London is amazing and has so many more wonderdul attributes! Here are some icons and hidden gems in no particular order, that we just love love love!
- Borough Market: Simply delicious food near The River Thames and Shard so super Central.
- Battersea Park: Really beautiful and you can rent a peddalo and sail through the water then stop for a coffee.
- Canal Boats. One of the best and most unexpected ways to view London is by canal boat. Many locals call them home and some even sell home made goodies from them. You can do tours too!
- Brick Lane: Curry lover’s heaven. A hub of artisan foods, crafts, bits and bobs and fantastic vintage shops to rummage through. There are also quirky art galleries to stumble upon well worth a visit
- Greenwich Village & The Royal Observatory: Greenwich Village is a quaint area with little shops, restaurants and of course Greenwich Market, The Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum and magnificent view over to Canary wharf from the Royal Observatory
- Afternoon Tea: This very British pastime has had a recent renaissance. It seems that everywhere and at amazing prices. However for a real sense of history and luxury, enjoy afternoon tea at the Ritz or Claridges. Book months ahead though as it books up quickly.
- London Underground Inspirational Signs: Often humorous, sometimes insightful, these signs written by staff are a sure way to brighten your day.
- Camden Market: With its bohemian style, street food and drinks, who wouldn’t like it?
- Portobello Road Market: If you have seen the film Notting Hill with Hugh Grand and Julia Roberts, you’ll have seen the lovely local Portobello Road Market.
- Notting Hill Carnival: The ultimate weekend every August of Caribbean music, food, dancing and parades. Not to be missed.
- Views from Primrose Hill: Ideal picnic spot, then take a walk via the canal to Camden. Beautiful.
- The Luxury Shops: The shops that adorn the streets of West London. Knightsbridge and Chelsea are particular favourites and browsing these shops is a delight.
- Battersea Power Station: This is an industrial icon in an area that is just getting better and better.
- The Oyster Card: The most important thing to have in your pocket when using public transport. Cheaper than underground tickets and vital for bus use as the buses are now cashless
- St Pauls Cathedral: Climb to the top and go to the whispering Gallery. It feels spooky communicating through the wall! Also visit the crypt where many historic figures are buried because it is fascinating.
- The Museums: There are loads and most of them are free!
- The Shard: London’s newest icon. Not only does it look cool, is is a silent disco and a pretty amazing view from the restaurant!
- Hampstead Heath: More stunning views!
- Spitalfields Market: Super close to the City so ideal for those in London on business. Full of everything you would expect from a market, plus plenty of nice cafes and pubs to while away the time.
- Exmouth Market: One of London’s best kept secrets. A cool collection of unusual and trendy coffee shops, restaurants, ceramics, tailoring and arts and crafts, all with outdoor seating to enjoy the London sunshine in summer
- The Tourists: We do love you!
- Regents Park: All the Royal Parks are great but Regents Park is not to be avoided if possible. Flowers, water fountains, trees and vast space to enjoy fresh air in Central London with family, friends or alone.
- Tate Britain: A brilliant place to enjoy the splendour of art such as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The perfect place to leave the busy London life for a while and relax.
- The Food. The food in London is a joy, representing all corners of the globe. Whether you’re a meaty or veggie, there’s plenty on offer wherever you go. British food can sometimes get a bad rap… not in London. The local produce and artisan food is fabulous.
- Outdoor Cinema: From roof top cinema’s to the rooftop hot tub in Soho. London – you are a crazy fun place indeed!
- Views from Parliament Hill: Simply perfect.
- London’s Bridges: Where old meets new. Tower Bridge is a real beauty.
- The Plaques: Keep an eye out when walking through the streets of London for these blue, brown and green plaques as you have stumbled on a little piece of history.
- The Skyline: From The houses of Parliament, St Pauls Cathedral, Tower Bridge to the Shard, Gherkin and Millennium Bridge – this is one awesome skyline where old meets new everywhere.
- The Royal Family: You can’t help but love the buzz outside Buckingham Palace when a new royal baby is too be born.
- Strawberries and Cream during Wimbledon. What’s not to like?
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: The sheer mayhem in Hyde Park celebrating the festive season. Tis the season to be jolly indeed with fun rides, plenty of delicious snacks, hot chocolate, mulled wine and crafts for sale. It is huge too.
- Trooping the Colour: A grand annual Royal event with plenty of horses.
- Brixton Market: London is certainly not short of cool markets and this community market run by local traders offer some of the best street food from Europe, India, Asia, Africa and South America in London.
- The South Bank: From watching youngsters in the skate park, eating in one of the restaurants or bars or visiting the London Eye, HMS Belfast, Aquarium or other attractions, the South Bank has plenty to do. The views over the Thames are stunning.
- Silicon Roundabout: The heart of the UK’s tech industry where tech and creativity meet.
- Independent Cinemas: Like the little indie style cinema called the Lexi. There are a good few independent cinemas providing a more unique cinematic experience.
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