Around the Tower: Fun Finds Near One of London’s Oldest Landmarks

Discover hidden gems in London perfect for a family adventure!

tower of london

The Tower of London offers a fascinating glimpse into history, but the adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Within a short walk, you’ll find an array of delightful spots—think stunning views, culinary delights, and captivating experiences. Whether you're a history buff or just in search of your next fun activity, there’s something for everyone nearby. 

Borough Market  

Feeling peckish? Head over to Borough Market, a paradise for food lovers. This bustling market overflows with vibrant stalls offering everything from artisan cheeses to sizzling street food. Try the legendary scotch eggs or delve into delightful pastries. The lively atmosphere is contagious, with aromas teasing your senses and vendors eagerly sharing their culinary stories. It’s a feast not just for your taste buds but for the soul—a wonderful sensory experience you won’t want to miss. 

The Shard  

The Shard

Elevate your London experience with a trip up The Shard. As Western Europe’s tallest building, its observation deck offers unrivalled panoramic views of the city. Soar high above and see the Tower of London from a different perspective. Enjoy a drink at one of the sophisticated bars within—you’ll feel on top of the world as the cityscape unfolds around you. Day or night, the view is something truly special. 

Leadenhall Market  

Step into the picturesque Leadenhall Market, a Victorian shopping arcade brimming with charm. With its cobbled streets and spectacular architecture, it’s a delightful throwback to old-world London. Discover boutique shops, savour exquisite chocolates, or sip on coffee as you watch the lively city swirl around you. The market’s enchanting ambiance makes it a perfect spot for leisurely wandering and spontaneous finds. 

St Katharine Docks  

Just a short stroll from the Tower, St Katharine Docks is your go-to for serene waterside relaxation. This vibrant marina offers an array of chic cafes and unique shops. Enjoy a casual meal at a dockside restaurant with views of yachts gently bobbing in the harbour. It’s a delightful escape that combines nautical charm with urban energy—ideal for unwinding post-tower adventures. 

Wilton’s Music Hall  

Experience a slice of London’s cultural history at Wilton’s Music Hall, the world’s oldest surviving music hall. It’s a captivating venue offering an eclectic mix of theatre, live music, and comedy. The hall's charismatic, vintage charm preserves its storied past while serving up contemporary entertainment. Spend an evening here and let the ambience of old-world glamour and modern artistry transport you to another era. 

Thames River Cruise

Thames River Cruise

For a leisurely outing, set sail on a Thames River Cruise. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy London from a different angle, gliding past its famous landmarks. With informative commentary and open-air decks, the cruise offers a scenic escape from the bustling city streets. Watch the world drift by as you spot iconic sites and feel the fresh breeze—a perfect blend of discovery and relaxation. 

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Monument to the Great Fire of London  

Climb the 311 steps to the top of the Monument for stunning views over the city. This towering column commemorates the Great Fire of 1666 and offers a fascinating glimpse into London’s resilience and renewal. As you reach the summit, soak in panoramic cityscapes and imagine the historic streets below. It's a rewarding climb that combines history, exercise, and breathtaking vistas. 

All Hallows by the Tower  

Discover the hidden gem of All Hallows by the Tower, the oldest church in the city of London. Founded in 675 AD, its history resonates through fascinating artifacts and crypt treasures. The serene ambience and remarkable preserved architecture make it a peaceful retreat amid the city’s bustle.  

For more unmissable London fun, why not check out our guides to the best Thames cruises, and learn all about the capital with our best London facts?  

