With so much to do in London, it can be hard to whittle down your plans for your next visit. But if you’re looking for things to do in London for music fans, you’ve come to the right place. With decades of involvement in London’s musical history, The Cumberland Hotel in London are the go-to place for the right information. We’re here to list the best attractions, tours, and must-visit sites so you can leave knowing you’ve ticked everything off your to-do list. We’ve got the secret gems and the most popular pilgrimage sites for rock lovers – as well as the best clubs to lose yourself at night.
Make sure you keep reading to find our top eight London ideas for music fans!
The Best Musical Attractions in London
Handel & Hendrix House
Home to both Jimi Hendrix and G.F. Handel, this incredibly pivotal music museum in London is open to the public from 10 am – 5 pm, Wednesday to Sunday. You can find it on 25 Brook Street, Mayfair. If you’re looking to visit the home of two musicians who chose London and changed music forever, there’s no better spot to explore.
George Frideric Handel was a German-British Baroque composer who settled in London in 1712 and became well known for his musical prowess, writing the most famous of all oratorios, Messiah, in 1741. After his move to England, he became very settled as a subject of the crown, even being appointed a composer of the Chapel Royal, writing the Coronation Anthems for George II in 1727 and the Funeral Anthem for Queen Caroline. After his death, he was buried in Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey, and fans of his music can still visit him to his day to pay respects.
Jimi Hendrix is a musician very close to The Cumberland’s heart, with the rockstar’s final recorded address being our own hotel (we’re even listed on his death certificate). The famous rocker stayed at The Cumberland numerous times, and we’ve found little ways to honour Hendrix throughout our decor and in spirit. But Hendrix’s official London residence for many of the key years of his success was 23 Brook Street, moving to London in 1966 and using the flat to host interviews, write songs, and prep for crucial London shows like his February concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
To visit the iconic location in London, be sure to check the website and to find out admission charges and more information. You can see the opening times here for the Handel and Hendrix House.
Abbey Road
If you grew up listening to the Beatles, you need to visit the infamous site of Abbey Road in St John’s Wood. If you’re planning your trip, it’s just a short distance away from St. John’s Wood Underground Station on the Jubilee line, making it easy to access from The Cumberland Hotel or any other London music attraction.
The famous artwork features the four Beatles walking across the crossing and was captured to be the cover of their final album, Abbey Road. It became such a pivotal location because of the Abbey Road Studios, found at Number 3, which is where the Beatles recorded most of their material (including this final album). Today, it’s still a very popular music studio, with major artists visiting every day.
What can you do in Abbey Road?
If you’re visiting on your next trip to London, why not recreate the album cover? Just be careful to keep an eye out for traffic and not stand in the road for too long. Due to its popularity as a tourist attraction for music fans, there’s also now a cafe and gift shop at Abbey Road Studios, so devoted Beatles lovers can grab memorabilia and merchandise.
Plan your visit to Abbey Road today and take a look at Visit London’s best tips.
The Must-Visit Clubs and Bars in London for Music Fans
Spend a Night at Ronnie Scott’s
A music fan’s trip to London isn’t complete without a visit to Ronnie Scott’s. The world-famous jazz club is just 15 minutes away from the Cumberland Hotel and has featured on some of our other lists must must-visit attractions in London – see our longer list of the best jazz clubs the city has to offer here.
Ronnie Scott’s has been hosting electric performances from up-and-coming and renowned artists since 1959 and is still one of the best places for a date night, celebration, or pilgrimage for music lovers.
What’s the dress code for Ronnie Scott’s London?
There’s no pressure to dress in your Sunday best for the club, however, it is advised that you suit up in a smart casual outfit. Feel free to express yourself – but stay appropriate and steer clear from sportswear, flip-flops, and shorts.
How much does it cost to visit Ronnie Scott’s?
There’s no standard entrance fee for visiting this jazz club. Each show is priced differently and ranges from £10 to £60 for big headliners. You can check out their events page and book ahead to make sure you snag a seat.
The Best Ways to Spend a Day in London for Music Fans
Take a musical walking tour
If you’re keen to visit as many historical musical sites and landmarks as possible during your London vacation, then you have to take a musical walking tour.
There’s a variety to choose from – so you can find the perfect tour for you, within easy reach of the Cumberland hotel – including rock tours, David Bowie tours, and even swinging 60’s tours. If you’re a fan of a stroll, you can walk through the streets, feeling like a true local. But if you’ve got a big adventure ahead of you, why not just go on a tour bus and experience the city like a rock star?
The London rock tour is one of the longest-running and most iconic musical tours of the city. Head to their website for the full lowdown on their history. Explore the beatnik coffee houses of Soho and Covent Garden before heading to Kensington to see where music Royalty, Queen, reigned. From Belgravia, to Camden, to Notting Hill, London is calling and it’s time to pick up.
Hit up a London Music Festival
London is the capital of music in the UK, bringing together pop stars, jazz artists, and rock and roll giants. There’s no shortage of great shows to catch, and festivals bring together some must-see acts, making them perfect to visit during your trip to London.
What festivals happen in London?
- GALA – Electronic, house, and disco
- Battersea Park in Concert – Classical, West End, jazz, and soul
- Country to Country – Country music
- Field Day – Electronic, dance, and rap
- All Points East – Indie, rock, and electronic
There are so many more music festivals than we can list here so make sure to head to this site to find the 42 best London music festivals.
What Music Festivals take Place in Hyde Park, London, Near The Cumberland Hotel?
If you’re looking to combine your trip to The Cumberland with a fantastic music memory, then you’d better plan your visit to coincide with the BST Festival. BST Hyde Park takes place in the renowned park, just minutes away from our London hotel and brings some of the biggest artists around the world, with the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Zack Bryan, and Stevie Wonder playing in 2025.
The Cumberland Hotel – The Most Loved Music Hotel in London
If you’re a music lover heading to London, there’s no better choice for your stay than The Cumberland Hotel. With decades of music history and guests such as Justin Bieber and Jimi Hendrix all spending the night in our historic accommodation.
But more than that, we even bring the vibes with live music performances in our very own SOUND Cafe. If you’d like to explore the upcoming events and acts, then make sure to head to the SOUND website today to find your new favourite act. From bluesy vibes to bespoke R&B arrangements, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Book your Musical Stay in London
If you’d like to book your next stay in London, take a look at the rooms available at the Cumberland Hotel, Hyde Park – all with their own musical flair from the bathrooms to the bedroom décor. You’re in for a stay you’ll never forget. Book your next vacation now and secure your base for your musical exploration of London.
