London, a vibrant tapestry woven from history, culture, and modern marvels, beckons travellers with a plethora of experiences. While the city boasts a fair share of free delights, some of its most captivating gems require an entrance fee. This blog unveils a treasure trove of London’s paid attractions, catering to diverse interests, from historical landmarks whispering tales of yore to awe-inspiring modern wonders and world-renowned museums brimming with artistic and scientific marvels. Prepare to embark on a journey through time and discovery, crafting an itinerary that perfectly complements your travel desires.
The London Eye
Towering over the Thames, the London Eye offers a truly unforgettable experience. This giant observation wheel whisks you 135 meters above the city in a climate-controlled capsule, providing breathtaking 360-degree panoramas. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, allowing you to choose a standard or fast-track option. Standard tickets grant access at a designated time and are generally cheaper, while fast-track tickets get you priority entry, minimizing wait times. Be sure to book your tickets beforehand, especially during peak season, to secure your spot soaring above London‘s iconic landmarks.
Timings
Daily: Mon-Sun, 9am-5.30pm
Duration
Around one-and-a-half to two hours
Tickets:
Child Ticket: Free
Adult: From £33.50 per ticketTimings:
Daily: Opening times vary (check official website) but general hours are:
Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday and school holidays, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Duration
30 minutes
Tickets:
Child Ticket: Free
Adult: From £32.00 per ticket
Madame Tussauds
Stepping into the world of fame and fantasy, Madame Tussauds in London promises an encounter with the extraordinary. This iconic wax museum houses an impressive collection of lifelike figures, bringing celebrities, historical icons, and even superheroes to life. Mingle with A-listers on the red carpet, pose alongside your favourite musicians, or even come face-to-face with historical figures who shaped the world. Tickets can be purchased online for your preferred date and time, allowing you to skip the queues and maximise your time rubbing shoulders (well, almost) with the famous. Head to the world-famous venue and spend some quality time with remarkable wax replicas of Her Majesty the Queen, Eddie Redmayne, or take a selfie with Kim Kardashian. Enjoy access to the Marvel Super Heroes 4D Exhibition, Spirit of London taxi ride (see inclusions and exclusion notes), and then meet classic Star Wars heroes like Yoda, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia.
Timings
Daily: Mon-Sun, 9am-5.30pm
Duration
Around one-and-a-half to two hours
Tickets:
Child Ticket: Free
Adult: From £33.50 per ticket
Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Beefeater Guide
Discover the turbulent and long story of the Tower of London. Upon entering the Tower, follow the directions of a Yeoman Warder, often known as a Beefeater. Discover the history of the Tower, which dates back to 1066, and how it changed from being William the Conqueror’s fortress to a royal residence, armoury, royal mint, prison, and horrifying place of execution. When you explore the White Tower and its collection of Royal Armouries, the Bloody Tower, and Traitors’ Gate, you can lose yourself in myth and history and walk under the well-known ravens that roost near Wakefield Tower. Hear the story of Anne Boleyn, the unlucky second wife of Henry VIII, who entered Traitors’ Gate in 1536 and was immediately put to death for adultery. Stroll over to Tower Gate, the location of Boleyn’s execution and the executions of many more. Since the fourteenth century, the Tower of London has also been the birthplace of the British Crown Jewels, despite its terrifying reputation. Take a careful look at this amazing regalia, which has served as the focal point of coronations since 1661 and is the ultimate representation of the British monarchy. Take note of the renowned Koh-i-Noor diamond, weighing 105.6 carats. Once you have seen the main attractions, take a leisurely stroll down the Wall Walk and enter the mediaeval palace to see the exquisitely restored rooms. Enjoy this important piece of English history slowly.
Timings
Sundays and Mondays: 10am to 5.30pm
Tuesdays to Saturdays: 9am to 5.30pm
Hours may differ during school and public holidays
Tickets
Child Ticket: From £14.40 per ticket
Adult Ticket: From £28.90 per ticket
St Paul’s Cathedral Admission Ticket
Since 604, a cathedral has stood on this location; the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed the first cathedral, which is currently the fourth to be built there. St. Paul’s is the national celebration centre of England. It has played host to royal weddings, including Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s in 1981, as well as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II‘s diamond jubilee celebrations. The recognisable Dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is well-known, and it may be ascended to three round observation spots. With so much to learn about a national cathedral’s architecture, history, and function, you will value the top-notch multimedia guides that are part of your admission price. Save yourself any hassle by securing guaranteed admission in advance. Once inside, join a guided tour for no extra cost.
