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.
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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.
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.)
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Smelling is believing! The flowers in The Stafford lobby were stunning.
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.
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This is our brilliant Kensington Tour Guide Raef who’s a proud Tony Soprano lookalike.
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.
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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.
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.
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At Dukes London there’s a two martini limit!
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!
Woman’s Day editor-in-chief Meaghan B Murphy is known for her high-energy, upbeat personality and YAY lifestyle. She is a certified fitness expert, hack master, Penguin-Random House author, editor, podcaster, holiday celebrity and mama of 3 (plus a fur baby!).