Map Your Days
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Example itinerary

10 days in London for a first visit

The longer route adds two rail excursions and west-London green space after the central sights. Put Cambridge and Windsor on suitable opening days, and keep outdoor afternoons flexible for rain and early winter darkness.

10 daysFirst-time visitorsBalanced paceMid-range
Day 1

Bloomsbury collections and the West End

Begin with objects and history, take a proper lunch in Covent Garden, then choose a manageable selection of paintings. Keep the evening unbooked if you are arriving from a long flight.

British Museum → Covent Garden → National Gallery; roughly 40–55 minutes of connecting walks plus museum walking.
Open day route
Morning10:00 AM

British Museum

Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom

Choose two or three collection areas rather than trying to cover every floor. Allow security time before settling into the galleries, and use the museum map to reduce repeated crossings of the Great Court. This is a substantial history visit, not just a stop for one famous object.

Time
2 hours 30 minutes
Cost
Collection free; some exhibitions paid
Hours
Galleries normally open from 10 AM; check closures and entry instructions Visitor information

Worth knowing: Book a free entry ticket if offered and carry a small bag; a reservation still involves screening.

Midday1:15 PM

Covent Garden Market Building and Piazza

The Market Building, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF, United Kingdom

Use this block for lunch and a slow circuit of the market building and nearby streets. The neighborhood offers plenty of choices, so look at menus before committing rather than joining the first queue. Street performances are incidental; this route does not promise a particular act or schedule.

Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Cost
Neighborhood free; lunch and shopping extra
Hours
Public piazza; individual shops and restaurants set their hours Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 20–30 minutes walking from the museum

Worth knowing: Choose somewhere to sit if the museum morning was tiring; the next stop is another indoor collection.

Afternoon3:30 PM

National Gallery

Sainsbury Wing entrance, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom

Choose a period or a handful of paintings for a focused finish. The collection deserves more than an exhausted sweep through every room. Check the current floor plan because building work can move pictures or close rooms, and leave time to enjoy Trafalgar Square after exiting.

Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Cost
Collection free; selected exhibitions paid
Hours
Normally daily 10 AM–6 PM, with Friday late opening and holiday closures Visitor information

From the previous stop: About 15–20 minutes walking, plus entry screening

Worth knowing: A free timed booking is useful for entry, but do not confuse it with a ticket to a paid exhibition.

Day 2

Westminster, park paths and the river

The Abbey is the day's fixed booking. Everything afterward can stretch or shorten around security, services and the weather.

Westminster Abbey → St James's Park → Southbank Centre; allow about 60–80 minutes of connecting walking across the day.
Open day route
Morning10:00 AM

Westminster Abbey

Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom

Give the interior time for its royal, religious and memorial history instead of treating it as an exterior photo stop. Follow the visitor route and the clothing and bag guidance on your ticket. The nearby Palace of Westminster is a different building with separate tour arrangements.

Time
2 hours
Cost
Paid sightseeing admission
Hours
Sightseeing normally Monday–Saturday; services affect access Visitor information

Worth knowing: Move this visit off Sunday; attending worship is not a substitute for an ordinary sightseeing tour.

Afternoon1:30 PM

St James's Park

The Mall, St James's Park, London, United Kingdom

Take a lake-side route and use the park as a break after the Abbey. The paths offer views toward the surrounding ceremonial buildings without buying another ticket. This is a park visit, not a promise of Buckingham Palace interior access or a Changing of the Guard performance.

Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Cost
Free park visit
Hours
Use daytime park access and follow local gate notices Visitor information

From the previous stop: About 15–20 minutes walking; have lunch before entering the park

Worth knowing: Treat wildlife as wildlife: keep your distance and do not plan the stop around feeding birds.

Afternoon3:45 PM

Southbank Centre and riverside

Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom

Finish with the Thames, book browsing or a seated drink around the arts complex. Check today's program if a concert appeals, but leave an evening performance as a separate booking. The generous block lets you pause along the river rather than hurrying straight to the next attraction.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Riverside walk free; performances, exhibitions and refreshments may cost extra
Hours
Outdoor riverside visit; check individual building and event times Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 35–45 minutes walking back through Westminster and across the river

Worth knowing: Wind and rain can make the riverside cold; use an open foyer or café when conditions are uncomfortable.

Day 3

The Tower and Bankside

Book the fortress first and give the rest of the day flexible edges. Put this route on a regular Borough Market trading day.

Tower of London → Borough Market via Tower Bridge → Tate Modern; allow about 55–70 minutes of connecting walks.
Open day route
Morning10:00 AM

Tower of London

Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom

Choose the fortress areas and exhibits you most want to understand, leaving slack for the Crown Jewels queue if that is a priority. The site contains stairs, uneven surfaces and several distinct buildings. Do not assume the full complex and a Tower Bridge interior tour both fit into this block.

Time
2 hours 30 minutes
Cost
Paid fortress admission
Hours
Opening varies by weekday and season; follow the dated visitor calendar Visitor information

Worth knowing: Check accessibility and current closures before choosing a route; shortening one exhibit is better than missing lunch entirely.

