A view of central London from the London Eye

London in September – top things to do

By Ian Packham

Ask a Londoner and they’ll probably tell you it’s September that’s their favorite month in the capital. The kids are back at school, clearing away the crowds in the major museums, yet there’s still a crop of different things to do and the weather is generally as good as it gets in the British capital too. Wondering if London in September is right for you? Check out our selection of the very best attractions and events right here.

Make a date with royalty

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One of several late summer highlights is the chance to visit the state rooms of Buckingham Palace, official residence of the British monarch since 1837. Closed to all but invited guests for most of the year, its doors are thrown open during the summer so visitors can take in sights including the Ballroom, Throne Room and White Drawing Room, a reception room for official occasions.

On top of that, each year’s opening is accompanied by a new temporary exhibition, ensuring there’s always a second reason to visit. But for your chance to catch sight of a member of the royal family, you’re better off heading to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It’s one of several stops on Hop-on Hop-Off sightseeing tours alongside Eton College, which schooled Princes William and Harry as well as 20 British Prime Ministers.

If one location in London can outdo Windsor Castle on age, it’s the Tower of London. Also intricately linked with the British monarchy, some of its walls date back to 1066. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, beefeaters in their summer uniforms of red and gold protect the Crown Jewels, whilst the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula (St Peter in Chains) contains the graves of several noteworthy people executed within the tower grounds including Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn.

Soak up the sun

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Thanks to Open House London, it’s not only possible to snoop around royal residences in London in September. This free event sees parts of the capital usually marked ‘private’ opening up to the public, including the Mayor of London’s offices and Drapers’ Hall, belonging to one of London’s ancient guilds.

But with the September weather on side – average highs hit 20°C and there’s usually plenty of sun to go around – it would be a shame not to explore some of London’s outdoor spaces too. Chiswick House and Kitchen Garden is a little-known gem containing plenty of secluded spots for a romantic lakeside picnic. Meanwhile, Hyde Park contains everything from Speakers Corner and a boating lake to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. Her home of Kensington Palace is located on the park’s western edge.

Another way of making the most of the summer weather is by saying goodbye to dry land altogether for a Thames River cruise. Slip beneath Tower Bridge as you make your way towards the Prime Meridian at Greenwich, having already passed landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Appreciate the capital’s magical ways

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For similar views to those enjoyed by London’s pigeons there’s The View from The Shard. Soaring to heights nearly twice as high as any other building in the city, you can be sure of the uninterrupted nature of the panoramic views at these observation decks on the 68th and 69th floors. A short distance from the Thames, London will unravel beneath you, showing off the British capital in all its glory.

The way to get any higher is with a little computer trickery as you hop onto a broomstick at The Making of Harry Potter exhibition at Warner Bros Studios – TripAdvisor’s highest rated attraction in the world. If you’ve ever wanted to stand in the Great Hall at Hogwarts or wander down Diagon Alley, now’s your chance.

Other Potter related attractions include the gateway to the Hogwarts’ Express at King’s Cross station’s platform 9 3⁄4 although the muggles amongst us can still have fun on the train network at the Mail Ride at the Postal Museum. A miniature underground network once used to transport London’s mail, it now welcomes visitors on 20 minute rides included with museum entrance.

Enjoy a show

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With over 2000 performances a year – and that’s not including the buskers on the street – spanning music, dance and literature, the Brutalist South Bank Center is one of the largest cultural spaces in Europe.

Even when there’s no performances scheduled, there’s still plenty to see and do, whether you intend to explore the rolling series of art exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery, watch the skateboarders ollie and railslide their way around the Undercroft or peruse the secondhand book market which uses the spans of Waterloo Bridge as protection against sun and rain.

Performances are never hard to find, but London in September is a particularly good time to visit for lovers of the stage. Not only do the West End theaters continue their run of often sold-out shows, but the promenade concert series run by the BBC is also nearing its zenith. Better known as the ‘proms’, concerts are broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall and culminate in the Last Night of the Proms. It’s a blend of tradition dating back 150 years, bonkers Britishness and some of the best voices you’ll ever have the opportunity to listen to.

Celebrate London in September with Go City!

