The London Pass is a great way to see the attractions of London. By buying online, you can get a digital pass on your phone that is scanned for a ticket.
With 80 plus attractions on one card, you will never be able to see everything, but it is value for money and by using the London Pass, you see as much as you can fit into your itinerary.
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If you are travelling around the U.K., the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will also find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
Need A Car?
If you want to book a car, you can try using one of these car rental websites, EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars, Expedia or RentalCars.
Want to try the Big Bus Tour?
Don’t have time to see all the attractions London has to offer? Try a Big Bus Tour and see all of London’s top attractions from the top of a double-decker bus with audio commentary.
Need Accommodation?
Try using these accommodation websites to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day exploring, Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia.
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All prices and times were correct when this was written or updated, but please check the websites when you wish to visit.
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The pass can be purchased as a 1,2,3,6, or 10-day pass. The best way to use the London Pass is by being organised. Know what you want to do when you want to do it and be prepared for queues to get your tickets.
These are the attractions I used for the London Pass. I’ve included prices to give you an idea of the savings or in case you only have the time or the inclination to do that attraction.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most iconic places to visit in London. A fortress, a palace, and a prison are what the Tower has been over the years, but that is only the beginning of the tales that have come out of this attraction.
A guided tour is a must, and you’ll have a Yeoman Warder tell you history and stories from the past. The tours are regular, but the crowds are big so try to keep as close to the front to hear him or her as you can. You have four points that you stop and listen about the area, out the front, the Traitor’s Gate, halfway up the stairs into the Towers’ centre and in front of the execution site and Queen’s house.
After the tour, you’re free to wander through the buildings, including the Chapel, Bloody Tower, the White Tower, the Fusiliers Museum and, of course, see the Crown Jewels.
Hours
Opening days and hours vary.
Check the website for more information and if there are any planned closures.
Prices
- Adult from £34.80
- Child from £17.40
- Concession from £27.70
To book click here.
Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is home to the Carriages, Coaches and horses that pull them. It also now houses the cars that are used by the Royal Family.
You can see and read up on the different carriages and the part they played in Royal life. Meet the horses that draw the carriages and have a photo taken in an open-top carriage, or you can dress as a footman. Your kids can even practise harnessing a horse.
A highlight at the end is the Gold Coach.
The most impressive coach is the Gold Coach. It was used to carry the Queen on her coronation and was recently used as part of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and King Charles’ Coronation.
Hours
The Royal Mews sometimes has closures and seasonal openings. Click here to find the times they are open.
Prices
- Adult from £17.00
- Young Person (18-24) from £11.00
- Child (5-17) / Disabled from £8.50
- Under 5 and Access Companion Free
To book, click here.
The Globe Theatre
Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or not, the Globe Theatre is a great place to visit.
Although not the original building, it is a great replica even down to the thatched roof, which had to be allowed as thatched roofs had been banned since the Great Fire of 1666.
The theatre has an open roof and would perform up to 10 shows in two weeks. It would hold 1500 people crammed in the seats, and standing in front of the stage. People would also listen outside, doubling those attending the performance.
The tour lasts about 50 minutes and gives you a great insight into Shakespeare’s time.
You can also see performances today for as little as £5. Check out the website for productions and tours.
Hours
To find the hours of the Swan Bar and Restaurant, Globe Theatre, Box Office or Shop, click here.
Prices of Tours
- Adult from £26
- Under 16 from £19
Click here to book.
How to Get Here
Shakespeare’s Globe is at 21 New Globe Walk beside the Thames in the Bankside Cultural Quarter. It’s an easy walk along the Thames and the nearest Tube station is Southwark Station on the Jubilee line, a 12-minute walk.
Florence Nightingale Museum
The Florence Nightingale Museum is small but important just behind St. Thomas’ Hospital. It tells the life of Florence Nightingale and how she changed modern nursing, especially how she shaped combat nursing into what it is today.
A tireless worker, I’m sure that if she had been a man, she would not have had to work so hard to get what she wanted, but then she also may not have been remembered as such a remarkable woman in what she did accomplish.
Hours
Tuesday – Sunday
10 am – 5 pm
(last entry 4:30 pm)
A typical visit to the museum lasts around 60-90 minutes.
