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If you happen to’re planning a go to to England’s capital and you recognize it’s your one and solely probability to see it, you then’re going to wish to know what are the once-in-a-lifetime issues do in London.
This information is just not going to characteristic all of your touristy points of interest, you don’t want to go to one other wax museum or journey one other hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
This information options all the long-lasting websites, the unmissable landmarks, and the distinctive methods to see London’s unimaginable historical past and numerous tradition.
I’ve not solely visited London a number of occasions, however I lived there for two.5 years, and I dare say there’s not a nook or cranny I haven’t explored (or a British slang phrase I haven’t adopted, apparently).
In order the British, would say, “let’s have at it!”
Add a header to start producing the desk of contents
Prime tip!
Most of the paid points of interest are on the London Cross by Go Metropolis, which is a good money-saving low cost vacationer card for a choose variety of days or points of interest. Relying on what you wish to do in London, you can both use it for all of the points of interest, OR use the cardboard for the most costly attraction after which buy separate tickets for the cheaper points of interest individually.
1. Uncover the magic at Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios, London
Excessive on the record of many guests to London is the Harry Potter tour on the Warner Bros Studios. It was considered one of our favourite issues to do in London with children.
Positioned about one hour northwest of London, this backstage tour will take you thru units, props, and interactive displays of the true film settings of the Harry Potter movie sequence.
READ MORE: Information to the Harry Potter Studios tour in London!
You’ll be amazed at how they created magical scenes from such small, intimate settings. All of us beloved this magical deep dive into the Wizarding World.
Enable for 3-4 hours for the self-guided tour. That gives you sufficient time to learn the tales, journey a broomstick, stroll by means of the forbidden forest and people scary spiders, and drink butterbeer.
You should ebook prematurely for timed entry tickets, in any other case, you’ll look ahead to hours.
2. Do a Beefeater Tour within the Tower of London
A go to to the Tower of London wouldn’t be pretty much as good with out doing the free 45 minute beefeater tour.
Nicknamed Beefeaters, Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor time when Henry VIII determined that the Tower must be protected by a part of the royal bodyguard.
They have been initially a part of the Yeoman of the Guard – the monarch’s private bodyguard who traveled with him in every single place.
The Yeoman Physique of 32 women and men are all drawn from the Armed Forces, and should have an impeccable file of service and excessive ranks.
They share entertaining and ugly tales of its macabre historical past from its former years (and I imply centuries) as a Royal residence, armory, treasury, and zoo (thank goodness they stopped that!)
The Tower of London is definitely a citadel comprising twenty-two towers however sitting within the center is the unique White Tower constructed within the 1070s by William the Conqueror. The partitions, towers, and moat surrounding it got here within the 1200s and have been there ever since.
There’s a lot to see and do right here, together with seeing the Crown Jewels.
Prime tip: Get there for doorways opening and purchase a skip the road ticket. The Tower of London is infamous for its lengthy strains, which might prolong into hours. Tickets may also be cheaper on-line. It’s additionally a part of the London Cross by Go Metropolis.
One of the well-known vacationer points of interest in London, with a number of the finest views of town, is the London Eye on the River Thames.
It’s the tallest commentary wheel in Europe and a good way to see totally different viewpoints of the well-known buildings in London, just like the Huge Ben and Homes of Parliament.
The capsule you sit in strikes slowly sufficient (30-minutes to do a full revolution) that you simply get time to benefit from the expertise and get nice pictures.
4. Go to a Royal Park
Londoners love their Royal Parks. These 5000 acres of high quality inexperienced areas present a gorgeous respite from a busy day exploring town.
There are eight royal parks in London, lots of that are within the central space, and all are free to go to.
They’ll have stunning gardens, fields for picnics and sports activities, lakes with boat rides, tree-lined paths, stunning views, wild life, and plenty of could have public occasions, live shows, and festivals.
My favorites are St James’s Park, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park, and Hyde Park.
As you might be most likely on a brief go to to London, in case you solely have time for one, make it Regents Park. It’s additionally the place you’ll discover London Zoo (nice for youths) in addition to an outside theatre, botanic backyard, and a lake for boating on. It’s some of the numerous park in London.
London is stuffed with pleasant parks, gardens, and squares all around the metropolis!
5. Eat at Borough Market
Okay, Borough Market has grow to be a little bit of a vacationer gimmick as of late, nevertheless it’s probably the most iconic meals marketplace for road meals in London, so that you resolve in case you’d wish to pay £10 for a small bowl of risotto with two components in it.
Borough Market is positioned on the south aspect of the River Thames, close to to London Bridge, and homes a group of meals stalls and distributors promoting contemporary produce.
