Latest reviews for Sightseeing & Attractions in London, United Kingdom

London Aquarium - by sjsoutherner

sjsoutherner — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:03:19 +0000

Review by sjsoutherner

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7967 8000

Website: http://www.londonaquarium.co.uk

A great day out for all ages. Compared to other aquariums I have been to I found this one slightly on the expensive side. But for a rainy day in London or just an all round treat I would definitely recommend a trip here.

Highlights for me were the ray pool, the sharks and a firm favourite, the seahorses.

I did try to return to the Aquarium for another visit earlier this year. However, my trip to London fell on a rainy bank holiday weekend and the crowds and queues were huge. I decided against visiting again with so many people all trying to get in the door (bank holidays may not be the best or easiest time to visit!).

A good tip is to buy tickets in advance through the aquarium website as you save 10% off the price.A great day out for all ages. Compared to other aquariums I have been to I found this one slightly on the expensive side. But for a rainy day in London or just an all round treat I would definitely recommend a trip here.

Highlights for me were the ray pool, the sharks and a firm favourite, the seahorses.

I did try to return to the Aquarium for another visit earlier this year. However, my trip to London fell on a rainy bank holiday weekend and the crowds and queues were huge. I decided against visiting again with so many people all trying to get in the door (bank holidays may not be the best or easiest time to visit!).

A good tip is to buy tickets in advance through the aquarium website as you save 10% off the price.

London Zoo - London Zoo by anilascot2008

anilascot2008 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:58:07 +0000

Review by anilascot2008

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7722 3333

Website: http://www.zsl.org/

Tags: animals, fun, zoo

I visited the London zoo recently and unfortunately I wasn't impressed. it seems a lot of effort has been put into making the zoo a very nice and entertaining place for people to visit but not as much effort has been put into making the animals lives better. In general I think keep animals that should be wild, in captivity is cruel but it is even worse when the animals are living in enclosures that (in my opinion) are far too small when they could be living in larger and more entertaining and interesting enclosures if less space was used for people's entertainments and more was used for enlarging the animals enclosures. besides that, an OK place to visit if you don't mind that but definitely would be more worthwhile spending your money to support a wildlife sanctuary etc.I visited the London zoo recently and unfortunately I wasn't impressed. it seems a lot of effort has been put into making the zoo a very nice and entertaining place for people to visit but not as much effort has been put into making the animals lives better. In general I think keep animals that should be wild, in captivity is cruel but it is even worse when the animals are living in enclosures that (in my opinion) are far too small when they could be living in larger and more entertaining and interesting enclosures if less space was used for people's entertainments and more was used for enlarging the animals enclosures. besides that, an OK place to visit if you don't mind that but definitely would be more worthwhile spending your money to support a wildlife sanctuary etc.

Madame Tussaud's - Are they real, Are they not by keshnik

keshnik — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:26:40 +0000

Review by keshnik

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0870 400 3000

Website: http://www.madame-tussauds.com

Tags: london, tourist, museum

The famous Madame Tussaud's is a wax museum in London. Nearest Underground station is Baker Street. It is a museum where you can meet the wax lookalike of celebrities and famous personalities - from The Royal Family, Presidents past and present and Sports personalities to famous musicians, Hollywood actors and also Bollywood actors. They are painstakingly made to look very much like their real selves. It is a perfect place to get pictures with these stars. For the historians in you, it has a history of Madame Tussaud and how the museum came into being. There is also a very good train ride showing how London has changed over the years. I do feel that the tickets are very expensive - but then what isn't in London these days!The famous Madame Tussaud's is a wax museum in London. Nearest Underground station is Baker Street. It is a museum where you can meet the wax lookalike of celebrities and famous personalities - from The Royal Family, Presidents past and present and Sports personalities to famous musicians, Hollywood actors and also Bollywood actors. They are painstakingly made to look very much like their real selves. It is a perfect place to get pictures with these stars. For the historians in you, it has a history of Madame Tussaud and how the museum came into being. There is also a very good train ride showing how London has changed over the years. I do feel that the tickets are very expensive - but then what isn't in London these days!

