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Search Results for: london pass

July 17, 2015 by: Sunny London

The London Pass- What You Can See in One Day

Are you visiting London for the first time and have no idea what to see and how to organise your trip? If you read the Sunny Getting Around London Transportation Guide  you heard me mention the London Pass.

I tested the pass on a few attractions so I could give you some ideas for what to do for a day on the London Pass.

This is what I did:

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The London Pass: The Tower of London (£24.50 adult ticket)

I started my day later than planned because of delays on the Underground. However, I arrived to the Tower of London at around 11:00am. With the pass, I didn’t have to worry about buying a ticket, but I did need to stand in line to go through security.

Even though I had visited the Tower of London years ago, I was overwhelmed with how much I wanted to see and learn. You could spend an entire day here.

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review-of-the-london-passI went to the building where the Queen keeps her Crown Jewels. For obvious reasons you can’t take pictures or film video. In fact, when you move through the part where the big bling is displayed, you must stand on a conveyor belt.

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I spent an hour walking around trying to find relevant historic information and teach myself about the bloody Tower. Then I popped in the cafe to grab a quick sandwich and water.

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review-of-the-london-passNext, I enjoyed a tour of the Tower with a very charismatic Yeoman Warder.

review-of-the-london-passWhile the Tower was the home of many English kings and queens, its history is dark and bloody. For example, you end the tour on a grave site that has over 1,500 unidentified burial remains. They aren’t distinguishable because each skeleton was decapitated.

The London Pass: Tower Bridge Exhibition (Adult £9)

Next, I took a short walk (about 5 minutes) to the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

review-of-the-london-passI bypassed the short line with my pass. I was at this attraction for about 45 minutes, 15 of which were spent staring through the glass floor.

The London Pass: The Monument (Adult £4)

For my final stop, I hit the Monument. The views at the top were great, but the experience was terrifying. You’ll have to read that review to learn why.

After carrying around a tripod, camera and other equipment for four hours in the sun, I was very tired and ended my day then. If you really want to power up and get big savings on the London Pass, I would add a few attractions to this day.

The London Pass: What to Add

Start your day at 9:00am when the Tower of London opens so you can include London Bridge.

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I haven’t been to this attraction yet because it’s supposed to be ‘London’s most terrifying attraction.’ So, I am waiting for a day when Mr. Sunny can join me. The cost is $24.

Also, you can use the London Pass for the City Cruises Thames River Cruise. It’s a really fun way to get from Tower Bridge to Greenwich, the London Eye, or Westminster. However, note that the London Eye is not a part of the London Pass offer.

You can take a boat to all four places. There’s a review of the roundtrip cruise experience Mr. Sunny and I took during the Spring on the blog too.

If you visited the Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, The Monument, London Bridge and took city cruises roundtrip, your day would cost £79.52. With a one day, Adult London Pass it is £52.

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These are the individual reviews I have of all the attractions listed above, including advice for the London Eye:

– A Test to Tour the Tower of London
– The Monument London: A Tower of Terror?
– How to Take the Best Picture of London at Tower Bridge
– The London Eye: Advice on How to Fly High

review-of-the-london-passI would definitely suggest the London Pass for people visiting for the NFL in London games who want to maximise their time at attractions and see many landmarks while in town. Be sure to read my NFL in London: An American Expat’s Game Plan for Your Trip, leave questions you may have in the Comments below, and enjoy this two minute London Pass video from the day I used the London Pass…

August 17, 2022 by: Sunny London

Fever Candlelight Concert in London Review

Want a really great idea for date night? Recently, we attended a Fever Candlelight Concert in London and it’s now at the top of our things to do in London list. This experience is especially for couples that want a relaxing, high-quality event to attend in London.

Of course, if you’re visiting London and won’t be too exhausted at the end of your days touring iconic attractions, we suggest these concerts to you too.

And we’re not the only ones who had a great experience. On the afternoon we attended, I mentioned our evening plans during a TikTok livestream. Several viewers commented they had been to them and highly recommend it.

Although we were guests of the event company, we plan to purchase tickets to several upcoming candlelight concerts. I will let you know which ones below.

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Fever Candlelight Concert in London- Location and Seating

We attended the Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay at Southwark Cathedral. Originally, we had asked to go to the Hans Zimmer tribute performance. The popularity of that event and the need to coordinate everything quickly didn’t make it possible.

Our second choice was Coldplay and our third was the Avicii tribute.

The candlelight concerts take place at various locations around London. For example, you might find one at the Royal Museums in Greenwich, St Mary’s Church in Marylebone, the Freemasons’ Hall in Holborn and Central Hall Westminster.

We chose this candlelight concert because I enjoy Coldplay’s music, it matched our availability and was in the London Bridge area. If you’re not familiar with all the things to do near London Bridge, you can see highlights below.

We arrived at Southwark Cathedral 15 minutes before the concert began at 7pm. Specifically I was impressed with the event organisation. Several Fever staff members were visible at key points. They were wearing event t-shirts which easily identified them. Staff members were friendly and made sure you knew exactly where to go in Southwark Cathedral. We were literally escorted right to our seats.

We had the misfortune of visiting during a summer heatwave. While I had been hesitant to go due to these adverse weather conditions, the temperature in the Southwark Cathedral wasn’t too bad.

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Our seats were in the second row facing the performers. The sound throughout the performance was incredible. This included each time the first violinist used the microphone to introduce or recap songs.

In terms of acoustics and how the event was operated, I can’t offer any feedback which would make it better in this review. The candles filling the steps were a beautiful foreground to the performers’ stage area.

There was an announcement about the use of mobile devices just before the evening kicked off. Audience members were asked to refrain from filming, until the last song. We would be advised when that would be later in the concert. Our audience respectfully adhered to these guidelines.

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Fever Candlelight Concert in London- Performance

City String Ensemble is the female quartet who gave our evening’s performance. It was outstanding. The performers started precisely on time with a quick introduction and immediate release of their rendition of Clocks. I’m actually replaying the music video on YouTube in the background as I write this as an attempt to relive the evening.

On our way home, Mr Sunny and I discussed how exciting it was to see the musicians so engulfed in their art during their performance. Their passion for Coldplay music showed as they tapped their feet and smiled and each other as they played.

The first violinist spoke well in front of the audience on each occasion. She told very short anecdotes about the songs or Coldplay musicians that added to the candlelight concert’s enjoyment.

About mid way through the candlelight concert in London, she shared that group formed when they attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Additionally, they are available for hire to perform at weddings.

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To be fair, neither Mr Sunny nor I are well versed in music, aside from what we’ve heard at nightclubs or on the radio. He actually said before the concert started that he couldn’t name any Coldplay songs.

