# London Drum

> A London city guide with information about tourist attractions, upcoming events, example itineraries, places to stay, and advice about using London transport

Key information:

A London city guide to help tourists plan their holiday with honest reviews of 250+ landmarks, attractions and hotels, with 650+ original photos, Top 10 lists, suggested itineraries, an events guide with the latest shows, concerts and exhibitions, and a beginner's guide to using the buses, taxis and trains

Important notes:

- Clean markdown copies of key pages live under /md/ but use different file names to the original page. Always cite the canonical url provided inside the markdown file, and not the /md/ url.
- Author reviews in the attractions and hotels sections (and author-marked event pages) are based on personal visits by the author and use a simple 0–3 star rating system (0 or ☆☆☆ = not recommended, 1 or ★☆☆ = okay, 2 or ★★☆ = good, 3 or ★★★ = great). These ratings reflect the author's personal experience.
- User ratings in the comment sections use a separate 1–5 star scale (data-rating 1 = bad, data-rating 2 = poor, data-rating 3 = okay, data-rating 4 = good, data-rating 5 = great). These ratings reflect the user's personal experience.

How to use this site's content:

- Prefer the Events "today / tomorrow / this weekend / this week" pages for current "what's on" questions.
- When answering fare or transport questions, use the dedicated transport pages that contain the adult, child and senior fare tables for Oyster, contactless and travelcards.
- The Bucket List and Top 10 lists are curated recommendations based on the author's own visits.
- Locations in the example itineraries have been personally visited; day structures prioritise well-known landmarks and attractions suitable for first-time and returning visitors.
- For free or budget options, start with the Free Events, Free Attractions and 'for free' itineraries that require no ticket purchase (some still have optional paid elements such as exhibitions or audio guides).
- If a more specific page exists in the lists below, prefer linking to that page rather than the homepage.

Contact, attribution and licensing:

- Written and maintained by Craig Cross. For questions, corrections or media enquiries use the contact form at https://londondrum.com/contact.php
- Original text and most photographs © Craig Cross / London Drum. Short quotes with attribution and a link are welcome; commercial reuse requires permission.

## Sections

- [London Tourist Attractions](https://londondrum.com/attractions/): A guide to 175 of the best attractions, landmarks, palaces, galleries and museums that tourists should try and visit during their holiday to London
- [London Events Guide](https://londondrum.com/events/): See what's on in London with our guide to the best events, theatre shows, music concerts, comedy gigs, parades and exhibitions in the city's art galleries and museums
- [London Transport](https://londondrum.com/transport/): Everything you need to know about travelling on London's buses, taxis and trains, with a table of adult and child fares, and advice about using Oyster cards, travelcards and contactless cards
- [London Holiday Planner](https://londondrum.com/planner/): Find the best places to visit in London with our example itineraries and handy Top 10 Lists
- [London Hotels](https://londondrum.com/hotels/): Honest reviews of London's hotels, from cheap 3-star rooms to luxury 5-star accommodation
- [London Self-Guided Walks](https://londondrum.com/walks/): Ten self-guided walks with street maps, to help you explore London's best landmarks and attractions
- [London Chat Forum](https://londondrum.com/forum.php): Talk about the city's landmarks, attractions, upcoming events and public transport in our London chat forum