Timings
Mon-Sat: 8.30am to 4.30pm (last entry: 4pm)
On Wednesdays, the cathedral opens at 10am.
Dome Galleries open daily, last entry 4.15pm
Duration
2 hours – no time limit on your visit
Child Ticket: £9.00 per ticket
Concession Ticket: £18.40 per ticket
Senior Ticket: £18.40 per ticket
Adult Ticket: £20.50 per ticket
Buckingham Palace State Rooms Entry Ticket
Open for only a handful of weeks every summer, the Buckingham Palace State Rooms are one of London’s most in-demand attractions. Secure your admission in advance, and get ready to go behind the scenes. Discover the areas of the palace that the King used for official business, learn more from your audio guide, and take in the Royal Collection Trust’s masterpieces. You can also upgrade to visit the Royal Mews: Buckingham Palace’s elegant stables. A multilingual audio guide is included in your admission price. The suggested visit duration is 2-3 hours / 3-4 hours (combi ticket).
Timings:
Thurs-Mon: 9.30am-7.30pm
Last admission – 5.15pm (14 July-31 Aug) 9.30am-6.30pm
Last admission – 4.15pm (1-24 Sep)
Frameless: an immersive art experience in London
Frameless offers a single ticket option that grants you access to all four galleries. This allows you to wander through vibrant landscapes, lose yourself in swirling abstractions, and even interact with some of the art through cutting-edge technology. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, allowing you to choose a preferred date and time for your visit. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure a smooth and magical artistic adventure.
Timings
Sun-Thu: 10am – 9pm (last entry 7pm)
Fri and Sat: 10am – 11pm (last entry 9pm)
Duration
90 min
Child Ticket: From £15.00 per ticket
Adult Ticket: From £25.00 per ticket
Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
The Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is a fantastic way to explore the vibrant city of London at your own pace. With its iconic double-decker buses, you can hop on and off at any of the designated stops along the route, allowing you to visit all the major landmarks and attractions the city has to offer. Whether you’re interested in historical sites like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, or want to experience the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, this tour provides a convenient and enjoyable way to see it all. Plus, with live commentary on board, you’ll learn fascinating facts and stories about London’s rich history and culture as you journey through its streets. So grab your ticket, hop on board, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of England’s capital city!
Departure:
Every day, from Monday to Sunday
Yellow route:
First departure: 08:30 AM
Last departure: 07:00 PM
Blue route:
First departure: 08:30 AM
Last departure: 06:20 PM
Green route:
Mon-Thur: First departure: 08:35 AM
Last departure: 05:30 PM / 07:00 PM 29th Mar-14th Apr
Fri-Sun: First departure: 08:35 AM; last departure: 07:00 PM
Yellow route:
Buses every 15-20 minutes, 15-20 minutes on the blue route, / 30 minutes on the green route
London River Cruise
The London River Cruise offers a delightful way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective. Drift along the River Thames while taking in breathtaking views of attractions like the Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. With informative commentary available on board, you’ll learn fascinating tidbits about London’s history and architecture as you glide past its famous landmarks. Whether you opt for a daytime cruise to soak in the city’s skyline or an enchanting evening cruise under the twinkling lights, this leisurely journey promises a memorable experience for visitors and locals alike. So, sit back, relax, and let the tranquil waters of the Thames carry you on a captivating tour of London’s most celebrated sights.
Tickets:
One Way – Westminster to Greenwich
Round Trip – Westminster to Greenwich and back
Starts from – £14.90
Westminster To Tower Bridge Quay Thames Cruise
Starts from: £12.90
Uber Boat By Thames Clippers Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Starts from £10.25
Evening Cruise on River Thames
Starts from £31.20
Thames River Lunch Cruise Ticket
Starts from £51
Whether you crave historic grandeur, artistic immersion, or breathtaking cityscapes, London’s paid attractions offer something for every traveller. This glimpse into a few of the city’s ticketed treasures is just the beginning. So, start planning your itinerary, grab your tickets, and prepare to unlock a world of unforgettable experiences in this vibrant metropolis.
