Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
ShowingFilter 141-160 of 322 listings.
Old Trafford
Old Trafford Stadium, also known as the Manchester United Football Ground, has been home to Manchester United F.C. since 1910. With a capacity of more than 75,000, it is the second largest football stadium in the United Kingdom after Wembley Stadium and the ninth largest in all of Europe. The stadium was used by American soldiers to play baseball during World War I and was used as a depot by the military in World War II, sustaining significant damage from German bombings.
The pitch is surrounded by four stands, each with two tiers, except for the South, which has only one. The Alex Ferguson Stand, named for the longest-serving manager in Manchester United history, is where visitors will find the museum, trophy room and the Red Café. The South Stand is where the VIPs tend to be found and the West Stand is traditionally where the most diehard fans congregate.
In addition to Manchester United matches, Old Trafford has hosted FA Cup semi-finals, matches at the 1966 World Cup, the 2003 Champions League Final, the rugby league’s annual Super League Grand Final and the final of two Rugby League World Cups. It also hosted football matches during the London Summer Olympics, including the first international women’s football matches to be played at the stadium.
Practical Info
Old Trafford is located outside of the Manchester city center, about a half mile from the Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Adjacent to the South Stand is the Manchester United Football Ground railway station, which is only open on match days. Visitors can also reach the stadium by the Metrolink tram, stopping at either the Exchange Quay or Old Trafford stops. Buses 255, 256, 263 and X50 also run to the stadium, with bus 255 providing extra service on match days. Tours of the stadium are available on non-match days between 9:40 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. A basic tour costs 18 pounds and includes access to the museum. A number of other uniquely themed tours are also available.
Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester, England
Admission: Tour/Museum £18
From $ 17
National Maritime Museum
Overview
The National Maritime Museum explores the naval and maritime history of Britain, which was for centuries one of the world’s leading sea powers. The exhibitions showcase everything from real-life vessels and model ships to nautical instruments, objects, manuscripts, and maritime-themed artworks from the likes of J.M.W. Turner.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the National Maritime Museum’s exhibits independently, or pay to join an hourlong guided tour, which can be booked online in advance of your visit. For a more intimate experience and thorough exploration of the museum, opt for a longer small-group tour.
The National Maritime Museum is one of four museums—together with the Greenwich Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House art gallery, and the Cutty Sark (a tea clipper turned museum)—that come under the banner of the Royal Museums Greenwich. Many day tours include visits to more than one of these attractions, as well as Greenwich Market and Greenwich Park. You can also visit the museum as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Maritime Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers.
- Special, child-oriented tours of the Greenwich neighborhood, which include a visit to the National Maritime Museum, are a good option for families.
- The National Maritime Museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The National Maritime Museum is in Greenwich, South East London. To get here, ride the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to the Cutty Sark stop or take the train from Cannon Street or London Bridge to the Greenwich rail station. Alternatively, travel by boat taking the MBNA Thames Clipper from London Eye Pier, London Bridge Pier, or Tower Pier to Greenwich Pier.
When to Get There
The National Maritime Museum is busiest on weekend afternoons, between 12pm and 3pm, and during school vacations. Go in early morning or late afternoon to experience it at its calmest. On Saturdays, from 12pm–3pm, the museum hosts performances from various costumed seafaring characters.
Highlights of the Collections
Among the must-see items in the collection are the 1933-built Miss Britain III, the first boat to reach speeds of more than 100 mph (160 kph), and The Battle of Trafalgar, one of J.M.W. Turner’s largest paintings. For families with kids, don’t miss the Ahoy! and All Hands galleries, with immersive exhibits aimed at children. The ship simulator and the giant walk-across Great Map will also prove a hit with younger visitors.
Address: Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Natural History Museum London
Housed inside a gigantic Victorian-era edifice, this treasure trove of a museum holds 80 million specimens, including fossils, minerals, bones, insects, and taxidermy. Visitors can come face to face with a huge animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex at the Dinosaur Encounter exhibit, see a live leafcutter ant colony at work at the Creepy Crawlies gallery, and experience the sensation of the earth’s shaking at the earthquake simulator.
