Vast, thriving London: a week, month, even a year in the British capital feels insufficient to even dip a toe into what the enormous city has to offer. But for first, second, or even third-time visitors with limited time in the city, the below give a broad taste of London’s most exciting excursions, sites, and activities.
Luxury activities to do in London
-
Have lunch aboard the British Pullman
Belmond’s British Pullman pulls away from London Victoria, and trundles its way out to various destinations in the south. Outside, the pretty English countryside whizzes past; inside, champagne-fuelled luncheons in brilliant Art Deco-inspired carriages ensue. The main dining car is available for by-the-set bookings, but the newly launched Celia carriage, designed by Baz Luhrmann gives an added luxury pizazz. There are day trips to the seaside, Bath, or English wineries, as well as special guest-chef series. Most journeys depart mid morning and arrive back in town in time for evening dinner reservations or a show in the West End.
-
Private Tower of London tour
Head to the Tower of London, and you’ll see the hordes of people queuing to get a look at one of London’s most bloodied historical sites. A private tour, however, gives you the space all to yourself. Run via the Historic Royal Palaces charity, the Morning Jewel House tour offers exclusive pre-opening access to the Tower of London for a single group only, with the chance to glimpse the glittering crown jewels.
-
Museum hop
Across its streets, London has some of the world’s finest art collections, from mammoth modern displays to exhibitions from historic masters – squeezing them all in in a day will be a fruitless endeavour. For classic British and international art in a grand setting, consider the Tate Britain and the Royal Academy; for contemporary marvels, try Tate Modern or The Design Museum; for sell-out fashion-led installations, visit the Victoria and Albert in Kensington; and for kid-friendly arts and science, go to the National History Museum or the British Museum. Most have a permanent collection, as well as rotating special exhibits.
-
Roam Kew Gardens
Down in leafy south-west London, Kew Gardens is one of the world’s finest botanic gardens. Dating back over 270 years, Kew was first established as a royal residence but its 300-plus acres have been open to public visitors since 1841. The gardens feature over 50,000 plant species, as well as treetop walkway, Victorian glass conservatories (you might spot a wedding), and interactive installations. Kew also has a 17th-century royal palace to explore, and various botanical galleries.
-
Take a Thames river cruise
A river cruise down the Thames is one of the best ways to take in London’s finest sights – the Battersea Power station, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye all line its banks. Uber operates a fun hop-on/hop-off taxi service all the way from Putney to Canary Wharf, but for a more leisurely, luxe amble along the water, take a private cruise. Operators include Silver Fleet, which operates four yachts including a vintage river cruiser for for up to 235 guests and a speedy 12-person boat; and the Thames Limo, which offers on-board private dining.
-
Try an Afternoon Tea
A time-honored British dining institution, afternoon tea is offered across the capital, with mini sandwiches, delicate cakes, and various teas offered in prim settings. Many locations offer gimmicky themed teas, but for the real deal, head to one of London’s leading hotels, which offer a luxe take – Claridge’s, The Savoy, The Ritz, and The Goring are all safe bets.
-
Catch a West End matinee
One of the world’s most prestigious theater districts, London’s West End dates to the 1660s, when Theatre Royal Drury Lane was first established (the theater still operates today and is currently showing Hercules). The core ‘Theatreland’ is spread around Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, Covent Garden, Strand, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus, with the most sought-after tickets including Wicked, Hamilton, Les Misérables, and The Lion King (but don’t miss a newer, smaller run, either).
-
Explore The Barbican
London’s brutalist belle, the Barbican is one of the city’s most impressive architectural locations. The maze-like Grade-II listed complex includes a performing arts center, a movie theater, several exhibition centers, a huge public conservatory, outdoor spaces, and multiple bars and restaurants. Billed as a ‘city within a city,’ the Barbican is also home to some 4,000 residents.
-
Visit Buckingham Palace
Serving as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty the Queen, Buckingham Palace is one of the few working royal palaces in the world today. Its 19 state rooms are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection – paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto, sculpture by Canova, and exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain. All of this can be viewed during an exclusive tour in the company of an expert guide, featuring guidebook, champagne, and the luxury of knowing there will be no crowds to distract you.
-
Go sky high at the London Eye
The world’s tallest observation wheel, the London Eye offers guests unrivalled 360 degree vistas of the capital. Its prime location on London’s South Bank makes it the ideal spot for viewing classic London monuments such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and – a little further off – the impressive City skyline, punctuated by the magnificent dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and the gilded spires of the Tower of London. The London Eye is also the perfect venue for a celebration; private capsules offer visitors the opportunity to commemorate that special occasion in style, high above the crowds, and can accommodate anything from a romantic champagne flight à deux to a private party for up to 25 people.
