What to Book in Advance in London (And The Ones You Don’t)

We’ve lived in London for 10 years, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from hosting countless visiting friends, it’s this: the biggest London mistakes come from not booking the right things in advance.

We’ve watched people queue for hours at the Tower of London and even miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour completely because they thought tickets would be available on the day.

To save you the stress, we’ve put together a local’s guide to what you should definitely book in advance, from Tower of London tickets to afternoon tea at iconic venues. Just as important, we’ll tell you what you shouldn’t waste time pre-booking, so you keep your days flexible.

It’s perfect if you’re coming to London for the first time, but even repeat visitors will find new experiences worth planning for.

Quick Booking Cheat-Sheet

Here’s a handy table of the most in-demand London pre-book experiences and how far ahead we’d recommend booking them. It’s perfect if you’re mapping out your itinerary and want to make sure you don’t miss the good stuff.

We’ll go into more detail on each one just below, plus a few extra experiences worth planning ahead for, and some that you can happily leave to chance.

* Peak season = June-August, December, and London school holidays (dates below)

Must-Book London Attractions (Don’t Miss Out!)

London’s blockbuster sights are popular for a reason (well, at least most of them!), which also means the best times can sell out fast. Booking ahead lets you pick a good slot and skip the worst of the queues.

1. Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibition

This one’s high on our list for a reason. The Tower of London is a medieval fortress complex with 900 years of royal drama, right in the middle of the city.

It’s home to the Crown Jewels and the place where two of Henry VIII’s wives lost their heads.

It’s a brilliant choice for anyone into history or culture, and one of those places that leaves a real impression. We’ve visited several times (we’ve got an annual membership card for it) and still learn something new each time.

Why book ahead: You can queue on the day, but we wouldn’t. It gets busy fast, especially in school holidays, and we’ve seen people wait nearly two hours just for tickets. Booking online gives you a timed entry slot, helps you skip the queue, and can sometimes even save a few pounds. In busy months, the Tower can hit capacity, so same-day tickets aren’t guaranteed.

Our top tip: Head straight to the Crown Jewels first, then join one of the free guided tours from the main entrance. The guides are actually the Tower’s own guards, and they’re brilliant storytellers who really bring the place to life. And if you’re planning to visit more than one royal site (like Hampton Court or Kensington Palace), it might be worth looking into a Historic Royal Palaces membership (the annual pass we got). It can be a good value, even if you only use it for 2-3 days.

2. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is the Holy Grail. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of the films. You’ll walk through the real Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and more.

Even if you’ve only seen the movies once, it’s hard not to be wowed by the level of detail (yes, the Gringotts dragon actually breathes fire!).

Why book ahead: You have to book timed tickets in advance. They’re not sold on the door. Popular slots often sell out 2–3 months ahead, especially at weekends and school holidays. If it’s on your London bucket list, lock it in as soon as you know your travel dates!

Our top tip: If the official site shows no availability, check organised coach trips. Tour operators buy advance tickets in bulk, and we’ve managed to snag spots this way when everything else was gone. Here’s the exact Warner Bros. Studio day trip we took and loved.

The studio is technically in Watford, just outside London, but it’s one of the most popular day trips. We’ve done it both ways:

Whichever option you choose, set aside at least half a day. With travel, the whole experience usually takes around 6-7 hours.

3. The London Eye

The London Eye is a modern London icon – that giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the Thames that offers panoramic views of the city.

It’s almost synonymous with London at this point, and for first-time visitors, it’s naturally very tempting. But before you buy your tickets straightaway, hold off: in our opinion, this is one of the most overrated experiences.

Why you should book in advance: If you're set on riding the London Eye (despite our advice), book your tickets in advance. You’ll skip the ticket office queue and secure a time slot, so you’re not hanging around for hours. 

Our top tip: Consider booking a combo ticket with another attraction (like a Thames river cruise) instead of separate tickets. It’s the best way to get value out of the steep ticket price. And if you’re crowd-averse, go first thing in the morning or invest in a Fast Track ticket. We didn’t try Fast Track ourselves, but after standing in line even with tickets, we can see why it’s worth considering if crowds drive you mad.

4. Westminster Abbey

Few places in London carry as much history as Westminster Abbey. This is the coronation church (most recently King Charles III in 2023), the site of royal weddings, and the resting place of figures like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. 

