Sightseeing and Secrets in London

The 24hr Tourist Guide to London

A bit of culture and nature, one or two refreshments, and an evening to remember.

Getting There and Away:

London Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station:

Heathrow Express Train (Terminal 2, 3 &5): From £5.50 - pre-book for cheapest fares.

London Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station:

Gatwick Express Train (South Terminal): From £20 - pre-book for cheapest fares.

Taxis in London are unpredictably expensive so I recommend public transport.

The Grand Tour:

New Arrivals: We start our adventure in Hyde Park at the heart of this sprawling city. A short distance from the well-connected Victoria Station (Gatwick Express), and Paddington Station (Heathrow Express).

Pit Stop: After a walk in the park to stretch your legs it's time to indulge in the quintessentially British pastime of taking tea at The English Rose Cafe. Take your time here to browse and choose the perfect sweet treat or sandwich to pair with your brew. Relaxing in a tea room is a great opportunity to take timeout, away from the busy streets.

Cultural injection: Feeling refreshed head out and immerse yourself in the rich history of London Streets, famed worldwide in many film and novel. This route has you first pass by Buckingham Palace - this grand building has been the official residence of Queens and Kings since 1837. Continue your stroll through St Jame's Park, past the home of the UK Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, eventually reaching the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, more famously known by the name of the clock tower bell - Big Ben. Sadly due to restoration work you cannot currently hear it chime. You are now on the banks of the great River Thames.

Congratulations - in this short walk you have completed the London 24hr tourist 101. This city plays host to a huge range of buildings and museums worth seeing, but with only one day this is a flavour of the history and culture.

Escape to nature: I'm no city dweller and I love to explore the green spaces on offer when checking out a new place. Normally I aim to go everywhere on foot but the shear size of London makes a short hop on the tube worth while on this occasion. From Big Ben head across Westminster Bridge to Waterloo Underground Station and buy yourself a ticket to Hampstead Station on the Northern Line (colour coded black) - if you have a card or phone with contactless payment you can tap your way through the barriers and the system will charge you per journey. After a 30 minute train-ride a short walk will see you on Hampstead Heath with 791 acres of green space to explore Click here for some circular walk suggestions.

An evening to remember: After a breath of fresh air its time to head back into the hubbub of the city nightlife. I like to find the more unusual experiences and recommend dining like a British colonial diplomat on The Strand - check out the quirky India Club Restaurant. Self proclaimed as 'charmingly eccentric', this establishment has been serving southern Indian cuisine to guests for 50 years. Hidden at the top of a unlikely flight of stairs, dining here will make you feel part of an exclusive underground London society at an affordable price.

Once recharged check out what's on at The Top Secret Comedy Club. Often free entry, let yourself be entertained. Brits, famous for their particular sense of humour love a night out at the local stand-up so enjoy a drink and a laugh shoulder-to-shoulder with some Londoners at their very best.

Getting Away: The day is up, but now not far from Paddington Station or Victoria the choice is yours, you can take an evening stroll back to see the city lights, or simply jump back on the underground. Leave yourself plenty of time though as I find everything takes longer when you're in London.

Covent Garden to Paddington (for The Heathrow Express):

Take the Piccadilly (dark blue) to Piccadilly Circus, and Bakerloo (brown) to Paddington.

Covent Garden to Victoria (for The Gatwick Express):

Take the Piccadilly (dark blue) to Green Park, and Victoria (light blue) to Victoria Station.