Discover Things to Do in West London: Our Guide to Local Highlights

West London is a dynamic and diverse part of the capital, offering loads of things to do. We even listed several West London areas as some of the best places to live in London. Whether you’re a local looking to explore the area or a visitor eager to spend a full day out exploring, this guide has something for everyone. From parks and world-class museums to lively markets and iconic landmarks, West London is full of things to see and do. Below, we'll run through the best things to do so you don't miss out during your time in West London.

Explore West London’s royal heritage

West London is full of royal heritage with plenty of stories to learn and discover. One of the highlights is Hampton Court Palace, once home to Henry VIII, where visitors can immerse themselves in the palace's impressive architecture and wander through its famous hedge maze and gardens. This historic site gives a fascinating insight into royal life during the Tudor era, and the closest tube stations are Wimbledon and Richmond.

Another must-visit is Kensington Palace, a royal residence surrounded by stunning gardens. The palace is home to beautiful grand halls, and visitors can explore its State Rooms to learn about the royals who have lived there throughout history, including Queen Victoria (who was actually born here) and Princess Diana. The palace tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the history of one of London’s most famous landmarks and is just a two minute walk from Queensway tube station.

For those who appreciate a bit of nature, Kew Gardens is an absolute gem. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts over 30,000 different species of plants and offers plenty of walks through lush, diverse landscapes, greenhouses and gardens. 

Recommended Nearest Tube Station: Kew Gardens

And no trip to West London would be complete without visiting the iconic Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington. Known for its unique architecture and acoustics, the Royal Albert Hall hosts world-class performances, including concerts, opera and ballet. You can get to this fabulous venue by catching the tube to either South Kensington and High Street Kensington followed by a short walk.

Enjoy the great outdoors

West London has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, with loads of parks and green spaces to wander around and explore. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature is by deer spotting in Richmond Park, the largest royal park in London which is home to more than 600 deer. Just make sure to keep your dog on a lead to avoid your very own 'Fenton' situation! You can get here on the District Line by getting off at Richmond station.

If you’re looking for some great views, King Henry’s Mound in Richmond Park is the perfect place to head first. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views stretching across London, including a unique line of sight all the way to St. Paul's Cathedral. It’s a popular spot for walkers who appreciate both nature and fantastic cityscapes.

If you enjoy cycling, Osterley Park is a fantastic place to visit. This 18th-century mansion is set within 350 acres of picturesque parkland, perfect for a leisurely bike ride. The park’s fields and gardens are a great way to avoid the busyness of life in West London and it’s just a short walk from Osterley tube station.

And of course, Hyde Park is one of West London’s most beloved green spaces. The park’s beautiful gardens, lawns and lakes make it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing day in nature. At Christmas, the entire park transforms into the magical Winter Wonderland, when it fills with stalls, rides and festive shows. Because it’s such a big park, you can get here by catching the tube to Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge.

Discover world-class museums and galleries

Several West London attractions are among some of the most famous in UK, as we highlighted in our guide on the top things to do in London. This makes West London a fantastic place to visit for both tourists and locals. The South Kensington museums alone are more than enough reason to visit, offering a fantastic cultural and historical experience. They're arguably as big a draw to the capital as central London itself. A must-see is the Natural History Museum, one of the best museums in London, if not the world. With its impressive collection of exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to human evolution, the museum is perfect for visitors of all ages and provides a fascinating glimpse into the natural world.

Just a short walk around the corner is the Science Museum, a great way to get hands-on and learn all about modern technology and scientific discoveries. One of its most impressive exhibits is, of course, the Apollo 10 command module, but it also features interactive displays on everything from space exploration to robotics.

Also not too far away is the Design Museum, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of design. Known for its minimalist style and rotating exhibitions, it showcases cutting-edge designs across everything from fashion and architecture to graphic design and industrial innovation. It’s a leading museum for design lovers and creatives.

We couldn't reference the Design Museum and not include its bigger brother, the famous Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). One of the world’s greatest museums of art and design, the V&A boasts a vast collection of art, fashion, textiles and decorative arts from across the globe. Whether you're interested in ancient artifacts or contemporary design, the V&A offers something to inspire every visitor.

You can get to each of the museums by tube on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines to South Kensington followed by a short walk.

Experience West London’s vibrant culture

West London offers an exciting and diverse cultural scene, with a wealth of events, attractions and venues that capture the area's diversity.

For those who enjoy a lively celebration, Notting Hill Carnival is a must-see. This annual event is Europe’s biggest street party and is a colourful celebration of Caribbean culture. With parades, energetic music and delicious food, the carnival is a feast for the senses and a fantastic way to experience the culture of West London. Just hop on the tube and get off at Notting Hill Gate station.

If live music is your thing, you need to check out the Hammersmith Apollo, close to Hammersmith tube station. A historic venue with a long-standing reputation for hosting top-tier artists, the Apollo offers an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere for gigs and concerts. Whether you're into rock, pop or indie, this venue delivers unforgettable live performances.

For theatre enthusiasts, you just have to catch a show at the famous West End. Known for its world-class productions, the West End is home to iconic shows such as Les Misérables, The Lion King and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It’s the perfect place to see incredible theatre, from musicals to plays.

Shop and dine in style

West London is a fantastic destination for those who love to shop and are looking for a bite to eat, offering a blend of shopping and dining options.

Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is one of the most famous markets in the area, where you can browse stalls filled with antiques, fresh produce and fashion. It’s the perfect spot for finding hidden treasures and enjoying the lively charm of West London. The closest tube station is Ladbrooke Grove.

To experience some amazing food, West London is home to a variety of fantastic restaurants, including The Ledbury in Notting Hill, a Michelin two-star restaurant known for its modern European cuisine. Dishoom in Covent Garden offers a vibrant atmosphere and delicious Indian food inspired by Bombay’s 1920s canteens, while Sushi Tetsu in Clerkenwell is a hidden gem for lovers of Japanese cuisine, providing an intimate and authentic dining experience with expertly crafted sushi. These are just three eateries in the area we recommend - there are so many more that make a trip to West London a must-do.

If shopping is on your agenda, you really can't go wrong with Westfield London in White City. As one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, Westfield is a shopaholic’s paradise, with over 300 stores offering everything from high-street fashion to luxury brands. With an array of dining and entertainment options, it’s a perfect destination to get lost in for an entire day, right by Shepherd’s Bush tube station.

For those looking to see how the other half lives, a visit to Harrods in Knightsbridge is a must. This world-renowned department store is the ultimate status symbol, offering an extensive selection of designer clothing, jewellery, fine foods and home goods. Whether you're window shopping or indulging in a shopping spree, Harrods has to be seen to be believed. The closest tube station to Harrods is Knightsbridge.

Finally, King’s Road in Chelsea offers a great mix of high-end boutiques, stylish cafes and trendy shops. It’s a famous shopping street known for its fashionable vibe, where you can browse the latest collections from top designers or relax in one of the many cafes. Whether you're after the latest fashion or simply enjoying a coffee in a chic setting, King’s Road, close to Sloane Square, is a delightful destination for both shopping and dining.

Looking to call West London home?

There are so many interesting and fun things to do in and around West London that you're completely spoiled for choice. If you'd like the opportunity to enjoy London for the long term, why not move into the area and call it home?

If you’re thinking about moving to West London, here at UNCLE, we have a range of fully-serviced apartments that makes moving to London more affordable and convenient than ever.