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Originally Posted On: https://www.london-hotels.co/blog/londons-top-20-tourist-attractions/
London’s Top 20 Tourist Attractions
Looking for some tourist attractions to visit in London? Check out lastminute.com for a list of the top London tourist attractions! From the London Eye to Madame Tussauds, there’s something for everyone on this list.
lastminute.com London Eye
If you’re in London and want to take in a 360-degree view of the city from above, head to the London Eye. Opened in 1999, it’s now one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs £16 for adults, £12 for children (5-17 years old). You can also buy tickets for the day or multiple days. If you’re looking to save some money, you can buy tickets online or at participating ticket outlets before your trip.
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.16 km away)
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.24 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.42 km away)
SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium
The SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking to see some of the most amazing marine life in the UK. The aquarium has a range of different exhibits, including a Coral Reef area, animo exhibit, and an Ocean exhibit. There’s also a special touch of fun with the Shark Tank area, which features sharks swimming around and attacking virtual objects. If you’re looking for something more interactive, there are several areas where you can get up close and personal with the animals, including the Penguin Cove and Touch Point areas. In addition, there’s a cafe serving hot food and drinks throughout the day, making it the perfect spot to relax after your visit.
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.12 km away)
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.23 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.57 km away)
Madame Tussauds London
Welcome to Madame Tussauds London! Our museum is home to some of the world’s most famous and iconic figures, including Donald Trump, Kate Middleton, and Marilyn Monroe.Our collection spans more than two centuries of history, and we offer a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Our wax figures are life-size and meticulously crafted, and we offer a variety of interesting attractions and activities for guests of all ages.If you’re looking to experience the world’s best wax figure museum in London, look no further than Madame Tussauds!
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(2.62 km away)
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(2.69 km away)
- Corinthia London(2.74 km away)
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a large park in London, England. It is located to the south of the River Thames. The park was originally created in 1827 for the aristocratic residents of London by Henry Smith, 1st Earl of Surrey. It opened to the public on July 2, 1839. The Hyde Park estate was once surrounded by a wall with twelve gates, through which entered only the aristocracy and their guests. In 1858, parts of the estate were used to create New Parks. The lake and some of the gardens within Hyde Park remain part of the original parkland. The park covers an area of 270 acres (110 ha) and has a perimeter of 656 yards (600 m). It contains 230 trees, including 160 mature oak trees, 120 lime trees and 50 chestnut trees. There are also 400 shrubs and 800 flowers in bloom throughout the year. The Serpentine lake has been created from two small natural ponds that were merged into one larger body of water by Edward Hynde-Thompson, 4th Baron Londesborough. A path circles its shores at a distance of 1 mile (1.6 km). The Great East Road runs through Hyde Park as does Knightsbridge Road on its eastern side; these roads provide direct access to all points within Hyde Park as well as many embassies and other diplomatic establishments in London’s Mayfair district just beyond it to its north-west corner via Kensington Gardens which adjoin Hyde
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(1.72 km away)
- Corinthia London(1.80 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(1.87 km away)
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs:If you’re a fan of history, then you’ll love the London Bridge Experience. The attraction uses 3D technology to create an immersive experience that will take you back in time. You’ll explore the site of the original bridge and see how it was destroyed in 1171. Then, you’ll visit the remains of London’s first medieval churches, including St Bartholomew’s Priory and Newgate Prison. Finally, you’ll journey through time to view the most famous tombs in London, including those of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. This is an incredible way to learn about history and make some new friends too!If history isn’t your thing, then head to London Tombs instead! This fascinating attraction takes visitors on a journey through more than 2,000 years of British history. You’ll explore archaeological sites such as Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall, as well as royal tombs like those of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. There’s also plenty of space for kids to have fun playing games or exploring the exhibits on their own. Whether you’re interested in learning about British history or just want to take a relaxing walk through beautiful lands, both experiences are definitely worth checking out!
- Park Plaza County Hall London(2.09 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(2.21 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(2.59 km away)
The View from The Shard
The Shard is a contemporary skyscraper in London, England which stands at a height of 308 metres (1,001 feet, 31 inches). It was designed by the British architect Norman Foster and built as a joint venture between the property developer Mace and the engineering firm Arup. The Shards distinctive twisted spire is the tallest free-standing structure in Europe.
- Park Plaza County Hall London(2.08 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(2.20 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(2.61 km away)
Churchill War Rooms
Churchill War Rooms are a museum in London, England, which preserves the wartime offices of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The rooms, which were originally part of the Admiralty, underwent extensive renovation and restoration between 1997 and 2000. The exhibits include original paintings and furniture from the period, as well as films, sound recordings, and other artifacts related to Churchill’s life and work.
