Start from Washington Mayfair Hotel at 08:15 and walk roughly 2.2 km to Westminster Abbey, taking about 30 minutes through Green Park and St James’s Park. This is a pleasant route, but keep a brisk pace for the 09:00 entry. Allow time for security and have your advance ticket ready; adult admission is typically around £30–£35, although both opening hours and access can vary. Because 28 November 2026 is a Saturday, a morning visit should be workable, but confirm the official timetable before booking.
After the abbey, walk to Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster via Parliament Square. Allow about 30 minutes for exterior photographs from the square and along the river-facing side. The interior of the Palace is not part of this stop, and any parliamentary tour would require a separate advance reservation.
Continue across Westminster Bridge to the London Eye, allowing approximately 15–20 minutes on foot. Aim for a pre-booked 11:30–12:30 slot; the rotation itself takes about 30 minutes, but queues and boarding procedures can make the overall visit longer. Typical admission is approximately £30–£45, depending on the ticket type and availability.
From the South Bank, walk about 1.5 km along the Thames to Borough Market, roughly 20 minutes. Arrive around 13:00 for lunch, when the market is lively but still manageable. Choose from stalls such as Borough Market Kitchen, Richard Haward’s Oysters, or Bread Ahead; allow £12–£25 per person. Market trading hours can vary by day and season, so verify the Saturday schedule nearer the date.
After lunch, walk back towards London Bridge and take the Underground to Green Park—normally via the Jubilee line to Westminster or Green Park, depending on the service—then walk approximately 1.5 km through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace. Allow roughly 30–40 minutes for the transfer and begin this section around 14:45. Spend the afternoon around the palace forecourt and gardens, finishing by about 16:00. Palace interiors are generally closed during the winter season, so treat an indoor visit as unconfirmed until the Royal Collection Trust publishes the relevant seasonal opening calendar. From here, you can wander back through St James’s Park toward Mayfair, or take a short taxi if the group is tired; central London traffic can make a 10–20-minute taxi ride unpredictable.
Leave Washington Mayfair Hotel around 08:15 and walk to Green Park station, then take the District line eastbound to Tower Hill. Allow 35–45 minutes door to door, including the walk, station interchange time and the short uphill route from the platform. Arrive with a little buffer before your pre-booked 09:30 entry to the Tower of London; winter opening hours and admission are not yet confirmed for this date, but an adult ticket is typically around £35–£40. Give yourself the full three hours for the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warder tour and the medieval interiors—security queues can be noticeable even with timed admission.
At about 12:30, walk roughly 600 metres along Tower Hill and the riverside approach to Tower Bridge. Allow an hour for the exhibition and glass walkways, which are best booked ahead; typical adult admission is approximately £13–£15, subject to 2026 pricing and opening hours. The bridge views are particularly good from the eastern walkway, although the pedestrian crossing itself is free if you decide not to enter the exhibition.
Continue around 900 metres to Leadenhall Market for lunch around 14:00. The ornate Victorian market is atmospheric on a Sunday, though some individual food stalls and restaurants may have reduced hours, so check the specific venue shortly before the trip. Allow £15–£30 per person for a casual meal and drink. After lunch, walk approximately 1 km east to St Katharine Docks, a calmer spot for a 45-minute wander around the marina; this is a good place to slow the pace after the Tower attractions, with cafés and waterside seating if you fancy a coffee.
From St Katharine Docks, allow roughly 1.2 km back west towards The Monument, arriving around 16:20. Confirm winter opening hours and stair access before relying on the interior visit: the attraction involves a climb of 311 steps, and late-afternoon admission may be restricted in winter. If it is closed or you no longer want the climb, enjoy the exterior and the surrounding lanes of the City instead. The Monument itself is a short walk from Monument station, making it easy to return west afterwards by District or Circle line; allow about 30–40 minutes back to Mayfair, plus a short walk from the station.
Leave Washington Mayfair Hotel at about 08:30 and take the Central line from Bond Street to Tottenham Court Road, followed by a 10–15-minute walk through Bloomsbury to the British Museum—around 30 minutes door to door. Allow time for station access and museum security, and aim for a pre-booked 09:30 entry. General admission is free, though special exhibitions commonly cost about £15–£25; the museum’s galleries typically open from 10:00, so verify the exact 2026 opening arrangement when booking, as the proposed 09:30 slot may apply to a special access or exhibition entry. Keep the visit focused rather than trying to cover everything: the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian galleries, Parthenon sculptures and the Great Court make a sensible three-hour route.
