Planning Your Trip to London: Timing, Weather, Budgeting, and Arrival

Elizabeth Tower from Trafalgar Square

London is a fascinating city that captures the hearts of its visitors. It's a city of contrasts, where centuries-old buildings stand alongside modern architectural marvels. If you're planning a trip to London, you're likely wondering when to visit, what the weather will be like, how much it'll cost, how long you should stay, and how to get into the city from the airport. Let's explore these questions to prepare you for a trip to remember.

When to Visit London

London is an all-year-round destination. However, the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences. If you enjoy warmer weather and longer days then Summer is ideal, although it's also the busiest (and most expensive!) time. Spring and Fall are less crowded, with pleasant temperatures, and beautiful natural scenery like flowers and greenery . You may find that there are more closed venues during the months of September, October and November, as well as less access to historical buildings, which undergo renovations at this time of year. Winter is cooler but offers festive charm and world class shopping, especially around Christmas.

London's Weather

Rainy Theatre District, Soho

To say the weather in London is unpredictable would be an understatement. It's not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day! Summers are generally warm with temperatures around 15-25°C, while winters are cold (but not Canada cold), with temperatures often hovering around 5°C. Always have an umbrella handy - London is known for its unexpected rain showers.

Budgeting Your London Trip

Tower with Gherkin in background

The cost of a trip to London varies depending on your travel style. As a rule of thumb, budget travelers might spend around £50-£70 per day, while mid-range travelers could spend £120-£150 per day. This includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and attraction tickets. However, London also offers many free attractions like museums and parks which can help reduce costs.

How Long to Stay in London

For a first visit, a week in London allows enough time to explore the city's major landmarks and attractions without feeling rushed. If your time is limited, a well-planned 3-4 day trip can still cover a lot of ground. Remember, London is a large and diverse city, and it's impossible to see everything in one go.

When I flew to London for the first time, I really tried to cram it all in. I did all the major museums, like the Natural History and British museum. I visited the National Portrait Gallery, and went to the Aquarium. I'm sure by the third day I was overwhelmed by everything I took in and I had a 25-day European tour ahead of me! I would suggest that you pick a few areas of a museum that really pique your interest, enjoy them, and spend some time reflecting on what's in front of you. 

Rainy Leicester Square

If I could do it over again, I would have explored more of the City on foot, less time in museums, and more in the historic areas of London, such as the City proper, the Tower, the Tower Bridge, and Parliament. I would have been more adventurous about walking in squares. There are so many "nooks and crannies" to explore in the city, you just have to find them.

Getting to Central London from the Airport

London is served by several airports, the largest being Heathrow and Gatwick. The fastest way from Heathrow to central London is the Heathrow Express train, which takes about 15 minutes. From Gatwick, the Gatwick Express train takes around 30 minutes to reach the city. There are also more budget-friendly options, like the Tube from Heathrow or the regular train services from both airports. Either fly in or out of Gatwick at least once. You get a great view of the City!