A Royal Budget-Friendly London Vacation: Palace, Notting Hill, British Museum, London Eye, Big Ben, and Bridge

  • Day 1: Palace and Notting Hill
    15 minutes (4.5 miles) from London Euston

    Begin your London adventure by visiting the Buckingham Palace at 10:30 am to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Take a stroll down to the Notting Hill neighborhood and explore the charming Portobello Road Market filled with antiques and bric-a-brac stalls. End your day with dinner at the Churchill Arms pub, known for its stunning flower displays and Thai food.

  • Day 2: Museums and Big Ben
    20 minutes (3.3 miles) from Notting Hill

    Start the day early at the British Museum at 9 am, where you can admire treasures from ancient civilizations to modern day. Walk through Russell Square and enjoy lunch at the Exmouth Arms pub. Afterward, visit the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament for a quick photo opportunity. End your day with a sunset ride on the London Eye for panoramic views of the city at night.

  • Day 3: Tower Bridge
    15 minutes (3.3 miles) from London Eye

    Take a morning walk past Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery to the iconic Tower Bridge for an unmatched view of the city on the Thames. Take a free tour of the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels in all their splendor. Have a traditional English lunch at the nearby Bridge House before departing for your next destination.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Buckingham Palace (1.5 hours, free)
  • Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market (2 hours, free)
  • Churchill Arms (1 hour, £10-15)
  • British Museum (2-3 hours, free)
  • Exmouth Arms (1 hour, £10-15)
  • Big Ben and Houses of Parliament (30 minutes, free)
  • London Eye (1 hour, £25)
  • Tower Bridge (1 hour, free)
  • Tower of London (2 hours, £25)
  • Bridge House (1 hour, £10-15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £85-100

Transportation

Consider purchasing a Visitor Oyster Card for easy access to public transportation like buses and the Tube. Walking is also a great way to explore the city and save money. To and from the airport, the Heathrow Express is a direct train service that takes only 15 minutes from London Paddington to the airport. A single fare costs £25.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions like the Tate Modern or the Natural History Museum. For a low-key day, take a walk in Hyde Park or Regent's Park. With less time, prioritize your sightseeing and skip the Tower of London or the London Eye.

Airports

London Euston is the closest railway station to London's airports. London's main airports are Heathrow Airport (LHR), which is located 15 miles west of London, Gatwick Airport (LGW), located 28 miles south of London, and Stansted Airport (STN), which is located 40 miles northeast of London.

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