Take an early Avanti/West Midlands train to London Euston; arriving early gives a full first day. Book Advance fares for best price and check final schedules nearer the date.
See Buckingham Palace exterior and stroll St James's Park for classic royal views and photos; the Palace exterior is open to view year-round though the State Rooms are seasonal (usually closed in winter).
Visit Westminster Abbey (recommended entry to see interior and Poets' Corner) and view the Elizabeth Tower / Big Ben from Parliament Square; Abbey opening generally from 9:30am but services may affect visiting hours—check site for closures.
Take the Tube to Borough Market and sample varied stalls — great for fresh street food and British produce; market hours typically 10:00–5:00 (times vary by stall), best at lunchtime for full choice.
Explore the Tate Modern's free collection and then walk the Millennium Bridge for excellent river and St Paul's views; Tate Modern opening is usually 10:00–18:00 (late Fri to 22:00 some nights).
Visit St Paul's to see the Nave, Whispering Gallery and the dome (typical opening 8:30–16:30 but check seasonal times); its skyline views and mosaics are highlights.
Ride the London Eye for panoramic city views at sunset (typical opening 11:00–20:30) or enjoy the Southbank's riverside atmosphere and street performers.
Dinner near Outernet London (West End) — many dinner and live-music options; Outernet also hosts evening events, so check their schedule if you want a show after dinner.
Start the day at the Tower to see the Crown Jewels and Yeoman Warder tours; opening usually 9:00–17:30 (timings may vary) so arrive early to avoid crowds.
Walk across Tower Bridge and visit its exhibition for engine-room and walkway views, then stroll to the Monument (the Monument is open daily; climbing to the top requires booking).
Choose a riverside pub near Tower Bridge or return to Borough Market for another food-crawl; pubs open lunchtime and Borough Market from about 10:00–17:00.
Visit the Golden Hinde replica ship on Bankside and nearby Southwark Cathedral for medieval and maritime history; Golden Hinde and Cathedral typically open in the daytime but check each site's winter hours.
Head to Sky Garden (free entry with reservation, open roughly 10:00–18:00) or Horizon 22 in Canary Wharf for skyline views — both require advance booking, especially for New Year's Eve period.
Have dinner early near your planned fireworks vantage point — restaurants around Southbank or Greenwich are good for easy access to large viewing areas and public transport.
Attend your pre-planned New Year fireworks event (you requested an 8:00pm option). Note: London's official midnight fireworks on the Thames are usually ticketed and at midnight; some family previews or local displays start earlier — book the specific event and arrive early. Expect road and transport closures.
Start at Greenwich to visit the Royal Observatory (planetarium and Prime Meridian line; normally 10:00–17:00) and Painted Hall (spectacular interior at Old Royal Naval College, usually open 10:00–17:00). Check New Year's Day opening times as they can be reduced.
See the Cutty Sark (historic clipper) and walk the Thames path to North Greenwich if you plan to take the cable car later; opening times for the Cutty Sark are usually mid-morning to late afternoon.
Take the IFS Cloud cable car across the Thames for skyline views and land in the ExCel/Canary Wharf area; cable car runs roughly 07:00–22:00 (check seasonal times) and is a fun short ride.
Explore Canary Wharf’s modern skyscrapers, public art and shops; visit Horizon 22 rooftop/bar for evening views — confirm opening hours (often evening-focused) and book tables.
Begin with peaceful Little Venice then walk or take a short boat/taxi to Camden Market along Regent's Canal; Little Venice is outdoors and tranquil in the morning.
Explore Camden Market stalls, independent designers and global food stalls — markets are best late morning to early afternoon, typically open by 10:00.
Take the 3-hour Christmas Street Walk to see Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden lights at night (seasonal lights usually run Nov–early Jan; check exact switch-off dates and walking route).
Climb the Monument (if open) for views over the City, then stroll the nearby streets to revisit any missed City highlights; Monument opening and access may change seasonally so check ahead.
Return to Tate Modern if you missed it or use the morning to visit any museum/galleries you prioritized; many museums open around 10:00 but check Sunday/holiday hours.
Have a relaxed final lunch near the river — Borough Market or Southbank have lots of good choices and are convenient to central transport for your return.
Head to Euston for an evening train back to Birmingham; book a ticket for a convenient evening departure and allow time for luggage and travel to the station.