Photo by Oxyman · CC BY 2.5 · View source
242 things to do
Vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and frenetic energy. The capital and largest city of the United Kingdom sits on the River Thames in South-East England. Greater London has a population of a little over 9 million. Considered one of the world's leading "global cities", London remains an international capital of culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance and trade. For the visitor, there is a seemingly endless choice of historical sites, shopping, museums, food, art galleries, nightlife, and activities. Once a Celtic settlement, London is a bustling city, where visitors come to experience the urban heritage and see its specific royal-themed attractions. ===History=== thumb|300px|The Tower of London Settlements have existed on the site of London since well before Roman times, with evidence of Bronze Age and Celtic inhabitants. The Roman city of Londinium, established just after the Roman conquest of Britannia in the year 43, formed the basis for the modern city (some isolated Roman period remains are still to be seen within the City)…
Wikivoyage, revision 5325370. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Quick facts
Popular tours and experiences
The London Pass®: 100+ Things To Do - Includes Tower Bridge
US$134.68
Go City London Explorer Pass: 2-7 Things To do including Shard
US$87.06
London 30 Top Sights with Fun Local Guide
US$65.30
Tour for Muggles The Ultimate Harry Potter Walking Tour in London
US$25.85
London Bridge & Borough Market Food Tour with 7 Must-Do Tastings
US$103.65
Climate
Typical temperatures through the year
Dates to know
Saint Andrew's Day
2026-11-30
Christmas Day
2026-12-25
St. Stephen's Day
2026-12-28 · Boxing Day
New Year's Day
2027-01-01
2 January
2027-01-02
Chinatown phone booths
See
Chinatown does incorporate some entertaining combinations of British and Chinese culture, such as the phone booths with…
Photo by Mike Quinn · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
See
Like Gray's Inn, one of the four societies of the bar. The wonderful old buildings here are arranged around the open spa…
Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3TL
+44 20 7405-1393
Myddelton Square Park
See
Nice shady park next to St Marks Church. Small children's playground.
Myddelton Sq, EC1R
+44 20 7278-6075
Photo by Anthony M. from Rome, Italy · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Royal Courts of Justice
See
The building holds the High Court and the Court of Appeal, two of the highest courts in the United Kingdom, though only…
Strand
M-F 9AM-4:30PM (Aug-Sep: 10AM-2:30PM)
+44 845 4568770
Free
Staple Inn
See
See the rare range of Tudor half-timbered buildings. Staple Inn was built in 1585 and served as an inn Inn of Chancery (…
High Holborn, WC1V 7QH
Wesley's Chapel and Leysian Mission
See
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, laid the foundation stone, preached here and is buried behind the chapel.…
49 City Rd, EC1Y 1AU
Museum: M-Sa 10AM-4PM; Su noon-1:45PM
+44 20 7253-2262
Free (donations welcome)
St Mary le Strand
See
Baroque church in the Strand completed in 1724 to a design by James Gibbs.
Strand, WC2R 1ES
M-F noon-4PM
+44 7821 611023
Free (donations welcome)
St Clement Danes
See
Church in the Strand designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1682 that is now used by the RAF.
Strand, WC2R 1DH
W-F 10AM-noon, 1PM-4PM, Sa Su 10AM-3PM
Free (donations welcome)
Two Temple Place
See
A former home for William Waldorf Astor, a wealthy American moved to London at the end of 19th century. This Victorian h…
Two Temple Place, WC2R 3BD
Only during exhibitions Jan-Apr: M Th-Sa 10AM-4:30PM; W 10AM-9PM; Su 11AM-4:30PM
+44 20 7240-6044
Hunterian Museum
See
Inside the Royal College of Surgeons. Exhibitions on the history of surgery, including medicine, natural history and art…
35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE
Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM
+44 20 7405-3474
Free, booking recommended
Islington Museum
See
Local history museum.
245 St John St, EC1V 4NB
M Tu Th-Sa 10AM-5PM
+44 20 7527-3235
Marble Arch
See
This enormous arch was built in front of Buckingham Palace. In 1851 the expansion of the palace meant the arch could no…
British Museum
See
A vast repository of the world's cultures, controversially including hundreds of items that were looted from their place…
Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG
Sa-W 10AM-5:30PM, Th F 10AM-8:30PM; Central Great Court remains open Sa-W until 6PM, Th F until 11PM
+44 20 7323-8000
Free for permanent exhibits
Cartoon Museum
See
A vast collection of cartoons and comics on display with special, often topical, exhibitions.
65 Wells St, W1A 3AE
Tu W F-Su 10:30AM-5:30PM, Th 10:30AM-8PM
+44 20 7580-8155
£8.50, concession (60+) £5, students £3, under-18s free
Charles Dickens Museum
See
Museum at the former home of Dickens exhibiting writings, paintings, furniture and other items relating to the writer.
48 Doughty St, WC1N 2LX
M W-Sa 10AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM), Tu 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM (last admission 4:30PM)
+44 20 7405-2127
£5, students and seniors £4, children £3, families £14 (two adults and up to five children), special group rates apply
Foundling Museum
See
A museum and a gallery telling the story of the Foundling Hospital, an orphanage for abandoned children founded in the 1…
40 Brunswick Sq, WC1N 1AZ
Tu-Su 10AM-5:30PM
+44 20 7841-3600
£5, concessions £4, children free
Fitzroy House
See
A historic house that was inhabited by playwright George Bernard Shaw, it is where writer L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Sci…
35/37 Fitzroy St, W1T 6DX
+44 20 7255-2422
Free
Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
See
Formerly the teaching collection of Sir Flinders Petrie, one of Britain's greatest archaeologists, now preserved by Univ…
Malet Pl, WC1E 6BT
Tu-Fr 1-5PM Sa 11-5PM
+44 20 3108 9000
Free
Pollock's Toy Museum
See
A treasure trove of antique toys exhibited in a warren of 6 rooms above the toy shop of the same name. A very charming p…
1 Scala St, W1T 2HL
M-Sa 10AM–5PM
+44 20 7636-3452
£9, Concession £8, child 4-15 £4.50
Photo by David Samuel, User:Hellodavey1902 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Wellcome Collection
See
Sir Henry Solomon Wellcome's vast collection of medical artefacts and art work that together explore what it means to be…
183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE
Tu-Su 10AM-6PM, Th 8PM
+44 20 7611-2222
Free
Camera Museum
See
A downstairs museum dedicated to cameras from the 1800s to present day, including a camera rifle like the one used in Li…
44 Museum St, WC1A 1LY
M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa noon-6PM, Su closed
+44 20 7242-8681
£3. U10 free
Brunei Gallery, SOAS University of London
See
An exhibition space that hosts a programme of changing contemporary and historical exhibitions from Asia, Africa and the…
Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG
Tu–Sa 10:30AM–5PM, Th 10:30AM–8PM
+44 20 7898-4915
Free
All Saints, Margaret Street
See
An attractive Gothic Revival church, completed in 1859 to a design by William Butterfield.
