London has plenty for a pirate at heart: historic ships, riverside tales and a few splendid old pubs. This plan keeps each day centred on one area, with short journeys between stops; costs are rough per person in pounds sterling, excluding accommodation.
Budget
About £170–£215 per person for the listed admissions and meals, excluding transport and accommodation.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers longer daylight and pleasant riverside walks; book popular tours ahead.
Greenwich: ships and seafaring stories
Spend the day among London’s maritime landmarks, all within an easy walk of one another.
Morning
Explore the
Step aboard the celebrated tea clipper and imagine life under sail. From Greenwich station, it’s about a 5-minute walk.
About £20Afternoon
Visit the
Discover Britain’s seafaring history, including maps, ships and naval stories. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the ; general admission is free.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Settle in for dinner and a drink in a former brewery beside the historic Royal Naval College. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the museum.
About £25–£40
Tower Hill and the Thames: fortresses and river views
Explore the and nearby riverside sights for a day steeped in the city’s dramatic past.
Morning
Tour the
See the fortress, Crown Jewels and stories of prisoners and power. Allow plenty of time; admission is typically around £35 when booked online.
About £35Afternoon
Walk across
Enjoy the famous bridge and its views over the Thames; the walk from the Tower entrance is about 5 minutes. The walkway exhibition is optional and costs extra.
FreeEvening
Dine at
Have dinner in a characterful historic pub at St Katharine Docks, a roughly 10-minute walk from . It’s a fitting harbour-side end to the day.
About £25–£40
South Bank: Shakespeare, ships and a final toast
Follow the riverside through Southwark for a lively mix of theatre history, a replica ship and classic pub atmosphere.
Morning
Visit Shakespeare’s Globe
Take a guided tour or explore the exhibition at this reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse. It’s about a 10-minute walk from London Bridge station; tours and exhibitions are typically around £25.
About £25Afternoon
Board the
Explore a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship and its seafaring tales. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the Globe; check opening times before setting out.
About £7–£10Evening
Raise a glass at
Finish with a riverside meal or drink at this historic Bankside pub, about a 10-minute walk from the . Keep an eye out for Thames views from the terrace.
About £25–£40
Good to know
Getting around
Use an Oyster card or contactless payment on public transport. The suggested routes are walkable, but allow extra time for busy streets and crowds.
Bookings
Book the and Shakespeare’s Globe in advance, and check current hours and prices for the .
Pirate spirit
Bring a weatherproof layer for the river breeze, and enjoy the pirate-themed sights without bringing replica weapons or costume props into secured attractions.