How to Use the London Pass for Maximum Value on Your Trip

In this guide, we break down exactly how the London Pass works, what it includes (and doesn’t include), and offer a 7-day itinerary packed with major sights and hidden gems to help you save time and money.

We’ll also compare the pass vs. pay-as-you-go costs and give tips on budgeting for food, transport, and accommodations.

How the London Pass Works

The London Pass is an all-inclusive digital sightseeing pass. You choose a duration (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 consecutive days) and during that time you can visit as many included attractions as you want.

It currently covers 96+ attractions, tours, and activities, from world-famous landmarks to lesser-known museums. Simply show the pass QR code (on your smartphone via the Go City app, or a printed copy) at each site to scan in – no need to buy individual tickets.

It’s flexible too: you don’t have to decide attractions in advance, so you can pick and choose each day as you go.

There are two versions of the pass as of 2025: the standard London Pass and the London Pass Plus. Both work the same way, but the Plus includes a few high-demand “premium” attractions that the base pass does not.

Notably, the Plus pass adds access to The View from The Shard, The London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and a 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, on top of all the regular inclusions.

These big-ticket items are exclusive to the Plus pass – for example, the standard pass does not include the London Eye or hop-on/off bus. First-time visitors who want those iconic experiences should consider the Plus; otherwise, the regular pass already covers an impressive array of sites.

What can you see with the London Pass?

The roster spans many of London’s top attractions. To name just a few included entries: the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe tour, Kensington Palace, London Zoo, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, Kew Gardens, Windsor Castle (afternoon entry only), Hampton Court Palace, Tower Bridge Exhibition, and various museums and tours.

You can even join guided walking tours (like Jack the Ripper tours or city highlight walks), take a scenic Thames river cruise, or ride a narrowboat on Regent’s Canal – all included with the pass. In total, passholders get access to 100+ experiences, which means you have plenty of choices to fill your 7 days.

Digital Convenience:

The London Pass is fully digital – no need to pick up a physical card. After purchase, you download the pass to the Go City mobile app (or print the QR code as backup).

The app is handy for browsing attractions, finding instructions (some popular attractions may require advance reservations via the app or a website – the app will note if pre-booking is needed), and even building an itinerary.

At the entrance of each attraction, you simply scan your phone and walk in.

Tip: Consider printing the QR code or saving a screenshot as a backup in case your phone dies – it’s always good to have a spare copy.

Skip the Ticket Lines:

A big perk of the pass is skipping ticket queues at many sites. Passholders often get to use a faster “prepaid” line, which can save time at crowded spots.

For example, there are fast-track lanes for London Pass users at places like the Tower of London, London Zoo, and Hampton Court Palace, so you bypass the ticket-buying line (though you still go through security checks).

This is great for time-saving – you’ll pack more into each day instead of standing around waiting to buy tickets. We’ll mention in the itinerary below where arriving early or using fast-track entrances is especially helpful.

Sightseeing Credits Limit:

The pass works on a “credits” system under the hood – essentially each pass has a maximum value of admissions you can use (e.g. a 7-day adult pass has a credit limit around £1030 worth of tickets).

In practical terms, it’s unlikely you’ll hit this cap – it’s set much higher than any realistic sightseeing pace (you’d have to visit an improbable number of expensive attractions in 7 days to max it out). But it’s there to prevent abuse.

For normal travelers, the credits limit simply means you have more than enough “value” on the pass to cover anything you could feasibly do in a week.

What the London Pass Does NOT Include

While the London Pass is extensive, it’s not all-inclusive of everything in London. It’s important to know what isn’t covered, so you can budget and plan accordingly:

• Public Transportation: The London Pass no longer includes any public transport travelcard or Oyster card. Until 2023, buyers had an option to add a travel Oyster card, but that was discontinued. Now, you’ll need to pay for the Tube, buses and trains separately. (Don’t worry – London’s transit is easy to use with contactless credit cards or an Oyster card; just budget roughly £7–£10 per day for central London travel, as we’ll detail in the budgeting section.)

• Airport Transfers & Outside Zones: Travel to airports (like the Heathrow or Gatwick Express trains) or journeys outside London (e.g. trains to Windsor Castle) are not included. You’ll have to buy those tickets on your own. For instance, if you plan the Windsor day trip we outline, remember to purchase a train ticket from London to Windsor (around £12–£15 round-trip). The pass will cover your Windsor Castle admission, but not the train to get there.

• Certain Major Attractions: A few popular London attractions are conspicuously absent from the pass. Notably, Buckingham Palace tours are not included (the State Rooms are only open in summer and require a separate ticket). Likewise, the Houses of Parliament tours and the London Aquarium are not part of the London Pass. If those are must-dos, you’ll need to book them separately. We suggest scheduling such non-included sights on a day either before your pass activates or after it expires, so you’re not “wasting” a pass day on something you had to pay for.

• Special Exhibits & Extras: The pass generally covers standard general admission to attractions. It won’t cover add-on special exhibitions, souvenir guidebooks, or audio guides unless explicitly stated. For example, a museum special exhibit or an IMAX film might cost extra. (One nice exception: some free museums give passholders an extra perk – e.g. the Science Museum offers a free IMAX 3D show with the London Pass.) In most cases, though, if you want an audio guide or special tour inside an attraction, you’ll pay for it out of pocket.

