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I had never been to London, but it had always been high on my bucket list. When I started dreaming up the perfect mother–daughter adventure, it clicked: London was it. (I just had to get Chevy Chase in European Vacation — “Look kids, Big Ben, Parliament!” out of my head— LOL.) There’s no language barrier, so I knew we could easily navigate it on our own, and the mix of history, theatre, and tea-time fun felt like pure magic. I spent months meticulously planning our itinerary — mapping out every detail, doing my homework, and making sure we’d squeeze the most out of every moment. The trip was memory-making in all the YAY ways, and now I want you to steal our itinerary.
Charley and I couldn’t resist the classic red phone booth moment 📞🇬🇧. We were told they first popped up in the 1920s and were painted bright red so you’d spot them in London’s fog — now they’re just the ultimate photo op. @meghanbmurphy – Instagram
Why London belongs on your travel list: From royal pomp to West End musicals, London has something for everyone — especially if you want a trip that blends culture, history, and pure fun. It’s endlessly walkable, wildly photogenic (red phone booths and double-decker buses, hello!), and packed with memory-making experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, London always delivers.
Where to stay:
The Stafford London
This five-star gem in St. James’s Place feels like a secret tucked away in the heart of the city. Think impeccable service, luxe rooms, heavenly split-bed setups, and flower arrangements so stunning you’ll have to touch them to confirm they’re real. (Read my Trip Advisor review here.)
Smelling is believing! The flowers in The Stafford lobby were stunning. @meaghanbmurphy – Instagram
Beaverbrook Town House
If whimsy and chic design are more your vibe, this Sloane Street stay is a stunner. Bonus: the delicious Fuji Grill downstairs makes dinner plans ridiculously easy.
What to do:
Cultural Hits: When I took my kids to Disney World years ago, I learned the ultimate travel hack: hire a private guide. Instead of fumbling with maps and wasting time in lines, we zipped through the park efficiently and stress-free. I brought the same mindset to London and booked a Blue Badge guide through Kensington Tours — and it was worth every penny.
With a private driver and guide, we saw everything: Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and more — all in a single day. No lines, no wasted time, just story after story that made the history come alive. The highlight? A VIP moment inside the Tower of London, where we met a Beefeater (one of the Yeoman Warders who guard the Tower). He shared behind-the-scenes stories you’ll never get from a guidebook, and my daughter and I felt like true insiders.
My advice: splurge here, save yourself the overwhelm, and make the most of your time. One perfect day with a Kensington Tours guide equals two or three days of navigating on your own.
This is our brilliant Kensington Tour Guide Raef who’s a proud Tony Soprano lookalike. @meaghanbmurphy – Instagram
Big Views: Head up to The Shard for a breathtaking panorama of the city. Don’t miss the famously Instagram-worthy bathrooms—think loo with a floor-to-ceiling view. We also loved a spin around The London Eye, a 443 feet observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, which opened in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium.
Pure Fun: Hop on a Thames Rocket speedboat tour (fair warning: hold on to your lashes!). Hot tip: We booked our ticket using the Get Your Guide. I wouldn’t have known about the tour if I hadn’t been scrolling for London adventures on the app.
Endless entertainment: Whether it’s The Devil Wears Prada, Mamma Mia! The Party, or a classic courtroom drama like Witness for the Prosecution, London’s theater scene is a can’t-miss.
Just a couple of editor-in-chiefs: I pulled some strings and got to go backstage to meet Vanessa Williams who stars in Devil Wears Prada until October 2025. @meaghanbmurphy – Instagram
Good to know: Mamma Mia! The Party is at The O2 Arena, which is a massive entertainment complex located on the Greenwich Peninsula. It originally opened in 2000 as the Millennium Dome, built to celebrate the new millennium. Public transportation is your best bet: Take the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich Station.
Where to Eat (and Sip!)
The Game Bird at The Stafford — For cozy fine dining just steps from your room. I wish I could transport myself back for the ridiculously tall espresso martini and gluten-free soufflé.
Can’t-Miss Market — Pop into Borough Market for legendary street food (the viral chocolate strawberries! paella!) or explore South Kensington for casual bites between museum visits.
Afternoon Tea Full disclosure: I’m a coffee drinker, but I wanted to do one epic tea time because London. After lots and lots of research, I landed on Sketch. And, boy, did I get it right! Not only is the ambience magical (think: violinists!), but the menu happily accommodates gluten-free and allergy-friendly delights (yes, even scones!). Top tip: Hit the loo!
007 Martini Moment Pop into Dukes Bar around the bend from The Stafford for a world-class cocktail made tableside. Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond, was a regular at Dukes Bar. It’s widely believed that Dukes inspired Bond’s iconic line: “shaken, not stirred.” Warning: The martinis are strong—there’s a two martini per person limit. Fill up on the nuts and cheese crackers.
At Dukes London there’s a two martini limit! Instagram
Your London YAYcation Itinerary At-a-Glance:
Day 1: Arrive, check in at The Stafford, window shop on Bond Street, check out the Cartier exhibit at V&A Museum, pick up souvenirs at Harrods, dinner at The Game Bird.
Day 2: Private guided Kensington tour, then The Devil Wears Prada musical.
Day 3: The Shard, tea at Sketch, Mamma Mia! The Party.
Day 4: Thames Rocket ride, check into Beaverbrook, Witness for the Prosecution.
Day 5: Fly home — already planning the next YAYcation.
Want more info or have questions? DM me on Instagram @meaghanbmurphy. I’d love to help you plan your next adventure or hear about YOUR recent trip!
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