Latest / UK Travel Planning / Discovering London: 5 Unmissable Experiences for Your 2025 Adventure
Transcript
- 0:00Tracy Collins: Planning a trip to London but not sure where to start?
- 0:02Tracy Collins: Don't worry, I've got you covered.
- 0:03Tracy Collins: Welcome to episode 133 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
- 0:07Tracy Collins: Today, I'm sharing five of my favourite London experiences to help you plan your perfect visit, whether it's your first time or you're looking to add something special to your next trip.
- 0:18Intro: Welcome to the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
- 0:20Intro: Your host is the founder of the UK travel planning website, Tracy Collins.
- 0:25Intro: In this podcast, Tracy shares destination guides, travel tips and itinerary ideas, as well as interviews with a variety of guests who share their knowledge and experience of UK travel to help you plan your perfect UK vacation.
- 0:40Intro: Join us as we explore the UK from cosmopolitan cities to quaint villages, from historic castles to beautiful islands, and from the picturesque countryside to seaside towns.
- 1:00Tracy Collins: Hello and welcome back to the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
- 1:02Tracy Collins: London is a city that never stops surprising its visitors.
- 1:06Tracy Collins: Whether it's your first time or you're returning to uncover more of its charm, london has an incredible variety of experiences to offer.
- 1:13Tracy Collins: So in today's episode, I'll walk you through my five favourite experiences in London, share tips and insights which will help you, hopefully, make the most of your visit.
- 1:22Tracy Collins: So I'll be talking about some iconic landmarks, cultural highlights like afternoon tea and historic pub tours, and even how to catch some of London's unique traditions, such as the changing of the guard or the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London.
- 1:34Tracy Collins: You'll also hear a bonus sixth experience, which I really couldn't miss out.
- 1:40Tracy Collins: When I was putting this together, I was like no, I have to talk about this particular experience, so you'll find that at the end.
- 1:50Tracy Collins: So grab a notebook, get yourself comfy and let's dive into planning your perfect London adventure.
- 1:53Tracy Collins: So first on my list is experiencing London's iconic landmarks, and these are the places that immediately come to mind when you think of London, such as Westminster Abbey, big Ben and yes, I know that is the bell and it's actually the Elizabeth Tower, but honestly, no British person calls it that.
- 2:10Tracy Collins: It's always going to be Big Ben to us, st Paul's Cathedral and, of course, the Tower of London.
- 2:15Tracy Collins: Did I mention Buckingham Palace?
- 2:17Tracy Collins: Possibly not, but you know, these are the places that, when you think about London, immediately come to mind.
- 2:23Tracy Collins: So not only are these sites fantastic to look at, but they're also steeped in history and culture that dates back centuries.
- 2:30Tracy Collins: So now I recommend that you actually go into these places as well.
- 2:35Tracy Collins: Don't just see them from outside and tick off a list.
- 2:38Tracy Collins: I had a friend who went to London last year and she didn't actually even go at the Tower of London, which I was a bit disappointed with.
- 2:45Tracy Collins: To experience London, don't just look at the Tower of London from outside.
- 2:49Tracy Collins: Go into the Tower of London and find out about history.
- 2:53Tracy Collins: Walk around and feel the history you just can't avoid, you can't miss it the actual kind of whole spirit and essence of the Tower of London and what it's been over the centuries.
- 3:05Tracy Collins: Learn about that and find out about it.
- 3:07Tracy Collins: So please, please, please, if you can, don't just see them from the outside, because you're going to miss so much.
- 3:13Tracy Collins: If that's all you do Now, if you can take a tour Really, you know, a small group tour with skip the lines.
- 3:21Tracy Collins: Access is what I like to go on for places like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, but I know if you're on a tighter budget, maybe consider things like a Virgil tour at Westminster Abbey, which costs £10.
- 3:32Tracy Collins: It's at 11 o'clock, though.
- 3:34Tracy Collins: They only take 20 people, so make sure that you are there well in advance and that you pay your £10 to get in.
