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London Public Transport Journey Planners

These are the best apps and tools to plan a journey by public transport in London. We recommend using the options listed below instead of Google to plan a journey.

Citymapper is the most comprehensive public transport planning app for London.

It’s available online or as a free app for ios or android . The online version is now rather limited. The app is much better.

The route planner shows all transport options including cycling, walking and local trains.

The adult Pay as you go Oyster card/contactless fares for each journey are also shown. This make it easy to find the cheapest route.

Transport for London’s TfL Go app is a sleek design and easy to use . It’s the easiest app to find and live departures for underground trains and buses.

It also has a route planner showing options for

• fastest route
• an alternative route (usually bus)

Select ‘Status’ for delay information. You are then able to see if there are any problems on a particular train or underground line.

It defaults to an excellent live tube map, which finds your closest tube station. Click on the underground station, then the name of the station to get the times of the next tube trains.

Click on ‘bus stops’ to see times of the next buses from bus stops near you.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t give fare information. But it’s recommended if you don’t need to know the fare.

Transport for London’s online journey planner

Transport for London’s online Journey Planner shows the quickest way from A to B.

It’s possible to choose bus/tube/train only routes. It also gives you the Pay as you go Oyster peak/contactless and off-peak fares.

Do bear in mind that the default is the quickest route, which is not always the cheapest. For example, to Heathrow Airport:

• under ‘Edit preferences’ deselect ‘National Rail’ to exclude the expensive Heathrow Express train.
• Deselect ‘Elizabeth line’ if you want to exclude that as well.

Early morning or late-night journeys

To be somewhere at a specific time, especially if it’s in the morning or late at night, use the TfL Journey Planner

Mobility issues

If you have mobility issues, you can narrow down your search options to find the best route with:

• Escalators but not stairs
• Stairs but not escalators
• Step-free access to platforms
• Full step-free access

If you just need a tube map and don’t want to use an app, download a pdf tube map to your device.

Related pages

• How to get around by bus
• How to get around by underground
• Walking in London

Getting around London

• How to use the London underground
• How to use London buses
• London cycle hire scheme
• London trains
• London taxis & minicabs

Useful information

• Plan your journey
• London transport zones

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TfL Go: Live Tube, Bus & Rail 4+

Plan journeys around london, designed for ipad.

• #29 in Navigation
• 4.8 • 6K Ratings

Screenshots

Description.

Travel confidently around London with maps and live travel updates on our official TfL app. Check live arrival times for Tube, London Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line and Thameslink trains as well as Trams and IFS Cloud Cable Car. Make step-free journeys and look up station facilities. See on the map when stations and lifts are closed. Walking or cycling? Our reliable journey planner will map a safe route. The app is built around our iconic Tube map. To get started: • Touch the map or search to plan your journey • See the status of all lines • Check how busy each London Underground station is right now • Re-route as you travel - we’ll suggest alternatives • Switch to the step-free map for accessible journeys • Find out when your next train, bus or tram is due • Look up which platform your train will arrive on • See when the stations you want to travel through are quieter • Check out station information and facilities such as toilets Most recently we’ve: • Added more information about station toilets – find out where they are by gender and which ones are accessible and/or with baby changing facilities • Built a new map showing nearby bus stops – making it simple to see where you can catch your bus from • Refreshed the navigation – it’s even easier to get to the features you want Our simple and clear layout is designed to make using the app easy for everyone. Planning your journey: We’ll suggest multiple ways to get to your destination – you pick the one that suits you best. Choose the quickest journey, bus-only or one that’s step-free. Check before you travel: See how the line is running and when to expect your next Tube, bus, train or tram Freedom to explore: Choose the right travel options if you or someone you’re travelling with needs to avoid steps, lifts onto a train or in a station. Bus stops near you: Find the bus stop nearest to where you are, and next bus live arrival information for every route. Available underground via Wi-Fi (or 4G in some places) for live updates on the go. What users have said: “I think that out of all of the transport apps I have owned on my phone, this is by far the best” “I love how clean the design of the app is & how easy it is to use. The best part of the app is it’s simplicity & how it helps you to navigate across London so effortlessly.” “The map is awesome! The ability to zoom in and out and see more/less information as you do so. The station information is really useful and seeing which lines/stations are closed or have delays at a glance is really helpful. It’s also beautifully designed! Very slick, clean, and responsive.” “The app is beautifully designed and free to use. Step free mode also works really well." “This is a must have app … very much worth the wait. Well done TFL.”

Version 1.62.0

Updated launch screen image and some improvements to support future features.

Ratings and Reviews

I use this every time i go to london.

