Three Magical Days in London: My Pre-Holiday Adventure in the UK

November is a beautiful time to experience London — crisp air, early sunsets, and the glow of Christmas lights wrapping the city in magic. I recently spent three unforgettable days exploring this iconic destination before continuing my journey to Romania, and I’m excited to share the highlights, tips, and memorable moments from my trip.

London tower bridge - Photo courtesy of Charles Postiaux on Unsplash

Day 1: Arrival in London & First Impressions
Our British Airways flight touched down on time on Thursday, November 13th. The service was excellent — smooth, friendly, and comfortable. We sat in the exit row, which gave us plenty of legroom, although we couldn’t keep personal items at our feet during takeoff. No coats, blankets, or bags meant I felt chilly at first, but the warm vegetarian meal made up for it. After a little nap mid-flight, we were ready for London!

Immigration was surprisingly fast thanks to the new digital scanners. After a long walk to baggage claim, we waited a bit for our driver, who wasn’t yet at the meeting point. Tip: use the restroom before leaving the airport. The drive into the city can easily take 90 minutes due to traffic.

Checking Into the Meliá White House Hotel
I had requested early check-in at the Meliá White House, and luckily a room was ready. Our Deluxe Double was modern and clean, though a bit tight for two people — something I’ll keep in mind for future clients. The staff was warm, and the food was excellent. I booked half-board so we wouldn’t need to hunt for dinner after long sightseeing days, and that was a great decision.
Although I planned a site inspection, time was too short. Still, I captured photos of the main public areas that I’ll share later.

5-Hour Walking Tour of London
After a quick 45-minute nap, we met our guide, Nicolas, an actor turned storyteller who truly brought London to life. We explored major highlights and ended at a small Christmas market near the London Eye. The early sunset surprised me — by 3:30 pm the sky was already dimming — and exhaustion finally won. We tipped our guide and took a taxi back to the hotel.
​
Dinner at the hotel was delicious, and by 7:30 pm we were asleep, ready for an early wake-up for Stonehenge.

Day 2: A Wet Morning at Stonehenge & Exploring Kensington
We woke to a rainy and chilly morning, but Stonehenge still held its quiet magic. Hearing stories of its origins — mysterious, mythical, perhaps celestial — was worth the journey. Walking among these ancient stones felt humbling.

Lunch at the Stonehenge Café warmed us up, and by 2 pm we were back in London.
The Natural History MuseumOur driver mentioned that the Natural History Museum was right where he dropped us off, so we decided to go. WOW. The architecture alone is worth the visit — soaring arches, detailed stonework, and a sense of stepping back into time. We explored for about an hour before walking back to the hotel, enjoying the sights and staying warm through movement.

Day 3: Fashion Streets, River Views & Holiday Magic
For our final full day, we created our own walking tour, starting with spots we missed earlier: Marble Arch, the markets, London Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
One of my favorite surprises was stumbling onto a gorgeous high-fashion street, lined with luxury brands dressed in holiday lights and décor. Crowds gathered to take photos — and yes, I joined them!

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus + Thames River Cruise
At the market, a booth advertising the hop-on hop-off bus with a Thames River cruise caught my eye. After two hours of walking, it sounded perfect.

We sat on the upper deck for the views, but it was cold! The audio commentary could have been more informative, offering only basic facts between songs. Still, it was a relaxing way to see the city.

We hopped off near Tower Bridge and boarded the river boat. Again, we braved the top deck — and it was worth it. A live guide pointed out landmarks as the city lit up around us. Before boarding, we grabbed hot chocolate and pastries from a kiosk and even made a (paid!) restroom stop — London’s public bathrooms are monitored and payable by credit card.

The cruise began at the Tower of London and ended near Big Ben, glowing beautifully against the night sky.
​
A taxi took us back to the hotel, letting us admire even more Christmas lights along the way. Dinner was a comforting buffet: salad, salmon with rice, and steamed vegetables.

Final Thoughts on London
On November 16th, we departed at 5:30 am for our flight to Romania, and looking back, I can confidently say: three days is not enough! To truly savor London — its history, artistry, museums, palaces, parks, and neighborhoods — I would recommend five days minimum.
Even so, visiting before the holidays was special. The Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and festive window displays gave the city an extra touch of magic.

I also learned more about life in London — many locals rent and share homes because of the high cost of living. It’s a vibrant, multicultural place full of energy, creativity, and resilience.

And my personal highlight?
While standing on The Mall, with Buckingham Palace behind me, our guide snapped the perfect photo — and moments later King Charles himself was driven past us on his way to his private residence. What a treat!

Would I Recommend London? Absolutely.
London is dynamic, historic, walkable, and full of surprises. Whether you visit during the festive season or the warmth of summer, it’s a destination that welcomes you with open arms.

If you’d like to plan your own London adventure — including guided tours, hotels, and seasonal experiences — I’d love to help curate the perfect itinerary.
📩 Contact me: [email protected]
🧭 Start your journey

#SheylaAdventureTravel #LondonTrip #LondonItinerary #TravelWithSheyla #WomenWhoTravel #HolidayTravel #EuropeTravel #AdventureTravel