Let’s be honest, shall we? London is a great city to explore whatever the month (and the weather). But for many there’s something a little bit special about visiting London in September. Maybe it’s the – usually lovely – weather, or the reduction in crowd numbers or maybe just the huge array of things to do in London in September. We don’t know. But whatever it is, we think it's something you’re going to want to experience for yourself.

To make it even better, travel with Go City and you’ll get incredible savings on the cost of entering many of London’s top attractions, from the one thousand years of history on display at the Tower of London to the plush seats of the Royal Albert Hall!

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Fireworks over Tower Bridge in London
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New Year's Eve in London

Christmas may be over, but that’s no reason to leave town! London is a fantastic place to ring in the new year, despite the fact that it’s dark by afternoon tea time. It’ll be pretty chilly – average temperatures at new year’s hover around the mid-40s during the day and frequently dip into the 30s overnight, so pack your thermals and some waterproof shoes. Once you’ve got all your layers on, though, there’s no reason to stay huddled inside – even on New Year’s Eve, London has plenty to do that makes the most of the daylight hours and keeps the party vibes going well into the night. Some of these include: London Zoo River cruises and bus tours Winter markets Cozy pubs The Tower of London The O2 Museums Street parties Talk to the animals What better way to spend the day than to rug up and visit the residents at London Zoo in Regent’s Park? Some of the animals may be hibernating, but it’s still worth a visit as others will be more active in the cooler weather, and some – like the penguins – won’t notice it at all. If the conditions are leaving a bit to be desired, there are plenty of indoor enclosures – just keep in mind that the zoo will be operating on winter hours, and last entry is usually an hour before closing. Enjoy the scenic route Take refuge from the elements on a climate controlled Big Bus and keep your feet nice and dry! This is a perfect option if you’re new to this great capital, as it will give you a decent tour of the city and allow you to hop on and off for the rest of the day. Stops include the Tower of London, Westminster, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, all of which will still be decked out in festive finery. If you’re an old hand, or just fancy a different perspective, perhaps try a river cruise instead. Sit back in the warmth as you travel from Westminster Pier under the iconic Tower Bridge to the Cutty Sark at Greenwich, perhaps with a bubbly beverage in honor of the occasion. Get your skates on Zooming around an ice rink is one of winter’s best outdoor activities (after making snow angels, of course), and most of London’s outdoor markets keep going until early January, so it’s the perfect opportunity to blow away the cobwebs and get some color in your cheeks. Hyde Park’s rink is enclosed by the Winter Wonderland, which is basically an enormous Christmas theme park, the Queen’s House in Greenwich has one (opposite the Royal Naval College), as do Canary Wharf, Somerset House and Battersea Power Station. On the other hand, if you need an escape from the city try Hampton Court Palace, where you can also tour the sumptuous rooms and gardens of Henry VIII’s favorite holiday home. Warm up with the locals Nothing beats away the winter blues better than a roaring fire and a warming beverage – unless it’s enjoying those things with good company, of course. Retreating to a pub has been a favorite pastime of the Londoner for eons past, and who are we to argue with the experts? There are plenty of cozy and historic options, from the tiny ‘Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese’, squeezed into an alleyway on Fleet Street, to the Ten Bells in Spitalfields, famously associated with Jack the Ripper. Or, if the profusion of wooden market stalls and gingerbread hearts around the city has got you in the mood for German delicacies, go for a beer and a pretzel at the Bavarian-themed Bermondsey Bierkeller. March back in time The medieval Tower of London on the banks of the Thames is a great place to while away the daylight hours on New Year’s Eve, especially if you’ve got little ones who need to let off some steam. They can run around the castle grounds, explore towers, climb staircases and march along the battlements, which will all still be decorated for the holidays. While you’re here, be sure to join a Beefeater tour, have a look at the glittering collection of crown jewels and try and spot the famous ravens of the tower. Get a higher perspective Sometimes, London is blessed with a bright, crisp winter’s day, with the sun blazing down and clear views for miles around. If that happens on New Year’s Eve, what better thing to do than to climb the east end’s highest vantage point to watch the sun set over the city and another year? Head to the O2 in Greenwich and get the adrenalin pumping as you climb to the top. Once you’re there, watch as the sky turns dark and all the lights come out, then head back into the city for the evening’s celebrations. Be a culture vulture If you’re only in London for a few days, it would be a shame not to take in a bit of culture while you’re he - not to mention that London’s museums are great places to take refuge from the weather. There are loads to choose from, so even if it’s not your first visit you should find something new. There’s the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, the British Museum, the Tate and the Tate Modern, the London Transport Museum, the Garden Museum, the Royal Air Force Museum and the Museum of London – just to name a few. Or, if you’re in a more speculative mood, Westminster Abbey is a moving and peaceful place to wander for an hour or two, especially if you’re there for the evensong service. Take to the streets Clubs and bars will try and keep you indoors, but really New Year’s Eve in London is all about the midnight fireworks display on the Thames. The riverbanks – usually from Victoria Embankment to Westminster Bridge – are roped off and only ticket holders are allowed in, however you can get a good view from plenty of rooftop bars in the area (the best one being the Shard) or from boat parties on the water. Many restaurants will have special dinner and party events, and after the show the clubs keep raving until the early hours – for the best vibes, look for places in Camden, Soho, Temple or the West End. Whatever option you choose, be sure to book ahead, as most places likely won’t accept walk-ins on the night. Celebrate with Go City The countdown is on for a good time in London! Make sure you grab your Go City Explorer Pass before you go and save on dozens of great winter attractions around the city.
Karleen Stevens
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London VS New York: Which City Should I Visit?

