Things to do in Barking

Activities, attractions and tours

Barking
Photo by Khyati Gandhi
Photo by Khyati Gandhi
Photo by Benjamin Willard
Photo by Benjamin Willard
Photo "Barking" by Adrian Cable (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Adrian Cable (CC BY-SA)
Photo "Barking" by Adrian Cable (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Adrian Cable (CC BY-SA)
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Top places to visit

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.
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Hyde Park featuring a garden, a river or creek and watersports

2. Big Ben

When you spot Big Ben standing proud beside the River Thames, you couldn’t be anywhere else in the world other than London. One of the city’s best-loved icons, it is an immediately recognisable fixture of the London cityscape next to Westminster Bridge.
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Big Ben showing heritage architecture, a river or creek and a monument

3. Tower Bridge

As many as 40,000 vehicles cross over Tower Bridge every single day, making it a key player in the city’s transport infrastructure – as well as a popular attraction for visitors, famed for its iconic Gothic towers.
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Tower Bridge featuring a bridge, heritage architecture and a monument

4. London Bridge

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.
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The view across London Bridge showing the walkie talkie (voted the ugliest building in the UK) the gherkin and the razor.

5. O2 Arena

O2 Arena was originally called the Millennium Dome. It was created to celebrate the beginning of the new millennium. Completed in 1999, The Dome initially housed the Millennium Experience, an exhibition consisting of exhibits, shows and entertainment honoring humankind’s achievements. The Dome’s vast interior has since been remodeled and today is one of London’s premier entertainment destinations.
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O2 Arena showing a river or creek and modern architecture

6. London Eye

Offering incredible views across the sprawling London metropolis, a trip to the top of the London Eye will give visitors a bird’s eye view of the rich geography the city and allow them to orientate themselves in its midst. See the winding River Thames immediately beneath your feet, and follow it back all the way west to Windsor Castle nearly 40 kilometres away, which you’ll be able to see from the top of the wheel on a sunny day.
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London Eye featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a river or creek

7. Buckingham Palace

Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has been the home of British royalty. During these years, the palace walls have been the backdrop to political change and have seen many advances in society, as well as being used to welcome guests from all over the world. But the palace itself has remained constant as an emblem of the monarchy, admired by guests who flock here. In fact, it’s one of the world’s most visited spots.
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Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London

8. Piccadilly Circus

Lying at the junction between Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Haymarket, Piccadilly Circus is one of the busiest spots in the whole of central London. A hub for traffic of all kinds, it connects the key areas in the heart of the city, including Trafalgar Square, Soho, Chinatown and Leicester Square.
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London featuring heritage elements, street scenes and a city

What to do in Barking

Popular places to visit

Hyde Park featuring a pond, a city and a park

Hyde Park

Once the private hunting grounds of a king, London's most famous park is today a place where everyone can enjoy gardens, monuments and music performances.

Hyde Park
Big Ben showing heritage architecture, a river or creek and a monument

Big Ben

One of Britain’s treasured national symbols, home of the bells which can be heard ringing across the heart of the capital every 15 minutes.

Big Ben
Tower Bridge which includes a river or creek, a bridge and heritage architecture

Tower Bridge

One of London’s most famous bridges, an icon of the city through the ages, situated right beside the historic Tower of London.

Tower Bridge
O2 Arena showing modern architecture

O2 Arena

Created as the focal point of Britain’s millennium celebrations, today this architectural wonder offers a world of entertainment under one enormous roof.

O2 Arena
London Bridge which includes a city

London Bridge

Known for its association with a well-known nursery rhyme, this iconic bridge has existed in various forms for more than 2,000 years.

London Bridge
London Eye featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a river or creek

London Eye

An observation wheel in the heart of the capital which offers visitors captivating views over London and beyond on a clear day.

London Eye
Buckingham Palace featuring heritage architecture, a city and a castle

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of Queen Elizabeth II as well as the lavish home of the British monarchy for nearly two centuries.

Buckingham Palace
Piccadilly Circus featuring street scenes, signage and heritage architecture

Piccadilly Circus

A dazzling London hub with its brightly lit advertising hoardings are a recognisable icon of the city known around the globe.

Piccadilly Circus
Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium

Catch an event at Wembley Stadium during your trip to Wembley. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

Wembley Stadium

 

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London

London

Frequently asked questions

Is Barking worth visiting?
Barking offers a unique blend of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local culinary flavours, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Barking?
London Eye and Trafalgar Square are two excellent places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Barking while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Barking?
Don't go home without exploring London Eye, rated the top tourist attraction in Barking.
Is three days enough to stay in Barking?
Three days in Barking is more than enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers stay for three days on average. IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots such as London.
Is Barking a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Barking, such as Brick Lane Music Hall and Kenneth More Theatre, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometres from the city centre of Barking is Newham and Custom House is 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Barking with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our ideas for what to do in Barking with kids.

What to do in Barking for adults?
Beefeater Gin Distillery and Liverpool Street are just a few of the things to do in Barking. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Barking?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Barking. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. William Morris Gallery is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.