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.

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

We’ll give you the best route to check off all your must-sees, museums, landmarks and more

Create my ownGenerate my trip
Powered by our data and AI
BETA

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.

Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® 

Go City app

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).

Step up your sightseeing with The London Pass®.
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.

See more, do more, and experience more with The London Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!

Dom Bewley
London Travel Expert

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (5-15)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Who's Buried in St Paul's Cathedral
Blog

Who's Buried in St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. It's also one of the most visited, with countless people wandering its halls throughout the year. But St. Paul's also doubles as a crypt, where some of the bravest and brightest minds are laid to rest. But who's buried in St Paul's Cathedral? Find out below! Including: Aethelred the Unready Sir Christopher Wren Horatio Nelson Joseph Turner and more! Aethelred the Unready We'll start at the beginning because chronological order rules. So, hop in your time machine as we take a journey back to 1016 and attend the funeral of the late King Aethelred the Unready. As you can guess by his title, he wasn't the most beloved king. So, was it preparedness? Was he too young to take the throne? Well, no. See, Aethelred's title is actually a mistranslation. The original name more closely translates to "ill-advised". Historical documents from his reign detail questionable decisions that bordered on comedic. When Vikings came knocking at his door with blooded axes, Aethelred the Unready chose to try and pay them off rather than meet them with steel. But, when all your opponent really wants is a payday, giving them what they want is hardly a deterrent. In fact, they just want more - like a modern email scam. As such, many more Viking clans came a-knocking, quickly drying up the country's coffers. Regardless of his choices - and unwise advisors - Aethelred the Unready lies buried at St. Paul's Cathedral. And, while he might not top any lists of the who's who of those buried in St. Paul's Cathedral, he tops ours. Again, because of chronology. Image courtesy of Natata/Shutterstock Sir Christopher Wren You may have never heard of ol' Aethelred, but you've almost certainly heard of Sir Christopher Wren. An architectural tour de force, Wren is responsible for many of London's most iconic landmarks. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, Kensington Palace, and yes, even St. Paul's Cathedral are just some of the many structures he designed in the wake of the Great Fire of London, which destroyed much of old London on a hot summer's day in 1666. So yes, the big man even designed the very building where he was laid to rest. But did you know that nearly wasn't the case? In fact, after his death, there were no plans to entomb him in St Paul's. However, thanks to a public outcry, plans changed. And, rather amusingly, Wren even joked that, when designing the building, he had the perfect place to put his tomb. And, when you go to see his final resting place, you'll find it in the exact same place he first pointed out. Now that's a story! Horatio Nelson Next, we take to the seas and toast this legend of an admiral without comparison. Horatio Nelson was a hero of the Napoleonic Wars, ensuring decisive victories against the French. Having fought in constant wars from his younger years through to his Admiralcy, Nelson's luck ran out during the famous Battle of Trafalgar, when a musket round pierced his shoulder, lung, and spine. While it may be a struggle to survive such wounds in the modern day, back in the 19th Century, it was a death sentence. But a man of such renown could not be buried at sea. There was only ever one place Nelson would be buried; St. Paul's Cathedral. But the journey from Trafalgar to London is long, and there weren't exactly freezers back then. So what did his crew do? They buried his body in a casket full of brandy, which just so happened to be Nelson's tipple of choice. The brandy helped preserve the admiral's body as it was safely transported to St Paul's. A boozy return for a deserving fellow. Joseph Turner Yep, St. Paul's Cathedral doesn't just welcome war heroes, kings, and giants of the architectural world. It welcomes painters too. Ladies and gentlemen, Joseph Turner. Turner was known for his breathtaking paintings capturing the essence of nature's beauty. Famous for this oceanic artwork, you'll likely recognise many of his paintings like The Shipwreck, Fisherman at Sea, and The Fighting Temeraire. Turner's work is almost immediately identifiable - no one paints quite like that. But legends suggest this isn't due solely to his skill. Supposedly, he made his own paints using unique elements such as herbs and spices, giving his paintings their unique look. Duke of Wellington Just when you thought we'd turned a corner, boom, another war hero appears! And yes, it's yet another military leader whose biggest triumphs occurred during the Napoleonic Wars. However, the difference between Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, aka Arthur Wellesley, is that while Nelson's victories took place on sea, the Duke of Wellington's victories happened on land. But, while his military prowess has been celebrated for centuries, the ol' Duke has a sense of humour too. At dinner one night, long before his death in 1852, Wellesley said that he didn't care where he was buried as long as they buried him in his boots. Maybe you had to be there? Either way, his wish came true, and he now rests beneath St. Paul's Cathedral, buried in his boots. Alexander Fleming And finally, last but certainly not least on our list is perhaps the most deserving. He may not be a king, an artist, or a "war hero" - though he did serve in a war - but his work has arguably saved more lives than anyone else. Not just on this list, but on the planet. You may not know his name, but you know his work. Ever taken an antibiotic? Well, you might not have if it wasn't for Alexander Fleming. The brilliant Scottish microbiologist was the first to discover that bacteria avoided certain fungi. Following testing, he realised why; said certain fungi kill them. This discovery snowballed into penicillin, the first antibiotic. And, to put it mildly, penicillin changed the world. No longer were infections a roll of the dice. Now, people would survive. If anyone deserves their resting place beneath the hallowed halls of St. Paul's Cathedral, it's Alexander Fleming. So, if you were wondering who's buried in St Paul's Cathedral, wonder no more. Of course, this is just a handful of the many luminaries who now call it "home", so go visit and see them all for yourself! Westminster Abbey is another popular burial place for famous faces of history so you could have your fill of historic graves in Westminster Abbey or St Pauls' Cathedral but with the London Pass, you can visit both and even skip the queue at St Paul's, as well as all of London's biggest attractions, for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Things to do Near Regents Park London
Blog

