The best things to do in London

Big Ben

The area around Westminster Bridge is the perfect place to begin your adventure around London, with plenty of landmarks within easy reach. Leave your rental car at one of the parking lots on College Street, Upper March or York Road and cross the bridge on foot to enjoy the finest views of Big Ben – the famous clock tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament.

The chimes of Big Ben – referring to the giant bell inside the tower – have been suspended for four years, starting in 2017, while essential refurbishment work is carried out. But even while silent, this 315-foot landmark should be a staple of any visit to London.

Buckingham Palace

Just a short distance away along Birdcage Walk is Buckingham Palace, official residence of the British royal family. It opens to the public between July and October and you can book tickets online to explore the elegant State Rooms, Royal Mews – including Her Majesty’s horses and carriages – and the Queen’s Gallery.

Even if you don’t venture inside, look out for the Changing of the Guard ceremony which takes place every other day from around 10.45am. Check the full schedule before you go and try and get there early to bag a good spot – as close to the palace gates as you can – to witness the handover ceremony in full.

Natural History Museum

Exhibition Road in the suburb of South Kensington was named for good reason – it’s here that you’ll find three of the world’s greatest museums. The Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Natural History Museum are all free to enter and have thought-provoking exhibits worth exploring during your stay.

A fascinating day out for all ages, the Natural History Museum boasts an outstanding array of artefacts ranging from dinosaur fossils to the world’s most important entomology collection.

As you enter you’ll see a gigantic blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, a symbol of the need for humanity to shape a more sustainable future. The museum is open to visitors every day. Visiting in late-October through mid-January? Grab your skates and take a spin on the temporary Ice Rink.

There’s no parking on-site, however garages are available on Harrington Road and at Q-Park Pimlico nearby.

Tower of London

Follow the Thames east from Buckingham Palace and you’ll arrive at the Tower of London, one of the most important sites in British history. Dating back to the 11^th century, it’s home to the Crown Jewels, a magnificent collection of gems used in royal ceremonies.

Don’t miss the White Tower, with its beautiful chapel and collection of royal armour, and Traitor’s Gate, where prisoners entered the tower after being transported along the Thames. It’s possible to reserve tickets online for a Beefeater tour, where you can delve deeper into the stories that make this site such a fascinating place.

Parking is available at Tower Hill and City Quay – both are within easy walking distance.

West End theatres

For culture lovers, no visit to London would be complete without a trip to the West End. Alongside New York’s Broadway, this is the most illustrious theatre district in the world, with dozens of venues in and around Leicester Square offering everything from big-name musicals to cutting-edge plays. Check out this guide to see what’s on during your visit.

Shopping on Oxford Street

If theatre shows aren’t your thing, it’s definitely still worth visiting the West End to take in London’s most popular shopping streets – Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street. Leave your car at the parking lot underneath Cavendish Square – spaces are available to reserve online – and stroll the length of Oxford Street, beginning at Tottenham Court Road Station and ending at Marble Arch.

Along the way, you’ll spot flagship stores including Nike, Adidas and John Lewis, as well as designer outlets and boutiques. You can’t miss Selfridges, which occupies an entire block all to itself. It’s one of the largest stores anywhere in London – second only to Harrods – and offers six floors filled with luxury brands as well as outstanding dining options. 

London Zoo

Just a short drive from Oxford Street, within Regent’s Park, you’ll find another unmissable attraction. London Zoo is home to more than 750 species of animals and offers you the chance to get up close with lemurs, monkeys and much more.

Walk through the Land of the Lions or visit the Penguin Beach – and if you’re not afraid of creepy crawlies, head for Europe’s only walk-through spider enclosure. The zoo has been open since 1847 and supports wildlife conservation projects worldwide. Its main entrance can be found on the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park, and parking is available at the Gloucester Slips Car Park.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Car rental in London also gives you the freedom to venture out of the centre and discover the city’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens. It's the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of London’s busy streets, with more than 370 acres of beautiful green landscapes. Don’t miss the Victorian Palm House, with a rainforest climate that supports a collection of tropical plants from all over the world.  

Other highlights include Temperate House, an enormous glass structure housing some of the world’s rarest plants, and the Treetop Walkway, which offers visitors of all ages the chance to get a bird’s eye view of the gardens. The gardens are open all year round, but winter opening hours vary so check online before you go. Limited free parking is available on Ferry Lane, near Brentford Gate.

Whether you’re sticking to our list or creating your own itinerary, car rental is the perfect way to get around London. We’ve got collection points across the city, including the major airports and train stations, so it couldn’t be easier to pick up a rental car and explore the UK’s buzzing capital and beyond in comfort and style.