5 Days in London and Oxford
I studied abroad in London and consider it one of the best cities in the world. This itinerary includes touristy sites and pub restaurants, with some local knowledge and trendy spots sprinkled in. If this isn’t your first time in London, hit these places instead!
Total Days: 5 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in Soho | Transportation: Walking, taxis and the tube (one mandatory double-decker bus) | Traveled: Solo/ with friends| Type of Trip: Historic landmarks, museums and royal musts| Highlights: British pub, Thames walk, afternoon tea, British Museum
DAY 1
At a glimpse: An unofficial walking tour of the landmarks along the Thames
Travel Agenda: Once you’ve settled in at the hotel, take a walk along the River Thames starting at Westminster Abbey. Walk across Westminster Bridge to the South Bank to get a good view of Big Ben. Stroll past the Jubilee Gardens and hop on the London Eye for “the view.” Continue your unofficial tour and stop by the Tate Modern, to get a glimpse of the new, and sometimes strange, art world and the 360° viewing terrace. Cross the Millennium Bridge and walk straight to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. A ticket will provide you entrance to the main Cathedral floor, chapels, the crypt and the dome.
Tip: Museums, for the most part, are free so it’s worth your time to stop by in even if its for half an hour to an hour.
Get lunch at Bread Street Kitchen or a nearby café. From there, head to the water and follow the Hanseatic Walk to the Tower Bridge. Before crossing, it’s time to experience Tower of London, the historic castle with a fascinating history as a former fortress, royal palace, prison and currently, protector of the crown jewels. Afterward, you’ve earned a true pub dinner at the Spaniards Inn.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: A proper British day with art, afternoon tea and theatre
Travel Agenda: Start the day off at Dishoom in Covent Garden, an Indian restaurant that offers the cult favorite bacon naan. From there, its a 5 minute walk to TKTS ticket booth to buy discounted tickets for a Broadway show that evening, though you can honestly now do all of that online! Then it’s off to the British Museum. The 90-minute highlights tour begins at 11:30am Friday-Sunday and is a good start if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the massive amounts of first-class art.
After some culture, meander to Dean Street Townhouse for a lovely afternoon tea, with a side of champagne. Head back to the hotel to regroup. Make a reservation for dinner at The Ivy, with modern British dishes. Then catch your broadway show of choice in the theater district. For post-theatre drinks, walk to Novikov Restaurant & Bar which turns into a scene after the dinner hour.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Focus on parks in London Proper
Travel Agenda: Get in the royal spirit with breakfast at The Wolseley. From there, catch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which happens Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11am. Walk 10 minutes towards Hyde Park Corner and explore Hyde Park, the largest of the royal parks. Just south of the park, head to Harrods for browsing or shopping and then get lunch at the Grill or Pasta Bar in the not your average “Food Hall” on the bottom floor.
After that, it’s a 20-minute walk to Kensington Gardens, home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Regroup for dinner at the admired Indian restaurant Kutir. Take the bus, because you should experience double-decker style transportation. Then finish the evening with a cocktail at the very unique Sketch.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: Train ride and day trip to Oxford
Travel Agenda: It’s time to get out of the city today! From Paddington Station, take the one-hour GWR train to Oxford. Start at the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. There’s a lot to see so I recommend a walking tour that hits all the highlights! After, get lunch at Gee’s, for the beautiful atmosphere and puddings portion of the menu.
Then walk 10 minutes to the Cherwell Boathouse and rent a punt, a handmade boat that is propelled with a long pole and is described as a “quintessential English delight”! No need to be an expert at punting (or know what is it for that matter!) half the fun is figuring it out! Head upstream to reach the Victoria Arms where you can moor up for some Pimms, and then cruise back down to the boathouse.
Take a 10 minute taxi to Alice’s Shop, where the real Alice bought her sweets 150 years ago and is now a treasure trove of Alice in Wonderland themed gifts, souvenirs and memorabilia. Then walk just across the street to the Great Hall in Christ Church College, the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Finally get a beverage and pie at the legendary Eagle and Child, or as the locals call it the Bird and the Baby, before taking the train back!
Tip: Easy alternative day trips would be Windsor, Bath & Stonehenge and Cambridge. If you don’t go to Tower of London, Windsor Castle would be a great substitute.
DAY 5
At a glimpse: British Carbs in London Proper
Travel agenda: Rise and shine because you’re heading to Borough Market, starting at 10am Monday-Friday and 8am on Saturday. Peruse the stalls and get Bread Ahead or Flour Station pastries and the famous coffee at Monmouth. Take a cab to Trafalgar Square and try a photo opp on the Lions (harder than it looks!) before lunch at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a beautiful chapel that happens to have superb pies, sandwiches and puddings one level below at Café in the Crypt.
Walk the 10 minutes to Covent Garden for street performances and shopping, since it’s your last chance to bring home souvenirs. Your final meal in London has to be fish and chips at Rock and Sole Plaice. Walk to Ben’s Cookies for a scrumptious dessert and perhaps cheers your mates with a pint at The Harp.
Not your first time in London? Hit these places instead!
