a day trip to london song

The Ultimate London Playlist: 50 Songs That Are All About London

London is an epicentre of creativity, playing inspiration to some of the best songs by renowned artists across the globe!

There’s a never-ending list of songs about our beautiful city , London. Narrowing them down to a select few is quite the challenge, but it’s one we accept with honour and integrity here at Secret London. From rock and roll legends to heartfelt ballads, guilty pleasures to pop perfection, we’re transcending genre and putting together the ultimate London playlist .

The whole team has gotten involved, and there are even some suggestions from our Facebook followers . Be sure to check out the playlist on Spotify , but keep scrolling for some additional context including the stories behind these iconic songs , their music videos, and more.

1. London Calling by The Clash

Whether you were born in London or have winded up here in the capital, you live by the riveeeerr ! The Clash released this iconic song back in 1979, reacting to the hostile political climate. The song directly calls for action, with the London-born band trawling for our attention in the lyrics of this punk classic, reminding us to always challenge the establishment.

2. Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks

There’s nothing better than watching the sunset over London . This gorgeous song by The Kinks encapsulates the dream-like sensation that bubbles during golden hour, with a nostalgic charm that’s sure to tug on the heartstrings. The band contrasts the mucky Thames with the hustle and bustle of the city, but everything feels ay-okay when you witness a Waterloo Sunset .

3. LDN by Lily Allen

From the sixties to the seventies, we’re heading straight to the naughties for this absolute banger from Lily Allen . Already, we’re seeing a reoccurring theme of the rose-tinted world that London can provide, but to quote Lily herself, “if you look twice, you can see it’s all lies!” The lyrical satire combined with the funky beats made this a favourite with our Facebook followers .

4. West End Girls by Pet Shop Boys

Whether you prefer the east end boys or West End Girls , you should always have some time for the Pet Shop Boys ! This synth-pop dream was released in 1985 and was the band’s breakthrough single , reaching the number-one spot in the charts. It explores the alluring escapes available across London, touching on class, and the city’s thriving nightlife scene.

5. London Town by Kano

Kano is a London-based rapper who was born in East Ham, and is considered one of the many significant contributors to grime music alongside Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, and more recently, Stormzy. London has influenced Kano’s music throughout his career, with other honourable mentions going to T-Shirt Weather In The Manor and Drinking on the West End .

6. Going Underground by The Jam

With so many songs about the London Underground , it almost calls for its own playlist! The one that comes to mind for most is this legendary offering from The Jam . Going Underground debuted at number one back in 1980, being another song commenting on the political turmoil at the time. Specifically, the band was reacting to the recently elected Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher.

7. Last Train to London by Electric Light Orchestra

Birmingham rock band, Electric Light Orchestra , brought the groove back with Last Train to London . If your family are out of the city, you’re probably familiar with the treacly, and sometimes bittersweet feeling of leaving home, but this poetic gem is sure to turn that frown upside down if you’re feeling down on your next journey back into London.

8. Hometown Glory by Adele

London legend Adele has had us all in a chokehold since her debut album 19 . One of the standout songs on that album was none other than Hometown Glory , showcasing Adele’s stunning vocals and songwriting capabilities. Since her debut, Adele has gone on to receive over twenty Grammy nominations and several wins to match!

9. A Rainy Day in Soho by The Pogues

Who hasn’t been stuck in the rain, walking the streets of Soho? Famed for their legendary Christmas song, The Pogues are an Anglo-Irish Celtic punk band that was founded in Kings Cross back in the eighties. If you only know Fairytale of New York then you’re missing out. This beautiful love song compares a relationship to the beautiful, but rainy alleyways of the West End.

10. London Bridge by Fergie

Since its release, London Bridge has been confusing tourists but we have no choice but to stan. Fergie notoriously used Tower Bridge in the iconic music video for this song, and I think we can collectively forgive her since it’s such a huge bop.

11. Take Me Back To London by Ed Sheeran & Stormzy

Ed Sheeran and Stormzy teamed up for this epic collaboration in 2019, with an awesome production featuring beats from Skrillex. The memorable music video even featured grime legends Jaykae & Aitch, blowing the minds of anyone who plays witness to this talented synergy of UK rap music.

12. It’s A London Thing by Scott Garcia

Ready to rave? Scott Garcia is a pioneer of the UK garage scene , and It’s A London Thing is an unmatched example of his talent. The independent producer and headlining DJ has performed at some of the most iconic venues in the world, including the Boiler Room and some legendary London nightclubs .

13. Morden by Good Shoes

Take a trip to Morden with the naughties, indie-rock band Good Shoes. Exploring the sights, smells, and sounds of their hometown, this catchy track boasts nostalgic sounds and rock rhythms . Their grand tour of the south London town features their favourite Chinese restaurant , Superdrug, and the local KFC. Sounds like a decent day out!

14. London Links by Foreign Beggers & Mysdiggi

Foreign Beggers are a hip-hop, grime, and dubstep band taking the city by storm. London Links is a fan favourite featuring London-born rapper Mysdiggi. The band formed in 2002 and are famed for their collaborative nature, with a collective career spanning decades in rock and roll, the DJ scene, and beyond.

15. Ghost Town by Greentea Peng

Beautifully blending jazz, soul, and self-proclaimed ‘psychedelic RnB’ sounds, Greentea Peng is an artist you need to keep your eyes on. Her haunting single Ghost Town delves into heavy topics like gentrification, government corruption, and increasing rent prices, pleading “you can’t take my city from me.”

16. Sheila by Jamie T

South London hero Jamie T is a singer, songwriter, and rapper from Wimbleton . Sampling poetry about the city towards the beginning of the song, Jamie shares tragic tales of some notorious characters from across the city, utilising his witty flow and some shock-humour.

17. The London Boys by David Bowie

One of Bowie’s lesser-know gems, The London Boys was originally released B-side of the single Rubber Band early in his career back in 1966. It sonically sounds similar to Bowie’s final album Blackstar , beautifully contrasting with his glam-rock persona and legacy. The V&A will soon be opening an entire exhibition devoted to their Bowie archive, and you can click here for more information !

18. South London Forever by Florence & The Machine

This gorgeous track from Florence & The Machine’s explores the complexities of identity, which is paralleled in London life . South London Forever is a love letter to Florence’s hometown, claiming, “There can be nothing better than this…” – and we’d have to agree!

19. Warwick Avenue by Duffy

Another song inspired by the tube, Warwick Avenue station to be precise, Duffy’s tragic love song stole our hearts back in 2008, when she released the song as her second single from the award-winning album Rockferry.

20. The Guns of Brixton by The Clash

It was only a matter of time before a second appearance from punk legends The Clash . Many rock conspiracists believe The Guns of Brixton predicted the riots that happened in 1980s Brixton, with this song using reggae beats and allusive lyrics to convey the importance of preserving local communities.

21. London Boy by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift name-drops some of her favourite places in London throughout this iconic song from her seventh studio album, Lover. From Shoreditch to Camden, you can now take a tour of the capital inspired by this fan-favourite , especially here in London! Or, if you’re a super, super fan, then maybe this job position as an official Taylor Swift stan would suit you nicely.

22. Up The Junction by Squeeze

Squeeze’s Up The Junction is a story about falling in love here in London, which begins with a romantic date on Clapham Common . The song was released in 1979 and is featured on their beloved album Cool for Cats.

23. Streatham by Dave

Reflecting on growing up in Streatham, Dave flexes his rap skills for this slice of grime history. From past relationships to city observations, this powerful song encompasses the artist’s commitment to his personal story and the communities that’ve served him throughout time.

24. Streets of London by Ralph McTell

Another popular song from our Facebook followers, Streets of London is a stunning track by Ralph McTell . It was first recorded for his 1969 album Spiral Staircase , but it wasn’t released 1974, and we’re sure glad it was. McTell is a UK folk legend who’s rags-to-riches story inspired a generation, kick-starting his career busking in cities across Europe.

25. London in the Spring by Passenger

One of the more recent songs on this list, Passenger reminded us about the beauty of spring in London with this beautiful ballad. From our fabulous parks to springtime walks near St Pauls, add this to your springtime playlist for some uplifting and romantic vibes , sang so perfectly that you can picture the scenes described as clear as day.

26. Come Back To Camden by Morrissey

Describing several areas of London throughout this epic love-ballad, Morrissey delves into the quirks of London, and how the city makes it so easy to fall in love. From drinking tea by the Thames to the love for Camden Town, it’s obvious that London left its mark on The Smiths lead singer .

27. Bermondsey Street by Patrick Wolf

We have yet another South London singer and songwriter featured and it’s none other than Patrick Wolf , who tackles relationships and London life in this enchanting tale of love and pride along Bermondsey Street . This is taken from his beautiful (and critically acclaimed) fifth album Lupercalia.

28. Sound of the Underground by Girls Aloud

It’s time for some pop perfection from Girls Aloud , who topped the charts with their debut single Sound of the Underground back in 2002. Speaking of, TfL recently announced that they’re renaming the London Overground and changing it into six different lines. This has us wondering, when will the Sarah Harding line be a thing?

29. Torn on the Platform by Jack Peñate

We’re loving the naughties indie throwbacks in this round-up of incredible songs about London, and we’re sticking with the Underground theme thanks to Jack Peñate . Torn on the Platform is a bittersweet banger that has an incredible music video to match, because who doesn’t love puppets?

30. Has It Come To This by The Streets

Contemplating modern life through hard-hitting lyrics, addiction repetition, and London reflections, The Streets reference Mile End, Ealing, Brixton , and beyond, in this must-listen bop from the adored alternative hip-hop artist.

31. Mornington Crescent by Belle & Sebastian

Belle and Sebastian are a Scottish indie pop band that showed the London love by writing a song about Camden’s Mornington Crescent . It highlights the city’s diversity and communities, as well as the plentiful opportunities, all of which contrasts with the excessive wealth and power behind its foundations and expansion.

32. London Is the Reason by Gallows

It’s time to rock out with Gallows thanks to their epic 2009 energiser London Is the Reason . The song charges through with a continuous anger that calls out the inequalities across the city. If you want some more metal magic, listen to the full album Grey Britain but watch out, ’cause the rats are about!

33. Primrose Hill by John Martyn & Beverly Martyn

Going to watch the sunset on Primrose Hill has become an institutional part of London life, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than listening to this smooth and seductive offering from married couple John & Beverly Martyn . Beverly’s vocals are gorgeous, along with John’s mentionable production.

34. A Foggy Day (In London Town) by Ella Fitzgerald

This absolute classic has been covered and redone so many times, by some of the greatest performers in the world. The most famous is hands-down by Ella Fitzgerald , who ignites the song with her soulful voice and flawless execution. The song is about the doom and gloom of London, which can change in an instant thanks to a good friend!

35. London London by Caetano Veloso

Caetano Veloso is a Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist, writer, and political activist, who released one of the most beautiful songs about London, simply called London London. In the song, Veloso sees the danger in loneliness as it can sometimes feel nice in a city like ours, as well as the freedoms that come with anonymity.

36. Tower of London by ABC

The past few songs have been a little down in the dumps, so it’s time to turn up the tempo thanks to English pop group ABC , the totally-synthy band that formed up north in Sheffield back in the eighties. Tower of London takes us across the city in a fun tourist dash around some of our most iconic landmarks.

37. Hype Talk by Dizzee Rascal

Some people think he’s bonkers, but we just think he’s free. Dizzee Rascal reacts to the rise of grime following his rise to stardom, as he dominated the landscape during its formative years in the mainstream. Hype Talk reflects on this by commenting on the people, and the music industry, who jumped on the grime train during the height of Dizzee’s career.

38. Hey Young London by Bananarama

Who doesn’t love a bit of Bananrama ? The iconic pop trio released a love letter to London in 1983, in the form of the catchy song Hey Young London . They share some stories of life in the city, claiming that, London, “you’re looking good,” and we’d have to agree!

39. London by The Smiths

We mentioned Morrissey earlier, but now it’s time to talk about his band The Smiths . The English rock band was formed in Manchester back in 1982 and they had a lot to say about the capital . However, this upbeat song explores the heartbreak you feel leaving home for the city, and the gut-punch decisions you make to get there.

Heading East with Wiley , Bow E3 shows off his local pride after comments he got during his rise to fame, claiming he wasn’t rightfully preaching about his roots and community. This banger certainly makes up for it, and then some , with the grime master stating, “ We made a genre , everybody’s on top, it’s all come from Bow E3.”

41. Mile End by Pulp

Sticking East, Pulp’s song Mile End is probably most famous for its cameo in the film Trainspotting. Although the fun tempo and unique qualities suggest it could be a happy song, listen to the lyrics and they’re actually listing some darker sides to London life.

42. Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty

Scottish singer Gerry Rafferty was a founding member of the band Stealers Wheel, but also had a fantastic solo career. Baker Street transports us the heart of the city, with that iconic intro taking us back in time to the jazzy yesteryear of London.

43. The Fool On The Hill by The Beatles

There are quite a few fantastic songs by The Beatles that are all about London, inclding their entire Abbey Road (pictured above) album. However, The Fool On The Hill is a wonderful gem in their impressive archive of songs , describing an encounter on Primrose Hill .

44. New York, Paris, and London

Embrace London’s cosmopolitan energy and jet set across the world with HighSchool , a Melborne-born band effortlessly combining goth and pop into an absolute dreamscape of musical delight. New York, Paris, and London is perfect if you prefer indie sounds, with a fun and exciting catalog of music under their belt.

45. Cheer Up London by Soft Play

Formerly known as Slaves, Soft Play are well-known for their pure rage and punk perfection, with Cheer Up London being a prime exaple of the duo’s excellence. Another honourable mention from this band that delves into modern life is The Hunter.

46. England by The National

Honing on to the distance between loved ones, The National talks to a lover in London from Los Angeles in this brutally beautiful ballad from the American rock band, who formed in Brooklyn back in 1999, and have since maintained both commercial and critical success throughout their outstanding career.

47. darjeeling by FKA Twigs, Jorja Smith, & Unknown T

We’ve forever been obsessed with FKA Twigs since her debut album in 2014. darjeeling namedrops several London hotspots including Crystal Palace, Linford Christie Stadium, Croydon College, and more! This track is from her beloved mixtape from 2022, Caprisongs .

48. London by AJ, Deno, & EO

Show off your London pride with this addictive song from AJ , collaborating with EO off the back of the undeniable success they had with their song German. The beats just call for dancing, with the South Lonon love radiating throughout.

49. London by RuPaul

It looks like international drag superstar RuPaul has taken quite the liking to London since his hit TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race jumped across the pond for the UK iteration. Ru mentions some of his favourite spots in the city throughout the song, including Brixton and Wembley.

50. Fun City by Soft Cell

We’re Secret London, of course we’re going to say London is a fun city, and there’s even a song to prove it (well… kinda). Fun City by Soft Cell shares with us the synth-pop band’s ‘London experience’, which is an incredibly catchy satire song commenting on all the contradictions throughout the capital.

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The 100 best London songs

London calling! This is the sound of the city, distilled into a hundred songs

There are thousands of songs about London. Of course there are: musicians and poets have been inspired by London for centuries – but while many have just ticked off the landmarks, a few have managed to capture London life or their own time here in a way that has earned them a place in the city’s cultural history. From wide-eyed visitors and new arrivals, and from some of the greatest London bands and artists, here are the hundred best London songs according to us. You can use the comments box below to tell us all the classics that we missed.

RECOMMENDED: The  best songs ever

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100.  ‘Sheila’ – Jamie T (2006)

The song’s narrative arc – a lagered-up ladette experiencing a fizzy pop-induced emotional crisis at the top of her lungs – will be familiar to anyone who’s ever been out in Chingford on a Saturday night (or Tuesday brunchtime). However, the song makes this list largely thanks to its canny sampling of John Betjeman’s similarly dissolute masterpiece, ‘The Cockney Amorist’.

99.  ‘Crushed Bones’ – Why? (2005)

Many Americans view London as a happy place, where smiling bobbies help royals across the road to the jellied eel shop. Hip hoppers Why?, on the other hand, see it as a kind of urban Thunderdome, where ‘the rain comes down in late July’, ‘the sirens yelp like a helpless dog’ and ‘riders on the tube tie razors to their elbows’. Guilty as charged on all counts, guv.

98.  ‘Meet Me In Battersea Park’ – Petula Clark (1954)

‘If you’re a Londoner just like me, meet me in Battersea Park!’ sings an unreasonably chirpy Clark, who was obviously either living rough there or just really, really ahead of the curve when it came to the flashmob phenomenon. She promises ’music and dancing and a place for romancing’, all of which have sadly been outlawed by park ordinances in the intervening years.

97.  ‘Eight Miles High’ – The Byrds (1966)

Inspired by the band’s seemingly less than thrilling first trip to London, the song refers to ‘a rainy grey town known for its sound’ where ‘Small Faces abound’. London, for what it’s worth, wasn’t so impressed with The Byrds’ divaish ways back than, with the press openly mocking imperious guitarist David Crosby’s omnipresent green cape.

96.  ‘Soho Square’ – Kirsty MacColl (1993)

The lyrics, which refer to waiting for a lover on a bench in the titular micropark, are now engraved on the one nearest the south entrance, the result of a touching campaign by fans of the singer to commemorate her tragic death in 2000. MacColl devotees gather there to raise a toast to MacColl each October 10, on what would have been her birthday.

95.  ‘London’ – Barry Manilow (1980)

Manilow’s characteristically overblown ode to the world’s all-time greatest city bar none shoehorns in every possible cliche about the capital – from Big Ben to cups of tea to ‘dodging the rain’ into its four-minute running time – and yet still sound like… well, an Ocado order of clichés. But an affectionate and unaffected one.

94.  ‘I Love London’ – Crystal Fighters (2009)

On the surface it’s a simply ditty about London’s ample opportunities to hear amazing music and meet interesting people at fun parties. Under the surface? Same thing. But ‘I Love London’ scores extra points for actively suggesting the protagonists want to go to ‘Willesden, Harlesden, Watford Junction’. Now that’s commitment.

93.  ‘Peter the Painter’ – Ian Dury (1984)

Dury wrote this song to mark an exhibition by Sir Peter Blake – his former tutor at the RCA – at the Tate Gallery in 1983. Blake spoke to Time Out about the late punk singer:

‘He was a great poet, wasn’t he? In the same vein as Betjeman or Roger McGough. He used words beautifully, because he was interested in words. He always had dictionaries around him. He loved words. I really admired his portrayal of characters in his songs, he could give you a sense of a person in very few lyrical brushstrokes.’

92.  ‘Ill Manors’ – Plan B (2012)

You could call Forest Gate’s Ben Drew a Renaissance man: he’s a versatile guy (as an MC, singer-songwriter, actor and film director), and there’s something of the Shakespearean tragedy about his pitch-black state-of-London film ‘Ill Manors’. This title song acts as the film’s chorus: in just under four minutes of doomy strings, breakbeats and vicious rhyming, Drew drags you round his ends for a whistlestop tour of David Cameron’s ‘Broken Britain’.

91.  ‘My Name Is London Town’ – Reg Meuross (2013)

Heavily inspired by Ralph McTell’s busker classic ‘Streets of London’ (see our Top Ten), and recorded at Abbey Road Studios, Meuross’s sweeping, bittersweet glance at the city takes in London’s wealth and poverty, its triumph and tragedy. No, it doesn’t exactly capture the zeitgeist – this is the town of Dick Whittington and cheeky cockneys rather than Boris Johnson and tech-city hipsters – but if ‘My Name Is London Town’ doesn’t bring at least a tiny lump to your throat, you may wish to reconsider calling yourself a Londoner.

90.  ‘The Grunwick Affair’ – Dennis Bovell (1977)

Although little talked about these days, the industrial dispute which began at Willesden’s Grunwick Film Processing Laboratories paved the way for the 1979 Conservative election victory, the miners’ strike and all the hilarity which followed. London reggae producer Bovell’s dub instrumental (released under the name 4th Street Orchestra) doesn’t have to spell out its fury with words. Unless we’re misinterpreting it and he was all in favour of breaking the unions – in which case, maybe this isn’t as good a song as we thought.

89.  ‘Hampstead Way’ – Linda Lewis (1971)

Hampstead Way was the location of a commune where Linda Lewis lived, and which was where she first learned to play the guitar and began writing songs. Fortuitously, among the other residents were Robert Wyatt (singer and drummer for The Soft Machine), promoter/America manager Jeff Deter and Warner A&R Ian ‘Sammy’ Samwell, who would ultimately be instrumental in the (still hugely underrated) soul sensation signing to the label.

88.  ‘14 Hour Technicolour Dream’ – The Syn (1967)

This song commemorates a legendary psychedelic all-nighter at Alexandra Palace . Time Out’s former art editor Sarah Kent remembers the night:

‘The bands were up on a platform in the middle of the room, so there wasn’t a separate stage area and audience area, it was all mixed up. Also everybody was pretty stoned, so that made it even more confusing. In the main area people were hanging about but not dancing – I don’t remember any dancing at all, which was strange. It was a much more freaky, slightly alienated sort of atmosphere. In the side areas I remember a lot of people sitting around on the floor; it became a kind of happening, and it just seemed to go on and on and on. I remember thinking: This is really weird, but I’m obviously in the right place.’

87.  ‘Piccadilly’ – Squeeze (1981)

In the late 1970s Squeeze were masters of the London song, responsible for the ageless rhyme ‘I never thought it would happen with me and a girl from Clapham’ (more on that one later). ‘Piccadilly’ is a tour of London’s bustling nightlife through the eyes of a couple on a date to the theatre, followed by a curry. Much of the song still rings true, although the internet might have put paid to the ‘neon club lights of adult films’.

86.  ‘American Boy’ – Estelle feat. Kanye West (2008)

The ‘Special Relationship’ distilled into R&B form. Estelle is fascinated with the suave glamour, boxfresh style and exotic travel potential of her 5'7" suitor. Meanwhile, for all his complimentary chatter about the stylish suits and peacoats that the ‘London blokes’ are rocking, Kanye is all about the Ribena.

85.  ‘The Greater London Radio’ – Hefner (2000)

The titans of twee pulled off a neat lyrical coup by using GLR’s traffic report as a metaphor for the singer’s desperate attempts to reach his girl, as night falls heavy and dark in The Big Smoke. ‘The traffic’s caused a roadblock in my heart,’ he laments, later adding rather sweetly, ‘and on the radio I hear the evening news, but all I think of is you.’ The song is also a declaration of his faith in and love of London – ‘this is my home, this is where I want to be,’ he affirms. Aw gee, shucks.

84.  ‘Brompton Oratory’ – Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds (1997)

More grandly known as The Church Of The Immaculate Heart Of Mary, Brompton Oratory is one of London’s most spectacular churches and would likely be more famous if it weren’t situated right next the still more imposing V&A . Cave captures both its majesty and loneliness in this typically baroque eulogy with lines like, ‘Hail this joyful day’s return/Into its great shadowed vault I go.’

83.  ‘Tower of London’ – ABC (1985)

The iconic palace/prison isn’t the only landmark in this punchy synth-pop number, which is as much an ode to the (perceived) wealth and glamour of the capital in the mid-1980s. ‘Let me take you to Trafalgar Square,’ offers Martin Fry in the opening line, where ‘every street’s a catwalk, everyone’s debonair.’ Promising to whirl whoever down St James’s Square and Mayfair, the man in the gold suit then proclaims his love for ‘the Tower.’ Repeatedly.

82.  ‘Chelsea Girl’ – Simple Minds (1979)

Everyone knows someone who moved to London to find themselves, only to discover someone completely different and not as nice. Here Jim Kerr muses about the wayward antic of his party-centric, increasingly soulless former friend. Before you get any ideas: it was recorded in 1979, 13 years before his marriage to Patsy Kensit.

