Suggested 1 day London itinerary

If you only have 1 day in the city, this is how I would recommend spending it!

Begin the day at the Tower of London (take the tube to Tower Hill) – it takes a good few hours to look around, so you’ll only have time to see it from the outside, but if you walk over the iconic Tower Bridge you’ll have a great view of it from the south side of the river.

Start walking west along the riverside path, passing HMS Belfast and Hays Galleria which are both worth a photo stop. Then, as the path comes away from the river temporarily, stop by Borough Market and grab something to eat (I recommend Bread Ahead for a pastry or donut), and pop into lovely Southwark Cathedral which is free to visit and will only take a short amount of time to view. Continue along Click Street past the Golden Hinde replica ship and the remains of Winchester Palace, and then resume the walk along the riverside path. You’ll pass Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, and see St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the river. Keep walking, and you’ll get to the National Theatre, the London Eye, and finally the Houses of Parliament.

This whole walk will take 1hr15 – 1hr45 mins depending on walking speed and how long you spend taking photos. If you’re not comfortable walking, you can take an uber boat along this stretch of the river instead.

When you get to Westminster Bridge, cross over to get a closer look at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. From here, walk to nearby Westminster Abbey which is just a couple of minutes away. It’s worth spending some time looking round this beautiful historic church (pre-booking is recommended) but as you’ve only got 1 day, it might be better to save for another visit. Walk up to St James’ Park, one of the city’s loveliest parks with a lake and resident pelicans. This is a good lunch stop – the park has a café, or there are cafes/shops in the Westminster area if you want to have a picnic. Walk all the way through the park and come out onto the Mall to see Buckingham Palace.

Once you’ve taken in Buckingham Palace, walk through nearby Green Park to Piccadilly – a busy street that has the fabulous historic Fortnum and Mason department store. This is a great place to pick up some lovely souvenirs. Next, continue walking along Picadilly until you get to Piccadilly Circus. Walk through Chinatown (Gerrard Street), then cross over Charing Cross Road and walk into the Covent Garden area – don’t miss the streets around the Seven Dials junction and the Seven Dials Market which is a good place to sit down for a bit and have a snack. Then, spend some time exploring the historic Covent Garden market building which has a craft market, shops and entertainers.

Once you’ve finished in Covent Garden, walk along the Strand to Trafalgar Square. If you want, you could pop into the National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery to see some art – you won’t have long, but both are free to visit and are very close to Trafalgar Square. Book free tickets for the National Gallery in advance online in order to skip the queue outside.

In the evening, I would recommend an early dinner and then checking out a West End show. Make sure to book in advance direct from the theatre, and have a look at websites like Time Out for ideas of what’s on. If you’re not interested in theatre, you could visit one of the city’s viewpoints like the Shard, or head to Camden to see some live music.

Hidden gems in London

There’s a lot to see in London. I’ve lived here my whole life, and am still finding new places to visit - even now!

As the main attractions become increasingly busy I’ve noticed there is an increasing interest - from locals and tourists alike - in off-the-beaten track destinations. I’ve put together a list of my favourite hidden gems. Hope you enjoy them!

Fitzrovia Chapel is a beautiful Byzantine style chapel right in the centre of London, but very infrequently visited. Built in the late 19th century, the chapel was once situated in the former Middlesex Hospital. With its gold mosaic interior, it feels like you’re inside a jewellery box. Check the opening times first on the website as these can be quite limited.

Kyoto Garden is a captivating Japanese garden located in the middle of Holland Park, and originally built to celebrate the Festival of Japan in 1992. The garden has a tiered waterfall flowing into a pond filled with koi carp fish. A path over the pond makes an ideal photo spot. Look out for the park's resident peacocks!

Old English Garden in Battersea Park is a walled garden, so it feels quite private and peaceful, despite being in the heart of busy Battersea Park. Built in the early 1900s, it fell into disrepair before being restored by the gardening charity Thrive in the 2000s.  It has a central water feature with a little fountain, a sundial, shaded walkways and a trellis which is clad in wisteria in spring.