Walk roughly 1.2 km south through Bloomsbury and Seven Dials to Dishoom Covent Garden for lunch from 12:45 to 14:00. Budget approximately £20–£35 per person; queues are common, so use the restaurant’s current booking or walk-in policy and keep a little flexibility after the museum. Afterwards, spend an hour around Covent Garden Market and the Piazza, where December decorations, small shops and street performers provide an easy-going break—no admission is required. A further 800-metre walk along the Strand brings you to Somerset House for approximately 15:15–16:30. Its winter programme and any skating or exhibition charges vary by year; confirm the 2026 schedule and reserve anything ticketed in advance.
Walk about 700 metres back toward Seven Dials to Neal’s Yard around 16:45, when the small courtyard is atmospheric as the lights come on. It is a quick stop rather than a major sightseeing block, so allow 30 minutes for photographs and a coffee or drink. For the optional early dinner, stay in Seven Dials rather than crossing town—nearby choices include The Barbary for North African-inspired small plates or Flat Iron on Denmark Street for a more casual steak dinner. Both can be busy, so booking ahead is sensible; otherwise, arrive early and treat the meal as flexible.
Begin with the short walk from Washington Mayfair Hotel to Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly—about 1 km or 15 minutes. Arrive around 09:30, when the store is quieter, and spend roughly an hour browsing the historic food halls, especially the tea, confectionery and beautifully packaged hampers. Allow extra time if you plan to shop: Fortnum’s is generally open from around 10:00 on weekdays, but exact December hours should be checked closer to the date.
Walk east along Piccadilly and through Leicester Square to the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square, approximately 1 km and 15 minutes. Plan 10:45–13:00 for the permanent collection, concentrating on a few rooms rather than trying to cover everything. General admission is free, although security queues are possible; any special exhibition requires a separate timed ticket. The gallery’s usual hours extend into the early evening, but confirm the 2026 schedule and exhibition programme before travelling.
Continue on foot—about 1 km through Covent Garden—to The Ivy, allowing 15–20 minutes. A 13:15 reservation is sensible, with lunch until approximately 14:30; expect around £35–£60 per person before drinks and service. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during the Christmas shopping season. After lunch, make the short walk to Chinatown, around 700 metres, for a relaxed hour of browsing bakeries, tea shops and compact food stores rather than a full second meal.
From Chinatown, walk roughly 900 metres to Carnaby Street and continue through Soho between 15:45 and 17:30. This is a good time for independent boutiques, seasonal decorations and a coffee break, with Berwick Street and the smaller lanes around Broadwick Street offering a more local feel than the busiest shopping streets. Keep the evening flexible: theatre doors and seat-finding take time, so aim to eat before the performance or reserve a pre-theatre table nearby.
Attend your pre-booked West End theatre performance in Soho or the surrounding West End. Tickets should be purchased well in advance, and the exact dinner plan depends on the theatre’s location and curtain time; allow at least 30 minutes between finishing dinner and the advertised start. After a late finish, walk back if comfortable, or take a black cab or ride-hailing car to Washington Mayfair Hotel, typically around £8–£15 but potentially slower in festive traffic. Check the specific theatre’s late-night exit and nearby transport options once tickets are confirmed.
Leave Washington Mayfair Hotel at about 08:15 and take the Central line from Bond Street to St Paul’s—roughly 35 minutes door to door, allowing for the walk through the station and security at the cathedral. Use contactless payment; the Underground fare is usually around £2–£3. Your St Paul’s Cathedral visit is planned for 09:00–11:00. Pre-book the sightseeing ticket, typically about £25–£27 for an adult, and check whether the dome galleries are open on the day. The climb is worthwhile for the views, but it involves many steps and can be tiring; allow extra time for security and the cathedral’s worship or event schedule.
From St Paul’s Cathedral, walk approximately 900 metres across Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern, taking around 15 minutes. Spend 11:30–13:30 exploring the free permanent collection; any major temporary exhibition will require a separate timed ticket. This riverside stretch is especially pleasant in daylight, with good views back towards the City. Continue for about 800 metres to Borough Market for lunch from 13:30–14:30. Allow roughly £12–£25 per person, and expect the busiest conditions around midday; choose a stall first, then look for seating around the market. Opening arrangements and individual traders can vary, so confirm the market’s December 2026 schedule closer to the date.
