London Attractions

Top 28 Things to Do in London|First-Time Visitor Guide

Things to Do in London – Planning your first trip to London? This guide highlights the Top 28 must-visit attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey. Find key details such as visiting tips, map links, opening hours, and ticket information. Many of these attractions are free to enter, while others are included with the London Pass, helping you save money with some clever planning!

Other London Articles:London Travel GuideLondon Pass GuideLondon Itinerary (3-7 Days)London Transportation GuideLondon Day Trip

London Pass Purchase Link:Get Your GuideKKDAY

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Maps For Top 28 London Attractions

This map highlights London’s classic attractions (deep red camera icons), themed experiences within the city (black hearts, yellow footballs, blue music notes), central dining spots (orange fork and knife), and shopping destinations (red and black shopping bags) for fist time visitors. The map’s default language is English, but you can switch to your preferred language by clicking "Expand Map" in the top right corner!

The map is set to English by default. Simply click "Enlarge Map" in the upper-right corner to switch to your preferred language! Click on the attraction names below to view detailed descriptions, opening hours, map links, and ticket information.

History, Museums & Cultural Landmarks

  1. Buckingham Palace
  2. Westminster Abbey
  3. Big Ben And House Of Parliament
  4. The British Museum
  5. Tower Bridge
  6. Tower of London
  7. St Paul’s Cathedral
  8. The Shard
  9. King’s Cross Station
  10. Royal Observatory
  11. National Maritime Museum & Queen’s House

Special Experiences & Activities

  1. London Eye
  2. Thames River Cruise
  3. Wembley Stadium
  4. Emirates Stadium
  5. Stamford Bridge Stadium

Markets, Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

  1. Borough Market
  2. Trafalgar Square
  3. Covent Garden
  4. Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, and Piccadilly Circus
  5. Soho
  6. China Town
  7. Harrods
  8. Camden Market

Parks & Natural Attractions

  1. Hyde Park
  2. St. James’s Park
  3. Richmond Park

Things To Do in London - Buckingham Palace

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Buckingham Palace

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎|Must-see For First-time Visitors
  • Time Spent:2.5 hours (I visited in winter, and the State Rooms inside the palace were closed on that day, but I managed to secure a spot to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. A separate article with a guide to the best viewing locations will be shared later).

Attraction Highlights

Buckingham Palace is the main residence of the British monarch and hosts significant national ceremonies such as coronations, state visits, and state banquets. Originally built in 1703 as a private home for the Duke of Buckingham, it was purchased by George III in 1761 and converted into a palace, becoming the official residence of the British monarch. Key highlights of a visit include the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the state rooms open to the public during the summer.

Opening Hours

  • State Rooms Inside the Palace:
    July-August: Daily 09:30 - 19:30 (Last entry: 17:15)
    September: Daily 09:30 - 18:30 (Last entry: 16:15)
    In winter, there are sometimes special guided tours available.
  • Changing of the Guard Ceremony:
    Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11:00 AM
    Please refer to the official schedule for confirmation.

Tickets / Tours

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Things To Do in London - Westminster Abbey

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Westminster Abbey

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

Westminster Abbey, officially known as the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, is one of the most famous religious buildings in the UK, located in the heart of London. Founded in the 10th century and rebuilt by Henry III in 1245, it is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. Westminster Abbey serves as an important venue for royal events, including the coronation ceremonies and state funerals of British monarchs. Key highlights for visitors include the Coronation Chair, which has been used for the coronation of every British monarch since 1308, and Poets' Corner, a memorial dedicated to renowned literary figures.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM; Sunday: Open for worship only.

Tickets / Tours

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Things To Do in London - Big Ben And House Of Parliament

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Big Ben: Encountering Protests Calling for a Return to the EU

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 |Must-see For First-time Visitors
  • Time Spent:I’ve passed by and taken photos several times, but I haven’t had the chance to join an official guided tour yet

Attraction Highlights

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, officially known as the Palace of Westminster, are among London’s most iconic buildings. Originally constructed in the 11th century, much of the current structure is in the Gothic Revival style, rebuilt in the 19th century.

Big Ben actually refers to the large clock bell inside the clock tower, which is officially named the Elizabeth Tower. The Houses of Parliament are the home of the UK Parliament, comprising the House of Lords and the House of Commons. This location serves as the heart of political power in the United Kingdom.

Opening Hours

  • The external viewing is open all day.

Tickets / Tours

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Things To Do in London - The British Museum

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

The British Museum

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 |Must-see For First-time Visitors
  • Time Spent:4 Hours

Attraction Highlights

The British Museum, located in the heart of London, is one of the most renowned museums in the world. Established in 1753 and officially opened to the public in 1759, it houses over 8 million priceless artifacts from across the globe, encompassing various aspects of human history, culture, and art.

