Discovering London: 5 Unmissable Experiences for Your 2025 Adventure

In episode 133 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, join Tracy Collins as she unveils her top five must-experience adventures in London, perfect for both first-time visitors and those seeking to add something special to their next trip. From iconic landmarks to unique cultural traditions, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you make the most of your London adventure.

Discover the magic of London's historic sites, learn how to capture stunning views of the city from above and along the Thames, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions that make London truly unique. Tracy also shares her love for London's diverse neighbourhoods and vibrant markets, and reveals a bonus experience you won't want to miss.

• Experience London's Iconic Landmarks
• See London from a Different Angle
• Immerse in London's Culture and Tradition
• Visit London's World-Class Museums
• Explore London's Unique Areas
• Bonus Tip: Day Trips from London

Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of the Tower of London, the breathtaking views from the London Eye, or the vibrant atmosphere of Borough Market, Tracy's recommendations ensure a memorable journey through one of the world's most captivating cities.

📝  Show Notes - Episode  133

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #96 - Best Day Trips from London (Part 1)
• Episode #97 - Best Day Trips from London (Part 2)
• Episode #84 -  Exploring London’s Walks Tours with Ground Operations Manager Charley Bennett
• Episode #85 - Review of the Ceremony of the Keys and Opening Ceremony of the Tower of London
• Episode #91 – A Taste of London: A Conversation with Charley Bennett from Devour Food Tours

Chapters

• 0:00 Exploring London
• 8:48 Embracing London's Culture and Tradition

Transcript

Tracy Collins: 0:00

Planning a trip to London but not sure where to start? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Welcome to episode 133 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast. Today, I'm sharing five of my favourite London experiences to help you plan your perfect visit, whether it's your first time or you're looking to add something special to your next trip.

Intro: 0:18

Welcome to the UK Travel Planning Podcast. Your host is the founder of the UK travel planning website, Tracy Collins. In this podcast, Tracy shares destination guides, travel tips and itinerary ideas, as well as interviews with a variety of guests who share their knowledge and experience of UK travel to help you plan your perfect UK vacation. Join us as we explore the UK from cosmopolitan cities to quaint villages, from historic castles to beautiful islands, and from the picturesque countryside to seaside towns.

Tracy Collins: 1:00

Hello and welcome back to the UK Travel Planning Podcast. London is a city that never stops surprising its visitors. Whether it's your first time or you're returning to uncover more of its charm, london has an incredible variety of experiences to offer. So in today's episode, I'll walk you through my five favourite experiences in London, share tips and insights which will help you, hopefully, make the most of your visit. So I'll be talking about some iconic landmarks, cultural highlights like afternoon tea and historic pub tours, and even how to catch some of London's unique traditions, such as the changing of the guard or the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London. You'll also hear a bonus sixth experience, which I really couldn't miss out. When I was putting this together, I was like no, I have to talk about this particular experience, so you'll find that at the end. So grab a notebook, get yourself comfy and let's dive into planning your perfect London adventure. So first on my list is experiencing London's iconic landmarks, and these are the places that immediately come to mind when you think of London, such as Westminster Abbey, big Ben and yes, I know that is the bell and it's actually the Elizabeth Tower, but honestly, no British person calls it that. It's always going to be Big Ben to us, st Paul's Cathedral and, of course, the Tower of London. Did I mention Buckingham Palace? Possibly not, but you know, these are the places that, when you think about London, immediately come to mind. So not only are these sites fantastic to look at, but they're also steeped in history and culture that dates back centuries. So now I recommend that you actually go into these places as well. Don't just see them from outside and tick off a list. I had a friend who went to London last year and she didn't actually even go at the Tower of London, which I was a bit disappointed with. To experience London, don't just look at the Tower of London from outside. Go into the Tower of London and find out about history. Walk around and feel the history you just can't avoid, you can't miss it the actual kind of whole spirit and essence of the Tower of London and what it's been over the centuries. Learn about that and find out about it. So please, please, please, if you can, don't just see them from the outside, because you're going to miss so much. If that's all you do Now, if you can take a tour Really, you know, a small group tour with skip the lines.

