Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
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Warwick Castle
In 1608 William the Conqueror built Warwick Castle, one of England’s most magnificent medieval castles, on the banks of the River Avon and encircled by beautiful parklands. Now a historical theme park run by Merlin Entertainments, it’s a full-on medieval experience filled with fascinating exhibits, interactive tours, and activities for the whole family.
The Basics
A Warwick Castle tour includes access to the castle’s armory, state rooms, and Great Hall, as well as the towers, ramparts, and gardens. Optional extras include entrance to the Castle Dungeon Experience or a traditional cream tea at the Warwick Castle Conservatory Tea House. Warwick Castle tours from London are often combined with a visit to William Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, the university city of Oxford, or the Cotswolds.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Warwick Castle is a must-see for history, architecture, and castle buffs.
- Visitor facilities include luggage lockers, ATMs, restaurants, gift shops, and car parking (fees apply).
- Audio guides are available in eight different languages.
- Some parts of the castle are accessible to wheelchair users. Strollers are not allowed inside the castle, but free stroller storage is available.
How to Get There
Warwick Castle is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Birmingham, about a 40-minute drive; from central London, it’s a 2-hour drive along the M40. Direct trains run from London’s Marylebone station to Warwick Station, about a mile from the castle.
When to Get There
Warwick Castle is open daily throughout the year, but the busiest times to visit are July, August, and during school holidays. Although visiting outside of these times is advisable if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, many of the castle’s shows and activities close down or offer limited availability in low season. The most atmospheric times to visit include Christmas and Easter, when the castle hosts special seasonal events and festivities.
Things to Do at Warwick Castle
There’s loads to see and do at Warwick Castle. Watch one of the world’s largest working catapults launch a flaming fireball, learn about the castle’s history at the Time Tower multimedia exhibition, attend a medieval banquet, or watch the spectacular Dragon Slayer show (selected dates in August only), which includes fire jousting, daring stunts, and a thrilling display of lights and pyrotechnics.
Kids will love following the Horrible Histories adventure maze, dressing up in period costumes, and watching displays of medieval jousting, archery, and falconry. You can even spend a night at the castle, either staying in one of the luxury Tower Suites, a lodge, or a glamping tent in the Knight’s Village.
Address: Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 4QU, England
Hours: Open daily, 10am - 4pm
Admission: Adults: £14.55
From $ 69
Salisbury Cathedral
With its dramatic Gothic facade and Britain’s highest church spire at an impressive 404 feet (123 m), the Salisbury Cathedral is one of the country’s most visited religious monuments, drawing some 250,000 visitors each year. As well as admiring the cathedral’s remarkable 13th-century architecture and exquisite stained-glass windows, visitors can climb the 332 steps to the top of the tower for a magnificent view of Salisbury.
The cathedral’s star attraction is an original copy of the 1215 Magna Carta, one of the world’s most famous and significant documents that remains a cornerstone of British law. An interactive Magna Carta exhibition walks visitors through the historic events of its legacy of social justice. The cathedral also holds the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, which dates back to 1386, and afternoon tea in the Bell Tower Tearooms.
The best way to discover the cathedral is on a 90-minute guided tour of Salisbury, with entrance included. Many visitors opt to visit on a day trip from London, often combined with a visit to nearby Stonehenge or Avebury stone circle.
Practical Info
Salisbury Cathedral is located in central Salisbury, and is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Adult admission is £7.50 and £3 for youth.
Did you know? The Magna Carta on display in Salisbury Cathedral is one of only four surviving original copies in the world, and is listed on UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World’ Heritage list.
Address: 6 The Close, Salisbury, England
Hours: 9am–5pm
Admission: Adult £7.50, Child £3
From $ 103
West End Theater District
Equally as renowned as New York’s Broadway Theater District, London’s West End is widely acclaimed for its award-winning theater productions and vast variety of shows and musicals. Seeing a ‘West End Show’ is a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike, with regular performances of a number of world renowned titles like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Blood Brothers and many award-winning film actors from both England and the United States choosing to take to the West End stages. Recent hits like The Lion King, Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You, have helped increase West End visitors to over 13 million annual show-watchers.
