About the West End
The West End is a historic neighbourhood of central London, filled with iconic landmarks and top attractions. With roots dating back to the 17th century, the district has long been associated with world-class entertainment and remarkable architecture.
Here, you'll find popular London spots, such as Covent Garden, Soho, Chinatown and Leicester Square, as well as famous shopping streets, including Oxford Street and Bond Street.
The lively area is also home to London’s famous Theatreland and iconic sights, including the British Museum, Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s Column and the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus.
With thousands of restaurants, bars and hotels to choose from, there are plenty of excellent spaces for an event, in addition to famous cultural venues which are also available for hire, such as the Royal Opera House and the National Gallery.
London’s West End is highly accessible, with Underground stations including Covent Garden and Leicester Square, numerous bus routes and major rail hubs located nearby, such as Charing Cross and Waterloo. The area also features cycling routes, taxis and pedestrian-friendly streets, all ideal for a smooth travel experience.
Situated in Covent Garden, this award-winning museum offers unique event spaces including Museum Galleries and the Cubic Theatre.
RSA House blends Georgian elegance with modern facilities across 12 event spaces near Charing Cross station.
Somerset House is a historic venue with neoclassical architecture, hosting exhibitions, performances and 12 event spaces.
IET London is a riverside venue with high-tech event spaces and a rooftop terrace offering London skyline views.
Located near Trafalgar Square, this Grade I-listed gallery holds the world’s largest collection of portraits.
The British Museum holds over 8 million works documenting human history and offers event hire for large groups.
SOLT supports West End theatres and professionals with training and events in iconic venues around London’s theatre district.
Explore London’s West End while dancing and listening to music with this unique silent disco tour experience.
Trafalgar Square’s iconic gallery features over 2,300 paintings and event spaces with skyline views.
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair, Sketch offers artistic interiors and various themed dining rooms.
Vibrant rooftop restaurant in Covent Garden serving fusion Japanese-Brazilian cuisine with private dining options.
A historic department store known for luxury foods, teas and the iconic afternoon tea experience.
Tattu brings modern Chinese cuisine and stunning décor to central London with bespoke private hire options.
A centrally located hotel with art deco styling, 200+ guestrooms, dining and easy access to theatres and galleries.
The Savoy is a historic luxury hotel on The Strand offering exceptional event spaces with views of the River Thames.
The Waldorf Hilton combines history and elegance with fine dining and event hosting near the West End’s theatres.
Things to do in the West End
There is no shortage of fun and cultural activities to enjoy in London’s West End, which boasts more than 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, shopping delights and a multitude of museums and galleries.
Event venues
London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum, situated in the Covent Garden piazza, offers unique event spaces for up to 500. Recognised as the Best Private Hire Venue at the 2023 London for Groups Awards, the museum showcases London’s transport history through its stunning Museum Galleries and Cubic Theatre spaces.
Royal Society of Arts (RSA House)
RSA House blends period architecture with modern design, creating a distinctive event setting. The Georgian townhouse has 12 versatile spaces, including the Great Room and the Vaults, with capacity for up to 200. Located just off The Strand, it’s a five-minute walk from Charing Cross and Embankment stations.
Somerset House
Established in 1547, Somerset House seamlessly blends history and creativity within its stunning neoclassical architecture. The venue hosts exhibitions and performances, and offers 12 spaces for events for up to 1,500 guests. In 2024, it was awarded Most Versatile Venue in London for hosting large events.
IET London: Savoy Place
IET London: Savoy Place is ideal for your next event, featuring breathtaking 180-degree views of the London skyline. This historic central London venue, situated on the river Thames, offers modern technology, a rooftop terrace and ample space for events of up to 450 people. It’s easily accessible by public transport.
Experiences
The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery has the largest collection of portraits in the world, with more than 220,000 artworks from the eighth century to the present day. Located near Trafalgar Square, this stunning Grade I-listed building can be hired for events, featuring its Victorian, 17th-century, 18th-century and Tudor galleries.
The British Museum
For the past two years, the British Museum has been the most visited tourist site in the UK. This remarkable museum, which features exhibitions and events celebrating 2m years of human history and culture, is located close to Holborn. The museum offers various rooms for events, accommodating more than 300 guests.
Society of London Theatre (SOLT)
No trip to London is complete without experiencing the West End theatre district. Enhance your visit by exploring venues supported by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), which provides training and events for theatre professionals. You can also book backstage tours for groups.
Silent disco walking tours
Dance like nobody’s watching on a Silent Disco West End walking tour. Tours start and end in Fitzrovia. Recently ranked by TripAdvisor as the number one tour in London, you can host a private tour with a minimum of six people.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is one of the world's greatest art galleries, featuring some 2,300 paintings by artists such as Van Gogh and Monet. You can hold your event for up to 1,000 guests with a beautiful view of the London skyline from the Portico Terrace or surrounded by incredible artwork that has influenced history and culture.