Margaret Street, London W1
11AM-7PM
Free
All Souls Church, Langham Place
See
Completed in 1823, this attractive church near Broadcasting House is one of John Nash's masterpieces, with a prominent s…
2 All Souls Place, London W1B 3DA
Sunday worship 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 5:30PM
+44 20 7580-3522
Free (donations advised)
Bedford Square
See
This wonderful square was built between 1775 and 1783 as an upper middle class residential area takes its name from the…
WC1
British Telecom Tower
See
191-m (627-ft) skyscraper can be seen from far away and is the sixth highest building in UK.
Maple St, W1T 4BG
Not open to the public
Bloomsbury Square
See
This garden square was established by Lord Southampton in 1665 and is the oldest square in London. It was opened to the…
Bloomsbury Sq, WC1A 2LS
Dusk-dawn
+44 20 7974-1693
Free
Coram's Fields
See
A park which is run as children's play area. Facilities include a pet's corner, lawns, sports pitches and a nursery. No…
93 Guilford St, WC1N 1DN
+44 20 7833-2393
Russell Square
See
The largest square in London. It was established in 1806 by the 5th Duke of Bedford and his statue can still be seen in…
WC1B
7:30AM-10PM
+44 20 7974-1693
Senate House Building
See
Art deco headquarters of University of London featured in the film Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Malet St, WC1E 7HU
St George's Gardens
See
Peaceful gardens and interesting monuments including the daughter of Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver Cromwell.
Heathcote St, WC1N 1AB
Goodenough College
See
Goodenough College offers accommodation for international postgraduate students. The college's student community of appr…
Mecklenburgh Sq, WC1N 2AB
University College London
See
Includes a small but beautiful quad and an interesting Neo-Classical facade. The core buildings of UCL were built after…
Gower St, WC1E 6BT
+44 20 7679-2000
BBC Broadcasting House
See
The complex incorporates the Old Broad House built in 1930s. The façades of which feature the famous sculpture of Prospe…
Portland Place
Due to security reasons the Broadcasting House is not open to visitors
Bank of England
See
See also: Bank of England Museum.
Mansion House
See
Official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, completed in 1753.
Tuesday 2PM only, groups may book at other times
+44 20 7397-9306
£7
Monument
See
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this tall column (which can be ascended to get a great view) marks the alleged site wh…
9:30AM-5:30PM daily (last admission 5PM)
+44 20 7626-2717
Adults £4.50, children (5-15) £2.30, students and seniors (60+) £3.00; joint tickets for Tower Bridge and the Monument: adults £11.00, children £5.00, students and seniors £7.50
St Giles-without-Cripplegate
See
Medieval Grade I listed church. This church played a key role in the English Revolution and was the parish church of som…
Fore St, Cripplegate, EC2Y 8DA
+44 20 7638-1997
St Sepulchre-without-Newgate
See
Grade I listed Saxon church founded before the 12th century. The exterior was mostly constructed in the 15th century, an…
Holborn Viaduct
Open W noon-3PM, services Su 10:30AM, Tu 1PM & 6:30PM
Old Bailey
See
This is probably the most famous criminal court in the world, and has been London's principal criminal court for centuri…
M–F 10AM–1PM, 2–5PM
+44 20 7248-3277
St Paul's Cathedral
See
The great domed cathedral of St Paul's, designed by Sir Christopher Wren to replace the Gothic medieval cathedral destro…
Ludgate Hill
M–Sa 8:30–4PM
+44 20 7246-8357
£16.50, £14.50 concession, £7.50 child (6–17), £40 family
Tower Bridge
See
Magnificent 19th-century bridge, decorated with high towers and featuring a drawbridge. The bridge opens several times e…
Exhibition 10AM–5PM
+44 20 7403-3761
Bridge free; exhibition: adult £9.80, child (5–15) £4.20, senior/student £6.80; joint tickets for exhibition and the Monument: adults £11.00, children £5.00, students and seniors £7.50
Tower of London
See
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower is today one of the…
Mar-Oct: W–Su 10AM-6PM; Nov-Dec W–Su 9AM-5PM
+44 333 320 6000
from £35.80, aged 5-17 £17.90, concession £28.50, entrance with gift aid is about 10% more.. If visiting multiple times or also visiting other Historic Royal Palaces it can be cheaper to buy an HRP annual membership
Photo by Katie Chan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
All Hallows by the Tower
See
The oldest church in the City, founded by Saxon abbots in 675 AD.
Byward St, EC3R 5BJ
+44 20 7481-2928
St Bartholomew-the-Great
See
Founded in 1123, by jester-turned-monk Rahere, this Norman church is one of the oldest in London. It was damaged in the…
West Smithfield, EC1A 9DS
M–Tu 8:30AM–5PM, W–F 8:30AM–9PM, Sa 10:30AM–4PM, Su 8:30AM–8PM
+44 20 7600-0440
£4 admission for adults, £1 for photography
St Botolph's Aldersgate
See
A medieval church that was rebuilt in the late 18th century, noted for its well-preserved interior. The former churchyar…
Aldersgate St, EC1A 4EU
M-F 9AM-3PM, closed Bank Holiday Mondays
+44 20 7606-0684
Free
Regent's Park
See
Large open space very popular with Londoners and less visited by tourists than the other great city parks. A number of l…
+44 20 7486-7905
Photo by Iridescent · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Postman's Park
See
Postman's Park is three parks combined, bringing together the gardens of St Botolph's Aldersgate, Christ Church Greyfria…
Little Britain, City of London
8AM–7PM or dusk (whichever is earlier). Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
+44 20 7374-4127
Free
Photo by Prioryman · CC BY-SA 4.0 · View source
St Lawrence Jewry
See
Properly St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall, it is the official church of the Lord Mayor of London.
Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AA
M-F 9AM-5PM
+44 20 7600-9478
Free
Photo by Matt Brown · CC BY 2.0 · View source
St Magnus the Martyr
See
Su Catholic Church of England with bells and smells (incense). There is an impressive model of the old London Bridge.