The West End has a long history with theater - the first venue opened on Drury Lane back in 1663 and today the area boasts around 40 theaters, many housed in beautifully preserved Victorian houses. Today the West End, sometimes referred to as ‘Theatreland’, spans the areas of Oxford Street, the Strand, Regent Street and Kingsway in Central London, with venues including the Theatre Royal, the area’s oldest theater; The Coliseum the largest in the capital with its 2,358 seats and the prestigious National Theater on Southbank. It’s an area that encompasses many of central London’s key attractions, shopping districts, restaurants and nightlife, making an evening show in the West End a popular finale to London tours.
The West End has a long history with theater - the first venue opened on Drury Lane back in 1663 and today the area boasts around 40 theaters, many housed in beautifully preserved Victorian houses. Today the West End, sometimes referred to as ‘Theatreland’, spans the areas of Oxford Street, the Strand, Regent Street and Kingsway in Central London, with venues including the Theatre Royal, the area’s oldest theater; The Coliseum the largest in the capital with its 2,358 seats and the prestigious National Theater on Southbank. It’s an area that encompasses many of central London’s key attractions, shopping districts, restaurants and nightlife, making an evening show in the West End a popular finale to London tours.
Address: London, England
From $ 13
Walker Art Gallery
Take time out from the bustling city streets with a visit to the Walker Art Gallery, home to a diverse collection of artwork that spans eight centuries. Peruse masterpieces by artists, such as Monet, Rembrandt, and David Hockney, and enjoy an experience in the Big Art for Little Artists gallery, a hands-on space designed for young children.
The Basics
Noted for its neoclassical facade and entrance sculptures, the Walker Art Gallery is a popular stop on cycling tours that provide an overview of the city. For those who want a closer look at the rich interior, flexible hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours allow the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Visitors can also opt to combine a visit with a cruise along the Mersey, or a journey to the Liverpool Cathedral’s bell tower.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Featuring one of the largest collections in England, the gallery is a must-visit for art aficionados.
- The gallery is popular with all age ranges, with a space specifically curated for those under 8. It also offers pram storage and a breastfeeding-friendly atmosphere.
- For those with limited time, take advantage of the combined tours to see the gallery, along with other top city attractions.
- The gallery is wheelchair accessible and an autism-friendly space. It offers accessible toilets and large-print guides/menus.
How to Get There
The Walker Art Gallery is situated centrally, just a few minutes’ walk north of Lime Street Station, and northeast of Queen Square bus station, on William Brown Street. Due to traffic congestion and expensive parking in the city center, visitors traveling by road often opt for a tour that includes a convenient hop-on hop-off service.
When to Get There
The gallery opens daily year-round, except Christmas and New Year bank holidays. Morning is the optimal time for a tranquil stroll through the collection, before the lunchtime crowds arrive. Weekends in the city center are often lively, while midweek brings a quieter vibe.
Discover the Cultural Quarter
Walker Art Gallery is situated on William Brown Street, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its uniquely high concentration of public, listed buildings. Gain further insight into the city’s culture with a visit to neighboring landmarks, including St. John’s Gardens, St. George’s Hall, and the Liverpool Empire Theatre.
Address: William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EL, England
From $ 21
Savoy Theatre
Opened in 1881 in London’s West End, the Savoy Theatre sits on the site of the old Savoy Palace and adjacent to the Savoy Hotel. The original auditorium was demolished in 1929 and a new one was completed within just six months. Decorated in red and gold and often described as dazzling or gleaming, it is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in London. Built as a showcase for the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, the theater today seats more than 1100 over four levels. It was also the first public building in the world to feature incandescent electric lighting, with lights once being powered by a 120-horsepower generator. After being ravaged by a fire in 1990, its reopening in 1993 attracted worldwide media coverage.
