Let me guess, for some reason, you had to take a last-minute trip to London, took an overnight flight, and now you have the whole morning free? You’re not alone, believe me, I don’t know how many people I have seen like a headless chicken without knowing what to do first. Don’t worry, as a local, I know exactly what to do if you want to make the most of your first hours in London.
While you can easily start exploring the city as soon as you get here, it’s best if you plan a bit beforehand, especially if you’re visiting during high season. Thankfully, there are London getaways with Voyage Privé that are perfect for those last-minute trips to London.
Arriving First Hour & the Logistics
You land. You go through immigration, you collect bags, and you might hit customs. Early morning arrival often means you won’t be out of the airport and en route to your lodging until roughly 8:30–9:00am, even if you landed at 6 or 7. So, keep that in mind.
As soon as you’re out of the airport and in the city, you should go to your hotel, drop your bags, and go explore. Even if your check-in time is not ready yet, they can get a hold of your luggage in a safe place.
Also, you need to keep in mind that public transport in London runs really early, and rush hour may begin by 8:30-9:00. So, it’s best you book some kind of transfer from the airport to the hotel beforehand.
Refresh & Get Oriented
Once you’ve dropped your luggage or left it safely, you’ll want to refresh. A coffee and a full‐English breakfast can be both comforting and a cue to your body: “We’re in London now”. Then go outside.
Taking a walk through a park, or ambling near your hotel neighbourhood, is a smart first move. This way, you get yourself to truly shift your body clock.
For example, if you’re staying near central London, you can go and walk through St James’s Park or Green Park. Here you will be able to see the early daily lives of local people, hit a café, and start orienting yourself.
Here’s a pro tip: resist jumping into the biggest tourist attraction immediately. While the crowds build later, rushing to those places won’t be wise due to the morning rush hours.
What to Do Before Check-In
Now you’re out and about before your official check-in time, what should you do with that precious first hour or two?
Here are some ideas:
- Walk along the South Bank of the Thames: fewer crowds early, one of the best ways to see London waking up.
- Visit Regent’s Park, which is a less crowded and less busy park than St James’s Park, and maybe more suitable for refreshing and getting oriented.
- Then you can head to a breakfast spot or a fresh market.
- After you’re done eating, you can explore your hotel neighbourhood. If you’re staying in a residential area or a less central zone, consider simply walking your immediate area, checking local shops, cafés, and house styles.
The key here is to keep it light, keep moving, and start small. After you’re fully refreshed and out of the “flight mode”, you have two options:
- You can head to major attractions if your check-in time is not close yet.
- Head to your hotel for the check-in if it’s already time for it.
Conclusion
Landing in London in the early morning after a midnight flight doesn’t have to feel like a mistake, nor do you have to rush to take advantage of time. All you need to do is shake off your flight mode, take it slow, go for a walk, have breakfast, and enjoy the local vibe. Use this special quiet time before the crowds swell. Then check in, refresh, enjoy a relaxed lunch, and stride into your London stay feeling part of the city. Trust me, you’ll be surprised how much you can do before you’re even fully “awake”. Go ahead and make those first hours yours.
