travel time london

What is TravelTime?

Travel Time Map Generator & Isochrones

I know i can get from a to b by public transport within my selected time, but it's not showing up.

If you're using public transport to do your analysis, it can look like we don't include a specific transit line. But it is rare that we have forgotten to add it! We have a full data team collecting transport data, and they're rarely caught out. It's usually due to understanding how we calculate travel time catchments. We build the area to include:

• Walking to the station platform
• Waiting for the next available departure
• Time spent boarding the train
• Giving enough time to take the A to B journey
• Depart on the station on the other side.

That means if you set your max travel time at 30 minutes, and the train journey you think should be included takes 28 minutes, it probably won't show up, because the other steps push it over the max 30 min limit. Try adding an extra 5-10 minutes to your max catchment area and see if this helps! Understand how we built our public transport model

You can't drive that far / you can drive much further than that

We recommend that you do a little experiment.

• Open another mapping app of your choice and enter an A to B route
• Select a departure time for tomorrow.

The average mapping provider gives very vague driving estimations. It's not uncommon to see a journey estimation between 30 minutes up to 2 hours. That's a lot of buffer room!

Our driving model only returns one singular best possible time estimate. We do this using our purpose-built driving model. Explore how we've built our driving model.

Still not convinced?

You can explain your data issue to us here and we can help you out. Please include in your request whether you're using the API for commercial or personal purposes.

About this tool

This demo was built to showcase the TravelTime API. To use the full capabilities of the API you will need coding skills, or experience with one of our integrations: QGIS, Alteryx or ArcGIS. Access to the API gives you larger travel time catchment areas, more transport mode options and large request volumes. Access the developer playground here.

What is a travel time map?

Our map tool allows you to create a 'How far can I go map' by transport mode and time limit. For example someone can ask how far can I drive from my home in 30 minutes. The tool outputs shapes, also known as travel time isochrones visualise where's reachable. Sometimes these shapes are incorrectly labelled as a 'travel time radius map'. A radius is always just a circular shape, but a travel time shape is completely unique as it analyses all locations reachable using a specific mode of transport.

How to create a drive time radius map or other modes

• Select a start location
• Select a maximum travel time limit
• Select a mode of transport, for example driving
• Voila! There's your driving radius map

Use cases for consumers

• Create a commute time map so you can see where to live based on commute time.
• How far can i travel in a given time: compare transport coverage for different areas.
• Create a drive time radius map: explore how far you can travel on a road trip.

Use cases for businesses

• Travel time mapping up to 4 hours & cross reference other data sets in GIS such as population data
• Site selection analysis: analyse the best location to locate a business by adding thousands of analysis points
• Create a distance matrix or travel time matrix & calculate travel times from thousands of origins to thousands of destinations
• Network analysis / travelling salesman problem: use spatial analytics to solve routing problems
• Commute time map - plot thousands of employee commute times for an office relocation

This web page is a limited demo that can do the following:

• Create up to 3 time polygons visualising where's reachable within 2 hours or less. Our API can create large travel time areas, talk to sales.
• Calculate travel times from an origin to various points of interest - in this demo we use points from Foursquare Give A to B routing details

Full access

We provide full analysis by all transport modes and all travel time areas in our full service. You can access this by:

• Book a demo
• Trial TravelTime API
• Trial QGIS Plugin
• Trial ArcGIS Pro Add-In
• Trial Alteryx Macros

Problem with the data?

Create a Travel Time Map

Draw a travel time area or make your own commute time map.

• See 'How far can I get' in X minutes
• Create a drive time map or any other transport mode
• Overlap many shapes & highlight overlap area
• Search points of interest within the area
• Get A to B routing details

London, England   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Doug Armand | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit London, England

The best time to visit London is March through May when the temperatures are mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. However, late spring – along with summer – is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. You're more likely to find airfare and accommodation deals in the fall and winter though you'll also encounter chilly temperatures. December in London is also an incredibly popular place to be during the holidays, so expect the streets to be crowded with both English and international tourists. And no matter when you travel, you should pack an umbrella: London is notorious for experiencing misty days and showers year-round. If you have any concerns related to the weather, crowds or other unpredictable factors, you might want to consider an international travel insurance policy  or a cancel for any reason plan for more extensive coverage.

Another thing to keep in mind: it's nearly impossible to escape crowds in London. Along with being one of the biggest cities in Europe, London is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the world , so no matter what time of year you go, you're bound to run into lots of tourists.

Weather in London, England

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Popular Times to Visit London, England

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

Explore More of London, England

Things To Do

Best Hotels

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# 1 in  World's Best Places to Visit for 2023-2024

# 4 in  Best Day Trips from London

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The Best Times to Visit London, According to Local Experts

Here's when to go to London for good weather, smaller crowds, lower prices, and more.

• Best Times to Visit London for Smaller Crowds

Best Times to Visit London for Good Weather

• Best Times to Visit London for Lower Prices
• Best Times to Visit for Making Spirits Bright

Worst Times to Visit London

London is one of the most visited places on the planet. Each year, the English capital welcomes upwards of 30 million tourists. They are greeted by iconic sites, like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. They come to catch a show in the West End. And, more recently, they arrive to explore world-class dining and cocktail culture. But they don’t all appear in equal numbers across the year. 

The Big Smoke is very much a seasonal destination. High season typically takes off in early June and extends through the start of September. Late April through May, along with September into mid-October, are the shoulder seasons on either side. And late October through early April bookends the lull of low season. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

But you’re not bound by these trend lines. The reality is there’s no bad time to land in London . And the “best” time is entirely relative. It merely depends on what type of experience you’re eager to achieve. Let’s find out what — and when — that is, exactly. Below, we break it all down, so you can discover your very own prime time to see the city. 

• High Season: Early June through early September
• Shoulder Season: Late April through May; September to mid-October
• Low Season: Late October through early April

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit London for Smaller Crowds 

The lion’s share of those 30 million annual visitors will touch down at some point during the summer months. You can’t blame them for being so predictable — London is consistently compelling throughout that time period, as gray skies and rain are rare. And the city’s 3,000 parks and green spaces are teeming with life.

“But the best time for me is spring,” according to Ross Corcoran, managing director of Lang Atholl , a bespoke tour company based in Scotland. “The weather is milder, the crowds are not as big, and hotel rates are not yet surging. It also allows you to get around the city with relative ease and use the Tube like a local rather than a tourist.”

Indeed, if you arrive in May, specifically, you might find you have the whole city to yourself. Although outdoor markets and street fairs are fully open, embracing the warming air, the international arrivals have yet to accumulate. Many native Londoners, meanwhile, step outside of town to take advantage of the multiple bank holiday weekends marking the month. 

“June and July definitely have the best weather,” says Chris Perone, general manager at NoMad London . “Long days and warm evenings are perfect for strolling the city’s endless, meandering pavements.”

To his point, as the summer equinox approaches in mid-June, it starts getting light before 5 a.m. and darkness doesn’t set in until well after 9 p.m. With more than 16 hours of sun to play with, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a lengthy morning walk alongside canals and greenery. Then, have a full English breakfast — or a legendary Sunday roast — before perusing the shops and restaurants of Mayfair. 

You can even parade primary thoroughfares such as Regent Street, which shuts down to vehicular traffic this time of year . Or, take off toward the River Thames and check out the city’s newest observation deck, Lift 109 , built into the chimney of the historic Battersea Power Station.

Then, return to green space in time for BST Hyde Park . The concert series, which runs nightly from the end of June through the beginning of July, carries with it world-class talent. Last year, headliners included Billy Joel, Pink, Lana Del Rey and Bruce Springsteen. 

Best Times to Visit London for Lower Prices  

“August and January are undoubtedly when you can grab the best deals,” Perone confirms. “While August can be a bit hot, everything is open and the city just has this buzz with the pubs overflowing into the streets. January is dark and can be damp, but that’s when the fireside tipples are at their best.”

As it applies to the former, simply make sure you’re booking a hotel — like the NoMad — that has adequate air conditioning. Yes, August temperatures have been inching toward the 100-degree mark in recent years, but it’s never as muggy as, say, a New York summer. So, it’s worth contending with the climate in exchange for those precious reduced rates, which apply to everything from overnight stays to rental cars. 

As for January, you’re looking at an average of 12 days worth of rain throughout the month, with temperatures sitting squarely in 40-degree territory. It's not ideal, and yet, as a result, the indelible coziness of British pub culture is dialed up to its maximal value. It’s a fantastic month to mingle with locals in Chelsea and Belgravia. Make your way past the terraced alabaster townhouses and amble into any number of legendary gastropubs, including The Harwood Arms , the only Michelin-starred pub in London. Or, enjoy new venues such as Bóha , which delivers on the promise of one of the most satisfying Sunday roasts in town. Just make sure to pack an umbrella and jumper . 

Best Times to Visit for Making Spirits Bright 

London is one of the most festive locales on earth come holiday season. Ornately lit Christmas trees populate public squares, wreaths and red ribbons dress doorways, and a diverse array of themed markets set up shop from Clapham to Clapton. 

There are too many memorable offerings to list them all, but if you’re staying in central London, Christmas by the River is one you won’t want to miss. It features more than 50 merchants alongside London Bridge City Pier, under the shadows of Tower Bridge. Leicester Square market is another optimal option. It’s one of the smaller ones in sheer size, but the level of festivity it extends is beyond measure. Most Christmas markets operate from the start of November through the first week of January.

If you’re looking for another sort of holiday spirit, book your trip during London Cocktail Week . What started in 2010 as an intimate showcase of the local drinks scene has ballooned into the world’s largest cocktail festival, underscoring this city’s standing as the international epicenter of cocktail culture. The confab includes some of the top names in mixology, who fan out across town to shake up all sorts of pop-ups, tastings, and speciality drink activations over a 10-day period in mid-October. 

