London travel guide: getting around, attractions and flights

Flights to London

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Best time to go

May to September brings the longest days and the mildest weather, which suits parks, markets and river walks.

Summer and school holidays are the busiest time at the big sights. Winter days are short and often grey, but museums, theatres and the festive lights in December keep the city lively.

Good to know

On Transport for London services you can pay as you go by touching in and out with a contactless card, a phone or an Oyster card, without buying a ticket first.
Pay as you go is cheaper than buying a paper single or return ticket on TfL services.
Driving in central London is subject to the Congestion Charge, so most visitors get around by Tube, bus and on foot.

Where to stay in London

South Bank

Along the Thames by the London Eye and Tate Modern. You can walk along the river to Westminster and the City.

Covent Garden and the West End

Theatre-land, shops and restaurants. Very central for shows, but hotels here are some of the busiest.

South Kensington

Home to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A, close to Hyde Park. Good for families and museum days.

King's Cross

Around the stations where the Eurostar arrives. Many tube lines meet here, and the canal-side area by Granary Square has been redeveloped.

Shoreditch

East London, with street art, markets and nightlife. Younger and livelier, with the Overground and Northern line nearby.

When to fly to London

Late spring and summer have the longest days, with daylight late into the evening in June. Parks and outdoor events are at their best.

London weather can change quickly in any season, and rain is possible all year. Pack layers and a light rain jacket.

The weeks before Christmas are lively, with lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street, while January and February are usually quieter.

Local tips for London

Pay for the Tube and buses with a contactless card or phone. Daily fares are capped, so you never pay more than the daily cap.
On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.
Entry to the permanent collections of many national museums, such as the British Museum and the National Gallery, is free.
Buses take only contactless or Oyster, not cash.
Many West End theatres sell cheaper day seats at the box office on the morning of the show. Check each theatre's site.

Day trips from London

Windsor

Windsor Castle, a working royal residence, about an hour by train. Check the site for closure days before you go.

Oxford

The university city of colleges and libraries, reached by train from Paddington or Marylebone.

Cambridge

Colleges, the River Cam and punting, reached by train from King's Cross or Liverpool Street.

Top attractions

Tower of London

Home of the Crown Jewels and the Beefeaters. Some areas have narrow steps and uneven ground. Pushchairs are not allowed inside the White Tower, and there is a buggy park on site.

Tickets on Tiqets

London Eye

One rotation takes about 30 minutes. Large bags and suitcases are not allowed in the capsules, but small bags and backpacks are fine.

Tickets on Tiqets

All London attractions on Tiqets

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Car hire

You will not need a car in London itself. One can be useful for day trips outside the city; check the Congestion Charge rules before you drive into the centre.

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From the airport to the city

Many flights land at London Heathrow (LHR). For public transport, the Heathrow Express train runs direct to Paddington station in central London. Check current times and fares on heathrowexpress.com.

Arriving late or with heavy bags? You can book a private transfer in advance and see the price before you pay.

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