A Magical 4-Day Itinerary In London For Gentle Souls

In this article, I will share with you our 4 days magical itinerary in London. Perfect for gentle and easily overwhelmed souls, that are all about fairytale vibes! If you are planning your first to London, but don’t know where to start, you are in the right place.

In June, my fiancé and I made a long-held dream come true with our first visit to England. As part of our two-week, car-free adventure, we spent four enchanting days in London, a city that dazzles with endless wonders.

This post shares our four-day itinerary, tailored for sensitive souls who seek to explore without feeling overwhelmed. We made some adjustments along the way to ensure a smooth, magical experience, and I’ll share both our actual route and the alternatives we considered.

By learning from our journey, you’ll be set to enjoy the best of London while avoiding common pitfalls. But first, a few helpful tips that will make a massive difference for the easily overwhelmed & sensitive traveller, before we dive into the itinerary…

3 Tips for an Easily Overwhelmed Traveller in London 

1) Have a lighter schedule and slow down

As a sensitive soul, I find it easy to become overwhelmed in bustling, crowded places. Though we dreamed of seeing it all in London, embracing a slower pace felt far more magical in the end.

My top tip: don’t overbook your days! It’s better to leave a few wonders for next time than to exhaust yourself and dim the magic of your trip. Trust me, I’ve been there! Once in London, we quickly realized some of our plans were a bit too ambitious and needed softening.

Though London sparkles with beauty, it’s still a lively capital city that can be draining. A gentler schedule with breathing room will let you fully enjoy its charm. You can wander past a few attractions instead of visiting them all. By enjoying the city in a more relaxed way, you’ll have more time to soak in the beauty, capture memories and breathe in the magic at your own pace.

2) Have a structured, but flexible schedule

Like life, travel is full of surprises, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel overwhelmed when things don’t go as planned. We faced a few unexpected changes in London, but thanks to the particular way we planned, it all worked out beautifully.

With a long London bucket list, the key was to use Google Maps to pin everything we wanted to see: attractions, restaurants, shops. We even pinned our accommodation and the train station we would use on our first and last day in London (to be more strategic). This gave us a clear visual of the city, showing clusters of must-see spots that could be visited together.

These clusters made it easy to group activities by areas, into one or half-day blocks, allowing for smooth planning and, more importantly, making it easy to adjust our plans and save the day when things didn’t go as expected. So, even when plans shifted, we could quickly adjust and still make the most of our days.

3) Tips for your accommodation in London

Even if you’re on a budget, I don’t recommend staying far from the city center. London is vast, and you’ll spend too much time on public transport, which can be super draining if you’re easily overstimulated.

Instead, focus on the neighbourhoods you want to explore and choose your accommodation in the middle of them. It will make your days smoother and your mood lighter! We originally aimed for Covent Garden, but found a lovely Airbnb in Clerkenwell, which worked perfectly for our itinerary.

Use Google Maps to check travel times from potential accomodations to your must-visit spots. And for more useful tips on transportation and luggage-storing in London, check out this article (link). So, now that we have clarified all of that, let’s jump into the itinerary, shall we?

Overview of Your 4 Days Itinerary in London

Here’s a quick overview of what you might expect from this itinerary.

• Day 1: Westminster area, Hyde Park & Kensington for a bucket-list day with all the main attractions.

• Day 2: City of London Neighbourhood for an enchanted day that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

• Day 3: Covent Garden & Soho for a nice dark academia bookish day. 

• Day 4: Marylebone Neighbourhood for a slow and lighter stress-free transit day.

Day 1: Westminster, Hyde Park & Kensington - All the main attractions in London

As mentioned before, our 1st day did not go (at all) as planned:

• we were caught off-guard by the weather;

• after a sleepless overnight flight from Montreal, we were exhausted and jet-lagged;

• and, fantastic coincidence, we didn’t realize that we would arrive at no other day than the King’s Birthday (so, huge crowds around the main attractions we wanted to see that day)! 

For your first day in London, I highly suggest you take it slow (not too many visits booked), but active (walking by the main attractions). Especially if you just got out of an overnight flight like we did. And even more if you can’t access your accommodation yet, to refresh and catch your breath before a full day of visiting around. 

However, even as a sensitive and a bit tired traveller, I still believe you can do the main attractions on the first day, because a) you would have plenty of time to do so at a slower pace, and b) you would have all the tips and specific itinerary I’ve got for you below!

Morning

After landing and freshening up, we took the Heathrow Express (pre-booked) to Paddington Station. We dropped our luggage in the area via Nanny Bag (also pre-booked) to explore hands-free until our Airbnb was ready later.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, consider starting either in the Paddington area if you’re really starving, or Belgravia, which we very sadly had to skip to not miss the Parade. Initially, we had planned for either Tomtom Coffee House or The Buttery. Both restaurants are right across from the super Instagrammable Peggy Porschen Belgravia, so after your breakfast, go snap a few photos and maybe grab pastel pastries for a later snack.

