What to do in Barking

Activities, attractions and tours

The Tower Bridge at night with illuminated blue lights, a river in the foreground, and a city skyline in the background.
A nighttime cityscape with a prominent illuminated bridge and a river.
A multi-story residential building with yellow and beige facades, surrounded by other buildings.
A church with a tall steeple and a clock, surrounded by lush green trees and a grassy area with a bench.
A church with a tall steeple and a modern glass building nearby.

Barking Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Barking has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Barking is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Barking to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Barking Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Barking.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Barking attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

The London Pass®: Access 100+ Attractions

The London Pass®: Access 100+ Attractions

CA $168
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
The London Pass®: Access 100+ Attractions
City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional River Cruise

City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

CA $51
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras
Tower of London Tickets with Beefeater Tour & Crown Jewels

The Tower of London Tickets with Yeoman Warder Beefeater Tour

CA $69
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
The Tower of London Tickets with Yeoman Warder Beefeater Tour
sunset at Windsor Castle in London

Windsor Castle Admission Tickets

CA $60
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Windsor Castle Admission Tickets
Fully guided Paris Day Trip with Cruise & Eiffel Tower Lunch

Paris Day Trip from London with Optional Eiffel Tower Lunch & Seine Cruise

CA $621
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Paris Day Trip from London with Optional Eiffel Tower Lunch & Seine Cruise
London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with River Cruise

Golden Tours Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with River Cruise

CA $66
per adult
Golden Tours Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with River Cruise
Shrek's Adventure Tickets

Shrek's Adventure! London Tickets

CA $60
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Shrek's Adventure! London Tickets
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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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A river with boats, a gazebo, and autumn trees.

2. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.
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A classical fountain with statues, a golden angel, and a neoclassical building in the background.

3. Big Ben

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know you have truly arrived in London. Featured in British films, such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” Big Ben is best viewed from the Thames’ east bank or while strolling along Westminster Bridge, on route to see the Houses of Parliament.
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The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London.

4. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus garnered its peculiar name from Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making men’s piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name represents flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city on the move. Piccadilly Circus has become a must-see spectacle, which draws locals and tourists day and night.
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A busy urban square with historic buildings, a prominent dome, and a clear blue sky.

5. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.
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The Tower Bridge in London, featuring two towers, a central arch, and suspension cables.

6. The Arena

O2 Arena was originally called the Millennium Dome. It was created to celebrate the beginning of the new millennium. Completed in 1999, The Dome initially housed the Millennium Experience, an exhibition consisting of exhibits, shows and entertainment honoring humankind’s achievements. The Dome’s vast interior has since been remodeled and today is one of London’s premier entertainment destinations.
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A large stadium with a unique roof structure and multiple tall towers.

Recommended things to do in Barking

Number of things to do
805
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
London British Empire Walking Tour: Hidden History: CA $9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Barking

Stay near popular Barking attractions

Eastbury Manor House

5.6/10 (11 reviews)
You can browse the exhibits at Eastbury Manor House, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Barking. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront or experience its acclaimed art scene.
See properties

Where to stay in Barking

Find the best Barking areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Barking
Learn more about Barking
A river with boats, trees, and buildings along the banks.

Thames

While you're in Thames, take in top sights like River Thames and jump on the metro at Barking Riverside Station to see more of the city.
A historic stone church with a tall tower and arched windows, surrounded by a cemetery with headstones.
Photo by Richard Rogerson
Open Photo by Richard Rogerson

Abbey

While you're in Abbey, take in top sights like Abbey Leisure Centre and jump on the metro at Barking L.T. Station to see more of the city.
The Tower Bridge in London, with its two towers and bascules.

Gascoigne

While there might not be top attractions in Gascoigne, you can explore the larger area and discover places like East Ham Leisure Centre and Docklands Equestrian Centre.
An empty church interior with purple pews, a wooden altar, and a cross on the wall.
Photo by John Salmon
Open Photo by John Salmon

Longbridge

Even though there aren't top sights in Longbridge, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Exchange Ilford. Jump on the metro at Upney Underground Station to see more of the city.

 

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

Two red double-decker buses on a city street with historic buildings in the background.

London

A historic stone church with a tall tower and arched windows, surrounded by mature trees and a cemetery.

Dagenham

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 vacationing 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.

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