London, England Top Weather Forecasts and London Radar

London, England Weather, Rain, Shine and Everything In between

Always take the Weather with you

London's weather is the universal experience that all Londoners 'enjoy'. The four seasons in one day scenario does happen. But more importantly the weather is a common topic of conversation, a point of reference, a classic ice breaker. 'Its not as cold as yesterday' and similar insightful observations.

Weather forecasts

The Met Office do a mean London Weather forecast

The Met Office are the market leaders in weather forecasts, these guys know their London weather

I can only assume that the London forecasters have one of the toughest jobs in their profession. Equally, they are rarely ever 100% wrong given the wide range of possible outcomes.

The BBC weather shows no bias between wet and dry

London Weather Radar

The Weather Radar gives you good idea as to whether to believe the forecast and take your brolly with you (answer is yes of course).

London Weather Radar

London's 10 Day Weather Forecast

You are braver than me if you plan your holidays and day trips around extended weather forecasts.

London's 10 Day Weather Forecast

Is it Summer yet?

The seasons in London are a rough guide as to what to expect weather wise. It is unlikely you will experience heat waves in January or a snow in July. Mind you, there's always next year:)

Spring in London (March - May)

Sun, rain, sleet, hailstones, fog, cloud and more cloud ('is the sun up there somewhere?') everything really. I'm sure the English sense of humour is strongly influenced by the English weather (it can be a bit of a joke). Temperatures average between 11°C and 15°C.

London Summer (June - August)

Generally sunny however sun has been known to go AWOL ('no summer this year'). Temperatures average around 20°C, but it can get much warmer turning large areas of London's green spaces pinkish white in search of that illusive tan.

It can also appear to be hotter than it really is as many of London's buildings, much of its transportation system and indeed Londoners themselves are not well designed for hot weather.

Autumn in the Big Smoke (September - November)

See spring. An Indian Summer means warm till September / October if you are lucky. On the other hand, November can freeze your 'wotits' off.

English Winter in London (December - February)

Dark, cold and damp. Average temperatures around 6°C but can drop below bloody cold. January and February can be the most depressing of months with the sun knocking-off around mid-afternoon.



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London, England Public Transport For London, Buses, Tubes and Trains

Getting yourself around London

London Traffic and Parking

London has a lot of traffic. Once you have battled your way through the traffic you still have to find somewhere to park. If you drive in London don't complain about it, catch the bus or get yourself on a tube. We won't mention the traffic again if you don't :)

Take your Oysters with you.

Or travel card. London possesses an extensive network of public transport mostly over and underground rail and buses but there are other alternatives. The Oyster and Travel Card are two method's of reducing the cost of London's public transport:

Oyster Card and Travel Card For Visitors to London

Short Passes

Where to buy an Oyster Card

London Buses

If you want to further reduce the cost you can aim to travel by bus and tram and buy a bus pass:

London Bus Pass

This is fine, when its fine, and you maybe foregoing faster options. Bus generally only beats tube where the tubes don't go (much of South London) or where the view is important (sadly, not much of South London).

You will also need to understand where the buses go. If you find you are spending a lot of time looking up at bus stops and shaking your head you probably need to do more homework. Always ask fellow bus travelers if you aren't sure. Thousands of visitors a year head off in the wrong direction. Ask first. Notice we didn't mention traffic jams..oops

London Bus Maps

London Underground

Much loved for its simplicity and lack of traffic jams (did it again!) although you can get stuck in a tunnel from time to time. The tube map idea has been round for a long time and the idea has reproduced in many countries so we don't need to tell you that it is not drawn to scale. If you can, avoid testing it at rush hour.

Tube Maps

London Rail

Rail comes into its own for specific locations such as Greenwich, Windsor and Hampton Court.

Rail Map

River Thames

This is a great and under appreciated way to travel if you can use it. Greenwich, Tower of London, and Hampton Court are places to go to if you have a place to go from. A Travel card should score you a cheaper fare on public services.

Thames River Services

London Bus Tours

The hop-on hop-off double-decker tours are a wonderful way to see London for the first time.

