Choose from 184 Fun Things to Do in London
ShowingFilter 101-120 of 184 listings.
Parliament Square
At the heart of London’s Westminster district, the aptly named Parliament Square is a pocket of greenery at the epicenter of some of the capital’s most significant buildings and makes a popular photo opportunity for tourists, as well as being the site of many public protests and demonstrations. Notable buildings include the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to the east, Westminster Abbey to the south, the Supreme Court to the west and Her Majesty's Treasury and the Churchill War Rooms to the north.
Parliament Square is also home to a prominent collection of statues of legendary statesmen, both from the UK and overseas, and including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Oliver Cromwell and Richard I, 'The Lionheart, as well as the most recent addition, Gandhi.
Practical Info
Parliament Square is located opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in Westminster, London.
Address: Westminster, London, England
From $ 25
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum houses more than 2.3 million cultural artifacts from around the globe, spanning over 5,000 years. Explore the museum’s world-famous collections of Asian art and postclassical sculpture, attend a family-friendly drop-in session, or discover work by masters such as Raphael, John Constable, and William Morris.
The Basics
Many opt to visit the V&A, located on the same street as the Science Museum and Natural History Museum, as part of a wider exploration of the South Kensington neighborhood. For those looking for a more intimate experience of the world-famous collection, a private tour provides personalized insights. If you’re particularly interested in one area, thematic tours are also available, while families with kids can benefit from tours specifically designed for children.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The V&A is a must-see for culture vultures and history buffs.
- Entrance to the museum is free, though some exhibitions carry a charge.
- The museum is fully accessible to visitors with mobility and/or hearing impairments, though be aware that the tunnel entrance from South Kensington station is not step-free.
- The museum has a dedicated stroller-storage area and is breastfeeding-friendly.
How to Get There
The the Victoria and Albert Museum is located on Cromwell Road in the South Kensington neighborhood of London. To get there by public transit, take the underground to South Kensington, which has direct tunnel access to the museum. Alternatively, the 52 and C1 buses from London Victoria stop nearby.
When to Get There
The Victoria and Albert Museum is extremely popular and can become crowded, especially during peak summer months. For a more peaceful visit, aim to arrive first thing in the morning on weekend days or in the late afternoon during the week, or take advantage of extended open hours on Fridays. The museum’s temporary exhibitions change regularly, so it’s a good idea to check ahead to see what’s on.
The V&A Museum of Childhood
Over in East London, another branch of the V&A specializes in art and design for young people. The UK’s National Museum of Childhood is the world’s largest museum of its kind and offers exhibitions, events, and activities to engage adults and children alike.
Address: London, England
From $ 35
St Pancras Station
One of London’s biggest, most modern and best-connected train stations, St Pancras Station (or King's Cross St Pancras) dates back to 1868 but underwent major redevelopments in 2007. The station now serves as England's main Eurostar terminus, linking London directly to Paris, Brussels and Lille, as well as offering a wide network of London underground and nationwide trains.
The recent renovations have also put St Pancras on the map as a destination in its own right, and travelers connecting in King's Cross will find plenty to keep them occupied in-between trains. Not only is the station itself an impressive example of Victorian architecture, but it's also dotted with fascinating art works, including Paul Day's sculpture 'The Meeting Place' and a statue of John Betjeman.
St Pancras also offers tax-free shopping (for non-European Union residents) at a range of high street and brand-name stores; a wide variety of cafés, bars and restaurants; and the luxurious Marriot St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Highlights include a British produce market, Europe's largest champagne bar, a series of Street Pianos dotted around the station and the famous Platform 9 ¾, a must for Harry Potter fans. The station forecourt even hosts pop-up gigs, charity events and appearances by big-name music acts and celebrities.
Practical Info
St Pancras Station is located in north central London and serves Eurostar, East Midlands, Southeastern and ThamesLink trains, as well as being linked to the London Underground (Victoria, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Circle lines).