• Evening Entertainment: The pass doesn’t include West End theatre shows, concerts, or similar entertainment – those you’ll arrange and budget separately. However, the pass does offer some discount coupons (often 10–20% off) for select restaurants, shops and entertainment. Check the app’s “Offers” section for things like discounted theater tickets, dining, or souvenirs. It’s worth taking advantage of these little bonuses – for example, you might snag a deal on a pub meal or a London Eye souvenir photo.

You’ll still need to budget for transportation, most food and drink, and any attractions not covered by the pass (we’ll give detailed budget tips later). But as you’ll see, many of London’s greatest hits are on the pass, and that’s where you’ll save big.

7-Day Itinerary

To help you make the most of your London Pass, here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary tailored for first-time visitors. This plan clusters sights by area (to minimize travel time) and mixes famous landmarks with a few lesser-known gems.

It assumes you have a London Pass (Plus) so that premium attractions like the London Eye are included – if you have the standard pass, you can skip those or pay separately as noted.

Feel free to adjust based on your interests and energy levels, but remember: the more you see with the pass, the more value you get out of it!

Day 1: Tower of London and Riverside Landmarks

Morning: Kick off your trip in historic style at the Tower of London – it’s a must-see and a great value item on your pass (normal entry £35.80). Arrive right at opening time to beat the crowds and use your pass to skip the ticket queue. Head straight to the Crown Jewels exhibit before lines build up.

A guided tour by one of the Tower’s iconic Beefeaters (included free) is highly recommended for colorful history and orientation. Allow around 2–3 hours to explore the medieval towers, battlements, and royal treasures.

Tip: The Tower is popular, so early entry is key. With the pass’s fast-track, you’ll bypass the ticket line, but there is still a security check – being first in line means more time inside instead of waiting outside.

Midday: After the Tower, it’s a short walk to Tower Bridge, another London icon you can experience with the pass.

The Tower Bridge Exhibition lets you climb up inside the Victorian towers and walk across the high-level glass floor walkway – a thrilling view through the bridge and down to the Thames! (Ticket normally £16).

You’ll see historic engines that once raised the bascules and enjoy panoramas of the river. This visit takes about an hour. When you’re done, grab lunch nearby – perhaps a sandwich or fish & chips from a local pub along the St. Katharine Docks or Borough Market across the river (the market is a bit further but has fantastic street food).

Afternoon: Cross to the south bank of the Thames to board HMS Belfast, a WWII Royal Navy warship-turned-museum moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

This is an oft-overlooked gem that’s included in the pass (regular price £25) – great for history buffs or families. Clamber up and down nine decks to see the engine rooms, crew quarters, and big naval guns.

You’ll get a feel for life onboard during battle and even an immersive exhibit of the D-Day gun turrets. Plan for ~1.5 hours here.

By now, you’ve covered three major sights for roughly £0 with your pass (individually they’d be around £76 total!).

If energy allows, continue west along the South Bank. You could make a quick stop at Borough Market (free entry to browse; closed Sundays) for an afternoon snack and to soak up the atmosphere of London’s oldest food market.

Evening: End Day 1 with a literally high note: ascend The View from The Shard around sunset. The Shard’s observation deck – the tallest in Western Europe – is included only with the London Pass Plus (walk-up ticket about £32).

With floor-to-ceiling glass 72 stories up, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking 360° view of the city as day turns to night. It’s a perfect “welcome to London” moment to see all the landmarks you’ll explore in the coming days spread out below.

Note: The Shard requires a time-slot reservation. Use the Go City app or website listed in your pass info to pre-book a slot (especially for sunset times) – this guarantees you entry and lets you skip the purchase line with your pass.

After your panoramic fill, grab dinner in the bustling London Bridge area or head back to your hotel to rest. You’ve had a full, fabulous first day!

Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham & the West End

Morning: Begin at Westminster Abbey, the magnificent Gothic church that’s a cornerstone of British history (entry £30). With your pass, you’ll breeze past the ticket queue and step into 700 years of royal coronations, weddings, and burials.

Tip: Arrive early (ideally when they open) for a calmer visit – the Abbey gets very busy by late morning. Pick up the free audio guide included with admission to enrich your walk through the nave, chapels, and Poets’ Corner.

Don’t miss the tombs of Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and other monarchs, and take a quiet moment in the beautiful College Garden if open. Budget ~2 hours to absorb it all. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, note the Abbey is open for worship services only, not tourism. You could swap this with another day or attend a service.

When you exit, you’re in the Westminster area, home to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament next door. Take the classic photos outside – Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) is just across the street.

While public tours of Parliament are not included in the pass and only run on certain days, you can still admire the exterior and maybe catch the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade (11:00 a.m. daily in summer, alternate days other seasons) a short walk up Whitehall. It’s free to watch the ceremonial troop march if timing fits.

Midday: Walk through St. James’s Park towards Buckingham Palace. Along the way you’ll pass Downing Street and Horse Guards – iconic London sights – en route to the royal residence.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of Buckingham occurs around 10:45 a.m. on scheduled days (usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday – check the schedule).

It’s an incredibly popular free spectacle of marching guards and band music. If you plan to watch, arrive early for a decent view by the Palace gates.

Afterward, use your pass to visit the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace (adult ticket £17–£19, included with pass).

