Weekends in London: Fun activities in and around central London

London is one of the most exciting cities the world has to offer. With endless activities to enjoy and lots of sightseeing to be done, planning a trip to the UK capital can certainly be overwhelming.

That's why we've listed our top recommendations to create the perfect itinerary for you to enjoy during your weekend stay in London.

Buckingham Palace

You can't spend a long weekend in London without visiting the home of the Royal Family. The palace holds 775 state rooms and has the largest private garden in the city. The famous footguards of the Household Regiment protect the stately home. If you're lucky, you might get to see the iconic 'changing of the guard' ceremony – a long-standing tradition that takes place once a day.

The stunning state rooms and palace gallery are open to the public at various times throughout the year. These state rooms are beautifully decorated, holding grand furniture, sculptures and artwork.

London Eye

As one of the world's tallest observation wheels, the London Eye offers a truly unparalleled experience, providing you with 360-degree views that let you see the capital like you've never seen it before. Spend your time spotting as many iconic London landmarks as you can, including Big Ben, the Tower of London and more.

You can even enjoy your own VIP experience with family and friends and enjoy a glass of champagne in the sky.

Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament

Head to the City of Westminster and admire the rich history of Westminster Abbey. This breath-taking church dates back to 1245 and is where the new monarch will be crowned King. It is also known for hosting royal weddings, previous coronations, and burials. The Abbey is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, excluding religious events and holidays.

Just a three-minute walk away stand the Houses of Parliament – the beating heart of the British Government. This prestigious Gothic building holds over 1,000 rooms, with two of the most important settings in politics: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Why not take a tour around one of the world's most famous buildings and learn more about the work of the UK Parliament?

Shopping at Harrods

Known as one of the most iconic department stores in the world and originally founded in 1849, you'll find everything you could ever dream of in Harrods. From designer handbags and furniture to pet accessories and a Disney boutique, you'll be truly spoilt for choice.

Located in Knightsbridge, one of the city's most notable retail districts, you'll be greeted by the doormen before you begin your dream shopping trip. Feel free to explore the eight amazing floors and enjoy a luxury refreshment in the Food Hall, where you'll find an array of tasty treats.

Borough Market

Located in the heart of London, Borough Market serves some of the best local produce and street food in the city. The market is perfectly placed to bring everyone together to celebrate the amazing food that London has to offer.

Whether you're an excitable foodie or simply looking for inspiration, there are plenty of restaurants, market stalls, shops and bars to enjoy. Located in Southwark, you'll also find several iconic London landmarks nearby, including the Shard and London Bridge.

Choose Grand Central to get you there

Begin your weekend stay in London by choosing a Grand Central rail service to get you there. Our network provides trains to London from some of the most popular rail stations in the north. To make your trip extra special, why not consider upgrading to First Class?

We have a variety of options to help you get the very best price on your train ticket. If you're planning your journey ahead of time, our Advance tickets are usually available up to six months before your departure date. You could potentially make savings of up to 80% and secure our lowest prices before anyone else.

If you're a student, you can save 25% on all Advance fares with Grand Central. Plus, if you have a Railcard, you can save even more!