Lower Thames St, EC3R 6DN
Tu-F 10:00AM-3PM (closed M, Sa)
+44 20 7626-4481
Photo by John Salmon · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
St Margaret Pattens
See
Rood Ln and Eastcheap EC3
+44 20 7623-6630
Photo by John Salmon · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
St Mary-at-Hill
See
St Mary at Hill, EC3R 8EE
+44 20 7626-4184
Photo by Steve Cadman from London, U.K. · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
St Mary le Bow
See
1 Bow Lane, EC4M 9EE
7:30AM-6PM
+44 20 7248-5139
Free
Photo by J.Salmon · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
St Stephen Walbrook
See
Constructed 1672-9 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren and regarded as one of the finest Wren churches. The 63 feet (19…
39 Walbrook, EC4N 8BN
+44 20 7283-4444
Free (donations requested)
Temple Church
See
A small realm of serenity in the midst of the typical turmoil. It used to be the court of the Knights Templar. You can s…
Inner Temple Ln, EC4Y 7BB
Varies, but approx.: M–Tu: 11AM–4PM; W: 2PM–4PM; Th–F: 11AM–4PM
+44 20 7353-3470
£4 general; £2 senior citizens; children free
Photo by Mx. Granger · CC0 · View source
St Dunstan in the East
See
The ruins of a church dating back to Saxon times, rebuilt by St Dunstan in 950, destroyed in the Great Fire of London, a…
St. Dunstan's Hill, EC3
8AM–7PM or dusk, whichever is earlier
Free
Photo by The original uploader was Infernalfox at English Wikipedia. · CC BY 2.5 · View source
Museum of London
See
Now permanently closed, will be replaced by new museum at the former Smithfield market site in 2026. The Museum of Londo…
London Wall (NB: this is a street!)
+44 870 444-3852
Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre
See
The Guildhall Art Gallery houses the City Corporation's art collection, and also runs special exhibitions throughout the…
Guildhall Yard (off Gresham St)
M-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su noon-4PM
+44 20 7332-3700
free
Dr Johnson's House
See
Dr Samuel Johnson was the highly distinguished 18<sup>th</sup>-century "man of letters", best known for his comprehensiv…
17 Gough Square, EC4A 3DE
October-April: M-Sa 11AM-5PM; May-September: M-Sa 11AM-5:30PM; closed Sundays, Bank Holidays
+44 20 7353-3745
adult £4.50, concession £3.50 (over 60, student or registered unemployed), child £1.50 (ages 5-17), family £10 (two adults and accompanying children), under 5s free. No debit or credit cards. National Trust Partner.
Bank of England Museum
See
Charts the history of the bank from 1694 to the present day. A highlight is the opportunity to handle a genuine bar of g…
Threadneedle St
M–F 10AM–5PM
+44 20 7601-5545
Free
Barbican Centre
See
The largest arts centre in Europe, with music and theatre venues, and changing exhibitions.
Silk St
Art Gallery: M-F 11AM–7PM 10AM–6PM, Sa–Su 10AM–7PM; The Curve: M-F noon–7PM, Sa Su 11AM–7PM
+44 20 7638-4141
Photo by by Solar · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
London Mithraeum
See
The London Mithraeum is a 3rd century Roman mithraeum that was discovered in Walbrook during construction work in 1954.…
12 Walbrook London, EC4N 8AA
Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su and bank holidays noon-5PM
Free, online booking required
Photo by The original uploader was Nevilley at English Wikipedia. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Barts Pathology Museum
See
Quirky medical museum. Only open to the public for scheduled evening events.
3F, Robin Brook Centre, EC1A 7BE
+44 20 7882-8766
Photo by Andy Roberts · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Barbican Conservatory
See
The second biggest greenhouse in London, containing over 2,000 species of tropical plants as well as birds and fish.
Silk St, EC2Y 8DS
11AM–5PM
+44 845 120-7500
Free
Blitz Plaque
See
The first of tens of thousands of bombs to hit London in World War II fell here in 1940.
Fore St
Baltic Exchange
See
The world's main marketplace for ship broking.
St. Mary Axe
Maharajah Duleep Singh's House
See
A blue plaque marks the house in which the last Maharajah of the Sikh Empire lived in the 1880s.
53 Holland Park, W11 3RS
From the Wikivoyage London/Notting Hill-North Kensington article
Photo by Mark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
London Wall
See
Remains of the wall that surrounded the City of London for almost two thousand years. The parts around the Barbican are…
Lloyds of London
See
The headquarters of world's most famous insurance market, housed in a revolutionary (at the time) bizarre, Matrix-like g…
1 Lime St
London Stock Exchange
See
After leaving its brutalist skyscraper on Old Broad St, the London Stock Exchange now resides on Paternoster Sq. Dating…
10 Paternoster Square, EC4M 7LS
London Bullion Market Association
See
This is where the world gold price is set twice a day.
13-14 Basinghall St
London Metal Exchange
See
The LME is the leading centre for non-ferrous metals trading. It is also the last financial market in London which still…
56 Leadenhall St
London Stone
See
London Stone is a historic landmark housed in a public display case at 111 Cannon Street in the City of London. It is an…
Cannon St
St Bride Printing Library
See
This specialist small library houses an impressive range of books on graphic design, typography, bookbinding and paperma…
14 Bride Ln, EC4Y 8EE
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
+44 20 7353-3331
Photo by Andrew Dunn · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
The Gherkin
See
Designed by one of Britain's leading architects, Sir Norman Foster, this curved glass skyscraper was the 2004 recipient…
30 St. Mary Axe
No entry, unless you have a restaurant reservation. Free to stand outside
Willis Building
See
Completed in 2008 opposite Lloyd's of London.
51 Lime St
Leadenhall Building
See
Another Richard Rogers creation, nicknamed the Cheesegrater. Completed in 2014. Also opposite Lloyd's.
122 Leadenhall
20 Fenchurch Street
See
The unusual "walkie scorchie" profile of this skyscraper by Rafael Vinoly has seen it grab the headlines, as did the "de…
20 Fenchurch St
Sky garden: M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa Su 11AM-9PM
Sky garden free
Fishmongers' Hall
See
The main headquarters of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers and a Grade II* listed building.
London Bridge, EC4 9EL
+44 20 7626-3531
Photo by Caledonianl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · View source
Horizon 22
See
London's highest viewing platform that is free to the public. Sitting at the 58th floor of an office building, and the t…
22 Bishopsgate
M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5pm, Su 10AM-4PM
Free entry (online ticket reservation recommended)
Charing Cross and Charing Cross Station
See
Old train station with an enormous office and shopping complex in glass and pale stone. A lavish hotel is also on the si…
Cleopatra's Needle
See
Cleopatra's Needle originated in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis, in the Temple of Atum, but the Romans moved it…
Victoria Embankment, along the Thames
Covent Garden Piazza and Central Market
See
Once an important working market, and the backdrop for the musical My Fair Lady, Covent Garden today is a covered shoppi…
St. Paul's Church
See
Completed in 1633 to a design by Inigo Jones.
Bedford St WC2
+44 20 7836 5221
Seven Dials
See
An intersection of seven streets in the northern part of the Covent Garden district. Lots of mid-range designer clothing…
St Martins in the Fields
See
A neoclassical church that stands opposite the National Gallery. Since World War I, the homeless have sought shelter at…
8 St Martin's Pl, WC2
+44 20 7766 1100
Edith Cavell Memorial
See
Statue in honour of the World War I nursing heroine.