Address: Euston Rd., London N1C 4QP, England
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
From $ 11
St Stephen Walbrook
This London church, with its massive decorated dome, is considered a precursor to the city’s famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is one of the finest of architect Christopher Wren’s churches with its Corinthian columns and modern white marble altar designed by sculptor Henry Moore. The altar’s design and placement in the middle of the church was at the time controversial.
It was constructed from 1672-1679, after the medieval church on which it stands was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. It is an Anglican Parish church steeped in history and tradition and is often named as a jewel of English architecture. The 65 foot dome masterfully supported by columns and arches is celebrated, as is its illumination and use of natural light through strategically placed windows. Many consider it to be one of the most important buildings in England.
Practical Info
The church is located at 39 Walbrook in the City of London. It is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, and 10 am to 3 pm on Fridays. The nearest tube station is Bank. There is no cost to enter.
Address: 39 Walbrook, London, England
From $ 102
Royal Mews
If you’ve ever wanted to look behind the scenes of London’s royal stables or peek into one of the lavish carriages used in royal ceremonies, a visit to the Royal Mews is a must! Located on the grounds of Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews is one of the finest working stables in the world and visitors can explore independently or as part of a free guided tour (offered several times daily from April to October).
A visit to the Royal Mews includes a chance to see the royal stables and horses—30 British Cleveland Bays and Windsor Greys live at the stable at any one time—and admire the royal collection of carriages and coaches, used for state events and parades. Among the highlights are George III’s dazzling Gold State Coach, which dates back to 1762; the Irish State Coach in which the Queen travels to the State Opening of Parliament; the glass bridal coach and the state-of-the-art Australian State Coach.
Also of interest is a collection of suits worn by The Queen’s coachmen; a variety of harnesses and horse tack, and a selection of state cars, including Bentley State Limousines, Rolls Royces and a rare 1950 Phantom IV.
Practical Info
The Royal Mews is located next to Buckingham Palace in central London and is open Monday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.
Admission is £9.30.
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0QH, England
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Admission: £9.30
From $ 43
St Martin-in-the-Fields
Standing proud over the northeast corner of London’s Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is among the capital’s most popular churches, famed for its classical music concerts and lively church café. The Grade I-listed church has stood on the site since the 13th century, long before Trafalgar Square existed, but the current building was completed in 1726 to a design by architect James Gibb.
While its colonnaded façade and iconic clock tower are suitably grand, the real star of St Martin-in-the-Fields is its impressive roster of music concerts and recitals, which include candlelit evening performances of Handel and Mozart, plus free lunchtime concerts (weekdays at 1pm) that showcase up-and-coming composers.
Additional highlights include a series of temporary art exhibitions on display in the church gallery; the Café in the Crypt, which serves a range of well-priced meals; and the adjoining London Brass Rubbing Centre, which hosts demonstrations for kids at the church shop.
Practical Info
St Martin-in-the-Fields is located at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, London.
Admission is free.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ, England
Hours: Mon-Tues & Thurs-Fri 8:30am-1pm & 2-6pm, Wed 8:30am-1:15pm & 2-5pm, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 3:30-5pm
From $ 67
London Transport Museum
If you think a museum devoted to buses, trains and taxis sounds dull, think again – there’s nothing boring about the London Transport Museum! Located by Covent Garden market in the heart of central London, the museum is crammed with interactive exhibitions, multi-media displays, and historic vehicles, making it fun and educational for all ages.
Learn about London’s public transport through the ages as you admire a 1805 horse-drawn omnibus, a steam-powered underground train, and a wooden Metropolitan Railway coach; ride the Northern Line simulator; discover London transport during the war years; or hop up into the driver’s seat of a classic red double-decker bus. That’s not all – there’s a kid’s zone with mini vehicles, a busking area, and a ‘Thames Nipper’; a vast collection of London Underground posters, maps, and graphics; and a well-stocked gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs adorned with the iconic London Underground logo.
Practical Info
The London Transport Museum is located in Covent Garden Piazza and is open on Fridays from 11am to 6pm and every other day from 10am to 6pm. Adult entrance to the museum is £17.50, while under 18 go free. Entrance is free with the London Pass.
