| « Back to London Guide |
 Attractions & Activities : Best of the City
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.
|
Map all businesses in this category »
Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1A 1AA • 20-7839-1377
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
south bank of the Thames 4 miles east of central London, Greenwich SE10 • 87-0608-2000
Description: GREENWICH. About four miles from downtown London, Greenwich is ideal for a day trip. Its attractions are legion and include the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, Queen's House, Millennium Dome, wonderful Greenwich Park, and the clipper Cutty Sark. In addition to straddling two time zones at the prime meridian (where Greenwich Mean Time is established), visitors enjoy plenty of charming pubs, restaurants, and shops. There's also a great market that'll keep you browsing for quite a while. For the best experience, travel to Greenwich on one of the Thames cruise boats. TUBE: Trains run to Greenwich from the Charing Cross, Waterloo, or London Bridge tube stations.
Parliament Sq, London SW1A 0AA • 20-7219-4272
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
Bayswater Rd and Park Ln, London W2 • 20-7298-2100
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
Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB • 87-0500-0600
Description: SOUTH BANK. London offers many places to catch great panoramas of the skyline and the Thames, but this attraction is one of the best. Run by British Airways, the Eye opened to great acclaim at the start of the new millennium; well-managed ticketing ensures that the wait is never more than a half-hour, despite the Eye's overwhelming popularity. The 30-minute guided "flight" reaches a peak of 450 feet (it's the tallest observation wheel in the world) and offers 360° views. During the day, guides point out all the sights within a 25-mile radius, giving folks a good introduction to the city's layout. At night, when London is lit up, the view is even more amazing. A must-see. If you purchase a Fast Track ticket in advance (on-line or via phone), you can skip the usually lengthy queues. TUBE: Waterloo
Kew Rd, south bank of Thames 6 miles from London, Kew TW9 3AB • 20-8332-5655
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
St. Paul's Churchyard Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 8AD • 20-7236-4128
Description: CITY. Sir Christopher Wren's architectural masterpiece should be at the top of any sightseeing list. The sprawling cathedral is notable for its artistry and design, but it also offers a fascinating glimpse of England's religious history. Plus, it affords one of the best views of the Thames and the London skyline from its dome – although you must tackle 530 narrow steps to get there. The Whispering Gallery, the crypt, the treasury and the chapels surrounding the main transepts are fascinating as well. TUBE: St. Paul's
25 Sumner St Bankside, London SE1 9TG • 20-7887-8888
Description: SOUTHWARK. After the Tate Modern opened its doors to rave reviews, it became London's latest not-to-be-missed museum. Boasting a spectacular selection of modern art �; both well-known and undiscovered �; the Tate divides its collection into Landscape/Matter/Environment, Still Life/Object, and Nude/Action/Body. Special talks and free guided tours are available, and the stunningly renovated facility is a work of modern art in itself. You shouldn't �; and can't �; miss displays in the massive Turbine Room, which have included three enormous towers by Louise Bourgeois. TUBE: Southwark
Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB • 870-750-4466
Description: CITY. The Tower of London draws tourists who are taking a growing interest in some of the more lurid, murderous aspects of London's history. This vast, imposing brick building has been the site of many bloody events, including the murder of future kings, incarceration of historical figures, and political beheadings. Kids love the stories told by Beefeater guides, and adults relish the Crown Jewels, although folks have to view them quickly, because visitors are hurried by to accommodate everyone. One of London's most interesting attractions, and also one of its most popular – go early. TUBE: Tower Hill
Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL • 20-7942-2000
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