Top 15 Things to do in London England
What to do in London?
11 (31) Windsor Castle
A
must see for London visitors, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest
occupied castle in the world. In official residence is none other than
her majesty the Queen of England and Australia. The magnificent State
Apartments are lavishly furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection
including exquisite and priceless works of art.
Windsor Castle suffered a major fire in 1992 which visibly upset the Queen. The now renovated Windsor Castle draws in more subjects and non-subjects than ever. Why ? Well, 900 years of British history, a royal palace, a magnificent chapel, fine works of art including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Holbein, Brueghel, Van Dyck, Canaletto, Gainsborough and more besides. It only takes about 30 minutes to get to Windsor from Paddington train station in central London. Windsor is also a lovely part of England. With Eton College near by this is a wonderful way to see a little bit of the English Countryside. So that's history, Royalty, a great castle, fabulous works of art and the English Countryside to see. There are many reasons why a visit to Windsor should be high on your list of things to do whilst in London but there is one final reason why you should plan to visit - entrance is free with a London Pass
More Windsor Castle
12 (-) London Theatre
London theatres can be divided up into West End, Fringe and repertory like The National Theatre (NT) and Shakespeare's Globe. A repertory theatre offers a selection of shows that are rotated so you get to see several shows in one week at the same venue.
The West End theatres are often what comes to mind when one thinks about going to see a show. The West End theatres are concentrated around Leicester Square, The Strand and Shaftesbury Ave. In this context, The West End can also mean theatres in such far flung places as Victoria. Both prices (up to eighty quid) and seating capacities (up to 2,000) are usually a bit much. Be warned that 'cheap'er seats can come with nice views of pillars, barriers, curtains and bad haircuts. Check the seating plan before you buy.
The subsidised National Theatre (NT) often show cases unknown writers and challenging plays that may not appeal. You run the risk wasting your time or being rewarded with a stella and memorable piece of work. Do your research before you go.
More - what's playing at the London Theatre
13 (25) London Eye
The London Eye is the great big wheel opposite the Houses of Parliament. It is the largest ferris wheel in the world. Good weather helps to make this worth queuing up for. London isn’t Paris or New York. Thank the German air force and a history of lousy town planning. The skyline with St Paul's, House of Parliament and Big Ben and some of the more recent buildings like City Hall and The Gherkin still give you much to look at. Then there is the River Thames snaking its way into the distance and towards the sea.
Don't fret too much if you can't afford the time or the money to do this. There are other ways to see London than in a bubble such as from the top of the Monument or St Paul's Cathedral.
London Eye
14 (9) London Walks
Houses
of Parliament from Westminster Bridge
Much of London's history is 'doable' on foot. London still has narrow streets, lanes, cobbles, and old gas lights. This is all best experienced on foot. Just be aware of phrases like 'wind-chill' and 'bloody-cold' and dress accordingly.
Tours include Ghosts, Pubs, Shakespeare and if you are lucky, all three. It is rumoured that there might even be a Da Vinci code tour. London Walks cover everything from Jack The Ripper with internationally recognised Ripper expert, Donald Rumbelow, to the power and intrigue of Old Westminster to Shakespeare’s Bankside. Jack the Ripper is a favourite walk for horror history fans. Not for the young or faint hearted.
London Pass holders can get a special rate of only £5 per walk (normal price £7) and a free discount Walkabout Card (face value £7), which locks in the discount on all London walking tours with the company for a month.
With an astonishing variety of routes a London Walk is one of the best ways to discover the real history of London. These guides are some of the best in the UK and make their subject come alive for tour groups of all ages.
More of London on Foot
15 (61) Tate Britain (formerly the Tate Gallery)
Tate Britain is the centre for British art world wide. Its exhibits date from the 16th century to the present day. From the Tudors to the Turner Prize. Highlights include the work of William Hogarth, the eighteenth-century portraitists Gainsborough, Reynolds and the animal painter George Stubbs. The work of Blake, Constable and Turner, outstanding British artists from the Romantic age, are also well represented.
You will find the Tate Britain, or as it used to be known, the Tate Gallery on the north bank of the River Thames at Millbank. Admission to Tate Britain is free. With a London Pass you will also receive a free audio-guide.
Tate Britain