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 showing a pond, a garden and a city

2. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.
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Tower Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a bridge

3. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.
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Buckingham Palace which includes a castle, a city and heritage architecture

4. 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 featuring modern architecture

5. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus garnered its peculiar name from Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making men’s piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name represents flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city on the move. Piccadilly Circus has become a must-see spectacle, which draws locals and tourists day and night.
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Piccadilly Circus which includes a city, signage and street scenes

6. London Eye

The 360-degree view from the top of the London Eye is a spectacular way to orientate yourself in London. Below, the River Thames meanders through the teeming metropolis, and on a clear day the views stretch to Windsor Castle, almost 25 miles (40 kilometers) away.
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London Eye which includes a skyscraper, modern architecture and rides

7. Trafalgar Square

Built to commemorate the British Navy’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, London’s Trafalgar Square is now the first port of call for over 30 million tourists a year. This area has been a gathering point for celebrations and political rallies for more than a century. Within hours of each event, however, the normal rhythms of the city return, watched over by the stoic statues of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Four Lions.
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Trafalgar Square featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a fountain

8. Big Ben

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know you have truly arrived in London. Featured in British films, such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” Big Ben is best viewed from the Thames’ east bank or while strolling along Westminster Bridge, on route to see the Houses of Parliament.
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Big Ben featuring a river or creek, a city and a monument

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What to do in Barking

Popular places to visit

Hyde Park showing a pond, a garden and a city

Hyde Park

4.5/5(1,861 reviews)

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
Tower Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a bridge

Tower Bridge

4.5/5(1,137 reviews)

An engineering marvel, this London icon spans both the River Thames and the ages.

Tower Bridge
Buckingham Palace which includes a castle, a city and heritage architecture

Buckingham Palace

4.5/5(1,004 reviews)

Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

Buckingham Palace
O2 Arena featuring modern architecture

O2 Arena

4.5/5(625 reviews)

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
Piccadilly Circus which includes a city, signage and street scenes

Piccadilly Circus

4/5(1,953 reviews)

Often billed as the British version of Times Square, this iconic traffic hub is the perfect starting point for your London adventure.

Piccadilly Circus
London Eye which includes a skyscraper, modern architecture and rides

London Eye

4/5(1,213 reviews)

Climb aboard this observation wheel for the best bird’s-eye view of the British capital.

London Eye
Trafalgar Square featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a fountain

Trafalgar Square

4.5/5(1,860 reviews)

London’s great meeting place and the “front yard” of the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

Trafalgar Square
Big Ben featuring a river or creek, a city and a monument

Big Ben

4/5(1,061 reviews)

One of London’s most resounding landmarks is a treasured emblem of England.

Big Ben
Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium

4.5/5(558 reviews)

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

Wembley Stadium
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.