Although London’s vastness makes it impossible to see in a day, it’s surprising how much you can experience in just 24 hours. Over the last two consecutive summers, London was one of several European destinations on our itinerary, and each time, our stay was limited only to two nights. I would love to allocate more time to London in the future, but we’ve done our best to capitalize on the limited time we’ve had to spend here.
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Both of our recent trips to London were brief but varied greatly. Our first trip in 2023 saw us exploring renowned sites like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. During this second trip, which was slightly shorter, we ventured to lesser-known attractions, such as the Churchill War Rooms, and more laid-back pursuits like taking afternoon tea.
While we had two days scheduled for this second trip, unfortunately, the dreadful effects of jetlag caused us to spend most of our first day sleeping. This is a significant reason why I habitually avoid booking any official activities on the day we arrive. It’s just impossible to predict how one will feel upon arrival, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Consequently, our visit to London was reduced by almost half, leaving only one day to spend in London. Here’s how we filled our day:
One Day in London
- Hyde Park
- Big Ben
- Churchill War Rooms
- Royal Horseguards
- Trafalger Square
- Afternoon Tea
- Chinatown
- Picadilly Circus
- Mayfair
Where we Stayed: The Cumberland Hotel
Hyde Park
Churchill War Rooms
Royal Horse Guards & Trafalgar Square
Afternoon Tea at Brigit’s Bakery
Chinatown, Picadilly Circus, Mayfair
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