81.  ‘The City’ – Ed Sheeran (2011)

In 2011 Ed didn’t look old enough to have left the Scouts, let alone the bosom of his family. But in this song he’s a streetwise character with a cynic’s eye for the pleasures and pitfalls of the big city, which he credits with informing, inspiring and ultimately improving his music. Nice work, London.

80.  ‘Blessed’ – Simon & Garfunkel (1965)

‘I’ve been walking around Soho for the last night or so,’ sighs broken folkie Paul Simon. And what has he learned from his excursion? ‘Blessed are the meth drinkers, pot sellers, illusion dwellers… the penny rookers, the cheap hookers.’ Don’t mean to show you up here, Paul, but it sounds to us more like you’ve been wandering round Thamesmead.

79.  ‘Upper Clapton Dance’ – Professor Green (2009)

It’s not all flat whites and fixies out east. Lower Clapton may have gentrified itself out of the Murder Mile sobriquet, but Upper Clapton is still what estate agents would be refer to as a ‘vibrant’ and ‘developing’ area where ‘a few weeks ago a bullet missed and struck a minor’. (Spot which one of these quotes is from Pro Green rather than Felicity J Lord).

78.  ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’ – The Pogues (1985)

It’s micturating it down in central London, and – surprise surprise – Shane MacGowan has had a skinful. But for once, this hasn’t put him in a maudlin mood. ‘I took shelter from a shower, and I stepped into your arms’ croons the pseudo-Irish Islingtonian of meeting his lifelong love in one of his most tender recorded moments.

77.  ‘London Girls’ – Tori Amos (1996)

Yes, this really is a Chas & Dave cover version – longtime Muswell Hill resident Amos has clearly gone native. Rather than compose her own tribute to the capital’s ladyfolk, she chose to cover the rockney duo, but her slow, breathy delivery makes Chas & Dave’s celebration of the city’s gooseberries (ie women) sound more like an exercise in romantic eugenics.

76.  ‘Northern Line’ – LV feat. Joshua Idehen (2011)

London-based rising dubstep trio LV keep it bassy while poet/MC Idehen freestyles his thoughts on the tube line’s most famous stops. ‘What do you know about Moorgate? Does anyone know about Moorgate?’ asks Idhen with a snigger. Safe to say that’s a no then. But it’s good to know what he gets up to in King’s Cross.

75.  ‘A Foggy Day (In London Town)’ – Ella Fitzgerald (1956)

London: the best place on Earth to be miserable. Although Fitzgerald’s forlorn rendition is easily the most affecting version of this much-covered standard, the original – recorded for 1937 musical ‘A Damsel in Distress’ – brought together the talents of George and Ira Gershwin with writer PG Wodehouse and leading man Fred Astaire, a confluence of greats which made it the ‘StreetDance 3D’ of its day.

74.  ‘The Battle Of Epping Forest’ – Genesis (1973)

One of those Genesis numbers that just would never have happened in the Phil Collins era, this sprawling, over-ambitious and occasionally confusing epic is based on a news story about a real-life battle between various London gangs fighting over East End protection rights. Only the names were changed to protect the guilty. And Peter Gabriel.

73.  ‘Warwick Avenue’ – Duffy (2008)

And you thought the retro-soul phenomenon was a huge coincidence rather than a major label strategy? This tear-stained ode to escaping a relationship by tube to Little Venice was written with the ‘serious pop’ dream team of Eg White (songwriter for Adele) and Jimmy Hogarth (ditto, for Amy Winehouse). All of which may explain the clinically catchy appeal of its chorus.

72.  ‘Down in the Tube Station at Midnight’ – The Jam (1978)

Getting the tube was a dangerous business in the ’70s, or at least that’s if you believe Paul Weller. On his way home with a curry in a bag, the hapless protagonist here gets knocked out by some National Front thugs, and his suburban life flashes before his eyes as he blacks out staring at an advert for cheap holidays. Simple enough – but we haven’t been able to find any convincing theories to explain the baffling line ‘I put in the money and pull out a plum’, let alone why anyone would bring a curry on the tube. The skinheads probably just took offence at him stinking up the carriage.

71.  ‘London Dungeon’ – The Misfits (1981)

Jerry Only of The Misfits explains how the band ended up getting slammed in an actual London prison:

‘During our early years we tried to do an English tour with The Damned. When we completed our first three shows we walked off the tour after not being paid. We went to London, and after that I went to Canterbury with Sid Vicious’s mom Anne. Our singer Glenn Danzig and guitarist Bobby Steele went to see The Jam at The Rainbow. A bunch of skinheads started a fight with Glenn, who turned to watch Bobby run down the block! To protect himself, Glenn pulled a piece of glass from the Rainbow’s broken window and got arrested. In Brixton jail, he put the lyrics together for “London Dungeon”.’

70.  ‘Memories Of 3rd Base’ – Skream (2009)

Dubstep pioneer Skream gets dewy-eyed about the DMZ club night, held at Brixton Mass, which was a crucible for the development of London’s currently thriving bass scene. Not that you can tell he’s being affectionate – as with practically all dubstep, it still sounds like the theme tune for a snail being chased by a hungry tortoise.

69.  ‘Hong Kong Garden’ – Siouxsie And The Banshees (1978)

Despite what the faux-oriental arrangement might have you believe, the Hong Kong Garden which inspired this number was in fact a Chinese takeaway in Chislehurst, frequented by the band and (sadly) groups of racist skinheads who would terrorise the owners. Siouxsie Sioux’s sympathetic lyrics haven’t aged particularly well in the PC era, but her sense of frustration remains apparent.

68.  ‘Gertcha!’ – Chas & Dave (1979)

Chas Hodges explains how London slang gave them a hit:

‘We sang “Wertcha” initially. It was a phrase we remembered from childhood, something yer dad would say before he slapped you one. It was part of what we called “rockney”: singing rock ’n’ roll about things we understood in our own accents. By the time we recorded it as “Gertcha!”, we changed one lyric: “When me rock ’n’ roll records wake him up” became “When me punk rock records wake him up.” Then it got used on a beer ad and made us some money. But there was always that London accent that gave it punk energy.’

67.  ‘I Was There (At The Coronation)’ – Young Tiger (1953)

After crossing the Atlantic on a tanker ship during World War II, Trinidadian musician George Browne arrived in London and started to forge a career as a calypso singer. His eyewitness song about the Queen’s coronation was broadcast on the BBC on the evening of the event. It was a hit, but it was also a white lie: tipped off about details including the Queen’s outfit and the parade route, Browne had written the lyrics weeks in advance so that the record could be released in time for Liz’s big day.

66.  ‘Werewolves of London’ – Warren Zevon (1978)

Among normal society, this song is best known for the repeated ‘Wahooo’ of its chorus. Ask any pub bore about it, though, and they’ll delight in telling you that the werewolf of the title is searching for Gerrard Street Chinese eatery Lee Ho Fooks. However, if he had any sense, he’d have headed to 72 Shaftesbury Avenue to the rather more fitting, four-star-rated-by-Time-Out budget Mongolian hotpot establishment, Little Lamb .

65.  ‘22 Grand Job’ – The Rakes (2005)

Everyone knows that your first few jobs in London will find you largely living in your overdraft, barely scraping enough change for a pint. The Rakes’ two-minute pop juggernaut simultaneously celebrates reaching a wage where you can (just about) afford to exist in the capital and pokes fun at the mundanity of an office-bound existence. Make sure to check out the video, which eagerly encourages choreography in the workplace. As do we.

64.  ‘Has It Come to This?’ – The Streets (2001)

He might be from Birmingham, but Mike Skinner’s breakthrough tune smacks of London’s gritty streets long before he name checks his TFL journey (taking in Mile End, Ealing, Brixton and Bounds Green). His lyrical snapshots of the capital’s urban jungle are sharply observed and delivered over the now classic mix of sparse beats and that distinctive, looped piano line.

63.  ‘Bow E3’ – Wiley (2007)

‘I am so Bow E3… I’ve been doing this stuff for so long,’ asserts Wiley on this gruff, grimey, bass-wobbled track. A kiss off to any who dare question his East End authenticity, Wiley name drops his local Chinese (Moon Lee), various E3 estates and streets, eager to prove that he’s the king when it comes to repping his old ’hood. It remains unclear whether he’s receiving a kickback from the Bow tourist board.

62.  ‘Sunny Goodge Street’ – Donovan (1965)

Bob Dylan fan Donovan broke the mould by making British pop’s first explicit drug reference – ‘violent hash smoker shook the chocolate machine’ – in this 1966 single. Unsurprisingly, this was swiftly followed by a drugs bust which resulted in a £250 fine. However, the arrest was more likely the result of the singer’s documented drug use in the TV documentary ‘A Boy Called Donovan’ than by the Drugs Squad poring over his lyrics.

61.  ‘The Underground Train’ – Lord Kitchener (1950)

There are dozens of songs about the tube, but most pale in comparison to Lord Kitchener’s 1950s calypso classic. The optimistic sun-always-shines-in-subterranea music disguises lyrics about getting lost in the crowds below ground. Spookily accurate, considering Lord Kitchener wrote the tune before he had ever even seen London and played it to a camera crew at Tilbury Docks upon his arrival from Trinidad.

60.  ‘The Liberty of Norton Folgate’ – Madness (2009)

As local historians, students of former resident Christopher Marlowe and fans of Madness will know, the area bordering Shoreditch was once an autonomously governed ‘liberty’ controlled by St Paul’s Cathedral. The parish, its theatre, shops and pubs were sadly merged with Shoreditch in 1900, leaving Inner Temple and Middle Temple the only surviving extra-parochial enclaves in London.

59.  ‘Buk-In-Hamm Palace’ – Peter Tosh (1979)

‘Light up your spliff/Light up your chalice/Mek we a burn in Buk-in-hamm Palace’… said Alice. Actually, it was rebel reggae star Peter Tosh, torching his chances of a knighthood. When this ultra-funky reggae-meets-disco single was first released, the just the thought of ‘toking’ on a ‘doobie’ in the royal residence was enough to get you executed for treason, although it’s now known that MBEs including The Beatles have done just that (although not, as you might expect, Prince Harry).

58.  ‘One Night In Hackney’ – Dave The Drummer (2011)

Originally created as a comic answer song to the noirish ‘One Night In New York City’ by The Horrorist, this unfussily pounding brick of techno tells the story of young visitor to London stumbling into a world of warehouse parties, oddly dressed natives and and serious, heads-down raving. And a lot of drugs and Stella. A less generously spirited, hipster-skewering ‘Shoreditch Remix’ also exists.

57.  ‘Greetings from Shitsville’ – The Wildhearts (1993)

Not everybody loves life in Hampstead. Few would have picked classic, old-school rockers The Wildhearts as denizens of London’s chi-chi NW3, but it seems they once were. In this rather less than affectionate portrait of the leafy Heath ’hood, singer Ginger scathingly reveals that ‘the euthanasia dream brigade are melting in the Hampstead shade’, and describes how ‘all my neighbours disappear the moment [I] get too near; I stick out like elephant ears on misery street.’ One imagines a local petition was started to move him on.

56.  ‘7.10 From Suburbia’ – Jackie Trent (1968)

Written by future ‘Crossroads’ theme composer Tony Hatch, this chirpy number opens with the image of a rain-lashed platform full of commuters jostling for space on a crowded train. The whooping, joyous chorus is at odds with the crushing routine and appalling manners depicted in the lyrics – but then it would be, ear-gouging death metal not having been invented in the 1960s.

55.  ‘Dripping Down’ – East India Youth (2014)

There are artists called Whitechapel, Angel and Rixton (close enough), but we had to find a place on this list for the only singer we can think of who’s actually named after a London station. Will Doyle was staying near East India DLR when he started his one-man synthpop project, and – naturally – namechecked the Docklands in this bubbling hymn to good old urban isolation. We can testify from personal experience that it also makes a great soundtrack for sitting at the front of a DLR train pretending to drive. Fun!

54.  ‘Brixton Briefcase’ – Chase And Status feat. Cee Lo Green (2011)

Chase And Status are better known for their tartrazine dubstep workouts than their pithy lyrics, but this recent outing is worth a listen just for the delightful novelty of hearing Georgian supersoul singer Cee Lo using phrases such as ‘beautiful birds’, ‘blokes… get a Chelsea grin’ and ‘tell the old bill fuck off’.

53.  ‘Portobello Road’ – Bedknobs and Broomsticks OST (1971)

David Tomlinson’s big number from this children’s musical presents the West London bric-a-brac market as both a wondrous cove of occult mysteries and the epicentre of the faux-vintage rip-off trade. Voicing that sentiment there these days is likely to earn you some beaky stares from the well-to-do artisans who now throng its pavements, but we kind of preferred it the old way.

52.  ‘London Pride’ – Noël Coward (1941)

Who’d have thought a song about a flower could so succinctly represent the indomitable spirit of the city? Like London itself, Saxifraga x urbium aka ‘London Pride’ is a hardy perennial, which became a symbol of London’s fortitude thanks to the ease which it colonised bomb craters during the Blitz.

51.  ‘Mornington Crescent’ – Belle & Sebastian (2006)

Typically, this cut from the Scottish twee-poppers starts out all nostalgic for an era which never existed, eulogising ‘men in their bowlers, kids with their spats… dogs wearing hats’. Then it gets down to some serious polyamory, which is far more befitting NW1.

50.  ‘London Bye Ta-Ta’ – David Bowie (1968)

Recorded as a follow-up single to ‘Space Oddity’, this underexposed gem was originally written by Bowie in the 1960s, the title taken directly from a West Indian family waving goodbye to relatives catching a train from Victoria Station. The pro-diversity sentiment was unusual for the era: Bowie’s first take on the song was recorded just weeks before Enoch Powell made his less edifying ‘Rivers of blood’ contribution to the immigration debate.

49.  ‘Hey Young London’ – Bananarama (1983)

While this album track was overshadowed by the pop trio’s singles, the sharp lyrics to this sugary song skewered the self-satisfied youth of the early 1980s. London’s nightlife is described as a seedy jungle with ‘Girls in the corner, boys looking for a fight’, while the underlying conservatism of the hip is addressed with the pay-off ‘When you get engaged you know you’ve reached your goal.’ Ouch.

48.  ‘I’m Trying to Make London My Home’ – Sonny Boy Williamson (1964)

It’s little wonder the US bluesman tried to settle in London: during the 1960s blues boom, Williamson was treated like a god by London’s awestruck young rock musicians. After recording with The Yardbirds, he accidentally set his hotel room on fire by trying to cook a rabbit in a coffee percolator. Then he stabbed a man during a street fight and had to leave in a hurry, hence the visa issues that stopped him from permanently swapping the Mississipi for the Thames.

47.  ‘Electric Avenue’ – Eddy Grant (1982)

Today’s young whippersnappers don’t have the monopoly on rioting. Back in 1982, Eddy Grant was singing about ‘violence in the street’ because the protagonist ‘can’t afford a thing on TV’ or ‘get food for them kid’. If only we’d paid attention to the verses at the time instead of just singing along to its insanely catchy chorus.

46.  ‘London Town’ – Light Of The World (1980)

Radio One DJ Tony Blackburn on this summery Brit-funk anthem, which he helped to popularise in 1980:

‘Light Of The World were one of a clutch of British funk bands who emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were putting a definite London accent to the soul music we all loved: a touch of reggae, a bit of rock. “London Town” was a cute and funky tune, something I was still playing well into the 1980s. DJs like Chris Hill and Robbie Vincent were the voices on the underground, but me and Steve Walsh were taking it to a bigger audience. We wanted housewives to hear this stuff, not just guys at the Soul Weekenders.’

45.  ‘New Crass Massakah’ – Linton Kwesi Johnson (1981)

On January 18 1981, 14 young black people were killed in a house fire which swept through a birthday party at 439 New Cross Road. Although the cause remains unknown, a racially-motivated arson attack was suspected, and the police were accused of covering up the truth. In light of the Macpherson Report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, LKJ’s brutally simple verses describing the party and ensuing horror seem more cutting today than when the track was recorded.

44.  ‘Time For Heroes’ – The Libertines (2003)

The judiciary may wish to disagree with the song’s May Day riots-inspired thesis that smashing stuff up is especially heroic, but this celebration of civil unrest pays homage to a grand London tradition: remaining polite until well past boiling point, and then exploding with omnidirectional fury.

43.  ‘Cockney Translation’ – Smiley Culture (1984)

The late Culture’s handy guide to translating between cockney and patois is now something of a museum piece, partly because computers can do all that sort of thing much more easily than reggae songs, but also because London has seen the two dialects merge more and more over the intervening decades. Still, it’s worth knowing this stuff: as Smiley says, ‘ya never when them might buck up a cockney’.

42.  ‘Sultans of Swing’ – Dire Straits (1978)

These days Mark Knopfler and co are mega-rich avatars of the overblown MTV era. There’s a certain irony in the fact that they named themselves after their financial circumstances while they were a struggling London pub rock band, and that they scoring their first major hit with a song sympathising with (and yet gently taking the piss out of) a struggling pub jazz band working ‘south of the river’.

41.  ‘Upfield’ – Billy Bragg (1996)

The Bard Of Barking has made no secret of his love for William Blake, going so far as to name the album from which this is taken ‘William Bloke’. This single imagines Blake having a socialist epiphany on Primrose Hill, an activity we’d heartily recommend if you have a free Sunday afternoon.

40.  ‘Primrose Hill’ – Loudon Wainwright III (1997)

Another paean to the itinerant musician. This one’s a busker sitting drinking cans of Tennant’s Extra in north London’s most chi-chi suntrap with his mangy dog, while watching the assorted bohemians, bourgeoisie and yummy mummies go by and dreaming of a bag of chicken and chips. We’ve all been there, surely.

39.  ‘Old Father Thames’ – Raymond Wallace (1933)

The sheer size and sinister, murky sheen of the Thames mean it doesn’t immediately bring the concept of stoicism to mind. But this trad jazz classic, borrowed heavily from ‘Old Man River’, portrays London’s watery artery in a way that seems recognisable in its citizenry: placid and hard to read on the surface, but with some serious hidden depths.

38.  ‘Parasite’ – Nick Drake (1971)

‘Sailing downstairs to the Northern line, watching the shine of the shoes…’ Living in a Belsize Park bedsit in the early ’70s, and suffering heavily from the depression that would eventually lead to his death only three years later, on this song from his ‘Pink Moon’ album Nick Drake vividly tells us how lonely the city can be.

37.  Lily Allen – ‘LDN’ (2006)

Lily Allen has a unique talent for making the best of times out of the worst of times. Pimps and crack whores enjoy the sun. An old lady is mugged by a bad samaritan. And let’s not forget Allen is only cycling around London to start with because she lost her driver’s license. But Allen finds the whole horror show to be glorious Bedlam-style entertainment, a sentiment the city’s legions of cynical people watchers can get behind.

36.  ‘London Town’ – Bellowhead (2006)

The sprawling mutant folk collective tells the story of a young gent carousing through London’s streets, where he meets, pulls and ultimately does the wild thing with a fair maid. Then, he steals her money, watch ring and (only in a folk song) silver snuff box. This sort of thing is why Bellowhead are the moral winners of a billion Mercury Awards.

35.  ‘London’ – The Smiths (1986)

New arrivals are the cultural Gulf Stream of London. While native Londoners and longtime residents affect a world-weary air that suggests they’ve already done everything in town twice, life for newbies can vacillate between uncontrollable thrills and unignorable doubts. Here Morrissey, daredevil of the euphoric-melancholic tightrope, strikes just the right balance to nail the sensation.

34.  ‘Bad Place for a Good Time’ – Kate Tempest (2015)

Living in London isn’t (always) like a Richard Curtis film. But don’t take our word for it: you can trust a Mercury-nominated poet and spoken word artist from Peckham to get right down into the grit and sporadic soullessness of London life. ‘All over this city, people are hungry for things that they don’t know the name of,’ raps Kate Tempest in her stunning portrait of a lonely city of screens, police lights and concrete. Bleak? For sure – but as anyone who’s lived here knows, sometimes it really does seem like there’s nothing more to London than ‘waiting for trains home and waiting for trains in and waiting for life to begin’.

33.  ‘Dettwork Southeast’ – Blak Twang (1996)

New Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Old Kent Road, Ladbroke Grove, Clapham, Brixton, Hackney, Seven Sisters… local rapper Blak Twang certainly wrings maximum value from his conceptual Oyster card on this track, which name-checks strands of London’s public bus and rail system and the diverse neighbourhoods they travel through. ‘Good work, London SE8,’ he says approvingly of his local ‘dettwork’, before repping other points of the compass with the (literally) old-school rhyme ‘never eat Shredded Wheat’.

32.  ‘Mile End’ – Pulp (1996)

In 1989, a young film student at St Martins found himself kicked out of his flat in Camberwell and temporarily homeless. Then he heard about an empty flat in Lewey House off Burdett Road, E3 – and so began what Jarvis Cocker has since described as ‘the worst nine months of my entire life’. This deceptively jaunty musical memoir (which ended up on the bestselling ‘Trainspotting’ soundtrack) starts as a description of a horrible squat, then widens its scope to a whole tower block before taking in the whole ailing East End. ‘Nobody wants to be your friend ’cause you’re not from round here,’ Cocker laments, ‘As if that was something to be proud about.’ Clearly he never visited the go-kart track round the corner.

31.  ‘London Town’ – Laura Marling (2008)

‘I know she came to save you, but she knocked my drink over too.’ London isn’t just about big themes, high drama and comically oversized felt Union Flag top hats. One of its most consuming qualities is the knowledge that it’s home to almost eight million small and very human stories. Marling’s beautifully observed dissection of romance gone awry is one of the better ones, thanks to couplets such as ‘It’s all the bad things, I wish I hadn’t done/I know you’re all about the dancing but I just don’t find it fun.’

30.  ‘Strange Town’ – The Jam (1979)

Inspired by Paul Weller’s move from Woking to the big bad city, and the general laissez faire brusqueness of London’s inhabitants, ‘Strange Town’ actually features some important advice to new transplants to the city. Especially the words ‘You’ve got to walk in a straight line’ – why can’t more people manage this?

29.  ‘Across the River Thames’ – Elton John (2006)

This late-career classic rocker casts Dame Elton as a veritable Nelson’s Column of the music biz, observing the many changes in London’s social (and political) composition from on high. Disco gives way to punk which is replaced by new romanticism, and yet nothing really changes.

28.  ‘London Boys’ – T Rex (1976)

Marc Bolan’s mod-informed stomper touches on urban life, but is really just a pretty frame for its oft-repeated central refrain of ‘We are the London boys’. A glam terrace anthem if ever there was one, and a clue as to how burly hooligans could reconcile themselves to music made by fey wisps in glittery make-up and stack heels.

27.  ‘North Circular’ – Real Lies (2014)

Curving its way through 25 miles of suburban north London, the North Circular is one of London’s major road arteries. The one thing most people have to say about it is that it’s a lot better than the South Circular. But seen through the eyes of young Londoners Real Lies on this dreamy single, the humble A406 becomes a rain-streaked avenue of hope, love and bleary-eyed romance: Pet Shop Boys meets The Streets meets LBC traffic news.

26.  ‘Hype Talk’ – Dizzee Rascal (2004)

These days, Dizzee is known and loved as the all-round adorable purveyor of credible-yet-bouncy rap-pop. Once upon a time, though, he was the tortured prince of grime MCs. ‘Hype Talk’ details the chaotic period after Rascal won the Mercury, and Bow’s then-localised grime scene exploded around his a haze of rumour, innuendo and jealousy.

