Touching down in London at 8 a.m. after an overnight flight is both exhilarating and exhausting. As someone who loves to make the most of my time in every city I visit, this trip was no exception. Although my time in London was brief, I packed it with adventure, history, and a few cozy moments to recharge.
I’ll be sharing my favorite spots and tips for navigating the city, so be sure to join the conversation and share your travel stories, too! I’m excited to connect with my travel community—follow me on Instagram for real-time updates and stunning photos of my adventures.
Here’s how I spent 24 unforgettable hours in London, exploring everything from Stonehenge tours to iconic landmarks while keeping comfort and convenience top of mind.
Arrival: London’s Calling, and I’m Ready!
I arrived at Heathrow Airport after an overnight flight from Miami International on a British Airways flight, operated by Virgin Atlantic. The flight was smooth, and by the time we touched down, I was ready to explore. While some might opt for the Tube, I took a taxi directly to The Clermont Victoria Hotel, a central and well-located spot just 45 minutes to an hour from Heathrow, depending on traffic.
One of the reasons I chose The Clermont was because of its prime location. It’s only a short 10-minute walk from Victoria Bus and Train Station. This made it the perfect spot to stay. It was ideal, especially for my scheduled day trip to Stonehenge. The hotel greeted me with a thoughtful birthday amenity in my room. It was a lovely surprise to kick off my stay. After a quick freshen-up, I took a much-needed short nap before embarking on my Stonehenge adventure.
A Journey Through Time: Stonehenge Tour
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the legendary Stonehenge. I booked the Stonehenge Half-Day Tour through Get Your Guide (you can check out their available tours here). The convenience of booking ahead, especially for such a popular site, made my day smoother. I had limited time between arriving in London and the tour departure. Staying close to Victoria Station gave me peace of mind. I knew I could easily get to my pickup point without any stress.
Although I had hoped to book the 1 p.m. tour, it was not available that day. This made me even more thankful for my hotel’s proximity to the bus station. My tour’s meeting time was 10:45 a.m., and at 11 a.m. sharp, we departed for the 2-hour drive to Stonehenge.
Upon our arrival, we had 2.5 hours to explore the wonders of Stonehenge—just the right amount of time to soak in the sights and capture plenty of photos while learning about the history of these ancient stones. The Stonehenge Visitor Center proved to be a valuable resource, offering maps, informative displays, and restrooms for our convenience.
As I approached the monumental stones, a sense of awe washed over me, blending beautifully with the cool, brisk air. The cloudy skies above mirrored the mystery of this iconic site, creating a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop. I felt grateful for my light layers, as the wind whispered around me, reminding me that this sacred place holds stories older than time itself. Standing among these towering stones, I experienced a profound connection to history and the timeless quest for understanding our world.
After immersing myself in the experience, I took a moment to relax at the small café on-site, enjoying a snack and a warm drink. Before we headed back, I couldn’t resist stopping by the gift shop to pick up a few souvenirs that would forever remind me of this extraordinary visit.
The tour concluded back in London around 5 p.m., and for $90 per adult, the experience was well worth it. If you’re looking to visit Stonehenge, I highly recommend booking ahead, especially if your time in London is limited.
Unwinding After a Day of Adventure
After a long day, I needed to unwind and reflect on the awe-inspiring Stonehenge visit. Later that evening, I found a traditional British pub. The Crown and Anchor, where I indulged in a quick pint of ale before calling it an early night. This pub was the perfect end to my first day in London — relaxed, cozy, and quintessentially British.
Day 2: A Quick Tour of London’s Most Iconic Sights
With only a few hours left before my flight, I couldn’t resist squeezing in some last-minute sightseeing around London. I had my iPhone in hand. With a good pair of walking shoes, I set off on a quick but exciting tour. I wanted to see the city’s most iconic landmarks.
First stop? Buckingham Palace, just a 15-minute stroll from my hotel. I didn’t catch the Changing of the Guard. Yet, seeing the palace up close was still one of those magical, pinch-me moments. Standing in front of such a historic site, imagining the royal family behind those gates, felt surreal. It was definitely one for the bucket list, and I snapped a few photos to capture the moment.
