Visiting London is an immersive journey through time, culture, and the pulsating energy of a metropolis that effortlessly blends tradition with innovation. It’s important to know that you can in no way see everything London has to offer in four days (I would go back and stretch this itinerary to five). With limited time, I knew it was critical to keep myself in check and not attempt to see it all. So instead, I focused my trip on the historical topics that interested me most, specifically WWII and Tudor history. And while London is a major destination for history buffs, you don’t have to make that the focus of your trip. Fashion, food, literature, theater, architecture–This city embraces all passions and every corner reveals a new adventure tailored just for you. So take a look at my itinerary and think about the changes you would make to create a trip tailored to you.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Currency: The official currency in London is the British Pound Sterling (£). Be sure to familiarize yourself with the current exchange rates and carry some local currency for small purchases or tipping.
- Public Transportation: London has an extensive public transportation system, including the Tube (subway), buses, and trains. Just use Google Maps to get around and consider getting an Oyster card for convenient and cost-effective travel on public transport.
- Weather: London’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket, and check the weather forecast before your trip. Bring comfortable shoes for walking, as exploring on foot is the best way to see the city
- Electrical Outlets: The power plugs and sockets are different than other parts of Europe, and you will definitely need a travel adapter. I recommended buying a universal one.
- Safety: London is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s essential to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Be mindful of your belongings, and be cautious of potential scams.
- Emergency Services: The emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance is 999. It’s important to know how to contact emergency services if needed.
- Museums and Attractions: Some of London’s major museums and attractions offer free admission, but others may require tickets. Check online for opening hours, ticket prices, and any special exhibitions or events. London is a popular place so be prepared to encounter lines.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in London. In restaurants, it’s typical to leave a tip of around 10-15%, but this may be included in the bill. It’s also common to tip taxi drivers and hotel staff.
- Tap Water: The tap water in London is safe to drink, so you can save money by refilling your water bottle throughout the day.
Day 1
Morning
Start your journey at the iconic British Museum, a treasure trove of world history and culture. Marvel at the Rosetta Stone, stand in awe of the Egyptian mummies, and lose yourself in the vastness of the Great Court. Admission is free, making it the perfect introduction to London’s rich past. You could literally spend all day here, but I get really overwhelmed and can quickly lose interest in museums if I don’t narrow down my focus. There are multiple floors and over sixty galleries, so it’s important to identify how long you want to spend there and what specific galleries you want to visit. You could also plan to use a guide if you feel it will help you make the most of your experience. Check out the galleries here to help you make plan: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/galleries.
Afternoon
Before your next stop, take a break and check out the iconic Kings Cross Station. While there, make a brief stop at Notes Coffee Roasters & Wine Bar, a great place for coffee, wine, and light bites, conveniently situated near King’s Cross Station. If you take the time to truly plan your trip to the British Museum, and don’t try to see everything there, you won’t feel overwhelmed by the idea of stopping at the British Library in the afternoon. Once again, there is no need to try and see it all. Instead, focus only on the Treasures Gallery. It’s a must for anyone interested in literature, history, and cultural artifacts. Some of the items I was most excited to see were the Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, Shakespeare’s first works, Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook, and a group of ancient maps. This was really a moment that made the past more tangible.
Evening
It’s been a long day of immersing yourself in global artifacts. Finish off the evening with dinner at Caravan King’s Cross, a trendy spot known for its all-day dining menu, featuring dishes with global influences, and a laid-back atmosphere. Then, rest your feet with a ride on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus until you get close to the area where your lodging is.
Day 2
Morning
On your second day, immerse yourself in the regal beauty of Westminster Abbey. This architectural masterpiece has witnessed coronations, weddings, and funerals of British monarchs. Stroll through the Poets’ Corner, where literary giants like Shakespeare rest, and don’t miss the stunning Lady Chapel. I have a serious interest in Tudor history, and one of the highlights of my trip was seeing the resting place of Queen Elizabeth I and her sister Mary Tudor. Everywhere you turn in this stunning building, you are surrounded by the historical giants we learned about in history class. And while I am in no way unaware of the far reaching conquests and devastating colonial consequences some of these historical figures brought about, it is poignant to be immersed in so much history. The best tip I can give you to make the most of your visit is to purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines and opt for an audio guide to enhance your experience.
Afternoon
Walk around outside the abbey viewing some iconic sites like Parliament and Big Ben and then grab a bite to eat. With multiple locations in the area, Pret a Manger is a great choice for quick and fresh sandwiches, salads, and hot drinks. There is one located close to Westminster where you can refuel before your next stop.
