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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

30 of London’s Most Famous Historical Attractions

Londinium, the big smoke, the great wen: london has experienced its fair share of change over its 2000-year history. here's our pick of some of the british capital's most famous historic sites to visit today..

Lucy Davidson

07 sep 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

Founded by the Romans in 43AD, London initially became an important city in Roman Britain . Although little remains from this period, some ruins remain, including parts of the Roman walls and the remains of a Roman theatre. After the Romans departed, the city’s influence waned until the site was refortified by Alfred the Great . The Norman conquest saw the city become increasingly important until it was established as the capital of England – a fact reflected by the many royal palaces and homes which still exist today.

Much of London’s history speaks for itself, with a wealth of historic sites providing an insight into the lives that thousands of years of Londoners have led. Here’s our pick of 30 of the most famous attractions – from Buckingham Palace to Highgate Cemetery – which you shouldn’t miss.

1. British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world’s foremost museums of history and anthropology. The museum has some of the largest and most revered collections from around the globe ranging from Babylonian stonework and Samurai armour to pottery and glass from the Roman Empire .

Three hour and children’s’ itineraries are available on the museum’s website and at the museum itself. Alternatively, free audio guides are available or visitors can book a highlights tour in advance for a fee, which take place daily. You can book this online or by calling the museum.

2. London Mithraeum

In September 1954 during the construction of a huge new office block for insurance firm Legal & General, builders discovered a Roman temple which sat on the banks of the long-lost River Walbrook (now a City of London street), an ancient tributary of the Thames and source of fresh water, vital to the running of the Roman city of Londinium.

The good news is that the owners of the original location of the temple, media behemoth Bloomberg have brought the temple back to life by way of ‘an innovative museum experience that will change the way we encounter archaeology.’ The resultant experience is both fascinating and superbly presented and definitely one to visit.

3. Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament or ‘Palace of Westminster’ is where both houses of the UK Parliament are located. Originally part of the great royal palace that had been home to English monarchs for over 500 years, Westminster Palace became the home of parliament in the 16th century after reign of King Henry VIII , when Henry moved the royal family out of the Palace of Westminster following a fire.

The original Westminster Palace burned down in 1834, and the building you see today is the result of the subsequent rebuilding by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. The iconic clock tower, housing Big Ben, is probably the most famous part of this building and the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site .

4. The Tower of London

The Tower of London, originally known as the White Tower, was commissioned by the first Norman king, William the Conqueror and work on it was underway by the 1070s. It was designed as a fortress-stronghold, a role that remained unchanged right up until the late 19th century. There is a great deal to see and do at the Tower: the beefeaters, ravens, site of the menagerie and just walking around it to soak up the history. Allow plenty of time for your visit.

5. Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery is a graveyard in London where the famous philosopher and political economist Karl Marx is buried. It is also the burial site of several other prominent people, including several novelists, artists, political activists and professionals. A list of famous internments can be found on Highgate Cemetery’s website. Guided tours of the East Cemetery, where Marx is interned, take place on the first Saturday of each month starting at 2:15pm and last around an hour.

6. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an iconic medieval structure and the site of many historic royal and national events, from coronations and weddings to burials and even deaths. Centrally located in London, Westminster Abbey was first constructed in the eleventh century by King Edward the Confessor , a Saxon king who dedicated this new church to St Peter.

To have an informed visit and to see the most interesting parts of the abbey, take a tour, as just wandering around can be overwhelming. Poets’ corner is one of the main attractions, it being the burial site of many prominent non-royal figures. One of the other most impressive sites is the Coronation Chair, produced in 1300-1301 under the orders of King Edward I . Its purpose was to accommodate the Stone of Scone, which the king had brought from Scotland .

7. Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum is dedicated to exploring worldwide conflicts throughout history. The exhibitions in the London Imperial War Museum cover, amongst other things, different aspects of the First and Second World Wars including military history, the Holocaust , women’s roles in the conflicts, wartime artwork and the political issues of the time.

The Imperial War Museum is particularly child-friendly, with temporary exhibitions such as a reconstruction of a World War I trench.

8. London Roman Wall

The London Roman Wall was built between around 190 and 220 AD and stretched for about three miles from Blackfriars to Tower Hill. This defensive wall protected what was then the important Roman city of Londinium. Prior to the building of the London Roman Wall, Londinium already had a fort, parts of which were now incorporated into the new wall.

Over the centuries, most of the London Roman Wall has been obscured by medieval additions and other development. However, there are some well-preserved parts which can still be seen today. The map highlights one of the more prominent remaining sections of the London Roman Wall, that at Tower Hill.

9. Cabinet War Rooms

The Cabinet War Rooms are part of the underground bunker complex in London where Winston Churchill and his government operated during World War Two. The Cabinet War Rooms were left untouched from 1945, when they were no longer needed, until the 1980s when they were restored and opened to the public.

Those which are open today include the cabinet war room, where Churchill’s war cabinet met, Churchill’s office, and his bedroom. This underground office block even included a canteen and a hospital. Visitors should allow at least 90 minutes to savour the atmosphere of this iconic Second World War site.

10. Kew Palace

Kew Palace was built around 1631 by merchant Samuel Fortrey. The 17th century palace is noted for its distinctive decorative brickwork and gables, and it is the oldest surviving building in the Kew botanical gardens .

The Palace was opened to the public in 1898. The ground and first floor rooms at Kew have been restored to reflect the Georgian era, while the second floor has remained untouched.

11. HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is a Royal Navy light cruiser ship that played a role in both World War II and the Korean War. It is now open to the public in London under the remit of the Imperial War Museum. Launched in March 1938, HMS Belfast was commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1939, not long before the outbreak of World War II.

During the war, HMS Belfast took part in the blockade on Germany , patrolling northern waters from the Scapa Flow naval base in Orkney , among many other roles. HMS Belfast’s next wartime role would occur in the 1950s, during the Korean War, where she was one of the first ships to go into action to support American and South Korean Troops. HMS Belfast was involved in a few peacetime missions before finally being taken to London in 1971.

12. Jewel Tower

Originally part of the medieval Westminster Palace, the Jewel Tower was built in 1365 to hold the riches of Edward III , earning it the name of the ‘King’s Privy Wardrobe’. Following a fire in 1834, the Jewel Tower and Westminster Hall were the only buildings of the palace to survive.

Today, the Jewel Tower is open to the public under the remit of English Heritage. Visitors to the Jewel Tower can view its fourteenth century vault, an exhibition about Parliament’s history and view the remains of its medieval moat and quay. A visit usually lasts around half an hour.

13. 10 Downing Street

10 Downing Street in London has been the residence of every British Prime Minister since 1730, when it was presented to Sir Robert Walpole. Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister, and architect William Kent converted the three existing buildings of 10 Downing Street into a single large one, known collectively by its now famous address, connected to each other by what is known as Treasury Passage.

Since that time, 10 Downing Street has been the location from which Prime Ministers have run the country and entertained heads of state and governments from around the world. 10 Downing Street’s iconic black door hides a warren of offices and state rooms as well as numerous conference rooms, dining rooms, private apartments, kitchens and cellars.

Over the years, 10 Downing Street has undergone renovations and modernisations to bring it into the 21st Century. It is not possible to tour 10 Downing Street, except of course by invitation, although the official website does have a virtual tour. There are also several audio files available on the Downing Street website detailing the building’s history and that of its residents.

14. Banqueting House

The Banqueting House in Whitehall, near Horseguards Parade, is the only complete building of the Palace of Whitehall to remain standing. The original Palace of Whitehall was acquired from Cardinal Wolsey by Henry VIII and was a royal residence until James I came to the throne in 1603.

From 1654 until 1658, the Palace of Whitehall was the home of the revolutionary and statesman, Oliver Cromwell . After the restoration of King Charles II to the throne in 1660, the Palace of Whitehall once again became the royal residence and the Banqueting House once again was used for its original purpose. In 1698, a huge fire burned Whitehall Palace to the ground. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to convert the Banqueting House into a chapel to replace the one destroyed in the fire.

15. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of Britain’s monarchs since 1837, at the start of the reign of Queen Victoria . With its 775 rooms, Buckingham Palace was originally built for the Dukes of Buckingham at the beginning of the eighteenth century.

In 1761, Buckingham Palace, then known as Buckingham House, was acquired by George III who rechristened it “The Queen’s Residence” and had it remodeled by Sir William Chambers. When the building passed to George IV , he continued the renovations, and, from 1826 under the remit of architect John Nash, began transforming Buckingham Palace into the building with which we are familiar today. These changes took around 75 years to implement. The first monarch to actually live there was Queen Victoria. Today, Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

16. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is a medieval palace once favoured by Henry VIII which has served as everything from a royal residence to a prison . In 1514, Thomas Wolsey , soon to be made cardinal, leased Hampton Court for a period of 99 years. He began rebuilding on a grand scale, converting Hampton Court into a lavish palace.

Upon the fall of Wolsey, Henry VIII took Hampton Court Palace for himself. Henry set about further renovation of Hampton Court Palace, rebuilding and extending the existing palace, at a staggering cost of over £60,000. The palace was used as a country retreat by Edward VI and Mary I . Elizabeth I used it as a venue for diplomacy and Hampton Court Palace was also used by James I, but none of them altered the buildings to any great extent.

17. Kensington Palace

Originally built for the Earl of Nottingham, Kensington Palace was acquired by King William III in 1689, after he and his wife, Mary II , had taken the throne from her father, James II . They employed Christopher Wren to rebuild and improve it.

Other monarchs enjoyed the atmosphere at Kensington Palace. These included Queen Anne , Mary’s sister, and her husband Prince George of Denmark. Her successor to the British throne, George I, had new state rooms built, and Queen Caroline, wife of George II, had the gardens laid out. In the time of George III, Kensington Palace ceased to be the monarch’s residence, and it housed some of the more minor Royals.

18. Nelson’s Column

Nelson’s Column is a tribute to one of the great men in British history: Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson , victor of many naval battles, including the Battle of Trafalgar (hence the name of the square). Constructed in the nineteenth century, Nelson’s Column commemorates the death of this iconic figure.

Nelson’s Column is the best known of the statues in Trafalgar Square. One plinth still awaits a permanent tenant, and is currently used for a series of exhibits by British artists.

19. Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace is a spectacular Art Deco palace built in the 1930’s alongside a 15th Century medieval hall. The Great Hall of Eltham Palace is still extant and was originally built for the Yorkist king Edward IV in the 1470s and his grandson, Henry VIII, spent much of his childhood here.

However, the ‘new build’ at Eltham Palace, dating from the 1930s is a wonderful example of Art Deco. When Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built their 1930s Art Deco mansion beside the Great Hall of medieval Eltham Palace, they created a masterpiece of 20th century design.

20. Tower Bridge

The impetus to build Tower Bridge began gaining momentum in 1876, when it was decided that there was a need for a bridge to the east of London Bridge to accommodate the increasing commercial development in that part of the city. A competition was launched for the design of this new bridge, as a result of which city architect Horace Jones and engineer John Wolfe Barry were chosen to collaborate on the project.

Tower Bridge was opened in 1894 by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). The walkways, much used by the population, were closed to the public from 1910 to 1982 as many ‘undesirables’ were using it. They were reopened in 1982 and now Tower Bridge offers a wonderful exhibition on its structure and engineering.

21. Battle of Barnet

The Battle of Barnet took place on the 14th of April 1471 and was one of the most decisive and bloody encounters of the Wars of the Roses .

There is little left of the battlefield now, but there is a monument on the A1000 road, which gives as good a view as any of the battlefield, which is now agricultural land, with little in the way of public footpaths. Like many of these medieval battlefields, the actual site is disputed, and is always under review.

22. The London Royal Air Force Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum (RAF Museum) in Hendon in North London has a series of exhibitions dedicated to the history of the RAF and aviation in general. Housing a fantastic collection of over 100 aircraft, the RAF museum has an impressive selection of planes including some of the most famous to have ever graced the skies.

Also on show at the London Royal Air Force Museum are a series of objects and structures from throughout the history of aviation, such as two World War I hangars, a World War II Battle of Britain exhibition and a timeline of aviation history.

23. Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum, better known as the V and A, in London is one of the world’s most prominent museums of design and decorative art.

Housing a vast array of items from around the world and throughout history, including Ancient Chinese art, Indian sculptures and medieval and renaissance masterpieces, the millions of artefacts and works displayed by the Victoria And Albert Museum span a period of over 3,000 years.

24. Big Ben

Big Ben is often thought to be the name of the iconic clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. In fact, ‘Big Ben’ is the nickname of one of the bells of this clock tower, originally called the Great Bell. It is unclear exactly where the name Big Ben originated, although it is thought that it was probably named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the man in charge of commissioning the structure. Another popular, although less likely, theory is that it was named after Ben Caunt, a champion heavyweight boxer of the mid nineteenth century.

In any event, most people now think of the whole of the clock tower as Big Ben. The clock tower of Big Ben was begun in 1843 and completed in 1859, while the clock was completed later that year and first sounded its bells on 7 September.

25. Kenwood House

Kenwood House is a picturesque historic stately home in North London run by English Heritage. Initially built in the seventeenth century, Kenwood House subsequently underwent a renovation in the mid-eighteenth century.

Today, Kenwood House is famous for its summer concerts, held in its extensive gardens. It also houses an impressive art collection, including works by Vermeer, Constable and Rembrandt to name a few.

26. Apsley House

Apsley House was the home of one of Britain’s most heroic figures, Arthur Wellesley better known as the Duke of Wellington. In fact, Wellington lived there following his most famous victory, that over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Named after the Baron Apsley, who originally built it in the 1770s, Apsley House came to be owned by the Wellesley family in 1807. The Wellesleys extended and altered Apsley House, transforming it into the building we see today. Now managed by the English Heritage, Apsley House has a range of worthwhile things to see, such as its remarkable regency interiors and exhibits relating to the Duke of Wellington. There are many things at Apsley House which belonged to the Duke, including his impressive art collection, much of which once formed part of the Spanish Royal Collection and which includes pieces by several famous artists such as Canova and Velazquez.

27. Fenton House

Fenton House in Hampstead in North London was built in the seventeenth century and has since remained almost entirely unchanged. It is unclear who built Fenton House, but it has been continuously occupied over the period of three hundred years.

Today, Fenton House and its gardens are managed by the National Trust and the house includes exhibits of, amongst other things, porcelain and early keyboard instruments.

28. St James’s Palace

St James’s Palace has been the official residence of the British Sovereign since the reign of King Henry VIII. In fact, it was under Henry VIII that the redbrick Tudor structure of St James’s Palace was begun in 1531 on the former site of a hospital. It was mostly completed by 1536. Much of this original work remains today, including a gatehouse, parts of the state rooms and the Chapel Royal.

With its status of royal residence, St James’s Palace has played host to many an important event. Amongst these was the death of Henry VIII’s illegitimate son Henry Fitzroy in 1536, the signing of the treaty of the surrender of Calais by Mary Tudor in 1558 and the births and baptisms of numerous future monarchs such as Charles II, James II, Mary II and James Francis Edward Stuart.

29. Clarence House

Clarence House has been the London residence of several members of the British royal family and is now the home of the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. Built from 1825 to 1827 next to St James’s Palace, the prime location of Clarence House has made it the perfect place for royals to call home. The first member of the monarchy to live there was King William IV.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother moved in in 1953 and resided there for almost fifty years. Meanwhile, a newlywed Queen Elizabeth II also lived at Clarence House with The Duke of Edinburgh for a time in 1947.

30. Ham House

An opulent 17th century mansion, Ham House in London was once a bustling political playground for the courtiers of the Stuart dynasty from the reign of James I to Charles II.

Built by Sir Thomas Vavasour in 1610, Ham House epitomised the great competition for the favour of kings which was rampant during the seventeenth century and was often the battleground for courtiers competing for influence and power. In a time of intrigue and rivalry the material wealth of Ham House, still seen in the impressive collection of original furnishings and textiles, gives visitors a first-hand understanding of just what wonders were at stake for the glitterati of the English court.

• Our London Vacation

Photographer: Jimmy | Route: Tower Bridge & Tower of London, London, United Kingdom

United States @rebeckees

Travel Story

This was our first family trip to London and we had a wonderful time experiencing all the wonderful sights of this beautiful and historic city together.   From staying at the classic Savoy Hotel, to taking a ride on the London Eye, walking to Buckingham Palace, going to the Top of the Shard, exploring the Tower of London and attending a theatre show, we managed to fit in most of the major attractions.  We capped off our visit with a daytrip to Stonehenge - a once in a lifetime (at least) must-see.  Our time in London was truly unforgettable!  

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10 London Hidden Gems & Secret Places Most Travelers Miss

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With a wealth of world-famous museums and attractions, London is a haven for culturally-minded travelers. But look beyond the highlights, and you’ll discover secret spots and hidden gems around every corner.

Once you’ve seen Big Ben, watched the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and walked through a thousand years of history at the Tower of London you might want to get off the beaten path. So to help you explore deeper and further, here’s a list of the best hidden gems in London.

Recommended: If this is your first time in London, make sure you read my 3 days in London itinerary and my useful London travel tips . For a nice mix of highlights and hidden gems, see my list of the best 45 things to do in London .

Top hidden gems in London

A London that hasn’t been overrun by tourists still exists. And this secret London most visitors never see is oftentimes literally around the corner.

When on a recent trip I decided to discover London’s untold stories I was pleasantly surprised. Turns out, exploring London off the beaten path is super easy and many secret places are hiding in plain sight.

These less-known places in London are a great start if you want to explore off the beaten track. Ready to find some unusual things to do? Let’s explore the hidden gems of London together.

Hot tip: To move between attractions, you might want to get an Oyster Card.

Sir John Soane’s Museum

John Soane was a neo-classical British architect, best known for designing the Bank of England and the Dulwich Picture Gallery, the oldest public art gallery in the country.

So if you’re on the hunt for hidden gems in London, his former home in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, near the Holborn underground, is one of the most intricate and extravagant museums you can visit.

The museum was established during his lifetime and it was Soane’s will that anyone could visit it for free.

John Soane lived, worked, and taught his students here. His vast art collection includes anything from paintings, sculptures, books, and furniture to architectural models and drawings. But the most out-of-place object in Soane’s collection is, without a doubt, the sarcophagus of the Egyptian pharaoh, Seti I.

The museum extends over three buildings, which Soane purchased, demolished, and rebuilt to fit his vision. The result is a very unusual house with crazy busy rooms, labyrinthine corridors, and narrow spaces.

Due to this, you’re not allowed to bring in any large objects. If you carry a purse or small backpack, you’ll be asked to put it in a plastic bag. This is just a precaution so you don’t damage something by mistake.

John Soane’s Museum is open daily from Wednesday to Sunday.

The Wallace Collection

If you have a few hours to spare, the Wallace Collection is another one of London’s hidden gems that you can visit for free.

It is set in Hertford House, a short walk away from both Oxford and Baker Street.

While the vast collection of 5,500 works of art is splendid, the opulent, aristocratic townhouse is nothing short of amazing as well. Throughout the years, it served as both the French and Spanish Embassy as well as the home of Sir Richard Wallace.

Sir Richard Wallace was the illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess of Hertford. While he was an avid collector himself, many of the artworks had already been in the family for several generations.

No wonder, since the Hertfords were one of the wealthiest families in Europe! Their long family tree goes back five centuries, all the way to Edward Seymour, brother of Queen Jane Seymour and third wife of King Henry VIII.

Highlights of the collection include paintings by Canaletto, Rembrandt, Rubens, Murillo, Velázquez, Titian, and Van Dyck. My personal favorites, however, were Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “ The Swing ” and Joshua Reynolds’s “ Strawberry Girl “.

Besides paintings, you’ll also find an extensive collection of armor, furniture, porcelains, and gold snuffboxes purchased during the sales after the French Revolution.

While you can visit the Wallace Collection at your own leisure, they also offer a free highlights tour of the galleries once a day.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of London’s eight royal parks. It’s located in the southwest of London, a short trip from the city center. You can easily combine your visit with a half-day tour of the Hampton Court Palace, where King Henry VIII lived back in the day.

This park is amazing if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of London and enjoy a day out in nature.

The highlight of the park is the free-roaming deer herds. You can usually find them around the Isabella Plantation and Spankers Hill Wood. Keep in mind that they are wild animals though, so they tend to move around.

You can usually get pretty close to the deer — they don’t get scared and they don’t run away from humans. Yet, the official website advises keeping “at least 50 meters away from the deer” so they don’t come running after you.

If you’d like to see even more wildlife, head to the Pen Ponds. There you can spot several bird species, like geese, ducks, and swans.

The park is pretty hilly, with plenty of dirt trails through forests and fields. If you visit during spring or summer head to the Isabella Plantation to see all the colorful rhododendrons.

For one of the most interesting views in London, look for King Henry’s Mound. From there you can see all the way to St Paul’s Cathedral, some 11 miles away.

Granted, you’ll need a telephoto lens to take a photo or use the telescope to see it well. But this view is so important that no tall buildings are allowed to be built in between Richmond Park and the famous landmark.

Guildhall Art Gallery

The Guildhall Art Gallery is housed in a semi-gothic building adjacent to the historic Guildhall, a short walk away from St Paul’s Cathedral.

