15 Things To Do Near Victoria Station London | Galleries, Parks & More
Found in the heart of London, Victoria is a hub of activity within the city of Westminster. It is known for being a central location with the things to do near Victoria station being some of the best attractions that London has to offer.
Victoria station is also a major transport hub, giving you links to Gatwick Airport and serving as an easy starting point for a day trip to Dover.
From Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey and even some shopping near Victoria Station, there is something for everyone in this busy part of the city.
Things To Do in Victoria, London
The Victoria area itself was named after the station and street, Victoria Street. Since it is quite the central hub, there are plenty of things to do here โ apart from jumping on a train to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
There are some notable landmarks and attractions around the station that are worth taking a look at, all within walking distance of the station.
Below is a list of a range of different things to do, places to see, and even a spot or two for you to sit back and relax with food.
What To Do Near Victoria Station
When it comes to major attractions and a few little events, there are quite a few things to keep you busy if shopping in Victoria, London isnโt high on your list of things to do.
Visit Buckingham Palace
This is one of the best things to do in Victoria for anyone who visits London. Buckingham Palace is a must-visit and easy to get to as soon as you walk out of the station onto Buckingham Palace Road.
Seeing the changing of the guard is quite the experience with the soldiers parading up and down The Mall towards St. Jamesโs Palace. The best place to view the ceremony is from around the Victoria Memorial.
The earlier that you get there the better as it can get very crowded. However, booking a walking tour of the changing of the guard takes you right up front for better access to the parade.
Tip: This is one of the best places for Instagram photos in London to make sure your camera is at the ready.
Location: Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA
See Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is famous for being the site of Coronation for all of the previous kings and queens of the UK. This gorgeous building is perfect for any travel photographer wanting to get some historic photos on their London trip.
If you are thinking that this building looks familiar, it is because the Abbey has a long tradition of playing host to royal weddings. If you are a massive William and Kate fan, why wouldnโt you want to visit?
There are also memorials to iconic figures, such as the father of gravity himself, Sir Isaac Newton. For fans of science in the Victoria area, Westminster Abbey is where you will also find Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking for you to pay your respects to.
Location: 20 Deans Yard, London, SW1P 3PA
Watch a Show at the Victoria Palace Theatre
From its beginnings as a small concert venue, Victoria Palace Theatre has become one of the iconic venues in the West End. Playing host to some incredible productions from Billy Elliot to the more recent and famous Hamilton.
Step inside and this intimate theatre will welcome you with open arms. Something that everyone needs to do at least once in London is to go to a production on the West End.
These productions are considered to be on the highest level of theatre in the world, just like Broadway. This area plays host to some of the top things to do in and around London.
Location: 79 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5EA
Go to Apollo Victoria Theatre
Straight across the road from Victoria Station, the Apollo Victoria Theatre was opened during the era of the super cinemas in the 30s.
The interior of this theatre is something to behold; an art-deco design that can only really be compared to a cross between a fairy paradise under the sea.
This is another one of the famous West End venues that has played host to some incredible productions over the years. It has been the home of the musical โWickedโ for around 13 years, so seeing a play here should be on everyoneโs list.
Location: 17 Wilton Road, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1LG
Visit the Little Ben Clock
Believe it or not, there is a smaller version of Big Ben; think of it as Big Benโs little brother. But, for a joke, you can try and trick your friends into thinking that this is the real Big Ben and see their reaction.
This is a cast miniature tower made of iron that was first built in 1892 and has since remained one of the more quirky things to do near Victoria Station.
This little unique structure is just outside of the Victoria station, near the Victoria Palace Theatre.
Location: 2 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1AN
Visit Grosvenor Square in Victoria London
In the Mayfair area of London, Grosvenor Square next to Victoria Station is a large square with a beautiful garden. It is the heart of the Duke of Westminsterโs Mayfair home, and it gets its name from the family name โGrosvenor.โ In the 18th century, it was constructed for fashionable dwellings.
In the 20th century, it had an American and Canadian diplomatic presence, and it is now used for both commercial and leisure purposes.
Grosvenor Square, which has almost 2.5 hectares of open garden, is the second-largest garden square in central London, after Russell Square.
Relax At Eccleston Yards Market
This beautiful courtyard in the midst of Londonโs busy streets is an oasis where individualism, well-being, creativity, and community spirit are the cornerstones of this stunning courtyard.