25.  ‘Up the Junction’ – Squeeze (1979)

Finding rhymes for ‘Clapham’ and ‘Common’ in the first four lines of a song takes some skill, but one thing we can’t credit Chris Difford for is the title for this classic kitchen-sink tale: that was from Nell Dunn’s ’60s short story collection about the south London slums. The smelly basement where Difford’s narrator and his girl from Clapham shack up will have been converted into a luxury studio by now, of course.

24.  ‘Mario’s Café’ – Saint Etienne (1993)

Not just any old greasy spoon in Kentish Town, but the favourite of songwriters Bob Stanley (a well-known champion of such old-school gaffs) and Pete Wiggs – and celebrated in song on their album ‘So Tough’. It later inspired a compilation LP called ‘Songs for Mario’s Café’, featuring a collection of tracks by different artists all deemed suitable for playing in a café. Especially, one presumes, a café with ‘squeezy bottles under Pepsi signs,’ where ‘Joe and Johnny chew the bacon rind.’ If you fancy a bit of Pepsi ’n’ bacon rind yourself, you can find Mario’s at 6 Kelly St, NW1.

23.  ‘Hoover Factory’ – Elvis Costello (1980)

Wallace, Gilbert and Partners’ Art Deco triumph, built in 1932 on the edge of the A40, is the crowning glory of Perivale. Its splendour (‘Must have been a wonder when it was brand new’) is justly celebrated in this song, which mentions its ‘scrolls and inscriptions, like those of the Egyptian age.’ It’s surely the only song about a vacuum cleaner factory ever written – and who would have figured the bile-filled Costello as a fan of one of history’s frilliest architectural movements?

22.  ‘Junior Spesh’ – Red Hot Entertainment (2007)

In this era of austerity, it’s good to know there’s one place in London you can go where you won’t need to worry about tightening your belt. That’s because SFC in Canning Town offers the Junior Special meal deal. Contents vary, but usually includes two wings and fries for just, as Red Hot Entertainment repeatedly inform us in this cult grime cut, ‘one pound and fifty pence’.

21.  ‘Bar Italia’ – Pulp (1995)

Younger readers may find it hard to wrap their heads around this pre-24-hour-licensing tale of a night spent clubbing ‘up west’ (when the West End had clubs), which ends with the narrator people-watching and waiting for the drugs to wear off in the iconic Old Compton Street cafe of the title. That was what they did in the 1990s, kids. Bar Italia has been dispensing caffeine to the city’s lost souls and night owls for decades, and Jarvis Cocker clearly spent a lot of time there when he was at St Martins College nearby.

20.  ‘A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square’ – Judy Campbell (1940)

The most memorable performance of this romantic London song took place in 1940, during the early days of the Blitz. Sylvia Harris was there:

‘It was the beginning of the air raids, but we went out, because we wanted to go out. The Shepherds Bush Empire had such nice shows. Judy Campbell was a successful young starlet then, and she came on in a satin evening frock, looking glamorous. “A Nightingale Sang…” just hit the right note for the time: it was so divinely escapist: “There was magic abroad in the air/There were angels dining at the Ritz…” It was nothing to do with air raids. And when she got to the point where she sang, “a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square,” she held up her hand and sang, “Hark!” – you know, for the nightingale. And then “Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!”: instead of the nightingale, we got the air raid siren! The theatre just fell about, they laughed so much, and Judy Campbell just died laughing on stage. It was just a yelp of laughter from the audience: they quite forgot the air raid!’

19.  ‘The Guns of Brixton’ – The Clash (1979)

After the New York show where he was immortalised smashing his favourite bass by photographer Pennie Smith, this clattering, menacing Brit-dub anthem was Paul Simonon’s second finest hour. The Clash bassist spent a large part of his childhood in SW9, and ‘The Guns of Brixton’ (which he wrote and sang) suggests that he was well acquainted with the pressures which were to lead to the riots there in 1981. But the song was really just a south London retelling of the classic Jamaican film ‘The Harder They Come’.

18.  ‘London Belongs To Me’ – Saint Etienne (1991)

Saint Etienne’s Bob Stanley explains the genesis of this song about moving to London:

‘When we got together we’d all just literally moved to London, out of the suburbs into somewhere more central. Me and Pete [Wiggs] had this basement flat off Dartmouth Park Hill [near Highgate], which was really dark. It wasn’t grim, but I’m glad we moved out of it. That was what really inspired the song, just the rush of excitement when you first move to London and get a flat of your own.’

17.  ‘Fake Plastic Trees’ – Radiohead (1995)

The lyrics to Radiohead’s alienation anthem – their second big hit after the success of ‘Creep’ – were inspired by the fake foliage of the Canary Wharf development, which was brand new at the time. It therefore represents a very British response to the post-Nirvana Gen X angst pouring out of America at the time, and it’s still frighteningly relevant: just look at the shiny CGI renderings for luxury towers and ‘mixed-use schemes’ that London’s property developers turn out on a weekly basis.

16.  ‘Soho’ – Bert Jansch & John Renbourn (1966)

Speaking to Time Out in 2010, the late Bert Jansch recalled the ’60s folk scene that inspired him and John Renbourn:

‘Around the time of that song, there used to be a folk club in Greek Street called Les Cousins and most of the folk singers and players would meet there. I had a Tuesday residency there for about a year, and it was an all-nighter so you had to play right through the night. But the song itself is centred around Soho Square because, during the day, if it was nice and sunny you’d go and sit in the square. Mark Pavey and Davey Graham tried to reopen the place again a few years ago, but it’s now a restaurant. For a while, the 12 Bar Club in Denmark Street was a bit similar but it didn’t quite have the magic. And anyway, kids now will have their own versions of Les Cousins.’

15.  ‘Born Slippy’ – Underworld (1996)

This anthem for the Stella generation was assembled from snatches of a conversation heard on a night out in Soho. Underworld’s Karl Hyde remembers his state of mind at the time :

‘In truth, the song was me literally asking for help. I was describing a progressively despairing state of mind. I was using alcohol to numb the senses and thus arrived at the point where “Born Slippy” was written. I was saying, “I’m going to describe a typical night; does anybody think that this is no way to live, and could somebody throw me a lifeline?” There was one particular show I remember where a forest of lager cans was raised in the chorus and my heart sank – which shows how far my head was up my whatsit at the time, because I wasn’t in touch with the reality of the song. That was the only song of ours for years that we ever printed the lyrics for or explained and, once we’d done that, then it was okay if people wanted to use it as a drinking anthem. I really don’t mind at all, now. “Born Slippy” has become a folk song.’

14.  ‘Herculean’ – The Good, The Bad & The Queen (2006)

This was the first release from the 2007 collaborative project by Damon Albarn, Clash bassist Paul Simonon, former The Verve man Simon Tong and legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen. The name of the project is a reference to the spread of human life which can be found in the capital. “It’s a kingdom in itself, the city Of London,’ Simonon told Time Out in 2006. ‘Although these days it is like lots of villages combined. You can come from Bromley now and you’re a true Londoner.’ ‘Herculean’ itself combines dub, film music and folk into a downbeat but optimistic anthem for twenty-first-century London.

13.  ‘London London’ – Caetano Veloso (1971)

Veloso, a pioneer of the Tropicalismo cultural movement in Brazil, looks back on his song about London through the eyes of an exile:

‘The Brazilian military had forced me and Gilberto Gil to leave Brazil and we ended up in London in 1969. I sing about looking for flying saucers in the sky. I loved London and was obsessed by English rock music, but was very, homesick, very depressed, and initially I hated the music I recorded in London. Now I love that song. It sums up the emotions felt by an outsider in this big, beautiful, grey city.’

12.  ‘The Fool on the Hill’ – The Beatles (1967)

Although Paul McCartney maintains the song is about the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Apple Corps alumnus Alistair Taylor says the title was inspired by a strange encounter on Primrose Hill. While enjoying a stroll and chatting about God (possibly trying to work out whether or not The Beatles were bigger than him yet), the pair saw a man inexplicably materialise next to them, before promptly disappearing. McCartney went away and quickly wrote an all-time classic, because that’s the kind of thing that Paul McCartney does.

11.  ‘Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner’ – Hubert Gregg (1947)

Written by BBC broadcaster Hubert Gregg in 1944, as he watched German doodlebugs passing over the city, this song represents a way of life for Larry Barnes, Pearly King of Thornton Heath:

‘If we are doing a pearly show and we don’t do it, people will always request it. They expect it, it’s as simple as that. What is it about the song that makes people want to sing along? It’s a good, rolling number, it’s down-to-earth with simple lyrics; he doesn’t try to be maudlin, he doesn’t try to be over-sentimental. He states a case plainly and simply – which is, I belong to London and London belongs to me.’

10.  ‘Galang’ – MIA (2003)

‘London calling – speak the slang now!’ Few songs are as representative of London’s multiculturalism as this. Not just for its estates-by-way-of-Jamaica slang dictionary, or the singer’s Sri Lankan/West London heritage, but also by virtue of this carnival-electro-bashment anthem having been co-written with former Pulp bassist Steve Mackey, west London indie princess Justine Frischmann and Sheffield electro-perv Ross Orton. Now that’s diversity.

9.  Adele – ‘Hometown Glory’ (2007)

If only every teenage rebellion could sound this good. While most kids her age couldn’t wait to get out of the house, Adele resisted her mother’s urgings to flee the nest for further education with this summary of all London’s myriad social and environmental wonders, written – according to Adele – in ten minutes flat.

8.  ‘For Tomorrow’ – Blur (1993)

Damon Albarn explains his chronicle of Britpop-era London:

‘It’s about being lost on the Westway… it’s a romantic thing, it’s hopeful. The nicest thing about that song, that I love, is the bit at the end where it goes on about someone going into a flat, and having a cup of tea in Emperor’s Gate. That comes from when my parents first moved to London – they had a flat in Emperor’s Gate, right next to The Beatles. For the whole of my life I had this image of my parents living next to The Beatles, so Emperor’s Gate, to me, is a romantic thing. Then the person in the song gets in a car and drives all the way up to Primrose Hill and says ‘It’s windy here and the view’s so nice.’ If you go to the top of Primrose Hill, someone’s written the lyric there – it’s been there for what, 12 years now, which is fantastic. So it is very much a London song, it has its own landmark now.’

7.  ‘Baker Street’ – Gerry Rafferty (1978)

The former Steelers Wheel man’s story of a struggling musician coming to terms to the grimly impersonal nature of London life is notable for two things. Firstly, employing an instrumental break as a chorus (though sadly the old myth about Bob Holness playing the sax line is just that). And secondly, for making London’s seedy cynicism seem impossibly sexy. ‘It’s awash with booze!’ thought a generation, ‘And one night stands! Let’s move there!’

6.  ‘Primrose Hill’ – John and Beverly Martyn (1970)

If there’s a more delightful place in London to sit with your lover and watch the sun go down, we’d like to hear about it. Seriously – please let us know in the comments. But until we’re taught otherwise, husband and wife duo John and Beverly Martyn’s classic sums up the splendour of a view which takes in the capital’s greenest and glassiest extremes (and from where, if you’re lucky, you can hear the lions at the zoo roar).

5.  The Small Faces – ‘Itchycoo Park’ (1967)

Quite how drugs ended up with the bad reputation they have these days is a mystery when you consider the lyrics to ‘Itchycoo Park’, the first ever song to be banned for overt illegal substance references, and Small Faces’s celebration of smoking marijuana in Little Ilford Park, E12. Did this DANGEROUS DRUG send the band on an orgy of wanton destruction and ram-raiding? No. They simply lazed around the park, feeding the ducks and crying – yes, crying – at the sheer beauty of nature. This is the kind of behaviour that would get you laughed out of rehab by any self-respecting modern drug abuser.

4.  ‘Streets of London’ – Ralph McTell (1969)

Post-war poverty, drugs, love and redemption – the most recorded London song of all time isn’t what you think it is. Ralph McTell explains:

‘When I was a busker in Paris in 1965, when we were coming home from our little jaunts in the Latin Quarter, there were a lot of very impoverished people – they call them clochards – sat over the hot-air gratings in the Metro, and I formed this idea of writing a song about those people. The time was right for that sort of song because of the protest movement and that social awareness that was apparent in all songs. So I started writing “The Streets Of Paris”. But I thought: Wait a minute, these images are everywhere. So I wrote it as “Streets Of London”, to a tune that I’d already composed.’

3.  ‘West End Girls’ – Pet Shop Boys (1984)

Neil Tennant remembers Soho in the ’70s, which inspired his band’s timeless ode to London nightlife:

‘“West End Girls” is a song that’s very specifically about London. I’ve lived in London since 1972, and the great thing about London is that people come from all over the world live here – even from Newcastle! When I was a kid in Newcastle I always dreamed of moving down to London. The first song [‘Two Divided by Zero’] on the first Pet Shop Boys album is about running away to London. When I first moved down to London, we used to get all dressed up in our David Bowie imitation clothes, and clatter down the staircase at Seven Sisters tube station on to the brand new Victoria Line, and go down to Shadowramas on Neal Street. And that whole thing of being a northerner and coming down to London: I always had that feeling, and still do, of escaping into the West End. I don’t even know why really, but it’s the difference between day and night – people go mad at night, and they go mad in Soho. For me, Soho symbolizes that, although it’s a much tidier place these days. I love London and I’m inspired by it. It’s what we write songs about.’

2.  ‘London Calling’ – The Clash (1979)

To hell with the Sex Pistols – if any punk band captured the quintessential spirit of late-’70s London, it was The Clash. ‘London Calling’ is a neat counterpoint to their ‘ London’s Burning ’ and sees them shifting their focus from the personal and impressionistic (the yellow lights of the Westway, the wind howling around an empty tower block) to the forcefully political and more general – and from from a nihilistic look at the apathy of Londoners to an apocalyptic rallying cry, made so angrily urgent you can almost hear Joe Strummer’s spittle flying.

1.  ‘Waterloo Sunset’ – The Kinks (1967)

Ray Davies explains how he wrote the greatest London song of all:

‘I used to go past Waterloo every day on my way to Croydon Art School; when I was a kid my father took me to the Festival Of Britain; my first real girlfriend, we walked by the Thames; I was in hospital at the old St Thomas’s and my room had a balcony looking out over the river. All the imagery comes from memories like that. The song was supposed to be about the end of Merseybeat, called “Liverpool Sunset”. But when I was writing the lyrics I started to think about Waterloo and what it symbolised for me.’

Listen to the 100 best London songs

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Hues Of Delahaye

33 Best Songs About London | Epic London Playlist

Step into the rhythmic streets of London as we embark on a musical journey through the city’s soul. From classic rock anthems to poignant ballads, this blog unveils the 33 best songs about London. Get ready to tap your feet, feel the urban pulse, and let the melodies of the Big Smoke ignite your wanderlust.

Popular Songs About London England – Iconic London Anthems

There’s nothing quite like the classic London anthems that capture the spirit of the city. Waterloo Sunset, London Calling, and West End Girls are some of the most iconic songs about London England , often featuring London boys and their experiences in the city.

These London tracks have become synonymous with the city, giving you a taste of the authentic London vibe.

1. “Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks

“Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks tells the story of two lovers, Terry and Julie, who meet up at the Waterloo Bridge in London to make a break for it and start fresh in another country. The song’s lyrics about London captures the essence of South London with its vivid descriptions of the River Thames and the sunset over Waterloo station.

Who wouldn’t fall in love with London after listening to this classic? It’s one of the best British songs of all time.

2. “London Calling” by The Clash

“London Calling” by The Clash is a punk rock banger that paints a bleak picture of London. Released in 1979, the track delves into the apocalyptic destruction that the city and the world could face, with themes like Cold War tensions and the fear of nuclear war looming.

Despite its dark themes, “London Calling” has become one of the most classic London songs, showing the city’s resilience in the face of adversity and is known as one of the best songs about London.

3. “West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys

Venturing into the city at night, “West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys provides a stark look at the disparity between the haves and the have-nots in London. Using Central London as a backdrop, the track highlights the struggle and the pursuit of pleasure in the city. It’s a song that has become synonymous with London’s nightlife and the search for excitement in the urban jungle.

This classic song paints a vivid picture of the city at night, with its bright lights and its nightlife.

4. “Take Me Back To London” By Ed Sheeran Ft. Stormzy

In 2019, two of London’s most beloved artists, Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, joined forces to create “Take Me Back To London.” This infectious collaboration pays homage to the city they call home and showcases their deep affection for its streets, culture, and people.

The lyrics offer a glimpse into their personal experiences and celebrate the diversity and energy that make London a global melting pot of creativity and one of the best London songs.

5. “London Bridge” By Fergie

When one ponders a song titled “London,” the familiar nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down” often comes to mind. Interestingly, this well-known rhyme served as the inspiration for Fergie’s song “London Bridge”.

In Fergie’s interpretation or the music video, the bridge mentioned in the song does not directly refer to the actual London Bridge (but Tower Bridge). Instead, it symbolises her captivation by a man she encounters for the first time. Through her lyrics, she expresses the sentiment, “Whenever you’re near, my London, London Bridge wants to surrender.”

By referencing the bridge’s collapse, Fergie metaphorically conveys her inability to resist the allure of this particular individual. This is one of the songs with London in the title and is one of the most famous songs about London Bridge .

6. “Werewolves Of London” By Warren Zevon

Indulging in our inner werewolf is a delight shared by many. Released in 1978, “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon is a Halloween-themed song that adds a humorous twist to the London setting, becoming a beloved classic among locals.

Within the lyrics, Zevon weaves a tale of a prowling werewolf haunting the streets of London . In addition to seeking potential victims, this creature also craves a hearty serving of beef chow mein. Hence, the singer issues a warning, urging everyone to keep the werewolf at bay, as it had already targeted an unfortunate old lady the previous night.

While the werewolf stealthily roams through Kent and Mayfair, it doesn’t neglect its appearance. The singer notes the creature’s impeccably styled hair and its dapper presence, even while donning a suit. This juxtaposition of a well-groomed werewolf adds an amusing touch to the song’s charm. These are some of the top songs with London in the lyrics.

A Walk Through London’s Neighbourhoods

Ready to explore London’s neighbourhoods ? Let’s take a walk through the city’s unique vibes and discover the local flavour through songs like “Primrose Hill,” “Electric Avenue,” and “Hampstead Way.”

Each of these tunes captures a different aspect of London, giving you a glimpse into the city’s varied landscape.

7. “Primrose Hill” by John and Beverly Martyn

“Primrose Hill” by John and Beverly Martyn is a relaxing tune about a street performer chilling at Primrose Hill , watching the hustle and bustle and fantasising about some fried chicken and fries.

Primrose Hill, a park in London , is renowned for its grassy hill with stunning panoramic views of the city. So sit back, relax and let this great song transport you to one of London’s most picturesque spots.

8. “The Fool On The Hill” By The Beatles

The reason this song secures its place on this list is not due to the explicit mention of London, but rather the intriguing story that inspired its creation. Paul McCartney, a member of The Beatles, found himself inspired to write “The Fool on the Hill” following a mysterious encounter.

While walking his dog, Martha, accompanied by a friend on Primrose Hill, McCartney came across an enigmatic man who seemingly appeared out of thin air. Engaging in a brief conversation about God and the panoramic view of London , the man suddenly vanished without a trace.

Within the song, this man is regarded as a fool by others due to his seemingly naïve nature. However, hidden beneath this perception is a profound wisdom. Towards the song’s conclusion, the lyrics assert, “he knows they’re the fools,” emphasising the man’s enlightened perspective.

9. “Electric Avenue” by Eddy Grant

Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” is a powerful commentary on race and inequality, referencing the riots that took place in the area back in the early ‘80s. The song, which speaks on violence in the streets, highlights the struggles faced by residents in London and serves as a reminder of the city’s ongoing challenges.

This good song is a powerful reminder of the need for social justice and equality and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for social justice and equality.

10. “Hampstead Way” by Linda Lewis

When it comes to London’s NW3 neighbourhood , “Hampstead Way” by Linda Lewis paints a vivid picture of the area’s art and hippy scene. The song is a cozy reflection on staying in on a chilly December day instead of hitting up friends.

It’s a nostalgic homage to the bohemian atmosphere of Hampstead Way, and a tribute to the bustling creativity that once thrived there. This is one of the top songs about England and captures the essence of the area’s past, and serves as a reminder.

11. “South London Forever” By Florence + The Machine

Born in South London, it’s no surprise that the vocalist of Florence + the Machine band pays homage to her beloved hometown in the song “South London Forever.” Reflecting on her youth, Florence recalls visiting familiar places such as her birth site, pubs she frequented, and even reminiscing about climbing onto the roof of the Horniman Museum during her college days.

With lyrics expressing deep appreciation, she declares that nothing surpasses the significance and beauty of South London, encapsulating her attachment to the place she calls home.

12. “Warwick Avenue” By Duffy

Duffy’s poignant song “Warwick Avenue” makes multiple references to this location in Central London . It portrays a haunting tale of a woman who repeatedly returns to her lover but eventually reaches her breaking point.

Desiring closure, she requests him to meet her at Warwick Avenue, possibly to bid farewell. The line “I’m leaving you for the last time” signifies her exhaustion from granting him numerous chances, each resulting in deep emotional wounds.

Although she may have moments of uncertainty, expressed by her wish for the train’s delay, she strives to remain resilient, fully aware of his lack of love for her.

13. “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square” – By Nat King Cole

Written in 1939 and published in 1940, “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” is a beloved British romantic song featuring lyrics by Eric Maschwitz and music by Manning Sherwin. Nat King Cole’s rendition specifically references Berkeley Square, a renowned park in London’s Mayfair , and The Ritz Hotel, a prestigious establishment in the city.

This enchanting song captures the magic of two individuals coming together on a fateful night. The singer, deeply in love, perceives an ethereal atmosphere surrounding them. When she graces him with a smile, it feels as though “a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square.”

The nightingale’s melodious song has long been celebrated in literature and music for its beauty. Known to produce over a thousand distinct sounds, these birds, however, tend to favour rural areas over urban environments like London.

London’s Nightlife and Party Scene

Dive into London’s nightlife and party scene with tracks like “Hey Young London,” “LDN,” and “I Love London.” These songs capture the electrifying energy of the city after dark and showcase the vibrant party culture that makes London such a thrilling destination.

From the underground clubs of Shoreditch to the rooftop bars of Soho , London has something for everyone.

14. “Hey Young London” by Bananarama

Celebrate the style and swagger of London’s youth with “Hey Young London” by Bananarama. This upbeat tune is all about showing love to the young crew in London for their fly fashion and undeniable energy.

It’s a song that captures the spirit of the city’s nightlife and pays tribute to the next generation of Londoners.

15. “LDN” by Lily Allen

Lily Allen is amongst the list of famous London singers known for their quirky pop song’s. In “LDN” is a love letter to the city, the taking listeners on a bike ride through London’s bustling streets. While the song highlights the good vibes of the city, it also dives into the shady side of London with its mention of pimps, muggers, and other unsavoury characters.

“LDN” is a powerful reminder that underneath the city’s bright lights, especially in areas like North London , lies a complex and sometimes dark reality.

16. “I Love London” by Crystal Fighters

“I Love London” by Crystal Fighters is a high-energy anthem celebrating the artist’s passion for London and the happiness and creativity it brings.

Through its catchy beat and infectious chorus, the song showcases the vibrancy, culture, and variety of the city. It’s a love song to London that will have you dancing in the streets.

Nostalgic London Tunes

Take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic songs about London like “Baker Street,” “London Belongs To Me,” and “Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner.”

