101 Favorite Things to Do In & Around London, UK

Cole and I have been traveling to London together since we’ve been married. Now with kids, we’ve spent months at a time living in London during the summers. There is no shortage of things to do and see! Our whole family always looks forward to coming back to revisit favorite places and discover new adventures. In no particular order, and organized by category, here is a list of our 101 Favorite Things to Do In & Around London, UK.

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ATTRACTIONS

1. Tower of London

See the Crown Jewels, visit the White Tower, discover Britain’s history, and join a free Yeoman Warder tour.

2. Westminster Abbey

Discover the tombs of kings and queens, burial sites of famous Britons, and see important historical artifacts.

3. Big Ben & Parliament

Visit London’s most iconic landmark, symbol of British Democracy, and stunning architecture.

4. Tower Bridge

A symbol of London offering panoramic views, a glass floor, and historic engine rooms.

Related blog post: Summer in England: Tower Bridge in London

5. London Eye

Enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline on one of the world’s tallest observation wheels.

Related blog post: Riding the London Eye in England, UK

6. Buckingham Palace

Watch Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Wellington Barracks year-round for FREE. The guards march in their red tunics and bear skin hats in a tradition that has been part of British history for centuries.

Related blog post: Summer in England: Buckingham Palace Guards, Westminster Abbey & Afternoon Tea

7. Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station

Harry Potter fans can visit Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station and the nearby Harry Potter Shop to take a photo while pushing a luggage trolley through the wall. Platform 9 3/4 is FREE and open to visitors, however expect a crowd. Luggage trolley and other photo props available only during shop hours.

8. St. Paul's Cathedral

Built by Architect Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th Century, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a national landmark and one of the most popular attractions in London. See the iconic dome, baroque architecture, and learn of its rich history. Tickets must be purchased for sightseeing, however as St. Paul’s Cathedral is a working church, it is always free for the purpose of private prayer and attending services.

9. Hampton Court Palace

Immerse yourself in Tudor history at Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace. Admire Henry’s Great Hall, Tudor kitchens, 60 acres of gardens, maze, state apartments, and Chapel Royal at the spectacular 16th-century baroque palace on the River Thames. Children will love the Magic Garden immersive playground!

10. Wimbledon

One of our favorite summer experiences! It’s the quintessential Wimbledon experience of waiting in The Queue for tickets, watching championship tennis, and eating strawberries and cream. We recommend arriving very early around 5 am, bringing a picnic, and striking up friendly conversations with fellow queuers because the atmosphere is always exciting, cheerful, and welcoming.

Related blog posts: Summer in England: Wimbledon!

11. Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a working royal residence. It was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria and is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Areas of the palace are open to the public and visitors can walk through the State Apartments, gardens, exhibitions, shop, and The Orangery cafe.

Related blog posts: Summer in England: Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, London; Kensington Gardens & St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England

12. Royal Observatory & Prime Meridian

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich was built by Sir Christopher Wren. It is the location of the Prime Meridian, a brass line in the ground marking 0 degrees longitude. A favorite place to visit for historic and scientific significance plus amazing views of London!

Related blog post: Summer in England: Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum & Playground in Greenwich, London

13. British Library

Some of the world’s most interesting documents are on permanent display at the “Treasures of the British Library” exhibit. You can see the Magna Carta, Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook, Shakespeare’s First Folio, and original writings by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and The Beatles. The Treasures of the British Library exhibit is FREE and open to the public.

14. Cutty Sark

Walk the decks of this 1800’s clipper ship, learn about maritime life on board, and explore exhibits that explain the ship’s voyage and history. It is the world’s only surviving extreme clipper and retains about 90% of its original hull frame and planking dating back to when the ship was built.

Related blog post: Summer in England: Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum & Playground in Greenwich, London

15. Thames River Bus

For a convenient and scenic alternative to the tube or bus in London, take the River Bus – also known as Uber Boat. You can use your contactless or Oyster to pay as you go, and runs from 23 piers between Putney and Woolwich.

16. Trafalgar Square

See famous monuments like Nelson’s Column and the Landseer Lions. Nearby you can also see the National Gallery, fountains, view of Big Ben, and Britain’s smallest police station.

17. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Want someone to drive you around while you take in the sights? Join the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus! Pack snacks, water, and turn on the audio guide. It kept my children entertained for hours, let us rest our feet, and gave me a nice long break!

