Chat GPT planned a weekend trip in London – here’s what it told us
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With half-term just around the corner, Autumn might be the best time of year to enjoy your favourite London attractions with the whole family.
We gave Chat GPT a Barratt London study into the wait times at London attractions and asked it to plan a long weekend itinerary for us.
We also collaborated with tourism expert, Catherine Warrilow, strategy director at the ticket directory and tourist information site Days Out to share five tips for visiting London attractions.
Key findings from Barratt London’s study
- The longest wait time was for The National Gallery, with queues up to 3 hours long.
- The V&A Museum, Grant Museum of Zoology and Science Museum are among the top London attractions with the shortest wait times.
- The top free attractions with the shortest wait times were The Sir John Soane’s Museum, Somerset House and Sky Garden.
Chat GPT London weekend trip plan
Chat GPT prompt: Use this data to create a weekend itinerary for a trip around London
[Note: Chat GPT is not perfect. Some opening times suggested are incorrect and notes have been added for clarity].
| Day 1: Exploring London’s Top Attractions with Long Wait Times 9:00 AM: Start your day at The National Gallery. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the world-class art collection with an average wait time of 180 minutes. Spend a few hours admiring famous masterpieces. [Note: The National Gallery does not open to the public until 10:00 AM]. 12:30 PM: Head to a nearby restaurant for lunch. You can find plenty of options in the Trafalgar Square area. 2:00 PM: Take a short walk to the Cloud Cable Car, located in Newham. Enjoy a ride with panoramic views of London, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and more, with an average wait time of 120 minutes. 4:30 PM: Visit the Up at the O2 attraction in Greenwich. Conquer the O2 Arena and witness breathtaking 360-degree views of London, with an average wait time of 120 minutes. 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Greenwich and soak in the local atmosphere. Day 2: Exploring London’s Top Attractions with Short Wait Times 9:00 AM: Begin your day at the Science Museum in the City of London. There’s no wait time, so you can explore the fascinating exhibitions and interactive displays at your own pace. [Note: The Science Museum does not open until 10:00 AM]. 12:30 PM: Have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants in the City of London. 2:00 PM: Head to the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington and Chelsea, another attraction with no wait time. Explore its vast collection of applied arts and design. 4:30 PM: Visit the historic Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich. Discover the world’s only surviving extreme clipper with no wait time. [Note: The Cutty Sark closes to visitors at 5:00 PM]. 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near Cutty Sark or explore more dining options in Greenwich. Day 3: Top Free London Attractions with Short Wait Times 9:00 AM: Start your day at the Grant Museum of Zoology in Camden. This free attraction offers a fascinating collection of zoological specimens, with an average wait time of 0 minutes. [Note:The Grant Museum of Zoology is temporarily closed until January 2024]. 12:30 PM: Have lunch at a local café in Camden. 2:00 PM: Visit Sir John Soane’s Museum in Westminster. Explore the neo-classical architect’s home and his collection of art and architecture, with a wait time of 10 minutes on average. 4:30 PM: Head to the Sky Garden in the City of London. Experience London’s highest public garden with lush landscapes and incredible city views, with an average wait time of 10 minutes. 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view in the City of London. This itinerary allows you to explore a mix of London’s top attractions, both with long wait times and no wait times, ensuring a memorable weekend in this vibrant city. |
5 top tips from tourism expert Catherine Warrilow
Catherine Warrilow is a London tourism expert and strategy director for Days Out, a ticket directory and tourist information site.
- Plan ahead
“If you’re visiting London and want to pack in as much as you can, plan your day with precision to avoid long wait times, travelling backwards and forwards as well as the disappointment of not being able to get in to see a famous landmark.”
- Travel smarter
“Use the tube network as the fastest and cheapest way to get around with a day travel card covering the zones you need to get to.”
- Book in advance
“Wait times if you haven’t booked ahead will always be longer at the weekend and during peak school holiday months, so if you can visit either early morning or on a weekday, you’ll spend less of your time waiting and more of it exploring.
“Most attractions allow pre-booking especially post-pandemic – you’ll also find, booking online will save you around 30% off the gate price. Even some of London’s free attractions like the Sky Garden need you to book months in advance due to popular demand – the views rival paid attractions like the London Eye.”
- See as you go
“Popular attractions like the IFS Cloud Cable Car which also offers great views as you cross the Thames, allow you to book, single, return and family fares online.”
- Save with deals
“And my top tip, look at bundle deals that give you up to 50% off when you book in advance off attractions like Madame Tussauds, London Eye, SEA LIFE, London Dungeons and Shrek’s Adventure.”
You can find more information about the study here: https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/london/london-attractions-wait-times/
