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.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
HMS Belfast
Credit: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock.com
Last updated: 06 November, 2022
A treasured survivor of the Second World War, this towering naval warship was launched over 80 years ago, and after a career that including firing some of the first shots at the D-Day landings, her nine decks now make up one of London’s most fascinating interactive war exhibitions.
Permanently moored as a museum ship on the Thames’ Southbank at Queen’s Walk, entry offers the opportunity to climb the ladders, learn the secrets of the command room and uncover the ship’s history, from her launch on St Patrick’s Day 1938 to her 25 years active Royal Navy service and life as a London landmark for the past half-century.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
London 5-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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Overview >
London 9-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – 9 brilliant, bucket list-packed days recommended by destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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Overview >Price from: £23
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Right on the Thames, at Queen’s Walk, the museum is well-located for easy access on foot or by public transport. The nearest station, less than 0.5 miles away is London Bridge (train and Tube); Waterloo is a two-mile walk west along the river. The nearest Thames Clipper river ferry pier is London Bridge City, 0.2 miles away.
When to do it
It’s open all year round, Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Early mornings, and late afternoon are the quietest times, certainly at the weekend.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Shangri-La at the Shard
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
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CitizenM Tower of London
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
An affordable design hotel overlooking the Tower of London, with pod-style rooms and a hip bar and restaurant.
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Batty Langley’s
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.6 miles]
An elegantly eccentric Georgian period piece on the edge of the City of London, with decadent rooms and an under-the-radar vibe.
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Sea Containers London
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.8 miles]
Right on the Thames, with views of St Pauls across the water, this cleverly-converted former shipping office has become one of the capital’s grandest and most glam hotels.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
London
Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)
World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination.
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Tower of London
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
The world’s most notorious medieval fortress, rich in gruesome history dating back to the 11th century. Now home to the Crown Jewels and the enigmatic, colourful Beefeaters.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25
Borough Market
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
London’s premier gastro hub, with over 100 stalls in a historic covered market, offering everything from artisan breads and cheeses to street food, hand-made chocolates and vegan cakes.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Shakespeare plays at The Globe
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
Shakespeare’s works are brought vividly to life at this half-timbered, riverside replica of the Bard’s Elizabethan theatre. A pilgrimage for Shakespeare fans.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 1-3 hours
Tate Modern
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]
This iconic, renovated power station on London’s South Bank showcases headline-grabbing Modern and contemporary art.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
The View From The Shard
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
Step into Renzo Piano’s iconic Shard, and ride up to the 72nd floor, to stand 800ft above London for the loftiest views in the capital.
Best for ages: 10+ | £25
Experience
Somerset House
London, United Kingdom (UK)[2.5 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
London, United Kingdom (UK)[2.7 miles]
London’s impressive aquarium, set on the South Bank, home to hundreds of species of fish and a selection of sharks.
Best for ages: Any | £27
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The London Eye
London, United Kingdom (UK)[2.7 miles]
Sky-scraping observation wheel taking passengers on a stately ride, 450 feet above the Thames.
Best for ages: Any | £31 | 30 minutes