Britain’s capital city may be huge, but central London is surprisingly walkable, from the quirky pop-up stalls of the south bank to the glitz of the West End and out to Hyde Park. The culturally diverse nature of the city makes it one of the most buzzing and cosmopolitan in the world.
Start and end your trip in the buzzing capital of the UK and take the Eurostar across to mainland Europe. Why not add a few nights of accommodation here to see the sights?
How long should I go for? We recommend 2-3 nights. There’s loads to see & do in London, but it is quite expensive!
Getting there: Eurostar departs from/arrives into St Pancras station. London is reachable from most major train stations around the country, and you can use the London Underground/buses to get around. We suggest buying an Oyster card for the most effective travel on public transport.
Contrary to popular, the name ‘Big Ben’ actually refers to the bell inside the clock tower rather than the clock tower itself. Forming part of the Houses of Parliament, this iconic monument is a stand out attraction among London’s famous skyline. Wander around Westminster to get that perfect picture of the Elizabeth Tower. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Westminster Abbey and streets of Whitehall on your visit.
Once the prison of high profile historical characters such as Anne Boleyn, Queen Elizabeth I, and the Kray Twins, the Tower of London is now one of the capital’s most famous attractions. This notorious tower houses the Crown Jewels, part of the world famous collection of 23,578 gem stones. After marveling at the glitz and glamour of the royal collection, visit the tower ravens and discover the legends of the guardians of the Tower.
Head to Trafalgar Square for a whistle stop tour of some of London’s must-see sights! Surrounded by The National Gallery, The Strand, Whitehall and the Mall, this public square takes centre stage for some of the capital’s most famous events, from Chinese New Year to the annual Pride festival. Standing tall in the centre of the square is nelson’s column, protected by the four world famous lion statues.
At 309.9m high, the shard wins the award for England’s tallest skyscraper. Take to the skies and pose for a photo at the viewing platform or, head to the 72nd floor for unrivaled views from the open-air skydeck. For those of you feeling particularly fancy, check out the various restaurants on offer for a fine dining experience.
Westminster is one of London’s busiest boroughs, home to the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, The Tate Modern, St James Park and Hyde Park. This is also the place to be if you’re in need of some retail therapy. Wandering through the borough, you’ll find Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street, all with plenty of high street brands and designer boutiques.
Thanks to its huge array of open air markets and independent stalls, Camden has earned its place as one of London’s liveliest and most popular boroughs. Browse Camden Lock Market and hunt for a bargain among the stores selling books, vintage clothing and crafts. You’ll also find some great street food in the area, perfect for if you’re looking to explore London on a budget.
Known for its buzzing nightlife and top-rated restaurants, Soho is popular among locals and tourists alike. Step back in time to the sixties in Carnaby Street and explore the former hang-outs of Jimmy Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. If you’re a budding musician, check out some of Soho’s best known vinyl shops including, ‘Sounds of the Universe’.
