The Magic of London

England is really fascinating. For such a small island, the countries lasting impact on the modern world is astounding. British culture, language, law, and politics have influenced the entire world as the British Empire expanded across every continent. England was the epicenter of the Industrial Revolution and a major source of world trade. Trailblazers in the fields of literature, music, science and sports all originated from the British Isles. London has always been the heartbeat of England, the epicenter of government and home of the royals for generations. Today, London is a major global finance center, educational hub, and significant global presence. It is a multi-faceted melting pot for centuries of history and culture packed into a brilliant and beautiful modern city. 

Traveling to London is really magical. Visitors can experience a lot of diversity in a very small space- even with a short amount of time. In a single day, you can connect with your young self as you recite the nursery rhymes, marvel at Victorian architecture, and immerse in unique art. Here is our list of the most magical things to do in London: 

1. Hop on a red bus tour:

I always recommend starting a first time visit to London with this. The BigBus London’s iconic red double decker bus offers the perfect designated stops around the city. There is a prerecorded commentary on board that gives the ride a layer of education so you can recognize what you are looking at, and it is the BEST way to get your bearings in the city. Tickets start at $30.00, you can hop on and off as much as you like, and you get to visit all the major sights; Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, see the Changing of Guard and the House of Parliament, access the River Cruise docks, St. Pauls Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye! We will be talking about many of these things individually below, so you can tailor your visit based on how much time you have. 

2. Take the Underground:

The next best way to get around London is to purchase a ticket to the underground. Save your energy for more stops and take out some of the walking by utilizing this convenient mode of transport. And don’t forget to “Mind the Gap.”

3. Have Cream Tea:

Alright, if you’re headed outside the city then a tiny quaint teahouse in the English countryside is preferred, but if you are staying in the city then make the time for this experience here. The top floor of the Gherkin has a pretty amazing high tea, but it’s tough to get a reservation. Anywhere you have it, enjoy tiered platters of finger sandwiches, fresh baked scones with clotted cream, and a hot cuppa to wash it down. It may be the overload of yummy carbs, but cream tea is my most favorite thing to do on a visit to any British Isle. 

4. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben:

If you are short on time, then you absolutely must make the time to visit this icon. The Houses of Parliament is the meeting place for the Houses of government in Great Britain so they are in session periodically. Big Ben is actually the bell inside of the tower, attached the the Houses of Parliament, and you can still hear it ring! We love the view for pictures from the opposite side of the Thames, but being up close is also a must. Originally built in 1097 as a medieval palace, some of the structure was destroyed by a major fire in 1834. After that, a revival in the Gothic style breathed new life into the building. During World War II, bombing destroyed much of the house of commons, and it was rebuilt with donated items from other nations such as Australia. Visitors can schedule a tour to appreciate the intricate details, or just marvel as you pass by. 

5. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace:

Buckingham Palace has been the home of kings and queens since the Victorian era. The grounds of St. James park surrounding the Palace are beautifully manicured and full of pomp. The Mall runs from the Palace to the Admiralty Arch off Trafalgar Square. It is lined with trees and flags and is the site of coronation processions and other official royal ceremonies. The Changing of the Guard takes place a few times a week around 11am. It is free to observe and can get very crowded, so get there around 9am to get a good spot. Typically the best place to watch is from the Victoria Memorial. If you have time, the entire 1/2 mile walk down the Mall beforehand is really a lovely way to start a day.  

6. Tower of London and Tower Bridge:

Explore nearly 1,000 years of royal history, turmoil, prison cells, and view the Crown Jewels before walking across the high-level glass floor of Tower Bridge. This bridge is sometimes mistaken for London Bridge, since it’s so fancy looking. The gothic architecture and two towers flank a center opening for large ships to pass through on the river. It was originally powered by steam and hydraulic machinery and would open 17 times per day for passing ships. A marvel of engineering in its time, and still a grand spectacle today. 

7. London Bridge:

…is falling down, my fair lady. While London bridge may not be grand, it is steeped in history. The site of London Bridge has existed since Roman London, and it was used for centuries as a floating street with vendors and shops along it. This was a gateway to the capital and kings would display traitors heads at the entrance to set the tone for the people traveling. In 1176 a stone bridge was built, in 1831 the bridge was built again, and in 1973 once again. (Fun fact, the bridge from 1831 was brought to the US and reconstructed in Lake Havasu, AZ.) Even though it was damaged and broken down and rebuilt several times, the bridge always brought together the people of London, and it stands today as a reminder of that legacy. 

8. Boat Cruise on the Thames:

In fact, the best way to see these bridges and many other sites is to take a river boat cruise. Add this to your itinerary if you have more than a couple of days in London and you have the time to spend. It is informative and a really nice contrast to the Red Bus tour. We recommend taking a tourist cruise or even an Uber boat from Parliament to Greenwich, which is our next point of interest. 

9. See the Home of Time at Greenwich park:

The Royal Observatory is home of Greenwich mean time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian 0* longitude, dividing the earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres. You can stand over the brass line in the observatory and be in two hemispheres at once, at the beginning of time! After your visit, stop by Greenwich Market for some international street food. The market is covered and also holds handmade local crafts, jewelry and art stalls. It’s been in operation since 1737, open from 10am-5pm each day and it’s free to explore.

10. Visit the British Museum:

Seriously, this is a must! Museums in London are free every day and this particular museum is home to real Egyptian mummies, the original Rosetta Stone, and the Mesopotamian Assyrian Lion Hunt carvings. Where else in the world can you see historical gems from all over the world in one hour and for zero dollars? Nowhere.

