London Layover – One Perfect Day in London
Only have a short amount of time for jolly ol’ London? Fear not! I’ve got the cream of the crop here for you in this One Perfect Day in London Layover Itinerary.
Get ready ‘cause this is gonna be a slightly intense day, especially for your feet. London has SO much to offer, I couldn’t resist! But please feel free to eliminate a few of these things if you want to have a little bit of a more relaxed day (there’s no shame in that!).
The purpose of this itinerary is to allow you to experience as much of this gorgeous city as possible. So leave the strategy to me darling, and get excited for how much you are going to love London.
Breakfast
So let’s start our day, bright and early, and go have a classic British brekkie.
A Full English Breakfast, a.k.a. a fry up, is the quintessential English morning meal. If you’re at a BnB or a Hotel, they will most likely serve this meal for breakfast, but here are my recommendations based on where you are staying in London:
SW: Greasy Spoon – River Cafe 1A Station Approach, Fulham, London, England, SW6 3UH, United Kingdom
NW: Truly Scrumptious 67 Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AN, United Kingdom or Cappadocia Cafe 293 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8QF, United Kingdom
Central: The Regency Cafe 17-19 Regency Street, Westminster, London, England, SW1P 4BY, United Kingdom
SE: Terry’s Cafe London 158 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 1PE, United Kingdom
NE: Polo Bar 176 Bishopsgate, London, England, EC2M 4NQ, United Kingdom
Vegan Option: The Breakfast Club 12-16 Artillery Lane, Spitalfields, London, England, E1 7LS, United Kingdom
A Full English Breakfast includes sausage, bacon, eggs, baked beans, hashbrown, toast, mushrooms and tomatoes. It’s basically a huge plate of protein and I love it. But if that’s not your thing or if you’re vegan/vegetarian, they do have vegan versions of this meal at places like The Breakfast Club. Or I would recommend getting an Eggs Florentine or an Eggs Benedict for a more even carb to protein ratio (Brits are quite good at making these too).
By the way, I recommend starting breakfast at 8 if you want to get through the itinerary below.
Buckingham Palace
Head over to Green Park Station by using the Tube. As you exit the station you’ll enter into a lush park filled with lots of large billowy trees, as seen in the insta pic above.
It’s so quaint, you’ll hardly be able to stop yourself from swooning.
Take a stroll through the park and cross the Canada gate and you will see Elizabeth’s place, Buckingham Palace. Spot the guards in their red and black uniforms, take loads of pictures and apologize to the Queen that you couldn’t stay for a longer visit.
Because we don’t have a lot of time today, unfortunately, we won’t be going inside of most of these attractions. But if you absolutely must go into a few of these places, then plan for at least one hour each if you choose to tour any of the larger attractions that are mentioned below.
Westminster Abbey
Where legends are buried, queens are coronated, and royal lovebirds wed. Truly one of the most ornate churches ever built and it’s even more incredibly rich with history. If you have the time, you can tour the Abbey for £21 per adult. Otherwise, you can enter for free during Morning Prayer, Holy Communion, or Evensong.
Or you can go the cheap and cheerful route and take a bunch of pics for free from the outside! It’s still very lovely!
Meet Ben
Next stop, the one..the only…Big Ben!
Now unfortunately, London’s most famous monument is under construction until 2021.
I’m not gonna sugar coat it, it is a little underwhelming because it’s covered in scaffolding. Nevertheless, the parliament building that is just adjacent is stunning. I recommend walking around Big Ben and the parliament building to take in the beautiful details of the architecture.
Should you choose to cross Westminster Bridge, you’ll also see the London Eye and SouthBank. Please note, if you’re in London during the summer, I don’t recommend strolling across to Southbank simply because it will likely be crazily packed. Think sardines in a tin can on a muggy English day. Not my idea of fun, but take a gander if you’d like!
Trafalgar Square
Once you’re finished enjoying the view and getting your fill of pictures, take a stroll down Parliament Street to Trafalgar Square. On the way there, you’ll pass the Prime Minister’s home, 10 Downing Street on your left.
One you’ve snapped a pic, keep heading down Parliament Street until you see the large monument that is Nelson’s Column. You can’t miss it.