It’s stuffed with candy treats and snacks to attempt, resembling strawberries dipped in chocolate, delicate native cheeses, bowls of Vietnamese pho, sausage rolls or a refreshingly candy peach prosecco.
On the periphery, you’ll discover pubs, cafes, eating places, murals and some Harry Potter filming areas, together with the Leaky Cauldron Pub.
I’ll warn you; weekends are shoulder-to-shoulder busy. Through the week it’s a a lot quieter expertise.
Don’t Miss: If you’d like road meals however much less touristy, head to Brick Lane for the meals corridor there – it has road meals for each nationality conceivable. Additionally, the classic markets and outlets are nice there, and it’s well-known for its bagels.
6. Expertise a Conventional Afternoon Tea
It’s alleged that afternoon tea started in England in 1840, by Anna Stanhope, the Duchess of Bedford.
As dinner was served late within the night, this was a approach of satisfying her starvation pains mid-afternoon.
It turned a trendy type of leisure and through the years it turned an expertise for extra than simply the rich.
Some additionally say the French began it. However, let’s not become involved in that battle.
For now, we’ll have a good time the English custom of excessive tea, named so for the excessive tables it’s served on. They arrive in layers of savory and candy objects resembling scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches, macaroons, and pastries.
Whilst you may assume you’re required to drink copious quantities of tea with it, you possibly can select to have espresso, and plenty of will now come served with flutes of champagne or cocktails. Now we’re speaking!
Excessive Tea on the Ritz is probably the most well-known for setting the usual for afternoon tea. The Savoy is one other old-school favourite for conventional pomp. We had many suggestions for top tea at Fortnum & Mason.
The Lanesborough goes to provide you that vibrant floral Bridgerton afternoon tea aptitude. Equally aesthetically pleasing – in a shiny and fashionable approach is the Ampersand Resort the place we skilled our science-themed excessive tea, which made Kalyra’s London for teenagers record!)
There’s even a unusual expertise like afternoon tea on a London bus or on a Thames River cruise.
Prime tip: Click on to learn extra about our science themed afternoon tea on the Ampersand Resort in Kensington, and in case you’re planning to go to different components of the UK, we additionally had an incredible afternoon tea in Oxford.
7. See the Altering of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Okay, so technically we didn’t see the altering of the guard at Buckingham Palace on our final journey – however I did see it after I lived in London.
We had deliberate for it on the day it doesn’t occur, so, test the schedule!
That is the way you make Buckingham Palace just a little greater than only a sticky beak by means of the gates and some “I used to be right here” pictures.
The Altering of the Guards is the ceremony the place The Queen’s Guard palms over duty for safeguarding Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to the New Guard.
The pomp and ceremony of the precision drill and bands taking part in stirring music make it some of the in style London points of interest – and it’s free!
Buckingham Palace has been the official London Residence of the Royal Household since 1837. If the Royal Customary flag is flying it means Queen Elizabeth II is in residence, and if the Union flag is flying it means she’s out of city.
Because the Queen has chosen of late to reside extra at Windsor Citadel, her favourite of all her palaces, the percentages are you’ll see the Union flag.
Don’t miss the altering of the guards. Listed here are the occasions:
- June – July: Day by day
- August – Might: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
- Begins at 11am and goes on for about 45 minutes.
8. Eat a Conventional Sunday Roast
You will note all of them throughout London and the UK – conventional Sunday Roast. It’s a British cultural expertise to not miss.
It’s mentioned to have began throughout the reign of King Henry VII in 1485. The royal guards would eat roast beef each Sunday after church, which is claimed to have given them the identify ‘beefeaters.’ (they now run the excursions on the Tower of London).
On Sundays all through the U.Okay., pubs and eating places are packed full for the roast dinner; it’s thought-about the time for households or mates to get collectively and share nice meals.
Though Roast Dinners started with beef, fashionable occasions make room for hen, pork, lamb, and even vegetarian. Many locations will supply a conventional pub roast or one with just a little extra of a contemporary aptitude.
Sometimes included are roasted potatoes and root greens, inexperienced greens like cabbage and spring greens, cauliflower cheese, and many gravy. It’s conventional to serve it with a Yorkshire pudding, which is a savory eggy batter poured over beef drippings.
We completely loved our Sunday Roast on the Edinboro Citadel Pub in Camden. They’ve a stunning beer backyard and gluten-free beer to match!
Learn extra: If you happen to want extra inspiration on pubs in London, try our full information to pubs we beloved in London!
9. Snap a selfie infront of the long-lasting Huge Ben
Huge Ben is to London what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It’s considered one of London’s landmarks that can not be missed off any itinerary.