Did You Know? The museum’s transport theme is even continued into the restrooms, where each cubicle is decked out in the colors of London’s different tube lines!
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London, England
Hours: Sat-Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri 11am-6pm
Admission: Adult £17.50, Child (under 18) free
From $ 21
Lord's Cricket Ground
Renowned as the Home of Cricket, the Lord’s Cricket Ground is more than 200 years old and home to the legendary Marylebone Cricket Club. The 28,000-seat sporting arena hosts some of the world’s most prestigious cricket events and international test matches, and the on-site MCC Museum is one of the world's oldest sporting museums.
The Basics
The most atmospheric way to experience Lord’s Cricket Ground is to attend one of the regular matches, but cricket enthusiasts can also go behind the scenes on a guided tour. Tour highlights include a visit to the Long Room, the Pavilion, and the player dressing rooms; a look at the Honours Boards; and entrance to the MCC Museum, where exhibits include the Ashes urn and Prudential Trophy. Cricket fans also frequent the Lord’s Tavern pub, situated right by the Grace Gates.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Book your match tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Test Match and One Day International tickets are allocated by ballot, with applications taking place months in advance.
- Tours must be booked in advance.
- On-site facilities include free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and a selection of bars and food vendors in each stand.
- All entrants to the ground are required to undergo security checks, and no large bags or suitcases are permitted.
- The Warner Stand, Mound Stand, and Grand Stand have accessible areas reserved for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Lord’s Cricket Ground is located in St. John’s Wood, North London, and the closest tube station is St. John’s Wood on the Jubilee line, a 5-minute walk from the stadium. Visitors can also take the train to Marylebone station and then walk roughly 10 minutes. Parking is unavailable on major match days and the three days beforehand, so public transit is recommended.
When to Get There
The ground is open year-round but only match ticket holders can access the MCC Museum on match days. Unless you’re lucky enough to have tickets, it’s best to avoid the grounds entirely during international fixtures, as the area becomes overrun with spectators.
The History of Lord’s Cricket Ground
Lord’s Cricket Ground doesn’t have any royal relations as its name may suggest—it’s named after Thomas Lord, a professional cricketer and the venue’s founder. The stadium is actually the third ground established by Lord, with the original dating back to 1787 on what is now Dorset Square. The current ground, built in 1814 and in use ever since, was also an Olympic venue, hosting the archery events in 2012.
Address: St John's Wood Rd, London NW8 8QN, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 90
Royal Academy of Arts
With a history dating back to 1768, the Royal Academy of Arts is Britain’s oldest arts society as well as the home to one of the country’s most prestigious art schools. For art lovers, however, the main attraction is its world-class art gallery and regular rotating exhibitions, which include the hotly-anticipated Summer Exhibition – an annual showcase of the year’s best contemporary art and architecture.
The gallery’s permanent collection also offers an impressive variety of British art, from the 18th century to present day, with highlights including works by Leighton, Reynolds, Constable, Gainsborough and Turner. Also on-site is the RA Grand Café and the Keeper’s House, home to a bar, garden lounge and restaurant.
Practical Info
The Royal Academy of Arts is located at Burlington House in Piccadilly, London, and is open daily from 10am-6pm, except Friday when it stays open until 10pm. Exhibition prices vary.
Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD, England
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm, except Fri 10am-10pm
Admission: Varies depending on exhibitions
From $ 16
St. James's Palace
Built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for Henry III, St James' Palace is one of London’s oldest official royal residences, playing host to iconic royals such as Anne Boleyn and Princess Diana over the years. The striking Tudor palace is unmistakable, with its bold, red-brick façade and castle-like gatehouse, and continues to house members of the royal family and host formal functions.
Although the interior is never open to the public, St James’ Palace remains a popular destination for walking tours, just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and looking out over St James Park. It's also notable as the starting point of the famous Changing of the Guards ceremony, with the Queen’s Guard lining up outside before marching down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Practical Info
St James’s Palace is located on The Mall in central London and the nearest London underground station is Green Park. The palace is not open to the public.
