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Top London Attractions

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Buckingham Palace

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Buckingham Palace
London Eye
St Paul's Cathedral
British Museum
HMS Belfast
Tower of London
Westminster Abbey
Buckingham Palace
National Gallery
Tate Modern
Houses of Parliament
 

London is one of the culture capitals of the world and is brimming with exciting things to see and do. Take a breathtaking trip on the London Eye, explore the amazing collections in galleries and museums as diverse as the Tate Modern and Natural History Museum or immerse yourself in the history of the city at Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London.

 
 

London Eye

443 ft observation wheel providing unparalleled views of the city

London Eye London Eye Where:
, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, London London, SE1 7PB
Category: Sights

Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, South Bank, London, SE1 7PB

Tube: Embankment Underground Station, Westminster Station, Waterloo Station

 
 

When the Millennium Commission announced their intention to build an observation wheel that would stand 135 metres over the city of London, people were initially cynical. But the London Eye has turned out to be the finest and most popular new attraction in London since Queen Victoria's Great Exhibition. The Eye now welcomes between 3.5 and 4 million guests every year and, conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, is a feat of modern engineering, both beautiful to look at and from. When constructed in 1999, it was the tallest observation wheel in the world and, though it has now been surpassed by similar constructions in China and Singapore, it allows you to see one of the world's most exciting cities from a completely new perspective.

 
 

Events at London Eye

4D Cinema at The London Eye OngoingFree Event

Every day 10am-9.30pm | £17.00 (adults), £8.50 (children), Free (under 4)

 
New Year's Eve Fireworks Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

Tuesday 31st December 2013

 

The annual New Year's Eve Fireworks display, launched from the foot of the London Eye and from rafts on the Thames, is visible from most of central London: the basic rule is that if you ...more

All events at London Eye
 
 
 

St Paul's Cathedral

At 111m high, one of the most famous sights in London

St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral Where:
, St Paul's Churchyard, London London, EC4M 8AD
Category: Historic Buildings

St Paul's Churchyard, City, London, EC4M 8AD

Tube: St. Paul's Station, Mansion House Station, Blackfriars Station

 
 

Sir Christopher Wren's mighty St Paul's Cathedral draws the eye like nothing else in London, even though the City's skyscrapers now tower above it. The centrepiece of the great reconstruction of London after the great fire of 1666, it is still the spiritual focus of Great Britain. Royal weddings and birthdays, the funerals of Britain's leaders and services to celebrate the ends of wars all take place beneath the famous dome. The cathedral miraculously survived the Blitz in World War II and served as an inspirational symbol of strength. Explore the medieval relics in the crypt, the gorgeous Victorian mosaics and up to the staggering views of London from the top of the dome.

 
 

Events at St Paul's Cathedral

English Chamber Orchestra
On Soon

Thursday 23rd May 2013 - 6pm | £10-£40

 

Howard Williams conducts Beethoven's Symphony No 9 'Choral Symphony' featuring soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn and mezzo-soprano: Sarah Connolly, tenor Andrew Kennedy and baritone Mark Stone.

Beethoven's Choral Symphony On Soon Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

Thursday 23rd May 2013 | £10

 

In aid of Lord Mayor's Appeal, St Paul's Cathedral will be hosting a special performance of Beethoven's Choral Symphony this May. Completed in 1824, Symphony No.9 marked the end of Beethoven's fascinating career and has ...more

City of London Festival Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

23rd June to 26th July 2013 | Various Prices

 

Founded in 1962, the City of London Festival is a summer programme of music, visual arts, film, walks and talks. It takes place across several venues (including St Paul's Cathedral) and outdoor spaces, and events ...more

Midnight Mass at St Paul's Cathedral

Tuesday 24th December 2013

 

Sir Christopher Wren's magnificent St Paul's Cathedral, viewed by many as the spiritual home of Great Britain, is a wonderful place to be on the night before Christmas when the Choir of St Paul's Cathedral ...more

All events at St Paul's Cathedral
 
 
 

British Museum

World-renowned museum of human history and culture

British Museum British Museum Where:
, Great Russell Street, London London, WC1B 3DG
Category: Museums

Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3DG

Tube: Tottenham Court Road Station, Russell Square Station, Holborn Station

 
 

Founded in 1753 when Sir Hans Sloane left his collection of 71,000 objects of interest, the British Museum's charter insists that it be open free of charge "to all studious and curious persons". The museum expanded rapidly in the nineteenth century and now contains around 7 million objects, some more than 10,000 years old. Spend an afternoon exploring the relics of ancient Egyptian and Greek empires and come face to face with mankind's greatest cultural achievements. Walk through the impressive columned entrance, through Lord Norman Foster's breath taking glass domed Great Court and wander the seemingly endless corridors and displays. The museum is a treasure trove of objects from the whole world and the entire span of human history and prehistory.