Recent shows at the Savoy Theatre have included Legally Blonde, Cabaret, Guys and Dolls and, currently, Funny Girl.
Practical Info
To reach the Savoy Theatre by the Tube, take the Northern Line or Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross or Embankment, or the District Line or Circle Line to Embankment. More than a two dozen bus lines also run nearby.
Address: Savoy Court, the Strand, London, England
Admission: Ticket prices vary
From $ 123
Westminster
The political, historical and cultural heart of London, the central district of Westminster is one of the capital’s busiest areas and home to so many of the city’s top attractions that many tourists never venture far outside its boundaries. Most visitors start their tour along the Thames River waterfront, where highlights include the Houses of Parliament, the Gothic Westminster Abbey and Westminster Palace, home to the iconic Big Ben clock tower, while the famous London Eye looms on the opposite riverbank.
Close by is the grand central boulevard of Whitehall, which leads to Parliament Square and the Prime Minister's official residence at 10 Downing Street; Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery; the Tate Britain and, to the north, the vibrant West End Theater district.
Another star attraction of Westminster is Buckingham Palace, the official home of Her Majesty the Queen, linked to the city by St James Park, The Mall and the Horse Guards Parade, where the annual Trooping the Colour celebration is held.
Practical Info
The district of Westminster is located in central London just west of the City, on the north bank of the Thames River.
Address: Westminster, London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 12
Wallace Collection
Amassed by the Hertford-Wallace family throughout the 19th century, the collection was given to the nation by the widow Lady Wallace in 1897 and opened to the public in 1900. The notable works, displayed in a traditional aristocratic townhouse, include French 18th-century painting, furniture, and porcelain, as well as important pieces by Rembrandt, Hals, and Velázquez.
The Basics
This often-overlooked collection offers visitors unique insight into European art and social history with more than 5,000 display pieces lining the stately rooms, including paintings, ceramics, furniture, and sculptures. Select tours offer a visit as part of a private London itinerary, allowing for a fully personalized experience, while the museum itself offers private group tours, out-of-hours visits, and family activity maps, as well as a free highlights tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Wallace Collection is free to enter.
- With one of the best ancien régime collections outside of France, as well as works by the old masters, the museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in European history.
- The museum is wheelchair-accessible, with ramp access, a lift between floors, and accessible toilets.
How to Get There
The Wallace Collection is a 10-minute walk from Bond Street, served by the Central and Jubilee lines. Marylebone is the nearest mainline station, about a 20-minute walk away, or a short bus ride (No. 139, 13, 113, 189, or 174) straight down Gloucester Place. Driving in London is not recommended, although there is limited parking available in Manchester Square for disabled visitors.
When to Get There
The collection is open daily, and its on-site restaurant, Peyton and Byrne, offers dining in a glass-covered courtyard from breakfast through afternoon tea daily, and for dinner Friday and Saturday.
Links to British Aristocracy
When the widow of Sir Richard Wallace gifted the collection in 1897, it was an end to a long family legacy of collecting. The Wallace Collection was amassed by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, the son of Richard Seymour-Conway, the fourth Marquess. The Seymour family are well-known in British history; Jane Seymour, Queen of England from 1536 to 1537, was the third wife of Henry VIII and a distant Wallace relative.
Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, England
From $ 54
Sea Life London Aquarium
Located in a colonnade-fronted, early 20th-century County Hall building (the former headquarters for the Greater London Council), the Sea Life London Aquarium is one of Europe’s aquatic museums with 14 themed zones. Marine-life displays include walk-over glass shark tanks, transparent tunnels where sea turtles swim overhead, and kaleidoscopic coral reefs. Visitors also love the penguin exhibit, where it’s possible to observe adorable orange-beaked gentoo penguins waddling on land and swimming gracefully underwater.
