Things to Do in London

Fans of classic cars and vintage motors will be in their element at the London Motor Museum, where the eye candy includes cars from the 1930s to the 1970s. Bringing together an impressive selection of American and European motors, the museum whisks visitors on a thrilling journey through the automobile era, with the chance to admire some of history's most memorable cars, watch them in action in the cinema room, and test your knowledge on the Car Geek Quiz.

Among the more than 160 exhibits, highlights include luxurious motors such as a Louis Vuitton Cadillac Deville and a Lincoln Continental Lowrider; iconic brands such as Aston Martin, Ferrari and Jaguar; and a 20ft custom built Rolls Royce. Keep a look out for the Volkswagen Beetle, Herbie; one of the original Batmobiles used in the original 1989 movie; and the Ford Gran Torino seen on-screen in TV series Starsky and Hutch.

From the legendary Changing of the Guards ceremony to the foot guards in their bearskin hats outside Buckingham Palace, London's Royal Guards have become an iconic symbol of the city. The Guards Museum tells the story of Her Majesty's guards "“ which include five regiments of Foot Guards and two Household Cavalry regiment "“ from the 17th century the present day, as well as displaying a fascinating collection of military artifacts.

Visitors can admire historic uniforms, headdresses, ceremonial dress, and weapons; get an insight into the life and training of a Royal Guard; learn more about England's military history and the role of the guards; and even try on one of the guard's famous bearskin hats.

The long-awaited memorial to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command, London's poignant Bomber Command Memorial is a heartfelt tribute to the 55,573 British, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and Commonwealth pilots and aircrew who lost their lives and the many others who were wounded or captured during the air raids of WWII. 

Officially opened in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth II, the striking memorial takes center stage near the western entrance of London's Green Park and includes a Bomber Command Memorial Time Capsule crafted from the remains of a Second World War bomber. The design of architect Liam O'Connor, the memorial also features a 2.7-meter high bronze sculpture depicting a seven-man bomber crew, housed inside a grand classical portico made of Portland Stone. 

With 326 acres (121 hectares) of exotic plants, woodland trails, and lily ponds, plus 30,000-plus plant species, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew offer an idyllic escape for Londoners. As well as being one of London's most visited outdoor attractions, the gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and house one of the oldest and most significant botanical collections in the world. 

Accessible via hop-on hop-off bus, the botanical gardens at Kew make for an excellent day-out destination. Entrance tickets to Kew Gardens allow visitors to explore the park's many attractions independently or via an optional guided walking tour. Step into The Hive, a multi-sensory sculpture designed to demonstrate the extraordinary life of bees; traverse a 60-foot-high (18-meter) treetop walkway; explore plants from 10 climate zones in the Princess of Wales Conservatory; and stroll through the  arboretum, a living library of over 14,000 trees. The London Pass offers entrance to Kew Gardens along with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of other local attractions, such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.

Kew Gardens is located in Richmond, roughly eight miles (30 kilometers) from central London, a journey of about 30 minutes by road or 25 minutes by London Underground. The closest tube station is Kew Bridge Station on the District line, which is a short walk from the Elizabeth Gate at the park's eastern border. You can also walk to the Lion Gate (southwest corner) from Richmond Station or the Victoria Gate (southern border) from Kew Gardens station. 

Kew Gardens is open year-round and the wide variety of seasonal plants and flowers make it worth visiting at different times of the year. The gardens are busiest from July through August, so plan to arrive early to avoid crowds. Early to mid-spring is a good time to see colorful flowers, while wintertime makes it easy to time your visit to coincide with one of the site's many special holiday events.

As well as daily guided walking tours and a range of special exhibitions and art displays, Kew hosts special seasonal events and festivals year-round. Highlights include the month-long Christmas at Kew celebration, which includes an illuminated night trail; Kew the Music live music concerts in summer; the spring Orchids Festival; and Halloween pumpkin patches.

From colorful murals to political caricatures or classic comics, London's Cartoon Museum is bursting with the best of British cartoons. The museum's permanent collection includes more than 1,700 original cartoons, comics, caricatures, and animations, dating from the 18th-century to the present day, plus a library filled with thousands of books, comics, and graphic novels.

Highlights include works by classic British artists like Hogarth, James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson; Victorian cartoonists including John Leech and George Cruikshank; and other big names including H.M. Bateman, William Heath Robinson, Steve Bell, Pont, Gerald Scarfe, and Ronald Searle. Whatever your tastes, the nostalgic exhibits have something for everyone, with works from Private Eye, The Beano, Dennis the Menace, Dan Dare, Viz, and V for Vendetta; interactive activities and workshops for all ages; and a gift shop filled with unique souvenirs.

