Choose from 322 Fun Things to Do in England
ShowingFilter 201-220 of 322 listings.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
Standing proud over the northeast corner of London’s Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is among the capital’s most popular churches, famed for its classical music concerts and lively church café. The Grade I-listed church has stood on the site since the 13th century, long before Trafalgar Square existed, but the current building was completed in 1726 to a design by architect James Gibb.
While its colonnaded façade and iconic clock tower are suitably grand, the real star of St Martin-in-the-Fields is its impressive roster of music concerts and recitals, which include candlelit evening performances of Handel and Mozart, plus free lunchtime concerts (weekdays at 1pm) that showcase up-and-coming composers.
Additional highlights include a series of temporary art exhibitions on display in the church gallery; the Café in the Crypt, which serves a range of well-priced meals; and the adjoining London Brass Rubbing Centre, which hosts demonstrations for kids at the church shop.
Practical Info
St Martin-in-the-Fields is located at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, London.
Admission is free.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ, England
Hours: Mon-Tues & Thurs-Fri 8:30am-1pm & 2-6pm, Wed 8:30am-1:15pm & 2-5pm, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 3:30-5pm
From $ 67
St Martin's Theatre
The treasure of the London West End! St Martin's Theatre is one of the few remaining privately-owned theatres in London thanks to the Willoughby de Broke family and has staged many famous plays since its opening. It opened its doors in 1916 with the spectacular Edwardian musical comedy Houp La!, starring the now-iconic actress Gertie Millar. The St Martin's has also hosted plays penned by the likes of John Galsworthy, Frederick Lonsdale and Noel Coward, including the chilling thriller Sleuth, The Grass is Greener and The Wrong Side of the Park.
But what makes the St Martin’s so famous isn’t so much its humble yet successful beginnings; the theatre holds the record for the longest continuously running show in the world with Agatha Christies’ The Mousetrap, having exceeded 25,000 performances since opening night in 1952 - as long as HRH Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne. In fact, David Raven holds the Guinness Record of 'Most Durable Actor' for his 4575 performances as Major Metcalf. Over its ongoing 60 year run, a whopping 124 miles of shirts were ironed, 403 actors and actresses appeared in the play and over 426 tons of ice cream was sold.
The theater itself became a Grade II listed building in 1973 because of its historic interest; tremendous efforts have been made over the decades to preserve the building, including extensive refurbishment works in the early 2000s, from restorating the woodwork to hanging silk wallpaper and reupholstering the seats.
Practical Info
St Martin's Theatre is located in London’s Theatreland in Covent Garden. It is easily reachable by a dozen bus routes as well as by tube via Tottenham Court Road station (Central line), Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line) and Leicester Square (Northern line).
Address: West Street, London, England
From $ 84
Southwark Cathedral
Southwark (pronounced ‘suth-ark’) Cathedral, officially called the ‘Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie,’ is located close to London Bridge on the south bank of the Thames River. Today, railway lines and office buildings, including the historic Borough Market, surround the old cathedral. The calm churchyard on the south side of the cathedral is a popular place for local office workers to enjoy their lunch hour – weather permitting. Although the interior of the cathedral is relatively modern (it was begun in 1890), traces of the past are still present there. Remains of the 13th-century arcading can be found in the south aisle, and in the north aisle a wooden effigy of a knight dates from 1275.
Also of note is a monument to the playwright William Shakespeare (the cathedral holds an annual birthday service for ‘The Bard’), which can be found beneath a stained glass window depicting characters from his famous plays. The cathedral was once a riverside priory, and the cloister-style courtyard is on the site of the original cloister that was used during those times. To the north, a more modern development includes the refectory and a gift shop with specially commissioned Southwark Cathedral products. An ancient alleyway, now a pedestrian walkway called Lancelot’s Link, separates the cathedral’s old and new buildings.
Practical Info
Visiting restrictions may apply when services or other activities are taking place. Visitors are always welcome to attend acts of worship. Groups are strongly encouraged to pre-book their visits. Hourly prayers lasting approximately two minutes are practiced throughout the day, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the prayers visitors are requested to remain still, and are invited to join in saying The Lord's Prayer in their native language.
