18 London Attractions I Visited Using the London Pass

Using the London Pass is an excellent way to explore London’s attractions. By buying online, you can obtain a digital pass on your phone that is scanned to access the ticket.

With 80+ attractions on one card, you will never be able to see everything, but it is value for money, and by using the London Pass, you can see as much as you can fit into your itinerary.

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All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.

The pass can be purchased as a 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 6-day, or 10-day pass. The best way to use the London Pass is to be organised. Know what you want to do when you want to do it, and be prepared for queues to get your tickets.

These are the attractions I used for the London Pass. I’ve included prices to give you an idea of the savings, or in case you only have the time or the inclination to do that attraction.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the most iconic places to visit in London. A fortress, a palace, and a prison are what the Tower has been over the years, but that is only the beginning of the tales that have come out of this attraction.

A guided tour is a must, and you’ll have a Yeoman Warder tell you history and stories from the past. The tours are regular, but the crowds are large, so try to position yourself as close to the front as possible to hear the speaker. You have four points where you stop and listen about the area: out the front, the Traitor’s Gate, halfway up the stairs into the Tower’s centre, and in front of the execution site and Queen’s house.

After the tour, you’re free to wander through the buildings, including the Chapel, Bloody Tower, the White Tower, the Fusiliers Museum and, of course, see the Crown Jewels.

Hours

Opening days and hours vary.

Check the website for more information and for any planned closures.

Prices

To book, click here.

Royal Mews

The Royal Mews is home to the Carriages, Coaches, and horses that pull them. It also now houses the cars used by the Royal Family.

You can see and read about the various carriages and their role in royal life. Meet the horses that draw the carriages and have a photo taken in an open-top carriage, or you can dress as a footman. Your kids can even practise harnessing a horse.

A highlight at the end is the Gold Coach.

The most impressive coach is the Gold Coach. It was used to carry the Queen on her coronation and was recently used as part of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and King Charles’ Coronation.

Hours

The Royal Mews sometimes has closures and seasonal openings. Click here to find the times they are open.

Prices

To book, click here.

The Globe Theatre

Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or not, the Globe Theatre is a great place to visit.

Although not the original building, it is an excellent replica, even down to the thatched roof, which had to be allowed as thatched roofs had been banned since the Great Fire of 1666.

The theatre has an open roof and would perform up to 10 shows in two weeks. It would hold 1,500 people, crammed into the seats and standing in front of the stage. People would also listen outside, effectively doubling the number of attendees at the performance.

The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes and provides a great insight into Shakespeare’s time.

You can also see performances today for as little as £5. Visit the website for information on productions and tours.

Hours

To find the hours of the Swan Bar and Restaurant, Globe Theatre, Box Office or Shop, click here.

Prices of Tours

Click here to book.

How to Get Here

Shakespeare’s Globe is at 21 New Globe Walk beside the Thames in the Bankside Cultural Quarter. It’s an easy walk along the Thames, and the nearest tube station is Southwark Station on the Jubilee line, which is a 12-minute walk away.

Florence Nightingale Museum

The Florence Nightingale Museum is a small but essential institution, located just behind St. Thomas’ Hospital. It tells the story of Florence Nightingale and her impact on modern nursing, particularly in combat nursing.

A tireless worker, I’m sure that if she had been a man, she would not have had to work so hard to achieve what she wanted, but then she may not have been remembered as such a remarkable woman for her accomplishments.

Hours

Tuesday – Sunday

10 am – 5 pm

(last entry 4:30 pm)

A typical visit to the museum lasts around 60-90 minutes.

Prices

Click here to book your tickets.

London Bridge Experience and Tombs

The London Bridge Experience and Tombs are interactive experiences that have won awards and recognition for excellence. They are a journey into the past of London Bridge. As you pass through the years, you learn all that has gone around London Bridge and what has happened on it in all its incarnations.

Upon entering, you are taken to the informative part of the attraction. Here, you learn about all the London Bridges since Viking times.

After the museum, you start your tour of the past and are taken from room to room, where you meet people of the time who explain the history in all its gory details, especially when you visit with the Keeper of the Heads.

Down in the Tombs, you are given a get-out clause. From now on, you enter the realm of the REALLY scary. I was told a story upon entering. A couple was entering, and the guy continually asked the girl if she was going to be alright. He ended up walking out, crying, and she was fine. I did it and was fine; I’m NOT into horror movies or anything like that.

No one in the attraction can touch you, and most of the fear is in your head. In saying that, I wasn’t leading my group through, and it was very dark, with flashes of light now and then to convey the horror that was down there.

Overall, it takes just over an hour to complete and is very informative. If you need a pick-me-up, you can even exit through the Gelato Bar at the end.

