A London weekend break is perfect for an epic 48-72 hour city getaway full of incredible sights, food, culture and hidden local gems beyond the typical tourist traps.
Escape familiar places and follow this complete guide to curating an extraordinary London trip tailored around uncovering secret royal hot spots, geeking out on magical movie sites, getting insider access to underrated boroughs and one-of-a-kind seasonal events, and stretching your budget to extend stays affordably.
Plan Your Extraordinary London Weekend Break
Use these top tips to help craft bucket-list worthy London weekend break itineraries, whether you have 2, 3 or 4 days to explore the city:
- Escape Overrated Spots to Find Hidden Gems
Weekend breaks in London are best spent venturing outside the packed main drags like Oxford Street to explore charming lesser known spots the locals love. Top underrated gems? Greenwich, Peckham and Deptford bursting with foodie markets, galleries, live music and maritime history. - Channel Your Inner Royal for 48 Hours
Dine like royalty, tour luxury hotel suites fit for Meghan and Harry themselves during rumoured visits, and discover the new generation of young British royalty’s favourite date night haunts and shopping spots. - DIY Magical Weekend Walking Tour
The ultimate activity for Potterheads this London weekend break? A self-guided tour of the real filming locations that inspired the wizarding world seen on screen. Bonus points for recreating iconic movie moments!
Time Your Trip for a One-Of-A-Kind Event Weekend
Beyond its most famous sights, vibrant festivals, concerts, and can’t miss cultural events breathe extraordinary new life into the city on specific weekends year round when visiting London.
- Notting Hill Carnival
Every August Bank Holiday weekend, Europe’s biggest street festival fills the streets with spectacular parades and vibrant food. - London Film Festival
Rub elbows with stars during October’s premiere film event featuring the hottest movie premieres, red carpets and exclusive soirees. - New Years Eve Fireworks on the Thames
Ring in 2024 watching London’s world famous annual New Years fireworks show reflected over the River Thames.
Budget Tips For Extending Your London Weekend
Follow these simple tricks for keeping costs low while stretching your quick London weekend break into 4+ days of nonstop adventures as the short stay sightseers clear out.
- TKTS Booth Musical Theatre Lottery
Score last minute West End tickets at up to 50% off to make theatre a highlight. - Local Hostels on Booking Apps
Book dorm beds or private rooms at highly rated hostels nearby top sites day-of at low rates. - Day Trips on Regional Rail Passes
Take quick affordable day trips to Windsor, Brighton, Stonehenge and more just outside London using cheap rail passes.
The perfect London weekend break brilliantly balances London’s iconic historical sights alongside extraordinary local festivals, Royal and magical movie themed tours, hip upcoming boroughs, seasonal events and budget tips for stretching your weekend without breaking the bank into a week long affair!
