Things You Should Not Miss in London

Quick answer: The things you should not miss in London include Buckingham Palace (ideally during the Changing of the Guard), the Houses of Parliament, the Natural History Museum and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Before you go, pack for the UK’s unpredictable weather and bring a watch to keep your sightseeing on schedule.

If London has always been on your bucket list but you have never actually planned the trip, it is about time you did. Here are four places you shouldn’t miss in London, plus the packing essentials to bring with you.

First, Tackle the UK Packing Essentials

The weather in the UK is quite unpredictable, so a few items are a must in your backpack:

• A foldable umbrella – absolutely essential, and its biggest advantage is that it takes up very little space.
• A raincoat – bring a nice raincoat as well, so you don’t get soaked if your umbrella breaks or something else unexpected happens.
• A watch – to stick to your itinerary, get a marble face watch that keeps you on track and helps you manage your daily sightseeing routine.

A watch is particularly handy when your hands are full of souvenirs and tourist maps and you simply can’t reach your phone to check the time. With these three essentials, you are ready to conquer London.

1. Buckingham Palace

No trip to London is complete without seeing Buckingham Palace, so don’t skip it under any circumstances. It is iconic as the official London residence of the British monarch, and it gives you an insight into the royal lifestyle that enchants thousands of visitors every day.

The palace is often very crowded, especially during the summer months when the State Rooms open to the public. Try to be there for the Changing of the Guard. When this post was written, it took place almost every day from April to the end of July, between 11.15 am and 12 pm, and it is one of the most beautiful ceremonies you can watch free of charge. Check the current schedule before you go.

2. The Houses of Parliament

Whether you are a passionate backpacker who needs a guide to backpacking Europe or someone who loves travelling with heavy luggage, the Houses of Parliament should be your next stop if you are interested in British politics.

Its official name is the Palace of Westminster, but Londoners prefer “Houses of Parliament”, which is why that name has remained so popular. Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords are located here (hence the name), and the building stands on the banks of the River Thames. To learn more about British politics, take a guided tour – you won’t regret it.

3. The Natural History Museum

If politics isn’t your favourite topic and you prefer science, the Natural History Museum is the right place for you. It is located on Cromwell Road in South Kensington.

Apart from finding answers to your big questions about nature, you can admire the outstanding architecture both inside and outside the building. Don’t miss:

• Taking a selfie with the famous Diplodocus skeleton in the main hall
• Searching for ancient fossils
• Seeing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

4. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Last but certainly not least, the Globe Theatre is a must-see if you are a big fan of Shakespeare and his work. It is not the original building but a faithful reconstruction of the theatre closely associated with the UK’s most famous playwright, and it has a great deal to offer.

Plays are held at the Globe throughout the year, so factor that in when planning your London trip. Standing tickets can sometimes be bought for as little as £5, so you won’t break the bank. It is also an open-air theatre, which adds even more atmosphere to the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I see the Changing of the Guard in London?

At the time of writing, it took place almost every day from April to the end of July, between 11.15 am and 12 pm, and is free to watch. Check the official schedule before visiting.

Where is the Natural History Museum in London?

It is on Cromwell Road in South Kensington.

How much are tickets at the Globe Theatre?

Standing tickets can sometimes cost as little as £5.

What should I pack for a trip to London?

A foldable umbrella, a raincoat and a watch to help you keep to your sightseeing schedule.

Conclusion

There are many amazing places in London, but these four are among the best things you should not miss. Pack for the weather, plan your days around the Changing of the Guard and a play at the Globe, and your London trip could be one of the best of your life.