A complete guide to visiting Westminster Abbey

From coronation chairs and royal tombs to hidden cloisters and Poets’ Corner, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Westminster Abbey.

Last updated: May 13, 2026
Westminster Abbey, London

There’s historic London, and then there’s Westminster Abbey. 

This world-famous church has hosted coronations, royal weddings, funerals and centuries of British history beneath its towering gothic ceilings. Kings and queens rest beside scientists, writers and political figures, while visitors wander through corridors lined with nearly 1,000 years of stories. 

One moment you’re admiring intricate stained glass and medieval architecture, the next you’re standing beside the tomb of a literary legend or accidentally stumbling into one of the most important royal sites in the country. 

It’s grand, fascinating and far bigger inside than most people expect. 

This guide covers 
 

  • The route through Westminster Abbey  
  • Major highlights and famous tombs  
  • Poets’ Corner and royal burial sites  
  • Hidden areas many visitors miss  
  • Services, exhibitions and practical tips  
  • Photography rules and opening hours  
  • Westminster Abbey history  
  • Nearby attractions worth visiting afterwards  
Westminster Abbey interior

What’s the best route around Westminster Abbey? 

Thankfully, the Abbey follows a straightforward visitor route, so it’s difficult to get completely lost among the chapels and tombs. 

Once inside, visitors move through the building in a gentle loop guided by signs, staff and the included audio guide. 

The route generally includes: 

  • The Nave  
  • The Choir Stalls and High Altar  
  • Poets' Corner  
  • The ambulatory chapels  
  • The Shrine of Edward the Confessor  
  • Henry VII’s Lady Chapel  
  • The South Transept  
  • The Cloisters and Chapter House  

And yes, there’s a lot to take in. 

The Nave 

The Nave delivers the dramatic first impression. 

Huge gothic arches stretch overhead while centuries of memorials and monuments line the surrounding walls. This section also contains the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, one of the Abbey’s most moving memorials. 

Unlike every other grave inside the church, visitors do not walk across it. 

The atmosphere here feels noticeably quieter and more reflective compared to some of the busier sections deeper inside. 

The Choir Stalls and High Altar 

This is the ceremonial heart of Westminster Abbey and the setting for British coronations stretching back centuries. 

Every monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned here, aside from a couple of famously complicated exceptions. 

Standing in this section instantly feels familiar thanks to the countless royal events broadcast around the world over the years. 

If you visit at the right time, you may even hear choir rehearsals echoing through the building. 

The chapels 

The Abbey’s chapels each carry their own distinct atmosphere, architectural details and historical stories. 

Islip Chapel 

Islip Chapel often becomes one of the most unexpectedly impressive parts of the visit thanks to its detailed stonework, stained glass and fan vaulting. 

The colourful light filtering through the windows makes this area feel especially striking on bright afternoons. 

Chapel of St John the Baptist 

This chapel contains the tomb of Margaret Beaufort, one of the most influential figures behind the Tudor dynasty. 

Her political influence shaped huge parts of English royal history long before “power behind the throne” became a popular phrase. 

Henry VII’s Lady Chapel 

The Lady Chapel feels almost unreal when you first step inside. 

Its spectacular vaulted ceiling remains one of Westminster Abbey’s greatest architectural highlights, and nearly everyone immediately stops to stare upwards for a while. 

This section also contains the shared tomb of Elizabeth I and Mary I — two sisters whose relationship in life was far less harmonious than their final resting arrangement suggests. 

inside westminster abbey london

Poets’ Corner 

Poets' Corner remains one of the Abbey’s most famous areas. 

Writers, playwrights and literary figures connected to British culture appear throughout the space, including memorials and tombs linked to: 

  • Geoffrey Chaucer  
  • Charles Dickens  
  • William Shakespeare  
  • Jane Austen  
  • C. S. Lewis  
  • Rudyard Kipling  

Even visitors who don’t normally obsess over literature tend to recognise far more names here than expected. 

The South Transept and scientific legends 

Westminster Abbey doesn’t just celebrate royalty and writers. 

This area honours major scientific figures, including: 

  • Isaac Newton  
  • Stephen Hawking  
  • Charles Darwin  

Few places in the world manage to place such different historical figures within a few steps of one another. 

Famous tombs and memorials to look out for 

Several tombs and memorials consistently draw attention from visitors exploring the Abbey. 

Isaac Newton: Newton’s elaborate monument includes scientific symbolism, dramatic sculptures and enough detail to keep history fans occupied for ages. 

