The Capital of Fun
With a rich history that dates back to 43 AD, the city of London also showcases the best of modern life. From the royal facades of Buckingham Palace to the striking and contemporary Shard, this capital city has something for everyone to enjoy.
Home to some of the biggest national and international events such as the London Marathon, Trooping the Colour and Notting Hill Carnival, no two areas of London are the same. From the bustling foodie mecca of Borough Market to the upmarket stores of Knightsbridge and the glorious acres of Richmond Park, for family breaks, romantic getaways and tourist trips, London is a true Capital of Fun.
Best of London
London tourist attractions to enjoy. Get a sense of the city’s ancient history and heritage with a trip to some of the royal residences, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace and Gardens are all attractions fit for a king or queen. To see the best of the modern London lifestyle, head up to the top of the Shard or the London Eye for amazing views of the skyline.
There’s no shortage of events either. From the light shows, fireworks and markets of Christmas time to the sporting events, flower shows and festivals in the summer, there will be entertainment for everyone to enjoy at all times of the year. Plus, the West End and Covent Garden host internationally-renowned shows and artists, so you’ll be sure to see the best of the world, as well as the best of London, here.
Days out for families
Even More To Do
Whatever you love to do most, London trips will have the answer to your needs. Foodies will be able to satisfy their appetite with any type of cuisine here, from Brick Lane curries to the best of British produce at Borough Market and the fine dining restaurants of Mayfair. If you’re a shopaholic, then Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Knightsbridge will keep you occupied for hours. For sports fans, Twickenham, the London Stadium, Lord’s and Wembley Stadium are just some of the iconic venues in the city.
Culture lovers will feel right at home in this capital city. With a plethora of theatres, galleries, venues and museums, you’ll be able to enjoy an exhibition, show or gig at any time of the day or week. As well as enjoying some London sightseeing, children will love the attractions on offer in the West End, on the Southbank and at the Warner Bro. Studios or London Transport Museum.
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Explore all of London...
Things to do in London
It’s impossible to see everything this city has to offer in a single trip, but our London destination guide is a great place to start.
Start your day with a stroll through one of London’s beautiful parks or gardens. If you get up early, you’ll avoid the tourists and be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of St. James Park, Richmond Park or Hampstead Heath all to yourself. There’s no need to worry about picking up breakfast, as there is sure to be a cafe, bakery or coffee shop just around the corner from wherever you are.
Once you’ve fueled up, head straight to The Tower of London, where you’ll be greeted by the famous London Beefeaters. If you get there at 11:00am on particular days, you’ll be able to see these iconic figures (who are said to have got their name from being paid in chunks of beef) perform a traditional changing of the guard. Though at any time of day or year, you can take a tour of the Tower to learn about its unique history and view the awe-inspiring Crown Jewels.
A short walk away is Westminster Abbey which has hosted coronations, royal weddings and other significant events in the UK’s history. Plus, by Westminster Bridge you’ll also find the Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben (named after the bell inside it), and the Houses of Parliament, both of which are must-see historic buildings.
If you want to see these attractions from a different angle, consider taking an iconic red London sightseeing bus or the Thames River Sightseeing Cruise. Or, to get a sense of the city’s culture as well as its history, head to the London Transport Museum, British Museum or National Portrait Gallery. Alternatively, the National Theatre, Southbank Centre and Tate Modern showcase the best of modern national and international culture, making them ideal places to spend an afternoon.
As night falls, the city comes to life. Take a trip on the London Eye or up the Shard to see the lights of the skyline, head into the West End to catch a show or enjoy drinks and a delicious meal in any of London’s districts. Covent Garden, Soho and the Southbank have some of the best central places to eat, drink and enjoy all the city’s nightlife has to offer.
FAQs
➤ Why choose a day out in London?
London has something for everyone. From cultural attractions to family-friendly amusements and sports events, you’ll never be short of things to do or places to visit. In fact, you’ll only want to return again for another day out here!
➤ What are the best day trips from London?
London has great access to the rest of the UK, making it an ideal starting point for a range of day trips. One of the most popular is a trip to Manchester. With direct trains travelling regularly between London and Manchester, you could be in the northern capital in just over two hours. Enjoy the iconic sights of London in the morning and travel up to Manchester to experience an alternative and exciting nightlife.
➤ What to do in London with children?
If you’re heading to London with the family, then there will be no shortage of activities, amusements or attractions you can enjoy. If you’re staying in the city centre, then the Southbank is a go-to destination for a day packed full of fun. Alongside the London Eye, the Southbank is home to the SEALIFE Centre, the London Dungeons and Shrek’s Adventure experience, all of which are available to book on the day or in advance.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for days out away from the city centre, then take a train from Victoria station to the Warner Bros Studio for the Harry Potter experience or the tube down to the Royal Botanic Gardens to explore acres of beautiful grounds and forests.