Key highlights include representative artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire, China, India, and other civilisations. It is recommended to reserve at least 4 hours to fully appreciate the collection.

Ka's Tips:If you use Google Maps for navigation, the map will guide you to the "back entrance" of the British Museum. Don’t worry, that’s the correct place to queue for entry. When leaving the museum, you’ll exit at the "front entrance" shown in the image above—be sure to take a photo as a memento.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Extended until 8:30 PM on Fridays)

Tickets / Tours

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Things To Do in London - Tower Bridge

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Tower Bridge

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 |Must-see For First-time Visitors
  • Time Spent:1 Hour

Attraction Highlights

Tower Bridge is an iconic bridge spanning the River Thames, and since its opening in 1894, it has become one of London's most symbolic landmarks. Designed by Welsh engineer Sir Horace Jones, the bridge combines Gothic architectural style with modern engineering techniques.

Ka's Tips:Best photo angles? Rather than sticking to one or two fixed spots, I recommend taking some time to stroll along the river to enjoy different views. Additionally, viewing from The Shard offers a completely different perspective from above.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April to September); 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (October to March).

Tickets / Tours

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Things To Do in London - Tower of London

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Tower of London

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

The Tower of London is located on the banks of the River Thames and was founded in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armoury, treasury, and zoo, and is now home to the British Crown Jewels. Additionally, the Tower of London is the site of several famous historical events, including the execution of Anne Boleyn, the wife of Henry VIII, who he pursued for years before having her executed there.

Ka's Tips:To quickly learn about the history of the "Tudor Dynasty" during the reign of the infamous King Henry VIII, you can watch the TV series of the same name.

Opening Hours

  • 09:00 – 17:30

Tickets / Tours

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Things To Do in London - St Paul’s Cathedral

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

St Paul’s Cathedral: I went just after cherry blossom season; it would have been stunning otherwise. I’ll return for better photos next time.

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:1 Hour

Attraction Highlights

St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, was built from the late 17th to early 18th century, replacing the medieval church that was destroyed in the Great Fire. Its dome is a key landmark on London’s skyline and becomes an ideal spot for photos during cherry blossom season.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Saturday: 08:30 - 16:30 (Dome climbing starts at 09:30)

Tickets / Tours

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Things To Do in London - The Shard

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

The Shard: The view from London Bridge Station.

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:About 3 hours (I had a Mid-Autumn Festival dinner here with my family and enjoyed the stunning view of Tower Bridge and the full moon together).

Attraction Highlights

The Shard, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, was completed in 2012 and is the tallest building in London, standing at 310 meters. It is named for its shard-like appearance. The building features two observation decks located on the 68th and 72nd floors, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of London and its surroundings, including the River Thames and Tower Bridge.

Ka's Tips:The Shard houses several high-end restaurants and bars, such as Aqua Shard, where diners can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the cityscape.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Summer), 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Winter)

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

 

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London Transportation Hub – King’s Cross Station

King's Cross Station: The "Betraying Your Friends" Series (I forgot to take photos without people!)

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎|If you're a Harry Potter fan, add those 2 extra Earths yourselves!
  • Time Spent:About 1 hour (I was waiting here for the train from London to Edinburgh).

Attraction Highlights

King's Cross Station is one of London's most famous railway stations, opened in 1852, serving as a vital hub for the British rail network. Its unique architectural style blends classical and modern design, making it a must-visit spot for both tourists and commuters. Renowned for its connection to the Harry Potter series, the station's Platform 9¾ attracts numerous fans who come to take photos, and there's a dedicated souvenir shop selling Harry Potter merchandise.

Opening Hours

King's Cross Station is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, but the operating hours for shops and dining facilities vary. Most shops typically operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The specific opening hours for the Platform 9¾ commemorative area and its souvenir shop are as follows:

  • Monday to Saturday:08:00 – 20:00
  • Sunday:09:00 – 20:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

 

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Things To Do In London - Royal Observatory

Royal Observatory

Royal Observatory

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and offers an in-depth journey through the history of astronomy. The Prime Meridian, located within the observatory, is a must-visit photo spot, allowing visitors to stand at the meeting point of the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

Opening Hours

  • 10:00-17:00 (Last Entry:16:30)

Tickets / Tours

  • Entry Ticket:Get Your Guide
  • Free admission to the Royal Observatory with the London Pass (official adult price £20)
  • London Pass Purchase Link:Get Your GuideKKDAY

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Things To Do In London - National Maritime Museum & Queen’s House

Queen's House

Queen's House

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:3 Hours

Attraction Highlights

The National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House are neighbouring attractions located in the Greenwich district of London.