The Basics
The Natural History Museum is one of a handful of prestigious museums located on Exhibition Row, a common stop on sightseeing and hop-on hop-off bus tours of London. Visitors to the museum can tour the galleries independently, see scientists at work at the Darwin Centre, buy tickets for special behind-the-scenes tours, and attend drop-in talks, workshops, and events.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair users can access the museum via the Exhibition Road entrance.
- This museum is big; download the visitor app or pick up a map upon arrival to help you navigate.
- Be prepared for a short wait for security checks at the entrance.
How to Get There
The Natural History Museum has two entrances: one on Cromwell Road and the other on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum and beside the Science Museum. Take the Tube to South Kensington (District, Piccadilly, or Circle line) and follow the underground Exhibition Road tunnel from the station, taking the signposted Natural History Museum exit.
When to Get There
The Natural History Museum is open daily from 10am, with last entry at 5:30pm. Crowds flock here on weekends and during school breaks; arrive shortly after opening to avoid them. The museum also opens its doors for occasional after-hours events such as movie nights and even sleepovers. Among the most popular annual exhibitions are the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, which typically opens in October and closes in May, and Sensational Butterflies, which runs from April to mid-September. In the build-up to Christmas, the museum’s seasonal open-air ice rink is the perfect place to get in the festive spirit.
Highlights of Hintze Hall
Since 1979, the 85-foot-long (26-meter-long) Dippy the Diplodocus dinosaur skeleton has stolen the show in the museum’s magnificent Hintze Hall. That is, until 2017, when Dippy went off on tour and was replaced by Hope, an equally impressive 126-year-old blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, England
Hours: Daily: 10am - 5:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Museum of the History of Science
The Museum of the History of Science functions as both a public museum and a department of the University of Oxford. The museum occupies the world's oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, the Old Ashmolean. There are family-friendly programs and events, gallery tours, talks and lectures, and sessions designed for school groups. The museum has around 18,000 objects in its collection, although only about one fifth of these items are on display at any one time. Digital archives are kept on all items in the museum's collection.
Dozens of exhibits are on display at the museum. Themes include a wide range of topics such as photography, time, measurements, atmospheres, highlights on specific scientists, astronomy, and much more. The museum also holds an unrivaled collection of early scientific instruments. Aside from the permanent exhibitions, the museum has special exhibits that highlight other areas of their collection which change throughout the year. Audio guides and other multimedia enhance your visit to the museum. There is a small museum gift shop where souvenirs can be purchased.
Practical Info
The Museum of the History of Science is located on Broad Street in Oxford, England. Opening hours are noon to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is free.
Address: Broad St, Oxford, United Kingdom OX1 3AZ, England
Hours: Tues-Sun 12pm-5pm
From $ 80
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Overview
With a history dating back to 1835, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is England’s most popular heritage steam railway. The 18-mile (29-kilometer) route winds through the North York Moors National Park, stopping at historic railway stations and affording magnificent views of the rugged moorlands.
The Basics
The railway runs from Pickering station to Grosmont, stopping at Levisham, Newton Dale, and Goathland. Single or return tickets are available from any of the stations, and all train tickets allow you to hop-on and hop-off, so you can explore all the destinations along the way. For an extra special experience, book a seat in the Pullman Dining Train to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner on board; opt for a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic trains; or take a ride on one of the steam or diesel footplates (advance bookings essential).
Most visitors opt to ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on a day trip from York, often combined with a visit to the seaside resort of Whitby or Yorkshire towns, such as Hutton-le-Hole or Helmsley.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Trains have restrooms on board and refreshments are available to purchase.
- Cafés, paid car parking, and restrooms are available at all stations.
- All trains and stations offer wheelchair access, but it is best to advise at the time of booking if you need assistance.
How to Get to There
Limited car parking is available at the train stations, so if you are planning to drive, it’s recommended to make an early start. Most people choose to visit as part of a guided tour, but it’s also possible to take the train from Whitby to Grosmont station or from York to Pickering.