Address: Marlborough Rd., London SW1A 1BS, England
From $ 23
St Martin's Theatre
The treasure of the London West End! St Martin's Theatre is one of the few remaining privately-owned theatres in London thanks to the Willoughby de Broke family and has staged many famous plays since its opening. It opened its doors in 1916 with the spectacular Edwardian musical comedy Houp La!, starring the now-iconic actress Gertie Millar. The St Martin's has also hosted plays penned by the likes of John Galsworthy, Frederick Lonsdale and Noel Coward, including the chilling thriller Sleuth, The Grass is Greener and The Wrong Side of the Park.
But what makes the St Martin’s so famous isn’t so much its humble yet successful beginnings; the theatre holds the record for the longest continuously running show in the world with Agatha Christies’ The Mousetrap, having exceeded 25,000 performances since opening night in 1952 - as long as HRH Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. In fact, David Raven holds the Guinness Record of 'Most Durable Actor' for his 4575 performances as Major Metcalf. Over its ongoing 60 year run, a whopping 124 miles of shirts were ironed, 403 actors and actresses appeared in the play and over 426 tons of ice cream was sold.
The theater itself became a Grade II listed building in 1973 because of its historic interest; tremendous efforts have been made over the decades to preserve the building, including extensive refurbishment works in the early 2000s, from restorating the woodwork to hanging silk wallpaper and reupholstering the seats.
Practical Info
St Martin's Theatre is located in London’s Theatreland in Covent Garden. It is easily reachable by a dozen bus routes as well as by tube via Tottenham Court Road station (Central line), Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line) and Leicester Square (Northern line).
Address: West Street, London, England
From $ 84
Up at the O2
Extending for 1,247 feet (380 meters) across the curving dome of London’s landmark O2 Arena, the Up at the O2 rooftop walkway promises far-reaching vistas and open-air thrills. Equipped with climbing suits and safety harnesses, visitors traverse the fabric walkway with a guide, making their way up to an observation platform where spectacular 360-degree views of the River Thames, leafy Greenwich, and the glinting skyscrapers of Canary Wharf await.
The Basics
You can access the O2 Arena rooftop only during an official guided climb. The whole experience, including a pre-climb safety briefing, takes around 90 minutes. A maximum of 16 people can take part in each climb. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure a spot at your preferred time slot. After having ascended to the O2 viewing platform and taken in the bird’s-eye panoramas of London, if you want a different perspective on the city, consider embarking on a Thames cruise. Hop-on hop-off river boats depart from nearby Greenwich Pier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With ascending and descending slopes of up to 30 degrees, the Up at the O2 walkway is not for the faint of heart.
- Climbing suits, harnesses, and boots are provided. Don’t forget to bring hats and gloves in cold weather.
- Children aged 10 years and older can do the climb as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
How to Get There
The nearest tube station is North Greenwich (Jubilee line). MBNA Thames Clippers run regular river bus services to North Greenwich Pier. You can also reach the O2 via the Emirates Air Line, a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) cable car route spanning the River Thames. Find Up at the O2 to the left of the main arena entrance.
When to Get There
The best time of the year to embark on an ascent is during summer, when clear skies are more likely. Book a sunset climb for epic selfies, or try an evening twilight climb to see the city’s lights sparkle in the night sky. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled climb to allow time for the check-in process.
Where to Eat at the O2
Scaling one of London’s premier concert venues is appetite-inducing work. If you need to refuel after, the arena complex has lots of tempting options. You’ll find plenty of places to dine and drink on the palm-lined Entertainment Avenue inside the O2, including Thai restaurant Busaba Eathai, burger franchise Five Guys, and Portuguese chicken chain Nando’s.
Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX, England
Hours: Hours vary by season.