 
 

Events at British Museum

Magical Mosaic Masks: Workshop (Over 7s)
Free Event

Saturday 18th May 2013 - 11.30am-3.30pm | Free

 

Design a headpiece using Photoshop.

Ancient Egyptian Royal Sculpture: True Likeness Or Ideology': Talk
Free Event

Saturday 18th May 2013 - 1.15pm-2pm | Free

 

A gallery talk by Lorna Oakes.

Latin From Scratch Workshop

Saturday 18th May 2013 - 2pm-5pm | £15, mems/concs £12

 

Learn the language's basic principles.

Highlights Tour
Now On

18th, 19th, 25th and 26th May 2013 at 11.30am and 2pm | £12

 
Ice Age Art: Arrival of the Modern Mind OngoingFree Event

7th February to 26th May 2013 | £10 (members Free)

 
Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum Ongoing Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

28th March to 29th September 2013 | £15 (Adults), concessions available

 
Olympic Champions!: Workshop (Over 7s)
On SoonFree Event

Sunday 19th May 2013 - 11.30am-3.30pm | Free

 

Become an ancient Green Olympian.

Roman Dining (Ages 8-15)
On Soon

Sunday 19th May 2013 - 2pm-7pm | £12, guests £15

 

Exhibitions and other re-enactments focusing on the importance of food and drink in ancient Rome.

All events at British Museum
 
 
 

HMS Belfast

World War II cruiser moored on the River Thames

HMS Belfast HMS Belfast Where:
, Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, London London, SE1 2JH
Category: Boats and Bridges

Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, Bankside, London, SE1 2JH

Tube: London Bridge Station

 
 

HMS Belfast, moored at Morgan's Lane off Tooley Street, is a World War Two cruiser with nine decks. As you explore this floating museum, pop into the Captain's Bridge and then head down to the massive Boiler and Engine Rooms, well below the ship's waterline. Launched on St Patrick's Day (17th March) 1938, the 187-metre long ship is a 6-inch cruiser (the inches denote the size of its guns), designed for the protection of trade, for offensive action, and to support military operations by aiding landings from the sea. One of her last jobs was to help evacuate emaciated survivors of Japanese prisoner of war and civilian internment camps from China. Up until the autumn of 1947 she was fully occupied with peace-keeping duties in the Far East. Following a stint in Korea she was retired in 1952 and long after was given to the public in 1971. A collapsed gangway in 2011 caused the ship to close for members of the public but it was successfully re-opened in May 2012.

 
 
 

Tower of London

Historic castle in existence since 1078

Tower Of London Tower Of London Where:
, Tower Hill, London London, EC3N 4AB
Category: Historic Buildings

Tower Hill, City, London, EC3N 4AB

Tube: Tower Hill Station

 
 

For a thousand years the Tower of London has protected, threatened, imprisoned and occasionally executed the people of London. Originally the fortress of the hated Norman conquerors, built with imported white stone from France, it has been through many different incarnations in its life; the bloody tower where Richard III allegedly murdered his nephews, a patriotic symbol, home to British monarchs and armies, a prison and in modern times a treasury museum and UNESCO World Heritage site. The biggest draw for visitors are the crown jewels: crowns, sceptres, plate, and the two largest cut diamonds in the world are among the objects in the collection. The medieval palace, traitors gate, the beefeaters and the ravens make visits wonderfully atmospheric.

 
 

Events at Tower Of London

British Sign Language Tours
Now On

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May 2013 - 10.30am-4.30pm | £21.45, child £10.75, concs £18.15, family £57.20, adv booking essential

 
Restoration And Rebellion
Now On

9th to 24th May 2013 - Various Times | £21.45, child £10.75, concs £18.15, family £57.20

 

Re-enactments of bloody events that took place after the Civil War.

White Tower Tours
Now On

1st to 31st May 2013 - Various Times | £21.45, child £10.75, concs £18.15, family £57.20

 

Come and join one of our expert White Tower wardens on a tour of the oldest building on the Tower of London grounds.

Fallen In Love
Now On

17th May to 16th June 2013 - Various Times | £27 & £30, concs £22 & £27

 

Joanna Carrick's historical drama, detailing the story of the incestuous relationship between queen Anne Boleyn and her brother George, 2nd Viscount Rochford. Featuring Emma Connell and Scott Ellis.

The Art Of Gilding: Workshop
On Soon

Thursday 30th May 2013 - 10am-4pm | £80, mems £75, inc light refreshments

 

See examples of gilding and create designs using gold leaf.