The Basics
Admission to the aquarium not only includes access to the themed zones but also allows visitors to attend various feedings and educational talks held throughout the day. Guests can opt for skip-the-line tickets to save time or combo tickets to save money, the latter of which access to the aquarium as well as other big-ticket London attractions, such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds London, and DreamWorks Tours: Shrek's Adventure. Alternatively, combine a trip to the aquarium with a cruise on London’s Thames River to view major riverside landmarks such as Big Ben, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral from the water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Book in advance for VIP experiences, such as a behind-the-scenes tour offering exclusive access or snorkeling with sharks.
- Lines often form during peak periods when 15-minute time slots are allocated for entry. Book a skip-the-line ticket for fast and flexible access.
- The London Aquarium is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Sea Life London Aquarium is located on the South Bank right beside the London Eye. Take the Tube to Westminster (Circle, Jubilee and District lines) or to Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines). Rail services also stop at Waterloo station.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm and weekends from 9:30am to 7pm. The site is a kid-friendly and family-oriented attraction and is therefore busiest during school vacations and on weekends. Avoid waiting around by purchasing a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
The Weird and Wonderful Marine Species of London Aquarium
More than 500 marine species of all shapes and sizes are represented here, from finger-length seahorses to giant Japanese spider crabs. You can spot flesh-eating red bellied piranhas and endangered Cuban crocodiles, pointy-toothed sand tiger sharks and a 6.5-foot-tall (two-meter-tall) lion’s mane jellyfish—the largest known jellyfish species in the world.
Address: Country Hall, Westminister Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Tate Britain
Tate Britain is an art gallery in Pimlico, London. It contains the largest collection of British art in the world and is one of four Tate museums across the UK. Visitors come to see priceless works by painters from the last 500 years, including JMW Turner, Lucian Freud, and David Hockney.
The Basics
Entirely devoted to British works of art, the collections here cover an extremely wide range, from modern sculptures by Barbara Hepworth to prints and paintings by the 18th-century satirist William Hogarth. For any visitor to London who wants to learn more about the cultural heritage of the UK, it’s a must-visit spot. The museum also hosts the annual, and sometimes controversial Turner Prize, which celebrates contemporary British artists.
The gallery building is also worthy of note. It was purpose-built by industrialist Henry Tate to house his own art collection, which included many important Pre-Raphaelite works after he tried to donate them to the National Gallery and was turned down. The museum opened at Millbank along the River Thames in 1897. Many visitors opt for a guided tour to learn more about the different paintings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to Tate Britain is free; special exhibitions require a separate (paid) ticket.
- Special tours of the museum can be booked ahead of time.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- You’ll find a cafe, restaurant, and museum store on-site.
How to Get There
Tate Britain is located at Millbank, in Pimlico, London. The closest tube (subway) stations are Victoria Line’s Pimlico and Vauxhall. Overground trains also run to Vauxhall. Bus no. 87 stops at Millbank. A shuttle boat service runs every 40 minutes between Tate Britain and Tate Modern on the South Bank in Central London.
When to Get There
Tate Britain is open daily from 10am–6pm. Weekends are especially busy so plan to visit during the week for a quieter experience.
Visit Tate Modern, Too
While Tate Britain is dedicated to British art, its sister museum across town on London’s South Bank features contemporary works from artists across the world. Its huge central space, Turbine Hall, offers a revolving display of thought-provoking installations, and the museum has mounted special exhibitions of artists from American artist Edward Hopper to French post-impressionist Henri Matisse.
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, England
From $ 39
Wastwater Lake
England’s deepest lake and the focal point of one of the Lake District’s most striking vistas, Wastwater Lake is best known for its rugged screes – the rocky cliff faces that plummet into the water along the east bank. With its inky blue waters and backdrop of craggy peaks, including Red Pike, Great Gable and Scafell Pike, England’s highest Mountain, it’s easy to see why the remote lake was named “Britain's Favorite View” back in 2007.