Tracy Collins: 3:21

Access is what I like to go on for places like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, but I know if you're on a tighter budget, maybe consider things like a Virgil tour at Westminster Abbey, which costs £10. It's at 11 o'clock, though. They only take 20 people, so make sure that you are there well in advance and that you pay your £10 to get in. As one of those 20 people, I found out in I think it was October, november, when I ended up being number 22, that there was absolutely no way that I was going on that Virgil tour, unfortunately. So that was a bit of a disappointment for me, so I don't want that to happen to you as well, so make sure that you're there ahead of time. But, for example, you know you can do things like that If you go to St Paul's Cathedral, you have to pay to go in, but they have audio tours and I actually joined a free tour with a volunteer when I went around in.

Tracy Collins: 4:10

I think it was October time when I visited St Paul's when I was doing the London Pass Challenge, which you can hear about in a previous episode of the podcast. So if you want a tighter budget and you can't afford to pay for a small group tour or a private tour. Do consider making sure that you do the actual tours that exist in some of these places. So St Paul's, let's say, you've got an auditor, there's volunteers that take tours For the Tower of London, there's a free Yeoman Water tour that you can join and it's so informative and it's really entertaining as well. The Yeoman Waders they really know their stuff, but also's really entertaining as well. The human orders they really know their stuff, but also they've got great personalities. The only downside of it is that it's busy, so you don't get. You know you can't have that one-to-one or small group kind of exchange that you can have on some of the small group or private tours.

Tracy Collins: 4:59

But, as I say, you'll learn so much. So do join a tour, even if there's a lot of you there. You will learn about these different iconic landmarks and historic buildings and just wonderful places to visit in London. Like, seriously, you can't miss out seeing these places. You know, if you can book a tour with a guide, honestly you won't regret it because you really will be able to take advantage of kind of finding out far more about the place and if you do so, as I say, it will give you a deeper understanding of London's history and make your visit all the more memorable. And, believe me, there were times in my twenties and probably thirties that I didn't necessarily take tours. I kind of would wander around and probably not learn anything about a place, just kind of go oh excellent, I've been here and tick it off. But to have a deeper experience of London, honestly do a tour, do the free tours, do the audio guide if that's what they provide you with, because that's going to be a better way to understand London.

Tracy Collins: 5:58

So, next up, see London from a different angle, because the city is breathtaking, from above or along the river. For panoramic views. You have quite a few choices and I do have an article the best viewpoints in London. So the obvious ones that spring to mind are the London Eye. Not everybody loves the London Eye. I personally always like to go on the London Eye because you get a different view. You get a great view of Big Ben, house of Parliament, westminster you can see for miles from up there, and you get a wonderful view of the Thames itself.

Tracy Collins: 6:31

For a different view, you can go to the Shard or the Sky Garden. Now, the advantage of the Sky Garden is that it is free. So make sure that you do get your tickets for that, because you will have to get a slot, but it is free, so it's great. If you're on a budget, it's a great option to go to the Sky Garden and you do get great views of HMS Belfast, the Tower of London, tower Bridge, the Thames. Again, if you want to go up the Shard and see I mean, the view from the Shard is also amazing. We did that last year. We had access to the Shard through the London Pass, so enjoyed the view from that. We did have to book that, so you've got lots of different options to give you lots of vantage points where you'll get really a fantastic bird's eye view of landmarks across London. So I recommend you do that and, as I say, if budget's an issue, just go to the Sky Garden because it's free.

