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Should you book your entire London trip complete with every attraction in advance, or are there some you can buy on the day?
In this post, I’ll take you through some of London’s most important attractions and talk about how early you should buy tickets and things to book in advance in London.
⭐️Top tip!⭐️
The most important thing to book in advance in London is the Harry Potter Studio Tour – it books up like crazy.
Seriously, book it now here like right now.
(4.7 out of 5 ⭐️, 10,000+ reviews)
The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner)
- 😍Cheapest Way to See it All: Get the London Pass here (yes, it’s worth it)
- 🎭Cheapest site for West End theatre tickets: London Theatre Direct
- 🚕Cheapest and most reliable airport transfer service: Welcome Pickups
- 🚉Cheapest Way to Book Train and Bus Tickets: Omio
- 🔌Most Reliable Adapter for UK Plugs: This one
Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group, where I can answer more of your questions!
Things to Book in Advance in London: 3+ Months Ahead
There are two attractions that I feel are must book 3 plus months in advance.
🛎 Still looking for somewhere to stay in London?
My favorite hotel in London for all visitors is the Strand Palace (click here to check prices).
⭐⭐⭐⭐
IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?
In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.
- Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site.
- International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here.
1. Buckingham Palace State Rooms
In the summer months, Buckingham Palace opens to visitors and everyone wants a piece.
They do timed entrances and you get to explore the state rooms and then end up on the Buckingham Palace back lawn, which is worth the cost of the ticket alone to think of how many dignitaries, celebrities and heads of state have graced those same spaces.
I’m not saying it’s impossible to get tickets closer to the date, but if you know you want to go and they’re open while you’re there, you should try and book your tickets as far in advance as possible.
Click here to see if Buckingham Palace tickets are available for the summer.
GET A FREE LONDON INTRO GUIDE and ACCESS TO MY FB GROUP
Start your planning with this “Intro to London” guide and access to my London planning Facebook group!
2. Harry Potter Studio Tour
Even years after it first opened, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is still attracting visitors like it opened yesterday.
This is a must book in advance, at least 3 to 4 months if not right when tickets are released for your dates.
These do book up and sell out all the time, and once they do, your options are very limited.
What Should You Book in Advance in London? 1+ Month Ahead of Time
3. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is done on a timed entrance, which puts it on my “should book in advance” if you’re picky about the time and date you go.
Click here to book tickets to Westminster Abbey.
4. Churchill War Rooms
Another attraction that works on timed entrances and is very popular are the Churchill War Rooms.
Particularly in the summer months, these are popular with groups and you’ll want to book your ticket in advance to make sure you get the day and time you want if you would prefer to know exactly when you’re going.
Click here to book tickets to the Churchill War Rooms.
5. SkyGarden
The SkyGarden books up very quickly, but they only release tickets about 3 weeks ahead of time.
This is a fantastic, free view of London, so make sure you keep an eye on the available dates and book it up in advance of your trip here.
6. In-Person Guide on the Houses of Parliament Tour
Want to head to the Houses of Parliament for a tour?
You’ll have good luck doing it any time if you’re happy with just an audio guide, but if you want a real, in-person English speaking guide to take you around (which I highly recommend), you’ll want to keep checking back here for available dates about a month ahead of your trip.
These are in-demand, and if you show up last minute and expect there to be space, you’ll definitely be out of luck.
7. Anything Christmas Themed
From Christmas afternoon teas to Christmas bus tours, make sure to book your Christmas activities in advance of your trip to London.
Because they’re only available for a limited time of the year, these book out quickly and people are already thinking about the holidays by the time August and September roll around.
The earlier, the better, but at the least, check for times and tickets for Christmas themed London activities one month in advance to make sure that you still have a chance at getting booked in.
Some options, like Christmas at Kew, seriously sell out months in advance.
Get on it!
What to Consider Booking in Advance for London
There are various attractions that you usually have no problem getting tickets to on the day, but if you do it at least one day in advance you’ll get discounts.
8. Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye
These include the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye.
The London Eye also operates on timed entrances, so unless you’re prepared to be flexible on the day, it really works out best for you to book this one as soon as you know when you want to ride the Eye.
Click here to book tickets to the Tower of London, here to book tickets to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and here to book tickets to the London Eye.
9. West End
If there’s a particular play or musical that you know you just have to see in London, book as early as possible from somewhere like London Theatre Direct (my recommendation) to get full advantage of the most seating options and access to the cheap tickets.
I’ve got plenty more information about cheap theater tickets in my guide to saving money in London.
If you’re up for playing it by ear and don’t care what you see, then do the opposite and don’t buy until the day of, either from the box office directly that morning or from one of the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
Don’t Need to Book
Many of London’s museums are free and require no booking at all.
Just show up!
This includes the British Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, and others.
What else should I not miss in London?
If you’re visiting London soon, here’s a very brief rundown of a few of my other favorites to make sure you don’t miss anything!
- Hidden London Walking Tour – this tour is the absolute best if you want to see London in a different light and uncover hidden nooks, crannies, and histories that you won’t get on your normal, run-of-the-mill London walking tour. Click here to check prices and book.
- Historical Westminster Walking Tour with Churchill War Rooms – if you’re a history buff or even mildly interested in all of the insane things that have happened in London, particular during the wars, you have to book this tour which is an absolute bargain for the tour + entry to the Churchill War Rooms (basically two must-dos in one). Click here to check prices and book.
- Cutest London Afternoon Tea on a Bus – want to see the sights and enjoy afternoon tea at the same time on the upper deck? Yes, absolutely you do. This afternoon tea is a real delight and helps you get out and about while also putting your pinkies up. Click here to check prices and book.
Want more London travel guides? Check these out!
- The Definitive London Packing List for Visitors
- A Full Guide to Oyster Cards in London for Dummies
- Getting around London: Everything a Visitor Needs to Know
- Weather in London: a Visitor’s Guide
- The Best Time to Visit London: a Local’s Guide
- London on a Budget: How to Save Money in London
- Money in the UK: How to Pay for Things in London
- Exactly How Many Days to Spend in London: an Expert Guide
- How to Use the Tube in London: a Guide for Newbies
- What to Wear in London (How to Dress Like a Londoner)
- British Pub Etiquette: the must-read guide
- 49+ Expert London Travel Tips
- Visiting London with Anxiety: the ultimate guide
UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs
🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?
Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here, a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.
🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?
Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one, which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.
🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?
The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.
🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?
For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.
📳 Will my phone work in the UK?
Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.
🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?
Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink.
Great article! I love booking my attractions ahead to time. It helps me organise my trip better and get the most out of my time there 🙂