Things to do in London on Monday

It may be the most unpopular day of the week, but we think you can make it one of your most adventurous. Keep on reading for our sightseeing suggestions in England's bustling capital.

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 17, 2024
Sunny Houses of Parliament with Big Ben

Hate Mondays? Well, when you're on vacation, you can make it as exciting a day as any other! Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or going solo, you’ll find heaps of places to explore. Most London attractions are open as usual, and this handy guide will help you decide where to start.

Our suggestions include:

  • Museums like the Natural History Museum and the V&A
  • Iconic landmarks 
  • Performances at Shakespeare's Globe
  • Shopping, markets, and many more!

Museums and galleries

The National Gallery behind a fountain in Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery behind a fountain in Trafalgar Square

Culture is the glue that binds our past with our present. Or something. Perhaps we need to absorb a little more culture ourselves. Then we'd have more profound things to say about it. Anyway, if you're looking for a sweet cultural hit, London has a metric tonne of fun things to experience.

The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is open every Monday from 10AM. It’s home to a world-class collection of dinosaur bones, plant and animal specimens and earth science exhibits. With interactive areas for the children – and adults, don't worry – it’s an engaging and educational experience.

Just next door is the Science Museum, another of London’s most famous museums. Alongside award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories of incredible scientific achievement, it also has its own IMAX cinema.

The Tate Modern is a must-visit for art lovers. Housed in a former power station by the river, it exhibits a range of international and contemporary modern art. Head on over to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square to inspect some of the 2,300 paintings it houses from the 12th century to the 20th century.

These are just a few of London’s top museums and galleries, others include the V&A Museum, British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Saatchi Gallery, London Transport Museum and many, many more. Enjoy endless art, history and art history on a Monday and don’t forget – entry to most of these attractions is either free or available with The London Pass.

Iconic landmarks

London Eye
The lastminute.com London Eye

With thousands of years of history, it's no surprise that London is full of iconic landmarks. And the best way to see them all is on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour through the busy streets of London to explore some of the city’s most famous buildings and sights. On a Monday, often overcrowded attractions will be quieter, allowing you to explore more thoroughly.

Start at the Tower of London and explore one of the world’s most famous fortresses dating back to the Norman conquest. Next hop over to Tower Bridge, another iconic London attraction, to enjoy the Tower Bridge experience and exhibition.

Westminster Abbey is a must-visit. Being one of Britain’s most famous structures, this gothic architecture is a UNESCO world heritage site and the coronation church of British monarchs since 1066. Another classic London attraction is Big Ben – best viewed, of course, from the lofty heights of the Lastminute.com London Eye.

Finally, Hampton Court Palace is a wonderful day out for all the family. With actors and actresses milling around in full costume, the whole palace comes alive with the magic of the past.

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Theaters and experiences

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London

Why not catch a show why you're here, or see where many theatrical classics were first performed? Visit the Globe on a Monday to explore the open-air playhouse, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan theatre originally built back in 1599. Check out the year-round exhibitions, take a guided tour, or watch a play at the candle-lit Sam Wanamaker theatre located within.

Head to the West End for a stunning performance in one of 40 famous theatre venues. With a range of plays every night – including Mondays – there is always something for everyone. Check out our guide to nabbing cheap London attraction tickets, including theater in the West End and beyond.

If you’re keen for some more ‘back in time’ experiences, head over to the Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper ship. Climb aboard and follow in the footsteps of those who sailed her. Enjoy interactive exhibits and stop for refreshments in the café hidden below the hull.

Markets and shopping

Women out shopping

For markets and shops, Monday is just as good as Saturday. Head down to Camden Market for a bustling array of alternative and unique products, heaps of vintage clothes and shed-loads of souvenirs. 

If you’re on the hunt for antiques and cute gifts, then Covent Garden Market is the direction to head. Overflowing with all sorts of antiques and located in the pretty piazza square, it’s the perfect place for some shopping.

The West End is home to Oxford Street, one of the best shopping destinations in London. Close by are Regent Street, Bond Street and Carnaby Street – home to many top brands and fashion designers. 

