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The Prince Of Peckham has a wide range of things to do in Peckham, day & night each week.
- Every Tuesday, grab a mate or a date and get 2 buns and fries to share for only £15.
- Wednesdays are tough. Start your weekend early, with £5 cocktails and £5 snacks ALL DAY
E’RRY BLEEPIN WEDNESDAY - Every Thursday we are giving you the chance to win a round! Spend at least £15 on a round of drinks and get the chance to spin the wheel.
- Celebrate your birthday on any Friday of the year with 5 or 6 friends and receive a bottle of bubbles on the house!
- On Saturdays enjoy our famous bottomless brunch from 12 noon until 4pm.
Enjoy the article below.
20 Unforgettable Things to Do in London
Few cities offer as many different ways to spend a day as London.
You can explore a thousand-year-old fortress in the morning, eat your way through a historic food market at lunch, admire world-famous art for free in the afternoon and finish with dinner, drinks and DJs in Peckham.
The challenge is not finding things to do. It is deciding which experiences deserve a place in your plans.
This guide brings together London’s essential landmarks, cultural institutions, neighbourhoods and less predictable activities. It includes recommendations appearing prominently in guides from Time Out, Bon Traveler and Tripadvisor, alongside South London experiences that reveal a more local side of the capital.
Whether you are visiting for the first time, planning a weekend with friends or looking for something different to do in your own city, these are 20 unforgettable London experiences.
1. Discover the Tower of London
Best for: History, royal stories and first-time visitors
Location: Tower Hill
The Tower of London has served as a fortress, palace, prison and place of execution during almost a thousand years of British history.
Today, visitors can explore its defensive walls, medieval interiors and exhibitions. The Crown Jewels are the biggest attraction, but the stories of monarchs, prisoners, ravens and royal intrigue make the wider site equally compelling.
It is consistently ranked among London’s top visitor attractions by Tripadvisor and features prominently in Bon Traveler’s list of essential London experiences.
Allow several hours rather than trying to rush through the complex.
Make it memorable: Join a tour led by one of the Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters.
2. Walk Across Tower Bridge
Best for: Iconic photographs and Thames views
Location: Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable structures in London, but it is more than a photograph from the riverbank.
You can walk across the bridge for free or buy admission to its upper walkways and historic engine rooms. Glass floor sections provide a view of the traffic and river below, while exhibitions explain how the bascules are raised for passing vessels.
Time your visit around sunset to see the Thames, the Tower of London and the surrounding skyline transition from daylight to evening.
Tower Bridge appears among the leading attractions recommended by Bon Traveler, Time Out and Tripadvisor.
Make it memorable: Check the bridge-lift schedule before visiting.
3. Explore the British Museum
Best for: Artifacts, archaeology and a free cultural day
Location: Bloomsbury
The British Museum brings together objects representing millions of years of human history.
Its best-known exhibits include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and sculptures from the Parthenon, but the collection stretches far beyond the busiest galleries. You could spend a whole day inside and still cover only part of it.
General entry is free, although some exhibitions require paid tickets. Tripadvisor places the museum near the top of its current London attraction rankings, and Time Out includes London’s major free museums among the city’s most valuable experiences.
Make it memorable: Choose two or three galleries in advance instead of attempting to see everything.
4. See London From the London Eye
Best for: Panoramic views and special occasions
Location: South Bank
The London Eye offers a slow, elevated journey above the Thames.
During the approximately 30-minute rotation, its glass capsules provide views towards Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the wider London skyline. It is particularly impressive near sunset, when the city’s buildings begin to light up.
The experience is popular, so advance booking can reduce waiting and help you secure the right time.
Bon Traveler and Tripadvisor both include the London Eye among the city’s essential attractions.
Make it memorable: Book an evening slot and continue along the South Bank afterwards.
5. Eat Your Way Around Borough Market
Best for: Street food, produce and food-focused weekends
Location: London Bridge
Borough Market is one of London’s most celebrated food destinations.
The market brings together produce traders, bakeries, cheesemakers, restaurants and street-food businesses. You might find fresh pasta, raclette, oysters, curries, pastries, sandwiches and dishes from around the world within a few minutes’ walk.
Bon Traveler recommends eating your way around the market as a classic London experience, while Tripadvisor places Borough Market among its highest-ranking attractions.
Visit with an appetite, but avoid ordering too much from the first stall you see.
Make it memorable: Buy several smaller dishes and share them with the group.
