As avid travelers, my family is always on the lookout for opportunities to visit someplace new. But with seven of us, the cost of vacations can add up pretty quickly. So what's a travel obsessed family to do?! We maximize, that's what!
This past November, we traveled with three of our five kids to Greece. Since we had to layover in London anyway, we decided to squeeze in another country and essentially, another vacation. In our world, a layover is a "vacation on the way to our vacation." The problem was we had already maxed out our budget with Greece, so we needed to be strategic about this. Follow along as we explore our 24-hour London layover with 3 kids and a nonexistent budget.
We landed (bleary-eyed but excited) at Heathrow Airport about 6:30 in the morning. I had given strict instructions to "sleep on the plane." Our plan was simple: explore as much of London as possible in one day, focusing on free, walkable sites. By the time we cleared customs, it was about 8, perfect time to start our day.
To make our journey even more convenient (and affordable), we decided to forgo an expensive downtown London hotel in favor of a larger and more affordable Staycity Aparthotel located in Hayes, England, just a stone's throw away from the airport. Since there were five of us, we needed more space than a typical hotel room affords. An aparthotel is the perfect option for a large family. Ours had two bedrooms and a kitchennette. It was clean, comfortable, and convenient. Since it wasn't in London proper, we saved on price. Plus, the train station at the bottom of the building made it an ideal choice for hassle-free transportation. We took advantage of their luggage storage since we got there well before check in. We brushed our teeth and freshened up and hopped right back on the train to head into the city.
Tower of London
Our first stop was right in the center of London. The City of London, often referred to as the "Square Mile," stands as a testament to the city's historical and financial significance. My kids know that anytime we go somewhere, they will be bombarded with fun-facts and did-you-knows. Fun fact...The City of London was founded by the Romans in AD 43, and it was originally known as Londinium. The Romans built the first bridge across the River Thames in this area, which eventually led to the development of the city. And, did you know that the reigning monarch traditionally asks for permission to enter the city in a symbolic ceremony dating back centuries?
Here in the heart of London, modern skyscrapers coexist with historic sites like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Guildhall, showcasing the city's rich architectural heritage. This district has plenty of free-to-access public spaces and we took the opportunity to wander through the charming labyrinthine streets that bear witness to centuries of history.
We walked to the east of the City to the Tower of London, a Norman fortress built in 1066. It has served as a royal residence, an armory, and even a notorious prison where historical figures like Anne Boleyn met their fate. We didn't have time or funds to explore the inside, but we roamed the outer walls for plenty of Instagram worthy photos.
Adjacent to the Tower is the Tower Bridge, not to be confused with the London Bridge, which we'll get to in a minute. The Tower bridge, the bascule and suspension bridge with it's iconic towers is the one most people think of when they think of classic London. The Tower Bridge was constructed over a period of eight years, from 1886 to 1894. It was officially opened to the public on June 30, 1894.
The London bridge on the other hand is about a half a mile up river. It has spanned the River Thames for centuries, with the current version dating to the 1970s. In a surprising turn of events, the previous London Bridge (the one that stood for centuries) was sold to an American entrepreneur, Robert P. McCulloch, in 1968. McCulloch transported the bridge's stones to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where it was reassembled and still stands today as a tourist attraction.
The famous nursery rhyme "London Bridge is Falling Down" not suprisingly has its roots in the wobbly history of the London Bridge. The lyrics refer to the numerous challenges and repairs faced by the medieval London Bridge over its centuries-long existence.
Public Transportation
Interestingly enough, the number one thing my kids wanted to do in London was ride on a double decker bus. These red buses have become emblematic of the city and offer a unique way to explore London's streets.
Since we had the privilege of enjoying London in all of it's cold rainy glory, we took advantage our 24 hour unlimited ride Oyster cards that allowed us to jump off and on at our leisure to explore the city's attractions. It's worth noting that the front seats on the top deck offer panoramic views of London's landmarks, making it a prime spot for tourists like us to soak in the city's charm while en route to our next adventure.
If you didn't know by now, we love public transportation and choose it every time over a taxi ride or a car rental. Riding the Tube, London's iconic underground system, felt like being part of the city's heartbeat. The Tube's history dates back to 1863 when it became the world's first underground railway system. My kids exhausted the famous "Mind the Gap" announcement warning passengers of the space between the platform and the train doors. The announcement continues to be an iconic part of the Tube experience.
The London Underground is also home to the world's first escalators installed in a public transportation system. They were introduced at Earl's Court station in 1911 and were initially met with skepticism by passengers who were unsure about riding the moving staircases.