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(0.49 km away)
- Corinthia London(0.54 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.54 km away)
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a popular tourist destination in London, UK. The square was originally constructed as a military parade ground and was later redesigned as an open space to commemorate the victory of Admiral Lord Nelson over the French navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Today, the square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London and is home to several attractions, including Nelson’s Column, The National Gallery, The lions statue and the Churchill War Rooms.
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(0.24 km away)
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(0.28 km away)
- Corinthia London(0.32 km away)
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic and recognisable royal residences in the world. It is home to The Queen and her family, as well as a number of important ceremonial functions.The palace was originally built in 1698 by George II as a country retreat. Over the years, it has been extended and renovated many times, including during the reigns of George IV, William IV and Victoria. Today, it remains an important part of British history and culture.The palace is situated in London’s Westminster district, close to other major tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace Gardens and Trafalgar Square. It can be accessed by regular public transport or by special tours arranged through official channels.
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(1.86 km away)
- Corinthia London(1.92 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(1.95 km away)
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a royal palace and fortress in the City of London, England. Situated on the River Thames near its confluence with the Fleet River, it has been an important site since the 10th century. The present tower was started in 1270 and completed in 1348. It served as a royal palace until 1539, when it became the Royal Mint.
- Park Plaza County Hall London(2.87 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(2.98 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(3.32 km away)
Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge is a Victorian bridge that crosses the River Thames in London, England. It was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1894. It has been designated a Grade I listed building and is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. The bridge is 150 metres (500 ft) long and 24.7 metres (81 ft) wide at its widest point, with a main span of 177.5 metres (581 ft). The towers are each 27.3 metres (89 ft) high; the central tower is 58.0 m (195 ft) high including the aerial navigation platform at its summit. The bridge has two cantilevered spans, supported on 64 piers between them, with an overall weight of 17 million pounds (7 million kg). The steel used in the construction was not yet strong enough to support such large loads and four of the piers had to be sunk deeper than planned; when finished, it was found that only one out of every ten bolts fitted properly. There are also 14 hefty chains stretched between the towers to prevent them from sagging under their own weight
- Park Plaza County Hall London(2.86 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(2.98 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(3.38 km away)
Leicester Square
Leicester Square is a famous square in London, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The square is located near Leicester Place tube station, and it has been nicknamed “The Triangle of London.”Leicester Square was originally known as “Lichfield Square” because it was once the home of the Lichfield Cathedral. The square was renamed in 1884 after Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, who was the son of Queen Victoria. The square has been a popular tourist destination since the 17th century, and it has been featured in many movies and TV shows.Some of the famous landmarks in Leicester Square are the Royal Opera House, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and Charing Cross railway station. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is also located nearby, and it is one of the busiest theater companies in London. There are many restaurants and shops in Leicester Square, and it is a great place to visit if you want to see some of London’s famous landmarks.
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(0.40 km away)
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(0.57 km away)
- Corinthia London(0.58 km away)
The British Museum
The British Museum London is one of the most popular museums in the world and offers an excellent range of exhibits on a wide variety of topics. The museum is home to some of the world’s most iconic artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles.One of the best things about visiting the British Museum London is that it is always changing and expanding its collection. This means that there are always new exhibits to check out, making it a great place to visit for anyone who loves history and art.The museum also has a great range of events and activities available for visitors, including family fun days, guided tours, and even history workshops for school groups. Whatever your interests may be, there is sure to be something on offer at the British Museum London that will capture your attention.
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(1.24 km away)
- Corinthia London(1.46 km away)
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(1.47 km away)
Tate Britain
Tate Britain is one of the world’s leading museums and its collection spans from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary British art. The museum is located in central London and admission is free for all visitors.The Tate Britain Gallery houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs from the 16th century to the present day. Highlights include works by Old Masters such as Rubens, Titian, and Rembrandt as well as modern artists including Francis Bacon and David Hockney.The Tate Britain Museum galleries are open Monday-Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm. Closed on bank holidays.
- Park Plaza County Hall London(10.62 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(10.70 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(11.27 km away)
London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is a museum in London, England, and is dedicated to the history of public transport in London. The museum occupies a site on Victoria Embankment opposite the River Thames. The collection includes rail, bus and tram vehicles from all over London, as well as objects relating to the design and operation of public transport in the city. The museum has a small business unit which offers guided tours of the collection.
