August 5, 2025 • 19 mins
We share 12 common mistakes first-time visitors make when planning a trip to London, along with alternative suggestions for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Our practical advice is based on decades of experience visiting and living in London, as well as helping thousands plan their perfect trips.
• Overpacking your itinerary – focus on one area per day instead of racing across the city
• Booking attractions too late – secure popular experiences as soon as you confirm your dates
• Not planning meals – research restaurants near attractions to avoid wasting time when hungry
• Confusion about tipping – check if service charge is included and remember it's not expected everywhere
• Misunderstanding transport – download TfL Go or Citymapper apps to find the quickest routes
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes – prioritise comfort for London's extensive walking
• Staying too far from central London – zones 1-2 locations save time and sometimes money
• Missing lesser-known attractions – explore hidden gems like Shad Thames and St Dunstan's
• Not checking opening hours – many attractions close certain days or have limited hours
• Ignoring jet lag – keep your arrival day light and consider pre-booking your room from the night before
• Letting your guard down – stay vigilant in crowded areas and secure your belongings
• Skipping guided tours – local guides provide insights you can't get on your own
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review or share it with friends planning a trip to London. Visit our website for all the resources mentioned today.
📝 Show Notes - Episode 161
🎧 Listen to next
- Episode #132 – London 2025: 12 Essential Tips for Planning Your Perfect Trip
- Episode #148 – Navigating London Safely: Essential Tips for Visitors
- Episode #105 – Top 10 London Experiences: Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Adventure
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Planning your first trip to London, don't let these
common mistakes ruin it Fromoverpacking your itinerary to
missing out on popularexperiences.
We're sharing 12 things toavoid and what to do instead to
make your visit smoother,smarter and more enjoyable.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
Your host is the founder of theUK Travel Planning website,
tracy Collins.
In this podcast, tracy sharesdestination guides, travel tips
and itinerary ideas, as well asinterviews with a variety of
guests who share their knowledgeand experience of UK travel to
help you plan your perfect UKvacation.
(00:37):
Join us as we explore the UKfrom cosmopolitan cities to
quaint villages, from historiccastles to beautiful islands,
and from the picturesquecountryside to seaside towns.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Hi and welcome to episode 161 of the UK Travel
Planning Podcast.
I'm Tracey.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
And I'm Doug, and in today's episode we're chatting
about 12 of the most commonmistakes some first-time
visitors make when planning atrip to London, and sharing what
to do instead so you can makethe most of your time in the
city.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
These are the kind of things we hear all the time,
from over packing your itineraryto not booking key attractions
in time, or choosingaccommodation that's not quite
as convenient as it seemed onthe map.
But just to say we're not hereto finger wag.
Doug and I have both lived andworked in London over the years
and we've been visiting the cityfor more than 50 years.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
We've seen the city evolve and understand it in a
way that goes beyond theguidebooks.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
So we're sharing practical, friendly advice based
on our experiences, the kind ofinsight you only get really
over decades of visiting and, ofcourse, helping thousands of
others do the same through ourwebsites, facebook groups and
itinerary consults.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
And before we get started, we want to say a big
thank you to some of our amazingsupporters who've been with the
podcast for over two yearsDanielle, deborah Venetta and
Tina.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Your continued support means so much to us and
helps keep the show running.
If you'd like to support thepodcast and we'd love you to you
can do so for as little asthree US dollars a month and get
a shout out in a future episode.
There's a link in the shownotes.
If you'd like to join them and,of course, we'd love to hear
from you you can leave us avoice message via Speakpipe.
The link's in the show notes,too, and if you include your
(02:20):
name and email, we'll be able toreply.
Right, let's get into it.
Here are the 12 most commonmistakes we see many travellers
make when visiting London forthe first time, and what to do
instead so you can have asmoother, smarter and more
enjoyable trip.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
Some of these might surprise you, and even if you've
been to London before, there'sprobably a tip or two in here
that will make your next visitthat little bit easier.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
So mistake number one is overpacking your itinerary.
So this one comes up all thetime, trying to fit too much
into one day.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
And, honestly, we've done this too.
You get excited, you make alist of everything you want to
see and, before you know it,your relaxed sightseeing day has
you sprinting across Londonbetween Tower Bridge and Harrods
.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Yes, and London does look walkable on a map.
We're not going to deny that.
But it's deceiving becauseeverything takes longer than you
think it's going to do.
And, for example, the Tube,it's great, but you've got to
change between lines, the stairs, escalators, all that time adds
up?
Speaker 3 (03:19):
It certainly does.
So we always recommend focusingon one area per day, don't we?
Yeah, we do.
For example, if you're going towestminster abbey, plan your
lunch nearby and maybe a walkalong the south bank.
Nice, yeah, uh.
Don't try to cram in thebritish museum too.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
It's not a good idea no, no, and we've actually got a
whole series of area guideswhich will help you with this
and I'll pop those in the linksin the show notes.