This app is invaluable! I travel alone & am American , even tho this summer will be my 4th UK trip I am not comfortable going around London without a map ! . My first trip( 2016 ) it took me about 30 min every am & night to plan my journey etc ! I still got lost and my phone battery would die from constant use. This app allows you to find the tube line you need and w a spare battery you should be fine alone! I’m 60 and stay in Victoria area ( my fav) buy need no help now largely bc of this great app!

When an app feels this good

As a tourist in London finding this app was amazing, but it goes beyond usability and into art. This app is such a great example of thoughtful and precise design. I’ve kept it on my phone after leaving London just to continue to fiddle around with it and continue to discover additional layers of loveliness.

Simple, clean, functional

Fantastic job by the dev team, one of the easiest travel apps I’ve ever used. Displays the map very clearly, shows you everything you want to see. Perfect

App Privacy

The developer, TfL , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Search History
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

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How to Use London Buses: the Easy Guide for Visitors (2024)

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If you’re wondering how to use London buses or hoping for some expert tips, you’ve come to the right place!

There are two main thoughts that go through most visitor’s minds surrounding London buses.

The first is: oh my God, they actually are double decker! This is real life! This isn’t just in the movies or for tourists!

The second is: but how do I get on one without getting lost?

People are usually more hesitant to use a London bus than to hop on the London Underground.

I think this comes down to our natural hesitation when exploring a new city.

With the tube, it’s much easier to navigate your way back somewhere if you get lost, because you can’t get TOO lost.

If you end up at a stop you didn’t expect, you get off, don’t exit the station, look at the tube map or ask a member of staff, and then get back on in the right direction.

With a bus, it feels much more intimidating, because what if you get on one going in the wrong direction in the middle of nowhere with no idea how to orient yourself, or your phone dies so you don’t have a map anymore.

The list goes on.

But I’m here to explain how to use the London bus system and break it down for you so you can feel totally confident exploring by bus (in fact, I recommend it as it’s a better way to see the city than always being underground!)

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Using Buses in London: How to Pay for London Buses

Paying for London buses can only happen two ways, as London buses do not take cash .

🛎 Still looking for somewhere to stay in London?

My favorite hotel in London for all visitors is the Strand Palace ( click here to check prices ). ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Contactless Debit or Credit Card

If you have a credit or debit card that is contactless, ie, you don’t need to use a PIN for it and can instead just “tap” it, then you can use this to pay on a London bus.

However, each person would need their own card – you can’t use a single contactless credit card to pay for multiple journeys at one time on a London bus.

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

The second way to pay for a London bus is by using an Oyster card (more on Oyster cards here ).

There will not usually be any sort of way to buy an Oyster card near the bus station unless it just happens to be near a tube station, so make sure you’re prepared before planning on taking the bus.

How Much Do London Bus Rides Cost?

Let’s talk prices of London buses , as London buses are cheaper than the tube and definitely worth your while if you’re trying to save a pence or two!

Single Ride Cost on London Bus

A single ride on a London bus costs £1.65, regardless of what Zone of London you are in.

However, if you take another ride within an hour of getting on the first bus (maybe you have to change buses), then you’d be eligible for the Hopper Fare which I’ll explain next.

If you take different bus journeys spaced further than an hour apart, you would pay £1.65 per each journey, until you reach the maximum daily cap (keep reading for more information on that).

Hopper Fare

The London bus Hopper Fare is automatically applied to your journey if you qualify, and to qualify, you need to tap in on another bus (or buses) within 1 hour of tapping in on the first one.

The Hopper Fare means that you still only pay £1.65 total, no matter how many buses you take within a one hour period.

All-Day Limit

If you take multiple buses within a day, spread out at different times, you will be charged the £1.65 per ride until you get to a total of £4.95 in one day.

You need to use the same contactless card or Oyster card to achieve this limit, as obviously the bus system will not know it’s still you if you use your Oyster card for one journey and then your contactless credit card for the next.

After you hit that limit, any additional bus rides that day will be free of charge within London.

Children ages 10 and under can ride with you on a London bus for free.

How to Get On and Get Off a London Bus

Okay, you probably know how to get on a bus: you step-on, but let’s talk about London bus etiquette and practicalities.

When you first get on the bus, get on at the front of the bus.

Both doors may open, but it’s more customary for people to exit via the back door and enter via the front door, near the driver.

There are some buses where you can also enter from the back, so if you see a lot of people doing this, then follow suit, but otherwise stick to the front.

Get on, tap your card onto the reader, and once it signals that you’re good (it will make a long beep), you can proceed onto the bus to find a seat.

You can sit upstairs or downstairs, or you may have to stand, but etiquette is, if standing room only on a bus in London, to move further back into the bus as more people will cram on along the route.

Also keep in mind if you choose to sit upstairs, that the bus may start in motion again while you’re navigating the stairs so HOLD ON TIGHT.

Most buses will have scrolling screens to tell you the next stop.

