There is so much to do in London that it will make you dizzy. Its many museums are often free, making it easy to learn about its history and rich culture. But walking around London, it is also to take the air within a park or to admire monuments known all over the world. Discover the English charm during your stay and in any season!
Visit Windsor Castle
Located in the Thames Valley, this castle is one of the most visited sites in London, which may be due to the fact that it is open all year round. Discover the royal apartments, the famous Saint George chapel, or the Royal Mausoleum. A must visit to do in London!
Windsor Castle
Marvel at Buckingham Palace
This palace is the place of residence of the British Monarchy. It is in this palace that diplomats and Heads of State are received, or the traditional Garden Party. It is one of the symbols of the British ability to resist the most tragic events. Bombed seven times during World War II, only the chapel was really damaged. This destruction has contributed to bringing the sovereigns closer to their subjects.
Don't miss the changing of the royal guard on the days it takes place.
Buckingham Palace
Have fun at Madame Tussauds
Marie Tussaud reproduced from many statues of famous men and women (Madame Du Barry, Voltaire, Rousseau, Franklin). She moved to England and exhibited her works. The museum has since moved, and other figures have enlarged the collection: now you can also see the statue of Johnny Depp, Charlie Chaplin, Will Smith or Elizabeth II, among others. And to adapt to the new generations, the museum has set up new areas dedicated to Stars Wars or superheroes that your children will appreciate.
Madame Tussauds museum
NOTICE TO FAMILIES, read this article filled with ideas:
What to see and do in London with a child?
Admire Westminster Abbey
It is in this UNESCO-labeled abbey that the English monarchs are crowned. Many are also buried there next to great men of the Nation. The museum located in a part of the abbey allows you to exhibit a number of objects related to royalty, but also unique pieces such as a XNUMXth century altarpiece.
Westminster Abbey
Climb in Big Ben
Big Ben in fact designates the bell which rings the right hour (provided that only the first blow is taken into account). By extension, it gave its name to one of the most famous towers in the world, whose dials measure seven meters in diameter. To see them up close, however, you will need to climb some 339 publicly accessible steps!
Big Ben
Enjoy the panorama at the London Eye
This Ferris wheel was built during the turn of the millennium. It is currently the 4th tallest wheel in the world, since it culminates at some 135 meters. You might as well say that on a clear day, you will have the opportunity to take magnificent photos of the panorama of London. Little advice : prefer the morning or the end of the evening, in order to avoid queues as much as possible. Finally, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
London Eye
Discover the National Gallery
Leonard de Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Van Gogh… All these big names have several museums in common, including that of the National Gallery. You will be able to walk among 2300 of the most famous paintings in the world, all dated from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century.
National Gallery
Pass over Tower Bridge
Symbol if it is of the city of London, Tower Bridge is a monument dating from the second half of the XIXth century, when East London developed strongly. This bridge has the particularity of being able to straighten out and thus not interrupt river traffic. You will learn more as you step on it and visit the museum.
Tower Bridge
Climb the Tower of London
It is once again one of London's most famous landmarks. The Tower of London is home to the jewels of the Monarchy. As you look up, you will probably spot crows being fed by His Majesty: legend has it that if they stay near the tower ... then England will be protected from invasions.
The tower of London
Learn history at the British Museum
One of the oldest museums in the world, this museum contains nearly 6 million pieces of art from Antiquity to the present day. As much to say to you that you will not visit everything in one day. Select one or two eras and appreciate the works at their true value! Entrance to the British Museum is free for all visitors. Only temporary exhibitions are chargeable.
The interior of the British Museum
Arpenter Camden Town
This is a completely crazy district of London that will surprise you. Indeed, it is a real temple of rock culture and even of the punk world since the 70s. The facades are colorful and original, while the atmosphere is friendly. The Camden Market is not to be missed, with its different areas. It is a very large market, with street food and quite quirky shops. The statue of Amy Winehouse throne in the middle of the square. It is indeed in this atypical district of London that the singer lived!
