How to spend a Sunday in London

Are you planning to visit London on a Sunday and unsure how to spend your day? If so, you are in for a treat, as Sundays in London offer a unique, laid-back atmosphere, with iconic street markets and traditional activities that are less prominent on busier weekdays. This relaxed atmosphere also brings plenty of choice, and with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do, but I am here to help. Check out my curated list of amazing things to do in London on a Sunday for an unforgettable experience. Keep in mind, however, that some London attractions are open only on select days, including Sundays, and I have included two of them in my recommendations.

Morning

If the Banqueting House is open on the Sunday you are in London, make it your first stop at 10 am.

Banqueting House   

The Banqueting House is the only surviving part of the former royal Palace of Whitehall, which once served as the residence of the Archbishops of York and was later used by Henry VIII. After a significant two-year renovation, the house fully reopened on 1 August 2026. During the summer, it has limited opening hours, with visits available only on selected days and weekends. In winter, it is open on a single Sunday each month, so visitors may need to plan accordingly. Designed by Inigo Jones, the building is famous for its impressive Rubens ceiling and as the site of Charles I’s execution. Visitors can explore the Banqueting Hall, built in 1622 for lavish Jacobean entertainments, and admire the original Rubens ceiling. The vaulted drinking den beneath the Banqueting House, once used by James I and VI for extravagant royal gatherings, is also open for exploration. It is highly recommended to book in advance.

Your next stop, Horse Guards, is just across the street from the Banqueting House.

Horse Guards

Horse Guards is a historic building in Whitehall that serves as the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. The mounted Household Cavalry soldiers from the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals guard these entrances. Visitors can often see them on horseback, posing for photographs. Designed by William Kent in the 18th century, Horse Guards features a clock tower above an archway and remains a significant landmark. Two mounted cavalry troopers of the King’s Life Guard stand guard outside the building from 10 am to 4 pm daily, changing every hour. The inspection takes place daily at 4 pm, while the Changing of the King’s Life Guard is held at 11 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Additionally, a less formal Duty Officer’s Inspection occurs at 10 am on Sundays.

There are several memorials and statues at Horse Guards Parade, including the Royal Naval Division Memorial and statues of Viscount Wolseley, Earl Roberts, Lord Kitchener, and Lord Mountbatten.

After exploring Horse Guards, head to the Royal Albert Hall for a guided tour at 12 pm.

Royal Albert Hall tour

The Royal Albert Hall is a well-known, prestigious concert venue boasting Victorian architecture and a large glass dome. Built in 1871 in South Kensington, London, by Queen Victoria as a memorial to Prince Albert, it has hosted many significant cultural and historical events. The hall features a circular design inspired by Roman amphitheatres and the world’s largest unsupported glass dome. One of the hall’s more unusual features is its seat ownership: 1,269 of the 5,272 seats are owned by 319 people on 999-year leases. During the guided tour, visitors can explore the hall’s royal areas and admire the impressive auditorium and stage, where numerous famous personalities have performed and significant events have taken place. The tour also offers insights into the building’s history, the royal love story behind its creation, and how engineering challenges were overcome, such as the Royal Albert Hall echo.

Guests may even get to watch an artist’s soundcheck. All tour participants also receive a 10% discount at the on-site shop, café and Verdi Italian Kitchen.

Afternoon – 1:30 pm

You can book afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall or have lunch at the stunning V&A Café nearby.

Afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall

I had the chance to experience afternoon tea at this place, inspired by the elegance of Versailles and the extravagant French celebrations of 1913 held in the Hall. The savoury snacks include items like smoked salmon brioche, duck sausage rolls, and asparagus ratatouille tart. The dessert selection was wild strawberry and pistachio dessert, a hazelnut and bitter chocolate treat, and an apricot, almond, and lemon thyme creation. Guests can choose from 7 tea blends and can also opt for Ruinart Champagne or a signature cocktail to celebrate the occasion.

