London is a dream location for visitors from all over the globe, and it’s easy to imagine spending weeks discovering all the city has to offer. However, if you only have a couple of days to see the sights, this blog will help you power on through and experience some of the essentials during this shorter time frame.
Day One: Exploring Key Sights
For the first day of your trip, it is useful to focus on seeing some of the major sights and attractions which draw visitors to London. If you’re staying at The Montcalm Royal London House then you are already ideally situated for exploring, with much of the city’s highlights right on your doorstep (or at least accessible via public transport).
Before you get started, we highly recommend you download a map of the tube and find ways to help make your journeys a little speedier. Be sure to pack a contactless card or pick up an Oyster card, either of which will help you get through tube stations and travel around the city a little faster.
London Eye sightseeing and Westminster Abbey
The London Eye moves at a leisurely pace, but it also provides you with incredible views of the city from above. During your 30-minute trip, you’ll be able to see many of the venues others are exploring on the ground. The River Thames, another of London’s most prominent features, is also seen in a unique way from this vantage point.
There are ways to help cut through the queues for the London Eye, including booking online in advance and opting for a deluxe private pod, both of which provide the ideal morning activity on the first day of your trip.
Other key sights in this locality include the London Dungeon and Big Ben, which can be visited by crossing the river. This is part of the Houses of Parliament, and also close to Westminster Abbey. Both of these locations can be visited. As you might expect, security is strict at the Houses of Parliament, and there is a fee to enter Westminster Abbey. However, here you can see one of the most famous places of worship in the world, the site of burial for numerous historical figures, and the place where every monarch since 1066 has been crowned.
A Palace and a Park
For those travelling on foot, it’s only a short journey from Westminster to Buckingham Palace (via St James Park). For those travelling on the tube, simply exit at Green Park and you’ll be at the palace within minutes.
Visiting the opulent State Rooms is only possible during the summer months, but there is still plenty to draw you in at other times of the year. The daily Changing of the Guard represents a key attraction. Happening at 10:45am each morning, here you’ll see eager crowds jostling for a space, so you might want to get here a little earlier to secure the best views.
The Queen’s Gallery offers artworks from the Royal Collection, and a range of temporary exhibitions which will be of interest to creative types enjoying London hotels special offers. A short walk from the palace you’ll find Hyde Park, a busy part of London and one of the foremost Royal Parks in the city.
Department Stores and Museums
Just before Hyde Park, you’ll find Harrods, one of London’s foremost department stores. It’s a pretty active place, with eager shoppers looking for their latest luxury find. Continuing from Knightsbridge towards South Kensington, you’ll discover a range of incredible museums, amongst them the leading venues of the V&A and Natural History Museum.
We recommend grabbing a bite to eat on your way throughout the day, before enjoying a meal at a restaurant closer to your hotel.
Day Two: Shopping and More Sightseeing
It’s natural to want to pick up a few mementos of your stay, and on the second day of the trip this is the ideal opportunity. Having already seen some of the major attractions in London, now you are free to have a more leisurely approach, exploring many of the best shops and markets in the city.
Borough Market
London is filled with incredible markets, and if you want to stock up on some delicious food we recommend a trip to Borough Market. This would be a delightful place to grab a brunch while browsing, and it tends to be a little less crowded in the morning before everyone dashes here for their lunch.
If you’re enjoying a stay at the Montcalm Royal London Spa, then a trip here will help relax you and set you up for the last day of the visit.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Not to be outdone by Westminster Abbey, the second day of your trip can include a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral. Built by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren, this is another of London’s highlights, and viewable on the way to great shopping destinations.
Liberty London
A rival to Harrods, Liberty London is instantly distinguishable thanks to its dramatic black and white facade. This historic department store is known for its famous ‘Liberty print’ fabric, as well as a range of other incredible luxury items within. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours browsing through all Liberty has to offer.
Afternoon Tea
As the second day of your visit is all about taking your time, there is no better way to do this than to indulge in a delightful afternoon tea. This British tradition has become increasingly popular amongst Londoners in recent years, and provides a mid-afternoon pause from big city life.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, then be sure to select your venue of choice and sample a range of yummy cakes, sandwiches and teas in stunning locations. You’ll then be free to spend the rest of the day continuing your shopping trip, before packing and readying yourself for the journey back home.
