Things to do in London

What makes London such an enjoyable place to visit is that there are masses upon masses of things to do and see. The city wouldn’t be the same without its royal influence, which is evident across the whole of London. Stand outside the gates of Buckingham Palace and watch the old tradition – the Changing of the Guards and stroll around St James’s Park or one of the other royal gardens. Westminster Abbey is a living and breathing edifice of British history and was the venue for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton – well worth a peek.

For museums and galleries, no other city compares to London with its mammoth array. Even for those museum-shy the British Museum cannot be missed with its phenomenal collection of around seven million artefacts. Highlights include the museum’s collection of Egyptian mummies and an amazing selection of Parthenon sculptures. If London’s centre tires you out, Richmond Park is the perfect place to escape the city’s madness. Hire a bike and admire the herds of deer sauntering freely among the flora- and fauna-rich woodland.

Check out Camden and its popular open-air market, where you can find great quirky, alternative and vintage shopping. This area is buzzing at night with live music seeping out of small and dingy bars. Spitalfields, across in London’s East End is vibrant and hip, attracting young, alternative types. Shop at the famous Spitalfields Market (open daily), stroll over to Brick Lane for the best curry houses in the country and then enjoy a pint at the fashionable Vibe Bar. London has it all and will be a firm favourite on any InterRail adventure.