In this case, it will be easy to know when to get off.

If your bus doesn’t have that, you can try staying near the driver to see if he can alert you when you’re close or you can follow your route on bus apps using your phone (click here to learn how to use your phone in the UK from abroad ).

Requesting a Stop on a London Bus

If you’re on a busy route, it’s commonplace for the bus to already be stopping at all stops, but to be sure, make sure to push the “Request stop” button (found all over the bus, usually on the rails) before your stop so the driver knows someone wants to get off.

When you get off the bus, you DO NOT need to “tap out” like you do on the tube.

Simply walk off (from the back exit).

Flagging a Bus in London

Do you have to hail buses in London?

Yes, sometimes!

It’s important to “hail” the bus if you are intending to get on it, if there aren’t already people doing that or it doesn’t seem to already be stopping.

Simply step relatively close to the road, put your hand out, and try and make eye contact with the driver to signal that you intend to get on his bus, as there are multiple buses that will go through a stop so if you’re waiting for another one, they don’t want to waste their time stopping only for you to not get on.

If you get nervous about the above “hailing” or “requesting stop” etiquette, know that the vast majority of buses you’ll take as a visitor in Central London won’t have this needed from you as they’ll be stopping anyway, but it’s good to know.

Where Can You Sit on a London Bus?

Once on the bus, you are free to sit wherever you want, whether upstairs or downstairs (go for the upstairs on a double decker bus for the experience!).

However, if you are sitting in a seat designated for people with mobility issues or extra needs (there will be a sign), make sure that you look around each time people get on the bus to make sure no one needs the seat more than you.

You can still sit there if no one is sitting there and falls into that category, however.

Standing on a London Bus

If there are no seats (and there might not be during rush hour), London bus etiquette is that you can stand on on the lower level of a London bus.

Just make sure to hold onto the handrails so as not to go flying down the aisle when the bus is moving, and stay clear of the yellow line at the front of the bus that designates that people should not stand there (typically right in front of the front door and next to the driver).

Understanding London Bus Stops

London bus stops are all marked with letters (sometimes double letters).

You’ll find the letter displayed on top of the bus stop or station, and this is helpful to know as you’ll need it to figure out where your bus might be departing from.

Most bus stops will also have a screen showing you when the next buses are due to arrive and where they’re going, as well as maps and schedules posted on signage around the stop.

Understanding London Bus Routes

The bus map of London looks really scary to a visitor, but most people don’t use the bus map like they would use a tube map, as it’s too convuluted.

Instead, let’s talk about individual routes.

Each route has a number attached to it, so, for instance, the “55”, and this will run two ways.

There will be a 55 bus going in one direction on the route, and another going the opposite direction.

They are on the same bus route, but if you get on one going in the opposite direction, you’ll add a lot of time and confusion to your day.

The good part is that you’ll avoid having this problem as long as you make sure the bus stop you need matches the letter on the top of your bus stop, because that means the 55 bus that goes in the opposite direction will be going from a stop on the other side of the street (that you are not at, so you can’t get on it!)

Step-by-Step Guide to Take a London Bus

Let’s talk about how this works step-by-step.

I’ll have some resources below on some great bus schedule apps, but I usually just use Google directions, set to public transportation.

Let’s say I look up how to get from the British Museum to Oxford Circus Station, and I see this.

On the bus section, you’ll see it wants me to take the 55 bus from Museum Street to Great Titchfield Street. Museum Street is Stop C, so as I walk in the direction it tells me, I’m looking for a bus stop that says “C” on top.

I might find more bus stops ON Museum Street, but I want Stop C specifically.

At Stop C, I’ll keep an eye out for when a bus that says “55 Towards Oxford Circus” on front arrives.

If it only says “55,” I’ll ask the driver, just to be sure, ” is this the bus that stops at Great Titchfield Street”?

Then, on the bus, I’ll keep an eye out for the scrolling screen telling me that the next stop is Great Titchfield Street (it won’t say the letter on the bus stop), and when it’s my stop, I’ll press the button, get off when the bus stops without “tapping out,” and wallah!

Do London Buses Run at Night?

Some London buses are 24 hours, or only run at night called “night buses.”

These will follow the same types of rules as other buses, including route numbers.

Accessibility on London Buses

London buses are designed to be able to accommodate those with accessibility limitations, including being able to get down to street level so a wheelchair or mobility impaired person can get on much easier.

There is also wheelchair space in the middle of the bus, which everyone else will clear out of if you get on with a wheelchair or scooter and need that section.

Resources and Apps for London Bus Schedules

Nowadays, almost everyone, including Londoners, is getting bus information off of their phones rather than looking at a paper map.

I often use Google Maps, set to “Public Transportation,” or I recommend an app called CityMapper, which is one of the best apps to download for London.

