Many of London’s top tourist attractions have temporarily closed due to record-breaking temperatures during the heatwave. A number of landmarks have shut completely or are restricting access as the capital sizzles with a red weather warning from the Met Office in effect.
Temperatures in the capital reached 35.1C on Wednesday, and are forecast to hit 32C on Thursday, while the Met Office predicts 36C for London on Friday. The 50-year-old UK high for June - 35.6C - was broken on Wednesday with 36.1C recorded in Gosport, Hampshire.
British Museum
The British Museum has said they may “temporarily close some galleries in the Museum to ensure the comfort and safety of staff and visitors.” It has advised visitors to arrive early, with tickets “valid for entry at any time”.
Changing of the Guard
Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have been suspended for the rest of the week due to “excessive temperatures”. The Household Division said: “We take the wellbeing of our soldiers and military working horses very seriously. Whilst it may be disappointing not to experience the Ceremonial Operations in full, it is important the wellbeing of the public, our soldiers and military working horses is maintained at all times.” The ceremonies typically take place on alternate days at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory
Both Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory will be closed on Thursday due to the red weather warning. Customers have been advised that both the Queen's House and the National Maritime Museum remain open.
Hampton Court Palace - Magic Garden
Hampton Court Palace’s Magic Garden is shut from 1pm due to the high temperatures, with last entry at 12.15pm.
London Wetland Centre
The London Wetland Centre is closing at 3pm due to the “extreme” weather, with the last entry at 2pm.
London Zoo
London Zoo is shutting early due to the forecast hot weather, closing at 4pm. The zoo posted on its Facebook page: “We're looking forward to welcoming visitors as usual during the day, but are temporarily closing earlier to help support the wellbeing of our animals, visitors and staff during the hottest part of the afternoon.”
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum, the most visited museum in the UK, remains open during the heatwave - however the DC Atrium and West Entrance are currently closed to visitors until Friday.
Royal Parks playgrounds
A number of Royal Parks playgrounds have closed on both Wednesday and Thursday to “help keep visitors, staff, wildlife and the landscape safe”. These include Bushy Park playground, Greenwich Park playground, Hyde Park playground, Kensington Gardens play areas, Petersham Gate playground, St James's Park playground, The Green Park, all play areas in Regent’s Park, Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge has been closed since Wednesday, with the decision being made for “the welfare of our staff and visitors”. In a statement on Instagram, the attraction said: “Due to a red weather warning in London, the attraction will be closed on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June. The decision has been made for the welfare of our staff and visitors, and we will plan to reopen on Friday.” Visitors have been advised to check their website for updates, in case the closure is extended. Tower Bridge welcomes more than almost one million tourists annually, and is typically open year-round.
Victoria and Albert Museum & Young V&A
The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington has temporarily closed the galleries on level 4, as well as other glass and architecture rooms, until Friday morning. The Young V&A Museum site in Bethnal Green is fully closed until Friday.
Elsewhere in the UK, theme parks including Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland Windsor and Thorpe Park are allowing people to swap their Thursday tickets for a different day, while a number of National Trust properties are operating under shortened opening hours.