Prices
- Adult £12
- Concession/Student £10
- Child £6
- Family (2 adults + up to 4 children) £30
London Bridge Experience and Tombs
The London Bridge Experience and Tombs are an interactive experience that has won awards and recognition for its excellence. It is a journey into the past of London Bridge. As you pass through the years, you learn all that has gone around London Bridge and what has happened on it in all its incarnations.
Upon entering, you are taken into the informative part of the attraction. It is here where you learn about all the London Bridges since Viking times.
After the museum, you start your tour of the past and are taken from room to room where you meet people of the time explaining the history in all its gory details, especially when you visit with the Keeper of the Heads.
Down in the Tombs, you are given a get-out clause. From now on, you enter the realm of the REALLY scary. I was told a story upon entering. A couple was entering, and the girl was continually asked by the guy if she was going to be alright. He ended up walking out the end crying, and she was fine. I did it and was fine, and I’m NOT into horror movies or anything like that.
No one in the attraction can touch you, and most of the fear is in your head. In saying that, I wasn’t leading my group through, and it was very dark with flashes of light every now and then to convey the horror that is down there.
All in all, it’s just over an hour to go through and very informative. You even get to exit through the Gelato Bar at the end if you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
You can’t take photos in the London Bridge Experience, but you can have a professional photo taken in there.
Hours
- Monday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
- Thursday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
- Friday – Open – 12:00 – 18:00
- Saturday – Open – 11:00 – 18:00
- Sunday – Open – 11:00 – 18:00
- Closed Christmas Day.
During the bank & school holidays,
we are open every day from 11:00 – 18:00
Prices
Click here to view prices and book.
London Zoo
On the northern side of Regents Park is the London Zoo, a great day out for families or solo travellers who have a love of animals.
One of the highlights for me was walking around the Squirrel Monkey enclosure, which was open for both monkeys and humans to roam free. There was no touching the monkeys, although I don’t think the monkeys would allow it anyway as they are very fast at getting away. They have ropes set up to be above you or bushes around to go in. Of course, they may even just cross your path or pose for photos.
Your zoo map will give you information on the talks at enclosures throughout the day. These are great times to see the animals, especially the Tiger, which can be a bit elusive if he wants to be.
Hours
ZSL London Zoo is normally open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
| Dates | Opening | Last entry | Closing |
| 29 March – 1 September 2024 | 10:00 | 17:00* | 18:00* |
| 2 September – 27 October 2024 | 10:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 |
| 28 October 2024 – 14 February 2025 | 10:00 | 15:00 | 16:00 |
| 15 February 2025 – 25 March 2025 | 10:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 |
- The last admission is one hour before the advertised closing time
- Some animal exhibits may close up to 30 minutes before closing time
Prices
Please check the website for prices and to book your ticket.
London Pass/Go City Explorer Pass holders simply need to arrive at the Zoo and present their pass to the ZSL Admissions staff.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral has been an iconic building throughout the history of London.
The first St. Paul’s was built and consecrated in 604 and was burnt down in 675.
The current St. Paul’s Cathedral is the work of Sir Christopher Wren. Finished in 1697, its predecessor had been burnt down in the Great Fire of 1666.
You visit not only the Cathedral floor but the Crypt and the upper floors of the Whispering Gallery, 257 steps up, the Stone Gallery, 376 steps up, and the top of the Dome at the Golden Gallery, which is 528 steps up.
We welcome respectful non-flash photography for personal use inside the Cathedral outside service times. As a working church, there are some restrictions to this which can be found on their photography page.
Audio commentary is included in the entry price.
Hours
The Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday for sightseeing.
On most days, doors open at 8.30 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10 am on Wednesdays. The last entry for sightseeing is usually at 4 pm with sightseeing ending 30 minutes after the last entry time. However, opening and closing times can change, so we recommend you visit our calendar to check the day you will be attending.
Price
It’s free to worship at the Cathedral, but sightseeing is ticketed. The cost of entry is £25 per adult and £10 per child, with discounts for families, groups and concessions. Some free tickets are also available. Visit our page on ticket types and prices for more information.
Westminster Abbey
Don’t be put off by the huge queues at Westminster Abbey, as it only takes about half an hour or so to get in.
You have an audio commentary and believe me, there is plenty to see here. Over 3000 people, over the years, have been buried here, including Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking, Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters and many Royals, including Queen Elizabeth the First and Mary Queen of Scots.
