I’ve been to London a fair bit in the last five years, since I started this blog. I’ve been for blog conferences and award ceremonies, press events, hotel and attraction reviews and many a family day out too. The most memorable of my London trips were watching the men’s swimming marathon in the 2012 Olympics and taking on the Shaun in the City trail in 2015. The good thing about the Shaun in the City trail was it took us on a 20 mile walking tour of central London, allowing us to sightsee more than I ever thought possible and entice us to return to visit other attractions.
So I thought I’d share some of my favourite London attractions so far, although I’m share there are many more attractions to see in the future.
The London Eye – I love that the views from the London Eye are a full 360 degree panoramic over London. I love the relaxed nature of The London Eye, the accessibility for all and I’ve never had to queue for more than 10 minutes to get on.
London City Cruises – I’m a boat lover and nothing invigorates and inspires me more than a boat trip. I’ve experienced quite a few boat trips up and down the Thames and from the silent trips, to the commentary tours, to the sunset party boats, they’ve all been brilliant. There are many boat trips available from Discount London, so I might look at going on another.
The London Dungeons – I was worried I’d hate this, but I actually loved it. I’m not usually a fan of audience participation, but it was all in such good humour. The dungeons take you on a tour through London’s gruesome history as actors make you feel like you were really there.
Shrek’s Adventure – With the exception of the ride attendant who asked me how far pregnant I was (I wasn’t pregnant at all!), Shrek’s adventure was a great day out. This is definitely more for the kids than the grown-ups, but it was still good fun.
Harrods and Hamley’s – Now I realise these are shops rather than stereotypical attractions. but these iconic London shops have to be visited every few years at least, if not once a year. I love going just before Christmas to get some really individual gifts and maybe even treat myself to festive Harrods bauble.
The Natural History Museum – Another iconic London landmark, which I believe is a must-see on everybody’s list. Whilst it’s great for all ages, I went with a friend, so that we could take our time and enjoy a big fat slab of cake in the café half way around.
Up at the O2 – This was an absolutely incredible experience. Harnessed to a hand rail, you literally climb up and over the O2, with a pause in the middle to admire views all across London. I’d love to do this again some day.
A stroll through Hyde Park – I’ve strolled through Hyde park many a time. During the Olympics, on the way to an awards ceremony, during days out, whilst taking on the Shaun in the City trail and there was that time my friend and I got lost looking for our hotel. Hyde park feels never-ending but it’s a nice bit of green tranquility in the middle of the big smoke.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz – As a birthday treat for my mum, she and I once had afternoon tea at The Ritz a few years ago. It was the ultimate in traditional English luxury and an absolutely five star experience. If it’s not on your bucketlist… it should be!
General sightseeing – There’s a lot to be said for general sightseeing in our capital city, with literally hundreds of landmarks to photograph. Buckingham Palace (and the changing of the guard if you can make it), Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The Shard and The Gherkin just to name a few.
I’m afraid to say I really wasn’t that thrilled with Madame Tussauds, but many love it.
Where should we go next? What London attractions have you enjoyed? Please leave me a comment below and give me some recommendations.
We haven’t done many of these. We tend to just like sightseeing when we go to London – it’s a lot cheaper for a start! I took the kids to the Natural History Museum a few years ago and it was so busy it was almost unbearable. We’ve never been to Madame Tussaud’s, but my daughter would love to go. I’m not keen on the queues!
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superb post! So fabulous. very informative. There is a large number of fascinating sights in this tremendous, dynamic city. Most importantly, you’ll need to look at Buckingham Palace, regardless of the possibility that just to take a gander at it from outside, and on the off chance that you time it right you can see the Changing of the Guard. The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are in a flash conspicuous notable images of London. There are the exuberant markets, for example, the notable one at Camden where numerous a deal can be found, and beautiful road entertainers in Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Investigate the city’s terrible past at the London Dungeon, and see massive dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. For astonishing perspectives, move to the highest point of St Paul’s well known Dome or take a ride on the London Eye. For a fun day out with the children, go to the edges for a visit to Chessington World of Adventures or LegoLand in Windsor, which offer an assortment of rides.