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

Discover hidden gems in London perfect for a family adventure!

Published: March 20, 2025
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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Guide to King Charles' Coronation Event
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Guide to King Charles' Coronation Event

The day is nearly upon us. Charles is finally becoming King. So what can Charles expect on his big day, and how can you best celebrate all things royal on this long weekend? In this guide to King Charles' Coronation, we'll cover the meaning of the event, what transpires, how you can celebrate it, and other unmissable royal experiences in London! Including: What is a Coronation? When is King Charles' Coronation? Where is the Coronation? An overview of the Coronation How to celebrate King Charles' Coronation And more! Image courtesy of Simon Ward Photography/Shutterstock What is a Coronation? A coronation is a ceremony where a monarch is physically and symbolically crowned. So, while it formalises the monarch's role as the head of the Church of England, it also involves placing the crown on their head. However, historically a coronation hasn't always been necessary to pass these powers along. For instance, Edward VIII, who preceded Elizabeth II's father George VI, was never coronated. Even Charles III became king when Elizabeth passed away, though the formal ceremony is still being held. The coronation ceremony itself has remained somewhat unchanged for over a millennium. In fact, Britain is the last remaining county in Europe that holds them. Very exclusive. When is King Charles' Coronation? King Charles III's Coronation will take place on Saturday, 6th May 2023. That's 8 months after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, when Charles was automatically appointed as king. As for the time, details haven't been revealed yet. However, Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation started at 11.15AM, so it may well be a similar time. Where is the Coronation? The coronation itself will take place at Westminster Abbey in London. And, as in the past millennia of coronations, it will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. An Overview of the Coronation It's been 70 years since the country's last coronation. So what does a coronation look like in 2023? Well, while the ceremony is rooted in traditions that have lasted centuries, it will also reflect the world we live in today, and a monarch's role in that world. What the hell do all of those words mean? Well, coronation-wise, the ceremony will likely be shorter and less grandiose. In a time of monetary hardship for many, the powers that be have wisely decided to pair back the affair. You'll also see a wider range of representation, both in religion and race. No more sea of white. And what of the coronation ceremony? Well, it has five stages. What are those five stages? Glad you asked. Stage 1: The Recognition Standing beside the coronation chair, the Archbishop of Canterbury presents the monarch-to-be to the gathered congregation. At which point they chant "God save the King!", which seems a completely normal thing to do in 2023. That's followed by a loud eruption of regal trumpets. Never change, Britain. Stage 2: The Oath At this point, Charles will recite the oath to uphold the laws of the Church of England. Stage 3: The Anointing Then, Charles will sit in the Coronation Chair, and a gold towel is raised to hide him from view. The Archbishop of Canterbury will proceed to anoint his hands, chest, and head with holy oil. Presumably, the towel is used in case the minister spills any oil. Stage 4: The Investiture Charles will be presented with the Royal Orb, the Sceptre, the Sovereign's Sceptre (you can never have too many sceptres), a gold rod adorned with a dove, and then the crown will be placed atop his head. Stag 5: The Enthronement and Homage Finally, Charles will alight the Coronation Chair and sit on the throne. Once seated, peers will kneel before the king to pay their respects. When the ceremony is complete, the King and Camilla, the Queen Consort, will return to Buckingham Palace in a coronation procession. Expect the procession to be more modest in comparison to Elizabeth's 16,000-person equivalent. Once there, they will be joined by other members of the Royal Family for the customary balcony wave. And while the palace has not revealed who will appear on Buckingham Palace's balcony, we'll leave all the familial drama for another day. Because, let's be honest, we have bigger issues to contend with royal-related tabloid nonsense. How to celebrate King Charles' Coronation So how do you celebrate this momentous occasion? Arguably, the best way is with a front-row seat to the procession! Millions are predicted to line the streets of London along the procession path. Unfortunately, if you're reading this, the route hasn't been released yet. However, once it is, we will update our guide to King Charles' coronation event with everything you need to know! However, even if you're too far away to see it clearly, there should be screens showing the festivities all over the place. If you don't feel like battling the crowds to get a space along the procession route, you'll also find plenty of festivities taking place throughout London. Our advice is to just wander the streets and see what's available! Street parties are likely, as they are in pubs, bars, parks, and many more. There's also the small factor of a bank holiday. Yes, the financial gods have bequeathed us a day of rest on the following Monday. So, no work. Yay! However, if you're feeling the community spirit and want to give back, why not volunteer at The Big Help Out? In honour of King Charles' life of service, many British organisations have come together to plan local events across the country. The likes of the National Trust and the RSPCA are getting in on the act, so if you're feeling charitable, why not put on your own event or get involved with one close by? Royal experiences in the area Before we wrap up our guide to King Charles' Coronation event, while you're in the mood for royalty, you might want to undertake some regal experiences while you're in London. You could visit the Tower of London, the once-fortress, once-prison turned tourist attraction. Go see some royal jewels, meet some ravens, and learn about the Tower's grisly goings-on throughout the centuries. Or, go and see the awe-inspiring St Paul's Cathedral. London's most famous somewhat-spherical object hosts royal weddings, funerals, and plenty more, so it's definitely got some regal qualities. Alternatively, head to Kensington Palace to get a taste of royal family life. And that's the end of our guide to King Charles' Coronation event! If you need some more inspiration for your royal weekend, check out The London Pass to get great discounts on London's best bits!
Dom Bewley
Windsor Castle
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Win an Overnight Stay in London Zoo this Black Friday

Our Black Friday Giveaway has now ended. WIN an overnight stay in London Zoo this Black Friday Ever wondered what it's like to be in the zoo once the gates are shut? Well now's your chance! Come behind the scenes at the Land of the Lions exhibit and spend the night in a ZSL London Zoo Lodge. Bed down within roaring distance of the Asiatic lions and wake up to the sounds of roaring lions, singing gibbons, honking flamingos and neighbouring native wildlife. Escape to the jungle without even leaving the city! What's included? Once you arrive you'll be treated to a complimentary drink as well as, not one, but two exclusive after-hours tours of the zoo – one at sunset and one after-dark. You'll enjoy a delicious two-course dinner on the night and a tasty breakfast buffet in the morning, before you head off on yet another exclusive tour where you'll get to meet and chat with a ZSL Zookeeper. Still up for more? You'll also get free entry into ZSL London Zoo for two days either side of your stay and on the second day you can also visit ZSL Whipsnade Zoo for even more animal adventures. How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any London Pass® between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions.
Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
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