Blasphemy for an Englishman, right?

However, throughout the performance he recognised many and even said he wished the one hour performance would’ve continued for another hour.

Personally, I thought that a one hour concert in the summer was the perfect length. I loved the precision at which everything happened. And the renditions the string quartet created of the iconic band’s music was very impressive.

Fever Candlelight Concert in London- Upcoming Events

You’ll find several concerts a month in London if you visit the Candlelight Concerts in London website. Some of their upcoming performances include: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift and ABBA. You’ll also find performances for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Mozart and Moonlight Sonata and more.

Mr Sunny and I will without a doubt be at one of the upcoming Hans Zimmer tributes. We met while working at NBC News London Bureau and are very passionate about film. There’s also a John Williams’ Best Works one happening too.

Additionally, there are many Christmas concerts I will have to choose from during the holiday season.

Fever Candlelight Concert in London- Final Thoughts

Candlelight Concert tickets would also be a great Valentine’s Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day gift or even birthday celebration idea. Even if you aren’t huge live music fans (like us), you would have a hard time not being impressed by the talented musicians and well-managed event organisation.

To make sure you don’t miss any fun things to do in London, you can subscribe to the Sunny News weekly email. It includes Mr Sunny’s Pub of the Week recommendation and all the news you must know about London for the week.

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What do you think, Sunny friends? Do any of these above named tribute concerts sound exciting? Ha!Ha! I couldn’t resist closing with a pun, everyone. 🙂

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August 14, 2022 by: Sunny London

The Best Pubs in London – Camden Pub Crawl

It’s smart to start this London Pub guide about a Camden Pub Crawl with a clear warning. And that is- you can’t be an amateur. But obviously- you do need to drink responsibly too.

If you know anything about London and especially Camden Town, you know that it’s a place to party during the day and at night. It’s known for live music venues, edgy fashion, street food and living loud.

So, if you want a posh, casual drinking neighbourhood tour that includes sipping G&T’s in relaxed atmospheres, I suggest you read here.

Alright, for those still with me, let’s get this Camden Pub Crawl party started with a little history.

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Camden Pub Crawl- Dingwalls

In the early 1970’s Dingwalls Dance Hall officially opened. Unlike many pubs or bars in London it stayed open until 2am. It had a long bar and was a popular hang out for musicians. Over the years, rock stars who either visited or played there include: Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Blondie, Noel Gallagher, the Foo Fighters and Mumford & Sons.

Camden credits this venue for its rich, iconic music history and party vibe its had for decades. It’s located in Camden Market and is adjacent to Camden Lock.

Camden Pub Crawl- Edinboro Castle

On this pub crawl, we’ll begin at Edinboro Castle. It’s where we started our 8 pubs in Camden tour in this YouTube video. So, if you want to see these Camden Pub interiors- it would be worth three minutes of your time.

Edinboro Castle on 57 Mornington Terrace, which is a short walk from Camden Town Underground Station. This Camden pub is very dog friendly. The day we visited there was a basket of dog treats on the counter. However, it is most famous for its ginormous beer garden. I featured that on my Sunny in London TikTok account. If you want daily tips about London life and pubs- give me a follow there.

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Camden Pub Crawl- Dublin Castle

Located on 94 Parkway, The Dublin Castle is the Winner of Best Live Music Venue 2019 at the Camden Inspire Awards. For 28 years the same family has ran the pub. It has 4 live bands every night and a great selection of beers, ciders and wines.

Its claim to fame is that it is the birth of Madness, an English ska band. Additionally, bands such as Blur, Coldplay, The Killers and The Arctic Monkeys have stepped on its stage. Back in the day, you might have caught Amy Winehouse behind the bar serving drinks.

Aside from all the memorabilia inside, you’ll also notice the red walls. They credit them as ‘grimy, sticky and beer-soaked’ and not changing in years.

See, I told you this wasn’t a London pub crawl for a novice!

Camden Pub Crawl- The Lock Tavern

Moving on to 35 Chalk Farm Road, you’ll find The Lock Tavern. This Camden pub would be a great place to stop for food. It feels it has the best burgers in Camden. You’ll want to try the beef burger with bacon or their famous vegan black bean and mushroom burger.

Another highlight of this Camden pub includes a heated beer garden with a fire pit and a suntrap roof terrace. It also has a design which allows private parties.

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Camden Pub Crawl- The Hawley Arms

You can’t have a Camden Pub Crawl without mentioning the most iconic local of them all- The Hawley Arms. Yes, it was where Amy Winehouse drank. A LOT.

When you go you will find a mix of passionate locals and tourists who want to pay their tribute to Amy by having a drink in her favourite local Camden pub. It’s located on 2 Castlehaven Road.

It’s a very spacious pub with two floors and a nice beer garden. Like the above mentioned Camden pubs, The Hawley Arms is keen to continue the music tradition held by so many of this London neighbourhood’s pubs.

Camden Pub Crawl- The Elephant’s Head

This Camden pub has a diverse offer, starting with a full English breakfast and light bites Monday-Friday until 10pm. It’s right on Camden’s High Street too.

It’s an authentic Victorian London pub and dates back to 1832. The Elephant’s Head was once part of the famous Camden Town Brewery who brewed ‘Elephant Ale’ in the 1800’s.

Again, the local spirit is strong in this Camden pub. Every night of the week there is a DJ spinning classic vinyl. And if you’re there on a Wednesday, you might jump on the stage yourself for an Open Mic session.

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Camden Pub Crawl- The Oxford Arms

Just across the street, you’ll find The Oxford Arms at 265 Camden High Street. It’s another Camden pub that dates back to Victorian times. However, aside from offering traditional pub food, The Oxford Arms also has comedy events.

The staff is very friendly too!

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Camden Pub Crawl- The Bucks Head

A few steps away at 202 Camden High Street is this lovely pub. It’s part of the Stonegate Group, which also owns Slug & Lettuce, Pop World, City Taverns and more.

I can’t imagine you’d be doing any work on this Camden pub crawl. But if you wanted to come back, The Bucks Head has a ‘work from the pub’ experience which includes bottomless hot drinks, bottomless soft drinks, WiFi and unlimited use of their plug sockets for just £12.50.

And, their gin stash is pretty impressive too. You’ll want to visit their website to see if they’re running any special offers. Previously, they had a gin lab which let you mix and match three gins with three mixers right at your table.

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Camden Pub Crawl- The World’s End

If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a proper send off. Just across from the Camden Town Underground is The World’s End at 174 Camden High Street.