Things to do Near Regents Park, London

If you love yourself a green space, you'll love Regent's Park. Nestled in the heart of London, it's a serene oasis brimming with things to see, do, and a healthy dose of verdant wonder to wander. But you know London; it's not just the place itself that's important, but what you find around that place that makes it extra special. Thankfully, Regent's Park is no different. London's a city brimming with fun and unique experiences, so let's take a closer look at things to do near Regent's Park in London. Prepare to discover: ZSL London Zoo Madame Tussauds Camden Market Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Lord's Cricket Ground Tour And those are our picks of the best things to do near Regent's Park! Of course, Regent's Park is near just some of the many London attractions that visitors can enjoy. So, why not grab a London Pass and make the most of it? You'll get access to all of the city's best bits for one low price! Go on - you know it makes sense.
Dom Bewley
Blog

Valentine’s Day in London

Valentine’s Day in London isn’t just for the loved up. It can be for those in couples, sure. But it’s increasingly a day that caters to those looking for love. And those giving love the cold shoulder this year, tired of dating and the hype and the ceremony of it all. Those who say things like, “Valentine’s Day was just invented by greetings card companies.” Those who don’t. If you take it seriously, red heart balloons and all. Or if you go round popping said balloons. There’s something for you this Valentine’s Day in London. So dig into our guide on what to do this Valentine’s Day in London, including... Romantic Thames cruises for couples An evening under the stars, straight out of the movies A couple of unique twists on traditional speed dating, for those looking for love A murder mystery evening for those who are looking for a suspect And much, much more... The View from The Shard The View from The Shard are hosting a super special Valentine's Day event this year. Book as a couple and head up to London's highest viewing platform to catch the sunset, taking in incredible views across the city. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to the soothing sounds of a live harpist. You'll get a souvenir digital photograph and a single red rose too. Outside of special event times, a trip up to see the View from The Shard is included with The London Pass. Click the button below to discover how you can see The View from The Shard with The London Pass, along with many, many other top London attractions. The View from The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG. For more details and to book, head HERE. theviewfromtheshard.com[/caption] Valentine’s Day Thames River Cruises with City Cruises For plenty of people, a Thames River cruise on Valentine’s Day is as romantic as it gets. Getting out on the water, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks pass by, drifting off into the sunset. It’s hard to think of a more classically romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day in London. City Cruises are offering three different cruise options on 14th February. Take it slow with an afternoon tea cruise, enjoying sandwiches and cakes to a soundtrack of smooth, smooth jazz. Or treat one another to a three course dinner with a live band for company. Finally, the evening cruise is the best option for those looking to dance off into the sunset together. Interested in a sightseeing Thames River Boat Cruise without the Valentiney twist? 24 hour access to City Cruises’ main services is included with The London Pass. Find out more about Thames River Boat Cruises available with The London Pass below. 14th February. To find out more about the three special Valentine's Day cruises run by City Cruises and to book, head HERE. citycruises.com[/caption] London's Rooftop Bars For many, there’s nothing more romantic than a rooftop bar. Cocktails and heights just do it for lots of people. You can survey all those beneath you, say, “Look, there’s my office,” and watch the sun go down. They’re usually pretty swanked up. For places lucky enough to have roof space, it’s good London real estate worth spending a penny or two on. Have a read of our article on the best rooftop bars in London to find your perfect date location for Valentine’s Day in London. Valentine’s Evening with the Stars, Royal Observatory Greenwich Ross and Rachel and the juice box. The two jazzed up lovers in La La Land. That scene in Manhattan. Planetariums are romantic, guys. Head up to the Royal Observatory Greenwich for a romance themed planetarium show, the chance to see space through an 18-tonne Victorian telescope and some time holding hands across the Greenwich Meridian. These special lates take place on February 8th and 14th, with tickets costing £24 for adults. To visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich during normal opening hours, get yourself The London Pass. Entry to the attraction, and many more of London's finest, is included with the pass. 14th February. Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Ave, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ. To find out more and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6260" align="alignnone" width="1000"] rmg.co.uk[/caption] London Valentine’s Speed Duetting Night Find someone you can truly harmonise with at this unique speed dating event. You’ll be split into groups, then paired up in a private karaoke booth to have a go singing a classic duet. It might go a little flat and fail to hit the high notes, or it might be the moment you find the Sonny to your Cher, the Simon to your Garfunkel. If you’re looking to take a chance doing something completely different this Valentine’s Day in London, this could be the show-stopping event you’re looking for. For daters aged 24 to 38. Lucky Voice Holborn, 84 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DL. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6261" align="alignnone" width="1000"] luckyvoice.com[/caption] Valentine's Vegan Speed Dating at Fortnum's Find love under the guidance of an eggless Eros at this vegan speed dating night. Another twist on the speed dating format, this event seeks to pair up like-minded meat and dairy-free singles. If you get beyond chatting about how long you’ve been a vegan, and start coming up with your favourite London vegan restaurants for a possible second date, you’ll know you’ve met your meatless match. Fortnum and Mason provide the perfect finger food accompaniment to this evening of green romance. 11th February. Fortnum's Bar and Restaurant, The Royal Exchange, The Courtyard, London EC3V 3LR. For more details and to book, head HERE. Love Letters Live This special take on the Letters Live series sees a host of famous faces and voices read out love letters sent by some of history and popular culture’s most interesting and important thinkers, artists, revolutionaries and lovers. From professions of love to confessions of heartbreak, interrogations of love and odes to its power, the letters read here approach love from every direction, offering new perspectives on the lives and thoughts of those who penned them. Letters Live has previously seen the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie read letters written by David Bowie, Che Guevara and Maya Angelou. This special event is raising money for the charity Help Refugees. 14th February. Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, Hackney, London EC1V 9LT. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6262" align="alignnone" width="1000"] letterslive.com[/caption] 'Cooking With Cupid' Valentine’s Cookery Class What’s on the menu tonight? It’s love, of course. With a side of green beans. This couples cookery class is designed to add a bit of spice back into the kitchen. People flirt with food. A date at a fancy restaurant. Planning a romantic meal where you cook that one thing you know how to cook. But cooking with and for your partner can quickly collapse into a question of who’s going to boil the pasta this evening and who forgot to get the milk and why did you put the carton back in the fridge if it’s empty and fine, just forget it, let’s get a takeaway and for goodness sake can you just make up your mind where you want to order from and it not take an hour and a half. This Valentine’s cookery class is looking to change all that. And it includes bottomless booze. Which is sure to turn even the most reluctant cooks into accomplished, artistically minded, flamboyant chefs. For the night, at least. 14th February. The Avenue Cookery School, 3 Enterprise Way, Wandsworth, London SW18 1FZ. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6263" align="alignnone" width="1000"] theavenuecookeryschool.com[/caption] Valentine’s Heart in a Jar Class Tired of the ephemerality of love? Jaded by the over-commercialisation of romance? Into taxidermy? Stuck for Valentine’s Day gift ideas again this year? Then this heart pickling class is for you. Spend the afternoon learning how to dissect and preserve an animal heart, then take your very own specimen home with you in a glass jar. Give it to your partner. If they love it, you were meant to be together. If they hate it, well, they can always regift it come Christmas. 16th February. The British Academy of Taxidermy, Islington Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Road, London N7OSF. For more information and to book, head HERE. Anti-Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery in the Sky Head up to the London Sky Bar for this inventive antidote to Valentine’s Day: a murder mystery evening set in a Prohibition era speakeasy. The bar’s proprietor has been found murdered. It’s your job to piece together all the evidence, interrogating suspects and working together to get to the truth. Find out who did him in, on Valentine’s Day of all days. When you’ve closed the case, take in the views from this wonderful vantage point, 29 floors up and overlooking the Thames. 14th February. London Sky Bar, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4QP. For more information and to book, head HERE. Right, that’s your lot. However you spend your Valentine’s Day in London this year, we hope you have a swell time. And let us know of any alternative ideas you’re cooking up in the comment box below.
Matthew Pearson

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.