When to Get There
Steam trains run every day from the end of March through October, and the most impressive views are during the summer months of July and August, when the Yorkshire moors are ablaze with purple heather. During the winter months, service is cut back to select weekends and holidays. Traveling offpeak (typically weekdays outside of school holidays) means cheaper train fares and fewer crowds.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Highlights
North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s star attraction is Goathland station, famously transformed into Hogsmeade station for the first Harry Potter film. The town of Goathland was also the filming location for popular UK TV series Heartbeat. Levisham and Newton Dale are the gateway to the moors, with ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching, while visitors to Grosmont station can explore the historic railway sheds and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Grosmont Tea Room.
Address: North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, England
Hours: Vary
From $ 39
New London Theatre
Located in London’s theater land of Covent Garden, the New London Theatre is owned by Lord Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, and although there have been theaters and music halls on this site since the 17th century, it was redesigned in the early 2000s by Croatian architect Paul Tvrtkovic. Along with its vast, 18-m (60-ft) stage, contemporary acoustics and a new orchestra pit, the new auditorium seats an audience of 960 on two levels and it is currently showing sell-out performances of the deeply moving and award-winning musical War Horse, adapted from the novel by former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo and featuring life-size puppets of horses on stage.
Practical Info
Drury Lane, London WC2B 5PW. Performances last two hours and 40 minutes and take place Mon–Sat at 7.30pm, with matinées at 2.30pm Thur–Sat. Ticket prices vary according to seats. Covent Garden or Holborn tube. There is an underground car park underneath the theater.
Address: Drury Lane, London, England
Admission: Varies by performance
From $ 68
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
Monument to the Great Fire of London
The Monument to the Great Fire of London, often simply known as ‘The Monument,’ is a Doric Greek column built to commemorate the Great Fire of London. The monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1671 and 1677, is located near the northern end of London Bridge and has been welcoming visitors for more than 300 years. There are now many cafes and restaurants that have popped up around this historic landmark. Visitors may climb the 311 steps leading to the top of the monument, and get rewarded with spectacular views of the city of London (and a certificate of athletic prowess!). The monument was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the city after the destruction caused by the fire, which began in a baker’s house on Pudding Lane and raged for three days – destroying much of the city. The only buildings that survived the fire were the ones built of stone (like St. Paul’s Cathedral). The monument is 202 feet high (61 meters) – the exact distance between it and the place on Pudding Lane where the fire was started.
Practical Info
The monument is located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, 202 feet (61 meters) from the place the Great Fire of London started in 1666. The monument only accepts cash payment. Children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult in order to climb the steps to the top. Large bags must be left at the base of the staircase.
Address: Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, England
Hours: Open daily Oct-Mar 9:30am-5:30pm (last entry at 5pm); April-Sept 9:30am-6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
Admission: Adults: £4; Children: £2
From $ 16
Oxford Street
Built upon one of London’s oldest Roman roads, Oxford Street is now Europe’s most famous retail avenue. An array of major outlets and boutiques cater to about a half million shoppers each day. The street’s history, architecture, and Christmas light displays also draw all manner of visitors to the capital.
The Basics
The best way to enjoy Oxford Street is to stroll along its bustling paths, free to browse at your own pace. Hop-on hop-off tours provide the flexibility to wander and shop, without the constraint of a set itinerary. Alternatively, those with limited time can take advantage of tours that offer customizable itineraries with private transfer, letting visitors tick off this landmark along with other attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Oxford Street is an absolute must for shopaholics.
- Remember your coat and umbrella in winter, as the mile and a half-long street is entirely uncovered.
- Most of the street’s major department stores are wheelchair-friendly, with step-free entrances and wide-access elevators.
How to Get There
As with all capital cities, driving yourself is not advised. Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, and Tottenham Court Road Underground stations are dotted along Oxford Street, which is also served by many local buses and hop-on hop-off services.
When to Get There
Oxford Street’s annual Christmas street light and window displays are a top draw for many in the city. With a different theme every year, the display turns even London’s busiest street into a festive wonderland, and some providers offer seasonal tours to experience the sight in all its glory.
The Survival of Oxford Street
During the Blitz of 1940-41, Oxford Street was heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe, resulting in significant damage to flagship stores, including Selfridges and John Lewis. The street was targeted again by the Provisional IRA during the Troubles. Despite these obstacles, Oxford Street is still a retail hot spot that does upward of £5 billion in sales each year.