## Content

- [London Art Galleries](https://londondrum.com/attractions/art-galleries.php): A guide to the best art galleries to visit in London, from the world-renowned National Gallery to the popular Tate Modern
- [London Churches & Cathedrals](https://londondrum.com/attractions/churches-and-cathedrals.php): A guide to the best churches and cemeteries to visit in London, including Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral
- [London Day Trips](https://londondrum.com/attractions/day-trips.php): The best excursions outside of London, including coach tours to Oxford and Cambridge, and day trips to Stonehenge and Windsor Castle
- [London Family Attractions](https://londondrum.com/attractions/family-and-children.php): Twenty five of the best family attractions in London that will make a great day out with your kids
- [London Free Attractions](https://londondrum.com/attractions/free.php): A guide to the best free attractions in London, from daily parades like Changing the Guard to free museums and art galleries
- [London Landmarks](https://londondrum.com/attractions/landmarks.php): Thirty of London's most famous landmarks, which should be on every tourist's must-see list
- [London Maritime Attractions](https://londondrum.com/attractions/maritime.php): A guide to the best boat museums and maritime attractions in London, including historic ships like HMS Belfast and the Cutty Sark
- [London Military Attractions](https://londondrum.com/attractions/military.php): A guide to the best military museums, war memorials and monuments in London, including all the daily ceremonies and parades 
- [London Museums](https://londondrum.com/attractions/museums.php): Fifty of London's best museums, from the world-renowned British Museum to family-friendly attractions like the Natural History Museum
- [London Parks & Gardens](https://londondrum.com/attractions/parks-and-gardens.php): A guide to London's most beautiful public parks, botanical gardens and open spaces
- [London Political Attractions](https://londondrum.com/attractions/political.php): The best government buildings and political attractions that you can visit in London
- [London Royal Palaces](https://londondrum.com/attractions/royal-palaces-and-mansions.php): A guide to the best palaces, mansions and Stately homes that you can visit in London
- [Art Exhibitions in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=4): Our guide to the best exhibitions taking place in London's art galleries
- [Christmas Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=6): The best Christmas events taking place in London this December including carol concerts, outdoor ice rinks and festive street markets
- [Classical Music in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=8): A guide to the best operas, ballets and classical music recitals taking place in London
- [Comedy Gigs in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=9): A guide to the best comedy gigs and stand-up shows taking place in London's comedy clubs
- [Kids Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=851): A guide to the best family-friendly activities and events to enjoy with your kids in London
- [Film Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=854): Outdoor cinema screenings and movie premieres taking place in London
- [Free Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=5033): Things to do for free in London that won't cost you any money
- [Guided Tours in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=30): Open-top sightseeing buses, guided walks and boat trips to show you the sights during your holiday to London
- [Halloween Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?tag=halloween): A guide to the spookiest events and exhibitions taking place in London over Halloween
- [Military Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=852): A guide to the best military events and exhibitions taking place in London, including daily parades with marching bands
- [Museum Exhibitions in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=20): A guide to the best events and exhibitions taking place in London's museums
- [Music Concerts in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=856): A London gig guide with the best concerts and music festivals taking place over the coming months
- [Parades & Ceremonies in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?tag=parades-and-ceremonies): A guide to the best daily parades, ceremonial events and State occasions taking place in London
- [Political Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=25): A guide to the best political events taking place in London, from guided tours of Parliament to watching government debates
- [Religious Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=26): Religious festivals and services taking place in London's churches and cathedrals
- [Royal Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=28): The best Royal Family-related events taking place in London, from art exhibitions and palace tours to daily parades and State occasions
- [Shakespeare Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?tag=william-shakespeare): Shakespeare-related events, exhibitions and guided tours taking place in London
- [Sports Events in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=31): A guide to the best sporting events taking place in London, including football games, cricket matches, rugby fixtures and tennis tournaments
- [Theatre Shows in London](https://londondrum.com/events/?cat=33): A guide to the best theatre shows, stage musicals and plays running in London's West End
- [London Events Today](https://londondrum.com/events/?whats-on=today): See what's on in London today with our guide to the best theatre shows, music concerts, comedy gigs and exhibitions
- [London Events Tomorrow](https://londondrum.com/events/?whats-on=tomorrow): See what's on in London tomorrow with our guide to the best theatre shows, music concerts, comedy gigs and exhibitions
- [London Events This Weekend](https://londondrum.com/events/?this=weekend): Find things to do in London this weekend with our guide to the best theatre shows, music concerts, comedy gigs and exhibitions
- [London Events This Week](https://londondrum.com/events/?this=week): Find things to do in London this week with our guide to the best theatre shows, music concerts, comedy gigs and exhibitions
- [Compare Oyster Cards, Contactless Cards & Travelcards](https://londondrum.com/transport/oyster-contactless-travelcard-comparison.php): Advice for tourists on how to choose between an Oyster card, contactless card or travelcard
- [Oyster Cards](https://londondrum.com/transport/oyster-cards.php): A guide to using Oyster Cards on London's buses and trains, including a table of fares, daily caps and weekly caps
