Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
ShowingFilter 101-120 of 322 listings.
Hyde Park
A vast patch of green in central London, Hyde Park originally served as a hunting ground for Henry VIII. Though the land is still owned by the British Crown, the 358-acre (145-hectare) space is open to the public, hosting picnickers, boaters, joggers, and cyclists, as well as seasonal events, from rock concerts to Christmas festivals.
The Basics
Hyde Park is one of London’s most popular open-air hangouts, a much-frequented escape from the busy city streets. Parkgoers can explore independently, boating on the Serpentine lake, listening to people air their views at Speakers’ Corner, and viewing the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
Many hop-on hop-off bus tours of London stop in the vicinity of Hyde Park, while some bike tours follow paths through the park. Some royal-themed tours of London pass through en route to Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace. Seasonal Christmas-lights tours often incorporate a visit to the park, which plays host to the annual Winter Wonderland event during the festive season.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hyde Park is a must for tired sightseers who need a break from the urban bustle.
- Paths in the park are accessible to wheelchair users, and wheelchair-accessible toilets can also be found within the park.
- The park hosts a restaurant, café, and several refreshment kiosks.
How to Get There
Parking can be both scarce and expensive in central London, so it’s best to go by public transport. Lancaster Gate (Central line), Marble Arch (Central line), Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line), and Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line) Tube stations are all within walking distance of the park.
When to Get There
Summer is the best time to visit, when open-air activities from film screenings to concerts take place. Mondays–Thursdays are typically quieter than weekends, and winter is usually quieter than summer, though the annual Winter Wonderland festival brings out big crowds during the lead-up to Christmas.
London’s Royal Parks
Hyde Park is one of eight Royal Parks in the British capital. Neighboring Royal Parks include Kensington Gardens, St. James’s Park, and Green Park, all of which are located in central London. Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens and the resident pelicans of St. James’s Park are Royal Parks highlights. Green Park is known for its mature trees and an abundance of daffodils, which bloom in spring.
Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, England
Admission: Free
From $ 21
Isle of Wight
One of England’s largest and most famous islands, the Isle of Wight has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times, and draws huge crowds to its annual summer music festivals – the Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival. Aptly nicknamed “England in Miniature,” the small island is undeniably photogenic and boasts an incredible variety of scenery, including dramatic coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, verdant farmlands and some of the world’s most impressive dinosaur fossil sites.
Just 40 km in length, getting around the Isle of Wight is easy and despite its small size, there are plenty of attractions to fill up your itinerary. Start with a visit to the legendary Carisbrooke Castle, which dates back to the 15th-century and once imprisoned King Charles I; the magnificent Osborne House, the former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert; and the elegant Ventnor Botanic Gardens, then go hiking, cycling or horseback riding along the coast; ride the island's nostalgic steam railway or dip your toes in the multi-colored sands of Alum Bay.
Practical Info
The Isle of Wight is located less than 10 km off the south coast of England and can be reached by regular ferries from Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Address: England
From $ 74
King's College
Founded in 1441 by King Henry VI and an integral part of the prestigious Cambridge University, the King's College is arguably the grandest and most famous of Cambridge’s many colleges. With alumni including Britain’s first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole; mathematician Alan Turing; and novelists Salman Rushdie and Zadie Smith, King’s College has a long legacy of academics, but it’s also renowned for its magnificent grounds.
Visitors to King’s College can explore the striking college buildings, which took around 100 years to build, as well as the landscaped gardens and classical lawns that stretch along the River Cam waterfront. The star attraction is the King’s College Chapel, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the UK, and celebrated for its choral recitals. It’s also possible for guests to spend a night on campus or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the university café.
Practical Info
King's College is located on the banks of the Cam River just west of downtown Cambridge. The college is open to the public during college terms Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 3.15pm, Sun 1.15pm - 2.30pm, and outside of college terms: daily 9.30am - 4.30pm. Admission is £8 for adults and £5.50 for children or students.
Address: King's College, King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, England
Hours: During college terms: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 3.15pm, Sun 1.15pm - 2.30pm, Outside of college terms: daily 9.30am - 4.30pm.
Admission: Adults £8, Children/Students £5.50, Under 12s free.
From $ 14
Leicester Square
Nestled between Soho, St. James’s, and the West End, Leicester Square is the intersection that never sleeps. Home to world-famous movie theaters, nightclubs, and a recently renovated park, the square attracts more than 2 million visitors each week. It has been popular as an entertainment hub since the 19th century.