“Contrary to popular belief, summer is the worst time to visit London,” says Corcoran. “If there's hot weather, the underground is almost unbearable, and if you're used to air conditioning, I would strongly recommend against it. You will feel stressed, rushed, hot, and flustered trying to get around the city with the warmer temperatures and stultifying foot traffic.”

You’ll also endure the highest airfare if booking your trip between June and July. If you're determined to battle the crowds, however, consider taking a train out to the countryside for at least a few days during your stay. The inclusive beach town of Brighton to the south, or the bucolic countryside of the Cotswolds to the west are ideal, if not predictable, summertime retreats. 

“July is a tough time in London,” adds Perone. “With so many events, hot weather, and lots of out-of-towners in general, London can feel a bit cramped and stuffy. “And the Tube network... it’s an oven.”

So-called “deep-Tube lines,” which include the most popular services, like Piccadilly, Central, Victoria, and Northern, are all free of air conditioning. Needless to say, it’s a challenging experience to be cramped among strangers in a 90-degree train car. But if you stick with the sub-surface network, the train cars are not only temperature controlled, they’re also more spacious. Primary examples include the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, as well as the Wi-Fi-equipped Elizabeth line. 

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Traveling to London for the First Time (2024): Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: June 4, 2024

Traveling to London for the first time and not sure where to start? Planning a trip to London might be overwhelming indeed and especially so if this is your first time in the city!

How long do I need to spend in London? When to visit? What are the best places to stay in London? How to save time and money and still see the best that London has to offer?

To help you plan your first trip to London, I selected some of the best tips for visiting London . This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your London trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your visit, time, and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in London:

• London Eye .
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
• Thames River Cruise .
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio (book well in advance!)
• The View from The Shard .

These are our top travel tips for visiting London:

1. Stay in Central London

The question that gets asked a lot by first-time visitors is what are the best places to stay in London.

Hotels in central London can be expensive, yet while it might be very tempting to choose cheaper accommodation outside the city center, it’s a choice that you’ll quickly regret. First, commuting into the city every day will cost a lot of money and time. Precious time, that you could otherwise use for sightseeing.

Visiting London for the first time? Stay in central London!  By staying in central London you can see much more in less time. Ultimately this will save money not just on transportation, but also on your overall trip budget because you’ll need fewer days in order to see just as much.

Now that we established that central London is the best place to stay when visiting London for the first time, you might be wondering which neighborhoods are the best for sightseeing.

There is probably no single best answer to this, but here is a short list of neighborhoods that we personally looked at when planning our recent trip to London with kids : Westminster, Trafalgar/ Covent Garden, Soho, Bankside, and South Bank. 

Ultimately we chose the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel , which is located on the South Bank close to the London Eye . We loved being in the center of the action and being able to easily walk everywhere. Staying in the center makes visiting London so much easier because many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance or just a short bus/ tube drive away.

The area around Covent Garden/Trafalgar Square is another great choice. Check out Citadines Trafalgar Square if you are looking for a nice price/quality/location hotel.

TIP: Using the map below, you can also easily see what’s available in central London for your travel dates and group size.

In general, I’d say just look for the best deals that you can find for your group and travel dates and as long as it’s in Central London, you know you made a good choice.

TIP: If you are looking for a lower budget stay in central London (although ‘budget’ is a relative term here), check out the Waterloo Station area (10 minutes walk to London Eye ). It’s one of the few places in the center where you can often find good quality budget accommodation. Here are two of the best choices in this area: Nox Hotel Waterloo and Point A Hotel London Westminster .

If you go further from the center, accommodation gets a bit cheaper. But a lot also depends on the specific area. In general, west/ northwest of the River Thames is better than going further east/ southeast because most of the main landmarks and attractions of London are on the western side of the river. Unless you stay very close to the river, in which case, it’s as good as it gets.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in London

2. Avoid Bank Holidays and School Breaks

London is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK , and one of the most popular cities in Europe. It’s an extremely popular destination that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The busiest times to visit London are July and August, as well as European bank holiday weekends and school breaks. If you can, try to avoid these peak periods for fewer crowds and better prices and availability.

If you plan to see London during Holiday Season, it’s best to avoid the main shopping streets on the weekends and the last days just before Christmas.

TIP: Since spring school holidays in Europe usually fall later than in the U.S., London is a great European destination for spring break . It can also be very nice in June when most European countries still have school.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Travel in Europe

3. Foresee Enough Time and Don’t Try to See Everything

If you are traveling to London for the first time, you are probably wondering how much time you need in London. You have to realize that London is huge and there is no way to see everything in just a few days or even a few weeks… So don’t come to London thinking that you can see it all in just one or two days.

While you can see most of the main sights in London in one day or two days , for first-time visitors, I highly recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This should give you sufficient time to get acquainted with the city, see the main landmarks, and visit a few of the most popular tourist attractions in London .

However, we also suggest visiting at least a few places outside of the city as that will make your trip so much more special. In that case, you should really plan at least 5-7 days in London. More about day trip suggestions further below.

Also, don’t try to see ‘everything’ in London. This is simply not possible and will leave you tired and frustrated. Plan to visit no more than two or three bigger attractions every day and leave some time for unexpected discoveries.

4. Book as Much as Possible in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting London is not to plan your visit in advance. Long in advance!

Starting with flights and accommodations and ending with London attractions and activities – booking in advance means more choice, better prices, and less time wasted queuing. After all, you want to make the most of your trip to London and not spend all your precious time standing in line.

TIP: Often tickets for the main London attractions are cheaper if booked online at least a day in advance. For example, you can usually get cheaper tickets for Madame Tussauds , The View from The Shard , or the  London Eye online (not even to mention avoiding the biggest queues and actually being able to visit).

For some places not reserving in advance usually means that you won’t be able to visit at all. For example, the Harry Potter Studio Tour , which is often booked up weeks and months ahead. To give you an idea, recently, we couldn’t find tickets for the day (let alone the time) when we wanted to go 16 weeks in advance! I checked all the possible websites and tour options and this day tour was the only one that still had availability, and only because it was just new at that time. And it’s not even the peak season!

If you want to go see a musical in London, book your theater tickets well in advance. Sometimes, there are last-minute tickets available as well, but not to the most popular shows and the seats you get are usually far from great.

TIP:   If you didn’t think to prebook and are looking for last-minute theatre tickets in London, check the TKTS ticket booth on Leicester Square. You can buy theatre tickets only in person for performances on the same day, or up to two days in advance.

5. Save Time and Money on London’s Major Attractions

Visiting London for the first time means visiting all the main landmarks and attractions in London . However, if you aren’t prepared, it’s very likely you will waste hours and days standing in lines.

If you want to make the most of your time in London, consider skip-the-line tickets and priority passes at the most popular attractions.

Yes, they are expensive but think of it this way. What’s the point of paying all that money to travel to London to then spend all your time queuing instead of sightseeing…

The London Pass

One of the best ways to see a lot of the major attractions in London with a priority entrance is The London Pass . For example, it includes FREE entrance to places like The Tower of London, The View from the Shard, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, or London Zoo and experiences like the Thames River Cruise or Hop-on Hop-off bus tour (to mention just a few)…

However, it only makes sense to get the pass if you visit at least 2-3 of the included attractions per day, so you need to decide if it’s worth it for you.

If you are planning to visit a lot of major attractions in a very short time, then the London Pass is definitely worth it. But plan well and make sure you get the most out of your pass during its validity period.

TIP: If you are staying in London longer, buying a pass for multiple days is more beneficial than just getting a pass for one day. Note that there are several different choices of passes in London ( The London Pass , London Explorer Pass ). Our research shows that the London Pass is one of the best options.

Fast Track, Skip the Line & Timed-Entry Tickets

The London Pass includes free entrance to 60 top attractions in London, but some of the most popular attractions like the London Eye are not included in this pass. Furthermore, many popular attractions now work with timed entry slots.

So for the most popular attractions, it’s best to book fast-track or timed-entry tickets well in advance.

We visited London with our three kids and used fast-track tickets wherever we could. I can’t imagine how different our experience would have been if we had to wait in line everywhere. We could have never seen half as much in the time that we had, not to mention our sanity, standing in line for hours with young children…

For example, you can buy fast-track tickets for the London Eye , Madame Tussauds , and some others. You can get timed-entry tickets for the Tower of London , The Shard , and many others.

A fast-track ticket to the most popular attractions like the London Eye or even Madame Tussauds can easily save you a couple of hours! The queues here can be 2-3 hours long, so believe me, a fast-track ticket is a real lifesaver . As a minimum, get a standard timed-entry ticket online before you go.

TIP: The London Eye also has several different prices depending on when you book and when you visit. For example, the early morning, late evening, or weekday tickets are usually a bit cheaper. Nowadays, they have an online offer with over 50% discount for 2-3 PM tickets . You can also save up to 20% off the regular price if booking tickets online and at least 24 hours in advance! You can find all the best ticket options for The London Eye on the official website .

6. Visit London’s FREE Attractions

Here are some places and activities that you should definitely add to your London travel list:

Free Museums in London

Visiting London is not cheap, but there are so many great things to see and do completely for free. Here are just a few London museums that can be visited free of charge : British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, Museum of London and many more.

London’s Parks and Gardens

London has many gardens, parks and playgrounds that are free to visit. It is also a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

London Views

While some places require a ticket, there are lots of great views in London that don’t cost anything at all. For more information, please see our guide to the best views of London .