Want more London travel guides? Check these out!

• The Definitive London Packing List for Visitors
• A Full Guide to Oyster Cards in London for Dummies
• Getting around London: Everything a Visitor Needs to Know
• Weather in London: a Visitor’s Guide
• The Best Time to Visit London: a Local’s Guide
• London on a Budget: How to Save Money in London
• Money in the UK: How to Pay for Things in London
• Exactly How Many Days to Spend in London: an Expert Guide
• How to Use the Tube in London: a Guide for Newbies
• What to Wear in London (How to Dress Like a Londoner)
• British Pub Etiquette: the must-read guide
• 49+ Expert London Travel Tips
• Visiting London with Anxiety: the ultimate guide

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

1 thought on “How to Use London Buses: the Easy Guide for Visitors (2024)”

I just returned from London and I thought the bus system was very complicated to pickup in the few days I was there but I have to say Londoners were always very generous with time and explanations if asked. It probably didn’t help that there were plenty of diversions going on because of the queue when the Queen died. The only way we knew we were being diverted was when we saw signs that said “diversion” and the bus turned that way. My general impression is that the transportation service assumed that passengers just “knew” stuff. Your explanations were quite helpful but a little late for us. I will be following since I would like to return sometime! Keep the info coming. Your site did help us with figuring out some of the places we didn’t want to go- especially when time is limited.

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London's Best Bus Routes for Sightseeing

Stephen Lux/Getty Images 

There's a lot to see on a trip to London , and especially on your first trip to the city. Taking a bus is one of the easiest ways to get a good view of London without much hassle or expense; all you have to do is find out which route you want to take and then leave the driving to them while you gawk at the scene. London is covered by more than 700 bus routes, and many travel past some of the city's iconic sights. As a bonus, many of the buses are double-deckers , and what a great view you'll get on the upper deck. This list focuses on routes in central London only and includes links to a full guide that rounds up all the sights included on the route as well as helpful tips and additional information. 

London buses no longer accept cash fares, so you will need an Oyster card loaded with sufficient credit or a travelcard. You could also consider using a contactless payment card to pay for London transport .

If you are short on time and want to guarantee that you see all of the big sights in London , your best bet is the classic Big Bus Tours circular route.

No. 11 Route

This bus route is a perfect one to take if it is your first trip to London. The key section of the No. 11 route starts at Liverpool Street Station and ends at Victoria Station. It goes through the City of London and past such must-sees as  St. Paul's Cathedral , Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

No. 9 Route

Brendan Mccarthy/Getty Images

The best section of the No. 9 route starts in Kensington and ends on the edge of Covent Garden. It goes past Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park, along Piccadilly, past St. James's Palace and Trafalgar Square .

No. 73 Route

joe daniel price/Getty Images

The No. 73 route starts at Victoria Station and ends in Stoke Newington in northeast London. It goes past the Buckingham Palace gardens, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, along with the whole length of Oxford Street, and through Islington.

No. 26 Route

vladimir zakharov/Getty Images

The No. 26 route starts at Hackney Wick in east London and ends at Waterloo by the South Bank . It goes through Hackney and the City of London before traveling over Waterloo Bridge for fantastic views on both sides.

No. 24 Route

Stephen Rafferty/Getty Images

The No. 24 route starts at Hampstead Heath in north London and winds its way to Pimlico, near ​ Tate Britain . It goes through Camden and Trafalgar Square, as well as Parliament Square, where you'll get a glimpse of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

Laurie Noble/Getty Images

The RV1 route starts at Tower Hill, close to the Tower of London, and ends in Covent Garden. The route links the Tower of London to London Bridge and Borough Market, via Tower Bridge, and Waterloo and the South Bank to Covent Garden Piazza.

David Bank/Getty Images

This route starts in West Hampstead and passes through other upmarket North London neighborhoods, including St. John's Wood where the famous Abbey Road pedestrian crossing can be found, before heading along Oxford and Regent streets, through Piccadilly Circus and around Trafalgar Square, and ending in Waterloo with magnificent views from Waterloo Bridge.

London Monopoly Board Locations

Bruno Vincent/Getty Images

Visitors to London often walk London Monopoly board locations. It's easier if you take the bus on these four routes, which will drive you past all the Monopoly board locations. These routes all connect. Catch No. 205 at Marylebone Station, No. 78 at Liverpool Street Station, No. 72 at Old Kent Road, and No. 23 at Fleet Street. If you want an abbreviated tour, pick No. 23, where you will hit the jackpot and roll past the lion's share of Monopoly board names on just this one route.