ISKCON - Watford - ISKCON - Watford by globalgujrati

globalgujrati — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:15:48 +0000

Review by globalgujrati

Rating: 4.00

Website: www.iskcon.org

ISKCOn stands for international society for krishna consciousness and is world famous for being associated with bettles and they have given land in herfordshire which is now know as bhaktivedanta manor.their activites includes services in protecting cow and gaining publicity and also carrying events out of which janamastami being on the top list in prestige and people attending.this year 14000 cars were said to be parked over the 2 day festival organised by this hindu group whose head was his holiness swami prabhupada.they are also credited with spreading the importance of bhagavat gita from their book bhagavat Gita AS IT IS.their only major competitor in UK is BAPS neasden temple who belong to swaminarayan sect of hindus and have majority gujarati speakers as their followers though they also worship krishna and rama besides hanuman and ganapati.ISKCOn stands for international society for krishna consciousness and is world famous for being associated with bettles and they have given land in herfordshire which is now know as bhaktivedanta manor.their activites includes services in protecting cow and gaining publicity and also carrying events out of which janamastami being on the top list in prestige and people attending.this year 14000 cars were said to be parked over the 2 day festival organised by this hindu group whose head was his holiness swami prabhupada.they are also credited with spreading the importance of bhagavat gita from their book bhagavat Gita AS IT IS.their only major competitor in UK is BAPS neasden temple who belong to swaminarayan sect of hindus and have majority gujarati speakers as their followers though they also worship krishna and rama besides hanuman and ganapati.

HMS Belfast - a floating museum by carum

carum — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:03:17 +0000

Review by carum

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7940 6328

Website: http://www.iwm.org.uk

Tags: toptable

HMS Belfast is great and the only way to describe it is as a floating museum. I think itâ¬"s is a really good way of remanding ourselves of the hard work of service men and women by having a real battleship permanently docked on the Thames. Inside the ship is great with loads of interactive video screens and lots of replica parts of a real ship. There is loads of stuff o see like the radar screens and sonar and stuff. Walking on the deck is also really fun as you able to see a lot of the area around the Thames even though you are not very high up.HMS Belfast is great and the only way to describe it is as a floating museum. I think itâ¬"s is a really good way of remanding ourselves of the hard work of service men and women by having a real battleship permanently docked on the Thames. Inside the ship is great with loads of interactive video screens and lots of replica parts of a real ship. There is loads of stuff o see like the radar screens and sonar and stuff. Walking on the deck is also really fun as you able to see a lot of the area around the Thames even though you are not very high up.

London Eye - London Eye by Roberteggers

Roberteggers — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:49:58 +0000

Review by Roberteggers

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0870 500 0600

Website: http://www.ba-londoneye.com

Tags: tourist, london eye, london

Possibly the best attraction in London, I know itâ¬"s really touristy but I love it.
Itâ¬"s basically a really big Ferris wheel with sealed pods that hold about 20 people or so. The pods are constantly turning you hop on at the bottom and it slowly rotates to give you an amazing view of the London skyline. You are free to move around the pod so thereâ¬"s plenty of opportunity to take in the views all around you. You can even rent a private pod for partiesâ¬" etc champagne and all. Iâ¬"ve had to entertain out of towners on several occasions and it is one attraction that never fails to impress. Itâ¬"s located on the South Bank of the Thames just along from the London Aquarium.
Possibly the best attraction in London, I know itâ¬"s really touristy but I love it.
Itâ¬"s basically a really big Ferris wheel with sealed pods that hold about 20 people or so. The pods are constantly turning you hop on at the bottom and it slowly rotates to give you an amazing view of the London skyline. You are free to move around the pod so thereâ¬"s plenty of opportunity to take in the views all around you. You can even rent a private pod for partiesâ¬" etc champagne and all. Iâ¬"ve had to entertain out of towners on several occasions and it is one attraction that never fails to impress. Itâ¬"s located on the South Bank of the Thames just along from the London Aquarium.