Victoria Coach Station Services

National Express runs coaches services to numerous places outside of London and provides an economical alternative to rail and care hire.

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Top 140 Things To Do In London, England

Listings 131 to 140

What to do in London?

131. Pollock's Toy museum

Some beautiful toys including, rocking horses, dolls, puppets, trains, cars, board games and the star attractions the teddy bears.

Pollock's Toy museum

132. Street Golf – The Shoreditch Open

You have to travel to the ‘out-skirts’ to find a golf course in London. Alternatively, you can hit the streets. The Shoreditch open is one of the few courses in the world that Tiger Woods is just too afraid to take on. The way golf was meant to be played(?), fire hydrants covers for holes does not stop this being a challenging endeavour. Apply on line to tee-off against Shoreditch’s finest.

Street Golf

133. Brixton

A vibrant cultural suburb of the big smoke. Check out the markets, the clubs, cafes, restaurants and see a side of London many visitors miss. Brixton is also blessed with a tube station.

Brixton

134. Gig

Never be too old, too young or too its not me to have a good time.

See a band

135. Giggle toons

At the Cartoon Museum in Bloomsbury just goes to prove that they don’t draw ‘em like they used to.

Giggle at the cartoons

136. King of the Castle

Forget the greasy pole, try a London wall, not the London Wall but not any London Wall either. London has no mountain but a climbing centre can be yours.

King of the Castle

 

137. London Beach Party

Not quite Paris (sorry?) or Bondi Beach in Australia but sometimes, when the tide goes out, the revelers come in.

London Beach Party

138. The London Marathon

A breathtaking experience for the competitors this is a golden opportunity to yell encouragement, have some fun and wonder if maybe, perhaps, you should get abit more exercise. It is really cool if you can do all that eating a hamburger, kebab or chips.

London Marathon

139. Hall Place and Gardens

The splendid Hall Place just reeks of its past and is well served with its adorable gardens that are hard to walk away from.

Hall Place was first built in 1537 for Sir John Champneys, a wealthy merchant and former Lord Mayor of London. The house boasts a panelled Tudor Great Hall, overlooked by a minstrel's gallery, and various period rooms. The 17th century additions and improvements by Sir Robert Austen include a vaulted Long Gallery and Great Chamber with a fine plaster ceiling.

The Hall Place presides over a 65 hectares estate on the banks of the River Cray at Bexley. Surrounding the house are award winning formal gardens with magnificent topiary, enclosed gardens and inspirational herbaceous borders. In the walled gardens there is a nursery selling plants grown in the Hall Place gardens, and a sub-tropical glasshouse where you can see ripening bananas in mid-winter.

Hall Place and Gardens

140. Bexley Museum Collection

Hall Place is also home to part of the Bexley Museum Collection. The museum collection comprises of over 50,000 objects. The collection is diverse ranging from natural history, geology and archaeology to costume, painting and furniture.

Danson House and Erith Library

As well as Hall's Place the collection is displayed at Danson House and Erith Library. Danson House contains Georgian furnishings, paintings, selected items from the Bean family and Victorian kitchen displays. Erith Library displays a range of industrial and social history collections relating to the north of the borough.

Bexley Museum Collection

If you have a contribution or wish to make a comment please let us know london@londontop100.co.uk We are and will make changes. Thank you to all who have contributed. We hope you have a wonderful time in London.



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Top 130 Things To Do In London England

Listings 121 to 130

What to do in London?

121. Grosvenor Square

Grove-nuh Square is in well to do, posh suburb of Mayfair. A good spot to meet a wealthy personage with a high disposable income. Its nice, pleasant with a few remaining Georgian houses and arguable, the modern looking American Embassy.

Grosvenor Square

122. Classical music by candlelight

Nice romantic, touching experience as composers compose you into a state of classical wellbeing and togetherness..

Classical music by Candlelight

123. Southwark Wharves

Venture south of the river to walk the new River Thames walk ways east of Tower Bridge

Southwark Wharves

124. Hay's Galleria

Converted wharf transformed into shops and restaurants.