Tracy Collins: 7:24

For something more relaxed, maybe consider a Thames River cruise, because that's a fantastic option. So you'll glide past iconic landmarks like the House of Parliament, shakespeare's Globe and you enjoy a unique perspective of the city. If you're looking for an unforgettable moment, opt for a sunset cruise, because it's truly magical to see London's skyline illuminated as day turns to night and I was very lucky last October to be on the Uber boat from Greenwich back down to Westminster Pier at sunset and it really was gorgeous. I'll put some pictures in the show notes actually because it was stunning. But obviously a cruise isn't the only way to experience the Thames. As I've just said, I got the Uber boat. Now that's a Thames Clipper. It's not like Uber as in you call Uber on your phone. It's not a boat like that, it's basically just a Clipper service that goes up and down the Thames. That will be cheaper than a cruise and you know many London people will use that to get around and I love hopping on the Uber boats. You know, one of my favorite rides is basically on the Uber boat all the way down to Greenwich. But if rides is is basically on the uber boat all the way down to greenwich. But if you say you're visiting the tower of london, you could actually join up, jump on at the tower, millennium pier and then just go to westminster pier and that takes about 30 minutes and if you do that you pass by some of london's sites and landmarks like hms balfast club theater, st paul's, millennium bridge, etc. Etc. So that's a great way to travel between those two points in london and get a different perspective.

Tracy Collins: 8:48

The third experience that I recommend is to experience the culture and tradition of London. Really, london is a city where culture and tradition are woven into everyday life. Whether it's watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace or attending the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, these rituals offer a fascinating glimpse into London's story. Past the history, it's just honestly, it just seeps all through the city. Past the history. It's just it, honestly, it just seeps all through the city and if you attend any of those particular ceremonies you really will be kind of involved in the, the pomp and ceremony of of the uk, basically of britain. So the change of the guard everyone wants to see. It's crazy busy, especially during the holidays and in peak season, so it really is best to prepare and we do have a guide on the website so you know what to see, when to be there, where and how to move around to get the best of it, and I will link to that in the show notes.

Tracy Collins: 9:49

So now other ceremonies that I absolutely love to attend and I'm sure if you've listened to any of my previous podcasts about my favorite things to do in London. You'll know that I love the opening ceremony and the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London. So that's the basically the open ceremony. So you're there before you actually see the Tower of London opening, and the ceremony of the keys is a very, extremely historic event that happens every evening. It's the actual closing of the Tower of London and it's been following the same way of doing it for centuries and centuries and centuries. You cannot video it, you cannot take photographs.

Tracy Collins: 10:21

The only way to experience the Ceremony of the Keys is actually to attend it. Now, tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys must be pre-booked in advance online. If you're going to book for the £5 tickets and it does become fully booked very quickly they're released on a rolling monthly basis. So for tickets for April, so if you're heading for London in April, they were released at the beginning of March at 4pm on the first working day of the month, unless it's a Friday, and then they're released on the following Monday. So add that to your diary Now. Those £5 tickets are excellent if you can get them.

Tracy Collins: 10:57

But if you want a truly VIP experience, I do recommend the walks tour. It's a small group tour and you get exclusive time with a Yeoman warder, and it's one of my favorite experiences in London. I think I've done it three times now and I'd like to do it Honestly. I would like to do it so many times that I meet every one of the Yeoman warders, because they're all so different. They all have their own stories, but being able to ask them questions and for them to be able to share about their life living in the Tower of London as well is something it's such a privilege to be able to spend the time and learn about it and also to just learn the history of the Tower of London from them. They know so much.

Tracy Collins: 11:39

So another experience that I recommend to try in London and this comes up so often and we get asked so often about this is afternoon tea. So you know whether you want to go for the classic elegance of the Ritz or a quirky option like Bridget's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus, or a themed tea like Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan, which Doug and I have done both of those. It's really, honestly, a delightful way to indulge in a British tradition. There are so many afternoon teas on offer that you really are spoilt for choice. There's traditional and themed afternoon teas choice. There's traditional and themed afternoon teas and I know when I talk to people I do consults about visiting London, itinerary consults Often I'll talk about what ask and what sort of afternoon tea in particular they would like to experience because there are so many different choices. We do have a guide with information about lots of the options and I will share that in the show notes.