The Basics
History buffs and other sightseers can learn about London’s past and present on a highlights tour, and Leicester Square is included on most comprehensive itineraries. Zip through the city by bike or taxi, or board a hop-on hop-off bus to tick off several landmarks in limited time. A walking tour offers an intimate perspective, while nightlife tours reveal the square’s after-dark attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- From nightlife revelers to film lovers and history buffs, Leicester Square offers something for everyone.
- Don’t forget your raincoat or umbrella during the rainier months.
- The public space itself won’t take long to explore, so combine your visit with other London landmarks to optimize your time.
- The pedestrian square has wide, flat walkways that are wheelchair-accessible.
- Most of the square’s attractions are wheelchair-friendly as well, though it’s worth calling ahead to check access arrangements.
How to Get There
Leicester Square has its own tube station. Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross stations are five minutes away. Several buses stop on Charing Cross Road, including hop-on hop-off services. As in all capital cities, driving yourself is best avoided; instead, take advantage of tours that include transfer for a hassle-free experience.
When to Get There
From a summer afternoon eating ice cream in the square’s central park to an evening stroll around the annual Christmas market, there is always something to do in Leicester Square.
An Alternative View
Typical sightseeing tours aren’t the only way to discover Leicester Square. Photographic tours can help you capture hidden monuments you might otherwise miss, like Shakespeare’s statue in the fountain. Karl Marx tours show visitors the socialist revolutionary’s old digs, just off the square, and explain the influences of the UK capital on his works.
Address: Leicester Square, London, England
From $ 19
Knightsbridge
One of west London’s most affluent districts, just south of Hyde Park, Knightsbridge remains one of the city’s most upmarket shopping areas. While London’s most iconic department store, Harrods, draws in the most visitors, the surrounding area is crammed with flagship British and international designer stores. London based shoe luminaries like Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik are based along the eponymous street; household name fashion house Prada has two stores nearby and the hugely popular department store Harvey Nichols is Harrods’ closest rival. Adjoining Sloane Street’s shop list reads like a fashion show itinerary with Christian Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Armani, Alberta Ferretti and Nicole Fahri, just some of the famous names. It’s not all about shopping, though – the area is also has many chic bars, pricey restaurants and swanky hair and beauty salons.
If you’re in the mood for maxing out your credit card, you’ll be in good company in Knightsbridge - the luxury district is home to some of the world’s richest people (unsurprising when you consider that apartment prices here are among the world’s highest) as well as Coutts, the bank of Her Majesty the Queen. Thankfully, admiring the buildings doesn’t cost a cent, and the stately elegance of the area’s Victorian architecture makes even window-shopping worthwhile. Visit in the evening hours or over the Christmas period for the most atmospheric experience, with the streets aglow with twinkling lights and the shop windows featuring luminous displays.
If you’re in the mood for maxing out your credit card, you’ll be in good company in Knightsbridge - the luxury district is home to some of the world’s richest people (unsurprising when you consider that apartment prices here are among the world’s highest) as well as Coutts, the bank of Her Majesty the Queen. Thankfully, admiring the buildings doesn’t cost a cent, and the stately elegance of the area’s Victorian architecture makes even window-shopping worthwhile. Visit in the evening hours or over the Christmas period for the most atmospheric experience, with the streets aglow with twinkling lights and the shop windows featuring luminous displays.
Address: London, England
From $ 27
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel
Once described as “seamlessly elegant” by The Daily Telegraph, Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel is indeed one of the best hidden gems in the English Lake District. Built as a summer home for a wealthy mill owner in 1879, it’s located just outside the quaint village of Bowness-on-Windermere and set among 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of stunning gardens and woodland. The four-star country hotel overlooks the largest lake in Cumbria and boasts 34 tastefully decorated and luxurious guest rooms and two AA Rosette dining rooms (famous for their tasty afternoon tea), which are open to nonresidents. Other amenities include an indoor heated pool, a sauna, beauty and holistic therapy rooms, and a fitness room.
What makes Lindeth Howe so famous, besides its spectacular setting, is its previous owner, who was none other than famed author Beatrix Potter. She penned and illustrated two of her famous children’s stories, Timmy Tiptoes and Pigling Bland, while staying at Lindeth Howe between 1902 and 1913.
