What to do in Westminster: 12 ideas from must-see sights to hidden gems
Date post added: 5th August 2023
What is Westminster famous for?
The City of Westminster lies west of the City of London, and is home to world class tourist attractions like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street. Sightseeing in central London doesn’t get much better than Westminster! Within this London borough you’ll find Covent Garden, Soho and the West End. But for now, we’ll delve into the heart of Westminster, encircled by St James’s, the River Thames and Pimlico.
In this ‘things to do in Westminster’ guide, we’ll give you a London Walks style whistle stop tour of the must-see spots in Westminster (with little details to look out for from our guides), along with some more unusual things to do in Westminster too.
1. Visit Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Also known as the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament (comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords) with its Victorian era gothic design, is one of London’s (if not England’s or even Europe’s) most iconic attractions. Its clock tower is officially named the Elizabeth Tower, but is more commonly known as Big Ben thanks to the 13 ton bell that resides within. In fact, the vital statistics of this London landmark are impressive from every direction. The clock-face is 23 feet in diameter, about the same as a 2 storey house. And each minute hand is 14 feet long – about the same as a London black cab – and it’s made out of hollow copper weighing about 224lbs!
2. Have lunch at the Cinnamon Club
Touring Westminster is not something to be done on an empty stomach, so thankfully there are some great dining gems. Tucked away behind Westminster Abbey, and set in a Grade II listed building, The Cinnamon Club is (according to London Walks’ guide Jan Poole), London’s finest Indian restaurant. The Cinnamon Club offers innovative and creative Indian cuisine in a majestic setting, and is just a stone’s throw from other Westminster attractions like the London Eye on the South Bank.
3. Explore the Churchill War Rooms
Deep beneath the streets of Westminster lie the Churchill War Rooms. This underground government nerve-centre is where British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill strategised during the Second World War. If you’re visiting, here’s a tip from David Tucker; look where the ground meets the building. The building stone coming up from the ground for the first 6 feet or so is a completely different colour from the building stone of the rest of the building. This was because it wasn’t there when the building was built in the early 20th century. With the war coming, they ‘roofed’ the bunker with a 3 metre thick slab of protective concrete.
4. Catch a concert at St John’s Smith Square
Hidden around the back of Westminster Abbey is St John’s Smith Square, a church turned concert hall built in baroque style in the 18th century. London Walks guide Karen Pierce-Goulding tells us that this former church is known for its extensive programme of musical concerts. With its bell-like acoustics, it makes the perfect setting to savour the works of Handel and Purcell. It even has its own cafe in the crypt, so you can grab a bite to eat before the performance.
5. Discover Buckingham Palace
With an astonishing 775 rooms, and welcoming over 50,000 visitors each year, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the King and where other members of the royal family have private apartments. It’s at Buckingham Palace that you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, as one set of troops takes over responsibility for guarding Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park. Other highlights are the State Rooms and the gardens, all 42 acres of them, even bigger than Green Park.
6. Enjoy a feast at The Escoffier Rooms
A more unusual idea for things to do in Westminster comes courtesy of London Walks guide David Drury. That is to experience 6 divine courses prepared by student chefs in the beautiful surroundings of Westminster Kingsway College. The Escoffier Rooms, named after Chef Auguste Escoffier one of the founders of Westminster Kingsway College, is located at the College at Vincent Square. Here you can indulge in fine dining at budget prices with different menu themes each week.
7. Enter Westminster Abbey
Probably the world’s most impressive and historic church, and certainly the grandest in the United Kingdom, Westminster Abbey is where Britain’s kings and queens have been crowned since 1066. Iconic historic moments, such as the coronation of King Charles III and the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, have taken place at Westminster Abbey. It’s a fusion of Gothic and medieval architecture with so much to see. Its Cellarium cafe makes a decent lunch stop too. Want the insider’s guide? Book the Westminster Abbey tour with London Walks.
8. Take in the views from Westminster Cathedral
Not to be confused with the better-known Westminster Abbey, the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral is the Mother Church of England and Wales, and where you find the Archbishop of Westminster. The mix of 18th and 19th century architecture is remarkable, but it’s the panoramic views from its heights that really take your breath away. Take the lift up St Edmund’s Tower and marvel at incredible views to Whitehall, Victoria, across the river to Battersea and Canary Wharf. This one’s a hidden gem that’s not really hidden at all.
9. See the statues
At Westminster Bridge, don’t miss the statue of Boudica (or Boudicca or Boadicea), Queen of the Iceni, who led an uprising against the conquering forces of the Roman Empire in AD 60. Triumphal, in her chariot, Boudica is immortalised in bronze. Nearby, you can also see the eternal face-off between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I, with Cromwell’s statue on Cromwell Green facing the bust of King Charles on St. Margaret’s Church. Complete your round-up of historical figures at Parliament Square, where replicas of Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela reside. A bit further on, there’s Trafalgar Square which hosts Lord Nelson, King George IV, General Sir Charles James Napier and General Sir Henry Havelock.
10. Wander in St. James’s Park
There’s plenty of green space in London if you know where to look, from Hyde Park to its glorious garden squares. But, there’s no better than St. James’s Park, says London Walks’ guide Richard Roques. Here, in the company of pelicans, coots, black swans, and walking amongst the planted shrubbery and wild areas, you can gaze upon some of the most beautiful buildings in the world; the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Clarence House, Marlborough House and the villas lining The Mall. Look out for Duck House, now a gardener’s shed and a rural idyll. You may even be lucky enough to glimpse the Changing the Guard ceremony or the Trooping the Colour parade which takes place at Horse Guards Parade in St. James’s Park each June.
11. See the Jewel Tower
Most of the medieval Palace of Westminster burnt down in a terrible fire, and just 2 buildings survived, says London Walks guide Karen Pierce-Goulding. One of these, the Jewel Tower, a 13th century treasure house with its original moat, barrel-vaulted ceiling and spiral stone staircase is now an English Heritage Museum and tells the vivid story of the original Parliament building.
12. Take a river cruise
If you haven’t taken the time for a river cruise down the River Thames, then you must do it. Cruises run from Westminster Pier and take in plenty of Westminster’s finest attractions like the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Bridge. Even better, take a river cruise guided by a London Walks guide and get the history behind these famous landmarks. Here’s a little snippet from Robert – “Westminster Bridge is the only bridge in London that has 7 arches, was hugely contentious at the time of planning and building, and was dubbed ‘the bridge of fools’.”
12 3/4. Visit the Harry Potter station
Our bonus spot, is one of the many Harry Potter filming locations in London. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie, Harry and Arthur Weasley travel through London via Westminster tube station. If you’re a Hogwarts fan, join the Harry Potter Film Locations In London walking tour which goes every Saturday.
What to do in Westminster on a rainy day?
The British weather is certainly changeable, so some of our suggested activities may be a washout on a wet day. Well worth a visit, Tate Britain and the National Gallery are great destinations for art lovers or even those who fancy a spot of culture during a downpour. For more rainy day in London suggestions, check out our blog
Check out our Westminster Tours and discover this historical London location.