With an endless cultural and leisure offer, museums with incalculable collections, street markets to get lost in, perfect green spaces and charming neighborhoods, this city is perfect for a weekend or more day getaway, without the possibility of getting bored at any time. In addition to visiting all the tourist attractions and shopping in some of its most commercial streets, you can enjoy the best gastronomy from every corner of the world in London.
Things to do in New London CT
Based on the three times we have visited the city, the last one we spent more than a month living in an apartment in Notting Hill, during which we wrote this guide to tips for traveling to London, we have made this list of places and things to do in New London CT. Let’s start!
1. Visit Camden Town
Spending a morning in the surprising and entertaining Camden neighborhood is one of the best things to do in London. This neighborhood, famous for having the largest market in the city with more than 1000 stalls and alternative stores, is perfect for finding a unique gift, eating at one of its street stalls, or simply listening to live music.
Although it is open every day and many people recommend going on a Sunday, we recommend visiting Camden Town during the week to avoid getting overwhelmed by the large number of people that accumulate during the weekend.
One of our favorite areas to shop, in addition to the stalls of the Camden Stables Market, is Camden High St, where the stores with the most picturesque themed facades are concentrated and where you can find everything from gothic clothing to shops to make a tattoo.
To get to Camden, you will have to take the tube, the Northern line and get off at the Camden Town stop. Another option that we love is taking a boat in Little Venice, which will drop you off at the market in less than an hour.
2. Go around the Big Ben
In the Palace of Westminster, you will find the British Parliament and Big Ben, its famous Clock Tower, which has become one of the icons to visit in London over time.
Over 100 meters high, this tower was built in 1858 in the Gothic style and stood out for the four clocks on each side.
Although generally when we talk about Big Ben we refer to the Clock Tower, this name is not entirely accurate, since Big Ben is a huge 14-ton bell that is located inside the tower, which next to the Palace Westminster in Victorian Gothic style, are a World Heritage Site and are located on the bank of the Thames.
The two buildings can only be visited by residents of the United Kingdom, although in summer the palace is allowed by booking in advance on this page.
Visiting hours: Saturdays between 9:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. with a guided tour. August and September are open from Tuesday to Friday.
3. Have a nice time in Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge or Tower Bridge, built-in 1894 over the River Thames, is the most famous bridge to see in London and its name is due to its proximity to the Tower of London, which is right next door.
You can enter this stone drawbridge to see the steam engine’s operation that lifts it and climb to the top to walk on a transparent glass walkway while enjoying excellent views of the city. We recommend approaching this photogenic bridge day and night and seeing it from both banks.
Admission is included if you have the London Pass or the London Explorer Pass. These two cards allow you to save time by skipping the queues and quite a few pounds if you plan to visit London’s most tourist spots. The difference between both cards is that the London Pass goes for days, while the Explorer can choose up to the last minute the entrance for the 3, 5, or 7 of the main attractions, saving up to 40%.
Visiting hours: April to September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the rest of the months from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4. Visit in the London Parks
One of the best things to do in London for free is to walk or play sports in its many well-kept parks.
Among the most famous parks to visit in London are:
- Hyde Park: It is the largest and most famous park in the city where you will find from a huge lake, various monuments, a rose garden, the gardens, and Kensington Palace, to endless trails for walking or running.
- St James’s Park: Located near Buckingham Palace, it is one of the Royal Parks of London and the most beautiful in the city.
- Regent’s Park: Another one of the perfect parks for a walk where its lakes stand out and in spring, its beautiful rose garden.
- Kew Gardens: This Royal Botanical Garden located in a neighborhood away from the center impresses its greenhouses full of exotic flowers and plants.
- Primrose Hill: Located on a hill near Camden, it is perfect for a picnic with beautiful views of the city skyline.
5. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, a World Heritage Site, is the oldest and most famous religious temple to visit in London. Almost all the coronation ceremonies of kings, English monarchs, and weddings like that of the current princes and funerals like Princess Diana of Wales have been held since 1066.
In the beautiful interior of the Gothic style (no photos can be taken), you will find the tombs of kings and famous figures such as David Livingstone, Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Laurence Olivier, or Charles Darwin. Some of its most outstanding corners such as the Lady Chapel, the cloisters, the poets’ corner, the Chapter House, the High Altar, and the Throne of San Eduardo.
You can find more information in this guide to visit Westminster Abbey. Visiting hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sundays open only for mass.