Top Holiday Attractions in London - what to do, where to go and what to see
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If you are heading to London for a cottage holiday or self catering short break we have compiled some of the must see places and the best things to do. Whether you are looking for some family fun, visit relaxing and peaceful gardens or immerse yourself in the history and culture of London then take a look at some great ideas below.
And, if you are still to book your self catering accommodation we have listed some great London cottages and apartments close to the attractions and available direct from independent owners and leading holiday operators.
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Royal Air Force Museum, London
Attractions in London
Soar through the history of aviation for an aerodynamic day of fun. With an interactive gallery, film shows and more that 80 legendary aircraft on display, this is the place for a great family day out.
Museum of London, London
Attractions in London
Experience London as you have never seen it before. Meet the Romans, take a walk sown a Victorian street or hear a cockney tale of London life. Experience an unforgettable journey through the capital's turbulent past from prehistoric times to the present day.
Winston Churchill's Britain at War Experience, London
Attractions in London
An educational adventure about the home front of WWII Britain. Special effects and original artefacts recreate everyday life for ordinary people; the Blitz; rationing; blackouts and evacuation.
Buckingham Palace, London
Attractions in London
Take a trip around the official residence of the Royal Family with audio tours introduced by HRH Prince Charles. Enjoy a walk in the palace grounds or take part in an activity trail and catch the Changing of the Guard. Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837.
Houses of Parliament, London
Attractions in London
Take a trip through the history and politics of our country; sit on the backbenches or become a Lord. You can attend debates and watch committee hearings, tour the buildings or climb the famous Clock Tower as see Big Ben.
The British Museum, London
Attractions in London
Far more than a collection of arts and antiquities, the British Museum offers virtual tours for children of all ages, family activities and events, plus exhibitions of games and toys. A great cultural day out for the whole family.
London Dungeon, London
Attractions in London
The London Dungeon is an interactive historic horror attraction that dispenses fear and fun in equal doses. Visitors encounter The Great Fire of London, Jack the Ripper and the Judgement Day boat ride.
Sherlock Holmes Museum, London
Attractions in London
Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson lived in a Victorian lodging house at 221b Baker Street between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The museum is dedicated to the life and times of Sherlock Holmes, and the interior has been faithfully maintained for posterity exactly as described in the published stories.
Science Museum, London
Attractions in London
There are more than 40 galleries and 2,000 hands-on imaginative exhibits at this amazing museum. You can step into the future in the Wellcome Wing; change your sex, age 30 years in 30 seconds and create your own identity profile just to name a few.
Cutty Sark, London
Attractions in London
Learn more about the Cutty Sark's eventful past, or explore the museum collections which give an insight to the many stories the ship has to tell. Cutty Sark has travelled across the world, sailing under both the Red Ensign and the Portuguese flag, visiting every major port in the world through the course of her working life. In admiration of her beauty and in recognition of her fame, she was preserved for the nation by Captain Wilfred Dowman in 1922.
Stepney City Farm, London
Attractions in London
This is an urban working farm with a full range of livestock. Children and adults are given the chance to meet farm animals, learn how to grow food and try out arts and crafts.
Tower of London, London
Attractions in London
A visit to the Tower of London's 11 towers encompasses 1,000 years of history, some of it bloody. Far more than just a trip to see the Crown Jewels, there are talks, tours, holiday events and family trails.
Winston Churchills Britain at War Experience, London
Attractions in London
An educational adventure about the home front of WWII Britain. Special effects and original artefacts recreate everyday life for ordinary people; the Blitz; rationing; blackouts and evacuation.
London Zoo, London
Attractions in London
Come face to face with some of the hairiest, scariest, tallest and smallest animals on the planet. See the Animals in Action presentation and watch some of the finest flying, leaping and climbing animals showing off their skills.
Tower Bridge Exhibition, London
Attractions in London
Inside the Tower Bridge Exhibition you will learn how the world's famous bridge works and the history of its construction. Enjoy panoramic views from the walkways situated high above the River Thames and visit the original Victoria engines.
London Aquarium, London
Attractions in London
London Aquarium offers more than 350 species from oceans, lakes, rivers and streams around the world. Visitors can stand face to face with spectacular sharks in a tow-storey tank, get hands-on with a ray at the touchpool or spot animals in the coral reef.
Imperial War Museum, London
Attractions in London
Come and relive life during WWI and WWII. Walk through the trenches and share the dramatic Blitz experience, complete with the sounds and smells of London during an air raid. Find out about spies in the Secret War exhibition.
Bank of England Museum, London
Attractions in London
This museum housed within the Bank of England traces the history of the bank. Visitors can view gold bars dating from ancient to modern times, as well as coins, a unique collection of bank notes and more. Stories from the Past tells unexpected tales of the Bank, a nun, a giant and a sewer man.
Ragged School Museum, London
Attractions in London
This museum is dedicated to London's East End. On the old site of Barnardo's ragged school, the museum has a reconstructed Victorian classroom, along with exhibits on housing, education and work in the East End from the 1880s to 1900.
Globe Theatre, London
Attractions in London
This museum is an exciting, engaging introduction to the life, works and theatre of Shakespeare's time. Experience a performance in a replica Elizabethan theatre, or enjoy the interactive exhibits about Shakespeare's life.
Natural History Museum, London
Attractions in London
The Natural History Museum has hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits. Highlights include Dinosaurs; Creepy-Crawlies; Human Biology and mammals, with its unforgettable huge blue whale.
Madame Tussaud's, London
Attractions in London
Dance like a diva and take to the stage with Beyonce, Britney and Kylie, see if you can bend it like David Beckham or have a dinner date with George Clooney. Also try out as a Pop Idol, be photographed by the paparazzi, have your DNA checked and explore the galaxy.
National Gallery, London
Attractions in London
The National Gallery holds one of the finest permanent collections of Western European art. It includes all the greats and is sure to please even the most reluctant gallery-goer.
BBC Television Tour, London
Attractions in London
On this tour you will see behind the scenes of the BBC TV Centre. You may visit areas such as the News Centre, dressing rooms and studios. No two tours are ever the same. All tours must be pre-booked and visitors must be ten years and over.
London Eye, London
Attractions in London
This is one the most popular tourist attraction in London. The 443ft (135m) big wheel provides the most spectacular views of one of the biggest cities in the worlds. On a clear day you can see 25 miles in every direction from a safe and comfortable capsule.
Looking for Accommodation close to London
If you are looking to spend a short break or holiday in London there is a lot of great quality self catering accommodation, ranging from apartments and cottages to lodges and chalets, to choose from. Of course, you will also find some lovely guest houses, bed and breakfast and hotels in London. Find out more by using the links below:
- Self catering cottages and apartments in London
- Lodges in London
- Holiday parks in London
- B&B and Guest House in London
- Hotels in London
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