1 Week in London Itinerary

As we speak I need to share my itinerary for 1 week in London with you. 7 days is a good 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 the 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 really like about having a profession as a journey blogger helps individuals 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 usually get requested learn how to spend per week in London, and immediately I need to share the official A Girl in London information for it. I’ve created plenty of different London itineraries as properly, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve discovered the remainder.

If you’d like extra inspiration or have a particular curiosity, there are extra concepts for issues to do within the metropolis within the e book Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You may get it on Amazon right here.

Moreover, you’ll be able to take a look at my London journey information to search out stuff you’re enthusiastic about and see what seasonal occasions and festivities are on whenever you’ll be on the town.

The underside line is that there’s no proper or improper method to spend your time in London. This itinerary will present you a stability 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 a very good overview of what you are able to do and see on this wonderful metropolis in 7 days.

The place to Keep

In case you want a spot to name home-away-from-home when you’re visiting, there are many choices for lodging. Whether or not you like to remain in a resort, hostel, house rental, or one thing else, the town has a broad vary of types 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 the most effective areas to remain in London, the most effective motels on your model, and motels close to London points of interest for concepts. I’ve additionally written about quirky motels and pubs with rooms if you would like one thing distinctive.

Moreover, you’ll find offers and e book a spot to remain in London right here. With so many good choices, you’re certain to search out a fantastic match on your journey model, price range, and preferences.

Learn how to Pack

When you’ve determined when to go to and the place to remain, you’ll must pack for London. Relying what time of 12 months you journey to the UK, that can imply various things.

I’ve printed packing lists for autumn, winter, spring, and summer time that may provide help to select what to put on in London. I’ve additionally drawn up a basic packing record of things which are clever to deliver at any time of 12 months. It has a free downloadable guidelines.

In case you’re flying into London, you may as well check out my long-haul packing record and my information to learn how to pack with only a carry-on for extra suggestions (I used to be interviewed by The New York Instances 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’ll be able to plan your go to to coincide with the Altering the Guard ceremony, which takes place a number of days per week (you’ll be able to see the calendar right here). If not, you’ll be able to simply admire the monarch’s London residence from outdoors the gates.

In case you’re on the town throughout the seasonal opening, you’ll be able to tour Buckingham Palace. It provides you with the distinctive alternative to see the state rooms, grounds, and gardens. If that appeals, you’ll be able to e book tickets right here (e book properly prematurely).

After seeing Buckingham Palace you’ll be able to proceed your first day in London with a stroll via St James’s Park. This well-known inexperienced house is beautiful with its lush gardens and Tiffany Fountain. There are eye-catching views from the footbridge over the water as properly.

From the park it’s a scenic stroll via Horse Guards Parade, down Whitehall, and into Parliament Sq.. This a part of Westminster is dwelling 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. In case you have time and also you need to go inside, you’ll be able to tour the abbey and parliament. You possibly can e book tickets right here.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to take my free self-guided Westminster stroll if you wish to uncover the neighborhood past the large points of interest. It is going to lead you to a number of the facet streets and hidden areas locals spend time in. It’s a fantastic possibility when you’ve been to London earlier than and need to see one thing totally different.

Within the night, you’ll be able to have an off-the-cuff dinner close to the place you’re staying. In case you’re feeling jet lagged otherwise you needed to get up early to journey to the UK, you’ll possible be drained. You possibly can check out my suggestions for the place to eat in London when you want inspiration for a spot to go.

In case you have power left after dinner, you’ll be able to take an open-top bus tour to get an outline of the town’s main sights. It’s a straightforward method to see what London has to supply in the beginning of your journey. You possibly can e book tickets right here.

Day 2: South Financial institution & Metropolis of London

The subsequent morning you’ll be able to 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 absorb 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 finest views within the metropolis. You possibly can e book tickets right here (e book properly 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 going down when you’re visiting.

As you stroll from Westminster Bridge in the 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’ll be able to go to for as lengthy or little as you select. There are sweeping views from the upper flooring as properly.

