London Day 1

Living in fairly close proximity to London, we often end up doing daytrips to London if we have visitors from South Africa.  I have 2 daytrip itineraries that I use again and again, so I thought I'd share them here.  This is the itinerary that I like to call "London Day 1" and it takes in Big Ben, 10 Downing Street, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Seven Dials Market, Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus. Carnaby Street and Oxford Street.

As this itinerary includes the Changing of the Guard, it's important to do it on a day when the ceremony is actually happening.  In June and July the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace happens daily, but between August and May it usually only happens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.  It's best to check this website for confirmed dates.

This itinerary starts from Westminster Tube station and you need to be there at 10am at the latest if you want to get a good spot at the Changing of the Guard.   If you want to see more than a quick exterior view of Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square you need to start earlier.  Look here to see prices and entry times for Westminster Abbey

Itinerary Part 1 map:

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Assuming you are leaving Westminster Abbey at 10:00:

Exit Westminster tube station and have a look at Big Ben

Walk across the road to have a (very) quick look at Parliament square and the exterior of Westminster Abbey

Walk to 10 Downing Street and have a look at the door to the home of the Prime minister.

Walk to Horse Guards Parade and continue on St James Park

Walk through the park, perhaps grabbing a quick takeaway coffee on the way - there is a kiosk and toilets (you need a coin or a card to tap) very close to the spot marked "Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk" on the map above

Find a spot opposite St James' Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard.  Try to get to the front of the spectators at the spot marked "Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk" on the map above.  Quite a crowd usually gathers, so it’s good to get there early to get a good spot.

Once the band has marched past, follow them towards Buckingham Palace (the crowd will surge in that direction so walk quickly) or instead of walking to Buckingham Palace you might want to cut across St James Park to Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk (the final point on the map above) to see the new guard and band as they form and leave for Buckingham Palace.

Itinerary Part 2 map:

View Buckingham Palace before making your way up the Mall, passing the Duke of York Column, before reaching Trafalgar Square.  

Have a wander around Trafalgar Square, admiring Nelson's Column and perhaps making a quick visit to the National Gallery.

Head to Covent Garden for a wander around the market and possibly have a drink before heading to Seven Dials Market for lunch.

Itinerary Part 3 map:

After lunch take a walk from Seven Dials market to Chinatown, possibly stopping for an ice-cream on the way.  Carry on to Piccadilly Circus via Leicester Square.  Head to SoHo and Carnaby Street.

Itinerary Part 4 map:

From Carnaby Street head to Regent Street and Oxford Street.   There are lovely shops on both these streets, including the famous Hamley's toy store and flagship stores for all the famous brand-name stores.

This itinerary ends at Oxford Circus where there are good transport links.