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This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

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Top 10 Facts about Wimbledon Championships

Summer is in full swing in London and that can only mean one thing – Wimbledon is around the corner! We’ve gathered our top ten facts about Wimbledon championships that will amaze even the most dedicated of fans. 2. Most aces of all time-  As the finest stage in world tennis, Wimbledon sees the world’s best players come together to fight for the championship title. The matches are incredibly entertaining, and spectators marvel at the speed and accuracy with which the players serve up ace after ace! In 2001, while awaiting surgery on his left shoulder, wildcard Goran Ivanišević, who was ranked 125th in the world, beat all odds and won the championship, smashing out 212 aces along the way! In the semi-final he served up 35 aces and in the final a further 27. An incredibly powerful player, Serena Williams is the winner of the most grand slam tournaments of all time. In 2015, she served up a total of 80 aces across the tournament with serving speeds of over 125 miles an hour!  3. Over 50,000 tennis balls! With 256 players and 254 matches in the singles tournaments alone, Wimbledon needs a lot of tennis balls! Balls are changed after the first seven games and then each subsequent ninth game. Last year, 54,250 balls were used across the Wimbledon championships. That’s the equivalent of 24 cans of balls per day for each outside court, and 48 cans per day for Centre Court and also for Court No. 1. At the Wimbledon Foundation Kiosk near Court 14, you can buy used tennis balls to commemorate your visit and support the Wimbledon Foundation. 6. Rufus the Harris Hawk has his own All-England Club ID card Rufus has been protecting the Wimbledon courts for the past 10 years. He flies above them every morning to scare away any pigeons from the grounds. He also works at Northampton Saints rugby ground, Fulham Football Club and Westminster Abbey and is busy training a new hawk, Pollux, teaching him how to become accustomed to the TV cameras and equipment.  7. Longest match On the second day of the tournament in 2010, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut arrived onto the court shortly after 6pm ready to play their first-round singles match. A little after 9pm, the players had secured two sets each and play was suspended until the next day. The following afternoon at 2pm, they began the fifth set. 3 hours 40 minutes later, the match became the longest in tennis history, with the scores tied at 32-32. As the score reached 47-47, the scoreboard stopped working! At just after 9pm, with the score at 59-59, the match was once again suspended until the following day. The following afternoon, after a further hour of play, Isner emerged victorious with a score of 70-68. With the final set lasting over 8 hours, the longest ever match now consisted of 183 games and a running time of 11 hours 5 minutes!
Vanessa Teo
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London's Oldest Pubs: Sipping History

The great British tradition of sipping a pint in an old, old pub is one every tourist should try. And there's no better place to commune with one's pint than in London's oldest pubs. Pubs are deeply intertwined with British culture. For centuries, they've been popular places for social gatherings and central to neighbourhood life. So it's no surprise then that some pubs are among the oldest buildings in the city. They are still points in fast-moving London endless spin. From famous literary hangouts to more notorious gathering places, here's a list of London's oldest pubs. Featuring: The George Inn Spaniards Inn The Angel The George Inn This old stalwart has been a favourite watering hole for some of London's most famous faces for centuries. Charles Dickens used to relax here after a day of writing. It's no surprise then that it's popular with literary sorts. Rebuilt after the Fire of London in 1676, it continues to be a local favourite and has plenty of outdoor seating for those long summer nights. Address: The George Inn, London Bridge, SE1 1NH The Lamb and Flag Set up in 1772 and located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Lamb and Flag is one of the newer pubs on this list. But it has an equally as fascinating history. Back in the day, this pub was well known for its rowdy customers and was the site of many bare-knuckled prize fights. It has cleaned up its act in recent years and its historical detailing makes it a popular place with tourists. It used to be nicknamed 'The Bucket of Blood'. Whisper that fact in someone's ear and - hey presto! - a free seat. Address: 33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB Cittie of Yorke This Grade II-listed historical building has been a favourite with locals and travelers since 1420. It was initially an inn, but transformed into a pub in 1645. With multiple bars and grand decor, it's an atmospheric spot for drinks on High Holborn. It's also a Sam Smiths pub. And if you know what that means, you know to keep it to yourself (it's cheap. Sorry, Secret Society of Central Sam Smiths Pubs members, it's my job). Address: 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BN Ye Old Mitre Tales tell that Queen Elizabeth I once danced around this pub's cherry tree, which survives at its entrance to this day. While it can be a little tricky to find, it's a great example of a traditional English pub and dates back to 1772, though another pub had stood on the same location from 1546. Perfect for a quiet drink in the colder months, their coal fires and impressive Tudor details will keep you warm as you slip into a deep reverie. Address: 1 Ely Pl, London EC1N 6SJ Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese This sprawling Fleet Street pub features frequently in London tourist guides. And it's with good reason. Built in 1538 and then later rebuilt in 1667 following the Fire of London, it's one of London's oldest pubs. It has a number of rooms with distinctive characters, from the Victorian entranceway to the cellar room that's thought to have been part of a monastery which once stood here. Another Dickens favourite, other former patrons include Mark Twain, Alfred Tennyson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Address: 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU Spaniards Inn Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, some of London's most important literary figures have passed through the Spaniards Inn's front door, along with a number of notorious characters. Established in 1585, it has been both a place of great beauty and great darkness - John Keats is said to have written his poem Ode to a Nightingale here, while famous highwayman Dick Turpin seen drinking at the bar. Nowadays, they do a lovely Sunday lunch. Address: Spaniards Rd, Hampstead, London NW3 7JJ The Angel First built by 15th-century Benedictine monks, this historical pub had a facelift in the 19th century and has a diverse mix of patrons ranging from locals to Thames pub journeymen and journeywomen. Its picturesque Thames setting and Sam Smiths Brewery add to its charms. Oh, and it's got some very pleasing British pub grub too. Address: 101 Bermondsey Wall E, London SE16 4NB Know of another golden oldie to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. Now you've done the historical ones, how about a pint outside?
Megan Hills
London
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3 Days in London

