There is so much to do in London that one day really isn’t going to be all the time you need. Here are a few ideas to get you started, just don’t forget to start planning your second trip now!
See the Whole City
If you want to experience as much of the capital as you can, in the shortest time possible, an aerial view fits the bill. The London Helicopter offers a tour which runs from west to east London and allows you to see many of the key landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.
The view from the air offers a stunning overview of the city below and it’s great fun to later explore the streets from the ground, knowing that you were recently flying high above them.
Allow for Some Pamper Time
If you want to experience some pampering, but without having to pay London prices, book a haircut at one of the salons of The London Hairdressing Apprenticeship Academy. The students here need to perfect their techniques, so reduced rates are often on offer, and you can walk away with a cut and finish at a fraction of the usual price.
London also has some great nail bars where you can get the latest colour applied after a relaxing manicure or pedicure. This can be really nice if you plan to be on your feet all day seeing the sights.
Museums and Galleries
There are so many museums and galleries in London that you would need several days to get around them all. If you are looking for something interactive, especially if you have children in tow, the Science Museum is a good choice. The Natural History Museum is always a firm favourite if only to see the Diplodocus and the giant sequoia in the entrance hall.
The National Gallery and Tate Modern are the next places to head. At The National Gallery van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ are a must-see as is Constable’s ‘Hay Wain’ and Turner’s ‘The Fighting Temeraire’.
Talk To the Animals
If you want to get up close with some wildlife and enjoy the fresh air, even though you are in the heart of the city, head over to London Zoo at Regent’s Park. There are daily live shows including displays of penguins, tigers, giraffes, pygmy hippos and even dragons, Kimodo dragons that is.
If you want to snorkel with sharks you need to head to the Sea Life London Aquarium, which is located near Tower Bridge. The aquarium features a wide range of aquatic species, many of which are endangered and have been bred as part of the centre’s conservation programme.
The London Eye
Whilst you are visiting the South Bank why not enjoy a ride on The London Eye. Opened to celebrate the millennium in 2000, the Eye stands over 135 metres tall and is the best vantage point to view many of London’s landmarks. It was in fact the highest public viewing point over the capital until its crown was stolen in 2013, when The Shard opened a public platform at 245 metres.
West End Show
If you want to end the day perfectly, head to the West End to take in a show. For a small slice of history you can book to see Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ at St.Martin’s Theatre on West Street. This whodunit is now in its 63rd year and over 25,000 performances have been given.
If a musical is more your scene there is a wide range from which to choose, including the ever popular ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Les Miserables’ alongside newer arrivals ‘The Book of Mormon’ and ‘Jersey Boys’.
If you want to experience as much of the capital as you can, in the shortest time possible, an aerial view fits the bill. The London Helicopter offers a tour which runs from west to east London and allows you to see many of the key landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.
The view from the air offers a stunning overview of the city below and it’s great fun to later explore the streets from the ground, knowing that you were recently flying high above them.
Allow for Some Pamper Time
If you want to experience some pampering, but without having to pay London prices, book a haircut at one of the salons of The London Hairdressing Apprenticeship Academy. The students here need to perfect their techniques, so reduced rates are often on offer, and you can walk away with a cut and finish at a fraction of the usual price.
London also has some great nail bars where you can get the latest colour applied after a relaxing manicure or pedicure. This can be really nice if you plan to be on your feet all day seeing the sights.
Museums and Galleries
There are so many museums and galleries in London that you would need several days to get around them all. If you are looking for something interactive, especially if you have children in tow, the Science Museum is a good choice. The Natural History Museum is always a firm favourite if only to see the Diplodocus and the giant sequoia in the entrance hall.
The National Gallery and Tate Modern are the next places to head. At The National Gallery van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ are a must-see as is Constable’s ‘Hay Wain’ and Turner’s ‘The Fighting Temeraire’.
Talk To the Animals
If you want to get up close with some wildlife and enjoy the fresh air, even though you are in the heart of the city, head over to London Zoo at Regent’s Park. There are daily live shows including displays of penguins, tigers, giraffes, pygmy hippos and even dragons, Kimodo dragons that is.
If you want to snorkel with sharks you need to head to the Sea Life London Aquarium, which is located near Tower Bridge. The aquarium features a wide range of aquatic species, many of which are endangered and have been bred as part of the centre’s conservation programme.
The London Eye
Whilst you are visiting the South Bank why not enjoy a ride on The London Eye. Opened to celebrate the millennium in 2000, the Eye stands over 135 metres tall and is the best vantage point to view many of London’s landmarks. It was in fact the highest public viewing point over the capital until its crown was stolen in 2013, when The Shard opened a public platform at 245 metres.
West End Show
If you want to end the day perfectly, head to the West End to take in a show. For a small slice of history you can book to see Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ at St.Martin’s Theatre on West Street. This whodunit is now in its 63rd year and over 25,000 performances have been given.
If a musical is more your scene there is a wide range from which to choose, including the ever popular ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Les Miserables’ alongside newer arrivals ‘The Book of Mormon’ and ‘Jersey Boys’.