10 Sep Top 10 things to do whilst visiting London

I’ve been in love with London for as long as I can remember. Living and working in the city for four years didn’t dull my love for the Big Smoke and neither has travelling the world. Despite visiting and even living in some epic cities like Melbourne, Prague, Hanoi and Chiang Mai, London remains my favourite. With that in mind, let me share 10 of my top things to do when visiting London.

1. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a stunning venue and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sitting in front of the Houses of Parliament, this is one of London’s most historic sites with a rich past. More recently you might recognise it as the place where Kate Middleton and Prince William got married.

2. London Zoo

The zoo is a great attraction for a day out with the family. It has a huge range of exotic animals which you can even get involved with feeding. There’s also the chance to get up close and personal with nature inside the Butterfly Enclosure.

3. Cruise down the Thames

See London from a whole different perspective by taking a Thames River Cruise. Head through the heart of London from Westminster to Greenwich and spot iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, the O2 and Big Ben.

4. Tower Bridge

Visit this iconic symbol of industrial development from 1894. It holds an exhibition that explores the history of the Victorian bridge itself, as well as its new features such as the Glass Walkway that opened in 2014, giving visitors a great view over the river and pedestrians that walk below.

5. Tour Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

The theatre is a complete reconstruction of the original 16th-century open-air playhouse where the Bard directed his world-famous plays. It’s set on the Southbank of the River Thames and is one of London’s most iconic buildings. A must-see for any Shakespeare fans.

6. See a London Show

A trip to the theatre is an absolute must when you’re in London. Featuring anything from musicals to the best children’s classics, there’s always something to see, with new productions premiering on the West End. Some of my favourites include The Lion King, Wicked, The Woman in Black and Matilda. I’m hoping to catch the new show Aladdin when I visit over Christmas.

7. The Tower of London

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, let alone London. Enjoy being entertained during the tours with Yeomen Warders (the famous Beefeaters) and learn all about the tales and the tragedies that have been a part of the Tower’s colourful past. You can see the Crown Jewels here and look around the oldest exhibition in the world, the Line of Kings.

8. Hampton Court Palace

If you have a little longer in London it’s also worth venturing out to Hampton Court Palace. Once home to King Henry VIII, this is a much-loved palace and a great visitor attraction. An impressive building, this palace bursts to life with stunning gardens, a hedge maze and the only surviving royal kitchen that dates back to the 17th century.

9. The Natural History Museum

This colossal and magnificent looking building is infused with Victorian spirit and presents a collection of artefacts from the natural world. The highlight for me is always the dinosaur bones and the Wildlife Photographer of Year exhibition. Best of all, the National History Museum is free to enter.

10. London Eye

Last but certainly not least, The London Eye. Around 135 metres tall, this offers stunning views over the Thames and pretty much the whole of central London. If you want to go all out and make this an occasion with someone special, book a romantic two-trip ticket that includes champagne and a whole pod to yourself.

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What are your favourite spots and attractions when visiting London?