3 days in London!

Most likely, you’ll arrive sometime this morning, and you should hit the ground running! If you have any control of your timing, try to get to Buckingham Palace in time for the morning Changing of the Guards. I suggest getting there early for best viewing. Times can vary- so check the schedule! From Buckingham, head to Harrod’s for a bit of shopping- or just to see the famous department store. Next up - tea at Kensington Gardens! Enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the Kensington Palace Gardens. Expensive, but delicious and very filling! We had reservations, but depending on the day you may be able to walk in. After afternoon tea, you may want to head back to your London hotel to check in or freshen up for your night out. Grab a quick bite to eat on the way out- You are heading to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to see one of Shakespeare's plays under the night sky. You can sit in a covered seat/bleachers or stand in front of the stage with a cheaper "standing room only" ticket!

If you are like me, you want to see as much of the city as possible for as cheaply as possible. I suggest purchasing a two day London Pass. Possibly more days depending on how much you want to see. The London Pass gets you into a lot of attractions for free, but you need to play wisely and stay on schedule in order to get your money’s worth. It's VERY important to plan ahead. (or have me plan ahead and be sure to follow my suggestions!) Purchase your pass ahead of time, so that you do not waste time figuring it out when you want to be using your pass. So your pass is purchased, you planned everything out- therefore you are up and at ’em on Day 2 and making your way to Windsor Castle via the train. (Directions are in the London Pass booklet & transportation is included- just show your pass!) It takes about an hour so start early! Alternative morning activity instead of Windsor: Hampton Court Palace tour! Also included with the London Pass!

Arrive at Windsor station and make your way to the castle. Wait to do your shopping in the cute side streets until after your tour- the line may be long even if you are there early. Spend a couple hours here. Note: on Sunday, the chapel is closed for church services. We ended up staying for the service & sat right by King Henry VIII’s burial spot to see where Harry and Meghan got married. Try to head back to the train station by 12-1pm to get the most out of your London Pass. Back in London, take the train to Tower Hill, and visit the Tower of London. If you finish Tower of London by about 4-5ish, walk to the Tower Bridge tour. Check the Thames Riverboat tour schedule from Tower Pier. You can take an evening cruise up and down the river if time permits (otherwise do this tomorrow!). One more thing tonight. Head to London Bridge Station by train and walk to The Shard (You can make a reservation with your pass!). It’s a tall glass building with a great night time view at the top!

Head to Westminster! It opens at 9 or 9:30 depending on the day, and plan to get there about 15 minutes early to get in line. There are coffee shops within walking distance, so plop your friend/mom/husband in line, and go get some coffee! The London Pass includes a headset tour, which is very interesting and takes you through all the nooks and crannies of the Abbey. Spend 2-2.5 hours here and make sure to arrive before opening. Lunch time? Head to Strutton Ground (Visit Bonne Boche!). It’s near St. James Park Station, but it’s not too far of a walk from Westminster Abbey.Along Buckingham Palace Road, there’s several bus tour stops for your Hop on/Hop off bus. Feel free to get off as you wish, but I suggest a tour of Kensington Palace to end your afternoon. 3 day London Pass? Check out The HMS Belfast, Churchill War Rooms, or the London Bridge Experience. Spend the day at Hampton Court Palace- Henry VIII’s favorite home. There's so much to see in London!