There have also been coronations, weddings and funerals held here as well as being the last resting place of the Unknown Warrior.
Since the wedding of the Duke of York to Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, wedding bouquets have been left at the grave of the Unknown Warrior out of respect.
Once you have explored the inside, there are cloisters to explore. Dating from the 13th to 15th Century, they are about 100 feet in length. A memorial fountain in the centre of the cloisters is to commemorate the tercentenary of the great 18th-century landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
No photos are to be taken inside the Abbey. There’s just no room to be able to, even if you were allowed.
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9.30 am – 3.30 pm (last entry)
Saturday: 9.00 am – 3.00 pm (last entry)
Sunday: Open for services
Prices
Online tickets are available. Click here to book.
Hop On Hop Off Bus
The Hop-on Hop-off Bus is a great way to get from one attraction to another in London. Not only do you get commentary along the way, but the Bus stops right outside the attraction (or very close to it).
I went on the Big Bus Tour. Check out their maps for the best routes for what you want to see.
Hours
For routes to help you plan, click here.
Prices
See their website for more prices and savings.
Free Big Bus Tours Mobile App
Get all the landmarks, routes and times on your phone.
Go to the website to get the right app for you.
There is free wi-fi on board for your enjoyment.
Changing of the Guard
All I can say is if you want to have the best “seat”, you will have to get there early to see the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. It starts at 11:00 am, and I got there just after.
Getting there late, I didn’t expect to have a great view, but the crowds were unbelievable, and I ended up at the back.
The ceremony goes for 45 minutes, and you can move around to see if you can get a better view as I did. I found a spot that wasn’t too bad but remember, everyone has a phone to take photos and videos on, and they love to hold them above their heads with both hands.
Hours
The ceremony is every second day at 11.00 am. Check their website to see what day it is on.
The King’s Gallery
There were two exhibitions in The King’s Gallery that I visited in 2019, Russia and The Crimean War. Along with amazing artwork, you get an education about the Royal Families of both Russia and Britain and how Queen Victoria was the Grandmother of Europe with her lineage.
There are talks at 12:00 and 15:00 daily as well as an audio guide you can use.
Hours
The King’s Gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except from 11 July to 31 August when we are open 7 days a week.
Consider visiting the Gallery in the afternoon as it maybe a quieter time to visit.
| Opening time | Last admission | Closing time |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | 16:15 | 17:30 |
Closures
- 15 April – 16 May 2024 – Gallery closed
The King’s Gallery is part of a working royal palace so sometimes closures can happen at short notice. Any closure dates will be listed on their website.
Prices
- Adult £19
- Young Person (18-24) £12
- Child (5-17)/Disabled £9.50
- Under 5 Free
Tate Modern
If modern art is more your scene, then Tate Modern is definitely the place for you. With free entry, you may have to pay for special exhibitions if you want to view them. You can also go up to the 10th floor for a view over the Thames and across to St. Paul’s.
The audio guide is free with the London Pass.
Hours
Monday to Sunday 10.00–18.00
Prices
It is free to enter, but check out their website for what exhibitions are on and how much they are. Tickets are required for all visitors.
National Gallery
A very popular and free art gallery, the National Gallery is the best to get in early if there is something you want to see specifically. Audio commentaries are also available free with the London Pass, but you may have to pay for special exhibits.
There is many great artists’ works hanging here, including Vermeer, Cézanne, Monet, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Reubens.
The Gallery is in Trafalgar Square, which also has Nelson’s Column, fountains of mermaids, dolphins and tritons and is guarded by four monumental bronze lions.
Certainly, a place for many tourists to congregate.
Hours
Open daily 10 am–6 pm
Friday until 9 pm
Closed 24–26 December and 1 January
Prices
Free.
Check out their website for exhibitions that are currently on and how much they cost.
Kensington Palace
On the far western side of Hyde Park is Kensington Palace, home to royalty since the 17th century.
From 24 May 2019, there will be an exhibition on Queen Victoria celebrating the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth. As she was born, grew up and became Queen in Kensington Palace, this is a fitting place to learn all about her life before she was Queen and her life during her reign.
A tour is absolutely essential to hear all the history of the Palace and stories from the time. Going from room to room you hear what would have happened back in the day. It’s a great tour with such descriptions bringing the rooms to life.
