For main attractions like the London Eye and the Tower of London, you can pre-book your tickets online several months in advance. Like any big European city, London is also busy during Christmas. During the British school holidays, the city is also congested. Events to check out :. Spring is one of the best times to visit, as London is such a green city and is filled with parks, trees, and flowers. Expect the long weekend to bring crowds, closures, and celebrations.
Schools are usually closed for two weeks around Easter. There are two May Bank Holidays public holidays when the banks and many businesses are closed. They usually take place on the first and last Mondays of the month.
The social calendar is in full swing in June, and the city is jam-packed with international and British tourists alike, enjoying the extra hours of daylight. Like July, August is warm and crowded. As school starts again and the weather gets cooler, the crowds start to thin in London, making it an excellent time to visit. October brings a bit more rain, but a bit fewer people. November is also a good time to visit, the weather is cooling off even more, so crowds are quite small.
In December, London is practically bursting with festive cheer. The city sparkles with Christmas lights especially around Oxford Circus and many holiday markets. Christmas Day and Boxing Day December 26 are both public holidays and most business will be closed. There is no bad time to visit London, however, if you go during the shoulder seasons late winter to early spring, excluding the Easter holiday, and in the fall , you'll avoid the summer crowds.
The best time to find bargains on flights to London is during September and October, as well as during November to mid-December, and Christmas Day through mid-March. The rainiest month in London is June, when the city averages 1. Their Spartan simplicity and cramped conditions underline the desperate position of England as the Nazi grip tightened across Europe. You'll see the tiny cubicle where Churchill slept and the improvised radio studio where he broadcast his famous wartime speeches.
Simple details, such as Clementine Churchill's knitting wool marking the front lines on a map of Europe, bring the era to life as no other museum could possibly do. Two other related London attractions worth visiting are also operated by the Imperial War Museum. Located a short distance from the popular Southbank cultural district, the Imperial War Museum London can easily occupy the best part of a day with its fascinating exhibits and collections of military vehicles, weapons, and aircraft.
Natural History Museum in London. Established in , London's spectacular Natural History Museum remains one of the most-visited such attractions on the planet. Arrive early as it can get quite crowded. Many of the museum's original exhibits are still on display centuries later, and together comprise a massive collection of more than 80 million items showcasing everything from botany to zoology, plus pretty much everything in between.
A highlight of a visit is seeing the preserved specimens that Charles Darwin collected on his epic journeys. If you're not in a hurry, start your visit by joining one of the formal guided tours on offer, ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. You'll be introduced to highlights you may wish to return to at a later date to explore in greater detail. A variety of fun events are held regularly, from workshops for kids to late night openings.
Shopping opportunities are located on-site, along with a number of dining options. Hyde Park. Covering acres, Hyde Park is London's largest open space and has been a destination for sightseers since One of the park's highlights is the Serpentine, an 18th-century man-made lake popular for boating and swimming. Hyde Park is also where you'll find Speakers' Corner , a traditional forum for free speech - and heckling. Another Hyde Park landmark is Apsley House , former home of the first Duke of Wellington and purchased after his famous victory at Waterloo.
England's greatest hero is also commemorated at the Wellington Arch. Another lovely London green space to explore is Regent's Park.
Just a short walk away from Westminster, this acre attraction is a delight to stroll around. If you're traveling with kids, be sure to visit London Zoo , located within the grounds of the park and one of the most popular things to do for families visiting the city. Paul's Cathedral. The largest and most famous of London's many churches - and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cathedral's in the world - St. Paul's Cathedral sits atop the site of a Roman temple. The previous church structure was destroyed in the Great Fire of , and Sir Christopher Wren designed the rebuild.
Today, the twin Baroque towers and magnificent foot dome of St. Paul's are a masterpiece of English architecture. If you're up to it, be sure to walk the stairs with their spectacular views of the dome's interior, including the Whispering Gallery — undoubtedly one of the top things to do in London.
Hats for sale at Camden Market. Whether you're a fan of food, flowers, art, or clothes, you'll find something to love in London's best markets. While most open only on weekends Fridays included , some of the most eclectic venues, like the vibrant Camden Market in North London , welcome shoppers daily. Camden Market is home to over stalls, shops, and eateries offering everything from gluten-free goodies to hand-made jewels to bohemian clothing. If you're looking for a distinct urban feel, you'll find it here.
