London, United Kingdom | Fall 2023
London is the ideal destination for an adventure-packed girls getaway, especially in late November. Even during the cooler months, the city buzzes with rich history, iconic landmarks, vibrant market. Follow along on our five-day London itinerary, highlighting the must-see attractions, top food spots, and hidden gems that make London a perfect choice for your next girls trip.
Quick Trip Details
Starting Point: London, United Kingdom
Trip Style: Girl’s getaway (bestie edition)
Season: Late November – chilly but festive with holiday lights
Hotels: The Tower Hotel • Holiday Inn Express London Earl’s Court
Getting Around: Lots of walking + Tube rides (Oyster card recommended)
Luggage: Carry-on only (packed light for multi-city travel)
Getting There: Flying from JFK to London
We departed JFK Terminal 4 on an overnight flight, arriving at Heathrow early the next morning. After what seemed like a long train ride to Tower Hill, we checked into The Tower Hotel by the early afternoon, refreshed and ready to explore London. The view from the room was amazing.
Day 1: Tower Bridge & Oxford Street Shopping
We kicked things off with a visit to Tower Bridge in the early afternoon. Nothing says “Welcome to London” quite like a massive bridge that could easily be mistaken for a castle. Later in the evening, we took the train to Oxford Street to see Primark, a must for any shopping enthusiast on a budget. We only wanted to see what items were in store but somehow left with clothing piences not available in the US.
Dinner was at Taste of India Euston, where we enjoyed delious Indian food while debating whether we could eat any more naan. Then back to the hotel for some much needed sleep, because day one was just the beginning.
Day 2: Windsor Castle & Borough Market
Day two kicked off with a royal visit to Windsor Castle. Nothing says “British adventure” like standing outside the Queen’s weekend home and pretending you belong. Next, we made our way to Paddington Station in the early afternoon, fully embracing the nostalgic vibes and secretly hoping to spot Paddington Bear.
A classic London experience, a ride on a double-decker red bus to High Street Kensington. We ended the evening at the Borough Market.
Day 3: Royal Sights & Churchill War Rooms
Day three started early at Buckingham Palace, experiencing the famous Changing of the Guard and catching a diplomatic parade. Throughout the day, we took many photos at iconic locations including:
- Buckingham Palace
- Red phone booths
- Trafalgar Square
- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
- Churchill War Rooms
- Piccadilly Circus
- Harrods
Lunch was classic fish and chips at Silver Cross Pub on Whitehall. The day concluded with a delightful dinner at Roast in Borough.
Day 4: Harry Potter Magic at Warner Bros. Studios
We are huge Harry Potter fans. We visited Warner Bros. Studios in the morning, where we spent hours geeking out over sets, costumes and the movies. We really enjoyed Warner Bros. Studio; it was magical and dreamy. We left the studios in the early evening, buzzing with excitement and fully convinced we could cast spells.
Then we headed to King’s Cross Station because it’s practically illegal not to visit Platform 9¾ if you’re in London. We wrapped up the evening with dinner at Cote St. Martin’s Lane and then returned to The Tower Hotel for one last night of comfort. Read more about our day trip to Warner Bros. Studio here
Day 5: London to Paris via Eurostar
On our last day, we checked out of The Tower Hotel (cue the sad violins) and later moved to Holiday Inn Express London Earl’s Court at midnight. After a whirlwind morning in London, we took the train from St. Pancras International in the late afternoon, setting off for our next adventure in Paris, France.
The Eurostar ride to Paris was filled with tired laughter, reminiscing about our five days in London and plotting all the croissants and Eiffel Tower photos to come. By the time we arrived in Paris around 10 p.m., we were running on fumes but buzzing with excitement. We made our way to Hotel Etoile Maillot — our Paris base — and officially closed the London chapter of our trip.
But of course, this was just the beginning of our next adventure: ✨ 36 Hours in Paris – Bestie Edition ✨
Where to Stay in London
The Tower Hotel: Ideally situated near Tower Bridge with spectacular views of the Thames, spacious rooms, and great comfort.
Holiday Inn Express London Earl’s Court: which offered comfort and convenience for our last-minute stay, and it came with the Warner Bros. Studio package.
Top London Highlights
- Tower Bridge: A must-see and the perfect starting point for a trip to London. Plus, it makes a great backdrop for all those “I’m in London!” selfies.
- Windsor Castle: If you’re into history and royal vibes, this is the place. Just be prepared for some serious walking.
- Borough Market: Perfect for food lovers. Come hungry, leave full and maybe smuggle a few snacks for later.
- Warner Bros. Studios: Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you. Allocate plenty of time, you’ll want to see everything (twice).
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: An iconic landmark with stunning architecture that captures the essence of London’s historical charm.
- Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: Classic London sights that are a must for any visitor.
- Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard: A quintessential experience, though it requires patience and perhaps a bit of caffeine.
- Double-decker Bus Ride through Kensington: Experience authentic London sights from the top deck.
- Trafalgar Square: A lively spot perfect for people-watching.
Why You Should Visit London in Winter
London is a city of contrasts, modern yet historical, bustling yet filled with charming nooks where you can catch your breath. With such rich history, you can’t help but imagine London as it was 100 years ago, just like in the movies. It’s almost like stepping back in time.
Winter in London is pure magic. The Christmas decor transforms the streets into a glowing wonderland perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy holiday shots. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff there’s something for everyone.
This girls’ trip had everything: royal vibes, magical moments and endless laughter echoing through every quaint alleyway and pub. We left London feeling inspired and already planning our next trip back. There’s always more to discover in this endlessly charming city.
So grab your best travel buddy, pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with London, one iconic landmark at a time. Who knows? Maybe next time you’ll be joining us for another round of double-decker bus rides and fish and chips!