Practical Info
Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel’s guest rooms come equipped with bath, shower, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, hair dryer and a digital flat screen TV with radio. The hotel is located in the heart of Lake District National Park, just 1.5 hours north of Liverpool and Manchester via the M6 and the A591.
Address: Lindeth Drive, Longtail Hill, Windermere, England
Admission: Rates start at $306 (£225) per night.
From $ 480
Lambeth Palace
Lambeth Palace, built in the 13th century, has been the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and his family for 800 years. Today it is also the center of his ministry, an events venue, and home to the Lambeth Palace Library, which is the second-largest religious library in the world after the Vatican.
The Basics
Visitors can enter the palace by prebooking a guided tour, which explores the rooms, chapels, and crypt. Volunteer tour guides discuss the in-depth history of the Archbishop of Canterbury as well as the architectural history of the palace, with its intricate stained glass, vaulted chapels, and other features. The palace’s exterior is included on many historical and architectural walking tours of London.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lambeth Palace is ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts.
- The palace is open to the public via prebooked tours only.
- Admission is free for visitors under 17 years old.
- A small on-site gift shop sells palace guidebooks and other souvenirs.
- The palace is accessible to wheelchair users and has one wheelchair available to borrow during a guided tour.
How to Get There
Lambeth Palace is located on the south bank of the River Thames in central London, across from the Houses of Parliament. The nearest tube station is about a 15-minute walk from the palace. A number of buses—including C10, 507, 77, 344, and 3—run to the palace from Waterloo, Victoria, and Vauxhall stations. Driving and parking in central London are not recommended.
When to Get There
Interior tours of the palace are held on weekdays year-round, though must be booked in advance online. The palace garden is open in the warmer spring and summer months. A number of seasonal events are held at the palace throughout the year, such as the annual North Lambeth Parish Fete in June; check the website for a current schedule.
Garden Open Days
The Lambeth Palace gardens are open to the public on the first Friday of the month from April through September. The manicured garden, founded in 1197, stretches across more than 10 acres (4 hectares). It is home to native English plants as well as species from all over the world, reflective of the wider Anglican communion. Visitors are treated to entertainment and refreshments from 12pm to 3pm. Entrance is free for children, and dogs are welcome.
Address: SE1 7JU, London, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Kensington Palace
As the official London home of Britain's favorite royal couple, Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with little Prince George and Princess Charlotte; Kensington Palace's fame rivals that of Buckingham Palace. Will and Kate aren't the only members of the royal family to walk the halls of Kensington Palace, though—King George II, Queen Victoria, Queen Anne, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana have all also called the palace home.
The Basics
While the royal living quarters are off-limits, a large portion of the palace is open to the public, with multiple exhibit spaces plus the renowned Orangery café. Visitors can admire the 16th-century King's Staircase; peek into Queen Mary's State Apartments; learn more about Queen Victoria in the Victoria Revealed exhibition; and explore Queen Caroline's Cabinet of Curiosities, all before strolling the landscaped palace gardens. You can also admire a collection of iconic dresses worn by Princess Diana in the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibit.
Opt for a priority-access ticket to save time, or book a Royal Palaces Pass that allows entry to three royal London attractions: Buckingham, the Tower of London, and Hampton Court Palace. Some tours to Buckingham Palace also stop by Kensington Palace, while others pair a palace visit with an indulgent afternoon tea experience in the palace gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission lines can be long in summer, especially for special exhibitions, so it’s best to book priority entrance tickets in advance.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- Most areas of the palace are wheelchair accessible, and concession tickets are available.
How to Get to Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is located at the west end of Hyde Park in central London. The nearest tube stations are Queensway and High Street Kensington, each about a 10-minute walk from the palace.
When to Get There
Kensington Palace is open all year round, but special events are held throughout the year, including fashion exhibits, the open-air Luna Cinema in August, and Queen Caroline's annual garden parties.
Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, England
Hours: March–Oct 10am–6pm; Nov–Feb 10am–4pm
Admission: €18
From $ 21
Islington
One of London’s most exclusive ‘villages’ and long the domain of the city’s champagne socialists, Islington is an expensive and buzzing area of north London that is liberally scattered with independent boutiques and antique emporiums—most famously in Camden Passage—as well as smart cafés and pubs. These days it’s probably best known for its staggering number of restaurants featuring every sort of world cuisine—in fact, one of the borough’s main thoroughfares is Upper Street, famous for having more restaurants that any other road in London. It’s also revered for its stock expensive Georgian and Victorian townhouses lining leafy garden squares, which change hands regularly for extortionate sums of money. One such Georgian mansion on Canonbury Square hosts the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art, where star pieces include sculptures by Marino Marini and paintings by the bad boy of Italian art, Amedeo Modigliani.