London’s Shops

Don’t get me wrong – shopping in London isn’t cheap by any means. But visiting the shops is of course absolutely free and can be an attraction in itself. Don’t miss Harrods and Oxford Street ! Kids will love  Hamleys (the world’s largest and oldest toy store), the LEGO store , and the  M&M store .

TIP: Try to avoid shopping streets and big department stores on the weekends and just before Christmas.

London Markets

London has lots of wonderful markets, scattered all around the city. With quirky, unique shops and food stalls that will leave you mouthwatering, it will likely be hard to resist buying something. But you can spend hours and days wandering around London’s markets without spending anything…

TIP: Some of our favorite markets include Camden Market , Greenwich Market , Spitalfields Market, and Borough Market (this is where some of the best food tours in London come too).

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is one of the free things to do in London that are not to be missed. The ceremony is free to watch and takes place at Buckingham Palace at 10.45 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (weather permitting).  It’s very popular among tourists, so make sure to arrive early in order to secure a spot with a good view.

For the exact location and up-to-date schedule, please consult the website of the Household Division .

READ ALSO: Top FREE Sights & Things to Do in London with Kids (many suggestions will also be interesting for adults)

7. Use Credit Cards (or Smartphone)

These days, you hardly ever need cash for payments in the UK. Pretty much every place accepts credit cards and most places now also accept payments directly via your smartphone. You may want to get some cash for small purchases, but it’s so much easier to just use your credit card or smartphone.

You can use all major credit cards in London, but VISA and Mastercard are by far the most accepted cards. Amex is not widely used in Europe and Diner’s Club is pretty much useless. Debit cards (or cash-only cards) are also accepted pretty much everywhere.

One thing you should know is that if you use a card, often, you need one with a chip and a 4-digit PIN. Make sure that you know your PIN number by heart! You’ll need a credit card with a PIN for most payments all over Europe. Some places might still accept a card with your signature, but often, they don’t even know that they can or how to approach it because nobody in Europe uses that system anymore.

Good to know: When using an ATM or paying for purchases, you’ll be asked to choose currency – either local currency (UK pound sterling) or your own currency (US dollar if you’re traveling from the US, or Euro if you’re from Europe). Always choose to pay in local currency (UK pound sterling) and let your own bank do the currency transaction, or you risk losing a lot of money. A lot.

TIP:  If you don’t have the right credit card with a chip and a 4-digit pin, check out this selection of  the best American credit cards for travel . I recommend choosing  a card with no foreign transaction fees .

8. Use Public Transport & Use a Contactless Credit Card or Oyster Card

London is a big city and visiting everything on foot just isn’t feasible. The good news is that London’s public transport system is very efficient.

One of the best and quickest ways to get around in London is metro, aka the London tube . The biggest advantage of the tube is that you can quickly get to the other side of London without having to waste your time in the traffic. Here’s a tip for you I once got from a local. Avoid the tube during rush hour and during Christmas.

However, while traveling underground, you don’t see anything of the city, so for shorter distances, I recommend taking one of the city’s buses. Riding these original red double-decker buses is a typical London experience you should try at least once.

TIP:  Get the Oyster card . It’s a sort of electronic ticket that can be used for all public transport in Greater London and is much cheaper than paying for single-ride tickets. You can find more information about the Oyster Card here .

Alternatively, just use your contactless credit card . You can scan it when entering the metro, then scan it again when you leave. It works the same way as the Oyster card and if you use public transport several times a day, the maximum amount you spend will be capped at a daily ticket rate.

Note that children often travel free of charge (more information here ). However, for older kids where kids’ tariff is applicable, you better get a ticket. Using your credit card for the kids as well would mean that you’re paying adult rates for them. On top of that, you need one card per person anyway.

TIP: Since the recent Uber ban in London, a traditional London cab is the best option if you have lots of luggage. You really don’t want to take the tube with young kids and big suitcases, take my word for it. We took a cab twice in London and it was much more affordable than we expected. Furthermore, riding a traditional English cab is part of the experience of visiting London for the first time.

9. Walk or Rent a Bike

I know that I just told you that seeing London on foot isn’t feasible. However, you’d be missing a great deal if you take a tube or a bus every time. After all, one of the best ways to see a new city is to explore it on foot . London is no exception.

Another great way to see London and easily cover bigger distances is by bike . There are lots of self-service city bike stands where you can rent a bike, or you can join a guided bike tour.

If you are visiting London for the first time and don’t know the city well, renting a bike without a guide is maybe not the best idea, unless in the parks. London traffic is really busy, it comes (for most of us) from a different side than what we are used to, and if you also need to read the map, it can get quite dangerous.

TIP: If you want to explore London by bike, book a tour with a local guide. There are several great options, e.g. this half-day bike tour that covers the main highlights of London , or this bike tour that brings you to the less-known places of London .

10. Use Hop-on Hop-off Buses and River Cruises

There are so many ways to see London! For the complete experience, I recommend you try as many different means of transport as you can during your London trip.

Hop-on hop-off buses are extremely popular and are a great way to see the city and major attractions.

One of my favorite ways to see any city is by taking a boat where possible. There are so many boat trip options in London, so you really have no excuse not to see London from the Thames. One of the most popular options is hop-on hop-off boat on River Thames . It allows you to see many attractions close to the river in an easy way.

TIP: Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets usually include one FREE Thames River cruise ride and a FREE walking tour.

11. Get off the Beaten Path

It’s understandable that you want to see the main landmarks when traveling to London for the first time. However, London is so much more than Big Ben or Buckingham Palace!

There are so many quirky neighborhoods, local markets, lesser-known museums, and beautiful gardens in London.

Visiting a few less known places like this will just make your first trip to London even more special and memorable.

TIP: Here you can find some great ideas for different things to do, the hidden gems of London . And here you can find some nice ideas for the best views and viewpoints in London .

READ ALSO: Camden Town – one of the coolest neighborhoods in London

12. Eat Like the British

London is an expensive city and dining out can be a pricey experience. Furthermore, restaurants located close to tourist attractions don’t always serve the best food, so researching restaurants in advance can be a good idea.

Here are some insider tips on where to find the best food in London and save money :

• Try traditional Fish&Chips where locals eat (e.g. Poppies Fish&Chips or The Golden Chippy).
• Local supermarkets offer lots of affordable options for sandwiches or salads – perfect for a picnic in the park.
• Borough Market is the best food market in London, but there are also so many other smaller markets and food stalls.
• Ottolenghi deli sells delicious packed lunches.
• Harrods food hall is not to be missed.
• Lots of fine restaurants cost a fraction of the price if you go there for lunch rather than dinner.
• Traditional afternoon tea experience is a must in London and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We had  afternoon tea with kids at St. Ermin’s and loved it! Nowadays, there are many easily accessible and very affordable high tea experiences all over London (see here for some of the best options ).

READ ALSO: British Food to Try in the UK

13. Take a Day Trip Outside of the City

While London has so much to offer, there are also so many nice places to visit outside the city as well! From the most popular destinations like Windsor Castle and bucket-list places like Stonehenge to the English countryside and charming villages of the Cotswolds , but also some of the UK’s best towns and cities such as Bath, Oxford, or Cambridge – there are so many amazing possibilities near London.

So if you can, plan a longer stay in London and take at least a few day trips to explore more of England. This will make your trip so much more special!

TIP: If you are short on time, we recommend that you take organized tours that cover some of the nicest places in one day. That way you can see a lot in just a few days – much more than you’d ever be able to do on your own. And yes, it’s not exactly exploring deeper, but if this is your first time in the UK, it’s better than nothing.

Here are some of the best day tours from London that we recommend for first-time visitors:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Oxford, Stratford & the Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio with Transfer .
• Liverpool and The Beatles (a very long day, but well worth it for The Beatles fans). See also our guide on how to visit Liverpool from London .

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips and One Day Tours from London

14. Don’t Forget The Little Important Details

Here are some more practical tips to consider when traveling to London for the first time:

• You can pay by credit card pretty much everywhere, but it’s always useful to have some cash as well. And no, you can’t pay in Euro or US Dollars in London, you really need to get Pound sterling from an ATM.
• You are not expected to tip in the UK and service charge is often included in your restaurant bill. In most London restaurants, you’ll get charged 10-15% in addition to your bill. Locals say they don’t typically tip at the bar, but would usually leave a 10% tip at a restaurant if the service was good and not yet included in the bill.
• Don’t forget your travel adapter . UK uses Type G plugs, which are very different from other European countries, or the US.
• You’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes . Nowadays, Europeans wear sneakers in the cities too, and London is no exception. However, we tend to wear more fashionable sneakers (something like this ), not the ones you wear when playing tennis… However, some places in London still throw upon (and some doormen give you ‘the look’ or even refuse entry) if your clothing and/or footwear looks too casual…
• Look right(!) when crossing a street in London. Yes, right, because they do drive on the other side of the road in Britain. If this is your first trip to the UK, it might take some getting used to. So be careful!
• You may want to consider buying a local SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi to save on roaming charges.
• Pack an umbrella or a good rain jacket. It rains a lot in London, especially in the colder season. Although, as climate changes, the weather has gotten significantly drier here too. So check the weather forecast before your trip. Wearing layers is always the best way to go!

So, these are some of the most important practical tips you should know when traveling to London for the first time.

Do you have any questions or maybe want to share your experience and tips from visiting London? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

READ ALSO: Best Secret Places of London That Most Tourists Never See

London Travel FAQ

The best time to travel to London is in the warm season between March and October. Summer is the peak season with big crowds. For mild weather and fewer people, come in spring or in the fall. The very best months to visit London are April-May and September-beginning of October.

London is huge and there’s no way to see everything in one trip. If you are visiting for the first time, we recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This will allow you to see the main landmarks and visit a few tourist attractions. If you also plan to take day trips and see some of the UK from London, then plan to stay for at least a week.

