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A layover in London is a perfect opportunity to explore what one of the world's most vibrant cities has to offer. Even with a limited amount of time, you can experience some fantastic attractions with just a short distance from Heathrow.
By booking attractions and tours through award-winning London tour provider Golden Tours, you can maximise your time in England’s capital city and tick off some of the most iconic sights. Here’s how to turn your layover into an enjoyable mini-adventure, whether you have a 24-hour layover in London, just a few hours or perhaps a little longer.
Our favourite London layover attractions
Say you have an eight-hour or seven-hour layover in London – or a full day for that matter. That might give you enough time to leave Heathrow, hop into the city on the Heathrow Express and enjoy some of the best of what London has to offer. And with Golden Tours, you can squeeze a number of different attractions into your layover itinerary in just a few hours.
Some of our favourite options include:
Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tours
Enjoy the world-famous sights of London with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You’ll see the likes of Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, the London Eye and more, while your helpful guide keeps you updated on everything you need to know. You can hop-on and hop-off as many times as you want for a day. You even get a complimentary River Thames cruise with some tickets as well.
Click here to book Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour Tickets
Afternoon tea bus with panoramic tour of London
This 90-minute bus tour is the perfect choice for a short layover in London. You’ll tuck into afternoon tea (and a glass of prosecco) with plenty of sweet treats, while you glide past some of the city’s most renowned sights.
Click here to book Golden Tour's Afternoon Tea Bus
London Eye & Madame Tussauds Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Hop-on and hop-off your tour bus to take in two of London’s premier attractions. On the London Eye, you’ll spend 30 minutes above the Thames, drinking in the city’s acclaimed skyline from on high. Then at Madame Tussauds, you’ll come face to face with the world’s A-list celebrities as waxwork recreations.
Click here to book Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off London Eye and Madame Tussauds Bus
Got a longer layover? Try out these capital attractions
If you’re in London for a couple of days, it’s the ideal chance to explore the capital but also get out of the city to experience the best of Britain. And Golden Tours is the way to do it.
Some fantastic options include:
Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge Tour:
This day trip from London sees you discover three of England’s most popular attractions. First you’ll marvel at Windsor Castle, a royal residence, and its heralded St George’s Chapel. It’s then on to Stonehenge to bask in the incredible Stone Age circle and test your own theories for its existence. Finally, you’ll visit beautiful Bath with its Roman heritage – you’ll even get entrance to its Roman Baths.
Click here to book Golden Tour's Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge Tour
Shakespeare’s Stratford and the Cotswolds Tour:
Enjoy a day out of London with a visit to historic Stratford – the birthplace of England’s most famous bard, William Shakespeare. It’s then onto the quintessential English countryside with some time spent in the Cotswolds. Don’t forget to snap some pictures of beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water.
Click here to book Golden Tour's Shakespeare, Stratford, and Cotswold tour
Windsor, Oxford, Stonehenge Tour:
First you’ll explore regal Windsor, a historical and charming town, before heading to one of the most renowned universities in the world in Oxford and enjoy a guided walking tour of the city. This enthralling tour then finishes with a visit to the mysterious Stonehenge.
Click here to book Golden Tour's Windsor, Oxford, and Stonehenge Tour
Here are some quick and easy London attractions
Keen to see just one London attraction in your few hours in the city? These are some of the top places to put at the top of your list.
The Natural History Museum
A short distance from Paddington Station, the Natural History Museum is a perfect option for families, or those looking to delve deeper into the history of the world. The Natural History Museum features fascinating exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to the wonders of the natural world. The stunning architecture alone is worth the visit.
The Tate Modern
For contemporary art enthusiasts and those who may have more time to spend, the Tate Modern offers an impressive collection of modern art housed in a former power station. From Picasso to Warhol, the exhibits are both thought-provoking and inspiring.
Westfield London
For a shopping spree, head to Westfield London in White City. Just a 20-minute journey from Paddington Station, this massive shopping centre features hundreds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Whether you're looking for high-end brands or casual shopping, Westfield has it all.
Harrods
A visit to the iconic Harrods in Knightsbridge is another fantastic shopping experience. Easily reachable via the Tube from Paddington, Harrods offers luxury goods, unique souvenirs, and an impressive food hall where you can indulge in gourmet treats.
Hyde Park
Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park is just a short journey from Heathrow via Heathrow Express. Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park offers lush greenery, serene lakes, and recreational activities. Take a leisurely stroll, rent a paddleboat on the Serpentine, or simply relax and people-watch.
How Heathrow Express Can Maximise Your Layover Time
When you arrive at Heathrow, it’s super simple to hop on the Heathrow Express and whizz into Central London in no time. You’ll benefit from:
Fast and efficient travel
Heathrow Heathrow Express is the fastest way to travel from Heathrow to Central London, with a journey time of just 15 minutes to Paddington Station. This quick transit option maximises the time you have to explore the city during your layover.
Frequent departures
With trains departing every 15 minutes, you'll never have to wait long to catch a ride. This frequent service ensures you can make the most of your limited time without worrying about missing your flight.
Comfort and convenience
Heathrow Express offers spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of luggage space, making your journey comfortable and hassle-free. You can relax and plan your mini-adventure as you travel.
Easy access to London attractions
Paddington Station is well-connected to the rest of London via the Underground, buses, and taxis. From here, you can quickly reach major attractions like Hyde Park, the British Museum, and Oxford Street.
Ready to make the most of your London layover?
A layover in London can be super fun, with either a whistle-stop tour of the city over a day or a few hours, or a few days spent in the capital and further afield.
To make the most of your time in London, book now with Golden Tours.