Restaurants
Sketch
Sketch is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in an elegant 18th-century building in Mayfair. It features several unique dining areas, including the stylish Gallery, the inviting Parlour and the eye-catching Glade. You can book sections of the venue for private events of up to 450.
Sushi Samba
Sushi Samba is situated on the lively Opera Terrace above the historic Market Building and offers a vibrant dining experience. The restaurant provides inviting spaces for events of up to 300, including a private dining room with a balcony, making it a standout choice in Covent Garden.
Fortnum & Mason
The world-famous Fortnum & Mason department store dates back to 1707. Located at 181 Piccadilly, close to Piccadilly and Green Park, it specialises in fine foods, cheese, wine, chocolate, tea, coffee and luxury gifts. The food hall features fresh produce, flowers and restaurants, as well as a not-to-miss afternoon tea. The restaurants can accommodate private events for up to 450 guests, and there are several other event spaces available.
Tattu
Stylish Tattu specialises in Chinese experiential dining. The restaurant, located near Tottenham Court Road, employs cutting-edge cooking techniques to craft exquisite dishes within a stunning interior. The venue is also available for private hire for dinners of up to 200.
Hotels
St Martins Lane London
This art deco-inspired hotel is centrally located. It's a three-minute walk from Leicester Square and a five-minute walk from Trafalgar Square. There are more than 200 guestrooms, a fitness centre and two restaurants.
Sanderson
Located in the historically bohemian area of Fitzrovia, Sanderson is conveniently close to some of London’s most iconic locations as well as transport links, including Marylebone, Bloomsbury and Euston. Its rooms feature luxurious, contemporary design and the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea is one of the hotel’s most unique offerings. Sanderson offers a range of spaces for hire for private events of up to 180.
The Savoy
Located on The Strand with stunning views of the Thames, the 267-room Savoy has been providing luxury accommodation for more than 135 years. The iconic Savoy can accommodate private events for up to 800.
The Waldorf Hilton
An iconic London hotel built in the 1800s, situated in the centre of London's theatre district, a four-minute walk from the Royal Opera House. Enjoy afternoon tea and British cuisine in the Homage restaurant, as well as unique drinks in the cocktail bars.
The Londoner
The Londoner is in the vibrant core of Leicester Square, surrounded by premiere-hosting cinemas, and minutes away from iconic shopping and food destinations including Chinatown, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. The hotel features 350 bedrooms across 18 floors, six restaurants, a wellness centre and event spaces for up to 850 guests.
Travel information
How to get to the West End
London’s West End is easily accessible from various parts of the city. You can travel there by Tube, train, bus, boat or bike.
Travel times to and from the West End
- London Heathrow Airport: 58 minutes from Leicester Square on the Piccadilly line (direct to all terminals).
- London Gatwick Airport: 58 minutes using the Piccadilly line from Leicester Square, changing at Green Park to take the Victoria line to Victoria and then the Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express train to the airport.
- City of London: 23 minutes to get to Bank using the Piccadilly line to Holborn and changing to the Central line.
- Canary Wharf: 22 minutes from Leicester Square using the Piccadilly line and changing at Green Park for the Jubilee line.
- Waterloo: 7 minutes from Leicester Square on the Northern line (direct).
- Westminster: 20 minutes from Leicester Square using the Piccadilly line to Green Park to change for the Jubilee line to Westminster.
- London City Airport: 39 minutes taking the Piccadilly line from Leicester Square, changing at Green Park for the Jubilee line, and then changing at Canning Town for the DLR.
- London Luton Airport: 55 minutes using the Piccadilly line to Kings Cross St Pancras, the Thameslink train from St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway and the Luton DART to the airport.
By bus
Many London bus routes connect different parts of London with the city’s West End.
By boat
From Covent Garden, walk around 10 minutes to Embankment Pier on the river Thames. At the pier, you can head west to Westminster or as far as Putney, or east to Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Greenwich, or connect to the Woolwich Ferry. You can also use an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
Find more information about how to get around London as a business traveller in our business travel in London guide.
How we can help
As London’s official convention bureau, we help event professionals, meeting organisers and incentive planners unlock the city and create events to remember.
We can help you by providing:
- Free assistance: as a not-for-profit company, we don't charge for our services. Our experts share their entire wealth of knowledge and contacts with you for free.
- Impartial advice: we are independent and know London inside out. Our experts can help you discover venues, event agencies, unique experiences and activities for your event.
- Expert knowledge: we've supported thousands of delegates and helped them build world-class events. We've supported international congresses, conventions and conference teams to deliver inspiring events at scale.