With its abundance of oriental restaurants, striking Paifangs (monumental archways) and colorful lanterns swaying in the wind, it's easy to know when you've stumbled into London's Chinatown. Located at the heart of Soho and a short stroll from Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, it serves as a popular route for walking tours, as well as being one of the top destinations for eating out in the city. 

London's Chinatown dates back from the 20th century, but was originally based in Limehouse in the East End, only moving to its current location in the 1970s. Today, the main thoroughfare is Gerrard Street, on and around which dozens of Asian restaurants can be found, including Japanese sushi bars, Korean eateries and traditional teahouses, as well as a number of Chinese supermarkets, reflexology and massage parlors, and Chinese medicine practitioners. The lively district is most atmospheric after dark, but the best time to visit is during the annual Chinese New Year celebrations, when bold decorations, glowing lanterns and non-stop street entertainment add to the festivities.

From legendary royals to pop culture icons and famous public figures; strolling the halls of the National Portrait Gallery is like taking a walk through British history. There are works dating from as early as the 13th century; Tudor portraits including Sir Thomas Cromwell, Richard III and Henry VIII, along with his six wives; and Victorian-era portraits of Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde and the Brontë sisters. The modern era is well represented too, including royals like Diana Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Cambridge, actors like Alan Rickman and Helen Mirren, and instantly recognizable faces like The Beatles, Richard Branson and J.K.Rowling.

Opening its doors in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery was the first of its kind in the world and it's now home to the world's biggest portrait collection, featuring over 11,000 works. Notable highlights include the 'Chandos' portrait, alleged to portray William Shakespeare; a sketch of novelist Jane Austen by her sister and the much talked about "˜Ditchley' portrait of Queen Elizabeth I. In the modern gallery, must-sees include Julian Opie's celebrated Blur portraits, Sam Taylor-Wood's video portrait of David Beckham and Marlene Dumas's painting of Amy Winehouse, while the most bizarre is Mark Quinn's "˜Self', a frozen sculpture of his head made with his own blood.

You don't have to go far from London to explore England's underground wonders "” the magnificent Chislehurst Caves are just a short train ride from central London. The manmade caves comprise of a 22-mile (35-km) network of tunnels, dug out in the 13th century and used over the years for chalk, flint, and lime mining; mushroom cultivation; and ammunition storage, as well as being used as an air-raid shelter during WWII.

Access to the caves is by guided tour only (included in the entrance price) and visitors can explore the eerie underground passageways, while learning about the caves fascinating history. The 45-minute tours are led by lamplight and take in highlights such as the Caves Church, the Druid Altar, and the Haunted Pool.

London's Thames River waterfront is iconic, but its scenic canals remain one of the city's best-kept secrets. The London Canal Museum reveals their fascinating history, from Victorian trade center to modern-day tourist attraction.

Housed in a 19th-century ice warehouse by the waterfront, the museum's multi-media exhibitions focus not only on the historic canals, but also reveal the building's unusual history, owned by ice cream maker Carlo Gatti and used to store ice imported from Norway. Inside visitors can discover how the canal ways were built, learn about their importance in transporting cargo, follow the horses that pulled the boats, and uncover the lives of the workers that worked the waterways.

One of London's most unique museums and the first of its kind in the world, Greenwich's Fan Museum is home to a mind-boggling 4,000 fans and fan leaves, the oldest of which dates back to the 10th-century. The collection, which rotates each season to ensure all fans are displayed to visitors, is a feast for the eyes, with the majority of fans dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, and hailing from all over Europe and the world.

Notable highlights include the Helène Alexander Collection, a fan painted by Walter Sickert, a fan depicting the Grand Dauphin's 20th birthday celebrations and a fan painting by Paul Gauguin. It's not all about the eye candy though "“ the Fan Museum also offers a fascinating introduction to fan history, design and manufacture, as well as a glimpse into their use and social importance throughout history.

The surroundings are equally impressive, with the museum housed in a pair of magnificent Grade II-listed buildings in Greenwich, accompanying a Japanese Garden and an Orangery, where it's possible to enjoy afternoon tea.

Leave the bustling streets behind as you explore Kensington Gardens, one of the city's most famous green spaces. Discover landmarks including the Albert Memorial, Kensington Palace, and Serpentine River; pick up practical gardening tips in the Allotment; or simply absorb the atmosphere at one of the park's many cafes.

Discover Kensington Gardens and other nearby Royal Parks on a bicycle tour, or follow a multipark trail such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk to explore at your own pace. Gain insight into the historic 265-acre (107-hectare) gardens and wider Kensington on a private tour of the district, or enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided tour to stroll the park as it suits you, taking advantage of hop-on hop-off services that stop nearby.

