In the present day I need to share my itinerary for 1 week in London with you. 7 days is a superb period of time to find the highlights of the UK capital and take a day journey or two. Whether or not you’re a first-time customer otherwise you’ve been to town earlier than, there’s no scarcity of how to spend your time in London. I’ve put collectively an excellent itinerary for a visit that covers the large sights and native areas alike.
1 Week in London Itinerary
One of many issues I like about having a profession as a journey blogger helps folks plan journeys. Whether or not it’s via itineraries like this one or my journey planning companies, it brings me pleasure to know that my readers and followers have had a richer expertise touring to London or overseas.
I typically get requested the way to spend per week in London, and right this moment I need to share the official A Girl in London information for it. I’ve created a lot of different London itineraries as effectively, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve discovered the remaining.
If you would like further inspiration or have a particular curiosity, there are extra concepts for issues to do within the metropolis within the ebook Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You may get it on Amazon right here.
Moreover, you may try my London journey information to search out stuff you’re enthusiastic about and see what seasonal occasions and festivities are on once you’ll be on the town.
The underside line is that there’s no proper or mistaken method to spend your time in London. This itinerary will present you a steadiness of the most important London landmarks and native areas Londoners spend time in.
You possibly can tweak the schedule to tailor it to your pursuits and magnificence, however I hope it provides you an excellent overview of what you are able to do and see on this superb metropolis in 7 days.
The place to Keep
In the event you want a spot to name home-away-from-home when you’re visiting, there are many choices for lodging. Whether or not you favor to remain in a resort, hostel, residence rental, or one thing else, town has a broad vary of kinds to select from.
Given London is big, I like to recommend basing your self in or close to a central location. You possibly can learn via my weblog posts about one of the best areas to remain in London, one of the best inns in your model, and inns close to London points of interest for concepts. I’ve additionally written about quirky inns and pubs with rooms if you’d like one thing distinctive.
Moreover, you’ll find offers and ebook a spot to remain in London right here. With so many good choices, you’re positive to search out an incredible match in your journey model, funds, and preferences.
The right way to Pack
When you’ve determined when to go to and the place to remain, you’ll have to pack for London. Relying what time of 12 months you journey to the UK, that may imply various things.
I’ve revealed packing lists for autumn, winter, spring, and summer season that may enable you select what to put on in London. I’ve additionally drawn up a common packing listing of things which might be sensible to carry at any time of 12 months. It has a free downloadable guidelines.
In the event you’re flying into London, you can too check out my long-haul packing listing and my information to the way to pack with only a carry-on for extra ideas (I used to be interviewed by The New York Occasions in regards to the latter).
Day 1: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
When you’ve arrived within the metropolis and settled into your lodging, you can begin your journey to the UK capital at Buckingham Palace.
If you wish to, you may plan your go to to coincide with the Altering the Guard ceremony, which takes place a number of days per week (you may see the calendar right here). If not, you may simply admire the monarch’s London residence from exterior the gates.
In the event you’re on the town through the seasonal opening, you may tour Buckingham Palace. It offers you the distinctive alternative to see the state rooms, grounds, and gardens. If that appeals, you may ebook tickets right here (ebook effectively prematurely).
After seeing Buckingham Palace you may proceed your first day in London with a stroll via St James’s Park. This well-known inexperienced house is gorgeous with its lush gardens and Tiffany Fountain. There are eye-catching views from the footbridge over the water as effectively.
From the park it’s a scenic stroll via Horse Guards Parade, down Whitehall, and into Parliament Sq.. This a part of Westminster is residence to a number of the UK capital’s most recognizable landmarks, together with Elizabeth Tower and its bell, Massive Ben.
You’ll additionally see Westminster Abbey and the Homes of Parliament right here. If in case you have time and also you need to go inside, you may tour the abbey and parliament. You possibly can ebook tickets right here.
Alternatively, you may take my free self-guided Westminster stroll if you wish to uncover the neighborhood past the large points of interest. It’ll lead you to a number of the facet streets and hidden areas locals spend time in. It’s an incredible possibility if you happen to’ve been to London earlier than and need to see one thing completely different.
Within the night, you may have an off-the-cuff dinner close to the place you’re staying. In the event you’re feeling jet lagged otherwise you needed to get up early to journey to the UK, you’ll probably be drained. You possibly can check out my suggestions for the place to eat in London if you happen to want inspiration for a spot to go.