Address: London Bridge, London SE1 9DA, England
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and Sat-Sun 8:30am-6pm
From $ 30
Smithfield Market
Today one of the largest wholesale meat markets in all of Europe, Smithfield Market has been buying and selling meat and poultry for over 800 years. Also known as London Central Markets, this is the largest historic market still standing in the City of London.
Early risers can still witness some of Britain’s finest meats being hand-picked by London restaurateurs, or purchase their own meats, poultry, olive oils and cheese. The structure itself is known for its bright colors and Victorian architecture, and many visitors combine their visit to the market with a stop at one of the trendy Farringdon-area restaurants.
Practical Info
Close to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the market is just a few minutes’ walk from both the Farringdon and Barbican tube stations. The market is open Monday through Friday, and parking is also available in the Smithfield Underground Car Park. Vendors begin selling at 3 a.m. and continue until mid-morning, so it is recommended that visitors arrive by 7 a.m.
Address: East Market Building, London EC1A 9PQ, England
Hours: Monday-Friday 3am until mid-morning
From $ 34
St Stephen Walbrook
This London church, with its massive decorated dome, is considered a precursor to the city’s famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is one of the finest of architect Christopher Wren’s churches with its Corinthian columns and modern white marble altar designed by sculptor Henry Moore. The altar’s design and placement in the middle of the church was at the time controversial.
It was constructed from 1672-1679, after the medieval church on which it stands was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. It is an Anglican Parish church steeped in history and tradition and is often named as a jewel of English architecture. The 65 foot dome masterfully supported by columns and arches is celebrated, as is its illumination and use of natural light through strategically placed windows. Many consider it to be one of the most important buildings in England.
Practical Info
The church is located at 39 Walbrook in the City of London. It is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, and 10 am to 3 pm on Fridays. The nearest tube station is Bank. There is no cost to enter.
Address: 39 Walbrook, London, England
From $ 102
Soho
This London neighborhood has it all: theaters, live music, eclectic nightlife, shopping, historical sites, and a quirky food scene. Located in the West End District popular with actors, artists, musicians, and fashionistas, Soho is also the epicenter of London’s gay scene.
The Basics
Covering just one square mile (2.6 square kilometers), Soho is best explored on foot. Taste your way around Soho’s diverse food scene on chocolate tours, English tea and dessert tours, modern British food tours, or excursions featuring international cuisine. Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles on Abbey Road and learn about the city’s other rock ‘n’ roll legends, or visit the area’s best-loved pubs and brewhouses on a bar-hopping tour. If history is your thing, Soho walking tours offer an education on London’s hidden gems and historic artifacts.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring your rain gear as London is known for its unpredictable downpours.
- As you walk around Soho, look out for noses on the buildings and walls (known as “the seven noses of Soho”). According to local legend, good luck comes your way if you spot them all.
- Be prepared for crowds. Soho can get busy, especially around lunchtime.
- Kingly Court near Carnaby Street offers free Wi-Fi, a station to refill your water bottles, and a seating area for dining alfresco.
How to Get There
Set in Central London in the middle of the West End, Soho is easy to visit via guided tour or public transportation. Travel by bus or tube (subway) to any of these stations that are close to Soho: Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, or Tottenham Court Road. If you plan to stay in London for several days, it’s a good idea to pick up a visitor Oyster card. Driving is not recommended as this area is very busy and there can be limited parking.
When to Get There
Soho is thriving day and night. To avoid crowds, visit mid-morning on a weekday to miss commuters on the tube and beat the lunchtime rush at restaurants. The place comes alive at night, so be sure to check out some bars, comedy clubs, and live music venues like Ronnie Scott’s.
Shopping in Soho
Soho is a bustling shopping district—the department store Liberty is a London institution and if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the famous toy shop Hamleys. For boutiques, go to Berwick Street, Carnaby Street and Kingly Court, and for flagship stores, go to Oxford Street and Regent Street. If you love chocolate, don’t miss the Paul A. Young store on Wardour Street.
Address: London, England
Admission: Free
From $ 19
Somerset House
Once a Tudor palace, Somerset House was redesigned by Sir William Chambers in 1776 as part of the city’s infrastructural improvements. Now a creative and cultural hub offering shows and activities year-round, the building is also known to have appeared in the Sherlock Holmes and James Bond films, among others.
