Trip Report: A Long Weekend in London
Can you do London in a long weekend from the US? Absolutely!
We kicked off our adventure to London with a direct flight from Tampa to Gatwick. From there, we hopped on the subway and headed straight to our hotel, Marriott County Hall. The location was spot on—our room had unreal views of Big Ben and Parliament, which made arriving in London feel extra special.
Day 1: London Classics
First things first, we hit an English pub (because is it even a trip to London without one?). We went to Old Shades for the full British experience: fish and chips, mushy peas, shepherd's pie, and of course, spritzes to wash it all down.
Next, we explored Westminster Abbey, checking out the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries—so much history, and the views from up top are incredible. Afterward, it was time for Buckingham Palace. Touring the Palace is such a must if you haven’t done it before—the State Rooms are breathtaking, and there's something about walking through a space filled with centuries of royal history that never gets old.
From there, we took a leisurely stroll through St. James Park and grabbed some ice cream (perfect spot to relax for a bit). Our evening plans took a spookier turn with a Jack the Ripper tour—the guide was amazing, and walking those dark alleys at night added to the eerie vibe. We finished the night with dinner at Dishoom, where the food and atmosphere were on point. If you go, don't miss the black daal—trust me.
Day 2: It’s All About the View
Day two started with a ride on the London Eye—I mean, you really can’t beat the views of the city from up there. Afterward, we dove into history at the Churchill War Rooms, an underground WWII bunker that’s like a time capsule. If you're a history buff, this is a non-negotiable stop.
For lunch, we hit Borough Market, which was a total foodie paradise. We shared everything—sausage rolls, bao buns, risotto, paella, scotch eggs, chocolate covered strawberries, and prosecco spritzers. Go hungry, and try a little bit of everything.
Next, we headed to the Tower of London for a Yeoman Warder tour. The guide was hilarious, and walking through the tower, learning about all the intrigue and drama (and, of course, seeing the Crown Jewels), was a highlight. Afterward, we walked across Tower Bridge, which is a great photo op spot.
Dinner that night was at Circolo Popolare, a lively Italian restaurant with incredible food and an even better vibe. We wrapped up the night with cocktails at Gong, on the 52nd floor of The Shard. The cocktails were perfection, but the views? Absolutely next-level.
Day 3: Time for Tea
We started our last day with a private highlights tour of the British Museum, and honestly, it’s the best way to see it. With so much to cover, having a guide show us the key pieces (like the Rosetta Stone and Lewis Chessmen) made the whole experience feel more manageable.
After that, we hopped on a double-decker bus, because why not? It’s a fun way to see more of the city without all the walking. We arrived at The Savoy for afternoon tea, which was just as elegant and delicious as you’d imagine. The scones and finger sandwiches were so good, and we toasted our trip with champagne. Tip: There is plenty of food served with the tea, do not order an entree!
We couldn't leave without a little shopping, so we made stops at Harrods and checked out the high-end shops in Mayfair. Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s such a fun vibe.
For our final night, we had dinner at The Ivy, a classic London spot serving elevated British food. It was a great place to wrap up the trip and reflect on our whirlwind of exploring.
Tips
Getting around: The Tube is super easy to navigate and honestly the best way to get around without all the hassle of traffic.
Reservations: For big attractions like the London Eye or afternoon tea at The Savoy, booking in advance is a must.
Borough Market: Make sure to go hungry and share a bunch of small plates. The variety of food is insane.
Don't skip the history: Whether it’s Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, or the Churchill War Rooms, diving into London’s rich history is a huge part of what makes this city so amazing.
London is such a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Whether you’re exploring royal palaces, enjoying pub food, or sipping cocktails with a view, every corner of the city has something special. If you’re ready to plan your own London adventure, let me help you make it unforgettable!
