You have probably been to London and have seen the major sights, so your second or third trip can be all about what you like. That is exactly how I approached this trip.
I usually come up with a few themes for my trips, and this time, my 3 days in London were about friends, the Marie Antoinette exhibit, the portrait gallery, and two very interesting stores.
Are 3 days in London enough?
Three days in London is enough time to enjoy the city if you focus on what interests you most. Many women over 50 have already visited London and seen the major sights.
A short trip lets you return with a theme, spend time in museums, explore neighborhoods, meet friends, and enjoy good food without rushing from one attraction to the next.
This kind of trip is ideal for women over 50 who:
- enjoy art, museums, and culture
- prefer thoughtful travel rather than rushing from one attraction to another
- like walking through neighborhoods
- want a short and inspiring break from their daily routine
3 Days in London Itinerary
Day 1: Art and museums
Day 2: Exploring the city with a guide
Day 3: Sustainable fashion and design
Day One of my 3 days in London: Art in London
The National Portrait Gallery
Portraits are an excellent way to learn about history and culture. The gallery has a beautiful collection of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry VIII, and all their chums.
I was lucky to arrive at the same time as a bunch of very young students, who came in with their energetic teacher.
I stayed longer just to listen to all the students’ funny comments and their excitement as they discussed the hanging of Henry VIII’s wives.
There were lots of giggles while they saw the ones that got their heads chopped off (their words).
Lucien Freud’s exhibit was about to open, and there was a lot of excitement, but when I went, it was only open to members. I made a note to myself to plan my trips around my favorite artists from now on.
The National Portrait Gallery has an excellent restaurant on the top floor where I had dinner with a friend. The food is fantastic, and the view of London’s rooftops and Admiral Nelson’s statue is beautiful.
Victoria and Albert Museum
I loved seeing the Marie Antoinette exhibit. The dresses and jewelry were so beautiful.
The exhibit was packed, but I always managed to find a good spot to see the paintings and dresses.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is a must whenever you go, and anytime you go, because there is always something interesting to see. If you have seen it all, their coffee shop is the best place for a break.
Saatchi Gallery
The contemporary art at the Saatchi was a lovely contrast to the Marie Antoinette exhibit. I also spent a lot of time wandering around their store.
Day two of my 3 days in London was with Monica, my favorite guide.
Even though I know London fairly well, I had not been there for many years, and I wanted to visit a few places and find a creative, efficient way to do so.
I called Monica O’May, who owns
London London, a guide company, and she studied my wishes, added a few must-sees, and planned our afternoon. We walked all over, stopped for lunch, chatted, and the day went by too quickly.
Day Three of my 3 days in London: Fashion and textiles
I have become very curious about fabrics lately. Textiles are a popular subject in art, and we have become more aware of the fabrics we wear.
Good-bye to man-made fabrics, hello to cottons, pure wool, and silks!
I have started to research the clothes I buy and am much more careful about my purchases.
I love the pure wool sweaters that I bought in Lisbon, and I wanted to visit two special stores in London. These stores are more aware of their fabrics, and I love their designs.
Toast in Marylebone
I love their clothes. Many loose tops and trousers. Lovely skirts, wool tops, and I could hardly wait to visit the store. I already knew what I wanted to buy, but when I went into Toast, my plans went out the window. I saw an amazing dark
blue cotton jacket with appliques that I had to have, and then, I just needed the
white denim trousers to go with it. I spent a lot of time trying on different things and wanting them all.
Toast, founded in Wales, sells women’s and men’s clothes as well as things for your home. I have been following their social media for years, but have never been able to visit their store.
This time, I made it a priority, not just an idea on my list. The design and quality of their clothes are fantastic.
And, guess what? I didn’t photograph anything in the store. I was too busy trying things on, checking out the different fabrics, and enjoying the store.
Blackhorse Lane Atelier
Blackhorse Lane is where you go to get your tailored denim trousers. Just imagine getting measured for your perfect jeans. They have denim from all over the world, including the fabulous Japanese denim.
Japanese denim is thicker than other denim; some have a little more texture, and they are beautiful.
You can also buy ready-made denim trousers along with shirts, jackets, and other things.
Blackhorse Lane sells women’s and men’s clothing.
Liberty London
I think we all have to visit the Liberty London store at least once in our lives. It’s a beautiful building.
I was walking around Marylebone with my friend Louise Ross, the author of
Women Who Walk, and she suggested we do a quick detour to Liberty. I loved the building. It was such a good visit.
Why short trips are perfect for women over 50
Short trips require less planning. Most of you have traveled all over, done your “due diligence,” ticked off boxes, and taken photos in front of your favorite statues and paintings. I know, I have.
I live in Portugal, so it’s pretty easy for me to go to other countries, but if you live in the US, Canada, or another country, you can still enjoy short trips near you.
Short trips are easier to repeat several times a year.
Short trips are a great way to experience new things and come back home with new ideas, feeling refreshed and ready for old and new routines.
Practical tips for 3 days in London
- Buy your museum tickets online in advance.
- Use the Underground and buses to move more quickly.
- You can pay for public transportation with your credit card.
- Plan for only two or three activities a day so that you have room for spontaneous discoveries.
- Keep your phone close to you and do not look at it near the curb. I had my phone on a necklace.
- Research cafes and restaurants near the places you will be visiting.