Midday1:30 PM

Borough Market

8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom

Make this the day's meal, not a hurried detour between tickets. Browse before ordering and choose a few things you actually want rather than queuing for every popular stall. Crowded trading days can slow movement considerably, so leave room to eat outside the busiest aisle.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Entry free; pay for food
Hours
Normally Tuesday–Sunday; Monday and holiday arrangements differ Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 35–45 minutes walking over Tower Bridge and west along the south bank

Worth knowing: The market and surrounding restaurants do not share one universal schedule; Monday needs a different lunch plan.

Afternoon3:45 PM

Tate Modern

Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom

Explore a selected part of the modern and contemporary collection in the former power station. Choose based on interest, whether painting, installation or the industrial building itself. Leave any paid exhibition as an intentional substitution, not an extra obligation after a long fortress morning.

Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Cost
Collection free; temporary exhibitions may charge
Hours
Check Tate's dated gallery schedule; this plan uses an afternoon collection visit Visitor information

From the previous stop: About 20–25 minutes walking west along Bankside

Worth knowing: Do not promise yourself a particular viewing terrace or installation; check what is currently open when planning the visit.

Day 4

South Kensington: design, science and green space

Choose focused galleries in two large museums, with a proper lunch between them and an outdoor finish.

South Kensington museums → Hyde Park; short local walks and one longer park approach.
Open day route
Morning10:00

Victoria and Albert Museum

Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom

Explore decorative arts and design by choosing two or three collections instead of attempting the entire building.

Time
2 hours
Cost
Free collection; paid exhibitions
Hours
Check gallery closures and exhibition slots. Visitor information

Worth knowing: Use the museum map to choose a focused route before entering.

Midday13:30

Science Museum

Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom

Follow the aviation, engineering or medicine displays for a different museum experience after the V&A's objects and design.

Time
2 hours
Cost
Free entry; paid extras
Hours
Reserve a free general-admission ticket. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk 5–10 minutes; the gap includes an unhurried lunch.

Worth knowing: Book paid interactive galleries only if they match your interests.

Afternoon16:15

Hyde Park: Serpentine paths

Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom

Walk beside the Serpentine and take a seated break after the museum interiors, keeping the route short enough for tired feet.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Free
Hours
Use daylight and check park notices. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk approximately 25–35 minutes from Exhibition Road.

Worth knowing: Choose paved paths and shorten the loop in wet or dark weather.

Day 5

Greenwich: ships, sea stories and the meridian

Reach Greenwich in the morning and keep lunch near the museums before climbing through the park.

Cutty Sark → National Maritime Museum → Royal Observatory.
Open day route
Midday13:00

National Maritime Museum

Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, United Kingdom

Choose maritime collections that interest you, leaving time for interpretation instead of trying to cover every gallery.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Free collection; some paid exhibitions
Hours
Check current galleries and temporary closures. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk 10–15 minutes; the remaining gap protects lunch.

Worth knowing: Eat near the town center before going inside.

Afternoon15:15

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom

Connect navigation and timekeeping with the meridian site and hilltop setting; this visit does not assume a planetarium performance.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Paid
Hours
Standard last entry is 16:00; check seasonal changes and closures. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 25–35 minutes for the uphill park walk and a breather.

Worth knowing: Reserve entry before climbing and bring a layer for the exposed hill.

Day 6

Hampton Court and the quieter Thames

Take an early train from Waterloo, then pair the palace with parkland and a riverside meal in Teddington.

London → Hampton Court → Bushy Park → Teddington → London.
Open first stop
Afternoon14:15

Bushy Park

Chestnut Avenue, Hampton, London, United Kingdom

Take a manageable woodland and open-park loop after lunch, without trying to cross every part of this large royal park.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Free
Hours
Daylight visit; follow wildlife and seasonal access notices. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk 15–25 minutes from the palace; eat before the park loop.

Worth knowing: Keep well away from deer, especially during the rut and calving season.

Afternoon16:45

Teddington riverside and The Anglers

3 Broom Road, Teddington, London TW11 9NR, United Kingdom

Combine a short riverside stroll with a seated early dinner, making the final stop a rest rather than another ticketed interior.

Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Cost
Meal purchase
Hours
Check kitchen hours and reserve a meal if important. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 35–55 minutes on foot or by local bus, depending on your park exit.

Worth knowing: Allow 45–75 minutes afterward for the walk and train back to London.

Day 7

Kew collections and Richmond landscapes

Give Kew a substantial morning, then use local transport to avoid turning Richmond's afternoon into a forced march.

Kew Gardens → Richmond Park → Richmond riverside.
Open first stop
Morning10:00

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Victoria Gate, Kew Road, Richmond, London, United Kingdom

Choose a garden circuit and the glasshouses currently open, keeping time to sit and notice the plant collections.

Time
3 hours
Cost
Paid
Hours
Check seasonal gates, glasshouse closures and last entry. Visitor information

Worth knowing: Do not assume every glasshouse is available during conservation work.