Why book ahead: You can buy tickets at the entrance, but we don’t recommend it. We’ve tried several times when we were in the area, and same-day tickets were always sold out. Queues at the gate can top an hour with security checks, so pre-booking online is the only way to guarantee entry and save time.

Our top tip: If tickets aren’t available for your date, consider attending an Evensong service instead. It’s free and held most evenings, and while you won’t get to explore every corner of the Abbey, the choral music under the vaulted Gothic architecture is unforgettable. It’s a great way to experience the atmosphere without the crowds.

5. Tower Bridge Exhibition

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks… and no, it’s not London Bridge (that one’s actually next door and far less exciting!).

Built in 1894, this Victorian masterpiece was designed to complement the Tower of London and remains a brilliant feat of engineering.

You can walk across Tower Bridge itself for free, but the real highlight is the Tower Bridge Experience. It takes you inside the towers, through the original engine rooms, and across the high-level glass walkway.

Why book ahead: Tickets are timed, and while it’s sometimes possible to buy them on the spot, slots do sell out, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Pre-booking online means you can skip the ticket office queue and lock in a time that works with the rest of your day.

Our top tip: Try to time your visit for a bridge lift. These happen a few times a day when the road opens up to let tall ships pass through. We timed it for a lift last spring, and it was brilliant from the glass walkway above! You can check the Tower Bridge lift schedule in advance, but you’ll need tickets secured early if you want to be inside at the right moment.

6. Buckingham Palace Tour (Summer Opening)

Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous addresses in the world, home to the King and the backdrop to those balcony waves you’ve likely seen on TV.

For most of the year, you can only admire it from the outside – and honestly, the grey facade isn’t as impressive as you might expect.

But each summer (typically late July through September), the Palace opens its State Rooms to the public, and that’s a whole different story.

These 19 state rooms inside the royal palace are the ceremonial heart of the monarchy, filled with chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and Old Master paintings.

We took the tour and were blown away by how opulent it was. Walking through the same rooms used for royal receptions really does feel like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Why book ahead: The Palace is only open for about 11 weeks a year, and visitor numbers are capped. Popular days can sell out weeks in advance, so it’s best to book as soon as tickets are released, usually in November for the following summer.

Our top tip: Plan to visit in the morning. We found the crowds inside a little lighter earlier in the day, which makes it easier to soak up the details without feeling rushed. If you can’t get tickets or are visiting outside of summer, you can still enjoy the Changing of the Guards ceremony out front. It’s free, though you’ll need to arrive early to snag a good spot.

7. St Paul’s Cathedral

Why book ahead: You can usually buy general admission tickets on the day, but booking online is often cheaper and skips the ticket desk queue. While it rarely sells out, popular dates and exhibitions can see slots fill up. Honestly, it just makes the visit smoother and means you can head straight inside.

Our top tip: Arrive for the first entry of the day and head straight to the dome climb. The Whispering Gallery and upper galleries get crowded quickly, but early in the morning, you’ll have more space to enjoy them (and catch your breath on the way up those 528 steps; we were definitely puffing by the top!).

8. Sky Garden (Free but Ticketed Viewpoint)

The Sky Garden is our favourite viewing platform and one of the top spots to explore in London. And it still amazes us that it’s completely free!

Sitting at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building, it’s a lush indoor garden and observation deck with 360° views of the city. From here, you can see St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and even Wembley on a clear day.

Why book ahead: Although entry is free, you must reserve a timed slot online. Tickets are released every Monday morning, three weeks in advance, for the whole week. And from experience, we can tell you that the most popular and busiest times (especially sunsets and weekends) vanish quickly.

Our top tip: If all the free tickets are gone, you can still get in by reserving a table at one of the Sky Garden’s restaurants or bars. Even grabbing a coffee at the Sky Pod Bar works and guarantees entry without a ticket. It’s not free, but the view is worth it.

9. Other Popular Attractions to Pre-Book

Beyond the big hitters, here are a few more London experiences where booking in advance is either essential or at least makes life a lot easier.

Churchill War Rooms

Hidden beneath Westminster, this is where Winston Churchill directed Britain’s WWII efforts. It’s a fascinating museum with limited space underground, which means queues can get long. 

