Best Things to do in Westminster: An Insider’s Guide

The Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

If you had to name one landmark in London, chances are it would be the Elizabeth Tower – commonly known as Big Ben (though technically this is the name of the bell within the tower). 

Either way, the Victorian Gothic clock tower looming above the equally ornate Palace of Westminster is one of the city’s most iconic sights. 

I’ll warn you: Big Ben is currently sheathed in a layer of scaffolding as it’s currently being restored but you can still peek at one of the clock faces. 

You should also take the time to visit the Houses of Parliament if you can. Nestled inside the impressive Palace of Westminster, it’s worth going just to take a look at the architecture alone. 

Westminster Abbey 

Officially the Collegiate Church of St Peter in Westminster, Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065. Ever since, most English sovereigns have been crowned here, buried here and married here. 

Today, it’s one of London’s best-known sightseeing spots – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor. 

It’s worth paying to go inside (entrance is also free with the London Pass and London Explorer Pass) – there’s a wealth of art, numerous shrines and chapels and the famous Poet’s Corner containing shrines to literary figures from the ages. 

Downing Street

Long closed off to the public, you may not be able to saunter down Downing Street to see number 10 up close and personal but you can still peek at it from the gates at the end. Close enough.

Westminster Cathedral 

No, it’s not the same as Westminster Abbey – one glance at Westminster Cathedral will tell you that. 

There’s no missing the striking red and white Byzantine style architecture, topped with four domes and a tower from which you can get stunning views of London. 

Inside, you will also find the widest nave in England alongside some rather opulent decor. 

Harry Potter Filming Locations 

It wasn’t until I started hunting out Harry Potter hotspots in London that I realised Westminster has quite a few. 

The high jinks of the knight bus squeezing between two normal buses in The Prisoner of Azkaban happens on Lambeth Bridge, while the entrance to the Ministry of Magic can be found just across from Downing Street. 

Want to know more? Read my Harry Potter’s London guide. 

Tate Britain

It’s no secret that the Tate Britain is one of my favourite museums in London. 

Not only does it contain one of the largest art collections in London, it’s also housed in one of the city’s most beautiful buildings too. 

Go with some comfortable shoes and an open mind – from William Blake to Rodin, Degas, Gaugain and Henry Moore a visit is an enthralling jaunt through the history of art. 

Dean’s Yard

It’s a surprise that more people don’t talk about Dean’s Yard. You’d think that a small green, tucked behind Westminster Abbey and with great views of the same would deserve some conversation. Their loss is your gain – pop in as part of your trip to the Abbey. 

Churchill War Rooms 

The 21 rooms of the Churchill War Rooms may only be a few metres below ground but they represent the heart of the British war effort in World War II. 

The exhibits contain many mementos of the time – the Map Room, Churchill’s simple bedroom – down to the telephone the Prime Minister used for conversations with Roosevelt. 

Horse Guards

The official entrance to Whitehall, Horse Guards is best-known for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony that takes place on the vast parade outside the buildings. Get your timing right and you can also catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony here too. 

St James’s Park

St James’s Park is the most beautiful of the central London parks, no questions asked. Framed by Buckingham Palace on one end, Horse Guards on the other, it’s the perfect enclave of leafy green peace and quiet in the heart of the city.