In Eccleston Yards you can enjoy independent boutiques, yoga classes, Londonโs first-ever meditation studio and more.
Eccleston Yards Market is one of Londonโs best-kept secrets, itโs tucked away in a beautiful courtyard in the heart of Belgravia. This open-air mall in Belgravia, London that is located between Eccleston Place, Eccleston Street, and Elizabeth Street.
It is approximately a 7-minute walk from London Victoria Station. And a short walk from Victoria Coach Station and a chill place to pass a few hours on the weekend.
Location: 21 Eccleston Pl, London SW1W 9NF
Nova Food Victoria
Nova is a place where Londonโs most interesting restaurants and recreational facilities come together. Itโs only two minutes from Victoria station, and it offers a place for eclectic and creative companies.
More than 20 eateries and leisure spots, such as Bone Daddies, Shake Shack, Franco Manca, Aster & Flight Club, offer visitors a wide range of food choices and activities in the vibrant public space.
Location: 1 Sir Simon Milton Sq, London SW1E 5DJ
Explore Trafalgar Square
If you follow The Mall past Buckingham Palace, you will end up in Trafalgar Square, another famous landmark in London that finds itself within walking distance of Victoria Station.
Found at the centre of the square is Nelsonโs Column, a monument to the naval hero Admiral Nelson, to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Apart from the historical significance of this square, the square is a hub for different community gatherings and has one of the best New Yearโs Eve celebrations in the city.
This is a great place to grab a coffee from one of the many coffee shops and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling square around you.
Location: Westminster, London, WC2N 5DX
Galleries and Museums Near Victoria Station
There is no doubt that London has a rich history with many museums and galleries showcasing incredible works of art and a collection of items from history. Some of these you may not even have heard of, while others are more obvious places to visit.
The Queenโs Gallery
Once you have witnessed the show and spectacle that is the changing of the guard, you can escape the crowds and visit the Queenโs Gallery.
For anyone that loves art and has a passion for history, this small gallery holds the Royal Collection with some of the most incredible and significant artworks from around the world. It is also the largest collection of privately owned art in the world.
This is the gallery for Buckingham Palace itself and is open to the public for most of the year. The exhibitions are nearly constantly rotating with different elements of the over one-million-piece collection being shown for different periods.
From the works of da Vinci to Raphael and Rembrandt, there are incredible artworks to be seen here that would make any budding art lover excited.
Location: Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA
Churchill War Rooms
Although not a public museum, the Churchill War Rooms are a historic underground area that played host to a majority of the government who led the command centre during WWII.
The museum itself focuses on Churchillโs life; with the halls of the bunker being unchanged and preserved from the last day they were used in 1945.
Here, you will walk into the same rooms and see the same things that Churchill and the War Cabinet met in. It is a time capsule to a period of time that helped define the country and offers an incredible look into the history of the nation at one of its most critical times. A walking tour is the best way to experience these rooms.
Location: King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AQ
Parks Near Victoria Station
The city can be a bit much, especially in such a busy area like Victoria. For all the introverts out there, a park near the station, away from the busy streets, is the perfect place to recharge your social batteries. Luckily, some of the best Royal Parks in London are quite close to Victoria Station.
St. Jamesโs Park
Found around The Mall that plays host to the changing of the guard, St. Jamesโs Park is one of the oldest parks in London.
There is a small lake in the park that offers incredible views of the London cityscape. With it being so close to Buckingham Palace, this is a lovely place to take a break and get away from the crowds for a bit.
If you see any pelicans, donโt be alarmed; as a group of them were gifted to the King in the 1600s. Make your way to Blue Bridge, for the view of the palace, the London Eye, and even Big Ben. This park near Victoria Station is only a 12-minute walk away, so not too far off the beaten track to find.
Location: Westminster, London, SW1
Green Park
Another park next to Buckingham Palace, Green Park, is a little different from the parks surrounding it. It does not have all the statues and lakes like the other parks. It is simply a lush green area where you can hide from the sounds of the city and listen to the rustling of the leaves.
This is the perfect place to bring a blanket and your favourite book and relax in the afternoon sun. It is the smallest Royal Park in the city, but its character and charming views of the palace are quite the treat to behold.
