A graveyard is always a somber place, but Highgate is also a celebratory one. The room retains a fittingly regal affect, decorated in the stores trademark eau de nil (take that, Tiffany). In London, every building and street has history. Cafs, bookshops, places to sit and think the Tate is full of them, topped off by the magnificent Turbine Hall. Find more information for visiting the War Rooms here. Top rated (most booked) tour: Climb The Roof of The O2 Arena, Another great way to explore the nightlife of London is this top rated London Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour. Credit: Dave Straven via Flickr Tower Bridge Take a Dinner Cruise on the Thames River Ticket Prices Now you can visit Platform 9 in real life, in Kings Cross railway station. London's answer to New York's Broadway cuts across a swathe of the West End of the city in Covent Garden, Soho, and Picadilly. To the North of the Thames, Temple is a quiet complex formed of secluded gardens and ancient buildings. Best seen earlier in the day and midweek (if possible)you cant tick off London bucket list locations and not see the Natural History Museum. See sweeping views of the city at The View from The Shard : Go up to level 72 of London's tallest landmark. Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. This bar is different, and we like different. Hampstead Heath is one of the largest parks in London, covering a massive 790 acres. Whatever your own interests, though, give yourself time: not just for the art, but for all the gorgeous public spaces. Upcoming shows to look out for are Poussin and the Dance (October 9 through January 2, 2022, tickets around $15) exploring the painters grand works of revelry and dance, and next years huge Raphael show which is sure to be spectacular (ending July 2022). Imagine: Michael Phelps won four gold and two silver medals here, roared on by a crowd of 17,000. You can also find Westminster Abbey here, which is open to the public most days. In order to make the most of your time in London, be sure to purchase your Harry Potter studio tickets with transport from London in advance here. Behind you, and to your left, rise the office blocks of the City of London the scene of what was one of the worlds great gold-rushes. Theres no bar, restaurant, or gym. Filled with authentic Asian restaurants as well as supermarkets and secret bars, there is always something new to explore in Chinatown. 2023 Cond Nast. Special occasion? There are swimming lidos for those feeling brave enough to swim outdoors in the great British weather. London's newest visitor attraction, the Dare Skywalk involves embarking on a journey along a narrow glass walkway to Tottenham Hotspurs iconic golden cockerel, 88 feet above the stunning new stadium in north London. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. For history buffs, visit Kenwood House, a historical stately home that is known for its curated art collection. Best seen after the sun has set and the lights of Piccadilly Circus illuminate the nights sky, this area of the city makes for the perfect introduction to tourist hotspots like Leicester Square. Other must-sees of the British Museum include plenty of Roman artefacts (including from the city when the settlement was known as 'Londinium'), as well as many Renaissance and Medieval objects. If youre looking to enjoy the River Thames from an entirely different perspective, then you may well consider booking a Thames River Cruise. In the very heart of the City of London, the Museum of London looks at the citys beginnings from when it was inhabited during the Neolithic period, and right up until the present day. Camden has a vibrant body mod community and you will find a number of piercing and tattoo shops in this part of town. The area is now the most popular nightlife spot although there are still some sex shops dotted here and there, giving Soho a delightfully risqu vibe. The start of your luxury stay in London must be with a personal airport pickup with a beauty of a car while the driver shows you some of the best sights in town in the most comfortable and opulent car the service has. The temporary shows are, as you would expect, carefully considered crowd pleaser: On from September is Hokusai: The Picture Book of Everything (through January 2022) featuring a newly acquired series of over 100 brush drawings by the great 19th century Japanese master for a book that was never published; and of course his famous masterpiece The Great Wave, too. London's 20 best gift experiences - Experiences - visitlondon.com The baths are housed in one of Covent Gardens most magical buildings: the 18th-century home of JM Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. Would you like to receive these? The biggest and best-known is the Serpentine lake at Hyde Park, but . So pack your glad rags as well as your trainers and get ready to stretch your days deep into the night. It doesnt matter what your religious beliefs are, evensong at an English cathedral a choral tradition fine-tuned by successive generations of composers and choir masters since 1549 is one of the most ravishing experiences these islands can muster. The audio guide comes with your ticket and provides an extra insight into the operations that went on during the war, including sounds and speeches of the time. Best things to do in London in October 2021: Discover the best restaurants, events, exhibitions, new openings and seasonal activities to do in the city this autumn. Best luxury things to do in London in December Swing into action with Cirque du Soleil LUZIA. Set up in a mock Tudor building (which was actually built during the 1920s! Pull up a chair at the gardens Fenchurch Restaurant to pair those views with fine dining or a glass of champers over on Fenchurch Terrace. For some more mudlarking inspiration, be sure to check out Jason Sandy on Instagram! Sign up for our newsletters to receive the latest and greatest on all things travel. Need I say more?! Central