Or, for something fancier, take an 18-minute walk from there to Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley, not far behind Buckingham Palace. The high-end, world-renowned French pastries are worth the splurge if you're feeling indulgent. It was a surprise I made to my man, who’s a fan of Cedric Grolet. We took it to go and savoured it later on in Hyde Park’s Rose Garden. 

Note: As luck would have it, we were incredibly fortunate to unexpectedly experience the King’s Birthday Parade on our very first day in London. We watched the end of the parade near Wellington Arch. The pageantry, military planes, and a sudden and intermittent thunderstorm made it an unforgettable English welcome!

Now, as it’s not every day that you get to see a Royal Parade, you could instead do the most iconic bucket-list thing: catch the Changing of the Guards near Buckingham Palace (check for dates and times) if you’re up for it. However, if you're still feeling foggy after your flight, I recommend a peaceful break at The Green Park, just behind the Palace. It’s the perfect spot to ground yourself and recharge.

When ready, begin your royal tour of London’s must-see attractions. First, head to Buckingham Palace for those quintessential gate photos. Then, admire the Queen Victoria Memorial, surrounded by fountains and sculptures, you will have a better angle to take your pictures of the Palace.

From there, it’s a 16-minute walk to Westminster Abbey, passing by the stunning architecture of Central Hall Westminster on Tothill Street. While we didn’t tour the Abbey’s interior (tickets were quite pricey just to enter, not even visit with a guide), we enjoyed a peaceful stroll around the grounds, taking in the magnificent stained-glass windows from Broad Sanctuary Street.

For a quiet break, avoid the crowded Parliament Square. Instead, go to the tiny hidden park on Abingdon Street, by the Statue of George V. From there, we admired views of Westminster Hall and Big Ben. Finally, we crossed Westminster Bridge, which was quite crowded. From there, we could see London Eye. From the South Bank, we could finally snap the perfect shots of Big Ben and Westminster Hall. A true pinch-me moment, with magical orbs captured in our photos!

Afternoon 

After a busy morning, unwind with a rejuvenating afternoon in nature. From Big Ben, have a short 20-minutes bus ride to Hyde Park Rose Garden. You could grab lunch along the way or opt for a takeaway meal from Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, just 5 minutes from the rose garden. Enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park, followed by a serene stroll along The Serpentine (Hyde Parc’s lake) where swans glide gracefully.

Next, visit the picturesque Italian Gardens and maybe grab a coffee to go at the nearby café. Continue your peaceful walk through Kensington Gardens until you reach Kensington Palace.

Don’t miss two hidden gems nearby: just a 4-minute walk from the palace, discover the enchanting St Mary Abbots Church, whose exterior corridor feels straight out of Hogwarts!

Finally, take a 9-minute walk to the famous The Churchill Arms, with its absolutely whimsical floral-covered façade—one of the most photographed pubs in London. To end your day, head back to the Paddington area to collect your luggage (a 28-minute walk or 8-minute bus ride fron The Chruchill Arms) and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Day 2: City of London Neighbourhood - All The Fairytale Vibes

After a restful night, we set out early for a day of exploration, covering nearly 16k steps! Our morning walk took us through the City of London neighbourhood, stopping by charming spots every 10-15 minutes.

Morning

We began at 41 Cloth Fair. Built between 1597 and 1614, this unassuming home stands as the sole survivor of the Great Fire of London in 1666, a quiet, historical gem far from the tourist crowds. Nearby, the peaceful streets and beautiful buildings gave us the perfect backdrop for a classic red telephone photo.

A short 10-minute walk brought us to St Paul’s Cathedral. If you don’t want to pay to enter, you can still admire its grandeur from the very charming Paternoster Square, where we paused for people-watching and photos.

Next, another 10 minutes led us to Guildhall, which was sadly closed that day. So, we only visited (for free) Guildhall Art Gallery right next to it. As a lover of Pre-Raphaelite art, I was moved to see a few of these masterpieces, especially Rossetti’s La Ghirlandata!

On the way to lunch, we stumbled upon Bank Station’s entry, a 5-minute walk from the gallery. The majestic Bank of England’s stunning architecture caught us by surprise, with glass skyscrapers rising behind it in an enchanting contrast.

Finally, just 6 minutes away, we reached the breathtaking Leadenhall Market, one of the most magical places we have seen in our life! This magical market was featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, when Hagrid took Harry to Daigon Alley. In the market, we stopped for a yummy lunch at Boom Bap Burger. Such a cozy spot and a delicious end to our morning adventure.

