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Kew Gardens
Photograph: RBG KewKew Gardens

The best things to do in west London

Explore all the very best attractions, pubs, restaurants and things to do with our guide to west London

Lucy Lovell
Written by
Lucy Lovell
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Big, beautiful and bursting with things to do, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start with London. The sprawling city is home to a mammoth selection of top sights, and the west is no exception. A sophisticated area with some of the prettiest parts of the capital, it has a huge array of attractions to keep any visitor entertained – and we’ve rounded up the best of them here. 

From partying at Notting Hill Carnival and feasting in a former garage to strolling along the picture-perfect canals of Little Venice, finding Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden or getting lost in the maze at Hampton Court Palace – there are loads of great things to do in west London. 

If, after all this lot, you’ve still got the energy to explore more of London, check out our month-by-month guide to the best events in the city, our guide to the best London attractions, or explore another side to the city in our guide to secret London. But for now, read on for the ultimate guide to things to do in west London. 

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RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in North London and East London

The best things to do in west London

Go deer-spotting in Richmond Park
  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Richmond Park

What is it? Covering a staggering 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is the largest royal park in London. 

Why go? There are hundreds of red and fallow deer who have a grand old time roaming the grounds. They’re pretty chill, except in rutting season (September-October) and birthing season (May-July) when it’s best to give them more space. After an eyeful of deer, head to King Henry’s Mound for panoramic views of the city, right across to St Paul's Cathedral.

  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Kew

What is it? An otherworldly haven of exotic flowers, plant life and even a treetop walk.

Why go? There’s a whopping 300 acres to explore at Kew Gardens, which includes the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse, a Chinese Pagoda built in 1762, and a lively selection of exhibitions and conferences. There’s plenty going on behind the scenes too, where scientists work tirelessly to preserve the future of plant life in not one, but two national bases for research into botanical studies. 

 

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Rummage for vintage gems at Portobello Road Market
  • Shopping
  • Vintage shops
  • Portobello Road

What is it? A buzzing treasure trove of antiques, street food and vintage clothing along the pretty pastel-coloured streets of Notting Hill. 

Why go? Notting Hill has become one of London’s most affluent and desirable areas, but Portobello Road Market still retains some of the laid-back coolness that kicked it all off. Browse through stalls packed with oddities, collectables and eccentricities, before refuelling in one of the area’s brilliant restaurants. We’d recommend the local institution Lowry & Baker, or any of the top street-food vendors that pitch up on Fridays and Saturdays.

 

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary Global
  • Notting Hill
  • price 3 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? Chef Fadi Kattan’s Palestinian restaurant serves up near-perfect cuisine in a converted Notting Hill townhouse

Why go? While Akub isn’t the first proudly Palestinian restaurant in London, or even in Notting Hill – it is still a rare thing. This place is free and creative in its expression with a menu full of lens-friendly small plates in pretty pinks, yellows, and greens. Tuck into bold Palestinian flavours as well as aesthetics, with plates by third-generation ceramicist Nur Minawi in Jaffa.

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Feast on fine Persian food at Sufi
  • Restaurants
  • Iranian
  • Shepherd’s Bush
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? Glorious stews, spot-on kebabs and delightful dips distinguish this peach of a Persian venue. 

Why go? It’s‬ hard to find a bad word to say about Sufi, a restaurant we’ve consistently praised since it opened in 2007. Sufi is just about smart enough for a date, though rugs and instruments hanging from‬ the walls are as exciting as the decor gets. But for exquisite Persian food at low prices, it’s a fantastic option.‬ ‬  

  • Attractions
  • Rivers, lakes and ponds
  • Little Venice

What is it? London’s most picturesque narrowboat hangout, Little Venice is a floating idyll of waterside cafés, bars and shops. 

Why go? A walk along the canalside picking out your dream houseboat is the perfect antidote to inner-city living. A visit to Little Venice will also reveal some of the city's most-loved eccentricities, such as the charming Puppet Theatre Barge or the bustling comedy venue the Canal Café Theatre

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  • Music

What is it? This celebration of West Indian culture and Europe’s biggest street party always takes place on August Bank Holiday

Why go? Sunday is family day, and on Monday the streets get especially crowded, so arrive by tube then walk to Chepstow Road, Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Grove. Sound systems on the street and in the squares are a big draw, but some of best DJ sessions feature at the warm-ups and after-parties.

Get lost in Hampton Court Palace’s hedge maze
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites
  • Hampton
  • Recommended

What is it? Based in the Tudor stomping ground of Hampton Court Palace, the Palace Maze was commissioned around 1700 by William III, and has seen a number of kings and queens getting lost among its hedges. Covering a third of an acre, this bad boy is referred to as a ‘puzzle maze’, and takes around 20 minutes to crack.

Why go? The hedge maze (the oldest in the UK, fyi) is just one of the top sights at the grand Tudor pile that Henry VIII ‘acquired’ from Cardinal Wolsey. Visitors can also wander down the corridor where Catherine Howard was dragged screaming, see how George I’s chocolatier prepared the king’s favourite tipple, and take a peek at King Charles II’s royal toilet. 

