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Welcome back to our newest blog series, An Australian Abroad! It was so fun to reminisce on the best places in the UK I have visited since moving to London, and now I want to shine a spotlight on some amazing attractions I have experienced.
If there is one city never short of an activity to do, it’s London. It is jam-packed with attractions to suit every type of traveller – so here’s what tickled my fancy!
Churchill War Rooms
I must be honest here. The Churchill War Rooms were not at the top of my must-see list when I came to London. But thanks to my dad (everyone say, G’day Pete!), I realised the importance of seeing them. He suggested I go, and I am so glad he did because it is one of the most fascinating attractions in the whole city. Whether you are a history buff like my dad or just learnt about WWII in school like me, the War Rooms are worth every penny. You can discover where Winston Churchill and his War Cabinet met, see the Map Room, which has remained untouched since the day the lights were switched off at the war’s end in 1945, and explore the award-winning interactive museum which houses intimate artefacts from Churchill’s life. It is a remarkable experience and one that I suggest to every visitor and even locals!
The Ghost Bus
Full of theatrics, history and great views of London at night, The Ghost Bus is perfect for those who love sightseeing with a spooky twist. Having explored Central London many times, I wanted something a little different and as a comedy and horror fan, I found just the thing! The Ghost Bus is wonderfully entertaining and will have you laughing and gasping the whole way on board the 1960s Routemaster bus. As you pass iconic London landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral your wickedly talented guide will inform you of the grisly history associated with each site – from murder and torture to execution and pesky ghosts this old city is filled with gruesome tales! I went on The Ghost Bus in October as the days were getting darker earlier but for those travelling in summer, be sure to book the latest timeslot possible so you get the full night-time experience.
The London Dungeon
Speaking of spooky, The London Dungeon is a true personal favourite of mine. So much so, that I have visited twice since living in London! The bleak and torturous history of the city comes alive with a fun and fearsome journey through some of London’s worst years. You will walk plague-ridden streets and hear horror stories of the disease that engulfed Europe, explore Jack the Ripper’s hunting ground, meet Mrs Lovett in her famous pie shop on Fleet Street, and so much more. There is even a ride at the end of the tour to top it all off. Every time I visit The London Dungeon, I am always impressed with how talented the actors are and how much history, knowledge and fun they can fit into 90 minutes.
The London Bridge Experience
Still speaking of spooky! There seems to be a trend here if you haven’t noticed. The London Bridge Experience is like The London Dungeon in that it’s an interactive theatrical performance filled with darkness, terror, and so much fun. You are immersed in London’s past where you can meet traitors and murderers who gave the city a bad name and dive into the unique history of the the famous bridge. You will even find out who amongst you is a witch while visiting the Chapel. Which to my delight, was me! I always had a feeling I was special. After I was tried for witchcraft and sentenced to death the show continued.
The final part of the experience is a maze in which you traverse through cramped hallways and dimly lit rooms hidden with mysterious monsters out to get you. It’s adrenaline-pumping, to say the least. I had such a great time learning about London’s most infamous figures and getting chased by evil beings. Oh, and for those who survive, you can calm yourself down with food and drink at the onsite pub.
British Museum
Changing pace here, the British Museum is a spectacle that everyone should experience. Located in Central London, the museum is free to enter (like most UK museums) and offers a vast collection of history, art and culture spanning two million years. Since moving to London, I have visited the British Museum three times, and each visit focused my attention on different areas because there is simply so much to see! I personally love the Egypt exhibit. I enjoy getting lost in the ancient history of the country and seeing the incredible mummy cases, as well as the very famous Rosetta Stone. To make your life a little easier, the museum has curated a list of must-see items so you can tick off the highlights. But a word of caution, no matter the time of day, the museum is always busy and there can be lines and crowding around some items. Patience is a virtue, as my mother would say!
Natural History Museum
My favourite of all London’s museums, The Natural History Museum is bursting at the seams with wonder. Similar to above, I have visited twice since my move to London, and I often think about going again – in fact, it’s decided, I will! Great, now that is sorted let me tell you why I rave about it so much. The museum houses over 80 million objects spanning more than 4 billion years of natural history. From dinosaurs and the solar system to natural disasters and the incredible blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling in Hintze Hall, there really is something for every curious brain to enjoy. The building is beautiful, the South Kensington location is ideal (the Orange Route on the Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Bus goes there), and the exhibits are captivating and informative. I cannot recommend this museum enough.
Westminster Abbey
Located at Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey is a stunning Gothic church with over a thousand years of history. I visited Westminster Abbey in my first few months of living in London after my aunty travelled over from Australia. Together we explored the Abbey and enjoyed the included multimedia guide which provided information about the church and major events that took place there. It was amazing to see the Coronation Chair – created in 1296 and to learn about who was married and buried there but what I really loved was the Poets’ Corner. As a writer, I took my time wandering this specific area and paying homage to the creatives who helped shape the literary world as I know it.
What’s Next
I have had the privilege of experiencing so many great London attractions, but there are still many more to tick off the list. What’s next? Only time and curiosity will tell!
Looking for fun attractions in London? Golden Tours has tickets to a range of incredible experiences.
