Known for its mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture, important historical and cultural landmarks, and quiet, quaint streets filled with its signature period charm, Marylebone offers a variety of pursuits for history enthusiasts, art lovers, families, and everyone else in between.
A truly cosmopolitan area, Marylebone benefits from offering points and places of interest that border between the more obvious attractions and the slightly more secluded ones. There is a host of things to do to keep an individual occupied for days in this charming part of old London.
Regent’s Park Zoo
Opened in 1828, Regent’s Park Zoo is one of the world’s oldest animal enclosures and was originally conceived as a location for the scientific study of the various species housed there. Over the years, the zoo has transformed into a hub of conservation, housing more than 750 species from around the globe, and playing an important role in the study of animals.
Today, the zoo is a family favourite, where visitors can enjoy attractions like the Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach, and the Gorilla Kingdom. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm during the winter months (with extended hours in summer including nocturnal trips to encounter the more elusive residents), it’s best to visit early on weekdays to avoid crowds. Families and animal lovers alike will find it an engaging and inspiring activity on the edges of Marylebone.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
A trip to Marylebone would never be complete without a visit to 221B Baker Street, the famous home of the greatest fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. Opened in 1990, the museum celebrates Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary character, offering a meticulously recreated Victorian home that serves as the perfect model for Holmescomplete with study, laboratory, and personal artefacts from many famous cases.
The museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm, but it’s worth arriving early, especially on weekends, to beat any possible queues. Whether you're a devoted fan of the books or simply curious to learn more about Victorian London, this delightful recreation offers a glimpse into the world of literature's most famous sleuth.
The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection, residing in the grandiose Hertford House on Manchester Square, is one of Marylebone’s hidden gems. Established in 1897, it showcases a stunning arrangement of art, furniture, and armaments amassed by the Marquesses of Hertford and the collections of the other, titular owner, Sir Richard Wallace.
The museum is renowned for its assortment of 18th-century French art, boasting works by masters such as Titian, Rubens, and Rembrandt, with both pre and post-revolution pieces on display. With free admittance from 10 am to 5 pm every day, the Wallace Collection offers an unmissable experience for art lovers in a surprisingly low-key location, deep in the heart of this charming neighbourhood.
Madame Tussauds
One of London’s most iconic attractions, Madame Tussauds has been a beloved London landmark since it first opened in 1835, creating a globally recognised brand that has made its way to the farthest corners of the planet. Initially a travelling exhibition of wax figures curated by Marie Tussaud, the museum found its permanent home on Marylebone Road in 1884.
Today, it draws millions of visitors each year with its uncanny wax replicas of celebrities, prominent historical figures, and the occasional fictional characters thrown in for good measure. Guests can walk the red carpet and take a thrilling trip in one of the city’s signature “black cabs” through history on the Spirit of London ride. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance as this is one popular attraction.
The Twist Museum
The Twist Museum is a relatively new addition to Marylebone’s list of attractions, but it has quickly grown in popularity for its captivating optical illusions and immersive exhibits. Designed to engage and intrigue visitors, the museum is an intersection of art, science, and perception, offering a chance to experience reality from entirely new angles. Each exhibit is an invitation to interact and question what each visitor can see at first glance, making it an accessible destination for all ages. Open from 10 am to 7 pm daily, it’s a great option for any occasion, whether bored on a rainy day or looking to inject a sense of fun and surrealism into a date. With its playful yet educational appeal, the Twist Museum is a delightful alternative attraction to Marylebone’s many leisurely pursuits.
Selfridges
Founded by the visionary American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, Selfridges has stood on Oxford Street since 1909 and is rightly credited for revolutionising the consumer shopping experience. With its grand architecture, innovative window displays, and commitment to customer experience, despite some decades bringing some stiff competition locally (looking at Harrods), Selfridges has remained at the forefront of high-end retail.
Spanning nine separate floors, the department store offers a welcome retail therapy experience, including a built-in separate bar and restaurant for visitors to take a break from perusing the various designer outlets and displays. Perfect for any day, a trip to Marylebone is never complete without a wander through the hallowed isles of Selfridges.
Marylebone has much to offer for those looking to explore old London and move away from the more packed-out areas of the city centre such as Piccadilly, Soho, and Oxford Street. Filled with grand architecture, intriguing exhibits, and cultural landmarks that remain popular after nearly two centuries, it is inviting to embrace the city’s timeless appeal.
