What's Open in London Now?
Musicals, Shows and Theatre in London
Exhibitions, Art Galleries & Museums in London
Sightseeing Tours including Tours with Afternoon Tea
Royal Attractions in London including The Royal Mews
Family Friendly Attractions in London
The Making of Harry Potter - Warner Bros Studio Tour
Visit Windsor Castle & St George's Chapel
See Greenwich - Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory & Painted Hall
London Attraction Passes & Deals
London is a bustling city open to welcoming visitors from all over the world. Outdoor and indoor attractions are open throughout the year, and you’ll find a complete list of what’s on now in our article below. Walking tours and open-top bus tours are operating in London every day. Most attractions are open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day and special events, but it’s recommended to book tickets in advance.
What’s Open Now…
Lots of attractions, tours and activities are open in London.
Quicklinks:
Theatre & Musicals Open Now >>>
Sightseeing Tours Open Now >>>
Outdoor Attractions & Gardens Open Now>>>
The Lion King
The Lion King is back! Now showing at the Lyceum Theatre, London. A wonderful opportunity to experience this timeless classic that has wowed audiences both young and old for years. Get ready for toe-tapping songs and a heartwarming storyline.
Book Tickets: The Lion King >>>
Harry Potter Studio Tour
The Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter is now open!Add a touch of magic to your spring and step back into the world of witches and wizardry. Collect the tickets directly from the Studio Tour or take our bus from London where you can watch one of the Harry Potter films along the way!
Book Tickets: Warner Bros. Studio Tour >>>
Hop on Hop off London
Our 1-day hop-on-hop-off buses are back. Get to know the city with our convenient service. Hop on and off as much as you like during the day with a route covering all the major sites in the city. Travel with a live English speaking guide and audioguides available.
Book Tickets: Hop on Hop off London >>>
Windsor Castle
Discover Windsor Castle this Christmas. The festive decorations will be on display throughout the royal residence, including the impressive 6-metre high Christmas tree in St George’s Hall.
Get Tickets: Windsor Castle >>>
Emirates Air Line Cable Car
Emirates Airline Cable Car is now open. Experience breathtaking views of London as you soar over the Thames, between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. Social distancing measures are in place.
Book Tickets: Emirates Air Line >>>
Upgrade your experience to include a Thames river boat ride with your Emirates Air Line tickets!
Book Tickets: Emirates Air Line & River Cruise >>>
Tower of London
The Tower of London is now open to the public, including seeing the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders, the White Tower and more!
Book Tickets: Tower of London >>>
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is now open to the public, although with limited visitor numbers and prebooked entry timeslots. The glasshouses and shops remain closed to visitor’s, but takeaway dining options are available.
Book Tickets: Kew Gardens >>>
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is now open. The cathedral is operating a one-way system with limited numbers of people allowed in at one time as part of its COVID safety measures.
Book Tickets: St Paul’s Cathedral >>>
Thames River Cruise with a Meal!
Reconnect with friends and family as you enjoy a Thames River Cruise with a tasty meal, available to book now. Choose from a lunch cruise, afternoon tea cruise or evening cruise.
Book Tickets: Thames River Cruise with a Meal >>>
Afternoon Tea Bus with London Sightseeing
Our afternoon tea bus with London Sightseeing tour is now restarting. Take in London’s most famous landmarks whilst enjoying a delicious afternoon tea on the upper deck of a double-decker bus!
Book Tickets: Afternoon Tea Bus >>>
Greenwich attractions are now open
Explore the Greenwich attractions! Cutty Sark, The Royal Observatory and the Painted Hall are all now open to the public. Spend a lovely day out in Greenwich and explore the most famous sights in the area. You can even stand on the historic Prime Meridian line.
Book Now: Greenwich Attractions >>>
The London Eye
The London Eye is now open and you can once again enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city. You’ll have to wear a face-covering and must book online in advance. COVID safety precautions include reduced capacities and clear social distancing measures.
Book Tickets: The London Eye >>>
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is now open in London. It’s operating at a reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Some experiences and facilities have been adapted or suspended. Get tickets >>>
SEA LIFE London
Sea Life London Aquarium is now open. A firm favourite with kids as you journey into the underwater world. Like most venues in London, it must now be pre-booked online. Get tickets >>>
Shrek’s Adventure!