Wonderful walks

Hyde Park

If after a long weekend of concrete pavements and brick buildings, you’re in need of some serious greenery, there are plenty of places around London to enjoy some fresh air. Head to Kew Gardens to explore the beautiful botanical gardens filled with a huge collection of plants and trees, or visit one of many of the city's free-to-enter parks like Hyde Park and St James's Park and re-connect with nature.

Take the Jubilee Greenway from Little Venice to Camden and stroll along the London Canal. Look out for the hyenas that live in the London Zoo enclosures that line the canal along the way. Check out our guides to the best walks in London (and around Hammersmith) for more strolling inspo.

Nightlife

Drinks at sunset

London comes alive at night, and one of the first places you see this is at Piccadilly Circus, when the famous lights illuminate the intersection of Soho, Piccadilly and Chinatown.

With a whole selection of activities from romantic boat trips, bustling bars and cozy cocktails, the day ends and the night begins. Head out after 5pm to catch a happy hour, and enjoy cheap drinks at some of the best cocktail bars - or secret bars - throughout London.

You can hit the comedy clubs of Soho, or if you really want to hit the club, there's plenty - again in Soho, but also further east in Dalston or Brixton, and south of the river in Brixton.

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Wanna stretch those legs even more? Check out how we'd spend the rest of the week in London, or discover our picks for what to do when the sun shines (a rare but special occasion).

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Dom Bewley
London Travel Expert

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London British Pub Grub
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A Guide to British Pub Grub