If in case you have power left after dinner, you may take an open-top bus tour to get an summary of town’s main sights. It’s a straightforward method to see what London has to supply at first of your journey. You possibly can ebook tickets right here.
Day 2: South Financial institution & Metropolis of London
The subsequent morning you may proceed your itinerary by exploring the South Financial institution. Located alongside the River Thames, this can be a enjoyable space to stroll round, store on the out of doors markets, and take in the waterfront scene.
You possibly can make a journey on the London Eye when you’re right here, too. It gives a number of the greatest views within the metropolis. You possibly can ebook tickets right here (ebook effectively prematurely, because it sells out).
Moreover, there are at all times avenue performers, pop-ups, and seasonal leisure on the South Financial institution. They make it a deal with to meander alongside the Thames and see what’s happening when you’re visiting.
As you stroll from Westminster Bridge in direction of Tower Bridge, you’ll go Tate Trendy. This landmark artwork museum within the Bankside space is a well-liked place to pop into. The truth that it gives free entry means you may go to for as lengthy or little as you select. There are sweeping views from the upper flooring as effectively.
Not removed from Tate Trendy, you’ll discover Borough Market. It’s probably the most well-known meals market in London, and it’s the perfect place to get one thing for lunch. Whether or not you go for a meal from a avenue meals stall or sit down at a restaurant, there are many choices.
After lunch, you may stroll throughout London Bridge to get to the Metropolis of London. In the event you follow the fitting facet, you’ll see nice views of Tower Bridge on the way in which.
While you attain the Metropolis, you’ll be capable of discover all the things from St Paul’s Cathedral to modern viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22. This a part of the UK capital incorporates a variety of outdated and new structure, so there’s lots to see.
If you wish to, you may comply with the route of my free self-guided Metropolis of London stroll to soak up the highlights. It’ll lead you round and present you hidden lanes, well-known landmarks, and tucked-away locations like Temple.
After exploring the Metropolis, you may head over to the Tower of London. You possibly can take a tour to see the White Tower and the crown jewels if you wish to, or simply take within the historic fortress from exterior. You possibly can ebook Tower of London tickets right here.
Afterwards it’s a brief stroll to Tower Bridge. This gorgeous feat of Victorian engineering is without doubt one of the most well-known websites in London. You possibly can stroll throughout the bridge, or head as much as the highest on a self-guided tour. You possibly can ebook tickets right here.
For dinner, you may proceed your stroll throughout Tower Bridge and head to Bermondsey Avenue. It is a native favourite, and there are many nice locations to select from. Whether or not you desire a tapas bar or a basic pub, you’ll find it right here.
Day 3: Notting Hill, Royal Parks & West Finish
The subsequent morning you may proceed your London itinerary in Notting Hill. This a part of town is filled with life and coloration. You’ll discover all the things from the boutiques to the mews a delight.
If it’s a Saturday, you’ll be capable of expertise the well-known Portobello Highway Market in all its glory. I like to recommend arriving early to keep away from the large crowds that descend because the day goes by.
If it’s not a Saturday, I nonetheless advocate going and exploring the market stalls and outlets which might be open once you go to. There’s a market of some variety happening right here practically each day of the week.
Past the market, my free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is a enjoyable method to uncover the neighborhood’s highlights. It’ll take you round to see all the things from the excessive streets to the outlets, colourful homes, and hidden mews.
You possibly can have lunch in Notting Hill, then stroll down into Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park for the afternoon. There’s lots to see and do in these neighboring inexperienced areas, from Kensington Palace to the Serpentine lake, the Italian Gardens, and the small artwork galleries.
When night approaches, you may stroll via Mayfair or take the tube to get to Soho and Covent Backyard. They’re a number of the most fun locations in central London, they usually come alive because the solar goes down.
There are many choices for consuming and ingesting right here, and Trafalgar Sq., Piccadilly Circus, the Covent Backyard Piazza, and Leicester Sq. are at all times enjoyable locations to be in London at evening.
While you get hungry, you may have dinner within the West Finish earlier than or after going to a present. Whether or not you select a basic restaurant like Guidelines or one of many many new spots popping up on a regular basis, you may’t go mistaken on this a part of town.
So far as theater goes, there are at all times a lot of performs, musicals, and comedy acts on. Seeing one is a good way to finish a day of exploring London. From dramas to farces, you could have loads of selections in the case of what to see.
In the event you’re up for going out afterwards, Soho and Covent Backyard are filled with bars, pubs, and golf equipment. They’re superb locations to get into the nightlife scene in London.