The National Maritime Museum showcases Britain's maritime history and achievements, featuring extensive collections of naval artefacts, ship models, and exhibits on pirate culture, offering an enriching experience for visitors interested in seafaring history. Queen’s House is renowned for its elegant architecture and art collection, with the Royal Gallery displaying classic European paintings and the Tulip Stairs serving as a popular photo spot.

Opening Hours

  • 10:00-17:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

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Special Experience In London - London Eye

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

London Eye

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:A 30-minute loop, plus time for taking photos

Attraction Highlights

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the south bank of the River Thames, officially opened on March 9, 2000. At 135 metres tall and with a diameter of 120 metres, it was one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world at the time. The London Eye is an iconic landmark in London and a world-famous tourist attraction. Sponsored by British Airways, it is also known as the "Millennium Wheel."

Ka's Tips:It is recommended to use the London Pass for free access, as this is one of the highest-priced attractions included in the London Pass.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday 11:00-20:30

Tickets / Tours

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Special Experience In London - Thames River Cruise

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Thames River

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:1 Hour

Attraction Highlights

The River Thames is the longest river in the UK, flowing through the heart of London, with many famous landmarks along its banks. Boat tours typically depart from Westminster Pier and Tower Pier, offering various routes and boat options. During the journey, you can see iconic attractions such as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

Ka's Tips:If you're staying in London for more than 3 days and plan to take a day trip to Greenwich, you can choose to take the Thames River Cruise to Greenwich Pier.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (hours may vary slightly by company).

Tickets / Tours

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Special Experience In London - Wembley Stadium

wembley

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:2 Hours for the Tour, 3 Hours for the Match (in 2 occasions)

Attraction Highlights

Wembley Stadium is a symbol of English football, with a rich history and countless thrilling moments. Not only is it the home of the England national team, but it also hosts major cup finals. If you're interested in the history of football, the Wembley Stadium tour is definitely a must-see.

Opening Hours

  • Stadium Tours (Non-Match Days):
    • October to March:10:00-15:00(Last Entry)
    • April to July, & September:10:00-16:00(Last Entry)
    • August:10:00-17:00(Last Entry)

Tickets / Tours

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Special Experience In London - Emirates Stadium

arsenal

arsenal

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

Arsenal's Emirates Stadium is the home of Premier League club Arsenal. The stadium tour takes visitors through the players' changing rooms, the stadium tunnel, and even onto the pitch, making it a must-visit for Gunners fans! (Disclaimer: As a Liverpool fan myself, I dare not write too much about Arsenal's glorious history, but the stadium tour is truly excellent.)

Opening Hours

  • Stadium Tours (Non-Match Days):
    • Monday to Saturday:09:30-17:00
    • Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00

Tickets / Tours

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Special Experience In London - Stamford Bridge Stadium

chelsea

chelsea

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium is the home of Premier League club Chelsea. The stadium tour takes visitors through the players' changing rooms, the stadium tunnel, and even onto the pitch, making it a must-visit for Chelsea fans! (Disclaimer: As a Liverpool fan myself, I dare not write too much about Chelsea's glorious history, but the stadium tour is truly excellent.)

Opening Hours

  • Stadium Tours (Non-Match Days):
    • September to March:09:40-15:00
    • April to June:09:40-16:00
    • July to August:09:40-17:00

Tickets / Tours

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London's Unique Markets – Borough Market

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Borough Market: My favourite is the Spanish paella.

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 |Must-eat For First-time Visitors
  • Time Spent:2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

Borough Market has been around since the 13th century and is now a renowned food paradise in London. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, local specialities, and international cuisine. Notable highlights include fresh oysters starting from £1, Spanish paella, and truffle risotto.

Opening Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

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London's Unique Markets – Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square Christmas Market

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:1 Hour

Attraction Highlights

Trafalgar Square is named in honour of the British Navy's victory over Napoleon's forces at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Every year during the Christmas season, the square hosts a special Christmas market.

Opening Hours

  • Open All Day

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

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London's Unique Markets - Covent Garden

Covent Garden Christmas Market

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

Covent Garden, located in central London, is renowned for its vibrant market, street performers, boutique shops, and restaurants. Once a fruit and vegetable market, it has transformed into a hub of culture and entertainment. During the Christmas season, the square is adorned with a giant Christmas tree and hosts a festive market.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Saturday: 10:00-20:00
  • Sunday: 11:00-18:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

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Shopping Hotspots In London - Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, and Piccadilly Circus

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Regent Street is absolutely stunning during the Christmas season

  • Rating:🌎|Haha, just kidding! The main reason for docking 4 Earths is that this place has slowed down my path to financial freedom!
  • Time Spent:Can't be counted! Alright, seriously: 20 minutes (just kidding!).

