Three Days in London

Planning a last-minute trip with your loved one? Fancy some afternoon tea during the weekend getaway? Want to have a memorable family vacation? Here is our recommended three-day tour including thrilling experience in the Harry Potter magical world on day one, historic Gothic architecture visit on day two and international food tasting session on day three.

photo by Big_ashb on FlickrCC

Day 1: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Have you ever wondered what is behind the magical kingdom of Harry Potter? How does the famous butterbeer taste like? What does the gigantic forbidden forest set look like?

Our first stop in London is at the Warner Bros. Studio, a Harry Potter fan’s must-visit. In here not only you can find the iconic sets, the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, Platform 9¾ and the Diagon Alley, but also the hand-made props and original, high-quality costumes. To discover the magic behind the film, there is an art department and exhibitions dedicated to visual, sound and creature effects. If you are interested in the garments, the studio also offers a ‘Behind the Seams’ workshop where you can take a closer look at your favourite character’s costumes.

After the tour, get some refreshment at the Hub Café or the Chocolate Frog Café, its design is similar to the chocolate frog package that Harry Potter had in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone movie.

Just a friendly reminder that you can upgrade your ticket and get a complete studio tour package which includes the studios tour ticket, a digital and paperback guidebook!

Soho – London – photo by Luc Mercelis on Flickr CC

Soho

Whether you are looking for some international cuisine, or high-end boutiques, or all of the above, Soho London has it all.

Soho is at the West End of London, nearby stations are Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road and Piccadilly Circus Station. Stroll around the Oxford street and Carnaby street, and you are bound to see the latest and fashionable women and men clothing from Lazy Oaf, PRL, Scotch & Soda to the Kooples and the Face. Brands such as Acne Studios, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London and A.P.C. can be found in one of the most famous and luxury department stores, Liberty. It is located at the Regent Street and houses multiple prestigious clothing brands, top-notch tech accessories, well-designed housewares, one-of-a-kind organic fabrics and much more.

In Soho, there are a myriad of world-class dining places and one of the best restaurants in Soho is definitely Burger & Lobster. Affordable price, excellent presentation and mouth-watering food are what attracts Londoners and tourists around the world. With 22 pounds, they offer you an original whole lobster or lobster roll. An original burger with Nebraskan beef patty is priced at 12.5 pounds only.

Day 2: Buckingham Palace

The royal palace, Buckingham Palace is situated near the St. James park station. Almost everyday at 11:00 in the morning, there is a changing of the Guard ceremony.

Tourists are welcome to explore the magnificent state rooms, the glamorous white drawing room, the classy Ballroom, Throne room, and the lovely garden which only opened during the summer. You can also walk around the Picture Gallery where they displayed some greatest paintings in the Royal collection, and the paintings are changed from time to time.

During summertime, visitors can walk up the Grand staircase to the State rooms. At the upper part of the stunning staircases are portraits of Queen Victoria’s family. If you are interested to know the story behind each furniture, paintings, and objects, Royal Collection Trust has all their details online!

Big Ben

Palace of Westminster

After the visit to Buckingham Palace, take a 20-minute walk towards the River Thames and you will be amazed by the spectacular Gothic building, Palace of Westminster. It is next to Westminster station and the Westminster Bridge. The palace is also known as the House of Parliament and was rebuilt in 1847 after being destroyed by the Great fire in 1834.

Inside the Palace, there is the Robing Room where the Queen puts on her crown and robe before she walks into the House of Lords. You will be impressed by the Lords Chamber. This room is where Sovereign, the Lords and the Commons meet so the Chamber is lavishly designed. There are also the St Stephen’s Chapel, the Royal Gallery and St Stephen’s Hall that are waiting for you to explore!

Several iconic landmarks are also located in this area, the world-famous Big Ben is situated at the north end of the Palace. Opposite River Thames is one of the top London attractions, the London Eye. A thrilling haunted house, the London Dungeon and a family-friendly attraction, SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium are both next to the London Eye. If you would like to take a break after a long tour, Trafalgar Square is only a station away.

Day 3: Borough market

Craving for some delicious street food? Borough market is your place. Located near the London Bridge station, the market is divided into three areas. There is the Three Crown Square for tasty fresh food right next to the tube station. Another area for fresh produce is on Cathedral Street and Bedale Street, called the Green Market while Borough Market Kitchen are packed with shops, dining and drinking areas.

Retails and restaurants are scattered around Borough market. If you are a fan of confectionery, like liquid sea salt caramels, you must stop at Artisan du Chocolat. It specialises in making savoury chocolate from ground beans. Borough Cheese Company sells dairy and eggs, their wheels of French comte cheese and Holland raw milk are must-try.

While most of the food stalls take cash only, there are cash machines in the market so no panic, get ready and indulge in the heavenly food.

photo by Marceline on Flickr CC

Afternoon Tea

Fish and chips, Sunday roast, shepherd’s pie, not to mention the afternoon tea are must-have British food. One of the well-liked British chained café, Patisserie Valerie offers a great deal, £25 for afternoon tea (two persons). From mini sandwiches, chocolate éclairs, mixed berry mousse slice to scones, you name it!

Here is a quick tip on how to properly eat a scone. Break it into two pieces by hand, put the strawberry and raspberry jam and clotted cream on top of both pieces and dig in! Some people put cream first before jam while some do the opposite. That depends on which style you opt for and my recommendation: why not try both!

We have done all the hard work planning your vacation, so you can relax, get a ticket and start the adventure. For the flights to London, why not book your flight with Cathay Pacific for their amazing flight experience.

Have a safe flight and enjoy London!

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