The original gallery was destroyed in The Blitz. So the present one was only recently built.

The Guildhall Art Gallery houses around 4,000 works of art belonging to the City of London Corporation. The collection is rich in Pre-Raphaelite paintings, with a couple of hundred artworks on display at any given time.

The highlight of the collection is John Singleton Copley’s huge painting depicting “ The Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar “. The painting is so large and so important that the whole building was designed around it. It’s displayed right in the entrance hall and there’s no way to miss it.

Another important painting you can admire here is Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s “ La ghirlandata “. But I have to say that the series of paintings illustrating memorable moments from London’s history (like The Great Fire of London or the opening of Tower Bridge) was my favorite.

Oh, and one of the best-preserved 13th-century copies of the Magna Carta is also here!

When the Guildhall Art Gallery was built, they discovered remains of London’s Roman amphitheater. For a quick trip back in time, take the lift to the basement. Here you can still see some of the amphitheater’s walls in situ.

The Guildhall Art Gallery is free entry and it’s a hidden gem that you won’t hear many people talk about. Not because it’s not worth visiting (I can assure you it is!), but because it’s a secret spot people haven’t yet discovered.

The Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising

I know, I know, aren’t we bombarded with ads everywhere we go already? Why would anyone pay to see more ads?

Maybe this kind of logic is the reason why not many people make it to The Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising in Notting Hill. But to be honest, their fascinating time tunnel featuring over 12,000 original items is well worth an hour or two of your time.

This museum explores how brands shaped our world, as well as who we are and how we behave because of them. It’s a fascinating journey that closely follows British society from Victorian times all the way to the digital age.

Brands are put into historical context. You can see anything from toys, jigsaw puzzles, old radios, magazine covers, and colorful posters that let transpire the aspirations of past generations.

This museum is replete with amazing packaging artwork. It’s an incursion into the lifestyle of our grandparents’ generation. A romantic and nostalgic journey back to the time when everyday items that we now take for granted made their way into people’s houses for the very first time.

Besides the permanent collection, they also host several temporary exhibitions.

This museum is included in the London Pass.

The Postal Museum

In between all the emails, instant messaging apps and video chats, when was the last time you sent a letter or postcard? You know, on actual paper!

Maybe that’s why the Postal Museum is such a nostalgic and fascinating place. And part of it’s actually hidden beneath London’s streets!

The exhibition is highly informative, educational, and enjoyable. It follows the story of the Royal Mail from its inception during the reign of King Henry VIII to the invention of the Penny Black, the world’s first postage stamp, and beyond.

You’ll see an 18th-century horse-drawn mail coach, postal uniforms, and even the odd pistol. Because, you see, delivering the mail used to be a dangerous business back in the day.

When ready, cross the street to the former engineering depot to take the 15-minute ride on the Mail Rail.

For almost a hundred years, an underground postal service ensured fast delivery across London. In its heyday, this automatic electric railway shuttled 4 million pieces of mail a day! Speeds approached 40 miles per hour!

With the adoption of modern technologies, the Mail Rail went into the red and eventually closed. It wasn’t until 2017 that it was turned into a Postal Museum.

For security reasons, you cannot take any bags with you on the ride (lockers are provided). But the space is so tight that they’d only inconvenience you anyway.

Little Venice

Get off at Warwick Avenue underground or the Paddington train station to explore one of London’s prettiest hidden gems.

This is a tranquil canal area with waterside cafés where you can stop for brunch or afternoon tea. Or embark on a fun canal tour by narrowboat to Camden. Or simply walk to your heart’s content along the water and soak up some vitamin D while watching the birds.

Little Venice is a romantic and picturesque part of London situated at the point where Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union Canal.

It’s the perfect place to spend a good couple of hours surrounded by greenery and nature. And as unbelievable as it seems, this is only a few streets away from all the hustle and bustle of London.

Many of the colorful boats moored along the canals are actually inhabited year-round. You’ll see people working, doing house chores, or enjoying a drink. Everything here is real. Nothing is staged. So you should approach the area with respect and consideration.

Also read: 15 fun day trips from London (+ how to get there)

Kenwood House (and Hampstead Heath)

Kenwood House is a bit further away from the city center, yet it’s one of the best secret places in London. It’s located on the edge of the massive Hampstead Heath, which despite its size, is often regarded as a hidden gem itself. 

Kenwood is one of London’s hidden gems due to its formidable art collection and breathtaking interiors.

For starters, the house is a masterpiece designed by Robert Adam, a celebrated Scottish architect who lived during the 18th century.

As you walk around you’ll see several antique clocks, glittering chandeliers, marble busts, period furniture, and intricate ceilings.

The walls are decorated with paintings by Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds, Van Dyck, and Vermeer, among others. And for the love of books, head to the Neoclassical library for a jaw-dropping experience!

Kenwood House has been the backdrop of several movies, including ‘ Notting Hill ‘, ‘ 101 Dalmatians ‘ and “ Sense and Sensibility “.

The house is surrounded by landscaped gardens and a big lawn ideal for family picnics. It’s perfect for when you want to combine wild nature with stunning views over London and an architectural highlight.

If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, The Brew House next door serves delicious cakes, scones, and generous cups of tea. They also offer a full lunch menu and have both indoor and outdoor seating. If the weather permits, I bet you’ll want to sit outside among all the pretty flowers!

Handel & Hendrix Museum

Handel & Hendrix Museum is a gem hiding in plain sight. While access is through a historic courtyard, just behind Victoria’s Secret flagship store, the large windows actually face Brook Street, a stone’s throw away from the busy Oxford Street.

This is where the famous German-born British Baroque composer George Frideric Handel lived for 36 years. More than two centuries later, the American guitar genius Jimi Hendrix, moved next door, at number 23. The museum was opened in 2001.

The visit starts in Handel’s house where there’s a good chance you’ll see someone rehearsing the harpsichord. This is where many of Handel’s renowned operas were composed and heard for the very first time. The squeaky wooden floors and fascinating furniture will take you all the way to Handel’s time.

When the museum opened, the upper floors of the two houses were connected. So after climbing a flight of stairs, you’re all of a sudden transported to a completely different kind of setting and state of mind.

Jimi Hendrix lived in this flat for only a few months, but his bedroom has been painstakingly recreated down to his scallop ashtray on the bedside table. An exhibition featuring guitars, hand-written lyrics, and colorful 1960s fabrics follows Hendrix throughout his life.

Epping Forest

Epping Forest is one of the best hidden gems in London if you ask me. Not only because the vast majority of tourists never make it this far, but most locals I talked to never visited either. 

Epping Forest is on the edge of Greater London, which means it takes quite a bit of time to get there. But the idea that 4000 acres of old woodland are only a red bus trip away, fascinates me.

Once in the forest, there are walking trails and dry riverbeds that you can follow. And except for the occasional humming of a plane, it’s unlikely you’ll hear anything else but the wind through the leaves.

Now I have to say that in spite of being part of London, this is, without a doubt, wild territory. You might not get a mobile phone signal and I certainly don’t recommend you carry any valuables with you. Don’t go alone or venture after dark either. You know, just the usual sensible advice.

That being said, I visited on a Sunday afternoon and saw plenty of families and locals walking their dogs. The forest was stupendous and I loved that I could relax, sit on a log and listen to the sounds of nature undisturbed.

London’s hidden gems on the map

Here’s a map of all the hidden gems and secret places in London mentioned in this post. You can click on the little arrow to see the index or click on any of the locations to see which place it is.

Last thoughts on London’s secret places

These are some of the lesser-known places in London that most visitors (and even many locals) never see. I’m certain that visiting at least some of these hidden gems will make your trip to London even more memorable.

If you’re looking to visit more off-the-beaten-track places in London, make sure you check out my article on  what to do in Greenwich . This fascinating borough is a bit further away from the center but has a wealth of secret spots and a rich cultural heritage.

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21 Top Sites in London for History Lovers

Walking tours of London available daily

If you’re visiting London, there are endless choices of things to do in the city. You can spend a day or even two just walking around the city and getting lost in its winding streets. But if you want to get beyond the tourist traps and see some truly historic sites, then read on.

Top Tour Sites in London 

What is the most historic area of London? It’s impossible to choose! London is a city steeped in history and offers a wealth of opportunities for history buffs to explore and discover. From the ancient Roman ruins to the medieval castles and palaces, from the grand churches to the infamous prisons, London has it all.

The city's diverse architecture is a reflection of its history, from the Gothic style of Westminster Abbey to the Art Deco of the Bank of England. You can also take a glimpse into the daily life of the past by visiting historic houses like Charles Dickens Museum or the Sir John Soane's Museum .

No history lover's trip to London would be complete without visiting iconic sites such as the Tower of London and the British Museum . But with Context, you can tour so many more less-known, but equally interesting historical landmarks. With so much history to explore, London is a city that will keep history buffs coming back for more. What are the best-known historical sites? Stay tuned as we virtually guide you through the best-known historical sites in London.

1. Tour The Tower of London

We have to start with The Tower of London – it is one of the most iconic and historically rich sites in London. Visiting the Tower of London is a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich history of one of the world's most famous buildings. We also can’t miss the opportunity to marvel at the Crown Jewels.

It has served as a royal palace, a prison, a treasury, a menagerie, and an armory throughout its 900-year history. It was founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 and has served as a royal residence and a prison for many important figures throughout history. Notable prisoners have included Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, and the Kray Twins.

The White Tower, built by William the Conqueror, stands here as an enduring symbol of the Norman conquest. And this iconic landmark is home to the famous Yeoman Warders or "Beefeaters" who have been the guardians of the Tower since 1485.

With Context, you can enjoy an exclusive tour of the Tower complex before the crowds arrive, by booking our Early Morning tour . Or you can meet new friends by booking our Small Group and Private Tower of London Tours – which has been one of our bestselling tours since 2003.

2. The British Museum

For history lovers, the British Museum is a must-see.

It has been around since 1753 and is known for its vast collections of art and artifacts from all over the world —  with more than 8 million objects in its collection! Three of the most famous items in the collection include

• The Rosetta Stone: A stone with hieroglyphic text on it that helped Egyptologists learn how to read ancient Egyptian writing (and also how to make beer).
• An Assyrian lion statue from about 865 BC (and you thought your commute to work was bad – these folks rode lions).
• A bust of Nefertiti made around 1345 BC, which is one of the most copied works of art in history (wish I had her hair).

Tour the British Museum with a Context Expert to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the museum's collections. Our local experts offer insights and perspectives on these remarkable exhibits -- that you might not otherwise discover on your own.

Want your kids to learn more about all the wonders in the museum? We also offer a British Museum Tour geared towards kids aged 3-13.

3. Buckingham Palace and the National Mall

Echo the pomp and circumstance of history as you march down The Mall toward the stunning Buckingham Palace.

As you approach the Palace gates, you'll come face to face with one of the most famous residences in the world, the residence of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. A place where centuries of monarchy and tradition are intertwined with the splendor of today, Buckingham Palace is a must-visit destination for any history lover.

This palace has been the official residence of the British monarch since 1837. The palace was originally known as Buckingham House and was built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was purchased by King George III in 1761 for his wife, Queen Charlotte, as a private residence for their family. During the 19th century, it was expanded and remodeled by various monarchs, including King George IV and Queen Victoria, to create the palace we recognize today.

During World War II, the palace was used as a refuge for Londoners during air raids and also served as the headquarters for the Allied military leaders. Queen Victoria was the first British monarch to reside there permanently and since then it has become the center of the British Monarchy and the focal point for state occasions and ceremonies such as:

• the Changing of the Guard
• Royal Jubilee Celebrations
• the state opening of Parliament
• the Trooping the Colour.

It is also a major tourist attraction, and visitors can see the palace's State Rooms during the summer months by taking our tour .

The changing of the guard ceremony in London is known around the world for its precision and spectacle. Most visitors view the event from Buckingham Palace, but through this Audio Guide with Context Travel and London-based scholar and royal expert, Sean Moran, you‘ll experience it from three less common vantage points.

4. St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral , which is located at the top of Ludgate Hill in London, is the second-largest church in all of England. This famous cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and took more than 35 years to build.

It has become famous for its impressive dome and for being the site of many important events in British history. We offer a walking tour of the cathedral, which puts its remarkable legacy in Context.

The cathedral is also known as "the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul" or simply "St Paul's." It serves as a parish church for the City of London and an Anglican cathedral for both Oxfordshire (which includes Oxford) and Buckinghamshire (which includes Buckingham). The Archbishop of Canterbury—the head bishop for Anglican churches around Great Britain—is also based here at St Paul’s Cathedral.

This grand cathedral is one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in London.

Its striking dome and impressive architecture make it a must-see for any visitor to London. The construction of the dome was not an easy task, Wren had to redesign the dome twice before the final version was accepted. The dome was finished in 1710 and then it took another 16 years to complete the entire cathedral.

Visitors can take a tour to learn about the history of the cathedral, and even climb to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of the city.

WWII Monuments to Visit in London

5. the churchill war rooms.

The Churchill War Rooms is a museum in London, England, located below the Ministry of Defence headquarters in the Whitehall area of Westminster. The museum is housed in a subterranean complex that was constructed in 1939 to provide a safe shelter for the British Government in the event of a major enemy air attack on London.

Context offers Small-Group Tours and Private Tours of the CWR on a daily basis.

Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms were the underground headquarters used by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government during World War II. The complex consisted of four separate parts:

• Cabinet War Rooms: This was the British government’s main command center and included a map room, the Cabinet Room where Churchill and his ministers met, and a series of offices and sleeping quarters.
• The Transatlantic Telephone Room: This was a secure communications center where Churchill and President Franklin D. Roosevelt could speak directly via a dedicated telephone line.
• The Broadcasting Studio: This is where Churchill delivered his famous speeches to the nation, it also served as a Press Information Bureau and briefing room for journalists.
• The Annexe: This is the portion of the War Rooms that were used as living quarters for Churchill and his staff. It includes bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen. The Annexe was built to be an extension of the Cabinet War Rooms and was connected by a secret underground tunnel, It was in this area of the War Rooms that Churchill lived and worked during the darkest days of the war.

6. Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of war and conflict in Britain. It covers everything from World War II to the present day and events such as India's independence movement and the Spanish Civil War.

The museum has several permanent exhibitions, including "Our World: Art Through The Lens Of Conflict" which explores how art and photography have been used to document war over time. There are also temporary exhibitions on display throughout the year. In addition to its permanent galleries, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions like "Women at War 1914-1918".

The museum itself is housed in a striking building designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens (who also designed some of New Delhi's most famous structures). It makes for an impressive backdrop during your visit!

7. HMS Belfast

If you love history, then the HMS Belfast is a must-visit – a World War II-era naval ship that is now permanently moored in London on the River Thames. She was launched in 1938 and served as part of the Royal Navy's fleet during World War II. The ship was involved in several significant battles, including the Battle of the North Cape, the Normandy invasion, and the Korean War.

She was decommissioned from active service in 1963, and ten years later, she was saved from scrapping and permanently moored in London as a museum ship – which opened for visitors in 1971. HMS Belfast is now run by the Imperial War Museum and is open to the public.

Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its history, including the life of sailors and the ship's role in World War II and other conflicts. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Royal Navy and all those who served on HMS Belfast during the war.

8. Greenwich, just a short journey from London

During the Blitz, Greenwich, London was heavily bombed by the German forces.

Many historic buildings, including the Royal Observatory, were damaged or destroyed. The area also served as a crucial defense point, with anti-aircraft guns placed on Greenwich Hill to protect London from air raids.

Additionally, the tunnels underneath the hill were used as air-raid shelters, providing protection for the local residents. Despite the destruction, many of the important buildings and landmarks in Greenwich have since been restored and the area has become a popular tourist destination, with a rich history and cultural heritage.

Take a Context Tour of Greenwich to learn more about the remarkable legacy of this historic section of London.

9. Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament , is one of the most iconic buildings in London and has a rich and unique history. The palace was originally built in the 11th century and served as a royal residence for many centuries. It was heavily damaged by fire in 1834 and was rebuilt in the Victorian Gothic style we see today on the north bank of the River Thames.

The palace is home to the two houses of the British parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It's also famous for its impressive clock tower, known as "Big Ben," which is one of London's most recognizable landmarks. The palace has been the site of many historic events, including the signing of the Magna Carta, the execution of King Charles I, and the many debates and religious reforms of the 19th and 20th centuries.

During our Introduction to London Tour , we learn even more about the history of this remarkable palace.

10. Tower Bridge Visitor Center

History buffs are also sure to enjoy a visit to the Tower Bridge Visitor Center for an interesting look at how this iconic structure was built over 100 years ago by Edward VII.

One of the fun and unique features you’ll enjoy here is the glass floor in the walkway – it gives visitors an experience of walking above the River Thames. During the construction of the bridge, these unique walkways were used by the workers to transport materials and tools to the various parts of the bridge.

During World War II, London was heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe as part of their campaign to destroy British infrastructure and morale – known as the Blitz. The Tower Bridge itself was not damaged during the Blitz, but it was an important symbol of British resilience and resistance. Many exhibits within the Visitor Center speak to this unique history.

The bridge was used to transport vital supplies and troops across the River Thames, and it was protected by anti-aircraft guns and searchlights.

Despite the constant threat of bombing, the bridge remained open throughout the war and was an important link between the different parts of the city. After the war, the bridge was repaired and restored to its original condition.

Today, Tower Bridge is one of London's most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of the city's strength and resilience during one of the darkest periods of its history.

Hidden Treasures for History Lovers

There are many lesser-known historical venues in London that offer a unique glimpse into the city's rich history. What is the most historic area of London? Read on to find out about several important venues, off the beaten path in London.

11. Leadenhall Market

This is a historic market in the City of London that dates back to the 14th century. It was originally used as a meat and produce market and was located at the heart of Roman London, known as Londinium.

It has a charming, traditional atmosphere and is known for its Victorian architecture and ornate cobbled streets. Throughout its history, it has been reconstructed and redesigned several times, most recently in the 19th century by Sir Horace Jones, and still remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The market has been used for a variety of purposes, from wholesale meat and produce market to a center of insurance and shipping-related businesses, and even served as the filming location for Harry Potter's "Diagon Alley".

Today, Leadenhall Market remains one of the most iconic and historic markets in London. Our London Architecture Tour and London History Tour teach us even more about this remarkable landmark.

12. The Jewel Tower

Don’t mix these up with the crown jewels, housed further down the Thames. The Jewel Tower is a 14th-century stone building located in the Palace of Westminster, London.

It was originally built as a royal treasure tower, used to store the king's valuables, including his crown jewels. London’s Jewel Tower was also used as a treasury and as a storehouse for the royal family’s documents and archives.

The building has undergone several renovations over the centuries and was used for various purposes including housing the records of the Exchequer, the Royal Mint, and even as a workshop for the parliament. The Jewel tower is one of the few remaining parts of the palace that date back to the 14th century, it's a unique example of medieval architecture, and today it is open to the public as a museum.

The Jewel Tower is an important part of London's history and architectural heritage and offers a glimpse into the life and time of medieval England.

The Jewel Tower is located on the grounds of the Palace, specifically on the south side of the palace. It's situated near other famous London landmarks such as Westminster Bridge, and it's not far from the London Eye. The Jewel Tower is open to the public, visitors can access it via Abingdon Street, which is a short walk from Westminster Underground Station.

13. The Museum of London Docklands

This museum tells the story of London's river and port and the history of the city's trade and commerce. It is located in a restored 18th-century warehouse and features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays.

14.The Clink Prison Museum

This is a museum that focuses on the Medieval and Tudor history of the Clink Prison, one of the most notorious and feared prisons in London's history.

The Clink was built in the 12th century and was used to house and punish criminals until it was closed in the 17th century.

Today, visitors can explore the interactive exhibitions, see a reconstructed prison cell, and learn about the harsh punishments meted out to prisoners in Medieval London.

15. The Royal Air Force Museum London

This museum tells the story of the Royal Air Force and is located on a historic site that was once home to the world's first military airfield. The museum features a collection of aircraft, uniforms, medals, and other artifacts that relate to the history of the RAF.

16. The Monument to the Great Fire of London

Standing tall in the City of London is a Doric column built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London .

It was designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke and built on the site of the first church which was destroyed during the fire, St. Margaret, New Fish Street. It is considered to be the tallest isolated stone column in the world, standing at 200 ft (61 meters) tall.

Travelers interested in climbing to the top for a panoramic view should expect to climb 300 stairs each way or wait in line for the elevator.

Medieval Sites to Tour in London

17. the white tower, home to the crown jewels.

The White Tower is a striking and iconic structure located in the heart of the Tower of London complex. Commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1078, it served as a royal residence, a prison, and a treasury over its 900-year history. The White Tower is a symbol of London's rich history and is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

At over 90 feet tall, the tower is an imposing sight, constructed primarily of Kentish ragstone and featuring four turrets and a central keep. Visitors to the White Tower can explore its many levels, including the Royal Armouries, where they can see the impressive collection of medieval arms and armor, and the White Tower Chapel, a stunning example of Norman architecture.

