When you consider London, what first comes to you? Big Ben’s and Westminster Abbey’s elaborate towers? Red uniforms used by guards patrolling Buckingham Palace’s front? Black taxis whirling people away to afternoon tea, and double-decker buses?
Well, as a local to Britain’s capital, let me tell you, I’ve done it all, and there’s a lot more to offer, especially from an entertainment standpoint!
London is a city of clashes. For each visitor, this is a must-see location since it is historic and new, modern and grungy, all entwined. I have created a quick local guide to London’s entertainment scene to enable you to maximise your trip to our amazing capital. From non-stop laughter at comedy shows to discovering legendary music venues, and of course, West End’s theatre spectacles. Hopefully, these ideas will help you to fit in and sample local life in London while keeping yourself as entertained as possible.
You ready mate?
Relish in Some Tourist Freebies First!
While it isn’t “entertainment” from a conventional viewpoint, if you’re completely new to London, you don’t want to dive head-first into the West End, or a music concert from the get-go. No, you’ll want to embrace some of London’s cultural aspects, and that’s why I’m first pointing you to some sights that won’t cost you a penny but also provide a relaxing form of entertainment.
When friends and relatives ask for London tourist advice, I usually point to a decent panoramic perspective of the city. However, those famed landmarks we know and love, like the London Eye, and the Shard, command a pretty penny.
Alternatively, you might save money and take in one of these free London views:
Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath
Without referencing Parliament Hill, no local guide to London would be whole. Located in the lovely green area of Hampstead Heath, this raised point offers breathtaking London skyline panorama views. Famous landmarks like the Gherkin, the London Eye, and the Shard are visible to sightseers on sunny days.
Stunning views at the Sky Garden
Rising on the 35th story of the venerable Walkie Talkie skyscraper, the Sky Garden provides breathtaking views over London in a lush, contemporary environment. The viewing location requires previous reservations even though tickets are free. You may reserve supper or beverages at one of the bars and restaurants in Sky Garden to pay a little more money.
The Tate Modern
At the Tate Modern, you can take in breathtaking views of modern art from atop the museum’s tenth story observation platform. From this southeastern vantage point, you can see the Shard, Millennium Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The public is free to visit both the museum and the platform.
Thrills and Gaming Inside London’s Top Casinos
Right, you’re here for entertainment venues, so, it’s time we levelled up from those cliché tourist spots and get into the nitty-gritty, starting with the best place in the UK to test your luck and catch some thrills!
Following a day of sightseeing in London, visitors may head to one of the several top casinos for an interesting and pleasant evening of leisure gaming. This is a great opportunity to relax, have some fun, and get Lady Luck to grant a small additional shopping grant (Fingers crossed).
The best casinos in London
Of course, you can also use trusted review sites like Gambling.com to discover the best online casinos, but you can play those online games anywhere! For a true gamblers experience, nothing can quite match a brick-and-mortar establishment inside England’s capital.
Although London boasts several casinos, two that routinely receive positive ratings are the Napoleons Casino and Restaurant and the Gala Casino. Most hotels will be able to give directions to the area as both are readily available and thus very popular.
Among the most well-known casinos in London, this one offers a wide range of gaming choices. The running hours are from 2 pm to 4 am, which provides plenty of time for guests to try their luck at all the six slot machines and fifteen other kinds of table games if they so like. American Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, and Casino Stud Poker are among the games available.
Laugh the Night Away at a Comedy Club
Although most visitors associate London with historical monuments, shopping, and the Buckingham Palace guards, travel brochures sometimes overlook another aspect of the city: the comedy clubs.
Following a demanding day of seeing museums and the necessary historical and cultural sites, comedy clubs are a great way to relax and finish the evening in a great, cheerful mood. These shows can brighten and spice one’s trip through the city and help one taste the British style of humour.
With so many comedy club options, I’ve highlighted my favourite three:
- The Banana Cabaret
- The Comedy Store
- Canal Café Theatre
London Theatre and Musicals are a must!
No trip to London can neglect a theatre show or musical, they’re just too legendary to ignore!
The West End
I probably don’t need to tell you this, but book a show—any show—in the West End right now!
The West End theatrical district has long been a major draw for visitors to London. Dubbed the “Theatre Capital of the World” in 1997, it sold an eye-watering 11.5 million tickets. Estimates put the district’s 1997 economic effect at £1,075 million, thanks to the 41,000 jobs it supports, the millions of pounds in expenditure from tourists and businesses, and the substantial tax revenue it generates.
Visit the Prince Edward Theatre, Theatre Royal, Palace Theatre, or Lyceum Theatre close to Leicester Square tube station, as well as the Aldwych Theatre and Lyceum Theatre close to Covent Garden tube, to see one of the top 10 musicals performing in London. Other well-known venues are Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket, and Victoria Palace Theatre in South West London. The Adelphi Theatre near Charing Cross station is another.
I recently went to see MJ The Musical, and it was an experience that I’ll remember for a lifetime! I’ve also seen a handful of comedy theatre shows, and the classic English humour never disappoints!
The Royal Opera House
If you would like to arrange something more sophisticated for your evening entertainment, why not see what’s happening at the Royal Opera House?
Often performing the compositions in their original languages, the Royal Opera is the only British opera company that routinely showcases the most well-known opera singers from throughout the world, inviting guest artists to portray the major parts. The Royal Opera also has a permanent orchestra, a 45-voice chorus, a troop of singers, and an ongoing training program that not only strengthens its stable of performers but also advances UK arts and culture.
London’s Thriving Music Scene
Regarding musical venues, visitors to London between The Hammersmith Apollo, Barbican, Royal Albert Hall, and Earl’s Court, will have you spoilt for choice.
Music and the arts have always been a feature of London. From medieval songs to the foot-tapping music of the ground-breaking pop band The Beatles, it has been the cradle of many outstanding musicians. Not forgetting that it’s the birthplace of the late, great Amy Winehouse!
Picking a music venue won’t be easy
Given the abundance of music venues, the toughest decision a visitor must make is choosing one to go. The Royal Albert Hall, Earl’s Court, and Hammersmith Apollo are among the most well-known, yet your taste in music will ultimately determine which one you prefer. Modern, swing, rhythm and blues, pop, and rock are all on the menu. There then is the spectrum of prices. Some of the more upscale establishments charge a lot for meals and beverages in addition to tickets or admission fees. Others specify a minimum edible meal amount, ostensibly negating the ticket but still forcing you to spend a specific amount of money. Others are hole-in-the-wall noted for great musical performances even if they lack ambiance.
Here’s my list of some well-known and respected music venues to consider:
- The Barbican
- South Bank Centre
- Earl’s Court
- The Royal Albert Hall
- Hammersmith Apollo
Oh, and if you’re looking for music on a budget, no problem! London has a plethora of local bars and smaller venues that host music events on a daily basis.
Cheerio!
With my local’s advice on entertainment in London, hopefully, you will be at ease navigating all the city has to offer. Make time for the hidden treasures and enjoy the well-known sites, and I assure you you won’t regret it.
Cheers mate!
