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Fall is my favorite time to travel to London. The leaves are turning vibrant colors, the weather is milder for longer walks, and London is truly alive.
If you’ve never been to London, my London Guide for First Time Visitors is better suited. However, a 4 day London itinerary in the fall has a few activities that would be featured on that itinerary as well.
Where to stay in London in the fall
There are plenty of great neighborhoods to stay in London, depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Covent Garden is ideal if you want to be close to the West End theaters, restaurants, and shopping. Soho has a vibrant nightlife scene, while South Kensington offers a quieter, more residential feel with beautiful architecture and easy access to museums.
When deciding where to stay in London, I recommend choosing a neighborhood where you plan to spend a good amount of time. With only four days in London, you’ll want to minimize unnecessary travel on the Tube, London’s underground public transportation system.
For this particular itinerary, I’d recommend staying in Notting Hill. It’s one of my favorite London neighborhoods, with colorful houses, independent boutiques, charming cafes, and plenty of places to explore on foot.
Notting Hill Accommodations:
- Budget: Princes Square Hotel – A highly rated hotel that’s budget-friendly!
- Hostel: Onefam Notting Hill – The ideal choice if you’re on a budget and hoping to meet other travelers.
- Solo: Princes Square Hotel – A highly rated hotel that’s budget-friendly for a solo traveler without compromising safety (24-hour front desk) and location.
- Mid-range: RB Portobello – The convenience of a kitchenette while in an expensive city like London is a luxury. This is also steps away from the Portobello market!
- Splurge: Hilton London Hyde Park – It’s hard to beat the location of this 4-star hotel (bonus points if you’re a Hilton Member and earn loyalty points too)
- Where I like to stay: The Abbey Notting Hill – the staff, location, and amenities are everything you need for a cozy stay in the charming neighborhood.
Day 1: Notting Hill & Covent Garden
There’s no better welcome to London in the fall than exploring the charming streets of Notting Hill. With its colorful townhouses, independent shops, and cozy cafes, this neighborhood is the perfect place to start your four days in London.
Brunch and Shopping in Notting Hill
Start your morning with brunch at Farm Girl Cafe. If you arrive early enough, you might avoid the wait and get seated right away. I recommend the avocado toast and iced honey latte.
Once you’ve fueled up, just around the corner is Portobello Road Market, one of London’s most famous street markets. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to unique souvenirs, independent shops, and street food.
Take your time browsing the stalls. I ended up buying a watch as a souvenir from our trip, which is always a fun way to bring home something that reminds you of your travels.
While you’re exploring, make sure to stop by the Notting Hill Bookshop, the famous bookstore that inspired the location featured in the movie Notting Hill.
If you’re still in the shopping mood, head to Jovonna London. I found the perfect fall trench coat here, and it’s one of those purchases that will always remind me of my time in London.
A few other stops worth adding to your Notting Hill morning include:
- Daunt Books: A beautiful independent bookstore worth browsing.
- Layla Bakery: A lovely stop for a sweet treat.
- Moi et Toi: Another option to explore while shopping in the neighborhood.
- Cheeky Scone Bakery: Stop in if you’re craving something sweet.
Afternoon Exploring Kensington
After spending the morning in Notting Hill, make your way toward Kensington. It’s an easy walk between the two neighborhoods, with plenty to discover along the way. One of my favorite things about London is how easily you can walk between neighborhoods, discovering little boutiques, coffee shops, and beautiful residential streets.
Before you know it, you’ll be at Kensington Palace. If the weather cooperates, you can walk around Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. In the fall, the changing leaves make this one of the prettiest places to spend an afternoon.
If it’s raining, don’t worry! London has plenty of cafes, shops, and museums where you can escape the weather – as well as stepping inside Kensington Palace (subject to availability.)
Dinner and an Evening in Covent Garden
For dinner, I’d recommend going to Maggie Jones’s, a charming restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional British food.
After dinner, head toward Covent Garden to explore the area after dark. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods for an evening out, especially in the fall when the streets are full of people enjoying dinner, drinks, and theater performances.
A few places worth checking out:
- Neal’s Yard: A colorful little courtyard tucked away in Covent Garden.
- Mr Fogg’s Tavern: A fun spot for a cocktail.
- Rules: Established in 1798, it’s London’s oldest restaurant and a great option for a traditional dining experience.
- Chinatown: A short walk away and perfect if you’re craving noodles or a more casual dinner.
If you want to make the evening extra special, book tickets to a West End show. There’s nothing quite like ending your first day in London with a theater performance. If you don’t go to a West End show on day one, there are opportunities to go later in this itinerary.
