London attractions with the longest wait times

with the longest and shortest wait times

Few cities offer a wealth of attractions as diverse and exciting as London. Whether you love all things art, are on the hunt for panoramic views or want to stroll around one of its parks, England's capital never sleeps. But how long are you expected to queue for your favourite sight?

Here we explore which attractions have the highest and lowest waiting times and the top free attractions with the highest ratings. We also compare other UK cities' attractions and wait times with London's. If you're travelling with kids, read on as we look at some of the best activities to keep them entertained while queuing.

London Attractions

London attractions with the highest wait times

Below we've rounded up London's top three attractions with the average highest wait times and their star ratings taken from Google Reviews. You can view our interactive table of the top 10 London attractions with the highest wait times.

The National Gallery

First in line is the National Gallery. Founded in 1824 and located on the north side of Trafalgar Square in Westminster, the gallery is a must-see when visiting London. You don't need to be an art enthusiast to appreciate its grandeur. Just walk in and explore globally renowned masterpieces from the Middle Ages, Italian Renaissance, French Impressionism, and you name it.

Wait times: 180 minutes on average

Google reviews: 41,766

Star rating: 4.7

Cloud Cable Car

The joint second is the Cloud Cable Car. If you want to admire London's beauty from above, a ride on The Dangleway won't disappoint. It is located in Newham, a stone's throw from the O2 Arena, and offers an experience like no other. As you glide 90 metres above the Thames, you'll enjoy picture-perfect views of St Paul's Cathedral, The Gherkin and Maritime Greenwich. So, make sure you bring your camera!

Wait times: 120 minutes on average

Google reviews: 4,079

Star rating: 4.6

Up at the O2

The O2 Arena takes second place, too. Situated in Greenwich, this multi-purpose indoor venue boasts the second-highest seating capacity in the country. But concerts aren't the only reason the Arena is so famous. If you are an adrenaline seeker, climb the O2 for unrivalled 360-degree views of the capital's skyline. Admire Greenwich Observatory, the Olympic Park and Canary Wharf from another perspective.

Wait times: 120 minutes on average

Google reviews: 1,826

Star rating: 4.7

Westminster Abbey

Ranking third is Westminster Abbey. Not only is it a place of worship, but it also has a long-standing British royal history. Since 1066, it has seen 39 coronations of English and British monarchs and is a burial site of 18 English, Scottish and British kings and queens. But that’s not all! It has also hosted at least 16 royal weddings since 1100.

Wait times: 90 minutes on average

Google reviews: 35,492

Star rating: 4.6

Royal Albert Hall

Music fan? The Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington is a must-visit! Also ranking third, this music venue was opened in 1871 and has seen many iconic artists grace its halls. Over 1.7 million people enjoy live experiences here every year – whether that’s live music, broadcasts or comedy events. The venue is open during the day for public tours and free exhibitions.

Wait times: 90 minutes on average

Google reviews: 32,110

Star rating: 4.8

Emirates Stadium Tour and Museum

If you’re a football fan, the Emirates Stadium needs to be on your itinerary. Also ranking third, Arsenal's home venue is found in Islington and tells the legacy of this incredible team. Take a tour of the stadium and museum for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. You'll access Arsenal's conference room, dressing rooms, directors' box and more.

Wait times: 90 minutes on average

Google reviews: 26,071

Star rating: 4.6

Attraction	Borough	No of Reviews	Star Rating	Wait Time minutes (up to)
The National Gallery	Westminster	41,766	4.7	180
Up at the O2	Greenwich	1,826	4.7	120
IFS Cloud Cable Car	Newham	4,079	4.6	120
Westminster Abbey	Westminster	35,492	4.6	90
Royal Albert Hall	Westminster	32,110	4.8	90
Emirates Stadium Tour and Museum	Islington	26,071	4.6	90
ArcelorMittal Orbit	Newham	2,808	4.3	60
Museum of London	City of London	15,384	4.6	60
Tower of London	Tower Hamlets	87,630	4.6	60
Hampstead Heath	Camden	18,131	4.7	60
Royal Observatory	Greenwich	15,655	4.5	60
The London Dungeon	Westminster	16,045	4.3	60
The London Eye	Lambeth	150,276	4.5	45
The Shard	Southwark	33,117	4.6	45
Shrek's Adventure! London	Westminster	5,595	4.1	35
Warner Bros: Studio Tour London	Watford	70,834	4.8	30
Buckingham Palace	Westminster	148,080	4.5	30
Churchill War Rooms	Westminster	10,939	4.6	30
Natural History Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	19,631	4.7	30
Sea Life London	Kensington and Chelsea	23,132	4.3	30
St. Paul's Cathedral	City of London	35,410	4.6	20
London Zoo	Westminster	24,885	4.3	20
Charles Dickens Museum	Camden	1,614	4.5	15
Madame Tussauds London	Southwark	62,736	4.4	15
Somerset House	Westminster	1,350	4.5	10
Sir John Soane's Museum	Westminster	2,694	4.7	10
Sky Garden	City of London	49,180	4.7	10
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum	Wimbledon	1,289	4.7	10
London Transport Museum	Camden	8,837	4.5	10
Kensington Palace	Kensington and Chelsea	23,713	4.5	10

