Summary
This article was submitted by Rachel Coyne.
Whether you head to London for its rich history, renowned museums, or vibrant theater scene, a trip to London should be on even the most infrequent traveler’s to-do list. My friend and I found that a week provides a suitable amount of time to explore many of the traditional tourist attractions as well as some personal interest spots that stray from the typical route.
Before embarking on your week-long journey to London, make sure a few essential items are on your checklist:
- Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, ensuring not to overpack.
- Obtain a detailed city map that labels the streets and tube stations.
- Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates.
- Ensure you have comfortable walking shoes that you’ve tested thoroughly to avoid blisters.
Day One: Arrive in London
Upon arrival, we found ourselves too early to check into our hotel. However, since we were conveniently located near Hyde Park and the weather was exceptionally warm for early October, it was the ideal time to stroll through the beautiful park. As it is quite expansive, plan to visit key points of interest such as Kensington Palace, the Round Pond (home to geese and swans), the Italian fountains, and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
This is also the perfect opportunity to take care of important tasks like withdrawing cash from an ATM or exchanging currency, acquiring an Oyster card for the tube (the simplest way to navigate the city), and exploring the neighborhood where you’re staying.
After enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, we headed to the Grosvenor Hotel near Victoria Station for a Jack the Ripper walking tour. This tour guided us through the less glamorous East End of London where we followed the path of the infamous Jack the Ripper’s victims from 1888 and learned about various theories surrounding these unsolved crimes. The itinerary also included a night cruise along the River Thames, along with a bus ride showcasing other eerie sites, such as the hospital where the Elephant Man lived and the plaque marking where William Wallace met his end.
Day Two: Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour
Our second day was spent enjoying an all-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour around the city. This tour is an excellent way to observe iconic London sights such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. It’s essential to jot down any stops you’d like to revisit later in the week.
We wrapped up the day with dinner at the Sherlock Holmes Pub, located near Trafalgar Square. The pub features a sitting room inspired by Sherlock Holmes’s fictional office, making it a must-visit for any admirer of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work.
Day Three: Road Trip!
Although there are countless attractions within London itself, we also wanted to discover some intriguing spots outside the city. We boarded a bus for a full-day tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath.
On the way to Windsor Castle, we passed the Ascot racecourse, which is one of the Queen’s favored recreational spots. Windsor Castle not only serves as an official residence of the Queen, but it originally functioned as a fortress. Visitors can roam through the State Apartments and marvel at various treasures from the Royal Collection, including Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
Arriving at Stonehenge, nestled in the English countryside, was awe-inspiring. As we circled the ancient stones, we listened to an audio tour explaining various theories about its origins, ranging from Druid constructions to mystical tales.
The final stop of the day was Bath, where we toured the remarkable Roman Baths. After a lengthy two-hour drive back to London, we returned to the hotel tired but fulfilled after a fantastic day of touring.
Day Four: The Tower of London and Shopping
A morning tour of the Tower of London provided an insightful glimpse into the history of important figures who were imprisoned and executed there. The Crown Jewels are also on display, offering a beautiful distraction from some of the more somber stories related to the Tower. Joining one of the Yeoman Warder-guided tours every half hour is highly recommended, as the guides make the experience memorable.
The afternoon was dedicated to exploring popular shopping areas, including Portobello Market, Harrods department store, and the bustling Piccadilly Circus. We also visited a temporary Dr. Who exhibit at Earl’s Court, much to my friend’s delight, as she is a devoted fan.
Day Five: South Bank
Knowing we would regret it if we left London without visiting at least one museum, we headed to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, which offers free admission. With an impressive collection featuring works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Seurat, Degas, and Monet, even casual art enthusiasts can find pieces that intrigue them.
Next, we ventured to the South Bank and experienced the London Eye. While it may be somewhat anticlimactic due to the lack of audio commentary and the potential for sharing your pod with strangers, the panoramic views on a clear day are stunning and perfect for memorable cityscape photographs. A walk along the South Bank brought us past the London Aquarium and the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, alongside street vendors and entertainers.
We capped the day with a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe, a replica of the original theater. Visitors can explore exhibits on theatrical history and enjoy a guided tour that practically transports you back to Shakespeare’s era.
Day Six: Library, Tea and More Shopping
On our final day in London, we visited the British Library, home to numerous literary treasures housed behind glass, including Shakespeare’s original folio and the Magna Carta. This enchanting collection is a must-see for literary enthusiasts.
As we still had some shopping to complete, we journeyed to Oxford Street, a shopping haven offering a mix of high-end and quintessentially British stores. Connecting Oxford Street to Hyde Park, we took a leisurely stroll through the park towards Kensington Palace, where we enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea at the Orangery.
Afternoon tea with views of the picturesque Kensington Palace grounds offered a fitting conclusion to a busy week exploring the wonders of London, leaving us refreshed and ready for our journey home.
