Things to do in London

London's Thames waterfront packs a lot into a short stretch, with a giant observation wheel, a WWII warship, and a converted ferry pub all within sight…

London's Thames waterfront packs a lot into a short stretch, with a giant observation wheel, a WWII warship, and a converted ferry pub all within sight of each other. It's a compact trio that works well for a day out, especially if you're after big views, history, and a place to sit down with a drink.

The London Eye is the obvious starting point, and it's genuinely good for children, so families can make it the centerpiece of a visit. Just along the river, HMS Belfast offers a more hands-on kind of history: a nine-deck WWII warship turned museum, permanently moored, with naval guns and plenty of decks to explore. When you're ready for a break, Tattershall Castle—a former passenger ferry now serving pub food, beer, wine, and cocktails—has outdoor seating and direct views of the Eye. It's a small but well-rounded waterfront itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about London

What are the best things to do in London for families?

The London Eye and HMS Belfast are both good for children, so they make a natural pairing. You can ride the Eye for views over the city, then walk along the river to the warship, where kids can explore the decks and see the naval guns up close.

Is HMS Belfast worth visiting as a museum?

Yes, if you like military history or ships. It's a nine-deck WWII warship permanently moored on the Thames, so you can wander through multiple levels and get a real sense of life aboard. The naval guns are a highlight, and it's a hands-on experience rather than just looking at exhibits.

Where can I get a drink or food near the London Eye?

Tattershall Castle is a former passenger ferry moored on the Thames, now serving pub food and drinks. It has outdoor seating and views of the London Eye, and the drinks list includes beer, wine, and cocktails, so it works for a casual meal or just a stop for a drink.

Can I visit the London Eye and HMS Belfast in one day?

Yes, they're both on the Thames and within walking distance of each other. Start with the London Eye for the views, then head to HMS Belfast to explore the warship. Add a stop at Tattershall Castle for food or a drink, and you've got a full day without much travel.

What kind of pub is Tattershall Castle?

It's a pub set on a former passenger ferry, permanently moored on the Thames. You can get pub food and drinks—beer, wine, and cocktails—and there's outdoor seating with views of the London Eye. It's a distinctive setting for a meal or a drink by the river.

Upcoming events

Things to do in London

Photo of Southbank Centrevia Google Maps

Southbank Centre

Theatres, concert halls and a cutting edge art gallery presenting over 1200 events each year.

London, England|5
Event VenuePhoto of Eventim Apollo — Event Venue

Eventim Apollo

Large, art deco entertainment venue with eclectic programme of rock, pop and comedy performances.

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Event VenuePhoto of Olympia — Event Venuevia Google Maps

Olympia

Exhibition centre founded in 1886, for international trade shows, conferences and consumer events.

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Performing Arts TheaterPhoto of The London Palladium — Performing Arts Theatervia Google Maps

The London Palladium

Huge theatre with original features and ornate foyer, renowned for variety shows and musical revues.

London, England|5
British RestaurantPhoto of Bill's Soho Restaurant — British Restaurant

Bill's Soho Restaurant

Contemporary European chain dishing up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.

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Food CourtPhoto of Mercato Metropolitano — Food Courtvia Google Maps

Mercato Metropolitano

Massive, airy market offering a range of street fare from Italian to Vietnamese, plus cocktails.

London, England|5
Furniture StorePhoto of IKEA Greenwich — Furniture Store

IKEA Greenwich

Scandinavian chain selling ready-to-assemble furniture, plus textiles, lighting & home decor.

London, England|4
MuseumPhoto of London Transport Museum — Museum

London Transport Museum

World's leading museum of urban transport with galleries of vintage London trams, trains & buses.

London, England|4
CafePhoto of L'ETO Soho — Cafevia Google Maps

L'ETO Soho

Contemporary cafe-style restaurant serving large breakfast menu, lunch, snacks and dinner.

London, England|5
Concert HallPhoto of Royal Festival Hall — Concert Hall

Royal Festival Hall

Southbank Centre landmark hosting concerts and performing arts in a variety of spaces.

London, England|5
MuseumPhoto of National Maritime Museum — Museumvia Google Maps

National Maritime Museum

Exploring British naval history, with a ship simulator, nautical oddities and interactive games.

London, England|5
ParkPhoto of Holland Park — Parkvia Google Maps

Holland Park

Large park with woodland, sports facilities, playground and cafe, plus a Japanese Kyoto Garden.

London, England|5
History MuseumPhoto of Churchill War Rooms — History Museumvia Google Maps

Churchill War Rooms

Secret underground headquarters where Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived and worked during WWII.

London, England|5
ParkPhoto of Primrose Hill — Park

Primrose Hill

This popular grassy hill is known for its views of London, as well as Shakespeare's Tree.

London, England|5
MuseumPhoto of HMS Belfast — Museum

HMS Belfast

9-deck WWII warship-turned-museum with naval guns, permanently moored on the Thames.

London|5
GardenPhoto of Kyoto Garden — Gardenvia Google Maps

Kyoto Garden

Garden with colourful plants, shrubs and water features, created by eminent Japanese designer.

London, England|5
Book StorePhoto of Waterstones — Book Storevia Google Maps

Waterstones

A mainstream and academic book retailer that encourages browsing; some stores have cafes.

London, England|5
Photo of TOUR LONDRES - Free Tours Londres en españolvia Google Maps

TOUR LONDRES - Free Tours Londres en español

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British RestaurantPhoto of Bill's Greenwich Restaurant — British Restaurant

Bill's Greenwich Restaurant

Contemporary European chain dishing up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.

London, England|5
Book StorePhoto of Foyles — Book Storevia Google Maps

Foyles

Large, multi-genre bookstore spread over 5 floors, also selling CD/DVDs, plus jazz cafe and events.

London, England|5