Welcome to our Spotlight series! In this series of inspirational blogs, we aim to bring you holistic views of some of our favorite cities and regions, blending traditional tourist hotspots with local hangouts and hidden gems. This time, not only are we giving you general advice on a city — namely London — we’re featuring experiences from one of my own recent trips to London in September 2022, a unique moment in time marked by the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Buckle up and join us on a journey through London’s iconic landmarks, historic sites, and unique local experiences.
Most likely you will arrive by air in London either at Heathrow Airport, west of central London, or Gatwick Airport, to the south of central London. Here’s what you do when you arrive.
It used to be that you had to fill out a card for immigration when you arrived in the UK, but now American passport holders can simply arrive at these airports, scan their passports, allow the automated camera inside the kiosk to match up identities and faces, and then proceed to baggage claim. From there, if you have nothing to declare, go through the “nothing to declare” line (marked as green and referred to as “the green channel”), allowing you to pass into the arrivals hall.
In the arrivals halls at both airports, you can either meet your transfer driver (a component of some Tripmasters vacations), proceed to the rental cars (another component), or you can easily catch trains into the center of London on your own. The Gatwick Express goes to London Victoria station, while the Heathrow Express travels to London Paddington. From those two important London transport hubs, you can access other train/Tube lines, taxis, or rideshare services to reach your final destination.
Getting Around in London
The Tube (the colloquial name for the London Underground subway system) will be one of your best friends while you are in London. Another best friend will be the Oyster card, which is easily obtainable from newsagents and Oyster kiosks inside Tube stations. It is also possible to purchase Oyster cards preloaded (usually with £50) online, having them mailed to you before you leave the United States. The process of loading and reloading money onto Oyster cards is fairly straightforward and can be done in-person at kiosks and on the Transport for London phone app. You MUST tap your Oyster card to enter the Tube, and you MUST tap your card again when you leave the Tube.
So let’s talk about the Tube. It is easy to navigate, has an impressive frequency of trains on most lines, and many stations are within walking distance of various London tourist attractions. While Tube stations feature steps leading to the underground portions, more and more stations are installing elevators (“lifts”) where feasible for travelers with mobility issues.
Then there’s the vast London bus system, clean and prompt and also payable via the Oyster card, which is one of the most accessible public transport systems in Europe. For the buses, you only need to tap your Oyster card once, UPON BOARDING; there is no need to tap it again when disembarking.
Historical Immersion
Despite some U.S. media reports, London did not entirely grind to a halt during the Queen’s funeral, but there were significant collective acts of mourning and many temporary closures of Tube stations and tourist attractions. While we were unable to visit Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey due to the mourning period, these iconic landmarks are must-sees on any London itinerary. The opulence of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the new King Charles III, is awe-inspiring. Meanwhile, Westminster Abbey, with its breathtaking Gothic architecture and historical significance as the venue for royal weddings and coronations, offers an immersive experience in British history.
At the Tower of London, we first took in the beautiful view at Tower Bridge, and then we marveled at the Crown Jewels, which embody the UK’s rich history. (What was left of them, at least, as some were “in use” for the funeral and not in the collection that particular day.) A visit to the Tower of London offers more than just a glimpse of the Crown Jewels, however. This historic castle on the north bank of the Thames houses a wealth of British history, including the White Tower, Medieval battlements, and the spot where Anne Boleyn was executed. It’s easy to spend hours here.
We then experienced The British Museum’s out-of-hours tour of the Ancient Egypt wing, something we had to book directly with the museum in advance. It was a unique opportunity to enjoy this world-class collection, which includes the famed Rosetta Stone, without the crowds. Not to mention, as the tour concluded when the museum opened to general admission, we had the chance to explore the rest of this remarkable museum.
Cultural Immersion
We stayed with friends near Vauxhall, which is one of many LGBTQ+ nightlife hubs in the city. It includes the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the bar that — allegedly — Princess Diana once had a chance to party at, while wearing a disguise. Heaven is one of the most legendary clubs in the city for the LGBTQ+ community, and there’s even a smaller pub called “Halfway II Heaven”, so named because it’s halfway between another LGBTQ+ hub, Soho, and the famed Heaven nightclub! We had the chance to stop in to Halfway II Heaven, just off Trafalgar Square on the other side of the Thames from Vauxhall, for a pint and found the atmosphere really laid-back and welcoming. Even if you can’t build up the stamina for Heaven, you can always make it Halfway.
Now if you want something different for your evenings, London‘s live music scene is unrivaled in Europe. From local clubs like 100 Club to major venues like the O2 Arena, there’s literally some live music opportunity for everyone on your trip. If comedy is your thing, London is one of the world comedy epicenters, with places like The Comedy Store showing off the freshest stand-up talent not just in the British Isles but from all over the world. But if you’re visiting London for the first time, I’m sure you’re thinking about a show in the West End. There are 39 theatres here, putting on everything from local productions to internationally-renowned plays and musicals.
