10 Amazing Things to Do in London

If you’re attending the 2020 Open Championship at Royal St George’s (July 16-19) or playing golf near London, you should take advantage of your proximity to one of the world’s most dynamic cities. [Note: Royal St George’s in Sandwich, Kent is only 75 miles.]

Here are 10 ways to enjoy your visit to London:

1. Visit Westminster

Home to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the iconic Big Ben clock, Westminster is a must-see sight in London. Walk through Parliament Square and see statues of important political figures like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.

2. Snap a Photo at Piccadilly Circus

A spectacular square with bright lights and huge electronic screens, Piccadilly Circus has been a busy commercial hub since the 17th century. Located in the heart of the West End, it’s near some of London’s largest theaters and nightclubs.

3. Eat at Borough Market

Dating back more than 1,000 years, Borough Market is London’s oldest food market. Renowned for its artisan prepared food and fresh organic produce, it’s overflowing with fresh, high-quality cheeses, breads, sausages, seafood, pastries, coffee and countless other delicacies.

4. Enjoy Hyde Park

What Central Park is to New York City, Hyde Park is to London. Both are wonderful reprieves in a sea of bustling urban life. At Hyde Park you can stroll through a tree-laden landscape with two large bodies of water. Try a paddle boat on the Serpentine and you’ll cruise alongside swans and get great views of the park.

5. Art Appreciation at a Museum

From classic to contemporary art, London is a treasure trove for art lovers. Better still, most of the city’s galleries are free to visit, including the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. One of the world’s great museums, the National Gallery features works by da Vinci, van Gogh and Rembrandt. For modern art, don’t miss the Tate Modern on Southbank where you’ll find pieces by Picasso, Klee and Delauney.

6. Shop Till You Drop

No shopping excursion to London is complete without a trip to Harrod’s, the famous luxury department store that opened in 1824. Its customers include the Royal Family and a long list of celebrities. Other great shopping options are Oxford Street, which is home to Selfridges, John Lewis, Debenhams and more than 300 stores; Bond Street and Mayfair, where you’ll find Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.; Westfield, which has two major shopping centers at White City and Stratford and Carnaby Street, a hip, chic area with more than 100 stores and 60 restaurants, bars and cafes.

7. Watch the Changing of the Guard

Stroll through beautiful Green Park to Buckingham Palace, which has been home to the British Royal Family since 1837. Certain parts of the palace are open to visitors. The Changing of the Guard occurs a few times each day and the historic tradition is a wonderful experience with the highly disciplined guards strutting precisely in their iconic London bearskin.

8. Cruise the Thames River

Several companies offer cruises on the Thames from different locations. Typically, the cruises depart every 30 minutes with some night departures possible. There are even cruises that offer meals and afternoon tea. There are sights galore to see along the way, including Tower Bridge, the House of Parliament and the London Eye.

9. Ride the London Eye

This gigantic ferris wheel rewards riders with awe-inspiring panoramas of the city. You can either share a spacious pod with other visitors or upgrade to a private pod.

10. Dine and Party the Night Away

Some of the trendy areas where you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants include Mayfair, Soho, Camden, South Kensington and Shoreditch.