Those are on ourlondravelPlanningcom website.
So mistake number two isbooking things too late or not
at all.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
Yeah, this is a common one, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
We've had people saying you know, we're in London
and can't get tickets to theSky Garden or Harry Potter's
completely sold out.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
Yeah, and we do get it.
It's not always obvious whatneeds booking in advance, but in
london things do book out,especially during peak times
like summer school holidays andthe festive season afternoon
teas too.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
The west end shows the so many of the keys uh, the
tower of london.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
All these things have a limited capacity and often
sell out yeah, definitely someof the very popular afternoon
teas as well, though I meanthere's lots of afternoon teas
to choose from, but if there's aspecific one that you want to
do, I would check to book thatyeah.
So I mean we always recommendbooking your top three must-do
experiences anyway as soon asyou've locked in your date.
So that might be the London Eye, might be a guided tour or
(04:34):
might be a special dinner.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
And don't assume you can just show up either.
You might get lucky withsame-day tickets, especially for
theatres, but if you want thebest seats you're going to have
to book ahead.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Yeah, we've actually created a full guide to help
with this, including when tobook attractions, tours,
restaurants and more, and I'llpop the link in the show notes.
Basically, it's how far aheadshould you book for London?
Mistake number three is notplanning where or what to eat.
One mistake we've definitelymade ourselves is wasting time
wandering around trying to findsomething or somewhere to eat,
(05:06):
especially when you're tired,hungry and just want something
decent yes, and I can really eatinto your day.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Well, no pun intended , um, but you end up frustrated
or setting for something that'sjust okay, really yeah, we
always recommend planning aheador just choosing a lunch spot
near where your sight's seeing.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
That can save a lot of stress and time.
So markets, meal deals, publunches, whatever suits your day
, just have a rough plan.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Yeah, and for dinner, especially the popular
restaurants, or if you want aSunday lunch, you're going to
have to book ahead.
The good ones do fill up fast,even on the weeknights.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
Yeah, absolutely so.
A good tool to help with thisis our London itinerary planning
map.
It's got restaurants, cafes andbakeries pinned on it and you
can filter by area on your phonewhile you're out and about, so
it's super handy.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
Yeah, most definitely .
If you want to explore the citythrough its food, we always
recommend doing a food tour,like the Devour Tours.
It's a great intro into thelocal scene and takes the
decision making off your plate.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Oh, you're full of puns today, Doug.
So mistake number four isgetting confused about tipping
and when to carry cash.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
Yeah, that's right.
So tipping in the UK can beconfusing, especially if you
come from a country with astrong tipping culture.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
Yep, that's true, and the big thing to note is that
many London restaurants alreadyinclude a 10% to 12.5% service
charge on the bill, especiallyin sit-down places, so it's
always a good idea to checkbefore you then add another tip.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
Yeah, so if it's not included and the service was
good, adding 10% or more isappreciated, but it's not
expected in the same way as itis in some other countries,
that's true, and in pubs, whenyou order drinks at the bar or
if you're in a fast food place,tipping isn't expected.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
you just pay what's on the bill.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
Yeah, one situation where you might want to tip,
though.
If you're doing a tour, it's anice gesture to give a small
cash tip, especially if theguide or the driver you know
went above and beyond their job.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Yeah, definitely, just make sure that it's in
British pounds, oh yes, so it'sworth counting a small amount of
cash for things like tips andmarket stalls or public toilets,
but most places in Londonexcept cards and in fact some
places are entirely cashless yep, they are absolutely, and we
have got a guide on the websiteto cash using cash or cards in
(07:21):
the UK, and we also have a fullguide to tipping as well, with
example scenarios, and I willlink to both of those in the
show notes.
Now, mistake number five is notunderstanding the transport
system.
Now, while the tube is amazingand it is, it's fast, efficient
both of those in the show notesNow, mistake number five is not
understanding the transportsystem.
Now, while the tube is amazingand it is, it's fast, efficient
and iconic, it's not always thebest choice, especially for
short distances.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
No, that's true.
I mean, I do know from othersthat it can be quite
overwhelming at first.
I've had, you know, many, manyyears of using it, so you know
changing underground lines orstations can sometimes take a
little longer than expected,especially if there's lots of
walking between platforms, whichthere is.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Yeah, absolutely well .
We always suggest downloadingthe Transport for London Go app
or CityMapper, because they'reboth brilliant and they'll show
you the quickest route and evenlet you know if it's faster to
walk, which it can be.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
Yeah, a lot of you see a lot of first-time visitors
do default to the tube foreverything, but sometimes
hopping on a red on the bus canbe a bit of a better experience
oh, yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Well, I'm just thinking it's been very, very
hot in London recently and, tobe honest, for me, I would not
want to be on the undergroundwhen it's that hot.
And so do mix it up when you'rein London, don't automatically
jump on that underground,because you miss out on so much
when you're under London insteadof actually above ground and
seeing it.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
And one more thing we've got four guys on using the
tube, buses, boats, black cabsand more on the London travel
planning website.