Along with the crown jewels, White Tower also holds many significant artifacts such as the White Tower prison cells, where many high-profile prisoners such as Anne Boleyn and Rudolf Hess were held, and the White Tower Museum, which showcases the history and the role of the Tower of London throughout the ages.

Learn even more about the tower by registering for Context’s Online Seminars about British History.

18. The London Wall

The London Wall was built to protect the Roman city of Londinium from invasion, and it was the largest Roman structure in Britain.

Travelers can see the remains of the wall at several locations in the city, including the Museum of London and the Barbican Centre. The remains of the wall provide critical context clues about daily life during the medieval era.

You can learn more about hidden archaeological clues to London’s History during our Hidden London Walking Tour.

19. The Roman Mithraeum

London is also home to ancient Roman remains such as the Roman amphitheater, a well-preserved 1st century BC structure which is believed to have seated around 8,000 people and was used for Gladiator fights. And the Roman Mithraeum is another Roman ruin located in the city.

During our history tour , we visit this landmark, which was built between AD 240-250 and is the only one known from Roman London. These ancient ruins are important examples of the city's rich history and legacy of the Roman presence in London.

20. The Temple

History lovers can embark on a journey back in time to the 12th century, where deep in the heart of the City of London, a magnificent complex of buildings known as The Temple awaits.

Nestled between the hustle and bustle of Fleet Street and the serene banks of the River Thames, it stands proud as one of the four Inns of Court, alongside the esteemed Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn, and the Inner Temple.

Check out our walking tour which visits these remarkable landmarks.

But The Temple wasn't always the grand complex we explore today. Once upon a time, it was nothing more than a humble inn, established by the Knights Templar in 1185, to provide a place of rest and refuge for the countless pilgrims who flocked to the then-small village of London on the banks of the Thames.

Yet as time passed, this simple inn grew and evolved, taking on new forms, new shapes, and new buildings. In its prime, The Temple was a verdant oasis, boasting extensive gardens and tranquil courtyards, replete with cloisters for the heated disputations of barristers.

21. Westminster Abbey

Imagine the hustle and bustle of the city disappearing as you enter the picturesque St James Park, home to the ancient Westminster Abbey - a symbol of the country's rich heritage. Westminster Abbey is a medieval abbey that was founded in the 10th century.

It has become a major tourist attraction; pre-pandemic, the site welcomed more than one million visitors each year. The Abbey is famous for its beautiful Gothic architecture and for being the site of coronations of English monarchs, including King Henry VII after he defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field in 1485.

The cathedral was originally a Benedictine monastery and has since served as the site of many royal coronations, weddings and burials. Visitors can explore the medieval nave, the chapels, and the Cloisters, and see the tombs of many famous figures from British history.

Queen Elizabeth II was crowned here on June 2, 1953, by Archbishop of Canterbury Geoffrey Fisher with her husband Prince Philip beside her. The coronation of King Charles III will take place in May 2023. Westminster Abbey also contains memorials to many British kings and queens including Edward III, Henry V, Mary I (Bloody Mary), Elizabeth I, Charles II (The Merry Monarch), and Jane Austen among others.

Take a guided tour of Westminster Abbey with Context to learn even more about this iconic landmark. 

What have we learned?

London can be an overwhelming place to visit, especially if you only have a few days to try and see it all. Therefore, it's best to plan your trip in advance, so that you have an idea of what you want to see and where. This way, you'll know how many days or weeks you need for your trip and when certain attractions will be open so that you don't miss out on any historical sites or monuments.

What is the most historic area of London?

There are many interesting historical neighborhoods to explore during your trip to London. Let’s recap the most popular areas for history-buffs:

• The City of London: This area is the historic core of London and is home to many of the city's most famous landmarks, including St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the Bank of England. It has Roman origins and throughout the centuries it was the center of trade, banking, government, and religion.
• Westminster: This district is home to many of the city’s most iconic attractions, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. It has been the political epicenter of London since the 11th century, and is also home to Westminster Abbey, where many of England's kings and queens have been crowned and buried.
• The West End: This is the heart of London's entertainment and shopping district, with many famous theaters, shops, and restaurants. It's also home to many famous squares such as Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square which are popular areas for shopping dining – but have also borne witness to many key historical events.
• Greenwich: This area is located on the banks of the River Thames in southeast London and is home to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Mean Time, and the Prime Meridian. It also has a rich maritime history and was once a major shipbuilding and naval center, and home to the historic buildings of the Old Royal Navy College, the National Maritime Museum, and the Cutty Sark.
• The Tower Hamlets: London’s "East End" is rich in historical landmarks and is known for its cultural diversity. This neighborhood has a strong connection to the city’s complex immigration and working-class history, with notable landmarks such as Tower Bridge, St. Katherine Docks, and the Museum of London Docklands.

Each of these 5 areas has its unique history and cultural significance, and it's worth visiting them all to have a complete experience of London's history.

Bonus Facts: A few more Hidden Gems for London History Buffs

Are you interested in learning about sites even further off the beaten path? Check out our London History Walking Tour which explores landmarks such as St. Andrew Undershaft Church, the Lloyd's Building, and the controversial Gerkin; we also stop by Leadenhall Market, Guildhall, and the Roman Mithraeum.

• St. Andrew Undershaft Church, located in the City of London, is a historic church dating back to the 16th century. It is known for its tall spire and beautiful architecture and is one of the few remaining examples of medieval churches in the city.
• The Lloyd's Building, which is located near St. Andrew Undershaft Church, is a modernist masterpiece and a unique architectural icon of London. It was built in the 1980s and is known for its distinctive, futuristic design.
• The controversial Gerkin, formally called 30 St Mary Axe, is a skyscraper in the City of London that features a unique, pickle-shaped curved design that makes it easily recognizable.
• As we mentioned earlier in this post, Leadenhall Market is a historic market in the City of London that dates back to the 14th century. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its traditional architecture and charming atmosphere.
• The Guildhall, which is located nearby, is a historic building that has served as a town hall for the City of London for hundreds of years. It is also home to the Guildhall Art Gallery and the Guildhall Library.

Key Takeaways

The city of London offers travelers a treasure trove of historical sites, each with its unique story. From the imposing Tower of London and regal Buckingham Palace to the historic Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral, there is something for every history buff to enjoy. The Roman remains throughout the city and the old London Bridge are also must-see attractions, providing a glimpse into the city's past. And finally, Greenwich and its Royal Observatory, give a sense of London during WWII and its rich cultural heritage. No matter what period of history you're interested in, London has a wealth of historical sites that are sure to impress. If you're planning a visit to London, be sure to include some of these top historical sites on your itinerary.

Other stories you may be interested in: 

• The 9 Best Day Trips from London
• 36 Hours of Things to Do in London
• Best Parks to visit in London

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27 Best Things to Do in London

London: the city that has anything and everything you could possibly want in a vibrant, world-class capital. Your only real problem is working out what you can miss. With over 170 museums, 3,000 parks, 3,500 pubs and an ever-changing number of restaurants, there’s almost too much to see, do and eat—even for a life-long Londoner.

Truly, the city is too large, and too rich in options, for you to get to it all in one visit; you'll have to make some hard choices. Which incredible food or clothing-market to browse? Tate Modern or the British Museum? Where should you pick for a perfect, full-English breakfast? Where's the best afternoon tea ? How do you pick from all the abundant pubs ? And don't get us started here on the best restaurants . Thankfully, our locally led list of the best things to do in London is here to help you decide—just don’t try to do it all in one day.

Read our complete London travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Tower of London Arrow

Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this uncompromising slab of a building has been many things—including the site where Henry VIII ordered the execution of two of his wives. Now the Tower is most famous as the home of the Crown Jewels. Come, take a tour from one of the Beefeaters (offered every half hour), and gawp at the sparkling and the frightening alike.

Kew Gardens Arrow

A spectacular 500 acre garden in west London, Kew boasts one of the biggest and most diverse botanical collections in the whole world. There’s been a botanic garden here since the 18th century when it was a royal palace; today it’s not only a UNESCO World Heritage site with over a whopping 50,000 plants, it’s also just a really lovely place to visit. You can spend a whole day gently wandering along the winding paths through the lawns, trees, lake, Japanese garden, rhododendron dell, rose garden and kid’s play area, as well as popping in and out of the grand glasshouses. It’s a calming and tranquil place (as long as you avoid the playground on a school holiday) but you can also learn plenty about plants along the way.

Tate Modern Arrow

This former oil-fired power station sits smugly in the center of the South Bank, knowing that you’re interested in what’s going on inside. It’s filled to the rafters with paintings and sculptures by the likes of Picasso, Dali, Warhol, and Rothko, all set off perfectly by that gritty industrial interior. It’s rare that any exhibition at Tate Modern is awaited with anything less than bated breath, whether they’re the paid shows across the mid-levels of the institution or the vast and clever commissions to take over the massive space that is the Turbine Hall. You’re pretty much bound to be blown away. 

Shakespeare’s Globe Arrow

In London, every building and street has history. And Shakespeare's Globe, although a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre—where many of William Shakespeare's plays were first staged and which burned down in 1613 during a performance of 'Henry VIII'—is no exception. The theater was rebuilt not far from its original site, using construction methods and materials as close to the original as possible, and to watch a performance here is to step back in time with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Coal Drops Yard Arrow

Ever since the Eurostar undersea rail link between Paris and London rolled into Kings Cross St. Pancras station, the formerly down-and-out neighborhood of Kings Cross has experienced a total transformation. Abandoned railway land with disused gas tanks now has been turned into new offices, shopping areas, fountains, apartments, green spaces, and more. There are posh supermarkets in converted train sheds, the coveted Central St. Martins London School of Art and Fashion, artisan restaurants like Hicce, and trendy ice cream shops like Ruby Violet. Granary Square, north of the station and surrounded by restored warehouses, has a 1,000-jet fountain that's great for kids, as well as canal-side, amphitheater-style seating. There’s also the gorgeous revamped Camley Street Natural Park, which is packed with stunning wildflowers and urban biodiversity. Google is building their London headquarters here, an office complex that is supposed to be so state-of-the-art it will reinvent everything we know about workplaces. Add starchitect Thomas Heatherwick's stunningly designed Coal Drops Yard, former coal sheds that are now a super desirable luxury shopping and eating indoor and outdoor destination space, and you no doubt want to hang out at this development in what was once a dark and dusty neighborhood.

South Bank Arrow

The South Bank is one of the London’s best bits. Generally located between the Westminster and London bridges, it offers about two-miles of excellent, largely state-funded arts and entertainment venues alongside breezy, traffic-free views of a succession of city landmarks (Big Ben, St. Paul's, the Tower of London) that lie on the north bank. No wonder it attracts over 14 million people per year. If you have limited time in the capital, South Bank is great because it has everything, including a selection of good restaurants and street food offerings.

Victoria and Albert Museum Arrow

South Kensington’s V&A is one of the world’s largest art and design museums, and it's arguably London’s most glamorous. (Just the building itself is well worth the visit: a glorious red-brick palace filled with sculptural details, extravagant tiling, and frescos.) The collection is helpfully broken down into topics—fashion, theatre, furniture, architecture—and all are comprehensive, usually spanning several hundred (if not thousand) years. Don’t expect to tackle more than one or two galleries per visit, and do check out the seasonal exhibition. The collection is helpfully broken down into topics such as fashion, jewelry, theater and performance, furniture, architecture, ceramics etc and all are comprehensive, usually spanning several hundred (if not thousand) years. Don’t expect to tackle more than one or two galleries per visit.

E Pellicci Arrow

Chances are there will be a queue for this beloved British ‘greasy spoon’ cafe. The Pellicci family has been feeding east Londoners since 1900 and still make some of the best fry ups in town. Stepping inside is like entering a time warp: there’s beautiful ornate art deco wooden paneling, stained glass windows, formica tables and a huge steaming tea urn. In fact, it’s such an icon that English heritage has awarded it grade-II listed status. It’s lively, chaotic, and always great fun. Whatever food you choose, always order a cup of strong "builder’s" tea. There’s coffee, milkshakes, beer, wine, and even limoncello on the menu but nothing goes better with a breakfast than a perfectly brewed cuppa.

Sir John Soane's Museum Arrow

This is, without a doubt, the city’s most atmospheric museum, packed to the rafters with hundreds of interesting and impressive artworks and artifacts. The collection is pretty much whatever took Sir John Soane's eye, positioned in the place it looked best—so don’t go looking for order. Instead, go curious, as the walls give way to secret rooms the unobservant might miss. It's not the unknown it once was though, so unless you go first thing in the morning you'll probably have to wait in line.

Columbia Road Flower Market Arrow

Weekly on Sundays, Columbia Road in East London's hip Shoreditch/Hackney neighborhood, transforms into a multicolored frenzy of stalls and flowers. This otherwise unassuming East End street is transformed into a swath of magnificent plant life, the air fragrant with blooms and the shouts of historic London's famous Cockney stallholders. It's as eccentric as it gets around here. You'll hear rushed deals and offers for a 'tenner' or 'fiver' (ten or five pounds) and because everything is so fresh, it's all gotta be gone by 2 p.m. 

Dennis Severs' House Arrow

Fancy a trip back through time? Just around the corner from buzzy Spitalfields Market, there’s a beautiful old four story house in Spitalfields that is essentially a wonderful time warp. Eccentric American Dennis Severs bought the crumbling derelict building in 1979 and turned the whole thing into an amazing work of art, evocatively recreating the home life of different generations of a Huguenot family living from 1724 to 1919 (and living there himself at the same time!). Severs died in 1999 but the house is perfectly preserved and is one of the most incredible museums in London. This is quite a niche museum: one for history fans, interior enthusiasts and those into theatrical spaces, but truly anyone visiting will be instantly immersed into the bewitching experience. There’s only a small number of people allowed in at one time and everyone is respectfully tip-toeing around peering into chamber pots and studying the ghostly paintings.

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason Arrow

This historic spot for afternoon tea has been an upper crust British favorite since it began importing leaves from Asia in 1707. It's no wonder the beloved tearoom was reopened in 2012 by the Queen after a sensitive refit. The room retains a fittingly regal affect, decorated in the store’s trademark eau de nil (take that, Tiffany). There’s often a pianist tinkling away in the corner of the airy elegant room in the afternoon. The tea itself will leave even the most discerning of tea snobs with their mouths open. There are 50 different blends and tea sommeliers to help you chose which one is for you.

St. Paul's Cathedral Arrow

One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, St. Paul's (finished in 1708) is the masterpiece of architect Sir Christopher Wren, and its towering dome is probably second on the definitive list of symbols of London after Big Ben. It's awe-inspiring, magical yet somber and reflective, a place for prayer whether you're religious or not. 

Royal Academy of Arts Arrow

The Royal Academy of Arts, or the R.A., as it's more fondly known, has been around for 250 years run by artists, and is home to an incredible collection of global art. The R.A.'s collection is vast, including sculpture, drawing, painting and architecture. There are numerous classic works on show as well as themed exhibitions from the collection, and varied and regular temporary shows that sell out quickly. Annually there is the annual Summer Exhibition featuring plenty of new work from up and coming R.A. students and alumni, and major icons in the art world; it's well worth seeing. You can come for a short visit and still get plenty out of the R.A.—the buildings themselves are worth checking out alone if you like seeing 19th-century and modern 21st-century architecture blended together.

Liberty London Arrow

This is truly one of the most beautiful shops in London. A Grade II-listed boutique department store with an iconic mock-tudor façade constructed from the timbers of two ships, it’s well worth a visit for the shop itself. Founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875 who wanted an emporium to show off the treasures from his travels, today the wood-paneled light-filled atriums and cozy side rooms are stuffed full of goodies, new and old. It’s atmospheric, eclectic and unlike any other department store we’ve ever visited. A visit to the store must include a peruse of the impressive fabric department: the rolls and rolls of colorful, intricate and fabulous prints that will make you wish you’d paid more attention in home economics. If sewing isn’t your thing, you can get ready-made bags, cushions, bedding and even chess boards adorned with the delicate Liberty patterns.

The Shard Arrow

Western Europe's tallest building at 309.6 metres, or 1,016 feet, high, The Shard houses London's first Shangri-la hotel , private apartments, offices and three high-end restaurants—Aqua Shard, Hutong and Oblix. All good reasons to visit of course but arguably the main one is the viewing gallery aka The View. Located on floors 68-72 and 244 meters above London, you have an unobstructed 360-degree, 40-mile view across the city.

West End Theatreland Arrow

London's answer to New York's Broadway cuts across a swathe of the West End of the city in Covent Garden, Soho, and Picadilly.  From Shakespeare to contemporary comedies and dramas like Hamilton, as well as countless famous musicals of old and many new, London's West End has it all. Who doesn't want to feel again the infectious glee of musical theatre choreography and the sweating happiness of curtain calls. With the shows coming back after a long closure due to coronavirus, the Criterion Theater is offering a wonderfully quirky musical version of Amelie—the popular French movie of the same name—for more affordable prices than the big-name shows.

National Gallery Arrow

Set in London’s busiest open space, Trafalgar Square, this is the grandmother of galleries with more than 2,300 paintings spanning the 13th to the 19th centuries: Heavyweights include Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Velazquez's Rokeby Venus, and Constable’s six-foot long The Hay Wain . It gets packed at weekends, but its so large that you can usually find a quiet corner. You can download an audio tour covering the museum's highlights, but you can also curate your own by selecting the paintings you want to see before you arrive. The seasonal exhibitions are the only ones you’ll pay for, and as you'd expect, most are spectacular ranging from Lucian Freud to Titian.

Borough Market Arrow

The food hound's favorite London market (and the city's most atmospheric) occupies a sprawling site near London Bridge, both in a large covered area and spreading into the smaller maze of streets that surround it. Records show there’s been a market here since 1276 when it apparently caused traffic jams on London Bridge. What’s on offer? Gourmet goodies run the gamut and you’d be hard pressed not to find something you can’t get enough of and simply spend all day stuffing your face.

Highgate Cemetery Arrow

A graveyard is always a somber place, but Highgate is also a celebratory one. You’ll recognize parts of it if you’ve seen Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Dracula,’ and you'll find the final resting place of writers like George Eliot and Douglas Adams, science pioneers like Michael Faraday and pop culture icons like George Michael (although his grave isn't named as such;  his Panayiotou family plot is in the West Cemetery next to Lucien Freud). And believe it or not, for somewhere with so many legendary men and women buried in it, Highgate Cemetery is one of the least visited of London’s landmarks. But those who come do it for both the ghostly mystery of the place itself, as well as the celebrity dead.

British Museum Arrow

You could spend several lifetimes in the British Museum, Britain’s largest museum, without running out of artifacts to ponder. The collection is one of the largest in the world, arranged by location (Ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Greece and Rome), and the list of big hitters includes the Rosetta Stone and other finds from Ancient Egypt, Asia and the Middle East. Come early on a weekday for a less crowded experience, pick one gallery and stick to it, or go for a guided “eye-opener” tour.

Hampstead Heath Arrow

Forget the perfect lawns of London's Royal Parks, Hampstead Heath, the vast and, in places wonderfully overgrown, tract of countryside just north of the rock ‘n’ roll neighborhood of Camden Town is the wild heart of the city and an undisputed highlight, so much so it's said to have inspired CS Lewis’s Narnia. The Heath covers 791 acres of woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows of tall grass perfect both for picnickers and couples in search of privacy. It’s truly beautiful.

Portobello Market Arrow

Running through the center of the ever-fashionable Notting Hill neighborhood in West London, Portobello Road is know for everything from sixties models, photographers, artists and rockstars to rows of antiques stalls, hip pubs and Hugh Grant, but what we’re talking about is Portobello Market when the street is closed off Friday to Sunday and packed with people from far and wide. It’s that famous. Portobello is actually several markets rolled into one: There are antique and bric-a-brac shops, loads of food stalls and further up next to the Portebello Green arcade, emerging designers and vintage clothing shops.

Hyde Park Arrow

Hyde Park is big. At one and a half miles long and a mile or so wide, it's one of London's largest Royal Parks, originally appropriated from the monks at Westminster Abbey by Henry VIII to hunt deer, but now the sort of space where anything goes. Think gangs of roller-bladers on the paths, mad swimmers and chill boaters in the Serpentine Lake, rowdy protestors at Speaker’s Corner and kids aplenty riding horses and tipping their toes into the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Tayyabs Arrow

Most nights you’ll be waiting for at least half an hour before entering this famous, BYOB Punjabi diner in Whitechapel. Tayyabs is loud (and no one’s on a romantic date) but what you’re there for are the sizzling plates of meat. The main attraction is the lamb chops, served up spicy and marinated in a kadai masala with coriander, sliced onions, and chillies, and everything must be paired with freshly baked rotis, parathas, and naans. It’s a great spot for meat eaters and large groups looking for an affordable way to dine on exceptional Punjabi food.

Churchill War Rooms Arrow

This underground lair, just around the corner from 10 Downing Street, is where Churchill spent endless hours plotting Allied victory during the Second World War. Come for the Map Room, which looks exactly as it did when the members of the War Cabinet abandoned it at the end of the war, and the Transatlantic Telephone Room, where Churchill had secret conversations with U.S. officials. Entry is currently timed so you won't be crowded, and there are some pandemic restrictions still in place in terms of social distancing, but it's easy to get around and see everything. The audio guide comes with your ticket and provides an extra insight into the operations that went on during the war, including sounds and speeches of the time. The museum is also fully wheelchair accessible.