London attractions with the lowest wait times

Visiting London doesn’t necessarily mean queuing for ages. There are plenty of great attractions you can see without having to wait. But which ones take the crown for first place? Let’s find out!

Science Museum

Located in the City of London, the Science Museum attracts over 3 million visitors every year, and it’s no wonder why. The museum is split across two buildings, each exploring a different scientific field, including space, energy and medicine. Various temporary exhibits may charge a small admission fee.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 57,839

Star rating: 4.5

Victoria and Albert Museum

Famous for being the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design, the Victoria and Albert Museum also ranks first. Found between Kensington and Chelsea, it is home to a permanent collection of over 2 million artefacts, from Chinese ceramics and Alexander McQueen dresses to embroidery and architecture.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 48,408

Star rating: 4.7

Cutty Sark

Known as the world’s only surviving extreme clipper, Cutty Sark was built in 1869 and was among the fastest ships. It has operated for 52 years and visited 16 countries, carrying everything from wool to spirits. It transported almost 10 million lbs of tea between 1870 and 1877. Today, it is located in Greenwich and home to the world’s largest collection of figureheads.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 17,474

Star rating: 4.5

HMS Belfast

If you don’t have much time, a visit to the HMS Belfast won’t disappoint. Also sitting proudly on the podium, this Town-class light cruiser was built for the Royal Navy and launched in 1938. It is now harboured in Southwark and used as a museum ship.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 10,773

Star rating: 4.6

Freemason's Hall

Freemason’s Hall is situated in Westminster, between Holborn and Covent Garden. London’s headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England has preserved its unique Art Deco style, which made it the setting of various films and television programmes.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 1,367

Star rating: 4.7

Grant Museum of Zoology

The Grant Museum of Zoology in Camden is part of the University College London. Established in 1828, it was initially a teaching collection of zoological samples. Today, it is the UK’s oldest natural history collection, boasting over 60,000 specimens.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 800

Star rating: 4.8

Attraction	Borough	No of Reviews	Star Rating	Wait Time minutes (up to)
Victoria and Albert Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	48,408	4.7	0
Grant Museum of Zoology	Camden	800	4.8	0
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park	Stratford	27,920	4.5	0
Science Museum	City of London	57,839	4.5	0
HMS Belfast	Southwark	10,773	4.6	0
Cutty Sark	Greenwich	17,474	4.5	0
Freemason's Hall	Westminster	1,367	4.7	0
Somerset House	Westminster	1,350	4.5	10
Sir John Soane's Museum	Westminster	2,694	4.7	10
Sky Garden	City of London	49,180	4.7	10
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum	Wimbledon	1,289	4.7	10
London Transport Museum	Camden	8,837	4.5	10
Kensington Palace	Kensington and Chelsea	23,713	4.5	10
Charles Dickens Museum	Camden	1,614	4.5	15
Madame Tussauds London	Southwark	62,736	4.4	15
St. Paul's Cathedral	City of London	35,410	4.6	20
London Zoo	Westminster	24,885	4.3	20
Warner Bros: Studio Tour London	Watford	70,834	4.8	30
Buckingham Palace	Westminster	148,080	4.5	30
Churchill War Rooms	Westminster	10,939	4.6	30
Natural History Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	19,631	4.7	30
Sea Life London	Kensington and Chelsea	23,132	4.3	30
Shrek's Adventure! London	Westminster	5,595	4.1	35
The London Eye	Lambeth	150,276	4.5	45
The Shard	Southwark	33,117	4.6	45
ArcelorMittal Orbit	Newham	2,808	4.3	60
Museum of London	City of London	15,384	4.6	60
Tower of London	Tower Hamlets	87,630	4.6	60
Hampstead Heath	Camden	18,131	4.7	60
Royal Observatory	Greenwich	15,655	4.5	60
The London Dungeon	Westminster	16,045	4.3	60
Westminster Abbey	Westminster	35,492	4.6	90
Royal Albert Hall	Westminster	32,110	4.8	90
Emirates Stadium Tour and Museum	Islington	26,071	4.6	90
Up at the O2	Greenwich	1,826	4.7	120
IFS Cloud Cable Car	Newham	4,079	4.6	120

Top five free London attractions with the lowest wait times

Nothing better than free attractions and no wait time, right? Find below the rankings, and don’t forget to include them in your itinerary.