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  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Holland Park

What is it? Holland Park is lovely enough – packed with sports facilities, play areas, woodland and an eco centre –but hidden inside it is a little haven of relaxation known as the Kyoto Garden.

Why go? The Japanese garden was a present from the city of Kyoto to London, and boy are they good at gifting. Inside you'll find enough coy carp, waterfalls and serene ponds to chill out even the most stressed city slicker. Visit in the early morning for a more peaceful visit – the park opens daily at 7.30am. 

  • Attractions
  • Chiswick

What is it? Sipsmith were one of the first distilleries to open with the new wave of craft gin, and booze fans can take a tour of their Chiswick site to learn all there is to know about mother's ruin.  

Why go? Tours include a short history of gin in London, before you get to meet three copper ladies – Prudence, Patience and Verity – the three giant copper stills. Gin fans then get a tutored tasting of the Sipsmith range of gins. Cheers!

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  • Restaurants
  • Contemporary European
  • Richmond

What is it? Housed within the garden centre, this Café resembles a stately greenhouse, hung with Indian prints and pictures, and furnished with rickety tables and chairs.

Why go? The ultimate in rustic charm, complete with a real meadow on its doorstep, Petersham Nurseries is the perfect balm for the frazzled urbanite. There’s a delightful seasonal menu serving top-notch plates. There’s also a Tea house, where light lunches and cakes are served, a shop and of course, the Nurseries. 

  • Museums
  • Art and design
  • Kensington

What is it? A temple to contemporary architecture and design with a minimal interior that even Marie Kondo would approve of, designed by John Pawson. 

Why go? The name might ring a bell, but this is the new and improved Design Museum. The £83m premises opened in 2016 with a bigger and better line-up of exhibitions, shows and talks. Check out their Friday Lates series, where on the first Friday of every month the museum stays open till 9pm with everything from free sketching workshops to open discussions sparked by themes in the exhibits. 

 

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Cycle around Osterley Park
  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites
  • Osterley

What is it? A stonking eighteenth-century mansion set in 350 acres of parkland. It was described by Horace Walpole as ‘the palace of palaces’. We couldn't have said it better ourselves. 

Why go? As well as dazzling architecture and cheering grounds, the estate has recently upgraded its cycle track which stretches the perimeter of the park. It's good for prams and wheelchairs and perfect for a leisurely pedal. 

Brunch in the old BBC Television studios

14. Brunch in the old BBC Television studios

What is it? The former home of the BBC has now re-launched as a hip hub of restaurants, bars, apartments and a swanky rooftop pool. 

Why go? The decor for starters. New owners have run with the 1960s theme, and the interior is a delightful mix of elegant mid-century design with a playful naff edge. The growing food offering looks promising too, with top Mumbai flavours from Brixton’s Kriket, to stacked burgers from Patty & Bun.

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Bounce off the walls at Oxygen Freejumping
  • Things to do
  • Acton

What is it? A warehouse full of 100% jumping action, with 150 interconnected trampolines, squishy foam pit and a giant air bag.  

Why go? Why wouldn’t you go? Visitors can jump across the expanse in any direction they wish, bounding onto 'walk the wall' trampolines or over obstacle courses in 27,000sq ft of space. As well as these freejump sessions, there's a trampoline academy, fitness classes, family sessions and even dodgeball.

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Thai
  • Shepherd’s Bush
  • price 2 of 4
  • Recommended

What is it? Chef Kris Yenbamroong’s cult California restaurant Night + Market Song comes to London, situating itself in the newest branch of The Hoxton hotel in west London. 

Why go? To sample Yenbamroong’s deeply Californian take on Thai food. Sure, a few trad dishes are present and correct: there’s authentic larb gai and lemongrass seared sea bass fillet. But Chet’s goes hard on the Americana angle to give British palates a beautifully balanced taste of the Golden State. Like the gloriously gloopy blue-cheese-slathered wedge salad and fried chicken khao soi. For extra kick there are bespoke Chet’s bottles of culty fermented fave Kold Sauce on every table. Bliss. 

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  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites
  • Ealing

What is it? Recently reopened after a three-year restoration, Pitzhanger Manor is Sir John Soane’s restored Grade I-listed Georgian villa.

Why go? As well as getting an eyeful of Soane’s architecture, visitors can take in some art with the launch of the new gallery housed in the former lending library. Hosting three exhibitions a year, visitors will find a changing selection of work from artists, designers and architects, kicking off with a series of reflective sculptures by Anish Kapoor. 

 

  • Bars and pubs
  • Pubs
  • Hammersmith
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? The Dove’s prime riverside location means it comes into its own on Boat Race day, but this welcoming, cosy pub is worth a visit any time.

Why go? It’s packed full of history (check the pictures that line the walls for more info), but most drinkers come here to sit in the vine-entangled conservatory or the riverside terrace overlooking the houseboats. If you’re looking for a cosy, atmospheric boozer, The Dove is always a reliable option. 

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Have a boozy snooze at a gin hotel
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Portobello Road

What is it? It’s no secret that London is in the middle of a serious love affair with gin. The city is dotted with distilleries and dedicated drinking dens. Now there’s a gin hotel.

