City breaks in London
This sprawling metropolis is a treasure trove of culinary delights, cultural landmarks and historical sites - it’s hardly surprising that London is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. From the majesty of Buckingham Palace to the vibrant atmosphere of Notting Hill, there’s so much to explore here, whether you’re enjoying a well-earned holiday or just passing through.
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Top sights in London
London is bursting with postcard-worthy landmarks which are must-sees if it’s your first trip to the city, such as:
- The London Eye
- Buckingham Palace
- The Tower of London
- Big Ben
The city’s numerous museums and galleries are also well-worth a visit and the majority are free to enter! Make sure that you check online beforehand because for some museums and galleries you need to reserve your free tickets in advance. Some of London’s most popular museums and galleries include:
- The British Museum
- The Natural History Museum
- The National Gallery
- The Tate Modern
Filming locations you can visit in London
London serves as the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows so it’s the perfect opportunity to walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters and explore the city at the same time!
There are Harry Potter filming locations dotted all around London, such as platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross station. The station actually makes an announcement for the Hogwarts Express and puts the Hogsmeade-bound train on the departure boards once a year on 1st September. One of the other locations seen in a particularly dramatic scene is the Millennium Bridge which is in the City of London. In the films, the bridge is destroyed by Death Eaters. In real life, the bridge offers stunning views of Tower Bridge, the Thames and the Tate Modern. It’s also a great spot to take a picture of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Take the chance to immerse yourself in the wizarding world on your trip to London at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter™.
Greenwich Naval College is a short trip down the Thames from the City of London and has been used in both Thor: the Dark World and Les Miserables (2012). The journey to Greenwich couldn’t be easier on a river bus. RB2 (river bus 2) runs from Battersea Power Station through the centre of London past Westminster, London Bridge and the Tower of London to Greenwich. These boats are a fantastic way to see London from the river and you can use an oyster card or any other contactless card to board so there’s no need to buy a special ticket.
Shopping in London
London is rife with opportunities to engage in some retail therapy. Head to Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and the surrounding streets to find the most popular brands interspersed with chic, designer boutiques. Located just off Regent Street, Liberty’s is an intriguing spot to do some window shopping. This luxury department store is housed in a dramatic, Tudor revival building which was constructed in the 1920s and is famous for its stunning, vibrant fabrics.
Naturally, you can’t mention department stores in London without talking about Harrods in Kensington. This world-famous store welcomes countless visitors to its hallowed halls every year and is well worth a visit.
For everyone looking for pre-loved fashion, Brick Lane is well-known for its selection of vintage shops and it’s perfect for picking up some stylish, retro pieces. Why not grab a traditional bagel from down the street or bite from one of the food stalls whilst you’re there!
FAQs for city breaks in London
What are some must-sees for visiting London?
- Big Ben
- The London Eye
- Piccadilly Circus
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace