One of the most popular is the London Pass. To save time and money when visiting London for the first time I would consider buying a sightseeing pass. Public holidays (called ‘Bank’ holidays in the UK are December 25/26, Jan 1st, Good Friday and Easter Monday, the first and last Mondays in May and the last Monday of August).This should enable you to see and enjoy some of London’s major sights and landmarks. My answer to the question, ‘How long should I plan to stay in London?” is at least 3 to 4 days. If you panic in crowds or in confined spaces avoid the underground around this time, particularly around Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. Thousands of visitors throng the streets and fill underground stations. If you plan to visit London in winter but want to avoid the busy season you will find January and February is quieter and as it is low season prices are lower too. London in December is always busy and if you (like me) can’t resist the beautiful Christmas lights, markets and shops keep in mind that the weekends before and after the holidays are the worst. Museums and art galleries can also be more crowded than usual. Weekends and public holidays* can also be fairly hectic in London especially around popular shopping areas such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden. While London is not a particularly budget-friendly destination at any time of year you will find hotel prices are particularly steep during peak season. July and August is peak tourist season in the UK with many Brits as well as overseas visitors heading to the capital for their holidays. However, it gets even busier and more crowded during school holiday periods particularly in the summer months of July and August.
London is the most popular city in the UK for visitors from all over the world and is busy all year round.
Deciding when to visit the UK is the first step in my UK trip planner and if London is your first destination you may also be considering just how long you need to spend in London.