The main activity at Wastwater Lake is hiking and a network of trails run along the waterfront and out into the surrounding mountains and Wasdale Valley, or else it’s possible to rent a kayak or canoe to cruise around the lake (sailing and motor boats are banned).
Practical Info
Wastwater Lake is located in the western part of the Lake District National Park.
Address: Lake District, England
From $ 62
Wensleydale Creamery
Welcome to cheese heaven! At the award-winning Wensleydale Creamery, visitors will learn everything there is to know about the famous British cheese and the art of cheese making. It’s even possible to see the cheese literally being cut, stirred, pitched, and salted by hand at the viewing gallery inside the Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese Experience. The creamery is also home to a gift shop (where a vast array of cheese and cheese-related paraphernalia are available), a deli, a coffee shop, and a restaurant with views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. There is also a newly refurbished visitor center on-site, which explains the history and heritage of the Wensleydale cheese and where visitors will have the opportunity to taste the stuff for themselves.
Practical Info
The Wensleydale Creamery is located on Gayle Lane in Hawes, North Yorkshire. It can be reached by car from both York and Newcastle in less than two hours via routes M1 and A66. It can also be reached by public transit, taking the train to Northallerton and then the 856 bus to Gayle, stopping at Wensleydale Creamery. Entry fee to the museum and cheese experience costs £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child and £7.50 per family of two adults and two children. The cheese and gift shops are open every day from 10 am to 4 pm.
Address: Gayle Ln, Hawes, North Yorkshire, England
Hours: Cheese and gift shops are open every day from 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission: £2.50 per adult, £1.50 per child
From $ 55
Stonehenge
An archaeological marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the world’s most enigmatic tourist attractions, Stonehenge draws up to 1.3 million visitors annually. The site itself—a circle of gigantic stones standing in the heart of the English countryside—is made even more impressive by its mysterious history. Although Stonehenge’s original purpose remains unknown, onlookers gather to admire the 3,500-year-old structure and ponder its astronomical, spiritual, or even supernatural meaning.
The Basics
Entrance to Stonehenge is via timed ticket. You’ll be able to view the stones from a few meters away, and shuttle transportation between the observation areas is included with entry. Access to the stones is limited to 30 minutes, but you can spend as long as you like exploring the site’s visitor center. If you want to visit the Inner Circle and walk among the stones, you’ll need to book a special tour outside of public opening hours. Day tours from London are often combined with nearby attractions such as Oxford, Windsor Castle, Bath, Stratford-Upon-Avon, or the Cotswolds.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission lines can be long and tour times may sell out quickly, especially in summer, so it’s best to book in advance.
- Audio guides are available in 10 different languages.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center.
- Stonehenge is located on an open plain, so be prepared for changeable weather—wind and rain are common.
- The shuttle buses, visitor center, and stone-viewing areas are fully wheelchair accessible.
- Last admission is two hours before the daily closing time.
How to Get There
Stonehenge is located about 88 miles (142 kilometers) southwest of London, which is about two hours by road. Most tours include round-trip transportation from London and offer pick-up from your hotel or a central location. It’s also possible to take a paid shuttle bus from Salisbury rail station.
When to Get There
Stonehenge is open all year round, but the most atmospheric time to visit is during the summer or winter solstice, when a huge party celebrates the longest and shortest days of the year, and entrance is free. Although visits are timed, it can get crowded in summer, so arrive early or opt for a sunrise or sunset tour to experience the landmark at its most photogenic.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Stonehenge
The visitor center offers a fascinating accompaniment to a tour of Stonehenge. Inside, visitors can admire archaeological treasures unearthed at the site, gain a unique perspective through a 360-degree audio-visual display, and step inside a series of recreated Neolithic houses.