- 3:41Tracy Collins: As one of those 20 people, I found out in I think it was October, november, when I ended up being number 22, that there was absolutely no way that I was going on that Virgil tour, unfortunately.
- 3:50Tracy Collins: So that was a bit of a disappointment for me, so I don't want that to happen to you as well, so make sure that you're there ahead of time.
- 3:57Tracy Collins: But, for example, you know you can do things like that If you go to St Paul's Cathedral, you have to pay to go in, but they have audio tours and I actually joined a free tour with a volunteer when I went around in.
- 4:10Tracy Collins: I think it was October time when I visited St Paul's when I was doing the London Pass Challenge, which you can hear about in a previous episode of the podcast.
- 4:18Tracy Collins: So if you want a tighter budget and you can't afford to pay for a small group tour or a private tour.
- 4:23Tracy Collins: Do consider making sure that you do the actual tours that exist in some of these places.
- 4:29Tracy Collins: So St Paul's, let's say, you've got an auditor, there's volunteers that take tours For the Tower of London, there's a free Yeoman Water tour that you can join and it's so informative and it's really entertaining as well.
- 4:42Tracy Collins: The Yeoman Waders they really know their stuff, but also's really entertaining as well.
- 4:44Tracy Collins: The human orders they really know their stuff, but also they've got great personalities.
- 4:48Tracy Collins: The only downside of it is that it's busy, so you don't get.
- 4:51Tracy Collins: You know you can't have that one-to-one or small group kind of exchange that you can have on some of the small group or private tours.
- 4:59Tracy Collins: But, as I say, you'll learn so much.
- 5:02Tracy Collins: So do join a tour, even if there's a lot of you there.
- 5:04Tracy Collins: You will learn about these different iconic landmarks and historic buildings and just wonderful places to visit in London.
- 5:15Tracy Collins: Like, seriously, you can't miss out seeing these places.
- 5:17Tracy Collins: You know, if you can book a tour with a guide, honestly you won't regret it because you really will be able to take advantage of kind of finding out far more about the place and if you do so, as I say, it will give you a deeper understanding of London's history and make your visit all the more memorable.
- 5:34Tracy Collins: And, believe me, there were times in my twenties and probably thirties that I didn't necessarily take tours.
- 5:39Tracy Collins: I kind of would wander around and probably not learn anything about a place, just kind of go oh excellent, I've been here and tick it off.
- 5:46Tracy Collins: But to have a deeper experience of London, honestly do a tour, do the free tours, do the audio guide if that's what they provide you with, because that's going to be a better way to understand London.
- 5:58Tracy Collins: So, next up, see London from a different angle, because the city is breathtaking, from above or along the river.
- 6:04Tracy Collins: For panoramic views.
- 6:05Tracy Collins: You have quite a few choices and I do have an article the best viewpoints in London.
- 6:11Tracy Collins: So the obvious ones that spring to mind are the London Eye.
- 6:14Tracy Collins: Not everybody loves the London Eye.
- 6:17Tracy Collins: I personally always like to go on the London Eye because you get a different view.
- 6:21Tracy Collins: You get a great view of Big Ben, house of Parliament, westminster you can see for miles from up there, and you get a wonderful view of the Thames itself.
- 6:31Tracy Collins: For a different view, you can go to the Shard or the Sky Garden.
- 6:34Tracy Collins: Now, the advantage of the Sky Garden is that it is free.
- 6:37Tracy Collins: So make sure that you do get your tickets for that, because you will have to get a slot, but it is free, so it's great.
- 6:43Tracy Collins: If you're on a budget, it's a great option to go to the Sky Garden and you do get great views of HMS Belfast, the Tower of London, tower Bridge, the Thames.
- 6:54Tracy Collins: Again, if you want to go up the Shard and see I mean, the view from the Shard is also amazing.
- 7:01Tracy Collins: We did that last year.
- 7:02Tracy Collins: We had access to the Shard through the London Pass, so enjoyed the view from that.
- 7:10Tracy Collins: We did have to book that, so you've got lots of different options to give you lots of vantage points where you'll get really a fantastic bird's eye view of landmarks across London.