Admission: Tickets start at £30
From $ 21
Royal Air Force Museum London
The Royal Air Force Museum London is home to an impressive collection of 100 aircraft including a rare life-sized model of an F-35 joint strike fighter. An array of interactive, permanent, and temporary exhibits explore different aspects of the last century of the RAF, WWI history, the role of nursing during wartime, and imagined futures.
The Basics
The RAF Museum London comprises several main areas: historic hangars, one of which houses the First World War in the Air exhibit (in the Grahame White Aircraft Factory); Bomber Command Hall; and new galleries celebrating the RAF’s centenary. Many visitors come for the aircraft and Eurofighter Typhoon flight simulators, the flying experiences in the 4D theater, and the very popular Spitfire Mk XVI cockpit tour.
Some hop-on hop-off bus tickets and other tours include entrance to the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The RAF Museum London is a must for lovers of WWI, aviation, and military history.
- Admission to the museum is free, though some experiences require a fee.
- There is an on-site café, and an outdoor picnic space and playground.
- Baby-changing facilities are available.
- The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. It also offers a downloadable autism-friendly trail.
How to Get There
The museum is about 30 minutes from central London by Tube. Alternatively, take bus 303 from the Colindale Underground station. If driving, the museum is 10 minutes from Junction 4 of the M1; there is paid parking on-site.
When to Get There
The Royal Air Force Museum London is open from 10am to 5pm November to February and 10am to 6pm March to April, with seasonal events throughout the year. The picnic area and playground are best enjoyed in the spring and summer months. The museum can be especially busy during British school holidays.
Little Swifts
The Royal Air Force London is a family-friendly venue with an outdoor aeronautical-themed playground and a program designed especially for preschool-aged children (2 to 5 years) that includes games, arts and crafts, songs, and stories. Check the website for session times and to book in advance.
Address: Grahame Park Way, London, United Kingdom NW9 5LL, England
From $ 90
Royal Festival Hall
It might be the grand centerpiece of the Southbank Centre, Central London’s renowned cultural hub, and among the capital’s most famous classical music venues, but the Royal Festival Hall is also an impressive landmark in its own right. Located in a Grade-I listing building on the banks of the River Thames, the concert hall first opened its doors in 1951 during the Festival of Britain and now boasts a newly restored 2,500-seat auditorium and the lavish Clore Ballroom.
The Royal Festival Hall is best known as the home of the prestigious London Philharmonic orchestra, and the venue is used throughout the year for a host of classical music recitals, pop concerts, operas and ballets, including a number of annual music and cultural festivals.
Practical Info
The Royal Festival Hall is located at the Southbank Centre on London’s South Bank and is open daily from 10am -11pm. There is no admission fee for entering the venue, although ticket fees apply for concerts and shows.
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, United Kingdom, England
Hours: Daily from 10am -11pm
From $ 34
Royal Albert Hall
Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria and named after her husband, London’s Royal Albert Hall has played host to countless concerts, award ceremonies, and banquets. The domed red-brick auditorium is best known for the Proms, a long-running series of informal and inexpensive concerts designed to make classical music accessible to all.
The Basics
There are two ways to get inside Royal Albert Hall: book tickets to a concert or take part in a guided tour of the venue. The 1-hour Grand Tour takes place several times a day and provides access to the gallery, the auditorium, and the Royal Retiring Room. Themed tours, including architectural tours and secret history tours, take place on select dates. Packages that include a guided tour as well as afternoon tea or a meal at the on-site Verdi Restaurant are also available. Because of its royal connections, Royal Albert Hall is a frequent inclusion on royal-themed sightseeing tours of London, as are other royal attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Kensington Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Royal Albert Hall is a must-see for royal aficionados and music fans.
- Tours of the venue include a lot of steps, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
- The venue is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Royal Albert Hall is located on Kensington Gore in central London. The closest Tube stations are South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines), and High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines). Both stations are about a 10-minute walk from the venue.
When to Get There
Grand Tours run most days from around 10am to 4pm, departing every 30 minutes. Consider choosing a day when an artist you admire is due to play, as occasionally you can see performers rehearsing during guided tours of the premises.
