West London is an elegant part of the capital, with beautiful parklands, stunning palaces, high-end shopping, and fascinating attractions. It’s impossible to cram everything in one trip.
Visiting London can sometimes be overwhelming, with so much to see and do. There is such an enormous choice. Knowing whether to stay in the centre or head north, south, east, or west can be a tough decision. So, I’ve narrowed it down to ten of the best things to do in West London.
The Best Things To Do in West London
Richmond Park – A Nature Paradise
Richmond Park is in Southwest London, at 2,500 acres, the largest of eight Royal Parks.
In 1625, Richmond Park Palace became King Charles I’s escapism from the Great Plague of London. He turned it into a hunting park for red and fallow deer. To prevent the deer from straying, King Charles built an eight-mile brick wall, which is still present today.
Nowadays, the park is a National Nature Reserve, providing habitat for wildlife.
It’s a beautiful park to relax in the serene atmosphere. There is a large lake, and during spring and summer, the park is awash with colour, making it a stunning setting for a picnic.
Areas of Richmond Park are cycle and roller-skate friendly, along with other Royal Parks, which feature in our roller-skating article.
Address: Richmond Park, Surrey, TW10 5HS
Twickenham Stadium – Calling All Rugby Fans
Twickenham Stadium is the world’s largest Rugby Union venue, seating 82,000.
A Twickenham Stadium tour is another way to experience rugby’s premier ground. You can see the player’s tunnel, dressing rooms and many areas usually reserved for professionals before visiting the World Rugby Museum and England Rugby Store.
Several tours are available, including,
- A Stadium Tour is £27.95 for adults and £17.50 for children.
- A Private Tour for two is £280.00.
- A Legends Tour has a professional Rugby Union star as your guide, priced at £149.50.
Address: 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7BA
Kew Gardens – The Power of Plants
Kew Gardens has been around for more than 250 years. Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III, founded a nine-acre botanic garden within Kew Palace’s grounds. Over the years, gardeners brought thousands of plants from around the world to Kew.
In 1840, Kew Gardens opened to the public, captivating visitors with an interesting and insightful blend of fungi and plant science, education, and pleasure.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site has over 50,000 living plants in greenhouses, gardens, and woodland. Due to the extensive size of the place, hop onto the Kew Explorer, a miniature train guided tour of the gardens.
Adult ticket prices booked in advance are £17.00.
Kew Gardens is a fascinating thing to do in South West London that looks great year-round.
Address: Kew Gardens Rd, Richmond TW9 3AE
Telephone: 020 8332 5655
Portobello Road – World-Famous Market Road
Portobello Road is a famous street market with a diverse community selling and buying antiques, bric-a-brac, fashion, books, and music. It is a hive of activity, attracting millions of visitors a year, hunting for a bargain or grabbing a bite to eat from the numerous food stalls.
The mile-long market street gets crowded, particularly on a Saturday. However, if you love shopping, people-watching, and quirky items, Portobello Road is a fantastic place to visit in West London.
Address: London, W11 1LJ
Hampton Court Palace – Home of Henry VIII
Completed in 1540, Hampton Court was Henry VIII’s favoured residence witnessing the drama of the King’s life, as all six wives visited the palace at some point during his reign. Located on the banks of the River Thames, the magnificent palace showcased his power and wealth.
Audio guides and information boards describe the history, and many visitors spend all day exploring the palace and its beautiful gardens.
- Adult ticket prices are £26.30 for off-peak and £29.00 for peak.
- Children are £13.10 and £14.50.
Hampton Court holds several events throughout the year, such as jousting, Shakespearean frolics, food, and garden festivals.
Address: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Telephone: 020 3166 6000
Londons Gas Lamps – 1300 Gas Lamps Still Remain
In 1807 London was the first city to have a street lit by gas lamps. The road was Pall Mall, given as a birthday gift for King George III.
Over the years, developments in electric lighting meant gas lamps fell from favour. The decision to remove all gas lamps came in 1968. However, according to The London Gasketeers, around 1300 remain.
The West London area has many gas lamps operating today, including the only sewer lamp in Carting Lane.
British Gas Engineers adjust timers every couple of weeks, change mantles and perform regular maintenance.
Locations to see the 200-year-old lamps in West London include,
- Pall Mall
- Buckingham Palace
- The Avenue of Kensington Palace Gardens
- Canada Gate
- Westminster Abbey
- Covent Garden
Finding gas lamps is a fun family activity for free in London. If you are lucky, you may see one of the engineers performing maintenance.
Address: Around London
Chiswick House – An English Interpretation of Venetian Architecture
Following extensive renovation work completed in 2010, Chiswick House is a splendid example of 18th-century architecture.
Chiswick House designers bucked the current trend for the house and gardens, instead choosing a classic Venetian style. The garden layout inspired a new English Landscape Movement, copied in New York’s Central Park.
Nowadays, the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust manage the magnificent estate and hold an extensive calendar of events throughout the season. Currently advertised are The Luna Cinema, Happy Place Festival and Pub in the Park.
Tickets for the House and Garden are £11.00 for adults, £5.50 for children, and family tickets start at £16.00.
Address: Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London W4 2RP
Telephone: 020 3141 3350
Harrods – World-Famous Luxury Shopping Experience
Charles Harrod opened Harrods, which moved to the prominent Knightsbridge location in 1849. The business became hugely successful despite being destroyed by fire in 1881. The incident presented an opportunity to rebuild with more grandeur. The current building finished construction in 1905.
Harrods is renowned worldwide as a luxury department store, but the beautifully designed and decorated building is impressive and worth visiting even if high-end brands fail to tempt you.
Harrods refuse entry for browsing if they are busy. Browsing is between 11.30 am and 12 noon.
London has some fabulous shopping with Harrods at the top of the tree. A trip to the department store is a fascinating thing to do in London’s West End for free, assuming you don’t buy anything.
Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
Telephone: 020 7730 1234
The Royal Albert Hall – For a Wow Experience
The Royal Albert Hall was a vision of Prince Albert, who wanted to promote the Arts and Sciences. It remains the mission of the Royal Albert Hall, along with protecting the Grade I Listed Building.
The venue attracts more than 1.7 million people annually and is well-known for hosting the BBC Proms, beginning on the 14th July. Watch the Strongman Classic’s incredible raw power in the intense atmosphere of the Great Hall.
The Royal Albert Hall aims to include people from all walks of life, holding afternoon coffee and cake clubs for £5.00.
There are several tours to discover all about the magnificent building. Your guides are passionate and knowledgeable. A popular choice is a tour with Afternoon Tea from £69.50 for an adult or include champagne for £87.50.
However, you choose to visit the Royal Albert Hall, the general opinion is it is a wow experience.
Address: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Telephone: 020 7589 8212
Sipsmith London – A New Generation of London Gin
London and gin are synonymous, and the famous spirit is making a resurgence in the form of craft gins. One distillery, Sipsmith London, started making gin in 2009 after petitioning to change an 1823 law prohibiting distilleries from producing less than 1,800 litres. Sipsmith produced 300 litres.
After successfully reforming the law, Sipsmith has grown, hitting the international stage in over 50 countries and has become the Official Gin Partner of The Wimbledon Championships.
Learn more about their story on one of their Gin Tours at their Chiswick distillery in West London, where they produce all Sipsmith Gin. There are plenty of tasters included in the price of £35.00.
Other events include a Sipper Club for £125.00, which provides gin tasting, a cocktail and a three-course meal at the Michelin-Starred restaurant La Trompette.
Address: 83 Cranbrook Rd, Chiswick, London W4 2LJ
Telephone: 020 8747 0753
Things To Do in West London: FAQs
What Areas Are in West London?
Hammersmith and Fulham is a blend of urban appeal and riverside charm. Think bustling markets, high-end shops, tranquil riverside walks, and the Eventim Apollo, a major entertainment venue. This district perfectly encapsulates the lively spirit of West London.
Next, we have Chiswick, a picturesque suburb that could easily pass as a village tucked away in the heart of the city. It’s renowned for its historic pubs, gourmet food scene, and the striking Chiswick House and Gardens – a corner of West London that offers an escape from the city hustle, yet is conveniently close to the centre.
Now, onto Kensington and Chelsea. This area is steeped in culture and sophistication. Home to world-renowned institutions like the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the grand Kensington Palace, it truly is a cultural hotspot. Plus, the King’s Road in Chelsea offers an array of charming boutiques and eateries, perfect for a leisurely day out.
Notting Hill, a name synonymous with London itself, offers more than a famous film title. With its annual Notting Hill Carnival celebrating Caribbean culture and the vibrant Portobello Road Market, it’s an exciting mix of colourful town houses, antique shops, and multicultural cuisine – there’s never a dull moment here!
Fulham, a haven for sports enthusiasts, is home to two Premier League football clubs – Chelsea FC and Fulham FC. But it’s not all about football; Fulham also boasts beautiful parks and historic architecture that add to its undeniable charm.
Last but not least, Brent houses Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, major landmarks in the London entertainment scene. With a vibrant mix of cultures and communities, Brent’s festivals and diverse culinary offerings reflect the lively spirit of West London.
Is West London Cheap?
West London is known for being an affluent area. However, visiting attractions, such as the Gas Lamps, visiting Portobello Road, and exploring beautiful Little Venice, can be cheap.
Which Part of West London Is the Most Beautiful?
Notting Hill in West London is picturesque. It is desirable and an instagrammable area with pastel-coloured houses, Portobello Market, and trendy cafes and restaurants.