The Basics
Follow in the footsteps of movie stars on a cinematic tour, or visit on a walking or hop-on hop-off tour, according to your schedule. Travelers with more time can explore the grounds on a historical tour and gain insight into the royal, governmental, and public uses of the building over the years, or check out one of the events held here for an immersive experience of culture in the capital.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to Somerset House is free, though there is a fee for some exhibitions and shows.
- The central courtyard is open-air, so remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat on rainy days.
- Somerset House is a must-see for history buffs, culture vultures, and creatives.
- Most of the site is wheelchair accessible; guests with access concerns are encouraged to call ahead.
How to Get There
Somerset House is a 5-minute walk from Temple underground station, and 10 to 15 minutes from Covent Garden, Charing Cross, or Waterloo. Many local and hop-on hop-off buses serve the Strand, Waterloo Bridge, or Aldwych, while river bus and hop-on hop-off cruises serve nearby Embankment Pier.
When to Get There
Special events at Somerset House are popular with residents and visitors alike. In winter, the outdoor ice skating rink and Christmas arcade provide festive fun in the city, while film screenings, concerts, and DJ sets are enjoyed during warmer months.
Stroll the South Bank
Conclude your visit to Somerset House with a walk across Waterloo Bridge and head into one of London’s cultural districts. Wander east along the river and discover prime Thameside views, as well as unique architecture, theatres, galleries, and English pubs to boot.
Address: Strand, London, United Kingdom WC2R 1LA, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Stonehenge
An archaeological marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the world’s most enigmatic tourist attractions, Stonehenge draws up to 1.3 million visitors annually. The site itself—a circle of gigantic stones standing in the heart of the English countryside—is made even more impressive by its mysterious history. Although Stonehenge’s original purpose remains unknown, onlookers gather to admire the 3,500-year-old structure and ponder its astronomical, spiritual, or even supernatural meaning.
The Basics
Entrance to Stonehenge is via timed ticket. You’ll be able to view the stones from a few meters away, and shuttle transportation between the observation areas is included with entry. Access to the stones is limited to 30 minutes, but you can spend as long as you like exploring the site’s visitor center. If you want to visit the Inner Circle and walk among the stones, you’ll need to book a special tour outside of public opening hours. Day tours from London are often combined with nearby attractions such as Oxford, Windsor Castle, Bath, Stratford-Upon-Avon, or the Cotswolds.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission lines can be long and tour times may sell out quickly, especially in summer, so it’s best to book in advance.
- Audio guides are available in 10 different languages.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center.
- Stonehenge is located on an open plain, so be prepared for changeable weather—wind and rain are common.
- The shuttle buses, visitor center, and stone-viewing areas are fully wheelchair accessible.
- Last admission is two hours before the daily closing time.
How to Get There
Stonehenge is located about 88 miles (142 kilometers) southwest of London, which is about two hours by road. Most tours include round-trip transportation from London and offer pick-up from your hotel or a central location. It’s also possible to take a paid shuttle bus from Salisbury rail station.
When to Get There
Stonehenge is open all year round, but the most atmospheric time to visit is during the summer or winter solstice, when a huge party celebrates the longest and shortest days of the year, and entrance is free. Although visits are timed, it can get crowded in summer, so arrive early or opt for a sunrise or sunset tour to experience the landmark at its most photogenic.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Stonehenge
The visitor center offers a fascinating accompaniment to a tour of Stonehenge. Inside, visitors can admire archaeological treasures unearthed at the site, gain a unique perspective through a 360-degree audio-visual display, and step inside a series of recreated Neolithic houses.
Address: Junction of A303 and A344/360, England
Hours: Apr-May: 9:30am - 7:00pm, June-Aug: 9:00am - 8:00pm, Sept-Oct: 9:30am-7:00pm, Oct-Mar: 9:30am-5:00pm
Admission: Adults: £15.50, Children (5-15): £9.30, Students/Seniors: £13.90
From $ 62
Tardis Police Box
In the 1960s, the popular science fiction series, Doctor Who, decided to use a police box as the time machine that features heavily in the show. Police boxes were introduced in Britain during the late 1800s as a way for police officers to communicate back to the police station. They functioned as a mini police station with a direct phone line and allowed officers a place to handle paperwork and temporarily hold prisoners until transport arrived.