Walk around 600 metres back along Bankside to Shakespeare’s Globe for the 14:45–16:00 guided tour and exhibition. Book ahead, as tours and any performances operate to a variable schedule and are not guaranteed without a ticket. Afterward, keep the evening flexible: the riverside between Bankside and Southwark is ideal for an unhurried walk, or return towards Mayfair by Underground from Waterloo or London Bridge. The listed plan ends at the Globe; dinner is therefore not fixed, but booking a nearby restaurant after 16:30 is sensible if you want to stay south of the river. Note that the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and other attractions from earlier days are intentionally not included today.
Leave Washington Mayfair Hotel at 08:30 and walk to Green Park station, where the Piccadilly line takes you directly to South Kensington in roughly 30 minutes. Allow a little extra for the walk through the station and morning crowds. Your first stop is the Natural History Museum, where a timed entry around 09:30 is sensible; general admission is free, although special exhibitions commonly cost about £10–£20. Spend up to two and a half hours on the highlights, including Hintze Hall, the dinosaur galleries and the impressive Earth Hall. Check the museum’s 2026 opening hours and reserve a free timed ticket if offered.
Walk a few minutes to Comptoir Libanais for lunch from 12:15 to 13:15. Expect approximately £18–£30 per person; the mezze, grilled dishes and quick service make it a practical choice between museums. At 13:30, continue to the Victoria and Albert Museum, directly across Exhibition Road. General admission is free, but book any paid exhibition separately and check its closing time before travelling. Two hours is enough for a focused visit through the design, fashion and decorative-arts collections rather than trying to cover the entire building.
At about 15:45, walk roughly 700 metres to Royal Albert Hall for a 16:00 visit. Tours and performances require advance tickets, and availability for December 2026 should be confirmed directly with the venue; if no tour is booked, enjoy the exterior and surrounding Kensington streets instead of assuming entry. Around 17:00, stroll approximately 1.2 km through Hyde Park to the Serpentine, a pleasant dusk walk with the park’s winter atmosphere and illuminated central London skyline. From there, return toward Mayfair by taxi for convenience, or use Knightsbridge or Green Park Underground station; allow roughly 15–25 minutes depending on the exact exit and traffic. A separate dinner is not fixed in the plan, so reserve a table near the hotel if you would prefer to eat after the walk.
Leave Washington Mayfair Hotel around 07:45 by taxi for Paddington Station—allow 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic—then take a train via Slough to Windsor & Eton Central. The complete journey is usually about 75–90 minutes door to door. Check National Rail and TfL shortly before travelling, as December weekend engineering works can change the route. From the station, Windsor Castle is a short uphill walk through the town centre. Book the first available timed admission in advance, ideally around 09:30; allow roughly three hours for the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and the castle precinct. Winter opening days and chapel access can vary, and adult admission is typically around £30–£35, so confirm the official schedule before paying.
Have lunch at Windsor Royal Station, the restored Victorian station immediately beside the castle, from about 12:45 to 13:45. It is convenient rather than destination dining, with cafés and casual restaurants generally costing £15–£30 per person; booking is sensible if you want a seated meal on a busy Saturday. Afterwards, walk along The Long Walk into Windsor Great Park from approximately 14:00 to 15:30. The avenue is especially atmospheric in winter, but it is exposed and can become muddy, so wear waterproof shoes and turn back if daylight or weather deteriorates. Continue towards the Windsor riverside and across Eton Bridge, around 2 km in total. This is a relaxed way to see the castle from below and browse the quieter streets of Eton; allow about an hour, returning to the station before dusk.
Aim to leave Windsor & Eton Central around 16:45 for the return journey via Slough and Paddington, allowing about 90 minutes door to door, plus the taxi or Underground transfer back to Mayfair. You should be back near Washington Mayfair Hotel around 18:15–18:30. Keep dinner close to the hotel tonight rather than adding another cross-city trip; the surrounding Mayfair streets have plenty of restaurants, and an early meal is welcome after the exposed park walk.
Leave Washington Mayfair Hotel around 07:15 by pre-booked taxi for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden. From Mayfair, allow roughly 60–90 minutes in Saturday traffic; a taxi is strongly preferable to travelling from Windsor, as the rail-and-shuttle alternative can take 2–2½ hours and involves several changes. Aim to arrive by 08:30 for security, toilets and the timed-entry queue. Studio admission is advance-booking only, with tickets generally around £55–£60; confirm the exact 09:00 slot and seasonal opening arrangements directly with the studio.
