A cruise along England’s gorgeous coastline brings you to some of Europe’s oldest and most renowned ports. Stop by Penny Lane and Strawberry Field in Liverpool, explore the 900-year-old Leeds Castle in Kent, and visit numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Still, London is in a category by itself. It’s worth arriving a couple of days early or staying a few days after your cruise, giving you time to experience the history, theater, museums, restaurants, and famous sights across central London. But if you only have 24 hours, a focused London itinerary can still help you see many of the city’s highlights.
To help you get the most out of your day, here are suggestions for a one-day itinerary in London, divided into four blocks of time so you can explore the city efficiently. It will be a challenge to see every London attraction listed, so choose your “must-sees” before you go.
A Morning Filled With Iconic Sites
Begin your 24 hours (or less) in London by spending the morning visiting some of the world’s most well-known and historic churches, palaces, and government buildings, all within walking distance of each other. London is a natural starting or ending point for many European cruises, especially for travelers sailing from Southampton.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey spires and towers in London England
Start your day at Westminster Abbey, one of the most famous churches in the world and a must-see on any one-day itinerary in London. Originally founded as a Benedictine monastery in 960, Westminster Abbey was rebuilt and consecrated in its current Gothic form in 1269.
Coronations for nearly every monarch since William the Conqueror have been held here, and visitors can see the Coronation Chair inside the abbey. Westminster Abbey is also the final resting place of around 3,300 people, including scientists Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking, writers Robert Browning and Charles Dickens, and composer George Frideric Handel. If you only have one day in London, this is a memorable place to begin.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace framed by the ornate gates of the Victoria Memorial, one of London’s most iconic royal landmarks
Continue to Buckingham Palace, perhaps the most famous royal residence in the world, and only about a 15-minute walk from Westminster Abbey. If you’re visiting on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, arrive in time to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard. The Captain’s Inspection is held at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while Sundays bring a 10 a.m. Sunday Parade. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time, as dates and times can change.
Afterward, head inside to tour the colorful drawing rooms, grand staircase, portrait gallery, throne room, and gardens. Tours should be booked in advance, especially if Buckingham Palace is high on your London itinerary. You won’t want to miss out on one of Western Europe’s most iconic historical landmarks.
Big Ben
The majestic Big Ben clock tower stands tall, showcasing iconic London architecture.
Did you know Big Ben is actually the name of the 13-ton bell inside the clock tower? Stand outside and listen for its long, low chime, or take a guided tour up the narrow 334-step spiral stairwell to the belfry where the Great Bell hangs.
On the tour, visitors can see the inner workings of the clock mechanism and step behind the dials. The experience takes about 90 minutes, so try to book a tour that puts you inside on the hour, when the bell tolls. Tickets are released three months in advance, on the second Wednesday of the month, so planning ahead is essential. Visitors must also be over 11 years old and able to climb the 334 steps — so prepare for a bit of a hike.
Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament in London, viewed from Parliament Square, showcasing the iconic Gothic architecture of the Palace of Westminster
If you’re curious about the inner workings of Downing Street or the U.K. government, or are simply a government policy wonk, this is a great stop. For those like me, you’ll understand why one of my best days in London was when I wandered in and met an older gentleman who turned out to be a politician from the House of Lords. Better yet, he invited me to sit in the friends-and-family section. But you don’t need permission to sit in sessions and watch the debates. All are welcome to sit in on sessions in the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
If you’d rather simply tour the building, also known as the Palace of Westminster, take a guided or a multimedia self-guided tour.
A Midday Break and a Fantastic Walk
By this point, you’ll no doubt be a bit peckish or even ravenous. Cross over to the South Bank of the River Thames and walk along the Queen’s Walk, a 2.5-mile, pedestrian-only promenade, for a bite to eat, some excellent views of the London skyline, and a visit to some historic sites and newer landmarks around London SE1.
Borough Market
With over 1,000 years of history, including fires, government overreach, relocations, and wars, Borough Market is filled, not just with fresh and prepared foods, but with heritage. Dating from the 1270s, but relocated to its current location in 1756, one of the market’s goals is to connect visitors with the people and places that produce and prepare the food.
This is a must-visit for anybody interested in sustainability and farm-to-table foods. The market consists of three main areas: Three Crown Square offers goods from larger producers and merchants, Green Market highlights small, specialist produce traders, and Borough Market Kitchen is where you’ll find a wide variety of street food. This is a great place to grab some lunch.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Less than a 10-minute walk from Borough Market, step into the theater built specifically to produce Shakespeare’s plays. Built in 1599, it was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. As per Shakespeare’s original plans, the unique structure is a theater-in-the-round, with 360-degree seating and no roof, so audiences must come dressed for inclement weather since, well, the show must go on. Take the two-hour guided tour, see a play, or simply admire the building from the outside.
Millennium Bridge
Exit the Globe toward the river and look to your left to see Millennium Bridge, a modern structure that has become one of London’s most recognizable pedestrian crossings. Opened in 2000, this pedestrian-only bridge offers wonderful views of the River Thames and the historic buildings near the banks, including a direct view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Spend a bit of time on the bridge taking in the sights, but don’t cross it if you want to remain on the South Bank for your next stop. From here, you can continue walking east toward London Bridge, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.
Tate Modern
Got a favorite contemporary or modern artist? You’ll probably find some of their work at the Tate Modern. In one visit, you can see pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Yayoi Kusama, Henri Matisse, and other influential artists.
Just a five-minute walk from Millennium Bridge and offering free admission, Tate Modern is worth stopping in, even if you only have time to see a few favorite works. Spend a few hours here if your schedule allows, or save it as a strong indoor option on a rainy day. It’s a great cultural London attraction to pair with your cruise to England.
