London, England 5 Day Itinerary

Hotel Recommendations

NoMad London

@emilyworden

This 5 Star hotel is located in the heart of Covent Garden. With classic luxury and spacious rooms, this is a great option.

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Hotel AMANO Covent Garden

@emilyworden

A moderately priced hotel in a great location. Rooms with a gold bathtub will have you feeling like the kings and queens of old.

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citizenM Tower of London hotel

@emilyworden

A budget friendly option, close to many of the main attractions. These rooms are small, a great option for solo travelers or couples.

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Food Recommendations

Blacklock Covent Garden

@emilyworden

This is the ultimate spot for Sunday Roast, with 55 day aged beef and duck fat roast potatoes. Reservations highly recommended.

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Fair Shot Cafe

@emilyworden

Through a hospitality program that empowers adults with learning disabilities, this cafe not only serves great coffee but is also making a difference in thousands of lives.

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The Breakfast Club Seven Dials

@emilyworden

Solid breakfast option with vintage vibes. Highly recommend the Eggs Benedict.

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Poppies Fish & Chips

@emilyworden

Poppies is a London classic institution. Since 1952, they've been serving fish and chips, and the quality has never wavered.

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Borough Market

@emilyworden

This food market filled with local vendors has been around for 1,000 years. Highlights include Ginger Pig's sausage rolls and Bread Ahead's donuts.

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Day One

Kick off arrival day with some quintessential British classics. While not overloading the itinerary on the first day, you can start with a classic afternoon tea, followed by the longest running play in the world. 

Afternoon Tea at Claridge's

@emilyworden

Serving a traditional afternoon tea, Claridge's is one of the best. You will feel like royalty in the beautifully decorated tea room, with a live pianist and great options for tea enthusiasts of all ages.

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St. Martin's Theatre

@emilyworden

A classic who-dun-it murder mystery written by Agatha Christie for Queen Mary, opened in 1952. The story is fun and exciting, and you'll feel a part history after seeing it.

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Day Two

Continue the royal theme into day two with Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace (during changing of the guards), Churchill's War Rooms, and St James's Park.

Westminster Abbey

@emilyworden

Forty monarchs have been crowned at Westminster Abbey, including Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, which was the first to be televised.

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Buckingham Palace

@emilyworden

Check out Buckingham Palace during the Changing of the Guard. This is completely free and open to the public. The ceremony typically takes place at 11:00AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

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Churchill War Rooms

@emilyworden

Understand the strategy and dedication of Britain's war effort during World War II through the underground war rooms, still standing as a museum.

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St James's Park

@emilyworden

One of the many beautiful parks around the city. This one is conveniently located in Westminster, a short walk away from Buckingham Palace.

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Day Three

Now that you've covered the British government and monarchy, time to step out of the city for a bit and take a day trip. I recommend a guided tour in this case to the White Cliffs of Dover, Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral. A group tour is a great way to see several destinations without the worry of navigation or transportation.

White Cliffs of Dover

@emilyworden

Along the English coastline, the White Cliffs of Dover have distinguishable layers of limestone chalk, built up over millions of years. With the tour referenced, this is a quick photo stop on the beach.

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Leeds Castle

@emilyworden

Explore this Tudor style castle, built for King Henry VIII in the 16th century.

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Canterbury Cathedral

@emilyworden

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Cathedral with a storied past is one of the oldest Christian structures in England.

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Day Four

Option 1: For the Harry Potter fan, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is a must-do. This can easily take an entire day to explore. 

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

@emilyworden

This is a huge highlight for any Harry Potter fan. Please be sure to get your tickets in advance, as they will sell out. From London, you can take a train to Watford Junction. Once at Watford Junction, a free shuttle runs every 30 minutes that will take you directly to the entrance. A full cafe is available with a variety of food options.

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Option 2: If Harry Potter sets are not your thing, a day trip to York is a great option.

York

@emilyworden

A two hour train ride from London, York is a great option for a day trip. With its cobbled streets, charming shops and beautiful cathedral, you call easily fill a day just walking around and exploring.

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Day Five

This day is reserved for the city center of London. Explore the Tower of London, stopping for lunch at a great food hall, and ending the trip with a show on the West End. 

Tower of London

@emilyworden

A Unesco World Heritage site, the Tower of London is a fascinating experience, exploring England's medieval past.

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Borough Market

@emilyworden

This food market filled with local vendors has been around for 1,000 years. Highlights include Ginger Pig's sausage rolls and Bread Ahead's donuts.

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West End

@emilyworden

Finish off your trip with a show on the West End, tons to choose from.

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