For a lot of people, there’s this idea that a layover has to be boring and something that doesn’t boost your energy, but drains it.. But does it really? Well, no, depending on how the layover is, absolutely not, especially when it comes to one of the most iconic cities in the whole world!
It doesn’t really matter whether you’re waiting for a connecting flight or just passing through by train; maybe you’re transferring from the Eurostar and preparing to catch the Caledonia Sleeper to Scotland or GWR’s Night Riviera, and you’ve got a few hours to explore. And while time is short, London offers plenty of ways to make the most of it, even without long waits or extensive itineraries.
So, if you have more than a couple of hours to spare (at least four hours or more), then you might want to consider exploring London. So, here’s your guide to a fun London layover that you can do all on a budget, and yes, obviously hassle-free, too!
Sort Your Luggage Out First
So, for starters, when it comes to layovers (and even those awkward periods between hotel checkout and your flight or train), you’re having to deal with luggage. Maybe it’s a backpack if you’re lucky, or maybe it’s a whole suitcase. But you can’t lug that around. That’s not going to make for a comfortable layover. It’s not going to make for a comfortable time when you’re out exploring, either, right? You’ll have to worry about someone stealing it; you have to carry the stuff up and down stairs, plus, not all attractions even allow for luggage.
So, it’s highly suggested to look into luggage lockers. Sometimes airports will offer them (because they know people will go out for a few hours during long layovers), and if you’re taking a train or even dealing with that weird period between a hotel and your transportation.
Well, you could even look into luggage lockers in train stations and their surroundings. For example, the Waterloo Station luggage storage offerings are pretty great. Of course, there are other stations that offer these, and even businesses around the train stations do. Just keep in mind that not all of them do, however. But really, you can’t have a good time if you’re dealing with luggage.
Speed Through the City’s Best Views
Yes, we all know that London’s skyline is unforgettable, and a layover offers just enough time to soak in some incredible views without a long wait. Actually, the London Eye is one of the best places to start, with a full rotation lasting around 30 minutes.
Now, depending on the day, month, and timing, sometimes the queues can be a stretch. But usually, wait times are under 20 minutes if you go early or late in the day. Getting a ticket isn’t expensive either, but you could even look into the IFS Cloud cable car if you want to see views; the lines aren’t long for that, either.
Hit the Iconic Landmarks Without the Wait
Honestly, a quick photo tour of London’s top landmarks is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for the city. You don’t even need to wait in any lines. You could start at Big Ben and Westminster Abbey and just use Google Maps to help you navigate.
If you have enough time, you could then take a quick stroll to Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, or even see Tower Bridge. Usually, those hop-on hop-off buses show all of these, and they’re not that expensive either, so even that could be an option to see all the landmarks.
Sample British Cuisine on the Go
Since you’re on a layover, you’re going to be limited in what you can eat. So, you could go to any random grocery store and buy food from there; they usually sell hot pork pies, which is very British.
But of course, you could look into some fish and chips to try (granted, there are debates on whether London’s fish and chips are even good or not). But if you have more time on your hands, then you could look into Borough Market and sample some stuff there.