Tracy Collins: 12:34

So while we talk of culture and food and drink, I highly recommend also visiting a London pub. So if you have our London travel planning map, you can filter by the pub tag to find the locations of our favourites. And I'll also mention I can't not mention this the Taste Tales and Traditional Ales tour I took with Devour a few years ago, which I absolutely loved. Visiting some of the most historic pubs in London and hearing the stories, histories and about the famous people who visited over the centuries was, honestly, it was so fantastic. And it was topped off with some great food, including the best scotch egg I've ever eaten. Okay, fortnum and Mason, you do an amazing one too, but this is one of my favorite tours ever anywhere in the world. Honestly, I loved it so much and I went with a friend of mine and Terry and she is still talking about this tour because it was so much fun. The guide was excellent. We went to visit some of these old, old pubs down little alleyways hidden away, and it was brilliant. And I'm British and I loved it, absolutely loved it. So if you want to experience that kind of culture of the British pub and also the history, honestly I can't recommend that tour enough. It was just brilliant and I'll link to that in the show notes as well.

Tracy Collins: 13:47

Now you can't forget the markets. Borough Market is a foodie paradise. Now, I've still tried those strawberries dipped in chocolate that everybody goes on about, but honestly, humble Crumble is my go-to when I go to Borough Market. There's other options Portobello Market, greenwich Market, camden Market, Covent Garden Markets, and those are just some of the markets to consider visiting, and there's really no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than by engaging in these quintessentially British experiences. So again, we have a guide to London markets, which I'll link to in the show notes.

Tracy Collins: 14:20

My fourth favourite experience is to visit a museum. Now, I know this isn't everybody's taste and I do get told on Facebook occasionally. You know, my husband isn't a museum person, we're not interested in museums, but I will say London's museums are really among the best in the world, and the even better news is that many of them are free. So the Victorian Albert Museum, also called the V&A, natural History Museum, national Gallery, national Portrait Gallery, science Museum and British Museum are some of the most popular options and, free though, they do charge sometimes for special exhibitions, so do check that. But entrance to the museums is free and each of these institutions offers, honestly, a unique window to art, history and science. And, as many of you will know, the V&A is my personal favorite. I always go to the V&A. It's, honestly, it's a highlight of my itinerary whenever I visit London. And don't miss the cafe. That's all I'm saying. Do not miss. If you go to the V&A, you cannot miss the cafe.

Tracy Collins: 15:25

Now, if you're looking for something more offbeat, london's got lots of smaller museums too. The Florence Nightingale Museum, which I recently visited with the London Pass, provides a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of the founder of modern, nursing For history enthusiasts. The Imperial War Museum offers a gripping exploration of wartime Britain. The Churchill War Rooms give a glimpse into the nerve centre of Britain's World War II efforts. Hms Belfast, which is moored on the Thames, provides a unique opportunity to step aboard a historic Royal Navy warship. Other highlights include the Sir John Soane's Museum Treasure Trove of Art and Antiquities, the Charles Dickens Museum, which offers a glimpse into the life of one of England's greatest writers. These are just a few of the countless options available, so there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover or simply curious about London's rich heritage, there is a museum for you, and, again, I have a guide to museums on the website. So do have a look and pick one out that meets your interests, because there are so many amazing museums in London and I would strongly recommend that you add that into your London experiences.

Tracy Collins: 16:36

So my fifth experience is to explore some of London's unique areas, so each area has its own distinct character and charm, so it makes you feel like you're discovering a different side of the city every time you turn a corner. For example, notting Hill, with its pastel coloured houses and lively Portobello road market, is perfect for a leisurely morning. I had a fabulous photo shoot with Domi of Scale and Studio in Notting Hill, which I loved, and we had so much fun finding the best spots. It's such a lovely part of London and, of course, for fans of the movie Notting Hill, finding the blue door and the Notting Hill bookshop has to be done, but honestly, I had some probably my favourite photos I've ever had taken of me was taken in Notting Hill by Domi, and it's a beautiful, beautiful area to explore.

