London’s Most Iconic top 10 Attractions You Must Visit with the London Pass

London is a city that is steeped in history, culture, and entertainment, and it can be overwhelming to decide what attractions to visit during your trip. The London Pass is an excellent way to make the most of your visit by providing access to over 80 top attractions, as well as discounts on dining, shopping, and other activities. Among these attractions, there are 10 that stand out as must-visit locations. These include The View from The Shard, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Thames River Cruise, Royal Albert Hall, London Zoo, Harry Potter Studio Tour, and a 1-day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. 

To make the most of these attractions with the London Pass, visitors should plan their itinerary ahead of time and prioritize their top picks. With fast track entry at many of the sites, visitors can skip the queues and make the most of their time in the city. Additionally, the London Pass includes a free guidebook, packed with useful information on each attraction and insider tips on how to get the most out of your visit. So whether you’re interested in history, art, or just soaking up the culture, the London Pass is the perfect way to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

1. The View from The Shard

The View from the Shard is a must-visit attraction in London and with the London Pass, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from the highest viewpoint in Western Europe. With the pass, visitors can skip the queue and enjoy fast-track entry to the observation deck on the 69th and 72nd floors of the Shard. The panoramic views from the top are truly breathtaking, offering a 360-degree view of the city’s skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The experience also includes the use of high-tech interactive telescopes that provide a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture. With the London Pass, visitors can make the most of their time at The View from the Shard and experience one of London’s most spectacular attractions.

The duration of The View from the Shard experience can vary depending on how much time visitors choose to spend at the observation deck. On average, most visitors spend about an hour at the attraction, taking in the breathtaking views and using the interactive telescopes to explore the city’s landmarks in detail. However, visitors are welcome to stay for as long as they like within the attraction’s opening hours, which are typically from 10 am to 10 pm daily.

2. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in London and with the London Pass, visitors can explore this stunning Gothic church with ease. The pass provides fast-track entry to the Abbey, which means visitors can skip the long queues and make the most of their time inside. Once inside, visitors can marvel at the intricate architecture and impressive stained glass windows, and learn about the Abbey’s rich history as the coronation and burial site of British monarchs. The London Pass also includes a free audio guide that offers insight into the Abbey’s fascinating past and its significance in British culture. With the London Pass, visitors can make the most of their time at Westminster Abbey and discover the beauty and history of one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Westminster Abbey, founded by Saberht, the first Christian king in the 8th century, has evolved over the years into a Gothic masterpiece that attracts over a million visitors annually. With the London Pass, visitors can explore the Abbey’s rich history and learn about the burials and memorials of British monarchs, poets, scientists, and writers. The pass includes an audio guide in over ten languages, which visitors can use to discover the stories behind each object, burial, or memorial. Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture, including the vault, which reaches an impressive 102 feet high, the tallest in England. With a design that has remained largely unchanged since the 1300s, Westminster Abbey is a remarkable testament to British architecture, history, and culture. Find out more about my experience in Westminster Abbey.

4. Tower of London

The Tower of London is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting London, and with the London Pass, visitors can explore this iconic landmark with ease. However, to make the most of the experience, it’s essential to get there as early as possible. The Crown Jewels tour inside the Tower can have a long queue, so arriving early can help visitors avoid the crowds and enjoy the tour without any hassle. During busy periods such as Easter and Summer, tickets on the door can be fully booked, which is another reason to get the London Pass in advance. The pass includes fast-track entry to the Tower of London, which means visitors can skip the long queues and spend more time exploring the Tower’s fascinating history, including the notorious imprisonment of Anne Boleyn and the execution of King Henry VIII’s wives. With the London Pass, visitors can enjoy a seamless experience at the Tower of London and discover the history and culture of one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

The amount of time needed to explore the Tower of London can vary depending on visitors’ interests and pace. On average, most visitors spend between two to three hours exploring the Tower’s various exhibits, including the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and the medieval palace. However, visitors who want to dive deeper into the Tower’s history and take advantage of guided tours may need more time. It’s recommended to plan for at least three hours to explore the Tower thoroughly and make the most of the experience. With the London Pass, visitors can stay as long as they like within the Tower’s opening hours, which are typically from 9 am to 5:30 pm daily, while Tuesdays open frm 9 am to 5 pm.