Address: Oxford Street, London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 17
Millennium Bridge
London’s Millennium Bridge, aka the London Millennium Footbridge, sits at the intersection of architecture, art, and engineering. The sleek, 1,083-foot-long (330-meter) steel suspension bridge stretches over the River Thames, connecting St. Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the south.
The Basics
After its unveiling in 2000, the Millennium Bridge—the first pedestrian-only bridge built across the Thames in more than 100 years—quickly took its place as an iconic part of London’s urban landscape. Bridge visitors are treated to expansive city and river views, with a particularly stunning architectural alignment including the south facade of St. Paul’s Cathedral visible from the south bank. Contextual detail, and architectural history of the bridge and the area, are included on a number of city walking tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The bridge is a must for first-time visitors to London.
- Soon after the bridge opened, structural issues caused it to wobble. Although it was never seen as a danger, the bridge was closed for two years while dampers were added to stop the movement.
- London can be very cold and wet in the winter months, so dress accordingly if planning to walk across the bridge.
- Gentle ramps offer wheelchair access on both sides of the river.
How to Get There
On the north side of the bridge, the closest Underground stations are Blackfriars (a 4-minute walk away) and Cannon Street and St. Paul’s (both about an 8-minute walk away). South of the Thames, the closest station is London Bridge on the Northern Line, about a 10-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The bridge is open 24 hours a day year-round. Daytime offers stunning views and photo ops of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the twinkling lights reflecting on the Thames after dark are also dazzling.
Tate Modern
If walking north to south over the Millennium Bridge, you’ll land very near the entrance to the Tate Modern. The Turbine Hall, on the renowned modern art museum’s basement level, has unique, large-scale rotating exhibitions, and from the top-floor terrace you can enjoy panoramic London views on a clear day. Entrance to the museum is free (with varying ticket costs for temporary exhibitions).
Address: Thames Embankment, London, England
From $ 11
Muncaster Castle
A holiday in England wouldn’t be complete without visiting a haunted and historic castle. Cue Muncaster Castle and Gardens, a lavish 800-year-old property that is still lived in by members of the Pennington family, owners of the estate since the Middle Ages. Located in the idyllic Western Lake District and overlooking the Esk River, the castle was constructed in 1208 — it could, however, be much older than that; it is suspected that the castle was built over foundations dating back to the Roman era.
Because of its key location along the Scottish–English border, Muncaster Castle features a fine example of a 14th-century peel tower, which was endemic to the area and intended as a watch tower where signal fires could be lit by the garrison to warn of approaching danger. Once described as “a gateway to paradise” by John Ruskin, the castle’s Terrace Walk features verdant flora and a meadow maze.
One of the main particularities of the castle, outside its exceptional architectural heritage, is the presence of a ghost who goes by the name of Tom Fool, court jester. Rarely seen but frequently sensed, his playful spirit has been playing tricks on Tapestry Room visitors for well over four centuries.
Practical Info
Muncaster Castle is open from March 30 to September 3 from noon to 4:30pm six days a week (closed on Saturdays for private functions). Tickets to the castle, gardens, owl center and maze cost £13 per adult, £7.50 per child and are free for children under 5. On-site parking is free for those who come by car from Liverpool or Manchester. The journey takes 2.5 hours via the M6 and the A5092. On-site accommodation is also possible at the Coachman’s Quarters B&B, with rates starting at £60 per night.
Address: Ravensglass, England
Hours: Open from March 30 to September 3 from noon to 4:30pm, Sunday-Friday. Closed Saturdays.
Admission: Adults: £13,Children: £7.50, Children under 5 are free.
From $ 19
Oxford Castle
With its lone tower and man-made grassy mound, the once mighty Oxford Castle is now a shadow of its former self. But the striking landmark still offers a fascinating insight into the city’s grim and gory history. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1071, the Norman Castle was later converted into a prison and execution tower, linked to the county court by an underground passageway and remaining in use until as late as 1996 (although the last public execution was held in 1863).
Today, the castle ruins stand at the heart of the Oxford Castle Quarter, an atmospheric hub of cafes, bars and restaurants, and is open to the public through via Oxford Castle Unlocked tours, typically led by a guide in period costume. As well as climbing the 101 steps to the top of the Saxon St. George’s Tower and taking in the views from the mound, visitors can brave a peek into the allegedly haunted crypt and explore the preserved prison wings, while uncovering the secret history of medieval Oxford.
