Every Thistle Hotel is close to a wide variety of must-see attractions and activities. You can soak up some culture, take in the sights, learn some history or do some shopping, all just around the corner from your home away from home. See major landmarks like Big Ben and the British Museum or if you want to find something a bit more niche to do, just ask and we can give you local insider tips.
We might know it as “Big Ben” but the striking clock tower’s actual name is Elizabeth Tower - Big Ben actually refers to the huge bell inside, which weighs more than 13 tons!
Standing proudly at the Houses of Parliament, the structure was completed in 1859, with the clockmaker describing it as “the prince of timekeepers: the biggest, most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world.”
Big Ben is an icon of the UK’s culture and history, it is recognised across the globe and is regularly used in films to establish the scene in London. Check out a selection of our convenient hotels below that are near the well-known landmark.
We might know it as “Big Ben” but the striking clock tower’s actual name is Elizabeth Tower - Big Ben actually refers to the huge bell inside, which weighs more than 13 tons. Big Ben, at the Houses of Parliament, is an icon of the UK’s culture and history and is recognised across the globe.
We might know it as “Big Ben” but the striking clock tower’s actual name is Elizabeth Tower - Big Ben actually refers to the huge bell inside, which weighs more than 13 tons!
Standing proudly at the Houses of Parliament, the structure was completed in 1859, with the clockmaker describing it as “the prince of timekeepers: the biggest, most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world.”
Big Ben is an icon of the UK’s culture and history, it is recognised across the globe and is regularly used in films to establish the scene in London. Check out a selection of our convenient hotels below that are near the well-known landmark.
Located on a surprisingly quiet street just off London’s bustling Trafalgar Square, Thistle Trafalgar Square has a location that other hotels can only dream of. It’s only a 5 minute walk to all the entertainment that Soho offers and is situated next to the National Portrait Gallery, right in the heart of the city’s theatreland.
Everything you could want is right outside, but inside you’ll be able to relax in style in your spacious en-suite room with all the comforts of home. You can also enjoy a delicious meal in the Squares Restaurant and Bar, where diners eat al fresco on the terrace in the warmer months or enjoy a drink in the modern lounge.
West End theatres - If it’s a jazzy musical number, modern play or a star-filled show you’re looking for, there’ll definitely be a West End performance with your name on it.
If you’ve been itching for a chance to celebrate all things Shakespeare, then the Globe Theatre on the bank of the River Thames is the place to visit for tours and performances.
From botany & entomology to mineralogy, palaeontology, and zoology; this museum is the best place in the world to learn about natural history.
Whether you’re looking to shop, eat out, people watch or just be entertained, then Covent Garden is the place to be. Close to the London Transport Museum and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden is famous for its street performers, market and restaurants.
There's something for everyone here from theatre, exhibitions, music and film screenings. The centre is the biggest of it's kind in Europe and well worth a visit if you're visiting London and looking for some alternative cultural activites.
We might know it as “Big Ben” but the striking clock tower’s actual name is Elizabeth Tower - Big Ben actually refers to the huge bell inside, which weighs more than 13 tons. Big Ben, at the Houses of Parliament, is an icon of the UK’s culture and history and is recognised across the globe.
The Palace serves as both the office and official London residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Catch the changing of the guard and maybe a glimpse of the Queen at this official royal residence on the edge of St. James Park.
The innermost part of London can be described as the most dense part of London with the largest amount of buildings and concertration of people. Road distances to London are generally measured from the central point in Charing Cross where a statue of King Charles I stands.
Located in the heart of London this road is brimming with culture and a great place to try and experience some of the very best Middle Eastern cuisine in London.
Find 1,000 years of history, architecture and politics at the iconic Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, just minutes from 10 Downing Street and walking distance from our hotel.
Hyde Park is London’s most famous green space, filled with stunning monuments and an array of wildlife. It’s a beautiful place to wander through any time of year, but if you’re there in the summer then you need to take a boat out on the famous Serpentine Lake.
Look sharp because you might run into royalty while having tea at this official palace on the edge of Kensington Gardens. The palace is home to an exquisite collection of royal fashion from the 18th century to the present day and frequently includes an exhibition.
Marble Arch is one of the most iconic and visually striking monuments in London and was designed by the famous architect John Nash in 1827. Inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome, and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris, it was originally intended to be the formal front gateway to Buckingham Palace.
Experience 700 years of classic art, as well as curated exhibitions and events. Book your (free) ticket in advance and choose your route. Don’t miss the National Portrait Gallery nearby.
Well known for its large advertising displays for various adverts, Piccadilly is surrounded by numerous tourist spots and must-see locations, including Leicester Square and Soho with their vibrant, busy streets.
Situated in South Kensington, this concert hall is a Grade I listed building. Over the years many events and performers have graced the stage including the BBC Proms, Brit Awards and the National English Ballet. It was opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria who named it after her husband Prince Albert, who had died 6 years earlier.
Let loose and go for some late-night karaoke in this area rammed with bars, clubs, restaurants and live music venues. Soho has the densest concentration of eateries, galleries, shops and clubs in central London and is known to many as the true heart of the city.
St Paul's Cathedral is a working church and a Grade I listed building. Dedicated to Paul the Apostle the church that can be seen today dates back to the late 17th century which, rebuilt after the Great Fire of London.
Having opened in 2008 Terminal 5 is the largest free standing structure in the UK and designed to handle 35 million passengers passing through its doors every year. It cost £4 million to build and took 20 years to be completed and was the longest public inquiry in British history.
With its position in the heart of London, Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous squares in the world. Say hello to Nelson’s Column, the giant lions and fountains in this vibrant square outside the National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Fields church.
Oxford Street is one of the most famous streets in the world and the most visited in Europe, making it a must see for every visitor to England’s capital. There are more than 300 retailers on this 1.2 mile (1.9 kilometres) stretch of road between Marble Arch and Tottenham Court Road Station, from the coolest designer outlets to the biggest flagship department stores.
Take the train to Windsor and explore the elegant and sprawling home of Her Majesty the Queen, a royal seat for over 1,000 years.
Explore more than 2 million years of human history and culture at the British Museum, one of the biggest and best museums in the world.
London, a city of history AND mystery, is one that you can never really know as well as you think you do. Come and marvel at the largest urban history collection in the world - discover stories from prehistoric to modern times.
If you’ve been itching for a chance to celebrate all things Shakespeare, then the Globe Theatre on the bank of the River Thames is the place to visit for tours and performances.
Love modern art? Then head to the Tate Modern, to explore contemporary and modern art from around the world.
Discover the Tate Modern