Just next to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is located in west central London. To get there by public transit, take the underground to Lancaster Gate on the Central Line or Bayswater on the District Line. Alternatively, take bus 148 from London Victoria to Victoria Gate. Hop-on hop-off services also stop near the gardens.

Kensington Gardens is open year-round, from early morning until dusk. Different seasons bring different vistas, from spring's avenues of fresh blooms to winter's festive walkways, so there's always something to see.

Look out for the park's bronze statue of Peter Pan, located west of the river. The writer of the original tales, JM Barrie, lived in Kensington with his Saint Bernard dog and spent a lot of time walking in the park. It was here he met the Llewelyn Davies family, who would go on to serve as inspiration for Barrie's famous stories and characters.

The Courtauld Gallery in London has art on display from the early Renaissance to the 20th century. The collections include iconic Old Masters, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, along with sculpture, decorative and applied arts. Some of the pieces of art visitors can view here are by Monet, Van Gogh and Gauguin, as well as the largest collection of Cezannes in the UK. It is housed in Somerset House, an 18th-century building that was once the Royal Academy of Art. It is also the heart of the Courtauld Institute of Art and part of London's Museum Mile. 

Most of the art on display was gifted to the Courtauld Gallery. The museum also has temporary exhibits throughout the year that focus on various topics and artists. Occasionally the museum holds special lectures, lunchtime talks, workshops, short courses and other events. There is also a cafe and a gift shop. 

The world’s oldest scientific zoo with a history dating back to 1828, the ZSL (Zoological Society of London) London Zoo remains one of the city’s most popular family attractions. The zoo’s myriad animal residents include over 750 species, from mighty lions to cute penguins to creepie crawlies.

A London Zoo entry ticket includes full access to the zoo’s many attractions, as well as daily events such as zookeeper talks and animal feedings. From February to October, it’s also possible to upgrade to include skip-the-line access. If you’re sightseeing in London, it might be worth investing in a London Pass, which includes free entrance to the zoo, as well as other London attractions such as the View from the Shard and the Tower of London, plus a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city. 

Camden Town (Northern line) is the closest Tube station; from there, it’s a short walk to the zoo entrance. There are also several buses that run from Camden past the zoo. You can also reach the zoo from the Baker Street (Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines) or Regent's Park (Bakerloo line) Tube stations and then walking through the scenic Regent’s Park. 

London Zoo is open daily year round, although opening times vary slightly throughout the year. The busiest time to visit is in July and August or during school holidays; weekdays outside of these times are generally much quieter. To avoid the crowds, opt to visit on a rainy day; many of the outdoor viewing areas are covered, and there are a number of indoor exhibitions as well.  

Highlights of a visit to ZSL London Zoo include the Tiger Territory, where you can marvel at endangered Sumatran tigers through floor-to-ceiling glass windows; the Gorilla Kingdom, where Western Lowland Gorillas roam freely in their African jungle habitat; the Land of the Lions, where walkways overlook mighty creatures; and the Penguin Beach, where 150 Macaroni and Humboldt penguins live in an enormous pool. Behind-the-scenes tours, zookeeper-for-a-day programs, and interactive BUGS sessions are also available for those wanting a more hands-on experience.  

The London Film Museum, tucked away in a quiet part of Covent Garden, was founded and created by Jonathan Sands in 2008 following the success of Star Wars, the Exhibition. It is entirely dedicated to the British film industry and hosts regular, big-ticket film-themed exhibitions featuring original props, costumes and sets of all kinds. Past exhibitions include Bond in Motion, Charlie Chaplin - The Great Londoner and Ray Harryhausen, Myths & Legends.

The museum was once voted the best family attraction in Britain by the Telegraph. It also features a permanent exhibition (50 percent of which is from Sands' personal collection) which contains cinema artefacts, photography, films and multimedia tools, taking visitors on a journey through the history of the seventh art, the democratization of its techniques and the story behind today's blockbusters.

Located in an upscale neighborhood near central London, Holland Park is a favorite spot for weekend strolls. As well as woods, tennis courts, and various gardens"”including the Japanese-style Kyoto Garden"”the park is also home to what's left of the once-sprawling 17th-century Holland House, and a muster of resident peacocks. 

Tranquil and leafy, Holland Park is an excellent place to take a breather from the thronged streets of central London. Stroll through the calming Japanese garden, picnic on the lawns, people-watch from the on-site cafe, view the east wing of Holland House (the rest of which was destroyed during World War II bombings), and visit the Holland Park Ecology Centre, which host talks, guided walks, and workshops from a facility on the west side of the park. The park is a stop on some hop-on hop-off bus tours of London.

Holland Park is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in West London. The nearest Tube station is Holland Park (Central line), while the Kensington Olympia train station"”served by Overground and Southern Railway"”is fewer than 10 minutes from the park on foot. London's Design Museum abuts the park to the south. 

