12 Ways to Explore London, England, UK

There are several ways to explore London including day trips, weekends and layovers. It’s a city that never gets old visiting and I could explore London a hundred times and not see everything!

Visiting London is one of the major cities to explore in the world. It’s home to the Queen, international airports to the rest of the world, a blend of history and urban-life and some of the most iconic landmarks in the UK.

I’ve documented the ways I’ve explored London in this article through the pictures over the years. They are great recommendations to explore London for your trip too!

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1. The West End

My favourite thing in London is the West End, home of the great musicals and plays! I’ve explored London through watching musicals such as The Lion King and plays such as The Woman in Black. This is an unmissable attraction when exploring London!

Want to see Phantom of the Opera? Stay near Her Majesty’s Theatre. Or for The Lion King, find hotels near Lyceum Theatre. Look for places to stay near Apollo Victoria Theatre for Wicked.

2. Museums of London

Museums are perfect for culture vultures like me and art lovers like you and it’s a common way of how I’ve explored London. Here’s a list of the Museums of London.

For the best options, go for the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, London Transport Museum, Charles Dickens Museum or Natural History Museum!

Find accommodation near the Museums.

3. 51st State Festival

A different way I’ve explored London is by going to a local music festival. 51st State Festival is held every August in Enfield, London with House and roots of House music playing all day.

It’s a great way to experience local London.

Need Inspiration for London? Read these London travel quotes!

4. O2 Arena or Wembley

Of course, the o2 arena is the hub for huge musicians to do gigs/concerts for 20,000 people in the UK’s capital city.

How about Wembley that holds 90,000 people for the best sports events in UK?

If you’re visiting the o2 Arena, it’s best to stay nearby because afterwards the roads/ public transport are very busy.

5. London Eye

For around £40, you can get a place riding the London Eye with fabulous views of London city. The London Eye is a central place to stay in London, check out this guide to cheap hotels near London Eye.

6. London Markets

I love a proper London Market, makes me feel like I’m Winston from Eastenders! These are the spots to spend all your bees and honey 😉 (If you don’t know that means, see here).

My favourite place to go is definitely Camden Market, the interior is gorgeous and quirky souvenirs to buy (plus the surrounding pubs are novelty, once used by the likes of Amy Winehouse!). From Camden, Primrose Hill is a great walk to see the best skyline views of London.

There’s Borough, Greenwich, Shepherds Bush, Brixton, Covent Garden to name a few.

Read Next: Exploring Street Food Market in Berlin, Germany

7. London Monuments

The ultimate way to explore London has to be visiting Big Ben and Parliament building, surely?

These iconic establishments are synonymous with London and why come to the big smoke without a picture of these famous London landmarks.

Stay near Westminster for walkable distances to Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

8. Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland

As all major cities are, London is magical at Christmas! Hyde Park is 350 acres in size and Winter Wonderland at Christmas takes over the space with rides, ice skating, food and drink huts as well as Christmas gift stalls.

Find Accommodation near Hyde Park

9. London Shopping

Shopping and spending in the UK’s Capital? Of course, it’s incredible! Where to start with places in London to shop?

• Westfields
• Harrods
• Covent Garden
• Selfridges
• Carnaby
• Famed Oxford Street – Stay near Oxford Street for great shopping options!
• High-end Mayfair

10. Ways To Explore London in Pubs and Food

One of the popular ways I’ve explored London is through its many, many pubs and famous nightlife. I’ve spent weekends in areas such as Camden, Finsbury, Euston and Shepherds Bush.

Having a pint in a fine British establishment like a local pub is a must-do on your London bucket list! And round it off nicely with some pub-grub. Hopefully, it’s a Sunday so you can enjoy the staple part of British Culture: A Roast Dinner ;).

Not only is the pub life great in London but you can make quirky London brunch part of your weekend and find cuisine from all over the world for dinner.

A famous London eating place would be Dishoom. The blend of tasty food with impressive interior is a great eating experience in London. I went to Dishoom King’s Cross.

11. Harry Potter

The Warner Brothers Studios are found in Watford, London and is the real-life place where the Harry Potter’s were filmed! It’s now a major tourist attraction in London for fans of the films and what a way to explore London!

A ticket for a pass to the wizarding world is around £50 but if you love the films, the price is nothing compared with the experience you have! Try some butter beer, view the actual props, learn more about filming and walk down Diagon Alley!

If you want more Harry Potter movie locations, head to Kings Cross Station for a picture opportunity with the trolley on Platform 9 and 3/4! Why not plan your Harry Potter excursions ahead like Dobby’s Grave in Wales or go Stateside and plan your Harry Potter World Vacation!

Find somewhere to stay near Harry Potter.

12. Buckingham Palace

Being from Cardiff and regularly taking the Megabus to London, I usually arrive in Victoria Station which is very close to Buckingham Palace. I’ve popped past a few times to try and catch a glimpse of the Windsors but to no avail …

That’s right, we don’t all know the Queen! 😉

I have watched the Trooping of Colours outside the palace and have always seen people attempting to make the guards laugh. Have a go!

Find somewhere to stay near Buckingham Palace.

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• Checking In: Taunton Log Cabin, England
• Gavin & Stacey Guide to Filming Locations
• West Wales Weekend Itinerary
• Phrases You Only Hear in South Wales
• When to Visit Wales

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