London city breaks
We know London better than anyone; it’s our home turf – so who better to explore the capital with than us? We can help you plan and book your dream London holiday, whether it’s a last-minute city break, a cheap stop-over or a family getaway. Book your flights and hotels in London together, and you’ll save with our great value package holidays.
The capital is calling
Stroll alongside the pastel-coloured houses of Notting Hill and roam the green spaces of Kensington Gardens.
Warm up and fuel your curiosities at the Science Museum, then womble down the road to explore the captivating Natural History Museum.
Visit the striking Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, before heading to the top of The Shard for captivating views of the city – then walk across London Bridge and head up 35 floors for a drink with a view at Sky Garden.
For the inside track of seasonal things to do, check out our top 10 attractions, to make the most of your trip this winter. Book flights to London and start exploring now.
Carefully selected London hotels
Our recommended hotels in London
Start your holiday the right way, by choosing the best stay for you. Home to an array of luxurious five-star retreats, as well as a selection of budget-friendly three-star hotels – there is something to suit every travellers style, with our carefully selected London hotels.
Savour an opulent break at The Clermont London, Charing Cross, this Grade II listed building is just moments away from the The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square. Or after busy days exploring the best of London, including Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St Katherine's Docks, HMS Belfast and The Shard, enjoy some of the best views across the River Thames from The Tower Hotel. The Cumberland is an ideal base for a shopping trip, within easy walking distance of Oxford Street, or if you'd prefer you can take relaxing strolls in Hyde Park. Be sure to return in time to listen to live music daily. If you’re looking for a stay in London that won’t break the bank, the Royal National offers a central three-star stay near Euston, with simple rooms and a continental breakfast included.
Are you ready to discover London?
Hotels in London to suit every budget
Whether you're looking for wallet-friendly, boutique digs in London or a stay at a five-star hotel, our guide has options to suit every budget.
Quirky London: a weekend guide
No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover. Look beyond the classic hot spots with our guide to unexpected London.
London for families
With a new arrival adding to the royal household, London has never been a more wonderful city for families to explore with your own little princes and princesses. From the lofty heights of the London Eye – discover the capital’s must-see sights when you’ve got kids in tow.
Five iconic facts about London
1. The London Eye
Move aside Kate Moss (she’s looped the Millennium Wheel at least 25 times), it’s time for you to hop aboard the London Eye, the fourth-largest Ferris wheel in the world. Embark onto one of 32 capsules (one for each borough of London) and move full circle in around 30 minutes, at a leisurely pace of 0.6 miles an hour. See London’s skyline and on really clear days, look out for Windsor Castle.
2. The Tower of London
Bursting with engrossing history and some gruesome tales, this fortress is a must-visit. Discover the Tower of London ravens, guarded by a Beefeater and learn about the superstitious reasons for their presence. Wander through the chambers, home to over 23,500 jewels and see the glistening Crown Jewels – then take a tour and keep an eye out for the restless ghosts and ghouls who have been spotted here.
3. The London Underground
Experience the capital like a Londoner, with a ride on the underground. Making up the heart of London, the Tube is the oldest and largest underground rail work. With an average of 2.7million tube journeys made a day, it’s popular for commuters and tourists alike. Grab a copy of the London Underground map and navigate between the stations and zones – listen out for talented buskers who play, you might see the next Ed Sheeran.
4. Museums of London
With a variety of over 250 exciting museums dotted around the city of London, see as many as you can. Visit Dippy the 26-metre Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton at The Natural History Museum, experience the Red Arrows 3D simulator at The Science Museum and see the 2018 award-winning Design Museum. Discover the past that shaped Britain now at The Imperial War Museum, explore the world’s oldest national museum – The British Museum.
5. Parks in London
See London’s leafy side, as you visit the green spaces of the city. Amble through the 650 acres of Hyde Park, with its 275 acres of beautiful Kensington Gardens. Be sure to look out for the statues and monuments scattered throughout Hyde Park, including the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. Stoll through the Royal Regents Park and take a seat on Primrose Hill, where Renee Zellweger once sat in the Bridget Jones film.
London holiday FAQs
London’s hotel scene is diverse and exciting, and there are hundreds to choose from. This makes deciding where to base yourself a conundrum.