Hay's Galleria

125. Walking (or dancing) in the Moonlight

More of a walk really but why not dance with the joy of life maybe others will join in. This night-time walk at the start of the mythical English summer is a peek at a City that doesn’t sleep very well but still looks fantastic.

Walking in the Moonlight

126. Catch a gig at Ronnie Scott’s

Ronnie Scott’s is a legionary place which you should frequent once. See how a trumpet should be blown.

Ronnie Scott’s

127. Take Afternoon Tea

Indulge in the very English pursuit of ‘Afternoon Tea’. The excuse to eat fatty food and take the weight off with a cuppa.

Take Afternoon Tea

128. Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Chinatown

Bish bash, lion and dragon teams perform traditional dances with firework displays and colour, life and energy. You will need a cuppa after this.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Chinatown

129. Find peace in Battersea Park

All we are saying, is give the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park a chance.

Japanese Peace Pagoda, Battersea Park

130. Cheap Movies

With the money fast disappearing and the limit of family and friends goodwill is reaching breaking point see a cheap movie and forget about your sick finances.

Watch cheap quality flicks at the Prince Charles. This is also a good escape from London wet weather.

Cheap Movies

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Top 120 Things To Do In London England

Listings 111 to 120

What to do in London?

111. Legoland

Legoland is a large UK theme park in Windsor. The theme park is designed to give two to twelve year olds the time of their lives. If your two to twelve year old has the time of their lives then there is a pretty good chance you will also enjoy yourself. Unsurprisingly Legoland is a popular location with families in and all around London.

Legoland is made up of 35 million Lego pieces creating a landscape of windmills, castles, famous buildings and little moving trains. What makes Legoland so appealing is its numerous rides, including coaster and waterslide, mazes, live shows, fun zones and driving school.

Legoland is for kids to have good time and not for kids to be cold and miserable. Consequently Legoland closes in winter.

Legoland

112. Walk around Holland Park (Kyoto Gardens)

The Kyoto Gardens is one of those places that can take you way from where you are to somewhere else you wish you were more often.

Walk around Holland Park (Kyoto Gardens)

113. Football

Main grounds are Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) in West London, Whitehart Lane (Tottenham or Spurs) and Wembley (New National Stadium) again in West London but there are plenty of smaller grounds where you can see a match.

My advice is go and see a game as it is the number 1, 2 & 3 sport in England (Just a shame we aren't much good at it :( ). Do a little research, dress in the home teams colours and enjoy the atmosphere.

More Football

114. Hampstead

Hampstead is basically a Georgian Village on the edge of the metropolis. Hampstead is a well to do suburb with delightful walking opportunities both along its narrow streets and the extensive Hampstead Heath.

Hampstead

115. Highgate Cemetery

I can’t help it – people are dying to get into these places. Angels adorn dramatic tombs of the past rich and important people, shrouded urns and broken columns are a reminder that we all end our journey the same way.

Highgate Cemetery

116. Get a full head of steam trains

Get all stemmed up over the commencement of manmade global warming with snoot and hot water. Steam trains have a certain romance and bring out the boy or girl in the man or woman but not necessarily in that order.

Steam Railway

117.Take a Bath in Bath

We English prefer to bathe rather than shower but only on a Saturday after the football. It is an institution that deserves its place in all our washrooms. Whilst in Rome they say so why not take a bath in a Roman bath in Bath whilst in England.

The World Heritage Baths of Bath

Bath is England. Lovely old buildings, hot springs and beautiful surrounding countryside you feel like you are in England in Bath. English history is full of visitors and you’ll find Roman Baths in Bath as you would expect. The Roman Bath's is how Bath became known as Bath which goes to show that Bath is really Italian.

Enjoy and experience the splendour of the Abbey and Georgian stone crescents and know this green and pleasant land is a nation at peace with itself and all it's friends and relatives except for Australia who have beaten them too many times with a cricket bat and then eat Pizza.

