Explore London: Top 10 Fun Things to Do for Holidaymakers

England is renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and natural splendours. The capital city of London is one of the most famous cities in the world and a dynamic spot to enjoy a refreshing holiday with your loved ones. If you are in London for a couple of days to socialise and hang out with friends or on a vacation with family and kids, there are some attractions you shouldn’t miss visiting. While London can get you excited about visiting all of its vintage palaces, colossal cathedrals and churches, refreshing gardens and the hyped, bustling modern attractions, these 10 attractions are perhaps the best things to do in London. Check them out!

1. Get Lost in London's Historic Streets

The first day you land in London, you will be smitten by the charms of London streets. One of the best, inexpensive ways to get acquainted with London is to see the city on foot! Head to the iconic lanes such as Abbey Road, Bakers Street, Downing Street, and Oxford Street to name a few where you can simply wander around and marvel at the myriad of rustic heritage buildings and architecture. You can surely recognize noted landmarks and streets which were featured in classic novels and popular movies filmed in London. The best time to visit London would be during Christmas when the streets are donned in infinite fairy lights, illuminated Christmas trees and bustling with Christmas Markets.

2. Experience a Bird’s Eye View With a Hot Air Balloon Ride in London

Image Credit: blog.redletterdays.co.uk

If walking sounds mundane for you, then up the ante on the excitement with a hot air ballooning experience right amid bustling London! You read that right! You can go ahead and reserve a London Hot Air Ballooning experience and enjoy the city views in a unique way from an extraordinary vantage point. Just make sure that you book a tour during pleasant months to avoid any last-minute cancellations due to bad weather. It is one of the most unique hot air balloon rides in the world to experience!

3. Laze Around in London Parks

If city life gets too overwhelmed, London has pockets of refreshing greenspaces peppered throughout the city for locals and visitors to take a whiff of garden fresh air. Decked in topiaries, shrouded in green canopies of big trees and dotted with rustic statues, London’s parks are amazing to pause for a bit and enjoy nature. Head to the seat of royalty in London and admire the refreshing landscape of Buckingham Palace Garden. The Kew Gardens, Hyde Park and Regent's Park are London's famous gardens that feature sub-sets of verdant landscapes such as the famed Rose Garden and Japanese Garden. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, London's famous gardens are sure to have something for everyone.

4. Visit King Cross Station

If you are not enticed by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you are missing so much when visiting London. At King Cross Station in North London, Harry Potter fanatics can indulge in a fan moment where they can pose in front of the gateway to Hogwarts Train - Platform 9¾. The station is also a heritage splendour to visit for many to marvel and there is plenty to see and do around this iconic London station such as exploring Regent’s Canal and Granny Square or enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at the majestic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.

5. Take the Warner Bros. Studio London-Harry Potter Tour

For die-hard Harry Potter fans and kids, The Warner Bros. London-Harry Potter Tour is a not-to-miss attraction. Step into the enchanting world of spells and wizardry where you get to view the Gringotts Bank, and Diagon Alley and experience the behind-the-scenes action of the Harry Potter movies. Look out for special events such as during Christmas, when the studio hosts the ‘Hogwarts in the Snow’ experience or from January to April when the ‘Magical Mischief’ experience becomes the highlight with behind-the-scene action of the famous mischief of Fred and George during the O.W.L examinations in the Great Hall.

6. Catch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

It would be impossible not to get smitten by the regal flair of London and you can even get a glimpse of the royal customs at the Changing of the Guard show. It is one of the top things to do in London for free! Head to Buckingham Palace where this royal ceremonial event takes place at 10:45 am. Station yourself early in the morning at James Palace, The Mall or Wellington Barracks for a better viewpoint of the show.

7. Enjoy an Adventure Hike at Up at The O2

If you are visiting London with teenagers in tow, then you should definitely check out ‘Up at The O2’ for a hint of hiking fun in the middle of the city! You can sign up for a daytime, sunset or twilight experience of an exhilarating outdoor climb of the O2 Arena’s dome and enjoy a sweeping panorama of Olympic Park and Canary Wharf. You can upgrade your experience with drinks at the top of your climb where you can enjoy a sip of your favourite beverage with London’s breath-taking ambience as the backdrop. Additionally, extend your experience to dining with the Climb & Dine experience and savour a sumptuous meal at reputed restaurants like CABANA and Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger.

8. Explore the Ocean World at SEA Life London Aquarium.

One of the best things to do in London with kids is to visit the SEA Life Aquarium and enjoy a fun tour to see and encounter marine creatures of the ocean. Wander through giant, glass-panelled aquariums teeming with rays, octopus, tropical fishes, turtles, sea horses, jellyfish and more! You can also find yourself gazing delightfully at Gentoo Penguins at Polar Adventure zone. The Coral Kingdom lets you view some of the most vibrant fishes in the ocean world who love to swim around and play hide-and-seek in colourful corals. It’s one of the most delightful experiences to enjoy with kids while you are in London.

9. Marvel at London's Illuminated Skyline from the London Eye

View London from various angles - from ground level, then slowly ascending to the top and back down on the ground on a 30-minute ride London Eye tour. Hop into one of the classy pods of this iconic observatory wheel located in the heart of London from where you can enjoy unrivalled views of famous landmarks of London - Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and more. You can even club it with a River Cruise for a unique viewing experience of London.

10. Sail Down the River Thames

Take another perspective of London, cast away from the shores while you glide down the River Thames. Take in the incredible views of the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe and the iconic tower bridges of London. You can avail of a simple sail down the River Thames with a combo experience along with the London Eye or book a separate River cruise with an afternoon tea or dining option for an extravagant experience. Choose to sail down the river in dusk hours as the city starts getting drenched in the auburn skylight giving it a vintage feel.

Conclusion

London seamlessly blends modern city life with regal heritage. From strolling through its historic streets and enjoying a unique perspective with a hot air balloon ride, London Eye or River Cruises, London ensures a memorable experience for all. It is a city that should be explored at least once in your lifetime.