Things to Do in London

Choose from 184 Fun Things to Do in London

St. Paul's Cathedral

An architectural masterpiece with a magnificent dome, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable sites. The 17th-century cathedral boasts a rich history as host of the jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.

The Basics

It's possible to visit St. Paul's Cathedral with or without a tour, but you can pre-book fast-track entry tickets to avoid waiting in line. Multimedia guides are available for independent visitors, while guided tours explore highlights such as the nave, the Whispering Gallery, the Golden Gallery, and the crypt. For the best value, opt to combine a visit to this historic landmark with a traditional afternoon tea at the cathedral restaurant, a walking tour, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour of central London. Purchase a London Pass to gain entry to St. Paul's Cathedral and other London attractions such as the British Museum, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.

Things to Know Before You Go

For security reasons, no large bags or suitcases are allowed inside St. Paul's Cathedral.
Multimedia guides are available in nine languages and are included with the price of admission.
Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
St. Paul's Cathedral is wheelchair accessible and concession tickets are available.

How to Get There

St. Paul's Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. The closest tube station is St. Paul's on the Central Line, but it's also an easy walk from the Mansion House, Cannon Street, and Blackfriars stations. On foot, the most scenic approach is from the South Bank—cross the Thames River by the Millennium Bridge to see lovely views of the cathedral.

When to Get There

The cathedral is open to visitors Monday through Saturday. It can get busy, especially in summer, so plan an early morning visit to avoid crowds. Worshippers are also welcome to attend the daily services, choir concerts, and organ recitals.

The Whispering Gallery at St. Paul's

Located in the iconic dome of St. Paul's and reached by a dizzying 560 steps, this circular gallery is known as the Whispering Gallery because of its unique acoustics. Try it out by standing at one side of the dome and whispering to friends and family at the other end! If you've still got some energy left, scale the 117 steps to the Stone Gallery, followed by 166 steps to reach the Golden Gallery, both of which afford spectacular panoramic views of the city.

St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, England

Open Mon-Sat during the day, closed for sightseeing on Sundays but open for worship

Varies

From $ 16

Southwark Cathedral

Southwark (pronounced ‘suth-ark’) Cathedral, officially called the ‘Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie,’ is located close to London Bridge on the south bank of the Thames River. Today, railway lines and office buildings, including the historic Borough Market, surround the old cathedral. The calm churchyard on the south side of the cathedral is a popular place for local office workers to enjoy their lunch hour – weather permitting. Although the interior of the cathedral is relatively modern (it was begun in 1890), traces of the past are still present there. Remains of the 13th-century arcading can be found in the south aisle, and in the north aisle a wooden effigy of a knight dates from 1275.

Also of note is a monument to the playwright William Shakespeare (the cathedral holds an annual birthday service for ‘The Bard’), which can be found beneath a stained glass window depicting characters from his famous plays. The cathedral was once a riverside priory, and the cloister-style courtyard is on the site of the original cloister that was used during those times. To the north, a more modern development includes the refectory and a gift shop with specially commissioned Southwark Cathedral products. An ancient alleyway, now a pedestrian walkway called Lancelot’s Link, separates the cathedral’s old and new buildings.

Practical Info

Visiting restrictions may apply when services or other activities are taking place. Visitors are always welcome to attend acts of worship. Groups are strongly encouraged to pre-book their visits. Hourly prayers lasting approximately two minutes are practiced throughout the day, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the prayers visitors are requested to remain still, and are invited to join in saying The Lord's Prayer in their native language.

London Bridge, London SE1 9DA, England

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and Sat-Sun 8:30am-6pm

From $ 30

The London Shard

Piercing the sky like a gigantic shard of glass, the London Shard is every bit as spectacular as it sounds. This architectural wonder, designed by Renzo Piano, is not only one of the city’s most iconic structures—it also boasts the highest observation deck in London.

The Basics

For most visitors, the star attraction is the view from The Shard’s open-air Skydeck, which affords a spectacular vista of London landmarks such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and even (on a clear day) the distant Windsor Castle. Visitors can opt for a day or evening visit, splurge to add Champagne, or combine skip-the-line entrance with a ride on the London Eye, a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames, or a walking tour of Central London.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visits are timed, so it’s best to book ahead.
For security reasons, all guests are required to pass through metal detectors and have their bags scanned before entering the building.
Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
The Shard is fully wheelchair accessible and concession tickets are available.

