When it comes to a staycation, there is one city on the top of everybody’s list, and that is London. Every corner of the British capital is bursting with arty neighbourhoods and acclaimed attractions which are guaranteed to entertain every type of visitor. From internationally renowned museums and iconic landmarks to royally-approved parks and sensational shopping streets, London is a melting pot of culture which is just waiting to welcome you to its historic streets. Keep scrolling for our selection of the top things to do in London, and remember to keep checking back for our most current recommendations:
1. Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum- © Amy Leigh Barnard
The Victoria and Albert is among the most prestigious museums in the capital, with its impressive collection of decorative arts, sculptures and seasonal exhibitions, and the very best part is that it is entirely free! It’s also worth remembering that you don’t necessarily need to be an avid-art lover to enjoy the V&A as this South Kensington institution is well worth a visit for its grand architecture. This includes its Museum Cafe, where you can enjoy a cup of tea in a setting to remember.
2. Get lost in Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park- © Pablo Soriano
While London is a metropolis of historic buildings and towering structures, there is still plenty of green space where you can relax in this urban jungle. Perhaps the most famous of these is Hyde Park, which is both a place of serenity and an area for events and festivals which attract thousands of visitors around the calendar. Whether you choose to picnic in the rose garden, or you want to feel festive at Winter Wonderland; you are not going to be left disappointed in Hyde Park.
3. Explore Shoreditch
Street Art in Shoreditch – © Toa Heftiba
London’s street art scene is one of the capitals best-kept secrets, but nowhere does street art quite like Shoreditch. The most upcoming neighbourhood in the city attracts creatives from across the world to its rainbow-kissed cobbles, where graffiti frames vintage boutiques, doughnut stores and dive bars, which come alive when the sun sets over Brick Lane: the street at the very heart of this east London hangout.
4. Visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace – © Lea Fabienne
When you hear of London, the thought of Buckingham Palace probably isn’t too far behind. This landmark is arguably the most recognised building in the entire country, as it has remained for centuries before us. Whether this is your first time in London, or you are returning for the hundredth time, your trip won’t really be complete until you take a walk down The Mall and pay a visit to the gates of the palace.
5. Dine in the Sky Garden
View from the Sky Garden – © Reuben Rohard
Whoever said that the best things in life are free must have enjoyed their free ticket to the views from the top of The Walkie Talkie, which towers above the City of London. While you can bless your Instagram feed with the leafy paradise free of charge, it may also be worth making the most of your place at the top of the capital, and enjoy an unforgettable cocktail or dinner which can mark any event in the most fashionable way possible.
6. Party in SoHo
Street after-dark in SoHo – © Marcel Heli
If you are visiting London to make the most of its reputable party scene, then there is no better destination to begin than the neon paradise of SoHo. This area of the West End is crawling with cocktail bars, nostalgic jazz hangouts and electric clubs which keep London buzzing until the am. To discover the most iconic of these clubs, head to Old Compton, Firth or Dean Street, where you can find the most vibrant institutions, and you can party with crowds from across the entire world.
7. Take a cruise on the River Themes
Landmarks on the River Themes – © Dimitry Anikin
The River Themes is the backdrop to countless paintings, photos and films, but this is unsurprising when you consider its place across the very heart of London. Look to a river cruise, such as a dinner or jazz service by Citycruises, where you can snap some of the most recognised landmarks, such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge with a twist.
8. Shop on Oxford Street
Shops on Oxford Street – © Jay Wennington
Whatever your budget, you are guaranteed to pick up some goodies somewhere along Oxford Street, which is famed as the most prominent shopping street in the country. With over 300 stores, including John Lewis, Topshop, and the impressive Selfridges & Co, there is no excuse to leave London without a souvenir. You also don’t need to worry about running out of fuel during your shopping exhibition, as there are a range of cafe’s and restaurants dotted in and around this shopping haven, where you can indulge in an afternoon tea, or something stronger, if that takes your fancy.
9. Take some photos around Notting Hill
Houses in Notting Hill – © Jonas Tebbe
If you’re looking to bless your Instagram feed with some postcards from your trip to London, there is no better place than the picturesque neighbourhood of Notting Hill. Whether you want to co-ord your outfit with their colour glazed houses, or you want to grab some street shots somewhere along the indie approved Portobello Road, your feed will thank you for taking the trip to this affluent area of West London.
10. Visit Covent Garden
Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden – © Ellissar Haider
In a list which addresses the top things to do in London, it is impossible to fail to mention Covent Garden. Perhaps one of the most historic areas of the city, Covent Garden has appeared as the most fashionable place in London in literature for hundreds of years, and today, this area is no less captivating. After browsing Covent Garden’s collection of designer stores and the Apple Market, dine in one of the many restaurants, before having a drink in a traditional British pub on The Strand.
Current Recommendations:
This capital city never slows down, as the local calendar is full of things to see and do, no matter when you decide to visit. While this list of current recommendations will change over time, at present, we recommend checking out the range of CityCruises available on the River Themes. Whether you want a quick tour of the prominent landmarks, or you want to reserve a place on an extraordinary evening sailing, there is an option to cater for every type of interest.
Learn more about CityCruises by calling +44 (0) 20 77 400 400 or dropping them an email at info@citycruises.com.
Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus
Come and experience afternoon tea with a difference on our exclusive and unique Brigit’s Bakery Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour. Our vintage routemaster buses drive through the streets of Central London, taking in some of the City’s best sights, whilst you indulge in the fabulous Brigit’s Afternoon Tea on a double decker bus!
Capture the heart of the city’s culture, landmarks and history on our London routemaster bus, whilst sipping on a lovely cup of tea and enjoying the exquisite tastes of France. High tea accompanied with an array of tasty sandwiches and delicious cakes and pastries. Your London bus driver will take you round Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street and more. The Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London sightseeing tour lasts approximately 90 minutes (depending on traffic).
Book a tour by calling +44 (0) 20 3026 1188 or by dropping an email at info@b-bakery.com.
Lantern Ghost Tours
Everybody knows that London is full of history; however, the spooky side of the city is a little less known. That’s where Lantern Ghost Tours comes in. This multi-award winning company will take you on a chilling tour of the capital, from a haunted pub tour to an eerie trip along the iconic London Bridge- you won’t ever look at London in the same way again… you also might not be able to sleep, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Book a tour, if you dare, by dropping them a message on Instagram @lantern_ghosttours
PS: If you are looking for a slightly more relaxing idea for a staycation, then hit up our guide of the best things to do in the naturally beautiful area of Cornwall.
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