Start with a visit list
Visit London provides first-time visitor guidance, sightseeing navigation and traveller information. Use those pages to create a list of possible stops, then remove anything that does not fit the arrival and departure windows.
Fix the least flexible item
If the Tower of London is a priority, check Historic Royal Palaces for the current ticket, opening and route conditions before assigning a day. Keep nearby time flexible until that check is complete.
Group the city route
Use TfL's journey planner, getting-around information and accessibility pages to group confirmed visits. Check the route from the exact accommodation, not just from a named district.
Keep Heathrow separate
Heathrow provides several central-London connections and a Journey Planner. Treat arrival and departure as route decisions with their own time and access requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a confirmed five-day schedule?
No. It is a planning framework. Check each ticket, opening condition, route, payment method and service notice before fixing a day.
What should be fixed first?
Fix the visit or transport leg whose current operator condition constrains the rest of the day, then fit flexible time around it.
Sources
- Transport for London
Heading: Visiting London. Locator: the page links to getting to London, ways to pay, getting around London, visitor centres, transport accessibility and journey planning. Access date: 2026-08-13.. Verified 2026-08-13.
- Heathrow Airport
Heading: Heathrow to central London. Locator: the page describes the Heathrow Express, London Underground, Elizabeth line, coaches, taxis and a Journey Planner for comparing routes. Access date: 2026-08-13.. Verified 2026-08-13.
- Historic Royal Palaces
Heading: Tower of London. Locator: the page links to opening times, tickets and prices, getting here and plan-your-visit information, and warns visitors to check temporary route closures. Access date: 2026-08-13.. Verified 2026-08-13.
- Visit London
Heading: Visiting London for the first time. Locator: the page provides first-visit planning guidance and points readers to current information about getting around London by land, Underground, river and air. Access date: 2026-08-13.. Verified 2026-08-13.