THE BEST ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY
PERFECT FOR YOUR FIRST-TIME AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY
You only have one day in London? Unfortunately, it’s not possible to see all of London in a day but this itinerary is perfect if you’re coming for the first time and want to do/see some of the best of what London has to offer.
You’ll see Buckingham Palace, one of the Royal Parks, Trafalgar Square, The London Eye and Covent Garden, plus so much more! Keep reading for all the details. It’s also family-friendly. We’ve done this day out many times with our boys (currently aged and a half and 16 months). So I’ll also share kid tips!
When we explore, it’s not usually a fully kid-centric day so if you’re visiting without kids, you; still love this itinerary, just skip the playground!
We’ve lived in London for 6 months now and I honestly still think this is the best way to enjoy one day in London! As you can see from the photos, we’ve done this day many times, in all seasons!
We’ve written about lots of other family-friendly London guides.
If you are looking for an amazing, not-so-touristy day, why not try:
A PERFECT DAY IN NOTTING HILL, LONDON
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YOUR PERFECT ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY
Apart from your travel and food expenses, this day is completely free! However, I will make some extra suggestions so you can adapt it to go inside some of the attractions if you wish. Just make sure to allow time, you won’t be able to do everything in one day!
GETTING THERE / AROUND
Start this fantastic one day in London as early as you can. This allows you to fit the most in and if your kids are like mine, they’ll start to get cranky later in the day.
We love to walk – it’s the best way to see the city. This route is a lot of walking. Our kids are little so they still use a pushchair (stroller). Our everyday pushchair is The UppaBaby Vista and our travel one is the Joolz Aer+ and I highly recommend both of these! If you’re coming to London and plan to use the underground, a travel option is certainly better.
READ MY FULL JOOLZ AER+ REVIEW HERE
This route starts at Victoria Train Station. If you’re taking a day trip to London, it is worth checking The Train Line as sometimes train fares are cheaper when booked in advance.
We took a bus back to Victoria, mainly because sitting on the top front seat of a red London bus is on every toddler’s bucket list but it is possible to walk. If you’re not a huge fan of walking, consider a travel card for unlimited use of public transport.
STOP 1: BUCKINGHAM PALACE
The first place on the list is possibly the most iconic place, and a must-do if you only have one day in London, Buckingham Place. It’s only a 15-minute walk from Victoria and is definitely work passing.
Watching Changing of The Guard is a fun, free activity for all the family. It starts at 11 am (go earlier to get a good spot) and unfortunately is not held every day. It changes by season so check the schedule on their website HERE.
If you miss Changing of the Guard, you can often see them rehearsing outside the Guard’s Museum, located just across from the Palace.
You can also visit the Buckingham Palace State Rooms or The Royal Mews. These are both great options. We haven’t done these for years, so I will update you with kid tips soon!
STOP 2: ST JAMES’S PARK
After Buckingham Place, cross the street to St James’s Park. This is a gorgeous Royal Park with fairytale views.
As you walk through the park, keep an eye out for the pelicans that live there, you can often see them up close! You’ll also likely spot parakeets in the trees! Both of these are enjoyable for both adults and kids!
Kid Tip: I always pack a picnic for my kids, even if we’re planning to eat out as the day will be ruined if they get hangry! A park is a perfect place for a picnic!
STOP 3: HORSEGUARDS PARADE
This is one of our favourite spots. Both my boys have always loved to see the horses. Walk through the beautiful building to Whitehall (that’s the road name) where you’ll see the guards on horses. This is a popular spot for photographs!
TIME-SAVING TIP: if you’re happy to skip Downing Street and Big Ben, you can walk straight down Horse Guards Avenue. This will bring directly to Victoria Embankment. You’ll still see Big Ben, just not so close up!
Horse Guards Parade & Downing Street
STOP 4: VICTORIA EMBANKMENT – BIG BEN & THE LONDON EYE
Walk down Whitehall to Parliament Street and then toward the river. This will give you great views of Big Ben and The Parliament buildings. If you want to go on the London Eye, you can cross the river here. We usually don’t cross the river, opting to walk down Victoria Embankment instead. This gives you the best views of the London Eye.
BONUS STOP: 10 DOWNING STREET: As you walk down, you’ll pass Downing Street (the home of our Prime Minister) You can’t see much so we wouldn’t stop here but I know it’s a popular place for tourists to take photos!
STOP 5: COVENT GARDEN
Covent Garden is one of the most interesting places in London. It’s full of life and things to see. You can shop, wander through one of the markets and pick up some souvenirs or see street performers putting on a show!
This is also a great place to grab some food, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. There are so many options, for restaurants, cafes and pubs.
Covent Garden’s seasonal displays
STOP 6: TRAFALGAR SQUARE
The final stop on this route is Trafalgar Square. Kids and adults will love to see the giant lion statues here.
You could also visit The National Gallery. It’s still on my bucket list but it’s a free activity so perfect for a rainy afternoon!
Kid Tip: if your children are like mine, they’ll want to jump into the fountains – I wouldn’t advise letting them!
HEADING HOME FROM YOUR PERFECT ONE DAY IN LONDON
From Trafalgar Square, it’s around 30 minutes walk back to Victoria Station. If you’re not too exhausted I’d recommend walking down The Mall for one last look at Buckingham Palace.
Or this is where you can hop on a bus. A number 24 bus from Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross Stop will get you back in about 15 minutes and as I mentioned, it’s a bucket list activity!
Thank you so much for reading our favourite one day in London itinerary, I hope we’ve helped you to plan a perfect day!
We’ve written about lots of other family-friendly London guides.
Happy Exploring,