All events at Tower of London
 
 
 

Westminster Abbey

Large Gothic church and coronation and burial site for the monarchy

Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey Where:
, Dean's Yard, London London, SW1P 3PA
Category: Historic Buildings

Dean's Yard, Westminster, London, SW1P 3PA

Tube: Westminster Station, St James's Park Station

 
 

The setting for every coronation since 1066 and the burial ground for kings, statesmen, scientists, musicians and poets, Westminster Abbey is a true Medieval masterpiece. Stunning gothic architecture, the fascinating literary history represented by poets corner, the artistic talent that went into the statues, murals, paintings and tombs, and the fantastic stained glass, combine to make Westminster Abbey the most enduringly stunning of London's churches.

 
 

Events at Westminster Abbey

Coronation! 1953-2013
OngoingFree Event

6th May to 27th September 2013 - 10.30am-4pm | Free, plus admission £18, concs £15, NUS £8, family £36 & £44, under 11s Free accompanied

 
60 Chairs For 60 Years
OngoingFree Event

6th May 2013 to 27th September 2014 - 10.30am-4pm | Free, plus admission £18, concs £15, NUS £8, family £36 & £44, under 11s Free accompanied

 
Carl Jackson
On SoonFree Event

Sunday 19th May 2013 - 5.45pm | Free

 

The organist performs works by Walton, Elgar and Bliss.

Tim Wakerell
On SoonFree Event

Sunday 26th May 2013 - 5.45pm | Free

 

The organist performs works by Walton, Elgar and Bliss.

Vivat Regina! A Public Lecture By The Rt Revd And Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres, Bishop Of London
On SoonFree Event

Friday 7th June 2013 - 6.30pm | Free

 

Celebrating the Coronation's 60th anniversary.

All events at Westminster Abbey
 
 
 

Buckingham Palace

Official residence of Queen Elizabeth II

Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace Where:
, Buckingham Palace Road, London London, SW1A 1AA
Category: Historic Buildings

Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1A 1AA

Tube: Victoria Station

 
 

England's most famous royal palace, and the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace opens the doors of its State Rooms to the public every summer. Originally acquired by King George III for his wife Queen Charlotte, Buckingham House was increasingly known as the 'Queen's House' and 14 of George III's children were born there. On his accession to the throne, George IV decided to convert the house into a palace and employed John Nash to help him extend the building. Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to live here (from 1837). The State Rooms are now still used by the Royal Family to receive and entertain guests on State and ceremonial occasions. Visitors can admire some of the more unusual gifts received by the current Queen, including drawings by Salvador Dali, an embroidered silk scarf from Nelson Mandela and a grove of maple trees. Decorated in lavish fashion, the rooms include paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, Vermeer and Poussin, sculpture by Canova, exquisite examples of Svres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. The Ball Supper Room, the setting for a host of sparkling events in the history of the palace, 29-acre gardens and annual exhibitions are all also available to visitors.

 
 

Events at Buckingham Palace

In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion OngoingFree Event Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

10th May to 6th October 2013 | Adult £9.50 | Over 60/Student £8.75 | Under 17 £4.80 | Under 5 Free | Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £24.00

 
The Coronation Festival 2013 Free Event Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Jul 2013 | Daytime Festival £30, Standard Evening Gala £90, child under 3 Free

 

The main Diamond Jubilee celebrations may have taken place last year but in 2013 we have the Coronation Festival, a four-day celebratory event marking the 60th anniversary of The Queen's Coronation. Over 200 companies who ...more

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening Free Event Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

3rd August to 29th September 2013 | £19 (Adults), £17.50 (Concs), £10.85 (Children Under 17), Free (Under 5s), £50 (Family)

 

Every summer inquisitive visitors get the chance to look round Buckingham Palace and admire the interiors of the principal royal residence. Visitors for the Summer Opening tour are permitted access to the nineteen State Rooms ...more

The Genius of Castiglione

1st November 2013 to 16th March 2014 | £9.25

 
High Spirits: The Art of Thomas Rowlandson Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

22nd November 2013 to 2nd March 2014 | TBC

 
All events at Buckingham Palace
 
 
 

Houses of Parliament

The centre of political life in the UK

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament Where:
, Parliament Square, St Margaret's Street, London London, SW1A 0AA
Category: Historic Buildings

Parliament Square, St Margaret's Street, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA

Tube: Westminster Station

 
 

Now more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster began life in 1042 as a royal residence under Edward the Confessor. The major structure to survive various fires, Westminster Hall was built between 1087 and 1100 and is one of the largest medieval halls in Europe with an unsupported hammerbeam roof. During the 14th century the Hall housed the courts of law as well as shops and stalls selling legal equipment - wigs and pens. Following a fire in 1512, Henry VIII abandoned the Palace and it has been home to the two seats of Parliament - the Commons and the Lords - ever since. Yet another disastrous fire in 1834 destroyed everything except Westminster Hall and the Jewel Tower. A competition to redevelop the whole site was won by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin who came upwith the mock Gothic building that has become such a familiar landmarktoday and includes Big Ben (the bell that chimes on the hour) and the largest clock face in the country. Members of the public can watch debates when Parliament is in session - you don't need tickets in advance but may have to queue. To watch Prime Minister's Question Time (Wed 12noon, when Parliament is sitting) it's advisable to get tickets in advance.