Afternoon

Next, we visited the Tower of London. Though the entrance fee was steep, it became our absolute favorite visit in London. If fairytale vibes are your thing, this medieval fortress is a must-see! Be sure to book your time slot in advance to avoid the crowds, and allow a few hours to fully explore this medieval gem without rushing.

We spent almost the whole afternoon there, taking our time to soak in the medieval vibes. The Tower of London is filled with fascinating stories and stunning architecture, perfect for anyone fascinated by medieval history. Also, despite the number of visitors, we never felt too overwhelmed.

Tourist trap alert: Skip The Crown Jewels, unless it’s an absolute dream of yours to see them. According to locals and pro travellers, the very long lines, airport-level security checks, and rushed experience once in there are not worth it. Especially since photos are not even allowed. Instead, you can visit the Victoria and Albert Museum for an uncrowded (and free) royal jewellery collection.

After your visit, exit by the Middle Drawbridge, which leads to a lovely Thames-side walk right by the Tower Bridge, with a perfect angle for your photos. While we had planned to walk across the bridge, we opted to save our energy for the last magical stop ahead—no regrets, as the photos were enough for us.

And finally, the last stop will leave you absolutely mesmerized… A short 12-minute walk brought us to St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, a hidden gem straight out of a fairytale! This ruined church, transformed into a public garden, feels like an abandoned castle, wrapped in a cocoon of peace and magic. It’s busier than we expected, but still enchanting. Take your time to wander around and capture the beauty around you.

Bonus visit: We planned on ending this absolutely magical day at Sky Garden, an inner garden at the top-floor of a skyscraper, offering breathtaking panoramic view of London (for free). Unfortunately, we didn’t realize we needed to book ahead, as they have limited daily spots available. If we still wanted to go, we had to wait in the super long queue downstairs, without a guarantee to have any spots lefts for us. So, if you want to go to the Sky Garden, be sure to book in advance! There’s also a restaurant up there.

Day 3 - Covent Garden & Soho - A Dark Academia, Slow Bookish Day

Our original plan for Day 3 was a "dark academia, slow, bookish day," exploring the charming neighbourhoods of Covent Garden and Soho, visiting museums, and browsing independent bookshops (especially on Cecil Court).

However, since we missed some must-see attractions in Westminster on Day 1, due to the King’s Birthday Parade, we shifted our itinerary. To make time for these iconic spots in the afternoon, we decided to skip a few things, like most bookshops, and more. But, as you would have already done the Westminster area on your first day, I will give you some alternatives to complete your day 3 with some of our original plan.

Morning

We decided to start Day 3 slowly, as we had pre-booked tickets (for free) with a precise entry time for the British Museum. But despite our reservation and arriving earlier, we were told to join the longest queue we’ve ever seen in our lives. It was extremely crowded, and about 2 blocks long! Not wanting to lose precious time, we made the bittersweet decision to skip the museum and move on.

After browsing in souvenir stores in this super cute area, our next stop was The Atlantis Bookshop, just a 2-minute walk from the British Museum. Known for its ties to 20th-century occultism, I was so excited to visit. But as soon as we entered, the energy immediately felt off—dark, heavy, and far from the whimsical charm I saw in photos and vlogs. Even the Tower of London’s dungeon with its horrifying history wasn’t as unsettling for us! 

After a succinct books-browsing and a quick look at the Gerald Gardener exhibit (the founder of Wicca) in the basement, we couldn’t wait to leave. We found this place more suited for people that are into the darker side of occultism and witchcraft. So, I wouldn’t personally recommend it, unless you are really curious, or into those things.

Just 5 minutes away, we found The Astrology Shop, another metaphysical shop that was high on my list. With its attractive storefront, this one was much more to our taste, filled to the brim with all sorts of crystals and oracle cards. It had a light and peaceful energy and was charming but small, so we didn’t linger long. 

Next, a 2-minutes walk led us to the adorable Neal’s Yard where we wandered for a while. Neal’s Yard is a small alley, which opens into a whimsical and colourful courtyard with health-food cafés and shops. For the longest time, I wanted to try Neal’s Yard Remedies’ products, so I was thrilled to be able to go into the store and try out their products, which exceeded my expectations. 

Before heading to lunch, we passed through Seven Dials and made a 6 minutes-walk, magical detour to Goodwin’s Court, a secretive little alley that may or may not have a connection to Harry Potter—I'll let you decide! From there, our restaurant was only a 16 minutes walk away.

For lunch, we had a reservation at the most instagrammable restaurant we’ve ever been to: Circolo Popolare, and it absolutely blew us away! The decor felt like an enchanted garden indoors, so gorgeous and romantic.

The food—real, traditional Italian—was beyond delicious, and we savoured one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had. This restaurant completely exceeded our expectations, making it our favourite one in London. If you're in the area, it's an absolute must-visit, mark my words!