Shrek’s Adventure! London is back. Join the search to find Shrek in this immersive experience. Now opening with limited admission numbers. Get tickets >>>
The London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is now open! Explore the dark side of London’s history in a fun and interesting way. Get tickets >>>
Thames Speedboat Ride
Enjoy a Thames Speedboat Ride. See your favourite London landmarks as you travel on a high-speed vessel! This exhilarating 50-minute experience is now open in London and available for booking.
Book Now: Thames Speedboat Ride >>>
Climb the O2
Climb the Roof of the 02 Arena is now open to the public. Climb over the iconic roof of London’s most popular entertainment venue! During this 90-minute climb, you’ll get to see amazing views of London.
Book Now: Climb the O2 >>>
What’s On in London?
When London reopens, tickets will need to be booked online with restricted timed-entrance, and many popular exhibitions and events will likely sell out of tickets. This means that booking early to avoid disappointment is the new norm.
Activities in London
After months of lockdown, enjoy some family fun this Autumn! There are lots of family activities on in London, with new social distancing and hygiene rules in place. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition
Calling all Harry Potter fans! A Harry Potter photographic exhibition is opening in London’s Covent Garden from 12 July 2021. Get into the spirit of witches and wizards, explore behind-the-scenes photos from the films, ride a broomstick and chill out in the bottled Butterbeer Bar, the only one of its kind in London!
Book Tickets: Harry Potter Exhibition >>>
London Open Top Bus Tour – By Day or By Night
Our Open Top London bus tours are now running. Pass your favourite London landmarks with commentary from a live guide. We have multiple departure times throughout the day with limited places and allocated time slots to allow for social distancing. We also have an evening departure where you can see London lit up at night.
Book Now: Open Top Daytime Bus>>>
Book Now: Open Top Night Bus >>>
Uber Boat By Thames Clippers
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers are now operating in London. Enjoyable unbeatable views of London landmarks as you travel along the Thames. Our 1-day pass includes unlimited travel between 23 piers on the Thames with departures every 20 minutes from 23 piers. This includes Embankment, Waterloo and Greenwich.
Private Open Top Bus Tour of London – Low Price!
Take a private open top bus tour of London with your support bubble. Now operating at just £40 per person, with a minimum booking of 6 people. Enjoy a 90-minute panoramic tour of London on your own private open top bus with audioguides! You’ll start and finish at the London Eye, and pass the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and much more during your trip!
Book Now: Private Open Top Bus >>>
Iconic London Attractions Now Open
It’s been a long time coming, but London’s iconic tourist attractions are reopening their doors as well as many family friendly attractions! You’ll need to book tickets and advance and adhere to new social distancing and hygiene measures.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey reopens for sightseeing. It is currently open for worship and you can join the daily Eucharist service according to the latest government guidelines.
Book Tickets: Westminster Abbey >>>
London’s River Thames Cruises are returning, a fun way to get to know the city. Get tickets >>>
The London football stadium tours are now open for fans. This includes the Arsenal Stadium Tour, Chelsea Stadium Tour and Tottenham. The West Ham stadium tour at the London Stadium has also reopened.
Bridgerton Tour from London
Our brand-new Bridgerton Tour from London is available to book this summer! See the Bridgerton filming locations as we travel to Bath and Wilton House on this small group day trip from Central London.
Book Now: Bridgerton Day Tour >>>
The Old Royal Naval College reopens to the public. This includes the grounds, and reatil shops, although opening times have changed.
Theatres Showing in London
Theatre is showing in London this winter! Rediscover London’s West End district with shows like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, SIX: The Musical and more. Make sure to book your tickets early since capacity is limited.
Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman: The Musical is open in London this July. Your chance to catch the timeless Hollywood classic brought to life on London’s West End stage. Before the covid crisis, the Sun said its “as glitzy and glam as the movie. Go see it now, you won’t be disappointed! Get tickets >>>
Book Now: Pretty Woman >>>
Les Miserables
Les Miserables is open to the public for a limited run until September. The world’s famous musical returns to the West End under the latest COVID guidelines. Don’t miss it!
Book Tickets: Les Miserables >>>
Frozen: The Musical
FROZEN The West End Musical is open to the public! See the animated film brought to life in this smash-hit musical that everyone’s talking about at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Get ready for some amazing songs and mindblowing special effect in one of the top shows of the year.