Islington is very much on the circuit for fans of nightlife too; it has several theaters, including Sadler’s Wells and The Almeida, and is close to the funky market and grungy pubs of Camden, where visitors can explore the favourite haunts of tragic singer Amy Winehouse. The Regent’s Canal winds its way through the borough, along which it’s a pleasurable walk to London Zoo and the London Canal Museum, located in a former 19th-century ice house on the bankside.
Practical Info
Islington, North London. Islington is served by several underground stations, including Angel (Northern Line), Finsbury Park and Highbury & Islington; the latter two are both on the Victoria Line and also operate as main-line train stations. Around 20 bus routes also pass through the borough.
Address: London N5, England
From $ 52
Kilburn White Horse
Drive along the Vale of York on the boundary of the North York Moors National Park and you won’t be able to miss the Kilburn White Horse, a gigantic artwork of a horse etched into the limestone cliffs of the Sutton Bank. Formed using more than 6 tons of limestone chalk chips to whiten the natural grey rock and featuring a lone grass patch for the ‘eye,’ the White Horse was designed by local businessman Thomas Taylor in 1857, inspired by similar designs in south England.
It might not have been the original, but it is the biggest – the Kilburn White Horse measures an impressive 97 meters long and 67 meters high, covering a plot of around 1.6 acres. Hiking routes and lookout points run along the hilltop around the White Horse (although walking on the horse is frowned upon as it damages the surface), but the most impressive views are from the bottom of the hill and on clear days, the landmark equine can be seen from as far away as North Leeds.
Practical Info
The Kilburn White Horse is located near Kilburn in the North York Moors National Park and is free to visit.
Address: North York Moors National Park, Thirsk, United Kingdom, England
From $ 58
Lacock
A small, rural village on the southern edge of the Cotswolds in Wiltshire County, Lacock is famous for its historic feel and big-screen appearances. It has been featured in several film and television productions, including Pride and Prejudice, Emma and most recently, Harry Potter.
Sights include the medieval Lacock Abbey, with its expansive English gardens, stable house and Fox Talbot Museum, a photography exhibition named after the inventor of the negative/positive photographic process (a Lacock resident in the 1800s.)
Many visitors enjoy the two-mile walk that circles the surrounding countryside and offers views of the town and its abbey.
Practical Info
Lacock is located west of London, and the easiest way to get to it from the city is by taking the train from London Paddington station to Chippenham, followed by a bus to Lacock. It is also accessible via a two-hour car ride.
Address: Lacock, England
From $ 129
Legoland Windsor
With more than 2.2 million annual visitors, Legoland Windsor is the second most visited theme park in the UK and it’s a thrill for the whole family, with adrenaline-fuelled rides, interactive entertainment zones and millions of multi-colored Lego bricks. Lego enthusiasts will be in their element as everything has a Lego-themed twist, from Lego cars to Lego-building workshops – there’s even Lego-inspired décor at the on-site hotel!
You’ll need at least a full day to enjoy Legoland Windsor, with 55 interactive rides and attractions to explore. Ride the Viking rapids, enjoy an underwater adventure on the Atlantis Submarine Voyage, hangout with LEGO® Friends at Heartlake City or join the fun at the Ninjago Training Academy. Even adults will be impressed by the Lego brick sculptures in the Miniland, which include miniature model displays of world landmarks. Look out for the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Statue of Liberty, plus the UK’s only LEGO® Star Wars™ display, all built using nearly 40 million Lego bricks.
That’s not all – there’s also a DUPLO® valley, an Xbox® Gaming Zone and a 4D movie theater, plus discovery zones, workshops, live entertainment and plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops.
Practical Info
Legoland Windsor is located in Windsor, around 40km west of London, and is open from March-early November and 2 weeks over Christmas. The park is typically open daily from 10am-6pm, but opening days and closing times do vary throughout the year, so check ahead. Admission to Legoland is £49.20 for Adults and £45 for children (3-15 years) at the gate, but discounts are possible for pre-booked tickets and groups. Under 3s go free.
Address: Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY, England
Hours: Open from March - early November, and for 2 weeks over Christmas. Daily 10am-6pm, but closing times do vary throughout the year.
