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.
Buy the Go City London Explorer/All-Inclusive pass online for 2 days or 3 days and activate on the first attraction you use. Commonly included attractions: Tower of London, London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Cutty Sark, Thames River Cruise, The View from The Shard, Painted Hall — check the current inclusions and activation rules before purchase.
See Buckingham Palace exterior and stroll St James's Park for classic royal photos; the Palace exterior and park are open to view year-round (State Rooms closed in winter).
Visit Westminster Abbey exterior and (if time/reservations allow) enter the Abbey to see medieval architecture and tombs — Abbey typically opens mid-morning but check for service closures.
Explore the Tate Modern collection (free) and cross the Millennium Bridge for great views of the Thames and St Paul's; Tate usually opens 10:00–18:00 (check late-night hours).
If St Paul's is included with your Go City pass and you choose to use a pass day here, enter to see the Whispering Gallery and nave; typical opening around 8:30–16:30 (seasonal). If not using pass, you can admire the exterior instead.
If it's one of your chosen pass uses, ride the London Eye at sunset for panoramic views (typically open 11:00–20:30; using the Go City pass can save you the stand-alone ticket price).
If you chose a 2-day pass, activate Day 1 and Day 2 (use on the London Eye / St Paul's today and Tower of London tomorrow). If you chose a 3-day pass, activate Days 1–3 and plan to use the pass for Royal Observatory Greenwich / Cutty Sark or Painted Hall on Day 3 to maximize value.
Use your Go City pass to enter the Tower of London early to see the Crown Jewels and join a Yeoman Warder tour; Tower opening is typically 9:00–17:30 but confirm winter hours.
Walk across Tower Bridge and visit the exhibition for engine-room and walkway views — Tower Bridge is often included on the pass or a modest separate fee applies if not covered.
Visit the Golden Hinde replica and Southwark Cathedral to explore maritime history and medieval architecture; these sites have short opening hours in winter — check ahead if visiting on a holiday.
If you want skyline views without using a pass, reserve the Sky Garden (free with reservation) or visit Horizon 22 at Canary Wharf (advance booking advised, may be paid).
Have an early dinner and be in position well before any planned New Year display — official midnight fireworks on the Thames are usually ticketed and heavily policed; local pre-midnight events may exist but verify times and tickets.
Attend your selected New Year event. Note: London's official midnight fireworks are typically on the Thames at midnight (ticketed). Some family-friendly or private events begin earlier around 8pm — ensure you have reservations or tickets and expect transport changes afterward.
After the display, plan for crowded public transport and possible night services; pre-book taxis if needed and allow extra travel time back to central London hotels.
If you have a 3-day Go City pass, use it today for the Royal Observatory (Prime Meridian, planetarium exhibits) and Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College; New Year Day opening times can be reduced, so check ahead. If you only have a 2-day pass, consider paying for Painted Hall or use today for non-pass sights.
See the Cutty Sark ship and walk the Thames path; if Cutty Sark is included with your pass and you haven't used that attraction yet, redeem it today — otherwise enjoy the exterior and riverside views.
Take the cable car across the Thames for skyline views toward Canary Wharf (ticketed separately; typical operating hours 07:00–22:00 but check seasonal hours).
Visit Baker Street for the Sherlock Holmes museum (221B) and related literary points — museum hours are commonly 9:30–18:00 but may vary after holidays.
See Trafalgar Square’s landmarks, then check Outernet London listings for evening multimedia shows or concerts; Outernet hosts varied events, so book if something catches your interest.
Take a 3-hour guided or self-led walk to see Oxford Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden lights and festive displays; seasonal lights generally run Nov–early Jan — confirm exact switch-off dates.
Spend a final morning at Tate Modern (free) or visit a missed paid attraction — use your pass for any remaining eligible sights if still within your pass days (2-day pass would typically be expired by now unless activated later).