Not removed from Tate Trendy, you’ll discover Borough Market. It’s essentially 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’ll be able to stroll throughout London Bridge to get to the Metropolis of London. In case you stick with the precise facet, you’ll see nice views of Tower Bridge on the best way.

If you attain the Metropolis, you’ll have the ability to discover every little thing from St Paul’s Cathedral to modern viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22. This a part of the UK capital comprises a whole lot of outdated and new structure, so there’s lots to see.

If you wish to, you’ll be able to comply with the route of my free self-guided Metropolis of London stroll to soak up the highlights. It is going to lead you round and present you hidden lanes, well-known landmarks, and tucked-away locations like Temple.

After exploring the Metropolis, you’ll be able to 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 outdoors. You possibly can e book Tower of London tickets right here.

Afterwards it’s a brief stroll to Tower Bridge. This beautiful feat of Victorian engineering is among 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 e book tickets right here.

For dinner, you’ll be able to proceed your stroll throughout Tower Bridge and head to Bermondsey Road. This can be a native favourite, and there are many nice locations to select from. Whether or not you desire a tapas bar or a traditional pub, you’ll find it right here.

Day 3: Notting Hill, Royal Parks & West Finish

The subsequent morning you’ll be able to proceed your London itinerary in Notting Hill. This a part of the town is stuffed with life and colour. You’ll discover every little thing from the boutiques to the mews a delight.

If it’s a Saturday, you’ll have the ability to expertise the well-known Portobello Street 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 suggest going and exploring the market stalls and retailers which are open whenever you go to. There’s a market of some variety going down right here almost 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 is going to take you round to see every little thing from the excessive streets to the retailers, 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’ll be able to stroll via Mayfair or take the tube to get to Soho and Covent Backyard. They’re a number of the most enjoyable locations in central London, and so they 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.

If you get hungry, you’ll be able to have dinner within the West Finish earlier than or after going to a present. Whether or not you select a traditional restaurant like Guidelines or one of many many new spots popping up on a regular basis, you’ll be able to’t go improper on this a part of the town.

So far as theater goes, there are at all times plenty of performs, musicals, and comedy acts on. Seeing one is an effective way to finish a day of exploring London. From dramas to farces, you’ve gotten loads of decisions in the case of what to see.

In case you’re up for going out afterwards, Soho and Covent Backyard are filled with bars, pubs, and golf equipment. They’re ideally suited locations to get into the nightlife scene in London.

My favourite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy proper off Carnaby Road. It’s one in every of 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 the town which are straightforward to get to by practice, automotive, or guided tour.

If you wish to see traditional college cities, my prime picks are Oxford and Cambridge. They’re two of the most well-liked days out from the UK capital, and so they’re each straightforward to get to by rail.

In case you’re enthusiastic about castles, there are many castles close to London you’ll be able to 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 finest castles in England, and so they’re straightforward to achieve through practice, automotive, 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, retailers, and eating places to take pleasure in. They’re straightforward day journeys from London by practice as properly.

If you wish to see the English countryside, a day journey to the Cotswolds is for you. You possibly can journey independently with or with out a automotive, or take a guided day tour. You possibly can see choices and e book a tour right here.

There’s no scarcity of fairly cities and villages within the Cotswolds. My favorites embody Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Citadel Combe, but it surely’s onerous to go improper.

If you wish to go to historic mansions, there are many stately properties close to London to select from. Downton Abbey followers will love touring Highclere Citadel, and royal lovers will take pleasure in 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 case 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’ll be able to take the tube. It’s a fantastic half-day journey from London when you’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 beautiful metropolis facilities.

If you wish to go additional afield, you’ll be able to take a day journey from London to Europe. In style ones embody Paris and Lille in France, Brussels and Bruges in Belgium, and Amsterdam in Holland.

In case you’re enthusiastic about seasonal journeys, you’ll be able to check out my guides to autumn, winter, spring, and summer time day journeys from London for concepts.