My favourite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy proper off Carnaby Avenue. It’s one in all my prime picks for travel-themed bars within the metropolis, and it’s a novel place to finish your third day in London.
Day 4: Day Journey
I like to recommend taking a day journey from London on the fourth day of your journey. There are many locations close to town which might be straightforward to get to by prepare, automobile, or guided tour.
If you wish to see basic college cities, my prime picks are Oxford and Cambridge. They’re two of the preferred days out from the UK capital, they usually’re each straightforward to get to by rail.
In the event you’re inquisitive about castles, there are many castles close to London you may go to. From Windsor Citadel to Scotney Citadel, Leeds Citadel, Hever Citadel, Warwick Citadel, and Dover Citadel, there’s no scarcity. They’re a number of the greatest castles in England, they usually’re straightforward to achieve by way of prepare, automobile, or guided tour.
If the seaside is your factor, Brighton, Hastings, and Deal are a few of my favourite locations to be by the water. All of them have loads of seashores, outlets, and eating places to get pleasure from. They’re straightforward day journeys from London by prepare as effectively.
If you wish to see the English countryside, a day journey to the Cotswolds is for you. You possibly can journey independently with or and not using a automobile, or take a guided day tour. You possibly can see choices and ebook a tour right here.
There’s no scarcity of fairly cities and villages within the Cotswolds. My favorites embrace Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Citadel Combe, nevertheless it’s onerous to go mistaken.
If you wish to go to historic mansions, there are many stately houses close to London to select from. Downton Abbey followers will love touring Highclere Citadel, and royal lovers will get pleasure from Polesden Lacey and Hatfield Home.
Then there are spectacular locations like Blenheim Palace, Burghley Home, Petworth Home, Knole in Sevenoaks, and Sissinghurst Citadel with its well-known gardens.
In the event you’re into historical past, Tub, Canterbury and Dover, Winchester, Hampton Courtroom Palace, Lewes, Battle, Bletchley Park, and Amersham are for you.
Amersham is so shut you may take the tube. It’s an incredible half-day journey from London if you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing that doesn’t take an excessive amount of time. There are nice walks you are able to do within the space, too.
If cathedral cities pique your curiosity, my prime picks are Canterbury in Kent, York in Yorkshire, Norwich in Norfolk, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. All of them have necessary historic church buildings and gorgeous metropolis facilities.
If you wish to go additional afield, you may take a day journey from London to Europe. Well-liked ones embrace Paris and Lille in France, Brussels and Bruges in Belgium, and Amsterdam in Holland.
In the event you’re inquisitive about seasonal journeys, you may check out my guides to autumn, winter, spring, and summer season day journeys from London for concepts.
Day 5 : Hampstead, Camden City & King’s Cross
The subsequent morning you may proceed your week in London with a visit to Hampstead. That is my favourite place within the metropolis, not least as a result of it looks like a village.
With charming streets, tucked-away pubs, and one of many metropolis’s largest parks, Hampstead is an thrilling place to discover. I lived right here for years and I nonetheless return each likelihood I get.
Whilst you’re within the space you may stroll across the village, comply with the route of my free self-guided Hampstead stroll, or go on one in all my Hampstead Heath walks.
No matter you select, I like to recommend having lunch at one of many native pubs or a restaurant on Hampstead Excessive Avenue. My favorites embrace the Holly Bush, Villa Bianca, and Jin Kichi. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the traces can transfer slowly.
After lunch, you may head right down to Camden City. This place is residence to well-known markets, together with Camden Market, Hawley Wharf, and Buck Avenue Market.
You possibly can browse the stalls in all or any of them once you get right here. They’re superb locations to purchase presents and souvenirs. There are many meals stands if you’d like a snack or a candy deal with, too.
After exploring the markets, it’s enjoyable to walk alongside the Regent’s Canal towpath to get to King’s Cross. The world round Granary Sq. and Coal Drops Yard is filled with outlets, eating places, cafes, and bars. It’s an incredible place to get dinner.
If in case you have time earlier than or after consuming, you may stroll right down to the realm’s beloved prepare stations. King’s Cross is legendary for its inside structure and Harry Potter connections. You possibly can pose for pictures on the Platform 9 3/4 signal or decide up a memento from the Harry Potter store subsequent to it.
Throughout the road from King’s Cross station is St Pancras Worldwide. This place is understood for its attractive exterior. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s some of the stunning buildings in London. There are outlets and eating places inside, too.