How to Get to The Shard

The Shard is located in Southwark in central London, a short stroll from the London Bridge and Borough Market. The closest tube station is London Bridge, served by the Jubilee and Northern lines.

When to Get There

The Shard is open all year round, and thanks to the London Landmarks Guarantee—if you can’t spot at least three of the city’s top landmarks, you can revisit for free in better weather—there’s no bad time to visit. Those hoping to avoid the crowds are best off visiting outside of peak summer season or opting for an early morning weekday time slot. For the most atmospheric views, consider an evening visit to admire the illuminated London skyline.

The Shard by Numbers

Standing a dizzying 1,016 feet (309.6 meters) high, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe and features a shimmering façade made from some 11,000 panes of glass, with 44 lifts and 306 flights of stairs. At 800 feet (244 meters) high, the observation deck is twice as high as any other London viewpoint, and the 360-degree panoramic views stretch up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) away on a clear day.

32 London Bridge Street, London SE1, England

April–Oct: daily 10am–10pm; Nov–March: Sun–Wed 10am–7pm, Thurs–Sat 10am–10pm

Adult £25.95, Child £19.95

From $ 24

St Martin's Theatre

The treasure of the London West End! St Martin's Theatre is one of the few remaining privately-owned theatres in London thanks to the Willoughby de Broke family and has staged many famous plays since its opening. It opened its doors in 1916 with the spectacular Edwardian musical comedy Houp La!, starring the now-iconic actress Gertie Millar. The St Martin's has also hosted plays penned by the likes of John Galsworthy, Frederick Lonsdale and Noel Coward, including the chilling thriller Sleuth, The Grass is Greener and The Wrong Side of the Park.

But what makes the St Martin’s so famous isn’t so much its humble yet successful beginnings; the theatre holds the record for the longest continuously running show in the world with Agatha Christies’ The Mousetrap, having exceeded 25,000 performances since opening night in 1952 - as long as HRH Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. In fact, David Raven holds the Guinness Record of 'Most Durable Actor' for his 4575 performances as Major Metcalf. Over its ongoing 60 year run, a whopping 124 miles of shirts were ironed, 403 actors and actresses appeared in the play and over 426 tons of ice cream was sold.

The theater itself became a Grade II listed building in 1973 because of its historic interest; tremendous efforts have been made over the decades to preserve the building, including extensive refurbishment works in the early 2000s, from restorating the woodwork to hanging silk wallpaper and reupholstering the seats.

Practical Info

St Martin's Theatre is located in London’s Theatreland in Covent Garden. It is easily reachable by a dozen bus routes as well as by tube via Tottenham Court Road station (Central line), Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line) and Leicester Square (Northern line).

West Street, London, England

From $ 84

Tate Modern

Perched on the banks of River Thames, Tate Modern is the epicenter of London’s contemporary art scene. It’s a culture lover’s paradise and one of the world’s largest modern art museums, complete with cutting edge works, thought-provoking installations, and dramatic think pieces.

The Basics

Many visitors explore the museum independently, but taking a private guided tour means you can benefit from the expertise of an experienced art critic. Combine your tour with a visit to the nearby Tate Britain museum by hopping on the scenic Tate Boat, which runs between the two sites every 40 minutes during gallery opening times. Or, choose a London Pass and enjoy access to dozens of other London attractions in addition to the museum. Alternatively, admire the striking Tate Modern façade on a London sightseeing tour or Thames River cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entrance to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated and ticket prices for special exhibitions vary.
Visitor facilities include restrooms, a coat check, gift shops, a café, and a restaurant.
Tate Modern is wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps are available on all floors.

How to Get There

Tate Modern is located on the Thames River’s southern bank, opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral. The museum is easy to reach on foot, either by crossing the Millennium Bridge from the north bank or strolling along the riverfront from the Southbank entertainment district. The closest tube stations are Southwark, Mansion House, and Blackfriars. Visitors to the nearby Tate Britain museum can reach Tate Modern by cruising across Thames River on the Tate Boat.