If you're not sure which optionto choose, we've got you
covered absolutely.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Now mistake number six is wearing the wrong shoes.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Yes, yes, you've been there, haven't you, tracy?
You know, wrong shoes, painful,feet, grumpy.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
You call me grumpy.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
I'm never grumpy, yeah, okay well, yeah, that is
true.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
There's nothing worse than getting a blister on your
foot on the first day.
Now, london days are long.
You're going to walk a lot.
I we've done 25 000 plus stepsa day and that mounts up.
So if you already get a blisterfirst day, you're going to be
cursing it by the second orthird day, I tell you.
You know, there are cobblestonestairs, wet pavements,
escalators and your feet aredefinitely gonna feel it that's
(09:23):
definitely yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
So I suppose the secret is not to wear brand new
shoes.
Make sure you break them infirst yeah, well, I always do.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
I make sure that I've got my comfy trainers, all my
boots, and they're honestly mybest friends when I go walking
in london.
Um, save your high heels fordinner if you must, but during
the day, honestly, be kind toyour feet.
Now, mistake number seven isstaying too far from the center
of london.
Now, on paper that hotel inzone four might look like a
bargain, but honestly, thereality is long tube ride.
(09:52):
You might miss connections.
Late night journeys back fromthe theatre just no fun yeah,
yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
We've heard so many people say that haven't we?
We didn't realize how far itwas to travel.
Sometimes they spent more timecommuting than actually
sightseeing that's absolutelytrue.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Now london's transport system is divided into
zones, with zone one and zonetwo covering the central area,
where most of the mainattractions are, like
Westminster, covent Garden andthe Tower of London.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
So once you get into zone 3 or 4 and beyond, travel
times increase and so can thecost, especially if you're
making multiple trips a day.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
That's true.
So that's why we always suggeststaying in zones 1 or 2 if
possible.
It might cost a little bit moreupfront, but it saves you time,
stress and sometimes even moneywhen you factor in transport
costs.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
Yeah, and being able to walk back to your hotel in
the evening, that's worth a lot,especially after a long day out
oh, that is absolutely for sure.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
So mistake number eight is skipping lesser known
attractions.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
That's right.
Everyone goes to the Tower ofLondon, buckingham Palace and
Westminster Abbey, and quiteright.
But London has so much more tooffer if you're willing to
explore beyond the tourist trail.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
That's right, and that's where the hidden gems
comes in, and they often end upbeing people's favourite part of
the trip.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
That's true.
One of my favourites is theShad Thames.
It's tucked behind the TowerBridge with cobbled streets,
warehouses, great river viewsand it's so atmospheric it is,
and you get some fantasticphotos as well.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
We've got some great selfies with Tower Bridge in the
background.
I also love St Dunstan's in theEast, which is a ruined church
that's been turned into a publicgarden.
Honestly, it feels like a bitof a secret oasis in the middle
of the city.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Yeah, that's yeah.
Then you've also got LenhallMarket, which dates back to the
14th century and was used, Ibelieve, in the Harry Potter
films.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
I think so.
And then you've got places likeLittle Venice where the canals
meet and you can take a scenicwalk or boat ride to Camden.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
It's such a peaceful part of the city yeah, that's
right, and don't forget the SkyGarden as well.
That's free to visit and youcan get some incredible views
over london from the top of thewalkie talkie building that's
true.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Now we've put together a full guide to
london's hidden gems on thewebsite, and they've got 37
different ideas for you fromsecret gardens and quirky
museums to historic pubs and artfilled tunnels so I think it's
worth checking out certainly is.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
So if you've you've been to London before or just
want to get off the beaten track, definitely check that out.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
Yeah, for sure.
So we'll link to that as wellin the show notes.
Now, number nine is notchecking opening days and hours.
Now this one really tripspeople, including me.
I tried to visit the LondonSilver Vault earlier this year
only to discover that they'reclosed on Sundays after I had
gone there to check it out.
But I didn't check the websiteahead of time.
(12:31):
So you need to know that,honestly, some attractions don't
open every day and many placesclose earlier than you'd expect,
especially winter or around theholidays.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Yeah, that's true, and it's also worth noting that
opening hours in London can belater than many visitors expect.
That includes cafes, shops andmuseums.
Some don't open until around 10o'clock.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
That kind of always throws our Australian friends
off, doesn't?
Speaker 3 (12:53):
it.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
They don't stay open late either.
Most shops close by 6pm, and onSundays many shut as early as 4
or 5.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
Some museums and galleries do have late opening
times, though, but usuallythat's just once a week.
For example, the British Museumstays open till 8.30pm on
Fridays.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Yeah, I mean, those late night openings are pretty
good, but do check on thewebsites for those.
And it's also important to knowthat major attractions like
Windsor Castle aren't open everyday, and this has tripped up so
many people that when we'vespoken to people on consults,
it's typically open thursday tomonday.