The London Dungeon - Scary? Not quite, maybe the prices by carum

carum — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:11:05 +0000

Review by carum

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7403 7221

Website: http://www.thedungeons.com

Tags: toptable

Not Worth It

I have visited the London dungeons several times before they did it up and I always thought it to be quite fun. The last time I visited was after the refurbishment and I was disappointed as I feel that they have dumbed down the museum and turned it into a kind of theme park. Thereâ¬"s no more exhibits on torture because they have been replaced with rides. The prices are also far too high for this kind of attraction and the amount of queuing is appalling. The only entertainment comes from the actors who slip in out of character all the time especially when talking to one another.
Not Worth It

I have visited the London dungeons several times before they did it up and I always thought it to be quite fun. The last time I visited was after the refurbishment and I was disappointed as I feel that they have dumbed down the museum and turned it into a kind of theme park. Thereâ¬"s no more exhibits on torture because they have been replaced with rides. The prices are also far too high for this kind of attraction and the amount of queuing is appalling. The only entertainment comes from the actors who slip in out of character all the time especially when talking to one another.

Lord's Cricket Ground - Strange but beautiful by charlievenice

charlievenice — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:17:07 +0000

Review by charlievenice

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7289 1611

Website: http://www.mcc.org.uk/

Tags: function room hire

I'd never been to a cricket match before, and, in retrospect, I perhaps should have become familiar with the rules before going. However, Lord's was extremely nice, and I found it to be a very civilised place in which to spend a day. I particularly liked the garden in the centre, although I found that the park-keepers took a particularly jobsworthy approach to the rules, and were ridiculously strict about visitors going for a wander on the lawns.

I was also unimpressed by the thugs in the centre who seemed determined to try to smack stones off sticks at the crowds sitting down at the edge. That no one had the guts to tell them to stop it speaks volume about Blair's Britain. Overall though, a fine day.I'd never been to a cricket match before, and, in retrospect, I perhaps should have become familiar with the rules before going. However, Lord's was extremely nice, and I found it to be a very civilised place in which to spend a day. I particularly liked the garden in the centre, although I found that the park-keepers took a particularly jobsworthy approach to the rules, and were ridiculously strict about visitors going for a wander on the lawns.

I was also unimpressed by the thugs in the centre who seemed determined to try to smack stones off sticks at the crowds sitting down at the edge. That no one had the guts to tell them to stop it speaks volume about Blair's Britain. Overall though, a fine day.

Buckingham Palace - REgal by carum

carum — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:02:36 +0000

Review by carum

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7321 2233

Tags: palace

Absolutely one of the best places to visit in the capital. The palace is incredibly attractive and there is a bunch of history that is well explained with the incorporated audio guide. A drawback is that there isnâ¬"t really that much to see I completed the tour in less than 2 hours and it isnâ¬"t exactly cheap.You are not allowed to take photographs within the palce.
I robustly propose that you buy tickets on-line prior to visiting so you can avoid having to queue in the morning
Overall, highly recommended unless you are on a fixed funds in which case just watch the changing of the guard.

Absolutely one of the best places to visit in the capital. The palace is incredibly attractive and there is a bunch of history that is well explained with the incorporated audio guide. A drawback is that there isnâ¬"t really that much to see I completed the tour in less than 2 hours and it isnâ¬"t exactly cheap.You are not allowed to take photographs within the palce.
I robustly propose that you buy tickets on-line prior to visiting so you can avoid having to queue in the morning
Overall, highly recommended unless you are on a fixed funds in which case just watch the changing of the guard.

The Tower Of London - Great day out for history fans by angelgirl

angelgirl — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:04:16 +0000

Review by angelgirl

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7709 0765

Website: http://www.hrp.org.uk

No matter how many times we visit here, we always enjoy it, and there seems to be something new to see every time! From murder and intrigue to glistening crown jewels, the Tower has it all. Make sure you allow several hours there, you will definitely need that. Lost a star because of the cost!No matter how many times we visit here, we always enjoy it, and there seems to be something new to see every time! From murder and intrigue to glistening crown jewels, the Tower has it all. Make sure you allow several hours there, you will definitely need that. Lost a star because of the cost!

