Awesome Excursions to See the Best of London in Just One Day
London is a city of great beauty, history, and culture. Its rich heritage and exciting atmosphere make it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, there is no shortage of exciting things to see and do in London. However, it can be tough to get a feel for this massive city in just one day, especially if you're only in the city for a short time before heading off to sail from Southampton on a cruise.
But fear not! With these great things to do, you can see the best of London in just 24 hours. So, pack your bags, grab your walking shoes, and let's start exploring!
The key to seeing the best of London in one day is sticking to the centre of town. With that in mind, we’ll start our day at one of the most famous buildings in the world.
Visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and is the official residence of the British monarch. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, held in front of the palace, is a must-see for any first-time visitor. The ceremony is held every day and is a great opportunity to see the guards in their traditional red tunics and bearskin hats.
Moving on, it’s time to get a more public flavour of the hustle and bustle of London life.
Explore Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of the world’s most famous public squares. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, and St Martin-in-the-Fields church. It is right at the heart of London life, close to Soho, Chinatown, the Mall, and Theatreland, and is a great place to get a feel for the atmosphere of the place.
Take a moment to admire the view of Nelson's Column, which stands in the centre of the square and honours Admiral Horatio Nelson, one of Britain's greatest naval heroes.
Now it’s time to move on and see the Thames, the river that defines London in so many ways.
Walk Along the South Bank
The South Bank is a lively and vibrant area of London that runs along the River Thames. A stroll along the river bank is picturesque, and beautiful, and gives you the chance to explore some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the London Eye, the London Aquarium, the Southbank Center, the National Theatre, the Tate Modern, the Clink Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and the reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hinde.
End your walk at Borough Market and try some of the best street food the city has to offer.
Head back across the river, stroll through the City of London, and discover the remarkable construction that in many ways defines modern London.
Visit St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most impressive and important landmarks in London and is one of the city's most recognizable buildings. In fact, there are strict planning regulations that mean new buildings cannot block certain views of the cathedral, so important it is to the fabric of the city. St Paul’s was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the world.
Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral's famous dome for panoramic views of the city, or take a guided tour to learn more about the cathedral's rich history and architecture.
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