18. Richmond

Experience the cutest little alleyways with charming shops and restaurants. Walk along the river front, cross the bridge, visit Richmond Park, hike Sawyer’s Hill, and find the telescope at King Henry’s Mound with a historic unobstructed view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

19. West End Theatre

Get a taste of world-class talent and entertainment with a show in London’s West End. We’ve seen performances including the stunning Phantom of the Opera to the hilarious action-packed The Comedy About Spies.

20. Golden Jubilee Footbridges

Stunning panoramic views of the River Thames and iconic London landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye. The Golden Jubilee Footbridges are pedestrian-only walkways spanning the north and south banks of the river.

21. Abbey Road

See the iconic Abbey Road crosswalk and Abbey Road Studios made famous by The Beatles. Recreate the album cover at the crosswalk, and read messages on the graffiti wall where music fans have been writing for over 50 years.

22. Sir William Wallace Memorial

Read the plaque marking the place where Scottish hero Sir William Wallace was executed in Smithfield. His memorial still receives flowers to this day, even centuries after his death in 1305.

23. Millennium Bridge

The pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge connects St. Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank of the River Thames to Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern on the south bank. The bridge is a great place for photo opportunities of St. Paul’s Cathedral and other landmarks along the river.

24. Neal's Yard

Neal’s Yard is a little collection of independent restaurants and shops known as the most colorful corner of Covent Garden. Find entrances to Neal’s Yard on both Monmouth Street and Shorts Garden.

25. Goodwin's Court

See the “real” Diagon Alley at Goodwin’s Court. This little stretch of alleyway with ornate windows and gaslight lamps could easily be overlooked but it’s a charming walk down the narrow alley to admire the historic and picturesque architecture. Goodwin’s Court is hidden between St. Martin’s Lane and Bedfordbury.

26. St. Bartholomew's Gatehouse

The gatehouse for St. Bartholomew-the-Great is a rare survivor of Tudor London. The building has survived the Great Fire of 1666 and bombings during World War I and II. It stands at the entrance to one of the oldest churches in London and near the Sir William Wallace Memorial in Smithfield.

MUSEUMS

27. British Museum

See world-renowned treasures at the British Museum, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon sculptures, and much more. As the world’s first national public museum, admission to the general collection is always FREE.

Related blog posts: Summer in England: Night at the British Museum; Summer in England: British Museum and Platform 9 3/4 in London; Westminster & the British Museum, London, England

28. National Gallery

The National Gallery located in Trafalgar Square houses an impressive collection of over 2,600 paintings by artists such as Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Turner, Monet, Rembrandt, Titian, and Seurat. There are many iconic works you won’t want to miss including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. The National Gallery is FREE and open to the public.

Related blog post: Westminster & the British Museum, London, England

29. Natural History Museum

Travel through 4.6 billion years of our planet’s history at the Natural History Museum. See the impressive blue whale skeleton hanging above the grand staircase, dinosaur fossils, gems, star dust, and a significant part of Charles Darwin’s work. The Natural History Museum is FREE and open to the public.

30. V&A

The Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum is one of the world’s leading museums of decorative arts and design. Experience fashion, sculpture, textiles, and global artifacts spanning 5,000 years. The V&A is FREE and open to the public.

31. National Maritime Museum

Discover Britain’s naval history and explorations located in beautiful Greenwich Park. The National Maritime Museum is FREE and open to the public.

32. London Museum Docklands

See artifacts, ship models, and interactive exhibits about London’s port history dating from Roman times to the modern era. General admission to London Museum Docklands is FREE, however fees apply for special exhibits.

33. Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum’s extensive collection of wartime vehicles, artifacts, uniforms, stories, documents, and artwork offer an educational experience. The award-winning galleries and interactive exhibits have the power to “move, inspire and transform”. The Imperial War Museum is FREE and open to the public.

34. Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection is a national museum in a former townhouse with an impressive display of armor, weapons, and world-class art. The Wallace Collection is FREE and open to the public.

PARKS & GARDENS

35. Kensington Gardens

Originally part of the palace, the exquisite gardens are no longer exclusive but now open and FREE to everyone. As one of the best parks in the country, Kensington Gardens offers gardens, water features, trails, playgrounds, and more. There is something for everyone and is one of London’s best and most favorite parks.

36. Hyde Park

Hyde Park offers an expansive green space in the heart of the city. Enjoy boating, cycling, running, and outdoor sports. Hyde Park is also known for hosting many of London’s biggest outdoor music and special events. The park is FREE and open to the public,.