- 7:17Tracy Collins: So I recommend you do that and, as I say, if budget's an issue, just go to the Sky Garden because it's free.
- 7:24Tracy Collins: For something more relaxed, maybe consider a Thames River cruise, because that's a fantastic option.
- 7:28Tracy Collins: So you'll glide past iconic landmarks like the House of Parliament, shakespeare's Globe and you enjoy a unique perspective of the city.
- 7:36Tracy Collins: If you're looking for an unforgettable moment, opt for a sunset cruise, because it's truly magical to see London's skyline illuminated as day turns to night and I was very lucky last October to be on the Uber boat from Greenwich back down to Westminster Pier at sunset and it really was gorgeous.
- 7:54Tracy Collins: I'll put some pictures in the show notes actually because it was stunning.
- 7:57Tracy Collins: But obviously a cruise isn't the only way to experience the Thames.
- 7:59Tracy Collins: As I've just said, I got the Uber boat.
- 8:01Tracy Collins: Now that's a Thames Clipper.
- 8:03Tracy Collins: It's not like Uber as in you call Uber on your phone.
- 8:09Tracy Collins: It's not a boat like that, it's basically just a Clipper service that goes up and down the Thames.
- 8:11Tracy Collins: That will be cheaper than a cruise and you know many London people will use that to get around and I love hopping on the Uber boats.
- 8:17Tracy Collins: You know, one of my favorite rides is basically on the Uber boat all the way down to Greenwich.
- 8:24Tracy Collins: But if rides is is basically on the uber boat all the way down to greenwich.
- 8:27Tracy Collins: But if you say you're visiting the tower of london, you could actually join up, jump on at the tower, millennium pier and then just go to westminster pier and that takes about 30 minutes and if you do that you pass by some of london's sites and landmarks like hms balfast club theater, st paul's, millennium bridge, etc.
- 8:41Tracy Collins: Etc.
- 8:41Tracy Collins: So that's a great way to travel between those two points in london and get a different perspective.
- 8:48Tracy Collins: The third experience that I recommend is to experience the culture and tradition of London.
- 8:53Tracy Collins: Really, london is a city where culture and tradition are woven into everyday life.
- 8:58Tracy Collins: Whether it's watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace or attending the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, these rituals offer a fascinating glimpse into London's story.
- 9:07Tracy Collins: Past the history, it's just honestly, it just seeps all through the city.
- 9:12Tracy Collins: Past the history.
- 9:14Tracy Collins: It's just it, honestly, it just seeps all through the city and if you attend any of those particular ceremonies you really will be kind of involved in the, the pomp and ceremony of of the uk, basically of britain.
- 9:23Tracy Collins: So the change of the guard everyone wants to see.
- 9:26Tracy Collins: It's crazy busy, especially during the holidays and in peak season, so it really is best to prepare and we do have a guide on the website so you know what to see, when to be there, where and how to move around to get the best of it, and I will link to that in the show notes.
- 9:49Tracy Collins: So now other ceremonies that I absolutely love to attend and I'm sure if you've listened to any of my previous podcasts about my favorite things to do in London.
- 9:53Tracy Collins: You'll know that I love the opening ceremony and the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London.
- 9:57Tracy Collins: So that's the basically the open ceremony.
- 9:59Tracy Collins: So you're there before you actually see the Tower of London opening, and the ceremony of the keys is a very, extremely historic event that happens every evening.
- 10:10Tracy Collins: It's the actual closing of the Tower of London and it's been following the same way of doing it for centuries and centuries and centuries.
- 10:19Tracy Collins: You cannot video it, you cannot take photographs.
- 10:21Tracy Collins: The only way to experience the Ceremony of the Keys is actually to attend it.
- 10:25Tracy Collins: Now, tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys must be pre-booked in advance online.
- 10:29Tracy Collins: If you're going to book for the £5 tickets and it does become fully booked very quickly they're released on a rolling monthly basis.
- 10:38Tracy Collins: So for tickets for April, so if you're heading for London in April, they were released at the beginning of March at 4pm on the first working day of the month, unless it's a Friday, and then they're released on the following Monday.
