Things to do in Barking

Activities, attractions and tours

Melrose church and bench on quiet Sunday
Melrose church and bench on quiet Sunday
Historic All Hallows-by-the-Tower or St. Mary the Virgin or All Hallows Barking - an ancient Anglican church on Byward Street in City of London.
Barking
Town Square and Arboretum A new development comprising a learning centre and library, framed by colonnades and topped by two parallel housing blocks with a wooded public square. RIBA Award Winner, 2011. Architects: AHMM and Muf. Date: 2007. Nearest Station: Barking.
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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

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know that 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, en route to see the Houses of Parliament.
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Big Ben showing a city, a monument and a river or creek

3. O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is an award-winning complex that hosts many types of events, such as sports and music. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000 and has held the title as the busiest arena in the world with more than 2 million ticket sales in a calendar year. It was designed with excellent acoustics to prevent echoing.
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O2 Arena which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

4. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicentre 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, Westminster, London

5. 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.

6. 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 bay or harbour and a bridge

7. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus owes its peculiar name to a certain Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of the traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name conjures images of flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city very much on the move. The area has become a must-see spectacle, attracting both locals and tourists throughout the day and night.
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London featuring heritage elements, a city and street scenes

8. 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, a sunset and a fountain

What to do in Barking

Popular places to visit

Hyde Park which includes a pond, a park and a city

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 a city, a monument and a river or creek

Big Ben

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

Big Ben
O2 Arena showing modern architecture

O2 Arena

Attend music and sports events, see a movie or go bowling in one of the busiest arenas in the world, situated inside this iconic dome by the River Thames.

O2 Arena
The stadium in the sunset in london.; Shutterstock ID 2698953

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
Tower Bridge showing heritage architecture, a bridge and night scenes

Tower Bridge

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

Tower Bridge
London Bridge showing 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
Buckingham Palace showing heritage architecture, a castle and a city

Buckingham Palace

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

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

Piccadilly Circus

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

Piccadilly Circus
Trafalgar Square showing heritage architecture, a fountain and night scenes

Trafalgar Square

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

Trafalgar Square
Piccadilly Circus featuring a city, city views and street scenes

London

London, England, UK - September 04, 2022: Tower of St Margaret's Parish Church Barking Abbey. London Borough of barking and Dagenham GB UK

Dagenham

Ilford East London Aerial drone view high angle

Ilford

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.

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