After the tour, you are free to explore the rooms of Queen Mary II and King George II and Queen Caroline.
Hours
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (pre-booking advised)
Last admission: 17:00.
The Sunken Garden is open from 10:00 – 18:00 Wednesday to Sunday.
Prices
- Adult: £24.00
- Child: £12.00
Churchill War Rooms
The Churchill War Rooms were installed during World War Two when Churchill went underground as the Blitz started in London. Although he didn’t like it down there, he, his wife and staff lived and worked underground, trying to work out an Allied victory.
With cabinet rooms, a kitchen, bedrooms and communication rooms, this area kept the country running.
An extensive museum on Churchill’s life is in the middle of the war rooms. There are films during his war years when he was young and his political times. This is a great insight into his life, and I’ve certainly learnt more about this man than I ever knew before today.
Once again, you have an audio commentary full of plenty of tales bringing this place to life.
Hours
Daily 9.30 am – 6 pm with the last entry at 5 pm.
Prices
- Adult (16-64) £32
- Child (5-15) £16
- Child (under 5) Free but accompanied by an adult
- Concession £28.80
- Carer Free
Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum is for all the history buffs out there, especially history during war times.
The London Pass gets you a free guidebook to help you navigate this six-storey building.
The ground floor houses World War I memorabilia. As you enter the building, you have stairs leading down to the ground floor. The way the building is laid out is the centre is open through to the ceiling. Planes of all descriptions hang down past all the floors.
Other floors cover World War 2 through film and equipment, including the wrecks of planes and a Human Torpedo.
Other exhibitions that are a bit different are Culture Under Attack, Rebel Sounds and Art in Exile.
Culture Under Attack is about everything from the bombing of cities to the desecration of religious monuments.
Over two floors and taking an average of 90 minutes to go around is the Holocaust Exhibition.
The Holocaust covers personal stories before the war and after and how it all played out. For obvious reasons, no photographs are to be taken in this exhibit.
Depending on how much you read and see, you could spend anything from 3-6 hours here alone.
Hours
Daily 10 am – 6 pm.
Closed 24 to 26 December.
Prices
Admission is free.
Handel and Hendrix Flats
Along the road from Claridges toward Regent Street are the flats of George Handel and Jimi Hendrix, two musicians at different times in history who were the greats of their time.
These floors are kept as exact as possible to the times when their previous inhabitants lived in them.
If these walls in Jimi Hendrix’s room could talk, the stories would be incredible. From the famous people who have visited the music that was played and the parties Hendrix held, this is a peek into a world that has been lost to history.
Down on the next floor is George Handel’s residence, which is much more refined than Jimi Hendrix’s.
Handel’s flat was over a few floors, basement, ground floor, 1st and 2nd floor and attic.
Because all the furniture is beautifully preserved from the time, you can see the floors as they would have been.
You also have an opportunity to dress up in clothing from both times in history and take a photo with your camera.
Hours
Monday and Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
(last entry at 16:00)
Prices
Click here to book online or see prices.
Kew Gardens
On the District line out of Richmond is Kew Gardens, just a short walk down from the railway station.
A huge garden incorporating Temperate Houses, a Pagoda, the Tree Tops Walk, Kew Palace and more.
With such an extensive garden, you can easily spend all day here exploring all the diversity.
When I visited in 2019, there was an exhibition of artwork throughout the gardens. Check out their website to see what’s on when you visit.
The Tree Tops walkway is 18m high and takes you along the canopy of the trees. From this height, you also get a great view of the gardens.
Prices
10 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm) every day.
Hours
You can book online, which is best as there are many different prices depending on the time of year you go as well as different categories.
Conclusion
The London Pass is a great way to see a lot of attractions in London without paying a lot of money to see them.
Not only do you save money, but getting a multi-attraction like the London Pass, will also help you organise your time in London, what you really want to see and how to fit it all in.
Where I Stayed
I stayed in four YHAs while spending time in London, YHA London St. Paul’s, YHA Central London and YHA London Oxford Street.
All are near attractions which is why I moved around. YHA London St. Paul’s is convenient for St. Paul’s, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, but for getting up early to get those dawn shots as it’s so close to the River Thames and the Millennium Bridge.
YHA London Oxford Street and Central London are the best stays for attractions north and west of London like London Zoo, Madame Tussaud’s and Buckingham Palace.