An Afternoon Filled With History and Views
With only two major stops listed, you might think the day is almost over, but Tower Bridge and the Tower of London can easily fill an afternoon. On your way east along the South Bank, you’ll pass London Bridge and HMS Belfast. If you’re interested in naval history, HMS Belfast is worth noting; the historic Royal Navy ship served in Arctic convoys during World War II and fired some of the first shots on D-Day. It can also be a good stop for families who want to explore the inside of a naval ship.
Tower Bridge
The iconic London Tower Bridge spans the River Thames, showcasing historic Victorian architecture.
One of the most iconic sights in London, Tower Bridge dates back to 1894, when it offered a new way for pedestrians, horses, and carriages to cross the Thames. The view from the bridge is memorable, but there’s more to see than the skyline.
Tower Bridge is a bascule bridge, and if your timing is right, you may see the lower level lift for passing boats. The official Tower Bridge website lists scheduled bridge lifts. A ticket includes access to the Victorian engine rooms that once powered the lifts.
Both the North and South Towers have exhibits that tell the story of the bridge’s planning, construction, workers, Victorian-era context, and memorable moments. For a unique perspective, walk across the glass floor 138 feet above the river. You can visit independently, or join a 90-minute guided tour.
Tower of London
Near Tower Bridge, Tower Pier, and Tower Hill, the Tower of London is another iconic London attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former royal palace, fortress, vault, and prison was built by William the Conqueror beginning in the 1070s.
This is a place of countless stories, some are known, while others remain untold. One of the most famous was the imprisonment and execution of King Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. Visitors to the tower can stand at Tower Green, the site of the beheading of Anne, as well as six others, including Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard.
There’s plenty to see at the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels, which display crowns, tiaras, and other royal regalia. At the White Tower, a massive Norman fortress, you can explore the 11th-century Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, the basement well, and even the garderobes, or medieval toilets. While walking outdoors, look up for the ravens, the unofficial guardians of the Tower.
The official guardians of the Tower are the red-and-black-clad Yeoman Warders, commonly called Beefeaters, who were once the monarch’s bodyguards. Today, they serve as security and tour guides while still carrying out ceremonial duties. You can book a Beefeater-led tour or reserve a special ticket for the Ceremony of the Keys, when the Yeoman Warders lock up the Tower for the night.
An Evening of Dinner, Drinks, and Theater
Quaint brick London museum street shops showcase traditional British storefront architecture.
Head over to the West End and enjoy a bite before enjoying a musical or play at London’s version of Broadway.
Covent Garden is the place for dinner, offering a variety of food choices reflecting the cultural variety of London itself. Feast on Peruvian-Brazilian-Japanese fusion at SUSHISAMBA; try the spices at one of the many Indian restaurants, such as Dishoom or the 80-year-old Punjab Restaurant, say “oui” to a French dinner at Chez Antoinette, or dine on hearty pies at Rules, London’s oldest restaurant.
Once you’ve had dinner, it’s time for the theater. See a show at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the oldest theater site in London, dating back to 1663. Choose a hit musical such as Hamilton or Wicked, or see a long-running play like The Mousetrap or The Play That Goes Wrong.
If you have extra time before or after dinner, nearby areas like Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Carnaby Street are easy to add to an evening walk through central London.
FAQs
How do I get from Southampton to London?
There are several transportation options between London and Southampton. Celebrity Cruises® offers shared and private transfers from the cruise port to the airport and vice versa. Some even include a stop at Windsor Castle or Stonehenge. These are only offered on embarkation and disembarkation days.
Due to the limited days offered and the lack of drop-off in the city, you may opt for a 15-minute taxi ride from the ship to Southampton Central Station and take the South Western Railway direct train to Waterloo Station, arriving approximately 90 minutes later.
What do I do with my luggage?
Conveniently, there’s a luggage storage company at Waterloo Station. For a fee, they’ll store your bags for up to 24 hours. If you’re staying at a hotel, they’ll normally hold your luggage even if your room isn’t quite ready.
How do I get around London?
London has an excellent public transportation system. Options include tapping your credit/debit card as you enter the London Underground (the city’s metro/subway system), bus, or train; purchasing an Oyster Card and pre-loading it with funds; or purchasing a pre-loaded Visitor Oyster Card (must be purchased in advance), which has a daily cap, meaning, once you reach that daily cap, you can continue to travel on that card for the rest of the day, for free. It’s also a great city to walk around and soak in the atmosphere.
Is there a card that will get me into attractions at a discount?
Yes! Visit London, London’s official tourism agency, offers the London Pass. When you purchase it, you’ll get entry into over 100 attractions for free. This includes the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, which will also help with your transportation during your one day in London.
What do I do if it’s raining?
Rain is common in London, so it’s worth building some flexibility into your itinerary. Indoor options such as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Tate Modern, the British Museum, afternoon tea, or a West End show can help you make the most of the day without spending too much time outside.
If you still want to sightsee, bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket and focus on areas where attractions are close together. Westminster, Covent Garden, Borough Market, and the South Bank are all easy to explore in shorter stretches between indoor stops.
What’s the best way to ensure I see the Crown Jewels?
If seeing them is important to you, you might want to switch around your morning and afternoon to arrive at the Tower of London just before opening, heading straight for the jewels upon entry, as the lines can be quite long later on. Keep in mind that this might affect whether you witness the changing of the guards.
Spend a Day in London Before or After Your Celebrity Cruise
We’ve offered a lot of options here. If you only have one day in London, be sure to use that time wisely. You can’t do it all, but what you can do will not disappoint.
Browse Celebrity’s European cruises or explore cruise regions in Europe to find sailings that pair London with unforgettable ports across England, Western Europe, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