Walthamstow is a North-East London neighbourhood which has undergone some changes in recent years. There are some really nice places to visit in this local area. Walthamstow village is the oldest part of the area, centred around Orford Road, a pedestrianised street full of independent shops, bakeries, pubs and cafes. In summer, it’s a great place to hang out, with outdoor seating. Walthamstow Wetlands is a free nature reserve that’s home to many different wildlife, and is a site of special scientific interest, with reservoirs and quiet pathways. God’s Own Junkyard is a family-owned business selling colourful neon signs. William Morris Gallery is the largest collection of the designer’s work, located in a lovely Georgian house in Lloyd Park, and is free to visit. And finally, Ancient House is a timber framed home dating back to the 15th century: situated on the corner of Orford Road and Church Lane, it is said to be London’s oldest home.

Spitalfields City Farm is a peaceful place in a busy urban area, not far from Whitechapel station. Created in the 1970s, the farm is home to goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and rabbits, and has a focus on promoting animal welfare. It’s free to visit.

Dennis Severs House is a unique attraction near Liverpool Street station that imagines what life was like for the Huegenot silk weavers who might have once lived here. The museum was founded by Dennis Severs who lived there in the 1980s-90s and wanted to create a theatrical experience for future visitors. One of the best ways of visiting is by taking a silent tour. The rooms have been set up as though its former residents have just recently left.

St Katherine’s Docks were originally a place where cargo from ships was unloaded in the 19th century. The docks are still used by boats today and there are many luxury vessels moored here. There are also restaurants and cafes, many of which have views of the marina. Although it’s not far from Tower Bridge, the docks still feel very undiscovered by tourists. It looks particularly lovely lit up at night.

St Dunstans in the East is a tranquil spot right in the heart of the City of London. The church was originally built in 1100, destroyed in the Great Fire of London, then partially repaired by Sir Christopher Wren with the addition of a steeple. However it was then heavily damaged again in the Blitz in World War II. A garden is set around the ruins of the church. It's a beautiful space to sit and relax.

Queens Gallery in Greenwich is a 17th century former royal residence. Designed by Inigo Jones, it is now a free public art gallery. One of the first classical buildings in England, its interesting features include the cube shaped Great Hall and the spiral Tulip Stairs spiral staircase.

Syon House is a stunning 16th century house owned by the Duke of Northumberland. Situated in Syon Park in West London, its rooms include a Great Hall and Long Gallery, and there are many paintings on display. The 18th century interior of the house was designed by architect Robert Adam, who was known for his elegant neo-classical style. A beautiful Victorian conservatory was a later addition to the estate, set within the gardens which you can explore as part of your visit. The surrounding parkland was landscaped by renowned gardener Capability Brown.

Two Temple Place is a gothic-style Victorian house near Temple station that’s a must-see if you’re interested in architecture. The building is open at certain times of the year (check the website for more info), usually for free art exhibitions, but it’s worth going mainly to take in the fabulous carved wooden staircase. Built in the 1890s, the house was originally designed to be an office for William Astor, the richest man in the world at the time. As well as the staircase, other highlights include the Great Hall where there are gorgeous stained glass windows.

Hampstead is a charming neighbourhood in North London, with a unique village-like feel. It’s famous for its artistic and literary associations, as well as the expansive Hampstead Heath which is one of London’s best parkland areas. From meadows to ponds, woodland areas, and the historic Kenwood House, there is enough to in the Heath for a few hours. Other attractions in the area include Keats House which was once home to the Romantic poet, and now a small museum dedicated to telling the story of Keats’ life, and Fenton House - a 17th century house with a lovely walled garden, and a great collection of artwork and historic keyboard instruments. There are many beautiful residential streets in Hampstead, including Flask Walk, New End Square, Church Row, Back Lane, and Well Walk, as well as great cafes and restaurants.

Leighton House in Kensington was built in 1865 and was once the home and studio of the artist Frederick Leighton, who dedicated a lot of his time to creating a peaceful sanctuary here. The highlight of the house is the Arab Hall, built as part of a later extension to the house in 1877. The hall features objects Leighton collected on his travels to Turkey, Syria and Egypt, including the beautiful tiles on the walls of the Arab Hall.

Ham House is a grand 17th century house in Richmond. The house was originally owned by the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale, and is now looked after by the National Trust. There are many original features, including marble floors, the fine wooden staircase, and many items of furniture including a 17th century closet. You can see rooms like the Long Gallery and the Great Hall which have lots of paintings on display. There are also extensive gardens to explore, including a Kitchen Garden which supplies the house’s cafe.