The best way to explore London is by focusing on one area at a time and walking between the main attractions that are located next to each other. For bigger distances, use the London subway, hop-on hop-off buses, or river cruises.

If you are visiting London for the first time and want to see all the main landmarks and attractions, we recommend staying in Central London. The areas around Big Ben – London Eye have the prime location for sightseeing. Staying here will save you lots of time for commute and will allow you to make the most of your trip.

London is one of the best cities in the entire world and definitely worth visiting! With famous landmarks, royal history and traditions, fun tourist attractions, world-class museums, theaters, and a unique cultural mix, London has something to offer for any type of traveler. It’s a bucket list destination that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime!

More inspiration for your trip to the UK:

• Best Things to Do in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2 Days in London
• Things to Do in Greenwich
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• Best Things to Do in Manchester
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Places to Visit in Cornwall
• London with Kids
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• Top Things to Do in Blackpool
• Tips for Visiting Blackpool
• Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends who are planning their first trip to London. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Travel tips for other major cities in Europe:

• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Barcelona Travel Tips
• Paris Travel Tips
• Rome Travel Tips
• Read also our step-by-step guide with planning info and tips for traveling to Europe .

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Monday 18th of March 2024

Hello - your article has been very helpful - I do have a few specific questions with regard to the 'skip the line' or 'fast track' tickets - I am not clear on where to buy those? Do I buy from the individual attractions like St. Paul's, Tower of London or some other way? And when it says to book well in advance using one of the apps such as the London Pass - is that days in advance or weeks in advance? (we will be there in late August, just 2 adults). Does the London Pass include/automatically give you Priority entrance? Thank you so much!!

@Jurga, Thank you! This is indeed super helpful - I appreciate all the tips!

Hi Tracy, 'fast track' or 'skip the line' might mean different things depending on attraction. It's usually indicated when you book tickets. Nowadays, many of the most popular attractions also work with timed-entry tickets, so you book a specific time slot and the wait is limited. A few examples: * the London Eye tickets. You can choose standard, or fast-track tickets, and many other options like multi-attraction tickets, etc. In most cases (unless you opt for flex tickets), you have to choose a time slot. However, even with the reserved time slot, the fast-track ticket will give you a much faster entry (skipping most lines) than the standard ticket where you'll have a much longer queue with everyone who reserved those tickets for the same time. * The Tower of London tickets - here, you book a specific time slot. It's not completely skip-the-line, but the line will be limited to only those people who reserved the same time slot. * Madame Tussauds - you can choose between standard and fast-track tickets. * St Paul's Cathedral tickets are now valid on the specific date, not time, and it shouldn't be too busy. Entrance to the Golden Gallery might be limited if it's very busy, but it's not something you can reserve in advance.

If you buy any multi-attraction pass, then you will usually receive instructions from them and they will advise you for which attractions it's best to reserve time slots separately. Each place has different ways how they work, but e.g. if you get this London Pass, you will find all the instructions for each of the attractions. The majority of less popular places will be simple to enter just like that, but for the most popular ones, you will need to make a reservation. It's a bit more complicated that way, but you might save quite some money depending on which pass you get, for how long, and which places you choose to visit. Let's just say that if money isn't an issue, it's usually simpler to get the tickets for the most popular attractions separately, with reserved time slots, and potentially fast-track/skip-the-line access where available.

As for how long in advance to book - as soon as you know your travel dates and/or when tickets become available. The earlier you book, the more options you will have and time slots to choose from. That said, some places only open their booking system a month or two/three in advance. But there are also others that get completely sold out half a year in advance. August is a peak season, so I'd book everything that you absolutely want to do asap. If you use GetYourGuide and other websites which we personally use and recommend for most tickets and tours, you will see that they offer a free cancelation option for most of the attractions for up to 24 hours before the visit, so you have nothing to lose. All this information is available for each ticket/tour separately, and you can see it all before you book.

Alternatively, book guided tours for the most popular places. Most of them have skip-the-line access and some even offer something unique. For example, we are visiting London again soon, and this time we reserved this early-access tour to the Tower of London. The same company also has this amazing after-hours tour.

Hope this helps a bit. I know how overwhelming it can be, but nowadays not making advance bookings often means that you will not be able to visit the most popular places at all. It's not just London or Europe, but pretty much any big city in the world. In the USA, you even have to make reservations for many national parks and similar... So if you want to have a truly fun and relaxing trip, you have to do your homework. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

My name is Wendy! I am planning to visit London soon .I very enjoyed your article. It was really helpful .thanks a lot

Friday 23rd of February 2024

Glad to help, Wendy. Enjoy London!

Sunday 26th of November 2023

I really enjoyed your article and it was VERY informative. It helped me decide not only what to do, but what not to do. I have 2 teenagers. I was wondering if the Harry Potter studio is considered a "must-do" or is it a tourist trap or falls somewhere in between. It seems like all-tolled it will take about 7-8 hours, and that is a lot of time spent out of the city for 1 place. We will have 5 1/2 days in London and already planning 2 full-day excursions, so will have 3 1/2 days. Thank you in advance for your help!

Monday 27th of November 2023

Hi Brian, I know exactly how you feel. We ourselves are going to London soon with our three teenagers, for just 3 days, and we're also considering Harry Potter Studios on one of those days. It is a long day, indeed, and not cheap either. But from everything I read and heard, it's extremely well done and everyone I know who visited with teens was very enthusiastic about it. We recently visited Harry Potter studios in LA and the whole family found it amazing. From what I understand, the ones in London are much bigger and even more impressive. But we have a couple Harry Potter fans in the family AND we have been to London many times before, so we are less worried about 'missing' something else out. We are actually going for the more special experiences this time (ABBA Voyage, Tina Musical, maybe one of the Walks' exclusive tours, street art, markets, etc.) rather than traditional sightseeing. I guess it all comes down to your family's interests and which alternatives you consider instead. But remember that most of the places you'll visit will likely be less interesting to your kids than to you, so sometimes you have to balance things out to make sure the trip has something for the whole family. I know from experience that there are only that many churches and museums that our kids can handle... ;) So I'm afraid I can't help you much, and you'll have to ask your kids and decide together with them. Maybe make two alternative plans for a day, present it to the kids, and let them choose which one they prefer. If you decide to go, the research I just did for our own trip shows that - at the moment - this transfer + Harry Potter Studios entrance ticket is the cheapest option (about 50£ savings for a family of 4 vs other providers). Have a great time in London!

Thursday 12th of October 2023

My name is Albert, I was very impressed after reading your article and I also got a lot of useful information. Thank you.

Glad to help, Albert. Have a great time in London!

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Wow !!Planning to visit London along with out of city October, Thank you for helping me find thé information I needed ,it’s so helpful and informative! looking forward to hear you more 💙

Glad to help, Diki. Enjoy London!

How to get around London: from tubes and trains to bikes and buses

Mar 17, 2024 • 10 min read

With a bus, Tube, boat or bike? We'll help you discover the best ways to get around in London © Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

London is a sprawling city of over nine million people. With its combination of Roman walls, Victorian development, post-WWII rebuilding and pockets of ongoing regeneration, it's a jumble of roads, Tube and train lines, and definitely not the most intuitive city to navigate.

However, with apps, good mapping, signage and a bit of patience, it's possible to visit almost all of the city via public transport. From train companies to Transport for London, here's everything you need to know about each mode of transport and the all-important ticketing system.

The Tube (the London Underground) is the quickest and easiest

The London Underground, or "the Tube," is the city's subway running across 11 different color-coded lines, with only about 45% of the Underground network actually operating underground. Despite the never-ending upgrades and engineering works requiring weekend closures and escalators out of action, the Tube is overall the quickest and easiest way of getting around the city. It is also usually the warmest place to wait for your transport in winter, except on those rare above-ground Tube stations. 

Be aware though: some stations, most famously Leicester Square and Covent Garden, are much closer in reality than they appear on the Tube map, and going underground to travel between them will take much longer than simply walking between them.

Tip for using the Tube for sight-seeing: The Piccadilly Line stops at some of London’s key sights and neighborhoods – Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge – and it runs from Heathrow's airport terminals. It's a good Tube line to base yourself near. 

Catch the Night Tube on Friday and Saturday nights

The Tube runs roughly 5am to 1am, although when your last train departs does vary by line and the day of the week. 

Several lines (the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines) run all night on Friday and Saturday to get revelers home (on what is called the "Night Tube"), with trains every ten minutes or so (and off-peak fares). 

London's red buses (and the best sight-seeing bus route)

London's ubiquitous red double-decker buses afford great views of the city, but the going can be slow thanks to traffic jams and dozens of commuters getting on and off at every stop.

There are excellent bus maps at every stop detailing all routes and destinations served from that particular area (generally a few bus stops within a two- to three-minute walk, shown on a local map).

Bus services normally operate from 5am to 11:30pm. Many bus stops have LED displays listing bus arrival times, although downloading an app such as Citymapper to your smartphone is the most effective way to keep track of when your next bus is due. 

Top tip for taking the bus: Bus Route 15 is no longer served by heritage Routemaster buses but is still a useful route for tourists, connecting the Tower of London, St Paul's, the Strand and Trafalgar Square.

The Elizabeth Line

London’s shiny new "purple" line, connecting towns as far west as Reading and as far east as Shenfield to central London via hubs like Paddington, Liverpool Street Station and Tottenham Court Road,  is now open for business .

The line also offers a quicker (although more expensive!) route between Heathrow airport and central London.

Getting around London by foot

London is too large to realistically cover on foot, but once you're in an area of interest, you can't beat walking for proper neighborhood exploration. A good map or GPS is recommended, as London's winding streets can quickly disorientate. Bridges cross the Thames at regular intervals, and there are two pedestrian tunnels beneath the river: one at Greenwich and one at Woolwich. 