London West End Restaurant Restaurant Bar Event Space Book Here The Guinea document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 24 Best Things to Do in London, from Markets to Museums Theres an added buzz that comes from being right in the thick of the City of London, as opposed to one step south of it, as the Shard is. Today, its interactive displays and informative exhibitions make learning fun for all ages, and easily making the science museum one of the best free things to do in London! It starts well enough, as you emerge from the Tube, beneath Sir Christopher Wrens stately dome. To get the most authentic experience, make sure to coat your meal in plenty of salt and vinegar. You'll hear rushed deals and offers for a 'tenner' or 'fiver' (ten or five pounds) and because everything is so fresh, it's all gotta be gone by 2 p.m. Things to do in London Top Things to Do in London Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more. Covid-related restrictions may be in place. one has to pass a test called the Knowledge. Today, its open to the public and houses well over 600 Red and Fallow deer, who are free to graze and roam around the green landscape. Book a table at the top-floor bar in the Helix restaurant set beneath a soaring glass ceiling and get ready to sip your cocktails amid the high-flyers of Londons financial hub. If only to say youve finally made it as a Londoner! Bond Street is one of the most expensive shopping streets in London and is worth visiting for a taste of the indulgent. Stop for a coffee and pastry on Old Compton Street for perfect people-watching. Not far from Covent Garden, Londons theatre district is full of world-class plays, performances, ballets, and musicals year round. Its the sheer breadth of activities, events and cultural institutions on offer here that makes it so exciting and the fact that some of the best are free (or involve grazing your way through inexpensive markets) just adds to the buzz. Oxford Street is not only Londons top spot for shopping but is Europes busiest shopping street. Taking place over the course of. Team your visit to the Eye with a trip to the adjacent London Aquarium to see aquatic creatures from around the world, including jellyfish, seahorses and crocodiles. The public space is also home to the National Gallery, which is free to visit and contains some of the countrys greatest masterpieceswithin its collections. One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, St. Paul's (finished in 1708) is the masterpiece of architect Sir Christopher Wren, and its towering dome is probably second on the definitive list of symbols of London after Big Ben. The feat of engineering that is Tower Bridge makes it one of the most beautiful landmarks in London. 2 Central London bucket list 2.1 See Buckingham Palace 2.2 Visit the British Museum 2.3 See a musical in the West End 2.4 Shop in Oxford Street 2.5 Explore Piccadilly Circus 2.6 Walk around Carnaby Street 2.7 Explore Leicester Square 2.8 Wander around Chinatown 2.9 See Covent Garden 2.10 Visit Trafalgar Square The terraced Georgian house can be visited for a small fee and is open from Wednesday through to Monday. Book. A Visit to 13th-century Bearslake Inn, the Most Photographed Pub in Dartmoor, 15+ Quirky, Unusual & Secret Spots in Edinburgh Youll Love. Open on a daily basis, most stalls are open from 10 AM to 7 PM. Of course, London can be breathtakingly glitzy too: the trick is to flit effortlessly between the two worlds. Whats more, the games east London hub now the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park paved the way for a new kind of public outdoor space. Pose besides a luggage trolley disappearing magically into the wall and have your photo taken to commemorate your wizarding journey forever! Around Christmas, the Oxford Street Christmas lights illuminate your shopping sprees and add some glitter to the evenings. Fancy doing a self-guided tour for yourself? Originally constructed to celebrate the millennium, the Eye is a giant ferris wheel offering gorgeous views across the city. Some cruises run at night so you can see the sights all lit up, whilst others are served with a meal or afternoon tea. You cant visit London as a tourist and not check out one of the many afternoon teas on offer. Afterwards, escape the crowds of Baker Street in the nearby Regents Park, or by climbing Primrose Hill for Londons most spectacular view of the city. The park has historical significance, having hosted a number of demonstrations and protests including protests by the Suffragettes. Today, London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a rich history and some of the most outstanding culture on the planet. British chocolates from Charbonnel et Walker. Pay a visit to Ripleys Believe it or Not museum at Piccadilly Circus to learn some new facts and see the worlds weirdest things. Interactive tour: Hampstead Self-Guided Walking Discovery Game. Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard: If youre truly looking for a luxurious experience, then the Shangri-La in London really has it all. Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images. Prepare for Sky Gardens 360-degree view of the world-famous skyline and spot everything from St Pauls Cathedral to the Gherkin through floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor observation decks. Best visited on a sunny day when the sky is blue and the birds are out, Buckingham Palace is the official inner London Royal Residence of the British Monarchy. Oxford, the Cotswolds, and the White Cliffs of Dover are all easy to reach from London via public transport. Just bear in mind that youll need to purchase a permit if you want to peruse the shores! Subscribe for the latest exclusive travel stories and deals from The Times and The Sunday Times. Learn about wealth, happiness, prosperity, and how to get there. A trip to London isnt complete without a visit to the iconic London Eye. An intimate hotel and members club brings a note of stylish hedonism to a genteel corner of Mayfair. . The Best Airbnbs in San Francisco, From Stately Victorians to Business TravelerFriendly Apartments, These Are the 10 Best Places to Live in the World, 10 Nicest Hotels in NYC With Rooms Under $300, Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason. By the time youre back on Trafalgar Square, 40 minutes later, youll be buzzing. Claridges in Mayfair serves one of best. The cameras cut away while she was anointed with holy oil. ), see some of your favourite characters wands, or simply marvel at the Great Hall. Glitter and grime, culture and commerce, cocktails and craft beer: theyre all waiting for you. Plus champagne and some craft beers, of course. 