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Things to Do in England

Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England

Queen's House

Commissioned by King James I in 1616, the magnificent Queen’s House was originally a gift for his Queen, Anne of Denmark, but remained unfinished at the time of her death, completed instead by King Charles I in 1638. Designed in an innovative Palladian style by architect Inigo Jones, the grand garden villa remains one of the principal landmarks of Greenwich, now standing proud at the entrance to the vast Greenwich Park.

The Queen’s House is now owned by the National Maritime Museum and houses part of the museum’s art collection as well as an impressive array of Royal portraits. The lavish interiors are also open to the public, including highlights like the ‘Tulip Staircase’, the Great Hall, with its striking black and white marble floor, and a range of 17th-century furnishings.

Practical Info

The Queen’s House is located at the northern entrance to Greenwich Park, next to the National Maritime Museum and is open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is free.

Romney Rd, London, England

Open daily from 10am-5pm

From $ 59

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.

England

From $ 28

Rochester

The historical city of Rochester, located east of London, was a special place for well known author Charles Dickens as this was his childhood home and the place where he lived later in life. Many buildings and other locations in Rochester were featured in Dickens' writings, more than any other city besides London. Some of the buildings that still exist today include the Restoration House, which was used as the home of Estella and Miss Havisham in Great Expectations, and the Poor Travellers House, which was featured in a short Christmas story.

Visitors can also go to the Guildhall Museum of local history where you can learn more about Charles Dickens and his works. There is also a walking tour through the city that guides you to the buildings and locations he wrote about. Other highlights in Rochester include the Rochester Cathedral which was founded in 604 and is the second oldest cathedral in England. Visitors can also explore Rochester Castle and the views from the top of one of the tallest keeps in the country.

Practical Info

Rochester is located 32 miles east of London and can be reached by train from London's Victoria Station.

Rochester, South East England, United Kingdom, England

From $ 148

Portobello Road and Market

Home to one of London’s most famous street markets and some of West London’s trendiest eateries, Portobello Road has earned itself legendary status among Londoners, running through the trendy West London districts of Notting Hill, Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove.

Portobello market is world renowned for its antiques market with over 2,000 specialist dealers and vast crowds of bargain hunters, but the two-mile long sprawl includes a plethora of other goods. Vintage clothing, local designers and handcrafted accessories make up the fashion section of the market, with an array of unique and trend-setting pieces on offer, and plenty of incognito celebrities scouring the clothing racks. Hoards of eccentric retro memorabilia, one-of-a-kind furniture and second-hand household items, a wide range of bootlegged music and vinyl and a sprawling fruit and vegetable market, make up the rest of the stalls.

The street market is open six days a week but the Saturday market (which includes the main antiques market) is the most popular and crammed with vendors. There’s plenty to keep you occupied when you’ve finished shopping too – a number of independent art galleries, vintage clothing boutiques, bars and chic cafés (don’t miss the cupcakes at the renowned Hummingbird Bakery) are dotted along the main drag and side streets. Alternatively, film buffs can spot landmarks from Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ Notting Hill, much of which was filmed on Portobello Road – look out for that famous blue door, the location of the Travel Bookshop (actually a shoe shop) and the coffee shop where the romantic leads first meet.

London, England

From $ 12

Radcliffe Camera

With its striking neoclassical dome looming over the neighboring Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera (or Radcliffe Room in Latin) is one of Oxford’s most iconic sights and one of the most photographed of all the university buildings. Funded by Royal physician John Radcliffe and designed by architect James Gibbs, the "Rad Cam" was completed in 1749 and was originally used as the university’s principal science library.

Today the Radcliffe Camera is part of the Bodleian Library complex and houses two reading rooms and an underground library, where about 600,000 English and history books are available for browsing. The interior of building is closed to the public except with guided tours, but the dramatic circular façade still draws crowds of daily visitors with its three tiers of Headington and Burford stone elaborately decorated and encircled with Corinthian columns.