- Park Plaza County Hall London(12.57 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(12.68 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(13.15 km away)
HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is one of the most recognisable ships in the world. Originally built as a merchant vessel, she was purchased by the British government during World War II and converted into a Royal Navy ship. She served in numerous battles during the war, including the Battle of Surigao Strait and Operation Overlord. After the war, HMS Belfast was used as a training ship before being decommissioned in 1971. In 1984, she was donated to the London Docklands Museum, where she remains today.
- Park Plaza County Hall London(2.36 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(2.48 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(2.89 km away)
The Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is a large public park located in the northwest corner of London. The park was originally created in 1723 for George Augustus, Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the English throne. The Prince commissioned the landscape architect Capability Brown to create the park and he designed it on a grand scale, with a wide variety of plants and trees. Over time, Regent’s Park has become one of London’s most popular tourist destinations.The park is divided into three sections: the Long Walk, the Rose Garden, and the Crown Estate. The Long Walk runs along the north side of Regent’s Park and is lined with oak trees. The Rose Garden is located on the east side of Regent’s Park and features more than 1,500 roses. The Crown Estate is located on the south side of Regent’s Park and contains a number of ornamental gardens, including Kings Gardens and Queen Marys Gardens.Regent’s Park is also home to several museums, including Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, British Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Science Museum (London), National Army Museum (London), Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (London), Tate Britain art museum, Barbican Arts Centre music venue, Royal Opera House opera house, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre performance space and many other attractions.
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(3.38 km away)
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(3.50 km away)
- Corinthia London(3.54 km away)
ZSL London Zoo
When you think of a zoo, ZSL London Zoo is probably the last one that comes to mind. But this amazing attraction is home to some of the world’s most endangered animals and has been educating visitors since 1828.The zoo is open from 10am-5pm daily, and admission costs £22 for adults (or £16 for seniors, students with an identification card, children aged 3-15 years and members of the military). The zoo offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including animal encounters, educational displays and guided tours.
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(3.59 km away)
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(3.73 km away)
- Corinthia London(3.77 km away)
Shrek’s Adventure London
In Shrek’s Adventure London, players take control of the lovable ogre as he explores the city and interacts with its inhabitants. From boats in the river to balconies overlooking the Thames, Shrek will explore every nook and cranny of this vibrant metropolis.The game also features a carnival-themed level, where players can ride on Ferris wheels and play games such as bumper cars and darts. There’s even a dark forest segment where players must avoid obstacles while navigating through treacherous corridors.Shrek’s Adventure London is an excellent way for families to enjoy a fun-filled day out together. It’s easy to play, so even young children will be able to join in on the fun. Plus, there are plenty of unlockables available should players want to try their hand at achieving a higher score.
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.10 km away)
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.21 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.55 km away)
The London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is a dark, spooky attraction located in the heart of London. The dungeon has been operating since 1793 and is home to some of the most gruesome exhibits in the world. It’s jam-packed with skeletons, mummies, ghosts and goblins, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart! If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then the London Dungeon is definitely worth a visit.
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.06 km away)
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.16 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.52 km away)
Sky Garden
Sky Garden London, located in the heart of London, is a beautiful and unique garden that offers stunning views of the city. The garden was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and it opened to the public in 2006. It is a glass-enclosed greenhouse with a steel frame that reaches up to 122 feet high. It has 5 levels and each level has its own theme including nature, architecture, sea, cityscape, and sport. There are also several restaurants and cafes located inside the garden.
- Park Plaza County Hall London(2.48 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(2.59 km away)
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(2.87 km away)
Swiss Glockenspiel
The Swiss Glockenspiel (or Swiss bell) is a type of musical instrument with six bells that are struck by a metal clapper. It is most commonly found in the Alpine regions of Switzerland, but has also been popular in England since the 18th century. The Swiss Glockenspiel can be found in several different forms, including the London form, which is made from oak and has a copper bell. The London form of the Swiss Glockenspiel was first brought to England by Samuel Crompton, who built one for St Paul’s Cathedral in 1722. The instrument became especially popular after it was featured in the opening scene of the 2007 movie The Departed. Since then, numerous other London Swiss Glockenspiels have been built, most notably at Saint Anne’s Church on Cheapside and at Christ Church Spitalfields.
