London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a popular tourist destination with over twenty million tourists visiting every year. This city is famous worldwide for its fashion boutiques, cuisine, and shopping. When it comes to fun things to do in London, the list never falls short. You can either go paddle boating at Hyde Park or ride on the giant Ferris wheel. Indulge in the nightlife at Shoreditch, cruise down the Thames River, visit the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum at Piccadilly Circus, shop at Oxford Street, or visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Baker Street. Take a stroll in the various parks or watch shows at the performing art venues. This bustling capital of Britain offers something for everyone: whether you are a shopaholic, adventurist, food lover, or history buff, there is no dearth of choices for you in London.
One of the most iconic attractions in London is the London Eye. Located on London’s Southbank, the London Eye is the tallest cantilever wheel in the London sky. The wheel has thirty-two air-conditioned capsules offering a 360o view of the city. Experience thirty minutes of enjoyment as you witness the remarkable landmarks from your glass capsule, including the Buckingham Palace, the House of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and more. Many of London’s tourist attractions are around here, and there are plenty of things to do near the London Eye. Let us look at the Top 10 things to do near London Eye.
Top 10 things to do near London Eye
Climb the Dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral on Ludgate Hill is a religious center and an architectural gem attracting many tourists. After being destroyed four times, the magnificent dome in the current cathedral designed by Christopher Wren is the most beautiful dome in the world at 366 feet high. The cathedral hosts state weddings, celebrations, and funerals. Admire the Baroque design of the cathedral, and the interior design takes inspiration from the dome of the Pantheon in Rome. The whispering gallery in the cathedral is the main attraction where even the slightest whisper is transmitted across. It is the burial memorial place of Florence Nightingale, St. Paul, William Blake, Sir Alexander Fleming, and many more.
Admire Art at The British Museum
The British Museum is a treasure trove of some of the world’s most noted antiquities. It is a museum dedicated to art, culture, and human history. There are more than eight million artifacts in the museum, from Mesopotamian objects from Babylonia, China, Europe, and Assyria to exhibits like Parthenon sculptures, Elgin Marbles, Sophilos Vase, and Egyptian mummies, bust of Ramesses II, and the Rosetta Stone. The British Museum is a must-visit place and a history buff’s dream come true because it contains millions of artifacts. The shop at the British Museum is a gift shop selling replicas of works in the museum, books, souvenirs, and picture postcards. Entry to the British Museum is free of cost.
Cruise along the River Thames
Set to sail on the River Thames with the London Eye River Cruise. The forty minutes’ cruise will take you along the River Thames, where you can see the most famous landmarks of London city such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, etc. The captains provide informative commentary about the history of this fascinating city. There is an option to sit in comfortable indoor saloons or spacious upper deck from where you can get panoramic views of the sights. You can enjoy your afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner as per your time. With beautiful sights of London city, stellar service, beautiful interiors, captivating live music, and delicious food and drinks, the river cruise along the River Thames is sure to be an experience to cherish forever.
Experience Horror at The London Dungeon
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Explore the sinister side of London’s history on a trip to the London Dungeons. There are two rides and nineteen interactive shows performed by twenty actors. These talented actors give live performances showcasing the dark history of London, such as the Black Plaque attack and the great fire of London. You can get a glimpse into the torture chamber of 1605 and the courtroom of the eighteenth century. The rides in the London Dungeons are full of fun, thrill, and very scary. At the end of the tour, visitors can cool off at the tavern, a pub offering drinks and beverages to visitors with live music playing in the background.
Explore the Marine Life at Sea Life London Aquarium
A twenty-second walk from the London Eye is the Sea Life London Aquarium. It is home to over five thousand creatures. Explore the zones like the Shark Walk, Ray Lagoon, Atlantic Coasts, Open Oceans, Rockpool, Ocean Tunnel, Rainforest Adventure, Ship Wreck, and Penguin Point. Come face to face with tiny sea turtles, giant sharks, clownfish, anemones, cavefish, piranhas, penguins, jellyfish, starfish, seahorses, crabs, poison dart frogs, and dolphins. To experience the thrill, you can dive and snorkel with the sharks and view the coral reefs. The educational tour and talks by experts will provide kids with some interesting facts and an insight into the magical underwater world.
Get Captivated by the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben, known as the Palace of Westminster, is the most famous landmark in London. This palace has been the royal residence for nearly five hundred years. The gothic-style Houses of Parliament of today were reconstructed after a blaze gutted the original Palace of Westminster in the nineteenth century. You can watch debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords for free. Big Ben, located in the 96-meter-tall tower, was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to commemorate Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee. It is a distinct feature of London’s skyline. After you climb the 399 steps to the Ayrton Light at the top of the tower, you are rewarded with spectacular views.
Enjoy Plays at the Shakespeare’s Globe Theater
The Shakespeare Globe theater is an identical reconstruction of the original building rebuilt by American director Sam Wanamaker along the banks of the River Thames. The circular structure in the theater is made of wooden bays, the roof is thatched, and the walls are out of lime plaster. The forty-minute guided tour of the Globe Theater will provide insight into the great legend William Shakespeare, his works, and how life was way back in 1599. You can attend shows at the hallowed theater, where every week, there are performances from Shakespeare’s plays. If you are lucky, you will get to see the legendary show, Romeo and Juliet.
Get Fascinated by the Churchill War Rooms
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Get fascinated by the secret bunker of Winston Churchill, where he plotted Hitler’s downfall and the route to victory during the Second World War. The free audio guide of the tour in Churchill War Rooms provides insights into Churchill’s testimonials of men and women who risked their lives during the war and his speeches. You can visit the Map Room, Cabinet Room, and Transatlantic Telephone Room. Find details about Churchill’s lonely childhood, military career, leadership, and legacy in the Churchill Museum. The museum also features artifacts from Churchill’s personal life and a Remington typewriter.
Walk the Halls at Westminster Abbey
The Westminster Abbey is the crowning jewel of the Westminster in London, officially known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster. A site for royal coronation and burial, it is here where Queen Elizabeth got married to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. This place later became the venue for the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. And the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. There are more than six hundred memorials in the Nave, including the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and the Poets Corner in the Transepts, having memorials of Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, Rudyard Kipling, and Charles Dickens.
Wander around the Jubilee Gardens
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The Jubilee Gardens is situated next to the London Eye. It is a riverside park between the County Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. A promenade for the Festival of Britain in 1951, it was later retained as a public open space even when the festival got over. A lovely spot of greenery where you can breathe fresh air, enjoy a picnic or relax by reading a book. The gardens have granite pathways, flower beds, and a playground. There are four access points, two on the Queen’s Walk near the London Eye and two on the opposite side of Belvedere Road. All the access points lead to the circular path around the garden.
With so many interesting things to do and tourist attractions, it is no wonder that London is the most visited city in the world. The best time to visit London is from March to May when the temperatures are mild. The parks are green and blooming. So what is stopping you from planning a trip to this wonderful city! All you need to do is apply for your UK visa or UK Tourist visa and get charmed with the city’s modern plus old-world charm.