Theatre
Big Day Out
A Big Day Out at Wicked
Make the most out of your day seeing Wicked the musical in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre
Wicked is one of London’s most popular musicals, a tour de force that has been playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre since 2006. It is the tenth-longest running musical in the West End, and since it first raised its curtain, thousands have flocked to Victoria to see the magic for themselves. If you’re planning your own trip, there are lots of ways to turn a night and afternoon at the theatre into a day of fun. Here’s our guide to planning a big day out at Wicked.
Things to do near Wicked the musical
Restaurants near Wicked the musical
Shopping near Wicked the musical
Bars and pubs near Wicked the musical
Tube stations and bus stops near Wicked the musical
On-theme activities for Wicked the musical
Things to do near Wicked the musical
Victoria offers easy access to some of London’s most historic buildings. Just a fifteen-minute walk from the Apollo Victoria Theatre, you’ll find Buckingham Palace, where you can explore the grounds, visit the State Rooms, and watch the popular Changing of the Guard ceremony if you plan accordingly. Westminster Abbey, also a fifteen-minute walk away, is well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in history – it marks the final resting place of many famous names, royal and otherwise.
If it’s a nice day, you may want to take a stroll to St James’ Park, perhaps for a picnic lunch. Situated beside Buckingham Palace, the park offers beautiful views, lakeside strolls and a lot of nature – including its famous pelicans.
For those after a trip back in time, Churchill War Rooms is a twenty minute walk from the theatre. Situated in the Cabinet War Rooms – the secret underground headquarters from which the core of the British government worked during the Second World War – this museum offers an insight into what life would have been like for those fighting the war from underground.
Or, if you’re looking for some lighter entertainment, Lane 7 offers bowling, mini golf and shuffleboard for the whole family, as well as beer pong and drinks for adults. Dig a little deeper, and you may find your way into their secret over-18s basement arcade hall… It’s all just a five minute stroll from the theatre.
Restaurants near Wicked the musical
There are a ton of lunch and dinner options near the Apollo Victoria Theatre, including lots of popular chains. You won’t be short on options, but if you’re looking for a something special then we’d recommend a visit to Market Halls. Set over three floors in a beautiful Edwardian building and featuring nine different kitchens serving up different cuisines, it’s the perfect pre-show destination – and it’s just a two-minute walk from the theatre. Make sure to check out their hidden rooftop bar whilst you’re there!
Just across the road from the theatre, you’ll find Il Posto, an authentic Italian restaurant with a great pre-show menu. If you’re after a great vegan option, then three minutes down the road is Mildred’s, a chain restaurant that specialises in delicious plant-based food.
For those looking to treat themselves, The Ivy Victoria is always a fantastic option. The brasserie offers all-day dining and drinks in a lushly decorated space, perfect for a special occasion meal or a high-quality experience before or after the show. The Cinnamon Club is another one that should be high on the list for any foodies – this fine dining joint offers an innovative take on an Indian menu and is well worth a visit. Both restaurants are within a 15-minute walk of the theatre.
Shopping near Wicked the musical
Just round the corner from the theatre you’ll find Victoria Place, a shopping centre housing a number of high-street brands and popular eateries. Cardinal Place is also practically next door, also home to many of the country’s favourite high-street shops, cafes and restaurants.
Bars and pubs near Wicked the musical
Looking to grab a drink before the show? Many of our restaurant suggestions also serve as great places to enjoy a pre-show drink, and there are lots of popular chains within walking distance of the theatre.
IThe Phoenix offers a traditional experience in a beautiful British pub, five minutes’ walk from the Apollo Victoria theatre. Also five minutes away is The Duke of York, a historic building that offers a warm and welcoming environment for dining and drinking.
Munich Cricket Club provides something a little bit different. A joyous and energetic tavern just 12 minutes’ walk from the Apollo Victoria theatre, the venue serves classic Bavarian food and German beer, with weekly live music and an eclectic feel – perfect for those after something unique.
Tube stations and bus stops near Wicked the musical
The Apollo Victoria theatre is situated within a few minutes’ walk of Victoria Station, which is served by the Victoria line, the District line and the Circle line. The theatre is also well connected via bus, with multiple bus routes stopping off nearby. Plan your journey with TFL travel for the best experience.
On-theme activities for Wicked the musical
If you’d like to truly immerse yourself in the world of Wicked, there are several activities to try in London before heading to the theatre that will keep the day on theme. Defying gravity at the London Eye has to be top of the list, and if you’ve never ticked this London landmark off then there couldn’t be a better time to fly over the city.
Wicked is partially set at the magical university of Shiz, and if you’ve always dreamed of studying sorcery yourself then Treadwell’s Books is the destination for you. This Bloomsbury bookshop stocks literature on magic, spirituality and the occult, and offers tarot readings along with a wider calendar of magical, mystical events. Or, if you’ve caught the Ozian spirit of adventure and innovation, the Victoria & Albert Museum is a great way to spend a day – they’ve hosted many Wicked and The Wizard Of Oz-themed exhibitions in the past.
Finally, there’s no better way to celebrate a Wicked day out than with your very own Wicked Afternoon Tea at the Clermont Hotel. The hotel is just a three-minute walk from the theatre and their Wicked afternoon tea offers a range of themed cakes, pastries and sandwiches. If you’re really in the mood to celebrate, you can also choose between two themed cocktails – the Wicked and the Good. What could be more splendiferous?
