Victoria London is one of the most fascinating locations in the Royal center of the UK. It is a gem housed in one of the bends of the Thames and is home to many amazing sights and experiences, including some of the most popular and well-known sights in all of London. There are some of the top names in shopping, as well as parks, centers of art and culture, and several Royal locations.
No matter what time of year you visit, or how long you can stay, there should be several things you can experience that are just minutes from Victoria Station. Before you set out, however, be sure to avail yourself of the services of the best luggage storage Victoria Station offers so that your baggage and bulk are secured and you are free to explore the city unencumbered.
Victoria Station
First and foremost, take a few minutes before leaving to simply take in the full experience of the station itself. There are beautiful, historical ceramic tile maps that show the early paths of the rail lines and are expertly adorned in mosaic with green and gold. There are several maps left, though some have been lost over the years to damage or renovations.
The Queen’s Gallery
You can stop by The Queen’s Gallery to see an art collection owned by the current monarch, managed and overseen by the Royal Collection Trust. This is a portion of the Royal Household whose responsibility it is to care for art and collections owned by the Royal Family.
The art and artifacts on display will rotate occasionally, but there is always a wonderful variety of exhibits to see. There are works from some legendary names in art history, as well as gifts that have been given to the Royal Family by other world leaders throughout the years. There are even exhibits of historical weaponry, a golden horse carriage, and some of the most delicate porcelain art ever created.
Little Ben
This cast iron miniature of the iconic Big Ben only a mile and a half from the station is located just outside the station and is an imitation of the well-known timepiece. It was created in the final years of the 19th century, and while Big Ben is undergoing some needed restorations it still lets you get that perfect London selfie.
Victoria Palace Theater
This beautiful theater was built in the early 20th century and is located directly across from Victoria Station. It was initially a small concert hall, but nowadays the Victoria Palace Theater maintains a vibrant and diverse array of shows and performances. If you like to take in some art and culture, but tend to shy away from bigger venues, the Victoria Palace Theater only seats 1,500 and may be perfect for you.
Market Hall Victoria Food Court
This is a great stop for any visiting foodies that find themselves looking for something tasty. There are two full levels of stalls for street foods, as well as a beautiful terrace that overlooks the station. You can find everything from noodle shops, to rotis, as well as more traditional English cuisine.
Westminster Cathedral Tower
This gorgeous red and white brick building is a towering example of the architectural influence of the Byzantine style. You can ascend the tower and look out from a height of more than 200 feet at the entire sprawling cityscape. The inside also features numerous mosaics from the designers sketched ideas that remained unrealized at the time.
Houses Of Parliament
Perhaps one of the most iconic buildings in the whole of the British government, the Houses of Parliament are only about a mile from Terminus Place at Victoria Station. This means seeing one of the most central locations for the functioning governing bodies of Britain is only a short walk or ride from the station, enabling even those pressed for time to enjoy the sights.
St. James Park
One of the many Royal Parks in the immediate area, St James Park sits adjacent to Buckingham Palace and is an amazing place to visit for unbeatable scenery and lakeside relaxation. This is also a great place to bring some local takeaway for a picnic, as it’s a free attraction.
The Best Places To Visit Near Victoria Station
From art and food to architecture and blissful strolls by the lake, if you are coming into London by way of Victoria Station, there is plenty to do. While it may seem like there are countless options, this list should give you a great place to start, before you tackle some of the bigger sights like the palace.