London is one of the most expansive cities in Europe, spanning a whopping 1500 square kilometres and a wealth of cultural, entertainment, shopping and nature bound activities for visitors. The city really is a breath of fresh air and it’s unsurprising that the capital of England has become such a popular tourist destination. Every month, 2 night London hotel deals are overwhelmed with ticket holders wanting to see the city and enjoy the diverse yet quintessentially British City of London.
It;s easier said than done to cram everything you want into a London visit. 5 days may not even be enough to do everything, but it gives you ample time to get a taste of the city and scratch beneath its surface. Needless to say, you’ll leave London wanting to visit again but with Easter breaks just around the corner, a 5 day visit is the perfect launchpad for a first time stay at the Montcalm Marble Arch London.
This blog will outline some strategies and techniques for guests of London city breaks UK to get the most out of your 5 day visit in London. We’ll outline how to save money and time, how to reach the most popular landmarks and museums and how to tackle a city that is one of the most popular tourist and business travel destinations in the world.
Day 1
Day one of your visit should be about getting your bearings in the city of London, getting to know your accommodation and the Montcalm precautionary measures as well as taking it nice and easy. No one should burn themselves out on their first day!
Check Out Your Local Area – Royal Parks
The royal parks of London are eight green spaces situated around the city that have links to kings and queens from throughout history. You won’t have time to visit all of them during your stay (unless it’s the reason you’re in London, we’re looking at you landscapers and botanists!), but Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are situated right in the heart of the city and offer the most attractions of all of them.
Hit Up Soho For Dinner
After your walk through the 480 acres of Hyde Park (the same size as the principality of Monaco), you’ll have really earnt a good meal. Soho is home to many restaurants, not least the electric buzz of Chinatown where great food awaits. Even if you end up at a chain restaurant in the West End, soaking in the nocturnal atmosphere of this intoxicating area is part of the London experience.
Day 2
Now’s the time to really dive into the culture and history of London. With many free to visit museums and stunning landmarks, you can take a tour of London’s royal and political history using the London Underground as your whistle stop chauffeur.
Exhibition Row
Exhibition Row is the name given to three museums developed after the Great Exhibition of 1851. The museums are the Victoria & Albert Museum of Design, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum and if you get up early enough, you could cram in at least one of them. All have free to visit permanent galleries and offer a diverse range of absorbing artefacts and materials.
Buckingham Palace And Westminster Abbey
Unless you end up spending all day at either one of – or all of – the Exhibition Row Museums, the afternoon gives you a chance to enjoy the royal landmarks of Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Buckingham Palace only does tours during the summer months, but Westminster Abbey and its many memorials to influential Londoners from throughout history is an atmospheric and insightful experience.
Day 3
Now you’ve got to know your local area when staying at Montcalm hotels, day 3 gives you a chance to spread your wings and explore further afield.
South Bank And London Bridge
A morning or evening on the South Bank provides beautiful views over London, art galleries galore and of course, the famous Borough food Market, a perfect stop for lunch.
Tower Of London
Take the afternoon to visit the Tower of London across the river from Tower Bridge. Here you’ll find a millennium old fortress that has seen many uses through the centuries. With the historic beefeater guards working at the tower to this day, Tower of London offers an immersive insight into the history of the city.
Day 4
The City of Westminster is one thing, but the City of London, the ceremonial and ancient centre of Roman “Londinium” should be next on your agenda.
St Pauls Cathedral
Another beautiful relic from London’s past, iterations of St Paul’s Cathedral have existed here for 1400 years, but this cathedral, rebuilt after the great fire of London, dates back to 1697. This cathedral has seen the crownings, weddings and funerals of many British leaders and is a stunning Anglican building to explore.
Shoreditch And East London
Now that you’re already in the historic City of London, head further east to see the bustling markets of Brick Lane and the brutalist architecture of the Barbican Centre. If you have time, check out the Museum of London for even more insight into the pre, ancient and modern history of the city.
Day 5
You might be growing tired already, but with the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery free of charge, a visit to Trafalgar Square and Oxford Street should round off your five day visit as you cram in the glamour, energy and historic culture of England’s capital.
Free Art Galleries Of Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery hold Westminster’s collection of famous artworks. See modern portraits of celebrities and influential figures as well as works by European Master Artists. Make sure not to miss the historic Trafalgar Square, dedicated to the British victory against Napoleon during the Napoleonic wars.
Oxford Street And The West End
If you have time – or money – take a trip down Europe’s busiest high street Oxford Circus where you can find some of the most prominent department stores in the city. The West End isn’t far away either and there’s an abundance of theatre and musical shows that will cater to many different tastes, whether serious, funny, magical and musical.