The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
Every year the Royal Albert Hall plays host to the BBC Proms, a wildly popular classical music festival that runs for around eight weeks every summer. You can book tickets for specific events in advance, or wait in line on the night to get one of 1,350 inexpensive standing-only tickets. These standing spots—or Promming places, as they are known—are part of the Proms tradition.
Address: Kensington Gore, London, England
Admission: Varies by event
From $ 17
River Avon
Winding its way through the Warwickshire countryside in England’s West Midlands, the River Avon is perhaps best known for its namesake town, Stratford-upon-Avon, famously the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The scenic river passes through the heart of the medieval town and boat tours offer a new perspective for visitors, passing waterfront landmarks like the
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Swan Theatre, Holy Trinity Church and Lucy’s Mill Wier.
As well as being the lifeblood of Stratford-Upon-Avon, the River Avon is well connected to England’s waterways, joining the River Severn at Tewkesbury and linked via the Stratford-Upon-Avon canal to Birmingham.
Practical Info
The River Avon runs for 85 miles (137 km) from Naseby in Northamptonshire to join the River Severn at Tewkesbury.
Address: England
From $ 28
St Katharine Docks
The St Katharine Docks are located in the London district of Tower Hamlets. These docks were once the commercial docks serving the north side of the River Thames east of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Today the docks serve as a yachting marina, and the area has been turned into an urban living and leisure area. There are public and private housing options, office buildings, a large hotel, retail shops, restaurants, pubs, and other recreational facilities.
Several commuter river boats, river ferries, and scenic river cruises pass St Katharine Docks and stop at St Katharine Pier. The area also hosts special events throughout the year. There is a food market every Friday from 11am to 3pm featuring local and international food options. Occasionally there is a cinema at sea event. The docks also host clipper races and boating festivals. St Katharine Docks is a popular area to experience an urban marine atmosphere as well as a unique setting for shopping and entertainment.
Practical Info
St Katharine Docks are located on the north bank of the River Thames and just east of the Tower Bridge. The closest underground stations are Tower Hill, Bank, and Liverpool Street. Check with specific retailers and restaurants for opening times.
Address: 50 St Katharine's Way, London, United Kingdom E1W 1LA, England
From $ 13
St. Paul's Cathedral
An architectural masterpiece with a magnificent dome, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable sites. The 17th-century cathedral boasts a rich history as host of the jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.
The Basics
It's possible to visit St. Paul's Cathedral with or without a tour, but you can pre-book fast-track entry tickets to avoid waiting in line. Multimedia guides are available for independent visitors, while guided tours explore highlights such as the nave, the Whispering Gallery, the Golden Gallery, and the crypt. For the best value, opt to combine a visit to this historic landmark with a traditional afternoon tea at the cathedral restaurant, a walking tour, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour of central London. Purchase a London Pass to gain entry to St. Paul's Cathedral and other London attractions such as the British Museum, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For security reasons, no large bags or suitcases are allowed inside St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Multimedia guides are available in nine languages and are included with the price of admission.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
- St. Paul's Cathedral is wheelchair accessible and concession tickets are available.
How to Get There
St. Paul's Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. The closest tube station is St. Paul's on the Central Line, but it's also an easy walk from the Mansion House, Cannon Street, and Blackfriars stations. On foot, the most scenic approach is from the South Bank—cross the Thames River by the Millennium Bridge to see lovely views of the cathedral.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open to visitors Monday through Saturday. It can get busy, especially in summer, so plan an early morning visit to avoid crowds. Worshippers are also welcome to attend the daily services, choir concerts, and organ recitals.