You can’t take photos during the London Bridge Experience, but you can have a professional photographer take pictures there.

Hours

• Monday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
• Tuesday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
• Wednesday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
• Thursday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
• Friday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
• Saturday – Open – 11:00 – 18:00
• Sunday – Open – 11:00 – 18:00
• Closed Christmas Day.

During the bank & school holidays,
They are open every day from 11:00 to 18:00

Prices

Click here to view prices and book.

London Zoo

The London Zoo is on the northern side of Regent’s Park. It is a great day out for families or solo travellers who love animals.

One of the highlights for me was walking around the Squirrel Monkey enclosure, which was open for both monkeys and humans to roam free. There was no touching the monkeys, although I don’t think they would allow it anyway, as they are speedy at getting away. They have ropes set up above you or bushes around to go in. Of course, they may even cross your path or pose for photos.

Your zoo map will inform you about the talks at enclosures throughout the day. These are great times to see the animals, especially the Tiger, which can be a bit elusive if it wants to be.

Hours

ZSL London Zoo is usually open every day of the year except Christmas Day. 

Dates	Opening	Last entry	Closing
28 October 2024 – 14 February 2025	10:00	15:00	16:00
15 February 2025 – 25 March 2025	10:00	16:00	17:00
26 March onwards	10:00	17:00	18:00

• The last admission is one hour before the advertised closing time
• Some animal exhibits may close up to 30 minutes before closing time

Prices

Please visit the website to check prices and book your ticket.

London Pass/Go City Explorer Pass holders need to arrive at the Zoo and present their pass to the ZSL Admissions staff.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral has been an iconic building throughout London’s history.

The first St. Paul’s was built and consecrated in 604, but was burned down in 675.

The current St. Paul’s Cathedral is the work of Sir Christopher Wren. Finished in 1697, its predecessor had been burnt down in the Great Fire of 1666.

You visit not only the Cathedral floor but the Crypt and the upper floors of the Whispering Gallery, 257 steps up, the Stone Gallery, 376 steps up, and the top of the Dome at the Golden Gallery, which is 528 steps up.

We welcome respectful, non-flash photography for personal use inside the Cathedral outside service times. However, as a working church, there are some restrictions, which can be found on their photography page.

Audio commentary is included in the entry price.

Hours

The Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday for visitors to sightsee.

On most days, doors open at 8:30 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. The last entry for sightseeing is usually at 4 p.m., and sightseeing ends 30 minutes after that time. However, opening and closing times are subject to change, so we recommend checking our calendar to confirm the day you plan to attend.

Price

The cathedral is open for worship, but sightseeing is ticketed. Visit our page on ticket types and prices for more information. 

Westminster Abbey

Don’t be put off by the huge queues at Westminster Abbey; it only takes about half an hour to get in.

You have an audio commentary, and believe me, there is plenty to see here. Over the years, more than 3,000 people have been buried here, including Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking, Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters, and many Royals, including Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Coronations, weddings, and funerals have also been held here, and it is the last resting place of the Unknown Warrior.

Since the wedding of the Duke of York to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, wedding bouquets have been left at the grave of the Unknown Warrior out of respect.

Once you have explored the inside, there are cloisters to explore. Dating from the 13th to 15th centuries, they are about 100 feet long. A memorial fountain in the centre of the cloisters commemorates the tercentenary of the great 18th-century landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

No photos are to be taken inside the Abbey. There’s just no room to be able to, even if you were allowed.

Hours

Check out their website for times in the different areas.

Prices

Online tickets are available. Click here to book.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

The Hop-on Hop-off Bus is a great way to get from one attraction to another in London. Not only do you get commentary along the way, but the Bus stops right outside the attraction (or very close to it).

I went on the Big Bus Tour. Check out their maps for the best routes for what you want to see.

Hours

For routes to help you plan, click here.

Prices

Visit their website for more information on prices and savings.

Free Big Bus Tours Mobile App

Get all the landmarks, routes and times on your phone.

Visit the website to find the right app for you.

There is free wi-fi on board for your enjoyment.

Changing of the Guard

All I can say is that if you want to have the best “seat,” you will have to get there early to see the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. It starts at 11:00 a.m., and I got there just after.

Getting there late, I didn’t expect to have a great view, but the crowds were unbelievable, and I ended up at the back.

The ceremony lasts 45 minutes, and you can move around to get a better view, as I did. I found a spot that wasn’t too bad, but remember, everyone has a phone to take photos and videos on, and they love to hold them above their heads with both hands.

Hours

The ceremony is every other day at 11:00 a.m. Check their website to see what day it is.

