Venture outside the City of London limits to discover the wide range of varied attractions in the vast Greater London area. Browse celebrated art galleries and museums, see a show in one of the world’s premier theater districts and discover fabulous gardens and green spaces.
Stay central and hit the shops of Oxford Street and trendy Soho by day before catching a show in the West End by night. To get acquainted with the capital’s big-league museums, head to South Kensington to survey the collections at some of the world’s finest, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Other culture-heavy London districts include South Bank, home to the mammoth Tate Modern art gallery, the National Theatre and the Southbank Centre, a multivenue cultural complex.
Although few tourists stray from the confines of central London, those who do explore the more distant corners of the Greater London area will find a remarkable array of impressive attractions and engrossing activities away from Zone 1. Walk or cycle through the expansive deer-filled Richmond Park and marvel at the assortment of plants at the UNESCO-listed Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew Gardens) in southwest London. Greenwich Park in southeast London, home to the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum, is another delightful spot for a stroll.
Historic estates abound in Greater London. Venture north to explore the 1873-built Alexandra Palace, affectionately called “Ally Pally.” This venue is surrounded by parkland and is used for concerts, conferences and other events. To the west sits the National Trust-owned Osterley Park mansion, while the southeast has the English Heritage-listed Eltham Palace, which combines a medieval hall with an art deco-style residence. For a glimpse into real royal life, stand at the gates of Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s current residence. You can tour some of the palace’s State Rooms during August and September. Limited public access is greater throughout the rest of the year. Continue your royal-themed exploration by touring the stately Hampton Court Palace, the favorite residence of Henry VIII.
Getting around Greater London is easy with the city’s excellent, well-connected transport system. Use the Tube, trains and buses to explore the city’s different neighborhoods and attractions. Discover the diversity of London beyond the city limits.