Planning your next city vacation, but can’t decide whether to visit London or New York City? We’ve rounded up the best New York attractions and the best London attractions so you can decide which city is right for you. Which will it be? The Big Smoke or The Big Apple? Check out our list below of the top things to do in New York, including... The Empire State Building The Top of the Rock Madison Square Garden The Statue of Liberty Radio City Stage Door Tour Plus, the top things to do in London, including... Coca-Cola London Eye Churchill War Rooms Shakespeare’s Globe Wembley Stadium Emirates Arsenal Stadium And many more... The attractions with the best views The London Eye vs Top of the Rock and The Empire State Building London For some of the best views in London, head to the Coca-Cola London Eye. Take a 30-minute ride around one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and enjoy 360 views of the city. You will spot famous buildings and sights such as the Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral -- cameras at the ready! Be sure to check out our top tips for visiting the Coca-Cola London Eye. If you can’t get enough of the city, visit London’s tallest building, The Shard, for more 360 views. At 1,020 feet tall, The Shard is almost as tall as New York’s Empire State Building. Take the elevator up to the 72nd floor for amazing views of the city below. New York City In New York City, some would say the best view is from the Empire State Building. Did you know that the Empire State Building is 1,454 feet tall? With your New York Explorer Pass, head up to the 86th floor, 1,050 feet above the ground for breathtaking views of Manhattan. The only thing you won’t be able to see is the Empire State Building itself... So, if you want to take photos of New York’s cityscape including the Empire State Building, head over a few blocks to The Top of the Rock. Though not as tall as the Empire State Building, the observation deck of the Rockefeller center sits at 800 feet above street level -- so it has great views of the city (especially Central Park!). Check out our guide to the Empire State Building to learn more. Getting In: Entry to The Empire State Building and The Top of The Rock are included with your New York Explorer Pass. Entry to the Coca-Cola London Eye is included in your London Explorer Pass. Entry to The Shard is not included and tickets must be bought separately. The best attractions for sports fans Emirates Arsenal Stadium, Wembley Stadium and Chelsea FC Stadium vs Madison Square Garden London Sports fans won’t be short of things to do in London. Soccer fans can tour the home of Arsenal FC at the Emirates Arsenal Stadium, get up close with exclusive memorabilia, walk up the Players’ Tunnel and even sneak a peek inside the team’s changing rooms. Not an Arsenal fan? Visit the Chelsea FC Stadium for a guided tour and backstage access to the club’s Stamford Bridge stadium. Enjoy access to the changing rooms, tunnels and the Chelsea museum. If these aren’t enough to satisfy the soccer fan in your group, you have to visit Wembley Stadium. The original Wembley Stadium opened way back in 1923 but the current stadium opened in 2007. Did you know the current stadium was built on the grounds of the 1948 Olympics? It was also home to the 1966 World Cup Final which saw England take home the cup! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BO3EGAJFlDb/[/embed] New York City Sports fans visiting New York City have to visit Madison Square Garden for an All Access Tour. Home to New York Teams, NBA’s New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden is a must-see. An expert guide will take you behind the scenes of the World’s Most Famous Arena, telling you all about its history and giving you a glimpse of exclusive memorabilia. While you’re in NYC, why not get tickets to see a famous New York team like the New York Yankees play? [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BpZrXmfFKD_/[/embed] Getting In: Emirates Stadium, Chelsea FC Stadium and Wembley Stadium are