We’ve planned our time in this bustling city to see the major sights, with allocated free time to do whatever you please. Is London calling your name? Here’s some of the best things to do in London!
Guided City Tour
The easiest way to explore London’s famous buildings and monuments is on a city tour. Tick off must-see sights including the majestic Buckingham Palace and the Tower Bridge with its giant moveable roadways. You’ll also see the Tower of London, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square as you travel around the city.
The Tower Bridge, London by Victoria Hearn
Did you know: Trafalgar Square is home to the world’s smallest police box, built in 1926 for police officers to keep a low profile when watching over protests and gatherings in the square.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
An English baroque masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral is iconic for its immense dome influenced by St. Peter’s Basilica and has decorated the city’s skyline for 300 years. This magnificent building was the tallest in London until 1965 and awards breathtaking views of the city to those who scale the 560 steps to the summit. Along the way you’ll be lead through two galleries: the Whispering Gallery, named for its acoustics, and the Stone Gallery. Below the dome you can explore the crypt and view the tombs of Britain’s best, including the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral himself, Sir Christopher Wren.
View from St Paul's Cathedral, London by Dennis Bunnik
Did you know: St Paul’s Cathedral is the fifth iteration to have stood on the site and was built from 1675 to 1711 after the former cathedral succumbed to the Great Fire of London.
Tower of London
Take a step back in time to the Tower of London and delve into the intriguing and often grisly history of this imposing 900-year-old castle and fortress. Lust after the crown jewels (including the world’s largest diamond), take a free tour guided by the Tower’s Yeoman Warders and meet the famed ravens – legend has it that if the ravens leave the Tower the kingdom will collapse! Notorious throughout history as a fearsome prison where inmates met gruesome ends, lovers of the macabre will be enthralled with stories of royal executions and traitorous betrayal.
The Tower of London by Dennis Bunnik
Did you know: During the 17th century the Tower held a menagerie of exotic animals including lions and even a polar bear!
Museums & Galleries
London boasts a wide array of museums and galleries to satisfy your curiosity, from the British Museum with its unparalleled displays, the architecturally stunning Natural History Museum, and the unique Tate Modern housed in a former power station. A visit to these museums is a great way to spend an afternoon of free time, and admission is free for the permanent collections. Explore artefacts like the Rosetta Stone, paintings and sculptures by Picasso and Dali, and even come face-to-face with a dinosaur! Don’t worry, he’s animatronic.
Natural History Museum by Laura Chouette, Unsplash
British Museum by Nicole Baster, Unsplash
Did you know: The British Museum is the world’s oldest national public museum and opened its doors in 1759.
Ye old cheshire cheese by Big Ben in Japan, Flickr
A Pint at a Classic Pub
Finish off a day of sightseeing with a well-deserved pint at one of the many traditional English pubs dotted around London. Our pick is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street which has been around since 1538 and was rebuilt in 1667 after the Great Fire of London – talk about a piece of history!
Did you know: According to statistics from 2019 there are approximately 47,200 pubs in the United Kingdom!
We’ve only just scratched the surface of London, but we hope by now you’re feeling inspired and ready to jump into your London adventure. Visit London as part of our England, Scotland & Wales small group tour.
