Day one: start beside Westminster
Begin at Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge for views of Elizabeth Tower and the Palace of Westminster. Cross to the south side for the river-facing skyline. An interior visit to Westminster Abbey is an optional separate booking; if you choose it, reduce the afternoon walking rather than squeezing everything into one morning.
Day one: lunch and an arts-focused afternoon
Continue past the London Eye towards the Southbank Centre and National Theatre, pausing for lunch around Waterloo. Carry on towards Tate Modern only if everyone still wants a longer river walk. A ride on the Eye or a performance replaces part of this afternoon and needs its own ticket.
Day two: make the Tower the main visit
Use the Tower of London as the morning anchor. Look for the Crown Jewels and the White Tower, allowing for queues inside as well as security at entry. Eat after the visit before deciding whether you want another paid attraction; this is a large historic site, not a quick photo stop.
You can replace part of day two with this Tower visit with a Thames cruise rather than booking another fortress ticket. Check its option and meeting point; allow for the cruise, and keep Tower Bridge admission separate.
Day two: finish around Tower Bridge
Walk towards Tower Bridge for an exterior view, then cross to the south bank for the bridge and Tower together in the panorama. The bridge exhibition and glass walkways are a separate paid visit. If you prefer a shorter day, finish by the river and take public transport back instead.
Change the plan when the weather turns
A wet forecast is a good reason to replace a long outdoor afternoon with the South Kensington museums. Book the Natural History Museum free entry ticket and check exceptional closures. Use TfL to compare the actual journey from your accommodation, and carry a removable layer for warm galleries and cool riverside stops.
Check before you go
Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.