London Duck Tours - Great fun! by angelgirl

angelgirl — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:05 +0000

Review by angelgirl

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7928 3132

I love history, so travelling round London on a novel bright yellow vehicle looking at the sights was very entertaining! At the end of the sightseeing by road, the amphibious vehicle enters the Thames, and you see more sights sailing along the river.The entrance onto the Thames is the fun bit, down a slope and whoosh into the water!

I went on this tour with a party of schoolchildren and the staff were great, explaining the history of London in a very accessible way for the children, and making it fun by encouraging them to quack out of the windows as we went along. Great fun! Loved this-4 stars only because of the cost, expensive if you were to say take a family of 4 on it.I love history, so travelling round London on a novel bright yellow vehicle looking at the sights was very entertaining! At the end of the sightseeing by road, the amphibious vehicle enters the Thames, and you see more sights sailing along the river.The entrance onto the Thames is the fun bit, down a slope and whoosh into the water!

I went on this tour with a party of schoolchildren and the staff were great, explaining the history of London in a very accessible way for the children, and making it fun by encouraging them to quack out of the windows as we went along. Great fun! Loved this-4 stars only because of the cost, expensive if you were to say take a family of 4 on it.

St. Paul's Cathedral - wow by carum

carum — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:39:42 +0000

Review by carum

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7236 4128

Website: http://www.stpaulscathedral.org.uk

Wow

St Paul's Cathedral is vast. The interior of the cathedral is spectacular. Not to be missed.
It is possible to walk up to the famed whispering gallery which is a real spectacle and ten times more exciting than anything else in London. It is amazing to think that the building is so old and to think that something so spectacular dates from the 1600â¬"s and the times of the Stuarts and wren. It is also fascinating that the cathedral survived the blitz and world war with it being right at the centre of London. St Paul's Cathedral is an essential part of the London skyline.
Wow

St Paul's Cathedral is vast. The interior of the cathedral is spectacular. Not to be missed.
It is possible to walk up to the famed whispering gallery which is a real spectacle and ten times more exciting than anything else in London. It is amazing to think that the building is so old and to think that something so spectacular dates from the 1600â¬"s and the times of the Stuarts and wren. It is also fascinating that the cathedral survived the blitz and world war with it being right at the centre of London. St Paul's Cathedral is an essential part of the London skyline.

Namco Station - Fun and games waiting for a train by damo1977

damo1977 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:50:29 +0000

Review by damo1977

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7967 1066

Website: http://www.namcoexperience.com

Tags: comfy sofas, pool, fun

If you've got a bit of time to spare waiting for a train at Waterloo, head across the Namco at County Hall.

Namco is a large arcade on multiple levels. Whether it's a game of bowling, a dance competition, the latest shoot em up or driving game, they have a great selection. The bumper cars are always a favourite.

On the lower level is a pool hall with a small bar, however it serves Kronenberg Blanc, so top marks!

Definately worth a visit when you have a bit of spare time.

The entrance is on the river front, between Westminster Bridge and The London Eye.If you've got a bit of time to spare waiting for a train at Waterloo, head across the Namco at County Hall.

Namco is a large arcade on multiple levels. Whether it's a game of bowling, a dance competition, the latest shoot em up or driving game, they have a great selection. The bumper cars are always a favourite.

On the lower level is a pool hall with a small bar, however it serves Kronenberg Blanc, so top marks!

Definately worth a visit when you have a bit of spare time.

The entrance is on the river front, between Westminster Bridge and The London Eye.

Greenwich Wheel - London Eye 2 - Greenwich Wheel by samking

samking — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:43:17 +0000

Review by samking

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8241 9818

Website: www.greenwichwheel.com

Tags: greenwich, observation wheel value, london eye

I'm only comparing this London Eye because it is a big wheel that goes round and offers views. But it isn't the same.

You wizz around 4 times (which i thought a little strange) for your Â£7s worth and it takes about 15 minutes. There's fewer people in the pod which makes it nicer - especially nice if they're all your friends (you can get the whole pod for Â£30.

