Plan Your Trip – London – Day 3

sanan
April 18, 2025

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Day 3: Royal Parks, Hidden Gems & Afternoon Tea Elegance

After two packed days of city life, it's time to slow down and enjoy London's greener, quieter side. Day 3 is all about iconic parks, hidden museums, boutique neighborhoods, and of course — a decadent afternoon tea. Expect floral paths, elegant architecture, and some of London's most beloved local gems.

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Morning: Hyde Park & Kensington Palace

🚇 Start at: Lancaster Gate or Hyde Park Corner

📍 Central or Piccadilly Lines

🌿 Walk along The Serpentine toward Kensington Gardens

1. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

Start your day with a stroll through one of London's most iconic parks. From open meadows and flower gardens to swan-dotted ponds, it's a peaceful, regal slice of green in the middle of the city.

🎯 Highlights: Speaker's Corner, Serpentine Lake, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Italian Gardens

2. Kensington Palace

📍 Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX

🎟️ £20 adults | Book online to save

The birthplace of Queen Victoria and official residence of younger royals (like William & Kate), Kensington Palace blends history and modern royalty. The palace interiors and gardens are elegant and understated — with a fashion exhibit often on display.

📸 Photo tip: Snap a photo in front of the ornate Golden Gates and the Sunken Garden.

🍽️ Lunch: Notting Hill Café Culture

Farm Girl – Chic, Healthy & Insta-Worthy

📍 59a Portobello Road, Notting Hill

🥗 Cuisine: Aussie-style café with colorful brunch bowls

☕ Try the rose latte or acai bowl – super photogenic

Just a short walk from Kensington, this charming café is tucked away in one of London's most picturesque neighborhoods. Expect lush plants, rustic wood interiors, and that Notting Hill neighborhood buzz.

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Afternoon: Museums, Strolls & Tea Time

🚶 Walk or take the Circle line to South Kensington Station

🏛️ You're entering London's museum district

3. Choose Your Cultural Adventure:

🎨 V&A Museum: Fashion, design & decorative arts
🦖 Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, gems, and stunning Victorian architecture
🔬 Science Museum: Interactive and fun for families

⏰ Allow: 1–2 hours depending on interest

🎟️ Entry: Free (special exhibits extra)

4. Afternoon Tea at The Kensington

📍 109-113 Queen's Gate, South Kensington

🍰 £45–£55 per person

Relax in a luxurious townhouse setting with plush chairs, chandeliers, and tiered trays of scones, cakes, and finger sandwiches. The Kensington does an elevated yet cozy version of the classic British ritual.

👗 Dress code tip: Smart casual – no need for a suit, but maybe leave the trainers at home.

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Evening: Stroll Through Chelsea or Catch a West End Show

🚇 Optional: Ride to Sloane Square or Leicester Square

🏙️ Explore King's Road boutiques or head east for theatre night

Evening Options:

🛍️ Chelsea Stroll: Browse designer boutiques and people-watch on the terraces

🎭 West End Show: Catch a musical like Les Misérables, Hamilton, or Mamma Mia!

🍷 Nightcap: Try Bluebird in Chelsea or a wine bar near Covent Garden

🛠️ Day 3 Essentials Recap

✅ What You'll See	🚇 Nearest Station	🎟️ Entry
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens	Hyde Park Corner / Lancaster Gate	Free
Kensington Palace	Queensway / High Street Kensington	£20
V&A or Natural History Museum	South Kensington	Free
Afternoon Tea at The Kensington	South Kensington	£45–£55
West End or Chelsea Evening	Sloane Square / Leicester Square	Optional