Practical Info

The Radcliffe Camera is located in central Oxford, next door to the Bodleian Library, and is open to the public by guided tour only. The reading room is open for university students and tour visitors on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Radcliffe Square, Oxford OX1, England

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturdays 9am-4:30pm Sundays 11am-5pm

Open by guided tour only

From $ 16

Regent Street

Lined with grand Victorian buildings and big-name shopping boutiques, Regent Street was London's first dedicated shopping block, dating back to the early 19th century. Running for just over a mile (2 km) between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus, the historic boulevard is now both a major traffic thoroughfare and one of London's busiest streets, welcoming more than 7.5 million annual visitors.

Regent Street is well-established as a shopping Mecca, with over 75 flagship stores including Liberty department store, Hamley’s Toy Store and one of the world’s largest Apple stores, plus designers like Burberry, J.Crew, Anthropologie and COS. Above the dazzling shopfronts, the street is also home to an impressive array of Grade II listed buildings, including the All Souls Church, built by acclaimed architect John Nash, and an eye-catching collection of contemporary street art.

Regent Street also plays host to a number of seasonal events and festivities throughout the year, including the Christmas lights Switch On concert, the Lumiere London lights festival, the Hamley’s Christmas Toy parade, the Regent Street Motor Show and the Summer Streets Festival.

Practical Info

Regent Street runs north from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus in London’s West End and can be reached by the Central, Piccadilly and Bakerloo tube lines. Most shops on Regent Street are open daily from 10am until around 8 or 9pm, although Sunday hours may be shorter and bars and restaurants are typically open until late.

Regent Street, Soho, London W1, England

Hours vary by shop

From $ 23

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

Few British royals were as universally adored as Princess Diana, the affectionately nicknamed ‘People’s Princess’, and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is just one of the many tributes and memorials erected in her name after her untimely death back in 1997.

Opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, the unique water feature is the design of Kathryn Gustafson and represents Diana’s life, quality and openness, a continuous circle of flowing water, crafted from Cornish granite and crossed by three bridges. The memorial fountain lies on the route of the Princess Diana Memorial Walk, an 11km circular trail running through five of London’s royal parks and linking sights like Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.

Practical Info

The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is located in Hyde Park, close to the Serpentine Lake.

Hyde Park - W Carriage Drive, London, England

From $ 43

Prince Edward Theatre

The Price Edward Theatre originally opened in London in 1930, but was soon reimagined as a cabaret restaurant known as the London Casino. After periods of hosting pantomines and then functioning as a cinema, the theater reopened in 1978 with a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Evita. It was completely refurbished in 1992, when the stage was enlarged, the auditorium was renovated and redecorated and new side boxes were added.

The outside of the Prince Edward Theatre is notable for its design in the style of an Italian palace. Inside, visitors will find arched doorways and a large circular foyer decorated in an art deco style. The stage trails only that of the Drury Lane and Covent Garden theaters in size and the auditorium holds more than 1600. Aladdin is currently playing at the theater, while past shows have included Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Jersey Boys and Miss Saigon.

Practical Info

To reach the Prince Edward Theatre, take the Tube to either Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road. Alternatively, more than a dozen bus routes run near the theater, including numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159 and 453.

28 Old Compton Street, London, England

Box office is open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Ticket prices vary

From $ 80

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

Running over a distance of 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) between Ravenglass and Dalegarth stations in the valley of Eskdale, the La'al Ratty — as the locals call it in old Cumbrian dialect — is a fascinating minimum-gauge heritage railway train in the heart of Cumbria. The journey to Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park, takes roughly 40 minutes, a scenic ride if there ever was one; the train goes through the hills and across the estuary along the foot of the spectacular Scafell range, England’s highest mountains.

Vastly popular with tourists now, the train initially opened in 1875 to transport hematite iron ore from mines in the Boot vicinity and eventually starting carrying granite, good, produce and even passengers. It wasn’t until the mid-1960s that local railway enthusiasts realized the full touristic potential of the railway line and started building locomotives to accommodate the rapidly growing numbers of visitors to the Lake District. Today, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway carries over 120,000 passengers each year.

The particularity of this railway line, outside its spectacular scenery, is its historical steam engines, some of which date back to the late 1800s.