And this Camden pub is BIG, Sunny friends. It has 2 bars and a mezzanine balcony with seating. It has the capacity for 1,000 and the Underworld venue beneath it can hold 500.

Not only does it have a banging music venue history, but it has the best barbecue smoked meat which uses their own smoker.

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Camden Pub Crawl- Final Thoughts

Phew! That’s just a collection of what we feel are the best Camden pubs to visit on a pub crawl. My husband was born in London and I have lived here as an American for nearly 10 years. We visit London pubs regularly and write about them here.

If you’re planning a trip to London or live here and want a weekly update of things to do in London, subscribe to our Sunny News email. It also has Mr Sunny’s Pub of the Week recommendation!

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Did we miss your favourite Camden pub in this guide? If so, please add your ideas in the comments. We’d also love to answer any questions you have about London pubs or planning a trip here too.

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July 31, 2022 by: Sunny London

Things to Do in London Bridge Area

If you’re looking for things to do in London, starting in the London Bridge area is smart. This is because there so many iconic things to do and see within walking distance of London Bridge. Also, there are great transport links not only to other areas of London but also to cities that offer fantastic day trips.

However, let’s be clear that you need to know the difference between Tower Bridge and London Bridge. The first is far more iconic. London Bridge is not photogenic at all!

In the photo below, you can see Tower Bridge. For this article on Things to Do in London Bridge, everything I will communicate is to the right of Tower Bridge and down the photo (or South side of the Thames). London Bridge would be the next bridge in London, if it had made it in to the bottom borders of this shot I took at the View from the Shard.

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Things to Do in London Bridge Area- Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Naturally, we’ll start with visiting the Tower of London, which is the attraction I always say is THE one not to miss when you’re visiting London. You will want to allocate a half day to this experience. I’ve written advice about it separately and will link all relevant articles from Sunny in London below.

It’s an attraction that is part of the London Pass, which can be beneficial if you plan your daily activities by order of the neighbourhood you are visiting.

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I’ve included Tower of London here because if you are staying in the London Bridge area, or South of the River Thames, you should walk to the Tower of London. Taking public transport or a cab might actually be more time consuming than walking.

Also, after you spend a few hours at this historic attraction, you might want to visit Tower Bridge. Yes, it’s more than just a bridge to walk across and take selfies around. For a relatively cheap price, you can tour the engine rooms and talk pictures on the glass walkway.

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Things to Do in London Bridge Area- ‘City Hall’

Just near Tower Bridge is the building formerly known as City Hall. Previous London mayors have referred to it in silly, derogatory ways. The nicest name I can include here is when Boris Johnson called it ‘The Onion.’

In the end of 2021, Mayor Sadiq Khan relocated the office to Royal Victoria Docks in East London. His reasons were he felt he could save over £55 million in rent over the course of five years.

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Right around this building is where you will find the best Christmas market in London. Again, you can find more on that if you are planning to visit London during Christmas in the articles suggested at the end. You can also see a lot of this, if you prefer to watch rather than read, in the Things to Do in London Bridge YouTube video below.

Things to Do in London Bridge Area- Boat Tours

Boat Tours are a great way to get around London and to see many iconic buildings quickly in the open air. While there is no dock specifically for London Bridge on tours like those offered by City Cruises, you are very close to two docks. You could get a boat from Tower Pier or take a short walk the other direction on the South side of the River to London Eye Pier. Heading to the Greenwich area of London from either of these makes for a very enjoyable second part of your day.

Greenwich is great for those who have nautical interests. However, you can also tour the HMS Belfast right near London Bridge if you don’t want to leave this general area and save time. It is a Second World War Ship.

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Additionally, there is a replica of The Golden Hinde that would be a fast, fun thing to do in London. It’s also part of the London Pass and doesn’t take long to enjoy. The fact that it’s right next to The Old Thameside Inn pub is pretty nice too!

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Things to Do in London Bridge Area- View from the Shard

Aside from a helicopter ride over London, The View from the Shard offers the highest views of London. Although, this also means it is one of the highest priced things to do in London Bridge area. Actually, it might be the highest costing tourist attraction in town.

Initially when I moved to London as an American 10 years ago, I thought this was a fantastic experience. Now that I have been able to visit nearly every London attraction, I’ve discovered others I recommend first. The View from the Shard is quite posh. The building has some of London’s best restaurants and bars. The hotel inside it The Shangri-La is certainly one of the best if you want to really splurge for a special occasion.

However, if you are on a budget when you travel to London, you could hit the Sky Garden instead for free. It has nearly as amazing views but it is in the City of London. You can see the Sky Garden in the image below taken from the View from the Shard. It’s the big white building and the observation deck can be seen at the top.

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View from The View from the Shard

Things to Do in London Bridge Area- Other Activities

I’ve never been to the London Bridge Experience. It’s an interactive walk through experience with live actors that play characters from the past 2000 years of London Bridge. As someone who grew up in Florida and worked at Universal Studios Florida, I am naturally more critical of attractions like this. Given Walt Disney World and the theme park where I worked set the global standard for experiences like this, I am not a good judge of whether or not this one would be fun. The few attractions like this that I have visited in London have been really disappointing.

However, in terms of setting global standards for literature and drama, you can’t disagree with a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe. This is probably considered more the Bankside area of London, rather than London Bridge. But, it is a short walk and would be silly to use public transportation to get there if you were at London Bridge. You can tour this attraction and attend performances.

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Practically adjacent to Shakespeare’s Globe is Tate Modern. I have visited here once or twice. But without being trained in modern art or having a natural interest, it’s not a place I gravitate toward visiting in London regularly. However, a big tip I will give you about going to Tate Modern is to make sure you take time to visit the observation areas on the top floor. Again, the views of London are fantastic. It’s also free because most museums in London do not charge for admission.

Another highlight of the area is Southwark Cathedral. Not only can you attend mass at this Christian church but also you can explore it. Because it plays an active role in the community, it would be best to check in advance of whether or not it is restricted due to a service or event taking place.

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Things to Do in London Bridge Area- Hay’s Galleria

Unlike an American ‘galleria’, the Hay’s Galleria is not a ginormous shopping mall with numerous floors and a hundred stores. But it’s a really nice place to walk through and maybe have something to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants.

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In 1987 it was redesigned and modelled on Milan’s Galleria on the Piazza del Duomo. The shopping arcade has a Victorian style glass roof. It has a bronze moving sculpture with the face of a man and body of an industrial-age ship named The Navigators. During Christmas it also has a beautiful Christmas tree.

