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Londoners work hard, and the daily grind often monopolizes their time. But off-hours activities abound, and the city bears no shortage of sights and events to stimulate, educate, and fascinate. Parks and gardens showcase London’s love affair with natural beauty and its long-lived desire to keep public greens for the benefit of all citizens. Hyde Park and Serpentine Lake offer pastoral vistas and plenty of recreation, while Kew Gardens in southwest London features an enormous collection of plants, landscaped panoramas, and charming greenhouses. History buffs often find themselves swept up in London’s bounty as well. Buckingham Palace, the royal residence, delivers a glimpse of aristocratic life, while the Tower of London titillates with its legacy of intrigue and its Crown Jewels exhibit. Plus, venerable Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral serve as time-tested counterpoints to newer sights like the London Eye and the Millennium Dome. Guided tours are an especially good way to catch an overview of the city’s many treasures, and bus and walking tours feature experienced, informative guides who’ll point out the familiar and impart you with unusual tidbits to boot.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |
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(Attractions & Activities - Best of the City) |
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Kew Rd, south bank of Thames 6 miles from London, Kew TW9 3AB • 20-8332-5655 |
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Distance:
~11.365 km |
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Description:
RICHMOND. Spread across 300 acres, these gorgeous gardens are a year-round wonderland of sights, scents, and beauty. Horticultural specimens from around the world can be found either on the grounds or in a number of climate-controlled structures. You'll also find lakes, pathways, and other eye-catching landscape features. Tropical to arctic-adapted plants mesmerize visitors, who get a broad overview of the entire complex at the visitors center. A gift shop is available as well. TUBE: District line, Richmond train |
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Kensington Palace |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4PX • 0844 462 777 |
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Distance:
~18.298 km |
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Description:
KENSINGTON. This Jacobean mansion, flanked on all sides by Kensington Gardens, was purchased by William and Mary in 1689. Queen Victoria lived here until she became queen, and, more recently, it was Princess Diana's home. Inside, 17th-century paintings and furnishings make for interesting viewing, and a permanent exhibit features the Princess's dresses. Concessions available for tickets online. TUBE: Queensway or High Street Kensington |
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Victoria & Albert Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Best of the City) |
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Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL • 20-7942-2000 |
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Distance:
~18.300 km |
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Description:
KENSINGTON. The "V&A South Kensington" occupies a gorgeous facility near Kensington Gardens and displays an extensive collection of decorative arts. In fact, it boasts more than 4 million objects in 146 galleries. Highlighting cultures from around the world, exhibits are organized by country, material and time period. Indian art is well-represented and awe-inspiring. Past exhibits have included a showcase of Art Nouveau sculptures and paintings from around the world. TUBE: South Kensington |
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Albert Memorial |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Kensington Gore Kensington Gardens, London SW7 • 20-7298-2100 |
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Distance:
~19.195 km |
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Description:
KENSINGTON. In 1851, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, coordinated a Great Exhibition to highlight worldly innovation. Its success led him to propose a permanent hall for such events, but he died in 1861 before it met fruition. The inconsolable queen erected this extravagant monument in his memory. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Gothic-styled, medieval-inspired structure included allegorical figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Fashioned of granite and marble, the memorial also features a 14-foot statue of the prince himself. Nearby sits Albert Hall, the domed structure that he originally envisioned. Completed in 1871, it hosts both classical and contemporary concerts. TUBE: South Kensington |
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Hyde Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Best of the City) |
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Bayswater Rd and Park Ln, London W2 • 20-7298-2100 |
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Distance:
~19.376 km |
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Description:
PADDINGTON. Flush against Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park is probably London's most familiar and most popular park. It's more than a mile square and includes Serpentine Lake, Marble Arch, and the well-known (and still-used) Speaker's Corner. The British take pride in freedom of expression, and this park is where orators show up to speak their minds, usually to crowds of tourists. Popular recreational activities in Hyde Park include rollerblading, football (soccer), and lawn bowling. A must-see for London visitors. TUBE: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch |
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Marble Arch |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Park Ln, London W1 |
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Distance:
~20.734 km |
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Description:
HYDE PARK. With its three grand portals of Carrara marble, this impressive structure was designed by John Nash in 1828 as the entrance to Buckingham Palace. When the royal residence underwent renovations in 1851, the arch was made obsolete and was moved to become the new entrance to Hyde Park. These days, following re-routed roads, the arch sits on a traffic island, a somewhat ignominious setting, given its birth. It also sits in the vicinity of the notorious Tyburn Tree, where public executions were performed until the 18th century. Nearby, even today, is the Speakers' Corner, where free speech is given free license, often to the chagrin of passers-by. TUBE: Marble Arch |
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Buckingham Palace |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1A 1AA • 20-7839-1377 |
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Distance:
~21.355 km |
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Description:
ST. JAMES'S. Buckingham Palace is a sightseeing must. Queen Victoria moved into the vast mansion in 1837; since then, generations of royals have made the palace their home. Although wandering the grounds and taking photos of the elaborate exterior are always popular, the interior (some of which is open only during late July to September) is a treasure trove of art, furniture, sculpture and decorative goods. Walk around the corner to the Royal Mews to see the queen's coaches and horses. Admission is by timed ticket, available by phoning 20-7766-7300 or e-mailing bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk. TUBE: Victoria or Green Park or St. James's Park |
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User Rating: 9.5 / 10
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#10 Downing Street |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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10 Downing St, London SW1A 2AA |
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Distance:
~22.522 km |
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Description:
WESTMINSTER. Look for the famous, yet understated black door on this notable street that bears the number "10." It's the residence and office of England's Prime Minister. It has been a beehive of activity through two World Wars as well as during countless celebrations and crises that have affected the British populace. It first became associated with the office of Prime Minister in 1730, and so far, 51 men and one woman serving as PM have called #10 their home at some point in their lives. |
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Houses of Parliament |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Parliament Sq, London SW1A 0AA • 20-7219-4272 |
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Distance:
~22.539 km |
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Description:
WESTMINSTER. The impressive, Gothic-styled Houses of Parliament occupy the original site of the Palace of Westminster. Combined with their famous clock tower (commonly known as Big Ben), they're synonymous with London and a necessary stop. Although the building's exteriors are spectacular, it's even more interesting to head inside and see the Houses in action from the Visitor's Gallery – particularly if you go when the Prime Minister is subjected to Question Time, when disorder is common. Overseas visitors may tour Paliament only during Summer Opening in August and September, but may attend debates during the session. TUBE: Westminster |
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Houses of Parliament and Big Ben |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Parliament Sq, London SW1A 0AA • 20-7219-4272 |
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Distance:
~22.539 km |
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Description:
WESTMINSTER. The impressive, Gothic-styled Houses of Parliament occupy the original site of the Palace of Westminster. Combined with their famous clock tower (commonly known as Big Ben, although that is actually the name of just the largest bell), they're synonymous with London and a necessary stop. Although the building's exteriors are spectacular, it's even more interesting to head inside and see the Houses in action from the Visitor's Gallery – particularly if you go when the Prime Minister is subjected to Question Time, when disorder is common. Overseas visitors may tour Parliament only during Summer Opening in August and September. TUBE: Westminster |
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* All distances are
approximate "straight-line" distances.
See Directions for "travel distances." |
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