Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
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Wray Castle
One of the most-beloved castles in the United Kingdom and one of the finest examples of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture (some would use the term “mock Gothic”), Wray Castle is an important stop on any Lake District itinerary. Built along the shoreline of Windermere lake in 1840, it was the starting point of Beatrix Potter’s illustrious love affair with the Lake District.
Potter’s family vacationed there in the summer of 1882, well before the castle was used as a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers and eventually handed over to the National Trust, which had plans to turn the castle into a hotel. Popular demand led the organization to rethink its decision and ultimately decide to open the grandiose castle to the public. Tourists have been flocking to the area ever since. The castle is completely empty inside — and therefore very kid-friendly — and offers several dressing-up areas and over 50 activities.
Practical Info
The castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-March to October and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November to mid-December. The castle is closed to visitors between mid-December and mid-March, but its grounds are open from dawn until dusk year-round. Free guided visits of the property are available. Admission costs £7.20 for adults, £3.60 for kids and £18 per family. Wray Castle can be reached from Liverpool and Manchester in two hours via the M6, the A591 and the B5286; however, due to its popularity, the castle’s parking lot tends to be full by as early as 11 a.m. Additionally, there are regular boats direct from Ambleside and a bus service running from Ferry Nab via Hill Top and Hawkshead.
Address: Low Wray, Ambleside, England
Hours: Park is open year round; castle hours vary
Admission: Adults: £7.20, Children: £3.60, Families: £18
From $ 78
Whitby
With its blue flag beaches, colorful fishing harbor and windswept cliffs, Whitby has long ranked among England’s most popular coastal towns, first earning fame as a Georgian seaside resort, then for its booming jet mining industry in Victorian times, and now infamous for its abundance of ghosts and thriving Goth scene.
A highlight of the North York Moors National Park and a key stop on the famous North Yorkshire Moors steam railway, Whitby’s striking good looks and historic connections make it a must-see for visitors to the north. Highlights include the cliff-top Whitby Abbey, which famously inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and the Captain Cook Museum, devoted to the legendary local explorer, while simple pleasures abound - pick up some fish ‘n’ chips from the renowned Magpie Café, stroll along the scenic River Esk waterfront or shop for jewelry made with Whitby Jet.
Practical Info
Whitby is located in the North Yorks Moors National Park on England’s northeast coast, approximately 45 miles from York.
Address: Whitby, North Yorkshire, England
From $ 58
Westminster Abbey
A UNESCO World Heritage site, with a legacy dating back more than 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is among London’s most historic landmarks. The Gothic church is best known for hosting headline-grabbing events involving the British royal family, such as the Queen’s coronation, Princess Diana's funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.
The Basics
A tour of Westminster Abbey is like taking a walk through British history. Explore independently with an audio guide, on a tour led by a verger (church official), or with a private guide. Tickets include access to all the main areas of the church. The London Pass also grants access to Westminster Abbey.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Booking in advance will help you avoid waiting in long lines. Otherwise, be prepared to queue for up to an hour at peak times, especially in July and August.
- As the abbey is a place of worship, visitors are asked to dress modestly, and due to its uneven floor and steps, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Taking photos or videos is not permitted within the abbey.
- Some, but not all, areas of the abbey are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users should enter by the North Door; admission is free.
- On-site facilities include restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.
How to Get to Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is located close to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in Central London, a short stroll from the Thames riverfront. The nearest tube stations are St. James's Park and Westminster. The visitor entrance to the abbey is at the West Gate of the North Green.
When to Get There
Westminster Abbey is open to visitors every day except Sundays and on religious holidays, when the church is open to worshippers only. To avoid crowds, arrive early on a weekday. To hear the Abbey Choir perform, time your visit for the daily Evensong (weekdays at 5pm and weekends at 3pm). Special after-hours tours also run on Wednesday evenings, typically one of the quietest times to visit.
What to See at Westminster Abbey
Visitors can see the Shrine, containing the tomb of Saint Edward the Confessor; the Royal Tombs, including the tombs of Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots; the Poets' Corner, where a number of creatives are buried or commemorated; the Nave; the 13th-century Cloisters; and memorials devoted to Isaac Newton, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, and many more notable figures. For the full experience, end your visit with a stroll through the beautiful College Garden and a traditional afternoon tea at the Cellarium Café.