Day 2: Marylebone, Mayfair, & Sunset Along the Thames
Today is all about exploring some of London’s most charming neighborhoods, discovering unique shops, and enjoying one of my favorite experiences from the entire trip: sunset along the Thames.
Breakfast and Bookshops in Marylebone
Start your morning in Marylebone, a neighborhood that feels a little more local while still being right in the heart of London.
For breakfast, choose between Boxcar Marylebone or The Marylebone Corner. Both are great options to start your day.
After breakfast, grab a coffee to go and head to Daunt Books.
Daunt Books is one of the most beautiful bookshops in London. The Edwardian interior, oak galleries, and stunning skylight make it worth visiting even if you aren’t planning on buying a book. You never know when you’ll stumble upon your next favorite read!
Not too far away is Anna + Nina, a great shop if you’re looking for a less traditional souvenir. They have beautiful coffee mugs, home goods, and unique gifts that are much more interesting than the usual tourist souvenirs.
Lunch at Mercato Mayfair
Marylebone and Mayfair are neighboring neighborhoods of London, making them ideal to visit one after the other.
I’ve visited several food halls in London, but Mercato Mayfair might have the coolest atmosphere of them all.
Housed inside a beautifully restored former church, this food hall has an incredible selection of food stalls, from lobster rolls to Mexican food and everything in between.
Take a lap before deciding what to eat because there are plenty of options. I opted for the Mexican food stall, while my friend went for a lobster roll. We both agreed we’d come back for dinner if we had more time!
Don’t forget to snap a photo in the confessional photo booth. It’s one of the most unique photo opportunities in the building.
Sunset Along the Thames
This was my favorite part of our entire four-day London itinerary.
After lunch, spend some time exploring Mayfair before making your way toward the Thames. You can either walk, uber, or hop on the tube. Pick up a few snacks and drinks along the way, then find a spot along the river to enjoy the views.
If the weather cooperates, you’ll have a lovely breeze while taking in views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. But honestly, my favorite part was people-watching.
There will be locals out on their daily runs, tourists hoping to snap the perfect photo, and somewhere in the middle is you, taking it all in.
Find a comfortable spot and stay until the buildings begin to light up as the sun sets. It’s one of those simple London experiences that ends up becoming a core memory.
Once the sun has set, walk across Westminster Bridge and make your way toward Gordon’s Wine Bar for an optional nightcap.
Gordon’s is one of London’s most atmospheric wine bars, making it a fun place to end the evening.
Want to keep the night going? If you still have energy, consider heading to Shoreditch for a different side of London’s nightlife. The neighborhood is known for its bars, street art, and lively evening atmosphere.
One of the best things to do in London with your best friend is have a picnic on the river Thames.
Day 3: Richmond & Kew Gardens
While Richmond has received more attention thanks to the hit show Ted Lasso, it deserves the spotlight for everything else it has to offer.
Most first-time visitors don’t add Richmond to their London itinerary because it’s outside the city center. However, if you have four days in London, I think it’s absolutely worth making the trip.
Breakfast and Exploring Richmond
The easiest way to get from central London to Richmond is by taking the District line to Richmond Station.
Once you make it to Richmond, kick off the morning with breakfast at Peggy Jean at Riverside Green, a lovely spot overlooking the river.
After breakfast, head toward Richmond Green. If you’ve watched Ted Lasso, you might recognize some of the surrounding streets and green spaces.
Spend some time wandering through the neighborhood. There are independent shops, traditional pubs, cafes, and even a gelato shop to check out while you’re here. While Richmond is a part of London, it feels like it’s a a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of central London.
Visit Kew Gardens & Kew Palace
Next, make your way to Kew Gardens, one of London’s most beautiful attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spanning approximately 300 acres, the gardens are home to an incredible collection of plants, historic buildings, glasshouses, and beautiful walking paths.
Purchase your Kew Gardens admission ticket ahead of time so you can spend more time exploring once you arrive.
One of the highlights of Kew Gardens is its collection of historic buildings, glasshouses, and beautiful gardens. If you’re visiting earlier in the fall, you may also be able to explore Kew Palace, a historic royal residence within the gardens. Just be sure to check seasonal opening dates before your visit!
Take a River Cruise Back to Central London
Instead of taking the Tube back into central London, consider ending your afternoon with a river cruise from Kew Pier toward Westminster.
It’s a fantastic way to see more of London while giving your feet a break from all the walking.
Important: Check the cruise timetable and operating dates before planning your day around this option, as river services can vary by season.
If your cruise returns to Westminster Pier, you’ll be in a great location to head toward Covent Garden for dinner and a West End show.
