London – An Uncommon 5-Day Itinerary

Columbia Road Flower Market

London, the capital city of England, is known for its vibrant energy, rich heritage, culture, and entertainment that dates back over two millennia. It is an exciting city that has something for everyone. All Together Travel Agency can create unique itineraries such as this one for London.  Here is a 5-day itinerary that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of touristy destinations in London:

Day 1:

- Start your day with a visit to Columbia Road Flower Market in the East End, which is only open on Sundays. Marvel at the colorful and vibrant flower stalls and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

- After that, head to Brick Lane for a traditional British breakfast, and then explore the street art scene in the area.

- In the afternoon, visit Geffrye Museum of the Home, which showcases the history of domestic life in London.

Day 2:

- Begin your day by taking a boat ride along the Thames from Greenwich to Westminster, admiring the stunning views of the city skyline and famous landmarks.

- Once you arrive in Westminster, head to the Churchill War Rooms, an underground bunker where Churchill and his team planned and directed the war effort during World War II.

- End your day with a visit to Brixton Market, a bustling and colorful market that offers a diverse range of food, drinks, and shopping.

Day 3:

- Visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens, which boasts a unique collection of anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments, as well as beautiful gardens with stunning views of the city.

- Afterwards, head to Crystal Palace Park, a beautiful green space that features a variety of attractions, including a dinosaur sculpture park, a maze, and a Victorian farm.

Day 4:

- Start your day by exploring the vibrant and multicultural area of Peckham, known for its street art, independent boutiques, and delicious food.

- Next, head to the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe, which celebrates the life and work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the greatest engineers in British history.

- End your day with a visit to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where you can learn about the history of astronomy and stand on the Prime Meridian Line.

 

Day 5:

- Visit the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, which celebrates the life and work of the famous designer and socialist activist William Morris.

- Afterwards, head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics, where you can enjoy a variety of sports activities, as well as visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower for stunning views of the city.

- End your day with a visit to Greenwich Market, where you can find a variety of crafts, antiques, and street food.

Where To Stay

There are many great hotels in London to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are a few options that are centrally located and provide easy access to the sites on this 5-day itinerary:

  1. The Hoxton, Shoreditch - This trendy hotel is located in the heart of the East End, close to Columbia Road Flower Market and Brick Lane. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area.
  2. The Trafalgar St. James - This hotel is located in the heart of Westminster, close to the Churchill War Rooms and Brixton Market. The rooms are modern and spacious, and the hotel has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
  3. The Bermondsey Square Hotel - This boutique hotel is located in the trendy Bermondsey area, close to the Brunel Museum and the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area.
  4. The Premier Inn London City (Aldgate) - This budget hotel is located in the heart of the East End, close to the Geffrye Museum of the Home and Columbia Road Flower Market. The rooms are basic but comfortable, and the hotel provides easy access to public transportation.
  5. The Holiday Inn London - Stratford City - This modern hotel is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area, close to the William Morris Gallery and the ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area.

Places To Eat

Below are some food recommendations for each day's itinerary:

Day 1:

- Columbia Road Flower Market: Stop by Lily Vanilli Bakery for some delicious cakes and pastries.

- Brick Lane: Try the famous salt beef bagels from Beigel Bake or enjoy some Indian street food at Dishoom.

- Geffrye Museum of the Home: Check out the museum's on-site cafe for some light bites and drinks.

 

Day 2:

- Boat ride along the Thames: Grab some coffee and pastries from the onboard cafe.

- Churchill War Rooms: Stop by the museum's Churchill Cafe for some sandwiches and salads.

- Brixton Market: Try some Jamaican jerk chicken from Fish, Wings & Tings or some Turkish kebabs from Babur.

Day 3:

- Horniman Museum and Gardens: Visit the museum's on-site cafe for some snacks and drinks.

- Crystal Palace Park: Bring a picnic or grab a coffee at one of the park's many cafes.

- Peckham: Try some Neapolitan pizza from Franco Manca or enjoy some Mexican cuisine at Peckham's Pedler.

Day 4:

- Peckham: Explore Peckham's food scene with a visit to Peckham Levels, a multi-level complex featuring street food vendors and bars.

- Brunel Museum: Stop by the museum's Engine House Cafe for some tea and cake.

- Royal Observatory Greenwich: Check out the on-site Astronomy Cafe for some light bites and drinks.

Day 5:

- William Morris Gallery: Visit the Tea Room at the Gallery for some sandwiches, cakes, and tea.

- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Try some street food from one of the many vendors at the park.

- Greenwich Market: Sample a variety of cuisines, from Moroccan to Korean, at the market's many food stalls.