Practical Info

The train calls at Ravenglass (where the headquarters and museum are located), Muncaster Hill, Miteside Halt, Murthwaite Halt, Irton Road, The Green, Fisherground, Beckfoot and Dalegarth for Boot. There are up to 16 trains daily during the high season, with service every 20 minutes or so between 8:30 a.m. and 6:40 p.m. Ravenglass is just 2.5 hours away from Liverpool, Manchester (via M6, A5090, A5092 and A595) and Newcastle (via A69, A5086 and A595). All-day return tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £6.25 for children and £34 for families (two adults, two children). Children under 5 ride for free.

Ravenglass Station, Ravenglass, England

During high season, trains run every 20 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 6:40 p.m.

Adults: £12.50, Children: £6.25, Families: £34, Children under 5: Free

From $ 19

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The vast grounds and imposing stadiums that once hosted athletes from all over the world during the 2012 London Olympics have now been transformed into one of East London’s most impressive green spaces—Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The Basics

Whether you want to explore the beautiful parklands on a walking or biking tour, take a boat cruise along the City Mill River, or enjoy lunch at The Podium or the Timber Lodge Café, there are plenty of ways to visit the Olympic Park. Relive the trials and triumphs of the 2012 Olympics on a guided London Stadium tour, or see the ArcelorMittal Orbit illuminated by night on an after-hours tour of London’s East End. You can also enjoy aerial views of iconic Olympic venues like the London Aquatics Centre, the Copper Box Arena, and Lee Valley VeloPark from the roof of the O2 or on a thrilling helicopter flight.

Things to Know Before You Go

Head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Information Point (just north of the London Aquatics Centre) for a park map and the latest visitor information.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.
The park and its venues all all wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and sighted guides are all available.

How to Get There

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is located in East London, straddling the districts of Stratford, Hackney Wick, Bow, and Leyton. To get there by train, get off at the Stratford stop on the Jubilee and Central lines, or at Pudding Mill Lane or Hackney Wick stations The Stratford International train station offers direct links to other UK destinations including Kent, Dover, and Canterbury.

When to Get There

The park is open daily all year and special events, and family activities are held on weekends and during school holidays throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is during the summer months, when you can enjoy open-air concerts, art exhibitions, boat tours, and other activities. During the holiday season, the park hosts a Christmas Market, choir concerts, and other events.

Things to Do at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Take in the views or ride the slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture, follow the Art Trail or London 2012 Trail, stroll through the Mandeville Place orchards, or go shopping at the gigantic Westfield Stratford City Mall. There are ample opportunities for sports and outdoor activities too: the state-of-the-art Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre comes equipped with 10 courts and two hockey pitches; the one-of-a-kind VeloPark offers all sorts of two-wheeled fun, from track cycling and road racing to BMX and mountain biking; and the London Aquatics Centre has two gigantic swimming pools and a diving pool.

London E20 2ST, England

From $ 15

Queens' College

First established in 1448, Queens' College is one of Cambridge University’s oldest colleges, taking its name from founders Queen Margaret and Queen Elizabeth (the Queens of Henry VI and Edward IV respectively). With its grand medieval buildings and prime waterfront location on the banks of the River Cam, it’s a striking and highly photogenic site, making it a popular choice for visitors to the city.

A number of areas at Queens’ College are open to the public and visitors can explore the Old Hall, Chapel and cloisters, and see the President's Lodge, the oldest building on campus. Perhaps the most famous landmark of the Queens’ College is the Mathematical Bridge, a historic wooden footbridge that runs over the River Cam and connects the college buildings on the river’s east and west banks. Built by William Etheridge in 1748, the unique bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering, leading to the popular (but false) legend that it was built by Cambridge University alumnus Isaac Newton – who actually died years before it was built.

Practical Info

Queens' College is located just south of King’s College on the banks of the River Cam, in central Cambridge. The college is open to visitors daily from 10am- 4pm, except during study periods, and adult admission is £3 (children under 10 go free).