 
 

Events at Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament Guided Tours OngoingFree Event Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

3rd August 2009 to 31st December 2015 | £16.50 (Adults), £14 (Concs), £7 (Children 5-15, one child admiotted Free with paying adult)

 
Bike Week On Soon

15th to 23rd June 2013

 

Running since 1923, Bike Week is the UK's biggest mass participation cycling event, promoting everyday cycling for everyone. While details of the specific 2013 events, which take place nationwide, are not confirmed, 2012 saw almost ...more

All events at Houses of Parliament
 
 
 

National Gallery

Huge range of European art, ranging from 1260 to 1900

National Gallery National Gallery Where:
, Trafalgar Square, London London, WC2N 5DN
Category: Art Galleries

Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN

Tube: Charing Cross Station, Leicester Square Station, Embankment Underground Station, Piccadilly Circus Station, Covent Garden Station

 
 

The National Gallery is visible in its full glory in the heart of the pedestrianised Trafalgar Square. Its permanent collection houses some of the world’s most important paintings from as far back as the 13th century. Gaze upon the works of greats such as Titian, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Raphael and Van Gogh. Built in 1832-1833, in an attempt to outshine Paris’s Louvre, it aspires to make art accessible to all with free admission, a central location and extended opening hours. The important thing in planning your visit is not to try and see everything. You could spend a week wandering through its hallowed halls, and still miss many of the greatest works of European art.

 
 

Events at National Gallery

Guided Tours
Now OnFree Event

1st to 31st May 2013 - Various Times | Free

 

A chance to look behind the scenes and learn about the history of the International Concert Hall.

Barocci: Brilliance and Grace Ongoing Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

27th February to 19th May 2013 | Admission charge applies

 
Real Rooms: Workshop (Ages 5-11)
On SoonFree Event

Sunday 19th May 2013 at 11am-12.20pm and 2pm-3.20pm | Free

 

Painter Robin-Lee Hall teaches how to create space.

Samuel Beckett At The National Gallery: Talk
On SoonFree Event

Monday 20th May 2013 - 1pm-1.45pm | Free

 

Dr Conor Carville examines the paintings to which Beckett was drawn and considers how such images informed his work.

Tura: Saint Jerome: Talk
On SoonFree Event

Monday 20th May 2013 - 4pm | Free

 

A quick insight into one painting.

All events at National Gallery
 
 
 

Tate Modern

The Turbine Hall, 20th century art, Matisse to Moore

Tate Modern Tate Modern Where:
, Bankside Power Station, 25 Sumner Street, London London, SE1 9TG
Category: Art Galleries

Bankside Power Station, 25 Sumner Street, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG

Tube: Blackfriars Station

 
 

Tate Modern is London's most visited and innovative gallery - housed in a former power station, the space itself is as much as an attraction as its collections and exhibitions. The journey there can be an adventure in itself: take the tube to Blackfriars, cross the river on the 'Blade of Light' Millennium Bridge and admire the startling contrast between historic St Paul's Cathedral and this uber modern art gallery. The interior is a glorious, unpretentious playground of modern art, as appealing to children and amateurs as it is to adults and art experts. Permanent collections includes works by Bacon, Matisse, Rothko and Andy Warhol as well as the best of contemporary British art.  

 
 

Events at Tate Modern

The Journey (Resan)
Now On

17th May 2013 at 6pm & 18th and 19th May 2013 at 11am

 
Lichtenstein: A Retrospective Ongoing Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

21st February to 27th May 2013 | £14 (Adults), concessions available

 
Project Space: Ruins In Reverse
OngoingFree Event

1st March to 24th June 2013 - Various Times | Free

 
Ellen Gallagher: AxME Ongoing Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

1st May to 1st September 2013 | £11

 
Saloua Raouda Choucair Ongoing Editor's Top Pick - Recommended

17th April to 20th October 2013 | £11 (Adults), concs available

 
Artist Rooms: Lawrence Weiner
OngoingFree Event

27th September 2012 to 1st September 2013 - Various Times | Free

 
BMW Tate Live 2013
OngoingFree Event

1st January to 31st December 2013 - Various Times | Free

 
Artist Rooms: Joseph Beuys
OngoingFree Event

1st April 2012 to 31st December 2013 - Various Times | Free

 
Heather & Ivan Morison: Skirt Of The Black Mouth
OngoingFree Event

19th October 2012 to 30th September 2015 | Free

 
All events at Tate Modern