St. Paul's Cathedral
We couldn't resist a walk-by of the famous St. Paul's Cathedral, even if our time only allowed us to appreciate its grandeur from the outside. This architectural marvel, designed by Sir Christopher Wren boasts an impressive dome that ranks among the largest in the world. The dome, rising 365 feet above the city, has long been a symbol of London. And yes, it's the very same dome featured in the movie "Mary Poppins." We couldn't help but sit on the steps of the Cathedral watching the pigeons as we sang a few lines of "Feed the Birds."
This "new" St. Paul's Cathedral was built as a replacement for the medieval St. Paul's, which was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. During World War II, London endured intense bombings, and St. Paul's Cathedral miraculously survived despite the devastation surrounding it. A well-known photograph of the cathedral standing tall amid the smoke and rubble became a symbol of resilience for the city.
Red Phone Booths
Can you even say you've been to London if you don't have those iconic red phone booth pictures? The original classic red phone booth was designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1924. When they were first introduced, they were painted silver. The distinctive red color we associate with them today was adopted in the 1920s to make them more visible
Despite the proliferation of mobile phones, many red phone booths still stand throughout London and the UK, thanks in part to their historical and architectural significance. Some have even been repurposed into mini libraries, art galleries, and coffee shops. Some have even been fitted with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), making them potentially life-saving stations during emergencies. These enduring symbols of London continue to dot the cityscape, providing charming photo opportunities for tourists like us.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is home to the towering Nelson's Column, a monument erected in honor of Admiral Horatio Nelson, one of Britain's greatest naval heroes. The statue atop the column is Nelson himself, and it stands 169 feet tall. Four colossal bronze lion statues surround the base of Nelson's Column. These lions, designed by Sir Edwin Landseer, are not only impressive in size but also serve as popular photo spots for tourists. The square was named after the Battle of Trafalgar, a decisive naval victory for the British Royal Navy in 1805.
But of course my kids could care less about all that British history even though it's the stuff my dreams are made of. They were interested in Trafalgar Square because it has served as a backdrop for numerous films, including scenes in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1," "V for Vendetta," and "Thor: The Dark World." It's true, it's a cinematic icon in its own right.
From Trafalgar Square, we moved on to Buckingham Palace, which has been the official residence of British monarchs since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837. It was getting darker and wetter by the minute so we snapped our photos and moved indoors.
Harrods
Harrods, a luxury department store with a rich history dating back to 1834, is a shopper's paradise. It's a place where visitors can enjoy a sense of sophistication while exploring the store's many offerings. There is even a dress code policy in place to maintain a certain level of decorum and luxury within the store. While it's not overly strict, Harrods does request that visitors adhere to a smart-casual dress code. For example, Harrods discourages the wearing of sportswear, including tracksuits, gym wear, and athletic footwear, such as trainers or sneakers. While there's no "strict" formal dress code, a bit of effort in dressing appropriately is appreciated. Also, the policy is less strictly enforced for shoppers browsing the store's retail areas (thank goodness for us!).
Harrod's is famous for its extensive range of departments, including fashion, food, home goods, and more. It's often referred to as a "department store to the world" due to its vast offerings. The Food Halls at Harrods are legendary, offering an incredible selection of gourmet and international foods. It's a food lover's paradise, with everything from exotic cheeses to luxury chocolates which, of course, we just had to sample.
Here's something interesting about Harrods for the "Did you Know" record. They once had an exclusive department called "Pet Kingdom," where customers could purchase exotic and rare animals, including lions, elephants, and even alligators. It was closed in 1971 due to changes in animal welfare laws.
Early Dinner in a Classic Pub
By this time, we were cold, wet, and exhausted, not to mention hangry. We skipped lunch in favor of an early dinner, and we sought out a classic London pub to savor some traditional British cuisine. We chose The Gloucester for its quintessentially British exterior.
With our bellies full, we headed back to Hayes, where our cozy Staycity Aparthotel awaited us. In all, we were out the cost of a hotel room, our metro cards, a few chocolates at Harrod's and dinner at a pub. I'd say that was pretty alright for a 24-hour layover in London.
If you ever have the opportunity for a vacation on the way to your vacation, seize it. London, even in just 24 hours, will leave you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return for a longer stay.
Interested in taking your own vacation across the pond? Let Bound Bookings take care of all the details. Contact us at Travel@BoundBookings.com for a custom quote today or visit www.boundbookings.com.
About the Author:
Christina Dickens is a passionate traveler and writer who believes that travel is not just about seeing new places; it's about immersing yourself in the richness of the world's cultures.
As the owner of Bound Bookings, Christina aims to create travel experiences that foster understanding, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of our world.
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