For solo travellers looking for a city break, London offers a wealth of opportunities and activities. As England’s capital, it is bursting with cultural sites, historic attractions, and hidden gems.
If you need a city retreat, here are nine things to do on your own in London.
Why take a solo trip to London?
There are countless solo things to do in London. You can create an itinerary based on your interests without having to worry about anyone else.
Many people prefer to travel to London by train rather than car. Once in London, getting around using the Underground is easy, so you won’t need a vehicle.
Additionally, with Avanti, you can enjoy an economical and comfortable alternative to driving into London.
Avanti trains travel to London Euston from all over the UK. Some of the most popular locations to travel from include:
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Birmingham New Street: Get to central London in just over one and a half hours
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Liverpool Lime Street: Get to central London in just under two and a half hours
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Manchester Piccadilly: Get to central London in just over two hours
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Glasgow Central: Get to central London in just over four and a half hours
Things to do alone in London
London isn’t only a getaway for those travelling with family and friends. The city is full of attractions and days out that are suitable for solo travellers. To get you started with your travel plans, here are nine things to do on your own in London. We’ve included:
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Three must-visit landmarks for a solo trip to London
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Three fun things to do in London alone
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Three things to do in London alone at night
Three must-visit landmarks or areas for solo travellers
London is full of attractions that tourists all over the world hope to tick off their must-see lists. Here are three days out in London ideas to enjoy, even if you’re travelling alone.
1. Visit the British Museum
Those who love culture will enjoy a trip to the British Museum in Bloomsbury. The museum’s collections delve into every corner of human culture. Explore collections covering everything from prehistoric life to Ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt.
Also, the museum is free to visit, though donations are always welcome.
The British Museum: Essential information
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Address: Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG
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Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (8:30 pm on Fridays)
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Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road (a five-minute walk away)
2. Explore the Tower of London
History lovers will find much to explore at the Tower of London. This UNESCO-listed building dates back to 1066 and has been a palace, fortress, and prison. As a result, there’s plenty of history to explore here, making for a fascinating afternoon out in London.
Delve into history with a visit to the Crown Jewels, complemented by intriguing tales from the Stuart and Tudor eras. Be wary though, as some of these stories can be quite graphic.
The Tower of London: Essential information
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Address: London, EC3N 4AB
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Opening hours: Sunday and Monday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Bank Holiday opening hours are 9:00 am - 5:30 pm. The Tower closes an hour earlier in the winter. Last admissions at 3:30 pm.
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Nearest tube station: Tower Hill (a five-minute walk away)
3. Browse artwork at the Tate Modern
One of London’s most-visited attractions, the Tate Modern is a bucket-list day out for anyone who loves modern art. Leave your friends and family behind to enjoy an immersive, uninterrupted day out.
The national gallery is free to enter, but you may find paid exhibitions to explore.
The Tate Modern: Essential information
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Address: Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
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Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
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Nearest tube station: Blackfriars (an eight-minute walk away)
Three fun things to do in London alone
London might be one of the UK’s busiest cities, but you can still enjoy time to yourself. Whether in a cathedral service or the peaceful haven of a park, fun doesn’t have to mean a big London attraction.
Try these three relaxing but fun things to do on your own in London.
1. Explore London’s food markets
When visiting London, exploring the food markets is a great way to sample lots of cuisines.
While visiting a restaurant alone may not be as fun as with friends, this isn’t the case at a market. Browse the stalls at your own pace and pause when you fancy some street food.
London is home to several markets. Examples include the Malty Street, Seven Dials, and Broadway Markets. Borough Market is a good one to start with thanks to its rich food and commerce history, which dates back over 1,000 years.
Borough Market: Essential information
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Address: 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL
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Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Saturday from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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Nearest tube station: London Bridge (a two-minute walk away)
2. Relax in Hyde Park
London may be a bustling city, but it is full of green spaces to relax. Hyde Park is the city’s largest park, which means there’s plenty of room to find a quiet spot.
After exploring London, spend an hour or two alone in the park, soaking up the greenery, fountains, and wildlife.
Hyde Park: Essential information
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Address: London, W2 2UH
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Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5:00 am to 12:00 am
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Nearest tube station: Lancaster Gate or Marble Arch.
3. Attend the Choral Evensong service at St. Paul’s Cathedral
Enjoy the St. Paul’s Cathedral Evensong service, where the choir sings responses, psalms, and biblical canticles. The cathedral’s acoustics make for amazing sound quality.
While listening, you can take in the architecture of one of London’s most beautiful cathedrals. The daily service is free to attend.
Choral Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral: Essential information
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Address: St Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD
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Opening hours: Monday to Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm
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Nearest tube station: St Paul’s Underground Station (a two-minute walk away)
Three things to do alone in London at night
However you decide to fill your days in London, you’ll need some evening plans, too. Try these three things to do in London alone at night.
1. Catch a West End show
London’s West End is brimming with some of the world’s highest-quality theatre shows. Immerse yourself in the world-class musicals and shows of London’s West End for an unforgettable solo experience. You’ll find all the classics, from The Lion King and Mamma Mia to more recent hits like Death Note.
You can book tickets ahead of time, but last-minute tickets are often cheaper. Opting for last-minute shows is ideal if you’re not fussy about what you see. It’s easier to snag a last-minute ticket if you’re on your own, too.
West End: Essential information
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Address: The W1C area
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Opening hours: Varies depending on what’s currently running
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Nearest tube stations to the West End: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Covent Garden
2. Visit the Globe Theatre
If musicals aren’t your thing, trade in the West End for a historic visit to the Globe Theatre. Although the Globe does showcase musicals, you’ll also find classic Shakespeare plays here.
In Shakespearean times, it cost a penny for a groundling ticket to watch a play from the Yard. Today, these tickets are £5. There are seated tickets in the historic pews, too.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: Essential information
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Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT
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Opening hours: Varies depending on what’s currently running
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Nearest tube station: London Bridge an 9-minutes walk away, Blackfriars an 10-minutes walk away, and Mansion House an 10-minute walk away.
3. Take the Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour
Not for the faint-hearted, the Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour makes for a fascinating and frightening evening.
A Ripperologist guide leads the way on this two-hour walk, telling the stories of the Ripper’s victims. You’ll visit the real crime scenes in Whitechapel and have a chance to fathom some of the still-unsolved murders from this case.
This is one of many walking tours in London. Other options cover themes like The Beatles, Shakespeare, and London’s Hidden Gardens. Travelling alone means you can pick the tour that you will enjoy the most.
Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour: Essential information
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Address: Exit 1 of Aldgate East Underground Station, Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7PT
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Opening hours: Monday to Sunday at 7:00 pm
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Nearest tube station: Aldgate East (a one-minute walk away)
Travel to London with Avanti West Coast
Once you’ve chosen things to do on your own in London, save on your London train tickets by booking with Avanti. Book direct, and you won’t pay a booking fee.
You can save even more with a Railcard, which you can use on all journeys.