From there, I headed toward Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, both of which are about a 15-minute walk from Buckingham Palace. Seeing Big Ben up close was awe-inspiring. I couldn’t resist snapping a few shots with the iconic clock tower as my backdrop. Westminster Abbey, the site of countless royal weddings and coronations, was equally magnificent. The history and grandeur of the architecture left me wishing I had more time to explore inside.
What I Loved and What I Missed in My 24 Hours in London
Even though I managed to pack a lot into my 24-hour visit, there were still a few things I wish I had more time for. One major regret? Missing out on London’s famous Sunday Roast. As someone who loves a good meal, skipping this quintessential British tradition felt like a missed opportunity—but it gives me one more reason to return to London soon!
One of the highlights of my stay was the prime location of my hotel. Being so close to Victoria Station made it easy to navigate the city and hop on tours, like my half-day trip to Stonehenge. I could walk to iconic attractions like Buckingham Palace. I could grab a pint at a nearby pub before turning in for the night. The thoughtful little touches made the visit feel extra personal. The special birthday amenity left in my room added to the memorable experience.
While I did not check off everything on my London list. I loved the balance of sightseeing I managed to fit into my day. London is a city you can’t fully experience in just one visit, and I’m already dreaming about what to do next time
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What’s on your London must-see list?
Share your top picks in the comments below!
Travel Essentials: What to Have on You
- Phone Lanyard: Keep your phone handy for quick access to maps, photos, and calls. I recommend a phone lanyard similar to the one I used, which made it easy to carry my phone hands-free. This is also a great way to never leave your phone behind and avoid pick pockets.
- Comfortable Shoes: Exploring the bustling streets of London, having a comfortable pair of shoes was an absolute lifesaver. Trust me, you don’t want sore feet slowing you down! The shoes I wore during my Stonehenge visit were perfect for all the walking I did. You can check them out here if you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and super comfortable.
- Cash, Credit Card, and ID: Always keep a mix of cash, credit card, and ID on hand. While cards are widely accepted, having some local currency for smaller purchases is useful.
- Reusable Water Bottle: A lightweight, reusable water bottle is perfect for staying hydrated throughout the day. Here’s a reusable water bottle that’s easy to pack and carry.
- Sweater and Scarf: I paired a cozy sweater with a light scarf during my day at Stonehenge and my night out in London, both of which were stylish and functional for the cooler weather.
- Onesie and Vest: For extra comfort, especially for overnight flights or early tours, I wore a long sleeved onesie with a vest and long socks to stay cozy and layered.
Which Airport to Fly Into for London?
- Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located 14 miles west of central London, Heathrow is the largest and busiest airport in the UK.- Best for: Long-haul international flights and travelers staying in West or Central London.
- Transportation:
- Heathrow Express: Fastest option to central London (Paddington Station) in 15–20 minutes.
- Underground (Piccadilly Line): A more affordable option, taking about 45–60 minutes to central London.
- Taxis/Uber: Approx. 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- London City Airport (LCY)
Located in East London, this is the closest airport to central London. - Stansted Airport (STN)
Located 40 miles northeast of London, Stansted is a hub for budget airlines like Ryanair.- Best for: Budget flights, especially to European destinations.
- Transportation:
- Stansted Express: Fastest option to London Liverpool Street in 45 minutes.
- Trains/Coaches: Cheaper options are available but slower (60–90 minutes).
- Taxis/Uber: Can take up to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Located 30 miles south of central London, Gatwick is the second-largest airport.- Best for: Budget airlines and European flights.
- Transportation:
- Gatwick Express: Non-stop to London Victoria Station in about 30 minutes.
- Trains: Regular Southern or Thameslink trains offer cheaper options to central London (35–60 minutes).
- Taxis/Uber: Around 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Luton Airport (LTN)
Located 35 miles north of London, Luton is another hub for low-cost airlines.- Best for: Budget European flights.
- Transportation:
- Luton Airport Express: Fast trains to St Pancras International in 30–45 minutes.
- Buses: Cheaper but longer (60–90 minutes).
- Taxis/Uber: 60–90 minutes to central London, depending on traffic.
Mlle Jolain Travels 
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