37. Kew Gardens

Visit Kew Gardens and experience over 50,000 plant species in one of the most diverse botanical collections in the world. Tickets and admission fees apply.

38. Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of the Royal Parks making it feel like the countryside with out leaving London. See deer grazing the wild landscape. Find King Henry’s Mound for a view of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The sightline from the Mound to the Cathedral is now protected and no new building is allowed to obstruct it. As part of the Royal Parks, Richmond Park is always FREE.

39. Hampstead Heath

Visit Hampstead Heath for its beautiful natural landscape, woodlands, swimming ponds, hiking trails, and spectacular views of London from the top of Parliament Hill. Hampstead Heath is FREE and open to the public.

40. Greenwich Park

One of the most iconic views of London is from the Royal Observatory on top of the hill in Greenwich Park. The nearby Greenwich Park Playground and National Maritime Museum are also definitely worth a visit. The park is FREE and open to the public.

41. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Explore the venues from the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic games including London Stadium, parklands, waterways, and family-friendly playgrounds. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is FREE to visit every day of the week.

42. St. James's Park

St. James’s Park is FREE for everyone and located across the street from Buckingham Palace. Lawn chairs and toilets available for a small fee.

Related blog post: Summer in England: St. James’s Park Playground, London

43. Holland Park

Holland Park is in a vibrant and tranquil neighborhood in West London with 54 acres of gardens, green space, and playgrounds. The neighborhood boasts historic architecture, charming streets, cafes, and restaurants. Entry to Holland Park is FREE.

44. Regent's Park

Regent’s Park is famous for its stunning landscaping, especially Queen Mary’s Gardens. If you’re visiting in the months of June or July, don’t miss the sight and fresh scent of 40,000 roses in full bloom. Regent’s Park is FREE and open to the public.

SHOPPING

45. Harrods

Shop luxury goods, high fashion, gourmet foods, and gifts at London’s iconic shopping landmark.

Related blog post: Summer in England: Shopping at Harrods in London

46. Daunt Books - Marylebone

One of London’s most famous bookshops, Daunt Books Marylebone, is located in a beautiful original Edwardian building with oak galleries and travel books arranged by country to inspire adventure seekers.

Related blog post: Daunt Books in London, England

47. Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station once supplied a fifth of London’s electricity. Now after decades of sitting empty and abandoned, Battersea Power Station is now open to the public as one of London’s most innovative destinations to eat, drink, shop and play.

48. Northcote Road

Northcote Road is lined with independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants with a weekly market of artisanal goods and street food in a lively community near the green space of Wandsworth Common.

49. Covent Garden

A historic neighborhood and one of London’s most popular shopping destinations with a mix of global brands, independent shops, market stalls, street performers, entertainment, and restaurants.

50. Supermarkets

Stock up on your favorite British products by visiting your local Waitrose, Tesco, or Sainsbury’s. We love Cadbury chocolates, teas, sweets, biscuits, crisps, clotted cream, and Jaffa Cakes to name a few.

PLAYGROUNDS

51. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground - Kensington Gardens

A Peter Pan inspired playground at Kensington Gardens featuring a wooden pirate ship, sandy beaches, trails, and water features is a perfect tribute to the late Princess Diana who loved children and their playful imagination. Access to the playground is FREE with nearby cafe serving drinks and snacks available for purchase.

52. Battersea Adventure Park

Battersea Park is a 200-acre green space in the London Borough of Wandsworth on the south bank of the River Thames opposite Chelsea. Battersea Park and the playground is FREE for everyone. The Go Ape tree top challenge zip wire and rope coarse is available for purchase. Miniature golf also available for purchase.

53. The Cove - National Maritime Museum

The Cove playground at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is a FREE sea-themed outdoor adventure for children.

54. Holland Park Adventure Playground

A zip-line, 10-person see-saw & a dragon swinger in a parkland play area surrounded by trees. Holland Park Adventure Playground’s design integrates the surrounding natural woodland for an adventurous play experience. Holland Park Adventure Playground is FREE and open to the public.

55. Jubilee Gardens Playground

Located beneath the iconic London Eye, this FREE playground and accessible play area features graduated risk equipment, sensory experiences, and a Timberwood Tangle climbing structure.