Huge Ben is the 13.5 tonne iconic clock tower on the Homes of Parliament. Formally, it’s the Elizabeth Tower, however everybody calls it Huge Ben after Benjamin Corridor, the First Commissioner of Works when it was completed in 1858.
You possibly can see it from many viewpoints in London, together with the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, cruising alongside the river, and our favourite, Parliament Sq..
Parliament Sq. is subsequent to the Homes of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. It has statues of well-known political leaders together with Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela.
One among our favourite iconic London pictures we captured on our journey – that even native Londoners didn’t learn about – was that of Winston Churchill searching upon Huge Ben.
The Homes of Parliament is the place all of the necessary enterprise in working the nation occurs. You possibly can tour inside on choose days and occasions. I used to be lucky to have a good friend working there after I lived in London who invited me in for a drink at one of many pubs inside. It was a cool expertise!
If you happen to’re interested by British Politics, Quantity 10 Downing Avenue is a five-minute stroll from Huge Ben and is understood for being the house of the Prime Minister. These days the Prime Minister doesn’t dwell there, however nonetheless makes use of it to carry conferences.
10. Tour Westminster Abbey
Because you’re at Parliament Sq., let’s cross the street and tour Westminster Abbey, the Royal Church of England. Each monarch since William the Conqueror has been topped right here and plenty of have been married within the abbey as effectively.
I loved our self-guided audio tour of Westminster Abbey greater than I believed I might, as did our children (14 & 10).
You’ll stroll by means of the attractive, tiled sanctuary the place weddings occur; the flowery quire; go to the tombs of many royals and necessary folks; pay your respects on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and see the tasteless Coronation Chair.
Don’t miss the Poets Nook the place you’ll discover the resting locations of a few of England’s best: Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling, and Hardy.
I additionally loved seeing the angle of the abbey from strolling across the cloisters and gardens. This tour is a part of the London Cross by Go Metropolis.
11. Tour Princess Diana’s former dwelling, Kensington Palace and Gardens
Kensington is named the dwelling of the Younger Royals. It’s the official residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (i.e. Prince William and Kate) and their kids. Harry and Meghan lived right here for a time, and most famously, it was beloved Princess Diana’s dwelling.
That is additionally the place the legendary Queen Victoria was born. You possibly can observe her Royal footsteps on a tour by means of her re-imagined childhood rooms and the King and Queen State Residences, and the magnificent King’s State Residences and Queen’s State Residences.
I beloved the Life By a Royal Lens exhibition sharing the Royal Household by means of images, the views from the home windows, the flowery Kings Staircase, and King’s Gallery.
And probably the most stunning Kensington Gardens with their memorial to Diana and the legacy of her work doing good for the world. We actually loved this London expertise.
The palace is open from 10.00am – 6.00pm every day, however closed Sunday and Monday. It’s additionally included on the London Cross by Go Metropolis.
12. Watch road performers at Covent Backyard
One of the well-known squares in London is Covent Backyard.
Wander the cobblestoned areas surrounding the central market, which had its beginnings as a convent backyard within the 1500s. It served totally different functions from then, however by the 1800s it had developed into the most important produce market on the planet. Its overwhelming dimension prompted its relocation in 1974.
Additionally it is subsequent to different vacationer points of interest in London, like Trafalgar Sq. and Nelson’s Column, Leicester Sq., Soho, and the West Finish theater district.
There are countless eating places and bars and native shops. Performers rotate all day lengthy on the road slightly below the balcony of the well-known Punch and Judy pub (good luck attempting to get on it!).
Don’t neglect to unfold out throughout the central Covent Backyard market space to discover the encircling cobblestone streets and aspect alleys for different secret gems!
While you want a break, head to Lamb & Flag for a household pub lunch within the oldest pub in Covent Backyard.
13. See a theater present or musical within the West Finish
London is famend as probably the greatest locations on the planet for theater. There are over 40 theater venues within the West Finish performing to over 14 million yearly.
There’s a giant number of musicals on supply, a number of the hottest ones being the Lion King, Depraved, Les Misérables, and Hamilton. (I noticed Les Misérables and Saigon when dwelling in London)
On our final trip to London, Kalyra, Savannah and I went to see Matilda within the Cambridge Theater in Covent Backyard, whereas Craig caught up along with his outdated Rugby teammates from Sydney in Chelsea.
Matilda the Musical is primarily based on the Roald Dahl ebook and film. A lot of the forged are younger kids, who’re very proficient. We laughed the whole time!
