The writer Samuel Johnson once famously said: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” We couldn’t agree more. London is such an endlessly fascinating city that it would be impossible to experience all of it in one lifetime.
Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or it’s your first time in London, we’ve narrowed down a handful of must-do experiences and must-see attractions that reflect our love affair with the British capital. Here’s why we’ll never get tired of a London holiday…
There’s evidence of an incredible royal heritage at every turn in England, from royal oaks to stately homes and castles. But really, it’s the actual royals we love… Will and Kate, and Harry and Meghan.
The official London residence of Britain’s royal family since 1837, Buckingham Palace is a working palace and only open to the public in August and September. However, it’s worth visiting any time of the year, especially to watch the Changing of the Guards.
At 11am each day and lasting for approximately 45 minutes, the Old Guard (Foot Guards of the Household Regiment) comes off duty to be replaced by the New Guard. This striking display of British pomp and pageantry is not to be missed.
Once reserved for the aristocracy, the tradition of English tea is now so popular that everyone has developed their own version of it to suit every occasion. Make some time for teatime in London at The Savoy, The Ritz, The Shard or Claridge’s.
This tower, which is the most famous feature of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), is actually named Elizabeth Tower. It’s the bell inside that’s named Big Ben, reputedly named after Benjamin Hall who was the commissioner of works in 1858 when the tower was completed.
One of the best-preserved castles in England, the Tower of London has acted as jail, refuge and fortress and is associated with much of England’s sometimes gruesome history.
Contrary to popular belief, Westminster Abbey is not a cathedral (the seat of a bishop). It’s what is called a ‘royal peculiar,’ administered by the Crown and is home to 17 interred monarchs from Henry III (died 1272) to George II (1760).
A short distance away from Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace is famous for being the residence of Will and Kate, as well as Harry and Meghan. It’s also where Princess Diana once resided. A large part of the palace is open to the public, including the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments.
No visit to London is complete without seeing a show, whether it’s a West End musical, dramatic play or incredible opera. Enjoy a Shakespeare play at the National Theatre, or treat yourself to a ballet at the Royal Opera House.
Once the venue for duels, executions and horse racing, Hyde Park is London’s largest green space and a lovely place to stroll and picnic, boat on the Serpentine, or catch a summer concert or outdoor film during the warmer months.
Portobello Road Market is an iconic London attraction with an eclectic mix of street food, fruit and veg, antiques, curios, collectables, vibrant fashion and trinkets. Borough Market (a famous film location from Harry Potter) is always overflowing with food lovers, inveterate gastronomes, wide-eyed visitors and Londoners in search of inspiration for their dinner party.
Housed in the revamped Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern has been very successful in bringing challenging work to the masses, making it a fantastic attraction for visitors to London, whether you’re into art or not.
With some 2300 European masterpieces on display, this is one of the world’s great art collections, with seminal works from every important period in the history of art and including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Van Gogh and Renoir.
London calling? Get in touch with us today about a London holiday package.
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