Bath is just over 100 miles west of London, it is beautiful, it is gorgeous and you must go there for the best time you'll ever have having a bath in Bath.

Bath

118. Soho

Naughty Soho with its seedy sex shops and prostitutes is abit of myth these days. A throw back to different era. Sure there are a few sex shops and establishments left but the real action is with the cafes, bars and restaurants. Soho has gone upmarket. Good buzz. A london playground reflective of its diverse nature.

Soho

119. Row on the Serpentine

This is more me, row row row your boat gently down the turps. Don’t approach this without a smile on your face. Boats are available from March to October (not a winter pursuit - brrrrrrrr).

Row on the Serpentine

120. Cambridge

You will probably want to see one of the University towns. Oxford or Cambridge? Well, as you have probably guessed I went to neither. But I know someone who did! Cambridge is beautiful.

Cambridge

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Top 110 Things To Do In London England

Listings 101 to 110

What to do in London?

101. Canary Wharf Tower (Canary Wharf)

Canary Wharf Tower is the tall block shaped building with flashing light on top. Canary Wharf Tower is London's tallest building and you should be able see it from most parts of London, particularly in the east. In many ways this 50 storey office block is symbolic of a functional, practical London.

Canary Wharf Tower (Canary Wharf)

102. Museum in Docklands

Museum in Docklands tells us about the history of the Port of London from Roman occupation until Wednesday last week.

Museum in Docklands

103. Paris

As parts of both countries have changed hands, the languages have mixed and more recently close allies and commercial partners. France and Britain are both close physically and historically. Talk to the locals though and you'll probably hear a different story.

Paris

104. Walk with old dinosaurs

Walk with an old dinosaur? Imagine if you could, surely it would be more of a run, climb or hide.

There’s a Dinosaur in the Palace!

105. Hamleys Toy Shop

This is a great place to take your little people. Situated in Regents Street it is easy to include this as a treat after dragging the kids through something more educational or after Oxford Street shopping.

Hamleys Toy Shop

106. Chessington World of Adventures

It looked destined to be just a decaying zoo but has Chessington Zoo was reborn into Chessington World of Adventures and grew into Britain's first genuine theme park. It has had its ups and downs but is now looking at a major relaunch in 2010 with a new land, rides, Zoo, Sea Life Centre and Safari Themed Hotel.

The park is located in south-west London just 12 miles from Central London, close to the A3 and M25 (junction 9 or 10). The park has a range of attractions from the new Kobra thrill ride in Wild Asia, to family-oriented rides such as the Bubbleworks. It also has over 1,000 animals, many of which can be seen from an elevated monorail around the Zoo.

Chessington World of Adventures

107. Mansion House (Egyptian Hall)

With magnificent interiors of elaborate plasterwork and carved timber the Georgian town palace of Mansion House is worth seeing if you can. Mansion House is only open by appointment. Group applications should be made in writing to the Principal Assistant, Mansion House London EC4N 8BH

Mansion House (Egyptian Hall)

 

108. Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street was renown for Mods and music bars such as the 'Roaring Twenties'. It was also frequented by such unknown bands as the The Beatles, Small Faces, and The Rolling Stones. Carnaby Street was a cool place to hang out man.

Carnaby Street

109. Stratford-upon-Avon

Yes I know it’s not in London but it is close. One of the great things about London is its proximity to everywhere. Stratford Upon Avon is Woody’s old stamping ground. All things Shakespeare. This is a Mecca for Woody’s legions of fans and a great excuse to see some green and pleasant land.

Stratford Upon Avon

110. Burlington Arcade

The sedate atmosphere of the Burlington Arcade is one of London’s hidden treasures. Opened in 1819 Burlington Arcade was Britain’s very first shopping arcade. At over 180m long Burlington is also the longest covered shopping street in England. It is widely regarded as a historic and architectural masterpiece and arguably still the most beautiful shopping arcade in England.

The arcade consists of 40 shops selling clothing, footwear and accessories, art, antiques but is most famous for its jewelry and antique silver. Needless to say, the Burlington Arcade is a wonderful place to window shop.