When to Get There

Tate Modern is open year-round from 10am to 6pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. The museum can get busy in summer, so plan to arrive early or opt for a weekday visit during this time. Don’t miss the spring and autumn Museums at Night festival, when the museum hosts a range of special events and parties after dark.

Modern Masterpieces at Tate Modern

The museum’s vast permanent collection includes works by iconic artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol, and Bourgeois. The grand centerpiece of Tate Modern is the enormous Turbine Hall, where specially commissioned art installations have included headline-grabbing works such as Ai Weiwei's Sunflower Seeds and Olafur Eliasson’s The Weather Project.

Bankside, London SE1 9TG, England

Open every day except December 24-26.

Entry is free except for major exhibitions.

From $ 12

Spitalfields Market

Established in the 1860s, Old Spitalfields Market is a historic market that is still bustling today. The covered marketplace is full of stalls offering a mix of chain restaurants and local street food as well as unique, locally designed goods, imported wares, vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and all manner of quirky items.

The Basics

The Victorian covered market—which has undergone extensive renovations and is now surrounded by trendy, upscale brick-and-mortar shops—is a lively shopping and dining venue. Its more than 70 stalls, shops, and restaurants include regular and rotating vendors selling everything from hand-thrown ceramics to leather goods, bespoke prescription glasses, and vintage fashion.

Old Spitalfields Market and the surrounding areas have quite a storied past, and are included on a number of informative walking and culinary tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

Old Spitalfields Market is a must for shopaholics and visitors looking for fun trinkets or souvenirs to take home.
Although there is a large covered market, Spitalfields can also refer to the wider area including a range of high-end shops and restaurants.
There are seasonal events and pop-up shops throughout the year.
There is an antiques-focused market on Thursdays.

How to Get There

Old Spitalfields Market, located in East London, is easily reachable by bus or tube. Several bus routes end at Spitalfields Market on Brushfield Street; the nearest Underground station is Liverpool Street, which is served by the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.

When to Get There

The market stalls are open daily with varying hours and a range of weekly and monthly themed days and events. Check the website and individual shops for current information.

The Kitchens

The culinary options at Old Spitalfields Market are vast, making it a dining destination in its own right. The options are endless—high-street chains like Wagamama, cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices, Japanese sushi bowls, dumplings, burgers, falafel, high-end cheese and wine, expertly pulled espresso—and the variety showcases East London’s colorful cultural mix and gourmet foodie scene.

16 Horner Square, Spitalfields, London E1 6EW, England

From $ 21

Stamford Bridge Stadium

The official home of Chelsea Football Club since 1905, Stamford Bridge Stadium has a long legacy and watching a match at the iconic stadium is a popular choice for football fans. The 42,000-capacity stadium is even more impressive since undergoing £100 million worth of renovations back in 2001 and the complex now includes 2 hotels, a number of restaurants and the Chelsea FC museum, where interactive displays and exhibitions chronicle the rise of West London’s top football club.

Chelsea home matches are held biweekly at Stamford Bridge Stadium during the annual football season, but fans can also peek behind-the-scenes on a stadium tour, allowing access to the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, the dugouts and the press room.

Practical Info

Stamford Bridge Stadium is located in Fulham in West London and the nearest London Underground (tube) station is Fulham Broadway. The Chelsea Museum is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm.

Fulham Rd, London, United Kingdom SW6 1HS, England

From $ 29

St Katharine Docks

The St Katharine Docks are located in the London district of Tower Hamlets. These docks were once the commercial docks serving the north side of the River Thames east of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Today the docks serve as a yachting marina, and the area has been turned into an urban living and leisure area. There are public and private housing options, office buildings, a large hotel, retail shops, restaurants, pubs, and other recreational facilities.

Several commuter river boats, river ferries, and scenic river cruises pass St Katharine Docks and stop at St Katharine Pier. The area also hosts special events throughout the year. There is a food market every Friday from 11am to 3pm featuring local and international food options. Occasionally there is a cinema at sea event. The docks also host clipper races and boating festivals. St Katharine Docks is a popular area to experience an urban marine atmosphere as well as a unique setting for shopping and entertainment.