5. One Day Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour

The 1 day Hop on Hop off Bus Tour with the London Pass is a fantastic way to explore the city’s top attractions and landmarks at your own pace. With the pass, visitors can enjoy unlimited access to the hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which covers over 80 stops across four different routes, including popular attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. Visitors can hop on and off the bus as many times as they like throughout the day, making it easy to explore the city’s top sights without the hassle of public transportation. The bus tour also includes a live guide and audio commentary in multiple languages, providing insights into London’s history, culture, and iconic landmarks. With the London Pass, visitors can make the most of their time in London and experience the city’s vibrant energy and rich history from the comfort of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

The length of time to use the Hop on Hop Off Tour in London can vary depending on visitors’ interests and schedules. With the London Pass, visitors can enjoy unlimited access to the bus tour for one full day, allowing them to hop on and off at any of the tour’s stops throughout the day. The tour covers over 80 stops across four different routes, which can take anywhere from 2-3 hours per route to complete without getting off the bus. However, visitors who want to explore the attractions and landmarks at each stop may need more time. It’s recommended to plan for a full day to make the most of the hop-on-hop-off tour and see as much of the city as possible. With the flexibility to hop on and off at any time, visitors can customize their itinerary and explore the city’s top sights at their own pace.

6. Royal Albert Hall

With the London Pass, visitors can explore the iconic Royal Albert Hall, one of London’s most treasured performance venues. Built in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has hosted countless world-class concerts, events, and performances over the years, including performances by legendary musicians like The Beatles and Adele. With the London Pass, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the venue and learn about its rich history and cultural significance. The tour includes access to the venue’s stunning auditorium, galleries, and Queen’s private suite, providing a unique and immersive look at the venue’s grandeur and beauty. Visitors can also enjoy a range of on-site dining options, including afternoon tea and fine dining, making it a perfect stop for a memorable day out in London. With the London Pass, visitors can make the most of their visit to the Royal Albert Hall and enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Royal Albert Hall tour typically lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the city from the venue’s rooftop terrace, weather permitting. The Royal Albert Hall tour is a must-see for music lovers and anyone interested in the history and culture of London.

7. London Zoo

With the London Pass, visitors can experience the world-famous London Zoo, one of the oldest and most beloved zoos in the world. Home to over 15000 animals from around 750 species, the London Zoo offers a wide range of exhibits, shows, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. With the London Pass, visitors can enjoy fast-track entry to the zoo, skipping the queues and saving time. They can also enjoy a range of exclusive discounts on on-site dining and shopping. If you have a Gold Membership Benefits you can get 10% off in their online shop, Zoo shops and restaurants, 10% off on all our animal experiences at London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. Highlights of the London Zoo include the Land of the Lions exhibit, which recreates the sights and sounds of an Indian village and is home to a pride of endangered Asiatic lions, and the Rainforest Life exhibit, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse and exotic world of rainforest creatures. Visitors can also see penguins, gorillas, tigers, and many other animals up close and learn about conservation efforts to protect them. With the London Pass, visitors can make the most of their visit to the London Zoo and enjoy a memorable and educational day out.

The amount of time to spend at the London Zoo largely depends on each individual’s preferences and interests. Generally, visitors should plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at the zoo to fully enjoy all the exhibits and shows.

8. Thames River Cruise (Uber Boat by Thames Clipper, 1 day River Roamer)

With the London Pass, visitors can take a scenic Thames River Cruise on the Uber Boat by Thames Clipper and enjoy the sights and sounds of London from a unique perspective. The river cruise is a fantastic way to see the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and more, all while cruising along the Thames River. The London Pass includes a 1-day River Roamer ticket, which allows visitors to hop on and off the boat at various stops along the river. The River Roamer ticket also includes discounts to selected attractions along the river, such as the Tower of London and the Cutty Sark. Visitors can sit back and relax on the boat’s open deck, enjoying the fresh air and stunning views of the city as they glide past historical and modern buildings. With the London Pass, visitors can experience the Thames River Cruise and discover London’s rich history and culture in a unique and memorable way.