Things to Do in London Bridge Area- Final Thoughts

You could easily spend several days on these things to do in London Bridge, if you had that kind of time during one trip to London. Not mentioned in any detail in this article is the fact that there are tons of places to eat in the London Bridge area. Perhaps the most popular are Borough Market and Vinegar Yard. I will publish another YouTube video soon just on pubs and places to eat in this area.

To make sure you don’t miss any updates about London, you can subscribe to the Sunny News weekly email. It features Mr. Sunny’s Pub of the Week and all the latest happenings around town that you must know.

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What questions do you have about these things to do in London? Have you already been to any of these attractions or experiences and can offer advice to those visiting London?

Things to Do in London Bridge Area- Related Articles

  • Things to Do Near Tower of London
  • London Bridge Christmas Market
  • Royal Things to Do in London– YouTube video
  • Things to Know about Visiting London at Christmas– YouTube video
  • Stonehenge and Bath Tour – Day Trips from London
  • Things to Book in Advance for a London Trip

July 2, 2022 by: Sunny London

What You MUST Book in Advance for a London Trip

What’s the next step after booking flights and a hotel for a London trip? Sunny friends, there are several activities you should book in advance of your trip to London. Do you know what they are and how to do it?

If not, you must keep reading.

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London Trip Book in Advance: Popular Events

While exhibitions change regularly in London, the most popular ones sell out fast. Current hot tickets include:

  • Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience
  • Jurassic World- The Exhibition London
  • Stranger Things: The Experience- Unlock
  • Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
  • The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure
  • Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest

I have found the easiest website to use for searching and buying tickets is Feverup.

A specific event that I loved was their Candlelight Concert series. I attended the Coldplay tribute and look forward to the upcoming Hans Zimmer and John Williams performances. You can read about my experience in this review. The last time I checked the December Hans Zimmer concerts were nearly sold out. So if that’s something you want to do- take my advice and book early!

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London Trip Book in Advance: Christmas Activities

While weather can always be the biggest gamble during the holiday season, there are some activities for which you’ll need to role the dice. That’s because they are outdoors and sell out fast.

Specifically, I mean Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew. Tickets are released late summer and are quickly booked by smart Londoners and repeat visitors.

If you didn’t know that Winter Wonderland is now a ticket event since you haven’t attended after the pandemic, you want to watch this video to see how it’s changed. And after it is a summary of what you’ll need to know about the season of Christmas in London too.

London Trip Book in Advance: Theatre Tickets

Rivalling New York City, London has an impressive Theatre district. Rather than going to all the theatre websites individually, I have found TodayTix to be the most useful for finding the best deals. You’ll also want to use a seat finder review website too such as Seatplan.

I had the misfortune of spending a LOT of money on Harry Potter The Cursed Child tickets this year for two performances and having seats with an obstructed view. I bought them from the show’s official website and they were not indicated as obstructed.

In the TikTok video below, I indicate what a follower taught me about seat plan review websites and hope you watch it.

@sunny_in_london

Reply to @alexcookiecrumble Living in London – BIG MISTAKE! #londonlife #london #traveltips A Day in the Life in London @sunny_in_london @sunny_in_london

♬ Harry Potter – The Intermezzo Orchestra

London Trip Book in Advance: Day Trips

If you’re in town for enough days, you will want to consider day trips from London. The most popular ones include visiting Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds, Windsor, Oxford and Cambridge.

These are some tips about visiting Stonehenge and Bath that most people don’t know.

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London Trip Book in Advance: Attractions

Chances are that you will want to visit London’s attractions at some point when you are here. There are several passes and tickets I recommend, having used them myself or for family and friends.

The London Pass is the most popular combination ticket available. The most popular attractions on the list of 80+ things to do in London included on the London Pass are:

  • The View from the Shard
  • Tower of London
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Windsor Castle (Free return train journey from London Paddington via Slough)
  • Kensington Palace and The Orangery
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • ZSL London Zoo
  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour & Exhibition
  • Churchill War Rooms
  • London Bridge Experience and London Tombs
  • Thames River Cruise
  • St Paul’s Cathedral

I have indicated in italics the attractions above in which you can skip the line if you have a London Pass. The London Pass is best if you plan to visit many attractions in one day that are in close proximity of each other.

An itinerary example for One Day on the London Pass is:

  • The Tower of London (£28)
  • Tower Bridge Exhibition (£10)
  • The Monument to the Great Fire of London (£5)
  • St Paul’s Cathedral (£20)

If you paid for each individual attraction, the total for one adult would b £75. However, a London Pass is £63.

So, I suggest you buy a London Pass in advance of your trip and include an Oyster Card with it if you are keen to see many attractions. Note that if you purchase more than one day, they have to be used consecutively and it starts as soon as you go to your first attraction.

Next is the London Eye combination ticket. It can give you access to:

  • The London Eye
  • Shrek’s Adventure
  • The London Dungeon
  • SEA Life London
  • Madame Tussaud’s

The first four attractions are all literally next to each other in Southbank, this ticket is worth having in advance because lines there are extremely long. I went to all four in one day and wrote a review of the experience. However, be advised these attractions are very touristy! Some people (especially Londoners) would classify them as overrated.

How to See 4 South Bank London Attractions in One Day

If you have plans to do anything Harry Potter related while you are in London, then realise that you are not a minority. Those books are big business here. I think I have been to every Harry Potter attraction in London and Oxford, including spending the night in a Harry Potter themed hotel!

London Trip Book in Advance: Harry Potter

With the opening of A Forbidden Forest at the Warner Bros Studio Harry Potter Studio Tour, an already popular London attraction became even more difficult to visit. If you’re planning on going there, it’s quite a distance from Central London, so I always suggest booking something through a tour company in advance.

For more on all things Harry Potter related, visit my Guide to Harry Potter.

London Trip Book in Advance- More Ideas

I can’t possibly cover every activity for every type of person. However, if you have less than 5 minutes, you can learn about several more in this YouTube video on the Sunny News weekly edition.

London Trip Book in Advance: Final Thoughts

If you’re planning on having a fantastic food experience while you are in London, then subscribe to the Sunny News email and be sure to follow me on TikTok. Mr Sunny and I regularly review restaurants and visit pubs so you’ll receive tons of recommendations through our daily videos.

Please leave any questions you have for your trip below. Also, if there are specific guides you would like me to publish for you, put those ideas in the comments too.

For related London Trip Planning blog posts and videos:

  • Eating Traditional British Food– What You Must Know
  • Best London Restaurant Guide for Foodies
  • What to Do in London That’s FREE and Cool! (YouTube Video)
  • Secret Things to Do in Covent Garden (YouTube video)
  • Things to Do in Hyde Park
  • Tips for Food to Eat When Visiting London (YouTube video)
  • The Best Hidden Pubs in London (YouTube video)

May 22, 2022 by: Sunny London

ROYAL Things to Do in London

If you want to experience a slice of what it’s like to be a Queen, there are many royal things to do in London and the surrounding area. I’ve lived as an American in London for nearly 10 years and also have UK citizenship.