56. Greenwich Park Playground

A nature-inspired playground with large sandpit, water features, sensory play equipment, logs, slides, and ropes. The playground is FREE and situated in a royal park near the National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, and Prime Meridian.

57. Tumbling Bay Playground - Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Tumbling Bay Playground at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park encourages imaginative play for younger children with sand and water areas, as well as older kids with rope bridges and tree houses. Entry to the park is FREE and open to the public.

58. St. James's Park Playground

St. James’s Park Playground has a view of Buckingham Palace and is FREE to the public. There is a cafe with food for purchase and toilets available for children.

59. Magic Garden - Hampton Court Palace

The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace is an adventurous outdoor play garden inspired by the palace’s Tudor history. Children play in towers, bridges, gardens, slides, sand, water, and climb a dragon! Entry to the playground is included with your palace admission ticket price.

60. Gloucester Gate Playground - Regent's Park

Gloucester Gate Playground at Regent’s Park is an all inclusive and nature-themed playground inspiring creative and imaginative play. Regent’s Park and its playgrounds are FREE and open to the public.

61. Horseferry Playground

Horseferry Playground boasts shady trees and views of the Palace of Westminster overlooking the River Thames. Features include a sandpit, swings, slide, dance chimes, climbing structures, a water play installation, and public toilets available at the playground. Horseferry Playground is FREE to enter.

Related blog post: Summer in England: London Eye, Jubilee Gardens & Horseferry Playground

62. Prospect Place Playground - Battersea Power Station

A bright colorful play area located at Battersea Power Station offers hours of fun for children for FREE. Nearby shopping, dining, and toilets available.

FOOD

63. Sunday Roast

Enjoy the long-standing cherished tradition of eating a comforting and wholesome Sunday roast. And don’t forget the sticky toffee pudding! We recommend visiting your local pub.

64. Afternoon Tea

The quintessentially British afternoon tea usually consists of finger sandwiches, cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam accompanied by tea. We recommend The English Rose Cafe.

65. Fish & Chips

This popular British meal is rich in history and often considered a national dish. Enjoy crispy fish and chips with salt and malt vinegar. We recommend The Golden Chippy.

66. Chinatown Bakery

As one of the most established bakeries in the UK, Chinatown Bakery serves excellent quality and delicious pastries, rolls, buns, and cakes. We recommend a slice of Triangle Vanilla Cake.

67. Pret A Manger

Eat like a local and grab a freshly made sandwich, salad, or soup on the go from Pret. The ubiquitous iconic British chain is found on nearly every street and in almost every transport hub in London.

68. M&S Food

Shop at M&S Food for an excellent variety of high quality fresh groceries and ready-to-eat meals. M&S Food offers a pleasant shopping environment in convenient locations throughout London.

69. Full English Breakfast

Indulge in a full English breakfast to start your day with fried eggs, fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms, bacon, sausage, toast, hash browns, and baked beans.

70. Harrods Food Hall

A gourmet and luxurious selection of fancy eats and treats at the world’s greatest food emporium.

Related blog post: Summer in England: Shopping at Harrods in London

71. Northcote Road

Take a leisurely stroll down Northcote Road for a variety of eating establishments including independent restaurants, cafes, street foods, and a weekend market.

72. Covent Garden - Al Fresco Dining

Food lovers will enjoy London’s vibrant atmosphere, historic charm, street performers, and pedestrianized cobblestone Piazza while dining al fresco at Covent Garden.

73. Borough Market

A foodie’s paradise for unique dishes, artisan and specialty foods in a historic market in central London.

74. Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is a one of London’s main financial districts with a sleek modern skyline, towering skyscrapers, and beautiful gardens. From fine dining to pop-up stalls, Canary Wharf is a popular destination for diverse culinary options.

75. Cucumber Alley & Seven Dials Market

Street food lovers will enjoy a taste of Cucumber Alley’s grab-and-go desserts and snacks. Seven Dials Market proudly serves food and drinks from London’s best up-and-coming independent street food vendors under one roof. Cucumber Alley sits right outside the entrance to Seven Dials Market in the heart of Covent Garden.

PLAY FOUNTAINS

76. Diana Memorial Fountain - Hyde Park

Located in Hyde Park, the Diana Memorial Fountain offers plenty of green space, abundant shady areas, and the chance to see adorable ducks and birds.

77. V&A Museum Garden

The V&A is one of the most beautiful museums in London. The courtyard boasts a quiet garden surrounded by impressive architecture and at its center is a shallow pool with fountains where little ones can splash and play.