Address: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, England
Hours: Worship only on Sundays. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am- 3:30pm, Saturday 9:30am - 1:30pm
Admission: Adults: £22, Children (6-16): £9, Children (0-5): free
From $ 9
The Shambles
Renowned as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets and awarded the title of ‘Britain’s most picturesque street’ by Google. A stroll down The Shambles is one of York’s top attractions. Mentioned in the Domesday Book of William the Conqueror in 1086, The Shambles dates back over 900 years and takes its name from the Saxon ‘Fleshammels’ or ‘street of the butchers’. Although none of the original shop fronts remain, many of the wide window-sills and meat hooks once used for displaying the fresh cuts of meat remain, and the peculiar overhanging buildings, which appear to lean into each other, were designed in order to keep the butchers’ shops below shaded from the sun.
Today, the narrow cobblestone lane is lined with 15th-century buildings and retains much of its medieval character, with its artful jumble of timber-framed shop fronts, gabled windows and old-fashioned shop signs. With houses so narrow in parts that you can stretch your hands between them, the historic spot is begging to have its picture taken, but The Shambles offers more than just a photo opportunity – it’s also one of York’s premier shopping streets, crammed with shopping boutiques, antiques stores, restaurants and cafés.
Today, the narrow cobblestone lane is lined with 15th-century buildings and retains much of its medieval character, with its artful jumble of timber-framed shop fronts, gabled windows and old-fashioned shop signs. With houses so narrow in parts that you can stretch your hands between them, the historic spot is begging to have its picture taken, but The Shambles offers more than just a photo opportunity – it’s also one of York’s premier shopping streets, crammed with shopping boutiques, antiques stores, restaurants and cafés.
Address: Shambles, York, North Yorkshire YO1 7LZ, England
From $ 19
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world that is still used by the monarchy. Since William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress here over 900 years ago, this has been a royal palace and residence. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.
The Basics
Parts of the castle are open to visitors, including the State Apartments, Queen Mary's intricate dolls' house, and George VI's private apartments. St. George's Chapel is another highlight, where many royal weddings and funerals have occurred, as well as where the Queen Mother's and King Henry VII's tombs are found. On a guided tour, you can see the Great Kitchen to witness the inner workings of the castle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- British history buffs and royal enthusiasts will want to prioritize a visit.
- Windsor Castle is often visited on a half-day tour from London or on a full-day tour that also stops at Stonehenge, Oxford, or Bath.
- Entrance to the castle is included in the London Pass.
How to Get to Windsor
Windsor is located less than an hour from central London by road. You can get there by train via London Waterloo (direct) or Paddington (one change). From the station, the castle is an easy walk. Buses run to Windsor from Victoria.
When to Get There
The castle is open daily from 9:45am to 4:15pm from November to February. From March to October, it closes at 5:15pm. Keep in mind that parts of the castle sometimes close for royal events.
Official Royal Business at Windsor Castle
As an official residence, Windsor Castle hosts Queen Elizabeth for a month at Easter, a week in June, and during most weekends. At Windsor, she also often hosts state dinners for international dignitaries and entertains those she has knighted into the Order of the Garter. When the queen is in residence, you can see the Changing of the Guard (as you do when she is at Buckingham Palace).
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, England
Hours: Open daily 9:45am - 4:15pm Nov - Feb, closes 5:15pm Mar - Oct
Admission: Adults: £8.50 - £16
From $ 13
The Lanes
Climbing up the hillside from the waterfront, the maze of shopping streets known as “The Lanes” make up Brighton’s most atmospheric quarter. The pedestrianized area is home to more than 200 independent shops, galleries, and antique stores, along with a great selection of cafés, restaurants, and historic pubs.
The Basics
The only way to explore The Lanes is on foot, and with the lanes sloping down to the seafront, it’s impossible to get lost. Opting to visit with a tour guide will give you an insight into the historic quarter, its street art scene, and thriving LGBTQ community. A Lanes walking tour typically includes nearby attractions, such as the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum, and Brighton Pier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most shops and cafés are open daily, with reduced opening hours on Sundays.
- Wear comfortable shoes to tackle Brighton’s steep hills and cobblestone lanes.
- Free Wi-Fi hot spots are located around The Lanes.
