A Weekend Away in London

First off, a weekend isn’t enough to explore a fraction of London’s history, art, beauty, culture, and cuisines. The city has a lot of good things going for it. Many first-time and even seasoned visitors find it overwhelming to plan a 2-3 days itinerary. So, we’re here to help you make the most of your weekend stay. 

But, before we get to that, you must figure out the following logistics;

1. How to Get to London

London is easily accessible by air or train. If you’re coming from a far-flung destination outside Europe, chances are you’ll fly in through Heathrow airport. However, if you’re coming in from nearby European countries, you could use a low-cost airline and land at any of the other airports. Better still, you can opt for the efficient European rail network that transverses different cities, including London.

2. Where to Stay in London Over the Weekend

There’re many accommodation options in London for solo travellers, couples, and families. Be it an inexpensive hostel, a self-catering apartment, or a luxurious 5-star hotel. However, since you’re only around for the weekend, consider a central location for easy, convenient, and fast movement.

3. How to Move Around London

Finally, moving around should be the least of your worries, considering the city has an efficient and reliable public transport network. You can use the hop-on, hop-off bus tours, ride the train, walk from one point to the next, cycle around, or take the tram. The best options for a person who is out to explore the city are; walking and hop-on-hop-off buses.

The transport costs can be expensive, so you should weigh between buying single tickets while on the move or purchasing a weekend ticket. For instance, if your itinerary involves a lot of walking around with minimal train or bus transport, single tickets will be okay. 

But, if your itinerary requires a lot of public transportation, get an Oyster Card; It’s a card that you credit money into and use in all transportation systems. Also, you can purchase a London discount pass to save you the cost of accessing popular attractions.

How to spend the perfect weekend in London

1. Visit London’s Historic Landmarks and Top Attractions

The best way to start your weekend in London is to dive deep into the city’s rich history. Here are some of the historic structures and iconic landmarks to include in your itinerary.

st peters cathedral

St. Peter’s Cathedral

St. Peter’s Cathedral is more than a place of worship for the British people. For centuries, it’s been a symbol of their hopeful and resilient spirit. It has been around for countless trials and triumphs. Heck! It has even played host to some monumental services. Namely; Winston Churchill’s state funeral, Princess Charles and Diana’s royal wedding, and Queen Elizabeth II’s jubilee services. 

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The Big Ben

Big Ben is another towering landmark in London’s skyline representing the city’s heritage and identity. You may have seen it in movies shot in London, but now is your chance to get an up close look.  

westminster abbey, london, uk

Westminster Abbey

With a history dating back to 1245, this gothic-style church, Westminster Abbey, houses a significant part of London’s past. For one, it has hosted all English and British coronations and several royal weddings. Inside, there’re tombs and memorials for many famous Britons.

the buckingham palace

The Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the most famous palace in the UK and serves as the primary residence for the reigning sovereign of the United Kingdom. Ensure you’re outside the palace’s fence by 11 am to witness the change of guard. It’s a 45 minutes ceremony showcasing the guards’ synchrony and routine perfection. 

the london eye

The London Eye

Located on the south bank of the River Thames, the London Eye is the tallest observation wheel in London (135 metres tall). As such, it offers breathtaking views over London’s skyline and River Thames. The clear glass pods ensure everybody enjoys expansive views of the city. If you get a private pod, you can enjoy a bottle of champagne comfortably through the 30 minutes trip.

the shard

The Shard

The Shard’s public viewing galleries on floors 68, 69, and 72 of its 87 floors dwarf the London Eye in spectacular fashion. So, if you’re not scared of heights, you should tour the building to enjoy more picturesque views of London. 

Furthermore, the building houses amazing eateries and bars. Therefore, you can enjoy delicious cuisines and classic drinks while soaking in the sweeping views. If you time your visit and show up in the evening, you’ll be able to witness the magic of a setting sun.

afternoon tea bus tour

2. Enjoy an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Afternoon tea is a revered British tradition you can enjoy while touring around. Usually, there’s lots of tasty tea and savoury accompaniments like cakes, sandwiches, and scones. It’s a great opportunity to feed your eyes and stomach simultaneously. 

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3. Stroll Through the Parks

Between your walks in the British capital, you’ll need breaks to relax and rejuvenate. And, what better place than the expansive parks in different parts of the city? Starting with the Hyde Park in Central London. You can either sit on the benches or stretch on the grass and enjoy the warm sun in summer.

Some parks have eateries where you can buy some of London’s famous dishes and set up a picnic with friends and family.

Other parks you might encounter on your way to different locations include Green Park, Regents Park, and St. James Park.

west end

4. Go to West End

If you enjoy theatre plays and musicals, a matinee in West End would be the best way to kickstart or end your afternoon. Better still, you could choose an evening show(s) to wrap up your night. There’s always a world-class theatre production on rotation, so it’s up to you to find whatever you like.

london markets

5. Browse the London Markets

To experience London’s rawness in different facets, visit the London markets. Even though some of the markets have become a little too touristy, you’ll still feel the age-old spirit of the city. If it’s not in the local street food, it’s in the pints from the bars and clubs, the entertainment, the antique souvenirs on sale, the street art, or the general vibrant atmosphere of the place.

London markets have an interesting life of their own. You should definitely include them in your weekend itinerary. The notable ones include Borough market, Camden, and Portobello.

museum

6. Go to the Museum

Another good way to explore history, art, and science is to visit the many museums around London. Entry is free, although they encourage donations. Plus, they’re almost always open. There’s the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Considering you have limited time, visit the one that showcases your interests. 

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7. Attend an Event

There’s always an event happening in London over the weekend. Ask around or search on the internet and if it’s something of interest, be sure to go and enjoy yourself or network and learn something new. Be it a festival, a football match at Wembley, a theme show, a workshop, you name it.

nightlife

8. Explore the Nightlife

London’s nightlife never disappoints. First, it’s eclectic, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you go to the hippy and artsy Shoreditch or settle for the ultimate club crawl in Soho. The entertainment, drinks, and vibrant vibe will leave you yearning for more, which is enough reason to return for another weekend.

Conclusion

The best part about planning a weekend itinerary in London is that the main attractions are close to each other. Therefore, it’s easy to map them out and create a convenient route. That said, our breakdown of sites and activities to include in your London weekend visit should help you explore as much of the city as possible—in 2 days. Enjoy your visit and tell us all about it.