Ready-made plans
Ready-made plan

5 days in London for couples

South Bank and Covent Garden 4 nights

I made this for two people who want the romantic side of London. River walks, afternoon tea at The Ritz, a West End show and dinners with a view.

Afternoon tea at The RitzA West End show in Covent GardenSunset from the Sky Garden and dinner at The ShardBest in May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
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Prices are checked when you open the plan, a month ahead. They are never saved in it.

Day 1 Arrive and walk the river

  1. 13:30Land at London Heathrow, transfer to the South BankIf you travel light, the Elizabeth line is fast and cheap. With big bags, book a car.Heathrow Airport · about 1 hr · about 13 GBP per person by train, or 70 to 110 GBP per car
  2. 15:00Check in and restAsk for a river view room, it is worth the small extra.South Bank · about 2 hrs · FreeArrive by car
  3. 17:00Walk the South BankStroll east along the river past the London Eye, the book market under Waterloo Bridge and the street performers.South Bank · about 1 hr 15 min · FreeWalk, 5 min
  4. 18:30Cross the Golden Jubilee Bridge to Covent GardenThe footbridge gives one of the best views of Westminster and the London Eye at dusk.Embankment to Covent Garden · about 45 min · FreeWalk, 10 min
  5. 19:30Dinner at Clos MaggioreOften called London's most romantic restaurant, with a flower filled conservatory and a fire in winter. Book weeks ahead and ask for the conservatory.Covent Garden · about 2 hrs · 70 to 110 GBP · Order: Seasonal French fish dishes and the chocolate dessertWalk, 10 min

Tip: For halal diners in non halal restaurants, the fish and vegetarian dishes are the easy choice, and staff are used to the question.

Day 2 Royal London and the West End

  1. 09:30Westminster AbbeyWhere kings and queens are crowned and royal weddings take place. The free audio guide is excellent.Westminster · about 1 hr 15 min · 30 to 35 GBP
  2. 10:50Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the GuardWatch the band and guards from the Victoria Memorial steps.Westminster · about 1 hr · FreeWalk through St James's Park, 15 min
  3. 12:00St James's Park and Green ParkA slow walk around the lake, with the best view of the palace from the blue bridge.Westminster · about 1 hr · FreeWalk, 5 min
  4. 13:30Afternoon tea at The RitzTea in the gilded Palm Court with a pianist, the most famous afternoon tea in the world. Book weeks ahead, smart dress, no jeans or trainers.Piccadilly · about 1 hr 45 min · 80 to 95 GBP · Order: Finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and pastriesWalk through Green Park, 10 min
  5. 15:45Rest at the hotelA break before the theatre, afternoon tea will keep you full until late.South Bank · about 2 hrs · FreeTaxi, 15 min
  6. 18:00Covent Garden piazzaBrowse the old market hall and watch the street performers before the show.Covent Garden · about 1 hr · FreeWalk across Waterloo Bridge, 20 min
  7. 19:30West End show: The Lion King at the Lyceum TheatreA West End classic with stunning costumes. Any long running West End show works here, book seats in the stalls or dress circle.Covent Garden · about 2 hrs 30 min · 60 to 150 GBPWalk, 5 min

Tip: Theatre tickets bought from the show's official site or the TKTS booth in Leicester Square avoid the big markups of resellers.

Day 3 Tower, markets and the skyline

  1. 09:30Tower of London and the Crown JewelsSee the Crown Jewels first, then join a Yeoman Warder tour for the best stories.Tower Hill · about 2 hrs 30 min · 35 to 40 GBP
  2. 12:15Walk across Tower BridgeCross on foot for the classic river photo, then follow the Thames path west.Tower Bridge · about 30 min · FreeWalk, 5 min
  3. 13:00Lunch at Borough MarketGraze the stalls together. Look for halal signs on the grills, or go for fish, falafel and sweets.London Bridge · about 1 hr 15 min · 12 to 20 GBP · Order: Grilled fish or falafel, then a custard doughnutWalk along the river, 15 min
  4. 14:30Rest at the hotelFreshen up and change for a smart evening.South Bank · about 2 hrs 30 min · FreeJubilee line from London Bridge to Waterloo, 10 min
  5. 17:30Sunset at the Sky GardenA free indoor garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie tower with an open air terrace over the river. Book a free slot online.City of London · about 1 hr 15 min · free with a booked slotTaxi, 15 min
  6. 19:30Dinner at Hutong, The ShardNorthern Chinese cooking on the 33rd floor of The Shard with the whole city lit up below. Ask for a window table when you book.London Bridge · about 2 hrs · 70 to 110 GBP · Order: Red lantern soft shell crab and roasted Peking duckWalk over London Bridge, 15 min

Tip: Smart casual is expected at Hutong, no sportswear.