Admission: Adults £49.20, Children £45.
From $ 91
KidZania London
Some call it an educational theme park, some call it a child-sized city, but the reality remains: KidZania is not for parents. Located inside one of London’s largest shopping malls, this whimsical center (and also quite large, at 75,000 square feet) invites children aged 4 to 14 to empower themselves by trying out over 60 different professions – surgeon, firemen, fashion stylist, engineer, receptionist, bank clerk, award-winning singer – through role-playing games and true-to-life situation. Each job is carefully crafted to provide kids with a variety of life skills, such as teamwork, confidence and financial independence.
They even get to open their own bank accounts to save money and later on gain access to different games. As KidZania is primarily oriented towards kids, parents get to sit back, relax, and enjoy their day by watching their kids empower themselves through viewing windows, or by meeting other adults in the dedicated parents space.
Practical Info
KidZania is located inside the Westfield shopping center in West London, on the first floor between Marks & Spencers and Gap. It can be reached by car via Ariel Way in the W12 postcode, by bus via routes 31, 49, 207, 237, 260, 607, and C1, by train via Overground (stop Sherperd’s Bush) or by tube via Central and Hammersmith & City lines (stop Sherperd’s Bush). KidZania is open from 11 am to 6:30 pm on Mondays, from 10 am to 6:30 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and from 10 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with last entry four hours before closing time. Walk-up entry fees are £28.00 per child, £16.50 per adult (+ 15 years old) £10 per child aged 1-3 years old, and free for infants. Children aged 4-7 years can only enter KidZania if accompanied by an adult; children aged 8-14 years may explore KidZania unaccompanied.
Address: Ariel Way (Westfield shopping center), London, England
Hours: 11 am to 6:30 pm on Mondays, from 10 am to 6:30 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and from 10 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Admission: £28.00 per child, £16.50 per adult (+ 15 years old) £10 per child aged 1-3
From $ 12
King's College Chapel
With its elaborate Perpendicular Gothic façade and exquisite stained glass windows, the King's College Chapel is worthy of the accolades that are ravished upon it. Often touted as the most impressive work of medieval architecture and Gothic design in Britain, it now ranks as the most visited attraction in Cambridge. Founded by Henry VI in 1441, who laid the foundation stone himself, the chapel was the design of royal architect Reginald of Ely and took almost 75 years to be completed, continuing through the reigns of Edward IV, Richard II, Henry VII and Henry VIII.
Visitors to the chapel are unlikely to be disappointed – the ornate interiors are truly show-stopping, with highlights including the magnificent fan vaulted ceilings, the elaborate Tudor motifs and screens, and Rubens' Adoration of the Magi, which overlooks the high altar. Also of significance are the remarkably preserved 16th-century stained glass windows and the gilded Harrison & Harrison organ, celebrated for its rich and distinctive sound.
As well as being the architectural star of Cambridge University’s prestigious King’s College, the King’s College chapel is also a working chapel, used for daily services and recitals by the acclaimed King’s College Choir. The famous ‘evensong’ (evening choral performances), performed by the resident choir, have become hugely popular among both locals and visitors. The most notable service is the Festival of the Nine Lessons, the carol service that has been held on Christmas Eve since 1918 and huge crowds gather for the event.
Practical Info
King's College Chapel on King’s College campus, just west of downtown Cambridge. The college chapel is open to the public during college terms Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 3.15pm, Sun 1.15pm - 2.30pm, and outside of college terms: daily 9.30am - 4.30pm. Tours costs £8 for adults and £5.50 for children or students; services are free. Evensong is held at the chapel throughout term time Mon-Sat at 5.30pm, Sun at 3.30pm, and the annual Nine Lessons Carol Service is held at 3pm on Christmas Eve.
Address: King's College, King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, England
Hours: During college terms: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 3.15pm, Sun 1.15pm - 2.30pm, Outside of college terms: daily 9.30am - 4.30pm. Evensong is held at Mon-Sat at 5.30pm, Sun at 3.30pm.
Admission: Adults £8, Children/Students £5.50, Under 12s free.
From $ 14
Imperial War Museum
London's Imperial War Museum (IWM London) offers an all-encompassing introduction to Britain's war history, complete with military aircraft hanging overhead, army tanks flanking the central exhibition hall, and a recreated World War I bunker to crawl through. Exhibits spotlight not only military equipment and strategy but also the wartime experiences of soldiers and civilians.
