Things to do in London

London is undeniably a tourist’s city and the number of things to see and do there increases each year. There are a few timeless attractions, however, that shouldn’t be missed even if you are only staying for a few days. These must-see attractions include, but are not limited to, the following..

The London Eye

The London Eye is officially the largest observation wheel in the world, standing 135 metres high. It is a relatively new attraction for London and it draws in around 10,000 visitors every day. Even so, the queue is never very long and the enclosed capsules ensure a pleasant ride to the top. Once at its summit, you can easily see the whole of London and on a clear day it is possible to see a good 40km in every direction. To ensure your stay in London is a memorable one, why not stay in one of the city’s classic british hotels.

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds first opened its doors in the late 1800s and since then millions of visitors have marvelled over the waxwork figures within. It is one of London’s most famous landmarks and it is not uncommon to see celebrities visiting the halls as well. Inside there are hundreds of lifelike waxwork models depicting the biggest celebrities on the earth and each one takes around 800 hours to perfect. You can have your photo taken with the stars and even put yourself into some of the most famous film scenes ever shot during a visit to Madame Tussauds.

The Theatre

There are scores of theatres in London, each of which has its signature shows. The National Theatre and the Globe are both highly popular although there are plenty of others if you prefer something a bit quieter. Some of the long term shows presently playing in London include the Lion King, Lord of the Rings, the Sound of Music, Blood Brothers and Mamma Mia. Many of the shows are suitable for children and often the theatres perform matinee performances for convenience.

The Museums

Many of the London museums are located in the same general area and so it is quite simple to go from one to the next. The popular museums include the Museum of London which tells the history of the city, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. These last two examples are great for children as they have interactive areas throughout. Another museum that often gets overlooked is HMS Belfast. This was a serving ship in WWII and is now moored on the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

Open Top Bus Tours

Taking an open top bus tour is a great way to see the sights, especially if you are short of time. The Big Bus Company runs tours around the city centre and includes sites such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s column and, of course ,Big Ben. Each bus has its own tour guide who explains the history of the sites as you pass. Alternatively you can take a Thames river trip and see many of the same sites from the water instead.

The Markets

London has retained its traditional markets in many of its districts and you can often pick up some great bargains while you’re there. The most famous markets are Camden and Portobello Road but there are at least another eight around the city as well. The traders are all very friendly and the banter is very much like it would have been in the market’s early days. By visiting the various markets you get a good look at the London of the past.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey dates from 1065 and is the most visited church in London. It still runs regular services and these are always free for worshippers. If you want to tour around the Abbey though, then there is an entrance fee, however, for this you get a guided tour if requested and as much time in the church as you want. One of the biggest attractions that the church has is the collection of graves and tombstones of some very famous and influential people.

The attractions already mentioned are suitable for families with children of all ages but the following three attractions may not be suitable for young children or those with a nervous disposition.

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is a 90 minute experience that uses real actors, interactive special effects and scary shows to recreate some of the horror tales of old London. You can live through the Plague, the Great Fire of London and the days of Jack the Ripper and Sweeny Todd in historical detail before riding on two heart stopping rides in the dark. There is also a labyrinth with only one way out.

Jack the Ripper Tour

Jack the Ripper is synonymous with Old London and a number of tour operators revisit the streets and murder scenes that made the killer famous. Some tours are better than others and finding one that starts during the evening adds much more excitement to the walk. The tours generally take about 90 minutes and the guides will answer any questions you may have.

The Old Bailey

This might sound like a strange attraction, however, the largest criminal court in the country attracts many people to the public galleries each day, especially when there is a high profile case being heard. If there is a big case on then you would have to get to the court early to get a seat but you can leave during any of the recesses providing you are quiet.

London Days Out – Conclusion

London is full of things to do regardless of whether the sun is shining or not. Most of the big attractions are within easy walking distance of the tube stations and bus stops which means travelling from one to the next is quick and uncomplicated. Some of the opening times change throughout the year and so it is worth checking these before you go. In any event, London is a great place to visit and it is definitely a family orientated city with regards to its main attractions