International Travel
London, England
London Attractions Fun in London
Top 20+ FUN Things To Do in London
We've put together some of our favorite Things To Do in London anytime of the year. Watch the video below (click on bottom right of video screen to see larger version).
Click on a link for more information on FUN London Attractions & Sightseeing Tours.
1. London Double-Decker Bus
"Hop-On Hop-Off" Tour
This is a GREAT way to see London's top attractions — the tour gives you the option of staying on the bus, or hopping-on-and-off at your leisure. Take the London
Double-Decker Bus
Tour on the first day of your trip so you can see everything — then go back to the places that you want to spend more time visiting. It's FUN for the whole family!
2. Thames River Cruises
Enjoy Thames River Cruises, including Sightseeing
Cruises,
Duck Tours,
Lunch & Dinner Cruises, Day Cruises, Night Cruises and
Fun Combo Tours. One of the best ways to see London's sights
is from the deck of a boat — with a "Hop-On
Hop-Off" Thames River Cruise" you can cruise up and down the Thames at your leisure. In June 2012, the Thames was filled with a spectacular 1,000-boat, 15-mile flotilla in celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
3. Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace, one of the most famous palaces in the world, is the official London residence of the Queen of England. Take a Buckingham Palace Tour (during Aug-Sept) and see lavishly furnished State Rooms, housing some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection. The Throne Room (the highlight of our tour) is where the Queen awards knighthoods — the official sword is displayed in a clear glass case. See British medals and awards, including OBE's, MBE's, CBE's and more!
4. Changing of the Guard Changing of the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace — the ceremony lasts for approximately
45
minutes. Be prepared for large
crowds, especially during peak summer tourist season.
5. Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) Big Ben (renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's 60 year reign) is located in Westminster on the River Thames. One of London's best-known landmarks, the popular tourist attraction is especially stunning at night when its famous clock face is illuminated.
6. The Houses of Parliament
Big Ben, the Great Clock Tower of London, was built as a "beacon" for the British Houses of Parliament. Visitors can attend Debates, watch Committee Hearings, and Tour the Houses of Parliament Buildings.
7. London Eye
The giant London Eye ferris wheel is the largest of its kind in
Europe. Located opposite the Houses of Parliament, the 32 glass capsules
each carry up to 25 people, totaling 800 passengers daily, and offers
a stunning 25-mile view of London's famous landmarks. Day or night, this is a "must-see" attraction! And if you're thinking of popping the question, spoil your honey with a Romantic Private Capsule for Two complete with a bottle of champagne. Cheers!
8. London Museums
London is renowned for its world-class museums and art museums — our favorites are the British Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Imperial War Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, and Victoria & Albert Museum. Note: While many of London's museums and galleries are free, most museums also
have Special Exhibitions that do charge admission.
9. Tower of London
and The Crown Jewels
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses — and one of London's top tourist attractions. Steeped in history, two of Henry VIII's wives (Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard), were beheaded here. Since the 14th century, The Tower of London has housed the priceless Crown Jewels, which includes St. Edward's Crown, worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation in 1953 and the Imperial State Crown — with 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 5 rubies... it's absolutely stunning!
10. Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey dates back to the 11th Century. Every English
Monarch since William the Conqueror have had their Coronations
here, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The Abbey has also been the site for Royal Weddings (Queen Mum, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Ann, Prince Andrew) and funerals (Princess Diana). In April 2011, the world watched as "The Royal Wedding of the Century" took place between Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
11. Afternoon "High Tea"
and a Pub Lunch
During your visit to London, treat yourself to an traditional Afternoon "High Tea" — no one does tea better than the British! And it's a FUN thing to do anytime of the year. Be sure to visit a local Pub and enjoy a traditional English meal
of
Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding, washed down with a pint
of Guinness.
12. Shopping in London
— Harrods, Covent Garden, Markets Shopping in London is so much fun — it's right up there with New York! Of course no visit to London is complete without stopping by Harrods — there is NO other store like it in the world! Covent Garden is one of our favorite places to shop, dine and people-watch. Packed with quaint little shops and market stalls — you can browse
for hours and find everything from antiques, jewelry and arts &
crafts, to clothes, souvenirs, and specialty foods. Oh... and it's also home to Apple's biggest store!
We also like shopping along busy Oxford Street and Kensington High Street. Visit London Westfield Mall, (the largest mall in a European city), the new Westfield Stratford in London's East End — adjacent
to the site of the 2012 Olympics, and One New Change (there's gotta be a better name), one of London's newest shopping destinations, overlooking St. Paul's Cathedral.
London is also famous for its street markets and antique shops. Portobello Road, the world's largest antique market, draws visitors (and dealers) from around the world. Stalls and galleries
offer everything from jewelry, paintings, china, porcelain,
and decorative glass, to books, photographs, maps, arts & crafts,
furniture, toys, and antique collectibles. Camden Lock Market is one of the biggest and the best markets in the
city — it has over 250 market stalls and 100 shops, featuring
everything from antiques, arts and crafts, and jewelry, to vintage
clothing, pictures, books, and more!