I’m glad we added this it to our London itinerary on the final minute as our teen mentioned it was considered one of her favourite London experiences.
If you wish to have a singular expertise and see one thing quintessentially English, you possibly can catch a Shakespeare manufacturing at The Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames.
Truthful warning; this theater is a standing theater so possibly take into consideration that if there’s a manufacturing of Hamlet or King Lear.
14. Hunt for murals in Shoreditch
If you’re brief on time and wish to expertise extra cultural points of interest, then save Shoreditch as a factor to do in your journey.
These with longer than three days in London and love exploring fashionable tradition will wish to do a mural tour of the Hip Shoreditch in East London.
Avenue artwork within the UK continues to be technically unlawful and regarded a prison exercise, which implies road artwork can pop up rapidly, however be taken down simply as quick.
Shoreditch is the anomaly and is the epicenter of London’s road artwork scene as they battle again on the vandalism label. Probably the most well-known secret road artist of all time – Banksy has left his mark in Shoreditch a number of occasions.
The Free Shoreditch Avenue Artwork tour – this got here so extremely advisable to us, however we couldn’t make it work with our schedule. Undoubtedly a factor to do in London after we return.
15. Drink a Pimm’s & Lemonade overlooking The Thames
If you’re coming to England and intend on experiencing a excessive tea, you can’t move on ingesting a Pimm’s & Lemonade. It’s considerably of an unofficial drink of London, particularly on a sizzling summer season’s day. (What? You imply that’s a factor?)
James Pimm invented and marketed the very first “Pimm’s” as a well being tonic within the 1840s. It was a gin-based drink blended with a secret mixture of herbs and different liquids and was used to help digestion. It was served in a small tankard-style cup which was often known as the ‘No.1 Cup’
It’s an amazing drink to have with mates because it’s usually served by the Pitcher, ice-cold and crammed with contemporary fruits. It has a mildly candy and spiced taste and is refreshing. I can’t consider I by no means drank it after I lived in London. I preferred it quite a bit!
Select a bar, any bar, however if you wish to observe our recommendation: When it hits Pimm’s o’clock on a sunny day in London get pleasure from yours with a view on the Founder’s Arms on the River Thames at Southwark.
16. Have a London Ale + a Conventional Pub Lunch
As we talked about, we completely love the English pub expertise, and had lunch in a single virtually day by day. Properly, a minimum of we stopped in for a pint of ale!
Virtually any pub in London could have a comfy, heat ambiance with an unimaginable historic story to inform. You’ll discover low ceilings, creaky stairs, dwell music, beer gardens, and stunning London views.
Most will supply a menu of historically English pub meals. We already talked about the unmissable Sunday roast, however different English favorites to attempt are the fish and chips, bangers and mash and gravy, and pie with mash and gravy. You could even discover some mushy peas – one other English favourite.
And I used to be thrilled to seek out a few pubs that had gluten free fish and chips.
Alongside your pub lunch, remember to style a conventional English ale pulled into the glass by a hand pump. As a earlier bartender in London, I can inform you pulling just a few of those pints of a night may give you sore arms!
It is a uniquely British shelling out gadget that’s particularly applicable for conventional cask-conditioned ales. It permits the casks to be stored in a cooler cellar under the bar and the beer to be pulled or drawn as much as the bar and offers a decrease carbonation beer.
The English will inform you it’s a much better tasting beer. Craig agrees and drank loads of them to reach at that conclusion.
17. Stroll alongside the Southbank Stroll
We took any probability we might to stroll alongside Southbank to get from A to B.
This South Financial institution to Southwark stroll alongside the Thames begins at Westminster Bridge, wanting in the direction of the Homes of Parliament all the way in which to Tower Bridge. Or vice versa. It’s roughly 2.5 miles / 4km in whole.
There are beautiful views throughout and also you’ll move iconic points of interest just like the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, London Eye, and Tate Trendy all underneath the omnipresent watch of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll discover some in style and well-known pubs like our favorites The Anchor and The Founders Arms. Plus, the sunsets from listed below are stunning.
18. Straddle the Prime Meridian in Greenwich
Head to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the Place of Time, positioned about 40 minutes southeast of Central London alongside the Thames.
Right here you possibly can be taught the fascinating historical past of how the Royal astronomers experimented and studied the celebs to give you right now’s fashionable model of time.
Its measurement (GMT) all begins on the Prime Meridian. You possibly can test off your bucket record that you’ve got stood with one foot within the West and one foot within the Jap hemisphere.
Placing the icing on the cake is the view behind the glittering fashionable skyscrapers forming the Canary Wharf skyline in entrance of the Thames.
