Are you fortunate to have seven days to spend in London? Although London is often visited as a weekend getaway, there is so much to do that filling a full week is a breeze. Snap up the best London hotel offers today and refer to our planning guide to form your dream travel itinerary.
Monday: Landmarks
If this is your first time visiting London, you can devote the first day of your holiday to getting a lay of the land and visiting the city’s icons.
Parliament Square
Parliament Square is the setting of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), and Westminster Abbey. You can choose to visit the latter but advance booking tickets is recommended. If you stay centrally in the Grand Royale London Hyde Park, you can reach this neighbourhood on foot.
South Bank
Cross Westminster Bridge on foot and you can explore London’s South Bank. This is the setting for the London Eye, the London Dungeon, and the SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium. Consider buying tickets online to skip the queues.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Wrap things up with a look at this recreation of the original Shakespeare’s Globe. The guided tour is a fantastic way to learn about Elizabethan theatre and see the interiors. During the summer months, you can purchase tickets and see a play performed – with the option to book a “standing” ticket.
Tuesday: Museums and botanic gardens
Another day of ticking off London’s cultural gems.
Exhibition Road
Convenient for guests of the Grand Royal Hotel Bayswater, Exhibition Road in Kensington is the setting for three of London’s best museums. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum are free to visit and host temporary exhibitions that are worth purchasing tickets for.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
London’s number one botanic garden requires a ride on the tube, but, if you’re fanatical about flora, it’s utterly worth it. Kew Gardens exhibits over 50,000 species of plants and flowers and is a perfect family day out or date destination.
Wednesday: History
Head out early from the Grand Hotel Hyde Park and dive headfirst into history.
Tower of London
This mediaeval palace, prison, and military fortress rests in the City of London on the banks of the River Thames. The towers that form the compound contain such items as the Crown Jewels and the armour of King Henry VIII. Exhibits reveal the shocking history of the tower while friendly Yeoman Warders are on hand to answer your questions.
Tower Bridge
You can admire this iconic bridge from the bankside or purchase a ticket to explore the interiors. Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 and fuses of bascule and suspension elements. Admission to the monument includes access to the tower walkways – complete with glass floors that allow you to observe street life below.
Thursday: Day out
Seeing as you have a full seven days to play with, you could consider taking a day trip to a nearby city or attraction. Here are our recommendations for places you can easily reach from the Grand Royal Hotel Bayswater.
Day trip
Stonehenge: This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to prehistoric times and consists of a ring of standing stones. The origin and purpose of these stones remain a mystery. Stonehenge may have been a burial ground or a ritual site – you can visit and consider your own theory. The best way to visit Stonehenge is either by renting a car or booking a tour that includes round transport and a guide service.
Brighton: Brighton is a seaside resort on the south coast where you can fill your day with strolls along the pebble beach, a ride on the amusements on the pier, and shopping in the Lanes.
Cambridge: Home to one of the most famous universities in the world, Cambridge is a compact little city with marvellous architecture. Wander around the colleges and hop aboard one of the “punt” boats for a gentle cruise down the River Cam.
Friday: Theatre night
It’s been a busy few days so why not have a lazy Friday morning? If you secured London hotel offers with breakfast included, consider treating yourself to room service today.
Shopping
Once you’ve rested and recuperated, squeeze in a trip to one of London’s shopping spots. Check out an upscale department store such as Harrods, Selfridges, or Liberty London and prepare to lose a few hours to browsing. Alternatively, you can shop at the lively Kingly Court or complete a full lap of Oxford Street and Regent Street.
West End theatre
Seeing a West End theatre production in London is a rite of passage. Elegant theatres in and around Piccadilly stage longtimers including Mama Mia! alongside modern day hits such as Hamilton and one-off dramas with Hollywood actors and actresses on the playbill.
Saturday: Markets and parks
Saturday brings a buzz to London. As the classic tourist attractions will be more crowded today, you can opt to spend the day in outdoor lifestyle destinations.
Market
London is brimming with markets where you can pick up unique souvenirs and trinkets. There are countless options to choose from, but Saturday tends to be the busiest day with the best items on sale. Visit Portobello Road Market for antiques or head to Camden Market for eclectic clothing. Borough Market and Maltby Street Market are premier spots for foodies.
London parks
Escape the crowded streets and spend a few hours in one of London’s parks. Convenient for guests of the Grand Hotel Hyde Park, Hyde Park is where you can take your pick from sunbathing, renting a rowing boat, and dipping into the Serpentine Gallery. Head to Regent’s Park for pristine flower plots and culminate by watching the sunset from Primrose Hill.
Sunday: Sunday roast
Once you’ve checked out of the hotel, make your final meal in London one to remember.
Sunday roast
London’s pubs bring the nation’s favourite dish to life. This comprehensive meal includes a portion of roasted meat (or nut roast, for vegetarians) with a mound of roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes, and a Yorkshire pudding. Delicious!