How to Get There
Brighton's Lanes are located at the heart of Old Town just south of North Laine. Trains from London and other destinations arrive at Brighton train station, an around 5-minute walk from The Lanes.
When to Get There
The Lanes are busiest in July and August, when smaller shops and cafés can get crowded. For quieter shopping, visit on a weekday outside of peak season, or join locals for a Sunday brunch at one of the cafés.
The History of The Lanes
Dating back to the 18th century, the narrow streets of The Lanes were once home to hundreds of fishermen's cottages, and their quirky, overhanging roofs were purpose-built to shelter the lanes from the coastal storms. Today, The Lanes retain much of their original character, with their old-fashioned shop fronts, brick-paved streets, flower-filled window boxes, and labyrinth of hidden passageways, known locally as “twittens.” Notable buildings include the Cricketers Arms, Brighton’s oldest pub, which dates back to 1545.
Address: Brighton, England
From $ 19
Wrynose Pass
The Lake District is famous for its dramatic high mountain passes, and few are steeper or more winding than the notorious Wrynose Pass, often described, along with the adjourning Hardknott pass, as one of Britain’s most difficult roads. Climbing around 281 meters in just over 3 km, the Wrynose Pass might be a rollercoaster ride, but it’s also one of the most thrilling ascents in the Lake District, serving up astounding views over the surrounding peaks.
The single-track road can be travelled by car, mountain bike or on foot, and weaves through the mountains between Duddon Valley and Little Langdale, to its highest point at the Three Shire Stone – a famous landmark marking the boundary between the historic counties of Cumberland, Lancashire and Westmorland.
Practical Info
The Wrynose Pass runs through the central mountains of the Lake District National Park, between Wastwater and Ambleside.
Address: England
From $ 62
Thames River
Flowing right through the heart of central London, the Thames River offers a dramatic backdrop to the city's famous skyline with landmarks lining its shores. Walk along the riverfront from Westminster to Tower Bridge and you'll pass London icons such as the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Southbank, Shakespeare's Globe, and the London Bridge.
The Basics
A boat ride along the Thames River is a quintessential London experience, with popular choices including city cruises, afternoon tea or dinner options, RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) excursions, London duck tours, and hop-on hop-off boat tours. Many Thames River tours even run all the way to Greenwich, passing Canary Wharf, Waterloo, and Cutty Sark.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can get chilly, especially at night, so bring warm clothing if traveling on an open-air boat.
- Most boat cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.
- Other boat tours operating on the river include the Thames Clippers and River Roamers ferries, London showboats, and the Tate-to-Tate boat, linking the Tate Modern with the Tate Britain.
How to Get to the Thames River
It's impossible to miss the River Thames on any sightseeing tour in London—it runs right through the center of the city, with cruises typically leaving from Embankment, Westminster Pier, or Greenwich Pier. The river meanders for 215 miles (346 km) from the Cotswolds in the west, through Oxford and London, all the way to the coast at Southend-On-Sea.
When to Get There
Thames River cruises run regularly all year round, but for the most atmospheric views, opt for a sunset sightseeing cruise or a night cruise. And for an unforgettable holiday experience, book a Christmas cruise to admire the waterfront illuminations, or take in a spectacular view of fireworks and festivities on a New Year cruise.
Where to Find the Best Views of the River Thames
Look out along the Thames as you walk over the Millennium Bridge, admire the waterway and city skyline from the hilltops of Greenwich Park, or relax in a riverfront pub in neighborhoods such as Kew, Putney, or Richmond. For an aerial view, head to the top of The Shard, London's tallest building; ride the London Eye; or soar overhead on a helicopter tour.
Address: London, England
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Windsor
Located just west of London, Windsor is one of England's most popular towns to visit. It is most known for the famous Windsor Castle which is a huge castle built during the time of William the Conqueror. It is also the oldest castle in continuous occupation in the world. Visitors can explore the castle with a tour or an audio guide in order to learn about the castle's fascinating history. Another big draw is the traditional changing of the guard, so plan your visit accordingly.
Aside from the castle, Windsor boasts the Windsor Great Park, one of the country's best green spaces, as well as the Savill Garden, which covers 35 acres of manicured lawns and flowerbeds. You can also take a ride on a riverboat along the River Thames to view the town from the water. There are dozens of restaurants, pubs, and bars in town, and you can take in a show at the Theatre Royal Windsor. If you're traveling with children, consider a trip to the Legoland Windsor Resort.
