Essential Experiences in London

Promenading on South Bank: In 1957, the Thames was declared “biologically dead.” Today, it flows with life. Alongside it, as restaurants, bars, and creative developments continue to pop up, a walk along the South Bank from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge has become one of the world’s great promenades. The ever-changing perspective from Parliament to the Tower is ceaselessly inspiring.

Following in Royal Footsteps: London is where some of the most famous characters in history played their scenes. Nearly every British monarch since 1066 was crowned in Westminster Abbey. Henry VIII strutted around Hampton Court Palace, Charles I lost his head at the Banqueting House, and Queen Elizabeth resides at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. And the story continues: The future King George VII, sister Princess Charlotte, and brother Prince Louis, were diapered in Kensington Palace.

Flying High on the London Eye: Ride to the top of our generation’s contribution to London’s beloved landmarks for a far-reaching shot of the cityscape. Time your trip for early evening as the sun starts to sink and the lights come on across the metropolis. 

Climbing the Dome of St Paul’s Cathedral: Wren’s baroque masterpiece stirs emotion in everyone who lays eyes on its lead-coated wooden dome. But it’s the climb to the Golden Gallery for a 360 degree panorama that will stay with you forever. As for Wren, he was forced to add the balustrade for Queen Anne. “Ladies think nothing well without an edging,” he complained. 

Immersing Yourself in World War II: More than 70 years later, the Blitz still isn’t far from many Londoners’ minds. Dig into the power of their resistance at the superlative time capsule of the Churchill War Rooms, the immersive Museum of London Docklands, the floating military museum HMS Belfast, and the top-secret code breaking headquarters of Bletchley Park.

Taking Afternoon Tea: Look smart at Brown’s, the Goring, Fortnum & Mason, or the Langham, where the traditional tea ritual carries on as it did in Britain’s colonial heyday.

Spending an Evening at a West End Theatre: London is the theatrical capital of the world. The live stages of Theatreland around Covent Garden and Soho offer a combination of variety, accessibility, and economy—but the shows of the Fringe are where the future can be found.