It’s the right encapsulation of the fashionable and historical worlds that London has developed by means of to grow to be this unimaginable metropolis we love a lot.
The Royal Observatory can also be an included attraction on the Go Metropolis Cross.
19. Go to Trafalgar Sq.
Trafalgar Sq. is likely one of the most well-known locations in London. Everyone who visits likes to have their pictures with the large lions, which symbolize the braveness of Britain. Children will love climbing them!
The 52-m excessive statue of Lord Nelson dominates the sq. and the Nationwide Gallery is the beautiful constructing within the background.
It’s actually the guts of London and has at all times been a well-liked place for Londoners to assemble, whether or not that’s to herald the New Yr collectively, or protest, rally, or march for necessary rights and causes.
One among my favourite issues about Trafalgar Sq. is the pedestrian lights surrounding it. They’re LGBTQ site visitors lights that embrace two males and two girls holding palms and forming a coronary heart, and numerous gender symbols together with a transgender signal.
20. Take within the view of London from The Shard
Piercing the sky above London is the needle-like construction of the Shard, the tallest constructing in Western Europe.
It’s rapidly turning into a London icon, particularly for the unimaginable views from its 72nd ground open-air platform. There may be an enclosed viewing platform on degree 69 as effectively.
The Shard View is an costly factor to do in London, however the 244m excessive sweeping London views make it worthwhile. I completely beloved the incredible perspective of the River Thames snaking by means of town east to west.
It was significantly shifting for me as I lived in London for 2 years and by no means noticed it from this angle. I LOVE this metropolis a lot!
Purpose for about an hour earlier than sundown so you possibly can expertise the nightfall golden gentle views, sundown panoramic views, and nighttime views when these London lights sparkle.
It’s essential to reserve your tickets prematurely. It should additionally prevent cash. This attraction is included within the Go Metropolis Card. This may be the star occasion of the move!
Wish to expertise 5-star luxurious with these views? The Shangri La Resort is positioned on Degree 34 of the Shard. Every room has floor-to-ceiling home windows offering spectacular views of town, and maintains the theme of Oriental class discovered all through the lodge. Test availability and ebook your keep right here.
21. Cruise or stroll alongside Regents Canal
One among our favourite experiences in London was a canal boat cruise from Little Venice to Camden Market in North London.
Regent’s Canal is a nine-mile ribbon of water that runs from Little Venice to the the place it spills into the Thames at Limehouse.
It provides guests an opportunity to expertise a quieter aspect of London. What was as soon as a busy cargo transportation route has grow to be leisurely waterways by means of London providing folks a tranquil place to stroll, paddle, or boat journey.
The enjoyable and picturesque 40-minute canal journey will take you alongside Regents Canal, by means of the 248m Maida Hill tunnel, and previous the unique neighborhoods of Maida Vale and Primrose Hill, with properties of celebrities, and expansive and landscaped again gardens of grand homes.
We additionally walked alongside right here from Camden to Regents Park.
22. Store for bohemian objects in Camden City and Camden Market
Whilst you’re exploring Regent’s Canal, you have to incorporate a cease off in Camden City. It’s considered one of our favourite locations in London for its eclectic, grungy, different model.
It’s a London neighborhood recognized for the Camden Markets and its dwell music scene. Many well-known artists from around the globe have performed right here or bought their begin right here, or sadly, died right here.
Click on the next hyperlink for our information on issues to do in Camden Markets, which incorporates the canal boat journey, a Sunday pub roast, Regent’s Park, and a few high pubs for dwell music!
23. Go to the London Museums and Artwork Galleries (most of them free!)
We’re not large museum folks, so we didn’t go to many. We journey a lot and have visited so many museums that we are inclined to run the opposite approach now.
Nonetheless, London has distinctive museums. And, as a bonus, the everlasting collections at London’s museums are FREE. If you happen to love museums, I’ve little question you’ll love exploring The British Museum, stuffed with archeological findings that the Brits joke are “issues the English stole from different nations” and the well-known Pure Historical past Museum.
We did spend an hour within the British Museum and it was incredible and I do want it was longer.
Different notable ones are the Nationwide Gallery and the Tate Gallery (Tate Trendy for contemporary artwork).
You will discover a museum of any dimension and go well with any curiosity – there’s even a Vagina Museum in Hackney!
For these touring with children, you possibly can’t miss the Pure Historical past Museum incorporates a life-size blue whale skeleton and an enormous robotic T-Rex. Proper subsequent door is the interactive Science Museum, the place kids can find out about science by means of play.
Throughout the street from the Pure Historical past Museum and the Science Museum is the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is the world’s largest museum of ornamental arts – in case you like statues, it is a museum to take a look at.
