A June London Escape: Big Sights, Gluten Free Finds and an Engagement to Remember
Updated: Sep 14
I just got back from a week in London, and my camera roll is basically a mix of iconic landmarks, gluten free meals, concert videos, and one very sparkly engagement moment in Hyde Park.
London in June was everything I hoped it would be. Long days, plenty of energy, and that perfect mix of history, theater, markets, parks, and neighborhoods that feel completely different from each other. I traveled as both a regular traveler who wanted to soak it all in and a travel agent taking mental notes the whole time. What worked? What would I recommend? What felt overhyped? What would I book again in a heartbeat?
The short version: London is still one of my favorite cities in the world. It is easy to navigate, packed with things to do, amazing for gluten free food, and somehow still full of surprises, even if you have been before.
London is easy to navigate, but you will still walk everywhere
One of the things I always tell clients about London is that the Tube, London’s underground train system, is genuinely easy to use. This trip reminded me how true that is.
You can get almost anywhere without much stress, and once you understand the line colors and directions, it becomes second nature. We used the Tube constantly, especially when hopping between bigger sights or heading out to Wembley. It made the city feel manageable, even with a packed itinerary.
That said, London is still very much a walking city.
We averaged around 20,000 steps a day, and honestly, it did not feel strange because walking is part of the experience. You turn a corner and suddenly St. Paul’s Cathedral appears. You cross a bridge and get a completely different view of the skyline. You walk from one neighborhood to another and the whole mood changes.
My travel agent tip: plan your days by area when you can. London looks compact on a map, but it takes time to move around, especially when you factor in photos, snack stops, and the inevitable “wait, let’s just walk there” moments. We also greatly took advantage of the e-bike rentals scattered throughout the city. London is an awesome and easy city to bike around!
A few things I would recommend packing:
Comfortable sneakers that are already broken in
A light jacket or layer for cooler evenings
A portable charger for maps, photos, and Tube directions
A small crossbody or secure bag for crowded areas
A water bottle, especially if you are walking all day
June was a lovely time to go. The days were long, which made it easier to fit in sightseeing, dinner, and evening plans without feeling like we were racing the clock. Fortunately, we were there just before the heatwave! High temperatures in London can feel unbearable at times.
The classic London sights are classics for a reason
We started strong with some of London’s most recognizable landmarks. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are just as impressive in person as they are in every photo you have ever seen. There is something about standing there, hearing the city move around you, and seeing those buildings right in front of you that makes the trip feel official.
Buckingham Palace was another must, of course. Even if you only stop by for photos, it is one of those places that feels essential on a London itinerary. The surrounding area is beautiful too, so it is easy to pair with a walk through nearby parks, such as St. James Park.
We also walked by St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is massive and stunning from the outside. Even if you do not go in, it is worth building into your route. London does this so well, where you can be going from one place to another and casually pass something historic and beautiful.
Then there was Tower Bridge, which ended up being one of the coolest experiences of the trip.
We actually went up inside Tower Bridge and walked across the glass floor, which lets you look straight down at the road and river below. If you are even a little nervous with heights, it gives you that funny stomach-drop feeling, but in the best way.
The best part? We got to watch the bridge open up beneath us to let a boat pass through. That was such a “right place, right time” moment. I would absolutely recommend going up Tower Bridge, not just taking photos of it from the outside.
Sunset at The Shard was one of my favorite views
If you love a good city view, The Shard is worth it.
We went up around sunset, and the timing made the whole experience feel extra special. From the top, you get 360-degree views over London, and it is wild to spot so many places you have visited or plan to visit: Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s, the Thames, tiny red buses moving below, and layers of rooftops stretching in every direction.
As a travel agent, I would recommend booking this for a clear evening if your schedule allows. Weather is never guaranteed in London, but sunset adds so much to the experience. It turns a simple viewpoint into a proper memory.
It is also a great activity if you want something that feels a little elevated, no pun intended, without being too formal. You can dress casually, take your time, and just enjoy seeing the whole city from above.
The theater and comedy scene made our nights so fun
London is such a good city for live entertainment. We saw The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, and it was hilarious. Definitely not for everyone if you do not like edgy humor, but if that show is your style, it is such a fun night out.
The West End has that classic theater magic, but it also feels easy to build into a trip. You can spend the day sightseeing, grab dinner nearby, and then head to a show without needing to overthink it.
We also went to Angel Comedy Club for a gig, which was a totally different kind of night. It felt more local and casual, and I always love adding something like that into a trip. Big attractions are great, but smaller experiences are often where you get a better feel for the city.
If I were planning this trip for a client, I would suggest mixing one major West End show with one more low-key local night. It gives you the best of both worlds.
And then, of course, there was Wembley.
We saw Harry Styles at Wembley, and it was incredible!!!! The energy, the crowd, the scale of the venue, everything about it felt massive and unforgettable. Taking the Tube out there was also easier than I expected. It was crowded, yes, but manageable. For big event nights, I would just recommend giving yourself extra time and expecting a very slow exit afterward.
Hyde Park became the highlight of the entire trip
I still cannot believe I get to write this part: I got engaged in Hyde Park!
AHHHH.
Out of everything we did, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The Shard, Wembley, the markets, the day trip, this is obviously the moment I will remember most. Hyde Park is already such a beautiful place to slow down during a London trip, but now it is part of our story forever.
That is one thing I love about travel. You can plan the sightseeing, the reservations, and the routes, but the memories that stay with you are often tied to how a place made you feel. Hyde Park gave us a quiet, personal moment in the middle of a huge city.
Overall, London is a city everyone must see! The history, culture, food, people, and everything in between, truly make it an iconic city.
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