London 3-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Bucket list experience:
Adopted as the British monarch’s official London residence on the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837, the world’s most famous – if architecturally bland – royal palace is viewed by most visitors from the outside only. Walk up the Mall to get the most impressive view, and once you’ve mingled with the crowds, dip into leafy St James’ Park for coffee with the squirrels, who eat out of the hands of passersby.
In the summer months, the State Rooms and gardens open up to visitors; you can take your own picnic if visiting the gardens, and there are pre-bookable Gardener’s Tours for green-fingered visitors.
The Queen’s Guard, the poker-faced chaps in the big fuzzy bearskin hats, change posts with great fanfare outside the palace – check exact times for this Changing of the Guard during the month you’re visiting.
The Queen’s Gallery is open year-round, exhibiting treasures from the Queen’s personal art collection, including works by Rubens and Rembrandt.
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United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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The closest Underground station is Victoria (Victoria Line).
‘Royal Day Out’ tickets allow access to all three public areas – the State Rooms, the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews – otherwise ticketing is separate. Free hour-long audio guides are provided for each of the three attractions within Buckingham Palace.
Head to the Garden Café on the Palace’s West Terrace for very English refreshments such as macaroons, scones and tea.
The State Rooms summer opening times are changeable – check the website. As a general rule, visit between July and September to catch the State Rooms, checking the website in advance for any exceptions and closing dates. The Queen’s Gallery and Royal Mews are open all year round, from Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
London, United Kingdom (UK)
The main public art gallery of Buckingham Palace, the Queens Gallery exhibits works of art from the Royal collection on a rotating basis – there are usually around 450 works on show.
Best for ages: 18+ | £850
London, United Kingdom (UK)
These grand old stables are home to royal transport in all its finery: gilded carriages, the nodding heads of Windsor Greys and some vintage Bentley State Limousines.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
An agreeably-priced boutique hotel filled with a dizzying variety of artworks, tucked away in a quiet corner of charming Pimlico. Away from the rush, but with excellent transport into the city centre.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
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Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
Step back to the golden age of rail travel, touring the British countryside on this glamorous 1920s vintage train while enjoying five-star food and drink.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
A secret subterranean bunker from which Churchill directed operations during WWII – exactly as it was during the blitz of 1945 – offering a fascinating historical insight to the war and Churchill himself.
Best for ages: 8+ | £25
London, United Kingdom (UK)
World-famous, incomparable military parade dating back to the 17th century, involving thousands of soldiers, horses and musicians in full regalia, occurs each June to mark the Queen’s official birthday.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 2.5 hours
London, United Kingdom (UK)
A thousand-year-old Gothic abbey, and the grand resting place of monarchs, politicians and poets.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
An 18th-century mansion of masterpieces sitting pretty on Piccadilly, home to one of Britain’s oldest collections of fine art and regular blockbuster exhibitions.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
Sky-scraping observation wheel taking passengers on a stately ride, 450 feet above the Thames.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
Famous for its picturesque alfresco ice rink in winter and the Edmund J Safra fountains in the summer, this elegant neoclassical building is also home to an art gallery and upscale restaurant.
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Round-ups that include this experience
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The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.