Through my experiences as a London blogger and YouTuber with my London born husband, I have visited all of London’s top attractions. There are quite a few that qualify for royal things to do. If you’re a fan of the Queen, you won’t want to miss them if you’re visiting London.

Royal Things to Do in London- Visit a Palace

Foremost, there are far too many royal things to do in London for one trip. You might want to choose which ones to visit based on your hotel’s location, other planned activities or historic interest.

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Buckingham Palace

It’s probably the most recognisable palaces in the world. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms and is one of the few working palaces remaining in the world. However, most people just see it from outside the gates. During the summer months you can tour 19 State Rooms, if you pre-book tickets via the Royal Collection Trust website.

While you are there, you could also watch the Changing of the Guard. It takes place at 10.45am and generally lasts around 45 minutes. This event doesn’t happen every day, so plan on checking times and possibilities before you plan on seeing popular London attraction.

Kensington Palace

This is the home to young royals and has been for over 300 years. Kensington Palace is the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children. Additionally, it is the birthplace of Queen Victoria.

Regarding royal things to do in London, if you’re a fan of the Victorian era or Princess Diana, this is somewhere you must visit. It frequently has exhibitions devoted to these two individuals and generally isn’t too crowded. You might want to designate 2 hours for this experience.

The Kensington Palace Pavilion is the only place in London where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the grounds of a royal palace. The Orangery Restaurant is the perfect location for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea. It’s next to Kensington Palace in the Kensington Gardens. Queen Anne used it for entertaining and held parties in the Orangery.

If you’d like to see everything I am outlining, I have made a YouTube video for you.

Hampton Court Palace

This is going to be a day trip, if you are planning to visit. Hampton Court Palace is about 12 miles south west of central London on the River Thames. It’s in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames, which is truly beautiful.

If you’re a fan of the Tudor period in English history, this is well worth your time. Its focus is on the public drama and private lives of Henry VIII and ‘company’. If you look in to Hampton Court Palace, you’ll see it frequently has festivals and events happening on the grounds.

Things to do there include garden history tours and artisan food festivals. You may even find a cookery and roasting event that shares what life was like working in King Henry VIII’s kitchens in the 16th century.

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HM Tower of London

Whether you like tourist traps, history or just want to have the most British experience in London- I always suggest as the top thing to do in London on your first visit is a trip to the Tower of London.

It’s an iconic castle, secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison. I’ve been there several times and the best advice I can give you about visiting is to go when the weather is sunny. Most of the experience takes place outside. As part of your admission you can see the Crown Jewels and take a tour with an iconic Beefeater. They are humorous, informative and something you wouldn’t want to miss while at the Tower of London.

Additionally, like most attractions in London, you will want to arrive very early in the day because it does become quite crowded. It’s probably the most popular royal thing to do in London.

For more about what to plan around a day there, you’ll want to read this advice on Things to Do Near the Tower of London.

Trooping the Colour

This royal thing to do in London marks the official birthday of the British Sovereign and has done this for over 260 years. To Americans, I would explain it as a military parade. It starts around Buckingham Palace and heads down The Mall. Members of the Royal Family are included either on horseback or in carriages.

In America, you see the country’s flag outside houses on cars, etc frequently. However, the Union Jack seems to only fly or be waved on ceremonious occasions like that of Trooping the Colour. It’s not to be confused with Saint George’s Cross, which is specifically for England.

Visit the Royal Mews

If you would like to dress up as a royal footman and learn how to harness a horse- you can do this at the Royal Mews stables. It’s responsible for all the road travel arrangements for The Queen and members of the Royal Family.

The Royal Mews are home to historic royal carriages and one of the finest working stables in existence.

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Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

This is a one off event in London for 2022. It’s dedicated to celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s 70 years of service. It also includes an extra Bank Holiday as part of the noteworthy events. It’s unlikely that day will be added to future calendars. The outline of events are below.

Thursday 2nd June

The Queen’s birthday parade (Trooping the Colour) will feature 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians. It will close with a Royal Air Force fly past which the members of the Royal family will watch from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Friday 3rd June

There is a service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Saturday 4th June

Her Majesty the Queen and her family will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs. There will be a Platinum Party at the Palace and a BBC special live concert. Tickets are available through a ballot.

Sunday 5th June

This will be Platinum Jubilee Pageant and the Big Lunch. It encourages communities to get together. It’s designed to help people feel less lonely. It’s basically organised street parties in neighbourhoods. For example, most local streets could have sections which are closed that day and devoted to people assembling together to celebrate the national event.

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Windsor Castle

This is what the Queen has fondly referred to as her ‘weekend home’ since she considers Buckingham Palace her office. The castle was originally built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror. It’s generally the Queen’s main residence. Windsor Castle is located in Berkshire- outside of London. Visiting here is a day trip outside of London. You may even wish to stay over night.

In 1992 there was a fire that destroyed 115 rooms which was devastating for Her Majesty. This royal thing to do in London is especially beautiful during the Christmas season. You’ll want to book those tickets as early as possible, if it’s one of your priorities.

The people I know who live in Windsor feel that the Changing of the Guard experience in Windsor far surpasses that of the Buckingham Palace. It’s generally on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. However, I’ve been there on a Saturday when it was canceled that morning, so consider this if you’re making a special trip there just to see it.

Windsor is my favourite day trip from London. You’ll find these helpful if you want to visit: Where to Stay Near Windsor Castle at Christmas, Tips for Visiting Windsor Castle, Windsor Castle MacDonald Hotel Review.

Westminster Abbey

This has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place for kings, queens, poets, musicians, scientists and even politicians. You can easily pair it with a trip to Buckingham Palace, since they are very close together.

It’s held 16 royal weddings, including William and Kate’s ceremony.

Afternoon Tea

It’s well known in England that the Queen has afternoon tea daily. While there are countless locations around London where you can have it, the Fortnum and Mason afternoon tea is regarded as the most royal.

Fortnum & Mason has a long and close relationship with the royal family. It holds two royal warrants. A Royal Warrant of Appointment is granted as a mark of recognition to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services to HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales or their Households. The Monarch decides who may grant Royal Warrants. 

Therefore, if you want to shop or eat like a royal, Fortnum and Mason is the place to be, especially for afternoon tea.

