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    Urban Bliss Life » Travel » Europe » The UK (United Kingdom) » A Long Layover in London, Part 2

    Published: December 21, 2018 / Updated: October 14, 2021 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    A Long Layover in London, Part 2

    16 shares

    In this second part of my Long Layover in London series, I take you to Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and more! Follow along as I share my London travel journal and travel tips for long layovers in new cities. 

    Pride of Paddington in London

    If you choose to take a long layover between flights and explore the city, there are two main travel tracks you can take.

    Perhaps you want to enjoy a slow travel experience during your long layover. You just want to visit one or two hot spots, enjoy a nice full meal, and then head back to the airport.

    During my 10-hour layover in London, I decided to take the travel-at-full-speed experience. I had never been to London, and wanted to make the most of the six hours I actually had on the ground to fully explore the city and see as many sights as I could.

    Both types of long layover travels have benefits and are wonderful in their own way. It's up to you to decide which suits your type of travel needs & wants at the time.

    If you haven't year read Part 1 of my Long Layover in London blog post, I suggest starting there. You'll get a look at London's churches, the Bond Street shopping district, Paddington Station, where I met a friend for lunch, and travel tips about customs and hop on, hop off busses. 

    Jump to:
    • Long layover in London, part 2
    • The London Eye
    • Green Park
    • Canada Gate
    • Buckingham Palace
    • Tips for visiting Buckingham Palace:
    • Hyde Park
    • The beauty of a long layover
    • More travel ideas

    Long layover in London, part 2

    The Old Shades in London

    I continue my mad dash across the city during my long layover in London.

    From Westminster Abbey, I walked over to Big Ben. Except... was it Big Ben? Was it, really??

    Big Ben under construction

    For those of us who were obvious tourists (and there were a lot of us!), it was hard to tell from the massive construction facade that coated this iconic London structure. But there it was. Technically, Big Ben is the largest of the bells within Elizabeth Tower, but most people refer to the whole structure as Big Ben. It is currently undergoing a $38 million renovation, during which one of the clocks is to be visible at all times, but the bells will not ring. Construction started in 2017 and is expected to last a total of four years.

    I will see you again after you've undergone your surgery, Big Ben.

    The London Eye

    From Big Ben, you can cross the Thames river to check out the famed London Eye.

    London Eye

    Technically known as the Coca-Cola London Eye, this is the "world's largest cantilever observation wheel." Meaning: it's a super big ferris wheel with individual enclosed "capsules" where you can take your touristy Instagram shots.

    Since I was short on time, I viewed the London Eye lovingly from a distance across the river.

    Also, I didn't have tickets, which you can purchase in advance starting at 25 pounds for a standard ride ticket.

    London Eye Thames River

    You can also book private capsules with special champagne packages, birthday packages. etc. I think if you have a bit of time, and you really want to make the London Eye one of your main stops during a long layover, you can and should do it. Don't forget to #eyeloveLondon from your capsule!

    Green Park

    London Green Park

    After spending a little bit of time being corralled within herds of tourists also checking out Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye, I needed some breathing room. I still had my ticket for a Hop On/Hop Off bus, so I caught one over to Buckingham Palace and decided to get off at Picadilly.

    From there, I walked across Green Park to Buckingham Palace.

    Canada Gate

    Now, before I get to Buckingham Palace, I want to share with you Canada Gate.

    Canada Gate at Green Park London

    Installed as a memorial to Queen Victoria, the Canada Gate serves as the entrance to Green Park from Buckingham Palace. If you're walking through Green Park from Picadilly, as I did, you'll come across the massive gate on the opposite side.

    The gates hold the crests of different Canadian provinces, and are a majestic, ornate, beautiful sight (and photo opp) on their own.

    And then, there's the Grand Dame of London: Buckingham Palace.

    Buckingham Palace

    I was so busy marveling at the detail in the Canada Gate that when I turned my back to the gate, it took my mind and eyes a few seconds to realize that I was looking at Buckingham Palace. It looks very different without the massive crowds of tourists (there were a couple hundreds, perhaps) and without the spring flowers we see across the way in most official photos.

    Buckingham Palace London

    Buckingham Palace is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch, and has served as the official residence of the Queen since 1837.

    Buckingham Palace London
    Buckingham Palace gates

    Tips for visiting Buckingham Palace:

    • Wear comfortable shoes and plan for two to two-and-a-half hours for a visit.
    • Be prepared for airport-style security before entering the palace.
    • Go before you go: the only restrooms and baby-changing facilities are at the end of the tour.
    • Photography is only allowed in certain areas, so be sure to check the website before you go and listen carefully to instructions and check posted signs throughout.
    Buckingham Palace guards

    I went expecting to see the Changing of the Guards (the iconic fuzzy hats!), but I was there mid-afternoon and missed it. The gentlemen pictured above are reportedly royal Navy guards, and I did witness a smaller changing of the guard ceremony, but it wasn't the big official one.