Queens' College, Cambridge CB3 9ET, England

Daily 10am- 4pm; closed during study periods

adults £3, children under 10 free

From $ 14

Pier Head

Pier Head serves as the ferry departure point on the River Mersey and as a Liverpool symbol, marked by buildings known as the Three Graces, the most famous of which is the Liver Building, with its Liver Birds. Pier Head, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also home to memorials, the Museum of Liverpool, and Mersey Ferries landing stage.

The Basics

There are multiple ways to experience Pier Head. Absorb riverside views of the landmark from a cruise, or get a close-up look at its memorials on a city bike tour. Be immersed in the historic pier’s atmosphere as you walk the streets, before catching a ferry across the Mersey. Take advantage of combination tickets to see it alongside other Liverpool attractions, or opt for a flexible hop-on hop-off tour to explore at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Three Graces and the Liver Birds are a must-see for any visitor to Liverpool.
Be sure to dress for the weather as the area is mostly uncovered and outside.
The wide, paved pathways are wheelchair accessible.
Take advantage of river boat cruises for sweeping views of the iconic buildings.

How to Get There

Many tours offer transportation as part of city sightseeing itinerary. Pier Head is a 20-minute walk from central Liverpool. The nearest train station is James Street, with direct services from Lime Street. The 14A bus stops there directly from the city center. Free street parking is limited.

When to Get There

Pier Head is striking at any time of year, but sunset tours offer particularly charming views of the Three Graces against a dusk backdrop. Main attractions, such as the Museum of Liverpool, close around 5pm, and the last Mersey Ferry departs at 6:40pm.

Spot the Superlambanana

Look out for the Superlambanana sculptures outside the Museum of Liverpool. The design, a cross between a lamb and a banana, pays homage to the city’s port history, as both were historically common cargoes. Beginning at Tate Liverpool, the sculptures spread through the city during its time as the European Capital of Culture, and have since been found as far away as Wales.

Pier Head, Liverpool L2, England

From $ 21

Radio City Tower

At 138 meters (452 feet), Radio City Tower is a prominent feature of the Liverpool skyline, and its observation platform provides aerial views of the city and beyond. Built in 1969, the tower began life as St. John’s Beacon—a ventilation shaft topped with a revolving restaurant—and is now a regional communications tower.

The Basics

Admire views of this centrally located landmark as you sightsee in the city, or opt to ascend to the 121-meter (400-foot) gallery to gain an overview of Liverpool; advanced booking is available. Once you’re on the platform, you can speak with informative guides, peek in at live radio shows, or simply absorb panoramas as you gaze out over Merseyside, looking for far-off Blackpool and perhaps even distant Snowdonia.

Things to Know Before You Go

The high vantage point is ideal for first-time visitors to get their bearings.
The tower is very family-friendly, with free admission for children under 5.
Radio City Tower is wheelchair accessible, as there is elevator access to the viewing platform for all visitors.

How to Get There

Entry to the tower is on Houghton Street, just a few minutes from both Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street stations, as well as the Queen Square bus stop. St. John’s Shopping Centre on Lime Street has parking spaces with a per-hour charge.

When to Get There

Clear weather brings the best views, with visibility stretching as far as North Wales on particularly good days. Otherwise, head up just before sunset during the darker months to see the distant sights, and then enjoy the atmospheric descent of dusk over a wintry Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Tallest Structure?

Technically, Liverpool’s tallest building is the 140-meter (459-foot) West Tower, which has a fine-dining restaurant on its 34th floor. However, Radio City Tower has a 10-meter antenna on its roof, taking the structure to 148 meters (453 feet) and pushing it just higher than its skyscraping competitor, depending on your perspective!

England

Varies

From $ 8

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.

Grahame Park Way, London, United Kingdom NW9 5LL, England

From $ 90

Regent's Park

Once reserved exclusively for England’s royals, this 410-acre (166-hectare) park is now public, and one of London’s prettiest patches of green. As well as a boating lake, sports facilities, a rose garden, fountains, statues, and several playgrounds, Regent’s Park is also home to the 20,000 or so creatures of the London Zoo.