The Tate Trendy was one other London gallery attraction we devoted a while to and completely loved the artwork on show. It’s effectively value including this to your London itinerary, if not for the views alone!
Another museums in London that guests love are the British Conflict Museum, The Nationwide Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark (a retired navy ship), and Nationwide Portrait Gallery. As you possibly can see, you can use a minimum of two days to simply discover the museums of London!
24. Take a strolling tour by means of London’s historical past
Each road and cobblestone alleyway in London has an interesting historic story to inform. One among our favourite methods to expertise the tradition and historical past of a vacation spot is to take a strolling tour.
What do you wish to be taught? There’ll be a strolling tour for it.
As we have been visiting London with children on this journey, we didn’t do the Jack the Ripper strolling tour. However that was one of many first issues I did after I moved to London. I LOVED it! Sure. It should freak you out.
What freaked me out much more was I usually needed to stroll previous considered one of his killing alleyways on a night after my shift on the pub to get dwelling. The chills in my backbone doubled the tempo of my legs!
25. Tour Winston Churchill’s Conflict Rooms
Immerse your self within the ambiance of the Blitz with a visit down into the historic Cupboard Conflict Rooms.
This warren of tunnels and bunkers underneath Whitehall was the headquarters for Britain’s battle effort throughout World Conflict II.
The tour begins at Westminste Millennium Pier, only a brief stroll from Westminster Underground Station, and you then take a brief stroll round London overground by visiting Huge Ben, Homes of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Avenue, and at last to discover the Conflict Cupboard Room from the place Winston Churchill deliberate Britain’s subsequent transfer.
You possibly can really see the chair (full with scratch marks on its arms), which he used throughout extremely annoying conferences.
Within the Map Room, nothing has modified since 16 Aug 1945, when the lights have been lastly switched off.
Wartime maps, colour-coded telephones, and even rationed sugar cubes stay precisely as they have been when the battle ended.
26. Stroll throughout Tower Bridge (and see it open!)
You’ll wish to stroll throughout is Tower Bridge, one other well-known landmark of London. Virtually anybody coming to London is already accustomed to the elegant great thing about its neo-Gothic turrets and blue suspension cables.
Stroll throughout Tower Bridge free of charge and get nice views overlooking the Thames and again over the Tower of London.
You possibly can head up into the north tower to the (paid) Tower Bridge Exhibition for greater views and to be taught extra concerning the structure, engineering, and historical past. It’s a paid attraction and is included in your London attraction move.
Test for occasions when the Tower Bridge will elevate up its bridge arms so boats beneath can move by. They do should ebook it 24 hours prematurely so you possibly can plan forward for this cool expertise.
On common, Tower Bridge opens its bascules round 800 occasions a 12 months, that’s round twice a day. Test opening occasions right here.
Take a river cruise to see it from beneath as effectively.
27. Take a Thames River Sightseeing Cruise
There may be nothing like seeing London from the angle of its snaking River Thames.
The Lastminute.com London Eye River cruise is a 40-minute round tour of the Thames on a small open-top ferry with guided commentary. The departure touchdown dock is correct underneath the London Eye.
I beloved the commentary that taught us quite a bit concerning the historical past of the Thames and the position it’s performed in London life.
The cruise will take you previous Huge Bend and the Homes of Parliament earlier than turning round to move east passing underneath lots of London’s bridges spanning the river – every with its personal identify and story.
You’ll be taught many tales concerning the iconic Landmarks you’ll move like Huge Bend, London Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Shard, Tate Trendy, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, which you’ll get to sail underneath earlier than turning round to cruise again.
You possibly can see extra in our Reel of the River Thames cruise. (Comply with us over there for extra enjoyable journey adventures and ideas!)
Click on on the hyperlinks under to be taught extra about these river cruises on the Thames and to ebook your journey.
28. Tour St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is likely one of the most well-known cathedrals on the planet and considered one of London’s most opulent buildings.
There’s a rule that St Paul’s should be seen from eight separate locations all through London which is why so lots of the fashionable skyscrapers are uncommon shapes. They’re making room for that line of sight!
Now that you simply’ve seen that spectacular dome from across the metropolis, it’s time to see it from the within and find out about this architectural masterpiece from Sir Christopher Wren, constructed after the Nice Hearth of London between 1675 and 1710.
We visited on a guided tour with Independence by Globus, however commonplace admission consists of an audio information. Go to the crypt to see memorials of lots of of well-known and nice folks, together with the our bodies of Wellington and Nelson mendacity straight underneath the dome.