Spend the morning moving at an unhurried pace through the original sets, costumes, props and special-effects displays. The tour usually takes around 3½–4½ hours, and the route is mostly indoors, though some outdoor sections can be cold in December. Keep your timed ticket and booking confirmation accessible, and wear comfortable shoes. There is no need to rush through the Great Hall, Diagon Alley or the Hogwarts Express areas—the experience is much better when you allow time for the smaller production details.
Have lunch at the on-site Backlot Café around 12:30–13:15. Expect approximately £15–£30 per person, depending on whether you choose a light meal or a more substantial dish; queues can build at peak lunchtime, so eating slightly earlier or later is worthwhile. After finishing the tour around 15:30, allow 15–30 minutes for the Studio Shop and the photo opportunities before leaving. The shop is the place to pick up themed souvenirs, but avoid buying bulky items until the end of the visit.
Depart Leavesden around 16:00 for Washington Mayfair Hotel. A pre-booked return taxi is the simplest option and should take roughly 60–90 minutes, with Saturday afternoon traffic potentially extending the journey. If using public transport, allow considerably longer for the shuttle to Watford Junction, the train to London Euston, and the onward Underground or taxi journey to Mayfair. After such a long day, keep dinner close to the hotel—Mount Street and Shepherd Market are convenient choices—or arrange room service rather than planning another major attraction.
From Washington Mayfair Hotel, leave around 08:45 and walk to Bond Street for the Central line to Notting Hill Gate—about 25 minutes door to door. Exit toward the market and walk north to Portobello Road Market, arriving around 09:15. Sunday trading varies considerably, so confirm the 2026 schedule nearer the time; the main market is usually liveliest from late morning, while some stalls open later or do not trade every Sunday. Allow until 11:30 for browsing antiques, vintage clothing and food stands, but keep valuables secure in the busiest stretches.
Afterward, wander through the quieter residential streets around Westbourne Park and Lancaster Road until 12:30. This is best done slowly rather than as a photo checklist—look for the painted terraces, small garden squares and side streets branching off Portobello Road. Lunch at Ottolenghi Notting Hill around 12:45 is a good fit for the day, with colourful salads, roasted vegetables and sharing plates; budget approximately £25–£45 per person and reserve ahead if possible, especially for Sunday.
After lunch, make your way to Little Venice. A taxi is the most straightforward option with minimal effort, usually around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic; walking takes roughly 30 minutes and is less scenic than the canal itself. Spend 14:30–16:00 beside the waterways, following the towpath around the junction of the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal. The light fades early in December, so bring a warm waterproof layer and avoid relying on canal boats unless a seasonal service is confirmed.
Continue on foot for roughly 1.5 km to Paddington Basin, arriving around 16:15. The modern waterside development is pleasant for a final stroll, particularly around the footbridges and illuminated offices, though Sunday business hours and individual cafés vary. Finish with an early dinner nearby or return to Mayfair by taxi; alternatively, walk to Paddington station for the Circle or District line toward central London. Allow 20–35 minutes door to door, and note that Sunday engineering works can alter Underground routes.
Leave Washington Mayfair Hotel at 08:00 and allow around 60–75 minutes to reach Greenwich. The simplest route is the Jubilee line from Green Park to North Greenwich, followed by the Uber Boat to Greenwich if sailings are operating; otherwise continue by Underground and DLR to Cutty Sark. Check the boat timetable that morning, as winter services can be less frequent. Aim to arrive before Cutty Sark’s planned 09:30 visit, allowing time for the short walk from the pier or station.
Spend 09:30–10:45 aboard Cutty Sark, the restored tea clipper beside the river. Adult admission is typically around £20–£25, but winter opening hours and prices for December 2026 should be confirmed with Royal Museums Greenwich; booking ahead is sensible. From there, walk roughly 500 metres to the Old Royal Naval College and Painted Hall for 11:00–12:30. The Painted Hall is the highlight, with its extraordinary baroque ceiling; allow about 90 minutes and expect admission of approximately £15–£20.
Have lunch at Greenwich Market from about 12:30 to 13:30. It is an easy walk from the Old Royal Naval College, with plenty of stalls offering global food, pastries and lighter lunches in the £12–£25 range. Weekday trading varies, so keep a nearby café as a backup if the market has a reduced December schedule. After eating, buy water before the uphill walk to the park.