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club Arrow

Nightlife institutions are institutions for a reason. And Ronnie Scott's, Soho’s premier jazz venue on Frith Street, never, ever disappoints. One rule: book your ticket in advance. Ronnie's is a concert venue, generally hosts two sittings a night—everyone from Nina Simone to Pharaoh Sanders has played here—and gigs get booked out quickly by tourists, aficionados and fellow musicians. You can, however, usually get into Ronnie’s Bar, a smaller more dance oriented venue upstairs, without advance notice, as well as into the 'late late' shows. The place itself is everything a jazz venue should be: dark, loud and enticing, romantic even, and so very Soho—you’ll probably feel like drinking whisky but Champagne always goes down better. When the music ends, and you fall out buzzing into the street, finish up with a bite at the legendary late-night favorite Bar Italia across the road. It’s just what's done.

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London Travel Blogs And Travel Guides (Trip Planning)

These London travel blogs will help you create the perfect itinerary for your trip to one of the world’s most exciting cities!

One of my favourite parts of being a travel blogger is showcasing my home city via my blog. I mean, I adore travelling the world, but where do I know better than the city I live in?

I’ve built up lots of London travel guides on my blog, sharing my favourite quirky things to do in the city, where to eat , and some weird and wonderful places to stay too.

First time visitors should tick off the obvious sights like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll probably go on a free walking tour to see a few other sights too. But… after you’ve seen the obvious ‘in every movie about London’ landmarks, where’s next?

Well that’s where I come in! Once you’ve seen the top sights in Central London, it’s time to go local. Why not catch the tube north to beautiful, leafy Hampstead and mooch around Hampstead Heath or grab a bite to eat in one of the area’s characterful pubs?

How about heading west to Shepherd’s Bush , one of London’s vibrant areas, and enjoying neon crazy golf, tasty local food and some unique entertainment?

You’ve probably heard about Camden and its famous market, but would you know the best places to eat once you get there? My London travel blogs will guide you to the most delicious treats in the area.

In fact, if you travel with your stomach, I’ve got guides to the best food markets in London , some great ramen joints dotted around the city, a list of bizarre themed restaurants , as well as a few hot tickets if you’re travelling on a tight budget .

Find out about an amazing food tour of Borough Market, where Londoners go for cocktails in Covent Garden, and a few events at the Natural History Museum that are guaranteed to surprise you!

These London travel blogs are packed full of personal tips – things you’ll only learn from years of living in the city. Follow them and you’re guaranteed to plan a memorable, action-packed itinerary! 

London Travel Blogs And Travel Guides

After living in this incredible city for most of my life, it's time to share my top London travel blogs and guides with you!

If you have any questions, don't forget you can always email me or leave a comment below.

48 Quirky And Unusual Things To Do In London 

From afternoon tea with a twist, to solving mysterious crimes and playing captain for the day, this is the definitive guide to the unique, crazy and downright unusual things to do in London.

Quirky, Unusual And Unique Restaurants In London 

From watching circus performers as you tuck into your main course, to eating in the dark, in a prison or while watching some weird and wonderful entertainment, these unique restaurants in London all offer something very special.

London’s Best Food Markets

From Borough and Brixton to Camden and Hampstead, it's time to reveal the best food markets in London.

11 Quirky Hotels In London For 2021

Looking for quirky hotels in London? YES! From floating hotels, capsules and animal lodges, to arty rooms, old prisons and more, it’s time to find out about some of the BEST quirky hotels in London for this year.

The Best Escape Rooms In London

The best escape rooms in London will have you cracking codes, solving puzzles, escaping from Mafia bosses, perfecting your wizarding spells and stealing millions of pounds.

13 London Desserts You Have To Try

From super-duper freakshakes and croissant-donut hybrids, to the latest waffle sensation and ice cream filled macaroons, these are the top London desserts right now.

Best Ramen In London

Time to share where to eat the best ramen in London. From Tonkotsu and Ippudo to Bone Daddies and Kanada-Ya, where should you go for your bowl of noodle soup?

Amazing CHEAP Restaurants In Central London

This guide to the best cheap restaurants in London is perfect if you’re on a budget!

Best Cafes To Work From In London

Searching for the best cafes to work from in London? No doubt you’ll need Wi-Fi, power, good coffee and a relaxed but focused atmosphere. Find out which places I'd recommend.

Where To Go For Cocktails In Covent Garden, London

What are the best cocktail bars in Covent Garden? From secret and quirky bars to glam hotels, find out where to go for cocktails in Covent Garden, London.

The Best Things To Do In Shepherd's Bush Right Now

From immersive experiences, shopping and escape rooms, to crazy golf, spinning and delicious food, these are the best things to do in Shepherd’s Bush, London.

The Best Restaurants In Shepherd’s Bush

From cute cafes and romantic wine bars, to immersive dining experiences, delicious dim sum and tasty Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s time to reveal some of the best restaurants in Shepherd’s Bush.

Best Places To Eat In Camden Town

The definitive guide to the best places to eat in Camden, featuring the best pub for a Sunday roast, top burger, tasty curry, plus some great cheap eats in Camden Market.

A Helicopter Tour Of London

As bucket list activities go, a helicopter flight over London has to be one of them! Find out more about this once in a lifetime experience now.

The Best East London Street Art Tour

From incredible murals and unusual graffiti, to colourful hidden messages, it’s time for London street art tour. 

Top 10 Things To Do In Hampstead, London

With a great food market, adorable streets and of course Hampstead Heath, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Hampstead. 

The Best London Food Tour

Flavoursome salami from Sussex and Wales, English sparkling wines that compete with the best champagnes, and traditional pies filled with indulgent fillings – this London food tour is a reminder that British cuisine shouldn’t be overlooked!

When Is The Best Time To Visit London?

England is a country obsessed with weather. Don’t know what to say? Comment on the weather! Us Brits talk about it a lot, but contrary to what you may have heard, we don’t have awful weather in London. It’s just a little unpredictable and varies from region to region.

You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in London in January / February, and highs around 25°C in July / August.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit England, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!

I’ve never been a fan of November in London. It’s the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic in London which always puts a smile on my face!

Planning your trip to London? Here are a few quick highlights:

There are so many amazing things to do in London! What are you going to choose? 

Let me know if you have any questions about anything I’ve mentioned in my London travel guides, or any questions about public transport, safety or areas I’ve not mentioned already. If you want to check out any of my other travel guides about the UK, you can find them all here .

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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Home » Europe » England » London

Travel blogs, travel photos and features from London, England

London Travel Guide

The ultimate guide to the coolest things to do and see in london, england.

Describing London in a few words is a difficult thing because the city has so-so-much to offer that it wouldn’t really be fair. Great restaurants in the East End and Chinatown, outstanding – and donation-based or even free – art in many museums and galleries, great spectacles from West End musicals to alternative venues inside bars and pubs. London is an experience because of its architecture (both modern and old), its history (both past and contemporary) and it’s definitely one of my favorite places in the world. Start here with my basic London travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest London travel blogs .

When to Visit

London is crowded and full of life every single day of the year. While some museums are relatively empty and you can enjoy the art, others are crowded with thousands and thousands of tourists, especially in special occasions (right, Tate Modern!). If you visit during the summer, you will have a great time in the many parks and you can enjoy (book in advance) a play by Shakespeare right at The Globe . Rain is always expected in London, and often you will have some fog, but be ready for cold temperatures during the winter times.

Cool Things To Do

Tate Modern – With a recent expansion and located next to the Thames with a lovely view of Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern is a must. Contemporary art includes big names of the art world like Rothko or Picasso, but also lesser-known and emerging artists from all over the world. The new tower offers a great view of London from above. Check the souvenir stores for the amazing collection of clothes, books and postcards with great art.

Brick Lane Market – With its many trendy businesses and shops and its great street art, the area around Brick Lane in the East End comes to live every weekend with a market that is simply delicious. From Argentinian empanadas, Japanese sweets and the traditional Indian food, the Brick Lane Market is great for street food. The salted beef bagel at Beigel Bake is as famous as the Queen of England.

Hyde Park – With a couple of lakes and great green spaces, Hyde Park is perfect for a walk, jogging or simply to have a picnic during the summer days. Every Sunday, the park is the point of encounter of the Speaker’s Corner (near the beautiful Marble Arch), where people reunite to discuss on the spot both trivial and philosophical matters. It is told that George Orwell liked to come here on Sundays to take part in the debates.

Looking to get out of London for some day trips? Consider booking a private driving service to arrange your trips. The friendly Chirton Grange boutique company offers tailored tours, airport transfers, and more driving services across London and the U.K.

London Tours

Few cities on this planet offer the diversity of tours that you can find in London. They have practically everything. Harry Potter tours, ghost tour, food tours, street art tour, architecture tours, London by boat tour and many more. Check out this selection of tours in London.

Some recommendations:

• Soho Food & Cocktail Tour
• Muggle Tours (Harry Potter themed)

LGBTQ – Gay London Travel Guide

London is gay all year and people here are open and generally respect any sexual preference or gender identity—benefits of a large, diverse, international, cosmopolitan city. There are lots of gay venues, gay hotels, saunas, theaters, shops and the scene is always active and in constant change. However, there are a few alternative things you should know:

King’s Head Theater – This small pub is the perfect place for a beer near Angel Station, not only because of the atmosphere, but because it hosts a theater with gay-themed plays. “F*cking Men” and “5 Guys Chilling” are among the plays performed during the last months. When I visited, instead of getting paper tickets to enter the venue, they gave me condoms.

Old Compton Street – The area around the Old Compton Street in London could be considered the heart of gay London. Located next to both Chinatown and Soho, near Picadilly, the streets have all we need: gay shops and bookstores, great restaurants for romantic dinners and fast food for the after-party, cocktail bars and club and coffee shops. Gay friendly-hotels like the Z Hotel Soho or The Hoxton are located in the area. Read more about The Hoxton hotels here.

The Glory – This pub and drag venue is great and diverse and fun. Located in Kingsland Road, you can enjoy a lip-sync battle or simply dance to the tunes of DJs. Beer is cheap and the atmosphere is welcoming, and you will be amazed at the diversity of faces, accents and fashion styles. Read more about The Glory here.

More gay travel resources here.

London Hotel Deals

Choosing accommodation in London is a nightmare, unless, well… if you’re rich. But for normal folks who are struggling, you need to think about price, services and – most important – location. Because London is huge and commuting always takes time, try to stay close to the areas you want to visit. These are some of the deals for hotels and hostels in London. I’ve found using Booking.com or Agoda.com can be useful for finding last-minute deals.

Looking for hostel recommendations in London? The Broke Backpacker has a blog on London’s best hostels .

Follow @ travelsofadam on Instagram for more travel tips!

London Travel Blogs

Lgbtq+ friendly places to visit in london.

London is one of the greatest cities on the planet and has plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly places to visit. The city always has a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travellers. Whether you are interested in nightlife or just checking out the city’s vibrant streets, London is a place you can never forget. London caters to everyone and …

Go East! Guide to the 10 Things to do in East London

Ten reasons why East London (the “East End”) is so cool and why you need to visit on your next trip to London

10 Tourist Things To Do in Central London

Central London may be the City of London’s business centre, but it’s also where you can find many tourist attractions and unique things to do and see

Muggle Tours Review: The Search for Harry Potter in London

Obsessed with Harry Potter, I took a tour with MuggleTours to find Harry Potter film locations and learn new trivia from JK Rowling’s books & films

A Graphic Design History of the London Underground

An history of the London Underground’s graphic design including Frank Pick’s design direction, Edward Johnston’s typography & Harry Beck’s Tube Map

Weekend Gay Guide to East London

East London – Shoreditch and Hackney – is the new gay London. Read some of my top recommended LGBT-friendly places to visit in East London, day or night

5 Foods To Eat in East London

East London, especially in Hackney and Shoreditch, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines — making it one of the tastiest neighborhoods of London

London Soho is More Fun Than You Think

The Soho neighborhood of London is way more fun that you probably think — learn what to do & see in this local guide to what was once’s London’s seediest neighborhood and is now actually pretty cool

The Best Places for Gay Holidays

A round-up of some of Europe’s (and the world’s) best gay destinations for holidays and other adventures

A Hidden Neighborhood in London’s City Center

Seven Dials London is at the heart of central London with great bars, restaurants and cool things to do – get the free guide to London’s hidden neighborhood

What to Do in London?

22 attractions you shouldn't miss.

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In a nutshell: 5 tips for staying in London

• Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard are some of the absolute highlights of London .
• While in London, you should visit at least one market. Our highlight: Borough Market !
• Free admission to museums : not a problem at London’s Tate Modern or British Museum.
• Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter through real sets at Warner Bros. Studios.

These were our top highlights in London . But of course, that’s not all!

In our article we will show you 22 cool London sights sorted by category: You can just have a look at what is really interesting for you.

Table of Contents

• Attractions map
• For first-timers
• For culture lovers
• For London experts
• For families
• For shopping fans
• London for free
• General tips

Map of our 22 London attractions

To start off and give you a better sense of all the London sights in this post, we made a map of our 22 highlights below.

Click here to download the map in PDF format

London attractions for first-timers

You are visiting London for the first time and obviously want to check out the most popular London highlights . We put the must-sees for you in two lists. The London attractions with a camera icon are among the highlights, but a short photo stop is enough here. The other the attractions are also worth checking out from the inside. Therefore, we will describe them in more detail.

These London highlights will be described in more detail:

Tower Bridge

Tower of london, westminster abbey.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral

Buckingham Palace

London attractions for a quick photo stop:

Big Ben Houses of Parliament Downing Street Windsor Castle

You should plan 1 hour

Tower Bridge is, without a doubt, one of the most famous bridges in the world . 40,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day and it is lifted several times daily to let ships pass through. Read more about the exact Bridge Lift times here .

Nine meters above the Thames is a free walkway. 42 meters up, there is another walkway with a glass floor – pretty cool, but only if you’re not afraid of heights.

You will need a ticket for the glass floor and the Bridge Museum.

Get tickets for Tower Bridge

You should plan 1.5 hours

The Tower of London is especially famous for the Royal Family’s Crown Jewels , estimated at over 20 billion pounds, which are kept there.

The Tower’s history is equally interesting though: it has served as an armory, prison, execution site and even a royal residence .

Pre-purchasing tickets online is recommended, as the lines at the door are always very long .

Get tickets for the Tower of London

To the website

Only a short walk from the Palace of Westminster is the 700-year-old church Westminster Abbey. This is where the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the wedding of Kate and William took place.

As you stroll around the gravestones in the cemetery, you’ll find many famous names from British history, such as Charles Darwin.

If you pre-purchase your tickets online they are a little cheaper.

Get tickets for Westminster Abbey

closed on Sundays (open for church services)

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s is a defining feature of London’s skyline and is located in the heart of the City. The cathedral’s huge dome is even bigger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome . The entire structure is absolutely beautiful, not just the architecture, but also the paintings and exhibitions .

If you can stomach climbing more than 500 steps up the spiral staircase to the top of the cathedral, a breathtaking view of London awaits you from a height of about 111 meters.

We recommend booking your tickets online in advance. The lines at the tickets booths can take forever, especially on weekends and during the peak season.

Tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral Combined Ticket Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral (5% discount)

You should plan 1 hour (for the Changing of the Guard)

Nothing represents British history better than the Royal Family. So of course a visit to Buckingham Palace is an absolute must when you’re in London. The Palace is the official residence of the British Royal Family .

You can watch the Changing of the Guard at the Palace all year round. The spectacle takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It always starts at 11 am, but you should get there by 10:30 am to get a good view.

Note: You can only visit the royal chambers between July and October. Make sure to secure your tickets well in advance online.

Get tickets for the Buckingham Palace

Open between July and October

The Shard really lives up to its name, jutting out of the ground like a piece of shattered glass. For a brief period, the 310-meter skyscraper even held the title of tallest building in Europe upon completion in 2012.

Its 72 floors include offices, apartments, restaurants, stores, and a 5-star hotel. The viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors offer fantastic views over London.

It’s quite a bit cheaper to buy tickets online in advance than on site, but you’ll still have to wait in line to exchange your online ticket for a physical one. We recommend that you avoid visiting on weekends when the lines are particularly long.

Get tickets for The Shard

Several floors offer Michelin-star cuisine and great cocktails as well as an amazing view of London. You don’t have to pay admission here, but of course the food and drinks cost a pretty penny. You can also book a hotel room at the Shangri-La Hotel.  It offers luxury rooms with a spectacular view.

Current room rates at the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in winter

It’s the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe at 135 meters , and the view is fantastic. However, if you have to choose between the London Eye and The Shard, we would recommend The Shard.

You can find all the important information in our article with the best tips for your visit to the London Eye .

It’s a good idea to book your tickets online in advance , as they’re 10 percent cheaper that way. You can choose between a standard ticket and a fast track ticket when you book your ride. The fast track ticket grants you preferred entry to the Ferris wheel through a special entrance so you don’t have to wait in line.

Get Fast Track Tickets for the London Eye

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: More London highlights for first-timers

These attractions are in every travel guide and cannot missed on our list. You can visit these for the perfect London snapshot:

London attractions for culture lovers

You love museums, can really lose yourself in art or like to stroll through theater districts? Perfect! In this section you will find the most exciting museums in London and other attractions for real culture lovers.

Our culture highlights in London at a glance:

• Tate Modern / Tate Britain

British Museum

National gallery, covent garden, notting hill, tate modern and tate britain.

You should plan 3 hours

Two of our favorite museums in London are Tate Modern and Tate Britain. While Tate Britain primarily shows British artists from the Tudor period to British Modernism , Tate Modern features art and architecture by modern artists from around the world .

Tate Britain and Tate Modern are two of the most important art museums in London. In Tate Britain you can find art from the Tudor period to British Modernism , Tate Modern features art and architecture by modern artists from around the world . Tate Modern will appeal to you even if you’re not really into art in general.

The buildings’ architecture alone is stunning and can turn a rainy day in London into a unique experience. The 10th floor of Tate Modern also offers a great view of the city.

And here’s the best part: Both museums are completely free to visit !

Our tip: “Tate Lates”. Visit the Tates at night, accompanied by music and a bite to eat. Late at Tate is a regular event that takes place every first Friday of the month at Tate Britain and every last Friday of the month at Tate Modern.

You should plan 2 hours

The British Museum is a world-renowned museum of cultural history and has accumulated some of the most important sculptures, antiquities, and architectural works in human history.

There’s so much to see at the British Museum that it’s impossible to take in everything at once, even if you spend the whole day.

Visiting the museum is free , but you’re encouraged to make a donation. Only special exhibits and events charge admission.

Guided tour of the British Museum

The National Gallery is an art museum located directly on Trafalgar Square in the city center. It’s one of the most significant and largest portrait galleries in the world with a collection of more than 2,300 artworks from the 13th through the 19th century.

The collection includes portraits of Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci, among many others. Admission to the National Gallery is free .

Our tip: Trafalgar Square is a wonderful spot to take a break from all the sightseeing. Its two fountains at the center are magnificent and the surrounding area is perfect for picnics, especially in the summer.

Guided tour of the National Gallery

Covent Garden is a theatre and entertainment district in the West End. People often only associate the historic Apple Market on the car-free square with the name Covent Garden, but the area has so much more to offer.

The London Museum of Transport, the Royal Opera House, the London Film Museum, and Seven Dials are just a few worthwhile attractions in the neighborhood. And aside from all the museums and theaters, the Apple Market is one of the most beautiful photo spots in London.

Its elegant halls are the perfect place for a leisurely shopping stroll. The many singers and street performers are what make the market so special.

You should plan 2 – 4 hours

Notting Hill is definitely one of the most photogenic parts of the city . Or instagrammable , as our younger readers might say. The neighborhood is known from numerous films such as the eponymous rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

The streets of Notting Hill are characterized by colorful houses and flowers .

The market on Portobello Road is one of the most beautiful markets in London, replete with second-hand fashion, antiques, and wares of all shapes and sizes. The main market opens on Fridays and Saturdays.

The annual Notting Hill Carnival takes place in August. Europe’s largest street festival offers a spectacular parade with a wide variety of colorful characters.

Guided walking tour through Notting Hill

Attractions for London experts

Have you been to London before? These London attractions are great for a second or third visit .

If you are looking for insider tips in London, you might also like this article: 11 real London insider tips .

London insider tips that are worth visiting:

Borough Market

Brick lane market.

Our tip for London connoisseurs who have plenty of time:

• Street Art in London

The first Chinese restaurants set up shop in London in the 1950s. Today, you’ll feel as if you’ve been swept away to the Far East. Chinese characters, dragons, lanterns and the smell of fried duck are everywhere. Even the street signs in Chinatown are bilingual.

Chinatown is a little culture shock. You can eat delicious Asian food here or stock up on typical Asian products in the stores.

Our tip: Chinatown is also the scene of many exciting events, such as the Chinese New Year celebrations. Check the Chinatown website for information on upcoming events.

