THE BIGGEST AND BEST LONDON BUCKET-LIST!

“FOR MY PART, I TRAVEL NOT TO GO ANYWHERE, BUT TO GO. I TRAVEL FOR TRAVEL’S SAKE. THE GREAT AFFAIR IS TO MOVE.” – ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

One of the world’s most visited cities, London has something that everyone will fall in love with. Home of Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and some of the world’s best art galleries and museums, you’ll find it very easy to lose yourself exploring this magnificent city.

It would take years to fully discover every inch of London, but if you want to make the most of your time whilst seeing, experiencing and eating your way around this incredible city, you’re going to need this ultimate travel bucket-list!

• CLIMB TO THE TOP OF ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

The panoramic views from the top of St Paul’s are worth the 550 stairs. Adult admission £18.00. Admission includes entry to the Cathedral floor, crypt and the three galleries in the dome as well as multimedia guides and guided tours.

• SELFIE WITH BIG BEN

No trip to London is a trip to London without a pic with Benny!

• RIDE THE LONDON EYE

One of London’s most famous attractions, The London Eye is a great experience! The views are incredible and if you really want to go all out, you can pay a little extra and sip Champagne in your capsule.IMAGE BY SUNSETS AND SUITCASES

• SNAP A PIC AT PLATFORM 9 ¾

One for HP fans! Be sure to head into Kings Cross Station to snap a photo with your trolley heading through to Platform 9 ¾.

• EXPERIENCE THE MAYHEM OF PICCADILLY CIRCUS

London’s own version of New York’s Time Square is Piccadilly Circus. Head in there one afternoon, pay a visit to the M&M factory, a few souvenir and novelty stalls and experience the mayhem!

• VISIT BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND WATCH THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

The changing of the guard takes places at 11:30AM daily. Be sure to get there around 11:00AM if you want a good position – it gets swamped with visitors. If you’re a Royal enthusiast, check to see if there are any guided tours available inside Buckingham Palace when you’re visiting.IMAGE BY SUNSETS AND SUITCASES

• ADMIRE THE CITY VIEWS FROM THE SHARD

Head to the observation deck of this spectacular 95-storey skyscraper to witness some incredible views over London. There’s also a great selection of restaurants and bars to choose from if you’re looking to indulge.

• WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Known as one of the world’s great churches, Westminster Abbey is a large, mainly Gothic church located close to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Will and Kate were also married here! NAAW!

• EXPERIENCE THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER

For all my fellow Harry Potter enthusiasts, a trip to Warner Brothers Studios for the Making of Harry Potter can’t be missed! Be sure to book tickets beforehand as it’s not possible to purchase on arrival.

• ABBEY ROAD CROSSING

Walk the famous ‘Beetles Crossing’ and tell your friends! There is a live feed online that friends and family can watch pack home as you’re crossing Abbey Road.

• DINNER IN CONVENT GARDENS

Home to many famous restaurants and eateries, you’ll find something to enjoy in Convent Gardens. It’s quite easy to get lost wandering through the streets and the restaurant options are endless. Everything to suit all budget types!

• HIRE A BARCLAY’S BIKE AND EXPLORE HYDE PARK

You don’t have to be in London long to notice all the Barclay’s Bikes scattered through the city. Be sure to pick one up and ride around Hyde Park. The park covers 142 hectares (350 acres), so rest assured, there is plenty to see.

• TOURIST TELEPHONE BOX PHOTO

Another photo opp you can’t miss on your visit to London. The most popular and ‘Instagram worthy’ is the telephone box located down the road from Big Ben. This way you get your telephone box AND Big Ben photo all in one.

• TRADITIONAL ENGLISH HIGH TEA

Don’t be afraid to go all out! When in London right? Some of the pricier and famous places include the Ritz and Claridge’s. If you’re after something more affordable, but still special, they do a great High Tea at Harrods.

• PICNIC ON PRIMROSE HILL

Situated in Regents Park, Primrose Hill is the luscious green oasis you’ve been yearning for. With stunning city views, be sure to take advantage on a sunny day and head up here for a picnic lunch.IMAGE BY SUNSETS AND SUITCASES

• GET LOST WANDERING CAMDEN MARKET

With over 1000 shops and stalls selling just about everything you can imagine, it’s quite easy to get lost wandering through Camden Market. There’s also a great variety of food here (including great vegan food) to tantalise your tastebuds!

• RIDE A RED DOUBLE DECKER BUS

Yes, it counts if you jump on and get off at the next stop! It’s actually cheaper to ride buses and London as opposed to the tube, but it does take longer because London traffic is horrendous!

• VISIT TOWER OF LONDON AND TOWER BRIDGE

Two of London’s most iconic attractions. Located along the Thames, the Tower Bridge can be enjoyed from any direction. You can walk across it, enjoy the view from atop it or walk further down the Thames and admire it. Same goes for the Tower of London.IMAGE BY SUNSETS AND SUITCASES

• EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH BOROUGH MARKETS

One of the largest and oldest food markets in London, Borough Markets is just the place to satisfy your taste buds with a huge range of options to suit everyone.