The Whispering Gallery at St. Paul's
Located in the iconic dome of St. Paul's and reached by a dizzying 560 steps, this circular gallery is known as the Whispering Gallery because of its unique acoustics. Try it out by standing at one side of the dome and whispering to friends and family at the other end! If you've still got some energy left, scale the 117 steps to the Stone Gallery, followed by 166 steps to reach the Golden Gallery, both of which afford spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Address: St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, England
Hours: Open Mon-Sat during the day, closed for sightseeing on Sundays but open for worship
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
London Stansted Airport (STN)
As London’s third-busiest airport, after Heathrow and Gatwick, London Stansted sees up to 24 million passengers pass through its terminals each year. As well as being a major base for low-cost carrier Ryanair, Stansted serves over 170 destinations all around Europe, as well as select destinations in North Africa, Central America, and the United States.
The Basics
Stansted has bus and rail connections to Central London, but a range of shared and private arrival and departure transfers are also available, offering door-to-door service and luggage assistance. Private transfers also connect Stansted Airport to the Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton airports.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Passenger amenities at London Stansted include airport hotels, short-stay and long-term car parks, car hire services, currency exchanges, a prayer room, and a luxury departures lounge, plus various shops, bars, and restaurants.
- Free Wi-Fi is available for airport users.
- Stansted is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
London Stansted Airport is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of London along the M11 motorway. Regular Stansted Express trains connect the airport to Liverpool Street Station in East London, a journey of about 45 minutes. National Express coach services run to the airport from London Victoria Coach Station and other Central London stations.
When to Get There
Flights run from London Stansted airport year-round. The first morning flights typically take off around 9am and final flights take off around 11pm.
Address: Bassingbourn Rd, Stansted CM24 1QW, England
Hours: Daily
From $ 10
St James's Park
Set between the grounds of St James’s Palace and the iconic abode to the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace; few picnic spots are as breathtakingly regal as St James’s Park, a 58-acre (23-hectare) stretch, located a short stroll from many of central London’s key tourist attractions.
As well as offering a pocket of greenery amidst the urban sprawl of Central London, the Park’s proximity to Buckingham Palace makes it a popular spot to watch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the uniformed palace guards change over in an elaborate march and band performance. In addition, the park’s Horse Guards Parade hosts the annual Trooping the Colour military parade to mark the Queen's official birthday, along with the Beating Retreat, a floodlit spectacular featuring marching bands from the Cavalry and Foot Guard regiments, held each June.
A number of attractions grace the park’s interior, most notable of which is the Queen Victoria Memorial, commemorating the legendary ruler’s 1901 death. The 25 meter-high monument, carved from white Carrara marble, stands at the heart of the Memorial gardens, a series of formal flowerbeds and protected landmarks designed by Sir Aston Webb. More recently, the park has become a key part of the seven-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, passing through locations significant to the beloved people’s princess and in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Floral Crown was unveiled - a floral recreation of the crown used in the Queen’s coronation ceremony, set on the north side of the lake.
Open to walkers, cyclists and dogs, the park features a restaurant, summer deck chairs and a number of refreshment stalls dotted around its many walkways.
As well as offering a pocket of greenery amidst the urban sprawl of Central London, the Park’s proximity to Buckingham Palace makes it a popular spot to watch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the uniformed palace guards change over in an elaborate march and band performance. In addition, the park’s Horse Guards Parade hosts the annual Trooping the Colour military parade to mark the Queen's official birthday, along with the Beating Retreat, a floodlit spectacular featuring marching bands from the Cavalry and Foot Guard regiments, held each June.
A number of attractions grace the park’s interior, most notable of which is the Queen Victoria Memorial, commemorating the legendary ruler’s 1901 death. The 25 meter-high monument, carved from white Carrara marble, stands at the heart of the Memorial gardens, a series of formal flowerbeds and protected landmarks designed by Sir Aston Webb. More recently, the park has become a key part of the seven-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, passing through locations significant to the beloved people’s princess and in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Floral Crown was unveiled - a floral recreation of the crown used in the Queen’s coronation ceremony, set on the north side of the lake.
Open to walkers, cyclists and dogs, the park features a restaurant, summer deck chairs and a number of refreshment stalls dotted around its many walkways.
Address: London, England
Hours: Open daily: 5am - 12am
From $ 19