What to do in Barking

Activities, attractions and tours

Barking
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.
The Chapel, Riverside Cemetery Built in 1886. Designed by Barking architect Charles James Dawson (1850-1933). The design was possibly inspired by St. Margaret's parish church, Barking.
Photo by Adrian Cable (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
The Chapel, Riverside Cemetery Built in 1886. Designed by Barking architect Charles James Dawson (1850-1933). The design was possibly inspired by St. Margaret's parish church, Barking.
Photo by Adrian Cable (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Barking Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Barking AU$9. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 421 activities in Barking, London.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Barking attractions from AU$9, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

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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

As you approach Westminster, towering Big Ben comes into view, standing majestically on the banks of the River Thames atop the glorious Houses of Parliament. Romanticised throughout the years in various films such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually”, Big Ben is the standing soul of this great city.
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Big Ben which includes heritage architecture, a monument and a city

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 featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

4. 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.

5. Tower Bridge

Situated just outside tower hill, the colossal gothic towers straddling the River Thames are a welcoming sight for locals and visitors alike. Soaring majestically up into the London city skyline, Tower Bridge enables around 40,000 vehicles to cross the River Thames every day.
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Tower Bridge showing a monument, heritage architecture and a bridge

6. Buckingham Palace

Home to the British Royal family since 1837, Buckingham Palace has for centuries been at the forefront of true British tradition. Having hosted countless lavish banquets, foreign dignitary receptions and state degrees, this elegant palace has withstood decades of change and stands today as the symbol of Britain’s constitutional monarchy.
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Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London

7. Piccadilly Circus

This rather unusual name derives from a tailor named Roger Baker, famous for making the frilled collars worn by men the 17th Century. Contrary to popular belief, the “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic that trundles around the central statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, Piccadilly Circus is an amalgamation of bright lights, lavish entertainment and bustling commuters, a scene which attracts thousands of visitors each year, day and night.
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London showing heritage elements, a city and street scenes

8. Trafalgar Square

Constructed as a tribute to commemorate the British Victory at Trafalgar in 1805, this lively square attracts a staggering 30 million visitors each year. Famous for its iconic statue of Admiral Lord Nelson, known as Nelson’s Column, the area has for decades been a gathering point for political rallies and New Year celebrations.
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Trafalgar Square featuring a city, a sunset and a fountain

What to do in Barking

Discover the most popular places to visit in Barking

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

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 which includes heritage architecture, a monument and a city

Big Ben

Arguably one of London’s most famous monuments, this prominent landmark is a national icon, adored by generations of Britons.

Big Ben
O2 Arena which includes 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 night scenes, a bridge and a river or creek

Tower Bridge

A marvel of engineering, this iconic landmark has for centuries been at the forefront of London’s epic skyline.

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 featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and a city

Buckingham Palace

This luxury residence of the oldest royal family in the world is still a national icon, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Buckingham Palace
Piccadilly Circus showing heritage architecture, a city and street scenes

Piccadilly Circus

This bustling, energetic area of London has been likened to Times Square in the US. It's also the perfect place to start your London sightseeing adventure.

Piccadilly Circus
Trafalgar Square which includes a square or plaza, a fountain and night scenes

Trafalgar Square

A fantastic reference point for locals and visitors, this bustling square is home to one of the nation’s most treasured monuments.

Trafalgar Square

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Barking

Piccadilly Circus featuring a city, city views and street scenes

London

Crowfoot Marsh. Dagenham East Parkland is a series of parks and nature reserves lying, mainly, to the West of the river Rom. It includes Dagenham Central Park, Eastbrookend Country Park, The Chase Nature Reserve and Beam Valley Country Park. Nearest station: Dagenham East.

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.