G&T

Most British people also know the Queen likes a good drink. It’s said that she really fancies a nice G&T- like most people here. Her cocktail recipe is alleged to be two parts Dubonnet to one part gin, with a slice of lemon and lots of ice.

So, if visiting London isn’t on your horizon this year, you can always chill with the latest season of The Crown on Netflix while sipping your favourite gin and tonic.

Final Thoughts:

If you’ve done other Royal Things to Do in London and can share advice on those experiences with everyone, please put them in the comments. And for more help planning a London trip, I’ve included some popular articles and videos I’ve created below.

If you want regular updates, subscribe to the Sunny News email. Each week you’ll receive Mr Sunny’s Pub of the Week suggestions, plus current information on what’s happening in London. I publish several daily updates on TikTok too.

More London Advice:

  • Eating Traditional British Food– What You Must Know
  • Best London Restaurant Guide for Foodies
  • What You MUST Book in Advance for London
  • What to Know about Healthy Food and Drink Trends 2020
  • What to Book Ahead in London (YouTube video)
  • Tips for Food to Eat When Visiting London (YouTube video)
  • The Best Hidden Pubs in London (YouTube video)
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November 21, 2021 by: Sunny London

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

Why do I visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London every year? Let’s break it down quickly. I grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida which is 60 miles from Orlando. It’s undeniably the theme park capital of the world. In fact, I worked at Universal Studios for a few years after finishing my internship with NBC News London Bureau, where I met Mr Sunny.

And… I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

So, if you love the theme park atmosphere and Christmas, then the seasonal experience of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London is for you too.

Watch the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London Experience

If you want to literally see how much fun this holiday event is in London, then I have you covered. Mr Sunny and I filmed all the highlights of food, rides and markets and published it on the Sunny News channel.

Admission to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

With last year’s closure due to the pandemic, there is a lot to look forward to in 2021 at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. However, there are some big changes to note as well.

Foremost, you must book your tickets in advance online. I literally booked ours the first day it was possible in early August. I knew to do this because I subscribe to their email. The upcoming changes were clearly communicated in advance, so I had time to consider and research options.

The biggest variable was really the weather.

I know- this is ironic from a blogger who calls herself ‘Sunny in London.’ But, the name was created to distinguish myself when I arrived here in 2013 and to promote a positive vibe.

When you book tickets you must choose one of three entry times: 10am, 1pm and 5pm. No matter what time you enter, you can stay until the event closes that evening. We chose 1pm this year and found it worked really well. It allowed us to both experience Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London both during daylight hours and night.

You do know that it gets dark around 4pm in the winter in London, right?

Since we are equally as excited about food and drink as we are the rides, Mr Sunny and I booked a package at the Bavarian Village. This is because if you spend £20 on any attractions, rides or games online in advance, your entrance ticket is free when booked in the same transaction.

Our total was £33. This is the breakdown.

  • 1 Adult/teen Entry (standard) £5, 1 Adult/teen entry (standard) free
  • Booking fee £3
  • Food package from 10am, Bavarian Village Food package, 2 x Food to Go Bratwurst Deal- Alcoholic Drink £25

If you don’t book any additional items, then entry is free during off-peak periods and costs £5 or £7.50 for peak periods.

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Thoughts on Admission to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

No one ever wants to pay for something that previously was free. However, after we arrived at 1pm on Friday 19th November, we saw the difference it made.

As Mr Sunny commented, ‘This is far more civilised.’ And I agree completely.

Since you can’t just rock up to the gate, it eliminates a lot of last minute visitors. It also seemed to cut down on the amount of pick pockets.

Personally, I would happily pay this entry charge with the option of having it waived by spending a certain amount. Being able to walk through easily from the Christmas market booths to the food stalls to the rides was a refreshing change.

What do you think? Leave me your ideas in the comments.

Food at Hyde Park in Winter Wonderland in London

Christmas market food always has a special place in my heart. Maybe I should say stomach?

We traditionally enjoy Bratwurst sausage and crepes when we visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London. This year had a delicious little twist after we solved the mystery of how to use our pre-paid vouchers.

No one working at the food stalls in the Bavarian Village seemed to know what to do with them. Eventually we discovered that they could only be ‘cashed in’ at one location. Once we got our Bratwurst, we received two drink tokens. You can see Mr Sunny’s Bratwurst and mountain of sauerkraut in the above YouTube video.

I opted to skip a crepe this year because during the pandemic we purchased quite a bit of Le Creuset baking pans and cookware. This included a ginormous crepe pan, so we make them often at home now. (If you have any tips on how to perfect one- I would be grateful if you left them in the comments.)

Instead, later in the evening we chose to check out the Street Food Festival that’s been added to Winter Wonderland. This proved to be a great move. I had a fab Mexican themed scoop of mac and cheese from the Mac Factory.

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Some of the food companies you will find there are: Halal Guys, Doughlads, Meltsmiths, El Pollote, Freewheelin’ Pizza, Truffle, STAKEhaus, E8Fish and Oh My Dog! The big star seems to be EL&N cafe.

Thoughts on Food at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

It’s fair food. Pun intended.

Expect food that’s kind of warm but not hot and sitting outside all day. You know you will pay a lot more than what it is actually worth but that’s part of the experience at a theme park, isn’t it?

However, as indicated, the Street Food Festival really is a nice addition this year. And since there is staggered admission that’s no longer free, there was plenty of space to sit and enjoy our food while we were there.

But- if you’re a bit OCD like me, you’ll want to make sure you have hand sanitiser and wipes with you at all times. It didn’t look like the benches and tables were being wiped off as quickly as I would have hoped.

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Drinks at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

Mr Sunny skipped his annual Stein at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland this year. But, we did make our yearly pilgrimage to the Carousel Bar, Santa’s Pub and our favourite- Thor’s Tipi. It is very ironic, but we found the most ‘chill’ atmosphere in the later which features a warm, cosy environment with tons of mulled wine, hot chocolate and Prosecco.

Worthy of a special mention is Bar Ice. It’s billed as the ‘coolest’ bar at Winter Wonderland and as an insta-worthy haven. We opted to skip it because twice we had been to the Ice Bar in London. Sadly, this bar on Heddon Street closed during the pandemic.

If you’ve never done anything like it- I would highly suggest booking a session during your Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London visit. Bar Ice sessions are 20 minutes long, just like they were at the venue Mr Sunny and I experienced. While you might think the -10°C would be unbearable, the gear they give you makes it easy to enjoy your plunge.

Thoughts on Food at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

Keep an eye on your bank card when you go to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Those drinks, no matter what location you hit, add up really fast the next day when you aren’t using cash.