St Martin's Pl WC2
Benjamin Franklin House
See
The only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin in the world. The founding father of the United States lived here from 1757…
36 Craven St, WC2N 5NF
+44 20 7839-2006
£7, under 16s free.
Photo by Jim Linwood · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Museum of the Order of St John
See
Museum in the former English headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller, covering the history of the order from crusading k…
St John’s Gate, St John’s Lane, EC1M 4DA
M–Sa 10AM–5PM
+44 20 7324-4005
Free - donations welcome
Photo by The original uploader was Sue Wallace at English Wikipedia. · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
London Transport Museum
See
In many cities a local transport museum would be of very narrow interest - not London, however! London's public transpor…
Covent Garden Piazza
+44 20 7565-7299
£18, concessions £17, accompanied children under 16 free
Aldwych station
See
The TfL-backed Hidden London offers tours around the disused Aldwych tube station which had its own branch on the Piccad…
Surrey Street, WC2R 2NE
Weekdays: 17:05, 19:00; weekends: 10:05, 12:00, 14:40, 16:35
Tickets: £44, £39 concessions (includes 50% discount on entry to the London Transport Museum)
Photo by Shaun Ferguson · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
See
First used to bury bones to make space at St Paul's, it was designated as a burial ground during the Great Plague of 166…
38 City Road, EC1Y 1AU
Dawn-dusk
Free
Photo by Chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn
See
One of the four Inns of Court in London who hold the exclusive right to call qualified legal professionals to the bar, i…
Gray's Inn Rd, WC1
+44 20 7458-7800
Millennium Bridge
See
This steel pedestrian bridge connecting Bankside with the City of London has all the lovely views of the Thames that you…
Sir John Soane's Museum
See
The former home of architect Sir John Soane, the building has been converted into a museum, displaying some of the objec…
13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP
W-Su 10AM-5PM
+44 20 7440-4263
Somerset House
See
Somerset House is home to three art galleries: The exceptional Courtauld Institute displays a collection of 19th- and 20…
Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA
10AM-6PM
+44 20 7845-4600
£5 (admission fee to each of the three galleries)
Novelty Automation
See
A home for automated arcade machines.
1a Princeton St, WC1R 4AX
Th noon-8PM, F Sa 11AM to 6PM
+44 20
Free entry but need to pay £1 per token to use each machine. 10 tokens for £9 and 33 tokens for £25 (33 tokens are needed to try every machine).
Postal Museum
See
Besides exhibits about the history of the postal service, the museum also has Mail Rail, an operating segment of a forme…
15-20 Phoenix Pl, WC1X 0DA
The Perimeter
See
Contemporary art gallery tucked away in a quiet cobbled mews. Hosts a couple of exhibitions a year, entry needs to be bo…
20 Brownlow Mews
Free
Trafalgar Square
See
The main, central square of London, Trafalgar Square is associated with celebration and demonstration - it is the site o…
National Gallery
See
Houses the British national collection of western European art dating from the 13th to 19th centuries. A truly awe-inspi…
Trafalgar Sq, WC2 5DN
10AM-6PM daily except F until 9PM
+44 20 7747-2885
Free
National Portrait Gallery
See
The National Portrait Gallery is just around the corner from the National Gallery and is an entertaining way to learn ab…
St Martin’s Pl, WC2H 0HE
Sa-W 10AM-6PM, Th F 10AM-9PM
+44 20 7306-0055
Free except some non-permanent exhibitions
Canada House
See
The High Commission of Canada immediately opposite to Trafalgar Square maintains a regular art exhibition featuring Cana…
Free, but there is a security checkpoint
Piccadilly Circus
See
At the junction of five major roads, Piccadilly Circus is the home of the famous aluminum statue of Eros, which sits ato…
Leicester Square Garden
See
Relax and unwind in the garden, and gaze at the activity going on all around, while listening to the buskers, street ent…
Chinatown
See
The main sights to see in London's Chinatown are the expressions of Chinese culture and Eastern ambience in Chinatown, a…
Chinese arches
See
The three ornamental Chinese arches are worth a look.
at each end of Gerrard St and at the entrance to Macclesfield St
ZSL London Zoo
See
London's main zoo is in the northern reaches of Regent's Park. Takes a very conservation-driven approach these days and…
Outer Circle, Regent's Pk, NW1 4RY
Daily 10AM-4PM (6PM Apr-Aug), closed 25 Dec
+44 20 7722-3333
Pre-booked, depends on date: £30.50 - 38 adults, £21.35 - 26.60 under 15s, under 3 free. Gate prices slightly higher
London Central Mosque
See
Islamic Cultural Centre and the main mosque in London. Visitors are welcome but must be suitably attired. The Mosque run…
146 Park Rd NW1
Grosvenor Chapel
See
This chapel was built in 1739 to a design that inspired many churches in the northeast United States.
24 South Audley St, London W1K 2PA
M-F 8AM-3PM
+44 20 7499-1684
Grosvenor Square
See
Nicknamed Little America, it was the long-time home of the American Embassy (which in 2018 moved to Nine Elms across the…
St George's Hanover Square
See
Located on St George's Street in Mayfair just south of Hanover Square, the parish church of Mayfair was completed in 172…
The Vestry, 2A Mill St, London W1S 1FX (office)
M-F 8AM-4PM (W -6PM), Su 8AM-noon
+44 20 7629-0874
St Marylebone Parish Church
See
The parish church of Marylebone was completed in 1827 to a design by Thomas Hardwick.
