1. London Eye River Cruise
Experience the beauty of London's landmarks from the water on a scenic river cruise on the Thames. The London Eye River Cruise offers a unique perspective of the city, taking passengers on a journey around the heart of London. During the approximately 40-minute excursion, guests will glide past iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. A knowledgeable guide provides live commentary, sharing fascinating historical facts and stories about the city's rich heritage. The climate-controlled indoor cabins ensure comfort regardless of the weather, while the open-deck viewing platform offers the perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture the city's landscape.
2. The British Museum Tour
Discover two million years of human history and culture with a tour of The British Museum. As one of the world's oldest and most eminent museums, it houses an extraordinary collection of art and artefacts. A visit to this museum includes viewing the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies. Guided tours are available and often recommended to gain deeper insights into the exhibits. Tours can last anywhere from 90 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much detail you're interested in. The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, lectures, and events designed to enhance the visitor's understanding of the collections and cultures represented.
3. The View from The Shard
The View from The Shard is a premium visitor attraction at the top of Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard. Witness breathtaking 360-degree views over London, up to 40 miles on a clear day. The experience starts the moment you enter the high-speed elevators, taking you to the building's 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors. Here, guests can enjoy unobstructed views of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye. Visitors are encouraged to take their time savoring the vistas, with no time restrictions imposed on stays. In addition to daytime visits, evening slots reveal London's skyline against the backdrop of a setting sun and the twinkling lights of the city at night.
4. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Enter the magical world of Harry Potter with a behind-the-scenes tour at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Fans can step into sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Hagrid’s Hut and see the incredible craftsmanship that went into creating the films. The tour provides a fascinating insight into film-making with a chance to see costumes, props, and effects. Fans can learn about the special effects and animatronics that brought the films to life. The tour lasts about 3 hours, but as it is self-guided, you can take as long as you like to enjoy every detail. An absolute must-see for Harry Potter enthusiasts, the tour ends at the studio shop where exclusive memorabilia can be purchased as a souvenir of the magical experience.
5. London Street Art Tour and Workshop
Delve into the vibrant world of street art with a London Street Art Tour and Workshop. London’s East End is the hub of the city’s street art scene, featuring works from international artists including Banksy, Shepard Fairey, and Ben Eine. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the history of street art and its varied forms on a walking tour through this colorful neighborhood. After exploring the area’s famous pieces and learning about the artists and their techniques, you'll participate in a hands-on workshop to create your street art. Whether you're an art lover or a creative looking to express yourself, this tour and workshop provide an inspiring look at urban culture and offer the chance to leave London having made your mark.
6. Thames Dinner Cruise
Enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, and sightseeing aboard a Thames Dinner Cruise, one of London's most delightful experiences. As guests dine on gourmet cuisine, they're treated to panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks illuminated at night. The vessel glides past the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, among others. The onboard entertainment typically includes live music, contributing to the ambience. A choice of packages is available, ranging from a four-course meal to an indulgent five-course meal, with options of wine and champagne. This cruise offers a perfect combination of fine dining and sightseeing, providing a memorable evening and a different perspective of London by night.
7. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Take a chilling journey back to Victorian London with the Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. It's an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the infamous serial killer who left the city gripped with fear in 1888. An expert guide provides detailed accounts of the events and takes visitors through the dark alleys and locations where the grisly murders took place. Along the way, you'll also learn about the history of the East End and its transformation over time. The tour usually begins at dusk, enhancing the eerie atmosphere as you delve into one of history’s greatest unsolved mysteries. Not for the faint-hearted, this is an intriguing walk that will inform and sometimes shock, as you unravel the story that has baffisted historians and criminologists for over a century.
8. Buckingham Palace Tour
Visit the official residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace, to witness the grandeur of British royalty. The palace is only open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer and on selected dates during winter and spring. The Buckingham Palace Tour allows access to the lavish State Rooms, showcasing some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. You'll see famous artworks, furniture, and the intricate decor that adorns these historic rooms. Guides and multimedia tours provide interesting commentary on the function and history of the palace. The tour often includes a walk through the beautiful palace gardens, regarded as some of London's finest. This experience is a privileged glimpse into the royal lifestyle and British heritage.
9. West End Theatre Show
London's West End is synonymous with exceptional theatre, and catching a show is an essential London experience. With a wide variety of performances on offer, from long-running musicals like 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Les Misérables' to modern hits like 'Hamilton' or 'The Book of Mormon', there is something to suit all tastes. The production values are second to none, featuring outstanding performances, lavish costumes, and impressive sets. Pre-booking tickets is highly recommended as the best seats often sell out well in advance. Depending on the show, matinee and evening performances are available. A West End show provides not just a night of entertainment but memories that will last a lifetime.
10. Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition
The Tower of London has served many roles through the centuries, from royal residence to prison, and it is now home to the Crown Jewels. The tour of the Tower and the Crown Jewels Exhibition offers a dive into England’s rich history. See the magnificent Crown Jewels display, which includes some of the most extraordinary diamonds in the world. Walkthrough the White Tower, stand where famous executions took place, and learn about the Tower’s haunting past from the Yeoman Warders ('Beefeaters'). With interactive exhibits and live reenactments, this is a captivating experience for history buffs and the entire family. Make sure to check out the resident ravens and hear about their legendary importance to the Tower and the kingdom.
