Top 10 things to do in London

1. Soak up the city views from ArcelorMittal Orbit 360

Zip World London has recently reopened the site of the ArcelorMittal Orbit including the viewing platform at the top of the iconic structure. No matter the weather we can guarantee you’ll be left in awe seeing the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and beyond from above, casting your gaze 20 miles towards the horizon on a clear day! Spot multiple London landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and the O2, and enjoy an aerial view of the former London 2012 Olympic venues.

2. Experience a West End Show

London is renowned for being one of the best places to see plays and musicals at the world-famous West End theatre district. If you love your dramatic arts, then you must make sure you tick this off your list. With a constantly evolving lineup of performances from comedy to Shakespeare, there is something playing year-round.

3. Take a step back in time at the Tower of London

This one is for the history buffs among you! Unearth the history of the capital’s intriguing past at one of London oldest and most recognisable tourist attractions. The imposing Tower of London has stood since William the Conqueror and has seen a dark past holding many notable historic figures prisoner within its walls. It is now the home of the Crown Jewels and a flock of ravens, who are the guardians of the Tower.

4. Ride the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide

This adrenaline packed adventure sees you take on Helix, the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. Helix is a 178m long slide that twists and turns through 12 loops as it winds around the famous ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture. Located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the slide starts from the top of the sculpture and allows you to appreciate the majesty of the structure as you catch glimpse of the city skyline through the transparent sections of the slide.

5. Roam through the city’s many parks

Despite London being a bustling capital city, there are plenty of green spaces dotted throughout London to enjoy the wildlife and tranquillity away from the city. Richmond Park for example, is the second largest park in London and home to wild deer who freely roam the park. Regent’s Park is another well-known spot by locals’ who in the summer months, picnic and lie out under the sun. The park also offers great views of the city skyline from the top of Primrose Hill, another favourite amongst locals for watching the sunset.

6. Take a cruise on the Thames

The River Thames is an iconic element of London. The river winds through the heart of the city and past many famous landmarks. You can stroll along the river and enjoy the views but a cruise along the river allows you to gain a different perspective of the city from the water instead. Pass iconic sites such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye, to name a few. There are options of a daytime cruise or an evening cruise which will add to the spectacle as you journey down the River Thames at night.

7. Explore film locations

London has been the backdrop for many feature films over the years from the cobbled streets of Notting Hill to the cinematic backdrop of MI5 in the James Bond films. Physically walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter at King’s Cross Station or along the Millennium Bridge where many memorable film scenes have been shot. Exploring these locations allows you to see London through a different lens – quite literally. It’s a chance to combine your love of film with sightseeing as you trace the footsteps of your favourite characters and revisit scenes.

8. Sit down for a traditional afternoon tea

You can’t visit London and not sample a quintessential afternoon tea. While the British tend not to spend their days tucking into finger sandwiches and scones, it almost feels obligatory if stopping in London as they do some of the best afternoon teas in the country. For the classic experience, head to Claridge’s or the Ritz for the finest example of this afternoon delight. If you want something a little lower key and different, head to Sketch for quirkiness or hop on a traditional London bus for your classic afternoon tea bus tour.

9. Visit a palace or two

London is famed for being the home of the Royal Family in the UK which means that the city is not short of palaces to admire from afar or from the inside. Buckingham Palace is the most obvious one that comes to mind however, there are six royal palaces located in London but only three are used as royal residence: Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and Saint James’ Palace. Wonder at the majesty of these palaces as part of a guided tour or just from behind the closed gates.

10. Delve into the many museums and galleries

The British Museum is the country’s most visited attraction and is stocked full of an array of treasures from around the world including artifacts and antiquities you can’t see anywhere else. A shrine to modern and contemporary art, the Tate Modern is positioned on the edge of the River Thames and housed in the former Bankside Power Station. The galleries are full of the best examples of modern art including installations and performance art.