These London town songs will transport you back in time, evoking memories of the city’s past and capturing the essence of its history. These songs are a great way to experience the city’s past and to get a sense of the city.

17. “A Day In The Life” By The Beatles”

The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in music history, had a profound connection with London. So no London song list would be complete without including a song by The Beatles. “A Day in the Life” masterfully portrays the experiences of an individual throughout a typical day.

Since the song does not specify a gender, this person can symbolise anyone, representing a universal narrative. Rather than focusing on specific locations, the song highlights notable events that occurred in London. The song’s initial verses pay tribute to Tara Browne, a friend of the Beatles and heir to the Guinness fortune, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 1966.

Towards the song’s conclusion, the narrator awakens and embarks on their daily routine. Reflecting on the mundane rituals we all go through, they even mention the remarkable feat of “making the bus in seconds flat” despite waking up late. This is one of the most knows Beatles songs about London.

18. “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty

“Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty is a nostalgic tune about a man who’s feeling lost and unhappy with life in the city. The song’s haunting saxophone riff and poignant lyrics have made it a go-to anthem for those who feel trapped and unfulfilled in the urban landscape.

It’s a reminder of the struggles one can face while living in the city and the longing for something more. It speaks to the idea that sometimes, the grass is greener on the other side.

19. “London Belongs To Me” by Saint Etienne

“London Belongs To Me” by Saint Etienne is a dreamy tune that celebrates the city and the thrill of discovering new places and experiences within it. Filled with carefree, romantic vibes, it’s a song that captures the essence of being young and in love in the city.

A love letter to London Town, the track highlights some of the city’s hottest landmarks and neighbourhoods, making it an unforgettable ode to the city and is another one of the top songs with London in the title.

20. “Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner” by Hubert Gregg

“Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner” by Hubert Gregg is an iconic tune that expresses the singer’s deep-seated affection for London and how it’s become a part of his identity.

Penned in 1944, the song has become an anthem for Londoners and is often played at sporting events and other celebrations. It’s a symbol of London’s pride and identity, and a reminder of the city’s unique culture and history.

London’s Multiculturalism and Diversity

Embrace London’s rich cultural diversity through songs like “Galang,” “Cockney Translation,” and “London London.” These tracks highlight the city’s multiculturalism and showcase the unique voices and perspectives of its diverse inhabitants.

The lyrics of these songs capture the vibrancy of London’s culture and the atmosphere.

21. “Galang” by MIA

“Galang” by MIA is a powerful anthem that urges listeners to stay strong and keep pushing through tough times. With its infectious beat and empowering lyrics, the song serves as a rallying cry for London’s diverse citizens, demonstrating the resilience and determination that the city’s multiculturalism brings.

The song is a celebration of London’s multiculturalism, and a reminder that no one is allowed to live in isolation.

22. “Cockney Translation” by Smiley Culture

“Cockney Translation” by Smiley Culture is a playful and educational track that flips between Cockney slang and Jamaican patois.

The cockney song highlights the variations between the two dialects and serves as a unique celebration of London’s rich linguistic diversity. It is a great example of how language can be used to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.

23. “London London” by Caetano Veloso

“London London” by Caetano Veloso captures the Brazilian artist’s experience of isolation and longing for home while living in London. The song’s introspective lyrics and haunting melody evoke a sense of nostalgia and homesickness, beautifully illustrating the emotions of those who have left their homeland to make a life in the diverse and multicultural city of London.

The song is a powerful reminder of the struggles of immigrants and the longing for home that many immigrants have.

Love Songs Set in London

Fall in love with London through romantic tracks like “Hometown Glory,” “A Rainy Night in Soho” and “For Tomorrow.” These old London songs capture the beauty and romance of the city, making it the perfect backdrop for tales of love and longing.

Whether you’re a Londoner or a visitor, these songs will transport you to London.

24. “Hometown Glory” by Adele

“Hometown Glory” by Adele, one of the most famous singers from London is a powerful ballad that pays tribute to her beloved London and the people who inhabit it.

The song’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring vocals evoke a sense of pride and affection for the city, showcasing the deep connection that many Londoners feel for their hometown. This is one of the best songs about London as it celebration of the city’s unique culture and history.

25. “A Rainy Night in Soho” by The Pogues

“A Rainy Night in Soho” by The Pogues is a love song that tells the story of a long-term relationship that has weathered its fair share of ups and downs.

Set against the backdrop of a rainy night in London’s Soho district, the song captures the enduring love between two people and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love can be found in the city’s most unexpected places. The song is a testament to the power of love and the strength of relationships, no matter what.

26. “For Tomorrow” by Blur

“For Tomorrow” by Blur is a love song to London, reflecting on the lives of the city’s youth and the challenges they face.

The track captures the romantic and optimistic outlook of the city, with lyrics that mention taking a cruise to Primrose Hill, a popular spot for Londoners to relax and enjoy the view.

A testament to the city’s allure, “For Tomorrow” is a love song that will make you fall for London all over again.

Social Commentary Through London Music

Reflect on the city’s social issues and challenges through songs like “Fake Plastic Trees,” “Ill Manors,” and “Guns of Brixton.”

These tracks offer insight into the struggles faced by London’s residents and highlight the need for change and understanding within the city. The songs about London lyrics provide a unique perspective on the city’s issues and the history of the city.

27. “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead

“Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead is a poignant song about the difficulty of making real connections in a world filled with fake and superficial things. The track serves as a powerful reminder that the city can sometimes feel like a cold and unfeeling place, with people struggling to find genuine connections amidst the chaos of urban life.

The song’s London town lyrics speaks to loneliness and alienation that can come with living in a big city.

28. “Ill Manors” by Plan B

“Ill Manors” by Plan B is a hard-hitting hip hop protest song that addresses the harsh realities of life in a deprived area of London. The track sheds light on the fractured British system and the pressures that sparked the 2011 riots in the city.

“Ill Manors” serves as a wake-up call for society to address the root causes of these issues and to work together to create a better future for all Londoners.

29. “Guns of Brixton” by The Clash

“Guns of Brixton” by The Clash, penned by bassist Paul Simonon, is a powerful anthem about the police’s oppressive reign and the harsh realities of life in South London’s Brixton during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

The song’s gritty lyrics and driving beat capture the tension and chaos of the time, serving as a reminder of the city’s ongoing struggles and the resilience of its people. These songs about London lyrics have become an iconic symbol of the city’s fight against injustice.

30. “The City” – Ed Sheeran (2011)

In his song “The City,” Sheeran explores the contrast between the peaceful countryside and the bustling metropolis.

Despite London’s renowned beauty , Sheeran takes a different perspective. He describes the city as never sleeping, always alive with activity that keeps him awake at night.

One line in the song, “London calls me a stranger,” suggests Sheeran’s ongoing adjustment to this new place that still feels unfamiliar. While he may feel somewhat disconnected from the city’s personality, he acknowledges that London has become his home.

31. “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight” by The Jam

While achieving chart-topping success in the UK, “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight” by the Jam faced a ban on multiple radio stations due to its depiction of violence. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) implemented the ban, citing concerns over the song’s confrontational lyrics.

From the perspective of a victim, the song narrates a racially-motivated mugging incident that unfolds as the protagonist prepares to board a train on his way home to his wife. However, the assailants refuse to relent, subjecting him to a brutal beating.

The fate of the victim remains ambiguous within this London underground song. Certain lyrics allude to his demise at the station, such as reflections on his life and a sense of disorientation as “my life swam around me.” The song leaves room for interpretation regarding the ultimate outcome of this tragic encounter.

London-Inspired Music Videos

Experience the visual beauty and atmosphere of London through iconic music videos like “Bitter Sweet Symphony” and “Streets of London.” These stunning videos showcase the city’s unique charm and serve as a captivating love letter to the city.

From the vibrant nightlife of Soho to the historic architecture of Westminster , London has something for everyone.

32. “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve

“Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve is a visually captivating music video that takes viewers on a walk through the streets of London . The video perfectly complements the song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics, which discuss the struggles of life and the bittersweet nature of success.

As the video unfolds, it offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant streets and bustling atmosphere, creating a mesmerising portrait of London life.

33. “Streets of London” by Ralph McTell

“Streets of London” song by Ralph McTell is a music video that highlights the lives of the homeless, lonely, and elderly living in the city. The video serves as a powerful reminder of the hardships faced by many Londoners and the need for compassion and understanding.

As the song the streets of London heartfelt lyrics and haunting melody play, the video takes viewers on a journey through the city’s streets, showcasing the beauty and resilience of its people. It is a reminder that even in the midst of darkness, there is still hope and beauty.

Famous Songs About London Frequently Asked Questions

What songs are associated with england.

From classic anthems like “God Save The Queen” to modern hits like “Don’t Stop Me Now”, England has a rich variety of beloved songs. Whether it’s traditional pub ballads or punk-rock classics, England’s got you covered! So blast those tunes and get ready to celebrate English music!

What do people in London listen to?

It looks like Londoners are all about pop, baby! Research shows that 70 percent of British adults prefer to groove out to top-charting London pop music, while R&B and dance come in close second and third. So if you’re in London, the popular music in London is pop !

What music is London known for?

London is renowned for its dynamic and diverse music culture, having produced some of the most iconic rock, pop, R&B, soul, and punk acts in the world. The city has given us legends from David Bowie to Oasis, Queen, Arctic Monkeys and Adele. Its influence continues to reverberate throughout the music industry today.

What kind of music do they listen to in London?

London is a hub of musical diversity, so there’s no single sound or genre you’ll find here. From punk rock and garage rock to jazz , folk music, drum and bass, and grime, London has it all. Making it the perfect spot for music lovers.

What are some iconic London anthems?

Feel the heartbeat of London through these iconic anthems about London Town: The Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset”, The Clash’s “London Calling”, and Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls”. Take a journey to the streets of London with these electrifying tracks.

London Town Song s Wrap-Up

From iconic anthems to nostalgic tunes, love songs about london to social commentary, our list of 33 of the best songs about London and offers a diverse and captivating exploration of the city’s unique charm and character.

Whether you’re a longtime Londoner or a first-time visitor , these music about London will transport you through the city’s streets, neighbourhood’s, and nightlife, giving you a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the city. So crank up the volume, and let these London Town songs guide you on an unforgettable journey through the streets of London .

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 9 London Songs that Will Make You Fall in Love with the UK Capital

I’ve written about books that will make you fall in love with London. I’ve written about films that will do the same. Today I want to continue the trend with London songs.

London Songs

There’s no shortage of songs about London, from vintage classics to contemporary hits. Some are about the city in general, others about one particular part of it.

Some focus on a story, others on a theme. But what all the London songs on my list have in common is that they represent the city and the way it impacts the people who experience it.

It amazes me how many different ways artists have come up with to portray London in song. It reflects the city in a way that shows how multifaceted it is.

1. London Calling

“London Calling” by The Clash is one of the most iconic London songs. I can’t remember when I first heard this song, but I feel like I’ve known it my whole life.

While the lyrics are rather apocalyptic, I love the melody and sound. And given it’s one of the most famous songs about London, it’s only fitting I start my list with it.

2. Warwick Avenue

On a different end of the musical spectrum, “Warwick Avenue” by Duffy is softer and tells the story of a breakup. This song was released not long after I moved to London and it’s always reminded me of my early years of life in the UK capital.

I remember the first time I got off the tube at Warwick Avenue and connected the dots with the opening lines of the song: “When I get to Warwick Avenue / Meet me by the entrance of the tube”. I suddenly felt like a Londoner.

3. Werewolves of London Song

Back to the zombie apocalypse, “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon is another of the most classic London songs.

Maybe I love it because it gets stuck in my head so easily (there it goes…I’ll be humming it ’till next Tuesday). Or maybe it’s because it’s a fun one to sing (who doesn’t like channeling their inner werewolf?).

Regardless of the reason, it always puts a smile on my face.

I’d never heard of Lily Allen before I moved to London, but her controversial lyrics and irreverent style put her on my radar screen as soon as I moved here.

Her song “LDN” is no exception to her usual style, with lots of things-aren’t-always-as-they-seem lyrics and the juxtaposition of the cheerful and the sinister. It’s one of those London songs that shows a dark side of the UK capital, but with an irresistibly upbeat melody.

5. Waterloo Sunset

“Waterloo Sunset” by The Kinks is another classic song about London. Set around Waterloo Station and sporting an unmistakably 1960’s sound, this song sings the praises of the Waterloo Sunset while following a couple through the area.

It’s a nice throwback to a previous era and a fun one to listen to while walking around the South Bank .

6. West End Girls

Another London song with a sound from its time is “West End Girls” by the Pet Shop Boys. Its 1980s vibe is unmistakable, and listening to it always makes me imagine the city in the era of spiked hair and metal-studded accessories.

But it’s the chorus that I really love, not least because even though the song is from the ’80s it’s not hard to go out in London and find east end boys and west end girls meeting in dive bars today.

7. Primrose Hill

Going back a decade, “Primrose Hill” by John and Beverly Martyn is a folksy 1970s number. I’ve watched the sunset from Primrose Hill a number of times, and the beginning of this London song sums up how it feels to sit at the top and soak up the view.

I like how chilled out it is, not to mention how it represents one of my favorite London neighborhoods.

8. Hometown Glory

And speaking of representing neighborhoods, apparently Adele wrote the song “Hometown Glory” in 10 minutes after her mother tried to get her to leave West Norwood to go to university.

Whether that’s true or not, it’s a great testament to her attachment to the city and a good song to listen to for a bit of London pride.

9. Up The Junction

Squeeze has held a special place in my heart since my cousin introduced me to their music when I was a child. “Up The Junction” features Clapham Common in the first few lines and tells a love story about a couple who meet there.

While it has a sad ending, the melody features the band’s signature sound and is a good London song in spite of its melancholy.

Songs about London

On a brighter note, I hope this list of London songs has reminded you of some old favorites and introduced you to some new tracks to listen to. London has so much variety and influence that there’s a genre and an era for anyone who wants to listen.

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18 Comments on Lady’s 9 London Songs that Will Make You Fall in Love with the UK Capital

I always think of London when i hear the song Baker Street by Gerry Rafferty. Waterloo sunset is a great song and i also like London calling.

That’s great! Thanks for sharing.

Great post – had me nodding in agreement!

Thanks! I’m glad to hear that.

I would like to add Electric Ave. by Eddy Grant. Gotta represent for Brixton.

What about “last plane to London” by Rose Garden? It’s a late 1960s song.

Great choice!

What a lovely post. My favorite is that old standard “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square”. It’s a lush, romantic tribute to falling in love in London, and it always reminds me of my first visit 30 years ago when I fell in love with this fabulous city.

That’s great! It’s always nice when songs have memories to go with them.

Thanks for the reminder for some of these songs that I haven’t heard in awhile and for introducing me to new titles that I will have a listen to. Enjoyed the article like all the others that you share.

You’re welcome! I’m so glad to hear that.

Nice list, Julie. I love the song “England” by the National. It always makes me want to be in London.

Thanks, Blaise! That sounds like a good one.

Have you heard the song “Piccadilly circus” by the swedish singer Pernilla Wahlgren? It’s a song from the 80’s

Thanks for the recommendation!

Londen in the spring From Passenger 😍 When i hear that song ,always almost crying 😭

Thanks for sharing!

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15 Songs That Define the Spirit of London

Countless musicians have paid tribute to London over the years. There have been dance floor bangers about its nocturnal spirit, soulful odes to its Underground lines and chart hits about its wildly diverse neighbourhoods.

A city this iconic demands its own soundtrack. Hundreds of songs have been written about London . There are tracks plucked from personal experience and songs that weave a fictional story. Some focus on a particular landmark or location, others pay homage to the Big Smoke in all its glory. Regardless of genre and style, each song encapsulates the spirit of the capital and the vibrancy of the people who call it home.

Ralph McTell – ‘Streets of London’ (1969)

McTell’s gentle, finger-picking style in this song belies the hard-hitting lyrics, which touch on the plight of the city’s downtrodden and less fortunate population. McTell feared it would be too depressing for a commercial release, with lyrics such as:

“Have you seen the old man in the closed down market / kicking up the paper with his worn out shoes? / In his eyes you see no pride, hand held loosely at his side / Yesterday’s paper telling yesterday’s news”

In fact, the song, first released in 1969, was the most successful of his career. In 2020, he re-released a version with a nod to the coronavirus pandemic in the lyrics.

Ed Sheeran – ‘The City’ (2011)

When he moved from rural Suffolk to London to try and get his music career off the ground, it wasn’t the easiest transition for the world’s cuddliest genre-surfing pop-music genius-superstar. Sleepless nights in noisy flats, dark temptations that could easily derail aspiring artists and a remote coldness that might alienate people not used to the city’s personality. This song is all about that period, and while the rhythm is upbeat, the lyrics are troubled, seeming to question his decision, while also suggesting it’s the path he has to be on.

Squeeze – ‘Up the Junction’ (1979)

Cockney slang for being in trouble, and also referring to the area of Clapham Junction, where the song is set, the title and lyrics of this 1979 hit are London through and through. The song details the riches to rags story of a crumbling relationship, from its love-struck beginning (“We spent our time just kissing / The Railway Arms we’re missing / But love had got us hooked up / And all our time it took up”), to its bitter end: (“She left me when my drinking / Became a proper stinging / The devil came and took me / From bar to street to bookie”). The band formerly featuring Jools Holland has never sounded wittier – or more full of lament.

The Kinks – ‘Waterloo Sunset’ (1967)

It’s considered one of the greatest songs ever about London: The Kinks’ bittersweet hit certainly captures the melancholic heart of the city, even if the track was initially written by frontman Ray Davies about Liverpool. Davies decided to change the location where lovers Terry and Julie meet to Waterloo, after reflecting on how significant the area was to his life. As he explained in an interview: “I was in St Thomas’ Hospital when I was really ill, and the nurses would wheel me out on the balcony to look at the river. It was also about being taken down to the Festival of Britain with my mum and dad. It’s about the two characters in the song, and the aspirations of my sisters’ generation before me, who grew up during the Second World War. It’s about the world I wanted them to have.”

The Clash – ‘London Calling’ (1979)

Punk band The Clash vented their fury about the state of the world in their apocalyptic anthem ‘London Calling’. The song’s title refers to the BBC World Service’s station introduction during World War II: “This is London calling …”. The lyrics touched on police brutality (“We ain’t got no swing / Except for the ring of that truncheon thing”), worries about the River Thames flooding (“London is drowning / And I live by the river”) and whether punk was over (“Now don’t look to us / Phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust”) in this incendiary rant fuelled by the spirit of rebellion.

Pet Shop Boys – ‘West End Girls’ (1984)

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe’s most famous hit, the infectious synth-pop banger ‘West End Girls’, was inspired by Soho nightlife in the 1970s as well as, curiously, T. S. Eliot’s 1922 poem The Waste Land . The socially conscious lyrics also touch on class and the pressures of inner-city life. The pair filmed the video around the city’s landmarks including Tower Bridge, the South Bank, Leicester Square and Waterloo Station as well as aboard the 42 to Aldgate, because no London music video would be complete without featuring a double-decker bus.

Lily Allen – ‘LDN’ (2006)

Initially put out as a limited edition 7″ vinyl in 2006, ‘LDN’ was re-released a few months later after the massive success of Lily Allen’s first single, ‘Smile’. The track, a summery ska pop track influenced by breezy Caribbean rhythms, is a blast of pure sunshine as the lyrics chronicle a bike ride around the city. All the while the singer’s upbeat lyrics poke fun at the grubby underbelly of pimps, muggers and prostitutes, at work and play beneath London’s glossy surface.

Adele – ‘Hometown Glory’ (2007)

‘Hometown Glory’ is the first song Adele ever wrote, penned when she was only 16 years old and released in October 2007. The track was written in just 10 minutes after an argument with her mother who tried to persuade her to leave where they lived in West Norwood to go to university in London. There’s poignancy in Adele’s rich, raw delivery, as rolling piano keys move like slow waves between major and minor, and strings glide just above. The singer would later describe the track, a powerful ballad about her love for the capital, as a “protest song”.

M.I.A. – ‘Galang’ (2003)

M.I.A.’s breakout hit, a riot of dancehall, jungle, electroclash and world music, reflects the vibrant multiculturalism of the capital as she references The Clash’s ‘London Calling’ in her lyrics while using Jamaican slang for “go along” – galang – in the chorus. The song is set in a post 9/11 London, which is mired in weed, paranoia, street battles and the police. The singer later claimed the track chronicled advice from friends on how to survive in the city.

Pulp – ‘Mile End’ (1996)

As jaunty as this song sounds, ‘Mile End’ actually charts what Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker calls “the worst nine months of my entire life”. The singer found himself temporarily homeless in 1989 when he was a film student at Central Saint Martins after being kicked out of his flat in Camberwell. Forced to live in a grotty squat in Lewey House off Burdett Road, E3, he turned the experience into a plucky musical memoir. The track featured on their fifth album, Different Class , and was also the soundtrack to Danny Boyle’s classic 1996 film, Trainspotting .

Professor Green – ‘Upper Clapton Dance’ (2011)

Sure, gentrification has obliterated Lower Clapton’s former reputation as Murder Mile, but Upper Clapton still has a long way to go. Professor Green’s track encapsulates the hidden violence that lurks on London’s streets if you’re not careful. The Hackney-born-and-bred musician raps: “When I walk around here there’s a couple of rules / Don’t bling around here, tuck your jewels / Unless you wanna get done by the wolves / And don’t fight back, the knife can be so uncomfortable”

Gerry Rafferty – ‘Baker Street’ (1978)

With his hit ‘Baker Street’, Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty created one of the most famous songs about London, as well a contender for sexiest saxophone riff ever. The track, which featured on his second solo album, City to City (1978), was named after Baker Street in London. The singer had been spending a lot of time in the area at a friend’s flat as he was involved in an extended legal wrangle with his old band, Stealers Wheel. Its lyrics hint at turbulent times touching on drink, depression and casual sex. Released at the height of punk and new wave, its smooth jazz was an antidote to the abrasive spirit of the times.

Blur – ‘For Tomorrow’ (1993)

Damon Albarn wrote ‘For Tomorrow’ on Christmas Day 1992 at the family piano in his parents’ house. The track focuses on Primrose Hill, a famous viewpoint in the borough of Camden, North London. The ending also mentions Emperors’ Gate, Kensington, where John Lennon first lived in London along with his wife Cynthia and baby Julian. Albarn’s parents also lived on the same street when they moved to the capital, right next to the Lennons.

Underworld – ‘Born Slippy’ (1996)

‘Born Slippy’ became one of the most renowned songs of the 1990s after it was included at the end of the movie Trainspotting . The track, a slice of euphoric electronica, was created on a night out at Soho pub The Ship. Underworld’s Karl Hyde recalls how he had written the lyrics based on snippets of conversations that he had overheard after a heavy night of drinking. He claims the song was a cry for help and the shouts of “lager lager lager” in the chorus were made in self-loathing, so he was baffled when it became a drinking anthem.

The Streets – ‘Has It Come to This?’ (2001)

Mike Skinner’s debut song ‘Has It Come to This?’ revolutionised the UK garage scene with his brutally honest depiction of a “day in the life of a geezer” rapped over minimalist beats and a simple piano line. The Birmingham musician namechecks PlayStations, Rizlas, the dole and even his TfL journey from Mile End to Ealing in the track, the lead single from his debut album Original Pirate Material .

Alex Allen contributed additional reporting to this article.

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EFL ESL London songs for children | My Top 10

We’re off to London! What are we going to visit? How are we going to travel? We’re going to learn all about this with my favorite EFL ESL London songs for children. From London transport to monuments to history to the Queen, they’re all here. Plus lots of fun and useful games and activities about London to do with your class and get them speaking English, whatever age they are . So get your bags, find your passport and get ready to go. It’s time to travel to London with my Top 10 EFL ESL London songs for children!