The King’s Gallery

When I visited The King’s Gallery in 2019, there were two exhibitions, Russia and The Crimean War. Along with fantastic artwork, you receive an education about the Royal Families of both Russia and Britain, as well as the significance of Queen Victoria’s lineage, which earned her the title “Grandmother of Europe.”

There are talks at 12:00 and 15:00 daily, and you can use an audio guide.

Hours

The King’s Gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except from July 10 to August 31, 2025, when it is open 7 days a week.

Consider visiting the Gallery in the afternoon, as it may be a quieter time to visit.

Opening time	Last admission	Closing time
10:00	16:15	17:30

Closures​​

• 10 March – 10 April 2025 – Gallery closed

The King’s Gallery is part of a working royal palace, so sometimes closures can happen at short notice.​ Any closure dates will be listed on their website.

Prices

Visit their website for pricing information.

Tate Modern

If modern art is more your scene, then the Tate Modern is definitely the place for you. With free entry, you may still need to pay for special exhibitions if you wish to view them. You can also go up to the 10^th floor for a view over the Thames and across to St. Paul’s.

The audio guide is included with the London Pass at no additional cost.

Hours

Monday to Sunday 10.00–18.00

Prices

It is free to enter, but visit their website to see what exhibitions are on and how much they cost. Tickets are required for all visitors.

National Gallery

A very popular and free art gallery, the National Gallery is best to get in early if you want to see something specific. Audio commentaries are also available free with the London Pass, but you may have to pay for special exhibits.

Many great artists’ works are displayed here, including those of Vermeer, Cézanne, Monet, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Rubens.

The Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square, which also features Nelson’s Column, fountains of mermaids, dolphins, and tritons, as well as four monumental bronze lions guarding it.

Certainly, a popular destination for many tourists to visit.

Hours

Open daily 10 am–6 pm
Friday until 9 pm

Closed 24–26 December and 1 January

Prices

Free.

Check out their website for information on current exhibitions and their associated costs.

Kensington Palace

On the far western side of Hyde Park is Kensington Palace, home to royalty since the 17th century.

From May 24, 2019, there will be an exhibition celebrating Queen Victoria’s 200th anniversary of birth. As she was born, grew up, and became Queen in Kensington Palace, this is a fitting place to learn all about her life before and during her reign.

A tour is essential to hear the whole history of the Palace and the stories of its time. Going from room to room, you listen to what would have happened back in the day. It’s a great tour, with descriptions that bring the rooms to life.

After the tour, you are free to explore the rooms of Queen Mary II, King George II, and Queen Caroline.

Hours

Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (pre-booking advised)
Last admission: 17:00.

The Sunken Garden is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday.

Prices

Visit their website to find your price.

Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms were established during World War II, when Churchill went underground and London was bombarded during the Blitz. Although he didn’t like it down there, he, his wife and staff lived and worked underground, trying to work out an Allied victory.

With cabinet rooms, a kitchen, bedrooms and communication rooms, this area kept the country running.

Amid the war rooms, there is an extensive museum dedicated to Churchill’s life. There are films from his war years, when he was young, and from his political era. This is an excellent insight into his life, and I’ve certainly learnt more about this man than I ever knew before today.

Once again, you have an audio commentary full of tales that bring this place to life.

Hours

Daily 9.30 am – 6 pm, with the last entry at 5 pm.

Prices

For prices and booking, click here.

Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum is a must-visit for all history buffs, particularly those interested in wartime history.

The London Pass gets you a free guidebook to help you navigate this six-storey building.

The ground floor houses World War I memorabilia. As you enter the building, you have stairs leading down to the ground floor. The building is laid out so that the centre is open through to the ceiling. Planes of all descriptions hang down past all the floors.

Other floors cover World War 2 through film and equipment, including plane wrecks and a Human Torpedo.

Other exhibitions that are a bit different are Culture Under Attack, Rebel Sounds and Art in Exile.

Culture Under Attack is about everything from the bombing of cities to the desecration of religious monuments.

Spanning two floors and taking an average of 90 minutes to complete, the Holocaust Exhibition is located on the premises.

The Holocaust covers personal stories before the war and after, and how it all played out. For obvious reasons, no photographs are allowed in this exhibit.

Depending on how much you read and see, you could spend anything from 3-6 hours here alone.

Hours

Daily 10 am – 6 pm.

Closed 24 to 26 December.

Prices

Admission is free.

Handel and Hendrix Flats

Along the road from Claridges toward Regent Street are the flats of George Handel and Jimi Hendrix, two musicians who were the greats of their time at different times in history.

These floors are kept as exactly as possible to the times when their previous inhabitants lived in them.

If these walls in Jimi Hendrix’s room could talk, the stories would be incredible. From the famous people who have visited, the music played, and the parties Hendrix held, this is a glimpse into a world that has been lost to history.

