Many cruises now dock in London, and usually, you get one or two days in this exciting capital city in order to see it all. That’s quite a daunting task, especially if you’ve never been to London before, as you’ll no doubt want to see as much as possible. Here are a few days out that you can enjoy in London when you’re short on time.
Travel along the Thames
If you’re on a cruise that docks in Greenwich, then you’re already on the River Thames, so why not continue your journey by water? There’s a Thames boat ride to Greenwich that stops along the river, going as far as the London Eye. You can then take a ride on this giant observation wheel, enjoying views across the city, or wander along the cultural South Bank where you’ll find theatres, cinemas and museums.
See London’s famous bridges
Larger cruise ships dock at London Tilbury, which is on the outskirts of the city, so you can take a Thames Clipper which takes you as far as Tower Bridge. This iconic bridge was built in Victorian times, and it’s often featured on postcards and souvenirs. Wander along the Thames in this area and enjoy Borough Market, the Tate Modern, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Take a double-decker bus
No image of London is complete without a red double-decker bus in the background, and open-top buses are a great place to explore the city. There are hop-on/hop-off buses that stop across London, giving you an unforgettable way to get around. The open-top deck is a hit with tourists, but make sure you have some warm, waterproof clothes to cope with the British weather. On a hop-on/hop-off bus, you can see sights such as:
- Big Ben
- The Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- Piccadilly Circus
Pick up some souvenirs
London is famous for its shopping, and while you won’t have a huge amount of time to browse the shops, areas such as Oxford Street are packed with stores so it’s easy to pick up plenty of gifts for friends and family. Covent Garden is an excellent place to pick up unique and handmade items, while big department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges make for exciting days out in luxury surroundings.
See a matinee
If you’re only docked for a day, you may not have time to see an evening performance, bumost West End shows offer matinees. Check out what shows are on during your stay, or simply get cheap tickets on the day through the official box office. Matinees are often cheaper than evening performances too.
Enjoy the free museums
Many of London’s most iconic museums and art galleries offer free admission, so make the most of it during your visit! If you’re short on time, head to historic South Kensington where you’ll find the impressive Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum all in the same block. Got any time left over? Wander to the nearby Royal Albert Hall and explore the vast Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
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