Dinner & a West End Show
Dinner in Covent Garden is a great way to end the day. The neighborhood is charming, full of restaurants, and perfectly located for an evening at the theater.
A couple of dinner recommendations:
- Rules: London’s oldest restaurant, ideal if you want a traditional British dining experience.
- Din Tai Fung: A delicious option if you’re craving dumplings and Asian cuisine.
After dinner, it’s time for a West End show!
There are so many incredible productions to choose from, but here are a few I’d recommend:
- The Lion King: A classic production at the Lyceum Theatre.
- Mamma Mia!: I loved the movie, but the live production is even better!
- Wicked: An incredible production at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.
- SIX: Oh my gosh, this one was epic! If you love a high-energy performance, add it to your list.
I’d recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially if you have a particular show or performance time in mind.
Day 4: A Classic London Day
No matter how many times you’ve visited London, it’s always fun to revisit the classic sights.
Today is all about taking things a little slower, seeing some of London’s most recognizable landmarks, and enjoying a few more food stops along the way.
A Slow Morning in Westminster
After three days of walking and exploring, a slower morning is much needed (and deserved). I’d recommend popping out to grab pastries and coffee to enjoy while you get ready!
Hop on the tube making your way toward Westminster. Of course, you can’t visit London without seeing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Even if you’ve photographed them before, they’re worth another stop.
Take some time to wander around Westminster and enjoy the architecture. This is also a great opportunity to get those classic London photos before the afternoon crowds pick up.
I visited Westminster Abbey on my first visit to London and I can still remember details from inside. If seeing inside Westminster Abbey interests you, grab tickets in advance.
Borough Market for Lunch
Next, make your way toward London Bridge and Borough Market. You can take the Jubilee Line from Westminster station and get off at London Bridge. From London Bridge station, it’s a short walk to Borough Market.
Borough Market is one of London’s best-known food markets and a must-visit for anyone who loves trying local food. You’ll find everything from fresh pastries and cheeses to international street food and specialty coffee.
My recommendation? Don’t settle on just one thing. Walk around, see what catches your eye, and make a little food crawl out of it.
London Bridge & Shakespeare’s Globe
Once you’ve had your fill at Borough Market, spend some time exploring the surrounding area.
Walk toward London Bridge and take in the views along the river. If you want the iconic photo of London’s famous drawbridge, make sure you head to Tower Bridge instead. They’re two different bridges, and it’s easy to mix them up!
Continue along the South Bank toward Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the famous Elizabethan playhouse.
Even if you don’t have time to catch a performance, it’s worth seeing the exterior and exploring this historic part of London.
End Your Trip With a Thames River Cruise
For your final evening, why not get back out on the water?
A Thames river cruise is a fun way to see London from a different perspective. You can enjoy views of the city’s landmarks, bridges, and historic buildings without having to walk another mile.
If the weather is clear, try to time your cruise around sunset for one last memorable view of London.
River cruise options:
- 4 hours night time party river cruise – a party on the river is so much fun
- Dinner river cruise with live music
- Sunset river cruise – 2 hours
What to Pack for London in the Fall
One thing I’ve learned from visiting London is that the weather can be unpredictable. You might start the morning with sunshine, experience a little rain in the afternoon, and end the evening with chilly temperatures.
The key to packing for London in the fall is layering. Rather than packing for one specific temperature, bring pieces that you can easily add or remove throughout the day.
For this four-day London itinerary, here’s what I’d recommend packing:
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be covering plenty of ground, so prioritize comfort.
- Waterproof rain jacket: A lightweight rain jacket is one of the most useful things you can bring.
- Lightweight layers: Sweaters, long-sleeve tops, and cardigans are perfect for changing temperatures.
- Small umbrella: London rain can arrive unexpectedly.
- Daypack: Great for carrying your essentials while exploring.
- Portable charger: You’ll likely be using your phone for maps, photos, and transportation.
- UK power adapter: Don’t forget that the UK uses a different plug than the United States.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while walking around the city.
My biggest recommendation? Bring a comfortable pair of shoes and a jacket you don’t mind wearing in a little rain. You’ll thank yourself later!
Final Thoughts: Is Four Days in London Enough?
Four days in London is a great amount of time to experience a mix of the city’s iconic attractions, charming neighborhoods, incredible food, and unique experiences.
While you won’t see absolutely everything, you can get a wonderful feel for the city without spending your entire trip rushing from one attraction to another.
And if you ask me, visiting London in the fall makes the experience even better. Between the colorful parks, cozy cafes, seasonal atmosphere, and beautiful evenings along the Thames, it’s one of my favorite times to explore the city.
If you’re planning your own trip, save this four-day London itinerary for later and start planning your fall getaway!
