Top Five Great Things to Do in London
Here are my top five great things to do in London.
5. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is to London what Central Park is to New York. This Royal park located in the heart of London is 350 acres. Activities possible at Hyde Park in London include horseback riding, swimming, tennis, rowing, picnicking and much more.
If you are interested in horseback riding at Hyde Park, you will need to contact a local stable to arrange use of a horse. There are two designated trails and an area for horseback riding at Hyde Park. From London or your home, you can call +44 (0)20 7298 2100 to get more details about local stables.
4. British Museum
The British Museum is one of those great museums that is a must-see when visiting London. And it’s even better since it boasts free admission (although some special exhibits so have admissions charges).
The British Museum is home to some great artifacts and artwork, such as the Rosetta Stone. The Rosetta Stone is a large tablet with writing in Egyptian, Greek and Hieroglyphics. Scholars were able to use the Rosetta Stone to decipher Hieroglyphics by comparing with the other languages – Greek in particular. This is a London attraction that deserves time to explore. Plan on spending a minimum of a few hours.
3. Harrods
If you only visit one store in London, Harrods has to be it.
This massive department store in the Knightsbridge area of London carries everything from gourmet food to designer clothes to furniture to sporting equipment. Harrods sells everything, including the Harrods line of signature products such as tote bags and aprons. You could literally spend hours in the Harrods store, exploring the six levels, and still not see everything.
If you go while in London, go with a plan and intend to spend several hours exploring Harrods. Be sure to check out the toy department as well which is a must see and often has outrageous high-ticket items.
Harrods is open daily.
2. The Theatre District
London has a magnificent theatre district where amazing plays dazzle viewers nightly. If you enjoy theatre, then the London Theatre District is the place to see it. In the theatre district are several well known theatres and performance groups such as the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Tickets can be purchased the day of the show, though the newer and tickets to more popular plays in the London Theatre District are more difficult to come by. If you know when you will be visiting London, then it’s a good idea to try to purchase tickets for a play in the theatre district ahead of time online or over the phone for better seats and more choice.
1. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Home to the Queen, Buckingham Palace in London is a magnificent structure deeply rooted in British History. State rooms at Buckingham Palace are available for public viewing in August and September, so if you are there at that time, you’ve got to check it out from the inside.
The Queen’s Gallery is also open at various times of the year. To purchase tickets or see what’s available when you will be there, visit The Royal Collection website.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which is really much ceremonial pomp and circumstance with a marching band and structured walking, is also very interesting to see. From April through June it is scheduled to happen daily, though it is sometimes cancelled for various reasons such as inclement weather and holidays. The rest of the year the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place (usually) every other day. It begins at 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit the www.changing-the-guard.com.