Walk approximately 1 km uphill through Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory for 13:45–15:30. The climb is manageable but noticeably steep; the reward is the classic view across London from the hilltop. Admission is usually around £20–£25 and pre-booking is recommended, particularly if you want the Meridian Line galleries and timed-entry exhibits. Leave a little time to enjoy the park and take photographs rather than rushing straight back downhill.
At about 16:00, take the DLR from Cutty Sark to Canary Wharf, allowing roughly 20 minutes. Spend 16:00–17:30 exploring the illuminated riverside around West India Quay, Cabot Square and Jubilee Park; December lights make this a pleasant late-afternoon stop, though specific displays are unconfirmed. For dinner, choose a restaurant around Canary Wharf rather than returning immediately to Mayfair—The Ivy in the Park, Roka or Dishoom are convenient options, with dinner commonly £35–£70 per person before drinks. Return to Washington Mayfair Hotel by Jubilee line from Canary Wharf to Green Park, allowing roughly 30–40 minutes door to door.
Depart Washington Mayfair Hotel at 09:00 and walk to Hyde Park Corner, then continue to Chelsea by bus or taxi. Allow around 25–35 minutes, with traffic making a taxi more predictable. Begin at Saatchi Gallery at 09:45; allow 90 minutes for the exhibitions. Opening hours and admission prices vary by exhibition, so check the official calendar and reserve any timed ticket before travelling—December 2026 details may not yet be confirmed.
Afterwards, walk roughly 1 km along King’s Road to Duke of York Square, taking your time with the independent shops, seasonal displays and quieter side streets around Pavilion Road. Have lunch at Granger & Co. Chelsea from about 12:30 to 13:45; budget approximately £25–£40 per person. A booking is sensible, particularly for a Tuesday lunchtime, although walk-ins may be possible.
Walk or take a short bus ride—about 1.5 km—to Harrods and explore Knightsbridge from 14:00 to 16:00. Harrods typically operates into the evening, but confirm its December hours closer to the visit; the food halls are especially good for gifts and an easy takeaway treat. If you are carrying shopping, a taxi is more comfortable than walking.
The optional London Designer Outlet at The O2 can fill the 17:00–19:00 slot, but it is a long detour: allow roughly 45 minutes each way by Underground, using the Jubilee line toward North Greenwich. Check outlet opening hours, retailer participation and seasonal offers before committing, as December 2026 information is unconfirmed. I would skip it if the gallery and shopping have taken their toll; staying in Knightsbridge for an early dinner is the more relaxed choice. If you do go, reserve time for the return journey and eat at The O2 before heading back, since individual restaurant hours vary.
Start with breakfast at The Wolseley from 08:30 to 09:45. It is only about a 10-minute walk from Washington Mayfair Hotel, and the grand dining room is a fitting final London breakfast. Reserve ahead—especially in December—and allow roughly £25–£45 per person. Afterward, walk about 700 metres to Claridge’s and along Mount Street, spending an hour admiring the Art Deco hotel frontage and browsing the luxury boutiques. This is mainly an exterior and neighbourhood visit unless you have a separate reservation.
Continue through Green Park toward Wellington Arch, a pleasant 1.2-kilometre walk taking around 20–25 minutes at an easy pace. Pause in the park for photographs and, if you wish to enter the arch, check the official English Heritage timetable before travelling; opening hours and admission arrangements can vary seasonally. Aim to finish this gentle circuit by noon.
Walk roughly 1.4 kilometres back toward Mercato Mayfair, housed in the former St Mark’s Church, for lunch from 12:15 to 13:30. The food hall offers several choices, making it useful for different appetites; budget approximately £15–£30 per person. It can be busy at lunchtime, so expect to queue rather than rely on table service.
After lunch, walk about 1 kilometre toward Oxford Street for final shopping from 13:45 to 15:30. The main department stores and high-street shops should be open, but December crowds can be heavy. Keep purchases manageable, and consider returning briefly to Washington Mayfair Hotel to collect stored luggage before setting out. If you have onward travel, do not extend the shopping window: allow at least 30 minutes for luggage collection and a further buffer for traffic or station transfers.
Around 15:30–16:00, return to Washington Mayfair Hotel—approximately a 10-minute walk from Oxford Street, depending on your exact shop, or a short taxi costing roughly £8–£15. Allow extra time if carrying luggage or travelling during the afternoon rush. The Wolseley, Mercato Mayfair, and any Oxford Street shopping are best treated as confirmed only after checking current December 2026 opening hours; breakfast especially requires advance booking.
No packing list attached yet.