Episode 165 Favourite London Places, Landmarks + more

In episode 165 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by her friend Karen for a deep dive into her favourite places in London. Drawing on years of living, working, and exploring the capital, Tracy shares the landmarks, gardens, markets, and quiet corners that she loves most.

From must-see icons like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Hampton Court Palace to the vibrant streets of Notting Hill, the views (and pelicans) of St James’s Park, the beauty of Kew Gardens, and hidden gems like Postman’s Park, this episode showcases the places that make London truly special. Tracy and Karen also chat about museums, rooftop views, riverside walks, and a few quirky surprises along the way.

Whether you’re planning your very first trip to London or looking for fresh ideas, this episode is full of insider tips and inspiration to help you discover a few new favourite spots of your own.

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⭐️ Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect London Trip

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Episode 165 – What you’ll learn in this episode

🎉 Tracy celebrates the podcast reaching half a million downloads and thanks the supportive community and sponsors
🏰 Discover Tracy’s all-time favourite historic spot in London and why she insists you must go inside (not just admire from the outside!)
🔔 Hear recommendations for iconic must-see sites including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Hampton Court Palace – plus why Tracy skips ahead to the Crown Jewels!
🖼️ Explore Tracy’s top museum picks, from the inspiring V&A (find out about her love for the Cast Courts and world’s first museum café) to kid-friendly science and natural history museums
🎭 Find out about Tracy’s favourite theatre experience and why seeing a play at the Globe Theatre is now top of her to-do list
🌉 Learn the difference between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, and what makes the latter so photogenic and special
🌳 Take note of the best parks and green spaces in London for relaxing, pretty views – including insider favourites like St. James’s Park, Kew Gardens, and the hidden Postman’s Park
🏘️ Discover the most picturesque and colourful streets, from lively Covent Garden to pastel-perfect Notting Hill – plus tips for respectful photo ops
🚇 Get quirky with Tracy’s favourite Underground (tube) station and train stations – and why the transformation of King’s Cross is so striking
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Get practical tips for escaping the crowds in peaceful city corners, finding surprising street art, and planning fun photo shoots
🍽️ Mark Borough Market on your foodie to-do list, learn about the history, and why Tracy’s a fan of Swiss raclette (with pickles!) over the viral grilled cheese
🎡 Find out where to get the best panoramic London views – Tracy compares the London Eye, Shard, and Sky Garden
🚶‍♂️ Enjoy suggested riverside walks and the ultimate people-watching, from South Bank strolls to Covent Garden café culture
📸 Collect ideas for secret and iconic photo spots, from Shad Thames to evening views at Westminster Bridge
☑️ Tracy answers the big question: what’s her #1 absolute can’t-miss experience for any first-timer? (Hint: it’s old, royal, and packed with stories!)
👩‍💻 Loads of shout-outs to community resources: London planners, guides, social media groups, and how to share your own London favourites for future episodes!

UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

🏰 Tower of London – historic castle and UNESCO site, top-recommended attraction
⛪ Westminster Abbey – famed Gothic church, setting for royal ceremonies
⛪ St Paul’s Cathedral – notable landmark and Anglican cathedral
👑 Buckingham Palace – the King’s London residence and ceremonial venue
🏰 Hampton Court Palace – Tudor palace, historic royal residence in southwest London
🖼️ Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – world-renowned arts and design museum in South Kensington
🚋 London Transport Museum – a museum dedicated to the city’s transport heritage
🔬 Science Museum – popular, family-friendly museum in South Kensington
🦖 Natural History Museum – leading museum known for its dinosaur and natural world exhibits
🐻 Paddington Station – key railway station, home to the famous Paddington Bear statue
🎭 Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – iconic reconstruction of Shakespeare’s theatre on the South Bank
🌉 Tower Bridge – iconic Victorian bascule and suspension bridge over the Thames
🌉 London Bridge – historic bridge, often confused with Tower Bridge
🌍 Greenwich – riverside area famous for the Meridian Line and Royal Observatory
📚 British Library – national library of the UK, located near St Pancras
🌸 St James’s Park – royal park with views of Buckingham Palace and the London Eye
🌳 Hyde Park – one of London’s largest parks
🌿 Kensington Gardens – adjacent to Hyde Park, home to Kensington Palace
🌺 Kew Gardens – world-famous botanic gardens in southwest London
🕊️ Postman’s Park – small park near St Paul’s, known for its memorial to heroic self-sacrifice
🎪 Covent Garden – lively district known for street performers, boutiques, and historic market
🎨 Notting Hill – a neighbourhood famous for its pastel-coloured houses and the Notting Hill Carnival
🌊 South Bank – cultural district along the Thames, home to the London Eye, Globe Theatre, and more
🌉 Millennium Bridge – pedestrian bridge spanning the Thames between St Paul’s and Tate Modern
🖼️ Tate Modern – modern art museum on the South Bank
🎨 Leake Street Tunnels – graffiti and street-art hotspot near Waterloo Station
🌿 St Dunstan in the East – bombed-out church ruin in the City, now a public garden
🏭 Shad Thames – historic riverside area, known for brick warehouses and views of Tower Bridge
🚇 Westminster Tube Station – Underground stop beside Big Ben and Parliament
🏙️ Canary Wharf – modern financial district, visible from Greenwich Observatory
🚉 Waterloo – major railway station and area noted for Leake Street
🚇 Holborn – central London area near Covent Garden
🚉 St Pancras Station – landmark railway station, Eurostar terminal
🚉 King’s Cross Station – major rail hub, famous for Harry Potter’s Platform 9¾
🥖 Borough Market – historic and bustling food market south of the Thames

Foods

🧀 Raclette – melted cheese over potatoes and pickles, popular at Borough Market
🍟 Fish and chips – classic UK food experience
☕ Afternoon tea – must-try British tradition, with themed teas at spots like The Shard
🍹 Pimm’s – a refreshing British cocktail, especially popular in summer
🥪 Meal deal – budget-friendly UK lunch from supermarkets like Boots or Tesco