The Basics
The IWM London is a popular sight for military buffs. With so much to take in throughout the museum's exhibitions, most visitors explore independently, often arriving via hop-on hop-off bus. The Thameside HMS Belfast warship, which lies on the Thames River roughly two miles from the museum, is also part of the IWM, as are the Churchill War Rooms in central London (housed in the former prime minister’s secret WWII bunker).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the museum is free, but small donations are appreciated.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible—lifts and ramps are available on all floors.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, baggage lockers, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
- Note that some exhibits, notably the Holocaust exhibition, may not be suitable for young kids.
How to Get There
The Imperial War Museum is located on Lambeth Road in London’s Southwark borough. Take the Tube to Lambeth North station (Bakerloo line), Waterloo station (Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines), or Elephant & Castle station (Bakerloo and Northern lines). Bus routes (3, 12, 53, 59, 148, 159, 344, 360, 453, and C10) also serve the museum. Driving is not advised; not only will you find it difficult to secure parking, but if you visit during the week, you’ll have to pay the London congestion charge.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round from 10am to 5pm but can get crowded during the peak summer months, when it's best to arrive early and opt for a weekday visit if possible.
Exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum
Thanks to a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2014, the museum features a revamped WWI section, with exhibits on the Eastern Front and the famous Christmas Truce of 1914, plus a completely redesigned World War II section. Among the many highlights are the popular display on the 1916 Battle of the Somme; the moving Holocaust Exhibition; the Lord Ashcroft Gallery of Extraordinary Heroes, which honors some of Britain's greatest war heroes; and the Secret War exhibit, which focuses on espionage and the covert operations of MI5 and MI6, as well as cyberterrorism.
Address: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, England
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
From $ 42
King's Cross
Kings Cross was named after a monument for King George IV but the area was settled much, much earlier. St Pancras old church originated in 4BC. These days it's most famous for its train station: Kings Cross/St Pancras. From here trains go all over England, including to Hogwarts if you can find Harry Potter's Platform 9 3/4. It's also home to Eurostar, which whisks you to Paris and Brussels.
The surrounding area is slowly edging its way out of being one of the seediest parts of London. The magnificent St Pancras building is coming back to life as a posh hotel, the British Library is just down the road, and of course, the station redevelopment is full of shops and restaurants.
Practical Info
So many trains and buses stop at Kings Cross Station that it's hard to not find your way there eventually. To get a feel for the area wander up Euston Road to the British Library, visit St Pancras Old Church and look at the altar piece, fuel up at the St Pancras Champagne Bar in the station, then head up York Way behind the station where you'll find Regent's Canal. The towpath makes a lovely walk through Kings Cross, Islington, Camden, and Little Venice.
Address: London N1 9AG, England
From $ 19
Lake Grasmere
Famously described by Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’, Lake Grasmere has high credentials and the powder-blue lake, bordered by emerald green hillsides and lush woodlands, is certainly among the most attractive in the Lake District.
Grasmere’s fame means it’s also one of the National Park’s top destinations and huge crowds flock to the lakeside during the summer months to walk around the lakeside, paddle around the lake on a rowing boat or kayak, or explore the eponymous village, renowned for its handmade chocolates and gingerbread. Grasmere Lake is also a popular stop for literary fans, with top attractions including the Wordsworth family graves and Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, both former homes of Wordsworth and preserved as museums.
Practical Info
Lake Grasmere is located just south of Grasmere village in the center of the Lake District National Park.
Address: Grasmere, Lake District, England
From $ 39
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market itself dates back to the 14th century, while its City of London location has links to Roman Londinium (AD 43). The ornate structure of today was designed by Sir Horace Jones in 1881, though the market has since swapped meat trade for modern retail, and adopted an alter ego as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter film series.
The Basics
Whether you’re a history buff, fitness fan, or Harry Potter enthusiast, you’ll enjoy a visit to Leadenhall Market. Historical tours usually include other ancient London landmarks as well as the market. Active sightseers can zip through the city on a bike tour. Harry Potter lovers can search for the entrance to Diagon Alley on foot, or cruise by in an iconic black cab.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Unlike nearby Smithfield Market, Leadenhall is no longer a wholesale market, and as of 2018, there are few independent stalls.
- The market isn’t very big, so it’s worth combining your visit with other local landmarks.
- Leadenhall Market’s main draw is its impressive architecture, so don’t forget your camera.