You have now arrived at Trafalgar Square; a landmark created to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar in the 1800’s. This square is often used for large public events and demonstrations. It would not surprise me if you happened to see some sort of event happening while you are here. This is also a great place to spot a busker or two or five.
It is also the home to the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. These are two prestigious art museums and best of all, they’re free! You could spend a whole day in these museums alone.
If you’re really into art, I would recommend checking if they have any paintings from your favorite classic artists on display, so you can at least go in and have a look at those.
Piccadilly Circus
London’s very own version of Time Square. It includes lots of MASSIVE screens, a HUGE intersection, a pretty statue, and lots of gimmick-y souvenir shops. It’s super fun to see for the first time as it’s got all of the big city vibes your heart could crave.
Leicester Square
Next, we will be passing through Leicester Square on the way to lunch. Leicester Square is famous for movie premieres and big, fancy events that we will never be invited to.
Oh, well…their loss.
There’s not too much to see here to be honest (other than a few cinemas, overpriced restaurants and M&M world) but I thought we might as well stroll on through so that you can at least say you saw it.
Hey! You can’t accuse me of not being honest!
The best part of this area is out of the square and around the corner in China Town.
1pm Lunch and Dessert in Covent Garden
Time for a little lunch! Lucky you because you will now be entering the very lovely Covent Garden. Specifically, we will be going to Covent Garden Market for lunch. I highly recommend the Steak and Stout Pie from Battersea Pie for some authentic British grub. Or if you’re in the mood for something a little different, head to Rosa’s Thai Cafe.
Stick around this area for a while and you may see some incredible street performers. I’ve seen opera singers, a string quartet, and an exceptional street magician while perusing the area around Covent Garden Market.
For dessert I recommend two ice cream shops (sorry couldn’t decide!) The first is Milk Train. It’s an adorable ice cream shop that puts a cotton candy cloud around your ice cream. Or go to Udderlicious Ice Cream shop for extremely delicious ice cream with a little less pizzaz but a whole lotta flavor.
While you savor your ice cream, walk around the streets of Covent Garden, make sure to see Neal’s Yard for gorgeously colorful buildings and the Seven Dials for a picture perfect intersection.
London Bridge Station
Next stop: London Bridge Station! Head to the Covent Garden tube station and take the Piccadilly line towards Rayners Lane. After 3 stops, change lines at Green Park Station and take the Jubilee line towards Stratford. After 4 stops you have arrived at London Bridge Station.
Just around the corner from this station will be our next charming destination.
Borough Market
I know we literally just ate, but a little snack never hurt anyone. Walk around, breathe in that fresh market air, and have a little munchie or buy something to nibble on for later. I highly recommend getting a sausage roll from the Ginger Pig or some Turkish Delight from The Turkish Deli. There’s loads to see here and some wonderful options for food souvenirs that you can take back home with you.
Whether you’re hungry or not, it’s a lovely atmosphere to walk through and enjoy, so that’s why it stays on the itinerary!
Globe’s Theatre
So it’s not technically THE Globe Theatre that was built and used by Shakespeare (unfortunately, that one burned down back in 1613), BUT it is an extremely well done replica. If you would like to take a tour of the theatre, you can book here for £17 per adult. Or you can watch a show for just £10 if you’re willing to be in the bottom standing area for the entirety of the show.
For the purposes of time, we will be enjoying a nice (and free) view of the outside. Take your pic and let’s keep moving forward!
Walk across Millennium Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral
This is one of my favorite bridges in London simply for it’s innovative and eye-catching design. I purposefully manipulated the route so you could cross this bridge and arrive perfectly at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Similarly to Westminster Abbey, you can get into the cathedral for free during sunday service or evensong. But even if you just take a look from the outside, it’s truly a sight to behold. This grand cathedral was built in 1675 after the Great Fire of London destroyed Old St. Paul’s.
I’d say they did a pretty good job with the remodel, don’t you think?
Please take loads of pictures here. No matter what angle of the Cathedral you see, this building is flawless.