Known as a TARDIS, which stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space, the police box time machine is one of the most iconic symbols from the show. The TARDIS is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, and it has chameleon-like qualities that allow it to change to blend in better when it lands in another time and place. However, it often malfunctions and still looks like the old police box. In real life, due to more modern forms of communication, most boxes have been removed or are in a state of disrepair. However, one remaining police box, located on Earl's Court Road, attracts fans of Doctor Who from around the world.
Practical Info
The TARDIS Police Box is located outside the eastern entrance to the Earl's Court tube station in London.
Address: 236 Earls Court Road, Kensington, London, England
From $ 16
Tarn Hows
One of the most-popular tourist attractions in the Lake District, “the Tarns,” as the locals call it, is a picturesque area visited by over half a million tourists per year since the 1970s. Rightfully so: not only is this an area of outstanding beauty, but it’s also yet another gem bequeathed to the National Trust by Lake District aficionado Beatrix Potter.
A tarn is a mountain lake that was formed in a cirque excavated by a glacier, which is later filled with rain or river water. Despite being an icon of the Lake District, Tarn Hows is not typical of the region in terms of landscapes; surrounded by thick conifer woodlands, the actual tarn is partly artificial, having been created by James Garth Marshall in the 1850s. It consists of three distinct tarns, which merged in the 19th century.
Located in the low-level valley nestled between the villages of Coniston and Hawkshead, Tarn Hows is now just more than half a mile long (just under 1 km) and 820 feet (250 meters) wide, and contains five islands. It is fed at its northern end by numerous valleys and basin mires and drained by several waterfalls that cascade down the Glen Mary Bridge.
Hikers and trekkers will enjoy the accessible 1.5-mile (2.4-km) path that circles the tarn, while fauna enthusiasts will appreciate the heavy presence of Galloway cattle and Herdwick sheep.
Practical Info
Tarns Hows is just under two hours from both Liverpool and Manchester (via M6, A591 and B5286) and 2.5 hours from Newcastle (via A69, M6, A66 and A591). Car parking is free for National Trust members but costs a small fee to nonmembers. The Tarns are open all day, every day of the year, free of charge.
Address: Boon Crag, Coniston, England
From $ 39
Stamford Bridge Stadium
The official home of Chelsea Football Club since 1905, Stamford Bridge Stadium has a long legacy and watching a match at the iconic stadium is a popular choice for football fans. The 42,000-capacity stadium is even more impressive since undergoing £100 million worth of renovations back in 2001 and the complex now includes 2 hotels, a number of restaurants and the Chelsea FC museum, where interactive displays and exhibitions chronicle the rise of West London’s top football club.
Chelsea home matches are held biweekly at Stamford Bridge Stadium during the annual football season, but fans can also peek behind-the-scenes on a stadium tour, allowing access to the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, the dugouts and the press room.
Practical Info
Stamford Bridge Stadium is located in Fulham in West London and the nearest London Underground (tube) station is Fulham Broadway. The Chelsea Museum is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm.
Address: Fulham Rd, London, United Kingdom SW6 1HS, England
From $ 29
St. James's Palace
Built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for Henry III, St James' Palace is one of London’s oldest official royal residences, playing host to iconic royals such as Anne Boleyn and Princess Diana over the years. The striking Tudor palace is unmistakable, with its bold, red-brick façade and castle-like gatehouse, and continues to house members of the royal family and host formal functions.
Although the interior is never open to the public, St James’ Palace remains a popular destination for walking tours, just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and looking out over St James Park. It's also notable as the starting point of the famous Changing of the Guards ceremony, with the Queen’s Guard lining up outside before marching down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
Practical Info
St James’s Palace is located on The Mall in central London and the nearest London underground station is Green Park. The palace is not open to the public.
Address: Marlborough Rd., London SW1A 1BS, England
From $ 23
St. Paul's Cathedral
An architectural masterpiece with a magnificent dome, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable sites. The 17th-century cathedral boasts a rich history as host of the jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.
The Basics
It's possible to visit St. Paul's Cathedral with or without a tour, but you can pre-book fast-track entry tickets to avoid waiting in line. Multimedia guides are available for independent visitors, while guided tours explore highlights such as the nave, the Whispering Gallery, the Golden Gallery, and the crypt. For the best value, opt to combine a visit to this historic landmark with a traditional afternoon tea at the cathedral restaurant, a walking tour, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour of central London. Purchase a London Pass to gain entry to St. Paul's Cathedral and other London attractions such as the British Museum, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For security reasons, no large bags or suitcases are allowed inside St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Multimedia guides are available in nine languages and are included with the price of admission.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a café-restaurant.
