London is my favourite city in the world. If I magically won the lottery and could do as I pleased, my first change would be moving to London. I can count on one hand the number of people I know that were disappointed with London (and have fingers to spare)- “If you are tired of London, you are tired of life.” And if social media is accurate, I’ve got several friends planning trips once travel is allowed again. So, today I’m sharing my recommendations for 48 Hours in London, to make the most of your time there!
As always in this Covid world we live in, always check before you head somewhere. Make sure that they are open to visitors, if you need a ticket, what is required in rewards to masks and distancing, etc. Most sites that I have checked out in the last month have been very forthcoming with this information, so it should not be tough to find. (I have checked these out before publishing, but the information/recommendations may change!)
These are some of my favourite places in London- normally I try to group things that are close to each other, but not with these. London’s public transportation is its own attraction, and taking the Tube or the red buses can be an adventure on its own. Pay attention to the stations that you pass through- you will see some true gems!
Day 1 of 48 Hours in London
1) Walking Westminster and Whitehall
My first recommendation for spending 48 hours in London isn’t actually going into any sites, but rather spending some time walking through Westminster and Whitehall. If you do have the chance to do a tour of Parliament, or Westminster Abbey, I would take it- but I wouldn’t prioritise them on your first trip to London if you have very limited time. You can wander Westminster and Whitehall at any time (given that there isn’t a protest happening), so this is perfect for getting your day started before things open at 10/11/12.
Parliament, known formally as the Palace of Westminster, is pretty breathtaking in person. The buildings date to the mid-nineteenth century, and were built in the Perpendicular Gothic Revival style. They are beautiful to see, and if you have enough time, enjoy them from across the Thames as well. But what I would really recommend looking out for is all of the statues- they can give you a good idea of who was thought to be important in history. (As we have seen in the past six months- those are specific choices, and can absolutely be questioned.)
And then as you head down into Whitehall, you will be able to spot St. James’s Palace, Banqueting House, and several beautiful and touching memorial statues. There is a distinctive architectural style in Whitehall, and it should not be missed!
2) Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral is absolutely one of my favourite London hidden gems. Yes, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are incredible places to visit, but Southwark Cathedral is steeped in its own rich history. It isn’t as busy as its Cities of Westminster and London cousins, and is chock full of amazing things to discover. For centuries, Southwark was where unsavoury and questionable characters went to do their business, and although it is now incorporated fully into London, it was very much separate. As such, it has a different story to tell.
A beautiful Gothic Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral is stunning in its own right. And if you are a literary aficionado, you will find nods to Shakespeare and Gower. (Of course, Chaucer’s pilgrims stopped by before setting out to Canterbury…) Royal history, trials and executions, the dissolution of the monasteries- you can literally walk in history at Southwark Cathedral.
As of September 2020, these are the recommended visiting hours:
Sunday: 12.30pm – 3.00pm and 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 3.45pm & 5.00pm – 6.00pm
3) Fortnum and Mason and Picadilly
This is definitely the luxury part of my recommendations, but you don’t have to spend if you don’t want to! Fortnum and Mason is known primarily for their tea. However, they are technically a luxury grocer that has branched out into selling other luxury goods. Their tea is not actually that much more expensive than most other loose leaf teas, and their biscuits and candies are also affordable. At the same time, you buy eye-wateringly expensive china, picnic hampers, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Established in 1707, their store at 181 Piccadilly is incredible.
If you don’t want to spend anything, you can still always go in to have a look. It is an interesting store, but doesn’t have quite the hub-bub of Harrods or Selfridges. If you are looking to enjoy a meal there, the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a fantasstic afternoon tea. Absolutely a splurge at £60.00 per person, but it is a unique experience! You will have to book ahead, though- you cannot walk in and take tea without a reservation.
And while you are visiting Fortnums, I would recommend wandering through Piccadilly and down Regent’s Street. Yes, they are (usually) busy streets, but the sweeping, white facades are very London. (And if you can, pop over to Liberty London!) Remember, walking is free!
Day 2 of 48 Hours in London
1) Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens is one of my favourite spots in London. Yes, having Kensington Palace, the Orangery, and the Sunken Gardens there doesn’t hurt. But the Gardens on their own are a beautiful park. It is one of eight Royal Parks in London, and used to be a part of Hyde Park. (If you keep walking you will walk through Kensington Gardens, Hyde park, Green Park, and St. James’ Park.) They can be empty and calm, busy and bustling, or anywhere in between. However, if you head there in the morning, you will have a better chance of exploring without crowds and appreciating one of London’s most beautiful green spaces.
One of the highlights of Kensington Gardens for me is the Peter Pan statue. It was commissioned by Peter Pan author himself, JM Barrie, and placed in the park without any permits or planning whatsoever. You can also visit the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, if you have little ones with you.
If you have time, I always recommend a visit to Kensington Palace, but you will need to pre-book your tickets, and it is only open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30am to 5:00pm. Kensington Gardens themselves are open 6:00am to 8:45pm.
2) Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum is now one of my happy places. As the name might imply, it was named in honour of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, from funds from the Great Exhibition. It is the world’s largest museum of decorative and applied arts, and covers 12.5 acres. (I wouldn’t recommend walking the whole museum in one go…) Their collection has well over 2 million objects in it, and there are numerous galleries to visit. Paintings and sculpture, of course. But also ceramics and casts, tapestries, costumes, furniture, jewellery, any sort of art you could imagine.
As you might guess, I love the V&A for their fashion collection. They have the largest and most comprehensive collection of dress items in the world, and it shows. Of course, their Dior exhibition is probably one of the best exhibitions that I will ever have the luck to see. Their permanent fashion gallery (Gallery 40) is also incredible, though. Pieces are periodically switched out, it is not a static gallery- you never know what you will discover there. And if you time your visit right, the jewellery gallery is also amazing! (Sadly, it was closed for refurbishment when I was there.)
You currently need to book a free timed ticket to enter, with the museum open from 11am to 7pm, Wednesday to Sunday. If there are specific galleries that you want to see, you can check their website to see which galleries are currently open!
3) Covent Garden
And of course, what would my London recommendations be without Covent Garden? The theatre has a long and rich history in London, and Covent Garden is the perfect spot to enjoy it. You can see both the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane and the Royal Opera House, home to the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera. If you like your historical sites to have a salacious twist, Covent Garden was known in the eighteenth and nineteenth century for being home to countless brothels. (Not shocking that the theatres were here, given the connection in centuries past!) If you are able to, I would recommend heading into the Royal Opera House. It is a gorgeous theatre, and has a fascinating history.
And of course, the market that has existed on this site for centuries. Originally a floral market dating back to the seventeenth century, the market is now made up of eclectic little shops and booths. (Be warned- there is quite a range in price.) You can find Whittard’s for some amazing tea and hot chocolate, and Sass and Belle for adorable tchotchkes. And you will find some fantastic restaurants in and around the market to enjoy lunch or dinner. I know people shun Covent Garden for being touristy, but it is a must-see!
Looking for another 48 Hour Post? See my recommendations for Cambridge!
What would you do with 48 Hours in London?
Cheers,
The Historian
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London Museum of Water and Steam. in west London. Fascinating for steam engine fanatics 😊
Oh, I know a few people that it would be perfect for!