London, the city that brought to life so many of my favorite characters, is my ultimate layover destination. From magical theme parks to historic royal attractions, London is a city brimming with exciting experiences, ensuring every layover is truly epic.
Stepping into My Favorite Stories
Growing up, I devoured Sherlock Holmes mysteries and Harry Potter adventures. Now, exploring their related attractions in London fills me with inexplicable joy. Seeing those iconic red telephone booths instantly transports me to the Ministry of Magic, while walking down Baker Street makes me feel like Sherlock will emerge any moment from 221B. Here are some of my favorite London experiences that I wholeheartedly recommend:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter
Stepping into the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is like entering the magical realm of Harry Potter. It’s my favorite place in the world! The breathtaking sets bring Hogwarts and Diagon Alley to life, allowing me to relive my childhood fandom. During the holidays, Hogwarts gets a beautiful snow cover, and year-round, you can dine in the Great Hall, making you feel like a Hogwarts student. The studio is filled with authentic props, perfect for snapping selfies. I love buying costumes from the gift shop and dressing up in my favorite house colors. The tour also showcases the filmmaking process, revealing the visual effects used to create the magical world. If you have a short layover in London, this is a must-visit.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum: A Pilgrimage for Fans
The moment I enter the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the words “It’s Elementary, My Dear Watson!” echo in my ears. This museum, where my favorite super sleuth solved countless cases, brings out the crazy fanboy in me. Visiting this museum is a nostalgic experience, filled with emotions.
The museum’s Victorian surroundings and recreated gas-lit London of the 1800s feel like a pilgrimage for Sherlock fans. Despite being a fictional character, Sherlock feels so real here. I can imagine him studying an interesting news article through his famous magnifying glass, pipe in hand. The museum also boasts the largest collection of Sherlock memorabilia in the world! You can even buy the famous deerstalker hat and trench coat from the gift shop to channel your inner detective.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: Capturing Reality in Wax
While the previous two places bring fictional characters to life, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum does the opposite – it captures reality in wax statues. We always try to take a tour of the wax museum during a London layover. The lifelike wax statues of famous celebrities, including Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and the Royal Family, are incredibly realistic. The museum offers numerous tours, so you can easily spend an entire day here.
We especially loved the time-capsule tour of London, where you sit in an iconic black cab and journey through the city’s history. We saw Shakespeare writing his plays and London Bridge falling down, witnessing all the major historical events, depicted through lifelike and moving wax statues. The museum also offers 4D Marvel and Star Wars tours, where our favorite Avengers and Superheroes come to life. With so much to offer, Madame Tussauds is a must-visit destination in London, providing a unique experience each time you go.
Royal London: Meet the Number One Family in the World
A London layover isn’t complete without visiting the city’s royal attractions. Royalty is woven into every building, inescapable even if you wanted to avoid it. Here are my top picks:
Buckingham Palace, The Royal Mews, & The Change of Guard
Buckingham Palace is a must-see for any first-time visitor to London. On my first layover, I did the standard touristy sightseeing, including the Palace Tour. I always assumed you could only admire the palace from the outside, but I was wrong! The tour allows you to explore the palace interiors, making you feel like royalty. It’s a grand spectacle, with magnificent ballrooms adorned with gilded ceilings and glittering chandeliers. You can even view the Royal Collections of treasures and artifacts from around the world!
For a deeper royal experience, take the Royal Mews Tour, showcasing the beautiful royal carriages and horses. These gold-plated carriages transported the royal family to esteemed events like royal weddings and coronations. If you lack time for an inside tour, don’t miss the Change of Guard ceremony from outside. The sight of the royal guards in their red uniforms and tall bearskin hats, accompanied by the royal band, is an emotional experience, confirming your arrival in London.
Westminster Abbey: The Heart of Royalty
While the Palace is where the royal family resides, Westminster Abbey is where their royalty is bestowed. This Anglican Church has witnessed everything from royal weddings and coronations to the baptisms of royal children.
From Diana to Meghan, every new royal bride has been a part of this historic church. And from Charlotte to Lilibet, all royal children have been christened here. This iconic place deserves at least one visit, even during a short layover. It encapsulates the essence of royalty like no other place in London.
Beyond royalty, you can explore the church’s beautiful architecture or participate in Hidden Highlights Tours, which showcase areas not open to the public. The Christmas season is especially festive, with candlelight carol services, Christmas concerts, and Holy Communions.
London’s Soul: The Squares, The Clock, & The View
London is filled with iconic buildings, perfect for capturing photos and selfies. Here are some of my favorite attractions:
Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square: London’s Lively Heart
After exploring the tourist attractions, you can delve deeper into London’s energy at Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. Feed the pigeons at Trafalgar Square or snap selfies with the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at Piccadilly Circus. These squares are London’s nightlife hubs, offering pubs, casual dining, rooftop bars, performing art theaters, and upscale shopping districts. They offer some of the best places to relax with friends and enjoy the remaining moments of your layover.
Big Ben: A Symbol of Democracy
Like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben is another highly Instagrammed landmark. It’s a symbol of democracy, a television and film favorite, and a narrator of London’s history. This iconic clock is unmissable on any London layover. The best part is that you don’t have to go all the way to the clock to admire it; It’s visible from many parts of the city, and you can hear its bells chiming every hour, no matter how far away you are.
Stunning City Views: From the Thames to the Shard
London never ceases to amaze with its breathtaking views. Rise 443 feet above the Thames River in a London Eye glass capsule, glide mid-air in an IFS Cloud Cable Car, or stand atop the 95-story Shard. No matter which observation mode you choose, you’ll capture the stunning, twinkling city lights in all their glory.
London, You’re My Favorite: I’ll Be Back In A Jiffy
Every London layover ends with a yearning to see more. I haven’t had the chance to visit LEGOLAND or Shrek’s Adventure! London yet. With limited time, the city remains largely unexplored, but that’s what excites me about revisiting it. I eagerly await my next layover in London.