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Hello we will starting our day September 4 a week day at the onset guest house tsutaya at Hinia-shita stop (bus H Z J or U). From what I’ve read the Hakone Shrine can have a long line. My plan was to go there first thing in the morning (8am). But someone said the buses don’t start that early? Would there be an option of a taxi? Can anyone give suggestions of a loop starting at the Shrine? We would like to include the open air museum and getting tea at Amazake-chaya Tea House. Again Some have said it does not open early. I could not confirm its hours. Thank you in advance for any help.

Have you checked the bus timetable?

https://www.hakonenavi.jp/transportation/ticket_info/search/timetable/detail/?timetableNo=10132-001-001

If you get on the bus from Jinja-mae 7:13, I think you can be there by at Heiwa no Torii at Hakone Shrine around 8 am.

Amazake Chaya will be open from 7 am.

https://www.amasake-chaya.jp/

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How to Plan a Trip to London

If you are planning a trip to London, you will probably find that there is so much to do and see in London that planning the perfect trip seems impossible if you want to see a bit of everything.

For that reason, we are just going to easily explain how to plan the perfect trip to London, just by following a few easy steps to guarantee that you´ll make the most of your time in this beautiful city. It is basically a cheat sheet  to make sure that you leave London with the feeling of having experienced London like a Londoner.

How to plan the perfect trip to London

When planning a trip to London we would suggest that you make sure each one of these things makes it to your list:

Itineraries to stroll through London’s most famous streets and squares

If you are planning your first trip to London take a look at our London itineraries . London is a great city for walking, and having a walking route already planned is the best way to see London´s iconic landmarks. Some of the key places in London that you should not miss when visiting London for the first time are  Oxford Street , Regent Street , Leicester Square or Carnaby Street for example. Make sure you also get slightly lost in London’s famous Soho , and explore Chinatown .

​​ Take your time to wander round Covent Garden , where you will also find a large number of cafes and restaurants, so take a bite and relax watching the world go by in this beautiful part of London. From Covent Garden you can easily walk to Trafalgar Square and then it´s just a 10 minute stroll from here to the Thames, where you´ll get to see the Big Ben and the London Eye .

A walk along South Bank is also a must. This is where you get to take in the beautiful views that London has to offer, and London´s wonderful skyline. Walking along the south bank you can easily get to St Paul´s Cathedral , Borough Market and the Tower of London .

Discover our Free London Itineraries

Visit at least one of London´s Wonderful Parks

London’s green spaces are absolutely fantastic, and you should consider exploring at least Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are attached to one another, and located in central London. I would say that you need a good 2 or 3 hours to walk around here but it is totally worth it. Walk around Serpentine Lake and enjoy the views, look for Peter Pan’s Statue and visit the Diana Memorial Park if you are travelling to  London with kids.

St James’ Park is right next to Buckingham Palace, and we would highly recommend walking through it if you have the chance. This is where you might get a glimpse of the pelicans! It is only small but very beautiful. London has many other green spaces that we would recommend visiting, such as Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park or Hampstead Heath.

Discover London’s Best Parks

Visit one of London’s street markets

Visiting one of London’s world famous markets will probably be one of the highlights of your trip to London. London’s markets offer everything from street-food to flowers or antiques, but it is not only the shopping opportunities that you will find, but the whole experience and feeling that you will get when walking round one. The hardest decision you have to make is which one to go to. In my opinion, these are the top three unmissable markets in London: Portobello Road, Camden Market and Borough Market.

Portobello Road in Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous markets. Portobello Road market is open on Saturday mornings, so if you are planning a trip to London during a weekend, then this is a must for Saturday morning. The earlier you get there the less crowds of people there will be. Find out more: Notting Hill Guide .

Camden Market is open every day of the week, and you can expect to see the unexpected here. Camden Market  is unique in every way, and literally has it all. There are large open spaces and tables to enjoy the best street food you can imagine, stalls and shops bursting with antiques, clothes, music, shoes…

Borough Market is located next to London Bridge, and there is a full market here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I always take our visitors to Borough Market, and it never disappoints them. It truly is one of my favourite places in London, therefore one that I would highly recommend visiting.

Other markets in London worth a visit are Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market, Petticoat Lane Market, Maltby Street or Brixton Market.

Discover London’s Best Markets

Visit one of London´s most famous museums

Most of the museums in London are not only fascinating, but they are also free. You could easily spend days and days visiting all of the different museums in London, so you will undoubtedly have to choose which ones you want to see.

If you like the idea of visiting a museum housed in one of the most beautiful buildings, and the idea of walking beside dinosaur skeletons doesn’t scare you, then the Natural History Museum is a must. If you are planning a trip to London with kids, it’s also one of my first choices, as they can easily spend hours looking at the different exhibitions.

The Science Museum is located right next to the Natural History Museum, and it’s also one not to miss if you have kids. This museum is highly interactive with special effects that the kids will love, and the best thing, is that they will actually learn loads here as they discover how the world works.

