London’s West End is full of attractions that cater to all ages. Whether you’re visiting for the entertainment, nightlife or sightseeing, the West End caters to all ages and tastes. For guests of the Piccadilly London West End, the world is your oyster when it comes to central London.
The city’s beating heart lies in its centrally located collage of commerce, business and entertainment utilising Piccadilly Circus as its main thoroughfare. The electrifying central plaza is teeming with attractions for tourists and locals alike. This blog will outline some of the best attractions in Piccadilly, as well as the easiest ways to reach it for guests of the Piccadilly West End Hotel spa.
History Of Piccadilly
Piccadilly dates back to the early 19th century when it was built as a thoroughfare between Regent Street and Piccadilly. As London and the circus – or “junction” – grew, the area became more and more populated with theatres and shops, leading Charles Dickens, the chronicler of Victorian London life, to cite it as the closest thing to a Parisian boulevard in London. Over the years, Piccadilly Circus has seen WWII soldier hangouts, bars, theatres and famous neon advertisements populate its junction over the years, and it’s still as exciting to see as it was in the 19th century.
Getting To Piccadilly
Piccadilly Circus is served by the Piccadilly Line tube station of the same name, which also serves the Bakerloo Line through Paddington and West London. Other tube stations within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus include Charing Cross, close to Trafalgar Square, Oxford Circus at the other end of Regent Street, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
Hard Rock Cafe
First started in the USA, the Hard Rock Cafe at 229 Piccadilly is an electrifying experience for visitors with an interest in music. With memorabilia focused on the 70s and 80s, the Hard Rock Cafe serves up classic American fare as well as drinks in an all out anarchic setting. With great music and food, the Hard Rock Cafe is a must for guests of hotels in West End London England who want a slice of the American lifestyle during their visit.
Statue Of Anteros
The Statue of Anteros that sits at the centre of Piccadilly Circus is a common meeting point for visitors and a staple of the Piccadilly scene. The statue was developed as a memorial for Lord Shaftesbury, who donated money and campaigned for better work rights for adults and children and to reform Victorian mental health laws. The angel on the statue is that of Anteros, the Greek God of requited love, making it the perfect spot to meet on date night!
Regents Street Shops
The shopping district of Regent’s Street is a highly popular thoroughfare that connects to and is associated with Oxford Street and Circus. The shops on Regent Street span lifestyle, homeware and fashion and offerings include a Burberry outlet, a Hackett London, a flagship ZARA store and a UNIQLO shop.
Oxford Street Shops
Oxford Street is known as the busiest high street in Europe, and at a mile long, has a wealth of department stores, fashion shops and restaurants situated along its busy pavements. Standouts include the famous Selfrdiges, Primark and Currys electrical store. If you’re a guest of West End London hotel deals during the winter months, you’ll be able to see the beautiful Christmas lights that put a dazzling spell over this famous street.
Crystal Maze Live Experience
Made famous by a 90s era game show, the Crystal Maze Live Experience isn’t televised, so even the camera shy can enjoy the ride! Work with friends through a series of dynamic puzzles to collect crystals. Teamwork is key here, and the pressure is on for all involved. Whether it be a work outing, friend or family booking, the Crystal Maze Live Experience is an adrenaline fuelled adventure on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Jermyn Street Theatre
A refreshing fringe theatre amidst the monoliths of London’s West End, the Jermyn Street Theatre focuses on revivals and new writing in an ultra modern, intimate venue that seats 70. Nestled in the alleyways of Jermyn Street, this theatre is one of the most popular fringe theatres in the city centre, and manages to compete against the likes of the Harold Pinter and the Lyric nearby with its range of diverse and exciting shows. Right now, the Jermyn Street Theatre is reviving the Virginia Woolf classic Orlando.
Theatre Royal Haymarket
The Theatre Royal Haymarket has a long history dating back to 1720 when it was opened as a theatre for opera and classical drama. The columned facade on Suffolk Street evokes a true classical atmosphere, but the plays shown within have varied greatly in style. For instance, visitors today can see the Only Fools And Horses theatre show, whilst classic plays such as The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia? played back in 2017.
Harold Pinter Theatre
Dating back to 1881, the Harold Pinter Theatre is located on Panton Street very close to Piccadilly Circus. This beautiful theatre is one of the best reviewed in London per show and includes a Pinter Season where household names take on the writer’s seminal 20th century texts.
Burlington Arcade
The Burlington Arcade is situated just off of Piccadilly and is home to a range of specialist shops that sell everything from antiques to walking gear. Dating back to the early 19th century, the Arcade has a Victorian era facade and even if you’re just window shopping, trasorts visitors back to a past and long-forgotten London.
Picturehouse Central
The headquarters of the Picturehouse Cinema chain, Picturehouse Central is an independent cinema on Shaftesbury Avenue that showcases international, blockbuster and arthouse films. Its expansive interior is a regular hangout for cinephiles, the cafe downstairs offering lunch menus and a delicious range of coffees and teas. With its bar upstairs and regular film festival screenings, the Picturehouse Central is one of the best cinemas in London.
