LONDON ATTRACTIONS, TOURS & ACTIVITIES
London is home to many of the worlds famous landmarks and attractions. Whether it be the iconic Big Ben, the beautiful Westminster Abbey, the historic Tower of London or one of the many other incredible sights, you are guaranteed to find a London attraction to suit every visitor. Most London attractions are open every day of the year with the exception of major holidays (Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, New Years Eve) with tickets for each of the London attractions available to be booked up to one year in advance. It is strongly recommended to book London attractions tickets early particularly in the busy periods. The busy periods in London are usually March to October along with December whilst the quietest months are January, February and November.
Tower of London
Built in the 11th century, the Tower of London is a Royal Palace that has been used for many purposes over the years including as a prison, execution site, the royal mint, a menagerie and today is the home of the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders (best known as the Beefeaters) and the iconic black ravens. When you visit the Tower of London it is strongly recommended to get there as soon as it opens due to the large crowds and (local tip!) go to the Crown Jewels first and then go and meet the Beefeaters.
The Tower of London is open year round.
Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
The most popular and in-demand London tourist attraction, the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films and onto the real live sets. You can visit the Gryffindor Common Room, the Great Hall, Snape’s Potions Classroom and even the Weasley Family Home. With plenty of props, trivia, games and special effects, the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan.
The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios is open year round.
Whilst you can make your own way to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios it is important to note that it is located outside London and not on the train network. It is therefore highly recommended to book your Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios tour with transport included from central London.
Westminster Abbey
The Royal Church, Westminster Abbey is home to over 3,300 people funerals and memorials including 17 monarchs and celebrated British figures include Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Barry and Robert Peel whilst Stephen Hawking’s ashes are also memorialised inside the building. Westminster Abbey is also the home of Royal Coronations including that of the current King Charles III along with funerals including those of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. As the Royal Church it has also been home to the Royal weddings of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip and, more recently, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Westminster Abbey is open year round except for Sundays and event days.
London Eye
The world famous London Eye is a must-do for any visitor to London. At over 500 feet tall and with 32 pods to represent the 32 boroughs of London, the London Eye affords you incredible views across Westminster and Greater London. Perfectly located next to the London Dungeon and Sea Life and directly across the river from Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the London Eye is commonly one of the first things that people do when they arrive in London. If you ride the London Eye you can expect it to take around 30 minutes to do one rotation.
Important! Buy your tickets for the London Eye in advance and save money! Tickets purchased on the day are always more expensive.
The London Eye is open year round except for mid-January for essential maintenance.
Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
Of course no trip to London is complete without seeing Big Ben. Built in 1859 as part of the new Palace of Westminster, and referred to originally as ‘The Clock Tower’ it has since been renamed the ‘Elizabeth Tower’ after Queen Elizabeth II. Big Ben is the name of the large Victorian bell inside. Big Ben dominates the Palace of Westminster with many best knowing this as the Houses of Parliament. With over 1100 rooms inside, as home of the two houses of British government - House of Commons and House of Lords - it is one of the most iconic political buildings in the world.
It is only possible to climb Big Ben during certain times of the year, with the Houses of Parliament usually open year round.
Buckingham Palace
With 775 rooms inside Buckingham Palace is one of the worlds largest and most prestigious Royal palaces. Famously the residence and office of the British Royal Family, Buckingham Palace has over 220 bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, 92 offices, 19 state rooms as well as a swimming pool, helipad and the largest private rear garden in London with over 1000 trees!
Buckingham Palace is only open to the public during the summer. Booking a ticket to visit the Buckingham Palace state rooms in advance is essential because it can sell out months in advance.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic parts of London’s skyline. With its world-famous dome, this Christopher Wren masterpiece was built following the Great Fire of London in 1666. If you do a St Paul’s Cathedral tour then we strongly recommend going down to the crypt where you’ll see the resting place of Christopher Wren as well as The Duke of Wellington and Admiral Horatio Nelson. You can also climb all 528 steps into the dome of St Paul’s for the most stunning panoramic views across London.
St Paul’s Cathedral is open year round except for special event days.
Tower Bridge
Built as the main bridge to service East London (and not to be confused with London Bridge) the famous Tower Bridge is both a suspension and bascule bridge parting in the middle so that both sides of the bridge lift up. It is now possible to go inside Tower Bridge where you’ll be able to make your way through both Towers as well as walking across the glass-bottomed walkway that connects the two towers together. Great for adults and children alike, Tower Bridge allows you to get many unique photo opportunities straight down the middle of the River Thames.
Tower Bridge is open year round.
London Dungeon
The ‘World’s most chillingly famous horror attraction’ covers over 2,000 years of London’s dark and gruesome history. A museum combined with an amusement park, the London Dungeon allows you to learn about London’s darker figures, its criminal history (think Sweeney Todd) whilst learning about the imprisonment and torture methods of those unlucky enough to be caught on the wrong side of the law. Parental discretion is advised when booking The London Dungeon but anyone aged 12+ years old should find it enjoyable.
Important! Buy your tickets for the London Dungeon in advance and save money! Tickets purchased on the day are always more expensive.
The London Dungeon is open year round.
Madame Tussauds
Visit Madame Tussauds and see the incredible lifelike wax models of the worlds most famous figures. From the British Royal Family including King Charles and Prince William, movie stars like George Clooney and Brad Pitt through to music superstars including Harry Styles and Taylor Swift this fun filled attraction guarantees plenty of laughs and lots of memorable photos.
Madame Tussauds is open year round.
London Zoo & Sea Life London
For animal lovers a trip to London Zoo and Sea Life London are a must-do! Both London Zoo and Sea Life London are full of beautiful animals with plenty of photo opportunities, information to share and interactive activities to enhance this incredible experience.
Both London Zoo and Sea Life London are open year round.
Buy London Zoo Tickets here / Buy Sea Life London Tickets here
More London Tours & Activities
Of course there are so many other London attractions, tours, activities and things to do in London. Check out some of our favourites below and don’t forget to check out our very own London tours too!
All tours, experiences and activities listed on this page are provided by third-party operators and are commission eligible.