If you're exploring London in winter, wrap up with a warm hat, gloves and scarf. In central London, an umbrella is a liability on narrow footpaths; you're better off wearing a waterproof coat with a hood. Ice and snow are not uncommon in the depths of winter, so watch for slippery streets in the mornings.

Another key hazard for walkers in London can be cyclists, or rather pedestrians are a worry for them. Looking out for cars when you cross the road goes without saying, but in London, many streets allow cyclists to ride against a one-way driving system on "contra-flow" lanes. This means you need to look both ways before crossing roads, especially as you won't hear a bike coming! 

Better on a boat on the Thames

Several companies operate along the River Thames; only Uber Boat by Thames Clippers really offers commuter services, however. It’s fast and pleasant, and you’re almost always guaranteed a seat and a view. Thames Clippers boats run regular services between Embankment, Waterloo (London Eye), Blackfriars, Bankside (Shakespeare's Globe), London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, North Greenwich and Woolwich piers. Tickets can be bought at the piers, or pay-as-you-go with your Oyster or Contactless card (see   below for more information on paying fares).

Cycling is a surprisingly quick way to cross London

Cycling is generally a great way to get around the city , although city traffic can be intimidating for less-confident cyclists – it is important to keep your wits about you. The city has tried hard to improve the cycling infrastructure, by opening new "cycle superhighways" for commuters and "quietways" which are back street cycle lanes for leisure cyclists. The public bike-hire scheme Santander Cycles is particularly useful for visitors with bike-hire docks throughout the city. It costs £2 for unlimited journeys up to 30 minutes and £2 for each additional 30 minutes. Download the app to find the closest bikes and where there are spots available to drop off your bike near your destination. Cycling is also an excellent option for exploring parks and along the Thames.

London's black cabs and other taxi options

Licensed black cab drivers have "The Knowledge", acquired over three-to-five years of rigorous training and a series of exams. They are supposed to know 25,000 streets within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross/Trafalgar Square and the 100 most-visited spots of the moment, including clubs and restaurants.

Cabs are available for hire when the yellow sign above the windshield is lit; just stick your arm out to signal one. Fares are metered, with the initial charge of £3.80 rising by increments of 20p over distance traveled or time taken, which varies depending on the tariff being used. You can pay for your journey with a credit or debit card or cash.

Minicabs (private hire cars) are cheaper alternatives to getting a black cab, but they must be booked in advance through a cab office or an app and cannot be hailed on the street. Fares are set in advance rather than metered.

Ride-share apps are also in operation in London, although their introduction and impact on the city, from undercutting traditional black cabs to accusations of increased car congestion, is still hotly debated by locals. 

Top tip for taking a black cab: Despite the name, not all of London's black cabs are black! They are broadly all shaped the same, though, and will have a yellow sign above the windshield that says "Taxi."

Driving a car in London

As a visitor, it’s very unlikely you’ll need to drive in London. Much has been done to encourage Londoners to get out of their cars and onto public transport (or on their bikes), and the same disincentives should keep you firmly off the road: the additional Congestion Charge (CC) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees, extortionate parking costs, the high price of fuel, fiendishly-efficient traffic wardens, and ubiquitous CCTV cameras recording cars parked (even momentarily) on double yellow lines or not giving way when they should... it's probably not worth it. 

Riding above the Thames on a cable car

The Emirates Air Line is a cable car linking the Royal Docks in East London with North Greenwich some 90m above the Thames. The journey is brief and rather pricey, but the views are stunning. The Air Line is step-free, and the cable cars can accommodate most motorized wheelchairs.

The DLR (Docklands Light Rail)

The DLR, or Docklands Light Railway, is a driverless train network operating in the eastern part of the city. It's likely you'll take a ride on it if you're heading to the Emirates Air Line cable car or arriving/departing via London City Airport. It's a winner for travelers with children, who like to pretend they're driving the train from the front carriage. 

London Overground and the suburban train network

The Overground train network is part of Transport for London and operates mainly beyond the center of London (although some lines do pass through Zone 1 so pay attention if you're trying to avoid Zone 1 fares). In February 2024 the sprawling Overground network was rebranded into six separate lines, named to celebrate the capital’s modern history and diversity. Not all Londoners were impressed by the names.

There are various private companies operating trains in London that run out to the suburbs. The train network is particularly good for any day trips out of London , but pay attention to which operator you've booked train tickets with as more than one company will depart from the same station. 

Accessible transportation in London

London is a frustrating mix of inconsistent user-friendliness for travelers with access needs . All tram stops, the Emirates Air Line (cable car) and DLR stations have step-free access, as do all Thames Clippers and most piers (the exceptions are Cadogan Pier, Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier and London Bridge City Pier). However, only around a quarter of Tube stations and half of Overground stations have step-free access. This means that if you need to go through an interchange on the Tube network, you may find yourself facing an unexpected flight of stairs. There is often a gap between the train and the platform to contend with, as well. Careful planning and notification of a staff member are recommended before you board a train.

Buses are a much better bet: all can be lowered to street level when they stop, and wheelchair users travel free. Wheelchair users enter through the middle doors and have priority use of the wheelchair space over stroller users. All black cabs are meant to be wheelchair-accessible, but power wheelchair users should note that the space is tight, and headroom can be insufficient.

Guide dogs are universally welcome on public transport. Pavements are generally in good repair, pedestrian crossings relatively frequent and well-placed, and curb cuts sufficient not to leave you stranded. The further you get from the center of London, the more likely it is that you'll have the occasional issue with a missing curb cut.

Transport passes, tickets and fares

Transport for London operates the integrated transport network in the city and is the best source for up-to-date travel information, including timetables and fares. Children under five travel free with a fare-paying adult. Use the larger automatic gates to pass through with children, strollers, wheelchairs or luggage.

You can buy tickets for single journeys at ticket offices and self-service machines at most stations, but it's cheaper and much more convenient to either use Contactless, an Oyster card, or a mobile payment with a smartphone (unless you're paying overseas transaction fees). 

Contactless: This is any credit or debit card that allows for contactless payment. You hold it near the yellow card readers at ticket barriers for the Underground and rail systems to mark the start (and end) of your journey. This is referred to as "touch in, touch out." The cost of the journey will automatically be deducted from your account.

Oyster cards:  These are pre-paid reusable cards that can be topped up with funds either at a ticket machine or online. They are sold at most Tube/train stations and many newsagents (£5 charge) and follow the same "touch in, touch out" system.

Bus journeys: Buses are all cash-free, meaning you must either have a ticket in advance or pay with Contactless or an Oyster card when you board. You only need to "touch in" at the start of your journey. You will pay a flat fee no matter how long you are on board.

Travel zones for Tube and rail

The city's Tube and rail systems are divided into zones, radiating outwards from Zone 1 in the very center to Zone 9 as the outer section in Greater London to the north (it goes as far as Zone 6 to the south). Fares are capped, so providing you use the same card/device throughout your day and travel within the zones system, you'll pay a reduced Travelcard rate.

If you're taking a train beyond the London zones, perhaps for a day trip to the coast or farther afield, you will need to buy a separate train ticket.

This article was first published Mar 30, 2021 and updated Mar 17, 2024.

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Offering the Best in Austenesque Variations

• Jun 8, 2022

Distance and Time In Regency England

By Wade H. Mann, author of A Most Excellent Understanding

When you read a lot of Regency fiction, the two things that seem to be the most confusing are travel times and money. Both are difficult to square up with modern knowledge. For example, I've seen travel times from London to Pemberley ranging everywhere from a few hours to five days. Most writers have settled on four days, so that’s what you’ll see most often. You'll also see someone send an express to London and have someone back the next day. Let’s take a closer look.

The excellent book Mapping Pride and Prejudice gives a good guess to the various locations. It’s generally agreed that Jane Austen was well travelled, and she based her locations on real places. Meryton was either Harpenden or Ware. Pemberley was probably Chatsworth House, Gracechurch Street is a real place in London, and Rosings was near Westerham.

A reasonably good (but imperfect) way to look at how horses might have travelled between these locations is to get walking directions from a map site. It's obviously not exact, but not as bad as you might think. For instance, a modern-day map shows that you could walk from Rosings to Pemberley in about 57 hours, stopping for tea with the Gardiners and the Bennets. If the roads were good, the average person could do it on foot in about seven days. (I had to work that out for one of my stories, because I wanted Lizzy to walk from Longbourn to London. I was surprised by how relatively easy it was.)

Chop off the Rosings leg and you end up with about 150 miles from London to Pemberley—which you could walk in 50 hours, assuming no impediments—or 125 miles for Longbourn to Pemberley.

To put that in perspective, the entire UK is slightly larger than my home state of Washington. Pemberley to London is about the same as Seattle to Portland or, in Europe, from Paris to Brussels.

So, what's is the fastest way to go from Point A to Point B? Does having infinite money make it any easier? The first clue is in Chapter 47 of P ride and Prejudice : “They travelled as expeditiously as possible, and, sleeping one night on the road, reached Longbourn by dinner time the next day.” That means that the Gardiners travelled from Pemberley to Longbourn in two long days. That gives the Gardiner carriage traveling expeditiously an average speed of about 60 miles per day. Assuming they were in a panic, but not throwing money at it like crazy, it seems a doable distance.

Longbourn to Gracechurch Street is exactly 24 miles by canon, and they began it so early as to be in Gracechurch Street by noon. That means 24 miles is a matter of three to four hours, as it’s hard to imagine getting Sir William, Maria, and Lizzy into a coach before nine a.m. Once again, this gives you 50-60 miles per day relatively easily.

