Seeing the stars at Madame Tussauds is just the beginning—there’s a whole world of London fun right outside those famous doors. Sure, you’ll grab a selfie with royalty and Hollywood legends, but your day doesn’t have to end there. This corner of the city offers cosy cafes, regal parks, quirky museums and top-tier attractions all within walking distance. Whether you’re craving a gentle Thames cruise, ready for some urban wildlife spotting at the zoo, or want to soak up a bit of British history, you’re in the right part of town. Here’s how to make your day in Marylebone and beyond unforgettable!
Our favourite things to do near Madame Tussauds include:
- Regent’s Park
- London Zoo
- Moco Museum
- Regent Street Shopping
- The View from the Shard
- City Cruises – Thames River Pass
- The Paddington Bear Experience
- St. Marylebone Parish Church
- Crazy Golf at Swingers West End
Regent’s Park: A Royal Green Escape
Just across the road from Madame Tussauds, Regent’s Park is one of London’s loveliest, offering a perfect green escape after the selfie crowds. Wander tree-lined pathways, admire blooms in the world-famous Queen Mary’s Gardens, or sprawl out on the grass with a snack from a nearby bakery. The park’s mood shifts with the seasons: spring brings wildflower meadows, autumn transforms the trees into an explosion of color, while summer sees locals and tourists picnicking on every available patch of green.
If you fancy working up an appetite, the park’s boating lake or beautifully-designed playgrounds are a hit for all ages. Birdwatchers, keep your eyes peeled around the water for herons and ducks. And if you’re feeling fancy, book a table at The Regent’s Bar & Kitchen for an alfresco lunch—nothing says London leisure quite like sipping coffee in the sun with a park view. Regent's Park offers calm in the city’s heart, with vibrant energy on every corner.
London Zoo: Urban Wildlife Adventures Await
Right inside Regent’s Park, you’ll find London Zoo—a treat for animal lovers and families. Founded in 1828, this zoo delivers modern conservation alongside Victorian charm. Start your visit by watching penguins dive in the aquatic zone or spot monkeys swinging through their rainforest home. We love the Land of the Lions, where you’re whisked into a recreated Indian village as majestic cats prowl just metres away. The Butterfly Paradise and Gorilla Kingdom add even more wow moments to your outing.
Feedings and short talks by keepers happen throughout the day (check the schedule at the entrance). Highlights often include the energetic otters or endangered tigers. For younger travellers, the zoo’s play areas and bug-hunting zones provide plenty of hands-on fun alongside classic animal encounters. London Zoo blends nostalgia with new discoveries, making it far more than a standard tourist stop.
Moco Museum: Modern Art in a Historic Setting
Moco Museum: Modern Art in a Historic Setting
For a fresh take on London’s art scene, make your way to the Moco Museum in nearby Fitzrovia. Housed in a stately townhouse, Moco brings together big names (Banksy, Tracey Emin, Yayoi Kusama) with rising stars in a series of rotating and permanent exhibits focused on boundary-pushing contemporary art. Expect a creative mashup: neon installations, provocative sculptures, and street art sit side by side—all delivered in a fun, accessible way.
We think the charm comes from Moco’s mission to break down art-world barriers. The exhibits are cleverly laid out to encourage interaction, thought, and more than a few photo ops. There’s a playful energy in the air, with immersive rooms and unexpected pieces around every corner. Whether you're a seasoned gallery-goer or new to modern art, Moco is dynamic and never stuffy—a winning addition to any central London itinerary.
Regent Street Shopping: London Style at its Best
You can’t be this close to Regent Street and not soak up the area’s shopping buzz. Famous for its graceful curves and regal architecture, Regent Street is home to some of London’s most celebrated department stores and specialty shops. Pop into Liberty London for dreamy fabrics and floral prints, Hamleys for toy wonderland nostalgia, or the grand Apple Store for gadget-lovers.
Regent Street always brims with window displays that change for every season, hordes of stylish locals, and plenty of food spots for recharging on your retail adventure (check out Tibits for veggie feasts or Bread Ahead for knockout doughnuts). This is classic London shopping—glamorous, lively, and close enough to Madame Tussauds to squeeze in a spree before or after your wax museum adventure.
