About Victoria
Victoria is a district located in London, England. Located at the center of the city, Victoria borders the neighborhoods of Westminster, Pimlico, and Belgravia. Victoria is one of London's busiest areas, due to its position near the city's biggest attractions and the presence of Victoria Station, one of London's major transport hubs.
Victoria takes its name from Victoria Street rather than Queen Victoria. Victoria started to become an important area of London in the 1860s due to the opening of Victoria Station. Victoria Station operates lines across the UK and connects London to Gatwick, one of London's largest airports.
Since the station's opening, Victoria has blossomed, with high street shops and trendy eateries popping up across the district. As a significant transport hub full of useful amenities, Victoria is the perfect place to start exploring London.
Things to do in and around Victoria
With shopping opportunities, lots of restaurants, and some fascinating nearby attractions, Victoria offers easy access to many of the best things to do in London. After hopping off the train at Victoria Station, check out some of these exciting activities in and around Victoria.
- Pick up supplies for your trip at the Victoria Place Shopping Centre. This shopping mall is located adjacent to Victoria Station and boasts some well-known stores, such as Boots, New Look, and WHSmith.
- Grab a bite to eat or drink at one of Victoria's many restaurants and bars. There are some excellent restaurants in Victoria. Enjoy a classy candlelit meal at TOZI or have a quick snack at Pimlico Fresh.
- Stroll through Eccleston Square Park. This small urban park is ideal for anybody looking for respite from the bustling streets of central London.
- Catch a spellbinding show at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The Apollo Victoria Theatre is known for hosting some of the best musicals in London, and has hosted a production of Wicked for over a decade.
- Discover wonderful contemporary art at the Saatchi Gallery. The Saatchi Gallery is known for displaying art by up and coming local artists unknown in the art world.
Transit options in Victoria
- Victoria Underground Station (Lines: Circle, District, Victoria)
- Victoria Train Station (National Rail)
- London Buses (2, 11, 13, 16, 24, 36, 44, 52, 170, 185, 507, 390)
Luggage storage in Victoria
Regardless of where you start exploring London, you'll have to do plenty of traveling to reach some of the best sights in this sweeping metropolis. If you don't feel like being weighed down by your suitcase while navigating London's hectic streets, swing by a Victoria luggage storage service. Bounce has several facilities near Victoria Station, located at local stores, dry cleaners, and restaurants. You can book a spot at one of these facilities on the Bounce app. You can also cancel free of charge, in case you're running late or miss your train.
Attractions and Activities near Victoria
- Buckingham Palace: Millions of people flock to Buckingham Palace every year to see how British Royalty lives. Tourists from around the world congregate outside Buckingham Palace's main gates to snap selfies and watch the changing of the guards. Anybody who fancies stepping inside the palace can book a tour and explore several of the palace's extravagant rooms.
During your tour, you'll be taken through the White Drawing Rooms, Throne Room, and the Picture Gallery. All these rooms feature world-class art, jewel-encrusted artifacts, and antique furniture. After the tour, head to the Garden Cafe for a spot of afternoon tea overlooking the Palace lawn. For security reasons, you won't be able to take any large bags inside Buckingham Palace, so visit a Victoria luggage storage service. - Hyde Park: Hyde Park is the largest of London's Royal Parks and is one of the most famous urban parks in the world. Hyde Park covers over 350 acres of beautiful gardens, lush forests, and serene lakes. Anybody looking to escape the city will love strolling through the park or having a picnic on one of the lawns.
Hyde Park is great for learning about British wildlife, with an array of fauna frequenting the park. Birdwatchers will have a field day at Hyde Park, with black swans, buzzards, and long-tailed tits spotted in the area. Looking to cool off on a scorching summer day? Consider taking a dip in the Serpentine. You can also chow down on lunch or a snack at the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen overlooking the lake. - The National Gallery: The National Gallery holds some of the most famous pieces of art in the world. Focused primarily on European art, the National Gallery has over 2,000 pieces in its collection. While touring the museum, you'll see some intriguing paintings including The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein the Younger, Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, and Bathers at La Grenouillère by Claude Monet.
The National Gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions that feature renowned paintings, so ensure you check what's on before you take a tour. Like Buckingham Palace, oversized bags are prohibited inside the National Gallery, so swing by a luggage storage service in Victoria beforehand. - Westminster Abbey: Westminster is the perfect excursion for lovers of history and architecture. Boasting intricate Gothic architecture and over 1,000 years of history, you'll love exploring this remarkable church. Over 3,000 prominent Brits are buried in the abbey, including kings, queens, prime ministers, poet laureates, and more. Westminster Abbey has also played host to royal coronations since 1066, and 16 royal weddings. Take a tour of Westminster Abbey and see the Coronation Chair, the Poet's Corner, and The Lady Chapel.