Burlington Arcade

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Top 100 Things To Do In London England

Listings 96 to 100

What to do in London?

96. Watch a puppet show at the Little Angel Theatre

Take some time to enjoy the underrated entertainment medium of Puppetry and you won’t be disappointed. Feel the magic of the art pull you into a jerky world full of strings – just like the real thing in a way:

"there is magic in this compact theatre and its glowing stage" Time Out. Quite why puppet shows have retained their appeal is hard to fathom. With the brilliance of movie and television animation and the amazing toys on the the market you would have thought Puppetry would be of historical interest only. The little Angel Theatre "the Home of British Puppetry" and is helping to keep the art alive. Take your little person to the Little Angel Theatre and see the magic in their eyes.

Puppet Theatre

97. Harrods

Harrods has always scared me a little. I always felt I'd be ejected, made bankrupt or both.

The mission, should I choose to accept it, was to spend a little, no mean feat - or maybe it is - anyway, buy something 'cheap' and exit with the prized Harrods' bag.

These days they welcome every $ or £ carrying personage, even me.

Harrods

98. Covent Garden

Jubilee market and Covent Garden

Magic, comedy and song and that’s just the stall holders. Covent Garden is a magnet for tourists, locals and office workers alike.

Enjoy the interesting if not entertaining street entertainers, market stalls, boutique and unique shops down old, occasionally, cobbled streets, the obligatory window shopping - oh to be rich, cafes, restaurants and the ok Punch and Judy pub.

Covent Garden's vibrant atmosphere sucks the crowds in - but no one ever seems to leave. Wonder around the Jubilee Market, Neal Street, check out the street performances in the piazza then park yourself somewhere for lunch and people watch and enjoy not having to do anything to earn your glass of wine or pint.

Covent Garden

99. The Millennium Dome now renamed ‘The O2”

The controversial and unloved Dome is unique and an amazingly feat of engineering. The Dome is still being developed and will probably end up being one of London's top attractions.

The Millennium Dome

 

100. Leeds Castle

The picturesque Leeds Castle was built on two adjacent islands in the river Len. It is said to be the most romantic castle in England. Fortunately for Londoners, Leeds Castle is located in the south-east of England, in the heart of the Kent countryside east of the village of Leeds a mere two hours drive from London. It is a great place to visit or as part of a trip to or from the south coast.

The history of Leeds Castle goes way back to the Saxons. Possibly as early as the reign of Ethelbert IV in 856. The first castle was probably just an earthwork enclosure with a wooden palisade. It wasn't until the twelfth century that a stone castle was built. After that the castle changed hands several times and each owner left their mark with rebuilding, alterations and enlargements. Most significant was Henry VIII who made major improvements enlarging and beautifying the whole range of buildings. At the same time, he carefully retained the defenses of the castle through fear of a French or Spanish invasion. The practice of rebuilding continued up until the nineteenth-century.

More Leeds Castle

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Top 95 Things To Do In London England

Listings 91 to 95

What to do in London?

Top things to do in London, City Hall Chelsea Physic Garden Notting Hill Carnival Downing Street Corams Fields

91. City Hall

A stunning relatively new building near Tower Bridge on the south bank. Once described as a "glass testicle" by ex-major Ken Livingstone. City Hall is a 45 metres high glass globe. The building has 10 floors and 185,000 sq ft (gross) of floor space. City Hall has no front or back. Its shape is derived from a geometrically modified sphere. The idea is to minimise the surface area exposed to direct sunlight. The design incorporates a number of features designed to make the building as environmentally friendly as possible. You just can't get in

More City Hall

92. Chelsea Physic Garden

The Chelsea Physic "Secret Garden" is a centre of education, beauty and relaxation. Founded in 1673 it researches the properties, origins and conservation of over 5000 species of plants.

The Chelsea Physic Gardens are ideal if you want to escape and enjoy a few moments to relax. The Gardens earn their secret tag from their seclusion and meditative qualities. The Garden holds a number of exclusive events and openings. It is advisable to ring in advance to check up on availability.

