Best places in London to avoid crowds

Eager to get out the house but don’t fancy a jostle in London’s most crowded places? We’ve got a game plan!

With everyone visiting their favourite haunts for a taste of post-lockdown freedom, London crowds are surging. But not everyone loves a jam-packed day out anymore.

For many, the lifting of restrictions was one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. For others, the prospect of facing crowded public spaces triggered major anxiety.

7 in 10 Brits felt edgy on the run-up to July 19^th, and unsurprisingly, most of our worries continue to be around crowded spaces. Although there are loads of fun things to do in London, bookings are jam-packed, and the crowds are huge. Around 5 in 10 people are terrified of overloaded shops, and 3 in 10 have major concerns about wall-to-wall pubs and clubs.

August will be one of London’s most overcrowded months  

London receives more than 20 million visits a year, and after a dip during the pandemic, numbers are on the rise again.

According to data on footfall for London’s tourist attractions, school holidays and historical stats, August is predicted to be the capital’s most crowded month of the year so far, with a congestion score of 95 out of a possible 100!

With the warm weather, continuing international travel restrictions and months of pent-up energy to expend, the capital is set to see a record number of visitors out and about.

The first three weekends in August are predicted to be the worst for crowds. Weekends are expected to peak at a congestion score of 95, compared to quieter Mondays and Tuesdays, which score around 70.

Game plan to avoid major crowds

Every Londoner knows it’s virtually impossible to avoid throngs of people in one of the busiest cities in the world, but we can certainly try!

We analysed Google search trend data to identify the least searched attractions in London and used August crowd forecasts to plan when you should visit them. The result?  The ultimate game plan to avoid tons of people while you explore the city!

Plan activities later in August for a quieter time

London will be teeming with people for the first half of August, but crowds are predicted to slow down from the 23^rd onwards. The last weekend in August is set to be the least crowded, scoring 86 out of 100 for congestion compared to 95 across the rest of August’s weekends.

Forecasts show that the quietest days of the month will be the last two in August – Monday the 30^th and Tuesday the 31^st, scoring just 53 out of 100. Take advantage (but don’t tell anyone else!).

Visit the least Googled attractions and hotspots

Don’t be a tourist in London, at least not now! Analysing Google searches across some of London’s most popular tourist attractions and locations helps us identify those least in demand right now – and maybe worth a sneaky visit?

According to the data, Kew Gardens, London Zoo, Tate Modern and the Natural History Museum are in high demand. At the same time, Regent’s Park, Wembley Stadium, Camden Market and Tower Bridge have less interest. So, if you’re in the mood to avoid a crowd, perhaps these areas will do.

Travel around London safely

Whether you’re avoiding the crowds or heading right into the thick of it to see the best things in London, we’ll get you around fast and safe.