Sadly, the whispering gallery across the base of the dome was closed after we visited, however this is likely one of the finest issues to do in St Paul’s in addition to the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery, each on the high of the dome providing unimaginable views of London.
Ask the attendants if they’ll take you to the spiraling Harry Potter staircase. This staircase in St Paul’s was used because the “Divination Stairwell” positioned within the North Tower of Hogwarts Citadel for the Harry Potter movies.
Prime tip: E-book your entrance prematurely, because the strains can get extremely lengthy.
29. Get your picture at Platform 9¾ Kings Cross Station
Even in case you don’t observe the Harry Potter filming path throughout London, I like to recommend you propose for getting your picture working the cart into the wall at Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross.
That’s after all in case you are a Harry Potter fan, in any other case, it may not float your boat.
I used to be the one one in our household who did it and I had a load of enjoyable. The Head Wizard was so cool in exhibiting every individual totally different witchy poses. As this was a as soon as in a lifetime, I used to be not going to carry again!
We have been fortunate to solely have a ten minute wait. Traces right here will be as much as two hours. Get there as early as you possibly can, or later shut to complete time. Good luck muggles.
Simply so you recognize, Kings Cross Station is actual. Platform 9¾ is just not. They’ve a chosen area on the station (not even on the platforms) in your pictures with the cart going into the wall.
There’s a Harry Potter retailer right here as effectively the place you should buy your fan favorites.
If you wish to see the platforms (the place many scenes have been filmed) both catch a practice someplace or ask the guards if they’ll allow you to on the platform to take a photograph. Throughout the street is St Pancreas which is the background setting for the flying automobile scene within the second film.
Kings Cross was my arrival level in London after I first arrived in 1997 as a broke backpacker with an contaminated foot and never understanding a soul. I used to be overwhelmed and scared.
I bought fairly emotional coming again right here because it jogged my memory of my journey from there to right here and the way a lot I’ve grown! You possibly can learn extra about that story right here.
30. Go to Leadenhall Markets
If you happen to’re heading east in the direction of Liverpool Avenue then I like to recommend you go to the beautiful Leadenhall Markets in Central London.
These stunning coated markets have been initially established in 1321 as a marketplace for butchers and fishmongers (Nonetheless historical past says it was the middle of Roman London as a bazaar space within the 1st Century!)
A lot of the ornately adorned inside and cobbled laneways that you simply see preserved right now are from a redesign in 1881.
It’s now a purchasing precinct with stylish bars, cute cafes, boutique shops, and a few taverns. One of many causes vacationers come right here is that it was used as the outside for Diagon Alley within the first couple of Harry Potter movies.
The Lamb Tavern is a good pub right here, in operation since 1790.
31. Comply with the Harry Potter Movie Areas Path
There are fairly just a few areas in London the place scenes from the Harry Potter motion pictures have been filmed. If you happen to’re a fan, this could be considered one of your favourite issues to do in London.
We didn’t particularly observe a path or do all of it in in the future, however we knew the place loads of the areas have been and, if it was within the space we have been visiting, we made a aspect step to go and see it.
Among the best methods to expertise Harry Potter areas in London is thru a strolling tour.
I want we did this simply so we might have heard extra tales and felt extra related to every location.
Doing it ourselves didn’t have fairly the identical magic and was extra only a “effectively that is it,” snap a photograph after which go away.
I’ve talked about a pair on this put up already, however a number of the main spots are:
- Kings Cross Station & St Pancreas
- The Leaky Cauldron at Borough Markets
- Cecil’s Court docket and Godwin’s Court docket, Covent Backyard
- Leadenhall Markets
- Millennium Bridge
Harry Potter Followers: London Boys College (on the left as you method the north aspect) on Millenium Bridge was the place Daniel Radcliffe went to high school.
Bear in mind when the Dying Eaters assault London within the scenes from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? They have been filmed on the Millennium Bridge.
32. Watch a soccer match at Wembley
If you happen to can time it proper, I extremely advocate incorporating a soccer match into your London itinerary.
You possibly can both see a dwell match at one of many many soccer stadiums across the metropolis, or just from inside a pub, or outside large display screen when large matches are on.
It’s an electrical expertise with a lot fever and pleasure with the English chanting, singing, and celebrating lengthy into the night time … in the event that they win. God assist London in the event that they don’t!
As I lived in a home with Australians, Kiwis, South Africans, Irish, and Brits, you possibly can think about the enjoyable we had on the pub practically each weekend watching cricket, rugby, or soccer.
Don’t neglect London is dwelling to Wimbledon, the long-lasting tennis stadium. Cricket followers can also wish to go to Lords (my dad’s favourite factor to do in London. He even performed on it.) Rugby followers at Twickenham, and soccer followers, Wembley (there are much more!).
