London’s summer offers an ideal backdrop for exploring the best places to visit in London, from the iconic Buckingham Palace to hidden gems like the Soane’s Museum. As the city basks in temperatures that can soar above 30°C, visitors are encouraged to pack light, stay hydrated, and discover the myriad of london attractions, ensuring an unforgettable summer vacation.
This guide not only highlights popular landmarks such as the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament but also uncovers secret spots in London, including the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and cool places listed on Atlas Obscura London. Prepare to navigate through the city’s rich historical tapestry and contemporary marvels, making your trip to London a splendid adventure.
Buckingham Palace
![Buckingham Palace](https://enthutraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Buckingham-Palace.jpg)
Buckingham Palace stands as a beacon of royal tradition and British culture, renowned globally as the residence of the monarchy and the venue for national celebrations. During the summer, from July 11 to September 29, 2024, the State Rooms are open to the public, offering a unique glimpse into royal life.
Ticket Information
Visitors can purchase tickets in advance to access various attractions within Buckingham Palace. Here’s a breakdown of ticket pricing for different categories and experiences:
Ticket Type | Advance Price | On-the-Day Price |
---|---|---|
Adult (Standard Entry) | £61.20 | £65.70 |
Young Person (18-24) | £39.10 | £41.80 |
Child (5-17) | £30.60 | £32.80 |
Disabled | £30.60 | £32.80 |
Access Companion | Free | Free |
Under 5 | Free | Free |
Royal Day Out (includes Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery) | ||
Adult | £61.20 | £65.70 |
Young Person (18-24) | £39.10 | £41.80 |
Child (5-17) | £30.60 | £32.80 |
Disabled | £30.60 | £32.80 |
Access Companion | Free | Free |
Under 5 | Free | Free |
Buckingham Palace plus Garden Highlights Tour | ||
Adult | £47.00 | £50.00 |
Young Person (18-24) | £30.20 | £32.20 |
Child (5-17) | £23.50 | £25.00 |
Disabled | £23.50 | £25.00 |
Access Companion | Free | Free |
Under 5 | Free | Free |
Additionally, Buckingham Palace offers a guided walking tour of the Palace garden, which can be combined with a visit to the State Rooms. This combination provides a comprehensive experience of the royal grounds and interiors, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and history of one of the most iconic buildings in London.
Tower of London
![Tower of London](https://enthutraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tower-of-London.jpg)
Discover the Crown Jewels and More
Explore the storied history of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, where visitors can delve into a captivating exhibition included in the palace admission. This display, taking approximately one hour, showcases the opulence and historical significance of the jewels. For a more immersive historical experience, the Tower offers the Gunpowder Plot event from Thursdays to Sundays, providing a detailed reenactment of this infamous historical event over a span of 1 hour and 40 minutes, with separate ticketing required.
Engaging Tours and Events
Join the engaging Yeoman Warder Tours to uncover tales of pain, passion, treachery, and torture, all included in your palace admission. These tours are available throughout the day, offering insights into the Tower’s grim and gripping past. For those visiting before June 23, 2024, the Medieval Mayhem event promises fairytales and frolics, accessible with any admission ticket. Additionally, members can exclusively attend the Ceremony of the Keys, witnessing the traditional locking up of the Tower at 21:30, though advance booking is necessary.
Unique Experiences and Seasonal Activities
Partake in Armoury in Action, a hands-on experience located in the White Tower, included with palace admission. For a deeper understanding, consider the Tower of London audio guide tour, available for purchase separately. The Tower’s moat, transformed into a vibrant display of wildflowers from May 23 to September 9, 2024, offers a unique seasonal attraction included in the admission. Moreover, special after-hours tours led by Yeoman Warders provide an exclusive glimpse into the Tower’s most notorious sites, including Traitors’ Gate and the Scaffold Site.
Houses of Parliament
![Houses of Parliament](https://enthutraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Houses-of-Parliament.jpg)
Tour Overview and Accessibility
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, offers a comprehensive 90-minute guided tour that provides a deep dive into the UK’s legislative heart. Visitors can explore major areas including the Commons Chamber, Lords Chamber, and Westminster Hall—the historic site of Guy Fawkes’ trial. The tour is accessible, with ramps and assisted wheelchair access ensuring it can be enjoyed by everyone. Touch Tours are specifically available for those needing tactile exploration, and assistance dogs are welcomed.
Tickets and Booking Information
Tickets for the tour are segmented into various categories, with prices being £22.50 for adults, £19.50 for concessions, and a reduced rate of £9.50 for children. Group bookings are encouraged and can be made by contacting the dedicated groups team. For convenience and to ensure a spot due to high demand, tickets can be purchased online in advance. The tour does not include a visit to Big Ben, however, a Big Ben guide book is available for those interested in this iconic clock tower.
