My London Planning Shortcut (And a Brilliant Blog I’m Happily Promoting)
London can feel like a delicious buffet of too many choices – iconic landmarks, hidden lanes, markets, museums, pubs, parks… and suddenly you’re twelve tabs deep and still haven’t decided what to do on Day 1.
So when I find a guide that’s genuinely practical, beautifully structured, and sprinkled with local insight, I hang onto it like it’s the last seat on the Tube at rush hour.
This 6-day London itinerary comes from A Lady in London (full credit to the original author – and yes, I’ll be sending you her way because her blog is a gem). It’s designed for that sweet spot: just under a week – enough time to see the big-ticket highlights and experience London the way it actually feels when you’re there.
Below is my quick, “save-you-time” snapshot of her itinerary – with a big encouragement to read the full post on her site.
A Lady in London’s 6-Day London Itinerary (My Quick Summary)
Day 1: The “Pinch Me, I’m in London” Starter Pack
Think Buckingham Palace + Westminster (Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey), then a wander along the South Bank, with options like the London Eye, street performers and riverside buzz. Finish with Borough Market/Tate Modern vibes and an evening in central London (Soho/Covent Garden/Mayfair for dinner… yes please).
Day 2: Museums, Parks, and a Proper Treat
Start in Bloomsbury with the British Museum (free entry – choose your highlights!), then head
to South Kensington for a museum pick-your-own-adventure (Natural History, V&A or Science Museum). Add Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, then reward your efforts with the true London sport: afternoon tea. Wrap the day with a West End show or a fun bar for a nightcap.
Day 3: Day Trip Day (Because London Plays Nice With Others)
This is where her itinerary shines: she lays out day trip options depending on your mood – Oxford/Cambridge, Windsor, Canterbury, the Cotswolds, seaside escapes like Brighton… even Paris if you’re feeling bold. Basically: London base, adventure branching.
Day 4: Tower Drama + East End Cool
Begin early at the Tower of London (Crown Jewels + history overload), stroll across Tower Bridge, then explore the City of London (St Paul’s + viewing spots). Later: Spitalfields/Brick Lane/Shoreditch for markets, vintage finds, street art and that edgy East London energy.
Day 5: Go Local – Choose Your Favourite Neighbourhood
A whole day dedicated to living like a Londoner (love this). Options include:
- Greenwich (boats on the Thames, maritime history, Prime Meridian views)
- Notting Hill (Portobello Road Market, colourful streets, hidden mews)
- Richmond (riverside strolls, quaint shops, and deer in Richmond Park)
Day 6: Hampstead Charm + Camden Chaos + King’s Cross Magic
Finish with Hampstead (village feel, lovely lanes), then swing through Camden for markets and lively street scenes, and end around King’s Cross/St Pancras for architecture, restaurants, canal walks – and yes, a quick snap at Platform 9¾ if you’re so inclined.
Why I’m Sharing This
I love that this itinerary balances must-sees with local flavour, and it’s flexible – you can swap neighbourhoods, dial the pace up or down, and still feel like you’ve experienced London properly.
All credit for the original itinerary goes to the brilliant author of A Lady in London – I’m simply sharing a shortened snapshot because it’s too useful not to pass on. Read the full post (and give her the love she deserves. Link below.
https://www.aladyinlondon.com/#google_vignette