Chelsea Physic Garden

93. Notting Hill Carnival

A moving, vibrating, loud, colourful face(s) of modern Britain. Who said the English don't know how to have a good time.

Notting Hill Carnival

94. Downing Street

No. 10 Downing Street often home to some of the most unpopular people in Britain yet strangely, so many want the job. We are talking of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Downing Street is fairly nondescript place which of itself is something to be see.

Downing Street

95. Coram’s Fields

Let your monsters run riot. All adults have to be accompanied by a child at this park which boasts sandpits, a football pitch, basketball court, climbing frames and café plus several sheep, goats and rabbits.

Coram’s Fields

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Top 90 Things To Do In London England

Listings 86 to 90

What to do in London?

86. Visit the residence of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John H. Watson

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John H. Watson presumably would turn in their graves if they had them. You don’t need to be a Sherlock to work out that this is a myth.

I jest, of course its all true, visit The World's Most Famous address - 221b BAKER STREET - the Official Home of Sherlock Holmes! Says the website –but hang on –he doesn’t exist – this was a fictional character! If you are a fan and well read you would know he does exist. Certainly the Sherlock Holmes had substance to it so let's move on to 221b Baker Street.

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John H. Watson lived happily together, nod, nod, wink, wink, say no more at 221b Baker Street between 1881-1904, the house was last used as a lodging house in 1936 and the famous 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street is still faithfully maintained as it was kept in Victorian Times.

Sherlock Holmes Home

87. Stonehenge

Stonehenge dates back to 3000 BC. The latest upgrade was a mere 3500 years ago. Much is known about how it was built but the why is more of a mystery. Apart from being an obvious landing site for UFOs, druid festivals, summer solstices, BBQs and pajama parties no one really knows. Archaeological evidence found by the Stonehenge Riverside Project in 2008 suggests that Stonehenge served as a burial ground. Cremated remains found on the site indicate burials from as early as 3000 BC. An opposite theory is that it is more to do with fertility with phallic shadows stretching across the ground towards the centre of the stones. An older theory was that it was used as a place of healing. So have a look around and see what you think. Maybe you can unlock the secrets of Stonehenge.

It would be great if Stonehenge was tucked away in a quiet corner of England but it isn’t. Probably issues with planning permission. Anyway, the A303 provides an interesting contrast between the modern and ancient but more importantly makes Stonehenge easy to get to. It should take just over two hours to drive out to Stonehenge from central London.

In 2002 a public poll voted Stonehenge as one of the Seven Wonders of Britain, alongside Big Ben, the Eden Project (Cornwall), Hadrian's Wall (Scotland), the London Eye, Windsor Castle, and York Minster.

More Stonehenge

88. The Great River Race

The colourful floating carnival takes place in September on the Thames along a 22-mile course from Richmond to Greenwich, with more than 200 floaty things from around the world’s wet spots.

A good way to see the race is aboard the Passenger Boat. It takes its spectators along the course as far as Hammersmith Bridge before anchoring up and waiting until most of the race boats have passed. Then the passenger boat continues to follow the race around until you have seen the vast majority of the competing boats two or three times. You can disembark and enjoy a stroll upriver to join the crowds around the Great River Race bar or, if you prefer, stay on board and take the return journey back to central London. There is a licensed bar onboard so you can have a drink whilst you enjoy the spectacle.

Your trip will last approximately 3.5 hours. There will be a return to Westminster Pier leaving the finish at 17:45 hours.

The Great River Race

89. Oxo Tower

The Oxo Tower is a landmark building on the Southbank of the Thames between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridge. It has a "OXO" symbol clearly visible towards the top of the tower (OXO is the name of a stock cube). The eighth floor contains a public viewing gallery and a restaurant. Beneath that are flats. Beneath them are arts and crafts shops on the ground and first floors.