6. Visit Westminster Abbey
Best for: Architecture and major moments in British history
Location: Westminster
Westminster Abbey has hosted coronations, royal weddings, state ceremonies and the burials or memorials of major figures from British history.
The building rewards close attention. Beyond its grand exterior, visitors can explore medieval architecture, chapels, royal tombs and Poets’ Corner, where writers including Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens are remembered.
Bon Traveler includes a tour of Westminster Abbey among London’s essential experiences, while Tripadvisor ranks it among the capital’s leading landmarks.
Make it memorable: Combine the visit with a walk past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
7. See Buckingham Palace and The Mall
Best for: Royal London and first visits
Location: Westminster
A first trip to London rarely feels complete without seeing Buckingham Palace.
Walk along The Mall, explore nearby St James’s Park and check whether the Changing of the Guard is scheduled during your visit. The palace’s State Rooms also open to visitors during selected periods, usually requiring advance tickets.
Time Out places Buckingham Palace at the top of its current London attractions guide, while Bon Traveler recommends the palace and guard ceremony as essential sights.
The surrounding area becomes very busy during ceremonies, so arrive early.
Make it memorable: Continue through St James’s Park towards Westminster rather than immediately returning to the Underground.
8. Take a Thames River Cruise
Best for: Sightseeing without excessive walking
Location: Various piers
A river cruise offers a different perspective on London.
Depending on the route, you may pass the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
Some services operate as sightseeing boats with commentary, while others offer dinner, music or high-speed journeys. Bon Traveler recommends a river cruise as a quintessential London experience, and Tripadvisor features many tours covering the city’s major Thames landmarks.
Make it memorable: Travel from Westminster to Greenwich and explore both areas in one day.
9. Wander Through Covent Garden and Soho
Best for: Shopping, eating and people-watching
Location: Central London
Covent Garden and Soho are best explored without a rigid itinerary.
Start around the piazza and market buildings in Covent Garden, then wander through Seven Dials and colourful Neal’s Yard. Continue towards Soho for independent shops, theatres, cafés, restaurants, pubs and cocktail bars.
Bon Traveler recommends strolling between Covent Garden and Soho as one of the most enjoyable ways to experience central London.
The neighbourhoods work particularly well when the group cannot agree on one attraction. You can simply follow whichever shop, street or food spot catches your attention.
Make it memorable: Stay into the evening and book a show, dinner or comedy performance.
10. Find a Free View at Sky Garden
Best for: Skyline views on a budget
Location: City of London
Sky Garden combines an observation area, indoor planting and views across central London.
From its elevated position, you can see landmarks including the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Thames. Access arrangements can change, and timed reservations are often required, so plan ahead rather than assuming you can walk straight in.
Tripadvisor lists Sky Garden among London’s leading attractions and free experiences.
Make it memorable: Book near sunset and watch the city lights appear.
11. Spend an Afternoon on the South Bank
Best for: Walking, culture and riverside views
Location: Waterloo to London Bridge
The South Bank brings together many of London’s biggest attractions along one walkable riverside route.
You can pass the London Eye, Southbank Centre, National Theatre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market. Street performers, book stalls, food vendors and river views make the journey feel like an experience in itself.
Walk as much or as little as you like, stopping whenever something catches your attention.
Make it memorable: Begin near Westminster Bridge and finish with food at Borough Market or drinks near London Bridge.
12. Visit Tate Modern
Best for: Modern art and striking architecture
Location: Bankside
Housed inside a former power station, Tate Modern is one of London’s most recognisable galleries.
Its permanent collection includes international modern and contemporary art, while temporary exhibitions and installations change throughout the year. The vast Turbine Hall often hosts large-scale works that transform the building itself.
General access to the permanent collection is free, making it easy to include during a South Bank walk. Time Out identifies London’s museums and galleries as some of the best free activities available in the city.
Make it memorable: Cross the Millennium Bridge afterwards for a direct view towards St Paul’s Cathedral.
13. See a West End Show
Best for: Theatre, musicals and a special evening
Location: Theatreland
London’s West End offers blockbuster musicals, major plays, comedies and smaller productions across dozens of theatres.
Long-running shows sit alongside limited seasons featuring leading actors and directors. Booking ahead gives you the greatest choice, but same-day tickets can sometimes be found through official box offices and ticket booths.
Pair a performance with dinner in Soho, Covent Garden or Chinatown for a classic London evening.
Make it memorable: Choose the production rather than the theatre. A smaller play can be as unforgettable as the biggest musical.