78. Granary Square Fountains - King's Cross

The Granary Square fountains at King’s Cross is open daily and features over a thousand jets that spout water and are illuminated with multicolor lights at night. The choreographed fountains jump and dance while visitors join in on the fun.

79. Jeppe Hein's Appearing Room Fountains - South Bank

Appearing Rooms is an interactive water pavilion created by Danish artist Jeppe Hein. The playful aquatic sculpture is programmed to shoot walls of water that rise and fall unpredictably to create square rooms.

80. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Waterworks Fountain

Located outside London Stadium, home of Premier League club West Ham United, you’ll find 195 individually controlled jets of water! The snaking pathway of fountains and labyrinth of synchronized walls of water is a favorite for visitors of all ages.

OUTSIDE LONDON

81. Windsor

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It is open to visitors throughout the year. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 40 monarchs.

82. Bath

Bath is a beautiful and elegant city in Somerset full of tradition, culture, and green spaces. It is known for and named after its Roman-built baths.

83. Cambridge

Only 50 minutes on the train from London, Cambridge is the epitome of a university town. Enjoy an evening punting on the River Cam, share a picnic in the park, or join a walking tour of the city.

84. Lacock

Lacock is a village and parish in Wiltshire that is owned almost entirely by the National Trust. It is also the filming location of many movies and television shows including the Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, and BBC’s Pride and Prejudice.

85. York

York is a medieval walled city founded by the ancient Romans located in northeast England. See the cathedral’s gothic architecture and the 13th century timbered structures of The Shambles.

86. Dorset

Hike to Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast by the sea.

Related blog post: Summer in England: Durdle Door in Dorset County

87. Stonehendge

Experience one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and learn about the mysteries and people of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

88. Oxford

Visit Oxford for its centuries-old university, impressive architecture, charming streets, punting on the river, and world-class museums.

Related blog post: Evening at Oxford University, England

89. Bristol

Bristol is a lively city famous for its maritime history, food and drink scene, and creative street art – including Bansky.

90. Salisbury

Salisbury is only 10 miles north of Stonehenge and is one of England’s most beautiful medieval cities. The stunning cathedral has the tallest spire in Britain and is home to one of the best preserved surviving Magna Carta documents from 1215. The old city gates are still closed every night at 11 pm.

91. Avebury

Visit Avebury to explore the world’s largest Neolithic stone circle and walk freely among the massive stones.

92. Glastonbury

This iconic hill has deep mythological significance with King Author’s burial site and legends of the Holy Grail.

Related blog post: Glastonbury Tor, Stonehenge & Salisbury

93. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a magnificent English Baroque palace and birthplace of Winston Churchill with extensive gardens designed by Capability Brown.

Related blog post: Blenheim Palace, England

94. Old Wardour Castle

The ruins of a 14th century castle are situated beautifully in the romantic Wiltshire countryside. Learn about the castle’s rich history, including its dramatic destruction during the English Civil War, and how it was used as a filming location for the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Related blog post: Summer in England: Old Wardour Castle

95. Birmingham

Visit Birmingham, an industrial and engineering hub located at the heart of England. Take a stroll or boat tour along Birmingham’s extensive network of canals, learn about the city’s history as a manufacturing town, and experience the museum and art scene.

Related blog post: Birmingham, England

96. Castle Combe

Castle Combe is renowned as one of the prettiest villages in England. No new houses have been built in the historic center since the 1600’s and its stone cottages are exceptionally well preserved.

Related blog post: Summer in England: Hiking Castle Combe

97. Burton-on-the-Water

The Windrush River gently flows through this picturesque village with charming stone bridges and historic cottages in the Cotswolds.

98. Broadway Village

Enjoy the storybook charm of Broadway Village with pretty architecture dating back several centuries. Shop and dine along the High Street or hike the footpath to Broadway Tower.

99. The Slaughters

The twin villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter are known for their peaceful setting, romantic river walks, and idyllic scenery in the English countryside.

100. Chipping Campden

Visit Chipping Campden’s beautifully preserved High Street, 400 year old Market Hall, and thatched roof cottages.

Related blog post: Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, England

101. Guiting Wood

Rolling hills in the scenic Gloucestershire countryside and hiking trails through forests in the Cotswolds.

Related blog post: Guiting Wood in the Cotswolds, England

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