Borough Market is one of the most beautiful markets in London . It’s frequently chosen as a picturesque setting for movies, such as Bridget Jones or Harry Potter.

There are more than 130 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, natural products, meat, and fish . In addition to regional products, you’ll also find delicacies from all over the world. For example, German expats in London can enjoy a taste of home in the form of German bratwurst sold here.

You can easily spend a couple of hours here, sampling from the stalls and shopping for souvenirs. The market is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Only on Sundays it closes one hour earlier.

Our tip: Around Borough Market you’ll also find some cool London restaurants.

Closed on Sundays (only open in the run-up to Christmas)

At Brick Lane Market in Shoreditch you can find anything from antiques to vintage fashion, art, souvenirs and of course lots of delicious street food .

The market originated in the former Old Truman Brewery , which had to close in the 80s. Today it has developed into a market with over 300 stalls , some of them covered and others are simply on the street. We particularly like the fact that Brick Lane still retains the industrial charm of old London .

Our tip: It’s best to visit Brick Lane Market on a Sunday, which is the only time the street market takes place.

Streetart in London

You should plan 4 hours (for a tour)

If you already know the classic museums in London, there is still more art than the mainstream.

Especially the neighborhoods of Shoreditch and East End are full of beautiful street art. Among them are works by internationally known artists like Banksy or Shepherd Fairey.

We recommend a guided tour , because your guide knows the coolest street art in London and you don’t have to search for a long time.

Street art tour and workshop in London

London highlights for families

If you’re traveling to London with children, you probably won’t be looking for dull museums. In our list you will find the London highlights that kids will also enjoy . We will describe the first three in more detail in a bit.

These sights in London were our highlights:

• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
• Transport Museum London

More London attractions for families:

• Science Museum
• Holland Park
• Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station

You should plan 1 – 3 hours

Hyde Park is one of the public royal parks in the heart of London. With an area of 1.4 square kilometers there’s plenty of space for your kids to run around and play.

The Serpentine, a snake-shaped lake running through the middle of the park, is the perfect place to cool off in the summer. From late November through January, Hyde Park hosts the Winter Wonderland with ice skating, a Ferris wheel, and a circus – perfect for families.

Our tip: On Sundays, pay a visit to Speakers’ Corner in the northeast end of Hyde Park (near Marble Arch). Since the 19th century, speakers have been coming here to stand on boxes and speak their minds about every topic under the sun. If you’re feeling brave, why not give it a go yourself?

Warner Bros. Studios

Why not apparate to Diagon Alley and get a few souvenirs from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes ? You can – well, almost.

At Warner Bros. Studios in London, you can visit some of the original sets, such as Diagon Alley , the Great Hall at Hogwarts, and the wizarding bank Gringotts . You’ll see the actors’ costumes and some of the iconic props like Harry’s Nimbus 2000 or Hagrid’s flying motorbike .

A truly magical experience for all Harry Potter fans, both young and old.

Harry Potter Studios Tour

London Transport Museum

At the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, your kids can explore the world of London’s transport.

There is, for example, a restored steam engine , electric trains or the typical r ed double-decker buses to discover. What kid wouldn’t want to play train conductor?

The museum also tells some really crazy stories . There is, for example, an exhibition about an underground aircraft factory in a subway tunnel.

Get tickets for the London Transport Museum

More tips for families in London

London has so many fun options to offer for families. Here are some more ideas:

London highlights for shopping fans

London and fashion – the two belong together. We will show you the best places to shop in London.

Our highlights for shopping in London:

Oxford Street

Camden market.

Oxford Street is one of the most prestigious and famous shopping streets in all of Europe. It extends for 1.9 kilometers and offers everything from luxury brands to cheap knick-knacks.

Stores open daily. If you really want to do some serious shopping, try strolling down the street during the week ; it’s pretty much impossible to shop in peace on the weekends.

Our tip: The pre-Christmas season is a magical time in London, and starting in November, Oxford Street is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. Be sure to stop by Carnaby Street, a side street off of Oxford Street, and marvel at the lights and romantic restaurants around Kingly Court.

Harrods is the most famous department store in London. The rich and famous have been shopping at Harrods since 1834, and for a long time the department store was the official supplier to the Royal Family.

The charm of the old building will send you into a shopping frenzy. Many of the stores are luxury boutiques like Chanel, Gucci or Prada. But there are also several “normal” stores.

Our tip: If possible, don’t visit Harrods on a Saturday, as it’s particularly crowded then.

You should plan a whole day

Camden Market is not just any old market. There are around 1,000 stores offering anything from vintage fashion to art to street food . The atmosphere is like a trip back in time to the 70s and 80s. It is divided into three separate markets :

• Buck Street Market , right next to the Tube station, is full of stalls selling cheap, mass-produced goods.
• Stables Market , along Chalk Farm Road, offers alternative and vintage fashion, furniture, and second-hand items.
• The oldest market is located directly on Regent’s Canal. Camden Lock Market offers high-quality hand-made jewelry and clothing, decorations, and the finest street food.

London for free: Our tips for those on a budget

Are you traveling on a budget? London is not exactly a cheap destination, but with some tricks at hand, you can visit many of London’s attractions for free.

Here are our tips for free sightseeing in London:

• walk across Tower Bridge
• visit a free museum like Tate Modern, Tate Britain, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum or the National Gallery
• enjoy the view in the Sky Garden
• stroll through the markets of London
• check out some street art in East London

General tips for your visit to London

Before you get started with your trip to the top highlights in London, here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Ideally, you should plan at least 3 to 5 days for your city trip to London. That’s still not much for such a big city, which is why it’s important to plan well. That’s why we prepared the perfect 3-day plan for London :

#1 Choosing the right place to stay

When choosing your accommodation, you should make sure that it’s in a central location . Here are three great and centrally located hotels in London.

Wilde Aparthotels : cool apartments in the bustling Covent Garden district, very close to the theater district The Montague On The Garden: super stylish boutique hotel near the British Museum, especially suitable for families and first-time visitors Treehouse Hotel London : super green hotel with a treehouse theme, close to Oxford Street

#2 Get an Oyster Card

London is huge and its must-see attractions are scattered throughout the city, so doing everything on foot is only recommended for the most ambitious exercise fanatics. For everyone else, the public transport network is excellent  and is the perfect way to get around and see the sights.

You’ll need an Oyster Card to use the public transport in London. An Oyster Card is a pre-paid travel card that you simply hold against the reader before boarding a bus or entering a Tube station. It’s incredibly convenient and easy to use. Cards are available at local outlets, such as airports and all Tube stations.

Alternatively, you can also order the card before your trip and have it conveniently delivered to your home for a small fee. That way you can feel like a local and just get on the next bus or Tube when you arrive, without the hassle of looking for a vending machine.

Order the Oyster Card online

We recommend using the Citymapper app for public transport in London. It shows you how long it’ll take you to get from A to B, how much it’ll cost, and which lines to take.

Get the Android app from the Google Play Store Get the iOS app from the Apple Store

#3 Save time and money with city passes

It may be worth buying one of the London city passes if you plan on visiting a lot of attractions that charge admission.

These discount passes grant you free admission to numerous attractions in London and save you quite a bit of money.

Another advantage is that some sights offer preferred fast track admission for pass holders. In other words, not only will you be saving money, but also a lot of time.

The following passes are available:

London Pass (includes most of the attractions) Go City’s London Explorer Pass (the most flexible pass) Merlin Magical London 5-in-1-Pass (a good choice for families with children)

#4 Explore London with a guided tour

If you’re visiting London for the first time or want to explore a whole other side of the city, a guided tour is a great idea.

There’s a huge range of city tours in London to suit all tastes.

Here are three cool tours, that can be booked directly online:

Bike tour through London Boat cruise on the Thames including lunch Harry Potter-themed tour

What are your London highlights?

That wraps up our list of the 22 must-see sights and attractions in London. Have you ever been to London? Which attractions in London were your absolute favorites? Tell us all about them in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in London

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Shandley McMurray Updated Mar 20, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley has visited London many times, most recently on an extensive tour of England in the spring of 2022. Author Shandley McMurray lived in London and always enjoys returning.

London is one of the world's most mesmerizing cities . Modern architectural marvels like the Shard line medieval laneways peppered with historic monuments, high-end shops, and award-winning theaters. Picturesque streets and avenues connect renowned attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul's Cathedral, causing visitors to gape at their beauty and exhaust their phone's photo storage.

With so many impressive tourist attractions and captivating things to do, it's no wonder London is one of the most popular places to visit in the world , attracting over 20 million tourists each year. Britain's bustling capital offers something for everyone, including shopaholics, foodies, adventurists, historians, and kids, making it tough to choose what to do first.

Should you hit one of the top museums, many of which are free to enter, or enjoy a picnic in one of the city's expansive parks ? Maybe tour a royal palace, or wander around a breathtaking garden? Perhaps you'd prefer to take in a show; enjoy a horseback ride; see the city views from atop the London Eye; or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Harrods, the world's poshest department store?

Use our list of the best attractions and things to do in London to help decide what to see and do in this phenomenal city you'll want to visit again and again.

See also: Where to Stay in London

1. Visit Buckingham Palace and Watch the Changing of the Guard

2. see the crown jewels at the tower of london, 3. beat the crowds: take a morning stroll across tower bridge, 4. get cultured at the british museum, 5. big ben and the houses of parliament, 6. get creative at the national gallery, 7. tour the art displays at the victoria and albert museum, 8. wander around piccadilly circus and trafalgar square, 9. journey to the top of the shard, 10. get your art fix at tate britain and tate modern, 11. walk the hallowed halls of westminster abbey, 12. head underground to the churchill war rooms, 13. walk with dinosaurs at the natural history museum, 14. enjoy a picnic in hyde park, 15. climb the dome of st. paul's cathedral, 16. shop at london's best markets, 17. be entertained by buskers at covent garden, 18. take flight on the london eye, 19. meet henry viii at hampton court palace, 20. straddle the meridian line at greenwich, 21. the imperial war museum & hms belfast, 22. explore the london docklands & canary wharf, 23. visit picturesque richmond park, 24. ogle the flora and fauna at kew gardens, where to stay in london for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to london, map of tourist attractions & things to do in london, best time to visit london, england.

One of Britain's most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace is also the scene of London's most popular display of pomp and ceremony: the Changing of the Guard.

Drawing crowds at 11:30am most days regardless of the season, this colorful display of precision marching and music also takes place at St. James's Palace . One of the top free things to do in London , you can then follow the band along The Mall as they march between sites.

Buckingham Palace was built in 1837 and has been the London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's accession. If you're wondering whether the King is in, look at the flagpole atop the building: if the royal standard is flying day and night, he's at home. On special state occasions, he and members of the Royal Family may even emerge on the central balcony.

When the King's away at the Royal Family's summer residence in Balmoral Castle, Scotland , visitors can purchase tickets for tours of the State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery, and the Royal Mews.

From prison to palace, treasure vault to private zoo, the magnificent Tower of London has fulfilled many different roles over the centuries. One of Britain's most iconic structures, this spectacular World Heritage Site offers hours of fascination for visitors curious about the country's rich history, so much of which happened here.

Inside the massive White Tower, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, is the 17th-century Line of Kings with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armor. Other highlights include the famous Crown Jewels exhibition, the Beefeaters, the Royal Mint, and gruesome exhibits about the executions that took place on the grounds.

The Bloody Tower is also worthy of a visit. Here you'll find stories of ancient torture, and you can learn about the mystery of two princes who disappeared many years ago.

For the best use of your time, especially during the busy summer season, purchase the Tower of London Entrance Ticket Including Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour in advance, to bypass the ticket office lines. This pass guarantees the lowest price, helps avoid the crowds, and saves time and hassle.

Located adjacent the Tower of London, Tower Bridge features two huge towers rising 200 feet above the River Thames.

This is one of London's best-known and most photographed landmarks. While fascinating behind-the-scenes tours are available, you can easily walk across the bridge from the Tower of London.

For the best Tower views, as well as a glimpse of HMS Belfast and London Bridge (which many mistakenly believe Tower Bridge to be), find a spot mid-way across. While it can be crowded, especially around sunset, an early morning arrival before the throngs of tourists get there is well worth the effort.

Afterwards, head over to the renovated Butlers Wharf district on the bridge's south end for a unique twist on the classic "full English" breakfast at WatchHouse Tower Bridge. This now ritzy area is fun to wander and is home to a funky selection of restaurants, luxury housing, and shops.

Address: Tower Bridge Road, London

Official site: www.towerbridge.org.uk

Displaying one of the world's finest collections of antiquities, the British Museum contains more than 13 million artifacts from the ancient world. With priceless objects from Assyria, Babylonia, China, Europe, and elsewhere, it's hard to know where to begin in this expansive attraction.

Most tourists head first for the museum's most famous exhibits: the controversial Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone , the colossal bust of Ramesses II, the Egyptian mummies, and the spectacular hoard of 4th-century Roman silver known as the Mildenhall Treasure .

In addition to a well-stocked, on-site bookshop boasting an exhaustive array of titles on ancient history, archaeology and art history, there's a shop selling kids' games and souvenirs, along with one that sells replica sculptures and jewelry.

For those able to linger longer, the museum offers a variety of lectures and workshops, plus a restaurant and café.

Address: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London

Official site: www.britishmuseum.org

Nothing screams "London" more emphatically than the 318-foot tower housing the giant clock and its resounding bell known as Big Ben. It's as iconic a landmark as Tower Bridge , and the tolling of Big Ben is known throughout the world as the time signal of the BBC.

Below it, stretching along the Thames, are the Houses of Parliament . The seat of Britain's government for many centuries, it was also once the site of the royal Westminster Palace occupied by William the Conqueror.

The best view of the parliament buildings can be had by crossing Westminster Bridge and looking back. Or, turn left after crossing the bridge and walk along the path towards the SEA LIFE London Aquarium (a fun spot to take kids). Gather your crew along the wall for a perfect photo with Big Ben in the background.

Tours of the Houses of Parliament offer a unique chance to see real-time debates and lively political discussions. From Parliament Square, Whitehall is lined by so many government buildings that its name has become synonymous with the British government.

Official site: www.parliament.uk/bigben

It's almost impossible to visit London without catching a glimpse of the impressive National Gallery. This iconic, columned museum is set at the edge of Trafalgar Square , home to incredible masterpieces that make it one of the best attractions in London.

Ranking among the top art museums in the world, London's National Gallery represents an almost complete survey of European painting from 1260 until 1920. The museum's greatest strengths are in its collections of Dutch Masters and Italian Schools of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Among its highlights are a cartoon (preliminary sketch) of the Madonna and Child by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo's The Entombment , Botticelli's Venus and Mars , van Gogh's Sunflowers , and The Water-Lily Pond by Monet.

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London

Official site: www.nationalgallery.org.uk

The Victoria and Albert Museum (aka the V&A) is part of a South Kensington-based group of museums that includes the Natural History Museum and Science Museum . Founded in 1852, the V&A covers close to 13 acres and contains 145 galleries spanning some 5,000 years of art and related artifacts.

Exhibits include ceramics and glass, textiles and costumes, silver and jewelry, ironwork, sculpture, prints, and photos, and are conveniently arranged into four main categories: Asia; Furniture, Textiles, and Fashion; Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics, and Glass; and Word and Image.

It's impossible to get around this vast museum in a single visit, so the best plan to tackle it is to decide in advance which sections you most want to see. Taking a V&A tour is highly recommended, and often free, with options including everything from daily introductory tours to specific gallery or themed tours.

The Main and Garden Cafés are more impressive than any museum eatery you've seen. The intricate detailing on everything from the floor to the columns to the ceiling make them worthy pieces of art themselves. Plus, the food is quite tasty. Also, don't miss an opportunity to luxuriate in the John Madejski Garden , which is so beautiful and serene, you'll forget you're in the center of one of the world's largest cities.

If you're around, check into one of the fun "Friday Late" programs held on the last Friday of the month (except for March and December). These fun events are popular for their food and drink experiences, along with late-night exhibition openings.

Address: Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London

Official site: www.vam.ac.uk

Two of London's best-known tourist spots, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square lie not far apart and mark the gateway to Soho , London's lively theater and entertainment district. The walk from one to the other is truly enjoyable, lined with eclectic boutiques, tasty cafés, ice-cream shops, and winding laneways evoking a bygone era when only horses and buggies traipsed through these historic streets.

Trafalgar Square was built to commemorate Lord Horatio Nelson's victory over the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson's Column , a 183-foot granite monument, overlooks the square's fountains and bronze reliefs, which were cast from French cannons. Admiralty Arch, St. Martin-in-the-Fields , and the National Gallery surround the square.

Piccadilly Circus marks the irregular intersection of several busy streets, including Piccadilly, Regent, Haymarket, and Shaftesbury Avenue. Overlooking this somewhat untidy snarl of traffic stands London's best-known sculpture, the winged Eros delicately balanced on one foot, bow poised.

"It's like Piccadilly Circus" is a common expression among Londoners to describe a busy and confusing scene.

Since it opened in 2012, The Shard has taken its place as one of the most-recognizable and most-visited landmarks in London.

Standing 1,016 feet tall and encompassing some 95 stories, this remarkable structure is so-named for its resemblance to a shard of glass. Yet, while it dominates the skyline south of the River Thames, its pleasing design doesn't seem at all out of place when seen next to neighbors such as Tower Bridge.

In addition to its office space on the lower levels, The Shard is home to a stunning Shangri-La Hotel and three superb restaurants, all boasting some of the most incredible views over London. For those not staying here, the upper-most levels consist of a choice of viewing platforms: indoor and outdoor.

Another London skyscraper that's worth a visit is the "Walkie Talkie" with its popular Sky Garden attraction. Located around the corner from the Tower of London and set on the building's 34th to 37th floors, the garden's terraces offer some of the best views over the city. If you've got the time, reserve a table at one of the restaurants here in order to enjoy the views while you dine.

Address: 32 London Bridge Street, London

Official site: www.the-shard.com

Art lovers cannot visit London without touring its most impressive art museums: the two Tates. Located on opposite sides of the Thames, Tate Britain and Tate Modern together comprise one of the world's most important art collections .

The original gallery opened in 1897 as the basis of a national collection of significant British art, and continued to make acquisitions, needing more space to properly display its collections. The end result was the establishment of Tate Britain, in Millbank on the north side of the Thames, as home to its permanent collection of historic British paintings.

A superbly transformed power station across the Thames became home to the modern art collections. Art lovers can spend a whole day viewing both sites, conveniently connected by high-speed ferry. Better still, walk across the Millennium Bridge , a footbridge that connects the two banks of the river close to the Tate Modern. The views are spectacular.

Tate Britain

• Address: Millbank, London
• www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain

Tate Modern

• Address: Bankside, London
• www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Another location with a long association with British royalty, Westminster Abbey stands on a site that's been associated with Christianity since the early 7th century. Officially known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster, Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065 as his place of interment.

From his burial in 1066 until that of George II almost 700 years later, most sovereigns were not only crowned here but were buried here, too. More recently, it's become famous as the preferred location for Royal Weddings.

This masterpiece of Gothic architecture not only has the highest Gothic nave in England (102 feet), it's also one of London's most popular tourist attractions, drawing well over a million visitors each year.

Highlights of a visit include seeing the more than 600 memorials in the Nave, including the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior; Poet's Corner in the Transepts , with its memorials to the likes of Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Dickens; the Westminster Abbey Museum; and the attractive gardens.

Address: 20 Dean's Yard, Westminster, London

Official site: www.westminster-abbey.org

Among the most fascinating and evocative of London's historic sites are the perfectly preserved Churchill War Rooms.

The nerve-center from which Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed British military campaigns and the defense of his homeland throughout World War II, their simplicity and cramped conditions underline the desperate position of England as the Nazi grip tightened across Europe.

You'll see the tiny cubicle where Churchill slept and the improvised radio studio where he broadcast his famous wartime speeches. Simple details, such as Clementine Churchill's knitting wool marking the front lines on a map of Europe, bring the era to life as no other museum could possibly do.

Audio guides are available (a thorough self-guided tour takes about 90 minutes), and a café and bookshop are located on the premises.

Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London

Official site: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms

Established in 1754, London's spectacular Natural History Museum remains one of the most-visited such attractions on the planet. It's easy to spot for its huge Romanesque façade, and a visit is something you'll not want to rush. Arrive early as it can get quite crowded.

Many of the museum's original exhibits are still on display centuries later, and together comprise a massive collection of more than 80 million items showcasing everything from botany to zoology, plus pretty much everything in between. A highlight of a visit is seeing the preserved specimens that Charles Darwin collected on his epic journeys.

If you're not in a hurry, start your visit by joining one of the formal guided tours on offer, ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. You'll be introduced to highlights you may wish to return to at a later date to explore in greater detail.

A variety of fun events are held regularly, from workshops for kids to late night openings. Shopping opportunities are located on-site, along with a number of dining options.

Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London

Official site: www.nhm.ac.uk

Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is London's largest open space and has been a destination for sightseers since 1635. One of the park's highlights is the Serpentine, an 18th-century man-made lake popular for boating and swimming. Hyde Park is also where you'll find Speakers' Corner , a traditional forum for free speech—and heckling.

