Lots to Love in London
- LaShai H
- Jun 4, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 1, 2023
Everything you Need to Plan the Perfect Trip to London
Let's get A-W-A-Y to London!!! My first trip to London was for my 10-year wedding anniversary. I actually surprised my husband with this trip and by surprise, I mean everything was planned for over 6 months and then he found out where we were going the week before. Part of the reason I picked London is because I decided that the two of us would visit the Top 11 Most Romantic Restaurants and that was my nod to what our next 10 years together would be.
We had a chance to visit Clos Maggiore and Tour d'Argent on that trip by taking the train over to Paris. That trip was a little over 3 years ago and I just recently had the chance to go back to London with my daughter and we spent a lot of our time wandering around and enjoying tea. Be sure to get a free download of How to Make the Most of your London Tea Experience.
This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. I independently evaluate all recommended products and services.
ACTIVITIES
Don’t miss these activities on your trip to London!
There’s lots to see and do in London. The weather is 99.9% overcast or rainy, outside of those rare sunny days. Plan your attire ahead with flexible options that will also keep you warm as you explore. It’s important to note that I love a great meal and London has tons of amazing places to eat. Check out more of those recommendations at Must Make Dinner Reservations in London . Outside of eating these are my top 3 recommendations for attractions to see/do on your trip to London.
Hang with me here! I know Hop on & off buses are SUPER touristy. I’ve been on tons of these and seen great sights and wasted whole days. London has one of the best hop on & off routes of the places I’ve been and when you take into account how great it is for a rainy day activity, this is a no-brainer. You will see most of the top attractions, there are plenty of connections and they have a package which includes a boat tour that’s also a great way to see the City. If you organize your day in advance, you can also use this to get around while you’re taking in the sites.
2. Specialty Teas
Traditional London tea is a must do and trying a specialty or themed tea while you’re in town should absolutely be at the top of your trip plan as well. There are some really creative ones with themes like “Around the World” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” My personal favorite is the "Peter Pan tea at the Aqua Shard.” Not only was the food and tea delicious, but the views were also amazing and there was even a really cool surprise at the end. Psst…don’t forget to your free download: How to Make the Most of Your London Tea Experience!
3. The Sky Garden
The Sky Garden is one of London’s newest attractions and it offers a lot of bang for your buck. This indoor public garden is one of the highest in the capital and has beautiful views from every corner. Entrance is free but spaces are limited, and you have to book in advance up to three weeks. There are multiple levels with bars, restaurants and space for private events. My daughter and I had a chance to visit Fenchurch and it’s on my list of Must Make Dinner Reservations in London.
WHERE
Planning a Trip to London? Here’s where you should stay…
There are so many great hotels and places to stay in London. Normally I recommend specific hotels based on amenities and experience. For this trip planning I would actually suggest that you pick your hotel based on location and your location based on your budget and planned activities.
Covent Garden -$$$
For travelers who enjoy shopping or theater, Covent Garden is the perfect spot. It’s home to fashion stores, multiple theaters, and the Royal Opera House. The area is pretty centrally located to some of London’s top attractions. If you do decide to stay here, I absolutely recommend checking out Chinatown and Soho. The majority of the accommodations in Covent Garden are in the modern to mid-luxury price range.
2. Westminster - $$$$
Those wanting to spend more of their trip exploring historical buildings, palaces and rubbing elbows with royals, Westminster is the place to be. Popular activities include checking out Trafalgar Square’s monuments and watching for the changing of the guards at Horse Guards Parade. You can also conveniently see the Houses of Parliament and if you are in the area, I suggest taking a stroll through St. James Park.
3. Southwark - $$
Southwark is a great option for travelers who don’t mind being a bit further out but are looking for more affordable accommodation options in London. This are bustling district by the River Thames, with cultural draws like the Tate Modern gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe theater. Borough Market is a popular spot for artisan eats and produce, and cozy pubs like the George, a 17th-century inn, are welcoming spots to have a pint. Centuries-old Southwark Cathedral is dwarfed by the soaring Shard skyscraper, which has a viewing platform and restaurants.
Affordable
Ways to Save Money on your Trip London
Let's talk numbers. The average flight to London from Los Angeles is around $875. Hotels with 3 stars or higher average $95 per night. For a one week stay and airfare, you'll pay close to $1,500 and that's on the low end. Once you add in activities and food, London can be a pretty expensive trip. Don't let that deter you from planning! There are ways to save before and during your trip to London. Here are some things I recommend to save some cash and still have a great trip:
1. See more for less with the London Pass
If you are a traveler who enjoys well planned out and organized itineraries, the London Pass is a great option to save money for those jam-packed schedules. The more you plan to see, the more you will save. Some of the attractions require reservations in advance, which is also why this option only really works if you’re okay with limited flexibility.
2. Skip the Tube with Groups
Riding the tube in London is a great way to get around and the efficiency of the system is hard to beat. That said, if you have more than two people in your group going somewhere, the cost per ticket can add up quickly. With my daughter, I often found that an $8 uber would have been $15 on the tube. You can also use the double decker buses instead of the Tube and save even more.
3. Swap the View from the Shard with the Sky Garden
The View from the Shard is certainly at the top of the points of interest & landmarks list for London. There’s no denying that the views are breathtaking especially if you can get a coveted sunset viewing time. That said, the Sky Garden has very similar and some might argue the same views for free. Tickets at the View from the Shard average $60 per person. Another great option to skip the View from the Shard pricing is to see that view from the same building at their restaurant Aqua Shard. Reservations are free and they also house my favorite themed tea.
Your Packing List
What to Pack for your trip to London
Last but not least. Let's talk all the things you want to bring with you to either save money or to make the most of your trip:
Repel Umbrella - This portable travel umbrella works really well in the wind and it's compact size is great for travel.
Adidas Cloudfoam Shoe- My first trip to London I wore heavy rain boots and I wish I had just worn these instead. They are super lightweight and comfortable. I own them in four different colors.
Nefeeko Collapsible Water Bottle- This travel water bottle is super convenient and can clip onto any bag. I use it at the airport to save on those overpriced water bottles.
Venture Travel Money Belt - This money belt is great for keeping your cash and passport safe. It's sleek, comfortable, lightweight and secure.
Thermajane Long Johns - If you are traveling to London in the winter or fall, I highly recommend this thermal underwear as a base layer. They are very soft and comfortable but also work well in the rain and cold.
LC-dolida Sleep Mask - The flight to London from Los Angeles is 10+ hours and this sleep mask helps that time fly by. The built-in bluetooth drowns out the plane noise and the blackout is great for hotel rest during the day.
ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs - Whenever you're changing time zones it can be difficult to adjust your sleep schedule. These melatonin gummies work wonders and help you fall asleep naturally.
Hope these tips have you ready to make your way to the UK. Subscribe to my mailing list for more great travel tips, tricks and helpful advice. Remember no matter where your journey takes you, be kind, be curious and be compassionate.
Happy Exploring!
Comments