A 13-Day London Adventure: Exploring the Best of the UK

If you’re planning a trip to London, this detailed itinerary might just be what you need! I recently returned from a vibrant 13-day trip, primarily focused on London, accompanied by my sister. With our journey fresh in my memory, I’m excited to share our experiences from the first two weeks of May.

Day 1: Arrival in London

We touched down at Heathrow Airport in the late afternoon after an exhausting 14-hour flight. To kick off our adventure, we hopped on the Elizabeth line to Stratford, where we checked into our aparthotel, ready to soak in the city’s charm.

Day 2: Iconic Landmarks

Our first full day in London began with a ride on the Tube to Waterloo. There we marveled at Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, just a stone’s throw from Westminster Bridge. We had intended to tour Westminster Abbey but unfortunately missed out due to sold-out tickets. Instead, we redirected our plans to Trafalgar Square and wandered through the vast halls of the National Gallery, fitting in some leisurely exploration for the rest of the day.

Day 3: Markets and Culture

Sunday’s adventures took us to Portobello Market and the picturesque Notting Hill. We also took a brief detour to Baker Street, indulging in some window shopping at the delightful Daunt Books in Marylebone. Aiming to pick up some Jellycat plushies at Selfridges, we later found out that shops close early on Sundays due to Sunday Trading Laws—so that will have to wait!

Day 4: Camden and Oxford Street

Monday was packed with excitement as we explored Camden Market and Camden High Street. After a lively morning, we made our way to King’s Cross Station and the trendy Coal Drops Yard. In the evening, we ventured to Oxford Street for a triumphant visit to Selfridges, where we finally got our hands on those coveted Jellycat plushies!

Day 5: Magical Experiences at Harry Potter Studio Tour

One of the highlights of our trip was the much-anticipated Harry Potter Studio Tour. We secured our tickets a month in advance, and I highly recommend planning ahead to avoid missing out on this magical experience.

Day 6: Culture and Cuisine

A visit to Covent Garden on Wednesday morning set the tone for the day. We caught the mesmerizing ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’

One thought on “13d12n London itinerary for reference! (Mini trip report)”

Great detailed itinerary! As a London resident, I’d like to add some local insights that might enhance your trip experience.

London is a city full of surprises, and there’s always something more to discover beyond the classic landmarks. For instance, if you’re interested in soaking up some local atmosphere, consider exploring:

Hidden Gems: Places like Leighton House Museum in Kensington or the ежегодный Columbia Road Flower Market on Sundays offer unique, less touristy experiences.
Local Markets: While Portobello Market is fantastic, don’t miss out on Borough Market for exceptional food stalls or Broadway Market in Hackney for a vibrant scene.
Parks and Views: Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath, or Greenwich Park provide beautiful spaces to relax with stunning views of the city skyline.
Unique Neighborhoods: Areas like Shoreditch are perfect for street art, hip cafes, and vintage shopping, offering a different vibe from Camden or Notting Hill.

Additionally, if your schedule allows, attending a live theatre performance in the West End can be a memorable highlight, often more affordable than expected and immersed in London’s rich cultural scene.

Hope this adds some extra value to your already fantastic trip planning! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!