Discover the must-see sights just a short distance from London, where culture, history, and scenic beauty all coexist together. This list of the best places to visit close to London includes attractions for all tastes, from famous sites to serene rural getaways and quaint little towns. Explore the hidden treasures that lie outside the busy city limits for an amazing day trip or a weekend full of joy and discovery. Let these local gems, which range from tranquil gardens to historic castles, enthrall your senses and serve as inspiration for your next journey.
Westminster Abbey Tours and Tickets
One of the most important historical sites in London is Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a history spanning more than a millennium. The Gothic chapel gained notoriety for hosting high-profile royal family events, including Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, Princess Diana’s funeral, and the coronation of the Queen.
Henry III, who gave the order to demolish the royal palace and monastery of Edward the Confessor and establish the church as we know it today, did so in the thirteenth century. A new Gothic cathedral was erected in its stead, and it was dedicated in 1269. The King of England subsequently ordered that Westminster Abbey serve as the location for kings’ coronations and interment. – regal tombs Currently, 30 monarchs as well as illustrious historical characters including Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Geoffrey Chaucer are among the nearly 3,000 persons interred or remembered at Westminster Abbey. Possibly the most well-known piece of furniture in the entire world is the Coronation Chair found in St. George’s Chapel.
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Tours and Tickets to Experience Buckingham Palace
One of the few operational royal palaces in the world, Buckingham Palace has been the official residence and administrative center of the British royal family since the 19th century. Only in the summer is the interior open to the public, but for those who make the trip, it is well worth it.
One of London’s most popular sights, the Buckingham Palace State Rooms are only open for a few weeks each summer. Make sure you have advance admission, then prepare to go behind the scenes. Explore the areas of the palace that the King utilized for official business, get additional information from your audio tour, and take in the works of art that are owned by the Royal Collection Trust. The exquisite stables of Buckingham Palace, known as the Royal Mews, are another upgrade option. Take advantage of this unique chance to visit the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace. Take a look at its past with the nine-language audio guide. Explore hundreds of works of art from the Royal Collection Trust. Upgrade to see the Gold State Coach and the Royal Mews
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Royal Observatory Greenwich Tours and Tickets
One of London’s most important historical sites is the Royal Observatory Greenwich, which is billed as the location of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time. The observatory, which is a component of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed in the 17th century by renowned architect Christopher Wren. Today, it holds one of the biggest telescopes in the UK, a planetarium, and antique navigational aids.
Great for history fans, families, and lovers of architecture, the Royal Observatory Greenwich is a sight to behold. A visit to Flamsteed House and the Octagon Room, the observatory’s oldest sections, interactive exhibitions teaching visitors about British history in the 17th century, and a planetarium show featuring celestial objects are just a few of the activities available to visitors. To truly experience a visit, one must cross the Meridian Line and stand in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres at the same time.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich also features on a number of London tours and sightseeing itineraries. You can purchase admission (or a Royal Museums Greenwich day pass) online in advance to make exploring simple, see it as part of a Greenwich walking tour, or even glimpse it from the Thames on a river tour.
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Houses of Parliament & Big Ben Tours and Tickets
Big Ben, the famous clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, which is also formally called Elizabeth Tower in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II, is one of the most distinctive monuments in central London. Big Ben, a prominent feature of the Thames riverfront that symbolizes the political hub of Great Britain, is flanked by the historic Palace of Westminster, which is home to the Houses of Parliament.
To really appreciate the size of the 315-foot (96-meter) clock tower and to avoid the crowds around it, it is better to view Big Ben from a distance. Choosing to go on a Thames River cruise or ride the neighboring London Eye are popular ways to view the clock. On the other hand, city tours of London, whether taken on foot or via hop-on/hop-off buses, usually include a stop at Big Ben in addition to Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
Take an official tour or observe a discussion from the public galleries if you want to visit the Houses of Parliament. Only citizens of the UK are able to access Big Ben.
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London Eye Tours and Tickets
The London Eye’s unique location on the Thames River riverfront, across from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, provides panoramic views of iconic central London monuments. Constructed to commemorate the millennium in 2000, the 443-foot-tall (135-meter) Ferris wheel has grown to become one of the most well-liked paid tourist destinations in the UK.
Lastminute.com is one of the most well-known and popular attractions in London. Millions of people visit the London Eye each year. When you purchase your tickets in advance, you may avoid any hassles related to sightseeing and guarantee your entry before you depart. Once there, enter a spacious, air-conditioned capsule and soar through the heavens. The Lastminute.com At 443 feet (135 meters) high, the London Eye provides breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and other important sites. Select a time window that best fits your sightseeing itinerary. Ensure that you get admitted ahead of time to avoid any travel inconveniences. Savor expansive vistas of London and identify its most notable sights from above.
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Changing of the Guard Tours and Tickets
A centuries-old custom, the Changing of the Guard signifies the formal shift change of the King’s guards at Buckingham Palace, known as the Household Regiment. This ceremony, one of the most well-known events in the world and a must-do in London offers guests the opportunity to see the majesty of a royal march. The guards put on a spectacle not to be missed, embodying traditional British majesty in their trademark red jackets and bearskin helmets.
One of the most famous sights in London is the Changing of the Guard, a spectacle of pomp and ceremony in which the Royal Guard marches towards Buckingham Palace. Take a guided walking tour to witness this historic ceremony and learn which regiment is whose. After the ceremony, take a sightseeing stroll past Westminster Abbey, St. James’s Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Witness a quintessential London tradition—the Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard A live guide will teach you about the various regiments that serve the King. Explore regal sites such as St. James’s Palace and Westminster Abbey. Take iconic pictures of Big Ben, the prominent clock tower in Parliament.
