Victoria, in the City of Westminster in central London, is an affluent area full of upscale restaurants and bars and wealthy residential areas. Walk through the neighborhood’s scenic parks and capture photos of Buckingham Palace, before a casual drink at one of the neighborhood’s cafés.
Relax with a picnic in St. James’ Park, one of London’s oldest and most beautiful parks. Walk around the lake and try to spot geese, swans, pelicans and other fowl. Appreciate the exquisite floral displays found throughout this scenic park and enjoy excellent views of the London Eye, St. James’s Palace and Westminster.
To the east of the park is the Horse Guards Parade, where the Trooping the Colour parade takes place annually to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday. Once the site of jousting tournaments, the parade ground and its buildings were built in 1745. Explore the Household Cavalry Museum and the Guards Memorial.
Head to the western point of the park to see the world-famous Buckingham Palace. The enormous palace has 775 rooms and London’s largest private garden. Peruse the art exhibitions in the Queen’s Gallery, which is open to the public most of the year. Time your visit to see the palace’s renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Attend a musical production at the Apollo Theatre, one of London’s largest theaters. Formerly a cinema, this art deco venue has put on such works as Wicked and Starlight Express. Nearby is the Victoria Palace Theatre, where Billy Elliot ran for many years. Look for a gilt statue of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova on top of the building.
Gaze up at the striking Westminster Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Byzantine architecture. Admire its nave, which is made from green marble, as well as the Stations of the Cross stone bas-reliefs by Eric Gill. Ride the elevator to the top of its 273-foot (83-meter) high bell tower for wonderful views.
Victoria is located in central London. A commuter hub, Victoria is easily accessible by bus, coach, rail and the London Underground.
Experience the many cultural attractions of this small but lively district.