Down on the next floor is George Handel’s residence, which is much more refined than Jimi Hendrix’s.

Handel’s flat was located over several floors: basement, ground floor, 1st floor, 2nd floor, and attic.

Because all the furniture is beautifully preserved from that time, you can see the floors as they would have been.

You also have an opportunity to dress up in clothing from both times in history and take a photo with your camera.

Hours

Monday  and Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
(last entry at 16:00)

Prices

Click here to book online or see prices.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is on the District line out of Richmond, just a short walk from the railway station.

A vast garden incorporating Temperate Houses, a Pagoda, the Tree Tops Walk, Kew Palace and more.

With such an extensive garden, you can easily spend the entire day here exploring its diversity.

When I visited in 2019, an exhibition of artwork was on display throughout the gardens. Check out their website to see what’s on when you visit.

The Tree Tops walkway is 18m high and takes you along the canopy of the trees. From this height, you also get a great view of the gardens.

Prices

10 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm) every day.

Hours

You can book online, which is best, as many different prices are available depending on the time of year you visit, as well as various categories.

Conclusion

The London Pass is an excellent way to explore numerous attractions in London without incurring significant expenses.

Not only do you save money, but getting a multi-attraction pass, like the London Pass, will also help you organise your time in London, decide what you want to see, and fit it all in.

Where I Stayed

While in London, I stayed in three YHA hostels: YHA London St. Paul’s, YHA Central London, and Astor Oxford Street (Formerly YHA London Oxford Street).

All are near attractions, which is why I moved around. YHA London St. Paul’s is conveniently located near St. Paul’s, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Additionally, it’s ideal for capturing early morning shots, as it’s close to the River Thames and the Millennium Bridge.

YHA London Oxford Street and Central London are the best places to stay for attractions north and west of London, such as the London Zoo, Madame Tussaud’s, and Buckingham Palace.

Astor Oxford Street (Previously YHA London Oxford Street)

Facilities

• Free Wi-Fi in common areas and Internet
• 24-Hour Reception
• Towels, padlocks and power adapters are available for rent
• Hostel Activities like walks, pub crawls, etc
• Meal Available
• Late checkout
• Luggage Storage
• Laundry
• Bar
• Tours/Travel Desk
• Key Card Access
• Near bus stops and underground
• Vending Machines

YHA London Central

• Wifi and full mobile coverage
• Stylish cafe and bar at the heart of the hostel
• Self-catering Kitchen
• 5-minute Walk from Oxford Street
• Self-catering facilities are available at any time of the day
• 24-hour access after check-in and 24-hour reception
• Ambulant and Wheelchair accessible
• Contactless payments
• Evening meals
• Licensed bar
• Near a bus stop, a train station and an underground
• Water refill station
• Luggage store
• Vending Machines
• Unlimited Breakfast

YHA London St. Paul’s

• Free Wifi
• Internet Access
• Fully Licensed Restaurant
• Free City Maps
• Linen Included
• Common Room
• Security Lockers
• Hair Dryers and Towels For Hire
• Restaurant, Cafe and Bar
• Bicycle Parking and Hire
• Laundry Facilities
• 24-Hour Security
• Late Check-Out
• Luggage Storage
• Tours/Travel Desk
• Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
• Vending Machines

Where They Are

YHA London St. Paul’s is situated in the former St. Paul’s Choir School, located at 36 Carter Lane.

YHA London Oxford Street is located at 14 Noel Street, one block back from Oxford Street, between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road Underground Stations.

YHA London Central is at 104 Bolsover Street, a 5-minute walk from Great Portland Street Underground Station and Marylebone Road.

How To Book

If you would like to stay at the YHA London St. Paul’s, the Astor Oxford Street (Previously YHA London Oxford Street, or the YHA London Central, click on the links and get ready to start your adventure in London.

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Links

If you want to see and do more in London, then check out my other blogs, Merlin London Big Adventure Pass and Parks of London. If you’d like to read more about my travels in the UK, click on the following links: England, Scotland and Wales.

Learn about UK attraction passes and what you should get for each location; read my blog, Save Money and Explore the UK with an Attraction Pass.

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them on the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art.

Or if you’re interested in New Zealand or Photography, you can click on their links.

Travel Resources

• Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
• Car Hire— Take to the road with these great car hire deals: EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com, and DiscoverCars.
• Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe—Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and bus travel in the UK and Europe.
• Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
• Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• House Sitting is a great way to save on accommodation, and Trusted Housesitters offers house sittings worldwide.
• Photo Editing is a great way to bring your photos to life, and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
• Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
• Sim cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
• Power Stations—Bluetti and EcoFlow Power Stations are your choice for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.

• For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources page.

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