While it does offer lovely views of North London if you're feeling particularly cheap then you could just opt for walking up the hill in Greenwich Park to the Observatory instead. Although saying that I did the wheel (mainly as it's something new and interesting to do and because it's only here until the end of September) - so get in quick.
I'm only comparing this London Eye because it is a big wheel that goes round and offers views. But it isn't the same.

You wizz around 4 times (which i thought a little strange) for your Â£7s worth and it takes about 15 minutes. There's fewer people in the pod which makes it nicer - especially nice if they're all your friends (you can get the whole pod for Â£30.

While it does offer lovely views of North London if you're feeling particularly cheap then you could just opt for walking up the hill in Greenwich Park to the Observatory instead. Although saying that I did the wheel (mainly as it's something new and interesting to do and because it's only here until the end of September) - so get in quick.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - An alternative Chelsea by traveladdict

traveladdict — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:38:38 +0000

Review by traveladdict

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0845 260 5000

Website: http://www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea/2008/index.asp

chelsea flower show is a British institution!

Its a busy place to visit but with so many gardens to see it's worth spending a whole day. It is easily accessible with public transport, otherwise parking is a nightmare.

The show is vst with superb displays and lots of stands giving advice - I particularly enjoys the Gardeners World stand where I got to talk to alan titchmarsh
Go early morning, walk around a bit then grab lunch at a cafe. this leave the afternoon when it starts emptying, to visit bits you missedchelsea flower show is a British institution!

Its a busy place to visit but with so many gardens to see it's worth spending a whole day. It is easily accessible with public transport, otherwise parking is a nightmare.

The show is vst with superb displays and lots of stands giving advice - I particularly enjoys the Gardeners World stand where I got to talk to alan titchmarsh
Go early morning, walk around a bit then grab lunch at a cafe. this leave the afternoon when it starts emptying, to visit bits you missed

The Trocadero Centre - Strange by yoleey2k

yoleey2k — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:35:03 +0000

Review by yoleey2k

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7439 1791

Website: http://www.troc.co.uk

Tags: pool, "air hockey"

This place is quite a strange mix of things - shops, arcade, bar, pool, and food. Iâ¬"m not quite sure what or who this place is trying to cater for. Itâ¬"s true that there are a lot of kids hanging around the arcade but isnâ¬"t that who itâ¬"s aimed at. There is also a bar and pool area tucked away, if you can find it. There are various shops there but itâ¬"s not somewhere you immediately think to go shopping at either. So, I think this place is lacking in some direction and being in the centre of London, it could try harder. Thereâ¬"s nothing interesting to draw the crowd in.This place is quite a strange mix of things - shops, arcade, bar, pool, and food. Iâ¬"m not quite sure what or who this place is trying to cater for. Itâ¬"s true that there are a lot of kids hanging around the arcade but isnâ¬"t that who itâ¬"s aimed at. There is also a bar and pool area tucked away, if you can find it. There are various shops there but itâ¬"s not somewhere you immediately think to go shopping at either. So, I think this place is lacking in some direction and being in the centre of London, it could try harder. Thereâ¬"s nothing interesting to draw the crowd in.

Hyde Park - Great on a summer when not taken over by events! by HotRod

HotRod — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:42:59 +0000

Review by HotRod

Rating: 4.00

Tags: sunny, rare finds, fun

Nice park - special for the number and variety of people who wander through or spend time there. This includes the once significant throng of football players that turned up on a Sunday for a game, though they petered out over the years. A unique place is near the south western edge where you can watch or play some (amateur!) tennis coaching, horse riding, frisbee, and football, sometimes at the same time. Theres a nice fountain area towards the north east end of the park where people sit and mingle, and also access from there to the Bayswater road where artists display their paintings on Sundays to browse or buy.Nice park - special for the number and variety of people who wander through or spend time there. This includes the once significant throng of football players that turned up on a Sunday for a game, though they petered out over the years. A unique place is near the south western edge where you can watch or play some (amateur!) tennis coaching, horse riding, frisbee, and football, sometimes at the same time. Theres a nice fountain area towards the north east end of the park where people sit and mingle, and also access from there to the Bayswater road where artists display their paintings on Sundays to browse or buy.

