As England’s capital city, London is packed with sights and activities to suit all interests and budgets. From its iconic red buses to famous landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye, there’s always something exciting going on in the ‘Big Smoke’.
Whether you’re visiting London by itself or as part of a trip across England, we’ll be exploring a variety of must-see destinations. Featuring both hidden gems and iconic city sights, our guide is all about making the most of your time in this wonderful city.
iconic attractions
If it’s your first time in London, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with where to begin. After all, London is home to 32 boroughs, each of which has its own unique attractions. Although there are many famous landmarks to visit, here are a few ideas to get your trip started.
the london eye
Standing at 135 metres tall, the London Eye was opened in 2000 to celebrate the millennium. Intended to be a temporary exhibition, it was decided in 2002 that this enormous Ferris Wheel should be kept as a new icon of the city.
Each London Eye pod carries around 25 people and will slowly raise you above the River Thames for breath-taking views of the city. We recommend booking tickets in advance to take advantage of the online discount and get a guaranteed entry.
tower bridge
It’s a common misconception that this bridge is actually called ‘London Bridge’. However, Tower Bridge dates back to 1897, whereas London Bridge is a 20th-century concrete and steel crossing.
With Tower Bridge, there’s plenty more to see and do than you might initially think. With an advanced booking, you can gain entry to climb the bridge towers, explore glass-floored walkways, and visit the Victorian engine rooms.
big ben
When you see Big Ben in person for the first time, you might be surprised by its incredible height. Not only is this famous clock tower a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s part of the Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament. It’s also a symbol of British culture, featuring in everything from film and TV to ‘HP sauce’ bottles.
The clock tower itself was renamed ‘Elizabeth Tower’ in 2012, in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. You’ll hear its unmissable chimes every hour, and some smaller chimes every 15 minutes.
parks and gardens
When thinking of London, what comes to mind is probably high-rise buildings and bustling city streets. However, as an incredibly diverse city, London also has some beautiful green spaces to explore.
kensington gardens
Initially a part of Kensington Palace, these picturesque gardens are now open for everyone to enjoy. As you follow the beautifully paved pathways, you’ll pass by monuments such as the regal Albert Memorial, a charming Peter Pan statue, and an impressive stone arch sculpted by Henry Moore.
the hill garden and pergola
Whilst most tourists will flock to the famous Hampstead Heath, this hidden gem is a more tranquil location. You’ll soon see why this landscaped garden is a popular wedding photo spot, as you walk past gorgeous stone pillars and overgrown vines. The Hill Garden and Pergola is the perfect retreat from the busyness of the capital city.
barnsbury wood nature reserve
Despite being one of London’s smallest nature reserves, this gorgeous stretch of greenery is ideal for reconnecting with the outside world. As you follow its nature trail, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported somewhere far from the city. The reserve is nestled away in a housing estate, making it a wonderful hidden gem, undiscovered by most tourists.
film and tv locations
As the biggest city in the UK, it’s no wonder that London is such a popular spot for filming. Paying a visit to these film locations is a fantastic way to explore the city.
notting hill
The filming location of the same-titled film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, Notting Hill is a vibrant and colourful district. Here you’ll find vintage markets, pastel-coloured houses and gorgeous clothing boutiques, as you wander around on foot. Whilst still a very popular destination, Notting Hill has a more relaxed atmosphere than central London.
leadenhall market
This historic market was used as the exterior for the Leaky Cauldron pub in the first Harry Potter Film. You might also notice some resemblance to Diagon Alley, which was greatly inspired by Leadenhall Market. As well as being a majestic film location, this covered market is home to a variety of independent and luxury stores.
gabriel’s wharf
Gabriel’s Wharf is just one of several ‘Love, Actually’ filming locations. It’s here that, on a bench looking out onto the River Thames, young Sam confesses his love for a girl at school to his stepdad Daniel. Whilst the views across the river are breathtaking, the wharf is also a great place to grab something to eat as you wander along the Thames.
food and drink
Here are a few iconic dishes and delicacies that we recommend trying whilst you’re in England’s capital.
fish and chips
This famous dish is made up of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, and chunky chips. It’s best served with a side of mushy peas or curry sauce for an authentic British experience.
roast dinner
Most London pubs will have a roast dinner on their menu, particularly on a Sunday which is the traditional day to eat it. Choose between a tender cut of roast meat, or meat-free alternative, and enjoy with plenty of gravy, roast vegetables and roast or mashed potatoes. Roast dinners are also usually served with a Yorkshire pudding, a savoury baked pudding that’s both fluffy and crisp.
buck’s fizz
This alcoholic cocktail, made with two parts sparkling wine to one part orange juice, was invented in Mayfair. Its name comes from the Buck’s Club, where it was supposedly first served in 1921.
afternoon tea
Initially a social event for only the highest members of society, afternoon tea features daintily cut sandwiches, scones and cakes presented on a cake stand. It’s usually served with freshly brewed tea, or sometimes even a glass of champagne.
victoria sponge cake
A light and sweet cake, usually filled with jam and cream or buttercream. It’s named after Queen Victoria, with whom the sweet treat was apparently very popular.
embark on your english adventure
London is just one of many inspiring destinations to visit in England. We know it can be challenging to fit everything you want to see and do into one trip, which is why our self-driven tours are an ideal way to experience this exciting country. Our bespoke itineraries focus on your interests, whether you’re looking to sample England’s best food and drink, delve into its rich history or engage with outdoor activities.
Learn more about the different types of holiday we offer to start planning your trip to England.