So it's closed tuesdays andwednesdays, but they can also
(13:33):
close unexpectedly for royalevents that's true, and it's not
just the big names either.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
You know, afternoon teas spots and galleries and
smaller venues often havesometimes quirky hours or
midweek closures.
A quick check of their websites, though, usually, uh, saves any
disappointment and a lot oftime.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
For example, I wish I'd done that when I went to the
silver vault earlier this year.
Okay, so mistake number 10 isnot planning for jet lag on, or
what plan and what you're goingto do on your arrival day you
know?
Speaker 3 (14:03):
yeah, that's true.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
If you land in london full of excitement and full of
beans and ready to go and try tocram in a whole day of
sightseeing by two o'clock,you'll be falling asleep yeah,
honestly, your body clock willbe all over the place and you
know if your room is not readyand you're stuck wandering
around with luggage and you'vegot no energy, it's not the best
time to try and do loads ofstuff in London.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
That's true, I mean.
One great tip is to book yourhotel from the night before,
especially if you're arrivingvery early in the morning.
That way you can check straightin and freshen up.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Yeah, and also I would recommend that you keep
that first day light.
Maybe just take a gentle walkalong the Thames, grab a bite to
eat, just explore a little bit.
Don't rush around and kind ofover plan your day now.
This isn't London I'm going tomention, but I remember being in
Rome a few years ago and somepeople landed from Canada and
they booked a tour of theVatican museums and they lasted
(14:54):
20 minutes and then they had totap out and go to the hotel.
It was a lot of money that waswasted.
So recommend that you reallyconsider what you're going to do
yeah, I mean we recommend this.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
One other touchdown tours we discover real London
black cabs, don't wait.
I mean we recommend thetouchdown tours with Discover
Real London.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Black.
Speaker 3 (15:07):
Cabs, don't we?
Yeah, I mean, they'll pick youup when you land and give you a
fantastic tour of the citywithout any stress of navigating
.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
Yeah, when you're tired, yeah, and they can drop
you off at the hotel afterwardsand it's a really great way to
ease into your trip.
You know London will still bethere tomorrow.
Just don't let jet lag ruinyour first impression.
Yeah, that's true mistake.
Number 11 is letting your guarddown in busy places.
Now, london is generally a safecity, but, like any major
(15:34):
capital around the world, it'snot immune to pickpockets and
petty crime, especially in busytourist spots that's true.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Yeah, you need to stay vigilant everywhere these
days that's true.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
So now use, I use and I recommend a zipped crossbody
bag.
Don't wave your phone aroundand be really mindful in crowds,
especially if you're distractedor you're stopping to take
photos or look for directions.
Speaker 3 (15:56):
Yeah, and your passport.
Best to leave that in the safein the hotel room and not carry
it around with you.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
Yeah, well, we actually have got a full episode
on this.
It's episode 148, and it's allabout staying safe in london.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
Now we cover things like avoiding scams, protecting
your money and staying safe onpublic transport yeah, it's
definitely worth the list if youwant to feel a bit more
confident about getting aroundyeah, and I've also filmed a
youtube video where I share myfavorite anti-theft bags and
travel accessories.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
so if you're wondering what to bring or how
to keep your belongings safe,that's a good one to watch.
So if you search UK TravelPlanet on YouTube and look for
the video about bags andaccessories, you'll find it, but
I will also share the link inthe show notes as well.
Now our last mistake is mistakenumber 12, not booking a tour.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
So many people skip tours.
They think that they can justfigure it out as they go along
themselves.
But, honestly, many people skiptours.
They think that they could justfigure it out as they go along
themselves.
But, honestly, a good tour cancompletely transform your
experiences of London.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
Yep, I totally agree.
Whether it's a walking tour, afood tour or a black cab
experience, a great guidedoesn't just tell you facts.
You know they're going tounlock stories, they're going to
give you perspectives you'venever discovered on your own,
and you often get to see or dothings you simply couldn't
without being part of a tour,and you walk away having really
learned something yeah, that'strue.
Speaker 3 (17:09):
We've experienced tours with fantastic companies
like devour walks and discoverreal london, and every time we
come away with something new,even in places we thought we
knew inside out yeah, that'sabsolutely true.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
So if you want to go beyond the surface and truly
experience london, its history,its food, its culture, booking a
tour is one of the smartestthings that you can do.
So that basically wraps upepisode 161 of the uk travel
planner podcast.
We hope today's tips help youavoid some of the most common
travel mistakes and enjoy asmoother, more memorable trip to
(17:41):
london.
Speaker 3 (17:42):
If you've got questions about your trip or
travel tip of your own to share,we'd love to hear from you.
Just leave us a voice messageusing speakpipe.
You will find the link in theshow notes.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
Yes, and also don't forget to check the show notes
for links to all the resourceswe mentioned, from our London
guides and YouTube videos totour recommendations and
articles.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
If you found this episode helpful.