The Basics

London’s royal parks are among the city’s most-loved green spaces, and Regent’s Park is no exception. Most visitors come for a stroll or to take a break from sightseeing and shopping—it’s a popular picnic and sunbathing spot. You can also rent rowboats, explore the ZSL London Zoo, and stroll around the perimeter to see the neoclassical terraced mansions built by John Nash, an influential 18th-century architect who also worked on Buckingham Palace. The park is a stop on many hop-on hop-off bus tours of London.

Things to Know Before You Go

Regent’s Park is a great place to take a time-out from sightseeing.
Most of the park’s pathways are paved and wheelchair-accessible. Information boards at entrance points list the most accessible routes in the park.
Find several restaurants, cafés, and food and drink kiosks (summer months only) situated around the park.
Deck chairs are available to rent between March and October.

How to Get There

The nearest tube stations are Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line), Great Portland Street (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines), and Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines), all of which are less than 10 minutes from the park on foot.

When to Get There

The park is at its liveliest in summer, when events such as open-air theater performances take place and the roses of Queen Mary’s Garden are in bloom. Go early in the morning to see the park at its most peaceful, or ascend to the summit of Primrose Hill (on the north side of the park) at sunset to witness the silhouette of the central London skyline against a dusty golden horizon.

Events at Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is home to many special events, including food festivals, art fairs, and special days devoted to historical topics, such as the park’s role in World War I. From May through September, the park’s open-air theater hosts drama, comedy, and music performances, as well as outdoor film screenings.

London, England

From $ 42

River Cam

Flowing through the heart of Cambridge, the River Cam is not only the city’s lifeline, but one of its most captivating natural landmarks. The most visited section of the river runs between Bishops Mill and Jesus Lock, lined by the grand buildings of Cambridge University and aptly nicknamed ‘The Backs’ as it’s framed by the ‘backs’ of eight colleges. Following the river along this stretch affords impressive views of King’s College, the Wren Library at Trinity College and landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge.

For visitors to Cambridge, the quintessential local activity is punting along the River Cam – a chauffeured cruise in a flat-bottomed boat or ‘punt’, propelled along by a 5-meter-long pole. A romantic, slow-paced punting tour is ideal for sightseeing as you’ll float downstream with plenty of time to snap photos and admire the riverside landmarks.

The River Cam is also a popular recreational ground, with university rowing teams using it to practice for the prestigious Oxford-Cambridge boat race (held along the River Thames in London each spring). Walkways run along parts of the river and many pubs and restaurants offer riverside views, while the grassy banks make an idyllic picnic spot during the summer months.

Practical Info

The River Cam runs for around 14 miles (23km) from Ashwell in Hertfordshire and through central Cambridge until it meets the River Ouse.

England

From $ 14

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.

Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD, England

Daily 10am-6pm, except Fri 10am-10pm

Varies depending on exhibitions

From $ 16

Roman Baths

This first-century Roman bathhouse complex was a meeting point for patricians who came to bathe, drink the curative waters, and socialize. The baths fell out of use with the Roman exodus from Britain but were rediscovered and excavated in the late-19th century. Explore the Great Bath, which is filled with steaming, mineral-rich water from Bath’s hot springs.

The Basics

The Roman Baths are the headline attraction in Bath, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being just 115 miles (185 kilometers) from central London and within day-tripping distance of Oxford, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Southampton, Bath is a very popular day-tour destination for visitors to South England.

Organized day tours often combine a trip to Bath and the Roman Baths with a visit to the prehistoric Stonehenge monument, the picturesque Cotswolds village of Lacock, Windsor Castle, or the cathedral town of Salisbury. If you want to begin your tour in Bath itself, try a guided walking tour of the Georgian city that includes other top attractions such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and Gothic Bath Abbey. Hop-on hop-off tour buses also stop at the Roman Baths.

Things to Know Before You Go

The hot water that flows throughout the Roman Baths complex, via the Sacred Spring, is untreated, hence bathing is not allowed.
Wear sturdy shoes as the stone floors are uneven.
Audio guides are provided, and free tours take place hourly.
The complex is below street level, and features narrow walkways that may trigger claustrophobia.