The Painted Hall in Greenwich is sometimes referred to as London’s Sistine Chapel because of its spectacular paintings on the ceiling and walls. Designed and painted in the early 18th century, the hall was originally part of what used to be a hospital, and the room meant to be used as a dining hall by the pensioners who lived here. However, unsurprisingly, it soon attracted a lot of visitors who wanted to take in the beautiful paintings, and it became a bit of a tourist attraction. The Painted Hall was restored relatively recently, and reopened in 2019 following a period of closure.

Guildhall is an impressive building dating back to the 15th century. It includes a medieval great hall that has been at the centre of City government since the Middle Ages. The hall is sometimes open for events and monthly guided tours. Alongside the hall is the Guildhall Art Gallery which was deliberately built in a gothic style to complement the historic Guildhall. The gallery is open to the public and includes the remains of a Roman Architecture that was discovered in the 1980s.

Highgate Cemetery is an expansive cemetery, and one of the ‘Magnificent 7’ cemeteries built in outer London in the 19th century to cope with overcrowding in the cemeteries in the centre. With its Gothic-style tombs, Egyptian archway, and fine Mausoleum, Highgate soon became a fashionable place to be buried, and many notable people lie here, including Karl Marx. Don’t miss the view from the terrace at the top of the cemetery.

Little Venice is a beautiful and relatively undiscovered spot in Paddington, with waterside cafes, traditional pubs, and canalside paths. The triangular shaped pool is surrounded by willow trees and gorgeous mansions. There are lots of boats moored here, and it’s a lovely place to spend some time relaxing. You can walk along the canal to Camden market.

Wallace Collection consists of fine paintings, sculpture, ceramics, furniture and armour, all displayed within a grand townhouse in Marylebone’s Manchester Square. The museum is free to enter and it is one of the city’s quieter cultural spots, still relatively undiscovered. Its most famous painting is Fragonard’s The Swing, and there are also Turner watercolours on display.

Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital which once was home to abandoned children in the 18th and 19th centuries. As well as being the UK’s first children’s charity, the hospital was also the UK’s first public art gallery, as many leading artists such as William Hogarth donated their work to raise funds for the children. The composer George Handel held annual concerts here, and you can see the manuscript score of his most famous work, Messiah, here. The museum also includes original furniture and artwork displayed in historic rooms.

Southwark Cathedral is a peaceful church on the South Bank that is free to enter, with a stunning interior. There is also a resident cat here, called Hodge!

Charles Dickens House Museum in Bloomsbury is a charming museum about the novelist Charles Dickens. Dickens lived here between 1837 and 1839, and the atmospheric rooms have been set up to look like he has only just left: many items of furniture were owned by him, including the writing desk in the study. The museum hosts changing exhibitions on different topics, as well as special events like story-telling, guided tours, and theatre performances.

Parkland walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London. It follows the former railway line from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, all through beautiful woodland.

The Courtauld gallery is housed in the magnificent Somerset House, and is famous for its excellent collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. The permanent collection includes Manet’s painting A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, as well as works by Van Gogh, Degas and Renoir.

Mews streets are cobbled streets are usually located behind large 19th and 18th century homes. The mews houses were originally used for horses, with stables on the ground floor and servants living in the floor above. Kensington is probably the best place to see the mews houses, with many mews streets in the area including Kynance Mews, but Notting Hill also has some great ones, including St Luke’s Mews.

Garden Museum is located in a former church not far from Westminster. Founded in the 1970s, the museum celebrates garden-themed art, and the history of gardening and gardens. The museum also includes a rooftop terrace with riverside views, accessed by climbing steps in a medieval tower.

Eltham Palace, in South East London, has a medieval Great Hall and was once the place where Henry VIII spent his childhood. In the 1930s a millionaire couple moved in and created an amazing art deco mansion alongside the medieval part of the house. You can take a really interesting audio tour of the house, and visit the extensive gardens.

Things to do near London train stations

If you’ve got a bit of free time before you begin your journey from one of London’s main stations, here are my top tips on things to do near London train stations.

Euston station: There are some great things to do near Euston station. Right opposite the station is the Wellcome Collection which is a free museum and library about health and the human experience. There’s also a nice cafe just inside the main entrance. A little bit further afield, but still within about a 20 minute walk, is the fantastic (and free) British Museum. Or, if it’s a nice day, there are some garden squares not far from Euston Station including Gordon Square and Tavistock Square Garden.