Day 4 Notting Hill and Kensington

  1. 10:00Portobello Road and the pastel houses of Notting HillWalk the colourful terraces and antique shops of Portobello Road, a favourite for couple photos.Notting Hill · about 2 hrs · Free
  2. 12:30Lunch at Ottolenghi Notting HillThe original deli of the famous chef, with colourful salads and cakes piled in the window. Small, so expect to share a table.Ledbury Road, Notting Hill · about 1 hr · 20 to 30 GBP · Order: A plate of the day's salads and a slice of cakeWalk, 10 min
  3. 14:00Kensington Gardens and the Italian GardensWalk past Kensington Palace and the Round Pond to the fountains of the Italian Gardens.Kensington Gardens · about 1 hr 15 min · FreeTaxi, 10 min
  4. 15:30Victoria and Albert MuseumThe world's great museum of design and fashion, with jewellery, couture and a lovely garden cafe.South Kensington · about 1 hr 30 min · FreeTaxi, 10 min
  5. 17:15HarrodsBrowse the Egyptian Hall and the food halls, even just to look.Knightsbridge · about 1 hr 15 min · free to browseWalk, 10 min
  6. 19:30Dinner at GymkhanaMichelin starred Indian food in a dark wood room styled like an old colonial club. Book well ahead.Mayfair · about 2 hrs · 80 to 120 GBP · Order: The biryani of the day and chicken butter masalaTaxi, 15 min

Tip: The UK no longer refunds VAT to tourists on shopping, so compare prices with home before a big Harrods buy.

Day 5 Parks, Camden and home

  1. 09:30Regent's Park and Queen Mary's GardensThousands of roses in early summer, a quiet morning walk for two.Regent's Park · about 1 hr · Free
  2. 10:45Primrose Hill viewpointA short climb to a grassy hilltop with a wide view of the London skyline.Primrose Hill · about 45 min · FreeWalk through the park, 20 min
  3. 11:45Camden MarketStalls of vintage clothes, crafts and street food beside the canal locks.Camden · about 1 hr · free to browseWalk, 15 min
  4. 13:00Lunch at Dishoom King's CrossIn a huge old railway goods shed by Granary Square, a good last lunch.King's Cross · about 1 hr · 25 to 40 GBP · Order: Chicken ruby curry, black daal and garlic naanTaxi, 10 min
  5. 14:15Back to the hotel to collect bagsLeave bags with the concierge after check out.South Bank · about 30 min · FreeTube or taxi, 25 min
  6. 15:15Transfer to London HeathrowAllow a full hour on the road on weekday afternoons.Heathrow Airport · about 1 hr · 70 to 110 GBP per carCar, 60 min

Tip: If your flight is from Terminal 5 or 2, check which Heathrow station to get off at before you board the train.

Where to stay

London, South Bank and Covent Garden · nights 1 to 5Walk to Westminster, the theatres and the river, beautiful at night.
  • The Savoy luxury · about 700 to 1,200 GBP a night London's most famous hotel, on the river and steps from the theatres.
  • Park Plaza Westminster Bridge mid · about 220 to 350 GBP a night Modern rooms across the bridge from Big Ben, some with river views.
  • Premier Inn London County Hall budget · about 130 to 220 GBP a night Next to the London Eye, simple rooms with good beds.

Hotel prices are typical. Make it yours to see today's prices for your dates.

What to eat

  • Afternoon tea at The Ritz, Piccadilly The grandest tea in London, a true couple's treat.
  • Seasonal French fish dishes at Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden A flower filled conservatory that feels made for two.
  • Peking duck and soft shell crab at Hutong, The Shard Dinner 33 floors above the river.
  • Biryani and chicken butter masala at Gymkhana, Mayfair Some of the best Indian food in London.
  • Chicken ruby curry and black daal at Dishoom King's Cross Buzzy Bombay cafe food that everyone loves.
  • Market grazing at Borough Market, London Bridge Fish, falafel and famous custard doughnuts from the stalls.

London evenings are made for couples, with long summer light, theatre crowds in Covent Garden and the river lit up on both banks.

Why it is planned this way

  • I booked Westminster Abbey at opening because the queue doubles by late morning, and it is closed to visitors on Sundays.
  • I made afternoon tea at The Ritz your lunch on the theatre day, so you will not need a big dinner before the show.
  • I timed the Sky Garden for sunset and put dinner at The Shard right after, a 15 minute walk across the river.
  • I kept day 4 in Notting Hill and Kensington so all the walking stays in one part of town.

Other plans for London

Opening times and prices change. Tomo checks them again for your dates when you make the plan yours.

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