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Top 80 Things To Do In London England - listings 71 to 80

What to do in London?

71 (35) Oxford Street Shopping

Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe and consequently one of its busiest. Oxford Street stretches out for about a mile and a half but it may seem longer as you dodge your way through the crowds. It is best known for the big department stores of Selfridges, John Lewis and Debenhams located between Marble Arch and Oxford Circus. If that doesn't interest you there are many more big-name multinationals keen to get to know your credit or charge card. From Oxford Circus to Tottenham Court Road is just as 'good' but on a smaller scale. If you if have the money Oxford Street has a shop you can spend it in.

If you know your partner will groan at the thought of a shopping trip Tottenham Court Road might be able to help. It is packed with electronics shops. He/she/you could explore the latest gadgets whilst he/she/you can explore the latest fashions. One partner starts at Marble Arch the other starts at Tottenham Court Road Tube station. Make sure of course you both have a mobile / cell phone.

One final tip, more of a warning really - pickpockets operate like sharks in the sea of people that is often Oxford Street. Keep your possessions well out of everyone else's reach.

Most Oxford Street shops are open 10am until 6 or 7pm. Some open Sunday 12 to 6pm with late nights on Thursday.

Oxford Street

72 (35) The Thames Barrier

The world's largest moveable flood barrier protects London from the increasing risk of tidal flooding from the River Thames. The river that gave birth to London has the potential to devastate the city. The Thames Barrier has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. Whilst this is perhaps a little over the top few would question the Barrier's impressive engineering.

The high water level at London Bridge has risen just shy of a metre over the last 100 years. The melting of the polar ice caps and global warming are cited as the cause. It is the Barrier's job is to protect London from tidal surges. These originate in the North Atlantic and rarely get anywhere near the River Thames. Occasionally, however, they do. Millions of tons of sea water heads west up the River Thames. One and a quarter million people, billions of pounds of property and infrastructure and capital's international reputation are at stake. The Thames Barrier is only thing between London and disaster. Thankfully our Barrier hero stands ready to defend and protect. In our humble estimation, the Thames Barrier is at least the 72nd wonder of the world, well London anyway.

More Thames Barrier and Park

73 (54) Hyde Park

At 350 acres Hyde Park is one of London's most extensive green landscape. Hyde Park has numerous cafes and restaurants to relax in, a children's playground to play in and the Lookout, an education centre where children learn about nature and wildlife.

Deckchairs are widely available in the park from April to September during fair weather daylight hours. A visit to Hyde Park is not complete without a visit to Speaker's Corner to hear the people speak. Then there is alot of grass. Grass for walking, jogging, lying, snoozing, smooching and looking up from. The grass is just great and stretches from Buck Palace to Oxford Street.

Hyde Park

74 (113) The Gherkin - 30 St Mary Axe

30 St Mary Axe, also known as the Gherkin, is a skyscraper in London's main financial district, the City of London. The Gherkin was completed in December 2003 and opened on 28 April 2004. It is 180 metres (591 ft) tall, with 40 floors. Its erection symbolised the start of a new high-rise construction boom in London.

The Gherkin - 30 St Mary Axe

75 (33) Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

Do you remember where you were when Diana's life ended so tragically? It was one of those moments that deeply effected a vast number of people. The public expressions of grief in England were as widely expressed as they were deeply felt. With the extensive media coverage of her life many people felt like they knew her and truly felt the loss.

Unfortunately, unlike the life it seeks to commemorate, Diana's memorial is unloved by many of her ex-subjects. This probably has more to do with the great affection in which Diana was held than anything else. Nothing was ever going to be good enough. The Memorial is more of a stream than a fountain flowing over different surfaces in various ways to reflect the complexity of Diana's life.

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

76 (112) Chistlehurst Caves

Chistlehurst Caves contain over 20 miles of dark and mysterious passageways dug out of the soil by the Saxons, Druids and Romans. In more recent times the caves were used as an ammunitions depot during the First World War and have featured in the television program "Doctor Who". The fascinating history of these London caves provide a passage through time right up to the present day. The caves remain a source of fascination for all ages for Londoners and tourists alike.

Chistlehurst Caves

77 (-) London Wetland Centre

The London Wetland Centre in Barnes, London is widely regarded as the best urban site in Europe to watch wildlife. The 43 hectares of lakes, ponds and marshes is home to many species of wildlife including bitterns, kingfishers and a colony of endangered water voles.

One of the many impressive features of the London Wetland Centre is that it is made up of a range of different habitats interlinked by 3.4 kilometres of high quality pathways and bridges. 99% of these paths are wheelchair accessible. The Centre has gone the extra mile, or maybe just a kilometre, to bring public and wildlife together. The state-of-the-art visitor centre has live CCTV coverage of the site. No doubt there will be episode of The Bill staged at the centre before too long . They also boast touch screen computers that take you beyond the wetlands in Barnes to wetlands throughout the globe. If you are into birds, are looking to get away from the city or would enjoy a stroll through an interesting and tranquil setting this has to be for you.

Entrance is free with a London Pass. If you are into wildlife the London Pass will also give you London Zoo or one of the most beautiful gardens in the world at Kew.

London Wetland Centre

78 (51) The London Markets

Petticoat Lane - East London

Petticoat Lane has been operating for over 250 years and is the most famous and oldest of all London's street markets.The market's name stems from the selling of french petticoats and lace. The Victorians changed the name of the lane to avoid any reference to a ladies private things.

To witness a top notch street seller in full cry work his audience can be as entertaining as it is dangerous. Some these guys could sell ice to an eskimo. Petticoat Lane has some of the best in the business. The market is a Monday to Friday affair but Sunday morning is the big event when shopping for bargains and maybe a smile or two gets serious. As ever, be wary of pickpockets. Middlesex Street, Near Aldgate East Tube.

Portobello Road Market - West London

On the other side of London the Portobello markets focus on antiques on Saturdays (said to be the World's largest antiques market) but the rest of the week it is a general market selling all manner of goodies. There is also numerous places to eat from food stalls to restaurants. You may also enjoy fashion and music in this fashionable suburb of Notting Hill in West London. The film Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, put the suburb on the map internationally and then of course there is the Notting Hill carnival.

More London Markets

79 London Car Museum

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If you like cool cars you'll love the London Car Museum. Home to the worlds fastest production car the SCC Ultimate Aero TT the London Motor Museum is the premier museum in London for car enthusiasts. The Museum has a unique collection of classic American Cars from the 1930s to the present day.

London Car Museum

80 (62) Eton College, Windsor

Eton College was built by King Henry VI in 1440 for the purposes of educating the poorest scholars in the country. It has since metamorphosed into one of the most exclusive educational establishments in the world. No less than 18 former British Prime Ministers as having been educated here. Princes William and Harry also went to school here.

You can tour the Cloisters, the oldest classroom in the College and the College Chapel. The tour will provide an insight as to what it must have been like to for first students that both lived and studied here. Eton College is proud of its past and retains many of its historic traditions. In this day and age it is quite surprising to see the students still wearing the original college uniform of black tailcoats and pin striped trousers.

The small town of Eton is close to Windsor Castle. So if you intend visiting one you should consider visiting the other. A London Pass will get you into both free of charge. The 5,000 acres of Crown Land makes this area quite picturesque and well worth exploring the beautiful grounds by the College and a wander round the town of Eton itself.

Eton College, Windsor

Top 90 Things To Do In London

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