Top Things to Do Near Victoria Station London 2025

Victoria Station is one of the busiest transport hubs in London, with over 75 million passenger entries and exits every year (2024 Network Rail data). Located in the City of Westminster, it connects travellers to Gatwick Airport, South London, and other parts of the UK. But Victoria is more than just a station – it’s surrounded by iconic attractions, cultural sites, and local experiences. Here is your complete guide to the top things to do near Victoria Station.

1. Visit Buckingham Palace

Just a 10-minute walk (0.5 miles) from Victoria Station, Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of King Charles III. It has 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, and 78 bathrooms.

What to See

• The grand palace gates and Victoria Memorial.

• The Changing of the Guard, which usually happens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11 AM (check the schedule before visiting).

• During summer (July to September), visitors can book tours to see the State Rooms, where official ceremonies take place.

Interesting Fact

The palace garden covers 39 acres, making it the largest private garden in London.

2. Relax at St James’s Park

St James’s Park is a beautiful royal park covering 57 acres, located just past Buckingham Palace. Managed by The Royal Parks charity, it attracts both locals and tourists for its serene views and wildlife.

Highlights

• Watch the pelicans, a gift from the Russian Ambassador in 1664. Feeding takes place daily at 2:30 PM.

• Enjoy coffee from St James’s Café with views of the lake and fountain.

• Walk along The Mall, leading up to Buckingham Palace, lined with Union Jack flags during state events.

3. Explore Westminster Cathedral

Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral is the mother church of Catholics in England and Wales, built in a striking neo-Byzantine style. It is just a 5-minute walk from Victoria Station.

What to See

• The stunning mosaics inside (many remain unfinished, adding to its unique feel).

• Climb the 210-foot bell tower for panoramic views of London. Tickets cost around £6 for adults (2025 prices).

4. Go Shopping at Cardinal Place

Cardinal Place is a modern shopping and dining complex on Victoria Street, popular with office workers and visitors.

Shops and Facilities

• Marks & Spencer, Zara, Boots, Jo Malone.

• Free public seating areas with glass-roof architecture.

• Outdoor dining space, perfect for sunny days.

5. Watch a Musical at Apollo Victoria Theatre

Right opposite Victoria Station is the Apollo Victoria Theatre, an Art Deco venue with over 2,300 seats.

Current Shows (2025)

• Wicked continues its record-breaking run, having been performed here since 2006.

• Average ticket price: £25-£95 depending on seat and day.

Interesting Fact

The theatre opened in 1930 as a cinema before becoming a live performance venue.

6. Discover The Queen’s Gallery

The Queen’s Gallery is part of Buckingham Palace and features changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection Trust. It is open to the public year-round and often displays historic paintings, furniture, and jewellery from the royal collection.

Entry Fee (2025)

• Adults: £20

• Concessions available for students and seniors.

7. Eat at Top Local Restaurants and Pubs

Victoria has transformed into a vibrant food destination in recent years. Some of the best-rated spots (Google and TripAdvisor 2025 data) include:

• Timmy Green: Australian brunch spot with dishes like banana bread sandwiches and sweetcorn fritters.

• The Ivy Victoria: Elegant British and international dining.

• The Albert Pub: Built in 1862, this Victorian pub has stained glass windows and serves classic fish and chips, pies, and ales.

• Market Hall Victoria: A modern food hall with 11 kitchens, 3 bars, and rooftop dining.

8. Store Your Luggage for Easy Exploring

Dragging suitcases around can ruin your short trip. You can use luggage storage at Victoria Station to keep your belongings safe for a few hours or all day. This service is popular among travellers catching late trains or flights.

2025 Data

• Average cost: £5-£7 per bag per day.

• Insurance cover: Up to £3000 per bag depending on provider.

• Booking: Online in advance for guaranteed spots.

9. Visit The Royal Mews

Next to Buckingham Palace, The Royal Mews houses the royal carriages and horses.

What You’ll See

• Gold State Coach, used for coronations and royal events since 1762.

• Working stables with horses used to pull the carriages.

• Guided tours explaining royal transport history.

Opening Times

• Usually open February to November.

• Adult ticket (2025): £17.

10. Walk to Westminster Abbey

A 15-minute walk (0.7 miles) from Victoria Station, Westminster Abbey is where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066.

Key Highlights

• Poets’ Corner with memorials to Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, and other famous writers.

• The Coronation Chair, used for every coronation since 1308.

• Daily services open to the public free of charge (entry fee applies for sightseeing).

Visitor Stats

• Over 1.3 million visitors per year (2024 data).