25 best date ideas in London: from classic to quirky | CN Traveller The UK is known for its quaint little pubs, and London is no exception! London Luxury Trip: 9 Extravagant Things to Do in the City Cheaper than the tube, and often quicker if you want to hop between two out-of-the-way attractions, no visit to London would be complete without a bus journey or two. Alto by San Carlo is the perfect post-shopping spot; away from the hustle and bustle, still in the heart of the action, and with an Italian-inspired decor that will look incredible on your Instagram feed. The cruises pass several key sightseeing locations, including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. The iconic deer park in Richmond is located on the fringes of central London and has been a deer park since the 17th-century. I may well be biased because I have lived on-and-off in the UK capital city for five years! I was going to print your post and take it with me but it's 43 pages! 11 Luxurious Things to Do in London - Trips To Discover Known for its alternative culture, the crowds here are filled with goths, punks, rockabillies and tourists alike. Split into the vibrant and distinctive areas of North, West, South and East London as well as the commercial and tourist hub of Central London every district has its own recognizable neighborhoods. Tip: head earlier on the day to capture the best photos without the crowds and hang around until the late afternoon to profit from the best prices! First impressions, Benjamin's is slick; it feels like a speakeasy, and definitely a spot to impress a date. From Buckingham Palace to Borough Market, Harry Potter to Hyde Park, our expert will help you maximise your time in the metropolis, London hotels know how to indulge, whether through history, a sense of fun or an understanding that luxury covers everything from an amazing view to a cocktail served in a perfect glass, For a quintessentially British experience, book one of Londons finest afternoon teas, Share your big city break with your beloved pup by staying in one of these hotels, where dogs are greeted as equal guests, The list of Londons freebies is long and magnificent put your wallet away and get day-tripping, Carmen, performed by Compania Aida Gomez, at Sadlers Wells (Alamy), The best places for afternoon tea in London, P&O Cruises Oceania Discovery: Southampton to Sydney, Highlights of Iceland Northern Lights holiday. Theres something to please everyone, be it a must-see musical like The Lion King, which has been running for over 20 years, or a newbie, such as 2:22 A Ghost Story an incredible thriller thats so far starred everyone from Lily Allen to Tom Felton. The Egyptian hall sells fashion in opulent style to make you feel like a pharaoh as you pass through. And every weekend, Camden Market is home to some of the best street food in London. Take a boat ride down the Thames: From tours with City Cruises, to Thames Clippers hop-on-hop-off river boat services. Purchase your tickets here. At Christmas, Harrods puts together a number of luxury Christmas hampers filled with goodies to make the festivities even more special. Your biggest dilemma here will be what to plump for theres everything from glow-inducing wild rose facials to reiki on offer. The 50,000 objects on display here are the cream of an eight million-item collection, and if you have any interest in human history almost every one of them will give you goosebumps. Try the London: Helicopter Flight Experience. The BFI show films every day, from mainstream blockbusters to reshowings of cult classics to one-off screenings of indie hits. This is, without a doubt, the citys most atmospheric museum, packed to the rafters with hundreds of interesting and impressive artworks and artifacts. Shoreditch is one of the trendiest areas of London having recently undergone extensive regeneration. Westminster Bridge | Best Things to Do in London 4. On Saturdays, Broadway Market in Hackney is packed with street-food vendors and gourmet stalls, which you can raid en route to London Fields. 101 romantic things to do in London - visitlondon.com So hidden is Neals Yard that most miss it when exploring Seven Dials. Book your Thames River cruise here in advance. Astor Hyde Park Hostel: I have stayed in the Astor Hyde Park Hostel on many occasions while visiting the city (so much so that one time when I visited, one of the people on the reception desk actually recognised me from my last stay!). 40 best things to do in festive London in December Don't miss the eye-opener tours. The BFI or British Film Institute is a must-see for film lovers. Dont miss the eye-opener tours. Would you like to receive these? Head to St. James's to gorge on Nordic-inspired cuisine that has earnt itself two Michelin stars as well as a very loyal following. Between the inspiration for Hogwarts and the street which was used to film the Leakey Cauldron, there will surely be an attraction you enjoy seeing! Whether you want to dine like a VIP in a swanky restaurant or want to see the city in a different way, these luxury things to do in London will tick all your boxes. Book the walking tour now. Hopefully, this London guide has helped you work out some of the best things that there are to do in this capital.