Tower Bridge Experience - london bridge by slickmasta

slickmasta — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:44:52 +0000

Review by slickmasta

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7403 3761

Website: http://www.towerbridge.org.uk

umm, people this is d place to see by night absolutely. i love this place , its sheer extravagant beauty stuns me , i had been here on a chily london night, felt cold but the sheer exquisity of this structre made me feel stunned, cold but out of surprise, the walk down the road reminds me of old london especially if you see those black cabbies on d way to go about their business. but anyway there is an expansive alleyway down d london brige, with the river thames streaming through, a pleaseant walk in someones good company is genuinely recommended, not wise to be alone down der - u cud feel damp in d head !!! hope u found this review useful, cheers
umm, people this is d place to see by night absolutely. i love this place , its sheer extravagant beauty stuns me , i had been here on a chily london night, felt cold but the sheer exquisity of this structre made me feel stunned, cold but out of surprise, the walk down the road reminds me of old london especially if you see those black cabbies on d way to go about their business. but anyway there is an expansive alleyway down d london brige, with the river thames streaming through, a pleaseant walk in someones good company is genuinely recommended, not wise to be alone down der - u cud feel damp in d head !!! hope u found this review useful, cheers

Piccadilly Circus - Interesting by xaphania

xaphania — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:09:59 +0000

Review by xaphania

Rating: 3.00Ok, well Piccadilly Circus is in the center of London and is quite an iconic sight.
To all those that live in London it is nothing special but it is a must for tourists.
It located just down the road from Leicester Square and Covent garden as well as a short walk to Soho etc.
I guess Piccadilly circus is just one of those places to have your picture taken in. I certainly have and i live in London. Although with this in mind it can obviously get very busy with people.
It has the famous giant light adverts, the Shaftsbury memorial fountain with a statue of Eros as well as the London Pavilion.
If your a tourist, its a must sea sight and not too far from other attractions so well worth a look, and perhaps a photo or two!Ok, well Piccadilly Circus is in the center of London and is quite an iconic sight.
To all those that live in London it is nothing special but it is a must for tourists.
It located just down the road from Leicester Square and Covent garden as well as a short walk to Soho etc.
I guess Piccadilly circus is just one of those places to have your picture taken in. I certainly have and i live in London. Although with this in mind it can obviously get very busy with people.
It has the famous giant light adverts, the Shaftsbury memorial fountain with a statue of Eros as well as the London Pavilion.
If your a tourist, its a must sea sight and not too far from other attractions so well worth a look, and perhaps a photo or two!

Churchill's Britain At War Experience - Brilliant by doggydogfoot

doggydogfoot — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:11:53 +0000

Review by doggydogfoot

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7403 3171

Website: http://www.britainatwar.co.uk

This is really interesting. There are exhibits all about the war. It is great for children as there is a bomb shell experience and even dress up.
The prices are:
Admission
Adult Â£10.45
Child (5 - 15 years) Â£4.95
Family (2 adults + 2 children) Â£26.00
Student (with ID) Â£5.95
Senior (60+) Â£5.95
Under 5s Free

This is a permanent exhibition open all year round except for December 24-26.

Opening times :
7 days a week
10am - 4.30pm November - March

10am - 5.00pm April - October

You can spend about 1-2 hours here. It is really interesting and i would recommend it if you are interested in history and wars.
This is really interesting. There are exhibits all about the war. It is great for children as there is a bomb shell experience and even dress up.
The prices are:
Admission
Adult Â£10.45
Child (5 - 15 years) Â£4.95
Family (2 adults + 2 children) Â£26.00
Student (with ID) Â£5.95
Senior (60+) Â£5.95
Under 5s Free

This is a permanent exhibition open all year round except for December 24-26.

Opening times :
7 days a week
10am - 4.30pm November - March

10am - 5.00pm April - October

You can spend about 1-2 hours here. It is really interesting and i would recommend it if you are interested in history and wars.