V&A Museum Café

The V&A Museum Café, established in 1868, is recognised as the world’s first museum restaurant. It features three impressive refreshment rooms designed by renowned artists such as William Morris, James Gamble, and Edward Poynter, showcasing beautiful tiles, stained glass, and elaborate ceilings. Admission to the Victoria and Albert Museum and the café is free. The café operates as a self-service cafeteria, offering a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, cakes, and hot dishes rather than a formal dining experience. Because of its popularity, the establishment can be crowded and noisy during peak lunch hours, making it hard to find a seat. A good tip is to enjoy a coffee and pastry or scone while admiring the exquisite room, without needing to purchase a full meal.

Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm

After your meal, make your way to Spencer House for a tour at 3:30 pm

Spencer House tour

Spencer House is a unique example of the grand aristocratic residences that once graced London. Constructed between 1756 and 1766 for the ancestors of Diana, Princess of Wales, it has long been a notable architectural landmark overlooking Green Park. After a thorough restoration between 1985 and 1994, the house now showcases its original Georgian elegance. The State Rooms are available for private and corporate events, offering a stunning backdrop for gatherings. Visitors are also welcomed for guided tours led by Blue Badge guides on Sundays, except in August, when the house is closed for maintenance.

State Room tours last approximately 60 minutes, with an optional 15-minute garden stroll available from April to October. Advanced booking is recommended via the Spencer House Tours page.

Evening

For the evening, I suggest two options: a ride on the Uber Boat or a concert at Cadogan Hall.   

A ride on Uber Boat

Explore London from the river by taking a ride on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, also known as London’s River Bus. Departing from various central piers every 10–20 minutes, this service connects more than 20 piers along the River Thames, offering a quick and safe way to get around the city. Enjoy amenities such as step-free access, guaranteed seating, open back decks, and onboard café bars while taking in stunning views of London’s iconic landmarks. Along the ride, you will see notable sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. I suggest boarding the boat at Tower Pier and alighting at Westminster.

Keep in mind that using your Oyster or credit card to pay for a trip will result in a charge of £9.90, which is lower than the £16.40 Standard Single fare ticket purchased at the pier. Be sure to tap the yellow card reader when getting on and off the transportation to prevent being charged the highest fare. You can use a standard contactless payment card or a smart device linked to Apple Pay or Google Pay in the same way as you would an Oyster card. Keep in mind that the card readers are near the boat entrance, next to warning signs indicating the need for a ticket.

After arriving at Westminster Pier, take a brief stroll on Westminster Bridge to take in the evening sights of the river, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

Concert at Cadogan Hall

Cadogan Hall is a prominent venue in the heart of Chelsea, London. Known for its exceptional acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, it is a popular choice for leading orchestras and choirs in the UK, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra aims to make orchestral music accessible to a wide audience. Cadogan Hall also hosts a diverse range of events, from rock and pop concerts to jazz, folk, world music, and family-friendly shows, as well as spoken-word performances, talks, book launches, and podcast recordings. Its horseshoe-shaped layout ensures excellent sightlines and sound quality from nearly every seat, while its intimate 950-seat capacity provides a more personal experience than larger arenas. Buy your ticket in advance on their website.

Things to keep in mind when visiting London on a Sunday

I recommend avoiding business districts such as Moorgate, Farringdon, and Bank at weekends, as they can be quiet, with some shops and restaurants closed. Large department stores and major shops in the UK are generally open for only six consecutive hours at weekends, typically from 11 am to 5 pm or from 12 pm to 6 pm. Engineering works on the Underground and National Rail are common on Sundays. These can cause delays, and you may need to take a bus instead.

Other places to include in your London itinerary

If you stay more than one day in London, I also suggest visiting Greenwich, spending a day exploring art and culture, discovering the hidden gem of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, touring Legal Quarter, checking out Crossness Pumping Station and Hampton Court Palace, venturing into South East London, and admiring London’s street art.

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What did you think? Have you been to London? What are your favourite spots? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.

Author: Anita Sane

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