Practical Info
Windsor is located 25 miles from Central London. You can get there by train from London's Paddington Station. Windsor Castle is open 9:45am to 5:15pm March through October and 9:45am to 4:15pm November through February. Adult admission is 19.20 pounds.
Address: Windsor, South East England, United Kingdom, England
From $ 52
Westminster Bridge
One of London’s oldest road bridges, with a history dating back to 1739, Westminster Bridge crosses the iconic Thames River, running from Westminster on the north bank to Lambeth on the south side. Overlooked by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Grade II listed bridge is one of London’s most photographed landmarks, immortalized by painters like JMW Turner and Samuel Scott, and seen on-screen in movies including Mission Impossible, 28 Days Later, and Die Another Die.
Located right in the heart of central London, it’s hard to miss Westminster Bridge and there are plenty of ways to visit. Perhaps stroll across the famous bridge on a walking tour of London, cruise beneath its arches on a Thames River sightseeing cruise, or enjoy a spectacular aerial view from the London Eye or The Shard. Alternatively, see the illuminated bridge at its most atmospheric during a night tour of the city, or visit on New Year’s Eve to watch the dazzling fireworks over the riverfront.
Practical Info
Westminster Bridge runs across the River Thames in central London, between Westminster on the north bank to Lambeth on the south side.
Address: Westminster Bridge, London, England
From $ 34
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
Known to many as the home of the most famous tennis tournament in the world, the Wimbledon grounds also house the world’s largest tennis museum. Numerous onsite galleries and exhibitions allow visitors to experience the evolution of the famous sport.
The collection of tennis memorabilia contains artifacts dating back to 1555, as well as interactive multimedia such as touch screens, a 3D cinema and a holographic John McEnroe. Items on display include championship trophies, film and video footage, championship player mementos and the Wimbledon library. An interactive gallery called CentreCourt360 presents visitors with a viewing experience of Centre Court.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the All England Lawn Tennis Club in southwest London. It is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum entrance costs £12 for adults and £7 for children. Entrance with a guided tour costs £22 for adults and £13 for children. By rail, take the train from London Waterloo to Wimbledon Station. By public transport, you can take the Underground to Wimbledon or Southfields station on the District line or Tooting Broadway on the Northern Line, followed by bus 493. The museum is accessible from Gate 4.
Address: Church Road, Wimbledon, London, England
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults £12, Children £7
From $ 32
Whitechapel
Located in the district of East London, this historic neighborhood was named after a tiny chapel that crumbled during World War II. And while its unassuming name may not entice the typical traveler, this London destination is filled with history and sites that make it worth a visit.
From old-school breweries like the White Heart Brew Pub, to abandoned slaughterhouses and famous foundries (including the one that cast Big Ben!), Whitechapel is as unique as UK neighborhoods come. And while these oddities make it worth a wander, it’s former residents like the notorious murder, Jack the Ripper, and the much-stories Elephant man who put this community on the map.
Practical Info
Whitechapel is home to a large Bangladeshi community around the area known as Brick Lane. This is the perfect spot to stop for lunch or dinner and sample the nation’s traditional dishes. The relatively new Whitechapel Art Gallery is also worth a visit.
Address: London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 16
White Hart Lane Stadium
Home to one of London’s most successful football (soccer) clubs, Tottenham Hotspur – usually known as Spurs – White Hart Lane Stadium is in north London. The team play in the Premier League – the highest level in English football – and count striker Harry Kane and winger Andros Townsend, both who also play for England, among their current high-profile players. When a match is at their home ground, Spurs players dress in white adorned with the team logo of a navy blue cockerel perched on a football. Team colors for away matches are sky blue and patterned with black stripes.
Football is something of a national obsession in the UK; matches last 90 minutes in two halves, plus injury time. The season runs annually from mid-August until mid-May and match days at White Hart Lane have all the wholesome excitement of family days out, and there are plenty of food and drink outlets at the ground.
In fall 2015, Spurs revealed plans to build a state-of-the-art stadium at White Hart Lane; it will cost £400 million, will have a retractable roof and will be multi-purpose. Rumor has it that the football team has signed a deal with the US’s National Football League (NFL) to play a least two games there per year. Capacity at the new stadium is to be 61,000, there will be a skywalk above it and a sculptural glass façade. Work is expected to begin after the 2015–16 football season is over.