Address: Junction of A303 and A344/360, England
Hours: Apr-May: 9:30am - 7:00pm, June-Aug: 9:00am - 8:00pm, Sept-Oct: 9:30am-7:00pm, Oct-Mar: 9:30am-5:00pm
Admission: Adults: £15.50, Children (5-15): £9.30, Students/Seniors: £13.90
From $ 62
Tardis Police Box
In the 1960s, the popular science fiction series, Doctor Who, decided to use a police box as the time machine that features heavily in the show. Police boxes were introduced in Britain during the late 1800s as a way for police officers to communicate back to the police station. They functioned as a mini police station with a direct phone line and allowed officers a place to handle paperwork and temporarily hold prisoners until transport arrived.
Known as a TARDIS, which stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space, the police box time machine is one of the most iconic symbols from the show. The TARDIS is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, and it has chameleon-like qualities that allow it to change to blend in better when it lands in another time and place. However, it often malfunctions and still looks like the old police box. In real life, due to more modern forms of communication, most boxes have been removed or are in a state of disrepair. However, one remaining police box, located on Earl's Court Road, attracts fans of Doctor Who from around the world.
Practical Info
The TARDIS Police Box is located outside the eastern entrance to the Earl's Court tube station in London.
Address: 236 Earls Court Road, Kensington, London, England
From $ 16
Tarn Hows
One of the most-popular tourist attractions in the Lake District, “the Tarns,” as the locals call it, is a picturesque area visited by over half a million tourists per year since the 1970s. Rightfully so: not only is this an area of outstanding beauty, but it’s also yet another gem bequeathed to the National Trust by Lake District aficionado Beatrix Potter.
A tarn is a mountain lake that was formed in a cirque excavated by a glacier, which is later filled with rain or river water. Despite being an icon of the Lake District, Tarn Hows is not typical of the region in terms of landscapes; surrounded by thick conifer woodlands, the actual tarn is partly artificial, having been created by James Garth Marshall in the 1850s. It consists of three distinct tarns, which merged in the 19th century.
Located in the low-level valley nestled between the villages of Coniston and Hawkshead, Tarn Hows is now just more than half a mile long (just under 1 km) and 820 feet (250 meters) wide, and contains five islands. It is fed at its northern end by numerous valleys and basin mires and drained by several waterfalls that cascade down the Glen Mary Bridge.
Hikers and trekkers will enjoy the accessible 1.5-mile (2.4-km) path that circles the tarn, while fauna enthusiasts will appreciate the heavy presence of Galloway cattle and Herdwick sheep.
Practical Info
Tarns Hows is just under two hours from both Liverpool and Manchester (via M6, A591 and B5286) and 2.5 hours from Newcastle (via A69, M6, A66 and A591). Car parking is free for National Trust members but costs a small fee to nonmembers. The Tarns are open all day, every day of the year, free of charge.
Address: Boon Crag, Coniston, England
From $ 39
Warner Bros Studio London
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and journey behind the scenes of one of the most successful film series of all time at the Warner Bros Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter. Fans can step inside memorable sets such as Diagon Alley, Dumbledore's office, and the Great Hall; discover behind-the-scenes secrets and special effects used in the Harry Potter movies; and admire a huge collection of costumes, iconic props, and interactive exhibitions.
The Basics
Visiting the Warner Bros Studio is only possible by guided tour, with most tours including return transportation from London. Potter fanatics can also combine a studio tour with stops at other notable Harry Potter film locations in England, such as Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross St. Pancras in London or the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College in Oxford.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets to the Warner Bros Studio must be booked in advance—each visitor is given an assigned time slot.
- Be sure to bring your camera and comfortable shoes, as there’s lots to explore on a walking tour.
- Printed guidebooks and digital guides are available in nine different languages.
- Most areas of the studio are wheelchair accessible, although a few of the sets have uneven ground that may make access difficult.
- Free WiFi is available on-site.
How to Get There
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is located in Watford, about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of central London. The closest railway station is Watford Junction, from where direct services run from London Euston and take about 20 minutes—shuttle buses run from the station to the studio.
When to Get There
The Warner Bros Studio is open all year round, but special events are often held during school holidays and celebrations. At Christmas time, the annual Hogwarts in the Snow event brings a host of seasonal festivities, while at Halloween, the sets get a spooky makeover.
