London: Part 1 of My Spring Adventure
Real insights, helpful tips, and a few sips of cask ale
This spring, I had the chance to explore two of my favourite European cities — London and Paris — and I’m so excited to share the highlights and insider tips with you. This post is all about London — where to stay, how to get around, what to eat (and drink), and how to make the most of your time. Whether you’re a first-timer or planning a return trip, I hope this helps you plan a smoother, more memorable experience.
Getting There: Direct from St. John's to London
Right now, WestJet offers direct flights from St. John’s to London Gatwick — a huge bonus for those of us in Newfoundland! The flight is overnight, which sounds great in theory, but it’s not quite long enough for a solid sleep. So, my best advice is: be prepared to arrive tired.
That said, customs and immigration at Gatwick were a breeze. From there, you have several ways to get into the city, but we chose the train — and I highly recommend it. The station is located right in the airport, and with a contactless card or Apple Pay, you can skip the long ticket lines and tap your way through the gate directly onto the platform.
Gatwick Train Tips:
Gatwick Express is a little more comfortable, but Thameslink or Southern Railway can be just as fast and far more affordable — just check how many stops the train makes before you hop on.
Avoid peak carriages if you have large luggage — look for less crowded ones with space on the luggage racks.
Travel time into central London is around 30–40 minutes, and I’d estimate about 1–1.5 hours total from landing to hotel.
Where We Stayed: The Tower Hotel
We stayed at The Tower Hotel, located just next to the iconic Tower Bridge. It’s a large property that offers great value, especially when you consider the location and included breakfast.
What We Loved:
Roomy by European standards, with a spacious bathroom.
Daily breakfast included, with a great variety of hot and cold options.
For a little extra, you can snag a room with a view of Tower Bridge — such a treat, especially at night.
Within walking distance of the London Bridge station and just 5 minutes from Tower Hill Underground.
Steps away from Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and St. Katharine Docks — a charming local dining area that feels delightfully untouristy.
A Few Caveats:
The hotel is a bit dated and the elevators can be slow — we were on the 2nd floor and often took the stairs, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Hotel bars and restaurants are on the pricier side, but Vue Bar’s view of the Tower Bridge at night was well worth the splurge for a cocktail or two.
Travel Agent Pro Tip:
Book and pay for early check-in. With an overnight flight, this was one of the best decisions we made. Instead of wandering the city exhausted or camping in the lobby, we had a room ready and waiting. Worth every penny.
Seeing the Sights: Pre-Booking is Key
We had a packed itinerary, and we pre-booked most of our attractions. It helped us:
Budget ahead and lock in activities when the exchange rate was more favourable.
Avoid disappointment — some of London’s top attractions don’t allow walk-up visitors or sell out well in advance.
Skip lines and stay on schedule — which is key when every minute counts.
A Must-See Hidden Gem:
If you’ve never heard of the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, put it on your radar. It’s a centuries-old tradition — but tickets are limited and released once a month. They go fast, so be ready the moment they’re released.
Should You Get the London Pass?
We used the multi-day London Pass and did the math — it made sense for us on paper, but we were a little too ambitious with our planning. We ended up skipping a few things and just broke even. Still, I’d recommend it if you plan to visit several included attractions, especially for:
Skip-the-line access
Upfront budgeting
Planning peace of mind
Getting Around: The Tube & Beyond
The London Underground and buses were incredibly easy to use. We used contactless cards via Apple Pay with zero issues. Google Maps was surprisingly reliable for navigation and transit planning.
A few notes:
Good walking shoes are a must. Cobblestones, stairs, and long distances add up quickly.
Choose a hotel close to a tube station — it’ll save you time and sore feet.
Hop-On Hop-Off: What to Know
We tried the Big Bus London hop-on hop-off tour — and while it was fun, there are a few things to know:
The blue route is long. Really long. We had to abandon it mid-loop and hop on the Tube so we wouldn’t miss our evening show.
The red route is shorter and covers most of the same ground — definitely a better option if you’re short on time.
Day Trips & Deeper Dives
🏰 Day in the Cotswolds
We did a fantastic day trip with Shakespeare Coaches — a family-run company offering small group tours. The Cotswolds were peaceful, picturesque, and full of charm. A lovely contrast to busy London.
🎾 Wimbledon
Did you know you can tour the Wimbledon grounds? As tennis fans, this was a highlight. It’s about an hour from the city centre, so give yourself time — but absolutely worth the trip.
A Taste of Britain: Food & Drink Highlights
London is a foodie’s dream — from pub classics to elegant afternoon tea. A few favourites from our trip:
Sunday Roast at The Dean Swift — cozy, hearty, and local.
Steak & Ale pie in the Cotswolds — the real deal.
Afternoon tea at Dean Street Townhouse — a lovely and leisurely experience.
Historic pub tour — trying cask ales in some of the city’s oldest watering holes.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese — this pub is a time capsule and an experience all on its own.
If I Could Do It Again…
I’d add more days or build in downtime. Our schedule was jam-packed, and while we made the most of every moment, it would have been nice to slow the pace just a little. London is a city to explore, but also to experience — and that takes time.
Final Thoughts: First-Time London Tips from a Travel Pro
If you’re planning your first visit:
Pack comfortable, supportive footwear — cobblestones are no joke.
Choose a hotel near a Tube station for easy access around the city.
Book popular attractions in advance — especially those that require timed entry.
Don’t underestimate how much walking you’ll do.
And if you're flying overnight — pay for early hotel check-in. You’ll thank me.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Paris, where I’ll share more personal stories, helpful tips, and my favourite finds from the City of Light.
If London is on your list — or even on your maybe list — I’d love to help you plan a trip that’s stress-free, well-paced, and full of the kinds of experiences you’ll remember forever.
Reach out anytime — I’m here to make it easy.