Whether it’s your first London fling or fifty-first, this insider’s guide will help craft an unforgettable short break.
Avoiding Crowds and Saving Money
While spring and summer promise mild weather, you can find lower costs and fewer crowds from late September through early November. Locals love the festive holiday spirit around Christmas, but it’s cold and pricey. May and June are ideal with events like the London Marathon, Royal Horticultural Society Show, and Trooping the Colour pageantry.
Navigating London’s Vast Transportation Network
London offers easy transportation options for getting to and around the city on a short break budget. The Oyster card or Visitor Oyster card saves significantly on public transit like the efficient Tube, red double decker buses, trains and more.
Veering Off the Tourist Trail
In exciting newer neighbourhoods like Bermondsey and Leyton, you can experience London like an authentic local. Bermondsey boasts hip cafes, microbreweries like Anspach & Hobday, and artistic enclaves like Bermondsey Project Space.
Leyton’s diverse culture shines at the Leyton Technical Innovation Center and through street art.
Discover Hidden Gems
While renowned attractions like the British Museum top visitor lists, ask locals for the inside scoop on London’s under-the-radar gems.
The Crossbones Garden is a unique urban graveyard for outcasts throughout history. Or catch experimental theatre at The Yard Theatre in Hackney Wick. For provocative art, nothing beats the Whitechapel Gallery’s cutting-edge exhibitions.
Local Insider Tips
- Wander along Regent’s Canal to see houseboats, graffiti art, and a slice of real London life.
- For an edgy and artsy vibe, explore Hackney Wick on weekends when warehouses and galleries open their doors.
- Sign up for a workshop or class at Ducks ‘n’ Drakes to learn mixology, flower arranging or other creative skills from local experts.
- Don’t just visit sprawling Greenwich Park – stay overnight so you can fully soak up the regal Maritime Greenwich UNESCO site.
Sample Themed London Short Break Itineraries
- For Harry Potter Fans
Start at Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station, then visit filming sites like Leadenhall Market and Borough Market. Cap it off with a studio tour. - For History Buffs
Explore Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, and Kensington Palace. Then head to lesser-known Eltham Palace and Chislehurst Caves. - For Arts Lovers
Dedicate one day to Tate Modern and the West End galleries. On another, go off the beaten path to funky artisan spots in Camden Market, Hackney Wick, and Bermondsey.