13. Harrods Harrods is one
of the world's most famous luxury department stores — even
the Royals shop here! Did you know that Harrods welcomes over 15 million visitors every year? We love window-shopping at Harrods, especially during the Holiday Season. Their enchanting "Crystal Christmas" 2011 window displays were the most magnificent we've ever seen!
14. Theater, Shows
— London Entertainment
No trip to London is complete without seeing at least one West End Show. Ranked among the world's greatest cultural cities, London is famous for its West End Theater Shows. Enjoy everything from Drama, Comedy, Ballet, Opera, and Musicals, to Classic Shakespeare Plays. Visit London's discount tkts booth to snap up last-minute bargain theater
tickets for many of the city's top shows.
15. "London in One Day"
Sightseeing Tour London in One Day Sightseeing Tour — Explore the very best of London on a fully-guided tour. Take a scenic drive through the West End and City past famous sights such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral, visit the Tower of London and cruise on the River Thames.
16. Fun Day Trips
from London
- Enjoy Fun Day Trips & Excursions from London to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford, Paris, Canterbury, Dover, English Castles, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds and more...
17. Stonehenge
Private Viewing
Book an exclusive Private Viewing of Stonehenge — it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Choose a sunrise or sunset viewing as you step inside the inner circle of stones. This is a very popular tour, so book now to get your day of choice before it sells out.
18. St. Paul's Cathedral St. Paul's Cathedral was the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren. It was rebuilt in 1710, after the
original St. Paul's was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana were married
here on July 29, 1981. Today, St. Paul's Cathedral is visited by millions of people from
around the world.
19. Tower Bridge Tower Bridge is one of the most famous and recognizable bridges in the world. Completed in 1894, it sits 140
feet above the River Thames, offering stunning views of London and
the river. If you plan to
walk across the bridge, dress warmly (wear layers) — it can get chilly, even in the summer.
20. Trafalgar Square Trafalgar Square was built in honor of Admiral Nelson — after
his victory in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar. The column (which stands in the heart of Trafalgar Square) was designed by John Nash in the 1830's — it stands 185 feet
high and supports a 17-ft. high statue of Nelson. Today,
this famous square and fountain is popular with tourists and locals
alike... even the pigeons flock here! It's a fun place to hang out and people-watch.
21. Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly
Circus is a fun place
to visit, especially at night. It draws huge crowds and is surrounded
by large colorful, flashing neon advertisements — somewhat
like a miniature version of Times
Square, in New York City. The center of the roundabout features the famous Statue of Eros
(Greek God of Love) which rises high
above a fountain. The popular London hangout draws a Cosmopolitan
crowd — its steps are a great place to sit and people-watch.
22. Kensington Palace
Built in the 17th century as a country getaway for King William III and Queen Mary II, Kensington Palace is soon-to-be the London home of Prince William & Kate (The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge), and Prince Harry. See Current Exhibits and visit The King's State Apartments, The Queen's State Apartments, The Sunken Garden and more — keep an eye out for the Royals!
23. Hyde Park
One of London's most beautiful and historic parks, Hyde Park spans over 350 acres. Enjoy a leisurely
stroll along the Serpentine —
you
can also rent a boat or swim here — play tennis,
relax over a picnic lunch, or go horseback
riding along the park's bridle path.
Hyde Park is also home to the Diana Memorial Fountain and the July 7 Memorial.
Speaker's Corner
Every Sunday morning, people flock here from far and wide to "experience" Speakers
Corner at Hyde Park's Marble Arch. Some people participate in the Open Forum — anyone who
has something to say, on any subject they please, (usually
Politics, Tourists, or Religion) can stand on their soap box and "entertain" the
audience — others just come to listen and watch. It's worth a visit... at
least once.
24. Isabella Plantation
The hidden garden is nestled just a stone's throw away from the herds of grazing deer in Richmond Park. Filled with exotic flowering plants, shrubs, trees, streams, ponds, butterflies, dragonflies, and birds, Isabella Plantation is magical place to stroll and be with nature —
Watch short video
25. London Walking Tours
Explore the sights of London on foot — take a FUN group Walking
Tour or Private Walking Tour and see London up-close and personal. Discover London's wealth of history, culture and attractions. London Walking Tours are popular with locals and tourists alike, especially the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, the Harry Potter Walking Tour and Private Walking Tours.
26. Wembley Stadium
— Sports/Concerts
What better place to attend a major sporting event or concert
than at the
amazing Wembley
Stadium — it makes a FUN day or night out with
family or friends. The state-of-the-art facility has a 90,000-seat
capacity, making it the second largest stadium in Europe — and
the largest in the world with every seat under cover... just in case it rains!
27. Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest castle in England — it's also the most famous castle in the world! Located about an hour's drive outside of London, Windsor Castle makes a FUN day trip. Built by William the Conqueror, the Castle looks out over the countryside
and Windsor Great Park. One of The Queen's official
residences, its rooms are furnished with priceless works of art from
the Royal Collection. Keep a look-out for the Royals — a few years ago, one of our cousins from NY visiting the castle for the first time, caught a glimpse of the Queen as she was leaving the castle.