Practical Info

St Katharine Docks are located on the north bank of the River Thames and just east of the Tower Bridge. The closest underground stations are Tower Hill, Bank, and Liverpool Street. Check with specific retailers and restaurants for opening times.

50 St Katharine's Way, London, United Kingdom E1W 1LA, England

From $ 13

St Martin-in-the-Fields

Standing proud over the northeast corner of London’s Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is among the capital’s most popular churches, famed for its classical music concerts and lively church café. The Grade I-listed church has stood on the site since the 13th century, long before Trafalgar Square existed, but the current building was completed in 1726 to a design by architect James Gibb.

While its colonnaded façade and iconic clock tower are suitably grand, the real star of St Martin-in-the-Fields is its impressive roster of music concerts and recitals, which include candlelit evening performances of Handel and Mozart, plus free lunchtime concerts (weekdays at 1pm) that showcase up-and-coming composers.

Additional highlights include a series of temporary art exhibitions on display in the church gallery; the Café in the Crypt, which serves a range of well-priced meals; and the adjoining London Brass Rubbing Centre, which hosts demonstrations for kids at the church shop.

Practical Info

St Martin-in-the-Fields is located at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, London.

Admission is free.

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ, England

Mon-Tues & Thurs-Fri 8:30am-1pm & 2-6pm, Wed 8:30am-1:15pm & 2-5pm, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 3:30-5pm

From $ 67

St Pancras Station

One of London’s biggest, most modern and best-connected train stations, St Pancras Station (or King's Cross St Pancras) dates back to 1868 but underwent major redevelopments in 2007. The station now serves as England's main Eurostar terminus, linking London directly to Paris, Brussels and Lille, as well as offering a wide network of London underground and nationwide trains.

The recent renovations have also put St Pancras on the map as a destination in its own right, and travelers connecting in King's Cross will find plenty to keep them occupied in-between trains. Not only is the station itself an impressive example of Victorian architecture, but it's also dotted with fascinating art works, including Paul Day's sculpture 'The Meeting Place' and a statue of John Betjeman.

St Pancras also offers tax-free shopping (for non-European Union residents) at a range of high street and brand-name stores; a wide variety of cafés, bars and restaurants; and the luxurious Marriot St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Highlights include a British produce market, Europe's largest champagne bar, a series of Street Pianos dotted around the station and the famous Platform 9 ¾, a must for Harry Potter fans. The station forecourt even hosts pop-up gigs, charity events and appearances by big-name music acts and celebrities.

Practical Info

St Pancras Station is located in north central London and serves Eurostar, East Midlands, Southeastern and ThamesLink trains, as well as being linked to the London Underground (Victoria, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Circle lines).

Euston Rd., London N1C 4QP, England

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

From $ 11

Tate Britain

Tate Britain is an art gallery in Pimlico, London. It contains the largest collection of British art in the world and is one of four Tate museums across the UK. Visitors come to see priceless works by painters from the last 500 years, including JMW Turner, Lucian Freud, and David Hockney.

The Basics

Entirely devoted to British works of art, the collections here cover an extremely wide range, from modern sculptures by Barbara Hepworth to prints and paintings by the 18th-century satirist William Hogarth. For any visitor to London who wants to learn more about the cultural heritage of the UK, it’s a must-visit spot. The museum also hosts the annual, and sometimes controversial Turner Prize, which celebrates contemporary British artists.

The gallery building is also worthy of note. It was purpose-built by industrialist Henry Tate to house his own art collection, which included many important Pre-Raphaelite works after he tried to donate them to the National Gallery and was turned down. The museum opened at Millbank along the River Thames in 1897. Many visitors opt for a guided tour to learn more about the different paintings.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entry to Tate Britain is free; special exhibitions require a separate (paid) ticket.
Special tours of the museum can be booked ahead of time.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
You’ll find a cafe, restaurant, and museum store on-site.

How to Get There

Tate Britain is located at Millbank, in Pimlico, London. The closest tube (subway) stations are Victoria Line’s Pimlico and Vauxhall. Overground trains also run to Vauxhall. Bus no. 87 stops at Millbank. A shuttle boat service runs every 40 minutes between Tate Britain and Tate Modern on the South Bank in Central London.

