Essential Hotels > England > London > Attractions
Banqueting House
Banqueting House
Whitehall House
41 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2ER
United Kingdom

Tel: 0844 4827777


The historic Banqueting House can be found at the heart of Whitehall, although it still remains one of London’s hidden treasures. It was designed by Inigo Jones for King James I, was completed in 1622, and was originally intended for occasions of state, plays and masques. Today, visitors can uncover the fascinating history of the building during the day, as well as enjoying the unique programme of events held in the evening.
The British Museum
The British Museum
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7323 8000


The British Museum in London contains celebrated collections, covering the time periods from Pre-history to the modern day. It is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums of human history and culture, with priceless artefacts and antiquities, and has been attracting visitors since opening in 1753. In addition to the fascinating permanent displays, the British Museum also attracts world-class temporary exhibitions.
Dali Universe
Dali Universe
County Hall
London
SE1 7PB
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7450 7621


The Dali Universe is an innovative and engaging exhibition dedicated to the ground breaking and awe-inspiring works of Salvadore Dali. Set in a fittingly novel display centre in London’s County Hall, and covering more than 3000 square metres of floor space, Dali Universe is a wonderful exhibition showcasing his most famous, and some of his more obscure, works.
Harrods
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Road
London
SW1X 7XL
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7730 1234


Harrods is one of the world's most celebrated department stores, established in 1849 as a humble grocery store with just two shop assistants. Today, Harrods offers everything from food to fashion, furniture to sportswear plus a huge selection of restaurants serving every kind of cuisine imaginable. Must-see sights include the food halls, the Egyptian hall and the pet department; at night the shop makes a distinguished landmark, illuminated by 11,500 light bulbs.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens
London
W8 4PX
United Kingdom

Tel: 0844 482 7777


Kensington Palace has been a royal residence since 1689; parts of the palace remain so to this day. Visitors may explore other parts of the palace however, taking in the beautifully preserved interior and furniture, while live guides provide a fascinating commentary, describing in great detail the unique history of this historic residence.
London Dungeon
London Dungeon
28-34 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2SZ
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7403 7221


The London Dungeon can be found deep in the heart of London, in historic Southwark. Only the brave should consider delving into the world's most chillingly famous horror attraction, which tells the grim and macabre tale of more than 2,000 years of gruesomely authentic history. Visitors beware – some of the dungeon’s exhibits have a habit of coming back to life!
London Eye
The London Eye
Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7PB
United Kingdom

Tel: 0870 990 8881


The London Eye is among the world's highest observation wheels and offers passengers breathtaking panoramic views of London’s distinctive sights. The London Eye takes visitors on a 30-minute flight, rising to 450 feet above the River Thames, in 32 fully enclosed capsules.

See our feature on The London Eye
Madame Tussaud’s
Madame Tussaud’s
Marylebone Road
London
NW1 5LR
United Kingdom

Tel: 0871 894 3000


Madame Tussaud’s is the world’s most famous waxworks, and has been captivating audiences in London and around the world for more than 200 years. Mingle with the likes of Amy Winehouse, David Beckham, Barack Obama, Brad Pitt and many more, and take in the regularly changing special displays, showcasing likenesses of your favourite pop stars, sports stars and celebrities.

See our feature on Madame Tussaud's
The National Gallery
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
London
WC2N 5DN
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7747 2885


Set in London’s historic Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery is home to one of the world's finest collections of Western European paintings. Permanent exhibitions include the Leonardo Cartoon by da Vinci and the Hay Wain by Constable, to name just a couple of the breathtaking works on display. There is also a frequently changing programme of temporary exhibitions, and entry is free. Pictured is the San Romano Battle by Paolo Uccelo.

See our feature on The National Gallery
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London
SW7 5BD
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7942 5000


The Natural History Museum in London is one of the world’s finest museums dedicated to charting the history of life, mankind and the world around us. There are some superb displays, with exhibits ranging from tiny fossils to whole dinosaur skeletons, as well as interactive and hands-on experiences that will captivate the young and old alike. Additionally, the museum runs a programme of special events and exhibitions throughout the year.
The Original London Tour
The Original London Tour
Jews Row
London
SW18 1TB
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 8877 1722


The Original London Sightseeing Tour is the largest operator of its kind, showing visitors the very best of the capital from an open-top double-decker bus. The tour operates a ‘hop-on, hop-off’ policy, meaning visitors can spend a while at each place of interest before rejoining the tour. Live guides provide an entertaining narration, and multi-language running commentaries are available.
Selfridges & Co.
Selfridges & Co.
400 Oxford Street
London
W1A 1AB
United Kingdom

Tel: 0800 123 400


Selfridges is one of the world's finest and most famous department stores and dominates the west end of London’s Oxford Street. There are six floors in total, with more than ten acres of shopping floor space. Additionally, Selfridges offers eleven eating venues, two exhibition halls and countless services. With everything from high fashion to hi-fi, wardrobe co-ordination to wedding lists, Selfridges offers every item you'll ever need.
Science Museum
Science Museum
Exhibition Road
London
SW7 2DD
United Kingdom

Tel: 0870 870 4868


London’s celebrated Science Museum was founded in 1857 and ever since has been regarded as one of the world’s leading collections of artefacts pertaining to all branches of science, industry and technology. There are more than 300,000 exhibits, with a host of rare and fascinating articles divided into several separate galleries of permanent and temporary displays. Many of the exhibitions are interactive and provide a remarkably easy way for children and adults alike to get to grips with science.
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral
Saint Paul’s Churchyard
London
EC4M 8AD
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7246 8316


St Paul’s Cathedral is an instantly recognisable landmark and has been a familiar sight on the London skyline since 1673. The magnificent Baroque cathedral was designed by celebrated architect Sir Christopher Wren and features many innovative construction techniques and design features. The cathedral consists of a crypt, an ambulatory and a whispering gallery, and visitors can join expert guides as they provide an enlightening tour of the magnificent building, telling the intricate details of its long history.
Tate Britain
Tate Britain
Millbank
London
SW1P 4RG
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7887 8888


The Tate Britain is home to a world-renowned national collection of British Art. The classical-style building opened more than 100 years ago and contains sculptures, drawings, oils and watercolours as well as important works by Turner and William Blake. It is known as Britain’s home of art, with pieces dating back from 1500 up until the current period.
Tower Of London
Tower Of London
202-203 Grange Road
London
SE1 3AA
United Kingdom

Tel: 0844 482 7777


The Tower of London is one of London’s most distinctive landmarks, and one of its most popular visitor attractions. Discover 900 years of remarkable history, as the tower’s roles as a royal palace and fortress, a prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house are portrayed. The tower was founded by William I in 1066-7 and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns; today the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses.

See our feature on the Tower of London
Walk Talk Tours - London
Walk Talk Tours - London

Walk Talk Tours are narrated city tours that you can download to your computer and transfer to your MP3 player. Each professionally produced Walk Talk Tour comes with a Walk Talk Tour Plan and a downloadable map which is easy to follow ensuring you don’t miss anything.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
20 Dean’s Yard
London
SW1P 3PA
United Kingdom

Tel: 020 7222 5152


Westminster Abbey is one of the UK’s most famous landmarks and one of its most popular tourist attractions. Consecrated in 1065, Westminster Abbey has been the venue for the coronations of all English sovereigns ever since. It is also the final resting place for countless English monarchs, as well as the great and the famous. Poet’s Corner is a particular highlight and commemorates many of the country’s most distinguished writers.

See our feature on Westminster Abbey