We recommend pre-booking your Churchill War Rooms tickets, especially if you want to visit around midday when it’s busiest. History buffs will love it! We think it’s one of London’s most underrated museums.

Houses of Parliament Tour (Palace of Westminster)

We put this off for years as locals, and then kicked ourselves when we finally went. 

Walking through the House of Commons chamber, the House of Lords, and the medieval Westminster Hall felt surreal. Being under the same roof where so much history has happened brought London’s history to life for us.

Tours only run on select days and sell out fast, so book your tickets as soon as you know your dates. It was a highlight for us, and we’d happily do it again.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has long been a royal residence, once home to Princess Diana and, more recently, the Prince and Princess of Wales. 

This royal residence is usually easier to get tickets for than Buckingham Palace. However, it’s still smart to book tickets in advance, especially if there’s a special exhibition.

We loved visiting during the Princess Diana dress exhibit: it was packed, and we were glad we had tickets in hand. 

Morning slots work well, as they leave you with the rest of the day to enjoy Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

The View from The Shard

We’ll be straight with you: for London views, we always recommend the free platforms first.

The Sky Garden is our top pick, and if you can’t grab a slot there, Horizon22 is another excellent option. Both give you amazing views of the city without the hefty ticket price.

The Shard is different: it’s not so much about the view (you can get a similar height elsewhere!), but about the building itself. It’s one of London’s most famous landmarks, and we get why people want to tick it off.

We’ve been up twice, and we’ve had friends insist on going simply because “it’s the Shard”.

For us, it’s an overrated attraction, but the views are still good, especially at sunset. The downside is the cost: tickets are around £30–35 per adult, which feels expensive for what you get. 

If you’ve got your heart set on it, make sure you book your Shard tickets ahead. Sunset slots are the first to go.

Madame Tussauds

This one really divides opinion. We’ve been to Madame Tussauds in a few cities (including London), and the wax figures are undeniably impressive, but the London branch is always heaving with people. Tickets are pricey, and between the queues and the crowds, it can feel more stressful than fun.

Reserve Your Entertainment: Shows, Tours, and Special Experiences

It’s not just attractions you’ll want to plan ahead for. London’s entertainment scene has plenty of shows, tours, and experiences that are best booked in advance, too.

West End Theatre Tickets

London’s West End is a dream for theatre lovers. We’re huge fans ourselves (200+ shows across London and New York, and still 10–20 a year), and the quality here is world-class. 

For us, nothing beats a night out in the West End: great shows, lively crowds, and that buzz when the curtain comes down. And the mix of classics and new productions means there’s always something worth seeing.

If you’re not set on a specific show, you can often snag same-day discounted seats through Today’s Tickets (previously TKTS). Tickets go live from midnight for that day’s performances, and you can even choose your seat online. Not every show is discounted, but many are.

We also really like TodayTix. They run rush tickets (limited same-day seats at a big discount) and ticket lotteries (free to enter, pay only if you win and buy). We’ve scored some excellent seats this way!

We’ll be honest: places like Bath, Canterbury, or the Cotswolds deserve more than just a few hours. But not everyone has the luxury of living in London like we do.

If you’re short on time, a day trip is a brilliant way to see more of England’s iconic destinations without worrying about transport and logistics.

The catch? These tours are popular and often sell out 1-2 weeks ahead. Small-group trips in particular have limited spots, so if you’ve got one in mind, it’s smart to lock it in before you travel.

A few of the most-booked options:

If you’d rather go on your own, train tickets for places like Bath, Cambridge, and Windsor are cheapest if you book early. You’ll find more inspiration in our guide to recommended day trips from London by train.

Advance fares usually go on sale 12 weeks ahead, with the best deals about 8–10 weeks out.

Popular Walking Tours

Walking tours are one of the best ways to explore a theme or neighbourhood in London. We’ve done both of these popular walking tours ourselves, and they really stood out:

Both tours sell out quickly, especially in peak season, so it’s best to grab a spot at least one week in advance.

Iconic Afternoon Tea and Dining Reservations

Afternoon tea is one of those “London moments” most visitors want to try at least once.

We’ve enjoyed afternoon tea in plenty of places, from classic five-star hotels to creative twists like a tea cruise on the Thames. It’s always a fun way to spend a couple of hours (and usually ends with us eating more than we planned).