• SEE A SHOW IN WEST END

For those who love musicals and theater productions, no visit to London is quite complete without seeing a show in the famous West End. There is always a huge variety to choose from and half the fun is trying to find where the theatre is actually located because they are scattered all through the area.

• KENSINGTON PALACE AND GARDENS

Whilst you’re enjoying that bike ride through Hyde Park, be sure to head over to Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens.

• GRAB A PINT AT THE OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE

Having been built in 1667, The Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of the oldest pubs in London and a favourite among travellers and locals. With its own gloomy charm, stepping into the Olde Cheshire Cheese will have you feeling as if you have gone back in time.

• PAY HOMAGE TO THE BRITISH LIBRARY

The famous British Library is the second largest library in the world (by number of items catalogued) and the national library of the UK. There’s always something on in the way of exhibitions and events (at the moment there’s a Harry Potter: History of Magic Exhibition going on. EEEEK!).

• DAY TRIP TO BRIGHTON

London is in a perfect location to experience an almost endless amount of day trips. Brighton is definitely one of my most highly recommended. Mainly because you’ll get to experience an English coastal haven! There’s not too much to see and do, so you won’t be rushing around trying to see everything. Just head down to the Pier, enjoy some ‘Fish & Chips’ by the seaside and check out one or two other sites.

• WALK THROUGH TRAFALGAR SQUARE

A world renowned public square in Central London. If heading to the National Gallery you’ll have to walk right through so why not tick off two London bucket-list items at once?

• MARVEL AT THE PAINTINGS IN THE NATIONAL GALLERY

From Leonardo Da Vinci to Vincent Van Gogh – see priceless works of art for free! There’s online guides, talks and tours available as well as regular concerts, events and exhibitions. It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat or a drink and escape the hustle and bustle of London.

• SEE A CONCERT AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Identified as one of the UK’s most treasured and distinctive buildings, Royal Albert Hall is a world famous concert hall in South Kensington, London. Guided tours and exhibitions are available, but experiencing a performance is a once in a lifetime experience. Check out ‘Films in Concert’ for something spectacular!

• SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE

Take a step back in time and experience world renowned productions of Shakespeare on the bank of the River Thames.

• SHOP AT HARRODS

It wouldn’t be a holiday to London without stepping into the world’s most famous luxury department store. Pick up an iconic Harrods Bear to take home and snap photos with the life-size versions in store.

• STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES AT KEW GARDENS

Known as London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site, Kew Gardens is a botanical garden boasting some of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of plant life.IMAGE BY SUNSETS AND SUITCASES

• FIND THE PETER PAN STATUE

For those who never want to grow up, on display in Kensington Gardens is the bronze sculpture of Peter Pan. It’s easy to find! All you need is faith, trust and a little pixie dust.

• VISIT STONEHENGE

Believed to be constructed close to 3000BC, this prehistoric monument is one of the most famous landmarks in the UK. It totally Rocks!

• BRUNCH AT LONDON’S SKY GARDEN

The famous glass dome is home to three-storey’s of landscaped public gardens, bars and restaurants. There is also an observation deck and open air terrace that is free to the public to enjoy but you will need to book in advance whether you plan to dine or just enjoy the views.IMAGE BY SUNSETS AND SUITCASES

• A PHOTO WITH THE FAMOUS BLUE DOOR IN NOTTING HILL

One of the most famous British film locations is the Blue Door in Notting Hill. Grab a map and tick off 280 Westbourne Park Road, Notting Hill, London W11. WALLAH!

• MEET THE DINO’S AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

One of the perks of London’s museums and galleries is that most of them are completely free! The Natural History Museum exhibits a huge range of specimens. The British Museum is dedicated to human history. The Museum of London documents the history of London. There’s so much to choose!

• TAKE A RIDE ON THE THAMES CABLE CAR

Officially named the ‘Emirates Air Line’, you can use your Oyster Card to enjoy the incredible views over the Thames via cable car.IMAGE BY SUNSETS AND SUITCASES

• WINDOW SHOPPING ON OXFORD & REGENT STREET

Easily two of the world’s most famous shopping streets, Oxford and Regent street are both home to some of the world’s most famous department stores and designer brands. You can easily kill an hour or two wandering from store to store.

• PLAY UNIVERSITY STUDENT AT OXFORD OR CAMBRIDGE

The University of Oxford is one of the leading universities in the world. The university itself is an example of 12^th century architecture and is an incredible site to behold. The University of Cambridge is similarly impressive as Oxford with gorgeous architecture and luscious grounds.

• SEE THE QUEEN’S DOLL HOUSE AT WINDSOR CASTLE

Windsor Castle is oldest and largest lived in castle in the world. The queen herself frequents here often! Be sure to check what areas of the castle are open for visiting as they can often be closed if a royal is in residence.

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