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:
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Hyde Park
Few capital cities can match London for the number of elegant parks that stretch out alongside the busy streets, great swathes of tree-lined green, spanning over 5,000 acres. There are eight Royal Parks to explore, originally created as hunting and pleasure grounds for the royal family, each one a different experience.
The oldest park, St James, dates back to 1532, when Henry VIII purchased the land for a deer park. Surrounded by palaces on three sides – Westminster, St James’ and Buckingham – this is the heart of royal London, and where Elizabeth I held all manner of pageants and fetes during her reign.
The other main parks in central London are Hyde, Regents, St James and Green Park, while Richmond and Greenwich sit to the west and east respectively. All of the parks are dotted with cafes, and can be a wonderful place to sit with a picnic and watch Londoners slowing the pace for an hour or two.
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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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Finding your way to London’s central parks couldn’t be easier – all of them have their own stop on the underground, and excellent bus links. It is possible to visit several in one afternoon’s walk – St James’, Green Park and Hyde Park are all within easy reach of each other.
The parks change in atmosphere according to the time of the day; in the morning the paths are thick with runners (and horse-riders in Hyde Park), while the afternoons tend to be students, couples and families. Weekends are busy all day.
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Right on the Thames where the Cutty Sark museum ship is moored, you’ll find this grand royal park, home to 17th-century landscaping, the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum and one of London’s oldest deer enclosures.
Best for ages: Any | Free
London, United Kingdom (UK)
The largest of the four royal parks forming a leafy chain from Kensington Palace to Green Park and Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park is central London’s green lung. Join swimmers in the Serpentine, art lovers in the adjacent gallery or pause at Speaker’s Corner on a Sunday morning to hear all manner of opinions.
Best for ages: Any | Free
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Founded in the name of Britain’s 18th-century ‘Playboy’ Prince Regent, this is London’s most elegantly manicured park, where public lawns and seasonally planted flower beds encircle ‘secret’ rose-scented gardens, an outdoor theatre, a boating lake, and London Zoo.
Best for ages: Any | Free
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Charles I’s deer-roamed royal park that remains little changed since the Middle Ages. Woodland, grassland, and cycleways make for a rural treat of a city retreat.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
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London
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
London, United Kingdom (UK)
A lovely, tranquil retreat for those who want to dip in and out of central London. Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
An affordable design hotel overlooking the Tower of London, with pod-style rooms and a hip bar and restaurant.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
Undeniably the most glamorous and timeless of all London’s five-stars. This glorious Art Deco landmark and Mayfair institution is beloved by royalty, rock stars and fashionistas.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
This grand, family-run hotel has the warmth, intimacy and polished service of a gentlemen’s club in uber-trendy and sophisticated Marylebone.
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Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)
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