Practical Info
748 High Road, Tottenham, London N17 0AP. Tickets for all matches can be ordered online or by telephone (0344 844 0102 or +44 207 998 1068 from outside the UK), and prices vary from £17 to £81, depending on match and stand. Stadium tours are available; book online. The easiest way to get to White Hart Lane is by mainline train from Seven Sisters, which connects into central London via the Tube’s Victoria Line.
Address: 748 High Road, Tottenham, London, England
Hours: Opening hours vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 136
Westminster Cathedral
Not to be confused with the more-famous Westminster Abbey, just a short walk away, Westminster Cathedral is England’s most important Roman Catholic Church and an architectural landmark in its own right. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the striking terracotta-brick building is renowned for its unique neo-Byzantine architecture and remains the only example of its kind in London.
As well as admiring the red-and-white-striped façade, visitors are free to explore the church’s exquisite interiors, or climb the 83 meter tall bell-tower, where the views extend across the city. The cathedral also holds daily services and is the only cathedral in the world to sing daily Mass and Vespers, performed by the world-renowned Westminster Cathedral Choir.
Practical Info
Westminster Cathedral is located on Francis Street in Westminster and the nearest tube station is Victoria. The cathedral is open daily from 7am to 8pm and is free to enter, with a charge of £5 to climb the bell tower. Services are held daily.
Address: 42 Francis Street, Westminster SW1P 1QW, England
Hours: Daily 7am- 8pm
Admission: Free; access to bell tower £5
From $ 43
Shaftesbury Theatre
From foot-stomping musicals like Burn the Floor and Rock of Ages, to classics like Hairspray, Fame, and Rent, as well as recent hit Motown: The Musical—the Shaftesbury Theatre has earned its stripes over the last two decades as one of the top theaters of London’s West End. The legendary theater has a history dating back to 1911, when it opened its doors as The Princes Theatre. It’s now a GradeII-listed building with a seating capacity of 1,400, and the largest independent theater in the West End.
Practical Info
Shaftesbury Theatre is located on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End, just a short stroll from Covent Garden. It is open daily, depending on show times.
Did you know? The first ever production at Shaftesbury Theatre was The Three Musketeers, which opened on Boxing Day, Dec. 26, 1911.
Address: 210 Shaftesbury Ave, London, UK, England
Hours: Daily, depending on show times
From $ 112
Whitehall
Whitehall is a main thoroughfare in London running south from the southern end of Trafalgar Square towards Parliament Square. It is named for the Palace of Whitehall that stood in the area until the end of the 17th century and was originally a wide road that led to the front of the palace. The famous Trafalgar Square was built at the northern end of Whitehall in the early 19th century. Whitehall is lined with government buildings, including the Old War Office, the Admiralty Buildings, the Horse Guards, the Ministry of Defense and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Whitehall is also known for its memorial statues and monuments, most notably the national war memorial known as the Cenotaph. In 2005, the National Monument to the Women of World War II was erected just north of the Cenotaph. Other monuments to keep an eye out for along Whitehall are those of Prince George, Duke of Cambridge; Spencer Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire; Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig; William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim; Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke; and Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.
Practical Info
Whitehall runs through the City of Westminster in London. The closest Underground stations are Charing Cross near Trafalgar Square and Westminster near Parliament Square.
Address: London, England
From $ 25
Wistman's Wood
At the heart of the Dartmoor National Park, the ancient oak forest of Wistman’s Wood is one of few woods left in England that date back to prehistoric times, and it’s an eerily beautiful sight. With its dramatically twisted oak trees climbing with lichen, giant moss-blanketed boulders and a backdrop of heather-dappled moors, it’s an enchanting landscape and a favorite among hikers, dog walkers and naturalists. The unique setting of Wistman’s Wood has also given rise to a number of myths and legends surrounding the woods. Depending which tale you believe, the woods are inhabited by a pack of ferocious Yeth hounds, haunted by the devil or home to a troop of mischievous fairies.
Practical Info
Wistman’s Wood is a nature reserve located within the Dartmoor National Park.
