One of the world’s largest capitals, London has a lot to offer and touring it in one day might seem absurd but with an early start and a bit of stamina it can be done. As you would expect you won’t be able to see everything London has to offer in 24 hours but you couldn’t do it in 365 days either.

Westminster Abbey should be first on you list, if you can get there for 9.30 you will beat the rush and be able to walk round in peace. The Abbey is a focal point of the nation’s royals and most of the countries Kings and Queens have been crowned there and many buried there as well.

Home to the country’s government since the 11th century, The Houses of Parliament are a truly astonishing landmark and has been the focal point of some of the political highs and lows of the last millennia. The houses are guarded over by ‘Big Ben’, the world’s most prominent timepiece; you could even set your watch to it.

Keeping with the political theme you can stroll down the road to Downing Street, sadly you can no longer go down the road but if you’re fortunate you may see someone important getting past the masses of policemen and security officials. Other than that it’s not exactly palatial but worth seeing all the same.

If you continue north you will reach the hub of London, Trafalgar Square. Home to Nelson’s tower it is the scene to many a demonstration. Once plagued by pigeons, each year thousands of party goers descend on this square to ring in the New Year’s Eve.

From the square you can enter the National Gallery, home to the masterpieces of Da Vinci, Van Gogh and Rembrandt to name a few. Panoramic galleries span eight centuries of some of the world’s most famous art and devoting anything less than an hour to this would be a crime.

Just north of Trafalgar square is Covent Garden. England’s most historic market it was designed by Inigo Jones in 1633 and home to a variety of stalls and talented street performers.

By now you may be getting a bit peckish so why not step into Covent Garden’s very own ‘Porters English Restaurant’ where you can enjoy real traditional English pub food. Owned and run by the Earl of Bradford it’s an ideal stop off for your busy day.

A short tube journey, an attraction in itself, brings you to Charing Cross Station; from here you can walk to Buckingham Palace. No explanation is need as to why this should be on your list and at certain times of the year you are able to go inside but be wary of how much time this will take out of your day. Depending on the time of day you may be able to see the changing of the guards but don’t make any sacrifices for this as it is slightly overrated.

One final tube trip will take you to the Tower of London; over 900 years it has been a palace, a royal mint and most notoriously a prison. Many famous Englishmen have lost their heads there and it’s the national home to blood and gore. An hour long guided tour by one of the famous Beefeaters is well worth the while and will bring the tower to life.

By now your feet will most likely be aching so head to ‘The Salisbury’, a fashionable Art Nouveau Pub in the centre of the theatre district. There is a wide range of drinks and some distinctly home cooked pies on offer and fear not, they wont break the bank.

The best way to spend a night in London would be to take in one of the many shows on offer; you could head for a big West-End musical or to a traditional Shakespeare show at the Globe. You won’t be disappointed at either and it would be a great way to relax and take the weight of your feet.

If you want a central London hotel, then stop by Astor Court for affordable luxury single, double, triple and twinhotel rooms in the centre of the capital.