- St. Paul's Cathedral is wheelchair accessible and concession tickets are available.
How to Get There
St. Paul's Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. The closest tube station is St. Paul's on the Central Line, but it's also an easy walk from the Mansion House, Cannon Street, and Blackfriars stations. On foot, the most scenic approach is from the South Bank—cross the Thames River by the Millennium Bridge to see lovely views of the cathedral.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open to visitors Monday through Saturday. It can get busy, especially in summer, so plan an early morning visit to avoid crowds. Worshippers are also welcome to attend the daily services, choir concerts, and organ recitals.
The Whispering Gallery at St. Paul's
Located in the iconic dome of St. Paul's and reached by a dizzying 560 steps, this circular gallery is known as the Whispering Gallery because of its unique acoustics. Try it out by standing at one side of the dome and whispering to friends and family at the other end! If you've still got some energy left, scale the 117 steps to the Stone Gallery, followed by 166 steps to reach the Golden Gallery, both of which afford spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Address: St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, England
Hours: Open Mon-Sat during the day, closed for sightseeing on Sundays but open for worship
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Spitalfields
Synonymous with its namesake market, Spitalfields is one of the liveliest districts of London’s East End, tucked in-between hip Shoreditch to the north and historic Whitechapel to the south. The best way to explore the area is on foot and the obvious starting point for a walking tour is Spitalfields Market, one of London’s oldest and most famous markets, which takes over Horner Square each day from 10am to 5pm.
Additional highlights of a walking tour include Brick Lane, London’s ‘curry mile’; the lesser-known Petticoat Lane Market; and the striking Victorian architecture of Commercial Street. Spitalfields is also often visited on food tasting tours of East London, street art tours, and Jack the Ripper tours.
Insider's Tip: Spitalfields Market is open daily but the best days to go are Thursday for antiques, Friday for fashion and art, and Saturday for the Style market, which features fashion, homeware, and accessories from local designers.
Practical Info
Spitalfields is located in London’s East End, just south of Shoreditch and north of Whitechapel.
Address: Spitalfields, London, England
From $ 19
Spitalfields Market
Established in the 1860s, Old Spitalfields Market is a historic market that is still bustling today. The covered marketplace is full of stalls offering a mix of chain restaurants and local street food as well as unique, locally designed goods, imported wares, vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and all manner of quirky items.
The Basics
The Victorian covered market—which has undergone extensive renovations and is now surrounded by trendy, upscale brick-and-mortar shops—is a lively shopping and dining venue. Its more than 70 stalls, shops, and restaurants include regular and rotating vendors selling everything from hand-thrown ceramics to leather goods, bespoke prescription glasses, and vintage fashion.
Old Spitalfields Market and the surrounding areas have quite a storied past, and are included on a number of informative walking and culinary tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Old Spitalfields Market is a must for shopaholics and visitors looking for fun trinkets or souvenirs to take home.
- Although there is a large covered market, Spitalfields can also refer to the wider area including a range of high-end shops and restaurants.
- There are seasonal events and pop-up shops throughout the year.
- There is an antiques-focused market on Thursdays.
How to Get There
Old Spitalfields Market, located in East London, is easily reachable by bus or tube. Several bus routes end at Spitalfields Market on Brushfield Street; the nearest Underground station is Liverpool Street, which is served by the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.
When to Get There
The market stalls are open daily with varying hours and a range of weekly and monthly themed days and events. Check the website and individual shops for current information.
The Kitchens
The culinary options at Old Spitalfields Market are vast, making it a dining destination in its own right. The options are endless—high-street chains like Wagamama, cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices, Japanese sushi bowls, dumplings, burgers, falafel, high-end cheese and wine, expertly pulled espresso—and the variety showcases East London’s colorful cultural mix and gourmet foodie scene.
Address: 16 Horner Square, Spitalfields, London E1 6EW, England
From $ 21
St Katharine Docks
The St Katharine Docks are located in the London district of Tower Hamlets. These docks were once the commercial docks serving the north side of the River Thames east of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Today the docks serve as a yachting marina, and the area has been turned into an urban living and leisure area. There are public and private housing options, office buildings, a large hotel, retail shops, restaurants, pubs, and other recreational facilities.