- 10:51Tracy Collins: So add that to your diary Now.
- 10:53Tracy Collins: Those £5 tickets are excellent if you can get them.
- 10:57Tracy Collins: But if you want a truly VIP experience, I do recommend the walks tour.
- 11:02Tracy Collins: It's a small group tour and you get exclusive time with a Yeoman warder, and it's one of my favorite experiences in London.
- 11:10Tracy Collins: I think I've done it three times now and I'd like to do it Honestly.
- 11:14Tracy Collins: I would like to do it so many times that I meet every one of the Yeoman warders, because they're all so different.
- 11:18Tracy Collins: They all have their own stories, but being able to ask them questions and for them to be able to share about their life living in the Tower of London as well is something it's such a privilege to be able to spend the time and learn about it and also to just learn the history of the Tower of London from them.
- 11:37Tracy Collins: They know so much.
- 11:39Tracy Collins: So another experience that I recommend to try in London and this comes up so often and we get asked so often about this is afternoon tea.
- 11:47Tracy Collins: So you know whether you want to go for the classic elegance of the Ritz or a quirky option like Bridget's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus, or a themed tea like Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan, which Doug and I have done both of those.
- 11:59Tracy Collins: It's really, honestly, a delightful way to indulge in a British tradition.
- 12:03Tracy Collins: There are so many afternoon teas on offer that you really are spoilt for choice.
- 12:08Tracy Collins: There's traditional and themed afternoon teas choice.
- 12:16Tracy Collins: There's traditional and themed afternoon teas and I know when I talk to people I do consults about visiting London, itinerary consults Often I'll talk about what ask and what sort of afternoon tea in particular they would like to experience because there are so many different choices.
- 12:28Tracy Collins: We do have a guide with information about lots of the options and I will share that in the show notes.
- 12:34Tracy Collins: So while we talk of culture and food and drink, I highly recommend also visiting a London pub.
- 12:38Tracy Collins: So if you have our London travel planning map, you can filter by the pub tag to find the locations of our favourites.
- 12:45Tracy Collins: And I'll also mention I can't not mention this the Taste Tales and Traditional Ales tour I took with Devour a few years ago, which I absolutely loved.
- 12:54Tracy Collins: Visiting some of the most historic pubs in London and hearing the stories, histories and about the famous people who visited over the centuries was, honestly, it was so fantastic.
- 13:03Tracy Collins: And it was topped off with some great food, including the best scotch egg I've ever eaten.
- 13:08Tracy Collins: Okay, fortnum and Mason, you do an amazing one too, but this is one of my favorite tours ever anywhere in the world.
- 13:15Tracy Collins: Honestly, I loved it so much and I went with a friend of mine and Terry and she is still talking about this tour because it was so much fun.
- 13:23Tracy Collins: The guide was excellent.
- 13:24Tracy Collins: We went to visit some of these old, old pubs down little alleyways hidden away, and it was brilliant.
- 13:32Tracy Collins: And I'm British and I loved it, absolutely loved it.
- 13:35Tracy Collins: So if you want to experience that kind of culture of the British pub and also the history, honestly I can't recommend that tour enough.
- 13:44Tracy Collins: It was just brilliant and I'll link to that in the show notes as well.
- 13:47Tracy Collins: Now you can't forget the markets.
- 13:49Tracy Collins: Borough Market is a foodie paradise.
- 13:52Tracy Collins: Now, I've still tried those strawberries dipped in chocolate that everybody goes on about, but honestly, humble Crumble is my go-to when I go to Borough Market.
- 14:00Tracy Collins: There's other options Portobello Market, greenwich Market, camden Market, Covent Garden Markets, and those are just some of the markets to consider visiting, and there's really no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than by engaging in these quintessentially British experiences.
- 14:14Tracy Collins: So again, we have a guide to London markets, which I'll link to in the show notes.
- 14:20Tracy Collins: My fourth favourite experience is to visit a museum.
- 14:23Tracy Collins: Now, I know this isn't everybody's taste and I do get told on Facebook occasionally.