9. St. Paul’s Cathedral

The London Pass provides visitors with the opportunity to explore St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. With a history dating back over 1,400 years, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of London. The cathedral has played a significant role in many of the city’s key events, from royal weddings to state funerals. Visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture, including the famous dome, and learn about the cathedral’s fascinating history through the included multimedia guide, available in multiple languages. The London Pass also includes fast-track entry, allowing visitors to skip the queues and make the most of their time exploring the cathedral’s interior and crypt. With the London Pass, visitors can experience the beauty and history of St. Paul’s Cathedral without any hassle or stress.

10. Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour

The London Pass includes entry to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, a must-visit attraction for any Harry Potter fan. Located just outside London, this studio tour offers visitors an immersive and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the beloved film series. Visitors can explore the sets, costumes, props, and special effects used in the films, and learn about the intricate details that went into bringing J.K. Rowling’s magical world to life on the big screen. With the London Pass, visitors can skip the lines and make the most of their time at the studio tour. The experience typically takes around 3-4 hours, but fans of the franchise may want to spend even more time exploring the exhibits and taking in the magic of the Harry Potter universe.

Step into the world of Harry Potter. Remember Harry’s first few years at Hogwarts? Well, you can see all the adventures he went on in this studio tour. The Tour lasts 3 -4 hours but you can stay there as long as you wish. Make sure you arrive 20 minutes before your booking time for security. It’s recommended to leave in the morning and your first to-do list for that day. By 1 pm, you would have finished the tour. The Harry Potter Studio is situated in Leavesden and there are many tours you can take depending on where you’re staying.

Your highlight include The Great Hall (although not as big as you see in the movies), The Hogwarts Express train, spend your time practicing your wand waving, go on a broomstick ride around London in front of a big screen, see the Womping Willow, Privet Drive, taste Butterbeer, explore the Forbidden Forest, take a sneak peak of Ron Weasley’s house, you’ll see the knitters knitting itself, the great vault to Harry’s Gringotts, the Nightbus and Diagon Alley. So there’s so many things to see, you’ll want to go back the second time.

The Harry Potter Studio Tour typically takes around 3-4 hours to complete, but this can vary depending on individual interests and preferences. Fans of the franchise may want to spend even more time exploring the exhibits and taking in the magic of the Harry Potter universe. The tour includes a self-guided walk-through of the various sets, props, costumes, and special effects used in the films, as well as interactive exhibits and displays that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movies. Visitors can also grab a bite to eat at one of the on-site cafes, or browse the gift shop for souvenirs and memorabilia. Overall, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a must-visit attraction for any fan of the series, and is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

I have been to the Harry Potter Studio tour and I enjoyed every moment of it. 

If you are staying near Euston for the Harry Potter Warner Brothers Tour, assuming you have another 2 days to spare for a 2 day trip out of London, you can get the train to the Lake District England from Euston Station. It takes 5 hours to get there, so you may have to spare at least 3 days there.  Alternatively, if you’re thinking of going for another day trip outside London, King’s Cross Station has really good connections to Cambridge and Scotland. It takes approximately an hour and a half to get to Cambridge and around 5 hours to Scotland, thanks to great train connections from London King’s Cross. Here’s a post on Scottish Highlands for inspiration. Here’s a post on Wandlebury Country Park in Cambridge for one of your ideas.

If you decide to use the London Pass, I am a part of an affiliate part of an affiliate program with Go City, a part of the London Pass group where you get great discount packages on major London attractions. I am also a part of an affiliate program with Expedia.co.uk and Tripadvisor.co.uk where you’ll find comparison prices and reviews on accommodation, restaurants and attractions.

If you book through me with no additional charge to you, I get a commission from them.

In addition, I am able to recommend and advise on your travel plans before you book your travel holidays (vacation as the Americans call it). Contact me on Facebook if you want to tweak your itinerary to suit your taste.