One of London's best transport areas and located just a short walk from Buckingham Palace, Victoria offers the perfect base for your London visit. Its close proximity to the royal residence means that Victoria hotels are some of the finest you will find in the city.
Attractions in and around Victoria
Victoria offers fantastic access to well known London locations such as St James's Park, Hyde Park, Mayfair and Park Lane, as well as historic Westminster. If the weather is fine, it is definitely worth seeking out these places on foot and enjoying the London surroundings as you stroll through Victoria. If the sun does not come out to play, there is always the option of the
tube, with Victoria station serving the Circle, District and Victoria Lines.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is especially close to Victoria, and is of course one of London's most popular attractions. If it is your first visit, it is only right and proper that you join the mass of tourists and take some photographs in front of the gates. The daily Changing the Guard ceremony at the palace is a highlight for many visitors, while the Royal Mews house several horses, cars and carriages that play a pivotal role in royal transport.
Victoria - a gateway to London
One of London's busiest transport hubs, visitors can arrive in Victoria by coach, tube or train, with the regular Gatwick Express service providing easy airport access. The coach station is the main London stop for many National Express and Megabus services to and from London, while trains run to and from towns in neighbouring southern counties Surrey and Kent, as well as south coast cities such as Portsmouth and Brighton. Just outside the station is Little Ben, a miniature replica of the more famous clock tower in Westminster.
The Gatwick Express
Of course, the
Gatwick Express is the service many London visitors are after when they get to Victoria, and conveniently there is a train every fifteen minutes to and from the airport. The journey takes just thirty minutes, with the last departure from Victoria at half past midnight. A one-way ticket starts at £15.95 for adults, while if you want to come back again a return ticket will set you back £27.40. These prices are what you can expect to pay if you book online, which aside from being quicker and more convenient anyway will save you 10% off the usual price.
Hotels in Victoria
Surrounded by Buckingham Palace, Belgravia and Mayfair, it is no surprise that many hotels in Victoria are on the luxurious side, with fabulous five star offerings such as
The Goring,
51 Buckingham Gate and
Halkin Hotel all in the area, alongside other classy accommodation options such as
St James Court and
Chesterfield Mayfair. However, that does not mean you cannot find a cheaper option if you need to, with establishments such as
Dover Hotel and
Huttons both providing a pleasant stay.
Victoria Pubs and Bars
If you just have a short window of time until you have to get on your coach or train, head to
Grand Imperial, a creative bar and restaurant where you can sip an exciting bubble tea cocktail alongside a great selection of dim sum, the perfect pick me up before a long journey. Further cocktails are on offer at
St James Court's Zander Bar. If you are looking for your traditional English pint of ale, the country atmosphere of The Cask and Glass is worth seeking out, while if you are pushed for time The Travellers Tavern is right outside the station.
Victoria Restaurants
As you head towards the palace, the restaurants will of course get pricier, but if you want to treat yourself Victoria is a great place to eat. All sort of cuisines are available, from Mediterranean at About Thyme to British at Thomas Cubitt. For something really special, try the Indian fare at Michelin-starred The Quilon at
51 Buckingham Gate, or the elegance of Butler's at
Chesterfield Mayfair.
If you are after something quick, easy and delicious, there is a Zizzi restaurant just a short distance from the tube station, with other well-known names such as Nando's, La Tasca and Wagamama close by.
Victoria Parking
For all the public transport going in and out of Victoria, there will still be some of you arriving by car. If you are looking for somewhere to park, there are various
NCP car parks throughout London. There is one large 24-hour car park close to the station (postcode SW1W 9QL), while there are more options in the direction of Hyde Park (SW1X 7RN) and Knightsbridge (SW1X 9SA).