Afternoon

After our exquisite lunch, we walked just 3 minutes to Soho Square Gardens for a peaceful stroll. Then, another 3 minutes brought us to House of Minalima, a colorful, magical boutique/gallery created by the duo of graphic designers behind Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies. 

If you’re a Potterhead, you’ll love it! It’s small, but a quick 15-20 minutes is all you need to wander through it. I fell in love with the wallpaper from Sirius Black’s family home and bought a postcard with that enchanting design, perfect for my gallery wall back home.

From there, a 6-minute walk led us to Liberty. This luxurious store, housed in a stunning Tudor building, was a must-visit for me. I finally treated myself to my first Emma Bridgewater mug. We didn’t stay long, but the carved animals on the dark wood banisters and the soaring glass roof made this stop unforgettable. Though we didn’t linger, the beauty of the store and its artistic dishware was a true highlight.

At that point, we hopped on the bus to Westminster, to make up for the visits we missed on the first day. But since you’ve likely already visited the Westminster area in Day 1, here are some alternatives based for the rest of the afternoon based on our initial route. 

Alternative for the rest of the afternoon: if you’re up for shopping, you could head to Oxford Street. Or, you could walk 12 minutes to see Piccadilly Circus, the London equivalent of Times Square. Another 8-minute stroll brings you to Trafalgar Square, famous for its lion statues. You could continue by visiting the National Gallery (for free) to admire western European paintings and portraits. And if time permits, walk just 4 more minutes to Cecil Court, a charming street lined with bookshops ornate with Victorian storefronts that might remind you of Diagon Alley.

Day 4 - Marylebone for a slower last day in London

On our last day in London, we had limited time to explore. With packing, a quick clean-up, and an 11 a.m. Airbnb checkout, plus a train to Oxford at 4 p.m., we had to lighten up the schedule. To keep things relaxed, we strategically chose to leave London from Marylebone Station, instead of Paddington, allowing us to enjoy two non-negotiable, free visits in the area without rushing.

Since it was a transit day, this itinerary is slower-paced with way fewer stops than the previous days. I’ve also included some alternative suggestions if you have more time or energy than we did.

Morning

As mentioned above, we started our morning slowly, handling check-out logistics and dropping off our luggage at a Nanny Bag (link) location near Marylebone Station, leaving us hands-free to explore. Though we left the Airbnb late, it felt like the perfect pace after days filled with sightseeing.

Alternative: We initially planned to start the day with the following 2 sports, but chose to skip them for a slower day instead. However, if you’re up for more, head out earlier and treat yourself to breakfast at the gorgeous Aubaine Selfridges, another instagrammable spot with a mouth-watering breakfast menu. Just a 4-minute walk away, you can visit for free The Wallace Collection with its magnificently decorated rooms and stunning art. 

In Marylebone, we headed over to Daunt Books, an absolutely stunning bookshop I’d been dreaming of for months. If you go there from The Wallace Collection, it’s only a short 8-minute walk.

This place is simply enchanting with its unique architecture, a real bookworm’s paradise. You can’t help but feel inspired in there. We took our sweet time to wander around, snapping photos and getting lost in its pages, savouring every moment in this dreamy bookshop.

Afternoon

We grabbed a picnic and coffees to go from a nearby café and strolled through the charming streets toward our next stop. On the way, we passed by The Sherlock Holmes Museum, just a 12-minute walk from Daunt Books. While its stellar reviews were tempting, we decided to skip it, as it wasn’t in our plans anyway, especially after spotting the long queue. However, if you’re a true Sherlock fan, the museum’s popularity might make it worth the visit!

The highlight of our day was definitely Queen Mary’s Rose Garden. Located in Regent’s Park, it’s just a couple of minutes from The Sherlock Holmes Museum. Inspired by Rebecca Campbell, who wrote her first book Light is the New Black here, I had dreamed of visiting this place. This enchanting garden, with its thousands of vibrant, fragrant roses, felt like stepping into a fairytale. We wandered through the breathtaking rosary, surrounded by thousands upon thousands of blossoms of every size and color.

Our picnic under the rose vines was simply magical—England’s renowned roses on full display. If you’re a romantic soul like me, this peaceful garden will leave you in awe of its beauty and grace.

With our hearts full and our spirits lifted, we picked up our luggage and headed to Marylebone Station to catch our train to Oxford.

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And there you have it, our enchanting 4-day journey through London’s hidden gems and must-see spots. I hope this itinerary inspires you to plan your own magical adventure in the city. But the fairytale doesn’t end here—our next stop takes us to the dreamlike charm of Oxford, where even more beauty and wonder await. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our whimsical two-week trip through England!

With infinite love and gratitude,

-Anne 🧚‍♀️

*** Let me know in the comments which of these magical London attractions do you want to visit the most? ***