We'll be so grateful if you'dleave a quick rating or review,
or share the podcast with afriend who's planning a trip.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Perfectly Well.
That just leaves us Until nexttime, happy.
Uk travel planning.
Thank you for tuning in to thisweek's episode of the UK Travel
Planning Podcast.
As always, show notes can befound at uktravelplanningcom.
If you've enjoyed the show, whynot leave us feedback via text
or a review on your favouritepodcast app?
(18:31):
We love to hear from you andyou never know, you may receive
a shout out in a future episode.
But, as always, that justleaves me to say until next week
.
Happy UK travel planning.
Planning your first trip to London, don't let these
common mistakes ruin it Fromoverpacking your itinerary to
missing out on popularexperiences.
We're sharing 12 things toavoid and what to do instead to
make your visit smoother,smarter and more enjoyable.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to the UK Travel Planning Podcast.
Your host is the founder of theUK Travel Planning website,
tracy Collins.
In this podcast, tracy sharesdestination guides, travel tips
and itinerary ideas, as well asinterviews with a variety of
guests who share their knowledgeand experience of UK travel to
help you plan your perfect UKvacation.
(00:37):
Join us as we explore the UKfrom cosmopolitan cities to
quaint villages, from historiccastles to beautiful islands,
and from the picturesquecountryside to seaside towns.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
Hi and welcome to episode 161 of the UK Travel
Planning Podcast.
I'm Tracey.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
And I'm Doug, and in today's episode we're chatting
about 12 of the most commonmistakes some first-time
visitors make when planning atrip to London, and sharing what
to do instead so you can makethe most of your time in the
city.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
These are the kind of things we hear all the time,
from over packing your itineraryto not booking key attractions
in time, or choosingaccommodation that's not quite
as convenient as it seemed onthe map.
But just to say we're not hereto finger wag.
Doug and I have both lived andworked in London over the years
and we've been visiting the cityfor more than 50 years.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
We've seen the city evolve and understand it in a
way that goes beyond theguidebooks.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
So we're sharing practical, friendly advice based
on our experiences, the kind ofinsight you only get really
over decades of visiting and, ofcourse, helping thousands of
others do the same through ourwebsites, facebook groups and
itinerary consults.
Speaker 3 (01:48):
And before we get started, we want to say a big
thank you to some of our amazingsupporters who've been with the
podcast for over two yearsDanielle, deborah Venetta and
Tina.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Your continued support means so much to us and
helps keep the show running.
If you'd like to support thepodcast and we'd love you to you
can do so for as little asthree US dollars a month and get
a shout out in a future episode.
There's a link in the shownotes.
If you'd like to join them and,of course, we'd love to hear
from you you can leave us avoice message via Speakpipe.
The link's in the show notes,too, and if you include your
(02:20):
name and email, we'll be able toreply.
Right, let's get into it.
Here are the 12 most commonmistakes we see many travellers
make when visiting London forthe first time, and what to do
instead so you can have asmoother, smarter and more
enjoyable trip.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
Some of these might surprise you, and even if you've
been to London before, there'sprobably a tip or two in here
that will make your next visitthat little bit easier.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
So mistake number one is overpacking your itinerary.
So this one comes up all thetime, trying to fit too much
into one day.
Speaker 3 (02:53):
And, honestly, we've done this too.
You get excited, you make alist of everything you want to
see and, before you know it,your relaxed sightseeing day has
you sprinting across Londonbetween Tower Bridge and Harrods
.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Yes, and London does look walkable on a map.
We're not going to deny that.
But it's deceiving becauseeverything takes longer than you
think it's going to do.
And, for example, the Tube,it's great, but you've got to
change between lines, the stairs, escalators, all that time adds
up?
Speaker 3 (03:19):
It certainly does.
So we always recommend focusingon one area per day, don't we?
Yeah, we do.
For example, if you're going towestminster abbey, plan your
lunch nearby and maybe a walkalong the south bank.
Nice, yeah, uh.
Don't try to cram in thebritish museum too.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
It's not a good idea no, no, and we've actually got a
whole series of area guideswhich will help you with this
and I'll pop those in the linksin the show notes.
Those are on ourlondravelPlanningcom website.
So mistake number two isbooking things too late or not
at all.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
Yeah, this is a common one, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
We've had people saying you know, we're in London
and can't get tickets to theSky Garden or Harry Potter's
completely sold out.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
Yeah, and we do get it.
It's not always obvious whatneeds booking in advance, but in
london things do book out,especially during peak times
like summer school holidays andthe festive season afternoon
teas too.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
The west end shows the so many of the keys uh, the
tower of london.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
All these things have a limited capacity and often
sell out yeah, definitely someof the very popular afternoon
teas as well, though I meanthere's lots of afternoon teas
to choose from, but if there's aspecific one that you want to
do, I would check to book thatyeah.
So I mean we always recommendbooking your top three must-do
experiences anyway as soon asyou've locked in your date.