11. SoHo and Piccadilly Circus:

In the evening, go out on the town for the ‘Times Square’ version of London. Start your visit on the steps around the statue of Eros with the street performers. From there, you can see the Piccadilly Lights and the West End’s Theatreland, along with mobs of tourists, locals and entertainers. It’s vibrant, loud, and so much fun. 

12. Westminster Abbey:

The home of historic ceremonies and a resting place for notable figures, Westminster Abbey is not to be missed. Every British monarch since 1066 has been crowned there, in the Coronation Chair, which is on display. Built in the English Gothic style, it has sweeping ceilings, flying buttresses, and huge stained glass windows. It feels like you stepped back in time, and it is so different from places like St. Pauls Cathedral, so it is worth its own look. 

13. Take a Photo in a Telephone Booth:

It sounds silly, but when you’re in a magical place you might as well have fun with it! Telephone booths are synonymous to London, just like the Union Jack and double decker busses. Pop culture has turned these little red boxes into a photogenic symbol in television and art across the globe. So pop on in and give it a go! 

14. St. Pauls Cathedral:

This icon has a rich history spanning centuries. A cathedral dedicated to St Paul has stood here since 604 CE, and has been rebuilt and expanded several times. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666, it’s a marvel of Baroque architecture. From royal events to surviving World War II bombings, St. Pauls Cathedral has seen some things. Also, you can “feed the birds” just like Mary Poppins, as this was the inspiration behind that scene in the movie.

15. Eat Fish Chips at a Historic London Pub:

Some haters will say “there is more to London than Fish Chips”, or “there are better places in the world” to eat this dish, but I vehemently disagree. Find me a real, cramped, dark, historic public house with a pint of beer and some ancient family recipe and I am a happy gal. That kind of place transports you back it time and adds a little magic to your London visit. Plus it’s so yummy! 

16. Row a Boat on Serpentine Lake at Hyde Park:

Speaking of magical things, this experience is a way to get it touch with your Bridgerton side. The lake is centered around a luscious green space, bordered with weeping willows, while white cranes swoop overhead. It is serene and romantic and perfect. In addition to the lake, Hyde Park has lovely meandering walking paths for strolling or biking, or just enjoying a break from the hustle of the city. 

17. See a Show at Shakespeares Globe:

An Elizabethan playhouse that has been rebuilt used on historic accounts of the original theater. If you cannot catch a show, at least consider a tour of this iconic spot. The oak beams, circular stage and open air ceiling offers a distinctive experience for theater hard to find elsewhere. 

18. Visit Trafalgar Square:

You may happen upon Trafalgar Square on your visit to the National Gallery, or passing through the Mall. The beautiful bronze lion statues stand sentential in the square commemorating the battle of Trafalgar. This accomplishment marks the British victory over the French and Spanish fleets in 1805 and the end of Napoleon’s threat of invasion. It also ushers in the beginning of British naval dominance which lead to the expansion of the British Commonwealth. Pretty amazing trajectory off one battle! The Square is also busy with performances and demonstrations, artists and vendors, and a great place to people watch. 

19. Ride the London Eye:

For another vantage point of the city, consider a ride on this feat of engineering. The passenger pods are mounted outside of the rim, so visitors get to see an amazing 360* view on a slow moving ferris wheel. It was built in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, but became so popular that is is now a permanent fixture on the London skyline. It sits just adjacent to the Houses of Parliament on the River Thames and is especially captivating at night in the city lights. 

20. Discover the Magic of Harry Potter:

Because magic, hello! There are countless Harry Potter themed tours and destinations in London, but if you are just interested in a couple of quick stops that already work with your itinerary, then these are my favorites; 1. Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross- a quick photo spot with a shop next to it. 2. Leadenhall Market- which appeared as Dragon Alley in the film. Both are free to visit and take little effort. If you have more time and are looking for something more immersive, then the Warner Bros. Studio Tour would be a great half day adventure to consider. 

21. Visit Unique Neighborhoods:

Distinctive neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Notting Hill, or Covent Garden, offer a unique experience of a city within a city. Depending on your interests, you might be looking for vintage markets, exciting nightlife, shopping, historic cottages, or other culture. Get out there and discover your own little hidden gem in one of these special and interesting little bubbles. 

22. Day trips:

London is amazing and has so much to offer, but if you have more time to spend in England then perhaps consider a day trip outside the city. We suggest two; 

A. London to Canterbury to the White Cliffs of Dover to Leeds Castle. There is so much history to the Canterbury Cathedral (hello Canterbury Tales), and the town is so cute! Then take a nice stroll along the whitewashed cliffs of Dover, and hit the historic castle that was home to King Edward I and Catherine of Aragon on the return to London. This is about 4 hours in the car round trip so either start early in the morning or plan to stay one night in the English countryside. Revisit the idea of Cream Tea while you are out there! 

B. London to Stonehenge to Bath. This route takes you west from London instead of east, to a mysterious stone circle. I do believe a tour is required to visit these monolithic beauties these days. After that, proceed to Bath, a Roman spa town. Soak in the Roman Baths and wander around the quaint town. This is a bit further of a trip, maybe 6 hours round trip in a car, and there is a lot to do in Bath, so I suggest staying at least one night there. 

That wraps up our extensive magical list of things to do in London! It was hard to stop there, because really there are EVEN MORE great things to do in the City That Shaped the World. After several visits, I still look forward to my next trip across the pond. I hope you love it as much as I do!