- 14:30Tracy Collins: You know, my husband isn't a museum person, we're not interested in museums, but I will say London's museums are really among the best in the world, and the even better news is that many of them are free.
- 14:41Tracy Collins: So the Victorian Albert Museum, also called the V&A, natural History Museum, national Gallery, national Portrait Gallery, science Museum and British Museum are some of the most popular options and, free though, they do charge sometimes for special exhibitions, so do check that.
- 14:57Tracy Collins: But entrance to the museums is free and each of these institutions offers, honestly, a unique window to art, history and science.
- 15:05Tracy Collins: And, as many of you will know, the V&A is my personal favorite.
- 15:09Tracy Collins: I always go to the V&A.
- 15:11Tracy Collins: It's, honestly, it's a highlight of my itinerary whenever I visit London.
- 15:17Tracy Collins: And don't miss the cafe.
- 15:19Tracy Collins: That's all I'm saying.
- 15:21Tracy Collins: Do not miss.
- 15:22Tracy Collins: If you go to the V&A, you cannot miss the cafe.
- 15:25Tracy Collins: Now, if you're looking for something more offbeat, london's got lots of smaller museums too.
- 15:30Tracy Collins: The Florence Nightingale Museum, which I recently visited with the London Pass, provides a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of the founder of modern, nursing For history enthusiasts.
- 15:41Tracy Collins: The Imperial War Museum offers a gripping exploration of wartime Britain.
- 15:44Tracy Collins: The Churchill War Rooms give a glimpse into the nerve centre of Britain's World War II efforts.
- 15:49Tracy Collins: Hms Belfast, which is moored on the Thames, provides a unique opportunity to step aboard a historic Royal Navy warship.
- 15:56Tracy Collins: Other highlights include the Sir John Soane's Museum Treasure Trove of Art and Antiquities, the Charles Dickens Museum, which offers a glimpse into the life of one of England's greatest writers.
- 16:07Tracy Collins: These are just a few of the countless options available, so there's truly something for everyone.
- 16:13Tracy Collins: Whether you're a history buff, an art lover or simply curious about London's rich heritage, there is a museum for you, and, again, I have a guide to museums on the website.
- 16:23Tracy Collins: So do have a look and pick one out that meets your interests, because there are so many amazing museums in London and I would strongly recommend that you add that into your London experiences.
- 16:36Tracy Collins: So my fifth experience is to explore some of London's unique areas, so each area has its own distinct character and charm, so it makes you feel like you're discovering a different side of the city every time you turn a corner.
- 16:50Tracy Collins: For example, notting Hill, with its pastel coloured houses and lively Portobello road market, is perfect for a leisurely morning.
- 16:58Tracy Collins: I had a fabulous photo shoot with Domi of Scale and Studio in Notting Hill, which I loved, and we had so much fun finding the best spots.
- 17:05Tracy Collins: It's such a lovely part of London and, of course, for fans of the movie Notting Hill, finding the blue door and the Notting Hill bookshop has to be done, but honestly, I had some probably my favourite photos I've ever had taken of me was taken in Notting Hill by Domi, and it's a beautiful, beautiful area to explore.
- 17:27Tracy Collins: Shoreditch, the other hand, and the East End is a hub for creativity and street art, trendy cafes and boutiques to explore and if you're a history lover, greenwich I'm sure you've heard mentioned Greenwich a number of times is a must visit and one of my absolute favourites.
- 17:37Tracy Collins: There's so much to do and see the Royal Observatory, where you can place a foot in East and West Hemispheres, the Painted Hall in the old Royal Naval College, the Clipper, the Cotty Sark.
- 17:48Tracy Collins: Greenwich really is a treasure trove of maritime history and beautiful views.
- 17:52Tracy Collins: So don't forget the beautiful views from the observatory.
- 17:55Tracy Collins: It really is worth walking up that steep hill for the view that you get and again, I'll share in the show notes some of the photos that I've taken.
- 18:03Tracy Collins: I've taken a few videos from up there as well, because it's so beautiful.
- 18:07Tracy Collins: You do get a stunning view.