Magical Moments on the Harry Potter Studio Tour
Immerse yourself in JK Rowling’s wizarding world by hopping aboard the original Hogwarts Express steam train, wandering through the Forbidden Forest and the Dark Arts exhibitions, and taking a peek inside Hagrid’s Hut, the Gryffindor Common Room, and the Ministry of Magic. You can even try on costumes, taste a cup of Butterbeer or a Butterbeer ice cream (extra cost), or pose for a green-screen photo to see yourself “flying” on a broomstick. Don’t forget to pick up a wand or another piece of official Harry Potter fan merchandise in the Studio Gift Shop.
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, England
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 100
Scafell Pike Mountain
Towering 978m over the surrounding lakelands, the craggy peak of Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain and it’s long been a popular challenge for hikers. Located at the heart of the Lake District National Park, Scafell Pike is one of a string of high fells that run between Wast Water and Buttermere lakes, including the nearby High Stile, Red Pike and Great End.
Tackling the mighty peak is a manageable challenge for hikers with a reasonable fitness level and can be completed in a day. The most popular route sets out from Seathwaite and follows the scenic Corridor Route from Sty Head to Lingmell Col, before climbing to the summit of Scafell Pike – an approximately 7-hour round-trip hike.
Practical Info
Scafell Pike Mountain overlooks the eastern bank of Wast Water lake in the Lake District National Park.
Address: Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England
From $ 19
Tate Modern
Perched on the banks of River Thames, Tate Modern is the epicenter of London’s contemporary art scene. It’s a culture lover’s paradise and one of the world’s largest modern art museums, complete with cutting edge works, thought-provoking installations, and dramatic think pieces.
The Basics
Many visitors explore the museum independently, but taking a private guided tour means you can benefit from the expertise of an experienced art critic. Combine your tour with a visit to the nearby Tate Britain museum by hopping on the scenic Tate Boat, which runs between the two sites every 40 minutes during gallery opening times. Or, choose a London Pass and enjoy access to dozens of other London attractions in addition to the museum. Alternatively, admire the striking Tate Modern façade on a London sightseeing tour or Thames River cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated and ticket prices for special exhibitions vary.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a coat check, gift shops, a café, and a restaurant.
- Tate Modern is wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps are available on all floors.
How to Get There
Tate Modern is located on the Thames River’s southern bank, opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral. The museum is easy to reach on foot, either by crossing the Millennium Bridge from the north bank or strolling along the riverfront from the Southbank entertainment district. The closest tube stations are Southwark, Mansion House, and Blackfriars. Visitors to the nearby Tate Britain museum can reach Tate Modern by cruising across Thames River on the Tate Boat.
When to Get There
Tate Modern is open year-round from 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. The museum can get busy in summer, so plan to arrive early or opt for a weekday visit during this time. Don’t miss the spring and autumn Museums at Night festival, when the museum hosts a range of special events and parties after dark.
Modern Masterpieces at Tate Modern
The museum’s vast permanent collection includes works by iconic artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol, and Bourgeois. The grand centerpiece of Tate Modern is the enormous Turbine Hall, where specially commissioned art installations have included headline-grabbing works such as Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds and Olafur Eliasson’s The Weather Project.
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, England
Hours: Open every day except December 24-26.
Admission: Entry is free except for major exhibitions.
From $ 12
Wembley Stadium
The largest stadium in the United Kingdom and the second largest in Europe, Wembley Stadium is an iconic London landmark. Since the remodeled stadium opened in 2007, it has hosted the annual FA Cup final, the 2012 Olympic Games finals, and the UEFA Champions League Finals, and also serves as a venue for world-renowned musicians.