Afternoon15:00

Richmond Park

Richmond Gate, Richmond Hill, London, United Kingdom

Enter from Richmond Gate for a limited hilltop and woodland walk, rather than attempting the park's full perimeter.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Free
Hours
Use daylight; check gate and wildlife notices. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 35–50 minutes by bus or taxi plus a separate lunch break.

Worth knowing: Keep a respectful distance from deer and carry water.

Afternoon17:15

Richmond Riverside

The Towpath, Richmond, London, United Kingdom

Follow a short section of the Thames towpath and settle near the town's cafes before returning to central London.

Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Cost
Free walk; food extra
Hours
Outdoor route; finish earlier in winter. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk downhill approximately 25–40 minutes from Richmond Gate.

Worth knowing: Stay near the town center if paths are wet or daylight is fading.

Day 8

Cambridge: art, a college chapel and botany

Use a Tuesday–Saturday date and an early London train; college access must fit the academic calendar.

London → Cambridge station → Fitzwilliam → King's → Botanic Garden → London.
Open first stop
Morning10:00

Fitzwilliam Museum

Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB, United Kingdom

Begin with a focused selection of antiquities and painting in Cambridge's principal art museum, leaving the rest for another visit.

Time
2 hours
Cost
Free collection
Hours
This start needs Tuesday–Saturday; Sunday and bank holidays open at noon. Visitor information

Worth knowing: Allow 90–120 minutes from your London base including the Cambridge station transfer.

Midday13:30

King's College Chapel

King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, United Kingdom

See the chapel's architecture and stained glass during a public visiting period, without assuming unrestricted college access.

Time
1 hour
Cost
Paid sightseeing ticket
Hours
Reserve an available visitor slot; services and college events change access. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk 10–15 minutes; use the remaining gap for lunch.

Worth knowing: A worship service is not a substitute sightseeing admission.

Afternoon15:15

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE, United Kingdom

End with a compact garden circuit closer to the railway station, balancing indoor art with botanical collections and fresh air.

Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Cost
Paid
Hours
Check seasonal closing and arrive before last admission. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk approximately 25–35 minutes from King's Parade.

Worth knowing: Use an earlier chapel slot if winter garden closing requires it.

Day 9

Windsor and Eton without a hotel move

Choose a castle operating date, leave London early and keep the Long Walk section deliberately short.

London → Windsor Castle → Long Walk → Eton → London.
Open first stop
Morning10:00

Windsor Castle

Castle Hill, Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom

Explore the open State Apartments and castle precincts with time for security and interpretation rather than an express visit.

Time
3 hours
Cost
Paid
Hours
Use the dated opening calendar; royal events and chapel access vary. Visitor information

Worth knowing: Allow 75–105 minutes from your London base and book castle entry first.

Afternoon14:30

The Long Walk

Park Street entrance, Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Walk a short out-and-back along the tree-lined approach and enjoy the castle perspective; this is not the full Copper Horse hike.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Free
Hours
Daylight; events can alter access. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk 15–20 minutes after a proper lunch in Windsor.

Worth knowing: Turn around after roughly 30–35 minutes to protect the Eton connection.

Afternoon16:45

Eton High Street and riverside

High Street, Eton, Berkshire SL4 6AA, United Kingdom

Cross the pedestrian bridge to explore Eton's independent-shop streets and riverside, with a cafe break if businesses are open.

Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Cost
Free walk; food extra
Hours
Public streets; shops and college interiors have separate hours. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 30–45 minutes back through Windsor and over the bridge.

Worth knowing: Do not assume Eton College interiors are open for casual entry.

Day 10

Docklands and the East End

Choose a Whitechapel opening day and follow the city's commercial history into contemporary art.

West India Quay → Canary Wharf → Whitechapel.
Open first stop
Midday13:00

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB, United Kingdom

Walk through the planted roof garden and explore the surrounding dockside public space, taking a seated lunch in the district.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Free garden; lunch extra
Hours
Check garden access notices and weather conditions. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Walk 15–20 minutes; lunch is included in this stop's duration.

Worth knowing: This is a garden and neighborhood break, not a booked performance.

Afternoon15:30

Whitechapel Gallery

77–82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX, United Kingdom

Finish with the gallery's current contemporary-art program, choosing available exhibitions rather than expecting a permanent highlights room.

Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cost
Some free displays; paid exhibitions
Hours
Normally closed Monday; check the current exhibition calendar. Visitor information

From the previous stop: Allow 25–40 minutes by Elizabeth line and walking, including station access.

Worth knowing: Check which exhibitions need paid tickets before traveling.

Before you decide

Questions about this trip

Which days need advance tickets?

Prioritize Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Kew and King's College Chapel, then reserve the Science Museum's free entry.

Do I need a car?

No. London transport plus trains handle this route; use local buses or taxis for Richmond's hill and station connections.

Will the outdoor days work in winter?

Shorten park walks and start them earlier. Check garden closing times and do not leave a long towpath walk until after dark.

Official visitor information

Use these operator and visitor pages to confirm tickets, opening times and access for your dates. Details checked .

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