Practical Info
Oxford Castle is located at the west end of Oxford City Center, a five-minute walk from the main train and bus stations. The castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and adult admission to the Oxford Castle is £9.95 per adult, with the last tour at 4:20 p.m.
Address: Oxford, England
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: £9.95
From $ 15
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is the meeting place of many of London's most famous roads. Here beautiful Regent Street (shopping heaven), famous Piccadilly (Fortnum and Mason's, The Ritz, the Royal Academy of Art), and cultural Shaftsbury Avenue (theaters, Chinatown) intersect. In the middle of it all is the famous 1893 statue of Eros, the winged messenger of love, which commemorates Lord Shaftesbury.
The circus was originally created as part of a plan to connect Carlton House, the home of the Prince Regent who became King George IV in 1820, to Regent's Park. When Shaftesbury Avenue was created in 1885, the area became busy with traffic and advertisers saw the potential for advertising; in 1895 London's first illuminated billboards were put up in Piccadilly Circus. For the next century it was London's version of Times Square but now only one building carries billboards. For history buffs, the name Piccadilly dates from the 17th century and comes from piccadill, a type of collar or ruff.
Practical Info
Given that it's in the heart of the West End, it's hard not to end up in Piccadilly Circus at some time. Hordes of buses pass through and underneath is Piccadilly Circus tube station with entrances popping up at all corners of the circus.
Address: Piccadilly Circus, London W1J, England
Admission: Free
From $ 16
Notting Hill
Immortalized on-screen in the eponymous 1999 romantic comedy film, Notting Hill is much more than just a backdrop for the famous Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ love affair. The west London district, stretching over Ladbroke Grove, Portobello Road and parts of North Kensington is one of the city’s hippest destinations, lined with vintage boutiques, bijou cafés and indie music venues. Located between the upmarket neighborhoods of Knightsbridge and Kensington, Notting Hill brings a dash of bohemian cool to the stately Victorian townhouses and cobbled side streets, making it the perfect location for the annual Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest and most flamboyant street festival.
Notting Hill is also home to the world famous Portobello market, where one of the largest antique markets in the world is held alongside stalls selling everything from vintage and alternative clothing to handmade crafts and jewelry, music (legendary record store and label Rough Trade is in these parts) and fruit and vegetables.
Notting Hill’s nightlife is also renowned – the Notting Hill Arts Club hosts a number of live bands and DJs; The Castle, Prince Albert and The Cow are popular local pubs or else there are dozens of trendy bars on and around Portobello Road. A number of art house cinemas make it a popular destination for film fanatics too, including the funky Electric cinema with its plush leather sofas and an in-house bar; the small yet luxurious Gate cinema and the grand Coronet cinema, London’s oldest operating cinema, which has been showing movies since 1916.
Notting Hill is also home to the world famous Portobello market, where one of the largest antique markets in the world is held alongside stalls selling everything from vintage and alternative clothing to handmade crafts and jewelry, music (legendary record store and label Rough Trade is in these parts) and fruit and vegetables.
Notting Hill’s nightlife is also renowned – the Notting Hill Arts Club hosts a number of live bands and DJs; The Castle, Prince Albert and The Cow are popular local pubs or else there are dozens of trendy bars on and around Portobello Road. A number of art house cinemas make it a popular destination for film fanatics too, including the funky Electric cinema with its plush leather sofas and an in-house bar; the small yet luxurious Gate cinema and the grand Coronet cinema, London’s oldest operating cinema, which has been showing movies since 1916.
Address: London, England
From $ 12
Oxford Covered Market
Whether you’re meeting friends for coffee or bartering over artisan produce, wandering around Oxford’s bustling central market serves as a lively introduction to the city. Drawing a steady stream of both locals and tourists, the Oxford Covered Market has been at the center of local life since it opened its doors in 1774, and today remains in its original building, designed by architect John Gwynn.
Dozens of permanent stalls are found here, including butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers all selling fresh, local produce, as well as a number of clothing, jewelry and gift options. Once you’ve stocked up on picnic essentials and souvenirs, and sampled local specialties like Oxford sausage and steak and kidney pies, take a break at one of the cafes or bakeries, where you’ll find freshly brewed tea or coffee, alongside an array of freshly made sandwiches, home-baked cakes and pastries.
Practical Info
The Oxford Covered Market is located in Oxford city center. It is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: The Market, Oxford OX1 3DZ, England
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
From $ 20
National Theatre
A historic landmark and a functioning modern-day venue at once, the National Theatre, located along London’s South Bank, is one of England’s most renowned performing arts centers. It’s been a mainstay of the city’s thriving theater scene since it opened in 1963.
The Basics
The National Theatre’s concrete façade looms over the Thames waterfront, making it an unmistakable—if a bit plain—sight to behold during a walking or biking tour of the neighborhood or a Thames River sightseeing cruise. Visitors can go it solo by catching a show at one of the three auditoriums (Olivier, Lyttelton, Dorfman), soak in the free exhibitions, peek backstage along the Sherling Backstage Walkway, or hang out in the Lyttelton Lounge. Those wanting to learn more can join one of the guided National Theatre tours, which include architecture tours, costume tours, and backstage tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the theater, the Lyttelton Lounge, and the Sherling Backstage Walkway is free.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site and there are charging stations in the Lyttelton Lounge.
- A selection of bars, cafés, and restaurants are located on-site.
- The theater is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The National Theatre is located on the Thames waterfront in London’s South Bank, and it’s easily reached from the Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Waterloo & City lines) or the Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Northern lines) tube stations, both set across the Thames via a pedestrian bridge). The theater has its own car park, although fees apply and drivers must also pay the London congestion charge.
When to Get There
Head to the National Theatre at night to watch a performance; the imposing building is most impressive after dark, when it’s dramatically illuminated. Or, spend an afternoon touring the property and plan to stay for lunch.
Watching a Show at the National Theatre
The National Theatre’s ever-changing lineup includes more than 20 new productions each year; past hits include West End favorites such as War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; classics like Shakespeare’s Hamlet and The Tempest; and contemporary musicals like Wonder.land.
Address: Upper Ground, London, United Kingdom SE1 9PX, England
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9.30am-11pm
Admission: General entry: free
From $ 13
Museum of Science and Industry
Visitors can delve into Manchester’s inventive and industrial heritage at the Science and Industry Museum. Housed in a building that served as the world’s first passenger railway station, the museum includes a wide collection of vintage vehicles, historical machinery, hands-on exhibitions, and other engaging offerings.
The Basics
Manchester played a pivotal role during the Industrial Revolution, and it’s been known as a hub of innovation ever since. The Science and Industry Museum contains five exhibition areas: the 1830 Station, the 1830 Warehouse, the Power Hall, the New Warehouse, and the Air and Space Hall. The collection chronicles the city’s best-known breakthroughs and inventions, including everything from a replica steam locomotive to “Baby,” the world’s first stored-program computer and arguably the very start of modern computing.
Free to enter and open to the public daily, the museum is an excellent stop on city walking tours and cultural ventures, and can also be seen during hop-on hop-off bus tours of Manchester.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Science and Industry Museum is a must for families and those interested in the history of innovation.
- The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, and it also offers stroller parking.
- Interactive exhibitions are designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, while the museum’s Treasure Hunter app, complete with games and activities, keeps kids entertained.
- The Warehouse Café is a good place to grab a bite or a quick drink.
How to Get There
Located in the city center, the Science and Industry Museum can be accessed by multiple forms of public transportation. The free Metroshuttle stops nearby at Byrom Street, and the nearest Metrolink tram stop is Deansgate–Castlefield. The museum is within walking distance of Deansgate railway station; Oxford Road station is also nearby. Bicycle storage is available on-site.
When to Get There
In addition to permanent displays, the Science and Industry Museum hosts numerous temporary exhibitions as well as creative classes and events for families, so it’s worth checking the calendar before you visit to see what’s on. Engaging exhibits and an extensive collection mean families can easily spend half a day here. The museum is open daily 10am–5pm.
Liverpool Road Station
The Science and Industry Museum is as much a destination for its setting as for its exhibitions. After all, the museum is housed in a famed heritage site: the now-shuttered Liverpool Road Station, which first opened in 1830. The station was the original terminus for the first intercity railway in the world, and its original features have been carefully preserved.