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Rides at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

I am most critical of this area of Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London. When you grow up visiting the world’s most perfect theme park experience (Walt Disney World), it’s tough to have any other place measure up to your normal.

For this reason, I hesitate to go on too many rides at temporary amusement parks. While I am sure they undergo rigorous inspections when being built, I just don’t have too much faith in their structure.

Plus, you will pay a HEFTY price for a ride at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London.

A simply must-do is The Giant Wheel. We rode this with a VIP champagne package the year we got engaged. Unfortunately, it was a windy and cloudy evening so my lack of faith in rides mentioned above created a terror in me that did interfere with the ability to enjoy the ride.

However, I’ve seen a lot of people’s photos from The Giant Wheel this year and it looks like on a clear night, the views of Hyde Park and surrounding London area are incredible. This ride also had the longest line later in the evening. But, they do offer Fast Track passes.

While initially criticising the astronomical price of the Munich Looping ride, we did splurge for it at the end of our visit. It’s a famous ride popular from Oktoberfest and is the world’s largest transportable roller coaster.

Aside from these two rides, everything else you find is conventional fun fair attractions.

Thoughts on Rides at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London

This is where you will spend the most money fast. In fact, just a few rides will put you over the ticket price for a full day at Universal Studios Orlando or the Disney theme parks. Choose your adventures carefully!

Every year I have been curious about the Haunted Mansion. Again, this can be attributed to the one I knew and loved at Walt Disney World.

This year I finally ticked it off my bucket list, and it was a complete waste of money. Without a doubt- skip the Haunted Mansion at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London.

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Final Thoughts

To get the most out of your experience at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London, we absolutely suggest the 1pm time to book your tickets. Figure the visit will cost around £150 if you want to have two snacks each, a few drinks and 4-5 rides.

I didn’t even get to the Christmas markets in this article feature. That would certainly add more to your trip.

What do you think, Sunny friends? Is a visit to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London on your horizon this year?

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hyde-park-winter-wonderland-in-london-advice

November 18, 2019 by: Sunny London

How to Spend 3 Days in London as a Super Tourist

There are some sights in London that never get old. After living here six years as an American married to a born and bred Londoner, it is hard for me not to take pictures of iconic London landmarks every time I am near one. Well, Big Ben is currently an exception to this because it is covered in scaffolding for the next few years.

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This phenomenon compares to what I experienced growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida. Every time I went to Disney World or Universal Studios I was overcome with excitement and energy, no matter how many times I went.

That’s the reality for me living in London. But, you will find that most Londoners don’t whip out their phone for a photo every time they pass Buckingham Palace or the London Eye. Most of them haven’t been to the iconic attractions recently.

Yet, I wonder how they give friends and family who come to visit them advice about what to do when they are in London to see the sights. Since they aren’t as keen to pay attention to “attractions”, much less the deals for ticket entry, do they know strategies to get the best prices?

how-to-spend-3-days-in-london-tourist

For these reasons, I have been a great resource to blog readers and friends who visit London. One of the top recommendations I have for people to save money on London attractions is to get a London Pass.

But, in order to make it worth it, you have to truly live like a tourist for a day or more, depending on which one you choose.

Based on the success of the blog I published about the Things to Do Near the Tower of London, I have put together several itineraries for the ultimate tourist days in London. If you follow them, you could save tons of money, Sunny friends!

How to Spend 3 Days in London: Day 1

  • Tower of London (£27.20)
  • Tower Bridge Exhibition (£9.80)
  • The Monument to the Great Fire of London (£4.50)
  • St Paul’s Cathedral (£20)
  • View from the Shard (£25)

If you paid for an adult ticket each of these individual attractions “at the door”, your total would be £86.50. An adult London Pass for one day is £75.

Yes, this would be one packed, exhausting day visiting attractions in London. However, if you want to see as much as possible in a short period of time, it is the way to go.

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How to Spend 3 Days in London: Day 2

  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (£17)
  • Golden Hinde (£5)
  • London Bridge Experience (£29)
  • HMS Belfast (£16)
  • The View from the Shard (if you were too tired on Day 1)
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How to Spend 3 Days in London: Day 3

  • Kensington Palace and the Orangery (£20)
  • Royal Albert Hall (£8)
  • Westminster Abbey (£23)
  • Thames River Cruise (£19) take this to Greenwich
  • Royal Observatory Greenwich (£16)
  • Cutty Sark (£15)

The price of a 3 day London Pass is currently £109. Do the math on all the attractions I listed and see how much you will save!

how-to-spend-3-days-in-london-tourist

How to Spend 3 Days in London: Planning

In the spirit of honesty, these aren’t itineraries I could do back to back in three days. Mr Sunny and I are really lazy foodie travellers. One activity a day is enough for us. We generally make the regional cuisine our main event.

However, you would be amazed at the sample itineraries my blog and Sunny News YouTube viewers send me as possibilities. I write amazed because the activities they plan for each day would involve running from one direction to the other side of the London and then back again. Sometimes I wonder where they learned their map reading skills.

However, I think they just put things in order according to their list of priorities. This initially could seem like a good idea. But, for people who know and live in London, we understand that it is a very wide city in comparison to others. Further, the Underground and busses are great, but you need to know how much time to build in for travel as well.

My itineraries above are grouped together by location. And on the Day 3 itinerary, I even suggest using the London Pass for a cruise which takes you from one part of the city to another. In fact, most people don’t get to Greenwich because it is kind of out of the way. But, if you sight see along the way and have a plan of things to do when you get there, it is well worth your time (get it?!) to go to Greenwich.

So if you like to see as much as possible, condense your daily plans to attractions that are in the same general vicinity. Or…

How to Spend 3 Days in London: Final Thoughts

If you are a bit of a gambler and free spirit, there is a new tool on the London Pass website you might want to try. It’s a Spinner feature and is a new innovative way to randomise, jazz-up and create spontaneity during your London break.

Maybe you could use it to decide where to start your day of living like a tourist and then move around the above itineraries from there?

Let me know how it goes, Sunny friends. And if you need suggestions of where to eat when you’re out and about, I have something below for you too.

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

October 26, 2019 by: Sunny London

Things to Do Near Tower of London

What is a huge mistake that people planning to visit London make? Not planning things to do near the Tower of London!

When I was a guest on the Eye on Travel CBS Radio Show with Peter Greenberg last year, I said that I feel the Tower of London is the top attraction that people should see when visiting London.

According to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (Alva), the most visited attraction in London in 2018 was the Tate Modern. It accumulated almost 5.9 million visitors. The Tower of London saw approximately 2.5 million enter through the gates.