included in your London Explorer Pass. Madison Square Garden All Access Tour is included in your New York Explorer Pass. The best tours for theater fans Shakespeare’s Globe vs Inside Broadway walking tour and Radio City Tour New York City You can’t visit New York City without visiting the world famous theater district: Broadway. But what better way to explore the heart of New York’s theater-world than with a guided walking tour? On the Inside Broadway Walking Tour you will be guided around Broadway and Times Square by an experienced actor or director on a tour lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s one of the best ways to discover all the Broadway secrets you’re itching to know... Another must-see for theater lovers is the Radio City Music Hall. On the Radio City Stage Door Tour you will be taken behind the scenes of the famous music venue on a guided tour lasting 75 minutes. You’ll get to explore the venue from the auditorium to the stage, and you’ll even get to meet a Radio City Rockette. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVKqRwoFG1/[/embed] London Not to be out-done by New York, London is known for its Broadway equivalent, the West End. But London’s theater history dates back much further, to the days of William Shakespeare. On the Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour, explore the Globe theater and its exclusive costumes and sets exhibition before being shown around the theatre by an expert guide. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByN7Y6kgtHL/[/embed] Getting In: The Inside Broadway Walking Tour and Radio City Stage Door Tour are included in the New York Explorer Pass. Entry to The Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour is included on the London Explorer Pass. The best attractions for history fans Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island vs Churchill War Rooms New York City A trip to New York City would be incomplete without a visit to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take the Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Walking Tour and be guided around two of America’s most important landmarks, while learning about their history and context. Hear stories about the immigrants who arrived in America via Ellis Island and learn all about the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. London There are plenty of historic landmarks in London to satisfy history fans, such as the Churchill War Rooms. You will explore Churchill’s underground wartime headquarters and discover the important part it played in the Second World War. You have to see the Transatlantic Telephone Room -- it was disguised as a toilet but it was secretly used to speak to the US President. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByIpSB5JjBz/[/embed] Getting In: The Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour is included in the New York Explorer Pass. The Churchill War Rooms is included in the London Explorer Pass. Remember to save on attraction admission If you’re in New York or London, (whichever one you choose!) you can’t miss the chance to check out the city’s top tourist attractions and world-famous landmarks. Grab a New York City Explorer Pass® or a London Explorer Pass before your trip and make huge savings on combined admission prices compared to paying at the gate. The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and the Statue of Liberty Tour are all included on the pass, along with the Coca-Cola London Eye, Wembley Stadium and Churchill War Rooms. Share your adventure with us We love to see your vacation snaps. Tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram using @GoCity or #GoCityPass so we can feature your post on our page. Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers and plenty of travel inspiration.
Seren Morris
Woman standing on Westminster Bridge in London
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10+ Things to Do in London for Adults During Your Vacation (Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends)