Other options include delving into the hidden secrets of the British Museum , the National Gallery or the Tate Modern , or travelling back in time visiting the London Transport Museum .

Discover London’s Best Museums

Decide which London Attractions you can’t miss… and which ones you can live without seeing

This is probably one of the most difficult things to have to decide on. London’s long list of tourist attractions will make this step difficult, but there are a few that are practically compulsory if you are visiting London for the first time. Such as going on the London Eye , visiting Westminster Abbey , The Tower of London and St Paul´s Cathedral .

The cheapest way to get tickets is buying tickets online , as you´ll normally save around 10% when compared to buying tickets at the gates. You will normally beat some of the queues too if you already have tickets, which is always a bonus in London.

If you wish to visit several tourist attractions though, the best option is to buy one of London´s Tourist Passes . There are several different tourist passes in London and choosing which one is most suitable to your needs really depends on the number of attractions and which attractions you want to visit.

Tuck into some Great British Food in one of London’s Historical Pubs

Try a traditional  Sunday Roast  or the famous British Fish and Chips in one of London’s best pubs. Another possibility that you may not want to miss is experiencing  Afternoon Tea .

Go on a River Cruise and admire London’s skyline

If it’s your first trip to London I would highly recommend going on a river cruise on the Thames. It was one of my favourite things when we visited London for the first time.

There are sightseeing river cruises along the Thames, with live or recorded commentary. Most sightseeing bus tours  include a free sightseeing river cruise, as well as free tours on foot, so it’s worth thinking about that too.

Other options include a Dinner River Cruise or an Afternoon River Cruise, especially if you´d like to surprise someone. You can see all the different cruises available here: River Cruises in London .

Accommodation: Choosing the right hotel in the right place.

London is a very big city and choosing a hotel can be a very difficult task! First of all, we need to admit that hotels in London are expensive, and sometimes people will choose a cheaper hotel far from central London if they find it to be cheaper, but the reality is that the money you will be saving on the hotel will most likely be spent on travel fares and journey time.

For this reason, it´s very important that you know exactly where your chosen hotel is and how long it will take you to get to central London. You may be able to walk to some of London´s attractions or you may need to get the tube or the bus…. but what you don´t want is to find out that you need to get on a train for an hour to reach central London and that each journey will cost you £10.

Fort his reason, there are a few things we think you would like to know:

• London Travel Zones: Familiarise yourself with London’s Travel Zones and the Underground Map before you choose your hotel.
• Recommended hotels: Take a look at our list of recommended hotels in London   , as this will give you an idea of different locations and example hotels to consider.

Transport: Choosing the right transport tickets

Once you know what hotel you have chose and what travel zone it’s in you will be able to choose a travel card suited to your needs. There are two transport cards and which one you need will depend on the number of days you will be in London, the travel zone in which your hotel is located, and the approximate number of times you think you’ll be using public transport.

Check out our guide Travelcard or Oyster Card to see which transport card you need.

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General election latest: Minister hangs up on Sky's Sam Coates after being told poll has predicted he'll lose his seat

A YouGov poll has predicted an enormous majority for Labour - and several big names Tories to lose their seats. One of them, Grant Shapps, hung up on our deputy political editor Sam Coates after being told live on the phone.

Monday 3 June 2024 22:39, UK

• General Election 2024

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Election news

• Bulletin: Catch up on the main news from the campaign trail
• Labour set for biggest majority in 100 years - YouGov poll
• Minister predicted to be voted out hangs up live on Sky News
• The top Tories under threat | Why this poll is a big deal | '31 days to save Tory party'
• Farage to stand at general election | Taking over as Reform leader
• Be in the audience for our election leaders event
• Live reporting by Tim Baker and Brad Young

Expert analysis

• Jon Craig: Grim record aside, Farage has made a canny choice
• Rob Powell: Farage U-turn is a really significant development
• Adam Boulton: 'Starmtroopers' are purging Labour

Election essentials

• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more: Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | How to register to vote | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Your essential guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

 The front pages for tomorrow unsurprisingly focus on two things: The return of Nigel Farage as a Westminster candidate, and the polling which suggests a record defeat for the Tories.

Neither of these stories will be welcomed among Rishi Sunak's team.

Sir Keir Starmer could be heading to Downing Street with a majority of 194 seats, bigger than what Tony Blair achieved in 1997, according to the first polling projection by YouGov of the campaign.

The projection shows a historic Labour landslide, with the party getting the highest number of seats of any party at an election in history.

At the same time, the Tories are trying to boost ratings by talking about culture wars while Labour is talking about real wars in terms of what they would do for defence. And Nigel Farage has announced he's standing for Reform UK.

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Patterson talks to Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig about the poll and today's developments, and to Scarlett Maguire, director of the polling organisation JL Partners.

Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts

We're winding up here for the day - the clock has gone ten and we'll be off to bed soon.

Today felt like a day that could be an inflection point in the election for a number of reasons.

We had big announcements from numerous parties, and a megapoll predicting a historic result.

If you want a fuller rundown, here is today's main news:

• A YouGov poll predicted Labour will win a supermajority of 194 seats - with the Conservatives routed to just 140 MPs;
• Tory ministers are among those who could lose their seat - including the defence secretary, Grant Shapps, who hung up on our deputy political editor Sam Coates when he was told live on air ;
• As chief political correspondent Jon Craig writes, panic will be spread through Tory ranks ;
• Meanwhile, Sky election analyst Professor Michael Thrasher said Rishi Sunak has 31 days to save the Conservative Party ;
• Twelve big Conservative beasts face losing their seats - and  political correspondent  Tamara Cohen  has a despatch from one such constituency .
• Just before this poll was published, Nigel Farage announced he was standing to be an MP for Reform UK - U-turning on his previous stance of not contesting;
• As political correspondent Rob Powell says, Mr Farage doesn't just have his eye on this election but the years ahead ;
• And  political correspondent Gurpreet Narwan  says the news will send shivers down Tory spines;
• This morning, Labour  was pitching itself as the "party of defence"   as it pledged to build new nuclear submarines;
• And the Conservatives were campaigning on reforming the Equalities Act, including wanting to protect single sex toilets;
• Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch also said trans athletes may have to compete with their biological sex ;
• In slightly lighter news, the prime minister revealed his preferred Nando's order - with a surprise inclusion in the sides .
• Elsewhere, the SNP said there was no need for the UK to have a nuclear deterrent , in response to the Labour announcement;
• The Liberal Democrats sabotaged Rishi Sunak as he held a campaign event;
• Meanwhile, political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh outlined the difficulties facing Sir Keir Starmer over Jeremy Corbyn. 

Here are a couple of other stories that may interest you:

Our essential political podcast,  Politics At Jack And Sam's , is going out every week day through the election campaign to bring a short burst of everything you need to know about the day ahead as this election unfolds - here is today's edition .

Tap here to follow Politics At Jack At Sam's wherever you get your podcasts .

Today's poll suggests that in the Conservative heartlands, voters are about to turn on the governing party like never before, Tarama Cohen writes from Godalming, Surrey .

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is running in Godalming and Ash, one of the country's most affluent areas.

Conservative since its creation, Mr Hunt's majority - on different boundaries - was down to 8,817 at tzhe 2019 election, ahead of the Liberal Democrats. YouGov's seat by seat poll predicts it could be overturned altogether. 

It could be a significant moment of election night - compared with cabinet minister Michael Portillo losing his seat in 1997.

Mortgage rates are a key issue for many voters in this commuter town, and switchers were not hard to find. 

Sam and Fi Hayward, who have three children under five, previously voted Conservative but will now back the Lib Dems.

Finance worker Sam - who's natural home is with Conservatives - will be changing who he backs, saying "different issues on our radar now we have a young family".

He is also unimpressed with the government's performance, putting it down to "general incompetence, Brexit hasn't gone their way, COVID hasn't helped". 

Fi is also switching, saying "I think it would be better for our family".

At the Godalming Delights sweet shop, new mum Felicity is also switching away from the Tories. 

"We're living on savings to pay a massive mortgage", she said, and they've taken their older child out of nursery due to the costs.

Retired teacher Jean said the impact of COVID is still on her mind - including a friend who died "while [politicians] were partying".

She's also concerned about children's mental health, a subject the Lib Dems are campaigning on.

But there was still support for the Conservatives here - and lack of enthusiasm for the alternative. 

Retired railway worker Robert Jones said: "I like Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak. I like his apprenticeship scheme, my children's children need a job and all our heavy industries are going."

He was not impressed with the National Service idea - and does worry about Labour.

"Diane Abbott was in, and now she's out. The left always worry me, and the unions - although I was a union man for years - having their sway," he says.

Some voters felt Mr Hunt personally had worked hard as an MP. "He's moderate, and I'm a moderate", said Tory party member David Cooper.

But he was worried about a severe defeat. 

This corner of southwest Surrey, a constituency held by former cabinet minister Virginia Bottomley and now the chancellor, has never deserted the Tories, even at the height of New Labour. 

If the tide turns here on election night, it will be a sign the once unshakeable Blue Wall is really tumbling down.

The candidates for Godalming and Ash are:

• Graham Drage, Reform UK;
• Paul Follows, Liberal Democrats;
• Jeremy Hunt, Conservatives;
• James Walsh, Labour;
• Steve Williams, Greens.

By Jon Craig , chief political correspondent

The findings of the SkyNews/YouGov MRP poll are a disaster for the Conservatives, a worry for Labour and good news for the Lib Dems and Reform UK.

