Essential Guide
London has the greatest concentration of major attractions in Britain and offers an amazing variety of places to visit.
It needn't cost a lot to get out and about, with 238 attractions that are completely free to enter there’s nowhere else in the world where you can see so much for so little. Visit everything from the thousands of historic exhibits at the British Museum to the stately Kenwood House, the award-winning Imperial War Museum or even Hackney City Farm.
The British Museum, V&A, Natural History Museum and Science Museum can each take a day to explore, but you will still be inspired if you only have a couple of hours to spare. As well as famous permanent exhibits, look out for topical displays featuring a variety of special interest subjects. ‘Interaction’ is the key to many of these so you don’t just stand and stare.
London’s more famous attractions such as the British Airways London Eye and Madame Tussauds are well worth visiting if you’ve never been before, but you can also branch out and visit some less well known attractions. Places like Kensington Palace, Dali Universe and the Photographers’ Gallery also have much to offer.
If there aren’t enough hours in the day to explore as much as you’d like, take in late night opening on Friday or Saturday nights at some of London’s top galleries and museums such as Tate Modern, Saatchi Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and National Portrait Gallery.
BFI London IMAX Cinema, Dali Universe and Geffrye Museum are some of hundreds of attractions for people with special needs. Although all attractions are not 100% accessible for wheelchair users, many make extra efforts for individual requirements such as signed shows for the deaf, induction loops, Braille guides, as well as special tours for those with learning difficulties.
Open space accounts for 30% of the London area, and the city contains 143 registered parks and gardens. Short walking paths and nature trails can be found in places like Hampstead Heath and Mile End Park, and at the end of an exhausting day walking, they’re a great spot for a picnic - weather permitting!
Just south of the River Thames is Battersea Park, featuring a Japanese Pagoda with was a gift to the nation. Or head further out to Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew where you can explore four acres of magnificent conservatories displaying plants from rainforest to desert.
Sports fans are also well taken care of. From the Museum of Rugby and Twickenham Stadium Tours to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum or Arsenal Museum and Stadium Tours, you’ll never get bored between matches.
Most
attractions are open daily from 1000-1700, although some attractions may have
shorter opening hours on Sundays. Seasonal opening times also operate at attractions
including, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and Leeds
Castle, and make sure to take note of public holidays. Always check
times before you make the journey.
The city is home to countless historical and modern attractions, from the British Airways London Eye to Big Ben and the Tower of London. Take your pick from the top ten, based on Visit London ticket sales.
British Airways London Eye is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers amazing views of Britain's capital city.
Mingle with the likes of Kylie Minogue, David Beckham, Jerry Springer, Brad Pitt and many more in this waxwork world.
Open from July, visits are by guided tour only and include the main chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Discover the world's most chillingly famous horror attraction, The London Dungeon...if you think you're brave enough?
Tour Buckingham Palace during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September, and view artwork from the Royal Collection.
Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.
Take a tour of this architectural masterpiece and visit the tombs of many of the country's notorious Kings and Queens.
Explore the magnificent State Apartments of Henry VIII, 60 acres of riverside gardens and the world-famous maze.
The Dali Universe is an innovative permanent 3000 square metre exhibition, dedicated to the awe-inspiring works of Salvadore Dali.
The Original London Sightseeing Tour is the largest operator of its kind, showing you the best of the capital from an open top bus.