Home > Adults > England > London > Student Guide > Discover London

Discover London

London is world famous for its architecture, history and traditions, but it is also a multicultural city full of ideas, entertainment and an astonishing range of things to do. From the tourist must-sees of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye, to some of the most important museums and art galleries in the world, and finishing with top class restaurants, night clubs and theatres, London really can claim to ‘have it all’.

The city of London (and the City)

The size of London surprises many people - the City of London is officially one square mile (2.6 sq. km), but the city of greater London covers a vast 660 square miles (1,700 sq. km). Within that area are 32 boroughs, all within easy reach of the centre and each with its own character.

It would be impossible to describe all London’s attractions here: the city has some of the most famous sights in the whole world, but also an almost endless variety of less-well-known locations. Old streets, historic churches and grand state buildings contrast with cutting-edge (and controversial) modern architecture. Prestigious old museums compete with funky modern attractions such as the London Eye and the Tate Modern gallery. Centuries of tradition, from the uniformed guards outside Buckingham Palace to the ‘mother of all Parliaments’ beneath the chimes of Big Ben, are to be found in one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Top Ten

You can find lots of information about London at www.visitlondon.com, including audio podcasts, guides and travel maps. As a taste of London, Visit London lists the following as the Top 10 most popular attractions in London:

 

British Museum

The imposing British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from all around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase.
 

Tate Modern

The impressive Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and installations.
 

National Gallery

The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
 

Natural History Museum

As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Don't miss the life-sized model of the Blue Whale, the 40 million year old spider, the earthquake simulator and an elephant bird egg. Plus the new Darwin Centre opened in September 2009.
 

The London Eye

The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
 

Science Museum

See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years at the largest museum of its kind in the world. The Science Museum has over 40 galleries and 2000 hands-on exhibits, step into the future in the Wellcome Wing, visit the IMAX cinema and virtual reality simulator.
 

The Victoria & Albert Museum

The V&A celebrates all things art and design, and is home to 3,000 years worth of amazing artefacts from many of the world's richest cultures. See their amazing collection of ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.
 

Madame Tussauds

At Madame Tussauds, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Britney you'll meet influential figures from showbiz, sport, politics and even Royalty. Sing along with Kylie; strike a penalty with Rooney or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
 

The Tower of London

Take a guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.
 

National Maritime Museum

One of the greatest maritime museums of the world containing models, displays, paintings and trophies from every continent of the world.

London's Boroughs

Each of London's boroughs has a different character and feel, and often by going outside the centre of the city you will be surprised by the interesting things you will find.

 

Greenwich

Greenwich, southeast of central London, on the banks of the Thames, is packed with splendid architecture.

Quaint, village-like and boasting the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich has been on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites since 1997.

Also, ever since it was decided to make Greenwich the prime meridian of longitude in 1884, Greenwich Mean Time has dictated how clocks and watches around the globe are set.

Places to go and see:

  • Royal Observatory & Peter Harrison Planetarium DLR: Cutty Sark
  • National Maritime Museum DLR: Cutty Sark
  • O2 Arena (formerly the Millennium Dome) Tube: North Greenwich
  • Old Royal Naval College DLR: Cutty Sark
  • Queen’s House - Art Gallery DLR: Cutty Sark
  • Ranger’s House - Art Gallery DLR: Cutty Sark
  • Cutty Sark - the last of the great ‘clipper’ ships to sail between China and England right into the 20th century DLR: Cutty Sark
  • Fan Museum DLR: Cutty Sark
  • Greenwich Park - one of London’s largest parks DLR: Cutty Sark

 

Hampton

You find Hampton out in London’s southwestern outskirts, close to Twickenham. It is famous for the wonderful Hampton Court Palace and its 1100-acre (445-hectare) Bushy Park.

Explore London’s most spectacular Tudor palace - the 16th-century Hampton Court Palace with spectacular gardens complete with a 300-year-old maze. This is one of the most interesting days out London has to offer and should not be missed by anyone who is interested in British history. Rail and Bus: Hampton Court

Kensington

Kensington High Street dominates Kensington itself with a lively blend of upmarket boutiques and chain stores. North of here is Holland Park, a residential area of elegant town houses built around a wooded park.

Places to go and see:

  • Victoria & Albert Museum - collection of decorative art and design. Tube:South Kensington
  • Natural History Museum. Tube: South Kensington
  • Science Museum. Tube: South Kensington
  • Kensington Palace - the former residence of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Tube: High Street Kensington
  • Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens. Tube: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner
  • Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Tube: South Kensington
  • Speaker’s Corner (Marble Arch). Tube: Marble Arch
  • Brompton Oratory - Roman Catholic church in Italian baroque style. Tube:South Kensington

Kew

Kew is associated with World-Heritage-listed Botanic Gardens, boasting one of the world’s finest plant collections in Kew Gardens. This smart Southwest London suburb is also a pleasant place for idle wanderers - don’t miss watching a cricket match played on central Kew Green in summer. Tube and Rail: Kew Gardens

Richmond

Richmond, with its delightful green and riverside vistas, could be described as a village. Centuries of history, stunning Georgian architecture and the curve of the Thames, Richmond is home to ageing rock stars and city high-flyers alike.

Places to go and see (all Tube, Rail, Bus: Richmond):

  • Richmond Park
  • Richmond Green
  • Richmond Bridge
  • Petersham Meadows
  • Richmond Hill
  • St Peter’s Church - Norman church
  • Ham House Bus: Ham House
  • Royal British Legion Poppy Factory

 

Teddington

Teddington is a suburban area in the borough of Richmond upon Thames on the north bank of the River Thames, between Hampton Wick and Twickenham. It stretches inland from the River Thames to Bushy Park and is notable for Teddington Lock - the longest (200m) lock on the River Thames, which marks the upstream limit of tides (hence the name - “Tide End Town”).

Twickenham

Twickenham is the home of rugby and here you will find one of the few museums in the world devoted to the sport.

Places to go and see:

  • Museum of Rugby. Bus: 261/681Rugby Rd
  • Twickenham Stadium. Bus: 261/681Rugby Rd
  • Marble Hill House. Bus: R68 Crown Road

 

Westminster & City of London

The ancient streets of the City are some of London’s most fascinating. The Square Mile occupies almost exactly the same patch of land around which the Romans first constructed a defensive wall almost two millennia ago. The tiny backstreets and ancient churches are juxtaposed with skyscrapers and office blocks as this is the home of London’s stock exchange, the Bank of England and numerous other financial institutions. The centre is St Paul’s Cathedral. To the east is Tower Hill, home to the world-famous Tower of London and the iconic Tower Bridge.

Places to go and see:

  • Westminster Abbey - Britain’s finest mediaeval church. Tube: Westminster
  • Houses of Parliament. Tube: Westminster
  • Horse Guards Parade. Tube: Charing Cross
  • No 10 Downing Street - official home of the British Prime Minister. Tube: Westminster

 

Wimbledon

Places to go and see (all Tube & Rail: Wimbledon):

  • Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
  • Buddhapadopa Temple - authentic Thai temple
  • Wimbledon Common

 

Camden

Camden is much reviled among Londoners for its touristy market, but outside of the Lock and away from Camden High Street the area is a wonderful place full of bars, restaurants and some great architecture. Be sure to go and discover Camden Market and the Jewish Museum. Tube: Camden Town