Location: London, W1J 7NF
Buckingham Palace Garden
This garden is a bit harder to see as you can only experience it by taking a tour. This is because it is the Queenโs own gardens. Known as the โWalled Oasisโ, it is in the centre of London and has recently opened to the public.
These gardens are only open at specific times of the year, but you can bring your own picnic basket to enjoy while sitting in the palace garden. This is great for those who want to get a feel for what the famous Queenโs Garden Parties are like.
For all the gin lovers, the garden has its own brand of gin, Buckingham Palace Gin, which uses botanicals grown in the gardens themselves.
Location: Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA
Hyde Park
Home to many famous events, from Winter Wonderland to massive rock concerts, Hyde Park has something for everyone. Explore the expansive grounds and take in the various monuments, lakes and flowers scattered around the greenery.
Going from Victoria Station to Hyde Park is a bit of a walk, but you pass along some notable attractions on the way. One of the coolest things to do in summer is to take a boat out on Serpentine Lake.
Step through the marble arch gate and visit the rose garden and Diana Memorial and see the colours of autumn in London as the seasons change.
Location: Westminster, London, W2 2UH
Restaurants Near Victoria Station, London
There are a plethora of different restaurants and coffee shops to choose from. When it comes to getting rid of those hangry feelings, your choices are near endless. The best way to satisfy your hunger is while exploring or taking a break from buying up a storm in the different shops in Victoria, London.
Strutton Ground Market
When it comes to finding tasty meals on the go, the food markets in London should be your first stop. This small market takes place on Strutton Ground, just off of Victoria Street. This quaint little street market is open during the week and happens to be a favourite amongst locals.
Although this isnโt a restaurant per say, this is still a great place to get some food. You can also do a little shopping and take a look at the various clothing and jewellery stalls on offer.
It is open from 08:00 to 18:00. So, it is a great place to either start your morning off after leaving Victoria Station or grab something before heading back to catch your train.
Location: Strutton Ground, London, SW1P 2JT
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Clermont Victoria Tea Lounge
You canโt go to London without having a classic afternoon tea experience. Add in some amazing little cake options to provide you with a sense of tranquillity from the fast-paced world outside. Sinking into one of those comfy armchairs in their airy and bright lounge, you will instantly feel right at home.
If you want to add a few bubbles to your assortment of cakes and tea, then throw in a little glass of bubbly for that extra flair to your teatime. Ensure that you arrive promptly as tea is served daily from 12:00, with their last table being available at 16:30.
Location: 101 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0SJ
Market Hall Food Court
One of the top foodie destinations in Victoria, the Market Hall is built in an old nightclub that has two levels of different kinds of street food on offer.
What is great about this place is that there is something here to suit all budgets. So, you pick your poison and head to the terrace that overlooks the train station and tuck in.
Be prepared for crowds, though, as the market gets pretty busy during the week with all the local workers in the area. It is also a great spot for a little bit of brunch on the weekends if you happen to find yourself there on a Saturday.
Location: 191 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NE
Shops Near Victoria Station
When it comes to London, Victoria shops, youโll find one of the most renowned stores in the country nearby.
Harrods
In what some consider to be the most famous department store in the world, Harrods is widely known for its luxurious shops. It is also one of the few department stores that have an unspoken dress code, so donโt bank on getting inside wearing flip flops.
Famous for its insane prices, you will be hard-pressed to find any regular prices for anything โ not even coffee or chocolate.
It is still a worthwhile experience though. And with over 1 million square feet of space, it probably could have its own postal code with that size. Stepping inside is like walking into another world. Simply put, you need to experience Harrods to understand what it is like.
Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
Victoria Station Shops
With millions of people passing through the station, there are a few of the more traditional things such as coffee shops and food stores for you to grab something during your journey. Though, something a little different about this station is that it has its own shopping mall.
Victoria Place is a mall that sits above the station itself. The Victoria train station shops are your typical fashion and retail stores where you can do a little bit of retail therapy before heading home.
Location: 115 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SJ
Final Thoughts on Things To Do Around Victoria Station
With Victoria being Londonโs connection to the rest of the UK and Europe, there are a few things to do near Victoria Station.
These will keep you busy between trains or if you just want to explore it. There might be a little bit of walking involved to see some of the top London landmarks around the area but it is all worth it.
From the museums to the Royal Gardens and even the shops in Victoria Station itself, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. The question is though, which of these things to do in the Victoria area will you be doing on your adventure to London?