Kings Cross station: If you’re looking for things to do near Kings Cross Station, then the British Library is a 5 minute walk from here. This free library has a fascinating permanent collection including works by Shakespeare. There is usually a special exhibition on at the library as well - book tickets in advance for those. There are lockers in the library if you need to leave a bag. If you’d rather be outside, then I recommend a walk to Granary Square which is near the canal and a lovely place to hang out, or Camley Street Natural Park which is a small nature reserve. Both are about 5 minutes walk from the station.

Victoria station: For things to do near Victoria station, I recommend a walk into Belgravia, where there are some quiet and attractive streets with independent shops and cafes. In particular, Elizabeth Street and Eccleston Yards are both nearby - the latter has a cute biscuit shop called Biscuiteers where you can pick up a sweet treat or fun souvenir. Slightly further away, but still within a 15 minute walk, is the Kings Gallery which has changing art exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Book tickets in advance.

Charing Cross station: If you’re looking for things to do near Charing Cross station, there are some great museums nearby - National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are both within a few minutes walk, and are both free to enter. If you’d rather be outside, then St James Park is about a 15 minute walk from the station, and is a lovely place for a stroll, with a lake, seasonal floral displays, and resident pelicans. Alternatively, one of my favourite outdoor spots is the Victoria Embankment Gardens about 5 minutes away, and not far from the river if you want to take in views of the Southbank opposite.

Paddington station: If you want something to do near Paddington Station, then I recommend a canalside stroll. Start from Paddington Basin and then walk up to the beautiful Little Venice which is about 15 minutes away, and has lots of waterside cafes and canal boats. If you don’t want to walk that far, there are some great canalside cafes closer to Paddington, including the Cheese Barge - book in advance for that so you don’t miss out.

Waterloo station: If you’re looking for things to do near Waterloo station, then I recommend walking down to the Southbank and taking in the riverside views. The Hayward Gallery, located on the Southbank, is only 5 minutes from the station, if you want to check out a contemporary art exhibition. If you have a bit longer, the British Film Institute cinema always has a great selection of films. If you don’t have much time, you can’t beat a little trip to Foyles Bookshop - also on the Southbank, though there is also a branch actually inside the station.

Marylebone station: If you’re interested in things to do near Marylebone station, then my top recommendation would be the Wallace Collection, a museum located in a fine town house which includes art, sculpture, ceramics and armoury. There’s also a lovely cafe in a courtyard inside the museum. The museum is just under 20 minutes walk. Alternatively, there are lots of great shops on Marylebone High Street which is about 15 minutes away from the station, and has the fabulous Edwardian bookshop Daunt Books.

Things to do in London in January

At this time of year I’m always looking for new or interesting things to do, to make this particularly cold and dark month a bit more bearable.

Canary Wharf Winter Light festival. One thing I’ve done in January for quite a few years now is to visit the annual Winter Lights in Canary Wharf. This free festival includes several different light installations in the Canary Wharf area. This year, the festival runs from 21 January to 1 February, and includes 12 installations - fewer than usual, but I’m looking forward to checking it out next week. There are usually lots of food and drink stalls as well so I’m planning on grabbing a sweet treat and hot chocolate to keep warm. https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/winter-lights-2025/

Winter Lights in 2019

Battersea Power Station light festival. There is also an annual light display at this time of year outside Battersea Power Station. I went for the first time last year, and spent some time checking out the shops inside the power station as well as seeing the lights. This year, the festival runs from 25 January to 25 February and there are 7 artworks, which are free to view.

Oscar nominated films at the cinema. January is my favourite time of year to go to the cinema, as there are usually lots of Oscars contenders screening in cinemas around London. This years films include The Complete Unknown, and The Brutalist. A couple of weeks ago I saw the road trip comedy/drama A Real Pain which was excellent. I like the Curzon and Picturehouse cinemas, but if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, there are some great independent cinemas in the city, from the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill to Genesis and Rich Mix in East London, The Garden cinema and the Prince Charles cinemas in Covent Garden, the Barbican cinema in the City, the British Film Institute on the Southbank, and the Lexi in Kensal Rise.

Art exhibition. January is a good time to visit an art exhibition in London, as there are fewer tourists around. I recommend the Taylor Wessing photo portrait of the year exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, which is running until 16 February. I also really enjoyed the British Library’s exhibition about women in the medieval period, which is on until 2 March.