Start your day with a noble cause and contribute to making the Thames River a cleaner and safer place for both wildlife and people. With Thames21, volunteers are provided with equipment and supervision to collect litter and plastic on the banks of the river. Make a difference while taking in the natural scenery of London's iconic river. Once finished, it takes approximately 30 minutes by car to travel to Harry Potter Studios.
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and witness the behind-the-scenes of the making of the films. This studio offers visitors a chance to explore iconic sets like the Great Hall, Platform 9 3/4, the Forbidden Forest, and see the original costumes and props used in the movies. Don't forget to try Butterbeer before heading out. After spending a magical afternoon at the studio, take a 30-minute cab ride to London's Chinatown for dinner.
Get a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture while indulging in delicious cuisine in London's Chinatown. With a wide selection of restaurants and traditional food options available, getting lost in this district can be a great experience. Some restaurants not to miss are Dumplings' Legend, Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant, and Leong's Legend. After dinner, take a 12-minute walk to Soho for exciting nightlife.
Start off your day giving back to the community with London City Mission. This Christian organization works to help those in need by providing food and shelter for the homeless. Volunteers are welcome to help prepare and distribute meals to the less fortunate. You can spend a great deal of your time learning about the London culture and making a difference. After volunteering, it takes approximately 30 minutes via bus to get to Brick Lane Market.
A place not to be missed, Brick Lane Market, is a place to experience the unique culture of London's East End. It is home to an eclectic mix of vintage shops, art galleries, Indian restaurants, and independent boutiques. With an array of street food vendors, you must try the British classic, fish, and chips. After strolling through the market, take a 20-minute cab ride to the Tower of London to end your day exploring London's history.
Take a trip back in time and explore the landmarks that have defined London's history for over 1,000 years. The Tower of London provides visitors with an opportunity to unravel the stories of British monarchs, such as the crown jewels and the Beefeaters. Visitors can witness the nightly Ceremony of the Keys, where the tower has been locked every night for the past 700 years. After the visit, take a walk along the Thames River and soak in the beautiful view before heading to the hotel.
If you have an extra day, be sure to explore the other sections of London City Mission and visit the iconic Big Ben. If you are a wizardry fan, take a 15-minute walk to Kings Cross Station and take a picture at platform 9 3/4. Alternatively, to balance the itinerary, if you have less time, you can remove the volunteering activities and directly head to the attractions. For those looking to have a fun night out, Soho has a variety of pubs and bars. Lastly, always check the opening and closing times of each venue as they may vary depending on season and events.