Ladies, lace up those walking shoes (but make sure they’re cute because, well, London)—we’re about to eat, sip, shop, cruise, bus, and theater our way through the city. Yes, all in one fabulous 10K day. By the end, you’ll have had your fill of Buckingham Palace pomp, scone-and-tea indulgences, Thames river views, and a laugh-until-you-snort West End play. Wandering doesn’t get any better than this. So, let's go!
How did we get here? Well, by plane. British Airways has a direct flight from San Diego to London. Thank you so much! Since we are near the airport - here's a great place to stay :)
Start: Hilton Garden Inn, Heathrow
Address: Eastern Perimeter Rd, Hatton Cross, Hounslow TW6 2SQ, UK
A solid airport hotel with a surprisingly good breakfast buffet (yes, they have eggs you don’t have to peel yourself). Grab a hearty bite—protein is your friend today.
💡 Pro tip: It’s just a 5-minute walk to Hatton Cross Station on the Piccadilly Line. No need to fumble with Oyster cards anymore—just tap in and out with your contactless credit card. One card per person, though. Don’t be cheeky and try to “double-tap” for your travel buddy—they’ll be stuck at the gate giving you side-eye.
Stop 1: Green Park + Buckingham Palace https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
Tube Stop: Green Park or Hyde Park Corner https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/tube/
Stroll through Green Park, a lush, tree-draped oasis right in the city’s heart. If you time it right, catch the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace (most days at 11:00 a.m., but always check the schedule). Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s London—lean in and enjoy the pomp and circumstance. Bonus: you’ll get a front-row seat to some serious people-watching. It is quite the spectacle.
Stop 2: Fortnum & Mason, just a 15 minute wander away https://www.fortnumandmason.com/
Address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER
Ah, Fortnum & Mason—where tea is practically a religion plus scones, and jams, and clotted cream, oh my! Fortnum & Mason is London’s most elegant playground for foodies, fashionistas, and lovers of all things delightfully over the top. Since 1707, this Piccadilly icon has been serving up posh teas, jewel-box hampers, and gourmet goodies with a wink of British charm. Think gleaming counters stacked with chocolates too pretty to eat, teas that taste like luxury in a cup, and hampers so legendary they could make even the Queen jealous. Head straight to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon (book online in advance, darling at least 2 weeks ahead: https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/diamondjubileeteasalon/reservations/create/search ). For a flat fee, expect towers of finger sandwiches, scones that melt in your mouth, and pastries that deserve their own Instagram account. Each level is refillable until you are completely sated as well as your pot of tea.
💡 WanderLyn Tip: Sample, savor, and then shop. Downstairs, stock up on teas and preserves—or better yet, let them ship it all home so your suitcase isn’t 90% marmalade. Running late? Heathrow has both a Fortnum & Mason shop and a Harrods, so you can indulge pre-flight too. The strawberry champagne jam is my absolute favorite!!
Pause: Westminster + Big Ben
Walk about 15 minutes from Fortnum’s for photo ops galore! Snap the classic Big Ben selfie, swoon at Westminster Abbey, and then head down to the Westminster Pier for our next adventure.
Stop 3: Take an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers https://www.thamesclippers.com/
Boarding: Westminster Pier SW1A 2JH
Forget tourist cruises—Uber Boat is how Londoners do river views. Tap in with your credit card (just like the Tube), grab a seat, and glide along the Thames. You’ll float past the London Eye, bridges galore, and some of the best skyline views in the city—all without a guide shouting through a scratchy microphone. Hop off at Tower Millennium Pier.
Stop 4: Pause for a Quick Refuel: Pret A Manger https://www.pret.co.uk/en-GB
Closest Pret: 35 Great Tower St, London EC3R 5AQ
Pret is London’s answer to “I need a snack now before I get cranky.” Fresh sandwiches, soups, healthy snacks, and coffee that actually wakes you up. They make a dreamy flat white plus, clean restrooms. Enough said.
Optional Stops: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & The Shard
The Tower and Bridge are right there if you’ve got time (and stamina). Across the river, The Shard pierces the skyline like a giant glass spear. Enjoy it today—or, like us, keep moving toward our West End fun.
Stop 5: Hop the #15 Red Double-Decker Bus https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/buses/
Board at: Tower of London (Tower Hill, Stop TB)
Tap in, climb to the top deck (because we’re not rookies), and enjoy the ride. This scenic route passes right by St. Paul’s Cathedral—an awe-inspiring dome and historic gem worth its own full wander.
Stop 6: Covent Garden
Bus Stop: Savoy Street, then stroll into the action
Welcome to Covent Garden, where shopping, street performers, and buzzy restaurants collide. Browse the market stalls, admire the performers/buskers (some are seriously talented), and soak in the lively vibe.
Stop 7: Dinner at Inamo Covent Garden
Address: 11–14 Hanover Pl, London WC2E 9JP
Inamo is part restaurant, part interactive playground. Order food by tapping on your table (yes, your table is a giant touchscreen), and play retro video games while you wait. It’s quirky, fun, and the perfect reset before a night at the theater. Prix fixe menus make it easy on the wallet and the decision-making.
Stop 8: West End Show: The Play That Goes Wrong
Address: Duchess Theatre, 3–5 Catherine St, London WC2B 5LA
This riotous comedy is like Monty Python meets slapstick chaos—the “worst” play you’ll ever love. Sets fall apart, actors miss cues, and you’ll laugh so hard your mascara might run.
💡 Insider Scoop: At intermission, treat yourself to a Pimm’s or ice cream. Splurge on the specialty package if you can—it comes with a drink, the script, and a keepsake playbill.
Stop 9: Home Stretch: Covent Garden Tube (Piccadilly Line)
A short stroll takes you back to the Tube, and before you know it, you’re back at your hotel with happy feet, full bellies, and a brain buzzing with London magic. Step count? Well over 10K—and every single one was worth it.
✨ Final Thoughts: London is a city best explored on foot (with a little help from boats, buses, and the Tube). This 10K route delivers a feast for the eyes, the tastebuds, and the soul. For women 50+ who want a little adventure with their tea and theater—this is your London.
PS - this trip was part of a gorgeous Norwegian Cruise from Iceland to England with stops in Norway - awesomeness. Check out our Iceland and Norway wanders.
Until next time,
Eat well. Move well. Wander well.
Lyn, WanderLynTravel
Check us out on Social media: @WanderLynTravel
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