The Oxo Tower was originally a power station. It was partially demolished and subsequently acquired by the manufacturers of Oxo beef stock cubes. The company wanted to build a tower to include illuminated signs advertising the OXO brand. They were allowed to build the tower but permission to advertise was withheld. Consequently the company built the tower with four sets of three vertically-aligned windows, each of which just happened to be in the shapes of a circle, a cross and a circle. But this is not advertising of course, just an amazing coincidence..

Oxo Tower

90. Westminster Bridge

Good spot to take a picture of the House of Parliament and Big Ben.

Built in 1862, Westminster Bridge is the oldest bridge in London. Apart from some minor repairs Westminster Bridge has stood the test of time. Westminster Bridge is mostly painted green to reflect the colour of the benches in the Houses of Parliament. Lambeth Bridge is red for the same reason but this time representing the House of Lords. Hopefully this does not mean that we lose Lambeth Bridge if they ever abolish the House of Lords.

Westminster Bridge

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Top 85 Things To Do In London England

Listings 81 to 85

What to do in London?

81. Eros, Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is one of the best known and most photographed areas of London. The focal point of Piccadilly Circus is Eros. Armed of his bow and arrow Eros stands ready to inflict love into heart all those who get too close? Not really. Eros was unveiled in 1893 as a memorial to the Victorian philanthropist, Lord Shaftesbury. Eros' original name was the Shaftesbury Monument. It wasn't till much later that Eros renamed himself after the Greek god of love. Eros was intended to be an 'angel of christian charity' and not the love giver we think of today.

People flock to Eros on mass. During the day shoppers, business people and tourists negotiate the traffic or approach through the piazza from the southern end of the Circus. In the evening, Piccadilly Circus really comes alive, with its gaudy illuminated signs and noisy mix of clubbers and couples. As part of London's West End Piccadilly Circus is all about theatres, cinemas, clubs, pubs and restaurants.

More Piccadilly Circus

82. Battersea Park Children's Zoo

If you have small people to entertain then a trip to Battersea Park's Children Zoo is a must unless its really you who wants to zoo then London Zoo is the do. Battersea has all the usual kid friendly stuff like feeding the lions by hand and cuddling large polar bears ...I kid you, Battersea Park Children's Zoo prides itself on small animal "encounters", play areas and ice cream. "From giant rabbits to miniature Shetland ponies, monkey mayhem to the mouse house - this is the zoo that gets you up close and personal"

Battersea Park Children's Zoo

83. Temple Church

Built for the Knights Templar in the 13th century the Temple Church is one of the few surviving circular churches in England. The Temple Church is the church of Inner and Middle Temple, two of England’s four ancient societies of lawyers. The church is welcoming of worshippers and visitors to London.

As well as services the Temple Church holds concerts and other events. The Church itself is a beautiful building that is home to one of the finest choirs in England. Visiting times are published on their web site. Follow the link below.

Temple, the area around the Church, is a complex of quiet squares and courts and a little like a step back in time. Welcome to London past.

Temple Church

84. Richmond and Richmond Park

Richmond is a great spot for sunny, lazy Sunday afternoon pub lunch. Situated on the Thames you can watch the tide go in and out, wonder around the local shops and go for a boat ride on the River Thames.

Excluding London Zoo and wildlife parks, London isn’t the place to see wild animals beyond the size of a fox (London has foxes, driven in by the hunters one assumes) but you can expect to see deer in Richmond Park. Richmond Park is big. Biggest of all the Royal Parks and certainly big enough to get lost in. Rolling landscapes of forest and undergrowth are accompanied by herds of wild deer. Just remember where you parked the car. The Isabella Plantation is an attractive woodland garden and worth seeing.

Richmond

85. Banqueting House

We've been robbed!

When you are pushing 400 years of age you are entitled to look a little less than perfect. The Banqueting House probably looks better now than it did when it turned 300. It is the only unscathed building of Whitehall Palace, the sovereign’s principal residence from 1530 until 1698. The remainder being destroyed, or partially destroyed, by fire.

The Banqueting House highlight is its Rubens ceiling. Of interest is the 'Undercroft' where James 1st had some time out with his favourite courtiers. You can also see the scaffold where King Charles 1st hung out during his execution in 1649.