Another Hyde Park landmark is Apsley House , former home of the first Duke of Wellington and purchased after his famous victory at Waterloo. Now a museum, it houses Wellington's magnificent collections of paintings, including Velázquez's The Waterseller of Seville , along with gifts presented by grateful European kings and emperors. England's greatest hero is also commemorated at the Wellington Arch.

Another lovely London green space to explore is Regent's Park . Just a short walk away from Westminster, this 410-acre attraction is a delight to stroll around. If you're traveling with kids, be sure to visit London Zoo , located within the grounds of the park and one of the most popular things to do for families visiting the city.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions around Hyde Park

The largest and most famous of London's many churches, and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world, St. Paul's Cathedral sits atop the site of a Roman temple. The previous church structure was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, and Sir Christopher Wren designed the rebuild .

Today, the twin Baroque towers and magnificent 365-foot dome of St. Paul's are a masterpiece of English architecture. If you're up to it, be sure to walk the stairs with their spectacular views of the dome's interior, including the Whispering Gallery , undoubtedly one of the top things to do in London.

• Read More: Exploring London's St. Paul's Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide

Whether you're a fan of food, flowers, art, or clothes, you'll find something to love in London's best markets . While most open only on weekends (Fridays included), some of the most eclectic venues, like the vibrant Camden Market in North London, welcome shoppers daily.

Camden Market is home to over 100 stalls, shops, and eateries offering everything from gluten-free goodies to hand-made jewels to bohemian clothing. If you're looking for a distinct urban feel, you'll find it here.

Borough Market is a must-visit for foodies in central London. This popular venue, which is situated near London Bridge, is so busy on weekends, you'll have to fight your way through crowds to nab the best produce or mouthwateringly good sample of giant paella.

Arrive early (we'd suggest no later than 10am) to enjoy a little more elbow room. The line for coffee can extend for blocks, so head there first. While some stalls are open during the week, most don't unveil their goods until Friday morning.

Old Spitalfields Market is another beloved spot offering some of the city's most gorgeous flowers, interesting antiques, art, jewelry, and more. Built in 1876, this is one of the best examples of a Victorian Market Hall.

Other popular markets include, Maltby Street Market , Brick Lane Market , and Portobello Road.

Read More: Best Places to Shop in London

The market halls of Covent Garden are only the beginning of the neighborhood, which encompasses the shops and restaurants of Long Acre and other adjacent streets, those of Neal's Yard and Seven Dials, as well as the Central Square with its incredibly talented, and unique, street performers.

The halls and arcades of Covent Garden Market are lined with specialty shops and kiosks selling everything from teas to fine handcrafts to tacky souvenirs. A few restaurants are sprinkled in as well, some offering patios for you to enjoy a tasty treat while people-watching.

Housed in the former flower market, you'll find the London Transport Museum , a kid-centric haven for those who love all things vehicular. Filled with historic buses, trolleys, and trams, children and adults alike will love this interactive transportation hub. "Drive" a London bus, pilot a tube train, or sit on an ancient trolley.

This area is also where you'll find the Royal Opera House and a variety of other leading London theaters.

Built to mark London's millennium celebrations in 2000, the London Eye is one of the world's largest observation wheels. Its individual glass capsules offer the most spectacular views of the city as you embark on a circular tour rising 443 feet above the Thames. The journey lasts close to 30 minutes, often quicker than the time spent lining up for your turn.

If you can, reserve your time in advance. Better still, skip the line completely with a London Eye: Skip-the-Line Ticket . This advance ticket allows you to take a flight at any time on the day you plan to visit. If you can afford it, rent one of the private capsules and share the experience with friends and family.

Another fun way to view London for above is aboard the Emirates Air Line , a cable car system that crosses the Thames between Greenwich and the Royal Victoria Dock. The journey travels one kilometer and lasts 10 minutes, long enough to enjoy spectacular views and grab a few memorable selfies.

Official site: www.londoneye.com

Another great Thames-side attraction, Hampton Court is one of the world's most famous and grandest of royal palaces, and a truly remarkable place to visit in London. Its Great Hall dates from Henry VIII's time (two of his six wives supposedly haunt the palace), and it's where Elizabeth I learned of the defeat of the Spanish Armada .

Meet Henry VIII himself or have a chat with Anne Boleyn, both of whom wander the grounds and involve guests in their interesting antics at random points throughout the day. Depending on the time and date you visit, you may even be asked to participate in a session in court.

Grab an audio guide upon your arrival and choose a velvet cloak to wear as you tour the grounds, if you're hoping to feel a bit more authentic. Get lost in the palace's famous Maze , or grab a bite in the on-site café,

Other interesting features include the Clock Court with its fascinating astronomical clock dating from 1540, the State Apartments with their Haunted Gallery, the Chapel , the King's Apartments , and the Tudor tennis court. Don't miss the Tudor Kitchens and their massive fireplaces.

The gardens are also worth visiting, especially in mid-May when in full bloom. Highlights include the Privy Garden, the Pond Garden, the Elizabethan Knot Garden, the Broad Walk, and an area known as the Wilderness.

Although a little farther outside the city center, Hampton Court is a must-do sightseeing trip when visiting London. It's a bit of a haul on the tube, but taking a taxi, renting a car, or even grabbing a car service will make this trip more than worthwhile.

• Read More: Visiting Hampton Court Palace: Top Attractions, Tips & Tours

For centuries the hub of Britain's naval power, Greenwich is best known to tourists as the home of the Cutty Sark , the last of the 19th-century tea clippers to sail between Britain and China. The ship is located adjacent to the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre with its exhibits showcasing more than 500 years of maritime history, and the Palladian mansion known as Queen's House .

The impressive collections of the National Maritime Museum , the largest of its kind in the world, illustrate the history of the Royal Navy. And one of the most unusual things to do in London is standing with one foot in each hemisphere, astride the Meridian Line in the Meridian Building in the Royal Observatory.

Read More: Top Attractions in Greenwich & Docklands Districts, London

If you've time in your travel itinerary, two other military attractions related to the Churchill War rooms are also worth visiting: The Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast .

Located a short distance from the popular Southbank cultural district, the Imperial War Museum London can easily occupy the best part of a day with its fascinating exhibits and collections of military vehicles, weapons, and aircraft.

Set in chronological order, displays portray the very real experiences of participants and victims in the world's major conflicts, with many hands-on exhibits allowing unique incites into their place in history. The Holocaust Galleries are particularly sobering.

A shop and café are located on-site, and before leaving, grab a selfie standing next to the huge shells and guns located out front.

The other must-see under the Imperial War Museum umbrella, HMS Belfast is a well-preserved WWII-era cruiser that served during D-Day. Located on the River Thames opposite the Tower of London, this historic vessel can be explored as part of a guided or self-guided tour.

For a truly memorable experience, consider booking a fun family tour. A gift shop is located on the premises.

The revitalized Docklands area of East London has been transformed into an international place of business and recreation, filled with some of London's smartest new restaurants and entertainment experiences.

The revitalized Docklands area also includes Canary Wharf. This important financial and business hub offers a variety of fun things to do, including shopping and dining.

The excellent Museum of London Docklands is the place to visit to learn more about the area. Located in a series of old Georgian warehouses on Canary Wharf, it brings to life the river, port, and its people from Roman times to the present through hands-on displays that are especially interesting for children.

A little closer to the Tower of London, St. Katherine Docks is fun to explore, too. Redeveloped as a mixed commercial and residential area, here you can spend time wandering the marina or enjoying a great meal or respite while watching the world go by.

It's hard to believe you're in London (well, technically just outside London) when on a visit to Richmond Park. One of the most captivating of the eight Royal Parks, this lavish natural wonderland has everything you'd look for in an English park: winding paths, verdant woodland, sparkling lakes, horse stables and trails, bike lanes, and multiple picnic spots.

Enjoy unparalleled views of St. Paul's Cathedral from King Henry's Mound , a picturesque hilltop surrounded by wild deer. Luxuriate in a warm tea and traditional scones at the Pembroke Lodge Tea Room , or rent a bike and cycle through this spectacular 2,500-acre nature reserve.

If visiting during spring, particularly late April or early May, make your way to the Isabella Plantation , a remarkable Victorian woodland garden set within the park. Its vibrant 40 acres are filled with colorful rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias so resplendent, you'll think you're walking through a fairy tale.

Official site: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park

Spending at day at Kew Gardens is one of the best things to do in London. A UNESCO Heritage Site , this phenomenal spot is home to over 50,000 living plants and some of the most majestically manicured gardens in England.

Officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is situated in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames and offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of central London, and a welcome breath of fresh air. Located on a flight path, you'll spot multiple jumbo jets, but these add to the allure for little ones.

Also family-friendly is the expansive indoor and outdoor playground, which comes complete with a zipline. Visit on a sunny day, and you should prepare to jostle for a picnic spot on the lush lawns, as this is a popular spot for families to enjoy a lunch out. Didn't pack snacks? Visit one of the on-site restaurants for a tasty treat-they even offer dairy and gluten-free options.

Laid out in 1759, the gardens became government property in 1841. In 1897, Queen Victoria added Queen's Cottage and the adjoining woodland. A variety of tours are available free with admission, and many musical and cultural events are held here throughout the year.

Don't miss the towering Pagoda ; Japanese gardens ; Treetop Walkway ; and the remarkable Palm House , an indoor rainforest with an aquarium in the basement. The impressive Rhododendron Dell is a breathtaking treat popping with vibrant blooms during spring.

• Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of London's Kew Gardens

London's top tourist attractions are spread out over several different areas of the city. If you want to spend time sightseeing, it's a good idea to base yourself in a central location and use the city's excellent public transport system to travel between the sites. Here are some highly rated hotels in Central London:

Luxury Hotels:

• When it comes to posh hotels, the grande dames still grace the list of London's best. Pampering guests for more than a century are The Goring , a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace.
• The Langham , in the heart of the West End, has played host to royals and celebrities for more than 150 years.
• A few steps from Trafalgar Square is the Corinthia London , with a rooftop terrace and luxurious afternoon teas.
• The Ritz London , also known for teas, is handy to the posh shops of Mayfair.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The Fielding Hotel , a popular boutique property, places you right near Covent Garden, one of the city's most touristy areas. Handy for those arriving by train from Heathrow or Gatwick airports,
• The Clermont, Victoria is right over Victoria Station.
• About a 15-minute stroll from Covent Garden, Bloomsbury was once London's literary hub and is now home to one of the city's top attractions, the British Museum, as well as highly rated mid-range hotels such as The Montague on the Gardens and The Bloomsbury . Both are also a short stroll from Oxford Street shopping.

Budget Hotels:

• If you're watching your wallet, the Premier Inn London Kensington (Earl's Court) Hotel is an affordable option minutes from museums and Earls Court tube station.
• You can also head north and try The Alhambra Hotel or Jesmond Dene Hotel , both near busy King's Cross tube station, a major transport hub.
• In-depth tours. It's hard to choose the best sights to see in London; there are so many awesome spots on offer. This nine-hour, Best of London Sightseeing Tour makes sure you don't miss anything essential. In addition to taking you to some of the city's top spots like Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, guests receive pre-arranged tickets for a boat cruise, as well as comprehensive tours of the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral, plus a stop to watch the Changing of the Guard. Upgrade to receive a cream tea at Harrods or a flight on the London Eye.
• Seeing the Sights . One of the best ways to see the sights of London is on a traditional, double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off London Sightseeing Tour . This has been the classic sightseeing tour for years, and it's popular for good reason: it's easy, convenient, informative, and ensures you see the most important attractions. Tickets are flexible, with open dates, and are valid for a 24-hour period. Even if you are in London for several days, this is a great way to spend a day getting oriented, especially for first-time visitors to the city.
• Day Trips . Beyond the city, there are some excellent sightseeing opportunities that can be easily undertaken on a day trip tour from London. The Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath Day Trip from London is an 11-hour guided trip that takes visitors to these must-see places to visit. It's a great way to see the surroundings without the hassle of driving, navigating, and parking.
• Harry Potter Experience. Fans of Harry Potter will definitely want to take the Warner Brother's Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the movie and a walk through the incredible sets where the film was made. Visitors can explore the site on their own, see the costumes and props, wander through the Great Hall, and learn about the whole experience of filming. The tour includes transportation to and from the studios from central London and an entrance ticket.

Let's be honest: no one travels to London for its weather. Frequented by cloudy skies that release smatterings of mist and rain, the UK's epic capital city is best visited with an umbrella in hand.

That said, London receives less annual rainfall than its tarnished reputation would have us believe, and less than many European cities . And rather than heavy rainfalls, the norm is "little and often." Yes, you'll likely run into a sprinkle or two during your visit, but a little rain never ruined a vacation, especially when touring a historic metropolis with so much to offer.

When those beautiful, bright sunny days do appear, visitors receive front row seats to the city's remarkable transformation. Locals smile more easily, the city's best parks and gardens fill with sun worshippers and picnickers, and a sparkling hue adds another level of magic to the city's most magnificent buildings. There's nothing better!

London is a tourist hot spot throughout the year. In other words, there's never a bad time to visit. If you're looking for a better chance of glimpsing the sun and avoiding masses of tourists, however, the best time to visit London is from March through May . That said, if you don't mind rubbing elbows with a zillion other tourists, a good time of year to travel to London is during the summer months from June to September.

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Other English City Destinations : Given its relatively small size, it's easy to travel from London to other great English cities, including lovely Liverpool , famous as the birthplace of The Beatles. The industrial city of Manchester is also within easy reach and is popular for its historic canal network and fine museums. Birmingham is another northern city worth visiting and celebrates both its rich industrial past along with modern museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions.

Easy Escapes : From London, you're only a short train ride away from the idyllic countryside of the Lake District , a popular walking destination and known for the stunning scenery around Lake Windermere. The historic city of Bath , named after its well-preserved Roman baths, is another great escape, whether for a weekend or a week. So, too, is the cathedral city of Durham , which is also home to one of the most-visited castles in England.

Top UK Vacation Ideas : Scotland makes for an excellent UK vacation, and is where you'll find the spectacularly beautiful city of Edinburgh , recognizable the world over for its lovely castle. The tiny nation of Wales , too, is worth exploring, especially its capital city of Cardiff and the stunning scenery of Snowdonia in North Wales .

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Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .

More From Forbes

London’s culture crush: what to see, do and experience in july.

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The Open Air Theatre (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

From a new Champagne series to open air theatre productions and Wimbledon-themed events, here’s what to see and do in London this month.

Indulge in a sustainable supper series : Calling all Champagne lovers, the Ruinart x Silo: Savoir (Re)Faire Supper Series has arrived in London. The maison has teamed up with zero-waste restaurant Silo and will be presenting their adapted craftsmanship in response to the challenges of climate change through the Savoir (Re)Faire Supper Series. The monthly gastronomic experience, which kicks off on the 17th of July and will run until mid-November, is inspired by the new Blanc Singulier cuvée.

Ruinart x Silo Savoir (Re)Faire Supper Series

“The Ruinart Blanc Singulier cuvée was created to reflect the climatic variations we observe in the vineyards during years marked by an atypical climate,” says Frédéric Panaïotis, Chef de Caves, Ruinart

Address: Silo London, Unit 7, The white building, 1st Floor,c/o CRATE Bar, Unit 7 Queen's Yard, London, E9 5EN

Go to a music festival : A one-day festival brought to you by grime artist Skepta and Festival Republic, Big Smoke Festival 2024 will take place at Crystal Palace Park on the 6th of July. Expect two stages of live music, that'll host a live performance by Skepta, The Streets, Mahalia, JME, and YG Marley will be a special guest.

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Address: Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Rd, London, SE19 2GA

See an exhibition : The Design Museum’s major new, and hotly tipped exhibition, Barbie: The Exhibition , will open to the public on the 5th of July. Curated by Danielle Thom and designed by Sam Jacob Studio, it'll show a rare first edition Barbie which was released in 1959, along with 250 other objects, showcasing the 65-year evolution of the world’s most famous doll and her response to cultural shifts.

A one-of-a-kind doll in the likeness of Adwoa Aboah will also be presented—wearing her favorite sequinned Halpern look plus a Stephen Jones turban and Christian Louboutin platform sandals, a special outfit to her, as she wore it to accept 'Model of the Year' accolade at the Fashion Awards.

Adwoa Aboah Barbie

This will sit alongside a custom miniature embellished Richard Quinn attired doll displayed next to the original full-length gown from his Fall 2021 show, in addition to the Samantha Cristoforetti Astronaut Barbie that travelled to space on the International Space Station.

“Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has become an international icon and inspiration that continues to spark conversation, creativity, and self-expression around the world. This exhibition tells the story of Barbie through a design lens including fashion, architecture, furniture, and vehicle design, which are all spaces where she has left a mark on culture during her remarkable 65-year career,” says Kim Culmone, SVP of Design, Mattel Barbie

Address: The Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, London, W8 6AG

Get a wellness fix : Head to the Bamford Wellness Spa within 1 Hotel Mayfair for a dose of R&R. Adopting a holistic approach to well-being that’s centred on a connection with nature, here you'll find a treatment menu that incorporates natural and organic skincare products; cue the Bamford De-Stress Massage, B Silent Massage Ritual, and the 1 Hotel Mayfair Spa Immersion Experience that involves a Palo Santo Ceremony.

Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel Mayfair

Address: 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley St, London, W1J 8DL

Take part in a Scottish bar takeover : Soho's latest drinking den, Dram Bar on Denmark Street will open its doors to host two Scottish Bars for one night only. Step forth award-winning, Edinburgh-based cocktail bar, Hey Palu and its new agaveria Chancho . Guests can look forward to agave-based drinks and classic Italian cocktails with a twist, from the rich Coconut White Russian to the tropical Sherry Cobbler and a zingy Yuzu Mezcal Margarita. It'll be held on the 15th of July from 6pm onwards.

Address: Dram Bar, 7 Denmark St, London, WC2H 8LZ

Celebrate Wimbledon : The Wimbledon Tennis Championships are upon us, and to celebrate, it’s sponsor Champagne Lanson will be presenting its newest cuvée, Le Rosé Création 67 alongside a limited-edition tennis-themed sweet treat created by Paula Stakelum, Global Director of Chocolate and Pâtisserie at Red Carnation Hotels.

Paula says, “I'm incredibly proud to partner with Champagne Lanson as an official sponsor of Wimbledon 2024. It's an honour to be associated with such a prestigious event, celebrating the pinnacle of tennis excellence. We're also thrilled to present a special tennis dessert that embodies the spirit of being British and pairs perfectly with Lanson's exquisite Le Rosé Création 67.”

The pop-up runs from today until the 14th of July at The Leopard Room, The Rubens at the Palace.

Address: The Rubens at the Palace, 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London, SW1W 0PS

Attend Henley Royal Regatta : One of the most famous regattas in the world, and a highlight of the social season is Henley Royal Regatta. And it just got a whole lot more sociable thanks to The Hidden Garden and it’s Quatre Vin serve. Book tickets from the 3rd to the 7th of July.

Address: Remenham Ln, Henley-on-Thames RG9 3DA

See a movie : Head to The Soho Hotel on the 21st of July at 3:30 pm, and watch The “Bikeriders” film starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy. Book in for the film only, or make the most of it by adding a lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner to the experience.

Address: Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, London W1D 3DH

Learn about natural wine : In the next instalment of The Pilgrim Hotel ’s 'Women in Wine' series on the 11th of July, Fiona Beckett and Emily Harman will be joined by guest speaker Heidi Nam Knudsen, offering a chance to learn all about “natty wines.” The tasting and talk will be followed by a terrace afterparty with The Pilgrm’s resident DJ Olly Roberts and plenty more wine until late.

Address: The Pilgrm Hotel, 25 London Street, W2 1HH, London

Watch at open air play : Now the weather is hotting up, book an open air play in Regent’s Park as this month it’ll be home to productions, The Secret Garden — a new version by Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard, and Fiddler on the Roof directed by Jordan Fein and presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Address: The Regent's Park open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NU

Enjoy some jazz : The luxury private members club in Marylebone, Home House hosts weekly live jazz sessions in the Drawing Rooms, featuring its own in-house band, led by Ian Bumstead. Held every Wednesday, expect different guest performers on piano and vocals each week to mix it up.

Address: Home House, Private Member's Club, 20 Portman Square, London, W1H 6LW

Lounge at a rosé terrace : Pan Pacific London has collaborated with Roseblood to bring some of the Provence to the city. It's the place to soak up the sun and enjoy Roseblood Rosé 2023 (among others), cocktails such as The Rose (rosé, Chambord, and berries) or The White (Roseblood White, soda, basil cordial and cucumber), and accompanying sharing plates of charcuterie and fromage. Oh la la.

Address: Pan Pacific London, 80 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AB

Tuck into some Lebanese food : Following its success last summer, Najma Lebanon returns for a limited-time residency at InterContinental London Park Lane. Here, there will be a whole host of sharing dishes, small plates, and feasts that offer an authentic taste of Lebanese cuisine including hummus, baba ghanouj, shish tawouk, tagine, tabbouleh, along with kunafa cheesecake, and baklava. The pop-up is open now until the end of October.