Coincidentally, St Pancras was additionally used as a filming location for one of many Harry Potter films. You will discover out which one in my weblog submit about Harry Potter areas in London.
If you wish to exit at evening, there are many pubs and bars across the space. From those on Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross to native spots in close by Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia, you could have a variety of choices.
Day 6: St James’s, Mayfair & Marylebone
You possibly can kick off the sixth of your 7 days in London in St James’s. This conventional a part of town is understood for its historic royal palace, basic males’s outlets, luxurious inns, and members’ golf equipment.
Whilst you’re within the neighborhood, you may stroll down Piccadilly and Jermyn Avenue, admire the historic facade of St James’s Palace, and pop into iconic department shops like Fortnum & Mason.
While you’ve completed exploring, Mayfair is simply throughout Piccadilly from St James’s. This upscale space is residence to fine-dining eating places, luxurious items outlets, and the long-lasting curve of Regent Avenue (residence of the well-known Liberty London division retailer).
You possibly can go on my free self-guided Mayfair stroll if you wish to discover the realm intimately. It’ll present you all the things from the excessive avenue to the hidden mews and native pubs.
Mayfair is a enjoyable place to have a meal or afternoon tea, too. Whether or not you go to an off-the-cuff cafe on Heddon Avenue, splurge on a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or head to a basic pub, there are many choices for lunch.
In relation to tea and cake, I like Brown’s Resort afternoon tea and the long-lasting yellow room at Sketch.
After lunch or tea, you may stroll throughout Oxford Avenue to Marylebone. That is one other of my favourite London neighborhoods, not least as a result of it’s residence to among the best excessive streets in London.
There are many enjoyable outlets on Marylebone Excessive Avenue, to not point out Marylebone Lane and St Christopher’s Place. They’re enjoyable locations to get into London’s retail scene.
From boutiques to excessive avenue numbers, there are many shops to select from. My favourite spot to buy in Marylebone is Daunt Books. It’s some of the stunning impartial bookshops in London.
If have time and inclination, you may go on my free self-guided Marylebone stroll to see extra of the realm. It’ll take you round to hidden mews, grand squares, facet streets, and gardens that make this one in all my favourite components of town.
After exploring Marylebone, make your method to Regent’s Park. This is without doubt one of the greatest inexperienced areas within the metropolis, and it’s enjoyable to stroll round. If it’s summer season, don’t miss the colourful rose gardens.
When sundown approaches, you may head again to Marylebone Excessive Avenue for dinner, or depart by way of one of many different exits of the park and eat in fairly Primrose Hill, enjoyable Camden City, or on buzzing Charlotte Avenue.
Day 7: Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge & South Kensington
Begin the ultimate day of your week in London in Belgravia. This elegant space is suffering from cute cafes and outlets, significantly these on the well-known Elizabeth Avenue.
You possibly can comply with the route of my free self-guided Belgravia stroll to see the highlights of the neighborhood, or simply stroll across the leafy squares and mews. Highlights embrace Pimlico Highway (there’s a meals market right here on Saturdays), Belgrave Sq., and Motcomb Avenue.
After exploring Belgravia, you may stroll over to Sloane Sq. and the King’s Highway in Chelsea. It is a enjoyable place to buy and eat, and you’ll find lunch at any variety of eating places within the neighborhood.
If it’s a Saturday, the meals market in Duke of York Sq. is a should. If it’s not, there’s nonetheless lots to do and see. The King’s Highway is without doubt one of the greatest procuring streets in London, and there are many locations to get your retail remedy repair.
If you wish to see the locations locals love, you may take my free self-guided Chelsea stroll to see the realm’s facet streets, colourful homes, and riverfront.
From Chelsea, you may make your method to Knightsbridge for some procuring at landmark department shops like Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Alternatively, you may stroll over to South Kensington to discover the museums.
The V&A, Pure Historical past Museum, and Science Museum are proper subsequent to at least one different. All of them supply free entry, so you may spend as a lot or as little time exploring them as you select. They’re large, so make sure that to tempo your self.
Within the night you may head to dinner at one of many many eating places exterior the South Kensington tube station. There are many cuisines to select from, so that you’re sure to search out one thing that tempts your style buds.
If you wish to finish your journey in model, there’s nice nightlife round Walton Avenue and the King’s Highway. From pubs to bars and golf equipment, you could have a variety of choices in your final evening in London.
1 Week in London
I hope you’ve discovered my itinerary for spending 1 week in London useful for planning your journey to town. It’s a tremendous place, and there’s masses to do and see when you’re on the town.
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