So that might be the London Eye, might be a guided tour or
(04:34):
might be a special dinner.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
And don't assume you can just show up either.
You might get lucky withsame-day tickets, especially for
theatres, but if you want thebest seats you're going to have
to book ahead.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Yeah, we've actually created a full guide to help
with this, including when tobook attractions, tours,
restaurants and more, and I'llpop the link in the show notes.
Basically, it's how far aheadshould you book for London?
Mistake number three is notplanning where or what to eat.
One mistake we've definitelymade ourselves is wasting time
wandering around trying to findsomething or somewhere to eat,
(05:06):
especially when you're tired,hungry and just want something
decent yes, and I can really eatinto your day.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Well, no pun intended , um, but you end up frustrated
or setting for something that'sjust okay, really yeah, we
always recommend planning aheador just choosing a lunch spot
near where your sight's seeing.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
That can save a lot of stress and time.
So markets, meal deals, publunches, whatever suits your day
, just have a rough plan.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Yeah, and for dinner, especially the popular
restaurants, or if you want aSunday lunch, you're going to
have to book ahead.
The good ones do fill up fast,even on the weeknights.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
Yeah, absolutely so.
A good tool to help with thisis our London itinerary planning
map.
It's got restaurants, cafes andbakeries pinned on it and you
can filter by area on your phonewhile you're out and about, so
it's super handy.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
Yeah, most definitely .
If you want to explore the citythrough its food, we always
recommend doing a food tour,like the Devour Tours.
It's a great intro into thelocal scene and takes the
decision making off your plate.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Oh, you're full of puns today, Doug.
So mistake number four isgetting confused about tipping
and when to carry cash.
Speaker 3 (06:12):
Yeah, that's right.
So tipping in the UK can beconfusing, especially if you
come from a country with astrong tipping culture.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
Yep, that's true, and the big thing to note is that
many London restaurants alreadyinclude a 10% to 12.5% service
charge on the bill, especiallyin sit-down places, so it's
always a good idea to checkbefore you then add another tip.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
Yeah, so if it's not included and the service was
good, adding 10% or more isappreciated, but it's not
expected in the same way as itis in some other countries,
that's true, and in pubs, whenyou order drinks at the bar or
if you're in a fast food place,tipping isn't expected.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
you just pay what's on the bill.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
Yeah, one situation where you might want to tip,
though.
If you're doing a tour, it's anice gesture to give a small
cash tip, especially if theguide or the driver you know
went above and beyond their job.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Yeah, definitely, just make sure that it's in
British pounds, oh yes, so it'sworth counting a small amount of
cash for things like tips andmarket stalls or public toilets,
but most places in Londonexcept cards and in fact some
places are entirely cashless yep, they are absolutely, and we
have got a guide on the websiteto cash using cash or cards in
(07:21):
the UK, and we also have a fullguide to tipping as well, with
example scenarios, and I willlink to both of those in the
show notes.
Now, mistake number five is notunderstanding the transport
system.
Now, while the tube is amazingand it is, it's fast, efficient
both of those in the show notesNow, mistake number five is not
understanding the transportsystem.
Now, while the tube is amazingand it is, it's fast, efficient
and iconic, it's not always thebest choice, especially for
short distances.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
No, that's true.
I mean, I do know from othersthat it can be quite
overwhelming at first.
I've had, you know, many, manyyears of using it, so you know
changing underground lines orstations can sometimes take a
little longer than expected,especially if there's lots of
walking between platforms, whichthere is.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Yeah, absolutely well .
We always suggest downloadingthe Transport for London Go app
or CityMapper, because they'reboth brilliant and they'll show
you the quickest route and evenlet you know if it's faster to
walk, which it can be.
Speaker 3 (08:08):
Yeah, a lot of you see a lot of first-time visitors
do default to the tube foreverything, but sometimes
hopping on a red on the bus canbe a bit of a better experience
oh, yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Well, I'm just thinking it's been very, very
hot in London recently and, tobe honest, for me, I would not
want to be on the undergroundwhen it's that hot.
And so do mix it up when you'rein London, don't automatically
jump on that underground,because you miss out on so much
when you're under London insteadof actually above ground and
seeing it.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
And one more thing we've got four guys on using the
tube, buses, boats, black cabsand more on the London travel
planning website.
If you're not sure which optionto choose, we've got you
covered absolutely.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Now mistake number six is wearing the wrong shoes.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Yes, yes, you've been there, haven't you, tracy?
You know, wrong shoes, painful,feet, grumpy.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
You call me grumpy.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
I'm never grumpy, yeah, okay well, yeah, that is
true.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
There's nothing worse than getting a blister on your
foot on the first day.
Now, london days are long.
You're going to walk a lot.
I we've done 25 000 plus stepsa day and that mounts up.
So if you already get a blisterfirst day, you're going to be
cursing it by the second orthird day, I tell you.