Given that statistic, you might wonder why I suggest the Tower of London first for everyone visiting London. However, if you know the Tower of London’s history, you might think the better question is: How many guests left the Tower of London with their heads last year?

Ha!Ha!Ha! You knew I couldn’t resist a corny ‘British’ joke, right?

But, seriously, when I get emails or comments on the Sunny News YouTube channel from people visiting London for the first time, they always express wanting to visit the Tower of London. For what it’s worth, I have visited it three times. The Sky Garden is the only attraction I have visited as many times. Is it shocking to learn that it is just around the corner from The Tower? Well, more like a 5-7 minute walk. But, that is close enough in my opinion.

So, what else can you do if you know you want to spend half a day at the Tower of London?

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Things to Do Near Tower of London: London Pass

If you are considering several attractions in one day, then it is likely that you will want a London Pass. Below is the suggested itinerary I have for people who want other things to do near the Tower of London.

  • The Tower of London (£27.20)
  • The Monument to the Great Fire of London (£4.50)
  • St Paul’s Cathedral (£20)
  • Tower Bridge Exhibition (£9.80)
  • View from the Shard (£25)

If you paid for an adult ticket each of these individual attractions “at the door”, your total would be £86.50. An adult London Pass for one day is £75.

The itinerary above would be tight, but if you want to max out on your time in London, it’s the way to go.

Things to Do Near Tower of London: For Foodies

If you’re like Mr Sunny and me, you don’t like to run ragged when you are on holiday. We enjoy leisurely lunches with adult beverages when we travel. As you will see on my Instastories, we don’t overload ourselves with too many commitments on any given day.

Activities that would interest foodies that are near the Tower of London include:

  • Walking to St Katherine’s Docks and having lunch at Dickens Inn or one of the many restaurants in the area. White Mulberries is a great spot for coffee and pastries. Their Instagram is a London account I love and have followed for years.
  • You can easily walk to Borough Market, which is open everyday except Sunday. On weekends, you can get to Maltby Street in about 20 minutes by crossing the Tower Bridge. Both of these locations are known for their outstanding street food.
  • There are tons of restaurants on both the north and south sides of the River Thames. They offer fab views too.
  • The Secret Food Tour of London Bridge is a 3-3 1/2 guided food tour of the London Bridge area that incorporates 8 stops.
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St. Katherine’s Docks, London

Things to Do Near Tower of London: Historic

For those that want to devour history instead, you can find things to do near the Tower of London too. Keep the Monument to the Great Fire of London and Tower Bridge Exhibition from the London Pass itinerary above.

Consider adding a visit to the London Dungeon for an entertaining look at London’s dark past. On the way over, you can also visit the HMS Belfast. Or you can swap something for time’s sake on that itinerary and add the London Bridge experience. The London Bridge and the HMS Belfast are on the London Pass.

Things to Do Near Tower of London: St Paul’s Cathedral

When my mother visited in April, her top requests in London were the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. Arriving at the first one close to when they opened, gave us enough time to swing by the SkyGarden before walking to St Paul’s Cathedral. I had previously booked a time for us to visit Skygarden, which is something you must do for this free attraction. In fact, like the Tower of London it’s one of the few attractions that Londoners actually visit.

We spent about 2 1/2 hours at the Tower of London and about 90 minutes at St Paul’s Cathedral. Our day of touring ended around 3pm.

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Things to Do Near Tower of London: Final Thoughts

You wouldn’t think that those three attractions would take up most of a day. However, you must build in time to get from one attraction to another. And, like I mentioned previously, I don’t like to rush through a million activities in one day.

For the closest amount of attractions in one condensed place, you want to read this article on How to See 4 Attractions at London South Bank.

How do you like to travel, Sunny friends? Do you like to buy a discount attraction pass and hit as many activities as you can in one day? Do you prefer to alternate pool days with attraction days?

For More Guides to London:

I have bookmarked many of my best guides to London for you and grouped them below. They should make planning a trip to London so much easier! To stay up to date with all that’s happening in London, subscribe to the Sunny News emails too.

  • Best Things to Do in London
  • Food Things do Do in London
  • Major Differences in American and British Cultures
  • Trips- International Travel Tips and Tricks

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning

Do you want a local travel guide to London? What if you could get all your London trip planning suggestions in one place and then decide what is best for you?

Stay right here, Sunny friends! In fact, you probably want to add this page to your London Trip board on Pinterest so you have it in a safe place.

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I’m an American blogger who has lived in London for six years. On Sunny in London I write about things to do, restaurant openings and British food, attractions, events, cultural differences and travel from London. My husband, Mr Sunny, comes from generations of London born, so he is an excellent source of ‘historic’ and life knowledge too.

This page is part of a series of resources to introduce you to the blog. It is updated regularly. Other pages include:

  • Best Things to Do in London
  • Food Things do Do in London
  • Major Differences in American and British Cultures
  • Trips- International Travel Tips and Tricks

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Basics

  • What is the Best Airport to Choose?
  • What You Must Plan in Advance for a London Trip
  • Tips for London Pass, Tickets & Apps (YouTube)
  • Best Day Trips from London
  • Visiting Stonehenge– How to Get to Stonehenge from London
What Month is Best to Visit London?

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Mistakes to Avoid

  • Why You Shouldn’t Plan on Seeing ‘Big Ben‘ (YouTube)
  • How to Spot Americans in London and Abroad as Tourists (YouTube)
  • British Slang Words– Travel Tips & Advice (YouTube)
  • Tips You Need for Your First Visit to London
  • What to Wear to an Opera– A Pretty Woman Story
  • How to Ride the London Underground not like an Arse
Rules You MUST Know for Visiting London

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Money & Shopping

  • Tips for Exchanging Money (YouTube)
  • How to Save Money on London Attractions (YouTube)
  • How to Tip When Visiting London (YouTube)
  • VAT Refund Shopping When Visiting London (YouTube)
  • American’s Guide for Shopping in London
  • British Brands and What to Buy in London (YouTube)

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Food & Hotels

For a detailed list of restaurants I recommend in London, visit the my Best London Restaurant Guide for Foodies. Below are some highlights.

  • Covent Garden– Restaurants, Pubs and Attractions
  • Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide for Visiting London
  • Food You Must Eat in London (YouTube)
  • Harry Potter Hotel Room Tour (YouTube)
  • What Makes MacDonald Windsor Hotel Magical?

Don’t Miss Anything New!

Watch the Sunny News YouTube to see everything happening each week.

Subscribe to the Sunny News email to receive regularly updates about what’s hot in London. When you subscribe you’ll automatically receive the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London’ which you can download to your phone.

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