10 Major London Sights Seen From a Different Perspective

See major sights like Buckingham Palace from a new perspective
See major sights like Buckingham Palace from a new perspective | © A. Astes / Alamy Stock Photo
Culture Trip Travel Team

If you’re planning a memorable trip to the UK capital, be sure to see the sights with an expert guide so that you can really experience what this multicultural hub has to offer.

Over the course of two millennia, London has evolved into one of the most densely populated and culturally diverse cities in modern Europe. Brimming with a rich and complex history, it’s an amalgam of architecture and landmarks, with an ever-growing and thriving art scene. From Tate Modern to the Tower of London, here are 10 major London sights that shouldn’t be missed on your trip to the ‘Big Smoke’ – each one complete with a unique spin to make your experience of them a little bit more curious.

1. Royal Walking Tour of Buckingham Palace With Afternoon Tea

Admission

This special tour shows you what life is like as a royal. Swing by Buckingham Palace – the official residence of the British monarchy – and stroll through the various state rooms open to the public. You’ll have ample time to independently explore Her Majesty’s home, so make sure to plug into your provided audio guide as you wander through and admire the grand furnishings displayed throughout. Listen to stories about the history of the palace and its royal residents before an afternoon tea finale in St James’s Park. From savoury sandwiches to scones with clotted cream and freshly baked cakes, there will be plenty of tasty snacks – all washed down with English tea, of course.

5. Double-Decker Bus Tour With On-board Afternoon Tea

Activities, Tours

Make your trip to London a memorable one by riding through the city on a 1960s-style double-decker bus while indulging in a classic afternoon tea. Featuring mouth-watering homemade cakes and savoury snacks, the delectable spread will be prepared by Brigit’s Bakery – one of London’s best in the business. And your scone won’t be the only thing that’s jam-packed. The UK capital is teeming with impressive architecture and historical landmarks, which you’ll see in abundance on this tour. See if you can spot the grand Houses of Parliament before passing through the bustling Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find Nelson’s Column. If you’re after a classic London experience with a twist, this is it.

6. Changing of the Guard Private Walking Tour

Tours

This royal tour lets you witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony – a quintessential English performance featuring the Queen’s iconic foot guards in their signature attire. Escape the crowds and watch the show from a quiet spot chosen by your dedicated historian guide, and watch the calvary in their royal garb which includes those iconic black bearskin hats. This tour comes complete with a personal headset, so you can easily follow every step of the ceremony while learning all about its historical background.

7. Curated Art Dealer Tour of Tate Modern

Tours

If you’re an experienced artist or just curious, a trip to Tate Modern should be high on your list of things to do during your visit to London. The city’s cutting-edge art scene is one of the most vibrant in the world, and Tate Modern showcases the very best of it. With so many fascinating works of art on display, it can be difficult to get your bearings and make sense of it all. But this tour will allow you to explore the modern gallery alongside a veteran art dealer, giving you expert insight into some of the more complex pieces and an in-depth knowledge of the art world and London’s international art scene.

8. London Landmarks and Hidden Gems Bike Tour

Tours

Get to know central London’s quieter side from behind the handlebars of a classic English Pashley bike. Following your local guide, you’ll ride down residential backstreets to discover hidden gems like 18th-century Georgian architecture and authentic Banksy artwork. The famously anonymous artist will be the inspiration for creating your own piece of street art, if you’re keen to give it a go. There’ll also be time to admire the more familiar landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the medieval-era Westminster Abbey during your two-wheeled tour, as your guide provides a profound perspective of London and all its remarkable sights.

9. Early-Access Crown Jewels Tour of the Tower of London

Tours

Dating all the way back to 1066, the Tower of London is one of the last remaining medieval buildings that exist in the capital today. Having functioned as a defensive lookout, a prison and a royal palace, the Tower of London has seen it all. On this VIP tour, you’ll beat the crowds and get early access to see the dazzling crown jewels – said to be worth several billion pounds – in all their glory. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of London’s most compelling, and your expert guide will be on hand to help you reimagine what life in the Tower of London was once like.

10. Shakespeare's Globe Guided Tour With Optional Afternoon Tea

Tours

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a textbook example of stunning Elizabethan architecture. Although the original theatre burnt down in 1613, the restored building actually retains some of the timbers salvaged from the original structure. After the Great Fire of London, thatched roofs were banned in the city, but The Globe has always been a notable exception to the rule – being the only building in London that still has one. During its 17th-century heyday, people would queue for hours to catch one of Shakespeare’s now legendary plays. Today, you can see one for yourself if you book tickets in advance, or simply take an informative guided tour of the theatre before the daily show begins.

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