After living in London with a girlfriend and returning multiple times – most recently with two of my besties – I’ve discovered some of the most fun and unique ways to enjoy a Ladies’ Day Out in London.
From sightseeing and shopping to cocktails with a view, I’ve pulled together all my favorite girly things to do in London for the ultimate day out. Whether you’re snapping photos in colorful neighborhoods, catching a West End show, or sipping drinks at a rooftop bar, this itinerary has a little bit of everything. Plus, I’m sharing insider tips to take your day from fun to unforgettable! Here are my top picks for a perfect Ladies’ Day Out in London.
Quick note: I tried to list these activities in a logical order; however, you may want to switch things around depending on your choice of activity – since I included some alternate options along the way. Many of these spots are located within a 20–25-minute walk of each other – making it easy to explore on foot. But if you’re short on time or if the distance is much greater – hop on the Tube. It’s quick, easy, and super convenient!
My Ideal Ladies’ Day Out in London
Explore (and more) in notoriously beautiful Notting Hill.
The perfect way to kick off your Ladies’ Day Out in London is with a visit to Notting Hill, one of the city’s most charming and photogenic neighborhoods. With its pastel-colored townhouses and picturesque streets, it’s the ideal spot for a fun photo shoot with your friends.
I’d make this your first stop since the soft morning light is great for photos, and you’ll look your best in the morning, rather than fitting this in after a full day of exploring. Stroll along Lancaster Road, Hillgate Place, and St. Luke’s Mews to find the dreamiest backdrops.
In the mood for a market?
A convenient next stop after your mini photo shoot is the Portobello Road Market, right in the heart of Notting Hill. Famous for its antiques, vintage fashion, and quirky finds, it’s a great place to browse unique souvenirs. Just know – this place can get very busy, especially on a Saturday.
If you’d rather have a change of scenery instead, head to the market in Covent Garden, where you’ll find a mix of high-end boutiques, handmade crafts, and street performers adding to the lively atmosphere. (This central London market is just a 20-minute walk to Big Ben and Houses of Parliament – two locations I recommend visiting later in your Ladies’ Day Out itinerary. So, if you want to explore this market you may want to switch around the order of the day’s activities.)
For those who love trendy fashion and independent designers, Old Spitalfields Market in East London is a must-visit, offering everything from stylish clothing to accessories and artwork. We arrived at this market just as some of the stalls were closing and we were bummed – this looked like it offered some great finds! (Again, if you choose this market you may want to switch the order of activities, as this market is a long way from Notting Hill but less than a 20-minute walk from London’s Sky Garden, which I recommend later in the itinerary.)
Enjoy a picture-perfect picnic lunch.
Shopping can make a girl hungry! Fortunately, no matter where you are, you’re likely not far from one of London’s 270+ locations of Pret a Manger (Pret, for short) a popular chain serving delicious and creative baguettes, melts, wraps, croissants, soups, salads, and more. Order “to go” and have a picnic in a park while you people-watch – Hyde Park and St. James’s Park are two central and scenic options.
(Visiting London in spring? Prepare for the weather with my London Spring packing list.)
Stroll past London’s most iconic landmarks.
No Ladies’ Day Out would be complete without a stroll past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Make your way to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, where the stunning ornate architecture is even more impressive in person. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Westminster Abbey – the site of royal coronations and weddings – steeped in history and grandeur. From here, take a scenic walk through St. James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King.
This walk is a classic London experience not to be missed.
Browse Harrods for… dessert? You bet!
Harrods – London’s famous luxury department store – deserves a stop on your Ladies’ Day Out, but not for the reasons you may think. Sure, you can splurge on designer goods if you have a lot of extra cash laying around. Or you can simply wander the lavish halls and marvel at how the other side lives. But the real highlight? The food hall – specifically, the cupcakes. These little works of art are almost too pretty to eat, but trust me, they’re worth every bite (and the roughly $6 price tag).
Note: Below I list activities for your late afternoon and evening plans. You can choose what you want to do based on your schedule and interests. Ideally, I’d do them all – it’s hard to pick a favorite! But with showtimes and overall timing in mind, it may not be possible to fit everything into one Ladies Day Out. Go with what sounds most exciting and savor every moment!
Catch a West End show.
I always try to catch a show when I’m in London – it’s one of my favorite things to do! To fit this into your Ladies’ Day Out, check showtimes and consider a matinee performance, as many plays and musicals have afternoon shows starting around 2 or 3 p.m. If you opt for an evening performance instead, simply adjust the order of the other activities to make it work.
Grab dinner and raise a pint to friendship at a classic London pub.
Many London pubs have a rich history, cozy interiors, and even scenic riverside views, making them a memorable stop during your Ladies’ Day Out. Plus, with a mix of traditional London food, craft beers, and cocktails, there’s something for everyone. It’s the ideal spot to toast to friendship and lean into the local culture.
Soak in the views (and vibes) at London’s Sky Garden.
A highlight from my last trip to London was visiting the Sky Garden and soaking in the stunning 360-degree views of the city. Sipping a cocktail with friends while watching the sunset over the London skyline was an unforgettable experience. If you can reserve tickets for a sunset timeslot – do it! The lights along the Thames, adorning bridges, and across the city create a beautiful scene.
We visited the Sky Garden on the weekend when it was open until 9 p.m. On weekdays, it typically closes at 6 p.m., so be sure to check the hours in advance. Read more about our Sky Garden experience and how to book tickets here: London Sky Garden Review
Light up the night with friends at Tower Bridge.
A stroll across Tower Bridge is the perfect way to end your Ladies’ Day Out in London. After sunset, blue and white lights illuminate the bridge, highlighting its dramatic architecture and reflecting beautifully in the Thames. Your Ladies’ Day Out began with a beautiful photo shoot in Notting Hill, and now your girls’ day comes full circle with another stunning backdrop.
The glowing bridge and city skyline against the night sky create incredible photo opportunities. For the best picture-taking spots and more tips, check out my guide: Tower Bridge at Night.
Have more than a day in London? We highly recommend exploring the town of Windsor and Windsor Castle just outside of London. And for all you Ted Lasso fans – Richmond (where many familiar scenes were shot) is just a half-hour Tube ride from London. Use my Ted Lasso locations guide to find all the fun filming spots from the show!
The Perfect Ladies’ Day Out in London Done Your Way!
Mix and match my recommended activities to create your perfect Ladies’ Day Out in London. Whether you’re all about the sightseeing, the shopping, or just soaking up the city’s vibes with your friends, one thing’s for sure – London is always a good idea for a girls’ getaway!
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