You know, there are cobblestonestairs, wet pavements,
escalators and your feet aredefinitely gonna feel it that's
(09:23):
definitely yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:24):
So I suppose the secret is not to wear brand new
shoes.
Make sure you break them infirst yeah, well, I always do.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
I make sure that I've got my comfy trainers, all my
boots, and they're honestly mybest friends when I go walking
in london.
Um, save your high heels fordinner if you must, but during
the day, honestly, be kind toyour feet.
Now, mistake number seven isstaying too far from the center
of london.
Now, on paper that hotel inzone four might look like a
bargain, but honestly, thereality is long tube ride.
(09:52):
You might miss connections.
Late night journeys back fromthe theatre just no fun yeah,
yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
We've heard so many people say that haven't we?
We didn't realize how far itwas to travel.
Sometimes they spent more timecommuting than actually
sightseeing that's absolutelytrue.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Now london's transport system is divided into
zones, with zone one and zonetwo covering the central area,
where most of the mainattractions are, like
Westminster, covent Garden andthe Tower of London.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
So once you get into zone 3 or 4 and beyond, travel
times increase and so can thecost, especially if you're
making multiple trips a day.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
That's true.
So that's why we always suggeststaying in zones 1 or 2 if
possible.
It might cost a little bit moreupfront, but it saves you time,
stress and sometimes even moneywhen you factor in transport
costs.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
Yeah, and being able to walk back to your hotel in
the evening, that's worth a lot,especially after a long day out
oh, that is absolutely for sure.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
So mistake number eight is skipping lesser known
attractions.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
That's right.
Everyone goes to the Tower ofLondon, buckingham Palace and
Westminster Abbey, and quiteright.
But London has so much more tooffer if you're willing to
explore beyond the tourist trail.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
That's right, and that's where the hidden gems
comes in, and they often end upbeing people's favourite part of
the trip.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
That's true.
One of my favourites is theShad Thames.
It's tucked behind the TowerBridge with cobbled streets,
warehouses, great river viewsand it's so atmospheric it is,
and you get some fantasticphotos as well.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
We've got some great selfies with Tower Bridge in the
background.
I also love St Dunstan's in theEast, which is a ruined church
that's been turned into a publicgarden.
Honestly, it feels like a bitof a secret oasis in the middle
of the city.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Yeah, that's yeah.
Then you've also got LenhallMarket, which dates back to the
14th century and was used, Ibelieve, in the Harry Potter
films.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
I think so.
And then you've got places likeLittle Venice where the canals
meet and you can take a scenicwalk or boat ride to Camden.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
It's such a peaceful part of the city yeah, that's
right, and don't forget the SkyGarden as well.
That's free to visit and youcan get some incredible views
over london from the top of thewalkie talkie building that's
true.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Now we've put together a full guide to
london's hidden gems on thewebsite, and they've got 37
different ideas for you fromsecret gardens and quirky
museums to historic pubs and artfilled tunnels so I think it's
worth checking out certainly is.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
So if you've you've been to London before or just
want to get off the beaten track, definitely check that out.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
Yeah, for sure.
So we'll link to that as wellin the show notes.
Now, number nine is notchecking opening days and hours.
Now this one really tripspeople, including me.
I tried to visit the LondonSilver Vault earlier this year
only to discover that they'reclosed on Sundays after I had
gone there to check it out.
But I didn't check the websiteahead of time.
(12:31):
So you need to know that,honestly, some attractions don't
open every day and many placesclose earlier than you'd expect,
especially winter or around theholidays.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Yeah, that's true, and it's also worth noting that
opening hours in London can belater than many visitors expect.
That includes cafes, shops andmuseums.
Some don't open until around 10o'clock.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
That kind of always throws our Australian friends
off, doesn't?
Speaker 3 (12:53):
it.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
They don't stay open late either.
Most shops close by 6pm, and onSundays many shut as early as 4
or 5.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
Some museums and galleries do have late opening
times, though, but usuallythat's just once a week.
For example, the British Museumstays open till 8.30pm on
Fridays.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Yeah, I mean, those late night openings are pretty
good, but do check on thewebsites for those.
And it's also important to knowthat major attractions like
Windsor Castle aren't open everyday, and this has tripped up so
many people that when we'vespoken to people on consults,
it's typically open thursday tomonday.
So it's closed tuesdays andwednesdays, but they can also
(13:33):
close unexpectedly for royalevents that's true, and it's not
just the big names either.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
You know, afternoon teas spots and galleries and
smaller venues often havesometimes quirky hours or
midweek closures.
A quick check of their websites, though, usually, uh, saves any
disappointment and a lot oftime.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
For example, I wish I'd done that when I went to the
silver vault earlier this year.
Okay, so mistake number 10 isnot planning for jet lag on, or
what plan and what you're goingto do on your arrival day you
know?