Why book ahead: The most famous venues often sell out weeks in advance, especially for weekends or special occasions. Even themed teas, like the bus or Thames cruise, can disappear quickly.

Famous afternoon tea spots that require early booking:

London’s dining scene needs just as much planning. Some of our favourite spots (e.g. Dishoom, Din Tai Fung, Circolo Popolare) always require a booking; otherwise, you’ll be waiting in line for up to two hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

The same goes for high-profile restaurants like Sketch, which should be reserved as soon as you know your dates. Even pubs sometimes need reservations if you’re after a famous Sunday roast on a busy evening. 

Most places let you book directly on their website, and it’s worth doing for anywhere high on your list.

We learned this the hard way with Christmas at Kew, one of the best experiences in London during Christmas. A couple of years ago, we assumed we could grab tickets for December once our dates were set.

By late November, we logged on to book and realised every single slot for the month was already gone. Since then, we’ve made it a rule: if it’s a seasonal event, book the moment tickets are released.

Other examples to plan ahead for: Wimbledon tennis tickets are allocated by ballot months in advance, and New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Thames usually go on sale in October and disappear within days.

Even big exhibitions at the Tate or the British Museum often need pre-booking when they feature a famous artist.

Consider signing up for newsletters or setting a reminder for when tickets are released.

Museums and Galleries

Most of London’s big museums are completely free to enter, like the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A).

You can just walk in whenever you fancy, which makes them perfect for filling a rainy afternoon.

The only time you’ll need to book is if there’s a special exhibition on.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is free and doesn’t need booking. You just need to check the schedule and arrive in good time for a decent spot.

Another option is the daily Horse Guards Parade, which is usually less crowded but just as impressive.

It’s quicker and cheaper than paper tickets or Visitor Oyster cards, and TfL automatically applies daily and weekly fare caps, so you’ll never pay more than a set amount. Just make sure you use the same card for your whole trip.

Smart Booking Tips & Final Planning Advice

Planning ahead actually gives you more freedom once you’re here. Instead of scrambling for tickets or wasting hours in queues, you can relax knowing the essentials are already sorted. Here are our top London travel tips to help you make the most of your bookings.

Tip #1 – Use City Passes Wisely: If you plan to visit multiple paid attractions, consider the London Pass to save money. Just remember that some places still require timed entry slots, so be sure to reserve them in advance of your trip.

Tip #2 – Save Everything in Google Maps: We swear by Google Maps’ “Saved Lists”. Drop a pin for each booking and you’ll instantly see where everything is. It makes planning your route a breeze and stops you zigzagging across the big city.

Tip #3 – Check Cancellation Policies: Plans change, and many official sites won’t refund you. That’s why we usually book through GetYourGuide or Viator. Most of their activities allow you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and they keep all your tickets in one app.

Tip #4 – Watch London School Holidays and Bank Holidays: Demand spikes during these times, so London’s top attractions sell out quicker. A quick check of UK term dates can help you pick quieter days and avoid surprises. For your convenience, we've included the school holiday dates just below the booking cheat-sheet at the start of this post.

Tip #5 – Keep Confirmations Tidy: Save yourself stress at the door. We add every booking to a shared calendar, star the relevant emails, and copy the reference numbers into a single note. That way, you’re not fumbling through your inbox when you need them.

Tip #8 – Mind Bag Policies: Some attractions won’t let you in with big backpacks, and not all have cloakrooms. Travel light if you’re climbing domes, heading to museums, or catching a theatre show afterwards.

Tip #9 – Time Your Views: Book domes and cathedrals in the morning when they’re quietest, which also helps you skip the queue in London at popular spots. Save viewpoints like the Sky Garden for golden hour, and aim for midweek when it’s calmer.

Final Prep Tips for a Smooth London Trip

So, now you know what to book in advance in London, and you’re already a step ahead of most first-time visitors. Having your tickets sorted means fewer queues, no last-minute ticket panic, and way more time to enjoy the city.

From here, it’s all about pulling your plans together so your days actually flow.

If you're still choosing a base, our guide to where to stay in London walks you through the best neighbourhoods and hotels for first-timers.

A bit of planning now means you’re free to enjoy the good stuff later. That’s how our favourite London days go: just enough booked in to keep things smooth, but still plenty of time to follow your curiosity.

Save this post for later: