There are several things you shouldn’t miss if you’re planning an outstanding adventure in the capital. Culture Trip has put together a list of the best things to do in London, from following in the footsteps of the English kings and queens to floating hot tub sailing along the river.
London is a thriving cultural center with a wide variety of things to see and do. It has more than 170 intriguing museums, some of the best on the earth, as well as many galleries that house a variety of famous works of art from throughout the world. The city’s history dates back to 6000 BC, and its architecture is unparalleled, ranging from Baroque designs from the 1600s to the more abstract Art Deco of the 1920s. The city has played a significant role in the development of humanity as we know it today.
Knowing where to go and what to do in London can be difficult, so here’s Blinkscoop’s pick of the best things to do in London.
Take a historical walking tour of London
The history and architecture of London span many centuries. One street is lined with post-war high-rise buildings, while another is lined with imposing Georgian-era buildings that are stone-colored. But if you move into the center, you’ll see tall skyscrapers that pierce the skyline of the city. The city’s biggest attractions, including a 1,400-year-old cathedral, the regal Buckingham Palace, and Westminster, will all be covered on a historical walking tour in just half a day while following in the footsteps of English kings and queens.
Take a treasure hunt at the Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A, the foremost museum of art and design in the world, must be visited during any trip to London. A travel-trail treasure hunt is probably the greatest way to explore the site and all it has to offer. It contains 4.5 million artifacts that span over 5,000 years. Alongside a seasoned museum sleuth, search for a variety of travel-themed artifacts and discover fascinating facts that will provide you with hints for finding items like camel figurines from the Silk Road, which will earn you the top reward.
Learn to roller-skate like a pro
Think back to the 1970s and get ready to attend a roller-skating class to unleash your inner roller diva. While moving to classic music, follow your instructor as you learn a range of tricks and maneuvers. After the lesson, you’ll have the option to buy tickets to a roller disco where you can continue to roll around, indulge in drinks and food from the bar, and boogie the night away on wheels once you’ve nailed it and feel up to a good standard.
Indulge at Borough Market on a Secret Food Tour
There is no better location in the city to visit if you consider yourself a foodie than Borough Market. Its current location was established in 1756, however, there are rumors that it may date back a thousand years. Visit this restaurant for award-winning raclette, vintage English wine, and fresh, organic foods (ideal for stocking up for a picnic at the top of Primrose Hill). To learn more about the area, take a Secret Food Tour of London Bridge and Borough Market. Indulge in traditional British cuisine, stop by neighborhood pubs, and travel to iconic locations.
Enjoy fun and games at the British Museum
Over 2 million years’ worth of human history has been preserved and is housed in the British Museum. Exploring the museum like a treasure hunt will reveal fascinating information along the way. Your knowledgeable museum hunter will lead you through some of the most valuable artifacts in existence while imparting interesting information.
Kayak on the canal with views of the London Stadium
You may tour London’s waterways by renting paddleboards and kayaks from The Milk Float. Admire the street art everywhere you go, with Hackney Wick displaying a stunning collection of graffiti on just about any wall you come across as you cruise down the canal with views of the spectacular London Stadium (previously the Olympic Stadium). After you’ve completed kayaking, stop by Crate Brewery for a wood-fired pizza and a pint of freshly made beer. The pizza options are really inventive, with the Kashmiri dhal and Middle Eastern lamb being standouts. All beer is made on-site as well.
Wander around Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s time saw some of the best entertainment available at The Globe Theatre, a stunning Elizabethan structure. Despite the fact that the original building burned down in 1613, the current location is a flawless replacement that even incorporates some of the original timbers into the new theater. Additionally, it is the sole structure in the city with a thatched roof, which has been outlawed ever since the Great Fire of London in 1666. Purchase tickets to one of Shakespeare’s influential plays or choose an educational tour of the theater to learn about the production process.
Float down a London river in a hot tub
Try SkunaBoats if you’re looking for something wholly unique. If you’re not the designated hot-tub driver, grab a few cans of your favorite beverage and climb into the floating tub. No of the weather, you can opt to take a bath in a heated boat that is set at 38C. (100F). See the city from a completely new angle as you float past the Central London Docklands. But be prepared to draw attention because people are frequently (and reasonably) perplexed to see a floating hot tub. If you go during the height of summer, you can choose to take a barbeque boat, where you can enjoy the sunshine while cooking a feast.
Visit the Tower of London and the dazzling Crown Jewels
The Tower of London was built in 1066 as a palatial and fortified location. It is a UNESCO World Heritage monument and one of the last remaining medieval structures in existence. Explore the locations of numerous grisly executions as traveling across a rich historical chronology. View the location of the Crown Jewels, which are housed there and are thought to be worth many billion pounds. Before, envision how life was then.
Visit the Natural History Museum
A visit to London’s Natural History Museum is a need. The museum’s architecture alone makes a trip worthwhile, despite the fact that it is home to the largest natural history collection on the planet. Discover the complicated timeline of development while viewing authentic dinosaur bones and a life-size blue whale sculpture. Also free is admission to the Natural History Museum, so make sure to pick up a souvenir there. All items are manufactured sustainably with recycled and organic materials.