How to Get There

Bath-bound Great Western Railway trains depart from London’s Paddington station and take about 90 minutes. The Roman Baths are about a 10-minute walk from Bath Spa train station.

When to Get There

The Roman Baths are the city’s showpiece attraction and, as such, draw big crowds, particularly during July and August weekends. If you are visiting at this time, arrive before 10am or during the evening. In summer, it’s possible to visit at night, when the baths are lit by torches.

Drinking the Thermal Waters

Within the same complex as the Roman Baths is the elaborate Pump Room, a lavish 18th-century construction that served as a socializing spot for Bath’s Georgian elite. The Pump Room now houses a restaurant as well as the King’s Spa fountain, which spouts mineral water directly from the springs. Visitors can try the warm thermal waters, which are said to have curative properties. Be warned: The sulfur-tinged flavor is not to everyone’s taste.

Stall St, Bath, United Kingdom BA1 1LZ, England

Varies by season

Adult £16.50, Child £10.25

From $ 10

Platform 9 3/4

Fans of Harry Potter will be familiar with the importance of Platform 9 ¾. The fictional platform is located at the very real King's Cross train station in London between platforms 9 and 10. In the Harry Potter books and films, Platform 9 ¾ is where the Hogwarts Express can be boarded on September 1 at 11am. There is a wrought iron archway in between platforms 9 and 10, and the students must walk or run directly at what appears to be a solid wall barrier.

Due to the logistics of platforms 9 and 10, filming of Platform 9 ¾ actually took place between platforms 4 and 5. But so many people came to see Platform 9 ¾ that eventually half of a luggage cart was permanently installed to look like it is going through the archway. Harry Potter fans from around the world come here to have their picture taken with the luggage cart. There is also a Harry Potter themed shop located nearby where you can purchase a wide variety of souvenirs and prop replicas.

Practical Info

Platform 9 ¾ is located in King's Cross train station in London. King's Cross is located along Euston Road next to St. Pancras International train station.

Kings Cross Station, London, United Kingdom N1C 4AP, England

From $ 16

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is an important site for the British Royal Navy, having played a part in the war against the Spanish Armada, the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars, and both World Wars. Although the dockyard is still a working naval base, many of its historic ships have been converted into museums.

The Basics

Explore famous ships such as the Mary Rose, a Tudor carrack and Henry VIII’s flagship; the HMS Victory, from which Admiral Nelson commanded the victory at Trafalgar; the HMS Warrior, an iron-hulled warship that was the first of its kind in the world; the HMS Alliance, an Archeron-class submarine; and the HMS M.33, a WWI warship. Other highlights include the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, and the Dockyard Apprentice exhibit. The interactive exhibits at Action Stations and Boathouse 4 are ideal for families with kids, with a Ninja Force assault course and other hands-on activities.

You can explore Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on your own or opt for a guided tour to maximize your time and gain greater insight into the history of each ship. It’s also possible to visit on day trips from London or Oxford, which typically include round-trip transportation and extras such as harbor boat tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a must-see for first-time visitors to Portsmouth or anyone interested in Britain’s military history.
Visitor facilities include a selection of restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for exploring the shipyard—some vessels have steep steps, narrow passageways, and low ceilings.
Most of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is wheelchair accessible, but some ships (including the HMS Victory) are inaccessible due to steep steps.

How to Get to There

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is located roughly 90 minutes by road from both London and Oxford. Trains from London also take about 90 minutes, and it’s also possible to arrive by ferry from France, the Isle of Wight, or Spain. Entrance to the dockyard is through the Victory Gate at the corner of Queen Street and the Hard, a short walk from the Portsmouth Harbour train and bus station.

When to Get There

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is open year-round but can get crowded on weekends and school holidays, especially during July and August. During this time opt for an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid crowds.

Exploring the History of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Established in 1495, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the British Royal Navy’s oldest base and was once the largest industrial site in the world. Here you can find centuries of military history, with interactive exhibits that narrate the bravery and heroism of soldiers and serving personnel, offer insight into what life was like aboard these vessels, and outline how Britain came to be the ruler of such a grand empire.

Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, England

Varies

From $ 18