London Itinerary

I have to admit that London was never on my must-travel-to list but since we were heading to Greece we decided to stay here for a few nights as a stopover. I fell in love with this charming city. It is so clean and welcoming that I didn’t want to leave. London is a city where history meets modernity, offering travelers a perfect mix of iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and vibrant neighborhoods. There are many quaint English pubs where you can stop in for a pint. Many of these pubs welcome families and the loud atmosphere provides good distractions for the kids. I wish I had more time to see the countryside and the next time I go to London I will rent a car and get out of the city for a few days. Here is an itinerary for 5 full days in London, with plenty of time for exploring the city.

Where do you fly in?

The best place to fly in is London Heathrow (LHR) (14.4 miles)

London Gatwick (LGW) (24.5 miles)

London City (LCY) Airport (7.7 miles)

CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT

DAY 1

Spend your morning walking around London enjoying the quaint feel of the city. Walk through St. James Park and take in the flowers, trees, bridges, and ponds that make this park so lovely and offers endless photo opportunities. This is a great place to let your kids run around, stretch their legs, and maybe climb a tree or two. It is a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city. Stroll along tree-lined paths, feed the ducks by the picturesque lake, and enjoy stunning views of Buckingham Palace. This is the perfect place to soak in the city’s charm and snap some postcard-worthy photos.

LUNCH: If the weather is nice, grab some takeout and find somewhere quiet to eat in the park.

After lunch, head over to the Natural History Museum. It is one of London’s most beloved attractions. Marvel at the iconic Hintze Hall with its giant blue whale skeleton and explore exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to precious gems. This family-friendly museum is a must for history and science lovers alike. You could easily spend the entire afternoon exploring this gem of a museum. The building is gorgeous and the layout is easy to follow. Best part…most museums in London are FREE, so except for food, your entire day didn’t cost a thing. Can’t say that too often on vacation!

Address: Cromwell Road, London

DAY 2:

This morning, after another London stroll, get ready to see the Changing of the Guards. I hate crowds but it is worth it to see this historic ceremony. Witness the iconic Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, a tradition steeped in royal history. Arrive early to secure a good spot and watch as the guards, dressed in their famous red uniforms and bearskin hats, march to lively music.

After lunch, take a boat ride on the Thames River. The hop-on-hop-off boat lets you get off at Westminster Pier, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich. I would start at Westminster and take it the entire way to see the sights from the water.

On the way back, get off at the London Eye stop.

Time to view London from an aerial view from the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of London, especially around sunset. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture these unforgettable sights. Hate waiting? They offer express passes. The whole family will love taking in the views of London from the sky.

The ride takes about 30 minutes to make one full rotation.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road

DAY 3:

Get in line early to get into Westminster Abbey. UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for royal coronations and weddings. The architecture is jaw-dropping, and walking through its hallowed halls feels like stepping into British history. Don’t miss the Poet’s Corner, where literary legends like Chaucer and Dickens are commemorated. They have a great self-guided audio tour that will lead you through the abbey, but you can choose what you want to listen to so it gives you control over your tour. My daughter loved sitting in the pews listening to the audio of the choir singing while looking around the abbey in awe. We were all surprised at the number of famous people buried there.

After lunch, head over to the Victoria & Albert Museum. Like most museums, don’t try to do it all… hit your key exhibits first. From intricate jewelry to historic costumes, this museum is both inspiring and educational. Plus, the building itself is an architectural masterpiece. You can easily spend an entire day here.

Address: Cromwell Road, London

DAY 4:

Spend your morning walking around London and end up in Covent Garden. a lively area filled with boutique shops, street performers, and cozy cafes. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee, watch live entertainment, and shop for unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to visit the famous Apple Market for handcrafted goods. Shop (or window shop) and find a cute place for lunch.

After lunch, head to the Tower of London. a historic fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. See the Crown Jewels, walk along the ancient walls, and hear fascinating tales from the Yeoman Warders (a.k.a. Beefeaters). The Tower offers an up-close look at London’s rich medieval history. This was my favorite place in London. There are lots of interesting stories about the castle that will interest both adults and kids so make sure you have an audio guide.

This is the perfect place to get a great picture with the guards.

Make sure you take the time to go see the Crown Jewels, where you can take a peek into the jewelry box of the royal family. My girls pretended pick out which one they could bring home!

DAY 5:

Older kids and Shakespeare lovers will enjoy this morning at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. I might be biased because I was an eighth grade English teacher who loved to do Shakespeare with my kids each year. During the summer you can see a play. The tour shows you costumes as well as demonstrate sword fighting so the kids will not lose interest.

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London

Instead of having lunch, head over to the St. Ermin’s Hotel to have afternoon tea. After appreciating their cascading staircases and enormous crystal chandeliers, head to the tea lounge and library to enjoy the Buzzy Bees afternoon tea. It includes delights such as Marshmallow Christmas pudding with chocolate mousse, scones, St. Ermin’s teddy chocolate lollipops, finger sandwiches, and apple juice.

The hotel is unique because they have bee hives at the hotel and they use honey from the hives during tea. I’m pretty sure you can go up to see the hives even if you are not staying there.

Address: Caxton Street, London

After tea, head to Kensington Garden and take in all the natural beauty. Depending on the season, the gardens are works of art. Take some time to forget you are in a large city and escape into nature. Stroll through the flower-filled paths, visit the Albert Memorial, and relax by the Italian Gardens. It’s a peaceful way to reflect on your London adventure. You can also try to find the spot where Harry and Meagan announced their engagement.

Where to Stay: St. Ermin’s Hotel

Located in the heart of Westminster, St. Ermin’s Hotel combines modern luxury with historic charm. Its cozy rooms, excellent dining options, and proximity to major attractions make it an ideal home base for exploring London.

Local Foods to Try in London

Fish and Chips: Crispy battered fish served with thick-cut fries and mushy peas—a classic British dish.

Sunday Roast: Tender roasted meat, Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes, and gravy, traditionally served on Sundays.

Bangers and Mash: Sausages and mashed potatoes, often paired with onion gravy.

Afternoon Tea: Finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats served with a pot of tea.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A rich and sticky dessert made with dates and topped with toffee sauce.

What else can you do in the area?

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Transport from London

London East End Food Tour

The Kensington Palace Royal High Tea

Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

The London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

Private Tour, Tower of London

Stonehenge Half- Day Tour from London with Admission

Private Tower of London Opening Ceremony with Changing of The Guard and Cruise

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at NO cost to you. Thank you for your support!