- All public areas of the market are wheelchair accessible, though the main thoroughfare is gently cobbled.
How to Get There
Located in the historic center of London, the market is just a short walk from Bank and Monument underground stations, and about 10 minutes from Moorgate or Liverpool Street mainline stations.
When to Get There
Unlike the rest of the lively metropolis, the City of London itself goes very quiet during the weekend. If you’re looking for atmosphere, arrive on a weekday around lunchtime, when the market will be bustling with city workers.
Who was Sir Horace?
English architect Sir Horace Jones is best known for his design of Tower Bridge, as well as several City of London markets, including Smithfield. Jones’ architectural designs can still be explored today, providing unique insight into the city’s Victorian heritage.
Address: Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LR, England
From $ 16
Jermyn Street
Located in the heart of St. James in the City of Westminster in London, Jermyn Street is one of London’s most historic and fashionable districts. Dating back to 1664, it was dominated by the Church of St. James and lined with houses, hotels, schools and taverns. Today, it has developed a reputation for high quality British artistry and craftsmanship and is home to the finest tailors, shirt makers, leather suppliers, food and wine merchants and art galleries in the city. It is also where you will find the 70 seat Jermyn Theatre, the smallest in the West End.
Named after Henry Jermyn, who is widely regarded as the founder of London’s West End, Jermyn Street has been home to notable Brits such as Sir William Stanley, Sir John Churchill, Sir Isaac Newton, William Pitt, Sir Walter Scott and William Gladstone.
Practical Info
To reach Jermyn Street, take the Underground to either the Piccadilly Circus or Green Park stations.
Address: London, England
From $ 101
Leeds Castle
A monument to Britain’s past, the grand Leeds Castle is among Europe’s best preserved medieval landmarks, with more than nine centuries of history represented. Sprawled over 500 acres (202 hectares) and surrounded by a regal moat, the stone castle and its gardens offer a peek into the past as well as a variety of present-day, quintessentially English events and activities.
The Basics
A trip to this royal 12th-century gem is essential for any visitor who wishes to truly understand Britain's venerable history, and its short distance from London through the English countryside makes it an easy day trip destination. The castle features medieval tapestries, furnishings, and art, as well as an exhibit covering the Gatehouse and the Dog Collar Museum. The outdoor maze, the Bird of Prey Centre (specializing in falcontry), the golf course, and the underground grotto offer other unique forms of Leed entertainment. The formal gardens, including Culpepper Garden, the Woodland Garden, and the Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terrace, are additional highlights, and guests will find wildlife spotting opportunities with black swans, great spotted woodpeckers, and kingfishers frequently seen on the grounds. The castle is often visited on full-day group and private tours from London to southwestern England that also stop at areas such as the White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury.
Things to Know Before You Go
- All tickets grant entry for one year from time of purchase, allowing for multiple visits.
- Families with kids can visit the onsite Squires’ Court Playground (ages 6 and under) and Knights’ Realm Playground (ages 7 and up) for royal fun.
- Rain is not unusual in England, so bring waterproof gear if you plan to be outdoors.
- Complimentary transport service on the grounds is available for those with limited mobility. The castle interior cannot accommodate strollers.
- Fee-based castle audio tours are available in six languages.
How to Get There
Leeds Castle is in Kent, England, one hour from central London and seven miles (11 kilometers) southeast of Maidstone. It’s a 30-minute drive from the Channel Tunnel and Channel Ports with signs directly drivers to the castle on all routes. To get around the grounds, visitors can traverse the moat on a punt boat ride, cross the Great Water from the castle to the maze on the Black Swan Ferry, or ride Elsie the Castle Train from the entrance to the castle (all require additional fees).
When to Get There
The castle is open daily from 10:30am to 4pm from October to March (last entry at 3:30pm) and until 5:30pm from April to September (last entry at 5pm). The grounds and gardens have longer hours, from 10am to 5pm from October to March and until 6pm from April to September. Weekend afternoons are the castle’s busiest time; weekday visits are much quieter.
Day Trips to Southwestern England
In addition to Leeds Castle, some of England’s finest sights can be found in this region, from Canterbury Cathedral to the famous Cliffs of Dover. Most tours cover the top sights and also stop at the outer London borough of Greenwich, known for its maritime history, the Royal Naval College, and the historic British clipper ship, the Cutty Sark.
Address: Leeds, England
Hours: Hours vary by season
Admission: Adults: £24.90; Children £16.90
From $ 71