Several commuter river boats, river ferries, and scenic river cruises pass St Katharine Docks and stop at St Katharine Pier. The area also hosts special events throughout the year. There is a food market every Friday from 11am to 3pm featuring local and international food options. Occasionally there is a cinema at sea event. The docks also host clipper races and boating festivals. St Katharine Docks is a popular area to experience an urban marine atmosphere as well as a unique setting for shopping and entertainment.
Practical Info
St Katharine Docks are located on the north bank of the River Thames and just east of the Tower Bridge. The closest underground stations are Tower Hill, Bank, and Liverpool Street. Check with specific retailers and restaurants for opening times.
Address: 50 St Katharine's Way, London, United Kingdom E1W 1LA, England
From $ 13
St James's Park
Set between the grounds of St James’s Palace and the iconic abode to the Queen of England, Buckingham Palace; few picnic spots are as breathtakingly regal as St James’s Park, a 58-acre (23-hectare) stretch, located a short stroll from many of central London’s key tourist attractions.
As well as offering a pocket of greenery amidst the urban sprawl of Central London, the Park’s proximity to Buckingham Palace makes it a popular spot to watch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the uniformed palace guards change over in an elaborate march and band performance. In addition, the park’s Horse Guards Parade hosts the annual Trooping the Colour military parade to mark the Queen's official birthday, along with the Beating Retreat, a floodlit spectacular featuring marching bands from the Cavalry and Foot Guard regiments, held each June.
A number of attractions grace the park’s interior, most notable of which is the Queen Victoria Memorial, commemorating the legendary ruler’s 1901 death. The 25 meter-high monument, carved from white Carrara marble, stands at the heart of the Memorial gardens, a series of formal flowerbeds and protected landmarks designed by Sir Aston Webb. More recently, the park has become a key part of the seven-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, passing through locations significant to the beloved people’s princess and in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Floral Crown was unveiled - a floral recreation of the crown used in the Queen’s coronation ceremony, set on the north side of the lake.
Open to walkers, cyclists and dogs, the park features a restaurant, summer deck chairs and a number of refreshment stalls dotted around its many walkways.
As well as offering a pocket of greenery amidst the urban sprawl of Central London, the Park’s proximity to Buckingham Palace makes it a popular spot to watch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the uniformed palace guards change over in an elaborate march and band performance. In addition, the park’s Horse Guards Parade hosts the annual Trooping the Colour military parade to mark the Queen's official birthday, along with the Beating Retreat, a floodlit spectacular featuring marching bands from the Cavalry and Foot Guard regiments, held each June.
A number of attractions grace the park’s interior, most notable of which is the Queen Victoria Memorial, commemorating the legendary ruler’s 1901 death. The 25 meter-high monument, carved from white Carrara marble, stands at the heart of the Memorial gardens, a series of formal flowerbeds and protected landmarks designed by Sir Aston Webb. More recently, the park has become a key part of the seven-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, passing through locations significant to the beloved people’s princess and in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Floral Crown was unveiled - a floral recreation of the crown used in the Queen’s coronation ceremony, set on the north side of the lake.
Open to walkers, cyclists and dogs, the park features a restaurant, summer deck chairs and a number of refreshment stalls dotted around its many walkways.
Address: London, England
Hours: Open daily: 5am - 12am
From $ 19
St George's Chapel
Windsor is a handsome town in Berkshire, southeast England, with an ancient heart, a setting along the River Thames and a connection by bridge to Eton, home of one of England’s oldest and most prestigious public schools. St George’s Chapel sits next door to Windsor Castle, which is both the largest permanently occupied castle in the world and one of the official homes of HM The Queen. The chapel was founded in 1348 by King Edward III and is a fine example of Gothic styling with flying buttresses, glorious stained glass and a vaulted interior of exceptional grandeur, as befits the place of worship of the Royal Family.
It is the burial place of 10 English kings including Henry VIII and George III, as well as many other members of the monarchy, and is also home of the Knights of the Garter; this is one of the oldest chivalric orders in the world and the highest ceremonial accolade in the UK. Members currently include the Queen, Prince Charles and former leaders of the armed services, captains of industry and ex-Prime Ministers; their heraldic banners hang high above the choir in the chapel. St George’s is closed to visitors on Sunday, but all are welcome at any of the services throughout the week; they are held daily at 8:30am, 10:45am, noon and 5:15pm.