London Song Big Ben Rap by EnglishThroughMusic Madrid

Learn all about different London landmarks and, in particular, Big Ben with this fun rap song. Do you know what Big Ben is? You might be surprised when you listen to this song. This is a really good song to use with older groups who will enjoy learning the rap and you can use it as an introduction to London places to visit. Get your class to decide what they would like to visit, research and plan a schedule for a day. They can present their plans for the day to the rest of the class. Maybe they could make up their own rap about some different London monuments that they would like to see or have already visited.

Fly to London | Travel Song for Kids by Pancake Manor

How are you getting to London? Not flying in a box hopefully! What do you think of when you think of London? The Queen? Fish and chips? Get the class to think of other London icons together in groups. You could ask them to make a poster of whatever they come up with to display in your class. Then make a London Bingo card and play together to see who gets the most London icons.

London Town Song by Grupo Tic Taf

This would be a really useful song you are learning about comparatives. You can use it to compare different London landmarks and transport. Which is bigger, Big Ben or the London Eye? Which is faster, a bus or the tube? You could research and make your own London monuments Top Trumps cards and play a game comparing them like in this Supercards game . Put the kids in pairs to play and see who wins the most cards. Or draw a huge map of London and label the different monuments with their sizes, ages etc. Then compare them together.

Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round by ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes

If you are looking for EFL ESL London songs for children for your younger classes, this is a good place to start. It introduces London and some of its well known landmarks with a simple song that the kids will probably already know. You can do lots of actions as you sing this: as well as the wheels going round, you can do Big Ben going tick tock, the London Eye going round, the bridge opening and closing, bells ringing, people watching and more. Make sure you have some flashcards or draw pictures on the board of all these different places to look at before you sing the song so the kids understand what they are singing about. Play a game using these actions to see if the children can recognize what you are – the bus, the bridge etc.

Every Tube Station Song by Jay Foreman

This is the song for you if you’ve ever wanted to know the names of all the different London Underground stations and learn them by heart. Challenge your class to learn them all and find them on a map. Then ask them to plan journeys from one to another and ask and give directions to each other. Which lines will they have to take and where will they have to change trains? You could adapt the game in my Directions lesson plan using a train instead of a sailing ship on the map of the Underground.

London Bus | London Tour | Bus Song | Car Song by Pinkfong!

This is another good song to introduce London to smaller children. You can play London Bridge is falling down and have two children make an arch for the others to walk under and then be caught by the bridge when it falls down. Then march with the Queen’s guards, go round like the London Eye and ride on a bus. Make a cardboard box bus and drive it around the classroom together.

Little Underground Train | London Underground | Tube Song by Rainbow Rabbit Songs

A great song if you’re learning about prepositions in class. Look at a map of London and see if you can work out where the trains pass. What do they go past? When do they go over the ground and when are they underground? The kids can invent their own train journey and describe what they see and where they go. Then they can ask each other questions about their journeys.

A day trip to London song by Luis DM

So, you’ve been to London, you had a great time and now it’s time to tell us what you did. Ask your class to write or prepare a presentation about their imaginary trip to London. What did they visit? What did they enjoy most and was there anything they didn’t enjoy. Pick one student to be interviewed by the others about his or her day in London. You could also do a role play of a day in London. Pick a couple of students to be tourists and then let the others be bus drivers, waiters, the Queen and anything else they can think of and act out a day trip to London.

Pussy Cat Pussy Cat by Little Baby Bum

This is a very cute version of a traditional nursery rhyme that would be fun to use to learn about the Queen and where she lives in London. Ask the children to imagine and draw a picture of Buckingham Palace and all its different rooms. Where could a mouse hide? In the bedroom? Under the Queen’s crown? Behind the throne? Then pretend you are at Buckingham Palace and play hide and seek in class.

London’s Burning by thenurseryrhymeschannel

If you are learning about the history of London, you will be talking about the Great Fire of London. This is a song that British children learn at school about the fire. Sing it as a round in class and then look on a map to see where the fire started and spread to. With older kids, you could look at some old maps and compare London before and after the Fire. How is London different today? The Museum of London has a great website if you are looking for material about the history of London with lots of free resources.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of EFL ESL London songs for children. London is such an amazing city with so much to see and you could spend hours learning about it. As an introduction for an English class though or as part of my London lesson plan , these songs would be a great start. If you’ve enjoyed this, have a look around the site where you can find more collections of songs about lots of different subjects as well as lots of different teaching ideas . To stay in touch with new posts and lessons, you can follow the GoogooEnglish Facebook page . Alternatively, sign up for updates by email by filling in the form below.

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Finding the Universe

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One Day in London – What to Do in London in A Day

Last updated: April 20, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 72 Comments

Planning on spending just one day in London? Sure, it’s not very long, but you’ll be able to see a lot of London’s highlights even in such a short space of time.

In this post, we’re going to help you plan your perfect day in London. We’re going to take a look at some of our favourite sights in London, capital of the UK and a spot I was thrilled to call home for a couple of years before I set off on my travels.

This guide to what to do in London in a day makes for the perfect day exploring London. It would make for a great way to start a longer trip around the UK , or to see some of London’s top sights if you have a few hours stopover in one of London’s airports .

This itinerary would also help someone planning a general European adventure – take a look at our 2 week Europe itinerary for a suggestion of how to plan something like that.

This post is set up to help you see all of these key London sights in one day and I’ve ordered them in the way that I’d recommend you go about doing that.

1 Day London Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick overview of what this plan has you doing, for quick reference

• The Tower of London & Tower Bridge
• The South Bank and London Eye, Shard or St. Paul’s Cathedral
• The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End
• Traditional London Pub

Now, let’s see how that looks in our detailed guide to what to do in London for a day.

One Day In London: What to Do in London for A Day

Below is a detailed guide to what to do in London if you only have a day, in the order that makes the most sense in terms of getting around and minimizing transport.

Ideally, you’ll start the day at opening time of the first attraction (between 9am and 10am, depending on the day of the week), and keep going until you’ve seen everything!

1. The Tower of London

History! If you like the TV show Game of Thrones (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll love the Tower of London . This place was home to so much plotting, scheming, death and betrayals that it almost makes George’s epic tale of Westeros seem pale in comparison.

Queens, princes and archbishops died here, and history was literally made on the grass underfoot.

Admittedly, there are less dragons in London.

Expect to spend a least two hours here, exploring all there is to see, from the tower, to the execution block, to the crown jewels themselves. You can see full ticket pricing information here . It’s free for holders of the  London Pass .

Otherwise, you will want to buy tickets in advance of your visit to ensure you are able to visit. You can do so via GetYourGuide here , who we normally use for ticketing at attractions around the world. You can also check prices on the official website here , where you can also see opening times. Note that tickets bought via GetYourGuide normally include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit (although do check the ticket description prior to purchase to be sure).

While you’re at the Tower of London, you might as well take the opportunity to pop across the Thames on Tower Bridge, easily the most famous of London’s bridges, and for good reason!

You can also actually go inside this bridge and learn all about how it works by visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which is often a place we love to take friends and family when we show them around the city as it’s quite a unique experience.

2. The South Bank and London Eye

Once you’ve crossed over Tower Bridge, you’ll find yourself on the South Bank, cunningly named because it’s on the south bank of the river Thames.

As you walk west along this lovely bit of pedestrianized riverway you’ll find yourself passing such sights as HMS Belfast (one of our favourite military museums in London ) and London’s City Hall.

You’ll also be walking past the recreation of Shakespeare’s famous Globe theatre, the Shard (Western Europe’s tallest building), the Millennium Bridge which leads to St. Paul’s cathedral and the quite magnificent Tate Modern Art Gallery, all of which are likely to tempt you in. Go on, I won’t tell anyone.

Once you’ve made it past all these attractions, and maybe grabbed a bite to eat at Borough Market just behind London Bridge, you’ll find yourself coming around the corner, with the Houses of Parliament swinging into view and the giant Ferris wheel known as the London Eye looming large.

If you want a spectacular view of London, take a spin in the wheel, and marvel as the city unfurls beneath you.

For tickets, it’s cheaper to book in advance than in person. You can book tickets and check prices on the official site here . It’s also included on the London Pass, which you can buy here .

We also have a complete guide to the London Eye here with lots more information to help you plan a visit.

Another option is to visit the Shard, which also offers spectacular views from a higher vantage point. The Shard has better views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, whilst the London Eye gets you close to the Houses of Parliament.

You can book tickets for the Shard in advance on Tiqets here (book online in advance for the best prices). It’s also included on the London Pass.

If you’d prefer not to walk from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament, you can also take a river “bus” from either Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier all the way down the river to Westminster Pier.

It’s a nice way to see London from the water, and prices for the river bus are pretty good value. See our guide to getting around London for tips on the different public transport options in the city.

3. The Houses of Parliament

After your London Eye ride, walk or boat ride (whichever you opt for!), you’ll want to pop across the river to take in the Houses of Parliament, home to the English lawmakers and the bell known as Big Ben.

This is one attraction that is easy to see from the outside, but not many people know that you can also drop inside if you want to, and go on a guided tour.

Tours aren’t quite “turn up and go in”, as they only run-on certain days, but with a bit of research and forward planning (and by visiting this site ), you should be able to visit the English home of power and authority without too much trouble. You can also book a guided tour of both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament here .

If it is too much trouble though, fear not. The building is very impressive from the outside, and you can sate your thirst for history quite easily by popping to Westminster Abbey, which happens to be just behind the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Abbey has played host to some of the most important historical events of the last thousand years in the UK, hosting 16 royal weddings, around 50 coronations and a host of memorial services, including that of Diana, Princess of Wales.

It is also home to some of Britain’s most famous dead, including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, notable royals, and many more. Very much worth a visit and free for holders of the London Pass. Full details on pricing and opening hours here . You can also book your tickets online in advance here .

4. Buckingham Palace

Ah, the Queen. Depending on you who you talk to in the UK, she’s either a lovely old dear who the country needs, or a tragic waste of taxpayers’ money.

Whichever, she does happen to have a number of rather lovely houses to live in, the most famous of which is of course Buckingham Palace. Here you can peer through the railings to watch the changing of the guard and wonder as to how the other half live, and wave frantically at the windows on the off-chance that someone waves back.

On our itinerary, you’ll likely miss the Changing of the Guard (see when that happens here ), so you would need to move things around if that happens to be a priority for your visit. Missing it isn’t the end of the world though, as it gets really crowded at that time of day.

You can also visit and actually go inside Buckingham Palace in very narrow windows of opening during the summer, with full details of pricing and opening hours available on this website.

Of course, whilst you’re at Buckingham Palace, you should probably take a moment to explore some of the other local attractions.

A quick stroll down the Mall will take you past the pretty St James’s Park, home to a number of pelicans. Then you can head out onto Trafalgar Square, where you can enjoy seeing the lions, Nelson’s famous column and sate your art appetite at the excellent, and free, National Gallery .

Note if art and museums is more your thing, you might want to schedule a visit to the British Museum in this itinerary. From Trafalgar Square it’s a 20 minute walk or a 12 minute tube ride to one of London’s most famous (and free) museums.

5. Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End

From Buckingham Palace you could either stroll up the Mall, or head back towards Westminster Abbey, and go up Whitehall. I’d advise the latter, and not least because one of the Harry Potter London locations is nearby .

Going up Whitehall takes you through the heart of government in Britain, and you’ll pass right by 10 Downing Street. Don’t be upset if you miss it though, you can’t actually see the famous door from the street.

As you walk along Whitehall you’ll find yourself passing the Cenotaph, one of Britain’s most well-known war memorials . You’ll also pass the Horse Guards, where you can get photos of the, well, Horse Guards atop their horses, before finally arriving at Trafalgar Square.

This is home to Nelson’s Monument and the National Gallery, and a photo with one of the lions is pretty much mandatory. From here, you’re an easy walk to the West End, home to the famous covered market of Covent Garden and a number of London’s most well-known theatres.

If you have time, you might now consider visiting the excellent Transport Museum in Covent Garden, where you can learn all about the history of London’s transport system. Alternatively, you can just take in a free show from one of the street entertainers here.

This is also where you’ll find Leicester Square, which is famous as where major films are first shown in the UK.

Here you might want to take in a show to round off your day in London – we can recommend the Mousetrap , the world’s longest running stage show in the world!

6. Visit a Decent London Pub

It’s not all hard work and sightseeing, you know. When you’re in London, you really should take the time to experience a truly British experience – a pub.

Enjoy a pint of something exotically named hand-pulled from a wooden handle, and marvel as to how the decor is likely not to have changed for a good couple of hundred years.

If you’re hungry, try out an English classic like fish and chips or steak and ale pie, and rejoice at how much of London you were able to see in one day.

If you’ve gotten to this point and think the idea of focusing on the pubs of London is more your scene, check out this walking tour which does just that.

Map of 1 Day London Itinerary

To help you visualise the above we’ve put it into a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Getting Around and Saving Money in London

For the day in London as described above, getting around by foot is entirely feasible – contrary to public opinion, central London is perfectly walkable. If you’re not so into walking though, then London is very well served by public transport.

The cheapest way to use that is with an Oyster card, a pre-pay system which works out much cheaper than paying for tickets, and available at nearly every transport hub. You can also use a contactless credit card or a device which supports contactless payments.

We have a detailed guide to using the London transport network here which covers all your options.

In terms of visiting attractions, a number of London sights are free, including some of the top museums like the Tate Modern.

However, places like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, and St. Pauls Cathedral aren’t free, and if you think you’re going to be visiting a few sights, then you have a couple of options for saving money.

First is the  London Pass , a sight-seeing pass that gives you access to over 80 top attractions across the city.

From those listed on this page, the London Pass includes the Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, View from the Shard, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Transport Museum.

If you plan on visiting all those attractions (we’d suggest either the London Eye or the Shard rather than both though), the entry fees as of April 2024 would be around £153 per person (assuming you pick either the Shard or the London Eye, it would be even more if you visited both!).

A 1 day London Pass currently costs £114, so that would save you around £39 per person. It also saves you the hassle of having to book separate tickets for each attraction or joining long ticket lines on site.

Check our full review and guide to the London Pass to see if it’s for you.

The second option we recommend is the GoCity London Explorer Pass . This lets you pick and choose from a set of attractions. You can choose to go to 2, 3, 5 or 7 attractions from the selection of over 60 attractions.

We think that both of these passes can save you money in London, the difference is largely down to which attractions you want to see, and how many attractions you want to see.

Get your London Pass online from the official site here .

What about a walking tour of London?

If you’d prefer to have a guide for all or part of your day in London, who can share with you some of the history of this city as well as more local knowledge and insights, then we can recommend this London in a Day tour .

This tour covers nearly everything we have in our one-day London itinerary, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Changing of the Guard, and Westminster Abbey.

It’s a full day tour, but we think is one of the better options if you would prefer an escorted experience and the input of a guide.

We’ve used the tour company “ Take Walks ” for walking tours around the world, and have always had a positive experience, and are happy to recommend this tour . They also have a number of other tours in London that are worth checking out.

Another option we suggest are  these tours by City Wonders , they offer a wide range of tours in London, from introductory tours through to more detailed and specific tours.

They also offer attraction entry to most of the attractions in this list if you want to book items individually. Definitely a good one-stop shop for your London trip planning.

Harry Potter fans will want to check out this guided tour of Harry Potter filming locations in London .

We have a full guide to some of the best walking tours in London , which is also worth reviewing if you are interested in a walking tour while you are in the city.

Where to Go After Your Day in London – Day Trips & More

We’re often asked where to head to from London after this itinerary is over, or just for suggestions on good day trips from London.

We’ve done quite a  few day trips from London, including a day trip to Oxford and a day trip to Stonehenge from London , and we wanted to share some ideas, for both day trips from the city and longer trips to see more of the country.

• Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds are really popular destinations, and you can easily do these together as part of a day trip from London. This tour features all of those destinations, as well as Windsor Castle. It even includes lunch!
• Lovers of Downton Abbey will want to visit Highclere Castle where the show was filmed. See our guide to visiting Highclere Castle , which includes tips for visiting as a day trip from London, then check out this tour .
• A tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford . Three popular destinations from London that you can visit as part of a day trip. Also see my guide to visiting Oxford from London for more ideas.
• A private tour down to Portsmouth . This is a good tour for those of you with an interest in naval history and/or visiting a lovely English seaside city. Also see our guide to things to do in Portsmouth for more ideas.
• For a longer trip, check out my 10 day UK itinerary by public transport , which starts with a couple of days in London, but then has you touring some highlights of the rest of the country. We also have 1 week and 2 week self drive itineraries .
• Visiting Paris as a day trip from London is a popular option as well, and with the Eurostar train direct from central London to Paris in around 2 hours, this can even be done as a day trip. You can either do this yourself, booking train tickets here , or you can take a day tour like  this one . See our guide to spending a day in Paris for sightseeing tips.
• If you want to take a longer guided tour from London and see more of the UK, we recommend  this small group tour , which takes eight days to take you from London to Edinburgh.

Hopefully these give you a starting point for the next stage in your trip!

Where to Stay in London

If you’re planning on spending the night in London, you have no shortage of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury five star properties.

For this itinerary, we’d suggest placing yourself fairly centrally if you can, to minimise travel time. For a short stay like this, we’d definitely recommend using booking.com to book your property – whilst we love apartment rentals, we think they are less sensible for a whistle stop visit.

For examples of properties at different price points that are centrally located, here are some options:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• The Resident Victoria Hotel – a well reviewed and centrally located hotel offering excellent value for money
• The Savoy – true luxury as close to the city centre as you can get!

Generally when searching for somewhere to stay our first choice is booking.com. They’re easy to use, usually have the best prices, and have everything from hotels to hostels , guest-houses and even apartments . Try them for London and see!

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend either Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide doesn’t have quite so many choices, but they carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their listings for London here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB which you should check out!

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

We also have a complete guide to where to stay in London . That has over 60 recommendations for where to stay across a number of areas in London for all budgets. It also has tips on which neighbourhoods to stay in and things to know before booking a property. Well worth a read.

Practicalities for Visiting London

Electricity in London is of the 220v standard, with a three pin plug that isn’t found in too many other countries. Travellers from most of the rest of the world, including mainland Europe and the US will need an adapter like this .

In addition, US travellers will need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter.

As a general rule, we have found that laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

London uses the British pound, which is accepted across the British Isles. You can get Pounds from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency.

If you do use a credit or debit card, just make sure it doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees or have a poor currency conversion rate. There are a number of excellent credit cards for travellers, and it’s always worth checking to be sure you have a good deal before travelling and racking up unexpected fees.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city, including in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. These are usually excellent value as data rates in the UK are very competitive.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water 

The water in the taps in London is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like this to save on having to buy water bottles.

London is a safe city in our experience, although as with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home. If you’re going to use a taxi, make sure you use a licensed operator such as a black cab.

Further Reading on Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third party content we think you’ll find useful in planning what to do in London, as well as the wider UK.

• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations
• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing.
• Spending more time in London? Check out our itinerary for spending two days in London , as well as our detailed itineraries for 3 days in London and 6 days in London .
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• A guide to public transport options in London , as well as the best ways to pay for public transport in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Jess’s guide to a 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• A detailed London packing list to help you pack
• A guide to getting into central London from all London’s airports
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that sums up our idea of the perfect one day in London! Have you visited London? What would your perfect day look like. Let us know in the comments below!

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Leeroy Jenkins says

22nd August 2023 at 8:11 am

This is the best guide I’ve found in looking for how to hoof it around London in a day. Exactly the itinerary I was looking for and practical guidance and helpful tips. Thank you, we are there tomorrow!

Laurence Norah says

22nd August 2023 at 8:52 am

Thanks very much Leeroy! Have a great time and remember, stick with your team and watch out for dragons 😉

Ajitabh Gupta says

1st January 2023 at 10:26 pm

Hi there , this is a fantastic itinerary. Thanks for putting this together . We have a 12 hour layover at Heathrow and we are planning to book a private car for the entire duration. We land at 9 am on Sunday with return flight at 8:55 pm same Day. Will you suggest any changes to the itinerary since we will have a private taxi for the entire duration, if so , what ? Thanks in advance

3rd January 2023 at 4:39 pm

Hi Ajitabh,

It’s my pleasure! So I think you should have plenty of time with a vehicle. Traffic into and around London can be a bit slow, I’d estimate you’re looking at around an hour each way from Heathrow conservatively. But this should give you time to see the highlights as described. The only recommendation I might have it to do the itinerary in reverse. Depending on the day and how long it takes you to clear customs, you might make it to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard in the morning. Then you can work your way through the sights in reverse and finish at the Tower of London. I believe it is still recommended to book timed entry for the Tower of London, so if you do that for the afternoon you don’t need to worry about getting there by a certain time in the morning, which could be stressful. I’d also recommend booking a timeslot for the London Eye / Shard if you plan on visiting one of those.

Other than that though, have a great trip!

Kelly Powell-Smith says

15th August 2022 at 6:27 pm

These are great tips! Thank you for posting them. My daughter and I will have a full day in London (plus the afternoon we arrive) and are looking at this one day itinerary and it seems perfect. High on our list of things to do are Tower of London, London Eye, and Westminster Abbey. I think we will start at the Tower of London when it opens at 9 am. Estimating about 2 hours there as you suggest. If we take the walking route shown, about how long might it be before we arrive at the London Eye? Trying to buy tickets in advance so trying to guess arrival time. Same for the Abbey. Thinking we’d do the latest afternoon tour and then stay for Evensong since there will be one of those services on that day. Thank you for any tips you can share.

16th August 2022 at 9:13 am

Thanks very much! So if you take the route I suggest, which crosses Tower Bridge and follows the South Bank, it’s about a 55 minute walk. However, you are going to see quite a few things along the way, including Tower Bridge from various angles, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and the Golden Hind ship. These will probably all have you stopping and taking photos, so I’d suggest planning for a 1.5 hour trip just to be on the safe side.

Then from the Eye to Westminster Abbey is a 15 minute walk, but again, you’ll be going past the Houses of Parliament, so I’d recommend planning for 30 minutes.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help 🙂

27th September 2021 at 4:50 pm

Wow, you’re quick! Thank you Laurence, I appreciate your help.

We (my mom and me) fly to London Stansted around midnight and from there have a transfer to Victoria. We’re not staying at any hotel, but have an evening flight back, so have to transfer back to the airport from Victoria around 4pm, so basically we have 15 hours or so to spare. Unfortunately most of it is at night 🙁 We have only our backpacks, no other baggage, so that’s good. I’m so afraid we’re not going to see much and walk in circles or be late for the transfer back to the airport.

I thought we could first go from Victoria to walk around Soho and China town, then maybe to St Paul’s Cathedral and through Tower Bridge toward Tate Modern – but it opens at 10, so we have several hours to get there… After that I was thinking London Eye & Big Ben and, since it would be after 10am – The National Gallery, Buckingham Palace and back to Victoria.

What do you think?

27th September 2021 at 6:39 pm

It’s my pleasure 🙂

Ok, so that sounds pretty full on! Unfortunately, yes, London is going to be mostly closed. Obviously late night bars and clubs will be open, but other than that the sights will be closed. SoHo will be pretty lively I expect as there are a lot of bars and things there. Overall your plan sounds pretty good, as long as you don’t mind spending a fair amount of time with not too much open. You will at least see a side of London that is less seen, especially in the early hours of the morning! Should be an experience 😀

Let me know if I can help any more! I think you’ll have more than enough time to do everything you want 🙂

27th September 2021 at 11:45 am

Hi! How are you?

