It’s hard to imagine Victoria Station in London any other way than alive and buzzing. You’ll find a world of art, culture, dining, and adventure just steps away.
Stroll past iconic landmarks that include Buckingham Palace. The zone has vivacious performances and theatres apart from the Apollo Victoria Theatre that offers every tourist his wants.
Take a leisurely walk around neighboring St. James’s Park, or step back in time at the Churchill War Rooms to discover London’s wartime history.
Shoppers will enjoy wandering the independent boutiques at Victoria Place. In the interim, foodies can enjoy an array of tempting new culinary experiences at the Nova Food complex.
Whether you are just passing through or have more time to explore, our post on the best things to see and do around Victoria Station!
1. Explore Buckingham Palace Gardens
Regardless of your reason, it’s hard to beat a mix of history, nature, and beautiful views in this quintessential London experience. Taking a guided tour is one of the best ways to uncover the history and significance behind these iconic gardens. The guided experience often includes stories about the gardens’ design, their role in royal events, and the rare plants that thrive here.
As you stroll, you will be introduced to splendid features such as the rose garden and the herb garden. Be sure to catch a glimpse of its lovely lake too! The gardens feature more than 40 acres of perfectly manicured fragrant flowers, fascinating plants and lush lawns. They produce an oasis for enthusiasts of greenery and wildlife.
You may encounter a variety of rare plants, or see an inquisitive robin or feisty squirrel that’s taken refuge in the peaceful garden. One for the budding photographers. For photography lovers, the stunning backdrop of Buckingham Palace makes capturing your memories all the more splendid. From its stunning florals to its peaceful waters, each angle provides the ideal photo op.
During the summer months this is further enhanced, and if you have the opportunity to visit then, well, it’s even more special. Unique events and open garden days give the public a rare chance to get up close to private, restricted-access areas not typically open to exploration. It’s when Buckingham Palace’s stunning State Rooms are opened up to the public.
These grand rooms, such as the evocative Throne Room, bring royal life and official State Ceremonies to life. The tour ends as you exit through a long enclosed outdoor gravel path, providing another opportunity to enjoy the majesty of the West Garden and surrounds. Expecting to plan ahead is just a smart move.
Accessible parking can be coordinated with at least three cleared working days’ notice, allowing your visit to be easy-going and enjoyable. The gardens are not only the best place to go for a picnic, with serenity mixed with a royal touch, but they’re the largest private park in London.
Whether you’re exploring the grounds or simply taking in the scenery, the gardens are a peaceful escape near Victoria Station and a popular tourist attraction for visitors to explore London.
2. Stroll through St. James’s Park
Finally, there’s St. James’s Park, a peaceful retreat that’s an easy stroll from Victoria Station, making it a perfect stop for family travel. The paths in this park are lined with trees and colorful floral displays, turning each turn into a secluded paradise. Whether you’re just looking to stretch your legs or hoping for a leisurely stroll, the picturesque scenery never fails to delight.
The park’s Blue Bridge provides panoramic views across the serpentine lake. From one end, you get an up-close view of Buckingham Palace, a key part of British history, and from the other, the now-famous London skyline, including the infamous “Shard.”
The park’s beautiful lake is a haven for many species, from elegant swans to the park’s famous pelicans. Remarkably, these pelicans have flown around the park since 1664. These days, more than 40 of them are in bloom there, adding to the charm of this popular tourist attraction.
If you’re visiting in the afternoon, try catching the daily pelican feeding between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. It’s a humbling sight and a wonderful opportunity to observe these amazing birds up close. Duck Island, an oasis within the park, teems with wildlife and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of central London.
If you’ve got a little more time, pause on any number of benches and take the time to rent a deckchair to truly enjoy the beauty around you. It’s an ideal setting for a leisurely picnic lunch or even just a tasty sandwich from a nearby kiosk. Slip in seasonal events here and there, and your visit will be sprinkled with a little added magic.
For a more immersive experience, follow the Diana Memorial Walk, which spans seven miles through four Royal Parks, including St. James’s Park. To top off your day, stop for tea at one of the park’s cafés along The Mall, which offers a quintessential London experience.
The park features a rich royal history, going back to King Henry VIII. Thanks to a recent redevelopment, it’s now a new favorite destination for visitors exploring London!
3. Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A Museum is one of the best places in the world to experience art and design. With more than two million objects in its holdings, it’s hands down a can’t-miss treasure chest of creativity that’s been curated over centuries. From elaborate medieval carvings to contemporary haute couture, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s galleries are a treasure trove of human creativity.
The museum is so vast that it’s virtually impossible to see it all in one visit. After three to four hours here, you’ll feel satisfied yet there will still be so much more to explore. Splitting your visit across two days is a brilliant idea to keep from getting overloaded yet still make the most of your time.
Temporary exhibitions at the V&A bring a fresh, modern zing to the museum’s historic charm. These rotating exhibits usually focus on contemporary artists, designers, and relevant themes, so there’s always something new and noteworthy to see every visit. Though general admission to the museum is free, select special exhibitions may still charge for entry, so it’s worth looking in advance.
