Things to do in London
One of the world’s major melting-pot cities, London manages to exude a spirit that is fundamentally British and yet strikingly cosmopolitan at the same time.
Top Ten Places to Visit
British Museum
The imposing British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from all around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase.
National Gallery
The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
The London Eye
The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
Victoria & Albert Museum
The V&A celebrates all things art and design, and is home to 3,000 years’ worth of amazing artefacts from many of the world's richest cultures. See their amazing collection of ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.
Tate Modern
The impressive Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and installations.
Natural History Musem
As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Don't miss the life-sized model of the Blue Whale, the 40 million year old spider, the earthquake simulator and an elephant bird egg.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official residence. The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to the Dali Lama you'll meet history and politics' most influential figures; sing along with Kylie; strike a penalty with Rooney or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
Top Ten Day Trips
London is one of the best jumping-off points in the world, centuries of history, stunning countryside and iconic landmarks are all within a few hours' drive from The Dorchester. Here are our top day trip picks, so you can make the most of every day you have to explore.
Windsor Castle
40 min drive
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and still an active royal residence. The State Apartments are breathtaking, the grounds are impeccably kept, and the Long Walk alone is worth the trip. A quintessentially royal day out.
Winchester
1 hr 20 min drive
Winchester is an unspoilt cathedral city on the edge of the South Downs. Winchester is England's ancient capital and former seat of King Alfred the Great. You can see the 11th century Winchester Cathedral, the burial site of Kings, and learn the stories of the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Oxford
1 hr 30 min drive
The City of Dreaming Spires. Wander cobblestone lanes past centuries-old colleges, step into the Bodleian Library (a Harry Potter filming location), and punt along the River Cherwell for the full Oxford experience.
Stonehenge & Bath
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and still an active royal residence. The State Apartments are breathtaking, the grounds are impeccably kept, and the Long Walk alone is worth the trip. A quintessentially royal day out.
A collection of stones dragged 5,000 years ago to this lonely windy plain near Salisbury. great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site.
Leeds Castle
1 hr 10 min drive
Often called the loveliest castle in England, and it earns that title. Set on two islands in a shimmering moat in the Kent countryside, it comes with a maze, falconry displays, and beautiful gardens that make for a full, unforgettable day.
Brighton
1 hr 20 min drive
London's seaside escape. Stroll the iconic Victorian pier, explore the eccentric Royal Pavilion, browse the indie shops of the Lanes, and breathe in some sea air. Lively, colourful, and completely unlike anywhere else.
Cambridge
1 hr 45 min drive
Oxford's rival and every bit as beautiful. Punting along the Backs past King's College Chapel is one of England's great pleasures, and the city's mix of world-class museums, gardens and café culture makes it a perfect day.
Stratford Upon Avon
& Warwick Castle
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and still an active royal residence. The State Apartments are breathtaking, the grounds are impeccably kept, and the Long Walk alone is worth the trip. A quintessentially royal day out.
Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for being the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare. You can visit the great bard's childhood home. Walk around the town and admire the wealth of black and white timber framed buildings. The medieval Warwick Castle still has most of its magnificent towers and ramparts intact.
Top Ten Shopping Streets
The Dorchester sits in one of the best shopping neighborhoods in the world, step outside and some of London's most iconic streets are practically at your doorstep. We've mapped out the top spots below, sorted by distance from the hotel, so you can plan your perfect shopping day whether you've got an hour or an entire afternoon.
Bond Street
6 min walk
London's luxury heartland. Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany, Burberry all lined up along one of the most glamorous shopping streets in the world. If you're splurging anywhere this trip, start here.
Regent Street
5 min drive
A sweeping, curved boulevard with grand colonnaded architecture and flagship stores that feel like destinations in themselves, Liberty, Hamleys, Apple and more.
Piccadilly
7 min drive
London's iconic crossroads, glittering billboards, the famous Eros fountain and the buzzing pulse of the West End all converging in one place. A great launching point for the theatre district.
Covent Garden
10 min drive
A historic market piazza turned into one of London's most beloved gathering spots, with independent shops, street performers, champagne bars, and a wonderful energy any time of day.
Carnaby Street
5 min drive
The birthplace of the Swinging Sixties, and still effortlessly cool. Independent boutiques, buzzy restaurants and colourful storefronts make it one of the most fun streets in the West End to wander.
Oxford Street
7 min drive
Europe's busiest shopping mile, anchored by Selfridges and John Lewis with hundreds of shops in between. There's something for everyone!
China Town
6 min walk
Step through the red lacquered gates on Gerrard Street and the city shifts completely, roast duck, bubble tea, dim sum and some of London's best-value dining packed into a few vivid, fragrant blocks.