Ben Jonson: Jonson notably received a standing burial because there wasn’t enough room for a full-sized grave. 

Edward the Confessor: his shrine forms the spiritual centre of Westminster Abbey and remains one of the site’s most important historical landmarks. 

Who isn’t buried here? 

Some visitors arrive expecting to find famous figures who are actually buried elsewhere. 

Notably absent: 

  • Henry VIII — buried at Windsor  
  • Diana, Princess of Wales — buried at Althorp  

And no, fictional characters (like Sir Lancelot and Sherlock Holmes are not buried here either.)

Hidden gems around the Abbey 

Some of Westminster Abbey’s best details sit slightly away from the main crowds. 

Chapter House 

This medieval chamber contains ancient wall paintings and one of Britain’s oldest surviving doors. 

Pyx Chamber 

Originally used as a secure treasury room, this chamber dates back centuries and feels wonderfully atmospheric. 

Westminster Abbey Cloisters 

The cloisters offer one of the calmest spaces inside the Abbey complex and provide a welcome break from the busier visitor routes. 

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries 

These upper galleries require an additional ticket but contain fascinating artefacts connected to the Abbey’s long history. 

inside westminster abbey in london

Services and exhibitions 

Westminster Abbey remains an active working church rather than solely a historic attraction. 

Daily services still take place, including Evensong performances accompanied by the famous choir. 

Visitors can attend services free of charge, although sightseeing access works separately during visitor hours. 

Temporary exhibitions and special displays also rotate throughout the year. 

Essential visitor information 

Audio guides – An audio guide comes included with admission and helps explain key areas around the Abbey. 

Photography rules – Photography is allowed in most parts of the Abbey, but flash photography, filming and selfie sticks are not permitted. Photos are also restricted during services and within certain exhibition spaces. 

Best time to visit – Weekday mornings usually offer the quietest experience with shorter queues and more room to explore comfortably. 

How do you get to Westminster Abbey? 

Westminster Abbey sits in central London beside several major landmarks and transport links. 

By Tube – Westminster station on the Jubilee, Circle and District lines sits around five minutes away on foot. 

By bus – Several bus routes stop nearby including the 11, 24, 88, 148 and 211. 

By river  – Westminster Pier offers riverboat connections along the Thames. 

A quick look at the Abbey’s history 

Westminster Abbey traces its origins back more than 1,000 years. 

A Benedictine monastery first appeared here during the medieval period before Edward the Confessor rebuilt the church on a much grander scale during the 11th century. 

Since then, the Abbey has hosted coronations, royal weddings, funerals and countless major moments in British history. 

Nearly every British monarch since 1066 has been crowned here, cementing its role at the centre of royal tradition. 

Westminster Abbey London

What should you visit nearby afterwards? 

Westminster Abbey sits within one of London’s best sightseeing areas, so there’s plenty more nearby once your visit finishes. 

Churchill War Rooms – Explore the underground wartime headquarters used by Winston Churchill during World War II. 

City Cruises – Hop aboard at Westminster Pier for riverside views across central London. 

Household Cavalry Museum  – This museum explores the history and daily duties of the King’s mounted guards. 

Final thoughts beneath the gothic arches 

Westminster Abbey manages to feel both enormous and deeply personal at the same time. 

One room celebrates monarchs and national ceremonies, while the next quietly honours writers, scientists and historical figures whose ideas shaped the world. 

Whether you arrive for the royal history, the architecture or simple curiosity, the Abbey leaves most visitors walking out slightly overwhelmed by just how much history fits inside one building. 

And yes, you’ll probably spend at least part of the visit staring upwards at the ceilings in disbelief. 

Enjoyed this spiffing spot of London?

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Westminster Abbey
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Free and Fabulous: Top Experiences Near Westminster Abbey