- 18:09Tracy Collins: Now I would recommend that you take some time to wander around these areas, soak in the atmosphere and experience kind of the many facets of London life, because it isn't all about the changing of the guard or Westminster Abbey or the Ceremony of the Keys, you know, there is kind of normal life going on and these areas, honestly, are wonderful to explore and walk around.
- 18:30Tracy Collins: Take a picnic to Greenwich Park If you're there and the weather's lovely.
- 18:33Tracy Collins: Honestly, it's a beautiful park to just sit and relax in and enjoy.
- 18:37Tracy Collins: In the spring you get the cherry blossom.
- 18:40Tracy Collins: In the autumn the leaves change colour and it's a really, really pretty place to visit and it's, as I say, it's one of my favourite areas to go and you can actually combine a few things because you can take that Uber boat down there and enjoy the river on the way down and then explore Greenwich and then head back up into the city.
- 18:58Tracy Collins: Now, bonus tip Number six my bonus experience.
- 19:03Tracy Collins: I don't know if this is going to be controversial because I know we're talking about five best experiences in London, but one of the best things you can do if you have time, honestly, if you have time, is to actually get out of London on a day trip, and I know I keep saying this, I feel like I do a bit of a stock record with saying this, but there are so many incredible places to explore just a short journey away from London.
- 19:28Tracy Collins: Hampton Court Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Tudor history.
- 19:32Tracy Collins: You've got Windsor Castle, where you can walk in the footsteps of royalty, and, of course, St George's Chapel is the final resting place for the late queen.
- 19:40Tracy Collins: So those are wonderful, easy day trips from London.
- 19:44Tracy Collins: They're very close, but if you're up for a bit more of an adventure, stonehenge, bath, oxford, cambridge, canterbury and the Cotswolds are just some of the iconic destinations that showcase England's natural beauty and historic charm, and they're all within reach of London on a day trip.
- 20:01Tracy Collins: We have got two podcast episodes where we dedicated now off the top of my head I think it's episode 97 and 98 or 96 and 97.
- 20:09Tracy Collins: Hopefully that's correct when I talk about Doug and I actually talk about our favorite day trips from London.
- 20:15Tracy Collins: We kind of go clockwise around because there's so many different places to choose, but if you're in London long enough, I really urge you to include a day trip out of London itself so you can experience a little bit different, something a little bit different.
- 20:28Tracy Collins: Get out of the city, experience the countryside, just see a different side of England.
- 20:34Tracy Collins: And my final tip.
- 20:37Tracy Collins: The one thing that I would recommend that you do to make the most of these experiences is honestly to book a tour with a knowledgeable guide to truly discover London.
- 20:46Tracy Collins: So, whether it's a private tour, a small group tour or a guided experience included with the entry ticket, having experts show you around is honestly 100% worth it and it will help you make the most of these experiences.
- 20:59Tracy Collins: And there you have it my five favorite experiences in London plus a bonus, bonus tip.
- 21:04Tracy Collins: Which of these will you add to your itinerary?
- 21:07Tracy Collins: Let me know via the speak pipe link in the show notes, because I'm really excited to know if you have a question or have enjoyed this episode.
- 21:13Tracy Collins: Let me know too, because I love to hear from you and you never know, you may get a shout out in a upcoming episode.
- 21:19Tracy Collins: Now that's it for this week.
- 21:21Tracy Collins: Please do check the show notes at uktravelplanningcom forward slash, episode 133 for photos and links to the different tours that are mentioned.
- 21:29Tracy Collins: But that just leaves me to say until next week.
- 21:32Tracy Collins: Happy UK travel planning.
- 21:34Tracy Collins: Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of the UK travel planning podcast.
- 21:40Tracy Collins: As always, show notes can be found at uktravelplanningcom.
- 21:44Tracy Collins: If you've enjoyed the show, why not leave us feedback via text or a review on your favourite podcast app.
- 21:50Tracy Collins: We love to hear from you and you never know.
- 21:53Tracy Collins: You may receive a shout out in a future episode, but, as always, that just leaves me to say until next week.
- 21:59Tracy Collins: Happy UK travel planning.