Literature & Art Lover's London: A Culture-Focused 5-Day Itinerary

Morning

Begin your first day at the British Library, home to some of the most treasured manuscripts in the world. Don’t miss Jane Austen’s writing desk, the Magna Carta, or the original lyrics to Beatles songs. The Treasures Gallery is a must.

Do what the locals do, and grab a flat white at Origin Coffee, tucked inside the library.

Afternoon

Wander through Bloomsbury, the historic literary neighborhood once home to Virginia Woolf and the influential Bloomsbury Group. Be sure to stop by Persephone Books (renowned for reprinting forgotten 20th-century women writers), and admire the garden squares that feel like secret pockets of calm.

For lunch, settle in at Dalloway Terrace, a floral-lined spot named after Mrs. Dalloway herself. The atmosphere is elegant and poetic, with a seasonal menu and wonderful afternoon tea.

Evening

Spend your evening in London’s iconic West End. Whether you opt for a Shakespeare play at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (an intimate candlelit theater at Shakespeare’s Globe) or a classic musical, it’s the perfect way to step into another story.

After the show, head to The Library Bar at The Lanesborough. It’s refined, quiet, and full of character. This chic spot is ideal for a nightcap surrounded by leather-bound books and velvet chairs.

Morning

Start with the National Portrait Gallery, freshly reopened and home to the faces behind Britain’s literary and artistic legacy. Look for portraits of Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde, two authors who helped define the city’s literary voice. The Tudor rooms are a favorite of mine and full of historical drama, from courtiers to queens.

Afterward, walk over to 26 Grains in Neal’s Yard for a cozy, Scandinavian-inspired breakfast. Their porridge bowls and flat whites are worth the detour, and the pastel-colored courtyard feels like something out of a Bridgerton novel.

Afternoon

Make your way to Cecil Court, a charming alleyway lined with rare bookshops and antiquarian dealers. Nicknamed “Booksellers’ Row,” it’s perfect for hunting down a vintage edition of Jane Austen or a first-edition art book.

Then take a stylish break at Maison Assouline, the luxury publisher’s flagship store in a former bank near Piccadilly. Order tea or champagne in their cultured café, surrounded by glossy coffee table books and plush banquettes.

Evening

For dinner, head to the Michelin-starred restaurant Sketch in Mayfair. It’s a whimsical, art-filled wonderland where each room feels like stepping into a different chapter.

End the night with a stroll through Soho, stopping into Gosh! Comics or Foyles on Charing Cross Road, one of London’s most iconic literary landmarks. If you’re in the mood for a late-night drink, try Bar Termini—it’s tiny, stylish, and beloved by creatives.

Morning

Begin the day at the British Museum, one of my favorite places on Earth. From the Elgin Marbles to the Rosetta Stone to galleries full of ancient manuscripts and relics, this is where history and myth collide. Spend time in the Enlightenment Gallery, which feels like walking through a collector’s cabinet of curiosity.

After, stop into Store Street Espresso near Bloomsbury for an excellent coffee and quiet literary energy. It’s often full of students, writers, and museum-goers with notebooks in hand.

Afternoon

Head to the South Bank and explore the Tate Modern, London’s boldest contemporary art museum set inside a soaring former power station. Inside, you’ll find striking works by Picasso, Rothko, and Warhol, along with immersive installations that turn entire rooms into art experiences.

For lunch, walk over to Oxo Tower Brasserie, just along the riverside. With its sleek design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and creative British menu, it’s a perfect spot to pause and take in sweeping views of the Thames and St. Paul’s.

Evening

Cap off the day with a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe. Whether you choose standing tickets in the open-air pit or a covered seat in the gallery, the experience is as transportive as it gets. Plays are performed with candlelight, music, and period staging that bring the Bard’s work to life in the most immersive way. After the show, enjoy a nightcap at Swan.

Step beyond the city and spend the day inside the pages of your favorite stories. You might follow in Shakespeare’s footsteps, explore the halls that inspired Narnia and Middle-earth, or chase Paddington through London. Wherever you go, this is a day devoted to the magic of English literature.

Option 1: Stratford-upon-Avon – The Shakespeare pilgrimage

Take a train from London Marylebone to Stratford-upon-Avon (about two hours) for a day steeped in Elizabethan charm. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, then stroll along the River Avon. The town is filled with timber-framed houses, garden paths, and a quiet reverence for its most famous son.

Stop for lunch at Loxley’s, a locally loved bistro with a literary-inspired name. Before heading back to London, grab tea and cake at The Fourteas, a 1940s-style tearoom with plenty of character.

Option 2: Oxford – for dreamers & scholars

Catch a train from London Paddington to Oxford (just under an hour) and wander one of the most storied university towns in the world. Walk through Christ Church College, whose Great Hall inspired Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, and visit the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Book lovers should not miss Blackwell’s Bookshop, and for art, the Ashmolean Museum is a hidden gem.

Have lunch at The Vaults & Garden Café, tucked beside the University Church of St Mary. Later, grab a pint at The Eagle and Child, the pub where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis used to meet with their writing group, the Inklings.

Option 3: Family-Friendly London day – Paddington, parks & picture books

Stay in the city and explore London through the eyes of its most beloved storybook characters. Start at Paddington Station to see the bronze statue and pop into the Paddington shop, then stroll to Hyde Park for a picnic!

In the afternoon, visit Kew Gardens for seasonal Peter Rabbit-themed trails, or explore museum gift shops like those at the British Library or Natural History Museum for classic books and cuddly characters.

If traveling with kids ages 5 and up, end the day with the Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, a whimsical ride through London with themed treats and stories. For a quieter option, have dinner at The Grazing Goat in Marylebone. It is casual, cozy, and perfect for families.

Morning

Start your last day in Marylebone at Daunt Books, a dream for travelers and readers alike. The Edwardian oak galleries, skylit interior, and travel-by-country book layout make it one of the most photogenic and thoughtfully curated bookstores in the world.

Just around the corner is Monocle Café, a stylish little spot with a delicious yuzu lemonade on the menu.

Afternoon

Head west to Leighton House Museum, once home to Victorian artist Frederic Leighton. Tucked into a quiet Kensington neighborhood, this underrated museum is a jewel box of color and texture.

Walk to Maggie Jones’s for a cozy lunch among wooden booths and candlelight, or opt for Hally’s, a cheerful café with a lighter, art-student vibe just down in Parsons Green.

Evening

Celebrate your final evening with dinner at The Wolseley, a grand European-style brasserie with literary flair and a menu full of timeless comfort.

If you’re in the mood for one last toast, finish at Fitz’s in Fitzrovia—it’s moody, glamorous, and lined with velvet sofas and vintage books.