London’s Westminster Abbey may be known for its royal weddings and legendary history, but the adventure doesn’t stop at its stone threshold. In fact, the Abbey’s vibrant neighborhood is bursting with fascinating, no-cost spots that let you experience London’s culture and charm without ever reaching for your wallet. Whether you fancy a stroll through regal gardens, enjoy a bit of people-watching, or want to brush up on some of the city’s quirkier stories, this corner of London delivers. Ready to explore a side of Westminster you won’t find in the guidebooks? Here are our best free things to do just a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey.  Our favourite free things to do near Westminster Abbey include:  St James’s Park  The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace  The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom  The Victoria Tower Gardens  The Guard’s Museum Courtyard  Westminster Bridge Views  The Tate Britain The Houses of Parliament Audio Trail  Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade  Church of St Margaret  The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace  You don’t need a ticket—or even an invitation—to witness one of Britain’s most time-honored traditions. About a ten-minute stroll from Westminster Abbey, the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace delivers unforgettable pomp and ceremony at no charge. Arrive a little early to claim a spot by the palace gates, and watch as the red-jacketed guards march in perfect formation, accompanied by a live marching band playing everything from stirring classical tunes to the occasional Beatles medley.  The atmosphere is like a burst of royal energy, blending dramatic pageantry with good-natured excitement. Tourists lean in for the perfect photo while children press against the railings, hoping to catch a wink or a salute from the guards. It runs most mornings from April to July and on alternate days the rest of the year—always check the schedule before you go. Even if you’ve seen it before, the Changing of the Guard is the sort of spectacle that never gets old. And if you miss the main action, nearby Wellington Barracks often hosts mini rehearsals—also free and worth a watch!  The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom  Need a dose of modern British intrigue? The Supreme Court, across Parliament Square from Westminster Abbey, swings open its grand doors for free. The public areas and exhibitions here are packed with information, offering up a behind-the-scenes look at groundbreaking decisions and some of the UK’s most compelling stories.  Step inside for quirky art installations, old legal tomes, and a thrilling peek into the actual courtrooms (when they aren’t in session, you can even poke your head in). Exhibitions spill all the best historic secrets: think tales of famous trials, quirky legal facts, and the history of British justice—all without so much as a cover charge. The friendly staff hand out explanation leaflets, or you can scan interactive displays explaining weird and wonderful British laws. It’s the perfect pit stop for anyone who loves dramas, mysteries, or just a good story—minus the drama of a lawyer’s bill!  The Victoria Tower Gardens  Right beside the Palace of Westminster’s sprawling towers lies one of London’s quieter green gems. The Victoria Tower Gardens feels delightfully tucked away, with broad river views and striking monuments (spot the Buxton Memorial, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the British Empire). This leafy riverside park makes a relaxing spot to watch riverboats glide past, dogs chase sticks, and lunchtime crowds filter through.  What’s special here? The vibe is serene and neighborly. You’ll often see Parliament workers on lunch breaks, children exploring the playground, and artists painting scenes under the shadow of Victoria Tower. The gardens catch the sun on summer afternoons—perfect for a spontaneous picnic, a post-Abbey coffee, or simply a gentle wander along the Thames Embankment. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the palace’s grandest side—most tourists miss this unique riverside angle!  The Guard’s Museum Courtyard  History buffs, this is your backstage pass. Tucked behind Horse Guards Parade, the courtyard of The Guards Museum is free to enter and serves up stunning views of traditional guards in full regalia going about their daily routines. On certain days, you might catch drill practice or the ceremonial mounting of the Queen’s Life Guard—make sure to check the online schedule for timings if you want to see the action up close.  