17 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LT
M-F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 8AM-4PM
+44 20 7935-7315
Wellington Arch
See
A neoclassical triumphal arch, designed by Decimus Burton and first erected in 1826 as a grand entrance to Buckingham Pa…
Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7JZ
Interior access daily: Apr–Sep 10AM–6PM; Oct 10AM–5PM; Nov–Mar 10AM-4PM
£4.20 adult, £3.80 concessions, £2.50 child
Apsley House
See
The London residence of the Dukes of Wellington, which now acts as a museum for the inaugural and most famous holder of…
149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London, W1J 7NT
W-Su 11AM-5PM
+44 20 7499-5676
Adult £11.30, child £6.80, concession £10.20
Handel & Hendrix in London
See
Home to the baroque composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. Some of the greatest classical mu…
25 Brook St W1K 4HB
M-Sa 11AM-6PM
+44 20 7495-1685
£10
Madame Tussauds
See
Madame Tussauds is a world-famous waxwork museum, best known for its Grand Hall, with a collection of international roya…
Marylebone Rd, NW1 5LR
M-F 10AM-5:30PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-5:30PM
+44 871 894 3000
£10-20 (pricing depends on the time of visit, price decreases as closing time approaches, and whether visitors wish to pass through the Chamber of Horrors)
The Royal Academy of Arts
See
The Royal Academy no longer has a permanent exhibition space, instead hosting art exhibitions. Notable exhibitions have…
Burlington House, Piccadilly
W-Su 11AM-5PM
+44 20 7300-8000
Some exhibitions free, others vary £8-£22
Sherlock Holmes Museum
See
Discover mementoes of the famous fictional detective. In reality, this was a lodging house used in the late 1800s and ha…
239 Baker St, NW1 6XE
Daily 9:30AM-6PM
+44 20 7935-8866
£15 adult, £10 child
Wallace Collection
See
The Wallace Collection is one of the world's finest private art collections, the best known of which is Frans Hals's wor…
Manchester Square, W1U 3BN
Daily 10AM-5PM
+44 20 7563-9527
Free
Photo by User:aziz1005 · CC BY 2.5 · View source
Holland Park
See
Originally the private garden of Holland House, much of which was destroyed in the London Blitz, Holland Park is a mixtu…
Main entrances at Holland Park Avenue, W11 3SW (north side) and Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (south side)
Daily 7:30AM-dusk
+44 20 7602-2226 (to book sports facilities)
Free
From the Wikivoyage London/Notting Hill-North Kensington article
Design Museum
See
A must for anyone with an interest in modern and contemporary design. The permanent exhibition follows the change in Bri…
224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG
M-Th 10AM-6:30PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-6:30PM
+44 20 3862-5900
Free, except for temporary exhibitions
From the Wikivoyage London/Notting Hill-North Kensington article
Photo by Edwardx · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Leighton House
See
The former Victorian home of an artist Frederic (Lord) Leighton. While regarded as one of the finest examples of Victori…
12 Holland Park Rd, W14 8LZ
Sa Su 10AM-5PM
+44 20 7602-3316
Adult £9, concession £7, child (under 18) free
From the Wikivoyage London/Notting Hill-North Kensington article
Photo by Jhsteel · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
18 Stafford Terrace
See
The Victorian residence of satirical cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne and his household, which is now open as a museum…
18 Stafford Terrace, W8 7BH
W Sa Su 2PM-5:30PM; guided tours: W Su 11AM-12:15PM, costumed tours Sa 11AM-12:15PM
+44 20 7602-3316 (M-F), +44 20 7938-1295 (Sa Su)
Adult £9, concession £7, child (under 18) free. Guided tours: £12 adult, £10 concession. Costumed guided tours led by an actor: £20 adult, £15 concession
From the Wikivoyage London/Notting Hill-North Kensington article
The Tower House
See
A private residence which can only be seen from the street. Designed and built in a French neo-Gothic style by William B…
29 Melbury Road, W14 8AB
From the Wikivoyage London/Notting Hill-North Kensington article
Museum of Brands
See
A history of British consumer culture told through over 12,000 food packages, toys, advertisements, and consumer product…
111-117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, W11 1QT
M–Sa 10AM–6PM, Sundays and bank holidays 11AM–5PM
+44 20 7908-0880
£9 adults, £5 children, £7 concessions
From the Wikivoyage London/Notting Hill-North Kensington article
St Mary Abbots
See
Although there has been a parish church on the site since the 13th century, the present building dates only from 1872. I…
Kensington Church Street, W8 4LA
M-Sa 10AM-2PM, Su 10AM-6PM
+44 20 7937-5136
Free
From the Wikivoyage London/Notting Hill-North Kensington article
Photo by Enric likes Funk ;) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum
See
The laboratory in which Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.
St. Mary's Hospital, Praed St, W2 1NY
M-Th 10AM-1PM
+44 20 7886-6528
free
Photo by portum · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Abbey Road Studios
See
World-renowned studios where many famous musicians and groups, most notably The Beatles, recorded music. The equally fam…
3 Abbey Rd, St. John's Wood, NW8 9AY
No tours. Be warned that in 2026 there were incidents of individuals offering tours online in exchange for money, which was a scam.
Little Venice
See
A canal basin where the Regent's Canal meets the Grand Union, just a few minutes walk from Paddington Station.
Soho Square
See
A centuries-old small park that becomes packed on warm sunny days.
Soho Sq W1
Photographers' Gallery
See
The exhibitions are wide and varied, from documentary photographers to fine artists, some long gone, and some on their w…
16 - 18 Ramillies St
M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Th F lates 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM
+44 20 7087-9300
£8 adults, £5 concession, 18 and under free. Fridays free from 5pm
Photo by Rosakoalaglitzereinhorn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Garden Museum
See
The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of gardening, based in the deconsecrated Church of St Mary-at-Lam…
Lambeth Palace Rd, SE1 7LB
Su–F 10:30AM–5PM, Sa 10:30AM–4PM
+44 20 7401-8865
£5–7.50 (£4–6.50 seniors, £3.00 concessions, children free)
Photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Lambeth Palace
See
The official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century and now a Grade I listed building.…
Lambeth Palace, SE1 7JU
Only open to pre-booked guided tours
tours £10 per person + £2.50 booking fee (children free)
Photo by PAUL FARMER · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Archbishop's Park
See
This park used to be the grounds of Lambeth Palace but has been a public park since 1901. In addition to the green space…
7:30AM–15 minutes before sunset
The South Bank Lion
See
This statue was once the mascot of the Red Lion Brewery and stood on its roof until the brewery was demolished to make w…
Westminster Bridge, south east side
County Hall
See
The former seat of regional London government, now home to attractions such as the London Aquarium, the London Dungeon,…
Belvedere Rd
+44 871 663 2501
Sea Life London Aquarium
See
One of the largest aquariums in Europe, it boasts a collection of 350 species of fish, from sharks to stingrays.
County Hall, Belvedere Rd
10AM-7PM daily
+44 20 7967-8000
From £19.44 (25% off after 3PM)
London Dungeon
See
As with any Merlin attraction, it is arguably overpriced for what it is. Brings to life the gorier elements of London's…
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB
M–W 10AM–5PM, Th 11AM–5PM, F 10AM–5PM, Sa Su 10AM–6PM (open until 6PM during school holidays)
+44 871 423 2240
£25.20 (£19.80 child, £17.50 disabled), discounts for online booking
London Eye
See
An enormous, 135-metre-high observation wheel with 32 exterior glass-walled capsules. It offers incomparable views over…
Westminster Bridge Rd
Jun-Sep 10AM-9PM daily, Oct-May 10AM-8PM daily (except 25 Dec and 3-8 Jan)
+44 870 990 8883
Adult £24.95, child £19.95, free entrance under 3 years, 15% discount purchased online
Leake Street
See
Also known as the "Banksy tunnel", every inch of the walls of this 300 m-street are decorated with graffiti - it was cre…
Leake St
Southbank Centre
See
Large 1960s development on the South Bank. Built largely of concrete, views on its architectural merits vary considerabl…
Belvedere Rd
+44 871 663 2501
Queen Elizabeth Hall
See
Music venue hosting daily performances.