Address: Yelverton, Devon, England
From $ 772
Wiltshire Museum
Wiltshire’s most important museum is the perfect complement to a visit to nearby Stonehenge, home to some of England’s most impressive archaeological finds. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the region’s fascinating history of human occupation, from the Neolithic era to the Bronze and Iron Age, through to Roman, Saxon, and medieval times.
As well as items excavated from the UNESCO-listed sites of Stonehenge and Avebury, highlights include the ruins of Bush Barrow, a Bronze Age burial mound; priceless gold and amber items that date back over 4,000 years; and a sizable collection of historic art.
Practical Info
The Wiltshire Museum is located on Long Street in central Devizes and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-5pm. Adult admission is £5.50.
Address: 41 Long St, Devizes SN10 1NS, England
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: £5.50, Children (under 16): Free
From $ 8
The London Shard
Piercing the sky like a gigantic shard of glass, the London Shard is every bit as spectacular as it sounds. This architectural wonder, designed by Renzo Piano, is not only one of the city’s most iconic structures—it also boasts the highest observation deck in London.
The Basics
For most visitors, the star attraction is the view from The Shard’s open-air Skydeck, which affords a spectacular vista of London landmarks such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and even (on a clear day) the distant Windsor Castle. Visitors can opt for a day or evening visit, splurge to add Champagne, or combine skip-the-line entrance with a ride on the London Eye, a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames, or a walking tour of Central London.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visits are timed, so it’s best to book ahead.
- For security reasons, all guests are required to pass through metal detectors and have their bags scanned before entering the building.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- The Shard is fully wheelchair accessible and concession tickets are available.
How to Get to The Shard
The Shard is located in Southwark in central London, a short stroll from the London Bridge and Borough Market. The closest tube station is London Bridge, served by the Jubilee and Northern lines.
When to Get There
The Shard is open all year round, and thanks to the London Landmarks Guarantee—if you can’t spot at least three of the city’s top landmarks, you can revisit for free in better weather—there’s no bad time to visit. Those hoping to avoid the crowds are best off visiting outside of peak summer season or opting for an early morning weekday time slot. For the most atmospheric views, consider an evening visit to admire the illuminated London skyline.
The Shard by Numbers
Standing a dizzying 1,016 feet (309.6 meters) high, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe and features a shimmering façade made from some 11,000 panes of glass, with 44 lifts and 306 flights of stairs. At 800 feet (244 meters) high, the observation deck is twice as high as any other London viewpoint, and the 360-degree panoramic views stretch up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) away on a clear day.
Address: 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1, England
Hours: April–Oct: daily 10am–10pm; Nov–March: Sun–Wed 10am–7pm, Thurs–Sat 10am–10pm
Admission: Adult £25.95, Child £19.95
From $ 24
The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe)
Affectionately nicknamed “The Gherkin” for its unusual shape, the dazzling glass-fronted skyscraper at 30 St. Mary Axe is among London's most distinctive landmarks, looming 590 feet (180 meters) over the City of London financial district.
The Basics
The Gherkin is not typically open to the public, although the top floor hosts a private member’s club and there are a number of bars and restaurants in the piazza at the base of the building.
Enjoy impressive views of The Gherkin during a London Thames River evening cruise or a ride on the London Eye; see the landmark up close on a walking tour of historic London; or combine a visit with nearby London attractions like London Bridge, The Monument, the Tower of London, or St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There’s no regular public access to the inside of The Gherkin.
- Most of the bars and restaurants in the building are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Located in the City of London financial district, The Gherkin is within walking distance of the Tower of London, the Monument, and Old Spitalfields Market. The closest tube stations are Aldgate on the Circle and Metropolitan lines, and Liverpool Street Station on the Central, Hammersmith & City, Circle, and Metropolitan lines.
When to Get There
The striking landmark looks even more dramatic at night, when its shimmering facade is illuminated.
The Gherkin: An Architectural Marvel
Largely regarded as a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, The Gherkin’s award-winning design was the work of Norman Foster, whose company also renovated buildings such as the Reichstag in Berlin, London City Hall, and Wembley Stadium. While best known for its resemblance to—you guessed it—a gigantic gherkin, the eye-catching design also includes energy-conserving features such as spiraling light wells and ventilation shafts. Today, the famous office building houses companies such as Swiss Re and Sky News.
Address: 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP, England
From $ 43