The Basics
Football enthusiasts can experience the electric atmosphere of match day at Wembley Stadium with tickets to a Tottenham Hotspur game, while sports fans can opt for a behind-the-scenes tour to see the players’ dressing room, the press conference room, the royal box, the players tunnel, and the pitchside. For the most spectacular views, soar overhead on a helicopter tour and enjoy an aerial view of the 440-foot-high (134-meter) Wembley Arch.
Things to Know Before You Go
- On-site facilities include restrooms, ATMs, food kiosks, a bar and restaurant, and a stadium store.
- Large bags and items are not permitted in the stadium, and bags are subject to security checks.
- Wembley Stadium is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Located in Wembley, North London, the stadium is accessible by train (Wembley Stadium station) from London Marylebone, by tube via the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines (Wembley Park station), and by National Express buses from over 50 cities in the UK. It is not advised to travel there by car as parking is limited, but it is possible to do so from central London via the A40, A406, and A4088.
When to Get There
Wembley Stadium is open year-round, but public entrance is only by guided tour or for sporting events and music concerts.
Music Concerts at Wembley Stadium
Because it’s the UK equivalent of Madison Square Garden, playing a gig at Wembley is a sought-after achievement for bands and artists around the globe. Amongst its most famous events, the stadium hosted the 2007 Live Earth concert and the commemorative Concert for Diana, as well as sold-out concerts by acts such as Muse, George Michael, Bon Jovi, Metallica, Madonna, Oasis, and AC/DC. Take That played a record-breaking eight nights at Wembley Stadium in 2011, which was the fastest- and biggest-selling tour in UK history with 623,737 tickets sold.
Address: Wembley, London, England
Admission: Tours: Adults £20, Child £12
From $ 73
Wellington Arch
As the grand centerpiece of Hyde Park Corner, Wellington Arch is among London’s most viewed landmarks, but it’s also possible to explore inside the historic monument. Built for George IV between 1826 and 1830 to commemorate the British victories in the Napoleonic Wars, the Wellington Arch was originally intended to stand at the entrance to Buckingham Palace.
A short stroll from both Hyde Park and Green Park, the Arch offers great views over the royal parks and nearby Buckingham Palace, as well as making a great spot from which to watch the daily Changing of the Guards ceremony – the mounted Horse Guards pass right beneath the arch. Visitors can also enjoy three floors of exhibitions telling the story of the arch’s history and the Battle of Waterloo.
Practical Info
The Wellington Arch is located on Hyde Park Corner at the western corner of Green Park in central London and is open daily from 10am to 4pm (winter) or 6pm (summer). Adult admission is £4.70 or free with the London Pass.
Address: Apsley Way, London, England
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm (winter) or 6pm (summer)
Admission: Adult £4.70, Child £2.80
From $ 32
Salisbury Museum
Located in the grand King’s House, in the shadows of the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, the Salisbury Museum is as impressive from the outside as it is on the inside. The award-winning museum is home to one of the UK’s most treasured archaeological collections, the Stonehenge Gallery, which displays items excavated from the iconic stone circle. Many visitors choose to complement their visit with a tour of nearby Stonehenge, just five miles (eight km) from Salisbury.
It’s not just Stonehenge that takes center stage—the fascinating Wessex Gallery exhibition chronicles more than 500,000 years of human history in the region and includes some of the oldest gold objects ever found in Britain. The Costume Gallery displays a colorful collection of clothing and accessories dating back from the 1750s, while the Ceramics Gallery includes rare and unusual items from the Victorian era.
Visit Salisbury Museum on a day trip from London that includes additional stops in Stonehenge and Windsor.
Practical Info
The Salisbury Museum is located by the West Front of Salisbury Cathedral in central Salisbury. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. Adult admission is £8.
Did you know? One of the most unique items on display at the Salisbury Museum is the ‘Lake House Meteorite’, the largest known meteorite ever to have fallen in Britain. It weighs 198 lbs (90 kg) and is now over 30,000 years old.
Address: The Kings House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, South West England, England
Hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–5pm, Sun 12–5pm
Admission: Adult £8, Child £4
From $ 10