Cool Things to Do in London That You MUST Book Now
“What are the really cool things to do in London that I can’t miss?”
This is one of the most popular questions I get in my 1:1 London trip consultations- and for good reason.
With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know what’s actually worth booking ahead for your London trip. This list is built from what people ask me week after week: not just what’s popular, but what’s smart, bookable now and actually exciting. It’s based on my years of living in London as an American married to a Englishman.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fourth, these cool things to do in London will elevate your trip and help you avoid the stress of last-minute planning. And, at the end of I’ll give you even more London trip planning tips!
1. Cool Things to Do in London with an Iconic Twist
Famous London landmarks are worth visiting but you can do them in a way that feels a little more unexpected. I know this because I have done each of these activities in London more than once.
Private Beefeater Tour of the Tower of London
Start your morning before the crowds with a private Yeoman Warder guide and experience the Tower in a way few ever do. This is one of the most exclusive tours I recommend and spots are limited. It was an absolute game changer for me when I discovered it. I’ve been to The Tower six times!
Afternoon Tea Thames Cruise
A traditional afternoon tea served on the river while you pass under Tower Bridge by the London Eye and many more iconic places to see in London. A brilliant way to multitask sightseeing and have a British cultural experience.
Kensington Palace and Afternoon Tea at The Orangery
Home to Queen Victoria’s childhood years and steeped in royal history, Kensington Palace is a must for royal fans.
I love pairing it with The Orangery’s afternoon tea because so many of the guests just came from the palace. It creates an ultra-posh but more relaxed experience. And since they’re right next to each other, it lets you save time and travel smarter.
up at the o2
This rooftop climb isn’t in Central London, so it’s better for longer stays (five days or more) or repeat visitors.
The views are spectacular and the climb surprisingly doable, even if you’re not typically adventurous or uncoordinated like me.
READ MORE
2. Day Trips Worth the Effort
If you want to experience England beyond London, these cool experiences make sense logistically and won’t waste your time.
the cotswolds
Because of its scattered geography and rural terrain, the Cotswolds are tough to do on your own. Coach tours are the most practical option when you’re short on time. And, they still give you that postcard village charm without the driving hassle.
stonehenge and bath
These two pair well together in a single day. Adding anything else (especially Windsor) makes the day too long and coach-heavy. Bath and Stonehenge offer history, atmosphere and a beautiful balance between ancient mystery and Georgian elegance.
But, by all means if you are on that ‘I’m ticking as many London trip bucket list boxes as I can in one visit’ kind of vibe- then book one of those 3 stop day trips.
harry potter studio tour
This books out faster than nearly anything else. Don’t wait. I’ve written a full guide on how to get there, because the options can be confusing and the shuttles don’t run like standard public transport. It’s a good distance from Central London.
windsor castle
A great half-day trip, but one I always recommend doing on its own and not bundled with other stops. Be sure at the very least to know if the castle and St George’s Chapel are open the day you plan to visit. But, you’ll want that castle ticket booked ahead of time!
read more
- Cotswolds: What to See
- Stonehenge and Bath Tour: A Day Trip from London
- How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London
- Visiting Windsor Castle: What You Must Know
3. London at Christmas: Plan Ahead or Miss Out
If you’re visiting in November or December, this is one of the most essential sections of cool things to do in London article information! People wait all year for these experiences and they fill up a lot faster than you’d think.
major christmas attractions in london
Tickets for major attractions and events are already on sale in February for the upcoming season! And that’s considering dates for Christmas lights or markets aren’t even officially announced until Autumn.
christmas day
These Christmas Day tours and experiences are extremely limited and should be booked months in advance.
My Christmas Planner is the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss any of it. When you buy it, you can automatically subscribe to my email and be included on my special Christmas updates emails!
This will keep you informed as dates are released and give you access to discounts and booking links the moment they go live.
Christmas in London
Don’t ruin your London trip with a bad itinerary! Your dream Christmas in London starts here.
From sparkling lights to perfect itineraries, self-guided walks and everything in between, our brand new Christmas in London guide is packed with festive magic! (and Mr Sunny’s holiday sausage roll recipe)
Don’t miss out on your Christmas like a movie!
4. Evening Experiences Worth Booking Ahead
Don’t forget that some of the coolest things to do in London happen after dark. This is especially true if you’re looking for something more memorable than just another pub night. (Oh- and Mr Sunny gives his Pub of the Week recommendation in our weekly Sunny News updates too!)
Don’t Miss London News!
theatre tickets
TodayTix is the only site Mr Sunny and I use.
It has regular sales and promotions, great availability and even premium options across nearly every show in the West End.
candlelight concerts
These intimate musical performances take place in candlelit venues which are often historic churches or royal settings. The atmosphere is unforgettable and they sell out quickly. Our two favourites were the Coldplay Tribute at Southwark Cathedral and the Hans Zimmer tribute at the SEA Life London Aquarium.
jack the ripper tour
In October, as many as 20,000 people per night take these tours. They’re that popular!
They offer a chilling but fascinating walk through the East End and are an especially good choice if you’re looking for an evening experience that’s both cultural and a bit creepy.
5. Cool Things to Do in London: Food Tours That Change Minds
British food has a bad reputation but that’s only if you go to the wrong places. After attending countless restaurant launches and PR event experiences and London restaurants as a food blogger, I can 100% say that the restaurant scene here is AMAZING!
And, there are cool things to do in London for foodies (or the food-curious).
east end food tour
This tour blends history and local culture with delicious eats. From Jewish bakeries to Brick Lane curries, it’s one of the most flavourful and educational tours around. On my visit I tried Indian food for the first time and am forever grateful for it.
afternoon tea bus tour
Tour the city on a vintage Routemaster while enjoying sandwiches, scones and cakes. It’s a charming way to multitask sightseeing and have an afternoon tea. It can be especially festive if you book during the holidays!
6. Cool Splurges Worth Every Penny
Some of the coolest things to do in London cost a bit more and are absolutely worth it IMO.
Private Beefeater Tour of the Tower of London
This Yes, I’m banging on about it again because it’s that good. Early access, personal storytelling and unforgettable photos.
Literally, where else in the world can you do this? Put it on YOUR London trip bucket list!
thames speed boat ride
I’ve done this twice since living in London and even took my best friend and FSU roommate on it when she visited.
It’s high-energy, high-speed and hands down one of the best things I’ve done here. However, on each trip I regretted it as the boat kicked off to high speed. But, the adrenaline rush after made me forget this!
6. Cool Things to Do in London that are FREE!
And of course, there’s always free London attractions that you should book ahead of time so you can skip waiting in queues for no reason.
The top 3 are:
- Museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A, National Gallery)
- Sky Garden
- Horizon 22
Ready to Plan Your Own Cool London Trip?
Save this list and start booking now. These cool things to do in London are exactly the type of experiences that disappear first. And you don’t want to be scrambling when it’s too late. What could be worse than traveling all the way here just to learn about what you missed???
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Leave me your London trip experiences, advice or questions in the comments, Sunny friends!
Other Helpful London Trip Planning Articles
- Guide to London for Americans Visiting for the First Time
- 5-day London Itinerary for Travellers Who Hate Rushing
- Visiting London at Christmas
- Shopping in London: An American’s Guide
- Best Things to Buy in London
- London Essentials: What to Pack
- Candlelight Concert Review
- Tower of London: Private Tour with a Beefeater
- Things to Do in London
And don’t miss our London Travel Planners which include a 3-day Iconic London Itinerary, ending each day one of Mr Sunny’s legendary pub crawls and an Ultimate Christmas Planner!