Top tourist attractions across the UK are closing their doors until Friday as Brits brace for record-breaking temperatures up to 40C.

Parts of the East Midlands, the East of England, London and south east England, south west England, Wales, and the West Midlands are under a rare red weather warning until 9pm on Thursday.

Network Rail has also advised passengers to only travel if “absolutely necessary” as a “heat-dome” settles over western Europe.

With hundreds of schools in England and Wales being forced to send children home this week, here are the UK attractions that have closed or adjusted their opening hours during the scorching temperatures.

Read more: Full list of schools closing or shutting early as heatwave scorches

Which UK attractions are closed during the heatwave?

London

Tower Bridge

Due to the red weather warning in London, Tower Bridge 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,” operators said.

Changing the Guard

“Excessive temperatures” this week mean Ceremonial Operations across London and Windsor will not take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

The Natural History Museum

Although the Natural History Museum is open, the DC Atrium and West Entrance are currently closed to visitors until Friday.

Royal Parks playgrounds

Due to the current period of high temperatures, some Royal Parks playgrounds have temporarily closed on Wednesday and Thursday to “help keep visitors, staff, wildlife and the landscape safe”.

This includes 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.

Hampton Court Palace Magic Garden

From 1pm on Wednesday, the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace will be closed on 24 June and 25 June 2026 due to high temperatures.

Victoria and Albert Museum

In South Kensington, the Victoria and Albert Museum has temporarily closed the galleries on level 4, alongside other glass and architecture rooms, until at least 10am on Friday.

The Young V&A Museum site is fully closed until Friday.

The British Museum

The British Museum has advised visitors to arrive early, with tickets “valid for entry at any time”.

“We may also temporarily close some galleries in the Museum to ensure the comfort and safety of staff and visitors,” it said.

Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory

Due to the red weather warning, both Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. However, the Queen's House and the National Maritime Museum remain open.

Across the UK

Longleat, Wiltshire

Longleat House is closed until Friday due to the “historic nature of the building and its collection”, with standard day tickets exchangeable to a day of your choice before 31 July.

National Trust properties

Some National Trust properties are operating under shortened opening hours this week.

The Stourhead estate will close at 1pm on Wednesday, reopening as normal on Friday, 26 June. Blists Hill Victorian Town, at Ironbridge Gorge, will close early on Wednesday and Thursday.

Theme parks

Theme parks, including Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland Windsor and Thorpe Park are allowing thrillseekers to swap their tickets on Wednesday or Thursday for a different day.

All three parks are operated by Merlin Entertainments. A note on their websites reads: “If you already have tickets booked for the 24th or 25th June, and would prefer to visit on a cooler day, your tickets can be revalidated and changed for another day up to and including 31st July.”

Severn Valley Railway, Worcestershire

Due to extreme heat, the Severn Valley Railway will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Wild Zoological Park, Wolverhampton

Wild Zoological Park in Wolverhampton will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. A message on the zoo’s Facebook page reads: “With temperatures set to soar this week, we’ve made the decision to close the zoo to visitors and cancel our bird and animal shows on 23rd, 24th and 25th June.

“While we’re sure some of our animals will be quite happy soaking up the sunshine, others need a little extra help staying cool and comfortable. Closing the park allows our keepers to focus on keeping the whole gang happy, hydrated and out of the heat, while giving our team a bit of breathing room too.

“If you have tickets booked for any of these dates, don’t worry – we’ll be in touch.”

This piece is kept updated with the latest information

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