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London along the Thames

A suggested itinerary based in Central London. Allow 2 days.

A suggested route for your own trip, inspired by the Journal’s locations. It is not a record of Andy’s personal itinerary.

Allow2 daysBaseCentral LondonRoute5 planned stages

Editorially reviewed 16 September 2026 · confirm live access before travelling.

London, United Kingdom — photograph from Andy’s Journal

Your suggested route

The times below are suggested allowances, not live opening hours or transport schedules. Adjust the order for your arrival time, bookings and conditions.

Day 1 · Morning · Westminster to the South Bank
Begin around Westminster for the exterior landmarks, then cross to the South Bank and walk east at a comfortable pace. Allow two hours including a coffee break. If visiting Westminster Abbey inside, book it as the main morning activity and shorten the river walk.
Day 1 · Lunch · Borough Market area
Continue by foot or transport to the Borough Market area for lunch, checking the actual market day and trader hours. Choose one proper meal and a small extra if hungry. Leave time to sit rather than eating continuously while navigating crowds.
Day 1 · Afternoon · Tate Modern or the river
Choose Tate Modern for a substantial gallery visit, or a shorter riverside walk towards Tower Bridge if architecture interests you more. Allow two to three hours for the selected option. A paid tower or bridge interior is optional and needs its own time.
Day 2 · Morning · One major collection
Pick a museum that fits your interests and give it a full morning. Check booking and exhibition arrangements before travelling. London’s museums are large enough that choosing a few galleries is often more rewarding than trying to see an entire collection.
Day 2 · Afternoon and evening · Covent Garden and theatre
Have lunch, then explore Covent Garden and nearby streets at an easy pace. Book a theatre performance if you want one, with dinner early enough to arrive comfortably. Otherwise finish with a neighbourhood meal and keep the evening flexible.

Where to pause for food

Choose breakfast near your base, a Borough-area lunch and a pre-theatre meal if attending a show. Book the restaurant around the curtain time rather than rushing both. A pub meal can be an easy option, but check whether food service continues as late as the bar.

Getting around

Use Underground, buses and selected walks; London distances are larger than a landmark map suggests. Check the actual station exit and allow for stairs. Airport transfers are separate journeys, and the correct route depends on which airport you use.

For a shorter day or different weather

In rain, replace the longer river section with a gallery. With one day, choose the South Bank and one interior. Greenwich can replace day two as a dedicated river-and-maritime day; it should not be attached after a full museum morning and theatre booking.

Before you go

Check museum reservations, market operation and performance tickets directly. Leave security and entry buffers for major attractions. Do not buy multiple timed tickets with no allowance for travel, queues or a meal between them.

Visitor information and further planning

Use these destination, attraction and operator resources to check current access and arrangements before booking.

London’s official visitor guide

For more travel and everyday moments.

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Back to the photo Journal

London along the Thames

Your suggested route

Day 1 · Morning · Westminster to the South Bank

Day 1 · Lunch · Borough Market area

Day 1 · Afternoon · Tate Modern or the river

Day 2 · Morning · One major collection

Day 2 · Afternoon and evening · Covent Garden and theatre

Where to pause for food

Getting around

For a shorter day or different weather

Before you go

Visitor information and further planning

Places from the Journal