What free attractions do you recommend? And what could I see at night? I’m arriving at Victoria Coach Station at midnight and go back home from the same station around 4PM, so I have some time to sightsee but I don’t really know how to schedule all that 🙁 I would really appreciate your help!

Thank you so so much in advance

27th September 2021 at 12:59 pm

Good to hear from you! So I’m not sure from your message if you are planning to sleep somewhere or just sightsee. At midnight pretty much all the attractions will be closed in London until the following morning, although you can of course see the outside of all the sights. So I’d probably suggest sleeping until the morning and then getting up quite early and sightseeing. I’d suggest staying near the coach station so you can get to and from your accommodation, and ensure to pick somewhere that lets you store any bags you have as well as one which has late check in.

From the Victoria Coach station area you could easily follow our route in reverse if you just wanted to see sights from the outside. So that could include Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden, London Eye, South Bank, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

In terms of free attractions, it depends on your interests. I like the science museum, V&A museum and Natural History Museum, which are all close to each other in Kensington. The Tate Modern is good if you like modern art, and the Museum of London is awesome to learn about the history of the city.

I hope this helps a bit, let me know if I can provide any more input! Have a great trip!

David Bunting says

22nd September 2021 at 11:12 pm

Hi me and my wife are coming down to London in October we are trying to plan a good tour to see the sights I’ve just seen your walking tour in one day and it’s just what we are looking for we are staying in kings cross and would get the tube to the start point and walk it to finish up in convent garden area we are not planning on spending much but may do London eye or shard we may do a river cruise but we like to walk and take in the sights how far from start to finish is your walk if we start between 10 and 11 taking it steady calling for a couple of drinks and maybe the attractions I’ve mentioned would we be round for mid afternoon maybe or would it take longer we may not use the attractions we may just take the sights on foot we enjoy just walking your walk plan I think is ideal for us I think we will see all we want in the walk I hope you can help me it will be much appreciated. Cheers. David

23rd September 2021 at 9:50 am

So the total walking time you are looking at on this route is about 2 hours. I’d also recommend when you get to the Tate Modern, to cross over the millenium bridge and take a look at St. Pauls Cathedral. It only adds five minutes walk to the trip but is well worth the detour.

Obviously, depending on how long you stop to look at attractions / have a drink or two, the journey will take longer, but I’d say if you started around 10am you’d definitely be able to do this by mid-afternoon.

Have a great time in London, let me know if you have any more questions!

Deana Rasberry says

7th January 2020 at 4:09 am

I have been reading all your lovely suggestions and that is great information to have. I am planning a first time trip to London in May and arriving at 0900 in Heathrow and staying at Accor hotel right near that airport. My question is I have the full day from arriving to 7:30 where I booked tickets to see WICKED at Apollo Victoria Theatre, but in terms of sites to see in which order would you recommend with that event in mind? The morning after I fly ( on 16th) back to States. Its just one full day in London after 3 weeks around Europe, I am departing out of Heathrow so decided to arrive one day before. Thanks for your time in advance and look forward to suggestions. I already down loaded the LONDON city mapper for trans options….. wanted to see much as possible including Piccadilly and maybe Abbey Road studios.

7th January 2020 at 3:16 pm

I would actually say that the order in the itinerary should work just fine for you. The only change I might make would be to switch the last two stops around, but only if you don’t want to go inside Westminster Abbey. This is because the abbey closes fairly early, so if you get here late you will only be able to enjoy the outside (which is also magnificent). Otherwise, the rest of the itinerary should work fine in the order it is in, as the theatre is near Westminster Abbey 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help, and have a lovely time in London,

7th January 2020 at 5:14 pm

Osum!! Thank you For all the advice. I appreciate them. Deana

8th January 2020 at 11:56 am

My pleasure!

1st January 2020 at 7:15 pm

Such a helpful overview of 1-day in London! And one short ‘day’ is all we have. To make the most of our time I’m wondering if you can help fine tune our itinerary plan.

We arrive at Heathrow at 8pm on a Sat night in Sept, and fly out on Sun at 5pm. Given the relatively late arrival we’re wondering which neighbourhood we should stay in. We’re looking for something that would put us in good position to launch into the walking tour the next morning and at the end, be in a good position for picking up the luggage and whisking back to the airport. Accomodation-wise, we’re look for something moderate meaning charm and comfort but not luxury.

Also, are there any parts of the tour or off-tour suggestions that would be conducive to squeezing in 10pm-midnight on Saturday?

Look forward to any further advice you have for us!

Karen & Carla

1st January 2020 at 8:29 pm

Hi Karen & Carla,

Great to hear from you, and thanks very much.

So I would personally suggest staying at a hotel near Paddington train station. We stayed at this one a couple of weeks ago, which was just a five minute walk from the train station, and they held our luggage on our last day with no problem. It’s also a short walk to nearby tube, from where you can easily get to the start of your day. There are quite a few in the area. From Paddington, you can get the Tfl rail service direct to Heathrow for around £10 per person each way, and it takes around 30 minutes. There’s also the Heathrow Express, which is twice as fast and costs twice as much, so it’s up to you!

In terms of what you could squeeze in, obviously most indoor attractions will be closed at the time. However, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square are pleasant to walk at night, and I always love walking across the Thames Bridges near the London Eye at night as it is so pretty and lit up.

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip, and do let me know if I can be of any further assistance!

All the best, and Happy New Year,

2nd January 2020 at 1:06 am

Happy New Year to you as well, Laurence, and wishes for many more happy travels. Thanks for the advice. We’re booked and ready to go. 🙂

2nd January 2020 at 11:20 am

My pleasure – have a great time!

Vijay Patel says

3rd September 2019 at 6:10 am

It’s my dream to visit London for once in my life as I am very fond of places to visit in London. especially, the London Eye. The list of places and other things to do in London is just amazing. London is such an amazing place to reside and visit hence I will be definitely sharing this great blog with my friends and family. I am glad I came across this and thanks for investing time and sharing this informative post with us.

3rd September 2019 at 9:45 am

My pleasure Vijay, thanks for your comment 🙂

7th August 2019 at 11:41 am

These are some fantastic tips which I will definitely be going to follow on my next one day trip to London. And please suggest any of the budget hotels in North London which have all the necessary facilities and close to these attractions. Thanks

7th August 2019 at 8:52 pm

Thanks Ammy!

So the two properties in our list we’d suggest based on your criteria would be:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options

If those don’t work, the linked site should have plenty more options for you 🙂

21st March 2019 at 6:38 am

Hello Laurence, I stumbled upon your posts in Google, I found very helpful tips from your website. I’m thankful for such detailed, well-done posts. It will by our first time in London, I’m nervous because I’m bring my parents and will be there for only a day. Taking Euro Star train from Paris we will arrive Monday May 13, 2019 at St. Pancras @ 8AM and leaving same day at 8PM. Knowing that we won’t have a lot of time and afraid to get lost, your posts have eased somewhat my anxiety.

I’ve been watching other channels on YouTube but yours is the best by far and have met my needs. I saw your 1 day London itinerary & map. London has comes alive to me, I was so happy because I’ve been trying to study the map, city mapper, bus routes…and was so overwhelmed.

We’re on a budget so we’ll take public transportation and will do sightseeing only.

I was planning to take public bus but since you mentioned taking the Tube & River Boat/Bus will save some times from and back to St. Pancras is a great idea.

Is there any way you can give more details of how to take the Tube, bus numbers/routes efficiently for our trip?

I plan to go directly to Buckingham from St. Pancras to watch the changing of the guards then head to Sky Garden and Borough market for lunch. I’m excited to take River Boat and walk to some of your suggested sites as time allows before we head back to St. Pancreas.

Not to be greedy but do you think we can stop by and check out Little Niece on the way back to the train station and call off the day? Hopefully we can visit British Museum as well. .So sad already…

Lastly, will we have trouble of finding public toilets there?

Thanks so much again for your time & people like you to help out others via Internet of travel needs. Annie N.

21st March 2019 at 11:12 am

Thanks for your comment (and e-mail!).

So you have quite a lot of time – 12 hours should give you plenty of time to explore.

In terms of your route, the easiest way to plan a route in London, in my opinion, is just to use Google Maps. It has all the transportation options that you need and will pick the fastest route. Even if you don’t have data, there’s free WiFi available throughout London to help you.

It’s hard to give you an exact route plan as I’m not sure of your overall itinerary. However, from St. Pancras to Buckingham Palace, the best option is going to be the Victoria line ( https://goo.gl/maps/w9C3mATLCHu ).

From there to the Sky Garden you can take the Circle and District Line ( https://goo.gl/maps/nPLm5VNNi1q )

I would definitely advise downloading London as an offline Google Map to your phone, then you will be able to find your way around the streets.

I’m not familiar with Little Niece – where is that?

There are some public toilets in London, so you should be able to find them without too much trouble 🙂

Have a great trip, let me know if I can help any more!

22nd March 2019 at 5:44 am

Thank you Laurence for your quick reply! Sorry I meant Little Venice not Little Niece.

22nd March 2019 at 9:57 am

Ah, that makes sense. So you could try and squeeze that in, although you would be cutting it quite fine with everything else as well 🙂

22nd March 2019 at 6:50 pm

Thanks! One more question please, if we follow your suggested routes and start from St.Pancras to Towel of London…will we make it to watch the changing of the guard in time?

22nd March 2019 at 6:55 pm

The Changing of the Guard usually takes place from 10.45 – 11.30am. From St. Pancras to Buckingham Palace shouldn’t take you more than half an hour. So if you arrive into St. Pancras at 8am you will have more than enough time 🙂 I’d suggest seeing something else on the way. Unfortunately many attractions do not open until 10am, however you could explore Covent Garden and see Trafalgar Square in the meantime.

2nd March 2019 at 8:56 am

Hi, myself, husband and two teens (16 and 17) are visiting London in June for one day. Our first time visiting and feeling anxious. We would like to maybe visit some free places but also do a couple of paid sites. what would you recommend for us, and of interest to the teens. Is your itinerary doable by foot and how far between each site to walk? Thanks in advance

2nd March 2019 at 9:03 am

I understand the anxious feeling of wanting to see everything! I guess I would say that it is definitely possible to see many of the highlights in a day, but not to worry too much about trying to see everything London has to offer in just one day, as it’s a big city with hundreds of attractions! I’d try and focus on a few big items that you really want to see. My suggestions would be things like Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, which are some of the more iconic landmarks in the city.

The itinerary as I have laid it out is do-able on foot yes. You’re probably looking at a total of 2 hours of actual walking, but obviously you will take a lot more time as you’ll be taking pictures and looking at the sights. You’ll also need to get from wherever you are staying to the start and end point.

In terms of paid sites, I would definitely recommend the Tower of London. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and one of the oldest castles in the UK, and there is so much history to learn about here. After that, many of the attractions can be enjoyed from the outside, like the Tower of London and the south bank. You could also pop across the Millenium Bridge from the Tate Modern to visit St. Pauls. Even if you’re not into Modern Art, I can recommend a visit to the Tate Modern as there’s a great view from the balcony.

I hope this helps – do let me know if I can be of any more assistance 🙂

Melissa says

20th January 2019 at 12:52 am

Hello, I’m visiting in March for one day coming in on the Eurostar. What should be my first stop on your list ? And how can i get to it ? Thanks so much

20th January 2019 at 12:07 pm

Hi Melissa!

So the Eurostar arrives at St. Pancras. My suggestion is to follow this itinerary in the order it’s laid out, so your first point of call will be the Tower of London. This is easy to get to from St. Pancras, you just take the Underground. Specifically, you’ll want to take the Circle line (Yellow colour) from St. Pancras in the direction of Liverpool Street, and get off at Tower Hill. It’ll take around 10 minutes.

I hope this helps! I have a using the London transport network here which might be useful too 🙂

Have a great trip!

Kathleen Trakas says

27th January 2019 at 4:10 pm

Hello! My Husband & I also are in Paris for our 3rd trip in December & want to take the Eurostar to London for the day. Reading your suggestions we feel confident we can do your itinerary in just one day- we’re early birds so with this itinerary what train times do you suggest would give us a relaxing but full day? We can catch the 6am train and how long would this all take to get back to the train station without worry?

27th January 2019 at 4:38 pm

Hi Kathleen!

So it’s around a two hour trip to London from Paris, meaning the 6am train will get you in at just after 8am. The only thing to bear in mind is that many of the attractions in London don’t open until after 9am.

To make the most of your time therefore, you might want to reorder the day. I’d suggest starting with some of the outdoor sights like Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the Houses of Parliament first, and then Buckingham Palace. You can then make your way along the south bank past the London Eye, Tate Modern, Golden Hind and HMS Belfast before getting to Tower Bridge, and then seeing the Tower of London.

From the tower of London you can then hop on the tube for the ten minute ride back to St. Pancras, for the train. I’d advise giving yourselves plenty of time for all that, as you’ll likely want to eat at some point as well and not feel rushed, so a train at around 6 or 7pm would be my suggestion.

I hope this helps!

28th January 2019 at 4:55 pm

Thanks so much! Pretty excited to be Headed to London for a day! Cheers!

Helena says

20th December 2018 at 4:28 pm

Heey, I’m going to London with a friend inJanuary. He are arriving sunday at 9am at Gatwick and sleeping somewhere in Enfield and going to Southampton the next day. I enjoyed looking your guide for one day and i would like to ask your opinion on what to do in one day, knowing that the tickets are kinda expensives and we love nature and high-views. Thank you! And good work!

20th December 2018 at 4:39 pm

So are you asking for advice in London? I will assume so 🙂

For views, I would recommend the Sky Garden. It’s free to visit, but you do need to book a timeslot in advance which you can do on their website here . Tickets are released on a Monday for the following week, and they alway go very quickly, so you’ll want to set a calendar reminder. Another good viewpoint can be had in the Tate Modern museum, which is also free 🙂

In terms of more sightseeing, many of the sights and attractions in London are free, such as watching Changing of the Guard, and looking at the outside of the major buildings like Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and so on. So I would advise you to basically follow this itinerary fairly closely, but just to skip any attractions you don’t want to pay to see if budget is a key concern.

For nature, you will likely enjoy a visit to some of the parks, like Hyde Park or Green Park, which are just near Buckingham Palace / Trafalgar Square.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip

Kadeer says

13th December 2018 at 10:12 pm

Hello my family and I are traveling and have one day in London, we fly in to Gatwick at 12 pm and out of Gatwick the next morning at 7 am. We are staying at a hotel close to the airport…. would you recommend any changes or advice for us (kids ages are 11/13/15). I am not sure if we should take uber, train, the express train, or taxi. Also while in London should we do the hop on and off bus?

14th December 2018 at 2:47 pm

So from Gatwick one of the easiest ways to get into London is to take the train (see my full guide to getting to central London from all the airports here ). You can take the Gatwick Express, but these tickets are usually £20 per person each way, so if budget is a consideration i would instead suggest taking the normal train, which has tickets starting at £9.90. You can check ticket prices and times here – it’s always cheaper to buy in advance online, just make sure you get on the train that you buy the ticket for.

In terms of the itinerary, you will definitely have to reduce the sight seeing a bit as you only really have half a day. My suggestion would be to visit Tower Bridge and look at the Tower of London from the outside, then take the tube to Westminster where you can see Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

I hope this helps – have a great time in London!

3rd December 2018 at 1:07 am

family of 4 person , visiting london for one day what tips you suggest for us. thanks alot

3rd December 2018 at 11:05 am

My advice would be to follow the itinerary, but to perhaps slow it down depending on the age and stamina of your family. Certainly, everything is do-able, but in hearing feedback from family travellers, travelling as a family will require you to take things a bit slower (depending on age).

Have a great time!

Amanda says

4th November 2018 at 7:16 am

Your itinerary sounds perfect everything I would love to see! I’ve been so anxious just thinking of how to plan my ONE day in London. Could you provide some tips on where to start the day? I will be arriving in London in the morning about 9 at Heathrow. My departure will be about 11 that evening from Gatwick. I’ll be using your itinerary as my guide. But need tips on how to use my time as efficiently as possible. I also want to make sure I make my flight that evening. Please help!

4th November 2018 at 9:04 am

Hi Amanda! Sounds like you have lots of time to see all the things on my itinerary, but I would suggest in a different order to make it more efficient based on your airport arrival and departure. 🙂 So from Heathrow the cheapest option is to take the tube, you could take this to Leicester Square. From here you can get out and see Trafalgar Square, then walk to the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace – you should be in time to see the Changing of the Guard. From here you can then walk along the south bank of the river, from the London Eye all the way around, past Shakespeare’s Globe and HMS Belfast, the Tate Modern, the Golden Hind etc. You’ll finish near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Then, when you are done you can take the train from London Bridge train station which goes direct to London Gatwick airport 🙂

Hope this helps – have a great day out!

Nandini says

11th August 2018 at 11:55 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica! Thanks so much for the post! Most certainly, It gives a pretty good idea to plan a one-day trip! I will go to London from Birmingham on 31st August and leave on 2nd September. That gives me 1 evening and 1 full day and 1 morning to explore London! Would you please give me any particular suggestion so that I can utilize my stay to the best extent?

13th August 2018 at 9:23 pm

Hey Nandini!

Sounds like a fun trip 🙂 So, it’s a bit hard to give specific advice without knowing your interests, but our general advice would be to figure out what you really want to see, and try to plan your time so you can see them as efficiently as possible. So for example, if you have an evening in London, some attractions such as the London Eye or the Shard are open later, so you can go to them on your first day perhaps. Or you could catch a show. Essentially, try to make the best use of your time as possible whilst you are there 🙂 Hopefully this helps!

Talva Walker says

2nd August 2018 at 8:12 pm

Hi, I’ve been enjoying your post. Very insightful. I’m planning a trip to Paris Aug 31-Sept 5, arriving CDG at 7:20am on Sept 1, staying at the Mercure Paris Alesia. I am planning a day trip to London via EuroRail. Can you please suggest the best travel and sightseeing routes from Paris to London so I can get the most out of my day while in London. Thanks

2nd August 2018 at 8:21 pm

HI Talva, thanks for your comment. Could you just elaborate for me what you need – as you say you are taking the Eurail train, which will put you right in central London, are you looking for a tour guide or a suggested itinerary? There’s only one train option as far as I know, you just have to pick a time that works for you 🙂

8th August 2018 at 9:24 pm

Hi Laurence, thanks for your response. I’m sorry I wasn’t clear. I’m looking to find the best way to spend my day in London allowing time to/from the Eurorail. Is this doable.

9th August 2018 at 2:41 pm

Hey Talva! Well, that makes more sense. This itinerary is definitely do-able in a day but it does depend on what time your train gets in and leaves. If you are looking for the highlights, I’d suggest the Tower of London, walking across Tower Bridge, the London Eye or The Shard for great views, the exterior of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. That should all be very achievable in a day 🙂

11th July 2018 at 4:52 am

Hi, We are planning a trip to England and visit to Scotland and/or Ireland in early August. This may be too optimistic coverage but we have 12 full days. Our flight lands in Gatwick and we come back via Shannon. What is your recommendation? I plan to rent a car after spending 3 days in London.

11th July 2018 at 9:46 am

My advice would be to check out our 2 week UK itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/two-weeks-in-ukmy-perfect-itinerary/ and adjust it slightly to meet your time-frame and particular interests 🙂 We also have 1 week and 10 day UK itineraries, as well as loads of other content on travelling in the UK. So I am sure you will find the answers you need, but I’m always happy to provide further information as well.

Camilla says

1st July 2018 at 6:45 pm

I love the tips! We will be staying in a hotel near Covent Garden and will follow this! Any recommendations for places to eat around the area? I will be travelling with my in-lawsmy parents and my husband, we are not picky with food and we want to try where the locals eat.

3rd July 2018 at 10:30 am

Hey Camilla! Thanks very much 🙂 To be honest, we rarely recommend restaurants as recommendations can go out of date very quickly. Our advice would be to ask at the hotel reception when you get in, or look on Yelp / Google for nearby restaurants or pubs that have good ratings. A good pub meal is a must when visiting London. I would also add that there is a huge volume of visitors to London, as well as a very multi-cultural feel to the city, so most venues will cater to both locals and visitors 🙂

Beccare says

19th May 2018 at 10:38 am

Hello there, I will be heading into the Uk at the ending of this year and I have a list of places I would like to see in one day but not very sure how to see them all. I only have one day for sight seeing unfortunately. I plan on purchasing a one day london pass, the places are: British Museum, St Paul Cathedral, London motor museum, Charles Dickens museum, Globe Theater, Kensington Palace, London Zoo, London Bridge, West Minister Abbey, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The view from the shard.

19th May 2018 at 7:09 pm

Hi Beccare!

I will be honest with you, I think you will struggle to see all of those locations in one day. I think you should be able to see a lot of them, but not all. My suggestion would be to start at the Tower of London, then Tower Bridge, Globe Theater, St. Paul’s cathedral, London Motor Museum and Westminster Abbey. Then head to the shard as that is open later. I think that would be achievable, but still you will have to go quite quickly. Otherwise you will rush so much you won’t see anything so well. I hope this works!

Alma J Saad says

16th May 2018 at 5:05 am

Excellent photographs. particularly the one of the Routemaster transport. Notwithstanding the 9 appeared, one additionally keeps running on the 15 (Heritage) course, which takes guests past numerous traveler spots (Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and so forth.) an incredible method to see London and considerably less expensive than a visitor transport!

17th May 2018 at 9:12 am

Thanks very much Alma!

Mohamed Haikel says

30th March 2018 at 3:35 pm

Im planning a honeymoon trip to europe and london is one of my stops and this article/post has been very helpful in narrowing down my list of places to visit. ill have a full day for sightseeing. Im staying at the Novotel Wembley in London. Any advice or recomendation on where i should start my sightseeing?

30th March 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Mohamed! Congratulations on your wedding 🙂 The easiest way to get around London is to take public transport, so my suggestion would be to take the tube (also known as the underground) from near your hotel. There are two easy options. First would be to take the Metropolitan line from Wembley Park Station to Aldgate Station, and then walk to the Tower of London. Alternatively, and I think my preferred option, would be to take the Jubilee Line from Wembley Park Station to London Bridge Underground Station, and then walk from there. It’s a prettier walk from the latter.

If you need information on getting around London, I have two posts to help, one on how to use the public transport system in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/guide-public-transport-london/

And one on paying for transport in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/pay-public-transport-london-oyster-contactless-best/

Andrea Heys says

26th March 2018 at 6:34 pm

Wow, This is really helpful, thank you. We are 4 ladies (3 Canadians and 1 Brit) staying around the Gatwick area at the end of April 2018. We have one full day and evening to see everything. We would love to see as much as possible (1 lady can’t walk a long way at a time but can rest for a few minutes and then carry on). The Canadians are leaving it up to me, the Brit (but from the North) to show them around. They want to sight-see and then take in a west end show in the evening. Can you recommend a route that can accommodate not too much walking?

26th March 2018 at 6:44 pm

Hi Andrea – delighted that you found the post useful 🙂 I’ll do my best to help out!

From Gatwick (I’m assuming the airport), my advice would be to take the train into central London – specifically London Bridge. This will put you almost directly across the river from the Tower of London, as well as a number of other great London sights (HMS Belfast, St. Pauls Cathedral & Tower Bridge). So a good place to start.

I’d then suggest after seeing all that you want in that area, that you take the River Bus service from either Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier, and go to Westminster Pier. It’s pretty cost effective, and is a good way to see London from the water 🙂 Then you’ll be in the heart of Westminster, right next to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the Churchill War Rooms, and whatever else you want to see in that area. You could also do the London Eye quite easily. Then, from Westminster it’s a short walk up Whitehall past 10 Downing St to Trafalgar Square, from where you have your pick of the shows.

