2 days in London, Oxford and the Cotswolds

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningPick your rooms

   British Museum

   One of the great museums of the world, with treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and the Rosetta Stone. Choose two or three rooms and stay with them.

   Go when Morning, as soon as it opens.

   Local tip Go straight to the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian rooms before the crowds build, then wander. No one sees it all in a day.

   

   About 26 min walk1.3 mi
2. 2
   MiddayWorth the time

   St Paul’s Cathedral

   The grand domed church designed by Christopher Wren. Look at the dome from outside, step in and look up, then decide if you want to climb. Check ahead for visiting.

   Go when Midday, after the museum.

   Local tip Look at the dome from the steps first. If you climb, the Whispering Gallery lets you hear a voice from the far side. Check ahead for the climb.

   

3. Lunch

   Fish and chips

   Crisp battered fish and thick chips, with salt and vinegar and sometimes mushy peas. A classic that has been a London meal for generations.

   Local tip Take it out and eat it on a bench by the river if the weather is kind.

   

   About 21 min walk1.0 mi
4. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Tower of London

   A fortress and palace on the river, home of the Crown Jewels and of the guards called Yeoman Warders. Allow a good part of the afternoon.

   Go when Afternoon, with plenty of time to spare.

   Local tip Join a talk by one of the guards, called Yeoman Warders, who tell the history with a lot of humor. Look for the ravens on the lawn.

   

   About 20 min walk1.0 mi
5. 4
   AfternoonPick your floors

   Tate Modern

   A museum of modern and contemporary art inside a huge old power station. Walk through the great hall and pick one or two floors.

   Go when Afternoon, then walk out along the river.

   Local tip Go up to the viewing level at the top for a wide look over the city before you leave.

   

6. Dinner

   Dinner on the South Bank

   A strip of restaurants and food stalls along the river. A good place to eat and watch the lights come up across the water.

   Local tip Book ahead for a table with a river view, or walk a few streets back for a quieter one.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Westminster Abbey

   The great church where kings and queens are crowned and where many famous people are buried. Walk the nave slowly and look for Poets’ Corner.

   Go when Morning, as early as you can.

   Local tip Check ahead, as the abbey closes for services and special events. Look for the small corner of the poets, which is easy to miss.

   

   About 2 min walk0.1 mi
2. 2
   MorningWorth a short look

   Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

   The long Gothic building on the river, with the clock tower at one end. Big Ben is the name of the bell inside the tower. Look at it from Westminster Bridge.

   Go when Morning, from Westminster Bridge.

   Local tip The best view of the whole building is from the middle of the bridge, with the river in front. Tours inside are arranged ahead, so check first.

   

3. Lunch

   A pub lunch

   A traditional pub serves a pie, a sandwich or a plate of cheese and bread with a pint or a pot of tea. Choose an old pub with wood and brass inside.

   Local tip Order at the bar, and you usually find your own table.

   About 15 min walk0.7 mi
4. 3
   MiddayWorth a short look

   Buckingham Palace

   The home of the royal family in London, at the end of a wide tree-lined road. Look at it from the gates and the memorial in front. Check ahead for the Changing of the Guard and for what is open.

   Go when Late morning, if the Changing of the Guard is on.

   Local tip Walk to the palace through the park rather than along the road. The Changing of the Guard is not held every day, so check ahead.

   

   About 16 min walk0.8 mi
5. 4
   AfternoonPick your rooms

   National Gallery

   A museum of European painting on the north side of the square, from the Middle Ages to the 1800s. Choose a few rooms and take your time.

   Go when Afternoon, then rest in the square outside.

   Local tip Choose a century and stay in it. The small rooms of the early Italian painters are quieter than the great halls.

   

6. Dinner

   A proper meat pie

   A British pie is a pastry case filled with slow-cooked meat in gravy, served with mashed potato and peas. A warm, filling dinner after a day of walking.

   Local tip Look for the pies with a lid on top, and order mash and gravy on the side.