Day 5 : Hampstead, Camden City & King’s Cross

The subsequent morning you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to stroll across the village, comply with the route of my free self-guided Hampstead stroll, or go on one in every of 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 Road. My favorites embody the Holly Bush, Villa Bianca, and Jin Kichi. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the strains can transfer slowly.

After lunch, you’ll be able to head all the way down to Camden City. This place is dwelling to well-known markets, together with Camden Market, Hawley Wharf, and Buck Road Market.

You possibly can browse the stalls in all or any of them whenever you get right here. They’re ideally suited locations to purchase presents and souvenirs. There are many meals stands if you would 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 retailers, eating places, cafes, and bars. It’s a fantastic place to get dinner.

In case you have time earlier than or after consuming, you’ll be able to stroll all the way down to the world’s beloved practice stations. King’s Cross is legendary for its inside structure and Harry Potter connections. You possibly can pose for images 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 thought for its beautiful exterior. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s one of the lovely buildings in London. There are retailers and eating places inside, too.

Coincidentally, St Pancras was additionally used as a filming location for one of many Harry Potter motion pictures. You could find out which one in my weblog put up 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’ve gotten a whole lot 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 the town is thought for its historic royal palace, traditional males’s retailers, luxurious motels, and members’ golf equipment.

Whilst you’re within the neighborhood, you’ll be able to stroll down Piccadilly and Jermyn Road, admire the historic facade of St James’s Palace, and pop into iconic shops like Fortnum & Mason.

If you’ve completed exploring, Mayfair is simply throughout Piccadilly from St James’s. This upscale space is dwelling to fine-dining eating places, luxurious items retailers, and the long-lasting curve of Regent Road (dwelling 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 world intimately. It is going to present you every little thing 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 Road, splurge on a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or head to a traditional pub, there are many choices for lunch.

With regards to tea and cake, I really like Brown’s Lodge afternoon tea and the long-lasting yellow room at Sketch.

After lunch or tea, you’ll be able to stroll throughout Oxford Road to Marylebone. That is one other of my favourite London neighborhoods, not least as a result of it’s dwelling to among the best excessive streets in London.

There are many enjoyable retailers on Marylebone Excessive Road, 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 one of the lovely unbiased bookshops in London.

If have time and inclination, you’ll be able to go on my free self-guided Marylebone stroll to see extra of the world. It is going to take you round to hidden mews, grand squares, facet streets, and gardens that make this one in every of my favourite components of the town.

After exploring Marylebone, make your method to Regent’s Park. This is among the finest inexperienced areas within the metropolis, and it’s enjoyable to stroll round. If it’s summer time, don’t miss the colourful rose gardens.

When sundown approaches, you’ll be able to head again to Marylebone Excessive Road for dinner, or go away through one of many different exits of the park and eat in fairly Primrose Hill, enjoyable Camden City, or on buzzing Charlotte Road.

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 retailers, significantly these on the well-known Elizabeth Road.

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 embody Pimlico Street (there’s a meals market right here on Saturdays), Belgrave Sq., and Motcomb Road.

After exploring Belgravia, you’ll be able to stroll over to Sloane Sq. and the King’s Street in Chelsea. This can be 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 loads to do and see. The King’s Street is among the finest 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’ll be able to take my free self-guided Chelsea stroll to see the world’s facet streets, colourful homes, and riverfront.

From Chelsea, you may make your method to Knightsbridge for some procuring at landmark shops like Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Alternatively, you’ll be able to stroll over to South Kensington to discover the museums.

The V&A, Pure Historical past Museum, and Science Museum are proper subsequent to 1 different. All of them provide free entry, so you’ll be able to spend as a lot or as little time exploring them as you select. They’re large, so be sure that to tempo your self.

Within the night you’ll be able to head to dinner at one of many many eating places outdoors 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 Road and the King’s Street. From pubs to bars and golf equipment, you’ve gotten a whole lot of choices on 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 the town. It’s a tremendous place, and there’s masses to do and see when you’re on the town.

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