Book Now: Frozen: The Musical >>>
SIX: The Musical
SIX: The Musical is now on show. This smash-hit musical once again returns to the West End stage awaiting an enthusiastic audience. From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII finally take the mic to tell their tales!
Book Now: SIX: The Musical >>>
Events Open in London – February 2022
After a long wait, we’re seeing exciting London events opening their doors in June! Read our February 2022 Guide for more inspiration!
Come and rent a private dome at the Secret Garden in London this August. A great way to get out and about whilst keeping your bubble. Get Tickets >>>
The Crystal Maze Live Experience is now open in London! Relive the hit 90s TV show in this crazy immersive team experience. The ultimate London escape room to unwind with friends! Book Now >>>
Join the Murdér Express for an immersive dining experience this February! You’ll get to head back to the beginning of the 20th Century for a glitzy meal on a train carriage with a twist. Book Now >>>
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Update 2022: The government has eased restrictions. Outdoor and indoor hospitality is now open.
Keep up to date on what’s opening in London and sign up to the Tourist England newsletter.
More Attractions Opening in London
Many London attractions are reopening or have already opened. More are likely to follow suit over the coming weeks.
- Many London gardens are now open
- Lots of London royal attractions willl be open during 2022
- The London Zoo reopens on 12 April 2021, offering a safe outdoor experience for all the family.
- Tower Bridge reopens soon
- Somerset House will reopen part of the site on 12 April 2021, including the Edmond J Safra Fountain Court and River Terrace. The on-site Watchhouse and E10 café Hej also reopen (takeaway only).
- Many outdoor spaces at Hampton Court Palace are now open. Some of the outdoor spaces are already open
- Kensington Palace is reopening on 26 May, including the State Apartments and Victoria: A Royal Childhood
- Some great day trips from London have now started operating to outdoor attractions nearby London, including trips to the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, the Seven Sisters Cliffs and Stonehenge
Museums & Galleries Opening in London 2021
Several museums and galleries are re-opening their doors to visitors in the next few weeks, with new restrictions in place in response to coronavirus.
- 12 July 2021: A Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition opens in Covent Garden, showcasing memories of over 10 years of film making
- 24 May 2021: A Banksy Exhibition is arriving in London, showcasing many of the artists most famous works
- Monday, 17 May 2021: The RAF Museum London reopens
- 17 May 2021: The Natural History Museum reopens, including its highly anticipated Fantastic Beasts exhibition
- 19 May 2021: The Victoria & Albert Museum reopens, with exhibitions including Bags, Renaissance Watercolours, and more reopening to the public.
- Some of the major museums are opening on 19 May 2021, including the Imperial War Museum and The Science Museum
- Monday, 17 May: The Barbican Centre is reopening, with the art gallery and Conservatory open to the public, but with reduced numbers. This includes the Jean Dubuffet: Brutal Beauty exhibition.
- Wednesday 19 May: Whitechapel Gallery reopens, with bookings to their major show, Eileen Agar: Angel of Anarchy, as well as an array of free displays.
- Tuesday 18 May 2021: The Royal Academy of Arts reopens, including an Edvard Munch exhibition (from 18 May), Michael Armitage Exhibition (from 22 May) and David Hockney exhibition (23 May).
- Monday, 17 May: The Tate Modern and Tate Britain hope to reopen on this date. A Turner exhibition is on at the Tate Britain until 12 September 2021, exploring how the artist broke convention to paint his changing times. And there’s a Rodin Exhibition taking place at the Tate Modern
- Tuesday, 18 May: The Design Museum reopens to the public, with pre-booking essential.
- The Horniman Museum is now open to the public
- TBA: The National Gallery now open, entrance is free although you must book before your visit
- TBA: The Foundling Museum has now reopened
- TBA: The Wallace Collection is now open. There is now reduced opening hours and a free timed ticket system which you need to book in advance.
What’s Still Not Open in London?
A few attractions, museums and galleries have yet to announce their reopening dates, although it seems likely that most will reopen in the coming months. And it seems that most theatre shows have plans to reopen this year, although many will wait until Autumn 2021 to finally reopen their doors to the public.
In light of the continually changing situation, this page will be regularly updated. Last update: 16 June 2021.