Borough Market is a must-visit for foodies in central London. This popular venue, which is situated near London Bridge, is so busy on weekends, you'll have to fight your way through crowds to nab the best produce or mouthwateringly good sample of giant paella. Arrive early we'd suggest no later than 10 to enjoy a little more elbow room. The line for coffee can extend for blocks, so head there first. While some stalls are open during the week, most don't unveil their goods until Friday morning.
Old Spitalfields Market is another beloved spot offering some of the city's most gorgeous flowers, interesting antiques, art, jewelry, and more. Built in , this is one of the best examples of a Victorian Market Hall.
Covent Garden. The market halls of Covent Garden are only the beginning of the neighborhood, which encompasses the shops and restaurants of Long Acre and other adjacent streets, those of Neal's Yard and Seven Dials, as well as the Central Square with its incredibly talented, and unique, street performers. The halls and arcades of Covent Garden Market are lined with specialty shops and kiosks selling everything from teas to fine handcrafts to tacky souvenirs.
A few restaurants are sprinkled in as well, some offering patios for you to enjoy a tasty treat while people-watching. Housed in the former flower market, you'll find the London Transport Museum , a kid-centric haven for those who love all things vehicular.
Filled with historic buses, trolleys, and trams, children and adults alike will love this interactive transportation hub. This area is also where you'll find the Royal Opera House. The London Eye. Its individual glass capsules offer the most spectacular views of the city as you embark on a circular tour rising feet above the Thames.
The journey lasts close to 30 minutes, often quicker than the time spent lining up for your turn. If you can, reserve your time in advance. This advance ticket allows you to take a flight at any time on the day you plan to visit. If you can afford it, rent one of the private capsules and share the experience with friends and family! The journey travels one kilometer and lasts 10 minutes, long enough to enjoy spectacular views and grab a few memorable selfies.
Hampton Court Palace. Another great Thames-side attraction, Hampton Court is one of Europe's most famous palaces, and a truly remarkable place to visit in London. Meet Henry VIII himself or have a chat with Anne Boleyn, both of whom wander the grounds and involve guests in their interesting antics at random points throughout the day.
Depending on the time and date you visit, you may even be asked to participate in a session in court. Grab an audio guide upon your arrival and choose a velvet cloak to wear as you tour the grounds, if you're hoping to feel a bit more authentic. Other interesting features include the Clock Court with its fascinating astronomical clock dating from , the State Apartments with their Haunted Gallery, the Chapel , the King's Apartments , and the Tudor tennis court.
Don't miss the Tudor Kitchens and their massive fireplaces. The gardens are also worth visiting — especially in mid-May when in full bloom — and include the Privy Garden, the Pond Garden, the Elizabethan Knot Garden, the Broad Walk, and an area known as the Wilderness.
Although a little farther outside the city center, Hampton Court is a must-do sightseeing trip when visiting London. It's a bit of a haul on the tube, but taking a taxi, renting a car, or even grabbing a car service will make this trip more than worthwhile. For centuries the hub of Britain's naval power, Greenwich is best known to tourists as the home of the Cutty Sark , the last of the 19th-century tea clippers to sail between Britain and China.
The ship is located adjacent to the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre with its exhibits showcasing more than years of maritime history, and the Palladian mansion known as Queen's House.
The impressive collections of the National Maritime Museum , the largest of its kind in the world, illustrate the history of the Royal Navy. And one of the most unusual things to do in London is standing with one foot in each hemisphere, astride the Meridian Line in the Meridian Building in the Royal Observatory. The revitalized Docklands across the river has been transformed into an international place of business and recreation, filled with some of London's smartest new restaurants.
The excellent Museum of London Docklands , in the old Georgian warehouses, brings to life the river, port, and its people from Roman times to the present through hands-on displays that are especially interesting for children. Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park. It's hard to believe you're in London well, technically just outside London when on a visit to Richmond Park.
One of the most captivating of the eight Royal Parks, this lavish natural wonderland has everything you'd look for in an English park: winding paths, verdant woodland, sparkling lakes, horse stables and trails, bike lanes, and multiple picnic spots.