When to Get There

Tate Britain is open daily from 10am–6pm. Weekends are especially busy so plan to visit during the week for a quieter experience.

Visit Tate Modern, Too

While Tate Britain is dedicated to British art, its sister museum across town on London’s South Bank features contemporary works from artists across the world. Its huge central space, Turbine Hall, offers a revolving display of thought-provoking installations, and the museum has mounted special exhibitions of artists from American artist Edward Hopper to French post-impressionist Henri Matisse.

Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, England

From $ 39

St Stephen Walbrook

This London church, with its massive decorated dome, is considered a precursor to the city’s famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is one of the finest of architect Christopher Wren’s churches with its Corinthian columns and modern white marble altar designed by sculptor Henry Moore. The altar’s design and placement in the middle of the church was at the time controversial.

It was constructed from 1672-1679, after the medieval church on which it stands was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. It is an Anglican Parish church steeped in history and tradition and is often named as a jewel of English architecture. The 65 foot dome masterfully supported by columns and arches is celebrated, as is its illumination and use of natural light through strategically placed windows. Many consider it to be one of the most important buildings in England.

Practical Info

The church is located at 39 Walbrook in the City of London. It is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, and 10 am to 3 pm on Fridays. The nearest tube station is Bank. There is no cost to enter.

39 Walbrook, London, England

From $ 102

St. James's Palace

Built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for Henry III, St James' Palace is one of London’s oldest official royal residences, playing host to iconic royals such as Anne Boleyn and Princess Diana over the years. The striking Tudor palace is unmistakable, with its bold, red-brick façade and castle-like gatehouse, and continues to house members of the royal family and host formal functions.

Although the interior is never open to the public, St James’ Palace remains a popular destination for walking tours, just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and looking out over St James Park. It's also notable as the starting point of the famous Changing of the Guards ceremony, with the Queen’s Guard lining up outside before marching down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.

Practical Info

St James’s Palace is located on The Mall in central London and the nearest London underground station is Green Park. The palace is not open to the public.

Marlborough Rd., London SW1A 1BS, England

From $ 23

Tardis Police Box

In the 1960s, the popular science fiction series, Doctor Who, decided to use a police box as the time machine that features heavily in the show. Police boxes were introduced in Britain during the late 1800s as a way for police officers to communicate back to the police station. They functioned as a mini police station with a direct phone line and allowed officers a place to handle paperwork and temporarily hold prisoners until transport arrived.

Known as a TARDIS, which stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space, the police box time machine is one of the most iconic symbols from the show. The TARDIS is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, and it has chameleon-like qualities that allow it to change to blend in better when it lands in another time and place. However, it often malfunctions and still looks like the old police box. In real life, due to more modern forms of communication, most boxes have been removed or are in a state of disrepair. However, one remaining police box, located on Earl's Court Road, attracts fans of Doctor Who from around the world.

Practical Info

The TARDIS Police Box is located outside the eastern entrance to the Earl's Court tube station in London.

236 Earls Court Road, Kensington, London, England

From $ 16

The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe)

Affectionately nicknamed “The Gherkin” for its unusual shape, the dazzling glass-fronted skyscraper at 30 St. Mary Axe is among London's most distinctive landmarks, looming 590 feet (180 meters) over the City of London financial district.

The Basics

The Gherkin is not typically open to the public, although the top floor hosts a private member’s club and there are a number of bars and restaurants in the piazza at the base of the building.

Enjoy impressive views of The Gherkin during a London Thames River evening cruise or a ride on the London Eye; see the landmark up close on a walking tour of historic London; or combine a visit with nearby London attractions like London Bridge, The Monument, the Tower of London, or St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Things to Know Before You Go

There’s no regular public access to the inside of The Gherkin.
Most of the bars and restaurants in the building are wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

Located in the City of London financial district, The Gherkin is within walking distance of the Tower of London, the Monument, and Old Spitalfields Market. The closest tube stations are Aldgate on the Circle and Metropolitan lines, and Liverpool Street Station on the Central, Hammersmith & City, Circle, and Metropolitan lines.

