London is a vibrant and exciting city, full of things to see and do. Whether you're looking for cultural activities, sightseeing opportunities, or just a fun night out on the town, London has something for everyone! As a travel planner who books European vacations regularly, I'm often asked for my favorite activities when visiting the city. In this article I will share with you some of my top picks for things to do in London. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, these are some of the best experiences that the city has to offer.
1) Stonehenge, Windsor & Bath are some of the most iconic destinations in London. No visit to London is complete without heading to both Windsor Castle and Stonehenge. There is an amazing full day excursion that includes a tour of Windosr Castle and Stonehenge while also including a break for a traditional English pub lunch. This tour also passes through the city of Bath which is the hometown of Jane Austen who was a famous english novelist. Some of my favorite things to do at Windsor Castle is to look at all of the amazing paintings as well as check out St. George's Chapel which has hosted quite a few weddings as well as being the burial site of Henry VIII, Charles I and Queen Elizabeth II.
2) My next two recommendations are for my Harry Potter fans! No trip to London is complete without a stop at the Warner Brothers Studio. Talk about an immersive experience, during this trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour you will trace the footsteps of Hogwarts’ student wizards. You will explore some of the original sets such as Platform 9 ¾ and Diagon Alley; see the Hogwarts Express steam train; ride a broomstick like the cast; and uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets of the movies’ on-screen wizardry. A perk of this tour is that it does include roundtrip transportation! One less thing to worry about while on your vacation!
3) This next Harry Potter experience is truly magical. As you will walk through muggle-run London to visit beloved literary and cinematic landmarks such as Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, and Platform 9¾. Along the way, enjoy Harry Potter trivia, and visit famous locations that inspired J.K. Rowling's epic book series. This is a magical tour for Harry Potter fans of all ages and a great activity for family vacations in London. You just have to make sure you have a travel card for the Tube in Zone one on the day of your tour!
4) For my history lover's this next experience is sure to check off all the boxes! Enjoy the Tower of London with a tour by a beefeater as well as a view of the crown jewels. Experience the Tower of London’s long and stormy history. Make your own way to the Tower, once inside explore independently, take an audio tour (additional fee) or join a 1-hour guided tour led by a Yeoman Warder or ‘Beefeater.’ Yeoman-led tours depart every 30 minutes from the Tower entrance. Learn the Tower’s origin story of 1066 and how it evolved from William the Conquerer's stronghold to a royal palace, armory, royal mint, prison and gruesome execution place.
5) Have you ever wanted to have High Tea at Kensington Palace but are tired of waiting for your invitation to come in the mail. Let's make that dream a reality! With this regal outing, you enjoy high tea as it's meant to be: nibble on sandwiches, taste cakes and scones, and stroll through the palace grounds once you're done. With your guide, you learn about Hyde Park, see gardens created by Prince Albert, and hear the history of Britain's favorite beverage.
Are you planning a trip to London or beyond? Contact me today so we can start planning your next vacation today!