Weekend getaways to London offer interest, fun and excitement, whatever excites you. From an art exploration in world-famous galleries or having a weekend of fun with children, to the best city nights or an adrenalin fuelled weekend, weekend getaways to London are sure to keep you coming back time and again.
Looking for unique things to do in London or fun-filled activities for kids? This guide covers it all, from quirky adventures to unforgettable family experiences.
With so many different itineraries to choose from for your weekend getaways in London, we’ve got some top suggestions to help your planning. We’ve included the best area to stay in for your must-dos, to limit travel time once you’re enjoying your weekend.
1. Unique Things to Do in London: The Top Sights
If you’ve never been to London before, or simply want to capture all the most iconic landmarks, to experience unique things to do in London you will need to focus on the top sights.
Realistically, you’re not going to fit in every famous London sight in one weekend, so pick your favourites and then come back for more. We recommend all first-timers do sights such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, combined with a walk on the South Bank. This will enable you to go on the London Eye if you wish and get some of the most iconic photos of the River Thames.
For a truly unique experience, consider a riverboat ride at night along the Thames or a guided walking tour of London’s hidden alleys and secret spots.
Where to stay: Book a serviced apartment in Westminster.
2. A Royal Affair: Unique Family-Friendly Experiences
Are you drawn to London for the pomp and ceremony? Do you hope to get a glimpse into the lives and history of this world-famous family? If so then you’ll want to consider a royalty focused weekend getaway.
The sights that will most attract you are places such as Buckingham Palace (and a chance to watch the changing of the guard), Kensington Palace and Gardens, the Tower of London (for a sneak peek at the Crown Jewels), Westminster Abbey and the Household Cavalry Museum.
For kids, an interactive experience at The Royal Mews lets them see the Queen’s carriages up close.
Where to stay? Royal fans will find themselves in easy reach of the most appealing attractions by staying in Mayfair or Belgravia.
3. Unique Shopping Experiences in London
London is calling when it comes to some of the best shopping experiences in the world. From luxury shopping experiences in iconic stores such as Harrods, Liberty, and Fortnum and Mason, through to bargains galore at Camden Market, a weekend shopping in London is a must-do. Don’t forget that Oxford Street and Regent Street will be the main focus of much of your shopping experiences. Don’t leave Covent Garden off your shopping plans!
For something unique, explore the quirky vintage shops and pop-up boutiques in Shoreditch.
Where to stay? Soho, Knightsbridge and Covent Garden are all excellent bases for shopping weekend getaways.
4. Fun Things to Do with Kids in London
If you’re looking for a child-focused weekend in London then get ready for a fantastically fun itinerary.
There are so many child-centred attractions and activities in London. From looking for lions at ZSL London Zoo to letting them get hands-on with experimentation at the Science Museum, they will be entertained and enthralled every second. Child-friendly West End shows currently include Mary Poppins, the Lion King and Matilda. London is also full of fabulous parks and playgrounds – a summer visit to the Peter Pan themed Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens and a cool down in the memorial fountains is a must-do.
Don’t miss a trip to KidZania, an interactive city run by kids, or head to Battersea Park for adventure playgrounds and a children’s zoo.
Let them go on the trail of dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum or laugh at Shrek on the South Bank. Little ones adore the SEALIFE aquarium. Many London museums are wonderful experiences for children, but we particularly recommend The National Maritime Museum, British Museum and National Army Museum.
Looking for more things to do with kids in London? Take them on a Harry Potter walking tour to discover film locations and magical stories.
Check out more things to do in London with kids.
Where to stay? Part of the fun of London for kids is the transport – from a big red bus to the Tube – so take your pick from any Central London location.
5. Have a weekend on the town in London
London is in a class of its own when it comes to nightlife. A perfect night in London will involve a fabulous meal and a theatre trip before hitting the many bars and clubs in the city.
The best London restaurants are spread across the capital, so you can always find somewhere perfect to eat. Theatre centres on the West End and Covent Garden, with some of the best performances in the world. For fabulous world-famous bars, head to places like Aqua at the Shard.
For a truly unique night out, visit Cahoots, a hidden 1940s speakeasy bar styled like an underground Tube station.
London’s nightlife is diverse, but you can’t go wrong with picking a night out in Soho.
Where to stay? Stay in a serviced apartment in Soho or Covent Garden so that you have your own base and won’t be disturbed in the morning by housekeeping!
6. Get totally absorbed in culture with world-class art galleries
Art fans will love a weekend getaway in London. What’s more, many of them have free entrance.
If you like Damien Hirst or Gauguin then head to the Tate Modern. The National Gallery has room upon room of artists as diverse as Titian, Turner, Van Dyck and Van Gogh. Other galleries that call to you on a weekend getaway include Tate Britain, Royal Academy of Arts, Hayward Gallery, the Saatchi Gallery, and the Serpentine Galleries.
Take a guided art walking tour to discover London’s vibrant street art scene, especially in areas like Shoreditch.
Where to stay? If your focus is on The National Gallery then stay in Trafalgar Square or choose Waterloo to be closer to the Tate Modern, although both are within walking distance of each other.
7. Be amazed in the best museums
London is famed the world over for its outstanding museums. The Science Museum and The Natural History Museum frequently stand out as the crowd-drawing options, but there’s so many more to discover.
There’s the Victoria and Albert Museum for its eclectic and enviable collections , the London Transport Museum for fans of London’s famous Tube and buses, as well as museums such as the Horniman, the Museum of London Docklands, Imperial War Museum, The Postal Museum and even ships that count as museums, like HMS Belfast and the Cutty Sark!
Take kids to the Postal Museum to ride the underground mail train, or explore the immersive experiences at the London Transport Museum.
Where to stay? Stay in the heart of London for visiting museums. A particularly good spot for visiting the Science Museum and Natural History museum is South Kensington.
8. Challenge yourself and get out and about
London offers fantastic weekend getaways for adrenalin junkies and those who like to take a more active approach to their weekend away. From swirling down the ArcelorMittal Orbit at the Olympic Park (or abseiling too!) to climbing atop the roof of the O2 with Up at the O2, there’s something for everyone. More sedate activities include wandering through one of the many London parks, hiring a boat on the Serpentine, or enjoying activities like escape rooms and the Crystal Maze experience. Jet boating on the Thames will leave you feeling exhilarated, and your only issue will be deciding which immersive London experience to try next.
Where to stay? Stay in Greenwich or Docklands for easier access to the Olympic Park and the O2.
Whatever your planned itinerary, let us help you make the most of your stay. We can advise where best to choose your London serviced apartment based on what you want to see and do, whatever you plan for your weekend getaways in London.
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