London‘s theatre scene is second to none. Enjoying “Phantom of the Opera” at His Majesty’s Theatre, “SIX” at the Vaudeville Theatre, and “Wicked” at Apollo Victoria Theatre were highlights of our trip. But while the theatre scene is plentiful (and boasting ticket prices much lower than national touring productions back home!), I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much we enjoyed London’s abundance of art. We spent hours being utterly captivated by the Tate Modern’s contemporary works, and our visit to the British Library provided a literary and visual feast for the senses. Toward the end of our trip, we were able to make it to Trafalgar Square, where we saw as many of The National Gallery’s 2,300 paintings as possible.
Adding to our overall experience in London were our walks along the south bank of the Thames, as well as to the north in places like Soho and Chinatown. It’s easy to walk for miles just wandering the streets. One good thing about London, especially in more heavily-touristed areas, is that it is completely safe to walk, take public transportation, anything you can think of.
Even at night, the majority of streets and places in western and central London are safe, although it may be best for you if you are unsure to take taxis or rideshares, or go places in groups. Uber operates in London, making it a well-known and fairly trustworthy alternative to local transport or expensive Black cabs, but be warned that just like in places like New York or Washington, D.C., traveling short distances takes a long time by car, and your Uber quote will reflect this.
Culinary Adventures
We enjoyed a pint at a Wetherspoons pub, one of the most famous British chains. Unlike pubs in the U.S., Wetherspoons in particular is very kid-friendly, even offering kids’ menus with puzzles and crayons like you would expect at places like Denny’s. Then, for something more upscale, later on we had the privilege of having a delicious organic lunch at Madera at Treehouse London, offering stunning views and delectable cuisine. Our top recommendation for any foodie coming to London is that they need to visit Borough Market, a paradise brimming with fresh produce, artisanal food stalls, and mouth-watering street food.
For a quintessential British experience, you can’t miss afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, followed by a shopping spree with purchases being conveniently mailed home. Then of course there’s fish and chips, which we tried at the legendary Poppies in Camden Town and absolutely loved. Another great thing about London is that it’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world. If you’re a fan of Indian food, you are absolutely spoiled for choice, as were we having some of the best curries and tikkas in our lives. We even tried authentic Venezuelan-style arepas and we were impressed — considering we’re from Florida where arepas are fairly commonplace, it definitely rivaled any arepa we could buy here.
Shopping Extravaganza
One place that needs its own mention in terms of both shopping and experience is the world-famous Harrods department store. Harrods is not just a shop; it’s an icon. Stepping inside, you’re exploring a grand emporium of luxury goods, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs. From the stunning Egyptian Escalator to the Toy Kingdom, Harrods offers a shopping experience like no other. Located in Knightsbridge, you can reach Harrods easily via the Tube at Knightsbridge station on the Piccadilly line. When you exit the station, Harrods is just a short walk away. (A curated selection of Harrods merchandise is available at Heathrow and Gatwick airports as well!)
Off the Beaten Path
In Regent’s Park, we discovered Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, a scented oasis that left us utterly enchanted. Venturing a little further north, we explored the vibrant area of Camden Town, famous for its markets, eclectic shopping, and lively nightlife. As I mentioned before, we stayed near the Oval and Stockwell Tube stations in a residential part of London that’s close to the action and also near a vibrant Brazilian and Portuguese community, which is a side of London I didn’t expect to experience and I’m glad I did.
The Whitehall Wander
Our visit coincided with closures along Whitehall, a historic street that houses many government offices, including the prime minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street. (At the time that would have been Liz Truss. Remember her? Just kidding!) However, on our final night, we strolled this iconic street, taking in the majestic architecture that shapes the heart of UK politics. The Cenotaph war memorial, the equestrian statue of Charles I, and the Banqueting House are all notable sights along this avenue.
More Must-See Sights
Before you close out your London adventure, make sure to hit other notable attractions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum (all with free admission, although donations are encouraged), which are all within walking distance from the South Kensington Tube station. We didn’t get to go, but we wished we did! Also, if you take the Tube to Leicester Square, you’ll be within a short stroll of Covent Garden, Chinatown, and the nightlife hotspots of Soho.
Of course, no visit to London would be complete without seeing Big Ben up close along the Thames. It had recently undergone extensive renovation when we visited in 2022 and had just lost its scaffolding. The luster of the gold impacted me in a way I didn’t envision. Big Ben was amazing, and I think you’ll think so too. This iconic clock tower remains a symbol of London that’s not to be missed. Reach it by getting off at Westminster station on the Jubilee, District, or Circle lines.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour, on the outskirts of London, is easily accessible by train and shuttle bus and is a must for fans of the beloved series. If you want to stay in town, you can always visit the iconic “Platform 9 3/4” at King’s Cross station, which has become a popular photo-op place for tourists. Ending on a high note, there’s the unforgettable view from the London Eye, a 443-foot tall observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames offering a panoramic view of the city. Hop off the Tube at Waterloo station and it’s just a short walk away.
To say London is a city of endless discovery is no exaggeration. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, vibrant nightlife, diverse culinary scene, or unique shopping experiences, London offers something for everyone. So pack your Oyster card, your sense of adventure, and let Tripmasters help you embark on your own journey to London!
Next time, in our Spotlight series, we’ll whisk you away to another inspiring destination. Until then, safe travels!
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