10 Things to Do in Central London

Central London is like a history book that never quite closes. Every street corner whispers a story, every monument stands as a chapter, and every square somehow manages to be both touristy and completely enchanting. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, there is always something new to uncover in the heart of the city.

Here are 10 things to do in Central London that will satisfy your inner explorer, entertain your senses, and maybe even surprise you.

1. Stand in the shadow of Big Ben (and learn what it’s really called)

Let’s start with a classic. Big Ben is probably the most photographed clock in the world. But here is a fun truth: Big Ben is not the tower. It is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the clock. The actual tower is called Elizabeth Tower. Most visitors stand at the foot of this landmark on Westminster Bridge or outside Parliament, hearing its chimes mark the hours as London bustles around it.

Did you know? Big Ben first rang out in 1859 and has survived bombings, renovations, and endless weather without missing a beat for over 160 years.

2. Wander through Westminster Abbey’s ancient stones

Westminster Abbey is where kings are crowned, queens are buried, and poets are remembered in carved stone. Step inside and you are surrounded by over 1,000 years of British history. From royal weddings to state funerals, this place has been at the centre of national life for centuries. If you do not go inside, at least walk around the cloisters or listen to a few stories with StoryHunt while standing at its historic doorstep.

Did you know? Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton are buried just meters apart in the Abbey, making it one of the most science-friendly churches in the world.

3. Take in the view from Westminster Bridge

This bridge is a prime photo spot, but it also offers something many visitors miss: perspective. From here, you get a full sweep of Parliament, the London Eye, and the river’s subtle curve that makes the skyline dance. You will cross it on the StoryHunt audio tour, but linger a little. It is the perfect spot to take in the city’s energy and watch the world go by.

Did you know? Westminster Bridge is painted green to match the seats in the House of Commons, while Lambeth Bridge is painted red like the House of Lords.

4. Explore the secrets of the Churchill War Rooms

Just below street level, tucked behind Whitehall, lies a hidden world: the wartime bunker where Winston Churchill directed Britain’s WWII efforts. You can walk through the Map Room, see Churchill’s desk, and explore the rooms that once buzzed with military urgency. It is surprisingly immersive and far more engaging than you might expect from a museum.

Did you know? The War Rooms were kept secret until the 1980s. Even after the war, few people knew the full scale of what had happened underground.

5. Snap a photo at Downing Street (and imagine what’s going on inside)

You cannot stroll right up to Number 10, but you can peer through the gates and see the most important front door in the UK. Downing Street is heavily guarded but always buzzing with energy. The StoryHunt audio walk gives insight into its political legacy and the quieter domestic life behind the scenes.

Did you know? Prime Ministers have lived at No. 10 since 1735, but it is not all glamour. Winston Churchill once preferred living next door at No. 11, which has better rooms.

6. Stroll the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

This self-guided path through four royal parks links key locations from Diana’s life. Look for the rose-emblem plaques embedded in the pavement, each marking a memory or site with personal significance. It is peaceful, moving, and a wonderful excuse to stretch your legs through some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces.

Did you know? The walk is exactly seven miles long and includes 90 plaques, making it the longest memorial walk in the world dedicated to a member of the royal family.

7. Visit the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square

Everyone expects Nelson’s Column and the lions, but the Fourth Plinth is where the real conversation happens. Originally meant for a statue of William IV that never arrived, it now rotates modern art installations. From skeletal horses to melting ice sculptures, it is one of the boldest public art platforms in the UK.

Did you know? The Fourth Plinth has featured everything from a giant blue rooster to a tribute made of refugee tent materials. It is updated every 18 to 24 months.

8. See the real Van Gogh at the National Gallery

Located at the edge of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is one of the most accessible major museums in the world. And it is free. Head straight to Room 43 for Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, but do not miss works by Turner, Caravaggio, and Monet. It is a relaxing, rewarding way to spend an afternoon, and the building itself is a beauty.

Did you know? The National Gallery owns over 2,300 paintings and is one of the only museums in Europe that has never charged for general entry.

9. Walk under Admiralty Arch toward The Mall

Admiralty Arch is the dramatic stone gateway that connects Trafalgar Square to The Mall and Buckingham Palace. It is ceremonial, yes, but also atmospheric. The StoryHunt audio walk passes through here and gives you a sense of the scale of British tradition. Look up at the Latin inscription, feel the symmetry of the space, and keep walking toward the royal residence.

Did you know? The central arch is usually kept closed and is only opened for royalty or official state processions.

10. Get delightfully lost in Cecil Court

This one is for the curious flaneur. Just off Charing Cross Road lies Cecil Court, a short but magical alley filled with rare bookshops, vintage maps, and quirky storefronts. It feels like stepping into a time capsule and is often cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.

Did you know? Cecil Court was once home to early film pioneers in the 1900s and was nicknamed “Flicker Alley” for its cluster of silent film distributors.

Central London rewards those who wander, who ask questions, and who take time to notice what is happening beyond the camera lens. Whether you are brushing shoulders with history in Westminster or ducking into bookshops near Covent Garden, there is always more than meets the eye.

Want to walk through these stories as they unfold? Take the StoryHunt Central London audio walk and turn your next stroll into a time-traveling, story-rich experience. You will never look at London the same way again.