First place goes to the Victoria and Albert Museum, Grant Museum of Zoology, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Science Museum. Learn more about each of these unique attractions above.

Sir John Soane's Museum

Situated in Westminster, Sir John Soane’s Museum takes the well-deserved silver medal. It celebrates the neo-classical architect’s brainchild. The building was his home and a collection of all his drawings and architectural models, as well as the painting and sculptures he acquired over his lifetime.

Wait times: 10 minutes on average

Google reviews: 2,694

Star rating: 4.7

Somerset House

Situated in Westminster, third place Somerset House is home to the Courtauld Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of artwork from the Renaissance to the 20th century. There are also temporary exhibitions, film screenings and craft fairs. If you need to rest your feet, visit one of Somerset House’s six restaurants and cafés.

Wait times: 10 minutes on average

Google reviews: 1,350

Star rating: 4.5

Sky Garden

For incredible city views, head to Sky Garden – London's highest public garden in the heart of the action. Enjoy lush, landscaped gardens before reaching the observation decks and the open-air terrace. And if you fancy a drink as the sun sets, the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar’s varied menu suits all tastes.

Wait times: 10 minutes on average

Google reviews: 49,180

Star rating: 4.7

Natural History Museum

Situated in Kensington and Chelsea, the Natural History Museum was established in 1881 and is home to a vast collection of life and earth specimens. It is divided into four galleries, each based on a different colour. The Red Zone focuses on the changing nature of the earth, the Green on evolution, the Blue on the diverse species on the planet, and the orange on science at work.

Wait times: 30 minutes on average

Google reviews: 19,631

Star rating: 4.7

Attraction	Borough	No of Reviews	Star Rating	Wait Time minutes (up to)
Victoria and Albert Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	48,408	4.7	0
Grant Museum of Zoology	Camden	800	4.8	0
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park	Newham	27,920	4.5	0
Science Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	57,839	4.5	0
Somerset House	Westminster	1,350	4.5	10
Sir John Soane's Museum	Westminster	2,694	4.7	10
Sky Garden	City of London	49,180	4.7	10
Natural History Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	19,631	4.7	30
Museum of London	City of London	15,384	4.6	60
Hampstead Heath	Camden	18,131	4.7	60
The National Gallery	Westminster	41,766	4.7	180

Top free London attractions with the highest ratings

Want to know which of London’s free attractions have the highest rating? We’ve done the work for you. Find the results below.

Grant Museum of Zoology takes the crown for the highest-rated free attraction with a star rating of 4.8.

Victoria and Albert Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum, Sky Garden, Natural History Museum, Hampstead Heath, The National Gallery, and Bomber Command Memorial all share second place with a star rating of 4.7.

Museum of London and Highgate Cemetery take the bronze medal with a star rating of 4.6.

Bomber Command Memorial

Sitting between Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, the Bomber Command Memorial is a monument you don’t want to miss. This historic landmark commemorates the crews of RAF Bomber Command, who embarked on several missions throughout World War II. It was unveiled in 2012 – the year of the Diamond Jubilee.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 461

Star rating: 4.7

Highgate Cemetery

You may be surprised to find a cemetery among London’s top-ranking attractions. But Highgate Cemetery isn’t like the others. Located in Camden, next door to Hampstead Heath, it is one of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in the capital. Both a burial place and a nature reserve, it features graves of influential personalities, including Karl Marx and George Elliot.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 756

Star rating: 4.6

Attraction	Borough	No of Reviews	Star Rating
Grant Museum of Zoology	Camden	800	4.8
Victoria and Albert Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	48,408	4.7
Sir John Soane's Museum	Westminster	2,694	4.7
Sky Garden	City of London	49,180	4.7
Natural History Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	19,631	4.7
Hampstead Heath	Camden	18,131	4.7
The National Gallery	Westminster	41,766	4.7
Bomber Command Memorial	Westminster	461	4.7
Museum of London	City of London	15,384	4.6
Highgate Cemetery	Camden	756	4.6
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park	Newham	27,920	4.5
Science Museum	Kensington and Chelsea	57,839	4.5
Somerset House	Westminster	1,350	4.5
British Library	City of London	2165	4.5

UK Attractions

Top reviewed attractions with lowest wait times outside of London

Curious to find out which other UK cities’ attractions have the lowest wait times and highest number of reviews? Below are the top three.