The View from the Shard: A Sky-High London Lift
Ready for London from a whole new angle? Head to The Shard, just a short Tube ride from Madame Tussauds, and travel 72 floors up to The View from The Shard. This glass-clad skyscraper reshapes how you see the city, with the Thames winding below, the domes and spires of St Paul’s Cathedral standing out on the skyline, and—on a crystal-clear day—even Windsor Castle visible in the distance.
At the top, the atmosphere feels lively and unforgettable. Friendly staff help point out hidden landmarks, champagne bars add a celebratory touch, and cameras are quickly switched to panoramic mode. If you’re visiting with family, interactive exhibits and quizzes make the experience even more engaging for younger explorers. The Shard isn’t just about height—it’s about perspective, with London stretching out in every direction, feeling both vast and intimate at once. Whether you visit in daylight or as the city begins to sparkle at night, it’s the kind of experience that lingers long after you’ve stepped back into the lift.
City Cruises – Thames River Pass: Sightseeing from the Water
After rubbing shoulders with famous faces, keep the adventure going with a Thames River Cruise, easily reached from Westminster or Embankment after a short Tube ride. With open-air decks for uninterrupted sightseeing and comfortable indoor seating if you prefer to stay sheltered, the journey is designed for easy, unhurried exploration. Live or recorded commentary adds colour along the way, sharing stories, history, and quirky facts that bring the riverside skyline to life.
There’s something uniquely calming about seeing London from the water, where the city feels both grand and surprisingly peaceful at once. Photographers will love the shifting perspectives as bridges and historic buildings appear from new angles, while summer sunset cruises add a golden glow that lingers long after you’ve stepped back on land. It’s an effortless way to slow the pace, take it all in, and see the capital at its most cinematic.
The Paddington Bear Experience: Whimsical Fun for All Ages
The Paddington Bear Experience: Whimsical Fun for All Ages
Paddington fans take note! Less than 20 minutes away by tube or a gentle walk through nearby Paddington, you’ll find the Paddington Bear Experience: an immersive journey into Michael Bond’s beloved world. Here, kids and nostalgic grown-ups can meet Paddington, explore themed rooms inspired by the books, and even help solve little mysteries alongside London’s favorite bear.
The storytelling is clever and utterly charming, with stations for photo ops, interactive games, and, of course, a Paddington-themed café serving marmalade treats. This experience leaves everyone smiling—expect a gentle, British sense of humor throughout, and keep an eye out for adorable souvenirs in the gift shop. It's a joyful, feel-good stop that makes a quirky contrast to the glamour of Madame Tussauds.
St Marylebone Parish Church: Sanctuary and Stunning Architecture
Just off Marylebone Road, this elegant church offers a calm retreat only moments from the energy of Madame Tussauds. The striking neo-classical façade is the first thing you’ll notice as you step out of the museum, hinting at the serenity waiting inside. Once through the doors, the mood shifts completely—polished marble pillars, vaulted ceilings, and soft light filtering through tall stained glass create a space that feels peaceful without being austere.
With a history stretching back more than 900 years, the church’s present 19th-century building has welcomed notable figures including Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. For those drawn to hidden layers of London, the small crypt reveals displays on Marylebone’s past and the church’s long story. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment away from the crowds or simply want to take in beautiful architecture at a slower pace, St Marylebone Parish Church makes for a rewarding pause in the city.
Crazy Golf at Swingers West End: Tee Off in Style
Ready for something cheeky and totally unique? Swingers West End takes mini-golf to a new level—and it’s all just a short tube ride from Madame Tussauds. This playground-for-grown-ups delivers two themed nine-hole crazy golf courses nestled among street food vendors and glamorous retro décor. It’s buzzing with energy and laughter, perfect for couples, friends, or anyone who likes their London afternoons with a side of competition.
Order signature cocktails at the central bar (try the fruity “Swingers Smash”) or snack on tacos from Breddos or burgers from Patty & Bun as you play. Friendly staff keep the game moving, and the challenges—think loop-the-loops, moving targets, and dazzling neon—turn every hole into an event. It’s irreverent, social, and totally London. Even if your putting skills are questionable, you’ll leave with great memories and plenty to brag about.
Madame Tussauds is just your ticket to a great Marylebone adventure! This corner of London brims with art galleries for culture-seekers, leafy parks for a breath of fresh air, hands-on experiences for families, and a whole roster of quirky, photogenic fun. Whether you keep it classic with a lounge in the park or test your skills on a crazy golf course, you'll pack your London day with one surprise after another.
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