How to Spend a Royal Day Out in London
London 1 Day Itinerary
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante from Unsplash
So, you’ve got one day in London and you want to go big?
Forget rushing around trying to do all the things—why not go full royal? Palaces, parks, tea that comes with way too many tiny cakes… the works.
This itinerary is your backstage pass to London’s royal side, minus the stiff formality.
Think of it as living like a king or queen for a day—but with comfy shoes and the freedom to grab snacks whenever you want.
Ready to strut down The Mall like it’s your personal runway? Let’s go.
Buckingham Palace: The Big One
📍 Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
🚇 Closest Tube: Victoria Station
Start your royal adventure at the palace. Get there in time for the Changing of the Guard (10:45 AM) because it’s basically a free parade with music, marching, and those famous red coats. It’s touristy, sure, but also super fun to watch.
Grab a coffee first, then snag a good spot along The Mall.
If you’re visiting in summer, you can even tour the State Rooms inside. Think chandeliers, gold everywhere, and rooms so fancy you’ll suddenly wish you’d worn a tiara.
Soldiers marching outside Buckingham Palace. Photo by Shann from Pexels
📌 Royal Side Note:
The ceremony isn’t just for show—it’s been happening in some form since 1660!
(Source: Royal Family official site)
🍴 Quick Bite Tip:
Need a pre-show snack? Pop into Ole & Steen near Victoria for legendary cinnamon socials (basically a giant, gooey cinnamon roll you’ll want to marry).
Stroll Through St. James’s Park
📍 St. James's Park, London SW1A 2BJ
🚇 Closest Tube: St. James’s Park Station
After all that pomp and ceremony, it’s time for a breather. St. James’s Park is basically Buckingham Palace’s backyard. It’s got a dreamy lake, swans, pelicans (yes, actual pelicans!), and plenty of benches for people-watching.
Don’t miss the view of the palace from the bridge—it’s an Instagram must.
St James’s Park Overlooking Buckingham Palace. Photo by Matteo Roman from Pexels
📌 Royal Side Note:
The pelicans were a gift from the Russian ambassador… in 1664!
(Source: Historic Royal Parks)
🍴 Quick Bite Tip:
If you’d rather picnic than sit in a café, grab a fresh sandwich from Pret A Manger (they’re everywhere in London) and claim a bench with palace views. Instant royal picnic.
Kensington Palace & Gardens
📍 Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX
🚇 Closest Tube: High Street Kensington
Kensington Palace. For over 300 years, it’s been home to royals like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions that mix history with a touch of royal gossip (the best kind of history, if we’re honest).
Outside, Kensington Gardens is perfect for wandering. Highlights include the Albert Memorial, Serpentine Gallery, and lawns made for lounging. Traveling with kids? The palace has family-friendly exhibits that’ll keep them entertained.
Kensington Palace and Gardens. Photo by Joaquin Carfagna from Pexels
📌 Royal Side Note:
Queen Victoria was actually born here in 1819—and she hated leaving the palace because her overprotective mother basically kept her locked in. (Source: Historic Royal Palaces)
🍴 Quick Bite Tip:
Hungry but not tea-hungry? Grab a casual lunch at Dishoom Kensington (a cult-favorite Indian restaurant with Bombay comfort food). The black daal is famous.
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason 🍰☕
📍 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
🚇 Closest Tube: Piccadilly Circus / Green Park
What’s a royal day without afternoon tea? Head to Fortnum & Mason, a London classic that’s been around since 1707. Expect towers of finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes that are way too pretty to eat (but eat them anyway).
👉 Want alternatives?
Hotel Café Royal – fancy mirrored room + live piano = drama.
The Ritz / Claridge’s – the most extra afternoon tea ever (reservation and deep pockets required).
Brown’s Hotel – old-school elegant vibes.
Brigit’s Bakery Tea Bus – yep, afternoon tea on a vintage double-decker bus while you tour London. Totally kitsch, totally fun.
Afternoon Tea. Photo by Onur Satıcı from Pexels
📌 Royal Side Note:
Afternoon tea was invented in the 1840s by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who got hungry between lunch and dinner. Thanks, Anna! (Source: Historic UK)
🍴 Quick Bite Tip:
Not feeling fancy? Head down the street to Gelupo, one of London’s best gelato shops. Even queens need ice cream.
Royal Reflections at Tower Bridge
📍 Tower Bridge, London SE1 2UP
🚇 Closest Tube: Tower Hill or London Bridge
As the day winds down, take a stroll along Tower Bridge—London’s most iconic crossing. Snap a sunset selfie with the Thames glittering below, then wander across to the Tower of London for a glimpse of history (and maybe the crown jewels 👀).
If you’ve got energy, head up to the glass-floored walkways for epic views over the city. Not for the faint of heart, but the bragging rights are worth it.
Tower Bridge. Photo by Daniele Gerini from Pexels
📌 Royal Side Note:
Tower Bridge isn’t as old as it looks—it was completed in 1894, after eight years of construction. The design cleverly combines bascule (drawbridge) and suspension elements, making it both beautiful and functional. (Source: Historic UK)
🍴 Quick Bite Tip:
Just a short walk away, Borough Market is foodie heaven—grab anything from street paella to gourmet doughnuts. Even royals would approve of a cheeky snack here.
Dinner Fit for a King (or Queen) 🍽️
By now, you’ve walked, snacked, and selfie’d your way through London like royalty. End the day with dinner—whether that’s at a historic pub (roast + pint, anyone?) or a swanky restaurant. London has it all, so pick your vibe.
English Sunday Roast / Roast Dinner. Photo by Lisa Baker from Unsplash
📌 Royal Side Note:
If you want to go historic, check out Rules in Covent Garden—London’s oldest restaurant, open since 1798.
(Source: Rules Restaurant)
🍴 Quick Bite Tip:
If Rules is too formal, swing by Flat Iron (several locations). It’s casual, serves amazing steak for under £15, and gives you free salted caramel ice cream at the end.
That’s a Wrap!
From Buckingham Palace to Hyde Park sunsets, you’ve basically lived a royal fantasy—minus the crown jewels (unless you bought a sparkly souvenir, no judgment).
London’s royal magic never really wears off, so if you didn’t get to everything, don’t stress. The palaces will still be here next time. Until then, keep your chin up, walk with a little royal flair, and remember—you deserve the crown emoji. 👑✨