Enjoy unparalleled views of St. Paul's Cathedral from King Henry's Mound , a picturesque hilltop surrounded by wild deer. Luxuriate in a warm tea and traditional scones at the Pembroke Lodge Tea Room , or rent a bike and cycle through this spectacular 2,acre nature reserve. If visiting during spring particularly late April or early May , make your way to the Isabella Plantation , a remarkable Victorian woodland garden set within the park. Travel within the UK is allowed, as is travel abroad, in line with the system described above.
The government has also said the one-meter rule will remain at the border in order to manage the risk of variants. The government has been encouraging venues operating with large numbers -- like concert venues or nightclubs -- to use the NHS Covid Pass mentioned above as a means of entry.
However, while the government initially planned to make proof of full vaccination compulsory for entry to nightclubs or other large venues in England from the end of September -- this plan was put on hold. While the legal requirements on face masks have been lifted, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "we expect and recommend that people wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don't normally meet, such as on public transport.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan asked Transport for London who manage the city's transport network, including the Tube to continue to mandate travelers wear face masks after July 19, unless they're medically exempt. People in England who are identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid must self-isolate for 10 days -- unless they've been fully vaccinated.
Adults who've had both jabs and children under 18 -- as well as people who've taken part in an approved Covid vaccine trial and those who can't get vaccinated for medical reasons -- who are identified as close contacts don't have to self-isolate, as long as they test negative for Covid via a PCR test.
This close contact identification often takes place via the NHS Covid app, which allows users to check in to restaurants, bars and other venues for track and trace purposes. Using the app is not compulsory but is recommended by the UK government. As of August 7, Wales' remaining legal Covid restrictions have been removed and Wales is currently at what the country classifies as Covid alert level 0.
There are no longer limits on numbers of people meeting indoors or outdoors, in homes, restaurants, bars or pubs. All businesses -- from hotels to museums to nightclubs -- can reopen.
Travel within Wales and the rest of the UK is permitted, as is travel abroad under the traffic light system. Face coverings are still required by law in certain indoor settings, including public transport, but not in hospitality venues. Wales also uses the NHS Covid app for test and trace. Using the app is not compulsory but is recommended by the Welsh government.
Fully vaccinated adults in Wales -- as well as those under 18 and vaccine trial participants -- don't need to self isolate if they're a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid.
Wales has published a Coronavirus control plan for autumn and winter , outlining options in case the situation worsens.
On August 9, Scotland removed most remaining Covid restrictions. There are now no limitations on the number of people gathering in homes, restaurants, bars or pubs. Museums, pubs, restaurants shops, tourist attractions and theaters can all reopen. Nightclubs are now able to open again. The legal requirement on social distancing has also been removed.
Travel within Scotland and the rest of the UK is permitted, as is travel abroad as outlined above. Face coverings are still mandatory in indoor public places and public transport. There is also a maximum of 2, people at any indoor event, and 5, people outdoors. As of October 1, proof of full vaccination is compulsory for entry to Scottish nightclubs or events with large numbers of people in attendance. It's not compulsory, but its use is recommended by the Scottish government.
Adults who've been been double-vaccinated for two weeks or more -- and children between five and 17 -- who are identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid do not have to to self-isolate, so long as they test negative for Covid via a PCR test. Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, all non-essential shops have reopened and restaurants are open for indoor and outdoor dining. Restrictions have been removed regarding the number of households who can sit together in hospitality venues.
There are no longer any restrictions on how many people can meet in a private garden. Up to 30 people can meet inside in a private home and stay overnight. For exact guidelines, see here. Overnight stays in self-contained holiday accommodation are also permitted for up to 30 people.
Northern Ireland outdoor visitor attractions have also reopened. Live music and theater is allowed but nightclubs remain closed. On October 31, Northern Ireland loosened rules on movement inside hospitality venues and permitted nightclubs to reopen.
Vaccine passports are not mandated in Northern Ireland, but some venues may ask for proof of vaccination or recent negative lateral flow test. Travel within Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK is allowed, as is travel abroad as outlined above. Face coverings are required on public transport and some other indoor public settings, such as museums and galleries. It's not compulsory, but its use is recommended by the Northern Irish government. Useful links.
0コメント