Darcy boasts in Hunsford: “And what is fifty miles of good road? Little more than half a day's journey. Yes, I call it a very easy distance.” At first glance, considering the Gardiners only managed 60 miles per day, that statement might seem overly boastful, but not crazy (especially if you're trying to impress a woman—no telling what us men will say). Later though, we can see the effect of a big budget. In Chapter 56, Lady Catherine used a chaise and four driving up the lawn and the horses were post. That means that she had four horses, and she stopped along the way to rent fresh horses. A horse can move at around 10-12 miles per hour, but just like any animal, they get tired. In general, to maintain maximum speed, you should change them out about every 10 to 20 miles, or stop for an hour or two to ‘bait” them (let them eat, drink and rest). Lady Catherine made it to Longbourn in the morning, so you can see that Darcy’s boast of “little more than half a day’s journey” is actually accurate—given infinite money—while Lizzy’s assertion that it was a long distance for someone of the Collins’s income also holds true.

Thus, if you’re willing to throw money at it, you can make fifty miles in half a day, and presumably get fresh horses and do another fifty, so that puts a reasonable distance, according to canon, of 60 to 100 miles per day. Do the math, and Pemberley to London should take two to three days. If you’re in a hurry, just match your ancient aunt’s rate for three half-days in a row, and you can eat dinner at Pemberley on the second long day.

Now, let’s just suppose that you’re an express rider tasked with taking a message from Pemberley to Longbourn. Once again, it all depends on money. A good rule of thumb is you can ride 40 miles a day easily, 50 miles normally, and 60 miles if you push it. Why the discrepancy with coach travel? Because coaches had several horses, and wheels reducing the rolling resistance.

Of course, that all assumes a single rider and a single horse, so much of the day is spent resting the horse, and much of the day riding a tired horse. If you’re riding an exchange mount with frequent changeouts, you could expect 100 miles per day—but then you have to wonder why you bothered sending an express rider instead of Lady Catherine in her chaise and four. Well, 100 miles per day for one man only takes a two or three fresh horses, and he doesn’t have to put up with the grand lady. Riding 100 miles in the Darcy or de Bourgh coach would take at least three sets of four horses.

It's interesting to note that Roman chariots in Caesar’s time were good for 100 miles per day—showing travel speeds didn’t change much in twenty centuries. In fact, the distance that an army could move did not really change from the Roman era to World War I, and the amount an infantry soldier can carry today is the same as that of a Roman legionnaire. Infantry soldiers with a full pack move 20-30 miles per day whether they are a Roman legionnaire or a doughboy.

Now suppose you do not have infinite money to change out carriages, or didn't have a carriage or a horse at all? That’s where the post coach came in. For about 1P/mile you could move at eight to ten miles an hour, or a good 100 miles per day, at a cost that, while onerous for a servant, was well within the reach of the Bennets or anyone of their class. Every 10 to 20 miles, they stopped for a few minutes to change horses, and moved on whether the passengers were on board or not. Just like with modern mass transit though, it all depended on the schedules and where you wanted to go. You might be moving 10 miles an hour for half the day and then spend a whole day waiting for another coach; the worst-case scenario for a rich person would see them resting for an hour or two and moving on. In one of my stories, I had Lizzy and Darcy leave Derbyshire the same day, with Darcy riding and changing out horses like crazy, while she took the post. They both arrived the same day. I didn't even have to cheat to make it work out, but Lizzy took a much larger chance of a schedule mishap, while Darcy took a bigger chance of falling off his horse and breaking his neck.

So, a range of 60 to 100 miles a day seems to be the going rate, depending on luck and finance. What if you really want to push your luck? Let's finish out with two other examples.

The Mongol Empire was the largest land empire in history, and in the 13th and 14th centuries, it had the forerunner to the 19th-century Pony Express. The Mongols had relay stations about every 25 miles, and a single courier routinely covered 300 miles in a single day. Six centuries later, they did the same thing from New York to California, but neither the roads not the horses were as good, so they only managed 200 miles per day… still not bad. If you could manage Mongol-era speeds (which certainly was possible given sufficient motivation and money), then a round trip from Pemberley to London could have been done in two days. It would be tough, bordering on impossible, but it could be done.

Now, if you don't have any horse or money, you’re left with your good old two feet. That's not quite so complicated, and in fact, it was how most people did most of their travel. Even Lydia walked into Meryton (one mile each way) nearly every day; with the Bennet horses frequently used on the home farm, the coach was not always available.

On a good surface, almost everyone walks 3 to 3.5 miles per hour; ordinary people can walk 10 to 24 miles per day. Twenty-four miles is the exact distance from Longbourn to Gracechurch Street, so even on foot, it’s only a hard day’s walk. Elizabeth’s three-mile walk to Netherfield that so freaked out Caroline Bingley was about an hour’s walk—hardly anything. In fact: “No, indeed, I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing when one has a motive; only three miles. I shall be back by dinner.”

That means that even a gentlewoman (admittedly a good walker) thought nothing of walking six miles before dinner. Dinner at Netherfield was at 6:30, but probably earlier at Longbourn. Either way, Lizzy was not intimidated by a six-mile walk.

Naturally, nobody would think twice about sending a servant to Longbourn and back, two or three times a day, on foot. Our characters are always sending notes here and there on the slightest provocation, and we don’t mention that many of those would be on foot. It’s doubtful the guy who delivered Jane’s note to Longbourn bothered with a horse.

Mapping Pride and Prejudice

https://thebennetsisters.wordpress.com/2010/03/14/so-where-exactly-is-this-longbourn-place-anyway/

https://jasna.org/persuasions/printed/number27/smith.pdf

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8-10 miles per hour is a leisurely bicycling speed (with occasional breaks) in modern times. Using a mapping service such as Google Maps and selecting "bicycle" as the mode of travel seems to give travel times that are in the right ballpark.

Very informative, thanks. However, I am dubious that "ordinary people" can walk 10-24 miles per day and that 3.5 mph is a typical walking speed. If I'm walking 3mph that's a pretty brisk speed for my short legs, and not one I could maintain for very long. Even at my normal pace, while I can usually manage 1 mile without too much trouble, much more than that and certainly after 2 miles, my feet, legs and back have had about all they can handle, though perhaps with an hour or more of rest I could do another mile. So to my mind, someone who thinks nothing of walking 6 miles in a day is indeed a great walker.

Very interesting, Wade! I appreciate all the numbers/math. I happen to agree with Lizzy that 6 miles in a day (or about 9.5 km to those of us in other parts of the world) is not that much at all. Congrats on your new book! I’m looking forward to reading it. :)

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London to Paris trains

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Travelling from London to Paris with us is simple, smart, and speedy. Go direct from city centre to city centre in just 2hrs 16mins. And whether you’re going for work or play, we’ll get you there feeling relaxed and rested. Read on to discover why taking Eurostar from London to Paris is the only way to travel.

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To start your journey, get to London St Pancras International at our recommended arrival time to allow plenty of time to go through border controls and security. This elegant historic 19th-century station is conveniently located in the heart of London and is well connected by underground lines and buses. Before you jump on one of our Eurostar trains you can indulge in some boutique shopping, experience fine dining at a world-class brasserie or enjoy a glass of bubbly at the longest champagne bar in Europe.

On board our direct London to Paris train

Travelling with Eurostar is simple, affordable and relaxing. You can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge and with no weight limits. We won’t charge you for choosing your seats and there are no restrictions on liquids, so feel free to bring something bubbly for the journey. Find out more about our luggage allowances . Wherever you sit, you can email, tweet and post all the way with our free onboard wi-fi. You’ll find power sockets at your seat, so you can stay charged up while you relax. If you find yourself feeling peckish, you can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks at Eurostar Café . And if you’re travelling in Standard Premier or Business Premier, you’ll be served a three-course meal at your seat. Find out more about our food on board . Whether you’re travelling for work, a special occasion, or heading away on a budget break, we’ve got the travel class for you. Check out our seats in Standard , Standard Premier and Business Premier .

Arriving at Paris Gare du Nord from London St Pancras

Your train will arrive at Paris Gare du Nord , conveniently located in the heart of the city and just a short stroll from some of the city's top attractions, including Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur. With a neoclassical 19th-century façade, Gare du Nord is one of Paris’s main stations, with connections for the metro, RER trains and local buses.

Timetables for trains from London to Paris

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A Eurostar London to Paris train ticket starts from $52.

How long is the Eurostar train journey from London to Paris?

The Eurostar can take up to 2hrs 37mins from London to Paris, however, most of our trains will take you to Paris in only 2hrs 16mins.

How early should you arrive for the Eurostar train from London to Paris?

Get to St Pancras International at our recommended arrival time to allow plenty of time to get through border controls and security.

How much luggage can I bring with me on the Eurostar London to Paris train?

Standard adult tickets allow you to bring two pieces of luggage that are up to 85cm long, and one small piece of hand luggage such as a handbag or briefcase. You can find out more information about luggage allowances  here .

Are there additional fees when travelling with the Eurostar London to Paris?

Unlike airlines, there are no hidden costs when travelling by Eurostar. Once you have picked your train tickets ( Standard , Standard Premier or Business Premier ), there will be no additional fees for seat selection, advanced booking, or luggage allowance .

Can you take liquids on the Eurostar London to Paris train?

You can take liquids on the London to Paris Eurostar and there is no volume limit, so you can bring all your toiletries and even a bottle of bubbly!

Can you take your own food on the London to Paris train?

There are no food restrictions, so you’re allowed to bring your own food from home on the Eurostar.

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Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters at London Stadium: stage times, support, tickets, travel & more

20 June 2024, 09:07 | Updated: 20 June 2024, 09:09

By Jenny Mensah

The Everlong rockers make the next stop on their Everything or Nothing At All tour with a date at the West Ham Stadium.