Undercroft
See
London's most famous and popular skateboarding area, situated partly underneath Queen Elizabeth Hall along Queen's Walk…
Queen's Walk
Free
BFI Southbank
See
Tucked under Waterloo Bridge, BFI Southbank, formerly known as the National Film Theatre, pitches itself as the home of…
Belvedere Rd
Tate Modern
See
An enormous art gallery converted from the former Bankside Power Station, a visit to Tate Modern could easily take half…
Bankside
Daily 10AM-6PM (last admission 5:15PM)
+44 20 7887-8888
Permanent collection free but all donations welcome
London Fire Brigade Museum
See
Admission by guided tour only, which must be booked in advance. The museum is housed in part of a Victorian fire station…
94a Southwark Bridge Rd, SE1 0EG
M–F 10:30AM & 2PM
+44 20 8555-1200
£5 (£3 concessions)
National Theatre
See
Three large auditoriums, the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Cottesloe. The Olivier theatre is the largest with an open s…
Belvedere Rd
+44 20 7452-3000 (M-Sa 10AM-10PM) or +44 20 7452-3400
BFI IMAX Cinema
See
Set back from the riverside is the BFI IMAX, the largest cinema screen in the UK at 26 m wide, 20 m high. Shows family-f…
1 Charlie Chaplin Walk
+44 870 787 2525
OXO Tower
See
Home to designer-marker boutiques, selling everything from hats and homeware to wedding dresses and jewellery. Modern ga…
Former City Hall
See
Former offices of the Greater London Authority. A radically-designed glass fronted and rounded building, previously head…
The Queen's Walk
HMS Belfast
See
A historic boat, part of the Imperial War Museum.
Morgan's Ln
Mar-Oct: daily 10AM-5:15PM, Nov-Feb: daily 10AM-16:15
£7.20-10.30, child under 16 free
Photo by CGP Grey · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Clink Prison Museum
See
A museum that tries to recreate the conditions of the original prison that used to be on this site from the 12th century…
1 Clink St, SE1 9DG
Photo by Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). · CC BY-SA 4.0 · View source
Winchester Palace
See
Ruins of the 12th-century palace which was the London residence of the Bishops of Winchester.
Corner of Clink St and Storey St
Photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK · CC BY 2.0 · View source
The Golden Hind
See
Full-size replica of Francis Drake's ship sits in a small closed dock to the west of Southwark Cathedral.
Southwark Cathedral
See
Not as popular with tourists as St Paul's north of the river, Southwark Cathedral has been the site of worship since the…
London Bridge
The Shard
See
Go up the tallest building in Western Europe to see the furthest panoramic view of London ever to have a price tag stuck…
32 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG
Hours vary, but most commonly 11AM-7PM. Often closed M and Tu. Check [https://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/plan-your-visit/opening-times/ website]
+44 344 499 7222 (General), +44 844 499 7111 (Bookings)
Entry £32, with champagne £48. Fast track £10. Guidebook £3
Topolski Century
See
Painted between 1975 and 1989, Topolski Century is a unique, monumental work of a Polish artist Feliks Topolski (1907-19…
Concert Hall Approach, 150-152 Hungerford Arches
M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM
+44 20 7620-1275
£2 (£1 concession)
Hayward Gallery
See
The largest public art space in the UK and the exhibitions showcase masters and young British and international artists,…
Belvedere Rd
Sa-M Th 10AM-6PM, Tu 10AM-8PM, W 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-9PM (except 24-27 Dec and 1-2 Jan)
+44 20 7921-0813
£7.50, child (12-16) £4, senior (60+) £7, student £6
The London Bridge Experience
See
The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs are two scare attractions for one price. They were voted the UK's Best Yea…
2-4 Tooley St
From £19.50
The Old Operating Theatre
See
Britain's oldest operating theatre is an unusual tourist attraction, located in the roof space of St. Thomas's Church al…
Th-Su: 10:30AM-5PM
£9
Fashion & Textile Museum
See
Founded by veteran designer Zandra Rhodes.
83 Bermondsey St
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 11.00 – 18.00 with last entry 45 minutes before closing
Photo by Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Victoria and Albert Museum
See
Named in honour of Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert, this museum has existed for over 150 years. It contains…
Cromwell Rd
Sa-Th 10AM–5:45PM, F 10AM–10PM
+44 20 7942-2000
Free admission, some paid exhibitions
Photo by Thorfinn StainforthPerspective corrected on 2009-01-03 by Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Natural History Museum
See
Probably the most popular of all the museums here and a must see for many visitors to London. Home to at least 70 millio…
Cromwell Rd
10AM–5:30PM
+44 20 7942-5000
Free/donation
Science Museum
See
Dedicated to scientific exhibitions and collections bar those related to the life sciences. A number of famous historica…
Exhibition Rd
10AM–6PM
+44 870 870 4868 (premium rate)
By donation
Photo by Simon Harriyott from Uckfield, England · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Alfred Hitchcock's House
See
A plaque erected in 1999 marks the house where the famous director lived from 1926 to 1939.
153 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TQ
Photo by Christine Matthews · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
The Geological Museum
See
This venerable old institution was absorbed by the neighbouring Natural History Museum in 1985 but still has something o…
Cromwell Rd
10AM–5:30PM
Free/donation
Photo by NAM17 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · View source
National Army Museum
See
This large museum traces the history of the British Army, and includes interesting and thought-provoking exhibits that g…
Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT
Daily 9:40AM-5:20PM (last admission: 4:20PM)
Free/donation
Memorial Scrolls Trust Museum
See
Following the mass murder perpetrated by the Nazis, the Jewish population of postwar Czechoslovakia was a tiny fraction…
3rd floor, Kent House, Rutland Gardens, SW7 1BX
By appointment only; scheduled guided tours of 60 min for up to 20 people once a week, see details [https://memorialscrollstrust.org/index.php/czech-scrolls-museum here]
+44 20 7584-3741
Suggested donation £5 per visitor
Photo by flickr user flickr-rickr · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Chelsea Physic Garden
See
Garden founded by apothecaries in the 17th century to the medicinal properties of plants. It was only opened to the publ…
66 Royal Hospital Rd SW3 4HS
Nov-Mar: M-F 11AM–3PM; Apr–Oct: M 11AM–5PM, Tu–F Su 11AM–6PM (Late Openings Jul-Aug T W 11AM-10PM, last entry 8:30PM)
+44 20 7352-5646
Apr-Oct £10.50; Nov-Mar £7.40
Hyde Park
See
The eastern half of the twin parks. Of the two, Hyde Park is open for longer and has more open, unwooded land; it is oft…
5AM–midnight
Free
Photo by David Smith · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Diana Memorial Fountain
See
More of an artificial stream than a fountain, flowing in an oval through an open grassy area which, in normal summers, i…
Free
Rose Garden
See
The roses are mixed with herbaceous plants and bedding flowers so there's always some horticultural interest no matter t…
Holocaust Memorial
See
A quiet birch wood surrounds an understated memorial stone inscribed with a quotation from the Book of Lamentation: "For…
Photo by Rept0n1x · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
The Serpentine
See
The Serpentine is a long, thin artificial lake within Hyde Park which contains a range of waterfowl and fish. It was fir…
Photo by Fernando Losada Rodríguez · CC BY-SA 4.0 · View source
Speakers Corner
See
By custom, in this far northeastern corner of the park (by the Marble Arch Tube stop near Mayfair), people are free to s…
7 July Memorial
See
A memorial made out of 52 stainless steel columns representing each of the 52 victims who died in a series of terrorist…
Kensington Gardens
See
The western half of the twin parks and the half that is often forgotten in public consciousness. It tends to be more for…
6AM–dusk
Free
Photo by Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Albert Memorial
See
Highly detailed, Gothic-style monument to commemorate Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. Opposite the Royal Alber…
Photo by Mark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Diana Memorial Playground
See
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Elfin Oak
See
A 900-year-old tree stump carved and painted to feature elves and small animals.