Excited to try some British bites? You've come to the right place! We've crafted the ultimate pub grub guide to fuel your UK adventures. Nothing says Great Britain like sharing a meal in a pub - the locals' living room. You'll find value, casual atmosphere and hearty classic dishes, all washed down with top drinks. A pub visit is a must for any trip to these Isles. To help you find the best bites, we've researched pubs across the country and their specialties. This guide highlights traditional British staples, from fish and chips to ploughman's lunches. Whether you're after a light lunch or a full evening out, follow our recommendations and you'll leave satisfied. Don't forget to check the specials board! You’ll most likely find interesting ‘twists’ on pub favourites like special pies, curry, burgers or even sausages of the week! Dine out in a relaxed environment If you’re looking for a cosy atmosphere and home-cooked food, look no further than a pub. Casual dining is very popular in the UK and you often won’t need to book. Depending on the size and type of pub) you can sit in the bar area or a separate section for dining. Best of all, pub grub offers value for money and large portions! If you want to experience a London pub crawl, we've got some great recommendations. Read to the bottom for our list of fantastic pubs you need to put on your to-visit list. Fun for all the family Most pubs offer family-friendly opportunities to enjoy a meal out in a relaxed atmosphere (although we recommend you double-check first). When it comes to pub grub, there’s usually something for everyone. And if there isn’t a specific kids' menu, you can ask for smaller portion sizes or share some side dishes. A lot of pubs have beer gardens which are lovely in the summer months – even better if there’s some play equipment for the kids. Enjoy some great draught beer Draught beer, bitter, or ale are what pubs are famous for, and traditional British beers are seeing a revival. It’s hard to beat the quality and choice of beer in other eateries, so if you’re in a pub why not try a beef and ale pie? Or a delicious beer-battered cod, with chunky chips? What’s on the menu? Traditional British pub dishes haven’t changed much over the years, although you can now find the addition of non-traditional favourites inspired by cooking from all over the world. Check the menu before you choose your pub – you may be in for a surprise. Some, for example, serve Thai food only. Here are some traditional British pub grub faves: Typical main meals in London pubs Sunday Roast Usually served at lunchtime, the roast is usually chicken, beef, lamb or pork, though vegetarian alternatives are often available. Served with roast potatoes, a mix of fresh vegetables and gravy. And don’t forget the trimmings! Roast beef isn’t complete without Yorkshire pudding (a baked batter pudding, best filled with gravy), mustard and horseradish sauce. Pork is delicious with apple sauce; roast lamb and mint sauce belong together. Don’t worry too much if it’s not a Sunday – many pubs offer roasts throughout the week. Steak and Kidney Pie A savoury pie with a pastry lid, filled with a mixture of diced beef and kidney, fried onion and brown gravy. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s a great winter warmer and delicious with a side order of vegetables. Bangers and Mash A British staple named for its mashed potatoes and sausages, but the gravy is just as important. The type of sausages used varies, but a curly Cumberland is a popular choice. Filling and comforting, it's exactly what you want from British pub grub. Toad in the Hole Not as strange as it sounds and certainly has nothing to do with toads. This is another sausage dish, but this time the sausages are baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. It’s served with loads of gravy and fresh vegetables. Fisherman’s Pie Not in the mood for meat? Fisherman’s pie is classic pub grub. The pie is made with smoked whitefish in a white or cheddar cheese sauce, baked in the oven and topped with mashed potato. It can also contain prawns and hard-boiled eggs and traditionally comes served with garden peas. Fish and Chips No trip to the UK is complete without fish and chips, and the best thing about ordering this dish in a pub is that the batter will often have been made with some of the pub’s delicious draught beer. Try it with some tartare sauce and mushy peas. Ploughman’s Lunch A traditional lunch brought out to the fields by ploughmen, this cold plate of cheese, pickle and crusty bread is simple yet delicious. You might also have some apples, boiled eggs, ham or pickled onions on the side. As its name suggests, you eat a Ploughman's at lunchtime. Vegetarian and vegan eats Hello there, veggies and vegans. You have nothing to worry about. When in London, you'll find that most pubs have a great selection of vegetarian dishes, including vegetarian nut roasts with onion gravy, battered tofu & chips, as well as pies and pasta dishes. You can often customise dishes and order them without the meat element, too - don't be afraid to ask as pubs will usually do their best to accommodate dietary requirements. What's for dessert? Treacle sponge pudding Are you still hungry? That's fair enough. Try this typical British dessert – steamed sponge, with treacle on top and usually served with hot custard or ice cream. Knickerbocker Glory Finally, here’s one for the kids. A 'knickerbocker glory' is a colourfully layered cream, ice cream and fruit sundae served in a tall glass. A long spoon is essential if you want to get to the bottom! Here's the list of our top pubs in London The Prospect of Whitby - Wapping, Tower Hill The Royal Oak - Bloomsbury The Harp - Chandos Place, Covent Garden The Duke of Edinburgh - Cromwell Road, South Kensington Trafalgar Tavern - Park Lane, St. James's The Mayflower - Rotherhithe The Lamb and Flag - Covent Garden The Ten Bells - Commercial Street, Spitalfields The George - Great Portland St. - Great Portland Street, Marylebone The Blue Posts - Rupert Street, Soho And here are our favourites outside of London The Tan Hill Inn - Tan Hill, Swaledale, North Yorkshire The Salutation Inn - Ham, Gloucestershire The Dolphin Inn - Porlock Weir, Somerset The George & Dragon - Haddenham, Buckinghamshire The Bell Inn - Westhay, Glastonbury, Somerset If you’re looking for good food and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with a British pub - they're perfect for refuelling after a day of sightseeing. Of course, the menu will vary from place to place (from gastro-pubs to carveries and independent locals to national chains), but you’ll often find staple pub grub favourites to suit every appetite and occasion. Don't forget to check out a guided London pub tour while you are at it! Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️  
Vanessa Teo
Best Things to Do in London This July
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The best things to do in London this July

Discover exciting activities for an unforgettable July in London.
Go City Expert
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The Royal Albert Hall Tour: FAQs