Practical Info
Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ. Open Mar–Oct Mon–Sat 9:45am–5:15pm; Nov–Feb 9:45am–4:15pm. Admission includes entry to Windsor Castle: adults £19.20; seniors & students £17.50; under 17 £11.30; under 5 free; family ticket £49.70 (chapel services are free). Take the train from London Waterloo or Paddington via Slough to Windsor. By car, take the M4 and leave at exit 6, signposted to Windsor.
Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, West Berkshire, England
Hours: Mar–Oct Mon–Sat 9.45am–5.15pm; Nov–Feb 9.45am–4.15pm
Admission: Includes Windsor Castle; dults £19.20; seniors & students £17.50; under 17 £11.30; under 5 free
From $ 52
Tate Britain
Tate Britain is an art gallery in Pimlico, London. It contains the largest collection of British art in the world and is one of four Tate museums across the UK. Visitors come to see priceless works by painters from the last 500 years, including JMW Turner, Lucian Freud, and David Hockney.
The Basics
Entirely devoted to British works of art, the collections here cover an extremely wide range, from modern sculptures by Barbara Hepworth to prints and paintings by the 18th-century satirist William Hogarth. For any visitor to London who wants to learn more about the cultural heritage of the UK, it’s a must-visit spot. The museum also hosts the annual, and sometimes controversial Turner Prize, which celebrates contemporary British artists.
The gallery building is also worthy of note. It was purpose-built by industrialist Henry Tate to house his own art collection, which included many important Pre-Raphaelite works after he tried to donate them to the National Gallery and was turned down. The museum opened at Millbank along the River Thames in 1897. Many visitors opt for a guided tour to learn more about the different paintings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to Tate Britain is free; special exhibitions require a separate (paid) ticket.
- Special tours of the museum can be booked ahead of time.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- You’ll find a cafe, restaurant, and museum store on-site.
How to Get There
Tate Britain is located at Millbank, in Pimlico, London. The closest tube (subway) stations are Victoria Line’s Pimlico and Vauxhall. Overground trains also run to Vauxhall. Bus no. 87 stops at Millbank. A shuttle boat service runs every 40 minutes between Tate Britain and Tate Modern on the South Bank in Central London.
When to Get There
Tate Britain is open daily from 10am–6pm. Weekends are especially busy so plan to visit during the week for a quieter experience.
Visit Tate Modern, Too
While Tate Britain is dedicated to British art, its sister museum across town on London’s South Bank features contemporary works from artists across the world. Its huge central space, Turbine Hall, offers a revolving display of thought-provoking installations, and the museum has mounted special exhibitions of artists from American artist Edward Hopper to French post-impressionist Henri Matisse.
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, England
From $ 39
St Pancras Station
One of London’s biggest, most modern and best-connected train stations, St Pancras Station (or King's Cross St Pancras) dates back to 1868 but underwent major redevelopments in 2007. The station now serves as England's main Eurostar terminus, linking London directly to Paris, Brussels and Lille, as well as offering a wide network of London underground and nationwide trains.
The recent renovations have also put St Pancras on the map as a destination in its own right, and travelers connecting in King's Cross will find plenty to keep them occupied in-between trains. Not only is the station itself an impressive example of Victorian architecture, but it's also dotted with fascinating art works, including Paul Day's sculpture 'The Meeting Place' and a statue of John Betjeman.
St Pancras also offers tax-free shopping (for non-European Union residents) at a range of high street and brand-name stores; a wide variety of cafés, bars and restaurants; and the luxurious Marriot St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Highlights include a British produce market, Europe's largest champagne bar, a series of Street Pianos dotted around the station and the famous Platform 9 ¾, a must for Harry Potter fans. The station forecourt even hosts pop-up gigs, charity events and appearances by big-name music acts and celebrities.
Practical Info
St Pancras Station is located in north central London and serves Eurostar, East Midlands, Southeastern and ThamesLink trains, as well as being linked to the London Underground (Victoria, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Circle lines).
Address: Euston Rd., London N1C 4QP, England
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
From $ 11