14. Escape Into One of London’s Parks
Best for: Walks, picnics and slower days
Locations: Across London
London’s green spaces provide a welcome break from busy streets and crowded attractions.
Hyde Park is convenient for central sightseeing, while Regent’s Park offers formal gardens and open lawns. Hampstead Heath feels wilder and includes elevated views from Parliament Hill. In South London, Greenwich Park combines historic surroundings with one of the city’s best panoramas.
Time Out’s London guides regularly highlight parks, walks and free outdoor activities as essential parts of experiencing the city.
Make it memorable: Pick up food from a nearby market and turn the visit into a picnic.
15. Discover London’s Hidden and Unusual Attractions
Best for: Repeat visitors and curious explorers
Location: Across London
Once you have seen the major landmarks, London becomes even more interesting.
Small museums, tucked-away gardens, historic cemeteries, old operating theatres and atmospheric passageways reveal stories that are easy to miss on a standard sightseeing route.
Time Out’s guide to hidden London focuses on obscure museums, under-the-radar venues and unexpected places around the capital.
Rather than travelling across London to tick off several hidden gems, choose one neighbourhood and explore it properly.
Make it memorable: Build a day around an unusual museum and a nearby independent restaurant or pub.
16. Spend a Day in Greenwich
Best for: History, views and a journey along the river
Location: South East London
Greenwich feels distinct from central London while remaining easy to reach by train, boat or Docklands Light Railway.
Visit the Royal Observatory, stand across the Prime Meridian, explore Greenwich Market and walk through the park for views towards Canary Wharf. The National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark add more options for history enthusiasts.
Tripadvisor places Greenwich among London’s notable areas and attractions, while Thames tours frequently use it as a destination or departure point.
Make it memorable: Arrive by river boat and return through South East London.
17. Explore Peckham’s Independent Side
Best for: Local culture, food and a less touristy day
Location: Peckham, SE15
Peckham offers a very different London experience from Westminster or the West End.
The neighbourhood is known for independent food businesses, music, art, rooftop spaces, markets and a strong sense of community. Explore Rye Lane, walk around Peckham Rye Park and Common, look for independent cafés and browse the area’s changing exhibitions and events.
Peckham is particularly good for visitors who want to experience a living London neighbourhood rather than spend the entire day moving between famous landmarks.
Make it memorable: Arrive in the afternoon, explore on foot and stay for dinner and music.
18. Eat, Drink and Dance at Prince of Peckham
Best for: South London atmosphere, food and late-night events
Location: Peckham, SE15
After a day of exploring London, Prince of Peckham provides a lively place to eat, drink and spend the evening.
This community-focused South London pub hosts a changing programme that can include DJs, parties, sports screenings, creative activities and social events. The current What’s On listings feature regular music nights, community gatherings, food and drink offers, brunches and major match screenings.
You can arrive for food, meet friends over drinks and stay as the night develops. Prince of Peckham currently opens until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, with earlier closing times during the rest of the week.
Private rooms and karaoke are also available for birthdays and group celebrations.
Make it memorable: Check the What’s On calendar before visiting and choose a night that matches your music or event preferences.
19. Enjoy a Free Museum and Gallery Day
Best for: Culture without a large budget
Location: Across central London
One of London’s greatest advantages is the number of major collections that can be visited without paying general admission.
Alongside the British Museum and Tate Modern, options include the National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum and National Portrait Gallery.
Time Out notes that London’s free museums, galleries, parks and cultural activities make it possible to fill entire days without spending money on admission.
Special exhibitions may still require tickets, so check before travelling.
Make it memorable: Limit yourself to two institutions in one day. Museum fatigue is real.
20. Leave Space for Something Unplanned
Best for: Experiencing London like a local
Location: Wherever the day takes you
Some of the best London experiences are not the attractions you booked months in advance.
It might be a pub you enter because it starts raining, a market stall you notice while walking, a small exhibition or a view discovered from an unfamiliar street.
Time Out’s constantly changing events coverage reflects how much of London’s appeal comes from temporary exhibitions, festivals, performances, pop-ups and seasonal activities.
Build some open time into your itinerary. London rewards curiosity.
The Best Things to Do in London for Different Visitors
Best for First-Time Visitors
Prioritise the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum and a Thames journey.
These attractions provide the clearest introduction to London’s history, architecture and geography.
Best for Food Lovers
Visit Borough Market, explore Chinatown and Soho, then head to Peckham for independent restaurants, Caribbean flavours and a night at Prince of Peckham.
