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COVID-19 closed the world down from travel and many people are still making up for it. So-called “revenge travel” has resulted in sold-out flights, pricey hotels, and busy cities. I noticed this personally on a recent trip to London, England. Having been there several times in the past, I thought I knew what to expect, but, boy, was I wrong.
What I did encounter was the same wonderful city I’ve always loved, and while I enjoyed my favorite haunts plus a few new experiences, I also experienced lines and crowds that I would not have normally expected before the summer tourist season.
Fortunately, I had decided to reserve tickets in advance for several of my “must-see” destinations, this included Westminster Abbey and a day trip to nearby Windsor Castle.
Despite my advance purchase, I still had to wait in lines, up to 45 minutes long, to enter these classic tourist draws. At both locations, the helpful staff noted that tickets were sold out for the day, so if I hadn’t planned, I’d be out in the cold. Well, this was London, so I would more likely be out in the rain!
Learning from my experience with unexpected crowds, I wanted to share some tips for planning ahead for London – so your vacation doesn’t get derailed by long lines and missed opportunities.
Managing Major Museums
Many museums in London are free and therefore busy. Even though there is no admission, it’s advised to reserve your timed ticket online in advance. This will allow you to select a time for your visit so you can plan accordingly.
During the reservation process, you can also add a donation if you choose to (or give one during your visit). The National Gallery located at Trafalgar Square is very popular and has a wonderful collection of impressionist and other works.
I reserved a ticket for Friday evening as they are open until 9 p.m. Upon arriving, I noticed the massive line of people waiting to get inside. This group numbered around 300 and had a long wait ahead of them, I had my ticket in hand and was able to use an alternate entry and walk right in.
Best Tips & Tools to Plan Your Trip
Inside, it was crowded, particularly in the impressionist galleries but after a quick assessment of that area, I headed further into the massive museum and enjoyed far less crowded galleries and viewed two works from the Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer, a wonderful treat as less than forty of his paintings survive around the world.
Other popular museums in London include the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Natural History Museum.
Lesser Known Museums Worth Visiting
Alternatively, consider visiting smaller and less crowded museums. In London, there is no shortage of museums for everyone’s taste.
I purchased a ticket in advance to the intimate Courtauld Gallery which is a world-class art museum located in the stunning Somerset House along the Strand. Here, I was able to get close to paintings by van Gogh and Manet. After my morning visit, I enjoyed their café in peace and recharged.
Other smaller museums in London include the 14th century-built Jewel Tower (near the Houses of Parliament), London Transport Museum (Covent Garden-great for kids), the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret (London Bridge tube), and the Postal Museum where you can take an underground ride on their Mail Rail (Russell Square or Chancery Lane tube).
Captivating Cathedrals
Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are high on many tourists’ list of must-sees, after all, we’ve watched royal weddings, funerals, and coronations take place there for years. But the popularity of these historic treasures comes at a price, and I’m not just referring to entry fees nearing $37 in U.S. dollars for adult admission at Westminster Abbey.
Expect lines, crowds, and a long wait to pay respects to the famous names and royalty who rest in peace here including Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, and Stephen Hawking. These buildings are, indeed, stunning, but the number of visitors can certainly put a damper on your experience. If you do go, make sure you buy a timed ticket in advance as they will sell out.
A quiet and beautiful cathedral to consider visiting is Southwark Cathedral (London Bridge tube). With a history tracing back thousands of years, you can enjoy walking through the Cathedral and admiring the same architecture and religious imagery that William Shakespeare once did, as this was where he worshipped.
Another famous worshipper was John Harvard, founder of Harvard University and there is a chapel in his honor here. A current famous resident is Hodge, the Cathedral Cat. This lovely boy can often be seen hanging out in the gift shop and they have some adorable souvenirs created in his likeness.
Admission is free, but a donation is deeply appreciated. Nearby is Borough Market (can get crowded), the remains of Winchester Palace, and Shakespeare’s Globe. (London Bridge tube)
Buckingham Palace
The London residence of King Charles III, the Palace is a popular spot for photographs and the Changing of the Guard is a spectacle many gather hours in advance to witness.
This is the ceremony where the King’s Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace to the New Guard. This formal ceremony has musical support from the Regimental Band from nearby Wellington Barracks.
Half the fun is waiting to see what the Band will play, on the day of my visit, they played a song from ABBA and that lit up the crowd. And by crowd, I mean the hundreds (maybe thousands) who had gathered along the Palace fence, the surrounding streets, and into St. James Park.
At 4’11”, I certainly couldn’t see a thing, but I could hear the music, which I enjoyed from a less crowded spot in the park. However, I soon realized the music was on the move and I was able to follow the Regimental Band as they left Palace grounds and returned to Wellington Barracks.
It was here that I had a great view of them as they ended playing and had a ceremony of their own. I really enjoyed this experience, and the lack of crowds. It’s up to you, but definitely plan ahead.
Typically, the Changing of The Guard is held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 a.m., check in advance to confirm. I came back on a quieter day to take photos of Buckingham Palace. Part of the Palace complex includes the King’s Gallery and the Royal Mews-home to all those glorious carriages seen at royal events. (St. James or Victoria tube)
Don’t Shop Until You Drop
London is known for its world-class shopping, with stores such as Harrod’s, Liberty, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason beckoning, it would be easy to lose a day or more just browsing their many departments.
Not that this is a bad thing (except maybe for your credit card balance), but these popular stores are often packed with visitors, and you may encounter long lines for check-out and busy clerks. Fortunately, London is also home to many independent stores that have that traditional character you’re seeking.
The Burlington Arcade (established in 1819) is a classic covered shopping arcade off Bond Street. In its 196-yard-long walk, you will find a variety of bespoke boutiques, jewelers, and perfumers.
Just walking through here is an experience. Other unique offerings in London include Taylor’s Button in Marylebone, several independent bookstores (which often have books by local writers and signed editions), and charity shops such as Oxfam where you can find treasure and help a worthy cause. You might also happen upon a street fair with local artists and food.
The Importance of Planning Ahead for London
I’m not advising you to skip the London attractions that you’ve always wanted to see, but I do urge you to pack your patience. If there’s a restaurant you want to try, make a reservation in advance and if you didn’t get the theatre tickets you desired for a popular show, try an alternative production or a concert in a unique setting, such as the series in the Crypt at St. Martin-in-the-Field (Trafalgar Square). Crypt Lates offers jazz, folk, country, comedy and more in their atmospheric crypt with drink and food offerings.
Planning ahead for London is a must for enjoying this popular city and making the most out of your trip. With tickets in hand, being open to alternatives and wearing your best walking (and waiting) shoes, London can be everything you hoped for!
Read More:
- London Travel Guide
- Top 10 Things to Do in London
- 9 Ways To Save Money On Your Next Trip – The Ultimate Guide
- London Explored: 10 Fascinating Facts About the Iconic City
Author Bio: Mary Casey-Sturk is an Editor and Writer for Living Magazines (Kentucky) as well as a contributor to Smoky Mountain Living Magazine (North Carolina). Mary is also a content developer, freelance travel, food, wine and features writer and the author of “Eating Cheese Curds With Strangers”.
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Excellent article! Good advice. Thank you.