Photo by Steve Cadman · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Kensington Palace
See
A royal residence which is still used by Prince William, Kate and their young family. Much of it is however open to the…
Palace Green, W8 4PX
W-Su, Nov-Feb 10AM-4PM, Mar-Oct 10:30AM-5PM
Adult £17, child (aged 5-14) £8.50, concession (incl. child aged 16, 17) £13.60
Photo by Peter Smyly · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
The Round Pond
See
Full of swans, geese, gulls, and other birds. Deckchairs can be hired for £1.50. The park benches and grassy areas are f…
Photo by Mark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
The Serpentine Gallery
See
A nice modern art gallery, near to the Serpentine. Too small to host a permanent collection, instead hosts temporary exh…
Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA
Tu-Su 10AM-6PM
+44 20 7402-6075
Free
Roper's Garden
See
Small green area, with benches, by the Thames. Created in the crater of a World War II bomb site, it contains an ancient…
Cheyne Walk
Photo by Richard Votta · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Bram Stoker's House
See
In 1977, the London Dracula Society unveiled the plaque that marks the home of the author of Dracula.
18 St Leonard’s Terrace, SW3 4QG
Mark Twain's House
See
The American writer lived at this address from 1896 to 1897.
23 Tedworth Square, SW3 5DR
Photo by PAUL FARMER · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Oscar Wilde's House
See
The famous Victorian writer lived at this house.
34 Tite Street, SW3 4JA
Rosalind Franklin's House
See
One of the discoverers of the DNA molecule lived here in the 1950s until her death in 1958.
Donovan Court, Drayton Gardens, SW10 9QS
Photo by Simon Harriyott from Uckfield, England · CC BY 2.0 · View source
T.S. Eliot's House
See
The poet lived and died in this house.
18 Kensington Court Place, W8 5QF
Sir William Gilbert's House
See
One half of the comic opera writing team Gilbert & Sullivan lived here.
39 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JU
Sir Winston Churchill's House
See
One of the UK's greatest prime ministers lived and died at this address.
28 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 5DJ
Photo by Danny Robinson · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Billionaires' Row
See
One of the most expensive residential streets on the planet! Most of the buildings here are embassies or ambassadorial r…
Brompton Oratory
See
Beautiful Italianate church created during the Catholic revival of the 19th century.
Brompton Rd, SW7 2RP
+44 20 7808-0900
Photo by Colin Smith · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Carlyle's House
See
Now preserved by the National Trust, this 18th-century house was the home of the historian Thomas Carlyle from 1834 and…
24 Cheyne Row, SW3 5HL
W-Su 2PM-5PM
+44 20 7352-7087
£2.50-4.90
Photo by Edwardx · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Chelsea Old Church
See
This church on the bank of the Thames was built in 1157. It is the only church in London with chained books. A statue of…
64 Cheyne Walk, SW3 5LT
Tu-Th 2PM-4PM
+44 20 7795-1019
Photo by Edwardx · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Crosby Hall
See
All that remains of a Tudor mansion built in the City of London. In 1910, to avoid demolition to make way for a bank, it…
Cheyne Walk, SW3 5AZ
Not open to the public
Holy Trinity Church
See
From their website: "In common with the aims of the Arts & Crafts Movement, the architect of Holy Trinity Church, John D…
Sloane St, SW1X 9BZ
+44 20 7730-7270
Photo by Steve F · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Royal Hospital
See
A retirement home for soldiers created by King Charles II. Tours around the listed building and grounds are regular and…
Royal Hospital Rd
Tours: M–F 10AM & 1:30PM; museum: M–F 10AM–4PM
+44 20 7881-5516
Tours: £4–8 per person; museum: free
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
See
Constructed in the Lombard style as an Anglican church in the 19th century, and passed to the Moscow Patriarchate in 195…
67 Ennismore Gardens, SW7 1NH
Su service 9:30AM-11:30AM, visits noon-6PM
+44 20 7584-0096
Free
Photo by Simon Burchell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Brompton Cemetery
See
One of the "Magnificent Seven" old cemeteries in London. Graves range from plain to ornate and the site can be a tranqui…
entrances on Old Brompton Road and Fulham Rd
Photo by Mike Quinn · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Penfold Post Box
See
One of the few Victorian hexagonal Penfold post boxes still in use. Although there are others in this district, this one…
Kensington High Street, W8
Police Box
See
This police box was intended as part of a 1990s high-tech revival of the 1920s-60s police box system. The experiment fai…
Earls Court Road, outside Earl's Court station
Royal College of Art
See
A Victorian school, now a university with a mission to advance knowledge of the fine arts. Exhibitions are common. Times…
Kensington Gore, SW7 2EU
usually 10AM–5:30PM
+44 20 7590-4444
Photo by Diliff · CC BY 2.5 · View source
Royal College of Music
See
Victorian school of music created on a suggestion by Prince Albert. It is still an active school but visitors may be mor…
Prince Consort Rd, SW7 2BS
Museum: Tu–F 11:30AM–4:30PM; performances: varies
+44 20 7591-4300
Museum: free; performances: Varies but many are free (although tickets may be required)
Royal Geographical Society
See
The UK learned society of geographers, founded in 1830. Hosts weekly lectures and other gatherings, many of which are fr…
1 Kensington Gore, SW7 2AR
+44 20 7591-3000
The Jewel Tower
See
This small tower across the road from the Houses of Parliament is the only part of the original Palace of Westminster st…
Abingdon Street, SW1P 3JX
daily in summer, Sa, Su only in winter.