Tracy Collins: 17:27

Shoreditch, the other hand, and the East End is a hub for creativity and street art, trendy cafes and boutiques to explore and if you're a history lover, greenwich I'm sure you've heard mentioned Greenwich a number of times is a must visit and one of my absolute favourites. There's so much to do and see the Royal Observatory, where you can place a foot in East and West Hemispheres, the Painted Hall in the old Royal Naval College, the Clipper, the Cotty Sark. Greenwich really is a treasure trove of maritime history and beautiful views. So don't forget the beautiful views from the observatory. It really is worth walking up that steep hill for the view that you get and again, I'll share in the show notes some of the photos that I've taken. I've taken a few videos from up there as well, because it's so beautiful. You do get a stunning view.

Tracy Collins: 18:09

Now I would recommend that you take some time to wander around these areas, soak in the atmosphere and experience kind of the many facets of London life, because it isn't all about the changing of the guard or Westminster Abbey or the Ceremony of the Keys, you know, there is kind of normal life going on and these areas, honestly, are wonderful to explore and walk around. Take a picnic to Greenwich Park If you're there and the weather's lovely. Honestly, it's a beautiful park to just sit and relax in and enjoy. In the spring you get the cherry blossom. In the autumn the leaves change colour and it's a really, really pretty place to visit and it's, as I say, it's one of my favourite areas to go and you can actually combine a few things because you can take that Uber boat down there and enjoy the river on the way down and then explore Greenwich and then head back up into the city. Now, bonus tip Number six my bonus experience.

Tracy Collins: 19:03

I don't know if this is going to be controversial because I know we're talking about five best experiences in London, but one of the best things you can do if you have time, honestly, if you have time, is to actually get out of London on a day trip, and I know I keep saying this, I feel like I do a bit of a stock record with saying this, but there are so many incredible places to explore just a short journey away from London. Hampton Court Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Tudor history. You've got Windsor Castle, where you can walk in the footsteps of royalty, and, of course, St George's Chapel is the final resting place for the late queen. So those are wonderful, easy day trips from London. They're very close, but if you're up for a bit more of an adventure, stonehenge, bath, oxford, cambridge, canterbury and the Cotswolds are just some of the iconic destinations that showcase England's natural beauty and historic charm, and they're all within reach of London on a day trip.

Tracy Collins: 20:01

We have got two podcast episodes where we dedicated now off the top of my head I think it's episode 97 and 98 or 96 and 97. Hopefully that's correct when I talk about Doug and I actually talk about our favorite day trips from London. We kind of go clockwise around because there's so many different places to choose, but if you're in London long enough, I really urge you to include a day trip out of London itself so you can experience a little bit different, something a little bit different. Get out of the city, experience the countryside, just see a different side of England. And my final tip. The one thing that I would recommend that you do to make the most of these experiences is honestly to book a tour with a knowledgeable guide to truly discover London. So, whether it's a private tour, a small group tour or a guided experience included with the entry ticket, having experts show you around is honestly 100% worth it and it will help you make the most of these experiences. And there you have it my five favorite experiences in London plus a bonus, bonus tip. Which of these will you add to your itinerary?

Tracy Collins: 21:07

Let me know via the speak pipe link in the show notes, because I'm really excited to know if you have a question or have enjoyed this episode. Let me know too, because I love to hear from you and you never know, you may get a shout out in a upcoming episode. Now that's it for this week. Please do check the show notes at uktravelplanningcom forward slash, episode 133 for photos and links to the different tours that are mentioned. But that just leaves me to say until next week. Happy UK travel planning. Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of the UK travel planning podcast. As always, show notes can be found at uktravelplanningcom. If you've enjoyed the show, why not leave us feedback via text or a review on your favourite podcast app. We love to hear from you and you never know. You may receive a shout out in a future episode, but, as always, that just leaves me to say until next week. Happy UK travel planning.