There’s so many attractions and destinations in London that it’s hard to know where to start when you’re visiting. With over 2000 years of history and culture to take in, London is truly one of the most well known and visited cities in the world. This blog will help you build your trip itinerary by highlighting 10 iconic things to do while you’re in London.
If you’re flying into London for your visit, you can find your accommodation at the Park Grand London Heathrow, giving you a contemporary metropolitan haven with convenient links to London’s major transport hubs.
London Eye
The London Eye is a truly unique attraction, it allows you to see London from an entirely new perspective. The pods move very slowly, which makes it accessible to people of all ages and gives you the time to see everything in detail. The complete journey around the wheel takes approximately 30 minutes, and during this time you’ll be able to spot some of London’s major sights. The London Eye is a perfect activity for families, small groups, couples and solo travellers, and no trip to London would be complete without visiting this iconic ride.
If you’re looking to make memories, make sure you stay in a luxury hotel that’s located near to London’s best sights. The Park Grand Piccadilly is a quintessentially British hotel that prioritises your London experience and comfort.
Natural History Museum
Adults and children alike will find there’s lots to explore at the museum. The exhibitions and galleries are as informative as they are impressive, allowing you to get up close and personal with nature, discover fascinating creatures and be inspired by intriguing science. There’s also several bars and restaurants in the museum if you want to take a break before planning your next move, making it perfect for the whole family.
Buckingham Palace
You won’t want to miss Buckingham Palace whilst you’re in London. It’s the official residence of the Queen and one of only a few working royal palaces left in the world. The impeccably decorated state rooms are open to visitors during the summer months and the changing of the guard is available for viewing year round (and it’s free). Being one of the most famous buildings in the world, you’re sure to remember your visit to the palace.
If you’re planning on visiting the iconic royal household, the Park Grand Kensington Hotel in London is located nearby in one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.
Hyde Park
This is one of London’s premier green spaces and recognised around the world for its connection to the royal family. Being one of the Royal Parks, it’s a must-see when visiting the city. Year round there’s attractions and events to suit all tastes and in summer you can enjoy an afternoon swimming on the iconic boating lake The Serpentine.
The Shard
This incredible building is the highest in all of Western Europe, The Shard is a truly enormous skyscraper, even by London’s high standards. As a visitor you can climb the unique 244-metre-tall structure and enjoy the stunning views of London, which in summer can stretch for up to 40 miles across and beyond the city.
The Tower of London
This is one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Instantly recognisable and synonymous with London and British culture, the tower is certainly one of the most iconic things you can do when visiting. You can take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters) and discover the tower’s rich 900 year history, including its use as a royal palace, place of execution, jewel house and even a zoo. You’ll also be able to take a look at the crown jewels which are still held in the tower to this day.
Each day the guards perform the ceremony of the keys which can be witnessed by visitors and is a chance to see a tradition performed continually since the 14th century. At 9:53pm the Beefeater in charge will take the Queen’s keys and perform the ceremony, lighting his path with a traditional lantern. If you’re going to visit the tower, plan ahead and include this ceremony and make it truly memorable.
Museums
In London, you can get free entry to some of the world’s greatest museums.
The London Science Museum highlights the very best in science and technology. The exhibitions include some of humanity’s most important artefacts and objects of historical importance.
The Natural History Museum hosts over 80 million specimens within 5 separate collections. There’s always plenty to discover here with loads of interactive exhibitions on offer, making any visit a knowledgeable and fun experience.
The Victoria & Albert Museum hosts a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects, spanning over 5000 years of human creativity! Some of the best resources in the world of architecture, fashion, jewellry, sculpture and performance are all housed here.
Notting Hill Carnival
This carnival is synonymous with summer in London. The iconic Notting Hill Carnival parade dances its way through the streets of West London to the sound of steel bands. If you’re lucky enough to be in London when the carnival is on, you’ll enjoy watching the famous vibrant and colourful parade while tucking into some Caribbean street food.
Piccadilly Lights
The famous Piccadilly intersection is known around the world for its neon signs and other bright displays, making it an instantly recognisable and iconic landmark. Piccadilly also hosts the Eros Fountain, incredibly popular with tourists wanting to snap pictures in front of it, while you’re here you won’t want to leave without securing your photo, and the memory, too.
London Bridge Borough Market
London Bridge Borough Market is a booming street food venue. Offering well over 100 stalls six days a week, here you’ll find everything you could possibly want, including meat, fish, wine and baked goods. Within the market there’s also a variety of restaurants, providing visitors with cuisines from all over the world. Millions of people visit the market every year making it a real iconic London attraction.
Park Grand London Hotels gives you the comfort, convenience and calm needed to make your stay perfect. The Grand Paddington Hotel is a polished, elegant, and understated accommodation perfectly situated to support your visits to London’s top attractions.