    Since I knew my time was limited, I was just content to see the exterior of Buckingham Palace on its own. But if you do want to see the official changing of the guard, here are the details:

    The Changing of the Guards dates change regularly, and are posted on this website. Official start time is usually 11am and the ceremony lasts 45 minutes. For the best viewing, plan to arrive by 10:15am.

    Buckingham Palace London

    Hyde Park

    After viewing the outside of Buckingham Palace, I knew it was about time to start walking back to Paddington Station.

    Using Google Maps, I decided to take the scenic route back through Green Park and then through Hyde Park.

    London Hyde Park Serpentine

    Hyde Park and Green Park are both part of the consortium of eight Royal Parks. Hyde Park covers 350 acres of gorgeous space right in the city. You'll find everything from quiet gardens to boating and swimming in the Serpentine to tennis and horseback riding.

    London Hyde Park Serpentine

    On Sundays, you can catch people from all walks of life sharing their thoughts on every topic under the sun at Speaker's Corner.

    London Hyde Park

    I am glad I gave myself a decent amount of time to wander through Hyde Park on my way back to Paddington Station. It's a lovely park with so much to offer, and is the spot where I thought, "Yeah. I could live in London."

    The beauty of a long layover

    Long layovers, whether they are six hours or overnight, are the perfect excuse to fully embrace your role as Tourist - with a capital T. Knowing I only had a few hours to spend in this amazing city gave me permission to take the silly photos without pause.

    Here are a few of me playing the ultimate tourist - and not giving a damn if anyone thought less of me for it!

    Marlynn at London Eye

    Look ma, it's me in front of the London Eye! 

    Marlynn red telephone booth London

    Look kids: it's the iconic red telephone booths! 

    Never mind that I was tired and bloated and blotchy from 12 hours of air travel and no sleep beforehand.

    Honestly, I think you should take as many cheesy tourist photos you want when you travel. Never be embarrassed about it! As long as you are not disturbing a sacred site or showing disrespect to people or places. You shouldn't ever feel bad about photographing your experiences. The whole judgmental tourist vs traveler debate boggles my mind. Isn't the main point that people are actually traveling? We should encourage travel, no matter what style of travel you choose is right for you.

    London Burberry Bear

    What on earth is up with this ginormous Burberry bear in Green Park? I have no idea, but it made for a fun photo to share with the kids!

    Choosing to take a long layover isn't always the appropriate decision for every trip you will take. But when you have the opportunity to visit a new city, I hope you are able to take it. Even if it's just for a short period of time. And, I hope you fully embrace it, whether at slow travel speed or give-it-all-you've-got speed!

    Be sure to read A Long Layover in London, Part 1!

    More travel ideas

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    Where to Eat & Drink in Amsterdam

    Glacier National Park

    « A Long Layover in London, Part 1
    The Best Soft Gingerbread Cookies »
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      Comments

      1. Molly says

        March 31, 2019 at 11:55 pm

        What a wonderful way to spend a layover! I've always had shorter layovers--I think that I would have a hard time doing much during a layover that is shorter than a day. I'd be so nervous I wouldn't get back in time!

        Reply
      2. Carolyn says

        March 16, 2019 at 7:34 pm

        I want to go to London SO BADLY! Thanks for sharing this! It will help in the future.

        Reply
      3. Briana @ Learning To Be Free says

        March 16, 2019 at 2:20 pm

        You sure did do a lot! I don't know if I would have been brave enough to try and see as much as you did. I'd be too worried about getting back to the airport in time. Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
      4. Sam @ The Haunted Housewife says

        March 16, 2019 at 1:26 am

        I've always wanted to see London. I love your pictures! Long layovers are usually brutal but if I were "stuck" in London for 10 hours I'd take full advantage, too, and go explore :)

        Reply
      5. Leanne Wong says

        March 15, 2019 at 11:47 pm

        What a great way to explore the city during your layover! I was in London a few years ago too, and love it!

        Reply
      6. Madi Rowan says

        March 15, 2019 at 9:41 pm

        Ugh wow, your photos are seriously gorgeous! I've never been to London, but would LOVE to go someday!

        -Madi xo
        everydaywithmadirae.com

        Reply
      7. Geeky Daddy says

        March 15, 2019 at 8:48 pm

        Sending this article over to my wife. She will be in London for a couple days on a work trip soon. Some great ideas here!

        Reply
      8. Krizzia says

        December 27, 2018 at 2:04 am

        London looks so good! It has always been a dream of mine to travel around Europe someday

        Reply
      9. Annemarie LeBlanc says

        December 23, 2018 at 3:35 am

        Wow! You did make the most of your layover! Thanks for letting us know about the time for the changing of the guards. That is one thing I would love to watch in person!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          March 15, 2019 at 1:14 pm

          The timing can be tricky but it's so worth it to go there at any time. Thanks, Annemarie!

      10. Denay DeGuzman says

        December 21, 2018 at 6:26 pm

        I love how a long layover allowed you to experience more of the beauty and fabulousness that is London! Thank you for sharing your vacation images. My heart is filled with wanderlust!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          March 15, 2019 at 1:14 pm

          Thanks so much, Denay!

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      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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