As the capital of the UK, London truly has it all, from the most famous sightseeing spots to some of the oldest pubs in the country.

So, for a few more stories worth swapping over your next round of cask ales, here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in London – with a little nudge towards our most historic pubs in the city.

In the beautiful building that is the British Museum, explore the history of humanity across the globe, with artefacts and exhibitions that show off Britain’s colourful history and beyond.

Get directions to the British Museum.

The River Thames is an iconic UK river – we’ve all seen Eastenders, right? – and now’s your chance to jump on a river cruise and enjoy the sights, including landmarks like the Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament.

Dating all the way back to 1714, The Bear & Staff has to be one of the oldest pubs in London – and it’s even named after Charlie Chaplin, who used to love drinking here. How’s that for a claim to fame? When you’re searching for a British pub in Leicester Square near The British Museum and the River Thames, just think, “if it’s good enough for Charlie, it’s good enough for me!”

Packed with centuries of history, the Tower of London is as interesting as it is eye-catching on the London skyline, housing the Crown Jewels. If you can snatch them, the next round is on us – just saying…

Get directions to the Tower of London.

Somewhere between the hearty pies and tantalising tipples, experience another side of London’s diverse culture at the Tate Modern – a converted power station that now features the most striking contemporary art pieces by the Thames.

Get directions to the Tate Modern.

Take a seat at the infamous Doggett's Coat and Badge, named after Thomas Doggett, organiser of the oldest continuous sporting event in the UK—the London Bridge to Chelsea rowing race that began in 1715. The race, spanning four miles and seven furlongs each July, awards the winner a waterman's coat and badge, hence the name 'Doggett's Coat and Badge.' Following Doggett's death in 1721, The Fishmongers' Company continued the race, and our pub, located along the race course in South Bank, proudly carries the founder's legacy. Enjoy the captivating views of the Thames as you immerse yourself in this rich history.

Want to feel like you’re in The Crown? Don’t we all. That’s where a trip over to Buckingham Palace comes in handy, giving you a chance to soak up the grand architecture of our Royal Family, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and make time for a stroll through the nearby St. James's Park.

Get directions to Buckingham Palace.

Speaking of parks… we’ve heard it’s impossible to come to London without taking at least one walk through Hyde Park. With its many lakes, meadows, and iconic landmarks, this is easily London's largest and most famous park for a reason.

Get directions to Hyde Park.

Sniffing out spots for classic London pub history? Head straight to The Three Greyhounds in Soho. Dating back to 1847, this pub was a frequent local for Wolfgang Mozart, The Sex Pistols, and The Clash, but now we’re the perfect pitstop on your way to Hyde Park or Buckingham Palace.

Join the hustle & bustle of Covent Garden if you like your city breaks with a side of street performers, boutique shops, restaurants and cafés. This is truly the beating heart of London, surrounded by so many of the capital’s most iconic landmarks and must-see attractions.

Get directions to Covent Garden.

As they say, “the show must go on!” and it’s always going on in the West End. Put on your fineries, catch one of London’s countless award-winning West End shows or musicals, and then join us back at the pub for a cold one after the curtain falls.

Get directions to London’s West End.

It’s going to sound like we’re bragging a little – and we are – but The Wellington has to be one of London’s most stylish old pubs, dating back to 1903 and named after the Duke of Wellington (who defeated Napoleon in 1815, we’ll have you know). Somewhere between exploring Covent Garden and enjoying a West End show, make time to be sufficiently impressed by our neo-gothic interiors, stained glass windows, and original marble fireplace.

I spy, the London Eye! Another of London’s most famous landmarks, you can see it spinning all throughout London’s skyline, but the view’s even better from the top – enjoy panoramic views of the city from South Bank.

Get directions to the London Eye.

You may know this spot well from every English and British coronation since 1066, but Westminster Abbey somehow seems even more resplendent up close and personal. If you have time, we’d recommend visiting for a few snaps!

Get directions to Westminster Abbey.

When you’re spitting feathers and looking for a charming British pub near the London Eye and Westminster Abbey, rest your wings for a while at The Feathers. Although our current building dates back to 1898, our pub name was first mentioned in 1745, described as a “public house with a yard, coach house, and stabling.” When you walk through our doors, you’ll be getting classic pub dishes, cask ales, and a side of history.

Can’t decide on the perfect pubs for your trip to London? Understandable. Thankfully, we have a selection of London Ale & Gin Trails (PDF) for that.

Join us on a journey of London’s best pubs, pints and pies as we roam through Nicholson’s vibrant collection of British pubs in the area – while also drinking the finest ales and gins along the way, of course.

London is a sprawling metropolis of glorious old pubs and must-see attractions, and we just couldn’t squeeze it all into simply one Gin & Ale Trail, so we crafted six – each as tempting as the last:

·      The Financial District

·       London Bridge to Tower Bridge

·       Blackfriars

·      Piccadilly to Westminster

·      Soho and Oxford St

·      Theatreland

Or, if you want to explore our London Gin & Ail Trails all in one go, step right this way…

Oh, one last thing… For especially ‘appy travels along our London Ale & Gin Trails, remember to collect your Ale & Gin Trail loyalty stamps on our app. Keep it up and we’ll pour you a FREE ale or gin with every 4^th old pub you visit.

If all that reading about the best attractions in London – and the charming old pubs that go hand-in-hand with them – has you feeling thirsty, we think you deserve a break.

Find your nearest Nicholson’s pub and take a load off, treating yourself to a couple of cask ales, and perhaps a classic British pub lunch, before getting back to your journey through the best cities in the UK.