London Day Trip Ideas for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

London is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world, with a rich and varied history that has seen it through some of the most tumultuous times in world history. It is home to 8.9 million people, making it the most populous city in the United Kingdom and the fifth most populous city in the European Union.

From the ancient roots of its Roman past, to its Medieval and Georgian architecture, to its modern-day attractions, London has something for everyone. Its landmarks, museums, galleries, and other attractions are renowned throughout the world, and its diversity of cultures, languages, and cuisine make it a truly unique and exciting destination.

For tourists visiting London for the first time, it can be a daunting experience to decide which attractions to visit and which day trips to take. To help you get the most out of your trip, we’ve put together a few day trip ideas that will give you a taste of what London has to offer.

Explore London on Foot

The best way to get to know London is to explore it on foot. There is no better way to really get to know a city than by walking through its streets and alleys, discovering its hidden gems and immersing yourself in its history. You’ll be able to take in the sights and sounds at your own pace and really get a sense of the city.

One of the best ways to explore London on foot is to take a guided walking tour. There are plenty of companies offering guided tours of London, ranging from historical tours to foodie tours, so you’re sure to find something that suits your interests.

A guided tour will let you explore the city with an experienced guide who can tell you about its history and give you an insight into its culture. They will also be able to show you some of the lesser-known sights and tell you about some interesting facts about the city that you won’t find in guidebooks.

Visit London’s Top Attractions

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, so no trip to London would be complete without visiting some of them. From the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square, there is something for everyone.

Most of these attractions are free to visit but many offer guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the history and stories behind them. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets in advance online which will save time queuing up when you arrive.

Explore London by River Cruise

One of the best ways to experience London in all its glory is by taking a river cruise along the Thames. You’ll get stunning views of landmarks such as Tower Bridge, The Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral as you glide past them on the water.

A river cruise is a great way to see many of London’s attractions in one go, as well as getting unique views of some of its most famous landmarks from the water. River cruises typically last around two hours and offer an audio commentary so you can learn about the history and stories behind each landmark as you pass it.

Experience London from Above with a Helicopter Tour

If you’re looking for something different and exciting, why not take a helicopter tour of London? You’ll get unparalleled views of some of London’s most iconic sights as you soar high above them in a helicopter.

You’ll be able to see all the famous landmarks from a unique angle as well as getting stunning aerial views of lesser known parts of the city. Helicopter tours typically last around 30 minutes and include an audio commentary, so you can learn more about what you’re seeing as you explore the city from above.

Take a Tour of Famous Film Locations

London has been used as a backdrop for many famous films over the years, from Harry Potter to James Bond and many more. If you’re a fan of any of these films then you’ll love taking a tour of some of their most iconic filming locations.

Most tours will take you on a journey around some of London’s most famous landmarks and locations from the movies, giving you an in-depth look at how they were used in the films as well as providing lots of interesting facts along the way.

Book an Afternoon Tea Tour

No trip to London would be complete without experiencing one of its most iconic traditions – afternoon tea! If you’re looking for an indulgent day out then why not book an afternoon tea tour?

The tour will take you around some of London’s most iconic tea rooms and tea houses, where you can sample some delicious treats while learning more about their history and traditions. You can even learn how to make your own cup of tea with a traditional English teapot!

Explore Kensington Palace

One of London’s most famous palaces is Kensington Palace, home to many members of the British Royal Family throughout history. You can explore the palace grounds on a self-guided audio tour or book a guided tour which will offer an in-depth look at this historic building and its many fascinating stories.

The palace grounds are open all year round and are a lovely place to wander around on a sunny day. You can also take part in one of their special events such as outdoor theatre performances or themed walks throughout the year.

Take a Trip to Hampton Court Palace

Another iconic royal palace is Hampton Court Palace, which was once home to King Henry VIII and his six wives. It is now open to visitors who can explore its stunning grounds, gardens, museums, and galleries at their leisure or book a guided tour for more information about its history and stories.

The palace also holds many special events throughout the year such as outdoor theatre performances and living history days so it’s worth checking their website before your visit for more information about what’s on during your stay.

Book an Example Tour on Viator

If you want to make sure that your London day trip goes smoothly then why not book one of the many tours available on Viator? From guided tours of London’s famous landmarks to walking tours focusing on culture or cuisine, there’s something for everyone on Viator.

Take a bus tour around London’s highlights such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and more with a guide who can offer interesting facts and stories about each site as you go around. Alternatively, why not take a sightseeing cruise down the Thames where you’ll get stunning views of all the famous landmarks? With Viator you can book these activities in advance so there’s no need to worry about queuing up when you arrive – simply turn up at your chosen time and enjoy your day out!

Book an Example Tour on GetYourGuide

For those looking for something unique and extraordinary then why not book one of GetYourGuide’s amazing tours? From exploring some of London’s underground secrets on a spooky ghost tour to taking an open top bus tour around some of its most famous landmarks, GetYourGuide has something for everyone!

You could also join a hop-on hop-off bus tour which allows you to explore different parts of London at your own pace with stops at all the major attractions. Or why not take a ferry down the Thames for beautiful views of some of London’s iconic sights? With GetYourGuide you can book these activities online and have peace of mind knowing that all their tours are backed by their 24/7 customer service team.

Conclusion

London is one of the world’s most iconic cities with plenty to see and do during a short visit. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, or adventure there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Take our advice and explore London on foot or by river cruise, visit some of its top attractions, or book one of Viator or GetYourGuide’s amazing tours for something truly unique!