How to Spend a Royal Day Out in London's - London 1 Day Itinerary
Welcome to your royal day out in London! Ever dreamed of living like a king or queen, even just for a day? Well, get ready to make that dream come true with this fun and fabulous itinerary! We’ll take you through Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and other iconic spots that will leave you feeling like royalty.
Prepare yourself for a day packed with history, grandeur, and a sprinkle of royal magic! 👑✨
Buckingham Palace Extravaganza
Location: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
Closest Tube Station: Victoria Station
Your royal journey kicks off at the grand Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Arrive early to catch the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony at 10:45 AM. Enjoy the ceremonial parade, lively music, and those iconic red-coated guards. Afterwards, grab a coffee from a nearby café, and find a prime spot along The Mall to soak in the spectacle.
Visiting in the summer? Book tickets in advance to tour the opulent State Rooms inside the palace.
Stroll Through St. James’s Park
Location: St. James's Park, London SW1A 2BJ
Closest Tube Station: St. James's Park Station
After the guard ceremony, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque St. James’s Park, located right next to Buckingham Palace. The park offers stunning views of the palace, a charming lake with resident pelicans, and plenty of peaceful spots for a quick picnic or to simply enjoy the serene surroundings.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of Buckingham Palace from the bridge over the lake—it’s Instagram gold!
Afternoon Tea Lunch at The Fortnum & Mason
Location: 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus / Green Park Station
Experience a touch of elegance at this sophisticated Edwardian-style venue, where afternoon tea is an event to savour. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, this charming spot offers a delightful afternoon tea experience. Indulge in a fabulous selection of teas while soaking in the venue's timeless ambiance.
Other places for Afternoon Tea:
Afternoon Tea at Hotel Cafe Royal: One of the most popular afternoon tea spot renowned for its unique experience. Cafe Royal features a beautifully decorated mirrored room, artistic ceilings, and live piano music.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz or Claridge's: The epitome of afternoon tea in Mayfair. These venues offer a lavish setting and impeccable service. It’s a splurge worth every penny! Check if you need to make a reservation £££
The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel: Enjoy a glamorous tea in a wood-panelled café with specialist sommeliers. It’s a chic choice for those who love a touch of old-school elegance. £££
Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour: Or for a fun twist, hop on a classic Routemaster bus for a delightful afternoon tea tour. Sip tea and enjoy themed treats while passing by iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Remember to prebook to secure your seat! ££
Kensington Palace and Gardens
Location: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX
Closest Tube Station: High Street Kensington
After lunch, head to Kensington Palace in West London. This historic palace has been a royal residence for over 300 years and is home to fascinating exhibitions about the lives of royals like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Wander through Kensington Gardens, featuring the Albert Memorial and the Serpentine Gallery.
Traveling with kids? Be sure to check out the palace’s family-friendly activities and exhibitions—they’re both fun and educational!
Royal Reflections at Hyde Park
Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Closest Tube Stations: Lancaster Gate or Marble Arch (Central line)
Wrap up your regal day with a serene walk through Hyde Park. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll by the Serpentine Lake or visit Speaker’s Corner, where history and modern-day debates come to life. Hyde Park offers the perfect setting to reflect on your royal adventures.
Unwind with a drink at one of the park’s cafés, like the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, which offers a charming ambiance with a lovely view.
Royal Dining
Location: Your Choice
For a fitting end to your royal-themed day, indulge in dinner at one of London’s exquisite dining spots. Whether you prefer a classy restaurant or a traditional pub, London’s dining scene offers something for every taste.
Consider dining at historic venues like , which has been serving fine food since 1798.
And that's it! From the iconic Buckingham Palace to the chill vibes of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, you’ve basically lived like royalty—minus the crown (unless you brought one, in which case, slay).
Whether you’re capping off the day with a fancy dinner or just kicking back in a cozy pub, you’ve officially unlocked a new level of London cool. And guess what?
The city’s royal magic isn’t going anywhere, so whenever you’re ready for another adventure, London’s got your back. Until then, keep those regal vibes going, and who knows? Your next epic journey could be just around the corner! 👑✨