What to Do in Marylebone?

Marylebone is one of the most well-to-do and wealthy neighbourhoods in London. Despite being just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, this area has a local village feel about it, particularly on the trendy Marylebone High Street, which features a range of chain and boutique shops, high-end restaurants, intimate cafes and coffee shops, and gastropubs. It is a very photogenic area, located just south of Regent’s Park. While it’s a great residential area and often visited by shoppers and diners, there are several famous London attractions located in Marylebone including the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds London.

Table of Contents

What to Do in Marylebone, London?

Thanks to the central location of Marylebone near Oxford Circus and Bond Street, there is plenty to see and do nearby and it is one of the best places to explore if you are planning a day trip or a stay in London.

Madame Tussauds London:

Most visitors to London will not be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Queen during their visit, but you can have a photo with her wax figurine at Madame Tussauds London. Located in Marylebone, the famous waxwork museum is the largest in the country and features the wax likenesses of several celebrities that you will instantly recognise including singers, actors, members of the Royal Family, professional sports players, and key historical figures. If you’ve ever wanted to take a photo with Shakespeare or fictional movie characters like E.T or the Marvel superheroes, now is your chance! It is the perfect place to spend the afternoon for visitors of all ages and gets very busy, so it’s worth purchasing a Fast-Track ticket online so that you can skip the often long queues that form at the box office.

Daunt Books:

On the trendy Marylebone High Street, Daunt Books is an independent bookshop that offers guides and maps for travellers and plenty of titles for those who are looking for their next good read. It is open on a daily basis and has a large collection of books and maps available along with a selection of children’s books making it ideal for families. Daunt Books has a variety of different locations around London and many shops, including the branch in Marylebone, regularly host themed events and author talks that allow for an interesting few hours.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum:

The famous fictional literary character Sherlock Holmes has a museum dedicated to him on Baker Street, located at the address where Sherlock lived in the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock’s museum can be found at his fictional address, 221b Baker Street, which is now home to a large collection of exhibits that are based on the life and work of the famous detective and the author who penned the stories. If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, it is definitely worth the visit to immerse yourself into the fictional world fully and maybe even learn some new Sherlock facts that you didn’t already know. Bear in mind that there is usually a continuous queue outside, and tickets cannot be pre-booked, so it’s best to arrive early or visit during the quieter weekdays.

The Wallace Collection:

This free art museum is one of the best places to see creative work in Marylebone, featuring a large exhibition of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and even arms and armour in a less crowded setting compared to many of London’s art galleries and exhibition centres. Although the collection here is not as large as many of the other options that you will find around the city, it is certainly worth going in to pay a visit as there are plenty of famous works on display from artists like Rubens and Rembrandt. And, the best part is that admission is free, and there are also various free highlight tours and family-friendly activities to take part in.

Marylebone Farmers Market:

Adding to the charming village feel of Marylebone is the Farmer’s Market, which is located on Aybrook Street and held every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. There are around forty different stalls selling a wide range of fresh produce, meat products, dairy products and more, straight from the farmers. You can also enjoy plenty of stalls selling delicious, prepared food that is perfect for stopping for a bite to eat or grabbing some lunch to take home with you. Don’t forget to bring a couple of reusable bags if you’re planning to visit and shop.

Wigmore Hall:

This Victorian concert venue has been around for over one hundred and fifty years, and focuses on all great musical works in general, with something for everybody. If you want to see a concert here, you will be able to choose from everything from the Renaissance period to the modern music of today. The Hall seats a relatively small audience of just over 550 guests, but hosts over four hundred concerts every year, with multiple things on every single day. If you are planning to visit Marylebone with kids, they offer various special family days and family concerts that are fun to attend and are designed especially for kids who are interested in music. You can turn up at the box office to get your tickets on the day of an event, but it’s recommended to book online in advance to be sure that you won’t miss out.

What to Do in Marylebone London: Dining Options:

After a morning or a full day of exploring museums, bookshops, stores, and everything else that Marylebone has to offer, there are plenty of fantastic places to eat and relax. Marylebone is home to some of the best fine-dining restaurants in London and offers several Michelin-starred restaurants if you’re looking for an exquisite experience, but there are also several more down-to-earth options to consider including a pub that’s been around since the 1700s. There is a cuisine to suit everybody and options to suit any time of the day whether you’d like to start your trip around Marylebone with a hearty breakfast, enjoy a delicious brunch or grab a cup of the best coffee in the capital.

Chiltern Firehouse:

If you want to enjoy a meal in a setting that is popular with celebrities, look no further than Chiltern Firehouse, one of the finest names in Marylebone. Half restaurant and half boutique hotel, the Chiltern Firehouse is based in a historic fire station and is well-loved by several A-lister celebrities, with Orlando Bloom and Kate Moss on the guest list. The restaurant serves three meals every day and is run by chef Nuno Mendes. If you’re visiting on the weekend, the brunch menu is a firm favourite that is not to be missed. While it is not exclusive to the stars, it’s best to book your tables well in advance if you’d like the chance to indulge in some of the signature dishes.

The Barley Mow:

If you are looking for somewhere in Marylebone to grab a pint and a nice bite to eat, the area certainly has no shortage of classic pubs to choose from. The Barley Mow, however, is definitely the most famous and is known for being the longest-standing pub in the neighbourhood. It’s been around for centuries since it was established in 1790, and it definitely has a historical charm to it that will leave you feeling like you have just stepped back in time. Enjoy a drink from the extensive menu of beers, wines and spirits and enjoy pies from the award-winning Pieminster Pie company, also based in London and well worth the visit while you’re there. There’s a darts league, regular pub quizzes, and much more to get involved in.

Monocle Café:

If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or a hot drink, this cosy coffee shop is definitely one of the hidden gems of the capital. If you prefer local spots over chain brands, Monocle Café will be perfect for you, serving a range of globally-inspired dishes including Lingonberry chia pots and chicken katsu sandwiches accompanied by a delicious menu of wine, cocktails, beers, coffee, and tea. They also run happy hour daily until 5:30 pm where you can grab some bargains, and the café is the perfect spot to choose if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to relax and read.

Caravan Fitzrovia:

When it comes to finding a spot for brunch in Marylebone, you really can’t go wrong with Caravan Fitzrovia. Located not far from the iconic Marylebone High Street on Great Portland Street, this spot is well-known as being one of the best places to brunch in London and boasts several locations around town. It’s a coffee roastery and restaurant that is perfect for meet-ups with friends, a relaxed evening meal, or a quick coffee and pastry for breakfast. They offer an ever-evolving, creative menu with something for everyone. Unlike the other London locations, the Marylebone branch takes bookings all day.

As one of the most well-off neighbourhoods in London, it’s easy to find great things to do and see in Marylebone.