Attractions

Attractions near the Portico Hotel

The Portico Hotel is situated in a very convenient location where all modes of public transport are easily accessible from our hotel by walk. The famous attractions are all within a short distance of this central London hotel accommodation. Being situated near the Victoria railway station, the Portico is very close to the places of cultural and social interest.

We have compiled a list of the most popular attractions within walking distance of the Portico Hotel Victoria:

Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the administrative headquarters of the British Monarchy. It evolved from a townhouse that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Although still in use for official events and receptions held by The Queen, some parts of Buckingham Palace are opened to visitors on a regular basis. Buckingham Palace is just a short 15-minute walk from the Portico Hotel.

Changing the Guard
Changing the Guard or Guard Mounting is the process of a new guard exchanging duty with the old guard. The Guard which mounts at Buckingham Palace is called The Queen’s Guard. The handover is accompanied by a band that plays music ranging from traditional military marches to songs from films and musicals and even familiar pop songs. The ceremony lasts 45 minutes and is free to watch. Changing the Guard is just a short 15-minute walk from the Portico Hotel

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Big Ben is the loving nickname for the bell of the clock tower adjoining the Houses of Parliament. Completed in 1858 the tower stands at 97m tall making it the third tallest clock tower in the World. The Houses of Parliament, comprised of the House of Lords and Houses of Commons, and are the centre of British politics and where all British laws are passed. Big Ben is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Portico Hotel.

Tate Britain
The largest collection of British art in the world, with paintings dating from 1500 to the present day, by artists including Gainsborough, Millais, Whistler and JMW Turner. The best way to the Museum is by walking, approximately 15 minutes.

London Eye
A 135m high wheel built to mark the new Millennium. The London Eye carries 3.5million people every year making it one of London’s most popular attractions. Each ‘flight’ lasts 30 minutes and from its highest point, you can see as far as 40km, on a clear day. London Eye is approximately a 30-minute walk from the hotel.

Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is the world-famous home of wax figurines of the rich and famous. Meet the greatest actors, politicians, singers and athletes of this century all under one roof! With 14 ‘zones’ including a new 4D movie experience, you will need at least two hours to experience this attraction to the most. The best way to Madame Tussauds is by Underground. From Victoria Underground Station, take the Victoria Line northbound to Oxford Circus. From here take the Bakerloo Line to Baker Street. Exit the station and take a left to Madame Tussauds.

Trafalgar Square
Home to Nelsons Column and the National Gallery, the Square also features many statues and fountains. Look out for possibly the smallest police box ever built on the southeast corner of the square. The easiest way to Trafalgar Square from the Hotel is by Bus. From Victoria bus station take bus number 24 to Trafalgar Square.

Leicester Square
An entertainment-packed pedestrianised square in the West End of London. Home to countless cinemas, clubs, restaurants and the location of many movie premieres. This is why it is the place to be in the evenings. The easiest way to Leicester Square from the Hotel is by Bus. From Victoria bus station take bus number 24 to Leicester Square

Tower of London
A historic royal castle on the north bank of the Thames. Since its construction in the 11th century, it has served as a royal residence, prison and home to the Royal Mint at various times. Current ‘must-sees’ of the Tower of London include the Crown Jewels, the Royal Armoury, a prisoners exhibition and the famous Ravens that only respond to the Ravenmaster! The easiest way to the Tower of London is by Underground. From Victoria Underground Station take the Circle or District Line eastbound to Tower Hill. Exit the station and follow signs to the Tower.

St Pauls Cathedral
The cathedral’s iconic dome is one of the distinctive features of London’s skyline. At 365ft tall, it is one of the largest domes in the world. This is a busy working church with hourly prayer times and daily services. The easiest way to St Paul's Cathedral is by Underground. From Victoria Underground station take the Victoria Line northbound to Oxford Circus and then change onto the Central Line to St Paul's.

The British Museum
A museum dedicated to human history and culture. This museum houses an amazing collection of over seven million artefacts displaying the history of different cultures from around the world in Galleries, including the ever-popular Egyptian and Greek galleries. The easiest way to the Museum is by Bus. From Victoria bus station take bus number 24 to Tottenham Court Road and walk to the museum.

The Natural History Museum
A museum dedicated to Life and Earth Science and home to over 70 million artefacts, some collected by Darwin himself! The famous skeleton of the Diplodocus in the Central Hall is just one of many skeletons on show. A favourite amongst both adults and children, this is a must when visiting London. Entry is free. The easiest way to get to the Museum from the Hotel is by Underground. From Victoria Underground station take the District line westbound to South Kensington. Follow the signs from the station to the Museum.

The Science Museum
A collection of over 300,000 items including the first jet engine, a reconstruction of Crick and Watsons DNA structure and some of the first steam engines ever built. Throughout the museum, you will find galleries dedicated to all aspects of science including space, medicine and flight. Entry is free. Charges apply for the IMAX 3D cinema, simulators and some special exhibitions. The easiest way to get to the Museum from the Hotel is by Underground. From Victoria Underground station take the District line westbound to South Kensington. Follow the signs from the station to the Museum.

The Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum
This is the World’s largest museum for decorative art and design, with a collection of over 4 million artefacts including ceramics, furniture, jewellery and paintings. Entry is free. The easiest way to get to the Museum from the Hotel is by Underground. From Victoria Underground station take the District line westbound to South Kensington. Follow the signs from the station to the Museum.

Hyde Park
One of the largest parks in Central London at over 300 acres. This is a royal park and is most famous for its Speakers Corner, horse riding, boating on the lake and Diana Princess of Wales Fountain. The park is easily accessed by several underground stations surrounding the Park. The best way to the Park is by Bus. From Victoria Bus station take bus number 8, 38 or 73 to Hyde Park Corner, Park Lane or Marble Arch, respectively.

Regents Park
Another Royal Park with a wide variety of activities including an open-air theatre, a boating lake, London Zoo and many cafes and restaurants. The easiest way to get to the park is by Underground. From Victoria Underground station take the Victoria line northbound to Oxford Circus. From here change onto the Bakerloo line northbound to Regents Park.

Greenwich Park
The oldest royal park, famous for being bisected by the Greenwich Meridian. This is an extensive park set on a hill, to the south-east of Central London, with far-reaching views of the city. Must-sees include the old Royal Observatory, the protected deer and the Prime Meridian Line. The easiest way to the park is by a boat ride from the London Eye to Greenwich Pier. Please ask at the Reception for more details.

Harrods
The name says it all! The largest department store in the UK (at over one million square feet!) selling everything exclusive and luxurious from fashion, furniture, technology and much more. Why not have brunch or lunch at one of the 20 cafes and restaurants within the store and visits to the patisserie, Egyptian Hall and Toy department are a must. The easiest way to Harrods is by bus. Exit the Hotel, take a right and walk straight ahead. At the second set of traffic lights turn left onto Buckingham Palace Road and approach stop V for Bus C1 to Harrods.

Camden Market
The largest market in the UK attracting over 100,000 Londoners and tourists every weekend. This market is made up of several markets spread across Camden Town selling everything from clothing to antiques and furniture. The quickest and easiest way from the Hotel is by Underground. From Victoria Station take the underground Victoria line to Euston station then change onto the Northern line northbound to Camden Town.