This rotating art exhibition showcases masterpieces from the Royal Collection in a modern gallery attached to the palace. It’s a manageable hidden gem – you might see Leonardo da Vinci drawings, royal jewelry, or paintings by the Old Masters.

The gallery entry is usually quick (passholders get right in) and takes about an hour.

Note: The Royal Mews (the royal stables and carriage house) is another site at Buckingham – it isn’t listed as included on the pass, so if you’re interested you’d buy that ticket separately or skip it.

For lunch, consider walking up to Piccadilly or Covent Garden where you’ll have countless pubs, cafés and international eateries.

The London Pass doesn’t cover meals, but many places in central London cater to a range of budgets (grab a sandwich “meal deal” at Pret a Manger for £5, or enjoy pub fare for £12–£18 a plate). Covent Garden Market is lively and fun for a bite and some street performances.

Afternoon: If you have the London Pass Plus, now is a great time to ride the London Eye, since you’re in the area. The famous riverside Ferris wheel is included with the Plus pass (usually £39), giving you another panoramic city view – this time from 135 meters high over the Thames.

Be sure to reserve a time slot online with your pass, as the Eye mandates advance booking for passholders (details will be in your pass app). In your glass capsule, you’ll gently rotate up for 30 minutes, spotting landmarks you’ve visited (see if you can find Tower Bridge and the Abbey from yesterday and this morning!).

If you don’t have the Plus pass, you can decide if the Eye’s price is worth it to you – it’s iconic, but London has other free viewpoints too (like Sky Garden).

Alternatively, standard pass holders could use the afternoon to tour Kensington Palace instead (we’ll cover that on Day 3), or visit the Churchill War Rooms near Westminster – note, the War Rooms are not included in the pass (tickets £30) and often require pre-booking, but they are an easy add-on if you’re a WWII history enthusiast.

With or without the Eye, another included activity is available here: the Thames River Cruise. All London Pass holders get a 1-day Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Roamer ticket, which is essentially a hop-on, hop-off boat pass for the day. You can use this as transport and tour in one, riding iconic catamarans up and down the Thames.

If you’re not too tired, catch the Uber Boat at Westminster Pier (right by the Eye) and enjoy a breezy ride to Tower Bridge or Greenwich and back – seeing London’s skyline from the water at no extra cost (normal day pass £28.30).

In the evening, the city lights up along the river, making it a magical trip. The boats have open-air decks and snack bars, so you might even treat yourself to a drink as you sail under Tower Bridge.

Evening: Disembark wherever suits your dinner plans. Perhaps you boat over to the South Bank to eat at one of the riverside restaurants with a view, or head into the West End for a show (if you saved by using the pass all day, maybe splurge on a theatre ticket tonight!).

The London Pass app might have some discounts for West End shows or restaurants – check “Offers” for any deals.

By grouping today’s sights in Westminster and central London, you saved transit time and packed in a lot: from royal pageantry to river cruising, all on the pass. Tomorrow, we change gears to explore another side of the city.

Day 3: Kensington & Surroundings

Morning: After two busy days, enjoy a slightly slower morning in the elegant West London neighborhoods. Start at Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Diana and current residence of royals like Prince William.

It opens around 10am; aim to be there on opening to avoid any queues (passholders enter free – ticket otherwise £24.70). Tour the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments to see how 18th-century royals lived, and don’t miss the special exhibits (often fashion or royal heritage themed – for example, Diana’s gown collection has been displayed here).

The palace is set in Kensington Gardens, so after about 1.5 hours inside, you can stroll the beautiful gardens, visiting the Sunken Garden and the statue of Queen Victoria (who was born at Kensington).

This is a refreshing break in greenery – and it’s free to wander the park. Perhaps grab a coffee at the palace café or an ice cream from a park vendor, and enjoy it by the Round Pond watching swans.

Midday: A short walk from the palace brings you to Museum Row in South Kensington. The great news for your wallet: London’s big museums like the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) all have free general admission.

If the weather turns or you’re a museum lover, you could pop into one of these (the V&A’s design and fashion collections are world-class, and the Natural History Museum’s dinosaur skeletons wow all ages).

However, since we’re focusing on maximizing the pass, consider using your pass for a guided tour of the Royal Albert Hall, just across from Kensington Gardens. This one-hour tour (worth £19) is included and gives a behind-the-scenes peek at London’s most famous concert venue.

On the Royal Albert Hall Tour, a guide will take you into the auditorium where legends have performed, the Queen’s private box, and even underground areas with quirky stories (like the tunnel used by royals to sneak in).

Tours run several times a day; you can’t pre-book with the pass, so go to Door 12 and show your pass for the next available tour. It’s a delightful, “only in London” experience, and passholders even get 10% off at the Hall’s café afterward – perfect for a light lunch or tea.

If you prefer something different, another nearby hidden gem on the pass is Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner (normal cost ~£6). This triumphal arch has a small exhibit and a balcony up top with views down Constitution Hill to Buckingham Palace.

It’s a quick visit (30 minutes), so you could fit it in if walking from Kensington toward Piccadilly. It’s not a must-see for everyone, but architecture buffs or anyone curious to stand atop what was once London’s smallest police station (yes, the arch was one!) might enjoy it.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, you have a few options depending on your interests:

• Option A: Leisure and Shopping: Take a breather this afternoon. You might wander through Hyde Park (adjacent to Kensington Gardens) toward Harrods in Knightsbridge for an iconic department store experience (free to enter, unless you can’t resist those food halls and souvenirs!). This doesn’t use the pass, but it gives a cultural balance so you’re not museumed-out. Save your sightseeing energy for tomorrow.