When to Get There

The striking landmark looks even more dramatic at night, when its shimmering facade is illuminated.

The Gherkin: An Architectural Marvel

Largely regarded as a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, The Gherkin’s award-winning design was the work of Norman Foster, whose company also renovated buildings such as the Reichstag in Berlin, London City Hall, and Wembley Stadium. While best known for its resemblance to—you guessed it—a gigantic gherkin, the eye-catching design also includes energy-conserving features such as spiraling light wells and ventilation shafts. Today, the famous office building houses companies such as Swiss Re and Sky News.

30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP, England

From $ 43

Spitalfields

Synonymous with its namesake market, Spitalfields is one of the liveliest districts of London’s East End, tucked in-between hip Shoreditch to the north and historic Whitechapel to the south. The best way to explore the area is on foot and the obvious starting point for a walking tour is Spitalfields Market, one of London’s oldest and most famous markets, which takes over Horner Square each day from 10am to 5pm.

Additional highlights of a walking tour include Brick Lane, London’s ‘curry mile’; the lesser-known Petticoat Lane Market; and the striking Victorian architecture of Commercial Street. Spitalfields is also often visited on food tasting tours of East London, street art tours, and Jack the Ripper tours.

Insider's Tip: Spitalfields Market is open daily but the best days to go are Thursday for antiques, Friday for fashion and art, and Saturday for the Style market, which features fashion, homeware, and accessories from local designers.

Practical Info

Spitalfields is located in London’s East End, just south of Shoreditch and north of Whitechapel.

Spitalfields, London, England

From $ 19

St James's Park

Set between the grounds of St James’s Palace and the iconic abode to the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace; few picnic spots are as breathtakingly regal as St James’s Park, a 58-acre (23-hectare) stretch, located a short stroll from many of central London’s key tourist attractions.

As well as offering a pocket of greenery amidst the urban sprawl of Central London, the Park’s proximity to Buckingham Palace makes it a popular spot to watch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the uniformed palace guards change over in an elaborate march and band performance. In addition, the park’s Horse Guards Parade hosts the annual Trooping the Colour military parade to mark the Queen's official birthday, along with the Beating Retreat, a floodlit spectacular featuring marching bands from the Cavalry and Foot Guard regiments, held each June.

A number of attractions grace the park’s interior, most notable of which is the Queen Victoria Memorial, commemorating the legendary ruler’s 1901 death. The 25 meter-high monument, carved from white Carrara marble, stands at the heart of the Memorial gardens, a series of formal flowerbeds and protected landmarks designed by Sir Aston Webb. More recently, the park has become a key part of the seven-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, passing through locations significant to the beloved people’s princess and in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Floral Crown was unveiled - a floral recreation of the crown used in the Queen’s coronation ceremony, set on the north side of the lake.

Open to walkers, cyclists and dogs, the park features a restaurant, summer deck chairs and a number of refreshment stalls dotted around its many walkways.

London, England

Open daily: 5am - 12am

From $ 19

Somerset House

Once a Tudor palace, Somerset House was redesigned by Sir William Chambers in 1776 as part of the city’s infrastructural improvements. Now a creative and cultural hub offering shows and activities year-round, the building is also known to have appeared in the Sherlock Holmes and James Bond films, among others.

The Basics

Follow in the footsteps of movie stars on a cinematic tour, or visit on a walking or hop-on hop-off tour, according to your schedule. Travelers with more time can explore the grounds on a historical tour and gain insight into the royal, governmental, and public uses of the building over the years, or check out one of the events held here for an immersive experience of culture in the capital.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entry to Somerset House is free, though there is a fee for some exhibitions and shows.
The central courtyard is open-air, so remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat on rainy days.
Somerset House is a must-see for history buffs, culture vultures, and creatives.
Most of the site is wheelchair accessible; guests with access concerns are encouraged to call ahead.

How to Get There

Somerset House is a 5-minute walk from Temple underground station, and 10 to 15 minutes from Covent Garden, Charing Cross, or Waterloo. Many local and hop-on hop-off buses serve the Strand, Waterloo Bridge, or Aldwych, while river bus and hop-on hop-off cruises serve nearby Embankment Pier.