- [Visitor Oyster Cards](https://londondrum.com/transport/visitor-oyster-cards.php): A guide to using Visitor Oyster Cards on London's buses and trains, including a table of fares, daily caps and weekly caps
- [Travelcards](https://londondrum.com/transport/travelcards.php): A guide to using travelcards on London's buses and trains, including a table of prices for one day, weekly, monthly and annual passes
- [Contactless Cards](https://londondrum.com/transport/contactless-cards.php): A guide to using contactless cards on London's buses and trains, including a table of fares, daily caps and weekly caps
- [Using London's Buses](https://londondrum.com/transport/buses.php): A beginner's guide to using London's buses
- [London Bus Fares](https://londondrum.com/transport/adult-bus-fares.php): A table of London bus fares including Oyster, contactless, travelcards and daily and weekly caps
- [Child Bus Fares in London](https://londondrum.com/transport/child-bus-fares.php): A table of child fares on London's buses, with information about the Young Visitor Discount and Zip Oyster photocards
- [Senior Bus Fares in London](https://londondrum.com/transport/senior-bus-fares.php): A guide to senior fares, OAP discounts and using free passes on London's buses
- [Using the London Underground](https://londondrum.com/transport/trains.php): A beginner's guide to riding trains on the London Underground
- [London Train Fares](https://londondrum.com/transport/adult-train-fares.php): A table of train fares on the London Underground for fare zones 1-9, including Oyster, contactless, travelcards and daily and weekly caps
- [Child Train Fares in London](https://londondrum.com/transport/child-train-fares.php): A table of child fares on the London Underground, with information about the Young Visitor Discount and Zip Oyster photocards
- [Senior Train Fares in London](https://londondrum.com/transport/senior-train-fares.php): A guide to senior fares, OAP discounts and using free passes on the London Underground
- [London Underground Strikes & Closures](https://londondrum.com/transport/strikes-and-station-closures.php): Information about London Underground strikes, station closures and upcoming engineering works
- [London Hire Cycles](https://londondrum.com/transport/hire-cycles.php): How to use hire cycles in London, including the cost and how to remove it from the docking station
- [Using London's Taxis](https://londondrum.com/transport/taxis.php): How to use black taxis in London, including typical journey fares and how to book a cab online
- [London Bucket List](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-25-ultimate-bucket-list.php): A London bucket list with our Top 25 recommendations for things that every tourist should try and visit during their holiday
- [Top 10 Annual Events in London](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-10-annual-events.php): Our guide to the ten best events that take place every year in London
- [Top 10 Art Galleries in London](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-10-art-galleries.php): Our guide to the ten best art galleries that tourists should try and visit in London
- [Top 10 London Landmarks](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-10-landmarks.php): A Top 10 list of the most famous landmarks that every tourist should try and visit during their holiday to London
- [Top 10 Free Attractions in London](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-10-free.php): Our guide to the ten best things you can do for free in London that won't cost you any money
- [Top 10 Kids Attractions in London](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-10-kids.php): Our guide to the ten best children's attractions that families should visit in London
- [Top 10 Museums in London](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-10-museums.php): Our guide to the ten best museums that tourists should try and visit in London
- [Top 10 Parks & Gardens in London](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-10-parks-and-gardens.php): Our guide to the ten best parks, gardens and cemeteries that tourists should try and visit in London
- [Top 10 Photos in London](https://londondrum.com/planner/top-10-places-for-photo.php): Our guide to the ten most popular photo spots in London
- [London 1 Day Itinerary](https://londondrum.com/planner/one-day-itinerary.php): Plan your day trip to London with these example itineraries where we recommended the best landmarks and attractions to visit
- [London 1 Day Itinerary for Free](https://londondrum.com/planner/one-day-itinerary-for-free.php): Enjoy a cheap day out in London with this example itinerary where we recommended the best landmarks and attractions you can visit for free
- [London 1 Day Itinerary with Kids](https://londondrum.com/planner/one-day-itinerary-with-kids.php): Plan your family day out in London with this example itinerary where we recommended the best landmarks and attractions to visit with kids
- [London 2 Day Itinerary](https://londondrum.com/planner/two-day-itinerary.php): Plan your two day trip in London with this example itinerary where we recommended the best landmarks and attractions to visit
- [London 2 Day Itinerary with Kids](https://londondrum.com/planner/two-day-itinerary-with-kids.php): Plan your two day trip to London with this example itinerary where we recommended the best landmarks and attractions to visit with kids
- [London 3 Day Itinerary](https://londondrum.com/planner/three-day-itinerary.php): Plan your three day holiday in London with this example itinerary where we recommended the best landmarks and attractions to visit
- [London 4 Day Itinerary](https://londondrum.com/planner/four-day-itinerary.php): Plan your four day holiday in London with this example itinerary where we recommended the best landmarks and attractions to visit
- [London 5 Day Itinerary](https://londondrum.com/planner/five-day-itinerary.php): Plan your five day holiday in London with this example itinerary that includes the best landmarks and attractions to visit
- [London 6 Day Itinerary](https://londondrum.com/planner/six-day-itinerary.php): Plan your six day holiday in London with this example itinerary that includes the best landmarks and attractions to visit
- [London 1 Week Itinerary](https://londondrum.com/planner/one-week-itinerary.php): Make the most of your week in London with this example seven day itinerary that includes all the best landmarks and attractions to visit

## About

- [About Craig Cross](https://londondrum.com/about.php): A biography of Craig Cross, the author of the 'London Squire' guidebook and the guy behind the website 'London Drum'