Why go? The Distillery on Portobello Road is home to Portobello Road Gin, where lovers of mother’s ruin can now rest their hazy heads. Blend your own batch of the good stuff at The Ginstitute downstairs before drinking giant G&Ts at GinTonica and falling into bed with a premixed cocktail from the minibar. If that’s not living, we don’t know what is.

  • Museums
  • History
  • Holland Park

What is it? A self-styled private palace of art, Leighton House reopened in April 2010 after a £1.6 million refurbishment that uncovered and restored many of the dazzling decorative features. 

Why go? The dour exterior doesn’t let on to the intricate decor inside. Expect magnificent reception rooms downstairs designed for lavish entertaining, and a dramatic staircase leading to a huge, light-filled studio taking up most of the first floor. Four extensions were added over the years, the most striking addition is the ‘Arab Hall’ – designed to showcase Leighton’s huge collection of sixteenth-century Middle Eastern glazed tiles. 

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  • Attractions
  • Cemeteries
  • Chelsea

What is it? This historic Grade I listed cemetery is the final resting place of more than 200,000 people, including such illustrious Londoners as suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and public-health pioneer Dr John Snow.

Why go? Cemetery seekers will find 39 acres of peaceful open space to explore, plus a visitors' centre and the glorious, recently restored chapel. Visitors can opt to take an eerie trip around the historic catacombs on a guided tour – yikes! Tours are drop-in and a small donation of £8 is suggested. We think it sounds dead good. Find out more here

  • Sport and fitness
  • West Kensington

What is it? The Queen’s Club was established in 1886, becoming the first multipurpose sports complex to be built anywhere in the world.

Why go? Wimbledon ain’t the only lawn tennis club in London. The pre-Wimbledon men's tournament is a joy to watch, and members can grab a racket and use all the sporting and recreational facilities themselves.

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Geek out at a convention at Olympia London
  • Things to do
  • Event spaces
  • West Kensington

What is it? This Kensington event space, first opened in 1886, includes the Olympia Grand and Pillar Hall and boasts a big ol' venue for annual conventions.

Why go? It hosts a huge range of headline events, such as the Ideal Home Show, A Place in the Sun Live, and the London International Horse Show.

  • Music
  • Music festivals
  • Hammersmith

What is it? Now officially known as the Eventim Apollo after a spell as the HMV Apollo, Hammersmith Apollo is a live music emporium that began life as an art deco cinema.

Why go? Highlights from the Apollo's glittering history include 38 Beatles gigs from 1964-1965, David Bowie's last gig as Ziggy Stardust in 1973, and several concerts by Queen in 1979. It now doubles as a 3,600-capacity all-seater theatre and a 5,000-capacity standing-room-only gig space, hosting everyone from Kenny Rogers to Slipknot.

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  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites
  • Brentford

What is it? A romantic house built in the 1500s, featuring spectacular bedrooms (one of which was used by Queen Victoria) and a grand Roman hallway in black-and-white marble to the Red Drawing Room, with crimson silk walls and Roman statues. 

Why go? Its magnificently preserved grandeur has made it a popular filming location: ‘The Madness of King George’ was filmed here, as were Poirot, Downton Abbey and Stephen Poliakoff’s Dancing on the Edge. Outside, children will love exploring the vast gardens and the restored nineteenth-century Great Conservatory, with its huge iron-and-glass dome. 

Veg out at The Gate
  • Restaurants
  • Vegetarian
  • Hammersmith
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? Located opposite Sadler’s Wells, The Gate serves top veggie and vegan fare in a relaxed, pared-down restaurant. 

Why go? Share a meze platter (salty feta fritters, mushroom ceviche, featherlight artichoke tempura) or plunder the global carte for aubergine schnitzel, raw pad Thai or wild mushroom risotto cake. With its buzzy vibe, friendly service and occasional flashes of brilliance, this meat-free icon is a must-visit. 

 

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Explore Hogarth’s House
  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites
  • Chiswick

What is it? After extensive restoration in 2011, Hogarth’s House holds a huge collection of William Hogarth’s prints and a set of his engraving plates. The panelled rooms also house replica pieces of eighteenth-century furniture.

Why go? This free-to-enter museum is a bewitching little jaunt; the gallery in the former kitchen wing hosts a changing programme of exhibitions, and in the garden are mulberry trees, the fruit from which the Hogarths are said to have made mulberry pies for the Foundling children who stayed with them. 

Spot kingfishers at London Wetland Centre
  • Attractions
  • Rivers, lakes and ponds
  • Barnes

What is it? A 105-acre city wildlife area created by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in 2000. 

Why go? Formerly disused Victorian reservoirs have been transformed by landscaping and weathered by nature to become an extensive landscape of lagoons, islets and pastures. At intervals along the serene walkways are hides where you can gaze at all manner of birds through your binoculars – kingfishers, falcons, herons and lots more frequent this little urban oasis. 

More amazing things to do in London?

101 things to do in London
  • Things to do

Check out The DO List for London. It’s the ultimate city checklist put together by Time Out editors who really know and love London

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