Best Free Things to Do
Choose the British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, London’s parks, a South Bank walk and free city viewpoints.
Some venues require timed reservations even when entry is free.
Best for Couples
Book a sunset viewpoint, stroll along the Thames, see a West End show or spend the evening eating and drinking in a neighbourhood such as Soho or Peckham.
Best for Groups
Food markets, river cruises, karaoke, live sport and pubs with events work well because they give the night structure without requiring everyone to share exactly the same interests.
Prince of Peckham’s karaoke and private-hire options can accommodate group celebrations, subject to availability.
Best for Repeat Visitors
Skip a few central landmarks and explore Greenwich, Peckham, Hampstead, Deptford or another neighbourhood you have not visited before.
Add a small museum, local market or temporary exhibition to make the day feel different.
A One-Day London Itinerary Ending in Peckham
Trying to see all of London in one day is impossible, but you can combine several memorable experiences without turning the trip into a race.
9.30am: Visit the Tower of London.
12.30pm: Walk across Tower Bridge.
1pm: Continue along the Thames to Borough Market for lunch.
2.30pm: Visit Tate Modern or walk along the South Bank.
4.30pm: Take a train or bus towards Peckham.
5pm: Explore Rye Lane, Peckham Rye and the surrounding neighbourhood.
7pm: Eat and drink at Prince of Peckham.
From 9pm: Stay for the scheduled music, entertainment or event.
On Fridays and Saturdays, Prince of Peckham currently remains open until 2.30am.
Tips for Planning Things to Do in London
Book the Biggest Attractions Early
The Tower of London, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, major exhibitions and West End productions can become busy. Reserving in advance can provide better time choices and reduce uncertainty.
Group Activities by Area
Do not plan Buckingham Palace, Greenwich and Camden back-to-back.
London is large, and journeys often take longer than expected. Grouping nearby activities means spending more time exploring and less time on public transport.
Check Current Opening Information
Opening hours, admission arrangements and event schedules can change.
Always check an attraction’s official website before making a special journey, especially for seasonal openings, timed entry and late-night events.
Use Contactless Public Transport
London’s rail, Underground and bus networks connect most attractions. Contactless bank cards and compatible devices can generally be used to tap in and out, subject to the relevant fare and travel rules.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
London is best experienced on foot, but distances add up quickly. Even a day involving public transport may include several miles of walking.
Keep One Part of the Day Flexible
Leave time for a café, a market, an unexpected exhibition or a longer meal. The day should feel like an experience rather than a checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most unmissable things to do in London?
For a first visit, start with the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum and a walk or cruise along the Thames.
These attractions consistently appear near the top of recommendations from Time Out, Bon Traveler and Tripadvisor.
What can you do in London for free?
London offers free entry to many permanent museum and gallery collections, including the British Museum, Tate Modern and National Gallery.
Parks, riverside walks, neighbourhood exploration and selected viewpoints can also be enjoyed for free, although advance reservations may sometimes be required.
Is Peckham worth visiting?
Yes. Peckham offers independent food, art, music, markets, green space and nightlife in a neighbourhood that feels very different from central London.
It is a particularly good destination for visitors who want to explore South London and experience more of the city beyond its most famous landmarks.
What can you do in Peckham at night?
You can visit restaurants, pubs, music venues, cultural spaces and late-night events.
Prince of Peckham hosts a varied programme of DJs, community events, sports screenings and parties, and it currently opens until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
How many days do you need in London?
Three or four days provide enough time to see several major landmarks and explore one or two neighbourhoods.
A longer visit allows you to slow down, visit museums properly and discover areas such as Greenwich and Peckham without rushing.
What is the best way to spend one evening in London?
Choose one neighbourhood and stay there.
For a South London evening, explore Peckham, eat at Prince of Peckham and stay for whichever music, screening or event is scheduled that night.
Make Your London Visit Unforgettable
London’s most famous attractions deserve their reputations, but the city becomes truly memorable when you combine them with neighbourhood experiences.
See the Crown Jewels, cross Tower Bridge and walk beside the Thames. Then leave the tourist trail for a while. Explore an unfamiliar high street, eat somewhere independent and spend the evening in a venue filled with local character.
In Peckham, Prince of Peckham brings food, drinks, music, sport and community together under one roof. It is a natural place to finish a day exploring London, meet friends or begin a full South London night out.
Check What’s On at Prince of Peckham, book a table or explore the private-hire and karaoke options before your visit.