Additional Amenities and Services
The Houses of Parliament ensures a comfortable visit with amenities such as the Jubilee Cafe, where visitors can refresh themselves with food and drinks, and the Jubilee Shop along with the Houses of Parliament shop, which offer a variety of souvenirs and gifts. For those seeking more information or needing to plan around parliamentary schedules, customer service can be contacted via email for updates on tour availability and any schedule changes due to parliamentary sessions.
Westminster Abbey
![Westminster Abbey](https://enthutraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Westminster-Abbey.jpg)
Westminster Abbey, a cornerstone of British history, serves as the nation’s premier religious edifice, attracting over a million visitors annually. As a fully operational church, it remains closed to tourists on Sundays to facilitate worship services and may also close unexpectedly for religious ceremonies. Known for hosting every coronation since 1066 and numerous royal weddings, the Abbey stands as a symbol of the enduring British monarchy.
Visitors can explore the Abbey Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with extended hours until 6 PM on Wednesdays. Those attending for worship purposes will find the Abbey open on Sundays and religious holidays, welcoming all who wish to participate. Accessibility is facilitated by its proximity to Westminster underground station, which connects through the Circle, District, and Jubilee Lines. Additionally, hop-on, hop-off bus tours and river services offer convenient transportation options.
For those planning a visit, tickets are available for purchase online, with discounted rates for children and seniors. The Abbey provides a multilingual experience with entrance tickets that include an audio guide available in 14 languages. Furthermore, visitors can enhance their experience by opting for the Royal London Tour, which combines a visit to the Abbey with afternoon tea, or by following a self-guided walk that includes nearby landmarks such as Westminster Palace and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben). Promotions and discounts are also accessible through the London Pass, London Explorer Pass, and Merlin Annual Pass, making it a versatile and enriching historical exploration.
British Museum
![British Museum](https://enthutraveller.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/British-Museum.jpg)
Understanding Cookies at the British Museum
The British Museum enhances user experiences by utilizing various types of cookies on its website. These include necessary cookies for basic functionality, preferences cookies to remember user settings, statistics cookies that analyze how visitors interact with the site, and marketing cookies that track users across websites to provide targeted advertising. Visitors have the option to manage their cookie preferences, allowing or denying the use of their data for specific purposes.
Cookie Providers and Data Usage
The museum employs cookies from several providers such as Amazon, Appnexus, Google, Hotjar, LinkedIn, Media.net, Microsoft, Quantcast, Sketchfab, TikTok, Vimeo, WikiMedia, WordPress.com, and Zeta Global. These cookies collect diverse data points including user interactions with maps, events, geographical location, screen size, and supported technologies. Specific cookies like Microsoft’s _clck and _clsk track user navigation and behavior, contributing to statistical reports and creating heatmaps.
User Control and Data Privacy
Users can withdraw their consent and adjust their cookie settings at any time through the Cookie Declaration available on the museum’s website. Necessary cookies, which are essential for the website’s operation, do not require user consent. However, for preferences, statistics, and marketing cookies, consent can be given or withheld. The museum ensures transparency in how it processes personal data, partnering with 859 providers for various purposes including personalized ads, content performance measurement, audience insights, and product development.
FAQ’s
1. What are popular summer activities in London?
During the summer months, London offers a variety of outdoor activities including cinema screenings in iconic locations like Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and on a ferry cruising the River Thames. Rooftop events are also common throughout the city. Details about these pop-up events can typically be found online.
2. Is summer a good time to visit London?
Yes, summer is a fantastic time to visit London. The warmer weather provides an ideal climate for exploring the city’s numerous tourist attractions. Additionally, summer in London is filled with outdoor events and performances, such as open-air theatre productions, outdoor concerts, and various festivals held in the city’s parks.
3. How can visitors best enjoy summer in London?
Visitors can enjoy summer in London by attending a diverse range of outdoor events. Options include watching plays at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, enjoying street performances, viewing films on rooftops, listening to live jazz in parks, dancing at outdoor gigs, experiencing music events at Somerset House, attending Shakespeare plays at the Globe Theatre, and watching opera performances in Holland Park.
4. Is July a good month to visit London?
July is an excellent month to visit London due to the numerous exciting annual events and festivals. Whether you’re interested in music festivals like the Wireless festival, which features hip hop and rap, or sporting events like Wimbledon, there’s a wide selection of activities that cater to different interests.
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