After house-sitting in the London area, I returned for one final adventure in the heart of the city—staying in a hostel, seeing iconic sites, and taking a day trip to Stonehenge before flying out to my next destination. This is Part 2 of my London Travel Guide, where I dive into how to experience the city on a budget.
London is not cheap—especially when it comes to accommodations—but with a little flexibility and planning, I made it work. Whether you’re a remote worker, a digital nomad, or a budget-conscious explorer, here’s how I packed in memorable experiences while keeping costs down.
For Part 1 of this London journey, check out my full guide to London Travel Adventures – Part 1 on the blog!
Staying in a Hostel as a Remote Worker
London’s private rooms are pricey, so I booked a hostel stay for two nights. While hostels aren’t ideal for working remotely (especially with meetings and calls), they can be a doable short-term option.
My Hostel Tips for Remote Workers:
- Book a female-only or smaller dorm if possible for better sleep and less noise.
- Bring noise-canceling headphones and a laptop privacy screen.
- Use cafés or coworking spaces during the day if you need stable Wi-Fi or quiet.
- Work early or late when common areas are quieter.
Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street
Taking the London Underground to Baker Street Station, I couldn’t resist visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum—a must for any mystery or literature fan.
🕵️ Why Visit 221B Baker Street?
- The museum recreates Holmes’ fictional flat as described in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories.
- You can tour the study, sit at his desk, see his pipe, violin, and magnifying glass.
- Actors dressed in Victorian costumes enhance the atmosphere.
📍 Address: 221B Baker Street, London
🎟️ Admission: Around £16 per adult
⌛ Plan for: 45 minutes to 1 hour (plus time in line!)
🛍️ Bonus: Great souvenir shop next door.
💡 Tip: Arrive early or late in the day to avoid long lines. It’s a small museum and can fill up quickly.
➡️ More info at sherlock-holmes.co.uk
Delicious Indian Food (Without the Spice!)
One of London’s best perks? Authentic Indian food everywhere. I found a low-key neighborhood spot that served incredible Indian cuisine—and they were kind enough to adjust the spice level without sacrificing flavor.
Dishes to Try:
- Butter chicken or chicken tikka masala
- Garlic naan and mango chutney
- Paneer or lentil dal
💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for “mild”—many restaurants are happy to adjust spice levels!
➡️ Explore London’s best Indian restaurants on Time Out
Day Trip to Stonehenge: Ancient & Awe-Inspiring
One morning I braved the cold for a Stonehenge day trip—and it was SO worth it.
Stonehenge Fun Facts:
- Estimated to be over 5,000 years old, Stonehenge remains one of the most mysterious prehistoric monuments.
- The stones weigh up to 25 tons each and were transported from over 150 miles away.
- The site aligns with the solstices, and many believe it was used for ceremonial purposes.
🎟️ Tours often include roundtrip transportation and a self-guided audio tour.
💡 Tip: Layer up—the wind is brutal, especially in fall and winter. Bring snacks, water, and download your work essentials ahead of time if you’ll be working late afterward.
➡️ Official site: English Heritage – Stonehenge
Christmas Lights Double-Decker Bus Tour
My final night in London was pure holiday magic—I booked a double-decker open-top bus tour through the city’s sparkling Christmas light displays.
What You’ll See:
- Oxford Street and Regent Street’s illuminated arches
- Christmas trees at Trafalgar Square
- Harrods and Covent Garden decorations
- The glittering London Eye lit up by the river
🎟️ Price: Around £25–30
⌛ Duration: 1.5–2 hours
💡 Tip: Book early for December dates, wear warm clothes and gloves, and bring a thermos of hot cocoa or tea for extra cheer!
➡️ Book with providers like Trafalgar Tours or GetYourGuide
A Final Look at the London Eye
Before heading out, I took one last look at the London Eye glowing over the Thames at night. Watching it reflect off the water, surrounded by Christmas lights and winter air, felt like the perfect send-off.
📍 Pro tip: The best photo ops of the London Eye are from Jubilee Gardens or the Golden Jubilee Bridges.
➡️ Learn more at london-eye.com
What to Pack for a Winter Trip to London
Weather in Late Fall/Winter (Oct–Jan)
- Day temps: 4–10°C (39–50°F)
- Expect: Rain, wind, and gray skies—but festive energy everywhere!
Packing List:
✔️ Warm layers (wool sweater, thermal tops)
✔️ Waterproof boots and jacket
✔️ Gloves, scarf, hat
✔️ Umbrella
✔️ Power bank
✔️ Universal adapter
✔️ Local SIM card for data (buy at the airport—choose EE or Vodafone for best coverage)
London Food Tips for Budget Travelers
- Grab bakery breakfast deals in cafés and markets.
- Ethnic restaurants offer filling meals at lower prices—look for Indian, Middle Eastern, or Vietnamese options.
- Meal deals at grocery stores (like Tesco or Marks & Spencer) are budget lifesavers.
- Chain cafés often have free Wi-Fi, comfy seating, and power outlets for remote workers.
More Travel Tips and Stories
For more London insights, check out:
👉 London Part 1 Travel Blog
👉 Digital Nomad Travel Tips
Final Thoughts
From Victorian mysteries to ancient stone circles and twinkling Christmas lights, London continues to surprise and enchant—even on a budget. If you’re short on time or traveling during the holiday season, don’t skip the Sherlock Holmes Museum, a Stonehenge tour, or the magical bus ride through London’s Christmas lights.
🎒 Whether you’re hostel-hopping, working remotely, or squeezing in last-minute sightseeing, London has something for every traveler.
Don’t miss the full video on YouTube.
Plan Your Own London Adventure!
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🧳 Looking to travel smart while working remotely? Explore my curated itineraries, gear guides, and budget tips.
💬 Have you been to London during the holidays? What was your favorite part? Drop a comment below!
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