Listen to this article

Foo Fighters made a triumphant return to the UK, kicking off their Everything Or Nothing At All Tour with two dates at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester and a epic show at Glasgow's Hampden Park.

Now the band - comprised of Dave Grohl , Nate Mendel , Pat Smear , Chris Shiflett , Rami Jaffee and Josh Freese - will take to the capital to play two dates at London Stadium in Stratford.

Find out everything you need to know about the Foos in London this week, including their stage times, support acts and how to get there below.

• Foo Fighters play epic set as Dave Grohl sips Buckfast at Glasgow's Hampden Park: full setlist

Who's supporting Foo Fighters at London Stadium?

• 20th June 2024 will see Foo Fighters supported in London Stadium by special guests Wet Leg and Shame , while their date on 22nd June 2024 will see them supported by Courtney Barnett and Hot Milk.

What are the stage times for Foo Fighters at London Stadium?

• Stadium Island opens - 15.00
• Stadium doors open - 16:00
• Hospitality opens ticket holders only - 16:00
• Shame: 5.25pm
• Wet Leg: 6.15pm
• Foo Fighters: 7.30pm
• Curfew: 11pm

*Timings are approximate, so be sure to be ready in plenty of time and check Foo Fighters' and London Stadium's official social accounts for the most up to date information.

LONDON!!! LET'S GO!!! 🤘 🎟️: https://t.co/g6UlUTjI0b 4:00pm Doors Open 5:25pm @shamebanduk 6:15pm @wetlegband 7:30pm #FooFighters Event info: https://t.co/751TtoUzA4 🖌️ @zombieyeti #FF2024 pic.twitter.com/cvuS8IQV4D — Foo Fighters (@foofighters) June 20, 2024

What will Foo Fighters play on their London Stadium setlist?

It's not confirmed what the Foos will play in London, but their recent gig in Manchester suggests they'll deliver a career-spanning setlist, alongside their latest track, Unconditional.

See Foo Fighters’ setlist at Hampden Park on 17th June 2024:

• All My Life
• No Son of Mine
• The Pretender
• Times Like These (Dave and Rami only into full band)
• This Is a Call
• Guitar Solo / Sabotage / Keyboard Solo / Flower of Scotland / Blitzkrieg Bop / Whip It / March of the Pigs
• The Sky Is a Neighborhood
• Learn to Fly
• Skin and Bones(tour debut; acoustic with Rami on accordion)
• Ballad of the Beaconsfield Miners
• Nothing at All
• Unconditional
• Monkey Wrench
• Show Me How (with Violet Grohl) (tour debut)
• Aurora (dedicated to Taylor Hawkins)
• Best of You
• The Teacher

FOO FIGHERS ATTENDEES! To make London Stadium safe for everyone, there are restrictions on what you can bring to the venue Please see full list here: https://t.co/2yrKbKYSu0 CLARIFICATION: No bags bigger than A4 will be allowed, backpacks + waist packs will not be permitted pic.twitter.com/4chLovg0tu — London Stadium (@LondonStadium) June 15, 2024

Are there still tickets for Foo Fighters at London Stadium?

• There is a limited availability for Foo Fighters' dates at London Stadium visit Ticketmaster for more.

How to get to London Stadium:

London Stadium is served by the following Underground, Overground and National Rail stations:

Stratford Stratford International Pudding Mill Lane station Hackney Wick station

The stadium can be reached on the following bus services: 388, 308, 339, D8  

The closest car parks are situated within Westfield, but the stadium advises that much of the nearby roads will be shut down on the day of the event.

Please check tfl.gov.uk for more information leading up to the day of the event.

Visit the London Stadium's event page for more here.

Violet joins the Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl on stage in Glasgow

See Foo Fighters' remaining 2024 UK Tour dates:

• 20th June 2024: London Stadium (with Wet Leg and Shame)
• 22nd June 2024: London Stadium (with Courtney Barnett and Hot Milk)
• 25th June 2024 Principality Stadium, Cardiff (with Wet Leg and Himalayas)
• 27th June 2024 Villa Park, Birmingham (with Courtney Barnett and Hot Milk)
• Who is Foo Fighters' My Hero about?

More on Foo Fighters

See more More on Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters "will tour the UK in 2024"

Dave grohl hints foo fighters are mystery glastonbury act "the churnups", foo fighters' 2023 dates: where are the band playing, what does dave grohl whisper in everlong by foo fighters, dave grohl in his own words.

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Travel information for fans attending P!NK this weekend

Fans attending P!NK at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 15 June and Sunday 16 June are asked to take note of the following travel information, which includes details of TfL track closures...

Please be advised, there will be no trains calling at White Hart Lane on either show day. Frequent services are anticipated through Northumberland Park, Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale on Saturday and Sunday.

There are some scheduled track closures elsewhere around the capital on the TfL network including on the District Line, Circle Line, Metropolitan Line, Northern Line and the London Overground.

For further information on scheduled TfL track closures CLICK HERE.

For the latest travel news, fans should plan their journey using TfL.gov.uk and nationalrail.co.uk .

Fans are advised to use TfL’s Journey Planner for all the latest travel advice and leave plenty of time for their journey.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Getting Here

General Admission and Premium opening: 5pm

• The stadium is served by three stations over the weekend (Northumberland Park, Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters) providing access to London Underground, Greater Anglia services and numerous TfL buses
• Free high-capacity shuttle bus services to and from the Piccadilly Line at Wood Green and Greater Northern services at Alexandra Palace connect the stadium with other stations and services
• There is ample cycle parking around the stadium and walking routes to and from the stadium to stations and coach parks are all clearly signposted.  Stewards will also be on hand to answer any questions

Arrive early and stay after the concert to take advantage of the wide range of food outlets , bars and entertainment within the stadium.

Wherever fans are travelling from, particularly if they have never been to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before, we recommend taking the time to read the following information...

Tottenham Hale

Tottenham Hale is a fully accessible station with access to and between Victoria Line and Greater Anglia services. Greater Anglia platforms are fully accessible from the concourse, which has entry and exit ramps.

Fans using the Victoria Line, including wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, are advised to use Tottenham Hale rather than Seven Sisters as it is a shorter journey to and from the stadium.

Northumberland Park

Saturday 15 June

Greater Anglia will operate six trains per hour northbound via Northumberland Park in the two hours leading to gates opening. This service will operate between Liverpool Street and Hertford East, Liverpool Street and Audley End, Stratford and Meridian Water and Stratford and Bishops Stortford. The Stansted Express will call at Northumberland Park once per hour after the concert.

Before the concert there will be six trains per hour southbound between Audley End and Liverpool Street, Hertford East and Liverpool Street, Meridian Water and Stratford, respectively. After the concert, the southbound service will increase to 12 trains per hour, with all southbound trains calling at Tottenham Hale, Stratford and Liverpool Street. This increased service post-concert includes four Stansted Express trains.

CLICK HERE to view Saturday’s full Abellio Greater Anglia timetable...

Sunday 16 June

Greater Anglia will operate five trains per hour northbound via Northumberland Park before the concert. This service will operate between Liverpool Street and Hertford East, Liverpool Street and Audley End and Stratford and Meridian Water. The Stansted Express will call at Northumberland Park once per hour after the concert.

Before the concert there will be four trains per hour southbound between Audley End and Liverpool Street, Hertford East and Stratford, Meridian Water and Stratford, respectively. After the concert, the southbound service will increase to 10 trains per hour, with all southbound trains calling at Tottenham Hale, Stratford and Liverpool Street. This increased service post-concert includes four Stansted Express trains.

CLICK HERE to view Sunday’s full Abellio Greater Anglia timetable...

Fans are advised to use Northumberland Park if using Greater Anglia services as it is a shorter distance to the stadium than Tottenham Hale.

Seven Sisters

Victoria Line services will be operating every 2-3 minutes in both directions throughout the day until 11.30pm, when there will be six trains per hour throughout the night as part of the night tube service.

Post-concert

We expect approximately half the event attendees to depart the Tottenham area via the Victoria Line. Queues can be expected at the High Road entrance to Seven Sisters station. Northumberland Park and Tottenham Hale will be less busy with no significant delays expected at either station.

Fans are advised to avoid station queues and enjoy the food and drink available in the stadium.

General admission areas will call last orders at 10pm with bars closing at 10.30pm. Premium area bars will call last orders at 10.45pm with bars closing at 11pm and the stadium will close for all guests at 11.30pm.

General admission areas will call last orders at 9.30pm with bars closing at 10pm. Premium area bars will call last orders at 10.15pm with bars closing at 10.30pm and the stadium will close for all guests at 11pm.

The stadium is well-served by TfL buses, albeit with some services diverted during the road closure period (from two hours before kick-off until approximately one hour after the final whistle).

Bus diversions will be minimised, so they are back operating on the High Road as soon as possible after the final whistle.

Before and during a concert, services that normally run up and down the High Road (149, 259, 279 and 349) are diverted to the east of the stadium at Lansdowne Road, rejoining the High Road at the Northumberland Park junction.

Road closures

This map shows all the TfL bus stops around the stadium.

Download our TfL buses map

Buses from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Download a map of buses from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Area Overview Map

This map provides an overview of local transport options.

View full map

Road Closures

Please note we shall need to close some roads closest to the stadium before, during and after a concert.

More on road closures

If you’re feeling fit then why not cycle?

More on cycling to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Taxis and Private Hire

Information on Taxis and Private Hire

More on Taxis and Private Hire

From Station to Stadium

Stations map

We have installed wayfinding signage from all four train stations to the stadium.

Please refer to the digital wayfinding signs as you leave the stadium to your chosen station.