Najma Lebanon at the InterContinental London Park Lane

Address: InterContinental London Park Lane, One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, London, W1J 7QY

Get your kicks at Harvey Nicks : Pick up some designer threads, and if that’s taken it out of you, book in for a relaxing massage too. On the fourth floor is Harmony Massage who specialize in chakra healing and crystal facial massage that works with energy to bring your body and soul back into alignment.

Address: Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RJ

Enjoy a coffee cocktail : Café Solo has partnered with The Hoxton for 'Cocktails in the City' from the 11th the 13th of July. Appealling to both coffee and cocktail lovers alike, The Hoxton team will be mixing up three Café Solo cocktails, plus an alcohol-free option in Bedford Square Gardens.

Address: Bedford Square Gardens, Washington Group International, 20 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3HH

Sign up to a musical improv workshop : Calling all musical fans, Hart Shoreditch has launched its Local Workshop Series, and it includes the ‘Improvise & Energize: The Art of Improv’ class. The playful, creative and relaxed workshop which has been designed to boost confidence, will feature a range of activities from warming up, to movement, dance and singing, all under the expert guidance of Ineska Dabrowski, actor and improviser, along with musical director, Grant Martin.

It’ll be hosted on the 27th of July and will run from 3pm to 5pm.

Address: Hart Shoreditch Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton, 61 - 67 Great Eastern Street London, EC2A 3HU

Visit an English summer garden party : Brought to you by the Royal Horticultural Society , the U.K.’s leading gardening charity, is the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. Running from the 2nd to the 7th of July, it promises garden designs, statement floral displays and exclusive shopping, a perfect day out for keen gardeners.

Address: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU

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Literary London: a tale of one city

Feb 19, 2019 • 9 min read

A memorial to Shakespeare among with plaques to many other writers in Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey

London has been home to some of the greatest writers who have ever lived. The city provided a backdrop for some of the most memorable characters ever created, and it inspired some of the best literature ever penned, from the wonderful novels of Woolf to the perfect poetry of Wordsworth and the gripping insights of Dickens. 

A literary tour of London is a great way to explore the city, though with so many options to choose from, knowing where to start (and stop) can be tricky. We can’t say that the following is ‘chapter and verse’ on the British capital’s bookish history, but it’s certainly a great introduction.

Top page-turners

If you have just a few hours to dedicate to literary London , there are three key points of interest that can provide an excellent overview.

Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey

Commemorating the most celebrated literary figures from the country at large, Poets’ Corner in the South Transept of Westminster Abbey is a moving monument to the all-time greats. Numerous writers are interred here, including ‘father of English literature’ Geoffrey Chaucer (1343–1400), the poet and author who wrote The Canterbury Tales , and Charles Dickens (1812–70), one of the greatest novelists of all time.

Many other writers have memorials in the form of slabs, busts and monuments, including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily and Anne), TS Eliot, William Wordsworth, Elizabeth Browning, Robert Burns, CS Lewis, Oscar Wilde and John Keats. That these common folk are interred and memorialised in the most important religious building in the country – the place where kings and queens marry and are laid to rest – is a mark of the lofty esteem in which they’re held.

The British Library

A mesmerising trove of written wonders, the British Library is a compulsory stop for all bibliophiles and literature lovers. Containing 150 million to 200 million items from around the world (no one knows the true figure and it’s tough to keep count with around 3 million new items added each year), including around 14 million books, it’s by far the largest national library on the planet, with some 400 miles of shelf space – about twice the distance between London and Paris.

Treasures include copies of the Magna Carta and Shakespeare’s First Folio, Da Vinci’s notebook, original handwritten Beatles lyrics, 3000-year-old Chinese oracle bones and a first edition of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales .

Charing Cross Road bookshops

Charing Cross Road, which meanders through the buzzing heart of London’s West End, is packed with bookshops, and makes for a wonderful amble. The northern section, from Cambridge Circus to Tottenham Court Road, is where you’ll find general outlets, including the mighty Foyles (London’s most famous bookshop). Further south, you can leaf through specialist and secondhand bookshops, like Watkins , on atmospheric Cecil Court, which contains everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the occult (and perhaps some things you didn’t want to know).

Other great bookshops elsewhere in London include Jarndyce , which stocks all manner of antiquarian titles in its location opposite the British Museum; Persephone Books , specialising in female writers from the 20th century; and children’s bookshop Tales on Moon Lane in Herne Hill.

Writers and works: the best of the best

Many world-famous writers have lived in London and/or been inspired by it, and while we’d need an encyclopedia to give all of them the attention they deserve, we can squeeze in a quick nod to some of the giants.

Not of an age, but for all time: William Shakespeare

Shakespeare (1564–1616) is widely regarded as the best playwright of all time. The preeminent figure in what was a literary golden age for London (contemporaries included Edmund Spenser, John Donne and Ben Jonson), he was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon  and moved to the capital sometime in his 20s. Over the next couple of decades Shakespeare wrote many plays, including masterpieces like Hamlet , Othello and Macbeth . His work was immediately acclaimed by Londoners, including Queen Elizabeth, and mostly performed at the Globe Theatre in present-day Southwark, built by Shakespeare’s own company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men.

The original Globe was destroyed by fire in 1613 but a reconstruction called Shakespeare’s Globe , complete with a medieval-style open roof, opened in 1997 and has been a huge hit, with its performances of the Bard’s plays generally selling out. Nearby, Southwark Cathedral contains a stained-glass window dedicated to the great man (he most likely worshipped here), and an alabaster memorial depicting him reclining and holding a quill.

Pepys and Johnson: Sam Sam but different

London has endured some troubling times over its long history , but it would be tough to find a more eventful decade than 1660–70, when the Restoration began, the Great Plague wiped out 20% of the population, the Great Fire destroyed 80% of the medieval City , and the Dutch almost invaded. To the abiding delight of today’s historians, a man called Samuel Pepys (1633–1703) lived through it all and kept a highly detailed, highly entertaining diary. Pepys’ Diary is now one of the most celebrated works of English literature, and among much else contains eyewitness accounts of the above momentous events. The diary itself can be seen in Cambridge’s Magdalene College  – an easy day trip from London  – and you can see a bust of Pepys on Seething Lane in The City , where he used to live.

Samuel Johnson (1709–84) – or Dr Johnson – had an insatiable interest in the English language, which, combined with his genius ability to articulate himself, resulted in some of the most important literary works ever produced. His magnum opus, A Dictionary of the English Language , was described by Harvard professor Walter Jackson Bate as ‘one of the greatest single achievements of scholarship, and probably the greatest ever performed by one individual’, though he was behind a raft of other esteemed works too. You can find out more about him at his old home, now known as Dr Johnson’s House , near Fleet Street (look out for the statue of his cat, Hodge, outside and grab a beer in his old local, the Cheshire Cheese ).

Masters of the verse: Keats, Blake and Wordsworth

London has of course not slipped the discerning eye of poets, with some of the most memorable examples of their work being penned during the Romantic era (roughly 1800–50). John Keats (1795–1821) was born in London and while in his own lifetime he was generally overlooked, he’s now one of England’s most celebrated poets. He wrote several of his famous odes in and around the city, including Ode on a Grecian Urn , having spent many hours in the British Museum obsessing over its Greek antiquities. He was inspired to write Ode to a Nightingale after listening to one sing from the garden of his home, now called Keats House , on the edge of Hampstead Heath .

William Wordsworth (1770–1850) never lived in London (he hailed from the Lake District ), but he did write one of the most beloved poems about it when visiting. Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 describes a view of the city at dawn: ‘Earth has not anything to show more fair…’ Similarly to Keats, the poet and painter William Blake (1757–1827) was born in London and largely ignored in his lifetime, but he’s now revered as one of the heavyweights of the Romantic era. One of his most famous poem about the city, London , was written during the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, and touches on what were deeply troubling societal issues at the time, like child labour and prostitution.

However, when it comes to social commentary on 19th-century London, one name towers above all others...

The inimitable Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens was the most prolific writer of the Victorian era and a literary genius, producing 15 novels and five novellas in his lifetime, most of which was spent in London. It was a tumultuous period for the city, with the Industrial Revolution causing explosive growth and severe poverty simultaneously; the latter was perhaps most impactfully portrayed in his second novel, Oliver Twist . Other Dickens’ stories which ostensibly feature Victorian London as a character in its own right (to borrow Virginia Woolf’s observation) include A Tale of Two Cities , Little Dorrit and A Christmas Carol , in which we’re introduced to the now timeless Ebenezer Scrooge. Many places in London claim to have some sort of Dickensian link (some more tenuous than others) but the surest place to connect with the great man is the Charles Dickens Museum , housed in his former residence.

Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Set

Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) was one of the most celebrated authors of the early 20th century, and her work, which includes the London-set novel Mrs Dalloway , is considered to be one of the catalysts for the feminist movement. Born and raised in Kensington , she moved to Bloomsbury as a young adult, where she became a core member of the Bloomsbury Group, a collective of intellectuals, artists and writers that had a resounding influence on literature and social attitudes in general. The garden squares and handsome terraces of Bloomsbury look much the same now as they did in Woolf’s time, and the area makes for a great wander: you can find the author’s former residence in Gordon Square (look out for the blue plaque that commemorates her).

Contemporary literature in London

London’s literary scene continues to thrive, and the city still captivates the imaginations of fiction and non-fiction writers alike. Contemporary writers immortalising the capital today include Zadie Smith, Peter Ackroyd and Will Self. Literary events, like the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre , are as much a part of the cultural landscape as the Thames is a natural one. 

Characterful locations

Some fictional London characters have been so convincingly portrayed and entwined in the fabric of the city that they now form a non-fictional part of the cityscape.

In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books, the fictional detective lived with his sidekick Dr Watson at 221B Baker Street, and it is at this real-life address that you can enter his world at the Sherlock Holmes Museum .

To the southwest, in Kensington Gardens , stands a charming statue of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan , its base wrapped with other characters from the stories. It was Barrie himself who had the bronze sculpture erected in 1912; he did it overnight so that children passing through the park the next day would think it was the work of fairies. Nice.

Slightly to the north you can find, in Paddington train station, a delightful statue of Paddington Bear, the beloved creation of Michael Bond who wrote the character into 20 children’s books. Alternatively, head south into Chelsea to 50 Smith Street – the former residence of PL Travers, creator of magical nanny Mary Poppins, it was the inspiration for the Banks’ family home in the books. 

We can’t finish without mentioning the literary superstar of the last two decades, Harry Potter, and his connections to London. The most memorable moments of Harry’s life in the capital occur at Kings Cross train station, where the young wizard and his friends must run through a brick wall to reach the magical platform 9¾ to catch the Hogwarts Express. A mocked-up version of the platform is a hugely popular attraction in the station – and a reminder of the power of London’s literary heritage.

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The art of the do-nothing vacation

Embracing inactivity helps counteract the stress of office culture.

Welcome to The Upgrade, By The Way’s series on travel hacks and hot takes. See how to submit here.

Corporate life is exceptionally noisy. Before most keyboard warriors begin the workday, we’re getting our daily download of podcasts, playlists and drive-time radio. Then you take your seat, and your phone starts buzzing before there’s time to crack your knuckles. Here come the emails, the chats and the meetings — so many meetings.

No one would argue that a desk job is hard on the body. But your brain is another story. When your mental RPMs are close to the redline, you need to get away, ideally to a place where very few decisions are required. That’s why I practice the do-nothing vacation.

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In its ideal form, the do-nothing vacation takes place on a faraway beach, the lapping of waves replacing the ping of electronic devices. That soothing sound will be your only tether to reality while you get lost in a book for hours. Your phone is stowed away in a bedside drawer. Periodically you may dip in the sea. The shirts are linen. The drinks are rum. The soundtrack is steel drums.

When your mind is not occupied with deliverables, you’re free to contemplate existential questions. What am I doing? Where am I going? Can I get a little umbrella in my cocktail?

The do-nothing vacation is not about being a bore, ignoring local culture or rejecting adventure for the rest of your days. It’s about giving yourself the time and space for a mental reset. Don’t call it laziness; call it wellness .

Besides, travel planning is too much like work now. I enjoy mocking up an itinerary prospectus as much as the next person with control issues. But there are no documents in the cloud allowed on the do-nothing vacation. You should not require a Power Point presentation to decide on a restaurant.

When you’re traveling somewhere new to you, you may feel compelled to see and do it all. This can be exhilarating, exhausting and inevitably disappointing, because you can do only so much. Something is bound to go wrong. A seasoned traveler expects this turbulence and recovers quickly. But by doing nothing, you’ve removed opportunities to spiral, preventing yourself from becoming your own worst enemy. It’s admirable to appreciate the Acropolis in person. It’s also likely hot, crowded and stressful.

All-inclusive resorts were built for the do-nothing vacation. But it doesn’t really matter how far you’re willing to go or what you’re willing to spend. Want to do nothing? You’re in.

Not a beach person? How about a snowed-in cabin with a roaring fireplace? No budget for travel? Hot summer days were made for doing nothing except curling up in bed with a pile of pulpy thrillers.

This will not be a group trip, because coordinating around friends and family will cause the cortisol to flow. Honeymoons are just the ticket for the do-nothing vacation. The couple that does nothing together, stays together.

If you can’t bring yourself to do nothing, you may permit yourself some physical movement, as long as you’re not logging into a device or hopping on a conference call. Approved activities for the do-nothing vacation include long walks, bodysurfing, bike rides, hacky sack and horse shoes.

If the idea of the do-nothing vacation makes you twitch with FOMO, know this: When you’re done doing nothing, all of your obligations, office gossip and social media discourse will be waiting to greet you as soon as you get back.

Everyone will ask, “How was it?” Then you can look wistfully in the distance and say “Great!” Because you did nothing. And it was just what you needed.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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Brittany and Patrick Mahomes Celebrate the Fourth of July in London

The new snapshots came a day after Brittany recapped their family vacation in Switzerland

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic; Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

The Mahomes family is spending the Fourth of July in London!

Patrick Mahomes ' wife Brittany Mahomes posted new photos with their kids — Sterling Skye, 3 and Patrick "Bronze" Lavon III, 19 months – in London to her Instagram Stories on Thursday, July 4.

The photos began with a snapshot of each of the kids enjoying ice pops while continuing on their European adventure.

"Popsicles for the win!!" Brittany, 28, wrote over the photo of Sterling enjoying the sweet treat. The little girl had a huge smile on her face as she was being pushed in a car seat in the photo.

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Brittany Mahomes/Instagram

"My babies," the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model captioned the next photo, in which she posed alongside her daughter while hugging her son, whose back was to the camera.

The family was near the historic London Bridge, which the former soccer player posted a snapshot of. She also posted a serene photo of her children gazing at the U.K. city's skyline, with Bronze smiling at the camera in a blue t-shirt and shorts and Sterling looking off into the distance.

Brittany carried both of her kids in each of her arms in the final kids photo she shared. Patrick, also 28, later appeared in photos as they headed off to a Morgan Wallen concert at Hyde Park.

Wearing red, white and blue, they captioned their videos "Happy 4th of July" and "'Merica" before posting a sweet snap at the concert together.

Brittany Mahomes/ Instagram

The Mahomes family is currently on a whirlwind European vacation and previously were in Switzerland.

On Wednesday, July 3, Brittany shared a carousel of photo s from their time in the country.

"St. Moritz, Switzerland you were beautiful😍," she captioned the set of photos, which featured her petting a cow, Bronze posing in a robe and Sterling blowing a flower.

The proud NFL wife has also posted photos of her Super Bowl-champion husband doing "dad" jobs in Europe.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

In a recent interview on The Mom Game Podcast   in June Patrick's mom Randi Martin said she admires her eldest son's dedication to fatherhood.

"I hear him say things like, 'If the game takes away from my kids I may not play as long as Tom Brady,' " Martin said, adding that it makes her "proud" of him.

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Why Men Are ‘Rawdogging’ Flights

Everyone has their own tricks for staving off boredom on a long-haul flight. Some people load up on podcast episodes, others power through the available in-flight entertainment. But no one simply sits, staring silently at the real-time flight map on the screen in front of them, for the entirety of a trip. Right? Wrong. A small group of hardy men—the gender that brought you frat hazing and Logan Paul—are now doing exactly that, and for a variety of surprisingly solid reasons.

A 26-year-old Londoner named West (who asked to use only his first name) went viral in May when he posted about his decision to forgo any entertainment and pass a seven-hour trip watching the flight map. “Anyone else bareback flights?” he asked in the caption.

The concept—referred to in a vivid and perhaps unfortunate parlance as “rawdogging,” “flying raw,” and “bareback”—resonated with many in the comments on West's TikTok page, @WestWasHere . “Yup, from London to Miami this week…pure bareback no food or water,” one wrote. “I swear barebacking flights make it go quicker,” another added.

“I've got DMs on Instagram like, ‘Bro, you need to teach us how to bareback flights,’” West tells GQ .

“I am a nervous flier and generally cannot focus on anything on a plane—movies, TV shows, books, articles, whatever—with any success,” says Luke Winkie, a 33-year-old staff writer at Slate, who has used the flight map as his only in-flight entertainment for years. “For some reason I don't like processing new information when I'm in the air. I want to stick to things that are predictable and safe.”

For West, who has since posted multiple videos from his raw flights (including his longest, a 21-hour slog from London to Perth, Australia), the practice simply resulted from how much he has to travel for his work in the music industry. “I got sick of watching the same movies,” he says. West likens flying raw to meditation. “Visually, you are kind of impaired. You only get to look at the seat in front of you, to your right or left if you're at the window. All you hear is that drumming sound of the engine. It's just white noise.”

But West and others have also come to see rawdogging flights as a kind of challenge, like the Tough Mudder or No Nut November, the goal being to see how fully participants can deprive themselves of creature comforts, up to and including free snack and drinks and even bathroom visits. A true rawdogger takes no indulgences.

West says that the women who have commented on his videos are usually doing so to express shock. Taking flights raw seems to be a “masculine thing,” he says. “Everything's about looking cool. Most guys embrace it as a joke or like, ‘We are so hard. David Goggins has nothing on us.’”

Winkie agrees. “I don't think men have the same ‘treat culture’ that women do, which is frankly a shame,” he says. “A long flight, for women, is the perfect venue to organize an entire itinerary of treats, and I do think men tend to be more stoic and weird about the spaces in which they allow themselves to receive pleasure.”

Still, West says that a recent trip from London from Bali (20 hours) taught him that there are benefits to rawdogging beyond its meditative nature. His best ideas, he says, have come from the time spent locked into the flight map, just thinking. “I'm there like, Oh, we're flying over Afghanistan. Oh, we're going at 36,000 feet instead of 37,” he says. “Or like, Oh, I think that's a good idea as a new series on my TikTok.” The experience left him refreshed. “When I saw my mom [upon landing], she was like, ‘You have so much energy,’” he recalls. “And I'm like, I feel fine. I feel recharged. I feel like I've been able to have time to myself.”

The last benefit may be the most significant: Everyone else leaves you alone. West recalls how a man who was seated next to him in a middle aisle opted to squeeze past two people on his other side rather than disturb West. “He must have been like, ‘I do not want to bother him right now,’” West says with a laugh. “‘He's locked into this altitude.’”

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Continental taste, Coney Island budget.

With the cost of traveling to Europe soaring as “record numbers” of travelers flock overseas, even as the dollar weakens, the traditional summer destination could be out of reach for a lot of New Yorkers in 2024.

“There’s been such a huge demand for travel in the past three years, and lots of places are pushing up prices,” Graham Carter, director of Unforgettable Travel, told CNN . “People are wondering, ‘Is Europe worth it?'”

For many, the answer appears to be no.

A survey conducted by Tito’s found that 55% of respondents plan to staycation at or near their homes this summer, blaming the cost of travel, tight budgets, pet accommodations and “having just as much fun in their area.”

Fortunately for Gothamites, hanging around the neighborhood puts a world of entertainment, history and culture at their fingertips — more than enough to dupe a dream European vacation.

“There are so many places to go, things to see, that even travel writers … barely scratch the surface because it’s just so big,” Matthew Kepnes, a travel blogger and bestselling author , told The Post. “There’s a lot of opportunities to be a traveler in New York.”

With a staycation, he added, “you want to replicate the emotions and experience of travel in your own town” — no flight costs required.

Check into London or Paris — without leaving town

“The first major rule of any staycation is always break out of your routine and get out of your house,” said NYC-based Kepnes, better known online as Nomadic Matt. “Because if you staycation in your home, you’re just going to end up doing things like errands and stuff like that.”

To distract yourself from the mountain of laundry and pile of dishes you need to clean, booking a hotel allows you to escape your daily routine and feel like a traveler, even if you’re down the block from your apartment.

So, take the money you might have spent on airfare and splurge on one of the opulent NYC hotels recently awarded 3 Keys — the highest honor — by the Michelin guide.

Sample some of London’s finest hospitality by checking into Soho’s stellar Crosby Street Hotel, part of the British capital’s beloved Firmdale group, or find comfort in a quaint suite at Tribeca’s Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s, sister to the Paris original.

