A melting pot of languages, customs, cuisines, arts, fashions and more, London has it all. No matter what your interests are, from architecture to sports to fine-dining, England’s capital city has something for you.
A historical, cultural, financial, and political centre, London is known all over the world for its exciting diversity and beautiful places of interest. Frequently topping lists of the most desirable city destinations to visit in the world, it allows people of all ages, generations and interests to pursue their passions and enjoy an unparalleled break within its glistening folds.
If you are looking to enjoy a luxury break in London, here are some of the top things to see and do in the city, from royal palaces to modern architectural masterpieces.
London Tower Bridge
Completed in 1894, London’s Tower Bridge has become an iconic symbol of the city, recognised all over the globe. Walk across the bridge to take in the sights or go to the next level with a wander across the high-rise walkway with thrilling glass floor for the ultimate panoramic views of the city.
Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s official residence, Buckingham Palace should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in London. If you turn up just before 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, you will be able to watch the changing of the guards – a formal ceremony accompanied by bands and marching.
The London Eye
The London Eye, also called the Millennium Wheel, is a giant observation wheel on the banks of the River Thames. Reaching 443ft high, it provides a unique opportunity to gaze over London across 360 degrees from a birds-eye glass carriage. Each ride lasts around 30 minutes and is not to be missed.
The Shard
The tallest building in Western Europe, the Shard in London rises 1,016ft in the air, towering above its neighbours. As well as its three fine-dining restaurants (Aqua Shard, Hutong and Oblix), one of the building’s most popular features is its viewing gallery, affording 40-mile views across London.
Hyde Park
From rollerblading to cold water swimming to horse riding, the possibilities for recreation and relaxation in Hyde Park are manifold. 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, the park offers an idyllic bubble in which to escape the hubbub of the city and follow weaving trails past lakes and grassy swathes.
Portobello Market
Portobello Market all but runs the length of Notting Hill in West London and is renowned for its stalls selling antiques, food and curios. Loved for its bustling market stands, great pubs, vintage shops and famous faces, it is somewhere that will appeal to all generations looking for a real taste of London.
The British Museum
The British Museum is simply one of a kind. Founded in 1753, it is home to a vast collection of around 8 million works spanning 2 million years of human history – the grandest and most comprehensive catalogue in the world. Head in and lose yourself to time.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Each Sunday, Columbia Road in East London is decorated with the colours of countless flowers during its weekly flower market. Visit the street’s shops and galleries like the Columbia Road Gallery, before perusing the stalls to pick yourself a bunch of fragrant blooms to take back to your retreat.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square and attracts art lovers from all over the world. Download an audio tour and explore each room, soaking up the works of prestigious artists from the 13th to 19th Centuries, including Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.
The West End
From Hamlet to Harry Potter, and from The Lion King to The Phanton of the Opera, the West End has something for everyone. Choosing from regular performances of long-running shows and one-off events, a show at the West End should make it onto everyone’s list of things to do in London.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Founded in 1675 and designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. Standing at 362ft high and topped with a magnificent dome, its presence has dominated the London skyline for hundreds of years and is a must-see in the city.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and is famous for housing the Crown Jewels and the Beefeaters. Infamously, it also has been used to imprison countless figures throughout history, including Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Rudolf Hess and the Kray Twins.
Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament
Located in the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben is the world’s most famous clock tower. At 316ft high, the clock tower is home to a 15-ton bell that has been chiming every 15 minutes since 1859 – keeping time for the city and much further beyond.
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of the most intriguing museums in existence for researchers and enthusiasts of the natural world. Its archives and exhibits include 80 million specimens across 4.5 billion years. Discover more than 20 galleries and look out for Hope the blue whale in the Hintze Hall.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury getaways in London here.