Address: Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4FP, England
From $ 16
National Motorcycle Museum
With more than 1,000 machines from 170 manufacturers, the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham has the world’s largest collection of British motorcycles. Visitors can gain insight into British engineering, learn about the vehicle’s history, and see motorcycles from classic models to 21st-century superbikes up close.
The Basics
At the National Motorcycle Museum, exhibits chart the motorcycle’s development from 1898 to the modern day, with a range of classic models by manufacturers such as Triumph, Ariel, and Norton, as well as examples of working bikes and military machines. Highlights include the 1938 Brough Superior Golden Dream and a 1912 Wilkinson Luxury Tourer. Most visitors tour the museum independently, though guided tours are available for a fee by reservation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Motorcycle Museum is an absolute must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as those interested in engineering.
- The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
- Don’t forget your camera, as the museum encourages photography.
- A family-friendly restaurant and a coffee cart are on-site.
How to Get There
The National Motorcycle Museum is located in Solihull, on the outskirts of Birmingham, just off the M42 motorway. Driving is recommended as the site is a short taxi ride away from the nearest public transit options, Birmingham International train station and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Free parking is available.
When to Get There
The National Motorcycle Museum is open daily, and its size means it never feels overcrowded. One of the liveliest times to visit is in October, when the museum celebrates the anniversary of its opening with a day of free entry, live music, and celebrity guests. Antique fairs often run on Sundays throughout the year.
The Home of Mechanical Engineering
Still known as a manufacturing city today, Birmingham played a significant role in Britain’s industrial past. It was here that Boulton and Watt came up with the first steam engine that used a separate condenser, an invention central to the technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution. Learn more about the city’s science and industry and see the world’s oldest working engine at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, about 20 minutes west of the National Motorcycle Museum.
Address: Coventry Rd., Solihull, Birmingham B92 0EJ, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Paddington Station
Forever synonymous with the lovable Paddington Bear, star of Michael Bond’s iconic children’s books, Paddington Station ranks as one of London’s most famous train stations. Located in west London, the busy station serves both national railway and London underground trains, making it an important transport hub, as well as offering a high-speed train link to Heathrow airport.
The grand Victorian-era building dates back to the 19th century, but today it’s a modern and bustling station, crammed with shops, cafés and fast food restaurants. Paddington Station is also a key stop on Paddington Bear tours of London and fans can snap a photo with Marcus Cornish’s Paddington Bear statue or shop for official toys and merchandise at the Paddington Bear shop.
Practical Info
Paddington Station is located in Paddington in west London and serves National Rail, London Underground (Hammersmith and City, Bakerloo, District and Circle lines) and Heathrow Express trains.
Address: Praed St, London, United Kingdom W2, England
Hours: Open 24/7
From $ 16
Old Royal Naval College
The grand focal point of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) is an impressive architectural feat, stretching along the banks of the River Thames. Originally designed as a Royal Naval Hospital, the ORNC was the work of legendary architect Sir Christopher Wren (whose other masterpieces include St Paul’s Cathedral) and was built on the site of the Greenwich Palace, the birthplace of Henry VIII.
The magnificent classical buildings, with their twin domes, striking colonnaded façade and vast lawns now serve as the dramatic centerpiece of Greenwich and offer a fascinating introduction to the neighborhood for visitors. Highlights of a visit include the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre, where exhibitions are devoted to the ORNC and Greenwich’s maritime heritage; Sir James Thornhill’s spectacular Painted Hall; and the neo-classical style Chapel of St Peter and St Paul. Throughout the year, the ORNC also hosts a number of music performances, exhibitions, workshops and special events.
Practical Info
The Old Royal Naval College is located on the south bank of the River Thames in Greenwich, South London, a short walk from the Cutty Sark. The venue is open daily from 10am and 5pm and is free to enter, although ticket costs may apply for exhibitions, performances and workshops. Free 45-minute guided walking tours are held from Mon to Fri at 1.30pm and 3pm, or Sat and Sun at 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 3pm.
Address: King William Walk, London SE10 9NN, England
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
From $ 18