to bring the network to a halt.

Going places? The train drivers’ union, Aslef, has called strikes on the London Underground on Monday 8 April and Saturday 4 May

Finn Brennan, Aslef’s full-time organiser for the Tube, blamed the walk-out on what he said was the employer’s “failure to give assurances that changes to our members’ terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured”.

He said: “They want drivers to work longer shifts, spending up to 25 per cent more time in the cab, and to remove all current working agreements in the name of ‘flexibility and efficiency’.”

“Everyone knows what these management buzz words really mean. It’s about getting people to work harder and longer for less. “

Members of Aslef working for London Underground voted by more than 98 per cent in favour of strike action on a turnout of over 70 per cent.

These are the second and third days of action on the same issue. A one-day strike in March last year resulted in the closure of almost all the Tube network.

The strike does not involve train drivers on the Elizabeth Line, who are covered by a separate agreement. Services on London Overground and the Docklands Light Railway should also run as normal, though with crowding expected.

A Transport for London spokesperson said: “We have been in long-term discussions with our trade union colleagues on how to modernise procedures and processes on London Underground to improve the experience both for staff and customers.

“We have no plans to impose these changes and have committed to no one losing their job as part of these changes, and we have engaged with our unions to demonstrate that no change will be made that compromises our steadfast commitment to safety on the Tube network.

“We urge Aslef to continue discussions with us so that disruption for Londoners can be averted.”

The Tube action is not connected with the wider Aslef dispute with 14 National Rail train operators over pay and conditions. There is still no sign of a resolution to that dispute, with further strikes called in April.

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Travel alerts: World cruises, Vivid Sydney and rugby

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Enjoy a 140-day holiday in 2027. Photo / engin akyurt on Unsplash

Each week in Travel, we check out some of the latest happenings from Aotearoa and beyond to inspire your next adventure.

A four-month holiday? Yes please.

If you’ve ever wondered what a round-the-world cruise entails, it looks something like this: 140 nights, 71 ports of call, 35,668 nautical miles, three oceans, 40 countries and six continents. At least it does onboard the ‘World of Splendor’ with Regent Seven Seas, setting sail on January 2027. The luxury cruise line has recently unveiled its first global trip aboard Seven Seas Splendor. Commencing in Miami, the all-inclusive cruise will visit the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa and Europe. The ultimate in luxury and high-end amenities, just don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes for 480 shore excursions and 73 Unesco World Heritage Sites. On sale from April 11, with suites starting from $146,000 per guest and reaching well over 1.3 million for every bell and whistle. Pre-register your interest at RSSC.com/2027-World-Cruise .

Room with a vivid view

Vivid Sydney returns to the city from May 24 until June 15 and we might just know the best spot for uninterrupted views. Check into Park Hyatt Sydney for jaw-dropping illuminations from your bed. Enjoy the hotel’s stay and dine package, available for the full duration of Vivid Sydney. The package includes a two-night stay, full breakfast for up to two guests daily, valet parking and A$350 ($381) dining credit to use at any of hotel’s dining venues. A stone’s throw from the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour, who needs a TV when there are breathtaking displays of light and colour all within view. hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/park-hyatt-sydney

London’s swankiest new hotel opens April

London’s most legendary and prestigious hotels, Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley are adding a new member to their gang in the heart of Belgravia. The Emory opens in the capital on April 4. Service and interior design are as luxurious as you’d expect with a discreet private entrance on Old Barrack Yard, a charming off-street enclave, nestled between Belgravia and Knightsbridge. On the doorstep to Hyde Park and boasting 360-degree views of the capital from the hotel’s spectacular rooftop space, this all-suite hotel features 61 suites set over nine floors including a spectacular penthouse. Guests will also receive return car transfer from London airports (or private airfields), daily English breakfast, in-suite private bar, access to the wellness club and 24-hour service from your very own personal assistant. the-emory.co.uk

Full steam ahead

The new PS Australian Star is Australia’s first five-star, overnight riverboat, ready for week-long sailings down the Murray River, departing in June 2025. Book between now and May 15 to enjoy early bird discounts. Part of Murray River Paddlesteamers, enjoy a slower pace of travel thanks to the vessel’s refurbished 1907 wood-fired steam engine, and with a maximum of 38 guests, a more intimate cruising experience, too. By the time your dalliance on the river concludes, you’ll have ridden the only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddlesteamer in the world. murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au/australian-star

The British are coming

Adelaide is known for its food and wine, but from July 12 next year it will be rugby central. General public tickets are now on sale for the Lions vs AUNZ Invitational XV at ticketek.com.au . As part of the Lions Tour 2025, top-level Australian and New Zealand rugby players will take on the British and Irish Lions at Adelaide Oval for only the second time. If you’re heading over to support your team, combine an amazing game with cruising the Murray River (see above), wildlife spotting on Kangaroo Island and venturing further afield in South Australia.

In need of winter sun? New Queensland resort

South Mission Beach hideaway the Elandra is now open. With a stunning pool and open-terrace restaurant and bar that overlook the Coral Sea and its islands, the Elandra is located a scenic two-hour drive south of Cairns. Its 20 boutique designer resort rooms are nestled in 6ha of private tropical rainforest. Facilities include a gym, tennis court and day spa, plus an events space that caters for 120 cocktail-style and 80 seated guests. A shuttle bus and e-bikes are available for guests. theelandra.com.au .

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