Please plan your walking route back to the stations as access routes into the stations are normally different due to post-concert queue management arrangements. Please listen to the advice of stewards and station staff.

We encourage fans to make use of the full length of the platform at each station. Moving down the length of the platform will speed up the loading of the trains and decrease the waiting times for your fellow spectators.

Travelling from Stansted Airport?

Follow this link to stanstedexpress.com  for details of the Stansted Express service from Stansted Airport into Tottenham Hale.

Shuttle Bus Services

Fans should note that the Club operates a service between the stadium and Alexandra Palace (Great Northern Services) and Wood Green (Piccadilly Line) stations.

The Great Northern Line will operate five trains per hour through Alexandra Palace throughout the day.

The Alexandra Palace and Wood Green shuttle services operate three hours before and two hours after the concert. However, fans are advised to arrive at the shuttle bus stop at least one hour before stadium arrival to allow for the travel time and security checks at the stadium.

Although the service is free for all fans attending a concert, you will need to register via the link below before booking and present your e-ticket to bus staff before entry onto a shuttle service.

Pre-book tickets

Service details

Alexandra Palace Station  (Great Northern Services)

Before a concert, shuttle buses pick-up from Station Road (opposite the station entrance) and drop-off outside Haringey Sixth Form College - a five-minute walk from the stadium. This journey is then reversed after a concert.

Wood Green Station  (Piccadilly Line services)

Before a concert, shuttle buses pick-up on the High Road (opposite the bus garage) from the existing rail replacement stop just 60m from the station and also drop-off at White Hart Lane, outside Haringey Sixth Form College. After the concert, the buses will drop fans outside the Green Rooms Hotel opposite Wood Green Station.

Car Parking

The Club is dedicated to minimising the environmental impacts of its activities across all Club operations, including through the promotion of alternative forms of transport for fans and staff.

As such, there is  no parking available  for general admission fans at the stadium.

The  road closures  also mean that,  if you choose to travel by car, you will not be able to exit any car parking facility within the road closure area  for one hour after the final whistle.

Therefore, in most cases, we discourage fans from driving to the stadium, so please explore your public transport options before travelling.

Accessible Parking

Parking for fans with a disability is available in and around the stadium, subject to availability. To request parking, please email [email protected]

For those who have booked accessible parking in advance, please be advised you will be sent the full information on your parking location with directions before the event.

Keeping you informed

Once you’re in the stadium, we shall endeavour to keep all spectators updated with  live transport information   so that you can plan your journey home after the concert. Fans are advised to check nationalrail.co.uk for full information.

With nearly 1,850 screens throughout the stadium, we’ll ensure that you do not miss any key information regarding public transport, as well as posting updates on Tottenham Hotspur Stadium social media.

Coach Parking

Coach parking can be booked in advance here

Coaches will park in the Goods Yard, which is less than a 10-minute walk from the stadium.

This map shows where coaches will park in the local area.

Download our coaches parking map

Should you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

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How to get tickets for Paul McCartney’s 2024 UK tour: presale, ticket prices and everything you need to know

Macca’s Got Back tour will come to the UK for several huge arena shows later this year

Paul McCartney’s last performance in the UK was his legendary set at Glastonbury 2022. Critics called it ‘ a masterclass from the greatest living cultural figure in this country’s history ’ and ‘ one of the most thrilling, uplifting, banger-filled, star-studded sets ’ that the festival had ever seen. 

If you missed out on seeing that show in person two years ago, now is your chance to make up for it. The Beatles icon has announced that he will finally be bringing his Got Back tour to the UK. 

Paul launched the tour in 2022 and has already taken it to cities across the US, Australia and South America, so we know a little bit about what to expect. Prepare to belt along to ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Live and Let Die’ and ‘Got to Get You into My Life’, alongside loads of other classics and some newer material.

Sound good? You bet it does? Here’s how you can get your hands on tickets for Got Back in the UK. 

When is Paul McCartney going on his UK tour 2024? 

Macca will be playing at Manchester ’s Co-op Live on Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15 . Then he’ll be at the O2 Arena in London on Wednesday December 18 and Thursday December 19 . 

When do tickets go on sale?

Get it in you diaries – tickets go on general sale on Ticketmaster here  from 10am on Friday June 21. 

Is there a presale? 

You bet. Presale for all four shows went live today (Wednesday June 19) at 10am. Find Manchester presale here  or become a Co-op member to be first in line. And, if you’re an O2 Priority member, find London presale here .  

How much are Paul McCartney tickets?

In the presale, tickets ranged massively in price – with some first tier tickets at the Co-op Live going for £107 and seats at the back of the O2 Arena in London priced at around £125 (excluding booking fees – up to £146 including them). 

The presale was criticised by face-value ticketing site Twickets  for the number of supposed touts that snapped up tickets and are attempting to sell them at extortionate prices (well over £500). As always, beware of buying from resale sites. 

Can I go VIP?

If you have the cash to splash, absolutely. Fans who book a VIP ticket at the O2 will get to enjoy VIP entrance to the arena, access to the VIP lounge and seats in the venue's VIP blocks.  

As a VIP at Manchester’s Co-op Live, you’ll get a complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink, premium refreshments, top-quality food, an exclusive merchandise shop and dedicated toilets. For more info, head to the official hospitality partner, Seat Unique .

Where else is Paul McCartney touring as part of his Got Back tour?

Before he lands on home soil, Paul will be playing shows across South America in October, then Paris and Madrid at the beginning of December. His London shows will mark the end of the tour. 

What has been said about the tour? 

On announcing his UK string of shows, Paul said: ‘I’m excited to be ending my year and 2024 tour dates in the UK. It’s always such a special feeling to play shows on our home soil. It’s going to be an amazing end to the year. Let’s get set to party. I can’t wait to see you.’

How to watch England at Euro 2024 for free, including TV schedule, channel and timings .

Stay in the loop: sign up to our   free Time Out UK newsletter   for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.

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New London-Sydney flight gets passengers to Australia even quicker

Want a fast flight from London to Sydney ? Don’t start at Heathrow .

That’s the message from an exclusive survey of flight times conducted by The Independent . It coincides with a new ultra-fast link between the two cities – cutting the time to just 21 hours and 40 minutes.

The Singapore Airlines link from Gatwick will slice half-an-hour from the existing fastest flight time of 22h10m, which is on Emirates from Stansted .

The Independent has studied the fastest links on all the UK airports with one-stop connections to Sydney for Saturday 22 June – the day Singapore Airlines starts flying from Gatwick for the first time.

With a transfer time of just 55 minutes in Singapore, it represents the fastest journey since the Russian invasion of Ukraine extended trips. The most direct route from London to Sydney involves hours of flying over Russian territory and passes overhead Hong Kong. With the airspace closed to most airlines, planes must follow a much longer track.

Third-fastest also goes to Gatwick, with the morning flight on Emirates via Dubai connecting for Sydney in a total of 22h15m

Heathrow makes an appearance in fourth place, with a flight time of 22h30m on Singapore Airlines.

This is a tie with the journey time from three other UK airports: Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester .

All come in joint fourth with 22h30m on Emirates via Dubai . The Glasgow time, with a 70-minute connection, is particularly impressive because the Scottish airport is 228 miles further from Dubai than is Gatwick.

Next fastest: 22h35m on Emirates from Gatwick: departs 2.30pm, arrives 10.05pm next day. Connection in Dubai: 95 minutes.

To round off the table: another Gatwick flight, on China Southern via Guangzhou, is scheduled to take 22h40m.

The two airlines that fly direct from London to Sydney, ie without a change of plane, are significantly slower. British Airways is scheduled to take 23 hours while Qantas is 25 minutes slower.

Bargain hunters will need to be patient. On Skyscanner, the cheapest one-way flight is £616 on China Eastern from Gatwick, with a wait of almost eight hours in Shanghai.

Flights back from Sydney to the UK are slower because of prevailing winds. Singapore Airlines wins again with a time of 22h40m – but to Heathrow, not Gatwick. This has the shortest connection of any link studied, just 50 minutes at the South East Asian hub.

The only other flights to make it back to the UK in under 24 hours are both on Emirates: to Manchester (23h50m) and Newcastle (23h55m).

From the winter schedules, overall flight times will get even quicker – with Emirates from Stansted via Dubai coming in at 21h25m thanks to a swift one-hour connection in Dubai. The Singapore Airlines link from Gatwick is five minutes faster than now, with just 50 minutes between flights.

Qantas is planning nonstop flights between London Heathrow and Sydney from “mid-2026”, using a specially configured Airbus A350 jet. The journey is likely to take around 20 hours, though if Russian airspace opens up it could be an hour quicker.

The Australian airline has been flying nonstop from Heathrow to Perth since 2018, with a pause during the pandemic – with some nonstop flights serving Darwin instead while Western Australia remained closed.

Top 6 London–Sydney flights departing on Saturday 22 June 2024

21h40m Singapore Airlines from Gatwick: departs 10.15am, arrives 4.55pm next day. Connection in Singapore: 55 minutes.

22h10m Emirates from Stansted: departs 2.55pm, arrives 5.20pm next day. Connection in Dubai: 75 minutes.

22h15m Emirates from Gatwick: departs 9am, arrives 10.05pm next day. Connection in Dubai: 90 minutes.

22h30m Singapore Airlines from Heathrow: departs 9.25am, arrives 4.55pm next day. Connection in Singapore: 105 minutes.

22h35m Emirates from Gatwick: departs 2.30pm, arrives 10.05pm next day. Connection in Dubai: 95 minutes.

22h40 China Southern from Gatwick: departs 12 noon, arrives 7.40pm next day. Connection in Guangzhou: 85 minutes.

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