- Staying in central London or the glitzy West End means you’ll be at the heart of it all, with Covent Garden, Soho and the Southbank on your doorstep. It’s a fun place for first-time visitors to really soak up the city spirit, with luxury and budget options.
- Business travellers often make for the City of London, where smart hotels abound.
- South Kensington and Chelsea have more of a quaint feel with boutique hotels plus the Natural History Museum and the V&A.
- Fashionistas flock to Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Marylebone with its five-star hotels, and fabulous shopping.
Whatever type of London city break you’re after, the British capital is full of exhilarating experiences. Here are our top five suggestions:
- Warner Bros. Studio tour - The making of Harry Potter
- The View from the Shard
- Buckingham Palace and Changing of the guard
- Crown Jewels of London
- Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tour
Our insider tip?
Book tickets for sights and attractions in advance if you can – it means during your holiday you can focus even more of your time on having fun.
What to see in London in three days
In order to get the best out of a short break to London, do some forward planning before you arrive. Book a hotel that’s close to the London attractions you’ve set your heart on visiting and research which activities you don’t want to miss. Pre-booking popular activities and purchasing tickets to sights before you arrive means you can make the most of every minute of your time in the city.
Home to innovative fusion cuisine, classic bites, fine dining, a street food revolution and just about everything in between, the London food scene is frequently astonishing and always delicious. Whet your appetite with our insider guide to afternoon teas.
Spring in London:
Savour the flourishing weather of springtime in London. With bursts of rain, green spaces come to life with a sprinkling of daffodils and crocuses. Catch best blooms at the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show and horticultural hub Kew Gardens. Soak up warmer, sunshine days in Hyde Park and take a pedalo out across the lake. Keep your wardrobe in my mind for spring and come prepared for all weathers.
Summer in London:
As the days get longer, London comes into its own. At the first hint of summer, the city oozes with a happy-go-lucky atmosphere and grinning faces. Hop between the collection of hip rooftops bars and restaurants. When it’s fine, everything goes outdoors – from cinema screenings and theatre in the parks, to watching the tennis at Wimbledon. Remember to carry an extra jumper, a bottle of water and umbrella in your bag to be extra prepared for all occasions.
Autumn in London:
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, but it’s a glorious time to visit with rusty, golden and caramel coloured leaves on the trees. Temperatures are usually cooler than in summertime, and although there are some rainy days, it’s often sunny – perfect for park strolls. Be sure to pack an umbrella and raincoat just in case, they are essential. November is chiller, with the odd sprinkling of frost but the city – and its skies – come to life on Bonfire Night with fireworks and a buoyant atmosphere.
Winter in London:
Enjoy the charms of London in winter. With chilly temperatures in the city, there are plenty of pop-up bars and food stalls, festooned with fairy lights, serving up mulled wine and good cheer. Festive shop windows at Liberty, Selfridges and Harrods are a must-visit with their works of art. The scattering of outdoor ice rinks across the city make for wintry fun and pirouetting. Snow is far from guaranteed, and sometimes amounts to a light dusting. Whether or not the flakes are falling it’s wise to wrap up in a scarf, warm coat and gloves.
The city’s famous black cabs are quintessentially London. If the ‘taxi’ sign is lit up, the cab is available – stick out your arm to hail it on the street. Otherwise, you may be able to find black cab ranks at train, Tube and bus stations. All black cab drivers take ‘The Knowledge’, an extensive training course, which proves they know the city inside out. Fares show on the meter, and it’s common to round up your fare to the nearest pound.
UK multi-city holidays
After you’ve explored London, why not make the most of your time in the UK by visiting more of its exciting cities such as Manchester or Edinburgh?
Add in two, three or even four additional stops. Our multi-city holidays are a great way to combine two or more thrilling destinations. Let the adventure begin…
Why choose British Airways Holidays?
The British Airways experience is more than a flight.
We’re one of the UK’s largest holiday companies offering carefully chosen hotels, resorts and villas in the most amazing places, and car hire with no hidden extras. Our access to the extensive British Airways global network and oneworld® alliance puts us in a unique position to create holiday packages with convenient flights across the globe. From start to finish consider your holiday taken care of.
Low deposits
Secure your holiday with a low deposit and spread the cost with flexible payments.
Baggage allowance
All of our holiday packages include a generous checked baggage allowance.
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