• Option B: Additional Sightseeing: If you’re eager to keep using the pass, consider heading to Kew Gardens or Hampton Court Palace now, if you don’t mind a half-day trip (both are included, but each is further out and typically we plan them as separate days). Realistically, with half a day left, you could catch the District Line to Kew Gardens (about 30–40 min trip). The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (included, normally £20-£24) offer magnificent greenhouses, treetop walkways, and manicured gardens – a tranquil contrast to the city bustle. In 2–3 hours you can see highlights like the Palm House and Temperate House, and it’s especially lovely in spring and summer. Just keep an eye on closing times (most attractions close by 5-6pm).

Alternatively, if you skipped Buckingham’s Queen’s Gallery on Day 2, you could use today to fit it in along with the Royal Mews (though the Mews is not on the pass, it’s moderate cost).

Or visit the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden (included with pass, £26 adult ticket) – a fun, interactive museum about the city’s buses and Tube, which many travelers overlook. This could pair well with some shopping at Covent Garden Market.

However you spend late afternoon, try to group activities by location to avoid zigzagging across town unnecessarily.

The London Pass doesn’t restrict you in a day, so you could theoretically do Kensington Palace, an Albert Hall tour, Wellington Arch, and the Transport Museum all in one day since they’re not terribly far apart – but that would be a very full day.

It might be wise to save some strength for the second half of your trip. Enjoy a nice dinner in the evening – perhaps in Soho or Notting Hill – knowing that you’ve utilized the pass for a royal-filled Day 3.

Day 4: St. Paul’s, City of London & Shakespeare’s South Bank

Morning: Start in The City (London’s historic core) at St. Paul’s Cathedral, another marquee attraction on the pass. St. Paul’s is an architectural masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren, with its vast dome dominating the skyline. Standard admission (about £26) includes an excellent multimedia guide and access to climb the dome.

With your pass, you skip the ticket line and head straight in when doors open (usually 8:30–9am on weekdays for sightseeing). Tour the majestic nave, check out the tombs of Admiral Nelson and Duke of Wellington in the crypt, and then tackle the dome climb: 528 steps in stages, including the famous Whispering Gallery (inside the dome) and up to the Golden Gallery atop the dome for a spectacular city panorama.

It’s a workout but a highlight for many. (If you’re afraid of heights or stairs, you can skip the climb and still enjoy the cathedral floor and crypt.) Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours for St. Paul’s to appreciate its grandeur.

Tip: Weekdays at 12:30, St. Paul’s holds a short choral evensong or organ recital – a lovely free bonus if you happen to time it right and want to pause your touring for music in an awe-inspiring setting.

Midday: From St. Paul’s, it’s a scenic 15-minute walk across the Millennium Bridge (the modern pedestrian bridge) over the Thames to Bankside. Straight ahead is Shakespeare’s Globe.

The reconstructed Globe Theatre offers an insightful guided tour, included with the pass (normal tour price ~£19). Tours run throughout the day, delving into Elizabethan theatre history as you sit in the open-air wooden “O” and imagine the performances 400 years ago.

Show your pass at the Globe’s tour entrance; you may need to wait for the next scheduled group. The tour lasts about 50 minutes, often with entertaining anecdotes about Shakespeare’s time. Even non-theater buffs find it engaging, and you might catch actors rehearsing on stage if you’re lucky.

Note: In summer, the Globe has matinee shows that can affect tour times – check the Globe’s website or with staff in the morning for the day’s tour schedule.

After your Globe tour, consider grabbing lunch at the nearby Borough Market (if you didn’t on Day 1). It’s a 10-minute walk and offers everything from gourmet cheese toasties to multicultural street food.

Alternatively, stay on Bankside and have a riverside lunch at the Swan (the Globe’s restaurant) or a casual eatery in the Gabriel’s Wharf area as you walk east.

Afternoon: This afternoon, you have a chance to cover a few more attractions around the City.

Once back across the river, you could visit the Museum of London (which is free, chronicling London’s history from Roman times to today). However, it’s temporarily closed for relocation until 2026 – so for now, skip that.

Instead, use your pass for a couple of hidden gems in the City if they interest you:

• The Churchill War Rooms are nearby in Westminster, but since they’re not included (and you likely didn’t go on Day 2), let’s focus on included gems: How about the Charles Dickens Museum? Tucked in a Georgian townhouse on Doughty Street, this museum is included in the pass (ticket ~£12) and was Dickens’s actual home. It showcases his study, manuscripts, and personal items – a treat for literature fans. It’s about a 20-minute bus ride from St. Paul’s area, though, so only do this if you’re a big Dickens enthusiast or find yourself with extra time.

• Closer by is The Monument, the tall column commemorating the Great Fire of 1666, near London Bridge. It costs a small fee normally (£5) but is included. Climb its 311 steps for another panoramic view and a certificate of achievement at the end! It’s a quick one if you’ve got 30 minutes and energy for more stairs.

• Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre – free to all – is near St. Paul’s and worth a peek if you like art or history. Downstairs they’ve excavated an ancient Roman amphitheater, and upstairs is art, including Victorian pieces and even a Turner or two. It’s not on the pass (because it’s free), but an interesting stop for an hour.

Given you’ve done a lot today, you might choose to take it easy after the Globe and St. Paul’s. Perhaps meander along the Thames Path, or if you haven’t used that Thames river boat pass yet, this could be a good time to take an afternoon cruise.

The Uber Boat can pick you up by the Globe (Bankside Pier) or by the Tower and ferry you to your next destination or just give you a rest with a view.

Evening: On Day 4’s evening, consider exploring Covent Garden or the West End if you haven’t yet. This is prime time for enjoying London’s nightlife – whether it’s catching a musical, having dinner in Soho’s Chinatown, or simply people-watching in Leicester Square.

None of that requires the pass (except some dining discounts potentially), but you deserve some fun off the sightseeing track too. By now you’ve covered the City’s iconic cathedral and walked in Shakespeare’s footsteps – all without buying extra tickets. Great job!

Day 5: Day Trip to Greenwich

After covering central London, use the pass to venture down the Thames to Greenwich, an historic maritime district packed with attractions. It’s a great “mini day trip” within London, reachable by river or DLR train.

Morning: Take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers in the morning from central London to Greenwich – yes, the same river pass you activated earlier (if you haven’t used the included day-long river pass yet, activate it today).

It’s about a 45-60 minute scenic cruise from, say, the London Eye or Tower Pier to Greenwich. Arrive by mid-morning to start exploring.

Begin at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, up on the hill in Greenwich Park. Your London Pass covers the Observatory and Prime Meridian Line (ticket £24). This is where you can literally stand with one foot in the Western Hemisphere and one in the Eastern Hemisphere on the 0° longitude line!

There’s more than just a line – the observatory’s museum showcases antique telescopes, clocks by John Harrison (solving the longitude problem), and astronomy exhibits.

Try to catch the brief show when the red “Time Ball” drops at 1:00 pm daily atop the observatory – an old tradition for ships to set their clocks. The view from up here over Greenwich and the Thames is fantastic, so enjoy it. Plan around 1.5 hours at the Observatory and Meridian Courtyard.

Midday: Walk back down the hill (through lovely Greenwich Park) to the Old Royal Naval College by the river. Here your pass grants access to the Painted Hall, an underrated gem often called “London’s Sistine Chapel” for its lavishly painted Baroque interior (ticket ~£15, included).

The Painted Hall’s massive ceiling and wall murals will wow you – and an audio guide is typically included to explain the scenes of kings, queens, and classical gods depicted.

Spend about 30 minutes admiring this breathtaking hall where Admiral Nelson’s body lay in state. Also take a peek into the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul next door if open (free) – it’s beautiful.

Right outside, you might find Greenwich’s food market (if it’s Wednesday through Sunday) – perfect for grabbing lunch. The market has everything from international street food to pastries and local crafts.

Alternatively, there are plenty of pubs – the Gipsy Moth or Trafalgar Tavern offer British pub grub with a historic vibe. Eating in Greenwich is relatively affordable: you can get a hearty lunch for around £10–£15.

Afternoon: Next, use your pass to visit the Cutty Sark, the famous 19th-century tea clipper ship dry-docked by the river (entry £22). This ship has been restored as an excellent museum – you can walk across its decks and even underneath the gleaming copper hull.

Interactive exhibits tell the story of its races to bring tea from China and wool from Australia. It’s both educational and fun (kids especially love it). Allocate about 1 hour here.

If time remains in your afternoon and you’re not too tired, Greenwich has more to offer: the National Maritime Museum (free) is next to Greenwich Park – huge and interesting if you’re into naval history (Nelson’s coat with the bullet hole is on display!).

Also, the Queen’s House (free), a 17th-century royal villa, houses an art collection including the famed “Armada Portrait” of Elizabeth I. While these free sites aren’t part of the pass, they’re worth checking out if you have an interest and some extra time before leaving Greenwich.

Evening: Return to central London by DLR train or the Uber Boat (if boats are still running; they typically stop by early evening).

On your journey back, reflect on the value: today alone you’ve used the pass for Observatory + Cutty Sark + Painted Hall + boat, which separately would total around £60–£70. Not to mention the experience of cruising the Thames and straddling the world’s hemispheres – priceless!

For dinner, maybe try something around London Bridge or Canary Wharf on your way back, capitalizing on areas you haven’t eaten in yet. The pass has done its job in Greenwich, giving you a full day out without opening your wallet (except for lunch).

Day 6: Museums, Markets, and Madame Tussauds

By Day 6, you might be a bit footsore, so we’ll mix in some lighter attractions and downtime. Today’s focus is a blend of classic tourist fun and local flavor, largely in the Regent’s Park and Camden area of north London.

Morning: Make your way to Madame Tussauds first thing if it’s on your list (it’s included only with London Pass Plus; otherwise skip or pay ~£39). This wax museum is world-famous and very popular – expect crowds of families and international visitors snapping selfies with celebrity wax figures.

Go at opening for the shortest wait (even with a pass, there may be a queue to enter). You’ll see lifelike models of everyone from British royals to Hollywood stars and Marvel superheroes.

