Visiting London is, for most people, a lifelong dream – a vacation many spend a lot of time planning and saving up for. Because of that, this article addresses 10 (of the many) things to do in London. When reading this, please remember that London is a 2,000 year old city, and is a metropolis that has catered to the wants of its residents and tourists for well over a hundred years! Mass tourism in London really started from the Great Exhibition of 1851, but London has places that have existed for centuries (the Tower of London was built in the eleventh century!)
So, this is a Londoner’s opinion on what visitors must do when visiting:
(Please note that other than the Tower of London, the list is not put in any specific order)
1) Tower of London
The Tower of London is a surviving royal palace, a 1000 year-old castle that was built by William The Conqueror. Inside you will find the royal armoury, the royal yeoman guards, the crown jewels, and much more! It is a site like no other! This world UNESCO heritage site deserves a good 2.5-3 hour visit. It is the number 1 tourist attraction that you must visit.
2) Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter (Westminster Abbey), is the famous royal church of the United Kingdom goes back to 1065 first built by Edward the Confessor. Westminster Abbey is the royal coronation church (it is where Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom are made).
3) St Paul’s Cathedral
Inside the City of London (the medieval/roman “Square Mile”), is St Paul’s Cathedral with history dating back to 604AD when its first church was made. Today, St Paul’s plays an important role as “London’s church”, or as it can be seen as, the “people’s church”
4) Churchill War Rooms
As part of the collection of the Imperial War Museum, visit the secret cabinet World War II bunker, from which Winston Churchill and his administration lead the command of the Second World War. Preserved in its original condition, visit Churchill’s command centre.
5) Historic London Pubs
If you’re partial to a pint, you’ll want to go to some of London’s historic pubs for an authentic historical experience. The pubs may be quiet touristy on occasion, but they are worth going to! Some of the pubs are:
- Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
- Old Bank of England
- The George, Strand
- Old Bell
- Olde Cittie of Yorke
- Olde Mitre
- Viaduct Tavern
- Prospect of Whiby
- Captain Kidd
- The Grapes, Narrow Street
- John Snow
- Churchill Arms, Kensington
6) Enjoy traditional English and London food
Three stereotypical and authentic London dining experiences are as follows:
- Fish n’ Chips (check out the Mayfair Chippy, Seashells of Lisson Grove or Masters Superfish)
- A traditional Sunday Roast (Quality Chop House, ROAST and Blacklock in Shoreditch)
- Pie & Mash – this is truly a local Londoner dish, however it may not be for everyone. If you want to have an authentic experience, then check out Arment’s Pie & Mash in Walworth which is considered the best Pie & Mash in London. Pie & Mash is a real locals food, so you won’t find many or any in “Central London”, but around the edges of it.
Please note that if you go to Seashells of Lisson Grove and Arments, they are both quite removed from Central London, so you may want to plan transportation in advance, and visit during the day time. If you want to stay central, then go for the other options.
You may, however, want some restaurant recommendations. If you’re looking for the ultimate English experience, then check out Rules of London (claimed to be London’s oldest restaurant). Other high-end restaurants include the Savoy Grill, J Sheekey’s, Scotts and the Delauney.
London is a city of luxury and culture, so there are many options for dining.
8) Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
If you’re a big Harry Potter fan, you must go to the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Leavesden (just north of London). Here they filmed a great deal of Harry Potter, you’ll see the props and sets of Diagon Alley, Privet Drivet, Hogswarts and much much much more!
9) Windsor Castle
Just outside the west of London, about 10 miles away from London Heathrow Airport is Windsor Castle. Like the Tower of London, it was built by William The Conqueror in the eleventh century. It is the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, Kings Henry VIII, Charles I, and more. This was the home, the favourite palace of Queen Elizabeth II, and in the palace’s own chapel, St George’s Chapel, is the home of the “Order of the Garter” (the home of chivalry for knights).
9) Kensington Palace
Visit the royal palace built by Sir Christopher Wren (London’s most famous architect) for William III and Mary II after the Glorious Revolution at the end of the seventeenth century. The beautiful palace of splendour was also home to Queen Anne, Georgian Kings and Queens, the childhood home of Queen (and Empress) Victoria. It was also the home of Princess Diana, and now the official residence of Prince William and Princess Kate, however the palace is primarily for those interested in Stuart, Georgian and “Victorian” history.
10) Take a private guided taxi tour with London History Taxi Tours
See all the sights of Central London from within and out an iconic London Black Cab. Our London Black Cab Tours are conducted by local and licensed London Black Cab drivers who are certified tour guides. See all the famous sights and discover secret London in a private guided experience (getting out of the taxi as much as possible for narration and photography opportunities).
We will be posting another blog soon on other things to do in London.