The courtyard’s atmosphere blends pageantry and peace: military heritage in the air, the distant hum of Whitehall, and the glint of polished boots and breastplates. The setting alone—classic London architecture, arched stone passageways—makes it a photographer’s playground. Bring your curiosity and feel yourself swept into a living pageant, no tickets required.  The Tate Britain (Free Permanent Collection)  Art lovers, take note: London’s world-class galleries don’t always come with a lofty price tag. Tate Britain, just a leisurely riverside walk from Westminster Abbey, welcomes you to its permanent collection for free. Step through its impressive neoclassical façade and lose yourself in centuries of British creativity, from grand Tudor portraits to bold modern statements by artists like J.M.W. Turner and David Hockney.  The galleries are spacious and welcoming, with natural light spilling across masterpieces and ever-changing temporary installations. You’ll find quiet nooks for contemplation and some serious inspiration on every wall. Even if you wouldn’t call yourself an art connoisseur, Tate Britain’s atmosphere is inviting and fuss-free—plus, the café serves excellent views of the Thames if you’d like to rest your feet after a culture fix.  The Houses of Parliament Audio Trail  Can’t snag tickets for a guided tour of Parliament? No worries. Download Westminster’s free Houses of Parliament Audio Trail and wander at your own pace around Parliament Square and Victoria Tower Gardens. The trail highlights the dramatic stories, dazzling architecture, and quirky tales etched into the city’s most celebrated buildings. You’ll learn about suffragettes chaining themselves to railings, jaw-dropping scandal, and the big debates that shaped London.  The best part? The commentary is lively and packed with offbeat facts—no monotonous lecture here. With each step, you’ll build a mental map connecting centuries-old traditions with today’s political buzz. Whether you’re a podcast fiend, a history fan, or just want your own “insider” scoop, this self-guided wander brings Westminster’s drama to life, all without joining a tour group.  Whitehall and Horse Guards Parade  Just north of Parliament Square, Whitehall tempts history lovers and amateur paparazzi alike. Walk down this stately road and you’ll spot memorials, grand government buildings, and, at Horse Guards Parade, one of London’s most popular free photo ops: the mounted Queen’s Life Guard. These regal horses and their steely-eyed riders stand watch in all weather, striking their best profile for photos (and never, ever blinking).  Pause for a selfie with a perfectly groomed horse, then peek through the arches into Horse Guards Parade itself. If you arrive at the right time, you can catch the Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard—a no-cost ceremony complete with glinting helmets and drumbeats echoing off historic stone. The scale of the parade ground is impressive; you’ll feel the gravitas of centuries of royal tradition, while street performers and locals create a lively modern-day contrast just steps away on Whitehall.  Church of St Margaret  Nestled right beside Westminster Abbey, the Church of St Margaret often slips under the radar, but we think it’s an absolute must for anyone chasing a true sense of London’s history and heart—no entry charge required. Known as “the parish church of the House of Commons,” St Margaret’s offers a peaceful, authentic retreat from the lively Abbey crowds just next door.  Step inside to discover soaring stained glass, ancient wood carvings, and the final resting place of literary giants like Sir Walter Raleigh. The atmosphere here is tranquil yet powerful, with warming golden light spilling across pews and stone floors that have seen centuries of weddings, memorials, and famous worshippers. If you’re a fan of quirky stories, you’ll love tracking down memorials to fascinating figures from British history—all while listening to the gentle hush that hangs in the air.    Visiting Westminster Abbey is just the start—there’s a treasure trove of free, unforgettable experiences waiting all around it. Whether you’re after tranquil parks, dramatic pageantry, stories of law and government, or riverside views that make your Instagram pop, you’ll find every bit as much magic in the Abbey’s neighborhood as within its storied walls. Enjoy your London adventure, and don’t forget to bring an appetite for discovery!  Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to London’s Sea Life, and head off on the city’s best walks.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