It’s kitschy but can be a lot of fun, especially for kids or the young at heart. Give it 1.5–2 hours. If wax figures aren’t your cup of tea, you could substitute a different included attraction this morning, such as the London Transport Museum (if not done earlier) or a Chelsea FC Stadium Tour (if you’re a football fan, the pass includes tours at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge and at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium – check schedule and reservations).

Midday: Next, enjoy some outdoor time at Regent’s Park. From Tussauds (located on Marylebone Road), it’s a 15-minute walk to Regent’s Park’s southern gates. Inside the park lies the ZSL London Zoo, one of the world’s oldest scientific zoos – and yes, it’s included with the pass (ticket £42).

If you’re an animal lover or traveling with children, the zoo can be a highlight. You’ll find gorillas, tigers, penguins, and more in a pleasant, compact zoo that takes about 2–3 hours to tour fully.

The pass even grants fast-track entry at the zoo, letting you skip the ticket line and head straight in. Check feeding times or talks (usually listed at the entrance) to catch interesting animal demos. There are food stalls inside for a snack or lunch, though they can be pricey – alternatively, have a picnic in the park (you could pick up sandwiches from a bakery or supermarket on the way).

If zoos aren’t your thing, Regent’s Park is lovely just to walk around. You could rent a pedal boat on the boating lake (not included in pass, but only a few pounds), or visit the free Queen Mary’s Rose Garden if in bloom.

Another option here: the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has daytime tours included in the pass at certain times, or you might just relax on the grass and recharge.

Afternoon: From Regent’s Park, a fun way to reach the next spot is via the Regent’s Canal. The London Pass includes a canal boat cruise between Little Venice and Camden Lock (operated by Jason’s or the London Waterbus, normally £14). Check the timetable (often hourly).

You can catch the narrowboat near the park (Little Venice end) or at the zoo’s canal gate. The cruise is a leisurely 45-minute float through the tranquil canal, ending at Camden Town. This is a different slice of London – the quirky, alternative Camden Market.

Spend the late afternoon exploring Camden Market, famous for its punk rock roots, eclectic stalls, and street food from around the globe. It’s free to roam (and a great place to shop for unique souvenirs or vintage clothes).

Grab a bite from one of the dozens of food vendors – maybe Indian curry, Chinese dumplings, or a classic salt beef bagel – usually £5–£10 each. The market vibe, with colorful street art and music, is an experience in itself.

While here, you could also use the pass for the London Canal Museum (small but interesting, near King’s Cross) or even the Jewish Museum in Camden if those appeal, but most people will prefer soaking up Camden’s atmosphere.

If you skipped Madame Tussauds earlier or have extra time, another idea for today: Sky Garden or The Shard revisit at night (Sky Garden is free but needs advance booking; The Shard you’ve done with pass). Or consider an evening walking tour: the London Pass includes some nighttime guided walks like a Ghosts of London tour or a Jack the Ripper tour in East London.

These typically need booking via the pass app and meet after dark for a different perspective on the city. Using one of these tours (value £20) not only squeezes more value from your pass, but also gives you a memorable story-filled walk through London’s alleyways.

For instance, a Jack the Ripper tour around Whitechapel will send shivers down your spine as you trace the steps of the 1888 mystery – a fitting adventurous end to Day 6.

Day 7: Windsor Castle (or Hampton Court)

For your final day, your London Pass still has plenty of potential. We’ll use it for a royal day trip out of town to cap off your week. The two prime candidates are Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace – both are included with the pass and rich in history, but you may only have time for one.

We’ll outline Windsor as the main plan (it’s slightly farther but an iconic first-timer’s choice), with notes on Hampton Court as an alternative.

Morning: Take an early train from London to Windsor (trains depart from London Paddington with a change at Slough, or direct from Waterloo; about 45–60 minutes). Aim to arrive by late morning.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and The Queen’s (now King’s) favorite weekend home. Entry is free with London Pass (usually ~£28–£35, note pass holders can only enter after 1:00 pm). Since the pass requires afternoon entry for Windsor, use the morning to explore Windsor town and Eton across the Thames.

Walk the charming high street, maybe peek into souvenir shops or have an early lunch at a pub. By 1:00 p.m., line up at the Castle entrance (even with the pass, you may queue for security).

Afternoon (Windsor Castle): Inside Windsor Castle, pick up the free multimedia guide and tour the lavish State Apartments, filled with artwork and ornate furniture (look for masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens on the walls!). Marvel at St. George’s Hall (recently restored after a 1992 fire) and the intricate Queen Mary’s Dollhouse.

Don’t miss St. George’s Chapel on-site, where royals like Henry VIII and Prince Philip are entombed – it’s serene and steeped in history. Allow around 2 hours for a thorough visit.

The scale and grandeur of Windsor will leave an impression – it’s a fitting grand finale for your trip. (Keep in mind the chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, and the State Apartments can close on short notice for royal events, so check ahead on the Castle’s website.)

After touring, enjoy the views from the Castle’s Middle Ward overlook – you can often see the Changing of the Guard here on certain days at 11 a.m., if your timing and days align (except Sundays). As a passholder, you saved the hefty admission fee, making the train fare the only expense for this excursion.

If you choose Hampton Court Palace instead: Take a morning train from Waterloo to Hampton Court (about 35 minutes). This opulent Tudor palace of Henry VIII is included (ticket £26).