Hopefully that all makes sense! I wouldn’t advise doing everything in the comment, obviously pick and choose what you’re interested in. IF you are interested in going in a few of the different attractions, definitely check out the London Pass (linked in the post) to see if the cost savings make it a benefit to you.

Have an amazing time – do pop back and let me know how it went!

29th March 2018 at 3:37 pm

Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll definitely let you know what we chose. This is great information and I heard about the London pass so we’ll check it out. This is a fantastic website that I’ll be recommending to all I know in Canada. Great information about London. Thank you again ?

29th March 2018 at 4:19 pm

My pleasure Andrea – and thanks very much!

Dale Fisher says

25th March 2018 at 2:50 pm

Your itinerary sounds perfect since we are staying for one day. We, husband and two daughters 21 & 23, leave in a few days and I will use your itinerary. We are staying at the London Arch so should I still start my day at the Tower of London? What if I begin at Westminster Pier and take the River Cruise to the Tower? I have pre booked tickets to the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. I plan to do it all walking. I value any opinions. Thank you!! Dale

25th March 2018 at 3:02 pm

Glad to be of help! It’s really up to you. From Marble Arch, it would probably make the most sense to go in the following order:

Buckingham Palace Westminster Abbey / Houses of Parliament River cruise or walk along south bank to Tower of London Tower of London Then you could either take public transport back or the river cruise again.

Alternatively you could take public transport to the Tower of London, and then the itinerary would finish near Buckingham Palace and be quite close to where you are staying 🙂

25th March 2018 at 3:23 pm

Thank you!! This was extremely helpful! We arrive the day before and have the evening free, any suggestions to make the most of our evening? All the best, Dale

25th March 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure! There are a few options, you could try one of the following;

Take in a West End London Show (there are many to choose from, we know the Lion King is very popular!) Take a ride on the London Eye at sunset or head up the Shard for great views Pop out for a meal or a drink – there are so many dining and drinking options we don’t think you’ll struggle to find somewhere

simon harding says

26th November 2015 at 9:00 am

beautiful photos. especially the one of the routemaster bus. In addition to the 9 shown, one also runs on the 15 (Heritage) route, which takes visitors past many tourist spots (Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral etc.) a great way to see London and much cheaper than a tourist bus!

Claudia Luxembourg says

6th August 2015 at 11:43 am

You got it covered! I know London so well that whenever people visit me I take them on my very personal walking tour. I usually start in Covent Garden, walk to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, then head to Trafalgar Square where we stop at the National Gallery. Keep on to Buckingham Palace and then continue to Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster. Then I go to the British Museum too. I taylor it depending on what people are interested in. But it usually works fine. It is an amazing city. I also love Chiswick. Perhaps my fav. part of London!!

Laurence says

7th September 2015 at 9:11 am

That’s one of my favourite routes 😀 I lived in Covent Garden for a couple of years, love that part of town!

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How to Spend Three Days in London: An Efficient, Fun-Filled Itinerary!

Last Updated: October 31, 2023

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Whether you’re deliberating how to allocate your calories or your hours, deciding how to spend three days in London is a stressful first world problem that I’m all too familiar with.

After all, this is London – a city with so many museums, you could spend 6 months visiting a new one every day… a city with more restaurants than some countries have people… a city where 8 million residents speak over 300 languages, and there’s so many trees that by UN definition, it is a literal forest.

The point is: (Greater) London is so vast and so dense with things to see that even a lifetime wouldn’t be enough.

But hey, some London is better that Lond-none, and for those with only three days, I’ve created this unique 3 Day London itinerary to help you maximize your time.

This labour of love (based on over a dozen trips to England’s annoyingly handsome capital) uses a flexible format with sights organized by neighbourhood, and multiple options for activities, ensuring you have time to do what you actually like.

After all, London is a city with something for everyone, so why waste time staring at paintings of men in powdered wigs when you’d rather be eating vampire-themed pizza or playing Japanese Bingo?

… I told you, London really has everything.

So, keep scrolling for my fun-filled itinerary for spending three days in London. From touristy musts to more offbeat picks, it’ll help ensure you’ve Lon- done the city justice.

Save this 3 Day London Itinerary for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

Getting Around During Your Three Days in London

If you’ve read my article on what not to do in London , you’ll know that my recommended way to get around is combining public transport and walking.

That’s why for this itinerary, I’d recommend taking the Tube to get between neighbourhoods, and exploring on foot from there. A few tips for London’s public transport:

• Download the CityMapper app – it’s much more accurate than Google Maps in terms of routes/real-time updates
• Download offline maps/routes if you need to – odds are you will not get service of any kind while on the Tube
• Grab an Oyster Card for public transport from any of the machines at transport stations, rather than just using your contactless credit card. This will save you quite a bit of money!

There is zero need to rent a car, but the occasional taxi for getting between neighbourhoods might be a worthwhile splurge if it’s not a traffic-heavy time. Don’t skip out on walking though – you see way more and your toned calves will be thanking you.

Now that you know how to get around, it’s time to get started with the day to day breakdown of our 3 Days in London itinerary.

Day 1: Central London – the Classics

For the first day of our 3 Day London Itinerary, we’ll be tackling some of London’s most iconic sights, immortalized by pop culture and generic IKEA wall art across the world.

From devouring your first ‘fry-up’ to pillaging the City of Westminster for landmarks, this is an action-packed day that ends with enjoying London’s #1 entertainment district: Soho. Get excited!

MONEY SAVING TIP: If you plan on doing a lot of ticketed tourist attractions while in London, it may be worth your while to purchase a London Pass. Using one smartly can save you hundreds of GBP, which sounds like a lot of sausage rolls if you ask me.

Breakfast: Inhale a Full English

Let’s kickstart your visit to London properly by indulging in the what is possibly the most stunning culinary innovation pioneered by the English: the full English, an indulgent breakfast consisting of thick slabs of bacon, eggs, juicy sausage, baked beans, a tomato and mushroom for health, and plenty of toast (or fried bread) drenched in butter to soak up every last bit of your tasty heart attack.

Some places even add a patty of fried blood (AKA black pudding) for good measure. Yum!

A good fry-up is practically religion at this point in England, with entire Facebook groups dedicated to posting and rating each other’s full English breakfasts.

As such, fry-ups are just as easy to find in London as confused tourists and souvenir shops selling Queen corgi merch. 

I’d recommend you start your day off by finding a tasty fry-up near your accommodation, but here are some well-known spots for it close to our next stop, Buckingham Palace: 

• Regency Cafe : Very well-known, affordable spot that’s super popular with tourists – been around since 1946, so they’re clearly doing something right.
• Any Wetherspoons pub : Cheap, no-frills chain of pubs that’s a “go to” for many Brits across the UK – main draw is their scarily quick service and bottomless coffee/hot drinks for less than £2. Their full English is pretty standard, but good, and most importantly: cheap.

10:30am (or earlier): Buckingham Palace

Alright, now that you’re fed and the hanger has been pushed aside for just a little bit, it’s time to brave one of the most touristic experiences in your London three day itinerary: the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, a tradition that dates back over 500 years.

This is of course the formal ceremony during which the iconic red decked soldiers of Buckingham Palace switch out shifts, swapping a ‘New Guard’ in for an ‘Old Guard’. While it’s really just a shift swap like you’d have at any other place of work, this place of work happens to be Buckingham Palace, so there’s plenty more pomp and excitement to it than your standard tag-out.

There’s choreography, there’s music, and it’s overall a grand ol’ time, especially when they whip out unexpected hits like the Game of Thrones theme song.

NOTE: Contrary to popular belief, the Changing of the Guards does NOT take place every day, so be sure to check the schedule here to confirm that it’s happening.

Do I think the Changing of the Guards is a must-do in London? Truth be told, it took me 6 trips to London before I ever saw the full thing. On one hand, it’s good fun and does feel like a quintessentially ‘London’ experience that belongs on a London itinerary, but on the other hand, it’s very crowded, very busy, and you could probably just watch the whole thing on YouTube.

But hey, if the Changing of the Guards is something you wanted to do, then it’s good to tackle it first, when excitement is still high and you’re not yet done with sweating amidst your fellow tourist brethren.

And if this experience doesn’t sound like your jam, no sweat (heh). There is plenty more to do in the area. Here it is on YouTube.

Morning: Explore Westminster

Bordering Buckingham Palace, you’ll find the next stop of our 3 Day London Itinerary: Westminster.

When it comes to “touristy London”, this area is like an all you can gram buffet. 

While synonymous with government affairs (PM residence 10 Downing St and the Houses of Parliament can both be found here), Westminster is also dense with iconic London sights, immortalized over the years by news and popular media.

In this scenic sliver of London, tourists like you and I can feast their eyes on a royal wedding venue (Westminster Abbey), the world’s most famous clock tower (Elizabeth Tower, often erroneously called Big Ben), the largest Catholic Church in the UK (Westminster Cathedral), and a number of famous attractions and sights like Churchill’s War Rooms, Whitehall, and St James Park. The London Eye and Trafalgar Square are both also within close proximity.

So, for this portion of your itinerary, it’s time to explore Westminster and all its touristic delights.

One of the most efficient ways to do this is by booking a tour.

I did a walking tour on my very first trip to London and didn’t regret it one bit! The route we followed was very similar to the one offered by this company, and it was THE best introduction to Westminster.

If you want to get a bit more mileage in, then a bike tour like this one would also be a great idea.

If you’re feeling like a strong independent tourist who don’t need no guide , then you can DIY your own tour on foot. Here are some sights to make sure you don’t miss:

• Westminster Cathedral
• Buckingham Palace
• St James’s Palace + St James’s Park
• Trafalgar Square
• Westminster Abbey
• The Houses of Parliament
• Elizabeth Tower (and Big Ben!)

Lunch: Grab a Meal Deal

After feeding your phone with photos and filling your eyes with sights, it’s your stomach’s turn.  

You have a packed itinerary today, so a quick lunch on-the-go is most ideal. If you’re starting to feel hungry, now is the time to indulge in yet another English culinary institution: the most miraculous and venerable Meal Deal.

Meal Deals are set ‘combos’ you can get at a variety UK chains like Boots and Tesco’s. The premise is this: for a small set price (usually less than £5), you can get a main, a drink, and a snack.

Compared to the eye gouging prices found elsewhere in London, this is practically free. Little wonder why it’s so popular among the office lunch crowd, and yes, in case you’re wondering, they have Facebook groups for rating these too.

I’d recommend grabbing a Meal Deal and sitting down somewhere scenic (with plenty of people watching) to enjoy and refuel. Not only is it cheap, it’s a cultural experience in and of itself.

For inspo, here’s a quick peek at some of my proudest Meal Deals over the years:

Afternoon: Shamelessly Touristy Activity 

Alright, after inhaling your lunch, for your first afternoon in London, I’d recommend continuing your tourist streak with one or two main attractions that pique your interest.

As for which ones exactly, you’ll find some ideas below.

From Westminster, you’re within a stone’s throw of many of London’s most beloved tourist attractions. Now is the time to pick one you like and sightsee your heart out.

Some free options in the vicinity of Westminster include:

• The National Gallery : Western European Paintings galore housed in an iconic building on Trafalgar Square
• The National Portrait Gallery (yes, they’re different!) : The world’s first and most extensive gallery dedicated solely to portraits of important people
• Tate Britain : Famous art museum specializing in British art (one of four “Tates” in England)

Some paid options in/around Westminster include:

• Buckingham Palace State Rooms | Buy Tickets (Summer Only): A rare chance to take a peek at the interior of Buckingham Palace, famed swanky digs of the Queen.
• Houses of Parliament Tour | Buy Tickets : A private tour that lets you see the inside of London’s Houses of Parliament, site of many a hot political debate and scandal.
• Westminster Abbey | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : A stunning Gothic church that has been the site of many coronations and royal weddings over its many centuries of existence.
• Churchill War Rooms | Buy Tickets : A set of museums that allow you to explore the underground complex where the British government had their command centre during WWII, plus a museum dedicated to the life of famous British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.
• Thames River Cruise | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : A scenic cruise along the River Thames that lets you experience London from a new perspective.
• London Dungeon | Buy Tickets : A 90 minute walkthrough attraction that showcases Medieval London in all its gruesome glory.
• London Transport Museum | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : A unique museum that showcases the relationship between public transport and the growth of London as we know it today.

Or, if you’d be into a fun experience rather than paying for an attraction, some neat experiences you could book include: 

• Afternoon Tea on a Double Decker Bus | Book in Advance
• Afternoon Tea on a Thames River Cruise | Book in Advance

Optional Sunset Stop: London Eye (or along the Thames)

Buy Tickets 

If by now, you’re not crawling around the streets of London, waving a white fanny pack in surrender, then it sounds like you might have energy yet for another touristy London classic: the London Eye!

If it fits with your schedule, I’d recommend timing the London Eye for sunset because this city becomes impossibly beautiful during golden hour.

If not, then feel free to perch along the Thames for a free view, or have a rest before moving onto your next stop.

Evening: Soho 

Soho is a neighbourhood best explored after the sun has gone down, with an exciting vibrancy thanks to its status as the entertainment hub of London.

It seems only fitting that Soho is a gift brought to the world by infamous King of excess: Henry VIII, who developed the area out of farmland way back in the 16th century. A lot has changed in the centuries since, with Soho wearing multiple hats over the years, from park and aristocratic neighbourhood to seedy red light district and now today: an exciting hub of food, culture, and entertainment.

There’s a million and one possible ways to spend an evening in Soho. If you’re into theatre, catching a show on the West End is a must, but there’s many more options than that.

So here are some suggestions for things to do during your evening in Soho:

• Explore Covent Garden, a vibrant shopping and entertainment area with tons of restaurants, shops, buskers, and of course the beautiful & historic Apple Market. Don’t miss the colourful Neal’s Yard while you’re there!
• Check Leicester Square/Picadilly Circus off your tourist bucket list with a quick look, but no need to spend too much time here – it’s mainly tourist traps and souvenir shops
• Stroll down Carnaby Street, a pedestrianized shopping area famous for being the centre of London fashion scene in the 60s – these days there’s tons of shops, but most importantly, it’s beautifully lit at night
• Check out Chinatown (which is gorgeous at night with its many lanterns) and get some food or dessert
• Nab a bite at Kingly Court, then grab a drink at Cahoots , a vintage train themed cocktail bar 
• Enjoy cocktails at a speakeasy ( Disrepute is a popular choice)
• Do some outrageous mini golf at Swingers , where there’s an unlimited booze option

Of course, while you’re here, it’d be rude not to have some dinner.

In Soho, you’ll find the answer to every craving, whether it’s a luxuriously opulent spot where every table has a button for champagne (Bob Bob Ricard), a glamorous restaurant where you pee in egg-shaped pods (Sketch) or something shamelessly commercial like a good old fashioned Cinnabon.

Here are some unique dining experiences in and around Soho:

• Circolo Popolare : A stunning Italian restaurant decorated with thousands of bottles serving classic Italian trattoria fare
• Ave Mario : Another gorgeous Italian spot (sister restaurant to Circolo Popolare) with a classic Italian menu
• Inamo Covent Garden : Pan-Asian restaurant where there are interactive tables that you can order and draw on while playing games
• Bob Bob Ricard : British-Russian cuisine served in a striking and opulent space with a (rather famous) button at every table you press to bring you champagne. Unnecessary lavishness at its finest!
• Sketch :  Famous space in Mayfair with 5 eateries known for its eye-catching interiors and inventive ‘New French’ cuisine

Or, if you’re just looking for a tasty bite and not necessarily anything fancy, Tonkotsu (and Kanada-Ya close ish by) do great ramen, and Island Poké is nice for a quick poké bowl.

After your evening shenanigans in Soho, it’s time to head back for a good night’s rest. Not to be dramatic, but your three day London adventure is only just getting started.

Day 2: City of London + Side Quest

Did you know that the official ‘City of London’ is only about one square mile? On Day 2 of our itinerary, we’ll be tackling this central district, along with the myriad of famous sights in its vicinity (including lunch at the oh so delicious Borough Market).

Sprinkled with some afternoon/evening adventures in London’s cool kid neighbourhoods of Camden and Shoreditch, and you have just about the perfect London day. Grab some caffeine – you’ll need it.

Breakfast: Get a view 

Good morning, starshine. The earth says hello!

What better way to kick off Day 2 of this 3 Day London itinerary than with a great view?

London is a city of incredible viewpoints, and while I would happily spend my entire three days in London drooling from the top of very high buildings, I realize that’s not a reasonable ask for someone with only 72 hours to work with in one of the most incredible cities in the world.

So let’s compromise by doing at least one.

Why do I recommend hitting up a nice viewpoint in the morning? First, it’s just a nice way to start the day and get your bearings over this gorgeous city you’re exploring. Second, viewpoints tend to be less busy in the morning. Tend to. 

Where should you go in the City of London to get amazing views? 

• Sky Garden | Book Tickets : Book a sunrise ticket which includes a hot drink + pastry for only 5.50
• Duck and Waffle | Book a Table : Open 24/7 with a relatively affordable breakfast menu
• The Garden at 120 | First Come, First Serve : Free viewpoint that opens at 10, you can bring your own food/drink

Morning: Walk along the Thames

After enjoying the views of London from above, it’s time to admire London at street level. Or, river level, I guess… with one of my favourite free and touristy but oh so worthwhile activities: a romanticized stroll along the Thames! 

Where you begin your stroll will depend on where you’ve decided to enjoy your morning view, but my favourite stretch is between Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge.

Keeping in mind our lunch stop will be Borough Market, I would recommend walking a Thameside loop starting from Tower Bridge (on the Tower of London side) towards Millennium Bridge, then over the bridge and along the Thames, cutting over to Borough Market just before you hit London Bridge again.

Some landmarks to take note of along the way while you follow this route include…

• Tower Bridge: A striking Neo-gothic bridge often mistaken for ‘London Bridge’, built between 1886 and 1894 and probably one of the most famous sights in the city.
• Tower of London: A historic castle dating back almost 1000 years that has served as both a royal residence and prison. Today it houses the Crown Jewels, but there are some regular folks who live inside too, like this TikToker.
• London Bridge (hopefully not falling down): A fairly unremarkable bridge famous mainly for its name and song. Today’s concrete/steel iteration dates back only to the 70s, though there has been a bridge on this site for centuries.
• (via a quick detour) Monument to the Great Fire of London: A 200ft column with a nice viewing platform that commemorates a terrible four day fire in 1666 that destroyed much of London… but also celebrates the city’s reconstruction, so it’s not all that depressing.
• Saint Paul’s Cathedral: An iconic late 17th century cathedral that serves as mother church of Diocese of London ft. a 365ft dome that’s one of the tallest in the world. Gorgeous inside and out!
• Millennium Bridge: A cool pedestrianized steel bridge that tried to first open up in the year 2000, but was promptly shut down as people complained about swaying/instability on opening day. It took two years for them to figure it out, but now I can vouch it’s stable (and very photogenic!)
• Shakespearean’s Globe: A reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre built in 1599 (AKA the playhouse Shakespeare wrote many of his plays for) which today hosts tours and of course, Shakespeare productions.
• Tate Modern: A free art museum that showcases modern and contemporary art… but most importantly has a GREAT view from its top floor viewing terrace.

NOTE: If any of these attractions call to you, now would also be a nice time to check them out more thoroughly so you don’t need to double back later… but if you’re like me and prefer to get your bearings first, then fret not, the afternoon is designated “attraction touring time”.

Lunch: Borough Market 

After that lengthy but scenic walk, you’ve earned your ticket to reckless indulgence.

And where better to treat yourself (and your freshly ignited endorphins) than Borough Market, one of the most famous covered markets in the country? 

A market on this location dates back as far as 1014, although the oft Instagrammed structures of today’s present market were erected in the mid 19th century.

The market is known for its fresh produce and food products, sure, but our mission for the moment is devouring some of their many, many options for fresh, ready-to-eat goodness.

Whether you’re craving stinky cheese filled toasties (from Kappacasein ), world class Haianese chicken rice (from Mei Mei ), or a juicy duck confit sandwich (from Le Marché du Quartier ), you’ll find it here… along with dozens of other worldly options.

When at Borough, it pays to be thorough so I’d recommend doing a few laps beforehand just to get a lay of the land, because I guarantee you’ll be wanting to try more than you can fit in your stomach.

OR you can do this guided 3 hour food tour to taste as much as possible .

NOTE: If you’re like me, you may find that you’ll lose all control when confronted with the bajillion food options at Borough Market. Just remember to tailor your food consumption level for the next activity you do! It makes sense to eat a big lunch if you’re hitting up museums and attractions all afternoon, but if you plan on meandering around Camden or Shoreditch, then save some room because both have very vibrant food scenes.

Afternoon: Another Shamelessly Touristy Activity or Exploring a New Neighbourhood

Alright, you know the drill. After lunch, we conquer more sightseeing. 

As with Day One of our London 3 Day Itinerary, there are simply too many possible attractions to conquer in one afternoon, so you’ll have to prioritize and choose what appeals to you most.

Now, following that late morning walk, you should have a pretty good idea of the attractions in the area, but I’ll provide some ideas below on different things you can do… both for free, or paid!

Some free options within 30 minutes of Borough Market include:

• Tate Modern | No Pre-Booking Required: One of London’s most famous museums, ideal for fans of modern and contemporary art (or those who enjoy making fun of it.
• Mithraeum | Book Free Ticket : An ancient Roman temple uncovered under London during construction in the 1950s, today open as a free archaeological site and exhibition space.

Some paid attractions within 30 minutes of Borough Market include: 

• Tower of London | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : Historic castle, royal residence, and prison – a must-visit if you love history and want to see the Crown Jewels.
• London Bridge Experience | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : A ‘scary’ experience ft. actors that take you to explore the tombs under London Bridge to discover a darker side of the city’s more gruesome history.
• HMS Belfast | Buy Tickets : A British navy ship-turned museum, with 9 decks to explore and many exhibitions/displays detailing the ship’s history from its official launch in 1936 all the way to its retirement in 1963.
• Tower Bridge Walk | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : Experience Tower Bridge from a unique perspective 42m above ground, with glass floors!
• Saint Paul’s Cathedral | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : Entry to see the spectacular interior of St Paul’s – one of the most famous buildings in London.
• Shakespeare’s Globe | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : A tour of London’s faithful recreation of the original Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s greatest works once made their debut. A must-visit for fans of the Bard.
• Jack the Ripper Museum | Buy Tickets : A museum dedicated to the gruesome murders of infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper. FYI they never caught him. Yikes.
• The Shard View | Buy Tickets or save w/ London Pass : Access to the panoramic view from the Shard’s 72nd floor – probably skippable if you followed our morning plans of getting a view over breakfast!

You can also enjoy some experiences/tours instead:

• Historical Pub Tour | Book in Advance
• Secret London Bike Tour | Book in Advance  
• London Gin Tour | Book in Advance  
• East End Street Art Tour | Book in Advance 

Or if you want a break from ultra-touristy things, I would recommend picking a neighbourhood to explore out of Camden or Shoreditch, and heading there.

If you follow this 3 Days in London itinerary closely, you’ll be heading to one or the other for the evening… so have a look at the options for activities in each, and decide which you’d rather tackle in the afternoon vs. in the evening.