National Museum of Scotland

Located in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland tells the story of this fascinating country through interactive exhibitions. Learn about Scottish design, fashion, archaeology and antiques, and venture on one of the museum trails – perfect if you’re travelling with children.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 37,983

Star rating: 4.8

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is found in the Titanic Quarter, where the RMS Titanic was built, and celebrates Belfast’s maritime heritage. It was opened in 2012 and is home to various facilities, conference rooms, and galleries which trace the history of Titanic. On a sunny day, take the Discovery Tour and learn more about the designers who brought the ship to life.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 26,760

Star rating: 4.5

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is spread across 72 acres of beautiful scenery. It was founded in 1670 and, the site operates as a scientific centre for the study of plants and horticulture. Four gardens are spread across Scotland and home to one of the largest plant collections on earth. The garden offers fantastic views of the capital; visitors can see Edinburgh Castle and the city’s skyline.

Wait times: 0 minutes on average

Google reviews: 17,907

Star rating: 4.7

Attraction	City	No of Reviews	Star Rating
National Museum of Scotland	Edinburgh	37,983	4.8
Titanic Belfast	Belfast	26,760	4.5
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh	Edinburgh	17,907	4.7
The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel	Glasgow	14,613	4.6
World Museum	Liverpool	12,473	4.6
Glasgow Botanic Gardens	Glasgow	11,241	4.7
Glasgow Green	Glasgow	9,890	4.5
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery	Birmingham	8,192	4.5
Botanic Gardens	Belfast	6,657	4.6
Imperial War Museum North	Manchester	5,801	4.5

Waiting times all up to 0 minutes

Top UK cities’ attractions with the highest ratings

Wondering which UK cities’ attractions have the highest star rating? Below are the top two attractions and the total top five, also included in the interactive table.

Victoria Tunnel

Victorian Tunnel takes the top spot for first place with a rating of 4.9. This subterranean wagonway in Newcastle upon Tyne runs from the Town Moor to the River Tyne for about 2 miles (3.6 km). It was built between 1839 and 1842 and used to transport coal and load it into boats to export. It was converted into an air-raid shelter to protect Newcastle’s residents during World War II. Today, you can explore the tunnel on a guided tour.

Wait times: 0 minutes

Google reviews: 327

Star rating: 4.9

Holly Hagg Community Farm

Also in first place is Holly Hagg Community Farm, with a star rating of 4.9. Sitting a stone’s throw from Sheffield, Holly Hagg Community Farm ranks among the best attractions in the UK. The farm makes a great day out if you’re travelling with kids, as they can trek with the alpacas throughout Rivelin valley. If trekking isn’t for you, you can book a visit on an open day or volunteer.