The forecast of a Tory near wipeout  will spread panic among Conservative candidates and potentially spark a fresh bout of mutiny against Rishi Sunak from the right of his party.

For Labour, the suggestion that Sir Keir Starmer is heading for a landslide even bigger than Tony Blair won in 1997 will alarm those in the party already fearing complacency.

But for the Lib Dems, the projection that Sir Ed Davey's party is heading for a result to match the heady days of Paddy Ashdown and Charles Kennedy will be a massive confidence boost.

However, the party that will be really delighted is Reform UK - already newly energised with  Nigel Farage replacing Richard Tice as leader  - who will claim that with Labour on course to win, Tory supporters can vote for them.

There will also be consternation in the Tory high command at the forecast that so many of the party's big beasts - led by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt - are at risk of losing their seat.

Mr Hunt is fighting the new constituency of Godalming and Ash - in his favour it's in a part of the affluent Surrey stockbroker belt represented by Conservative MPs since 1910.

But the cabinet minsters who are vulnerable are in seats held by Labour in the Blair and Brown years or the Liberal Democrats in the Ashdown, Kennedy or Nick Clegg years.

Read Jon's full analysis below:

By Gurpreet Narwan , political correspondent

We've just witnessed what is probably the most dramatic moment of the general election campaign so far - Nigel Farage, a figure of fear for the Tories, is entering the fray ( read more here ).

All eyes will now turn to the polls, where Reform UK is performing at around 12%.

It hasn't made any major breakthroughs so far - and this vote share will not translate into a seat.

However, speaking to Sky News after the announcement, Mr Farage was adamant the party would now ascend and win more than the 3.9 million votes UKIP took in 2015.

It was at that election that Douglas Carswell - after defecting from the Tories - won a seat for UKIP. It is in this seat that Farage is now bidding to be an MP after seven failed attempts to enter the Commons.

Clacton will be viewed as a soft target for Reform. This was a strong Leave voting area and the Conservative candidate, Giles Watling, is a Remainer.

Reform UK is polling above the national average in this seaside town - YouGov and Sky News' MRP poll puts its share here at 19.5%. But the "Farage factor" cannot be underestimated. He could really win here.

All of this will send shivers down the spines of those in Tory HQ, but Sir Keir Starmer may be rubbing his hands with glee.

Polling already suggests that Reform could cost the Tories 100 seats by splitting the right wing vote across the Red Wall and Essex. It explains why the Tories were pushing the message hard that "a vote for Reform is a vote for Labour".

Farage has turned that on its head. The election is a foregone conclusion and the Tories are too divided to be serious in opposition, he says.

Instead, given the Tories have already lost, Farage argues that a vote for the Tories is the real wasted vote.

That's his pitch to voters who he is now inviting to join his "political takeover".

It was a week ago that the government was announcing its plans to reintroduce national service - after a fashion - if they won the election.

The idea is for all 18-year-olds to volunteer at least once a month, and some to join the military for the year.

Since then, pollsters at JL Partners have asked the country for their opinions on the policy.

As part of its survey, it asked 2,013 people to check boxes against answers for which statements they agreed with.

People could tick as many boxes as they want.

Some 32% of people - a total of 651 of the 2,013 - ticked the box saying it made them feel more negative about the Tories.

Meanwhile, 23% - 467 people of the 2,013 - said it made them feel better about the Conservatives.

To break that down, that's 184 more responses that thought badly of the Conservatives after the national service announcement than thought better of it - a nine point gap.

And then 24% of people - 479 - ticked the box saying it made no difference to their views.

Some 12% - 236 - said it made them feel better about Labour, while 3% - 51 - said it made them feel worse about Sir Keir Starmer's party.

And 12% - 243 - said they did not know.

Read more about the national service announcement below.

Nick Thomas-Symonds is a shadow minister for Labour.

He is asked by Sophy about the major victory estimated for Sir Keir Starmer by YouGov today.

Mr Thomas-Symonds says: "Not a single vote has been cast in this general election - it hasn't been cast by post, and obviously no votes will be cast on the day until 4 July.

"Now, of course we are confident - but we are most certainly not complacent.

"I've been out all day today, my colleagues are out in their own constituencies and around the country.

"And we will continue to fight hard for every single vote until the close of polls at 10pm on 4 July.

"We will never take the voters for granted."

Grant Shapps says a vote for Reform is a vote for Keir Starmer.

The Tory minister's comments come after Nigel Farage announced he was standing for parliament a little earlier today.

The only possible outcomes on 5 July are either Keir Starmer or Rishi Sunak become prime minister, Mr Shapps says.

On backing Reform, he says the party's voters would only end up with the Labour leader "being handed more power to do things you really don't want him to do with this country".

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