Attractions

London has some of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world as well as world-famous events, concerts, theatre shows, and exhibitions, all of which are not to be missed out on during a trip to this fantastic city. There are loads of free things to do in the city and plenty of places geared for family fun which is ideal for when travelling with the kids.

London is one of the most vibrant and historically rich cities in the world, offering a vast array of attractions for every type of visitor. From iconic landmarks to cultural institutions and hidden gems, here are some of the different types of attractions you can explore in London:

Historical Landmarks & Iconic Monuments

Palaces and Royal Residences: London is home to several palaces and royal sites. Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch, offering seasonal tours. Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace also provide insights into royal history, while The Tower of London is a historic fortress known for housing the Crown Jewels and its rich history of kings, queens, and infamous prisoners. Beyond its historical significance, the Tower of London offers engaging experiences for families. Kids can enjoy the Yeoman Warder Tours and discover the tales of famous prisoners and royal history.
Medieval and Tudor Sites: Again, the Tower of London as well as Westminster Abbey are prime examples of London’s medieval history. Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has hosted coronations and royal weddings for centuries.
Roman and Ancient London: Visitors can explore the remnants of the Roman Londinium, such as the London Wall and the Temple of Mithras, providing a glimpse into the city’s ancient past.
Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament: The famous clock tower and the seat of the UK’s government are two of London’s most iconic structures. Visitors can admire these Gothic Revival buildings along the River Thames or take guided tours inside Parliament.
The Shard and The London Eye: For stunning views of the city, head to the observation deck of The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, or ride The London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city skyline. The London Eye offers breathtaking views of the city from its glass capsules. It's a memorable experience for families, providing a unique perspective on London's landmarks. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, making it a great way to see the sights together.
Tower Bridge: One of London’s most recognizable landmarks, Tower Bridge is an engineering marvel with walkways offering views over the Thames and an exhibition detailing its history.

Modern Attractions

Sky Garden: Located atop the Walkie-Talkie skyscraper, Sky Garden offers free access to a lush indoor garden with spectacular views of London’s skyline. It’s a popular spot for dining or simply enjoying the vista.
O2 Arena and Entertainment District: Beyond concerts, The O2 hosts cinemas, restaurants, and interactive exhibits like Up at The O2, where you can climb the dome for breathtaking views.
Exhibition Spaces: The Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea features contemporary art exhibits, while The Barbican Centre offers a mix of art, theatre, music, and film in one of London’s leading cultural complexes.

Unique Experiences

Jack the Ripper Tours: For those interested in London’s darker history, several guided tours explore the infamous story of Jack the Ripper in Whitechapel, combining history with a sense of mystery.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter: For fans of the famous wizard, this tour takes visitors behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films, showcasing sets, costumes, and props.
The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾: Located at King’s Cross Station, this shop offers a magical experience for young fans of the series. Families can take photos at the iconic photo spot and browse through a variety of Harry Potter merchandise, from wands to clothing.
Thames River Cruises: A cruise along the River Thames provides a scenic and relaxing way to see some of London’s most famous landmarks, such as the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Big Ben, from the water.
The London Dungeon: Combining live actors, thrilling rides, and interactive shows, the London Dungeon is a spooky attraction that takes visitors through the city’s grisly history, from the plague to Victorian crime. It’s a unique way for families to learn about London's spooky past.
KidZania: An interactive city made for children aged 4 to 14, KidZania allows kids to explore different professions through role-playing activities. From becoming a pilot to a firefighter, children can learn while having fun in a safe, realistic environment.
Shrek's Adventure! London: An interactive experience that takes families on a 4D journey through the world of Shrek. Visitors can meet their favourite characters, explore themed rooms, and enjoy a fun-filled adventure complete with rides and storytelling.

Cultural and Multicultural Districts

Chinatown: Situated near Leicester Square, Chinatown offers an immersive cultural experience with authentic Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and festivals, particularly vibrant during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Brick Lane and Shoreditch: Known for its rich cultural diversity, Brick Lane is famous for its Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants as well as its vibrant street art. Shoreditch is a trendy district filled with galleries, bars, and artisan markets, making it a hub for creativity.
Notting Hill: Famous for the Notting Hill Carnival, London’s largest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture, this area also offers charming streets, vintage shopping, and the iconic Portobello Road Market.

London’s attractions offer something for every type of visitor, whether you're a history buff, art lover, nature enthusiast, or just looking for family fun. With its blend of tradition and modernity, there's always something new and exciting to discover in this dynamic city.

Barbican ConservatoryAn amazing sight to see in London, the Barbican Conservatory is a sanctuary for birds, exotic...

The ShardThe Shard is a skyscraper in London, it has 95 storeys and stands almost 3010 metres...

Hampton Court PalaceOnce the home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace's construction dates all the way back to...

Trafalgar SquareTrafalgar Square is one of Central London’s most vibrant spaces in the middle of the...

Westminster AbbeySteeped in more than a thousand years of history, Westminster Abbey is one the oldest Gothic...

St Paul’s CathedralSt Paul's Cathedral in London opened in 1708 and is a Church of England cathedral. It sits at...

Buckingham PalaceOpened in 1703, Buckingham Palace is one of many palaces owned by the British Royal family and...

The London EyeNo one can deny that one of the best ways to observe the magnificence of the London skyline is...

Tower BridgeYou can enjoy a superb view of the River Thames from this famous Victorian bridge, Tower...

Big Ben and the Houses of ParliamentAdjacent to the Houses of Parliament, one of the most significant buildings in the city of...

Zoos and AquariumsLondon has some stunning zoos and aquariums which all offer incredible experiences and super days...