From museums, monuments, landmarks, and art galleries, London has lots to offer. See it all for less with our example three-day itinerary and make your next London trip a memorable one. Is the London Pass Worth It? The London Pass® is a great deal, especially for first-timers or even locals who want to check out the most visit-worthy attractions. Save up to 43% with your pass. With The London Pass®, you pay £119, but you would pay about £209.90 if you bought tickets individually for all the attractions listed in the 3-day itinerary! That’s a savings of £90.90! Plus, you get the flexibility to pick your own adventure if you don't want to be more adventurous and have more control. What's Included? You get access to major attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and more. We offer a well-rounded list of attractions, touching on history, architecture, and some scenic views with the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Day One Start with a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (£37), which gives you an overview of the city. Then you've got the Tower of London (£33.60) for a dose of history and bling (don't miss the Crown Jewels). Tower Bridge (£12.30) offers spectacular views, and St. Paul's Cathedral (£23) wraps up the day with some amazing architecture. Day Two Begin with a ride on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (£23) for a different perspective of London from the river. Next, visit the Old Royal Naval College (£15) for more history and maybe some Instagram worthy moments. Then hop into the Royal Observatory (£18) for a cosmic experience and the Cutty Sark (£18) for maritime vibes. Day Three Windsor Castle (£30) is the big ticket for the day. It's outside London, so make sure you plan your travel accordingly. Extra Tips Book in Advance: Even though the pass offers flexibility, some attractions may require advance booking, so keep that in mind. Travel Costs: The pass doesn't include transportation to places like Windsor Castle, so account for those extra costs. 90-Day Cancellation: The London Pass® offers a 90-day cancellation policy, which allows you a refund on any unused passes within 90 days of purchase. Final Thoughts For a 3-day blitz through London, The London Pass® is a great option. You'll save money and time, especially if you're planning on seeing these big-ticket attractions anyway. Just remember to factor in additional costs like travel and maybe some meals on the go. So there you have it! Whether you're into a pre-set 3-day itinerary or you want to freestyle your three days in London, The London Pass® offers both savings and flexibility. Enjoy your trip! 🇬🇧
Cara Merren
The London Eye
Tower of London

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St Paul’s Cathedral