What is the Royal Albert Hall? The Royal Albert Hall is perhaps the most famous concert hall in the country. It was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and has since played host to some of the most memorable, revered and notorious events in British cultural history. Take a look round it and learn all about its history on a Royal Albert Hall tour, which is what this article is all about. Why is it called the Royal Albert Hall? It's named in tribute to Albert, Prince Consort and husband to Queen Victoria. Following London’s successful hosting of the Great Exhibition in 1851, Prince Albert pushed proposals for permanent cultural facilities and institutions in the capital. Albert died before his vision could come to life. A memorial to him was planned, with a great hall stood across from it. The Albert Memorial still stands in Kensington Gardens, with the Royal Albert Hall facing it. Why is it so famous? Because of its design... perhaps. It is an ellipse with a distance colour to it, courtesy of its liberal use of Fareham Red brick. The great dome, constructed from glass and wrought-iron, is 41m high and the whole building is ringed by a triumphant mosaic frieze, depicting important events in the story of the arts and sciences. Also, references in songs and artworks helped it become part of the UK’s cultural fabric, particularly when John Lennon sang its name in the enigmatic ‘A Day in the Life’. It has become a byword for classiness and making it when it comes to the arts. If you’re playing the Albert Hall, you’re probably doing OK. And perhaps it’s famous because of all the events that have taken place there, and all the famous people who’ve performed or been in attendance. What events? What famous people? Camille Saint-Saëns played the Hall’s great organ, known as the Voice of Jupiter, during a performance in 1871. The genius composer and virtuosic pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff played at the Royal Albert Hall in 1911. Albert Einstein led a meeting about assisting refugee academics here in 1933; the Eurovision Song Contest was held at the Hall in 1968. Two sides of the same coin. Sporting events regularly take place at the Royal Albert Hall. Past events include UFC 38, a Sumo wrestling tournament, and boxing bouts featuring Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis and Prince Naseem Hamed. But it’s the music that still wins out. As well as hosting the BBC Proms - an eight-week classical music festival - each year, the Royal Albert Hall has put on shows by Beyonce, the Arctic Monkeys, Adele and Eric Clapton. Clapton has played the hall over 200 times, and once said that playing it was like ‘playing in my front room.’ Pink Floyd were banned from ever playing the hall again after a 1969 concert saw them setting off cannons and nailing things to the stage. A piece by British pop artists Peter Blake, named Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, shows more than 400 people who have performed and appeared at the hall. It’s a fun way of finding out just how many famous faces are associated with this place, having played, performed and watched shows here. What will I see on the Royal Albert Hall tour? Your guide introduces you to the history of the Hall as you take a look at the royal areas and the giant auditorium. You’ll see the famous stage and learn about the great variety of performances the hall puts on. The dome, its construction and the famous acoustical problems it presented are another interesting part of the Royal Albert Hall Tour. And the tour guides come armed with plenty of facts about the weirdest and wildest things to have occurred in the grand concert hall since it opened. Want to know about the time a church group made a river in the auditorium? The time an operatic concert called for the auditorium to be flooded? And what do the Krays have to do with this place? You’d better get yourself on a Royal Albert Hall Tour to find out. This doesn’t always apply, so don’t get your hopes too high...but some lucky tour groups get the opportunity to watch world-class orchestras as they soundcheck prior to the evening’s performance. That’s a real treat. When do the tours run? The Royal Albert Hall Tour runs from 10am to 4pm from November to March, and between 9.30am and 4.30pm April to October. They leave every 30 minutes from the Cafe Bar at Door 12. Sometimes, because of performance schedules, the tour runs less frequently or, very occasionally, not at all. How long do the Royal Albert Hall tours last? Each tour lasts about an hour. Can I take photos during the Royal Albert Hall tour? Usually, yes. However, when events are taking place that evening and rehearsals are on, it’s not possible. Is there anywhere to get food and drink? Sure. There’s a cafe and an Italian restaurant. For a particularly memorable visit, consider ordering an afternoon tea after your tour. Are the tours accessible for people with disabilities? They are. And if you wish to arrange a touch tour or a tour for the deaf, contact 020 7589 8212. Can I book a group tour? If your group is 15 people or more, contact the Hall directly. Otherwise, just use the advance booking system online, or turn up nice and early on the day. So tours can be booked on the day? Yes, particularly when you are in small groups, pairs or on your own. How much do tour tickets cost? Standard adult tickets cost £13.75 when booked online, while concessions are £11.75 and children (5-16 years old) cost just £6.75. If you’re coming with children under 5, they are free, but you still need to get them a ticket. However, tickets to the Royal Albert Hall Tour are free for London Pass holders. How do I get there? It’s best to get public transport to the Royal Albert Hall. South Kensington and High Street Kensington are the tube stations closest to the Hall, with both about 10-15 minutes walk away. The nearest step-free tube station is Green Park. Bus-wise, number 9, 23, 52, 70, 360, 452 and 702 stop close to the Hall. Not scratched your London landmark itch yet? Have a go on this.
Matthew Pearson

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