Banqueting House was and continues to be used for state occasions, plays and masques. You should always check in case the Royals or Government have pre booked. Its a popular hall.

Get free Banqueting House tickets with your London Pass

Banqueting House

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Top 80 Things To Do In London England

Listings 76 to 80

What to do in London?

76. Chistlehurst Caves

Chistlehurst Caves contain over 20 miles of dark and mysterious passageways dug out of the soil by the Saxons, Druids and Romans. In more recent times the caves were used as an ammunitions depot during the First World War and have featured in the television program "Doctor Who". The fascinating history of these London caves provide a passage through time right up to the present day. The caves remain a source of fascination for all ages for Londoners and tourists alike.

Chistlehurst Caves

77. London Wetland Centre

The London Wetland Centre in Barnes, London is widely regarded as the best urban site in Europe to watch wildlife. The 43 hectares of lakes, ponds and marshes is home to many species of wildlife including bitterns, kingfishers and a colony of endangered water voles.

One of the many impressive features of the London Wetland Centre is that it is made up of a range of different habitats interlinked by 3.4 kilometres of high quality pathways and bridges. 99% of these paths are wheelchair accessible. The Centre has gone the extra mile, or maybe just a kilometre, to bring public and wildlife together. The state-of-the-art visitor centre has live CCTV coverage of the site. No doubt there will be episode of The Bill staged at the centre before too long . They also boast touch screen computers that take you beyond the wetlands in Barnes to wetlands throughout the globe. If you are into birds, are looking to get away from the city or would enjoy a stroll through an interesting and tranquil setting this has to be for you.

Entrance is free with a London Pass. If you are into wildlife the London Pass will also give you London Zoo or one of the most beautiful gardens in the world at Kew.

London Wetland Centre

78. The London Markets

Petticoat Lane - East London

Petticoat Lane has been operating for over 250 years and is the most famous and oldest of all London's street markets.The market's name stems from the selling of french petticoats and lace. The Victorians changed the name of the lane to avoid any reference to a ladies private things.

To witness a top notch street seller in full cry work his audience can be as entertaining as it is dangerous. Some these guys could sell ice to an eskimo. Petticoat Lane has some of the best in the business. The market is a Monday to Friday affair but Sunday morning is the big event when shopping for bargains and maybe a smile or two gets serious. As ever, be wary of pickpockets. Middlesex Street, Near Aldgate East Tube.

Portobello Road Market - West London

On the other side of London the Portobello markets focus on antiques on Saturdays (said to be the World's largest antiques market) but the rest of the week it is a general market selling all manner of goodies. There is also numerous places to eat from food stalls to restaurants. You may also enjoy fashion and music in this fashionable suburb of Notting Hill in West London. The film Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, put the suburb on the map internationally and then of course there is the Notting Hill carnival.

More London Markets

79. London Car Museum

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If you like cool cars you'll love the London Car Museum. Home to the worlds fastest production car the SCC Ultimate Aero TT the London Motor Museum is the premier museum in London for car enthusiasts. The Museum has a unique collection of classic American Cars from the 1930s to the present day.

London Car Museum

80. Eton College, Windsor

Eton College was built by King Henry VI in 1440 for the purposes of educating the poorest scholars in the country. It has since metamorphosed into one of the most exclusive educational establishments in the world. No less than 18 former British Prime Ministers as having been educated here. Princes William and Harry also went to school here.

You can tour the Cloisters, the oldest classroom in the College and the College Chapel. The tour will provide an insight as to what it must have been like to for first students that both lived and studied here. Eton College is proud of its past and retains many of its historic traditions. In this day and age it is quite surprising to see the students still wearing the original college uniform of black tailcoats and pin striped trousers.

The small town of Eton is close to Windsor Castle. So if you intend visiting one you should consider visiting the other. A London Pass will get you into both free of charge. The 5,000 acres of Crown Land makes this area quite picturesque and well worth exploring the beautiful grounds by the College and a wander round the town of Eton itself.

Eton College, Windsor

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