Photo: Barcex · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
London
Free world-class museums, royal London, river walks and markets.
A huge, busy capital where many of the best things cost nothing: the great national museums are free, and so are the parks, the river walks and the markets. Royal palaces, a medieval fortress and two famous churches fill the rest of the days.
Places to see
British MuseumMuseum · Room after room of objects from every corner of the world: Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta…Free
National GalleryMuseum · Western European painting from the 1200s to about 1900, hung in grand top-lit rooms: Van…Free
Big Ben and the Houses of ParliamentSight · The gold-trimmed clock tower and the long Gothic front of the Palace of Westminster…Free
When to go
- Jan8° / 3°Some rainQuiet
- Feb9° / 3°Some rainQuiet
- Mar12° / 4°Some rainBusy
- Apr15° / 6°Some rainBusy
- May18° / 9°Some rainBusy
- Jun21° / 12°Some rainBusy
- Jul24° / 14°Some rainVery busy
- Aug23° / 14°Some rainVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
South Kensington and Hyde Park. Three great museums side by side and the biggest central park; hostels are a short ride away around Earl's Court.
The South Bank and Bankside. The riverside walk, Tate Modern and Borough Market; Southwark has hostels and is central for walking.
Bloomsbury, Covent Garden and Camden. The British Museum, theatres and the West End, up to Camden's markets; many hostels near King's Cross and St Pancras.
Flying in
Heathrow (LHR): Piccadilly line Tube into central London, about 55 min, ≈ A$11. Tap a card or phone; the Elizabeth line is faster for about £13 and the Heathrow Express dearer (check).
Gatwick (LGW): Southern or Thameslink train into London, about 40 min, ≈ A$28. Usually about £10–20 with a card or phone; the Gatwick Express costs more (check).
Stansted (STN): Coach to central London, about 1 h 25 min, ≈ A$24. Coaches are usually about £8–17 booked ahead; the Stansted Express train is quicker and dearer (check).
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into London; check times and fares before you fly.