London is one of the most fantastic, global cities in the world. It’s filled with top attractions and significant historical structures, plus some of the best dining and shopping opportunities you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re interested in exploring the expansive history of London’s churches and buildings, or if you prefer the appeal of modern attractions, you’ll be able to enjoy a full itinerary of London activities on your next trip. If you’re looking for things to do in London for adults, check out our list of the top activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including... Lastminute.com London Eye Madame Tussauds London Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tour St. Paul’s Cathedral The London Dungeon Changing of the Guard Walking Tour River Thames Cruises Explore the Royal Parks and more... Save on Admission to Popular Adult Attractions Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on Go City's London Explorer and All-Inclusive passes. Choose as you go from top London activities and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and London-based attractions. Lastminute.com London Eye Take a ride to the top of the world’s most famous observation wheel. The London Eye is not just a signature element of the London skyline – it’s also a fun activity for any new visitor to London. See the River Thames and all the iconic buildings clustered along its banks. It’s the perfect opportunity to get those amazing aerial photos that look just like postcards! Getting In: admission to the Lastminute.com London Eye is available with London Explorer and All-Inclusive passes. Madame Tussauds London Fans of celebrity culture – including the Royal Family – will love a visit to the original Madame Tussauds. It’s where the global phenomenon first began, so a visit here will teach you all about the history of the original Madame T, including her techniques and inspiration. Plus, there’s no other way to actually meet the King (unless you’re super famous yourself, that is!). Getting In: Madame Tussauds London admission is included with an All-Inclusive Pass. Hop-on Hop-off London Bus Tour New to the city? Try out a London Bus Tour to explore the many diverse neighborhoods and regions of this bustling metropolis. It can be really difficult to navigate your way around the city on your own, especially without a local’s knowledge of where to find what. Fortunately, a guided bus tour is a great way to see the city without worrying about the hassle of directions. It’s also an iconic London attraction – those double-decker buses just scream Britain! A hop-on hop-off option is perfect for those travelers who like to pick and choose on the go, too. Getting In: Big Bus London admission is available with all London passes. St. Paul’s Cathedral Pay a visit to one of the most beautiful and historic churches in all of England. Its instantly recognizable dome is just the beginning: the interior is gorgeously decorated, from the Cathedral floor to the crypts to the three major galleries housed within the dome. Join up with a guided walking tour to see the areas not typically open to the public. Or, if you have less time, take a shortened, self-guided tour. Getting In: admission to St. Paul’s Cathedral is included on all London passes. The London Dungeon This is one moderately scary and delightfully campy attraction. See a millennia of history brought to life in terrifying and enjoyable ways, as you glide past 19 live shows. See the plague-ridden streets of the early modern period, shudder at what might have been with Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot, and look behind you at every turn through Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel. End it all with a visit to the Tavern, a delightful Victorian pub experience which serves up tasty (modern) beer. Getting In: The London Dungeon admission is included with the Explorer Pass. Changing of the Guard Walking Tour We’ve all seen those iconic London palace guards on television as they perform their perfectly synchronized movements. Now’s your chance to tour the city and see the several different companies performing their “changing of the guard,” a rare sight. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy photo opportunities of other major landmarks along the way, including Westminster Abbey, St. James’ Place, and Buckingham Palace. Getting In: the Changing of the Guard Walking Tour is included on all London passes. Animal Attractions There is much to enjoy in London for animal lovers, whether you prefer critters from land or from the sea. SEA LIFE Aquarium escorts you on a magical journey throughout the waters of the world, with multiple massive tanks that will make you feel just like you’re strolling at the bottom of the ocean. Getting In: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is availavle with the Explorer Pass and London Zoo admission is on all passes. River Thames Cruise Hop aboard this enjoyable cruise for a unique chance at sightseeing along the River Thames. You’ll learn all about London’s most significant landmarks, like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Greenwich Observatory and more. It’s also the perfect time to snap some of memorable photos of your trip. There are four disembarkation points on the route from Westminster to Greenwich and you can hop on and off as many times as you like withing a 24-hour period. Getting In: the City Cruises Thames River Pass is available with the Explorer Pass. Explore the Royal Parks If you’re a nature lover, you’ve come to the right place. London is one of the most diverse major cities in the world when it comes to green spaces and botanical gardens. Looking to stroll around, toss a Frisbee, or have a picnic? Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, or St. James’s Park are great options. Prefer to see a collection of exotic plants and domestic ones side by side? The Royal Gardens at Kew are an absolutely fabulous must-see attraction. Getting In: admission to Kew Gardens is available on all passes; many other London parks and gardens are free to explore. London Shopping Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just love to shop, London is the right destination for you. With a wide variety of shops from the high end to fast fashion, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for at practically any price point. For some of the best shopping in London, head to Oxford Street, where you’ll find the famous Selfridges, as well as favorites Top Shop and Primark. Got a massive budget? Bond Street and Mayfair are the areas where you’ll find high-end luxury goods. Bargain hunting or looking for something unique? Try out Covent Garden.
Katie Sagal

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