If you’re planning a visit the capital of England, why not explore the top 12 best activities in London? This iconic and historic city has something for everyone to enjoy.
Activity 1) The Shard – Southwark, London
- Panoramic views of London
- 24/7 dining in the UK’s highest restaurant
Standing at 310 meters, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe, and it is open to the public every day of the week. Visitors can buy tickets in advance to enjoy the city views from three different observation decks. The Shard also features the highest restaurant in the UK – Duck & Waffle, which serves drinks and gourmet snacks 24 hours a day.
Activity 2) Buckingham Palace – Westminster, London
- View the private homes of London’s Royal family
- Guided tours through the gardens
Visitors to London may be surprised to discover that Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Royal family, is open to tourists. In addition to exploring the gardens, tickets are available to tour the State Rooms, where the Queen hosts dignitaries, and Clarence House, the residence of Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla. The palace gates offer a great photo opportunity, and during the summer, you can also witness the famous ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony every day.
Activity 3) The London Eye – South Bank, London
- Fantastic views of the city from a height
- Private and group trips available
Have you ever dreamed of soaring high above one of the world’s most iconic cities on a giant Ferris wheel? Now you can. The London Eye lets you step into a glass capsule and ascend into the sky, offering stunning views of London’s major landmarks from a breathtaking height. For a more exclusive experience, private rides are available, as well as special capsules featuring champagne or chocolate tastings!
Activity 4) The London Dungeons – Westminster, London
- Spooky tours of London’s gruesome past
- Live theatrical reenactments
Located close to Westminster, the London Dungeons is a fully immersive, exciting attraction that takes you back through the city’s sordid past. Suitable for most ages, the journey takes about 90 minutes, and you’ll be able to relive 1000 years of London’s history, including the infamous tales of Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd. Two underground rides and state of the art special effects mean that no one will leave disappointed.
Activity 5) Harry Potter Tour Studio Tour – Leavesden, Hertfordshire
- Visit the real set of the Harry Potter films
- Purchase exclusive souvenirs and props
For fans of the Harry Potter series, this really isn’t something to miss. Located about 20 miles out of London in Leavesden, you’ll have a chance to visit the real studio where the films were made. The tour takes you through iconic sets and let’s you get a closer look at the fantastic costumes and props, and of course, there’s souvenirs available and even Butterbeer to drink! Visitors really will feel immersed in the magic of Harry Potter.
Activity 6) Borough Market – Southwark, London
- Traders from all over Europe
- Unique bites to eat and take home
Foodies rejoice – London is home to one of the largest and oldest covered markets in England. Although quite busy on weekends, the market allows you to sample local, seasonal produce, and grab a delicious bite to eat from British favorites such as The Ginger Pig. Try cider and cheese from Somerset, beef from Yorkshire and fish from Scotland, all under one roof. A three-hour ‘Gastrotour’ is even available for purchase, led by a food writer and chef.
Activity 7) Natural History Museum – South Kensington, London
- Marvel at the world’s oldest animals and fossils
- Learn about science and nature from world experts
If you’re travelling with kids, a visit to this London museum should definitely be on your itinerary. See fossils that are millions of years old, and the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton on display. Learn about everything from volcanoes to precious gems, and view never-before-seen extinct animals from the land, sea and sky. The museum is open all year round (except for two days over Christmas).
Activity 8) London Bus Sightseeing – Various Locations, London
- Tour of all of London’s best attractions
- Takes place on an open-top double decker London bus
The Original Tour through London sees you step onto a real open-top bus for a thrilling ride across the city. There are over 80 stops, meaning that it really is the best way to see all that London has to offer. Best on a sunny day, you’ll see Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and even 10 Downing Street, the home of London’s Prime Minister.
Activity 9) Tower of London – North Bank/Tower Hill, London
- See the real Crown Jewels
- Learn about London’s wartime history
The Tower of London is a historic castle and fortress on the river. One of the most spectacular things about the tower is that it houses the Crown Jewels; amongst other things, visitors can buy tickets to view Queen Elizabeth’s crowns and her royal sceptre, featuring the world’s largest cut diamond. Guests can also learn about the history of the tower, and discover how it helped London survive the war 100 years ago.
Activity 10) See a show in the West End – Leicester Square/Regent Street, London
- Tickets available for musical classics
- See the finest British actors in new plays
London’s West End is home to some of the most spectacular theatrical and musical performances in the world. See classics like Les Misérables, The Lion King and Mamma Mia, as well as British triumphs like Made in Dagenham and Billy Elliot. The Royal Shakespeare Company can’t be beaten for its performances, and you’re sure to see a famous face or two taking part – such is the magic of London’s arts scene.
Activity 11) Sherlock Holmes Tour – Various Locations, London
- Relive the books, movies and TV shows on location
- Visit the Sherlock Holmes museum
If you love the stories of Sherlock Holmes, or the BBC re-imagining with Benedict Cumberbatch, you can see all the famous sights of the show and solve a few mysteries of your own on the way! Head to Baker Street and find number 221b, visit The Sherlock Holmes Museum for souvenirs, books and props, or The Sherlock Holmes Pub in Charing Cross for a pint of beer.
Activity 12) Day trip to Oxford – Oxford, Oxfordshire
- Explore Oxford University’s famous colleges
- Buy a souvenir sweater or enjoy a pub lunch
To escape the bustle of London, head to Oxford, a quieter city about two hours away. Home to Oxford University, one of the world’s oldest and best educational establishments, visitors can access the beautiful grounds and gardens of historic colleges like Christ Church – so grand it inspired the Harry Potter sets! With quaint cobbled streets, relaxing boat trips on the river and old pubs and restaurants, Oxford is a pleasant break from busy London.