The Monument & St. Dunstan in the East Garden
As you’re heading to the next stop I have a couple of quick photo ops for you to enjoy since you’re in the area and all.
The first quick stop is the Monument to the Great Fire of London, also known simply as, “The Monument ”. This large column was built to commemorate the great fire of London and stands near the place where the fire was said to be started. The fire destroyed tens of thousands of homes and many historic buildings, including the Old St. Paul’s Cathedral as mentioned earlier.
Afterwards, head a couple of minutes further down the road to find St. Dunstan’s in the East Garden. You’ll quickly see why this is a great little place to stop for a couple of moments. You can get some great insta photos and on top of that, you can have a lovely moment of rest in a park that was once a church.
Tea in the Sky Garden
Onwards and upwards! Literally!
I couldn’t help but add this to the itinerary. You will be seeing a view again later, so this might be overkill. It’s just that I adore the Sky Garden. And it’s FREE, so why not take the time to go up?
The Sky Garden is an enclosed area on the roof of the “Walkie-Talkie” building, as it’s affectionately known. The garden includes a restaurant, a cafe, a viewing deck, and, of course, a garden.
Grab a cup of tea while enjoying the brilliant view. Walk around the garden and get a 360 degree panorama of this amazing city. Depending on the time of day you actually end up here, you may even catch the sunset. I’d say it should be around 6 pm by the time you end up here.
One of the nice things about this view (and there are many) is that you can see the Shard. Something to note since we won’t have this luxury later.
I would give myself a half an hour to an hour or so here.
Pro tip: Book your tickets three weeks in advanced to make sure you get the time you want! Tickets must be booked in advanced.
Tower of London
From one great view to the next, you will now be heading to the most historic place in all of London: The Tower of London. Built in 1078, this nearly one thousand year old building has played a prominent role in the history of England. Beautifully perched near the river, this “tower” is a symbol of how seamlessly the old blends in with the new all around the streets of London.
If you do find yourself wanting to go inside, I recommend taking one of the guided tours that are offered. If you wander around the Tower of London without any direction, you could wind up there for hours. That’s not a bad thing but it’s good to have soe direction if you’re short on time. It’s definitely one of those places that you can dedicate a whole day to. There’s too much history to squish into an hour or two.
Tower Bridge
Head down to the river to get a few dozen snapshots of the Tower of London, the Thames river, and the most dazzling bridge known to man, Tower Bridge. I said Millenium Bridge was one of my favorite Bridges earlier. But Tower Bridge IS my favorite bridge in London and I think it will be yours too.
I’ve said it and I’ll say it again, “Take it all in”. When you’re staring at Tower Bridge you can’t help but feel how lucky you are to experience this view.
You can, of course, take a tour of the bridge and learn all about the history of it’s making if you choose to.
Pub Dinner
As we’re winding down for the day, it’s time for an honored classic: a pub dinner. There are a couple recommendations in the area that I have listed below:
The Barrow Boy and Banker
6-8 Borough High Street, London, SE1 9QQ
The Old Thameside Inn
Pickfords Wharf, Clink St, London, Greater London, SE1 9DG
Maybe you feel like there’s a lot of food included in this itinerary. *Please note* I love food and food is usually what I revolve my travel plans around. I’ll try to tone it down in the future for y’all cause I know not everyone has this intense love for trying food like I do.
Or if you like food as much as me, see my post about the Food You Must Eat When You Visit London.
Drinks with a View at the Shard
We’re heading on up once again. This time to see the city lights. Going up to the observation deck at the Shard is abou £30 per adult. Instead go have a drink and you’ll be able to head up at no extra charge.
Take in the atmosphere. Take it slow. Look around and allow yourself to enjoy the feast for your eyes.
A fabulous end to a fabulous day.
Conclusion
Ok, so at this point you would have been out and about for more than 12 hours. Eek! I know it’s been a super long day but you’re in London for goodness sake!
If you followed this itinerary, I hope you had a flipping fantastic time. Let me know if there’s anything you would add, take out, or change.
One day in London is definitely not enough, but it’s certainly a start!
Or if you’re going to London for more than one day then check out my other London Posts here!
Until next time,
Angelica Fitzpatrick