Whether it’s fashion retrospectives or thought-provoking modern art showcases, these exhibitions add an exciting layer to what the museum offers.
For a more educational experience, the guided tours are not to be missed. With some of the best museum docents in the world leading them, these tours offer entrancing stories about the museum’s big draws—and hidden treasures. That’s an excellent opportunity to really connect the dots between pieces and go deeper into the stories behind them.
For research enthusiasts, Reference Collections are open for private study by appointment.
When you need to recharge, the museum’s café is an ideal location. With plenty of seating and a relaxing atmosphere, you can enjoy a light snack or coffee before continuing your adventure. Don’t miss the gift shop, as well. It’s filled with meaningful souvenirs that happen to be smart gifts.
4. Discover the Apollo Victoria Theatre
Located just minutes from Victoria Station, the Apollo Victoria Theatre is a gem that will provide theatre lovers with a transcendent experience. Responsible in recent years for hosting the long-running musical juggernaut, Wicked, it’s since switched its accolades to the award-winning cultural sensation, Hamilton. Once you book tickets for one of these shows, you’ll be assured of a breathtaking evening of heart-stopping performances, soul-stirring music, and unparalleled storytelling, making it a top destination for travelers seeking iconic London attractions.
With a seating capacity of over 2,300, you’ll find yourself in the heart of London’s vibrant theatre scene, surrounded by an excited audience. This location is not only a popular tourist attraction but also serves as a convenient transport hub for visitors to explore London.
The theatre in itself is an absolute gem of art-deco architecture. Being a Grade II listed building, it boasts breathtakingly elaborate architectural details that simply draw the eye. It’s an equally impressive visual feast as the productions it stages, making it a quintessential London experience.
From the sweeping grand façade to the playful plaster ornamentation of the delicate interiors, the design evokes a historic majesty. This lovely spot is a must-see for any history buffs out there. Be sure to look around, as you’ll find colorful, ornate features, perfect for snapping gorgeous photos!
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience into its history, guided backstage tours are just the ticket. These behind-the-scenes tours uncover the forgotten or hidden histories. They showcase the theatre’s incredible story, from its opening in 1930 to its transformation into one of the West End’s most popular venues today, a testament to British history.
This tour comes on the heels of a deep history of musicals, plays, and concert tours. It’s an absolute necessity for anyone that is interested in how great, iconic productions are created!
To top off your theatre experience, visit one of the many nearby restaurants to make an unforgettable evening. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the myriad of choices for a pre-show snack. If you like, treat yourself to an elegant dinner to linger over post-performance.
Victoria Station is an exciting place for food lovers. From casual Italian trattorias to hipster bistros, there’s plenty to delight every palate, making it easy to arrange an entire evening out in the vibrant Westminster area.
5. Experience the London Eye
With a 30-minute rotation, the London Eye achieves a full 360-degree ride, providing panoramic views of London’s historic and beautiful skyline. From its location on the South Bank of the River Thames, you can spot landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and even Buckingham Palace, a popular tourist attraction. The pods are spacious enough to walk around in, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the experience.
Their slow rotation gives you gentle, complete access to both the view, whether you’re enjoying the bustling cityscape during the day or the sparkling lights at night. Consider booking a fast-track ticket to skip the long queues that form, particularly during busy tourist months. This gets you the most out of your limited time.
Once you’re aboard, you’ll be spoiled with choices for opportunities to snap amazing shots. Just think about capturing golden hour shots of famous landmarks such as the Tower Bridge or St. Paul’s Cathedral right outside your capsule. The unique perspective and visibility from the glass pods raise your photo game to an entirely new level, enhancing your family travel experiences.
The unique perspective and visibility from the glass pods raise your photo game to an entirely new level. For an extra magical experience, choose an evening ride. When the sun sets behind the city and all the lights come on, the views are truly a breathtaking sight to experience.
The London Eye now sits confidently in a dynamic quarter, within earshot of attractions like the London Eye Pier and the buzzing cultural scene of the South Bank. If you’re making a day of it, you can conveniently hit nearby neighborhoods, including Belgravia, Kensington, or Covent Garden, making it an ideal destination for tourists.
You may even spot the resident pelicans, a delightful Maritime touch recalling the region’s Montreal roots, adding to the charm of your visit to this iconic London landmark.
Conclusion
Victoria Station is no longer just a commuter travel hub. It’s surrounded by iconic landmarks, peaceful parks, and cultural gems that offer something for everyone. Absorb all of the regal glamour in Buckingham Palace Gardens and unwind amid the flora at St. James’s Park. Deepen your love for the arts at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and unlock endless adventures in the city. See a performance at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Afterward, enjoy some incomparable views from the London Eye to ensure your trip has an unforgettable highlight!
There’s never enough time to experience it all, even if you’re here for a full day. Chart your course, choose your must-see stops first, and enjoy the ride for an unforgettable experience. Whatever you had pictured, Victoria Station is most definitely your gateway to some of London’s best experiences.