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(0.50 km away)
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(0.58 km away)
- Corinthia London(0.62 km away)
London Eye River Cruise
If you’re looking for a day out that will leave you with a smile on your face, then the London Eye River Cruise is definitely worth considering. This unique attraction offers passengers the chance to cruise around London’s famous sights in comfort and style, while enjoying stunning views of the cityscape.The boat sets sail from Embankment Pier at Hyde Park Corner and cruises along the River Thames before ending its journey at Tower Bridge. There are numerous optional activities available for those who want to add an extra layer of excitement to their trip, such as visiting the Royal Arsenal or taking a stroll through The City.Whether you’re a fan of London or simply want to see some of the best sights this great city has to offer, the London Eye River Cruise is an amazing way to spend a day.
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.08 km away)
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.15 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.51 km away)
Westminster Millennium Pier
The Westminster Millennium Pier is a pier in London, England, which opened on 6 May 2000. The pier was built as part of the celebrations for the millennium and was designed by David Marks and James Paul. The pier features a variety of attractions, including a theme park, an ice rink, a waterpark, a beach area with artificial waves and a children’s play area.
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.39 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.48 km away)
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.50 km away)
St James’s Park
The London landmark of St James’s Park has been the home of royals and footballers alike since it was founded in 1619. The 5-acre park is now a favorite destination for tourists, with its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and manicured gardens. Highlights include the palace, which houses the official residence of the Sovereign (the Queen), as well as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The park also hosts regular events, including concerts, sports matches and horse races.
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(0.71 km away)
- Corinthia London(0.78 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.82 km away)
Garden Museum
The Garden Museum London, located in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, is one of the world’s foremost garden museums and is home to over 200,000 plants, 1.5 million objects and 250,000 volumes. The museum was founded in 1881 and has been open to the public since 1895.The Garden Museum London is divided into five main galleries: the Plant Gallery, the Flower Gallery, the Fruit Gallery, the Greenhouse Gallery and the Herbarium. Each gallery contains a wide range of exhibits covering botany, horticulture, meteorology and ecology. The museum also has a library and a research room.The Garden Museum London is open from April to October Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm and from November to March on Sundays 10am-4pm.
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.82 km away)
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.86 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(1.24 km away)
The Graffiti Tunnel
The Graffiti Tunnel London is a hidden graffiti tunnel that runs underneath the London Underground and connects two of the city’s most famous graffiti spots, Banksy’s Dismaland and The Can of Coke. Located underneath Tottenham Court Road station in North London, the graffiti tunnel was discovered by chance in 2012 by artist Seb Janiak, who was painting a mural on the wall above it. The tunnel has since become one of London’s most popular graffiti destinations, attracting artists from all over the world to tag its walls with their art.Since its discovery, the graffiti tunnel has been used as a platform for political and social activism, with artists using it to protest against government policies and express their views on a variety of issues. Some of the most well-known artists to have painted in the tunnel include Shepard Fairey, Damien Hirst, and D*Face.The Graffiti Tunnel London is open to visitors 365 days a year, and admission is free. It can be accessed via stairs or an elevator located at the rear of Tottenham Court Road station.
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.09 km away)
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.18 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.74 km away)
The National Gallery
The National Gallery London is one of the most famous art galleries in the world. It was founded in 1824 and has since then amassed an incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks.The National Gallery London houses a wide variety of art, from ancient to modern, British to international. It has pieces by some of the most renowned painters and sculptors in history, including Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Edward Munch.The National Gallery London is open to the public from Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm, and on Sundays 11:00am to 4:00pm. Tickets can be bought online or at the gallery itself.
- Amba Hotel Charing Cross(0.25 km away)
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel – the Unbound Collection by Hyatt(0.33 km away)
- Corinthia London(0.36 km away)
Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords in London, United Kingdom. The palace is located on Westminster Bridge across the River Thames from Westminster Abbey. The palace was originally a medieval fortress built by William II, Duke of Normandy in 1066 to control the crossing of the Thames. It became a royal palace under Henry III and was extended several times to its present form between the 14th century and 1832. The Palace has been used for many purposes by successive British monarchs, including as a military barracks during World War I and II, and as an office building for several civil servants. In 1963 Queen Elizabeth II gave permission to use part of the palace for housing parliamentarians during their winter break.
- London Marriott Hotel County Hall(0.55 km away)
- Park Plaza County Hall London(0.66 km away)
- The Royal Horseguards(0.70 km away)
Conclusions
If you’re looking to add some excitement and splendour to your visit to London, be sure to check out lastminute.com’s list of tourist attractions! From the iconic London Eye to the fascinating SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium and more, there’s something for everyone on this list. Plus, with so many different options available, it’s easy to find the perfect attraction for your individual interests and needs. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!