33. Get a selfie at Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is sort of a mini Instances Sq. in New York. Stuffed with neon lights, large flashing promoting billboards, and folks getting selfies. It’s overrated, however many vacationers find it irresistible so I’m including it right here for you.
It’s only a street junction with a round area within the center with a statue of Eros on it.
From right here you possibly can simply stroll to Piccadilly, Leicester Sq., Shaftesbury Avenue, the curving Regent Avenue, and Covent Backyard.
Learn this handy information with ideas for getting round London. You may as well make a duplicate of our London map with all points of interest pinned.
34. Buy groceries on Oxford Avenue
Surprisingly excessive on many guests’ record of issues to do in London is to go to Oxford St, the world’s largest excessive road (that’s Principal Avenue for non-UK folks).
Possibly it has no attract for me as I walked alongside it scores of occasions whereas dwelling in London to get from A to B.
Oxford Avenue is likely one of the busiest streets in London, particularly on a weekend, so be ready for shoulder rubbing. It simply will get too intense for me.
It stretches 1.5 miles from the nook of Hyde Park all the way in which all the way down to Tottenham Court docket Street and is crammed with shops promoting vogue, magnificence, tech, and homeware. You’ll discover manufacturers and department shops resembling Hole, River Island, Primark, Selfridges, Home of Fraser, and Marks & Spencer.
There are additionally greater than 500 eating places alongside the road and aspect streets.
35. Take a day journey to Bathtub or Oxford
Want a break from the depth of London? There are various incredible UK locations which might be simple day journeys from London.
We advocate going by practice as it’s simpler than a automobile rental. You possibly can additionally do the Nationwide Specific bus service, which is probably the most inexpensive method to attain the foremost cities within the UK, however practice journey is way quicker.
You will be in Oxford or Cambridge in an hour or so from London, whereas the bus takes a few hours.
We caught the practice to Bathtub from London for 2 nights, and then Oxford for 2 nights in the course of our London journey. Each have been incredible cities stuffed with wealthy structure and historical past.
You may as well rent a automobile from Oxford (approach cheaper than hiring in London) and make a journey out to the long-lasting Cotswolds villages for an opportunity to see rural England and its quaint medieval villages.
As a substitute of a day journey, we advocate an in a single day keep, so it’s not as rushed.
Different high locations to go to in England near London embrace Windsor, Stonehenge, Brighton, Cambridge, and the South Downs (the place the White Cliffs of Dover are positioned).
You will discover a collection of day journey excursions from Get Your Information right here.
What number of days in London do you want?
If you wish to see the perfect of London, I might advocate you spend a minimum of a few weeks there. We did 10 days of intense exploring from early morning to late at night time, and I nonetheless really feel like we might have seen extra.
However, from a vacationer perspective, and also you’ll almost certainly solely have a brief go to to London. On the naked minimal, permit your self 5 days. You’ll must be selective about which of those points of interest in London you see first.
London is a high vacationer vacation spot for a purpose!
Ideas for Visiting London
London is jam filled with high points of interest, cultural experiences, cool neighborhoods, and surprises and hidden gems on each road, nook, and cobblestoned alley.
Earlier than you exit and begin exploring London, I’ve simply just a few phrases of recommendation for you…
We walked on common 10 miles a day to see and do as a lot as we might. London is considered one of our favourite cities on the planet and has been our favourite household journey thus far!
Nevertheless it’s fairly large, so that you’re going to want snug strolling footwear when exploring.
I additionally advocate you get your self an Oyster Card in case you don’t have a contactless cost card. That is the simplest and most cost-effective approach to make use of London’s public transportation. You possibly can decide up an Oyster Card from any main underground station. You may as well faucet your contactless credit score or debit card, or Apple Pockets or Google Pockets.
You also needs to pack an umbrella and be ready for rain, even when it’s shiny sunshine in the course of August. It’s no exaggeration what they are saying about England, it actually does rain quite a bit.
Lastly, don’t go away reserving lodging to the final minute. Lodging is notoriously costly, particularly in case you ebook late, so get in early and ebook as quickly as you possibly can.
FREE London Bucket Checklist Printable PDF
We’ve created a easy one-page guidelines of all the highest issues to do in London, UK and Printable PDF itinearay outlines for you! Pop your identify within the type under to entry it.
Extra London Journey Ideas
There are loads of issues you must know earlier than visiting London, so try the next guides that can assist you plan your journey:
Which of this stuff are you most excited to do in London? Please share within the feedback under.