You could easily spend half a day wandering the Tudor kitchens, the Haunted Gallery, and the stunning gardens (don’t get lost in the famous hedge maze!). Hampton Court is less crowded than Windsor and doesn’t require a specific entry time for pass users.

In summer, actors in costume often roam the grounds, and you might catch a live Tudor cookery demonstration in the kitchens. It’s a delightful trip back in time. Afterward, you can stroll along the River Thames in Richmond or Kingston before heading back to London.

Evening: Return to London in the evening for your final night. By now, you’ve used the London Pass to its fullest extent – covering royal palaces, castles, churches, museums, tours, and more.

Celebrate your week of successful sightseeing with a nice dinner. Perhaps try a neighborhood you haven’t been to, like Shoreditch for trendy eateries or a classic curry on Brick Lane, or a final pint in a historic pub.

You might even still have enough energy (and pass validity) to squeeze in one last attraction before midnight – but if not, no worries. You’ve seen and saved more than most do in much longer trips!

Before you leave London, double-check if the London Pass offers any discounts at Heathrow/Gatwick Express trains or airport shops, etc. (Sometimes tourist passes have partnerships; the app will list them.)

And if you found you didn’t use a day of your 7-day pass fully, remember the pass has a 30-day refund guarantee for non-activated passes – but once it’s activated, there’s no partial refund for unused days. In your case, you packed every day with value!

Time-Saving and Money-Saving Tips

• Plan by Neighborhood: The key to maximizing time is grouping attractions by area. London is big, and you don’t want to crisscross the city more than necessary. Our itinerary clustered sights (e.g. Tower of London with nearby Tower Bridge on Day 1, Westminster Abbey with other central sights on Day 2). This cuts down on travel time and transit costs. Use the pass’s trip planner tool or a map to visualize what’s near what – for example, if you’re at St. Paul’s, the Globe and Tower of London are in reach, but Windsor is not! Grouping 2–3 attractions in the same vicinity each day means you spend time seeing sights, not sitting on the Tube.

• Start Early at Popular Spots: Sights like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are extremely popular. Arriving at opening time (usually 9am) lets you beat the tour groups and long security lines. Even though the London Pass often lets you skip the ticket-buying queue, you can still face waits at security or inside congested exhibits. Early birds get a much calmer experience, and you can then fit more into the rest of your day. Similarly, consider visiting big draws on weekdays rather than weekends when possible to avoid local crowds.

• Reserve When Required: Some attractions included in the pass require an advance reservation or timed ticket – especially in the post-2020 world of capacity management. The London Eye, View from The Shard, Churchill War Rooms (if you decide to pay for that one), and certain tours (like Royal Albert Hall or walking tours) may have limited slots. The London Pass website or app will note “booking required” where applicable, along with instructions. Do this as early as you can (some allow booking days or weeks ahead with your pass number). This guarantees you entry at the time you want and saves you from being turned away if time slots fill up. It’s a free reservation – don’t skip it if it’s needed.

• Use Fast-Track Entrances: Take advantage of the pass’s fast-track entry perks. As mentioned, many attractions have separate lines or entrances for passholders or pre-booked tickets. Look for signs for London Pass or City Pass holders. For example, at Tower of London, you’ll still go through security but you bypass the ticket booth; at St. Paul’s you can head straight to the bag check; at London Zoo and Hampton Court, show your pass to use the members/fast track queue. This easily saves 15-30 minutes at each busy site – time you can use to see more.

• Leverage Included Transport & Tours: Remember that the pass isn’t just static attractions – it has built-in transport options like the 1-Day Thames River Roamer and (with Plus) the 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. Using these can save you money on buying separate tour tickets and double as transportation. For instance, instead of paying for a sightseeing cruise, your Uber Boat pass lets you cruise to multiple stops in a day. The hop-on hop-off bus, if included, can serve as a fun way to get an overview on your first day and hop off at attractions along its route (just don’t use it as regular transit – it’s slow; enjoy it as a tour with commentary). Also join the free walking tours that interest you – they cover themes like Jack the Ripper, Harry Potter film sites, or city highlights. These tours are normally £15–£20 each, so they add real value and insight, and they depart daily from various locations (check your pass guide for times). It’s a great way to squeeze more out of the pass without extra cost.

• Lunch and Break Strategically: To maximize sightseeing, consider quick lunches or eating on the go some days. London has ubiquitous Pret a Manger and Tesco Express stores where you can grab a “meal deal” (sandwich, drink, and chips) for around £5 – a huge money-saver versus a sit-down restaurant. Enjoy it on a park bench or while transferring between sights. That said, also take time to rest – a leisurely pub lunch in the middle of a busy day can be a rewarding cultural experience and keeps you energized for the afternoon. Just balance it so you’re not spending two hours at lunch when the pass clock is ticking.

• Use Discounts and Coupons: The London Pass comes with a digital guide that includes various discounts at certain restaurants, shops, and even West End shows. Browse these offers – for example, you might find 2-for-1 cocktails at a particular bar or 10% off at a gift shop. While these aren’t huge savings, they can add up, especially for food. Some deals might be near places you’re visiting (e.g. a cafe discount near the Tower). It’s worth a quick look so you don’t miss easy savings.