Wait times: 120 minutes on average

Google reviews: 4,079

Star rating: 4.6

Attraction	City	No of Reviews	Star Rating
Victoria Tunnel	Newcastle	327	4.9
Holly Hagg Community Farm Trek	Sheffield	137	4.9
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden	Norwich	925	4.8
National Museum of Scotland	Edinburgh	37,983	4.8
The John Rylands Library	Manchester	797	4.8
Mersey Tunnel Tours	Liverpool	108	4.8
Liverpool Cathedral	Liverpool	11,164	4.8
Liverpool Football Club	Liverpool	3,178	4.8
Birmingham Back to Backs	Birmingham	1,063	4.8
Steamship Shieldhall	Southampton	91	4.8
Cabot Tower	Bristol	1,612	4.7
Framework Knitters' Museum	Nottingham	149	4.7
Glasgow Botanic Gardens	Glasgow	11,241	4.7
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh	Edinburgh	17,907	4.7
St. Fagans National Museum of History	Cardiff	9.335	4.7
Temple Newsam	Leeds	480	4.7
The Plantation Garden	Norwich	1,420	4.7
Ulster Museum	Belfast	2,694	4.7
National Emergency Services Museum	Sheffield	885	4.7
Norwich Cathedral	Norwich	5,767	4.7
Royal Armouries Museum	Leeds	10,563	4.7
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum	Glasgow	16,499	4.7
Wollaton Hall and Park	Nottingham	11,580	4.7
Sheffield Botanical Gardens	Sheffield	4,930	4.7
Mayflower Theatre	Southampton	6,760	4.7
Symphony Hall	Birmingham	5,986	4.7
Wales Millennium Centre	Cardiff	6,497	4.7
Botanic Gardens	Belfast	6,657	4.6
Castell Coch	Cardiff	3,051	4.6
Felbrigg Hall	Norwich	1,200	4.6
Kirkstall Abbey	Leeds	4,416	4.6
Manchester Cathedral	Manchester	4,546	4.6
Newcastle Cathedral	Newcastle	1,188	4.6
Nottingham Industrial Museum	Nottingham	163	4.6
Royal William Yard	Plymouth	1,861	4.6
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts	Norwich	1,304	4.6
The Biscuit Factory	Newcastle	1,040	4.6
The Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel	Glasgow	14,613	4.6
World Museum	Liverpool	12,473	4.6
Crumlin Road Gaol	Belfast	4,745	4.6
National Justice Museum	Nottingham	1,424	4.6
Manchester Art Gallery	Manchester	7,691	4.6
Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife & Falconry	Sheffield	3,869	4.6
Edinburgh Castle	Edinburgh	78,769	4.6
Saltram (National Trust)	Plymouth	2,706	4.6
Glasgow Cathedral	Glasgow	6,040	4.6
City Hall	Belfast	1,533	4.6
Sheffield Winter Garden	Sheffield	2,154	4.6
Solent Sky Museum	Southampton	1,123	4.6
St James Park Tour	Newcastle	9,203	4.6

Most popular games to keep kids entertained while queuing

Visiting London with your kids? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best games you can play to keep them entertained while queuing.

Eye Spy

No tools or objects are needed: just your imagination, which is why Eye Spy is one of the most popular games for kids. Spot something around you without telling the other players. Start with ‘I spy with my little eye, something beginning with...’ and let them guess. The winner takes the next round.

Simon Says

Everyone will have played Simon Says at least once in their lives. This fun game is a great way to pass the time while queuing. A player will be Simon, who will tell the other players what to do. They will have to obey all commands beginning with ‘Simon says’.

Counting Coloured Cars

If you’re queuing by one of London's main roads, counting different-coloured cars can be a fun way to spend time. Pick a colour and see who can spot the most.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Each player forms one of these three shapes at the same time: a closed fist (rock), a flat hand (paper) and a fist with index and middle fingers extended (scissors). These are the possible results:

Rock against scissors: win
Rock against paper: loss
Scissors against paper: win
Same shape: tie

Destination Facts

Let your imagination run wild with this fun game. Pick a destination and share interesting facts about it while the other players try to guess what you’ve chosen.

Alphabet Game

Pick a topic and take turns coming up with an answer for each letter of the alphabet. If you can’t think of a word, the next person can jump in and help.

Attraction	Source
Eye Spy	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Destination facts	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Food/Snacks	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Alphabet Game	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Make Friends	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Rock Paper Scissors	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Travel Journal	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Apps	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Listen to Music	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Handheld Puzzle	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Read	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Make Origami Animals	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Count How Many Cars in a Specific Colour Are Around	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Silly Selfies	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Cards	https://fouraroundtheworld.com/things-to-do-while-waiting-in-line/
Bubbles	https://www.kidsonaplane.com/kids-activities-waiting-disney-world/
Clapping Games	https://www.beafunmum.com/2014/02/fun-non-tech-ways-to-keep-kids-occupied-while-waiting/
Sing Songs	https://www.beafunmum.com/2014/02/fun-non-tech-ways-to-keep-kids-occupied-while-waiting/
Balloons	https://www.beafunmum.com/2014/02/fun-non-tech-ways-to-keep-kids-occupied-while-waiting/
Tell Stories	https://www.beafunmum.com/2014/02/fun-non-tech-ways-to-keep-kids-occupied-while-waiting/
Etch-A-Sketch	https://www.beafunmum.com/2014/02/fun-non-tech-ways-to-keep-kids-occupied-while-waiting/
Tell Jokes	https://veryspecialtales.com/waiting-games/
Would You Rather	https://veryspecialtales.com/waiting-games/
Truth or Dare	https://veryspecialtales.com/waiting-games/
Guess Whats in Your Bag	https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/waiting-games-for-kids/
Simon Says	https://meaningfulmama.com/fun-games-to-play-while-waiting-with-kids.html

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