Must-see places around London for a 2 day trip? Also what’s a good budget-friendly area to stay at?
Looking for must-see spots in London for a two-day visit? Also, any suggestions for a budget-friendly area to stay?
We’re heading to London for two days before our cruise from Southampton, and it’s our first trip to the UK. We want to make the most of our time, but unfortunately, we can’t arrive earlier.
- Since we’re not renting a car, we need destinations that are easy to reach via public transport.
- Are museums advisable for a tight schedule, given how time-consuming they can be?
- Can we realistically fit in Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London/Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Victoria Street within two days?
Additionally, which neighborhood would be best to stay in for easy access to these attractions without breaking the bank?
Lastly, how reliable is public transport from London to the Southampton cruise port? We need to be on the ship by 3 PM on our third day. Would it be wise to stay in Southampton the night before?
Thanks for your help!
London is a fantastic city to explore, and you can definitely fit a lot into two days! Here are some recommendations and answers to your questions:
Must-See Places
With your time constraints, it’s ambitious but doable to see most of the landmarks you mentioned. Here’s a possible itinerary:
Day 1:
– Buckingham Palace (Start your day here; try to catch the Changing of the Guard if you can.)
– Hyde Park (A pleasant walk from Buckingham Palace. Enjoy the gardens.)
– Big Ben & Houses of Parliament (A short walk from the park.)
– Westminster Abbey (Right next to Big Ben; you might want to admire the exterior if time is tight.)
– St. Paul’s Cathedral (Take the Tube from Westminster to St. Paul’s. It’s worth a look inside if you have time, but you can just appreciate the exterior as well.)
Day 2:
– Tower of London & Tower Bridge (Start your day early and spend a few hours here. The Crown Jewels are a highlight!)
– Shakespeare’s Globe (If you’re up for it, it’s nearby and worth a quick photo stop.)
– Explore Borough Market for lunch and local food experience.
– Free time walking along the Thames River, enjoying the scenic views.
Museums
Given your tight schedule, I would recommend prioritizing the landmarks over museums, as they can be time consuming. If you’re really interested in a museum, consider the British Museum or the Natural History Museum, but keep an eye on the clock.
Where to Stay
For budget-friendly and convenient areas, consider neighborhoods like:
– Greenwich: A bit further out but scenic and has good transport links to Central London.
– South Bank: Close to many attractions like the London Eye and Tate Modern, with reasonable hotels and hostels.
– Paddington or King’s Cross: Both are well-connected to public transport and offer various accommodation options.
Public Transport to Southampton
London’s public transit is quite reliable. From London, you have a couple of options:
– Train from Waterloo to Southampton Central: This is probably the easiest and fastest way. It takes about 1.5 hours, so you’d want to leave at least by 1pm to ensure you arrive by 3pm.
– Consider staying in Southampton the night before your cruise if you’d prefer a less rushed morning; there are plenty of hotels in Southampton near the port.
Final Tips
Enjoy your trip, and have a great time on your cruise!