London Bucket List | 10 Best Things To Do in London
Prologue
London is a fantastic world-renowned city with a huge range of things to see and do, but all too often it’s easy to become overwhelmed and miss some of the better sights. Without further ado, here’s our guide to the 10 of the best things to do in London.
10 Best Things To Do in London
1. Shopping in Harrods
When looking for a luxury shopping experience, look no further than Harrods of Knightsbridge. The largest department store in the UK, Harrods has everything you would expect from a top-class establishment, as well as a few surprises. Here you can buy anything from luxury chocolate (mmm… delicious!) to a contemporary transparent piano - sure to raise an eyebrow in any home.
Location: Knightsbridge
Best time to visit: Any time, open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday 11:30 am to 6 pm.
Time to allow: If you like to shop, you can spend all day. For most, a couple of hours is sufficient.
2. Hampton Court Palace
Once home to King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is a mind-blowing example of how kings and queens once lived. Wander through the Great Hall or Haunted Gallery and experience art and Tudor style around every corner, and then visit the mammoth kitchens which defy all expectations. If the weather is good, spend some time in the surrounding gardens for a full day of British history.
Location: Richmond on Thames. The nearest tube stations are in Wimbledon and Richmond.
Best time to visit: Sunny days are better as the grounds are delightful, but there’s plenty to see in even the worst weather.
Time to allow: There’s enough here for a full-day experience, but if your itinerary is full, a morning or afternoon is enough to enjoy.
3. The National Gallery
Located on the steps of Trafalgar Square in central London, The National Gallery has a wide range of paintings and sculptures to enjoy. Among the very famous paintings by artists such as Monet or Van Gogh, are equally spectacular pieces that you may never have heard of. A gallery for everyone, The National Gallery can be taken slowly, with time spent relaxing on the comfortable benches as you take in the exhibitions, or can be part of a more fleeting visit.
Location: Trafalgar Square, near Charing Cross tube station.
Best time to visit: All indoors, The National Gallery is a great place to go if the weather is poor.
Time to allow: With over 2,000 paintings on display, art lovers can spend weeks coming back, but for most, two hours is plenty.
4. Four Seasons Spa
Looking for a little pampering while in London? Visit the Four Seasons Spa on Park Lane for an exquisite experience that will leave you feeling vitalized and rejuvenated. This is a true luxury spa experience in London, where you can enjoy heat therapy, relax in the sauna, and receive some well-deserved self-care with a massage or facial - and don’t miss out on some time in a relaxation pod.
Location: Park Lane - near Green Park station.
Best time to visit: Whenever you feel the need for some personal TLC.
Time to allow: As long as your itinerary will provide!
5. View from the Shard/London Eye
The London Eye is a famous London landmark, offering a fantastic view across the Thames and over London. Private pod hire is available for a true luxury London event. If views are what you are after, however, consider a trip up The Shard, 100 meters higher than the Eye! Eat at Oblix on the 32nd floor for outstanding lunch and dinner options while you look over the capital.
Location: Waterloo for the London Eye, London Bridge for the Shard
Best time to visit: Avoid cloudy days to get a good view!
Time to allow: One to two hours for the experience, more if dining.
6. Buckingham Palace
When it comes to unique London experiences, nothing is more appropriate than a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official home of Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign and now home to King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. Rich in history, art, and ceremony, Buckingham Palace is a must-visit location for many travelers to the UK capital.
Location: St James Park station.
Best time to visit: Visit in the summer to tour inside the palace.
Time to allow: If touring, allow two to three hours.
7. Tower of London
Scoundrels! Ravens! Armour! History! The Crown Jewels! The Tower of London has it all. It’s a fantastic day out for history enthusiasts, families, and couples in the heart of London with a wide range of things to see - not the least, the fabulous Cullinan II diamond, the finest of all such jewels.
Location: Tower Hill underground station.
Best time to visit: It’s good to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds as the day goes on - especially school trips.
Time to allow: Three hours is a minimum.
8. St. Paul’s Cathedral
The unique sight of St. Paul’s Cathedral is another famous landmark, with its signature dome created by Sir Christopher Wren and built over four hundred years ago - well worth the steps to get up, especially as it means traversing the awe-inspiring Whispering Gallery at the top. St. Paul’s is also home to an incredible collection of art, which is rotated to ensure there is always something fascinating to see.
Location: St. Paul’s underground station.
Best time to visit: Plan to visit on a weekday morning to enjoy fewer crowds.
Time to allow: Two hours is perfect.
9. The Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum
You don’t have to be a boat lover to enjoy the magnificence of the Cutty Sark or the enthralling displays at the National Maritime Museum, but if you are then this trip to Greenwich is a must-do. The world’s only surviving clipper, the Cutty Sark is over 150 years old and was one of the fastest ships of its time. Not only that, but it is truly beautiful to behold - a fantastic photo opportunity.
Location: Greenwich
Best time to visit: The Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum are open daily.
Time to allow: One to two hours for the Cutty Sark itself, and up to two more for the National Maritime Museum - lots more for ship enthusiasts!
10. West End Shows
The West End is famous for its exceptional shows and is a superb location if you are looking for luxury birthday ideas in London. Whether you are looking to see a classic Shakespeare at the Globe, take in one of the many musicals such as Les Miserables or the new smash hit Back to the Future, or find something lesser known and unique, Theatreland has plenty to offer.
Location: Leicester Square station and others.
Best time to visit: Most shows have an evening performance, though many also do have matinee showings.
Time to allow: Dinner plus a show? Allow the whole evening.
Epilogue
So that brings us to the end of our journey across the 10 best things to do in London. Please let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this article.
This article is authored by Sanctum London, a chain of 5-star Service Apartments based in London, England. With free wireless internet access, LED TVs in every bedroom, top-notch kitchens and bathrooms, a 24-hour reception/concierge, laundry facilities, complimentary maid service, air conditioning, and underfloor heating, each of their apartments is incredibly well-equipped. So, next time when you are planning to travel to London, don’t forget to check out their website sanctum.london for luxurious accommodation options and great offers at affordable prices. Until then, I wish you merry traveling and happy shooting!
All images in the article are royalty-free stock images used for visualization purposes only. We hold no copyright on the images.
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