London is a huge, fast-paced city filled with world-class things to do, see and experience. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge art exhibitions, iconic attractions, secret spots, world-beating theatre or stunning green spaces, London has it all.
One of the best ways to explore London's history is at its world-class museums. Luckily, most are free and they are packed with some of the world's top treasures.
There's no shortage of museums in London, from the world-famous British Museum to lesser-known attractions that will appeal to a more niche crowd. From museums dedicated to ancient history and art, to galleries that explore modern design, there's a museum in London for everyone.
The British Museum is one of the world's most iconic museums, and is known for its collection of antiquities from around the globe. Its extensive collection ranges from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon Marbles and Easter Island moai.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, which is located across the city from the British Museum, is another of the top museums in London. Its design is as pretty as its contents, and it is packed with art from around the world. The museum is free to enter and is full of fascinating displays.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is the largest museum in the world dedicated to decorative arts and design. It's well worth visiting if you're interested in the art of fashion, architecture, furniture and more.
In South Kensington, you'll find the Natural History Museum. It's a bit of an outlier among museums in London, and it's a fun place to explore with kids. In addition to taxidermied animals and dioramas, it also has an earthquake simulator, dodo skeletons and a stunningly beautiful, cathedral-like building that's home to a huge blue whale skeleton.
Aside from the natural history museum, there are several other museums in London that you should visit. The Horniman Museum is a great choice for families because it also offers a full natural history museum, a hilltop garden and extensive displays of musical instruments.
If you're looking for something a little different, there's the Florence Nightingale Museum, where visitors can learn about a woman who inspired many people throughout history. It's a great place to visit for a special date, or even just to spend some time alone in the quiet.
Alternatively, if you're an artist with an interest in a particular genre, there's the Cartoon Museum, where visitors can see the work of famous cartoonists and illustrators. It's a unique experience, and you'll definitely want to bring your camera.
Aside from being a must-visit for any fan of British history, there's also the Churchill War Rooms, a museum where visitors can learn about the life of renowned politician Winston Churchill. This is a fantastic experience for both kids and adults, and it can be quite emotional at times.
Parks
London may be a city of bustling streets and overcrowded public spaces, but it also offers plenty of green space. With eight Royal Parks (formerly hunting grounds owned by the monarchy) as well as commons, open parkland, heaths and woodlands, there are plenty of places to relax and recharge your batteries.
One of the most popular parks in London is Hyde Park, which is often packed with tourists and locals alike, especially on sunny days. It has a lake, meadows, and ornate rose gardens, and the meandering paths are perfect for a long walk or bike ride.
You can also find a sculpture commemorating the victims of the 7 July 2005 bombings in Hyde Park, which was unveiled by their Royal Highnesses on 7 July 2009. It is a moving memorial and a great place to reflect on the loss of so many people.
St James's Park is another of the Royal Parks in London, and has a fascinating history. It was initially built for deer hunting, but the royal family soon started to improve the drainage and open it to the public. The park is also home to many different kinds of animals, from squirrels and water birds to pelicans and swans.
If you’re looking for a more active way to enjoy the park, take part in a variety of sports facilities, including football pitches, tennis courts and cycle paths. Or you can go on a kayaking or paddleboating tour of the park’s lake.
You can also find a secluded nature centre called the Secret Garden, which is a great spot to spot some of London's lesser-known animals.
During the summer, Kensington Gardens hosts a variety of events and festivals. If you’re in the mood for a picnic, there are several areas of grass to choose from, including one near the Serpentine River and another nearby that’s shaped like a tree.
There are also numerous attractions in the area, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is an iconic landmark for visitors to the city. There are a variety of other museums in the surrounding area, so you can spend a full day exploring all that this part of London has to offer.
Landmarks
London is a modern capital with a rich history stretching back to Roman times, and there are plenty of attractions and landmarks to see. From the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey to the London Eye observation wheel and a whole host of museums, there are a lot of famous sites in this buzzing city.
One of the most recognisable landmarks in London is the Tower Bridge, a movable bridge of the double-leaf bascule (drawbridge) type. Built in the 18th century, this bridge has a unique architecture that makes it distinct from other London bridges. The central span of the bridge has two sections called ‘bascules’ which raise to an angle of 86 degrees.
Another iconic London landmark is the Shard, a 95-storey skyscraper that resembles a shard of glass piercing the sky. This is the tallest building in the UK and has become an iconic part of London’s skyline.
If you’re a fan of theatre, be sure to check out the Barbican Centre. This venue is known for its regular performances of Shakespeare’s plays and offers an opportunity to see them in a modern setting.
It is also home to a range of exhibitions. If you love art, make sure to check out some of the galleries here as they will showcase some of the best pieces from around the world.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try a ride on the London Eye. Designed by a husband and wife team of architects, this giant observation wheel offers panoramic views of the city’s iconic sights.
While the iconic London landmarks are definitely a must-see, it’s also important to remember that there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for an alternative way to view the city or want to spend some time in nature, there is something for everyone here.
Cathedrals
London is a city of many churches, cathedrals and holy sites. Whether you are looking to find a place for Christmas and Easter worship, a choral evensong service or just want to enjoy some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, you will be sure to have a great time in these stunning buildings.
There are no fewer than 20 cathedrals and churches in London, each with their own unique history. Some are even as old as the medieval times.
St Paul’s Cathedral is arguably one of the most famous and iconic buildings in all of London. This cathedral was designed by Christopher Wren, the most celebrated and influential architect in Britain. He drew on his own training as a scientist, engineer and astronomer to create this building.
He was also heavily inspired by contemporary Renaissance trends in Italian architecture. He also used classical forms to build this beautiful cathedral. The dome that dominates the cathedral is a work of art in itself and one of the most striking features of this building.
Another of the most renowned cathedrals in London is Westminster Abbey. This church is home to many of the monarchs of England and has been the resting place for dozens of great writers and artists.
The cathedral has a large number of memorials to the great figures of British arts and letters, as well as many other important individuals. The largest monument is that of the Duke of Wellington, who was buried here in the 1850s. It features a statue of him astride his horse “Copenhagen.”
Other notable names buried here include the poets Ben Jonson, Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens. The South Transept is Poet’s Corner, where you’ll see numerous plaques to the countless writers and poets who are buried here.
You can also take a tour of the crypt and visit the tombs of many of the great people who have lived in London. This is the best way to really get a feel for this ancient church.