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Things to do in London

Widely considered the finest and most beautiful residences in the UK, London’s magnificent, historical royal palaces attract admirers from around the world. Here are just five of the best that you should visit on your next trip to the English capital.

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Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is perhaps the best-known London palace. Photo: Annapurna Mellor / Viator The Queen’s personal quarters. One of the best-known royal palaces in the world, Buckingham Palace is the primary (official) residence of the British monarch. The palace features 19 state rooms, which are open to the public for three months each summer when the queen goes to Scotland.

During the rest of the year, admire the palace and its famous balcony from behind gilded gates or stop by for the Changing of the Guard ceremony—just don’t forget to arrive well before the scheduled procession to beat the crowds.

How to visit: Experience life as a member of the British royal family on a tour of the State Rooms, or stroll through St. James’ Park to a luxury hotel for afternoon tea.

Explore Buckingham Palace

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Kensington Palace

A Queen Victoria statue presides over Kensington Palace. Photo: Alexey Fedorenko / Shutterstock The historic birthplace of Queen Victoria. Set in the heart of central London, Kensington Palace is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and was once home to Princess Diana.

In recent years the palace has become the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (as well as other lesser royals), and is perhaps most popular for its whimsical gardens and swanky Orangery.

How to visit: Stop by the Kensington Orangery for high tea, before touring Kensington Gardens. Alternatively, admire the palace on a royal parks tour.

Explore Kensington Palace

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Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace fizzes with historical appeal. Photo: Nussar / Shutterstock A peek inside Tudor London. Located on the banks of the River Thames to the southwest of central London, 16th-century Hampton Court Palace is a masterpiece of baroque and Tudor architecture.

Once King Henry VIII’s private residence, it was built to rival the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and is now best known for its medieval Great Hall, impressive hedge maze, and costumed performances.

How to visit: Take a private tour of Hampton Court Palace and learn all about the famed Haunted Gallery, as well as the palace’s former royal residents.

Explore Hampton Court Palace

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Banqueting House

A lesser-known palace with a bloody past. The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in Central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. Once part of the Palace of Whitehall—and the site of one monarch’s bloody demise—this national monument now welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites, as well as the spot where King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.

How to visit: Combine a trip to the Banqueting House with an exploration of Westminster Abbey on a private, half-day tour. There, admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.

Explore Banqueting House

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Tower of London

A lesser-known palace with a bloody past. The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in Central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. Once part of the Palace of Whitehall—and the site of one monarch’s bloody demise—this national monument now welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites, as well as the spot where King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.

How to visit: Combine a trip to the Banqueting House with an exploration of Westminster Abbey on a private, half-day tour. There, admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.

Explore the Tower of London

Tower of London Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

What’s the best way to experience Tower of London?

Should I book Tower of London tickets in advance?

We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Tower of London can get crowded. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.

How much does it cost to visit Tower of London 2022?

Currently, an entrance ticket to Tower of London costs USD 65.05. Guided Tower of London tours start around USD 65.05 per person.

More London Tours

 

Exciting Full Day Tour – See All London Sites

The day tour will start at 10.00am at Charing Cross Train Station station. I’ll start by showing you all the main attractions in London’s famous Westminster through an amazing walking tour This can be seen as an opportunity to meet new people while seeing all London sites in ONE DAY! We’ll be seeing sights such as; Trafalgar Square, Changing of the Horses Guard Parade, St James’ Palace/Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, iconic London Eye and the mighty Big Ben. Afterwards you’ll enjoy a brunch break and at a British cuisine. Afterwards we’ll explore other famous parts of London including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern Gallery, Tower of London, Millennium Bridge, Tower Bridge and London Bridge Finally, we’ll end the tour at 4.30pm with a cafe trip. On this day you’ll get a tour guide, teacher, local expert but also a new friend
See All London Sites Tour

Harry Potter Walking Tour

Step into a wonderland of wizardry on this Harry Potter walking tour. Trek through muggle-run London to visit beloved literary and cinematic landmarks such as Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, and Platform 9¾. Along the way, enjoy Harry Potter trivia, and visit famous locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s epic book series. This is a magical tour for Harry Potter fans of all ages and a great activity for family vacations in London.
Read more about London Harry Potter Walking Tour

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London

Glide by some of London’s must-see landmarks on a sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Greenwich on the Thames River. Step aboard your comfortable cruise boat at Westminster Pier and listen to the entertaining live commentary as you pass sights such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Drink in the views from the open or indoor deck, and at Greenwich, step ashore to visit attractions (own expense) such as the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum. Upgrade to include a return cruise back to Westminster.
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Shows & Performances

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

What are the best Shows & Performances in London?

What Shows & Performances in London are taking additional safety precautions?

What Shows & Performances in London are good for avoiding crowds?

These hidden gems in London may have limited interaction with crowds:

Theater Shows in London

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

What are the best Theater Shows in London?

What Theater Shows in London are taking additional safety precautions?