Attraction Highlights

Oxford Street hosts hundreds of shops and is one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Regent Street is known for its elegant architecture and high-end brands, while Bond Street is a hub for luxury boutiques. Piccadilly Circus, a landmark in London, is not only a major traffic hub but also a centre for sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.

This area is often described as London’s prime shopping battleground. The streets are only a few minutes' walk from each other, and while it might sound like you can cover them all in 20 minutes, that's far from the truth!

Opening Hours

  • Shops are generally open from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Tickets / Tours

  • Free (Wait, did you misunderstand something?)

Google Maps Link

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London Dining Hotspot – Soho

soho

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:Can't be counted (I've been too many times, always for meals).

Attraction Highlights

Soho is adjacent to Chinatown, with numerous bars and nightclubs, and is also the cultural hub for London's LGBTQ+ community. During the day, its cafés and boutique shops are equally appealing.

Opening Hours

  • Most cafes and restaurants in Soho operate from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, while bars and nightclubs typically open at 8:00 PM and stay open until 2:00 AM or later.

Tickets / Tours

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London Dining Hotspot – China Town

China Town London: I miss the Queen.

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:Can't be counted (I've been too many times, always for meals).

Attraction Highlights

I don't usually recommend Chinatowns, but London is an exception. It's large, conveniently located, and if you're tired from shopping around Oxford Street, it's a great place to stop for lunch.

Opening Hours

  • Most restaurants usually operate from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

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Shopping Hotspots In London - Harrods

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

Harrods London: If you can leave without buying anything, you’ve got some serious willpower.

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:About 3 hours (quite restrained)

Attraction Highlights

Harrods, located in Kensington, London, is one of the world’s most renowned luxury department stores. Established in 1834, Harrods is famous for its opulent interior decor, top-quality products, and exceptional service.

Ka's Tips:Even if you’re not interested in high-end brands, you’ll definitely find something to buy in its Food Hall and gift department (especially during the Christmas season)! Additionally, the building’s exterior is impressive, and the festive light displays during the holiday season are perfect for taking photos.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Sunday: 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

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London's Unique Markets - Camden Market

倫敦自由行攻略 2024 - 景點美食|機票住宿|交通上網|行前準備

camden market

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:4 Hours Including Lunch

Attraction Highlights

Camden Market, located in North London, is a vibrant hub of diverse cultures, artistic creativity, and global cuisine. The market comprises several sections, including the Stables Market and Camden Lock Market, where visitors can explore a variety of handmade crafts, vintage clothing, artworks, souvenirs, and even an impressive collection of Japanese figures. Food lovers will be delighted by the array of international food stalls, offering everything from Asian delicacies and Mediterranean dishes to traditional British fare, catering to all tastes.

Opening Hours

  • 10:00-18:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

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Parks In London - Hyde Park

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

The view of the Royal Albert Hall from Hyde Park

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:It took about 2 hours to take photos of the cherry blossoms

Attraction Highlights

Hyde Park is one of the most famous and largest royal parks in central London, covering over 140 hectares. Originally a hunting ground for Henry VIII in 1536, it has been open to the public since 1637.

Ka's Tips:Every year during cherry blossom season, the cherry trees in Hyde Park offer stunning views comparable to those in Japan, attracting many Instagrammers, though it's less crowded with tourists. During the Christmas season, the park hosts one of Europe's most famous Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland, offering a variety of food, entertainment stalls, and thrilling rides, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Opening Hours

  • Daily from 5:00 AM to midnight

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

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Parks In London - St. James’s Park

Things To Do In London, First Time Visitors To London

St James Park

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:1 hour (Walk from Buckingham Palace through the park to Downing Street)

Attraction Highlights

St James's Park is one of London’s oldest royal parks, established by Henry VIII in 1532, originally as a royal hunting ground. Starting from Buckingham Palace, you can leisurely walk through St James's Park towards Downing Street, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben, and along the way, you’ll encounter many adorable animals!

Opening Hours

  • 05:00 - midnight

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

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Parks In London - Richmond Park

倫敦自由行攻略 2024 - 景點美食|機票住宿|交通上網|行前準備

Richmond Park

  • Rating:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent:3 Hours

Attraction Highlights

Before living in London, I could hardly imagine that this bustling city hides Richmond Park, the largest of the Royal Parks. Spanning around 2,500 acres, this nature reserve is home to over 600 freely roaming deer. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding here.

The scenery here resembles the African savannah. Beyond watching the deer roam freely, close your eyes and tune in to nature’s symphony—the chirping of birds, calls of wildlife, whispers of the wind, and the rustling of leaves. It feels like stepping into a live episode of the Discovery Channel.

Opening Hours

  • 07:30-20:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

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