Holland Park is open daily from early morning to sunset. The park is busiest on sunny Saturday and Sunday afternoons, though even then it rarely feels crowded. The best time to visit is during summer, when open-air opera performances are staged in the park. 

Every summer, Holland Park is the setting for a series of outdoor opera productions. During the season, up to 1,000 audience members take their seats under a temporary canopy in the park to watch both famous and lesser-known works being performed in an open-air setting. You must purchase tickets in advance; spaces for wheelchair patrons are available. 

Telling the story of the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity, the Foundling Museum offers a unique insight into one of the country's most pioneering charities. Established by philanthropist Thomas Coram in 1739, the Foundling Hospital was the first of its kind, using the support of artists and musicians to fund its charitable endeavors. The museum reveals the secrets of its success, the support of artist William Hogarth and the composer George Frideric Handel, and its influence on charitable arts programs to this day.

As well as learning about the charity, the museum is also home to the Gerald Coke Handel Collection, the world's largest private collection of Handel memorabilia, including music, art, manuscripts, and books.

The Beefeater Gin Distillery, which opened to visitors in 2014, offers the chance to discover the secrets of London's best-selling gin and get a behind-the-scenes peek at the historic distillery, which dates back to 1862. 

A Beefeater Gin Distillery tour takes about an hour and includes a guided tour, a self-guided visit to the exhibition areas, and a chance to sample the award-winning Beefeater Gin. Tours are free for London Pass holders and VIP tours, which includes a gin tasting led by an expert, are also available.

The Beefeater Gin Distillery is located in Kennington, South London. The nearest tube stations are Oval on the Northern Line and Vauxhall on the Victoria Line.

The distillery is open Monday to Saturday; tours typically run every 30 minutes. The busiest time is in July and August when afternoon tours can sell out; during slower times of year, there may be fewer daily tours. 

Tours of the Beefeater Gin Distillery are split into two parts"”a self-guided tour of the interactive Beefeater Gin Distillery Visitor Centre, followed by a guided tour of the facility. During the first half, journey back to 18th-century London and discover the gin craze that swept the city; you can walk down a replica of William Hogarth's famous Gin Lane, explore a Victorian-era Covent Garden (that produced the herbs, fruits, and flowers that flavored the gin), and visit Burrough's American Bar. On the guided tour, meanwhile, you'll see the original copper stills, learn about the art of gin-making, and enjoy a complimentary gin-and-tonic at the distillery's bar.

Home to England's greatest collection of paintings, the National Gallery's pantheon-style facade looms over London's Trafalgar Square. With a storied history dating back to 1824, it's no wonder this is one of the most-visited art museums in the world.

The National Gallery is a popular London attraction, with hop-on, hop-off bus tours stopping right outside. Visitors to the museum can explore independently or opt for a private tour with an art historian guide. Alternatively, you can purchase a London Pass and enjoy entrance to the National Gallery and a host of other London museums and attractions. 

The National Gallery is located on Trafalgar Square in Central London, an easy walk from Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, or the Thames riverfront. The closest tube station is Charing Cross.

The National Gallery is open year-round but can get crowded during peak summer months, when it's best to arrive early and opt for a weekday visit if possible. The site is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Fridays.

The museum's permanent collection includes over 2,300 paintings, dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. It includes pieces from iconic artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, da Vinci, Holbein, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Ruben, and Van Eyck. 

This popular global cafe chain got its start in London in 1971, where Eric Clapton's Lead II Fender now sits as the first ever piece of memorabilia donated to the Hard Rock Cafe. This particular cafe now contains an incredibly extensive rock and roll collection, with the most valuable pieces housed in the cafe's museum, otherwise known as the Vault. Hard Rock staff members provide free tours of the Vault, which contains items from Jimi Hendrix, The Who and the Beatles, among others.

In addition to the music memorabilia and rock and roll ambience, there is traditional dining here with American food, a shop to explore and occasional live shows.

London has hundreds of museums and galleries open to the public, but lovers of modern art will find only one devoted to Italian artworks. Located in a Grade-II listed Georgian mansion in the heart of Islington, the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is the passion project of American writer and art collector Eric Estorick, and opened its doors in 1998 after Estorick's death.

The vast collection is spread over six galleries, with a strong leaning toward Italian Futurists such as Giacomo Balla, Luigi Russolo, Umberto Boccioni, and Carlo Carrà. Other notable artworks and sculptures include pieces by Modigliani, Marino Marini, Giorgio Morandi and Giorgio de Chirico, mostly dating from between 1890 and 1950.

Visit the museum for free with the London Pass, which includes free public transportation around the city and skip-the-line access to must-sees such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.