A Guide To London and Its Surrounding Attractions

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It’s a vibrant, modern metropolis that is brimming with culture, history, and excitement. It’s home to some of the world’s best museums, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. There’s something for everyone in London, and it’s a great destination for tourists of all ages.

London has been a center of commerce, culture, and politics since the time of the Romans. Over the centuries, it has grown into a truly global city, with people from around the world coming to visit, work, and live in London. Today, it’s an incredibly popular destination for tourists. Whether you’re looking for historical sights, modern attractions, or just a great place to visit and explore, London has something for everyone.

London is famous for its iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. These are all must-sees for any visitor to London. In addition to these famous attractions, there are plenty of other lesser-known sights to explore in the city. From the bustling markets of Camden and Portobello Road to the stunning green spaces of Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to the sights in central London, there are some incredible attractions to be found in the surrounding areas. From beautiful parks and nature reserves to fascinating historical sites and even day trips further afield, there are plenty of things to do just outside of London. Here are some of our top picks for attractions near London.

Kew Gardens

One of the most popular attractions near London is Kew Gardens. Located just outside central London in Richmond upon Thames, Kew Gardens has been open since 1759 and is home to an impressive collection of plants from around the world. The gardens cover an impressive 121 hectares (300 acres), making them one of the largest collections of plants in the world. Within the gardens you can find some incredible sights such as the Palm House, Temperate House, Great Pagoda, and the iconic Treetop Walkway. The gardens are a great place to explore and take in some beautiful nature.

Hampton Court Palace

Just a short train ride away from central London lies Hampton Court Palace. This stunning palace was originally built in 1514 as a Tudor residence for Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal and Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII. Today, it is one of Britain’s most popular tourist attractions and has been open to the public since the 18th century. You can explore the palace’s many rooms, take a tour of the grounds or even take part in one of the many events throughout the year such as the Hampton Court Flower Show or the Tudor Food Festival.

Windsor Castle

Another popular attraction near London is Windsor Castle. This majestic castle is located just outside London in Berkshire and is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. It was originally built in 1066 by William the Conqueror and has been the home of British royalty ever since. Inside Windsor Castle you can explore the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House which is a miniature royal palace filled with tiny treasures.

Oxford

Oxford is one of England’s most famous cities and is located just an hour away from London by train. It’s home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities such as Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University. The city is full of incredible historical sites such as Christ Church College, The Radcliffe Camera, and The Ashmolean Museum. In addition to its rich history, Oxford also has plenty of modern attractions such as the modern shopping centre at Westgate Oxford and Oxford Castle Quarter which is home to many shops and restaurants.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of Britain’s most mysterious and fascinating sites and is located just two hours away from London by car or train. This prehistoric monument consists of a series of standing stones which were erected over 4000 years ago. The site is steeped in mystery and it’s still unknown why it was built or what its purpose was. Today it remains one of Britain’s most popular tourist attractions with visitors from around the world coming to marvel at this incredible structure set in stunning Wiltshire countryside.

Greenwich

Greenwich is a beautiful borough located on the banks of the River Thames just east of central London. This area has a long history with notable sites such as the Royal Observatory Greenwich which is home to the Prime Meridian Line marking 0 degrees longitude. The area is also home to other historic attractions such as the Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark and Greenwich Market where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs.

Popular Tours

If you’re looking for something even more special on your trip to London then why not book a tour? Here are two popular tours that will give you a unique experience while exploring some of London’s most iconic attractions:

The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour

The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour takes you to some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square. You’ll also get to explore some of London’s lesser-known gems such as Chelsea Harbour, Covent Garden and Leicester Square. Along the way you’ll learn about each landmark from your knowledgeable guide and have plenty of opportunities to take photos. This tour will allow you to make the most out of your time in London and see the city like never before. Book The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour here.

The Harry Potter Tour

For Harry Potter fans, this tour is an absolute must! You’ll start your magical journey at King’s Cross Station where you can have your photo taken by Platform 9 ¾ before heading off to explore some amazing filming locations including Leadenhall Market, Diagon Alley and The Leaky Cauldron. You’ll get to learn all about how these locations were used in the films from your knowledgeable guide before ending your tour at Platform 9 ¾ for another photo opportunity! Book The Harry Potter Tour here.

No matter what type of experience you’re looking for on your trip to London, there’s something for everyone near this incredible city! From beautiful gardens to mysterious stone circles and everything in between, there are plenty of incredible attractions near London that are sure to make your trip even more special.