Camden Town
Shiver at the London Dungeon
Sensitive souls refrain ! To everyone else, go through the dungeon door and go down (or rather, go up!) In the hell of tortures and brutalities committed for centuries and restored in more than realistic settings. Whether the abuse is committed by the authorities or by serial killers such as Jack the Ripper, all leave us wondering about the capacities of man to put his genius at the service of such acts.
London Dungeon
Remembering his childhood at the Sherlock Holmes Museum
Have you ever visited the museum of a famous, popular, but totally fictional character? If the answer is no, rush to 221 Baker Street, the address of Detective Sherlock Holmes. This residence was built at the request of the British Government and has been classified as a national cultural heritage. The interior is decorated according to the movies and novels featuring Sherlock Holmes. Elementary my dear Watson !
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Visiting the Palace of Westminster in summer
The Palace of Westminster is actually the seat of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The English Parliament (located within the grounds of Westminster Abbey) can be visited, but foreign visitors can only access it in the summer. You will thus have access to Churchill's war cabinet, or to the House of Commons.. Remember to book well in advance if you want to take advantage of this guided tour!
The Palace of Westminster
Meditate in Saint Paul's Cathedral
The cathedral was rebuilt between 1675 and 1719, following a fire in 1666. During your visit, you will not fail to admire its dome, among the most famous in the world. Baroque in style, it accommodates the corps of Great Men of the British Nation, in particular the Duke of Wellington or Admiral Nelson.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Follow in Harry Potter's Footsteps
If you are a fan of the young magician Harry Potter, do not miss the must-see in London: the film studio, north London. You will then be immersed in the settings of the famous saga. Indeed, this is where the main filming took place! You will see the great hall of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley or the vehicles of the films.
Harry Potter Museum
Churchill war rooms
This museum is actually a series of exhibits located in Churchill's war bunker. Do not hesitate to book an audio guide to better understand this period of the Second World War. You will find there the war room, but also the card room or the rooms of Churchill and his wife. A memorable visit to do in London to remember that the capital participated in the liberation of this dark period.
Churchill War Room
Remembering the past at The Monument
The Monument, built in 1677, commemorates the Great Fire that occurred in 1666 under the Stuarts. The panoramic view of London is obtained on merit: you will indeed have to climb more than 300 steps to enjoy a superb panorama.
The monument
Take a walk in a park
London has a real green lung, made up of different parks and adjacent gardens for pleasant walks.
Regent's Park
This park is a place to go with the family. In its northern part is the London zoo. All around, large spaces allow different athletes to express themselves. Botany lovers will be able to admire magnificent floral species and take pretty walks. In particular, it is a stopping place, close to Westminster or the Madame Tussaud museum.
Regent park
Saint James’s Park
This park, located not far from Westminster and Buckingham Palace, in the city center, is one of the oldest parks in London. You will find a reserve of ducks there, but above all, an air of déjà-vu… Yes! This park was built in part on a collaboration with Le Nôtre, the French landscaper who designed the gardens of Vaux le Vicomte and Versailles.
Hyde Park
Located near Kensington Garden, this park is also a mythical concert venue. The Rolling Stones performed there or more recently The Cure or Celine Dion. Finally, it was immortalized on one of the Beatles album covers.
Hyde Park
Kensington Garden
Located not far from Oxford Street, this park is known to Peter Pan fans, whose first adventures are set in this magnificent garden. As you walk there, don't be surprised to see a crowd around one of the fountains. You will then be in front of the Princess Diana Memorial. Finally, this garden houses a contemporary art museum, Serpentine Galleries.
Contemplate the works of Serpentine Galleries
Contemporary art exhibitions in a park? This is what has been achieved in Kensington Garden. It is in fact two contemporary art museums, separated by Serpentine Lake. A summer pavilion is also created each year, since 2000. A new world-renowned architect is chosen each year to create this temporary work. Moreover, from July to October, you will see many events there!
serpentine Gallery
The essentials of London… and after?
There is so much to see and do in London that you won't know where to turn. Prepare your stay well in order to make the most of it! Especially if you only pass the weekend in the English capital.