You might even leave New York altogether — book accommodations inside of a castle, such as the Oheka Castle on Long Island, where Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” music video was filmed — or venture the short distance to Tarrytown’s Castle Hotel & Spa , constructed to look like a British Isles fortress.

Europe’s where you find it

Sightseeing-wise, art is always a great place to start, and while you might catch the latest installments at The Met or the MoMA, there are more than 100 museums to explore across the boroughs.

“You want to go feel like you’re doing new stuff, you’re somewhere new,” said Kepnes.

“If you’re not feeling like you’re traveling, you’re going to end up, doing stuff you normally would.”

There are plenty of places in the Big Apple that can transport you to Europe without ever leaving the city and environs, although they might be in a neighborhood you’ve never been to before.

When in doubt, make the trek to another borough — or even further, Kepnes said.

The quaint cul-de-sacs of Forest Hills Gardens might trick you into thinking you’re in the English countryside, while the Bronx’s Villa Charlotte Brontë is a near-perfect dupe for an ocean-view townhouse in Italy.

To feel like you’re in Paris’ Jardin des Plantes, there’s the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, while the Met Cloisters’ cool stone passageways and sun-dappled courtyards are a dead ringer for France or Italy.

For an experience akin to a thermal bath in Budapest, visit QC Spa on Governor’s Island, an opulent oasis with outdoor pools overlooking the city skyscrapers. And a quick trip to Tibet is just a ferry ride away on Staten Island at the one-of-a-kind Jacques Marchais Museum. (Though in Tibet, you probably can’t go for sfogliatelle or lobster tails afterward, at one of the borough’s many fine Italian bakeries.)

The city is also home to a plethora of food options — from Jose Andres’ LIttle Spain food hall at Hudson Yards to the Portuguese joints in Newark’s busy Ironbound — that allow New Yorkers to get a taste for cultures around the world.

There’s a strip of Parisian eats and shops, known as “ Little Paris ,” on Manhattan’s Centre Street and a slew of Greek restaurants in Astoria, such as Taverna Kyclades or the Souvlaki Lady .

Missing Germany? Hit the Heidelberg on the Upper East Side, and pick up all the wurst you can carry next door at Schaller & Weber.

Not into trekking to Copenhagen for a meal at the fabled Noma? Co-founder Mads Refslund has his own place, Ilis, just over the East River in Greenpoint.

In the Bronx, the vibrant Arthur Avenue neighborhood is still packed with Italian storefronts — look for the Calabria Pork Store, featuring a robust sausage chandelier, and shellfish vendors selling oysters on the street on weekend mornings.

And, of course, there are always the authentic pubs of Woodside, Queens — or cobbled Stone Street in Lower Manhattan — for those who have a hankering for a visit to Ireland. Sláinte!

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London’s Tube network hit by severe delays

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Passengers in London have been hit by severe delays after disruption across the TfL network.

Service on the Tube and Overground was affected again today after disruption on Tuesday.

Transport for London warned of severe delays on the Central, District and Elizabeth lines.

There were also severe delays on the London Overground and severe delays on Central line.

Part of the Elizabeth line is currently suspended, affecting trains between Abbey Wood, Heathrow Airport and Reading, and it is causing minor delays on the rest of the busy line.

Trains between Paddington station and Heathrow were affected.

Engineers were fixing an overhead wire problems in Ladbroke Grove area, TfL said.

The latest status for District lines shows severe delays between Turnham Green and Richmond due to an earlier signal failure at Richmond.

There are also severe delays between Earl’s Court and Wimbledon while TfL fixes a signal failure at Wimbledon Park.

Most of the service had resume back to good by 7pm.

It comes as Londoners grapple with a mini heatwave as temperatures today are set to reach 30 ° C following the hottest day of the year so far on Tuesday.

The transport network is set to be busy with thousands of festivalgoers making their way to Glastonbury after the gates opened this morning.

Latest London news

• Prison officer ‘filmed having sex with inmate’ is a ‘married swinger’
• Military horses bolt through London again after throwing off their riders
• Attacker rips headscarves off Muslim women walking through London

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

London Tube disruption

Here are all the affected lines that were affected in the afternoon.

Central line

Minor delays between Leytonstone to Hainault and between White City to Ealing Broadway due to train cancellations. Good service on the rest of the line.

District line

No service between Turnham Green and Richmond due to an earlier signal failure at Richmond. Severe delays between Earl’s Court and Wimbledon while we fix a signal failure at Wimbledon Park. Good service on rest of the line.

Elizabeth line

Severe delays between Abbey Wood – Heathrow / Reading due to earlier overhead wire problems in Ladbroke Grove area. Valid tickets are accepted on London Underground services via any reasonable route. Minor delays on the rest of the line.

London Overground

No service between Gunnersbury and Richmond while a signal failure at Richmond is fixed. Severe delays between Willesden Junction and Gunnersbury. Good service on the rest of the line.

Have you been affected by the disruption? Please email [email protected].

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : London Euston descends into chaos as trains grind to halt on hottest day of year

MORE : This £25 London tour is officially better than ‘life-changing’ bucket list attraction

MORE : Heathrow passengers stranded without baggage after British Airways IT failure

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Cool roofs are best at beating cities’ heat

4 July 2024

Painting roofs white or covering them with a reflective coating would be more effective at cooling cities like London than vegetation-covered “green roofs,” street-level vegetation or solar panels, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

Conversely, extensive use of air conditioning would warm the outside environment by as much as 1 degree C in London’s dense city centre, the researchers found.

The research, published in Geophysical Research Letters , used a three-dimensional urban climate model of Greater London to test the thermal effects of different passive and active urban heat management systems, including painted “cool roofs,” rooftop solar panels, green roofs, ground level tree vegetation and air conditioning during the two hottest days of the summer of 2018, the warmest on record.

It found that if adopted widely throughout London, cool roofs could reduce outdoor temperatures across the city on average about 1.2 degrees C, and up to 2 degrees C in some locations. Other systems, such as extensive street-level vegetation or solar panels would provide a smaller net cooling effect, only about 0.3 degrees C on average across London, though they offer other environmental benefits. Similarly, while green roofs offer benefits like water drainage and wildlife habitats, their net cooling effect on the city was found to be negligible on average.

Air conditioning, which transfers heat from within buildings to the outside, would warm the outdoor urban environment by about 0.15 degrees C for the city overall, but by as much as 1 degree C in dense central London. The researchers also found that the increase in the distribution of air con units in their model could be entirely powered by photovoltaic solar panels if they were similarly installed to their fullest extent.

To gauge the potential full effect of each method, the team modelled each one as though they had been as widely adopted as theoretically feasible across housing, commercial and industrial buildings throughout Greater London.

Lead author Dr Oscar Brousse (UCL Bartlett School Environment, Energy & Resources) said: “We comprehensively tested multiple methods that cities like London could use to adapt to and mitigate warming temperatures, and found that cool roofs were the best way to keep temperatures down during extremely hot summer days. Other methods had various important side benefits, but none were able to reduce outdoor urban heat to nearly the same level.”

As the climate changes, residents within cities are particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures. Cities generally trap heat, inducing the Urban Heat Island effect that can lead to greater discomfort and mortality for residents during hot spells. Finding ways to adapt or mitigate these warming temperatures has become a high priority for city planners and designers, who have been exploring passive cooling methods like cool roofs, green roofs and expanded urban vegetation as well as active methods for building interiors like air con.

The study offered additional insights into urban heat management by comprehensively comparing several common passive and active heat mitigation actions.

By reflecting rather than absorbing heat, cool roofs have the dual benefit of not only cooling the outside urban environment but the inside of buildings as well.  

Though on average the effect of green roofs was negligible, the researchers found that their effect on temperature varied significantly throughout the day. During the warmest times of day, the wide adoption of green roofs could lower urban temperatures by an average of 0.5 degrees C. However, this would be offset overnight as the thermal mass from the roofs would retain daytime heat, releasing when the sun was down and increasing night-time temperatures by about the same amount.

Converting city greenspaces from grass to deciduous tree cover would cool temperatures overnight but at best would have mixed net effects during the day. In addition, it would likely increase the amount of water vapour in the air, which would effectively increase the air humidity and could affect residents’ thermal comfort.

The research was supported by Wellcome and NERC.

• Research paper in  Geophysical Research Letters
• Dr Oscar Brousse’s academic profile
• UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
• UCL Faculty of the Built Environment
• Credit: OGULCAN AKSOY via iStock Photo

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Mike lucibella.

• E: m.lucibella [at] ucl.ac.uk

Travis Kelce joins Taylor Swift onstage during surprise Eras Tour appearance in London: Watch

Add Travis Kelce to the rolling credits of the Eras Tour.

Taylor Swift's boyfriend surprised 89,000 fans inside Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday by joining dancers Jan Ravnik and Kameron Saunders to revive the singer after she fell to the ground during "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived."

Kelce picked up Taylor Swift and carried her to the bright red lipstick couch before he, Ravnik and Saunders attempted to revive her so she could sing, "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart."

The tight end attended all three nights in London sharing a VIP tent with a slew of stars including Sir Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, Hugh Grant, Cate Blanchett, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. His brother Jason and sister-in-law Kylie also traded friendship bracelets and posed for pictures with Swifties.

Swift's boyfriend hinted toward the fire London shows in April while promoting his concert festival Kelce Jam.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

When asked what show can't be missed in Europe he announced the British capital along with her first European stop where she unveiled the new "Tortured Poets" set.

"Man, I'll tell you what, I think the London shows," he said to Entertainment Tonight. "I think she's at Wembley eight times, which is mind-blowing that she can do that many shows in one stadium and fill that thing up. I played in Wembley once, and I don't even think we filled that thing all the way up. And London's always an amazing city. Paris is an amazing city."

Swift heads to Dublin, Ireland, next.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

Best of the Money blog

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. We'll be back with updates on Monday - meantime, browse through some of our best features below.

Friday 5 July 2024 09:31, UK

Essential reads

• Savings Guide:  Savers have a rare opportunity - but it might be the last hurrah
• Cheap Eats : Two Michelin-starred chef reveals his favourites in Birmingham
• Women in Business : 'We don't get invited to golf' - The women who coordinated pregnancies to start virtual cancer care business and raised £5m
• Basically... What is income tax?
• Money Problem : 'I hired a car via EasyJet but they are directing my complaint to someone else - what can I do?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

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The Money blog will return on Monday - meantime, why not scroll through some of our best and most popular features below...

John Lewis is keeping its school uniform prices frozen for the fourth year running.

The department store chain also offers parents an online school uniform checklist to help prepare for the start of the new year.

It also offers a free shoe-fitting service, while some of its newer school uniform products released in the last three years have not seen a price rise.

John Lewis school uniform buyer Cydney Ball said: "Our customers trust us as the one-stop-shop for all things back to school."

Cineworld is drawing up plans to axe dozens of British cinemas as part of a radical restructuring that would also include extensive rent cuts.

Sky News has learned that the company, which until last year was listed on the London Stock Exchange, is considering closing about a quarter of its roughly-100 British multiplexes.

Cineworld also wants to renegotiate rent agreements at a further 50 sites, with the remaining 25 untouched by the restructuring.

Sources said the proposals were expected to be formally outlined to creditors including landlords in the coming weeks.

Read the full story here...

A safety charity has warned England fans against buying cheap electronics online amid a "blitz" of advertising.

Electrical Safety First is urging fans bombarded with ads for discounted goods "don't bring it home" in a new campaign to raise awareness of unregulated online marketplaces.

The charity have previously uncovered substandard and dangerous electrical products across major online marketplaces.

Examples of such include portable heaters posing a serious risk of electrocution, hair straighteners and hair dryers featuring illegal UK plugs and e-bike chargers that pose a fire risk.

"Football, and other global sporting events, are experiencing advertising blitzes by major online marketplaces across the globe, and at a time when millions of people are struggling with finances, we understand how appealing low-cost deals will be," said Electrical Safety First's chief executive Lesley Rudd.

"But it's important for fans to remember that they risk scoring an own goal if the deal they bag turns out to be a substandard or dangerous product.

"Substandard electronics can have serious consequences for your safety and an innocent purchase could put you and your family at risk."

The charity makes the following suggestions to consumers selecting electronics from online marketplaces:

• Pay attention to the plug - if a product is listed with a foreign plug and travel adaptor, do not buy it.
• Do not buy on price alone - not all bargains are worth it
• Make sure you do your homework if you decide to buy products below high street retail prices.
• Beware of a product with solely glowing reviews, especially if the reviewers are not verified.
• Make sure you know where the supplier is based - a "co.uk" URL doesn't guarantee the website is UK-based.
• If there is no address supplied, or there is just a PO Box, be wary; many dodgy electrical goods are manufactured overseas.
• Look for websites that allow you to pay safely – these have a padlock symbol in the address bar of the website you are visiting. If you cannot see it, do not enter your payment details.

Consumer spending on car purchases has risen three times faster than for public transport journeys, new figures show.

Around £57.4bn was spent in the UK on new and used cars in 2023, up 6% on five years earlier, according to AA analysis of Office for National Statistics data.

By comparison, consumer spending on public transport - including rail, buses, flights and taxis - was £60.9bn, representing a 2% increase on five years ago.

AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens claimed the figures highlight how vital motoring was for people in the UK, as well as the country's finances.

He said: "These latest ONS figures underline the UK's reliance on cars and the huge amounts of money they generate for the economy - not to mention VAT on that spending, and other tax.

"Cars are not just necessary but essential on so many levels. Even if a significant amount of car use was transformed into take-up of public transport, the impact on the economy and other income generation would be dramatic.

"Just think how much councils would lose if a high percentage of cars stopped turning up to their car parks or needing parking permits, and getting fined.

"The key question is whether what consumers spend on cars would translate into income for public transport and cover the cost of infrastructure investment to enable that.

"It seems that getting travelling consumers to fork out for their own transport and its maintenance, and then tax the heck out of them, is a pretty good deal for the public purse."

Running a car also accounted for a large chunk of the £78.6bn spent on what is described as the operation of personal transport, with spending on fuel and lubricants up 20% since 2018 to £41.7bn.

New car purchases down

But despite the fact more consumers are spending money on cars than on public transport, the number of purchases of new cars by private buyers has declined for nine months in a row, new figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said 67,625 new cars were registered by private consumers in June, down 15.3% from 79,798 during the same month last year.

Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said: "With average new car prices rising almost 40% over the last five years, it's clear cost is the culprit.

"Manufacturers are responding with discounts but they're failing to keep pace, which is forcing many buyers to opt for a used alternative.

"Whoever forms the next government needs to address electric car affordability and provide long-term stability for the market."

Environmental impact

Despite comments from the AA, the billions of pounds spent by consumers every year on cars is having a clear effect on UK roads - where overall traffic levels in 2023 were 2.2% higher than the previous year.

More cars on the roads means more air pollution, which is among the biggest environmental health risks facing people in the UK.

Burning petrol and diesel fuel creates harmful by products like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, while vehicles emit carbon dioxide, the most common human-caused greenhouse gas.

Even electric vehicles produce particulate matter from the friction between their tyres and the road.

Researchers from University College London estimated that 48,625 adults die prematurely each year in the UK due to particulate matter pollution. 

Presently, 79% of the UK exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual mean guideline for safe fine particulate matter levels. 

A Greek restaurant has faced criticism for its "rip off" prices.

Holidaymakers have been warned to stay away from DK Oyster on the popular holiday island of Mykonos, which has received swathes of bad reviews on  Tripadvisor .

The restaurant, which describes itself as being an "oasis of ultimate luxury and extravagance", has an average star rating of two on the website - although, in the interests of balance, it has 4.8 on Google reviews.  

Angry punters say they were lured into buying a drink at DK Oyster after being told the sunbeds were free, only for the prices for those drinks to be sky-high.

Among the latest to complain is Lori E, who said she returned home from her Greek holiday to see a charge of $876 (£690) for two drinks.

She wrote: "Total rip off! Make sure you get a receipt before leaving and check your credit card because they over charge. 

"Was told beds were free to sit it if we order food or drink. No problem....ordered 2 drinks which we afterwards saw were 51 euros each. 

"If that wasn't crazy enough we returned to the states and had a $876 charge on our account. FOR 2 DRINKS!!!"

The tourists are now trying to dispute the charge with their credit card company after never receiving a paper copy of a receipt.

Responding to the Tripadvisor review, DK Oyser said: "Our sunbeds come with minimum consumption, so we encourage all visitors to check the menus, before placing their orders. 

"I would like to note that our menus are displayed on blackboards near the entrance, showing the prices of our food and drinks to keep our guests informed."

Other reviews claim DK Oyser charged them £253 for sea bass and £100 for a jumbo shrimp that "wasn't cooked properly".

DK Oyster has been contacted for comment.

Iceland is set to partner with parenting website Mumsnet to launch a range of children's products.

Mumsnet CEO Justine Roberts, and the brand's partnership director Sarah Murray-Muncila, met with members of Iceland's innovation team last week to work on the products.

According to The Grocer , the new products will hit the stores in early 2025.

"We've been working on something truly special in partnership with Iceland Foods," Mumsnet said.

"Big things are happening for little ones."

Iceland has launched several new collaborations in recent months, including exclusive products with brands such as Slimming World, MyProtein and boxer Tyson Fury's Furocity.

It's not just a big day in the UK with voters heading to the polls but also in the US with 4 July celebrations taking place.

And there's plenty to celebrate for those with a stake in US stocks. 

Last night, there was another record high for the S&P 500 index that tracks the share price performance of the 500 largest companies listed on US stock exchanges.

The performance of companies on the tech firm-heavy New York-based NASDAQ too reached a new high.

It came as Elon Musk's Tesla saw its share price reaching a six-month high, along with the rise and rise of trillion-dollar AI microchip maker Nvidia.

Today and tomorrow will likely be quieter as the US markets close. 

In the UK, both the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 and 250 indexes are up - 0.76% in the list of 100 most valuable companies and 0.42% in the 101st to 250th most valued firms. 

While the pound does by buy less euro than it did earlier this month, with £1 equal to €1.18 it's still buying more than during most of the last year.

Against the dollar, sterling has held the gains of the last few weeks and a pound will get you $1.2749. 

There is no let up for motorists as the oil price is sticking around the two-month high mark. A barrel of the benchmark Brent crude oil costs $86.59.

As house prices continue to rise, so too does the age at which young people can expect to own their own home. 

Unfortunately, even the ceiling of the term "young people" isn't far off from being challenged - with fresh research suggesting that the average age of a first-time buyer in the UK is 33 years and 8 months old, according to Mojo Mortgages . 

In comparison, in 1960, the average first-time buyer was 23 years old, according to separate research by Keepmoat Homes. 

Comparatively, however, the average age of a first-time buyer in 2014 was 32 years, 6 months old, according to the Office for National Statistics. 

During the same period, the average price of a house in the UK rose from around £188,000 (January 2014) to £282,000  ( January this year). 

Back to today's figures - and those in Wales are able to buy their homes the youngest, with the data suggesting the average first-time buyer there is 31 years old. 

Naturally, the older you buy a home, the later in life you'll pay off a mortgage. 

With an average mortgage length of 30 years, it seems the average UK first-time buyer isn't expected to be mortgage-free until they are 63 years and 8 months old.

And if you live in the capital, you'll surpass the current retirement age at 66 years, 8 months. 

Here's a full breakdown of how old first-time buyers are, the average mortgage length and age they can expect to be mortgage-free by region... 

A lot of people have had to renegotiate or extend their mortgages thanks to soaring interest rates in recent years - and the data from Mojo tells us a little about that too.

The study found extending your mortgage term by 10 years (to 35 years) will cost today's average first-time buyer an extra £110,640, which may impact later life planning and their pension.

Barclaycard is cutting the minimum amount its customers have to repay each month.

While the move may sound like good news on the surface, it could well mean you're in debt for longer and end up paying more interest. 

At the moment, most Barclaycard customers have a minimum repayment of 3.75% of their balance, 2.5% of their balance plus interest, or £5. 

But, from 22 July, that will change to the highest amount out of: 

• 1% of their balance
• 1% of their balance plus interest

This means if you are currently only paying the minimum on your card, you'll likely repay less each month. 

But, minimum amounts are designed to keep people in debt for as long as possible, and lowering them just makes this period even longer.

MoneySavingExpert says the change means it could now take a customer with a £1,000 debt an extra decade to pay it off, if they only pay the minimum amount.

On average, it says it will take 19 years and three months to clear and the interest will total £1,655. 

Founder of MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis says the change is "worryingly under the radar" and urged customers to check if their repayments are set to the minimum amount.

"Minimum repayments have always been credit card firms' secret weapon. Letting people repay little looks appealing – hence why Barclaycard says this is about 'flexibility'. Yet it takes flexibility to kick your own backside, and this will hurt some just as much," he said.

A Barclays spokesperson told Sky News: "We regularly review our products and from July, some Barclaycard customers will see changes to their minimum monthly payments, alongside adjustments to the APR.

"Customers will benefit from a reduction in their minimum monthly repayment and the vast majority have no change to APR, while some will receive a decrease.

"We have made these changes to increase flexibility for our customers and have been clear in our communications that paying more than the minimum can help customers clear their balance sooner and pay less interest." 

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