When to Get There

Special events at Somerset House are popular with residents and visitors alike. In winter, the outdoor ice skating rink and Christmas arcade provide festive fun in the city, while film screenings, concerts, and DJ sets are enjoyed during warmer months.

Stroll the South Bank

Conclude your visit to Somerset House with a walk across Waterloo Bridge and head into one of London’s cultural districts. Wander east along the river and discover prime Thameside views, as well as unique architecture, theatres, galleries, and English pubs to boot.

Strand, London, United Kingdom WC2R 1LA, England

Varies

From $ 16

Stonehenge

An archaeological marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the world’s most enigmatic tourist attractions, Stonehenge draws up to 1.3 million visitors annually. The site itself—a circle of gigantic stones standing in the heart of the English countryside—is made even more impressive by its mysterious history. Although Stonehenge’s original purpose remains unknown, onlookers gather to admire the 3,500-year-old structure and ponder its astronomical, spiritual, or even supernatural meaning.

The Basics

Entrance to Stonehenge is via timed ticket. You’ll be able to view the stones from a few meters away, and shuttle transportation between the observation areas is included with entry. Access to the stones is limited to 30 minutes, but you can spend as long as you like exploring the site’s visitor center. If you want to visit the Inner Circle and walk among the stones, you’ll need to book a special tour outside of public opening hours. Day tours from London are often combined with nearby attractions such as Oxford, Windsor Castle, Bath, Stratford-Upon-Avon, or the Cotswolds.

Things to Know Before You Go

Admission lines can be long and tour times may sell out quickly, especially in summer, so it’s best to book in advance.
Audio guides are available in 10 different languages.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center.
Stonehenge is located on an open plain, so be prepared for changeable weather—wind and rain are common.
The shuttle buses, visitor center, and stone-viewing areas are fully wheelchair accessible.
Last admission is two hours before the daily closing time.

How to Get There

Stonehenge is located about 88 miles (142 kilometers) southwest of London, which is about two hours by road. Most tours include round-trip transportation from London and offer pick-up from your hotel or a central location. It’s also possible to take a paid shuttle bus from Salisbury rail station.

When to Get There

Stonehenge is open all year round, but the most atmospheric time to visit is during the summer or winter solstice, when a huge party celebrates the longest and shortest days of the year, and entrance is free. Although visits are timed, it can get crowded in summer, so arrive early or opt for a sunrise or sunset tour to experience the landmark at its most photogenic.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Stonehenge

The visitor center offers a fascinating accompaniment to a tour of Stonehenge. Inside, visitors can admire archaeological treasures unearthed at the site, gain a unique perspective through a 360-degree audio-visual display, and step inside a series of recreated Neolithic houses.

Junction of A303 and A344/360, England

Apr-May: 9:30am - 7:00pm, June-Aug: 9:00am - 8:00pm, Sept-Oct: 9:30am-7:00pm, Oct-Mar: 9:30am-5:00pm

Adults: £15.50, Children (5-15): £9.30, Students/Seniors: £13.90

From $ 62

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The large, Greek-inspired Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the oldest theater site in London that is still in use. Having opened in 1663, it is considered to be one of the most important theaters in the world – architecturally and historically speaking. No other theater in Britain has a longer history of continuous use. More than three centuries old, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is also said to be one of the most haunted buildings in all of London – no small feat for a city that claims its fair share of spooky old buildings ( a skeleton with a knife in its chest was found in a hidden room in the 1870s)! The interior of the theater is ornately decorated with plush red-velvet seats for a truly traditional theatergoing experience. The current building was completed in 1812, and has the distinction of having been paid a visit by every monarch on the throne since then. Productions at the theater fill the house regularly, with hits like ‘Oklahoma,’ ‘My Fair Lady,’ and ‘Oliver’ seeing runs of hundreds of performances. Visitors can see a show and also take a professional guided tour through a tour company.

Practical Info

Shows being performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (commonly known just as ‘Drury Lane’) change frequently. The building faces Catherine Street and backs onto Drury Lane. The disabled entrance is on Russell Street. There are four spaces for wheelchairs, L1 and 35, K1 and 35, with seating for companions in the same row.

Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF, England

Varies per show

From $ 19