+44 20 7222-2219
adults £6.60, children £4.00, concessions £5.90
Photo by Jim Linwood · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Saatchi Gallery
See
Prestigious contemporary art gallery worth a visit.
Duke Of York's HQ, King's Road, SW3 4RY
Daily 10AM-6PM
Usually free
Photo by Tony Moorey · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Palace of Westminster
See
On the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Palace of Westminster is the seat of Parliament in the United Kingdom. It's often…
Parliament Sq
St. Stephen's Hall
See
Upon entry, you pass through a metal detector, and are very thoroughly searched. You then proceed into ''St. Stephen's H…
House of Commons Strangers' Gallery
See
When called, you proceed from St. Stephen's Hall to the Central Hall, and then upstairs. You must leave all items (bags,…
House of Lords Strangers' Gallery
See
If you head away from the Commons, you pass along a corridor towards the Lords. If you ask to visit the Strangers' Galle…
Westminster Hall
See
After visiting the two Houses, visitors pass back through St. Stephen's Hall, and through Westminster Hall. Westminster…
State Opening of Parliament
See
Probably the most colourful event in the UK's legislative calendar, this takes place in May or June every year, or after…
Summer Opening
See
While the Houses are in recess, the Palace of Westminster is generally closed - apart from the long Summer recess, durin…
28 Jul-27 Sep: M-Sa
+44 870 9063773
£7
Elizabeth Tower
See
Strictly limited numbers of tickets are available to climb the Elizabeth Tower, which was renamed from Clock Tower in 20…
Free
Photo by Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Buckingham Palace
See
The main residence of His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Queen Camilla, and latterly of HM Queen Elizabeth…
Summer opening: 31 Jul-29 Sep 9:45AM-3:45PM (closed rest of year)
Summer opening: £8.75-15.50
Photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK · CC BY 2.0 · View source
St James's Palace
See
The most senior of the Royal palaces in London (built between 1531 and 1536) and the official seat of the monarch.
Not open to the public, but can be seen from the street
The Guards Museum
See
Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, SW1E 6HQ
Daily 10AM–4PM
+44 20 7414-3428
£5 adults; £2.50 concessions; £1 serving military personnel
St James's Church, Piccadilly
See
Church in Piccadilly designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1684. It has a magnificent organ case and baptismal font by Gri…
197 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LL
+44 20 7734-4511
Henry VII Lady Chapel
See
Described as "the wonder of the entire world", this chapel at the eastern end of Westminster Abbey is a breathtakingly b…
St. Margaret's Church
See
St. Margaret's is the church of the British Parliament, more specifically, the parish church of the House of Commons.
Parliament Sq
M-F 9:30AM-3:45PM, Sa 9:30AM-1:45PM, Su 2PM-5PM
Photo by Jdforrester · CC BY 1.0 · View source
Westminster Abbey
See
The Abbey charges tourists for entry, but not for worshippers. Attend a church service for free and enjoy some of the fi…
Abbey admission: M Tu Th F 9:30AM-3:45PM, W 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 9:30AM-1:45PM (extended in summer to 3:45PM), Su open for worship only, the Abbey closes 1 hr after last admission; Chapter House admission: 10:30AM-4PM daily; Westminster Abbey Museum: 10:30AM-4PM daily; Pyx Chamber: 10:30AM-4PM daily; Cloisters: 8AM-6PM daily
+44 20 7654-4900
Adult £24, seniors 65+ £21, children 16-17 £10, students with full-time student card £21, children under 6 free
Photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK · CC BY 2.0 · View source
Tate Britain
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This gallery houses the Tate collection of British art from 1500 through to contemporary art. A side wing collects toget…
Millbank
Daily 10AM-5:50PM
Free (though there is a charge for temporary exhibitions)
Photo by Ron Hann · CC BY-SA 2.0 · View source
Green Park
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In contrast to the other Royal Parks in the area, Green Park can seem a little plain. It has no lakes or buildings and f…
Photo by Yair-haklai · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
St. James's Park
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The oldest of the Royal Parks of London.
Photo by Σπάρτακος · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Wellington Arch
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The Arch was designed in the 1820s by Decimus Burton as a Roman-style triumphal arch to commemorate victory in the Napol…
Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7JZ
Interior access daily: Apr–Sep 10AM–6PM; Oct 10AM–5PM; Nov–Mar 10AM–4PM
£4.20 adult, £3.80 concessions, £2.50 child
Duke of Wellington
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Equestrian statue of the Iron Duke, with four soldiers at each corner of the pedestal, representing regiments that fough…
Royal Artillery Memorial
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A stone howitzer by World War I veteran Charles Sargeant Jagger
Australian War Memorial
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Created by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Janet Laurence to remember the Australians who died in both world wars. Made from A…
Machine Gun Corps Memorial
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A statue of David holding Goliath's sword by Francis Derwent Wood commemorating the dead of the World War I corps.
New Zealand Memorial
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Sixteen cruciform bronze pillars designed by Paul Dibble and John Hardwick-Smith.
RAF Bomber Command Memorial
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Built of Portland stone and dedicated to the aircrews of Allied nations under Bomber Command during World War II.
Photo by Canthusus at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · View source
Thomas Cubitt
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Corner of Denbigh St and St George's Drive
Westminster Cathedral
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Worth a quick visit if you are passing. The brick and stone neo-Byzantine Catholic Cathedral (not to be confused with th…
42 Francis Street, SW1P 1QW
Daily 9.30AM-5PM (or longer)
Cathedral: free. Tower: £6 adults, £3 concessions, Treasures Exhibition £2
Banqueting House
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Designed and built in 1619-1622 by the Neo-Classical architect Inigo Jones, The Banqueting House is now all that remains…
Whitehall SW1A 2ER
M-Sa 10AM-5PM, closed Su, Bank Holidays and 24 Dec-1 Jan (inclusive); The Banqueting House is liable to close at short notice for government functions, telephone to check before you travel
+44 870 751 5178
£4, students (with ID) and seniors (60+) £3.00, children 5-16 £2.60, under 5 free
Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum
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A branch of the Imperial War Museum, the Cabinet War Rooms preserves the underground corridors and rooms from which Chur…
Clive Steps, King Charles St, SW1A 2AQ
Daily 9:30AM-7PM (last admission 5:45PM), closed 24-26 Dec
Adult from £25; children 5-15 from £12.50, under 5 free; seniors and students £15.20; group concessions available
Downing Street
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Site of the London residences for the Prime Minister (No. 10) and the Chancellor (No. 11).
Household Cavalry Museum
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Horse Guards, Whitehall, SW1A 2AX
Apr–Oct: daily 10AM–6PM; Nov–Mar: daily 10AM–5PM
+44 20 7930-3070
£7 adults; £5 concessions
Whitehall
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This street runs between Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square, and is the site of several British government buildings…
