Sightseeing Guide to London
So what is there to see in London?
Here is a selection of the many things you can do in London...
Palaces and Castles
Aspiring princesses can decide which amazing piece of real estate they prefer Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace or the Tower of London where many an interesting story is to be told.
Looking to step back in time...
Fortunately there is a positive to Britain's conquering endeavours and that is the amazing artefacts they have acquired for the British Museum although I don't think it was their main reason in seeking world domination. There is a museum and art gallery for everyone in London. Even those who don’t like museums should find a museum they will enjoy. Add in the historical buildings, monuments, churches, pubs, shops and Royal Family and you will realise it is impossible not to be swept up by the nostalgia of this great city.
Attracted to the shocking and gruesome…..don’t be afraid to admit it!
An evening Jack the Ripper Tour and a pint at the historic Ten Bells pub where the Rippers victims were picked off from is a must. The London Dungeons tells the story of London’s past in a fun but graphic manner. The London Bridge Experience also tells some stories that will make your stomach churn, but what more would you expect from the sight where William Wallace's head was placed on a fence stake. Those looking to appreciate modern day medicine should make a visit to the Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret museum.
Are you a people watcher?
Visit parliament house and watch the lunatics (politicians) in full motion, see justice or injustice (you decide) being done at the Old Bailey or if you are looking to be more active in some interesting discussions head to Speakers Corner on a Sunday in Hyde Park. Not your people more prefer the celebrity and glamour of London…..try and spot a celebrity with a stroll around Sloane Square and the Kings Road in Chelsea. Not seen anyone you know head to Leicester Square to watch the stars stroll the red carpet for a movie premiere. Still struggling than head to Madame Tussauds and see what the stars look like in wax form (some of the wax versions actually have better personalities than the real life stars).
What is your sport?
Football there is Wembley (the home of Football) and 10 professional clubs spread across London, Rugby there is Twickenham (the home of Rugby) and 3 professional clubs, Cricket there is Lords (the home of cricket) and the Oval. Tennis there is Wimbledon (you guessed it the home of Tennis). London Pass offers entry to stadium tours to all four major venues. There is also the new Olympic precinct to check out. Our watching sport page gives you tips on getting tickets.
Are you an arts and theatre lover?
If so travel with someone who can also appreciate the Art Galleries you will get lost in and exhibitions during the day and endless number of quality theatre productions shown at the West End or Shakespeare experience at the Globe Theatre where you can boo and hiss!
Like exploring cities by water?
A canal boat trip (Jason's Canal Boat Tours) from Little Venice to Camden Locks and a Thames River Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich are a must. Still after a water fix? Hire a row boat on the Thames in Richmond and drift along next to ducks and the beautiful and picturesque surroundings of the area. You can also do a duck tour which is part boat/part truck.
Does your stomach rule your life….”food glorious food” the song from Dickens Oliver is very relevant to London.
Borough market will make you drool as will Harrods amazing but expensive food hall (they once sold a sandwich there for £95!). Check out our restaurants section to be inspired. It would be harder to find another city with more great restaurants and varying food because of the strong multi-cultural element than London.
Do you love nature and animals?
London Aquarium and London Zoo are world renowned as is the Wetlands Centre in Barnes is home to the biggest abundance of bird life in urban Europe. Green thumbs must venture to Kew Gardens. Those who love a good park won’t be disappointed with a wander through some of London's mant great green spaces such as Hyde park, Regents park or Hampstead Heath.
Do you like the weird, the wonderful and the freaky?Y
You don’t need to be a nerd to enjoy the Science Museum an underrated attraction of London or if you like your witches and warlocks your radar will point to the Harry Potter studios in nearby Hertfordshire.
Are you a war bore? Actually even if you are not...
London Imperial War Museum and the Churchill War Rooms are fascinating experiences for everyone.
Do you like alcohol?
Not sure if this is a good or bad thing because there is a pub on almost every corner. Sightseeing as you drink check out our Drinking with a view section or for something completely unique participate in a Monopoly pub crawl.
Do you love live music?
Camden and Shoreditch are areas you will enjoy in the evening as the boast many bars/venues with a live music, a walk and photo taken with three friends across the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing is a must for Beatles fans. All the big acts play in London while all the smaller battling acts play their tunes in the tube. You can also do a Rock n Roll walking tour.
Are you a shopaholic?
Don’t come to London it is too dangerous for you. You will get a sore throat haggling at one of the many markets London is famous for, get sore feet walking along Oxford Street as your eyes boggles at all the wonderful products inside the endless department stores the street boats and finally receive sore ears from your partner when he/she sees the credit card bill and screams at you what is this Westfield shepherds Bush or Stratford Shopping centre where you have been? If you miss the shopping in London check out our directory of the best High Street, Online and Independent Shops where you can still source a bargain.
Choose the option how you want to explore London...
There is the tube that is easy to navigate, walking is an option, cycling on one of the community bikes organised by the London council is another or try the Hop on and Hop off tour on a traditional Red English Double Decker bus.
Need to keep your children entertained.....
The science museum is popular for its interactive displays, a walk through Leceister Square, Covent Garden and Southbank is always great for entertainment and free because of the street buskers. Lego Land out near Windsor Castle and Chessington world of Adventures is both a zoo and fun park. Your children will also fall in love with the maze and you may enjoy the piece and quiet whilst they get lost in it for a small amount of time.
There is a saying.... 'if you are bored of London you are bored of life'