Facilities
YHA London Oxford Street
- Free Wi-Fi in common areas and Internet
- 24-Hour Reception
- Towels, padlocks and power adapters are available for rent
- Hostel Activities like walks, pub crawls etc
- Meal Available
- Late check out
- Luggage Storage
- Laundry
- Bar
- Tours/Travel Desk
- Key Card Access
- Near bus stops and underground
- Vending Machines
YHA London Central
- Wifi and full mobile coverage
- Stylish cafe and bar at the heart of the hostel
- Self-catering Kitchen
- 5-minutes Walk from Oxford Street
- Self-catering facilities are available at any time of the day
- 24-hour access after check-in and 24-hour reception
- Ambulant and Wheelchair accessible
- Contactless payments
- Evening meals
- Licensed bar
- Near bus stop, train station and underground
- Water refill station
- Luggage store
- Vending Machines
- Unlimited Breakfast
YHA London St. Paul’s
- Free Wifi
- Internet Access
- Fully Licensed Restaurant
- Free City Maps
- Linen Included
- Common Room
- Security Lockers
- Hair Dryers and Towels For Hire
- Restaurant, Cafe and Bar
- Bicycle Parking and Hire
- Laundry Facilities
- 24-Hour Security
- Late Check-Out
- Luggage Storage
- Tours/Travel Desk
- Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
- Vending Machines
Where They Are
YHA London St. Paul’s is located in a former St. Paul’s Choir School at 36 Carter Lane.
YHA London Oxford Street is at 14 Noel Street, one block back from Oxford Street and between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road Underground Stations.
YHA London Central is at 104 Bolsover Street, a 5-minute walk to Great Portland Street Underground Station and Marylebone Road.
How To Book
If you would like to stay at the YHA London St. Paul’s, the YHA London Oxford Street, the YHA London Central or the YHA London Lee Valley, click on the links and get ready to start your adventure in London.
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Links
If you want more to see and do in London, then check out my other blogs, Merlin London Big Adventure Pass and Parks of London. If you’d like to read more about my travels in the UK, click on the countries following links; England, Scotland and Wales.
If you want to check out UK passes and what you should get for where then read my blog on Explore the UK with Passes.
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art.
Or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
Travel Resources
- Flights, Accommodation & Car Hire – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Hopper and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
- Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more tips, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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The London Pass is definitely a cheaper and more efficient way to organize a tour of the major attractions of the London city. I wish I had more time to cover all the attractions you have mentioned here.
You need at least ten days in London, Ashley and then it’s not long enough to see everything. It is a remarkable city, with so much to see.
Love the London Pass! And so many i didn’t get an opportunity to visit…your list of the top 18 attractions will be a great resource when I visit again.
It is one of the best passes I’ve ever used travelling, Karen. I hope you get to go back to London and see more with the London Pass this time.
We often check out the city passes when we visit a new spot. The London Pass worked for us when we visited even though we did not get as great a use of the pass as you did with 18 different attractions visited. A good tip to get organized to maximize the value you get. It does not help if you are constantly moving from area to area and back. There are several on your list that we have not yet visited so a London Pass might work on a return visit.
Organising your time and the attractions you want to see is the key to utilising the London Pass to the fullest. I hope that you get back to London soon to see more with the London Pass, Linda.
We have used GoCity in other cities and must say it’s well worth it, especially if you’re wanting to visit multiple attractions. We were able to do the Big Bus Tour in London and found it to be a great way to see many of the sights in London.
GoCity and the Big Bus Tours are another fantastic way of getting around and seeing a lot of attractions in a big city, Brittney. I use the Bus Tours to orientate my way around a new city.
I love city passes, they are the best way to explore the big cities. I will definitely use the London city card during my visit. Thanks for the detailed information and it is easier to compare by looking at the price of entry for every place of attraction.
You’re welcome, Kiki. It certainly is a big saving using the London Pass if you are going to see a lot of attractions while in London.
The many iconic sites and locations in London make using the London Pass an essential accessory when visiting London. Having used one it’s certainly beneficial and as you shared, it’s a great means for organising your time.
Such a helpful post! And the pass is great value for money. When back in London I’ll definitely take a look at this again.
Thanks. I’m glad you found it helpful and I hope you use it when you get back to London.
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