Now it’s time to dive into the wartime history of London at the Churchill War Rooms. This underground bunker served as Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s nerve center during World War II. Explore the map room, living quarters, and the fascinating Churchill Museum. The immersive experience offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of wartime leadership. Knowing you are walking around the rooms where critical decisions were made in real time is an awe-inspiring feeling. The last stop is a timeline museum of Churchill’s life. And if you weren’t interested or inspired by this guy before your visit, trust me you will be fascinated by the end of this experience. Book your tickets online to secure your spot and allocate around two hours for a thorough visit.
Evening
Take a little over a half mile stroll down The Mall that leads to Buckingham Palace. It was a little quieter in the evening and all lit up which was really peaceful. Along the walk you will see several special places like St. James Park. Spend a little time in front of the palace. If you watched The Crown, you’ll likely be replaying some of the episodes in your head. Finally, head back down to Trafalgar Square and grab dinner at Admiralty pub.
Day 3
Morning
No trip to London would be complete without a visit to the famous and infamous Tower of London. This historic fortress has played roles in royal ceremonies, imprisonments, and executions. Some of the most iconic parts of London’s history took place in this historic area. Walk along the medieval walls, admire the Crown Jewels, and meet the iconic Tower Ravens. Be sure to join a guided tour to uncover the tower’s dark secrets and captivating stories. There was a British poll that showed the mystery of the lost princes of the tower is one of the historical mysteries that people are most intrigued by, and the guided tours explore this mystery as well as events like the execution of two of Henry VIII’s wives. As someone who is captivated by British history and particularly Tudor history, this was hands down one of my favorite travel experiences. Make sure to arrive early to avoid long queues, and consider combining your visit with a stroll along the nearby Tower Bridge.
Afternoon
Walk the mile along the Thames River to St. Paul’s Cathedral, grabbing lunch along the way and stopping by the Millennium Bridge which made my Harry Potter heart happy to see in tact (IFKYK). Enter St. Paul’s cathedral and be prepared to be captivated by the stunning interior. Take your time to explore the nave, admire the intricate mosaics, and gaze up at the beautiful dome. Don’t forget to look down to appreciate the exquisite floor design. As you move towards the Whispering Gallery, enjoy the panoramic views of the interior from this unique vantage point. Test the acoustic wonders of the gallery by whispering against its walls. I was a little historied out at this point, so I didn’t bother with the audio tour and instead just sat for a while taking it all in and thinking of the events that occurred here. Take a bit of time to climb the stairs to the Golden Gallery atop the dome. The ascent provides not only a physical challenge but also breathtaking views of London’s skyline.
Evening
For tonight, pick an activity and/or restaurant that resonates with your connection or interest in London. I wanted to visit a traditional pub to try something like fish and chips or bangers and mash. There are so many places to choose from like The Lamb and Flag which is tucked away in Covent Garden. The Lamb and Flag is one of London’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1623. It has a cozy, historic atmosphere, wooden interiors, and serves classic British pub fare. I highly recommended ending the evening with another ride on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus seeing the sites set against the city lights.
Day 4
With your final day, you have several choices. One option would be to spend the day wandering around the city with no actual plan. Now that you have a feel for the area, you could walk and take the subway around the city just exploring and seeing what you run into. You could also do some shopping at several locations like Camden Market, have a traditional tea experience, take a Harry Potter tour, ride the London Eye, or catch a show at the West End. You could easily just spend the day leisurely exploring the city.
Option two is to book a day tour though a company like Get Your Guide or Viator. There are several choices including a visit to the White Cliffs of Dover, Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath, Oxford, and the Cotswolds. My dad and I opted for a day trip to Oxford and the Cotswolds. This is a day trip I recommended for the off-season; otherwise, I think the intense summer crowds would take away from the picturesque experience. You can find the tour we booked HERE. The tour included a van ride to the Cotswolds with several stops to view and explore the pastoral villages and iconic houses. On this tour there is enough time to enjoy a few leisurely walks along riverbanks , explore quaint shops, and indulge in a traditional afternoon tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream. This tour also included several hours in the city of Oxford where you could explore the iconic university buildings including the Great Hall which inspired the dining hall scenes in Harry Potter. And make sure to cross the Bridge of Sighs; the famous bridge, named after its resemblance to the bridge in Venice. There was plenty of time to explore on your own or book a short walking tour of the area. This was a full day experience, but it was a great way to maximize your exploring time. When you arrive back in the city, head back to whatever area of the city you enjoyed the most. London is home to a plethora of international dining options, so finish off your trip with one more cultural dining experience before you head back across the pond.