Ideas for afternoon explorations in and around Camden:

• Explore Camden Lock Market, Buck Street Market & Hawley Wharf Market
• Admire Camden’s street art scene by going mural hunting
• Sample some beers at Camden Beer Hall
• Grab an ice cream at the original location of the (now) famous Chin Chin Labs , Europe’s First Liquid Nitrogen Ice-Cream Parlour
• Meander around Regent’s Canal (or have a picnic/drink by the canal)
• Go stand up paddle boarding (book here)
• Have a picnic at Primrose Hill (all the better if you stay for sunset)
• Gawk at the pretty pastel houses at Chalcot Square and Chalcot Crescent (as seen in Paddington)
• Take a walk through Regent’s Park, or hang out and relax for a bit

Ideas for afternoon explorations in and around Shoreditch:

• Visit Libreria , a unique bookstore where “they curate to maximize serendipity”, with books organized around themes and not genres, such as ‘Wanderlust’, ‘Enchantment for Disenchanted’ and ‘The City’ (Closed Mondays)
• Browse Hoxton Monster Supply Shop , a fun theme shop selling goodies for “monsters”, where proceeds go to a children’s charity 
• Stop by Spitalfields City Farm, where there are some adorable animals and a nice shop
• Grab a bite and enjoy the vibes at Ely’s Yard, a service yard turned oasis for food trucks, shops, and bars
• Go seek out some of the area’s world famous murals
• Have a drink or bite at the industrial-chic Light Bar & Dining , housed in a former power station, with a nice rooftop
• (Sunday only) Visit Shoreditch’s famous Brick Lane Sunday Upmarket
• (Weekends only) Explore the Truman Brewery Markets

Evening: Camden or Shoreditch 

Having spent the day exploring some of London’s most famous tourist hotspots, now it’s time to set your sights on London’s cool side.

Granted, Camden and Shoreditch are hardly secrets these days, and have become popular tourist destinations in their own right, but I’d still recommend that any first timers in London check out at least one, just to spice up their itinerary.

Why visit these neighborhoods in the evening? Well, it’s simple: both have great food scenes, excellent nightlife, and are generally more fun at night, when their many restaurants and bars light up with the post work crowd.  

Plus, main sights here tend to stay open later than the conventional tourist attractions in central London, meaning they make sense to do later in the day.

Some evening activities in and close to Camden:

• Camden Pub Crawl | Book in Advance : Ideal for those eager for a (pretty touristy, but fun) nightlife experience
• Explore Camden Lock Market (open until late)
• Watch sunset from Primrose Hill 
• Have a cheesy feast at the Cheese Bar , a popular restaurant that serves all kinds of cheese-based goodness
• Have a gluttonous vegan feast at Rudy’s Vegan Diner , the first all vegan diner and butcher in London
• Grab pizza at Lost Boys Pizza , the world’s only vampire-themed pizzeria (selling charcoal black pizzas!)
• Enjoy some live music ( here’s a site that lists out gigs)
• Go clubbing (Although I am entirely the wrong person to ask for tips on this, so I refer you to this very helpful Google search )  

Some evening activities in and close to Shoreditch:

• Scope out the neighbourhood’s famous street art (best earlier in the evening before it gets super dark)
• Spend a foodie evening at Spitalfields Market
• Enjoy some bites and shopping at BOXPARK
• Get some famous bagels from Beigel Bake 
• Have a drink or bite at the industrial Light Bar & Dining , housed in a former power station, with a nice rooftop
• Enjoy a ball pit bar at Ballie Ballerson  
• Go to a ping pong bar at Bounce
• Enjoy a meal and Japanese bingo hall experience at Hijingo 
• Play some table ‘football’ (soccer, for my fellow North Americans) at Bar Kick
• Soak up the rooftop vibes at Aviary
• Go clubbing! (Again, I have zero tips on this as I am a 20-something grandma so here’s Google’s advice )

After all that food and excitement, you should probably aim to get a good night’s rest, because the prettiest pursuits of our three days in London take place tomorrow.

Day 3: Notting Hill + Side Quest

Alright, we’ve made it to the final day of our London three day itinerary – let’s make it count!

Today we’ll spending our morning roaming around some of the ‘prettiest’ parts of London – Notting Hill and South Kensington. Then, following a scenic lunch, we’ll spend the rest of the day ticking final items off the London bucket list. Ooh, how deliciously vague. Let’s go have some fun.

Breakfast: Coffee Somewhere Cute

To fuel you up properly for your final day, it feels only right that we start with a cutesy Notting Hill experience: breakfast somewhere beautiful.

For many London fangirls such as myself, Notting Hill is one of the top places to hang out thanks to its abundance of aesthetic spots, from pastel-coloured houses draped in wisteria to charming cafes and shops on every corner.

Granted, not all of Notting Hill is an Instagram-filtered dream, but much of it is, so why not romanticize it while we can?

Some very popular Notting Hill places for coffee and breakfast include…

• Farm Girl Cafe: A cute Aussie-style brunch spot known for their pretty drinks, fresh health-conscious food menu, and “country farm house feel crossed with a California coastal vibe” – tucked away in a small courtyard just off Portobello Road.
• Eggslut : A famous breakfast spot from LA that specializes in eggy sandwiches and treats – perfect for a grab & go breakfast.
• Bluebelles of Portobello: An aesthetic cafe with an extensive menu of breakfast and brunch classics – a nice option for a sit-down feast.
• Biscuiteers Baking Company: A bakery specializing in beautifully decorated cookies, best known for its ultra-photogenic facade. A nice stop if you want a quick coffee somewhere cute, but not worth it if you want something more substantial.

Morning: Explore Notting Hill and South Kensington

Alright, now that you’ve been fed and caffeinated, it’s time to explore some more of picturesque Notting Hill and South Kensington.

These two areas are hands down some of the prettiest in London, and are best explored on foot. 

I personally think you’ll get most out of the experience if you just bumble around, popping into shops and absorbing the prettiness along the way like a rabid sponge, but if you need a bit of structure, here are some spots to include on your exploration list:

• (Saturdays Only) Portobello Road Market, an epic street market where you’ll be able to buy anything
• Alice’s Antique Shop (as seen in Paddington), a pretty antique shop that’s well worth a nosy peek
• St Lukes Mews (as seen in Love Actually), a residential street made famous by Love Actually. It’s super pretty as well, but definitely skippable if you find the idea of mulling around someone’s house low-key creepy.
• Notting Hill Travel Bookshop (as seen in Notting Hill, the OG location is at 3 Blenheim Crescent)
• Lancaster Road, a residential street lined with some of the most colourful homes in Notting Hill (made famous by IG and Pinterest)
• Churchill Arms, a super pretty pub covered in flowers and greenery

Lunch: Park Picnic or Sit-Down Meal

After traipsing around, presumably photographing every second house you see, you might be in need of a little break. Well, time for lunch!

If the weather is nice, I’d recommend grabbing a takeaway lunch and enjoying it while sitting in Kensington Park or Holland Park. 

Those looking to get their fill of ‘English classics’ could grab some fish and chips from The Fish House which has great reviews across the board for their fish (although their chips apparently leave a bit to be desired). 

Or, if you’re closer to Chelsea, Humble Pizza offers all plant-based takeaway goodies in a gorgeous dusty pink setting.

Regardless of what you grab: I’d say the venue is more important, so be sure to pick somewhere scenic to enjoy. I’m quite partial to Holland Park, which is close by!

If you’d prefer a sit-down lunch, here are some unique dining experiences in the area:

• Maggie Jones’s Restaurant : Cozy and atmospheric countryside-themed restaurant serving British classics with set menus (25 GBP for two courses, 30 GBP for three courses) – known for their onion soup! 
• Ivy Chelsea Garden :  A gorgeous restaurant covered in unique floral displays that change with the season. Quite pricey, but worth checking out if even just to have a coffee on the terrace.

Afternoon: Another Shamelessly Touristy Activity or Half-Day Trip

For your final afternoon in London, I’m leaving my recommendations as vague as ever.

There’s a great deal of additional exploration that can be done while you’re in this part of London, but being on the west side of the city, you’re also quite close to some very popular half-day trips.

So, let me lay out the options for you.

If you feel like staying close to the area, some free options within 30 minutes of Notting Hill Gate Tube Station are:

• V&A Museum: The Victoria and Albert Museum, AKA “the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design”.
• Natural History Museum: An impressive (and beautiful!) museum dedicated to natural history with over 80 million items in its collection. Careful though – this spot is typically packed with school trips, so avoid if you fear screaming children.
• Science Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to a science theme, with over 15,000 objects on display. Again, very popular with kids.

Or, some paid attractions in this neck of the woods include: 

• Kensington Palace | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : A royal residence since the 17th century – today the official digs of Will & Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
• Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : A museum with over 12,000 objects on display showcasing the history of brands. A great stop for marketing geeks.
• Royal Albert Hall  | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : One of the world’s most famous and beautiful concert halls, hosting some of the most famous names on the planet since opening in 1871.

If you don’t mind going a bit farther and making a half-day trip out somewhere, then here are some additional options within 1.5 hours of Notting Hill Gate:

• Kew Gardens | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : A set of gardens, glasshouses, and galleries so epic, they’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site… ft. over 50,000 living plants.
• Hampton Court Palace | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : Opulent former royal digs of King Henry VIII
• Warner Bros Studio Leavesden | Book Ticket with Transfer : A non-negotiable spot for fans of Harry Potter. The studios where they filmed everything. You’ll see sets, costumes, props, and cry a LOT. Book well in advance or you will cry more.
• Windsor Castle | Buy Tickets or get entry via London Pass : Royal residence where the Queen chose to quarantine. Should say enough about how nice it is.
• Wembley Stadium Tour | Buy Tickets  or get entry via London Pass : Explore one of the most famous stadiums in the world with a behind the scenes tour. Apparently the stadium is so big it can fit 7 billion pints of milk. Who woulda thought?

Pssst… Fan of Harry Potter? Don’t miss my list of Harry Potter things to do in London , or my roundup of Harry Potter filming locations in London .

Evening: A Special Treat / Experience OR Exploring a Final Neighbourhood

Assuming you didn’t sneak in one of the aforementioned half day trips, you should still have a final evening to play with! 

To conclude your three days in London, I would advise ending on a high note and booking yourself a nice memorable experience.

Some ideas might be… 

• This cool after hours Stonehenge tour that allows you to visit the site after it has been closed to general admission
• A sunset dinner cruise along the Thames (or a sunset picnic along the Thames)
• A sunset ride with prosecco at the London Eye (if you haven’t yet)
• A West End show you’ve been looking forward to
• Dinner at a memorable restaurant

Or if you’re looking to maximize your three days in London and see as much as possible, you can take this opportunity to check a final neighbourhood off your list (or revisit a favourite you’ve been to).

If you’ve followed this itinerary closely (marry me, already), then here are some nearby neighbourhoods you might not have explored thoroughly, and ideas for how to spend an evening there:

• Mayfair: Do some (window) shopping on Bond St, prance through Burlington Arcade, have dinner at Mercato Mayfair 
• Paddington: Enjoy a peaceful sunset walk around the canals, then have dinner at one of the canalside restaurants/bars
• Battersea: Take a nice sunset stroll around Battersea Park, enjoying golden hour on the Coaling Jetty 

Adding More Days Into This 3 Days in London Itinerary

If you’re lucky enough to be spending more than three days in London, then fret not, you can still use this itinerary for your first three days, then add on a day trip or further neighbourhood explorations to round out your trip.

There are tons of day trips that are easily doable with public transportation (Brighton and Bath would be my go-to picks) but if you want convenience and efficiency, there are many private tours departing from London that help you see more in a short amount of time, like…

• (Recommended!) This full day tour of the Cotswolds, an amazing area that’s tough to do without a car
• This full day tour including Stonehenge, Windsor AND Bath
• This full day tour including the White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle, and Canterbury Cathedral

Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to explore other neighbourhoods and areas in London more thoroughly. Greenwich would be a great choice (there are tons of attractions there and a fantastic market).

I Hope You Enjoyed This Guide on How to Spend Three Days in London!

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for bearing with my fanatical London rambles. Armed with this 3 Day London itinerary, I hope you’ll be able to make the most of every second you have in this epic gem of a city. Safe travels, and happy Meal Dealing!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

2 thoughts on “How to Spend Three Days in London: An Efficient, Fun-Filled Itinerary!”

This is all incredibly helpful; thank you. Just a note that my brother designed the Millennium Bridge when he worked with Ove Arup Engineers and the reason it oscillated was because the architects were adamant that they use minimal bracing. The first visitors were packed in and walked in unison and that set the bridge off into simple harmonic motion. Pretty cool but nauseating. Anyway, thank you for all of your wonderful info.

Thanks so much for sharing that additional info!! Congrats to your brother on a very cool bridge haha.

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17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
• Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
• Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

• Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

• Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
• Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

• Stonehenge & Bath .
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

• Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
• Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

• Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
• Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

• Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
• Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

• Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
• Hidden Gems of London
• Camden Market
• What to See in Camden Town
• Best Views in London
• London Travel Tips
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READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

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More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

• Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
• Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
• Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
• Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
• Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
• Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
• …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
• Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

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Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

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Day trip to Peppa Pig World from London - London Forum

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Day trip to Peppa Pig World from London

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Does anyone have any experience with this? We're open to other suggestions as well! Thanks in advance.

6 replies to this topic

Easily done by train and bus - train from Waterloo to Southampton Central, then X7R bus (or taxi for the last bit)

https://paultonspark.co.uk/info/directions

Train from Waterloo to Southampton Central and then bus/taxi will probably be better

The bus is infrequent and only certain services stop at the Paultons park entrance, at other times you would need a taxi from Southampton Central station

https://www.salisburyreds.co.uk/services/SWWD/X7R?date=2024-05-30&direction=inbound

Please take the train.

Public transport is fine.

It's not inferior or for low lifes.

A small correction to #1. You can take X7 or X7R to Paultons Park. There are only 2 in the morning from Southampton Central Station at 09.14 & 10.14. Arriving Paultons 09.37 & 10.37.

The return journey is at 15.28 & 16.28 arriving at Southampton 15.51 & 16.52.

If these times don’t fit then it’s a taxi. You could also stay overnight nearby. Friends have said it’s an excellent park for youngsters.

The closest hotel is the Premier Inn Southampton West which is very near the Peppa Pig World entrance and perfectly walkable. There is a pub next to the hotel that serves food.

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10 Easy day trips from London by train (Part 1‪)‬ UK Travel Planning

• Places & Travel

In episode 96 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, hosts Tracy and Doug Collins discuss easy day trips from London by train. They delve into the details of five convenient and captivating destinations, providing insights into which train station/s to depart from, travel durations, and must-see attractions in each destination.  From the historic city of York to the vibrant seaside town of Brighton, the hosts share tips and recommendations for making the most of each day trip. Additionally, they touch upon factors to consider when planning these excursions, such as travel days and time of year. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or new to train journeys, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you plan your perfect UK vacation. 📝 Show Notes - Episode 96 Listen to these episodes next: Episode #3 - Guide to visiting YorkEpisode #31 - Guide to London train stationsEpisode #86 - London like a Local with Ollie of Discover Real London Black CabToursSupport the Show. 🇬🇧 ❤️ Do you enjoy our weekly podcast? We love putting together our shows for you and sharing our knowledge, love of UK travel and practical tips to save you time and money. 📋 Our aim through the podcast, websites, and Facebook community is to help you plan the UK trip of your dreams. 👍We provide all of this information for free but would LOVE it if you could show your support, enjoyment and love of our show by supporting us through a monthly or as a one-off tip. ➡️ Sponsor our show by clicking here ➡️ Leave us a tip by clicking here Thank you ❤️ Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support! Work With Us - Contact [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

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Taylor Swift’s song ‘The Black Dog’ has propelled real-life pub by the same name to fame

Taylor Swift has put a local British pub on the map.

On her new album, "The Tortured Poets Department," she has a song called "The Black Dog," and fans think it's about a London bar that has the same name.

In the song, Swift sings about a bar called The Black Dog and how she used to go there with someone she loves.

She says, "How you don’t miss me / In The Black Dog / When someone plays The Starting Line and you jump up."

Since the song was released on April 19, hundreds of fans have been wandering into the bar to find clues about Swift's love life.

"Why did you guys come here?" NBC News London correspondent Kelly Cobiella asked a couple of Swifties at the bar.

"For Taylor Swift," they both replied with a smile.

Lily Bottomley, events and social manager at The Black Dog, told Cobiella that Swift has made the bar a hotspot.

“I got reports that a few leaked songs had come from her album. And suddenly saw ‘The Black Dog,'" she said. "Then obviously, it just went from 1 to 100.” 

The Black Dog has since gone viral on social media. The bar even shared a video exploring the theory that Swift may have visited with either her ex Joe Alwyn or rumored ex Matty Healy . The clip shows someone who works at the pub "desperately" trying to figure it out by checking their security cameras.

“We think it’s Joe,” one bargoer told Cobiella. “Because Matty didn’t even come to London. Gotta be about Joe.”

Bottomley shared that the pub has “had reports of a certain blond regular,” but they “wouldn’t want to give too much away.”

The pub has even renamed one of their signature beers as the Swift pint, and one of their sandwiches as the Swift burger.

The Black Dog shared with Cobiella that many pint glasses have been taken as souvenirs by bargoers. But with more merch coming soon, those headed to the bar will hopefully be able to leave with official memorabilia ( if you can get a reservation).

The Wolfe Tones surprise fans with secret gig at beloved London Irish pub

The wolfe tones performed a selection of classics and fan favorites at a secret gig ahead of their historic final london show at finsbury park in july..

The Wolfe Tones delivered an unforgettable surprise to lucky fans ahead of their historic final London show at Finsbury Park.

On Sunday, April 28, traditional Irish music legends The Wolfe Tones performed a secret gig at The Faltering Fullback, a much-loved Irish pub in London, to 200 unexpecting fans. Amongst the audience on the night were fellow Irish icons Aisling Bea and Fontaines D.C.

During the intimate gig, The Wolfe Tones treated the crowd to a night of soul-stirring melodies and rousing anthems, which have enthralled generations of Irish music fans across the world for 60 years. 

The band performed a selection of classics and fan favorites, such as "Come Out Ye Black & Tans" and "My Heart Is In Ireland", and even debuted a brand-new song, a heartfelt tribute to their loyal fans as they commence their farewell tour.

Their historic final London show at Finsbury Park on July 5 is set to be the largest gathering celebrating traditional Irish music in the UK.

What an honour it was last night to witness the one and only @wolfetones amongst a few hundred people @ The Faltering Fullback unreal. After 60 years they can still smash it! So great to meet Brain Warfield & Tommy Byrne also. Such a great night 🇮🇪💚☘️ #TheWolfeTones pic.twitter.com/GPCaaralkl — Shea Rafferty (@shearaffmusic) April 29, 2024

Last year the Irish trio that makes up The Wolfe Tones - Tommy Byrne, Brian Warfield, and Noel Nagle - announced their farewell tour on their website .

“All great things must come to an end," they said, "but we plan to celebrate The Wolfe Tones' amazing 60-year career with a fitting tribute in 2024, as their fans in Ireland and around the globe bid farewell to arguably the world's most loved balladeers!”

They performed a string of 'farewell' shows in Chicago, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia in March 2024 and will then be playing special 60th-anniversary concerts in Belfast and Dublin in October 2024.

Despite forming nearly six decades ago, The Wolfe Tones have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent months, thanks in part to a new, younger generation of fans.

On Spotify, the Irish band has more than 452k average monthly listeners. Their rendition of "Grace" and their song Come Out Ye Black and Tans" have both been streamed more than 13 million times.

Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish!

About The Wolfe Tones

The Wolfe Tones named themselves in honor of Theobald Wolfe Tone, the 18th-century Irish nationalist leader who was condemned to death by the occupying British forces but cheated the hangman the night before he was to be executed by cutting his own throat. The band says the name and the symbol it evokes in Irish history and republicanism has inspired them since.

In 1965, the year after the group went professional, The Wolfe Tones released their first album. They made their first of many trips to America in 1966.

In 1968, three years on from the release of their first album, The Wolfe Tones were voted the second most popular group in Ireland.

While their popularity boomed in Ireland, a New Year's Eve show in New York in 1969 helped spark their success in the US, which continues to this day.

Throughout their career, The Wolfe Tones have performed old Irish songs while writing a few new ones.

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The London Eye Will Celebrate Star Wars Day With a Dazzling Light Show — How to Watch

The London Eye will pay tribute to the dark side.

Courtesy of lastminute.com London Eye x Star Wars

The force is with London … or rather the fourth. In celebration of Star Wars Day on May 4, the British capital’s iconic observation wheel, the 443-foot-tall London Eye , will light up with an unprecedented light show celebrating the sci-fi fantasy franchise.

"London may not be a galaxy far, far away, but Darth Vader and Stormtroopers visiting the London Eye certainly cements London’s celebrations this May the 4th," Imran Tauqir, lastminute.com London Eye’s general manager, said in a release shared with Travel + Leisure .  

The nighttime spectacle will kick off at 7:45 p.m. London time and run all through the nighttime hours until 6 a.m. the following day. The Thames River-front wheel will glow in a red, silver, and black theme, inspired by the dark side, as well as the lightsaber colors from Sith Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Emperor Palpatine.

"Whilst the Eye hosts thousands of guests every day, we hope all fans in London and abroad this Star Wars Day find their inner Force and enjoy witnessing the illumination inspired by the villains of the Star Wars galaxy," Tauqir said.

Also in celebration of the annual holiday. "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" will be back in theaters for its 25th anniversary through May 9 in select theaters in the U.S., as well as in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom through May 9. The screenings will feature an exclusive look at the Disney+ series " The Acolyte ," premiering in June. 

This isn’t the first time the London Eye has played host to a pop culture spectacle. In 2021, the entire wheel was transformed into Captain America’s Shield . Last year, the wheel donned pink for the "Barbie" movie and blue for Doctor Who’s Christmas special . 

The London Eye has honored holidays with various colors like green for Eid last month and red for Lunar New Year . It even showed its royal pride by dousing itself in red, white, and blue in April 2018 to welcome the birth of Prince Louis .

Related Articles

WATCH: London plays key role in folk song heard around the world

Ten cities around the world, including London, are urging people to combat climate change with a nifty jazz video on International Jazz Day

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Ten internationally UNESCO -designated music cities, including London, are urging people around the world to combat climate change with a nifty jazz video on International Jazz Day.

WATCH: London plays key role in folk song heard around the world Back to video

The “jazz relay” features 10 virtual stops over nine minutes across six continents comprising groups of musicians playing the same song as the viewer travels from one city to the next for another jam session.

“The idea is that we take that melody, that song and take it around the world,” said Cory Crossman, director of the London Music Office. “What’s fantastic about International Jazz Day (April 30), is it shows that music is a tool to spark conversation, (a) tool that brings people together and unites people.”

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2024’s jazz relay features the Korean folk song Bird, Bird, Blue bird, to raise awareness of the need to take action to combat climate change and its impacts, a key United Nations sustainable development goal.

The song is a metaphor for the connection between humans and other species who share a common vulnerability to climate change, organizers of the Jazz Day relay say.

Founded in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network promotes collaboration among cities that have identified creativity as strategic for sustainable urban development, encompassing multiple creative fields such as music, literature and film.

In November 2021, London was the first Canadian city to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Music, a designation it shares with 74 other centres around the world. London was chosen because if its rich musical history, its status as a music education and production hub and its musical venues, festivals and performances.

London’s part in the international collaboration features nine local musicians.

“It was about bringing a strong representation from the community together, very skilled musicians to participate in this jazz relay and represent London on an international stage,” Crossman said.

London was one of three cities also with participants involved in the video’s production.

The focus on climate change was a central theme of the song that was chosen, and music can play a key role in driving climate action, Crossman said.

“I think these collaborations do a great deal in bringing awareness, importance in partnership and collaboration on the local and international stage.”

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