One Day in London

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

Map thanks to Wanderlog, a trip planner app on iOS and Android

Where we Stayed: The Cumberland Hotel

Our hotel, The Cumberland, is situated at the Marble Arch within the Westminster Borough, putting us in a prime position. Notable sights, including Oxford Street, Mayfair, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace, were accessible by foot. We relied on the Tube for more distant locations, as the Marble Arch Station is conveniently located across the street. Suitable for families, the Cumberland offers spacious, sleek rooms. They also occasionally offer family-friendly packages, which we took advantage of, which include a delicious daily breakfast buffet and one night’s dinner.

Hyde Park

Despite the jetlag, we were early risers, providing us time to wander leisurely to Hyde Park, situated across from our hotel. The expanse covers over 600 acres and comprises Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. It offers attractions such as the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Serpentine Lake, Italian Gardens, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. We easily spent a few hours strolling through the park and enjoying the natural beauty.

Churchill War Rooms

Our London Tube travels brought us to Westminster station, where we paused to admire the grandeur of Big Ben before heading to our next destination, the Churchill War Rooms. Descending underground, we found ourselves in the covert bunker where Churchill and the British government strategized wartime operations. The historical significance of this place was palpable, and the visit was enriched by an insightful audio guide, which provided detailed narratives associated with the various chambers.

Our entire family enjoyed the tour of the War Rooms. Walking through them is like stepping back in time and imagining how people lived, worked, and orchestrated the movements leading to the end of WWII. My kids, both in their teens, thoroughly enjoyed the museum. However, it is worth noting that even though the War Rooms are for all ages, I wouldn’t recommend bringing younger kids here. The corridors are small, and the experience may not be appropriate for kids ten and under.

Royal Horse Guards & Trafalgar Square

We strolled towards Covent Garden from the War Rooms, bound for Brigit’s Bakery. The trail took us through Whitehall, allowing us to observe the Royal Horse Guards. Kept in Whitehall since 1660, these guards provide a direct ceremonial entrance to St James’s and Buckingham Palace and serve as the base for the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. On our way to the bakery, we also traversed Trafalgar Square, a stunning public space in central London.

Afternoon Tea at Brigit’s Bakery

On our previous trip, we had overlooked the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea, an omission we were keen to rectify on this visit. Given that we had our children with us, we needed an unstuffy and affordable option. Brigit’s Bakery fulfilled both criteria. Tucked away in Covent Garden, it offers a delightful setting for a traditional afternoon tea featuring all the classics: finger sandwiches, scones, and plenty of tea. Brigit’s also conducts an afternoon bus tour tea, rumored to be great fun.

Chinatown, Picadilly Circus, Mayfair

After tea, we casually window-shopped and strolled back to the Cumberland, passing through London’s vibrant Chinatown and the iconic west-end areas of Piccadilly Circus and Mayfair.

Though our trip to London was brief, it was far from dull. By capitalizing on our location and a little planning, we created a delightful travel experience encompassing famous landmarks, nature, history, and culture, all within a single day. Our one-day adventure confirmed that every moment spent in London is precious, hinting at countless possibilities for those who manage to unravel its secrets.

Be sure to read my other post about our family’s first London trip, 48 Hours in London, which provides another fantastic alternative itinerary for visiting many of London’s iconic sites in a short amount of time.

Michelle Tucker

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.

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london churchill hyde park

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