London to Paris: A Royal Adventure
Buckingham Palace, London – A view across St. James's Park showcases the iconic royal residence, with the golden-topped Victoria Memorial standing proudly out front. A peaceful winter backdrop adds to its stately charm.
One of the most amazing things about traveling in Europe—especially the UK and France—is how incredible the public transit is. Trains and buses make it easier (and often faster) to get around than driving. You’ll find so much to explore right within the city centers, but it’s also super easy to venture out on day trips or quick getaways from your centrally located hotel. Another bonus? Many of the museums are free, making your vacation not only enriching but also wallet-friendly.
Here’s a sample 3-week itinerary to show you just how much you can experience in a two-week trip—all without needing a car:
Days 1-4: Richmond, London
Just a short ride from Heathrow, Richmond is the perfect first stop to ease into your European adventure. 🎬 Ted Lasso fan? Head to The Prince’s Head—the real-life pub from the show—for a pint and a photo op. 🌿 Into nature? Don’t miss Kew Gardens, where you can explore grand glasshouses, treetop walkways, and one of the most stunning botanical collections in the world.
⊱ Kew Gardens visit– Just a short ride away, Kew is home to one of the world’s most impressive botanical collections. Wander through towering glasshouses, walk above the trees on the canopy walkway, and take in acres of vibrant, seasonal blooms.
⊱ The Thames – Choose a pub or café along the Thames for lunch with a view—whether it’s classic fish and chips or something a little more modern, you’ll enjoy it even more with boats drifting by and birdsong in the air. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a small rowboat or paddle boat to enjoy the water firsthand.
⊱ Richmond Green stroll – Take a leisurely walk through this lush, open space surrounded by elegant Georgian homes and historic buildings—it's a quiet, scenic spot that captures the timeless feel of Richmond.
⊱ The Prince’s Head pub – If you're a Ted Lasso fan, this is a must. Pop into the iconic pub featured in the series for a pint, some pub fare, and the perfect photo in front of its recognizable façade.
⊱ Boutique shopping – Richmond’s town center is full of charming independent boutiques, bookstores, and gift shops—perfect for picking up a unique souvenir or simply window-shopping in a picturesque setting.
Days 5-7: Winchester, UK
Just a scenic train ride from Richmond, Winchester is the perfect countryside escape packed with history, charm, and quiet beauty. Once England’s ancient capital, it offers a peaceful contrast to London’s bustle, with cobbled streets, storybook architecture, and iconic landmarks waiting to be explored. You can make this a day trip or stay in a cute hotel for a couple nights to get the most out of your stay.
⊱ Winchester Cathedral – Step inside one of Europe’s grandest cathedrals, known for its magnificent Gothic architecture, medieval carvings, and the tomb of author Jane Austen.
⊱ Wolvesey Castle Ruins – Stroll through the atmospheric ruins of this 12th-century bishop’s palace, a peaceful, open-air site steeped in history.
⊱ Great Hall & King Arthur’s Round Table – Visit the legendary Great Hall, home to the famous Round Table and a must-see for history and mythology lovers alike.
⊱ River Itchen Walk – Follow the tranquil riverside path through the city, lined with greenery, stone bridges, and the soothing sounds of nature. Discover this fully restored 18th-century working water mill along the way—full of charm, history, and the gentle hum of the millstones in action.
⊱ City Centre & High Street – Explore a delightful mix of historic buildings, boutique shops, and inviting cafés along Winchester’s cobbled and lively main street.
Days 8-12
All aboard the South Western Railway! Glide into Central London and start your adventure where history, culture, and style collide. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to cozy cafés and hidden gems, there’s something around every corner—just waiting to be discovered.
⊱ South Kensington – Wander through world-renowned institutions like the Natural History Museum and the V&A (conveniently right across the street from each other!), where art, science, and design come to life. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through nearby Kensington Gardens—home to the serene Sunken Garden and a perfect place to recharge under the trees.⊱
⊱ Camden Market - Take a scenic boat ride along Regent’s Canal and explore Camden’s lively market stalls, vintage shops, and global street food.
⊱Buckingham Palace – Visit this iconic royal landmark and catch the Changing of the Guard (usually around 11am), a time-honored tradition that’s a must-see during any trip to London.
⊱ The British Museum - Dive into centuries of human history—from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone—in one of the world’s greatest museums.
⊱ Liberty London – Hop over to one of my favorite spots for tea and scones. Nestled on the second floor of this historic department store, it's an adventure just walking through its creaky floors and character-filled rooms.
⊱ The National Gallery - Admire masterpieces by da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Turner in this treasure trove of European art overlooking Trafalgar Square.
⊱ Parks – London’s parks are some of the most beautiful in the world—lush, expansive, and full of charm. From the flower-filled gardens of St. James’s Park to the wide open lawns of Regent’s Park, these green spaces offer the perfect escape from the city buzz. Whether you're people-watching by the lake, spotting pelicans, or just enjoying a quiet moment under the trees, London's parks are pure magic.
Days 13-19: Paris, FR
Hop on the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. The ride takes just over two hours and is incredibly smooth—sit back, relax, and watch the countryside roll by. Since it’s such a quick trip, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city center and grab a famous French pastry (or two!).
⊱ Giverny – Start your adventure with a peaceful escape to the countryside. A scenic train ride takes you to Claude Monet’s former home, where flower-lined paths, lily ponds, and pastel shutters bring his impressionist paintings to life.
⊱ The Louvre – Spend the day wandering one of the world’s most celebrated museums. Marvel at the Mona Lisa, explore ancient Egyptian relics, and take in grand galleries filled with art that spans centuries.
⊱ Disneyland Paris – Let your inner child lead the way during a full day of fun and fantasy. From classic attractions and whimsical parades to charming boutiques and themed cafés, it’s a joyful detour that adds a lighthearted twist to your trip.
⊱ Eiffel Tower – As the sun begins to set, head to the Champ de Mars for a classic Paris picnic. Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle after dark—bring a bottle of wine, a baguette, and let the city’s romance unfold all around you.
⊱ Palace of Versailles – Step into another world with a visit to Versailles. Wander through gilded halls, stand in the mirrored gallery, and explore the sprawling formal gardens that once hosted royal fêtes and revolutions alike.
⊱ The Seine & Latin Quarter – Wrap up your trip with a slow morning along the Seine. Stop by bookstalls, walk across ivy-draped bridges, and visit Notre-Dame before settling into a cozy café in the Latin Quarter for one last coffee (or glass of wine) in view of the city’s timeless charm.
Day 20–21: Back to London or Continue Exploring
Either head back to London via train to catch your flight home or keep the adventure going by continuing on to another European destination. Amsterdam? Barcelona? The options are endless!