11. See Little Ben

Outside Victoria Station stands Little Ben, a charming 20-foot cast-iron clock tower built in 1892. It was designed as a small replica of Big Ben to help travellers keep track of time.

Interesting History

• Little Ben was removed in 1964 due to roadworks and stored for nearly 20 years.

• It was reinstalled in 1981 as a gift from the French oil company Elf Aquitaine, symbolising Anglo-French friendship.

• Its plaque reads: “My hands you may retard or may advance, my heart beats true for England as for France.”

Visitor Tips

• Best photo times are early morning or golden hour when the sun lights up its gold trim.

• It is located close to shops and cafes, making it a quick and easy stop before exploring Cardinal Place.

12. Discover Victoria’s Modern Developments

Victoria has changed greatly in the last decade with over £2 billion spent on redevelopment, turning it into a modern business and leisure district.

Major Developments

• Nova Victoria: This modern complex includes 170 luxury apartments, large office spaces, and top restaurants like Aster, Rail House Café, Bone Daddies ramen bar, and Shake Shack. Its striking glass towers have become a landmark in Victoria.

• Cardinal Place: Offers offices, restaurants, and retail brands such as Marks & Spencer, Zara, and Jo Malone. Its glass-roof design has public seating areas popular with office workers and tourists.

• The Zig Zag Building: Houses major corporate offices and features panoramic city views.

Impact

These redevelopments have changed Victoria from just a transport hub into a lively destination for dining, shopping, and working, creating thousands of jobs in retail, hospitality, and office sectors.

13. Experience The Goring Hotel

Located near Buckingham Palace, The Goring Hotel is a five-star, family-run hotel known for its royal connections and classic British style. It was built in 1910 and is the only hotel with a Royal Warrant for hospitality services.

Notable Facts

• Kate Middleton stayed here before her wedding in 2011.

• The hotel is famous for its Michelin-starred Dining Room, serving modern British dishes such as lobster omelette and Dorset crab.

• It has one of London’s largest private hotel gardens, perfect for afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea (2025)

• Costs around £70 per person.

• Includes homemade scones, pastries, and fine teas served in elegant Edwardian-style lounges overlooking the garden.

14. Explore Victoria Coach Station

Victoria Coach Station, opened in 1932, is a Grade II listed Art Deco building and remains the main departure point for intercity coaches across the UK, serving millions of passengers each year.

Historical Highlights

• It was designed by Wallis, Gilbert and Partners, who also designed the Hoover Building in West London.

• During WWII, it was used for troop transport and civilian evacuations.

• Its grand hall still features original Art Deco tiling and vintage signage, offering a nostalgic glimpse into 1930s travel.

Traveller Tips

• Facilities include luggage storage, toilets, cafes, and ticket offices.

• Book tickets for National Express, Megabus, or FlixBus in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

Conclusion

Victoria Station is not just a transit point but a gateway to London’s royal, cultural, and culinary experiences. From watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to relaxing in St James’s Park, dining at top restaurants, or enjoying musicals, there is something for every traveller. Next time you’re here, take a few hours to explore and experience the richness of this historic area.

FAQs

1. How far is Buckingham Palace from Victoria Station?
Buckingham Palace is only a 10-minute walk (about 0.5 miles) from Victoria Station, making it one of the easiest attractions to visit nearby. You can walk up Buckingham Palace Road straight to the palace gates.

2. Can I store my luggage at Victoria Station while sightseeing?
Yes, you can use luggage storage services at Victoria Station. It usually costs around £5-£7 per bag per day, with insurance cover up to £3000 depending on the provider. Booking online in advance is recommended for guaranteed space.

3. What is Little Ben and why is it famous?
Little Ben is a 20-foot cast-iron clock tower built in 1892 as a small replica of Big Ben. It was reinstalled in 1981 as a symbol of Anglo-French friendship and has a plaque with an inscription reflecting this historic bond.

4. What shows can I watch at Apollo Victoria Theatre in 2025?
In 2025, Wicked continues its long-running success at Apollo Victoria Theatre. This popular musical has been performed there since 2006 and remains a top choice for theatre-goers near Victoria Station.

5. Where is the best place to shop near Victoria Station?
Cardinal Place is the main shopping and dining complex near Victoria Station. It has stores like Marks & Spencer, Zara, Boots, and Jo Malone, plus cafes, restaurants, and outdoor seating under its glass roof.

6. Is Victoria Coach Station interesting to visit even if I’m not taking a coach?
Yes, Victoria Coach Station is worth seeing. Opened in 1932, it is a Grade II listed Art Deco building with original tiling and vintage signage, giving visitors a glimpse into London’s travel history.