A couple walk past Tower Bridge in London in April
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One week in London: your ultimate itinerary

London isn’t just a list of landmarks to tick off but a living entity which has been constantly evolving for over 2000 years. Hugely diverse in origin, Londoners shop, work and worship amidst world-beating attractions. Spend enough time in the capital, and you’ll realize that behind their frosty exterior most of London’s nine million people are also a friendly – if modest – bunch worth taking the time to get to know properly. A week in London it is then! Plan it well and a London 7 day itinerary can provide you with a view of the British capital it’s not possible to get with a two or three day visit. As Samuel Johnson once said, when you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life. Your first day in London With your camera battery fully charged and SD cards empty, ease yourself into the next 7 days in London at Piccadilly Circus. At the junction between the thoroughfare simply known as Piccadilly and Regent Street, it’s a spot that has spun with black cabs, red double decker buses and advertising hoardings for decades, with the Statue of Eros acting as the starting point for countless romances. Piccadilly has its fair share of famous storefronts should you want to start the souvenir shopping early, with Fortnum & Mason as evocative of time in London as afternoon tea at The Ritz a few doors down. Spend the rest of the day taking in the views of Buckingham Palace from the roof of Wellington Arch – once home to London’s smallest police station – and admiring the collections of Apsley House. Also known as No 1 London, it was the home of the Duke of Wellington, victor over Napoleon. A day by the river The views at the Tower of London extend back close to 1000 years. A fortification built by William the Conqueror around 1066 which became a prison to Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes and The Kray twins, the tower is now best known for its ravens, yeomen wardens (beefeaters) and crown jewels. Together they provide an unforgettable morning of heritage, wit and bling. Cross the Thames by Tower Bridge to reach the south side of the river. Opening on average three times a day, with a week in London you can afford to hang around the area for a while just in case, perhaps taking in HMS Belfast at the same time. With nine decks to explore, it’s one of the most detailed displays of life in the navy during peace and war time you’ll encounter. End the day looking down on London from The View from The Shard. Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard’s observation floors stand 250 meters above the riverside, providing panoramas capable of transporting you 40 miles in any direction. The bar makes an extra-special spot from which to enjoy London’s sunsets too. The rainy day The weather in London is fickle enough that you could experience a rainy day at any time of year. But don’t worry, there’s plenty indoors that will keep you busy without them feeling like second-rate options. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum are located side by side in Kensington, though with such extensive collections you’re better off sticking to the one that interests you most. Whilst the first two museums are relatively self-explanatory, the Victoria and Albert Museum name doesn’t give much away. Funded by the profits of Hyde Park’s 1851 Great Exhibition, it concentrates on the decorative arts, from ceramics to tapestries and jewelry. The site of performances throughout the year, the Royal Albert Hall really comes into its own in August and September, when it welcomes the Proms. But even when there’s no scheduled performance you can still take in its main auditorium with a behind the scenes tour. Span a millennium in a day For a trip beneath the world’s oceans without the price tag to match, start the fourth day of your London week itinerary at SEA LIFE Center London Aquarium. As well as a coral reef and a shark tunnel, visitors are able to watch the antics of a small colony of penguins. Just outside, the steady rotation of the London Eye has become an irresistible part of anyone’s London experience. The world’s first cantilever Ferris wheel – supported on just one side – its location means it provides some of the clearest views of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey beyond. With origins predating the Norman Conquest of 1066, the abbey has witnessed some of the most important events in British history, from the coronation of over 40 kings and queens, to royal marriages, memorials to national treasures and the burial of the unknown soldier at the end of the First World War. Royal brides continue to place their bouquet on its black marble surface in honor of the fallen. Spend a day at Kew The list of public green spaces that were once the private property of the British monarch extends to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A cherished part of west London, the gardens have gained international recognition through their UNESCO World Heritage status and continuing work to save botany’s rarest plants from extinction. Nor does it matter when you plan to visit London, since Kew provides all-year color and interest. Spring sees tulips, daffodils and cherry blossom take centerstage, before the summer months present its follies – including a ten story Chinese pagoda – in all their glory. Fall sees Kew’s 14,000 trees from around the world turn stunning shades of sunset whilst even the winter isn’t lacking in attractions thanks to its multiple glasshouses and February orchid festival. So slip on a good pair of walking shoes and discover for yourself what Kew is all about! A day in the City of London Begin Day 6 of your odyssey at the northern end of London Bridge. Once the only crossing over the Thames in the city, the current version dates from the 1960s and is a little underwhelming compared to London’s other crossings – but does have clear views towards Tower Bridge and The Shard. Head north from the city of London into the City of London – which has its own police force and ancient ways though not much over two kilometers square – for one of London’s quirkier attractions – The Monument. Located on an easy-to-miss side street, it commemorates the Great Fire of 1666, reputed to have started in Pudding Lane opposite. The ‘new’ St Paul’s Cathedral rose from the ashes of the fire. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, its sightlines are protected by law and its interior considered one of architecture's greatest achievements. End your day in and around the Museum of London, which tells the story of the capital from the time of the mammoths to the latest archeological discoveries. A day of live performances Make sure you haven’t missed anything by spending the morning enjoying the commentary and day ticket opportunities of a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour through the heart of the capital. Follow this up with a matinee performance at one of the West End’s top theaters, where dramas, musicals and comedies switch between coming from and going to New York’s Broadway and attract big names in television and cinema to their stages. On a bright summer night the open-air amphitheater forming Regent’s Park Theater ensures each show is unique, whilst an afternoon at ZSL London Zoo provides another type of entertainment. Its 750 species, from aardvarks to zebra, never fail to charm. A week in London with Go City Capture the essence of the living and breathing British capital with one week in London. Its range of attractions are extensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to watch your bank balance drain. Travel with Go City to take advantage of massive savings on admission to many top attractions!

Ian Packham
Paddington bear at London's Paddington station
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Best things to do in Paddington London

Paddington is often thought of as a pocket of north London dominated by its railway station – the arrivals point for the Heathrow Express – and St Mary’s Hospital – the top pick for royals in labor. But disappear down its neat grid of side streets and you’ll discover a well-to-do neighborhood of charming squares, small cafés and Paddington canal basin. These are just a few of the things to do in Paddington London, with the full range of activities and attractions detailed below. Relax in a pleasant square Once an unpromising piece of real estate between Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Paddington rail station and the traffic jams of Westway, Sheldon Square has been converted into a stylish place to relax alone, with the family or in a group of travel companions. Taking a modern amphitheater form, its stepped banks are carpeted in grass for impromptu picnics, whilst around it you’ll find a growing selection of more formal places to eat and drink. Sheldon Square is one of the neighborhood’s newest public spaces, but elsewhere there are those that date right back to its Georgian foundations. One such space is Norfolk Square Gardens. Ringed by three – and some four – star hotels, its mature trees offer up plenty of shade in the summer months for those looking to enjoy a few minutes absorbing this little bit of paradise in the heart of London. Search out public art These small areas of greenery aren’t just home to trees, plants and urban foxes though. They are also worth exploring for their collection of public artworks. St Mary’s Terrace contains three steel cut outs honoring very different Paddington residents. The first is of Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, and the second dedicated to Mary Seacole – a British-Jamaican nurse who helped convalescing soldiers in the Crimean War alongside Florence Nightingale. A clear demonstration of London’s diversity, the third is to Alan Turing – played by Benedict Cumberbatch in the movie The Imitation Game. Breaking the Nazi enigma code, and inventing the modern computer, he was prosecuted for being gay in 1952 and died two years later of cyanide poisoning. His image is soon to appear on the new form £50 note – should you be lucky enough to ever see one. If you’re arriving by train, look out for the statues of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Peruvian national Paddington bear at the station. Fans of the latter’s antics will be delighted by the station’s dedicated store too. Explore Paddington basin A dead-end offshoot of Regent’s Canal given a new lease of life, Paddington basin dog-legs south from Little Venice to just outside the station and hospital. A mix of offices, shops and apartments, the basin has a number of attractions and things to do. Having checked out the floating pocket park that sits at the nearest end of the basin, it’s only a short walk to GoBoat London. Renting out small craft to explore the canal in more detail, trips make for an interesting alternative to a sightseeing cruise on the Thames. If you’re up for being a little more physical, you can also take to the water by stand-up paddleboard. Head to the region on Wednesday or Friday lunchtimes, or Saturdays at 2 PM and there’s the bonus of seeing the Rolling Bridge unfold itself, alongside the Fan (or Merchant Square) Bridge fulfilling its crossing function at the same times. They form crossings close to Darcie & May Green, a canal boat turned Aussie restaurant with decoration by Peter Blake. One of the UK’s most important pop artists, he’s best known for creating the cover art for the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album. Other nearby narrowboats serve up fresh shellfish – though not sourced from the canal, whilst the Cheese Barge is ready and waiting to serve up all manner of dairy-based dishes! Head back in time It’s not as well-known as the London Transport Museum or Benjamin Franklin Museum, but the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum more than makes up for this in the way it’s dressed up – as if the Nobel Prize winning scientist has just stepped out for a cup of tea. His discovery of penicillin in 1928 – on a petri dish he hadn’t washed up probably – can be honestly said to have changed the world and saved millions of lives, being the first antibiotic to ever go into production. Travel out of Paddington to Notting Hill to the west and you’ll be able to check out the famous blue door from the Hugh Grant film of the same name before scanning the stalls of Portobello Road Market. The world’s largest antiques market with over 1000 stalls, there’s also sections for fashion, vintage gear and fruit and vegetables. Visit Little Venice Back on the canal side, Little Venice is as pleasant as it sounds. Apparently named for its watery nature some time in the 1800s, it seems a world away from the busy thoroughfares that otherwise cut their way through parts of Paddington. Whether it’s an hour enjoying the antics of the canal barges from Rembrandt Gardens or soaking up the atmosphere with a coffee at a waterside café, Little Venice is the place to do it. Quirky things to do in Paddington London include paying a visit to the Puppet Theatre Barge, a 50 seat floating auditorium with shows aimed at both children and adults. Drift away from the canal side in order to visit St Mary’s Church. Dating to the Georgian era, it predates much of the Regency architecture for which Little Venice is known. Consecrated in 1791, it witnessed the marriage of William Hogarth, with the churchyard now a public park after the burials were reinterred at Mill Hill. Deciding what things to do in Paddington London Travel with Go City and you can uncover the many things to do in Paddington and London’s other neighborhoods whilst making substantial savings on visits to many of their top attractions. With so many attractions to choose from it can be difficult to know where to start – and end – but this guide should provide you with enough ideas to keep you busy whatever your interests!

Ian Packham

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