London-Tilbury

Tilbury is London's cruise port, sitting on the Thames about 25 miles east of the city centre. The port area itself is industrial, with little to see nearby. A train from Tilbury Riverside to Fenchurch Street takes about 45 minutes and drops you in the City of London. From there, the Tube connects you to everything else. Tilbury Fort, next to the port, is a well-preserved 17th-century fortification and worth a look if you have spare time. London's attractions are extensive and well-known: the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace, and the South Bank. Borough Market is good for food. The Tube is the fastest way around. A day in London from Tilbury is tight, so pick a neighbourhood or a couple of key sites rather than trying to cover everything. The pound is the currency. Contactless payment works on the Tube and buses.