• Check Opening Times & Closures: This is more of a sanity-saving tip: always verify the opening days and hours of each attraction on your list. Many museums or smaller sites have one closed day a week (often Monday or Tuesday). Some attractions have reduced hours in winter or might close early for special events (for example, last entry at 4pm). The London Pass app and the attraction’s own website will have these details. Planning ahead prevents you from showing up to a closed door. Likewise, if traveling in off-season, check for any maintenance closures. With a 7-day pass, you have some flexibility to shuffle days, but it’s best to have a rough plan that accounts for known schedules.

The London Pass is designed to make your life easier, so let it do the heavy lifting on logistics while you focus on enjoying London!

London Pass vs. Pay-As-You-Go: Is It Worth It?

Now the big question: Did the pass actually save you money? Let’s break down the value. A 7-day adult London Pass costs about £232 (standard pass) at list price.

The Plus version (including Eye, Shard, etc.) is a bit more – roughly in the £300 range for 7 days (prices can vary with promotions). On first glance, that’s a hefty upfront cost.

But consider what you get: in our itinerary, you visited around 20+ attractions in 7 days.

If you paid individually at the door for each, the total would be well over £400 per person. Just a sample of major entries you did:

• Tower of London: £35.80
• Westminster Abbey: £30.00
• London Eye: £39.00 (with Plus Pass)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (2-day): £53.00 (with Plus Pass)
• Thames Cruise (Uber Boat day pass): £28.30
• Royal Observatory Greenwich: £24.00
• Cutty Sark: £22.00
• Madame Tussauds: £39.00 (with Plus Pass)
• London Zoo: £42.00
• Kensington Palace: £24.70
• St. Paul’s Cathedral: £26.00 (approx.)
• Shakespeare’s Globe Tour: £19.00
• Windsor Castle: £35.00 (afternoon entry)
• Hampton Court Palace: £26.00 (if you went)
• Royal Albert Hall Tour: £19.00
• Cutty Sark + Painted Hall combo (Greenwich): £37 combined
• (Plus various other small museums and tours we mentioned.)

Even with a conservative count, the pay-as-you-go total easily exceeds £450 for the week, versus £232 for the 7-day pass.

That’s roughly a 50% savings, which aligns with the London Pass’s claim that it can save you around 42–50% if used fully. In our example, the savings are real: you might save £200 per person by using the pass for this itinerary.

However, the value equation depends on your personal travel style. If you followed a slower itinerary – say, only 1–2 attractions per day with lots of free wandering – you might not break even on the pass.

Typically, the rule of thumb is if you plan to visit more than 3 paid attractions per day, the pass will likely save you money. With fewer sights, pay-as-you-go could be cheaper.

The longer the duration of the pass, the more cost-effective it gets per day. For instance, a 7-day pass for £232 works out to about £33 per day; you start saving after the first one or two sights each day. In contrast, a 2-day pass might be £151 (about £75 per day), which you’d need to cram quite a lot into those 2 days to make it pay off.

In our view, if you’re a first-timer keen to see the major attractions, the London Pass is absolutely worth it. It encourages you to see more without worrying about ticket costs piling up.

One of the often overlooked benefits is the psychological freedom – with a pass in hand, you might pop into a museum or do a quick tour you otherwise would have skipped because “is it worth the £15 entry?”

Since it feels “free” with the pass, you experience more. For example, you might spend half an hour in Wellington Arch or try the Royal Mews on a whim, getting more out of your trip.

On the other hand, pay-as-you-go (buying individual tickets) could make sense for travelers with very specific, limited plans. If you only care about, say, the London Eye, the Shard, and the British Museum (which is free) and nothing else, then a pass might be overkill.

But most first-time visitors have a long list of must-sees – and those admission fees add up quickly in London (notice how many top sights are £30+ each).

One more thing to consider: The London Pass offers a savings guarantee – if you use it and somehow don’t save money versus individual prices, they claim they’ll refund the difference.

That shows confidence in the product. Just be sure to keep track of what you visited and standard prices in case you ever needed to make that claim.

In summary, for a 7-day, attraction-packed trip, the London Pass can be a savvy investment. It was the backbone of the itinerary we outlined, enabling an efficient, queue-skipping, cost-saving adventure through London.

By comparing the total retail cost of sights (£450+) to the pass cost (£232), the pass clearly delivered great value in our scenario. Pay-as-you-go only “wins” if you purposely limit your sightseeing – which as an eager traveler, you probably don’t want to do on your first visit to London!

Conclusion

London is a city that rewards savvy travelers. With the London Pass in hand, you’ve unlocked a fast-track to many of its treasures, from crown jewels to panoramic views, while keeping your budget in check.

In seven days, you’ve toured palaces and prisons, sailed the Thames, walked with royals (and even dinosaurs), and stood on the Prime Meridian – an unforgettable journey through history and culture.

By planning smartly, grouping your sightseeing, and using all the perks at your disposal, you maximized both your experience and your savings. The London Pass proved its worth, sparing you hundreds of pounds in entry fees and countless hours in lines.

With the money you saved, maybe you even indulged in a West End show or a few extra scones at afternoon tea!

As you head home, you’ll not only have amazing memories and photos, but also the satisfaction that you truly conquered London like a pro traveler.

And if you tossed a coin into the Thames (or just saved your Oyster card), rest assured – you’ll be back. Until next time...