Speaker 3 (14:03):
yeah, that's true.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
If you land in london full of excitement and full of
beans and ready to go and try tocram in a whole day of
sightseeing by two o'clock,you'll be falling asleep yeah,
honestly, your body clock willbe all over the place and you
know if your room is not readyand you're stuck wandering
around with luggage and you'vegot no energy, it's not the best
time to try and do loads ofstuff in London.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
That's true, I mean.
One great tip is to book yourhotel from the night before,
especially if you're arrivingvery early in the morning.
That way you can check straightin and freshen up.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Yeah, and also I would recommend that you keep
that first day light.
Maybe just take a gentle walkalong the Thames, grab a bite to
eat, just explore a little bit.
Don't rush around and kind ofover plan your day now.
This isn't London I'm going tomention, but I remember being in
Rome a few years ago and somepeople landed from Canada and
they booked a tour of theVatican museums and they lasted
(14:54):
20 minutes and then they had totap out and go to the hotel.
It was a lot of money that waswasted.
So recommend that you reallyconsider what you're going to do
yeah, I mean we recommend this.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
One other touchdown tours we discover real London
black cabs, don't wait.
I mean we recommend thetouchdown tours with Discover
Real London.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Black.
Speaker 3 (15:07):
Cabs, don't we?
Yeah, I mean, they'll pick youup when you land and give you a
fantastic tour of the citywithout any stress of navigating
.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
Yeah, when you're tired, yeah, and they can drop
you off at the hotel afterwardsand it's a really great way to
ease into your trip.
You know London will still bethere tomorrow.
Just don't let jet lag ruinyour first impression.
Yeah, that's true mistake.
Number 11 is letting your guarddown in busy places.
Now, london is generally a safecity, but, like any major
(15:34):
capital around the world, it'snot immune to pickpockets and
petty crime, especially in busytourist spots that's true.
Speaker 3 (15:40):
Yeah, you need to stay vigilant everywhere these
days that's true.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
So now use, I use and I recommend a zipped crossbody
bag.
Don't wave your phone aroundand be really mindful in crowds,
especially if you're distractedor you're stopping to take
photos or look for directions.
Speaker 3 (15:56):
Yeah, and your passport.
Best to leave that in the safein the hotel room and not carry
it around with you.
Speaker 1 (16:02):
Yeah, well, we actually have got a full episode
on this.
It's episode 148, and it's allabout staying safe in london.
Speaker 3 (16:08):
Now we cover things like avoiding scams, protecting
your money and staying safe onpublic transport yeah, it's
definitely worth the list if youwant to feel a bit more
confident about getting aroundyeah, and I've also filmed a
youtube video where I share myfavorite anti-theft bags and
travel accessories.
Speaker 1 (16:23):
so if you're wondering what to bring or how
to keep your belongings safe,that's a good one to watch.
So if you search UK TravelPlanet on YouTube and look for
the video about bags andaccessories, you'll find it, but
I will also share the link inthe show notes as well.
Now our last mistake is mistakenumber 12, not booking a tour.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
So many people skip tours.
They think that they can justfigure it out as they go along
themselves.
But, honestly, many people skiptours.
They think that they could justfigure it out as they go along
themselves.
But, honestly, a good tour cancompletely transform your
experiences of London.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
Yep, I totally agree.
Whether it's a walking tour, afood tour or a black cab
experience, a great guidedoesn't just tell you facts.
You know they're going tounlock stories, they're going to
give you perspectives you'venever discovered on your own,
and you often get to see or dothings you simply couldn't
without being part of a tour,and you walk away having really
learned something yeah, that'strue.
Speaker 3 (17:09):
We've experienced tours with fantastic companies
like devour walks and discoverreal london, and every time we
come away with something new,even in places we thought we
knew inside out yeah, that'sabsolutely true.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
So if you want to go beyond the surface and truly
experience london, its history,its food, its culture, booking a
tour is one of the smartestthings that you can do.
So that basically wraps upepisode 161 of the uk travel
planner podcast.
We hope today's tips help youavoid some of the most common
travel mistakes and enjoy asmoother, more memorable trip to
(17:41):
london.
Speaker 3 (17:42):
If you've got questions about your trip or
travel tip of your own to share,we'd love to hear from you.
Just leave us a voice messageusing speakpipe.
You will find the link in theshow notes.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
Yes, and also don't forget to check the show notes
for links to all the resourceswe mentioned, from our London
guides and YouTube videos totour recommendations and
articles.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
If you found this episode helpful.
We'll be so grateful if you'dleave a quick rating or review,
or share the podcast with afriend who's planning a trip.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Perfectly Well.
That just leaves us Until nexttime, happy.
Uk travel planning.
Thank you for tuning in to thisweek's episode of the UK Travel
Planning Podcast.
As always, show notes can befound at uktravelplanningcom.
If you've enjoyed the show, whynot leave us feedback via text
or a review on your favouritepodcast app?
(18:31):
We love to hear from you andyou never know, you may receive
a shout out in a future episode.
But, as always, that justleaves me to say until next week
.
Happy UK travel planning.
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