Ah, London Town! Home of the Queen, Chelsea FC, Sherlock Holmes… and of course, millions of tourists every year. So how best to make the most of your London experience? With thousands of things to, see, eat and try, it’s important to stay organised…and to remember that when it comes to deals it isn’t just cheap theatre tickets London has to offer.
To that end, simply read through this handy list of must-dos we’ve compiled for you.
For the refined at heart (or romantics), you simply must try high tea at Claridges. Mouth-watering, indulgent and very English, this afternoon treat is perfect for people with a sweet-tooth. With sandwiches, scones, cakes and a selection of 30 different teas, there's enough to spoil even the most picky of people, so it’s best to wear something loose-fitting but fabulous enough for the hotel’s luxurious, Art Deco-inspired surroundings.
For those with a strict budget, don’t fret, there’s plenty of things to do that don’t cost a penny. Most museums and galleries are free (although steer clear of the gift shop!), and there’s plenty to choose from; for example, the Wallace Collection, Natural History Museum and the Horniman Museum to name a few.
London has an impressive sporting history, with many world-famous venues dotted around the city. Take out a London Pass, allowing you to visit many of the famous stadiums; including Wimbledon, Crystal Palace, and Lords.
Music lovers will relish a visit to the iconic Abbey Road studios. As the birthplace of many classic albums and soundtracks (including the Harry Potter scores, Freddie Mercury’s ‘Solo Collection’, and Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’), this is a must for music buffs. The iconic zebra crossing outside also deserves a visit, having been the star of the Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ album cover; thousands of fans every year flock to pay homage and recreate that famous pose.
For the bold of heart (and stomach), visit the London Dungeon. This museum/theme park/performance area has some of the most ghoulish attractions in London, including the Blood & Guts Surgery and the Extremis Drop Ride; best to visit this one before lunch.
Fashion-conscious tourists can indulge their passion on Oxford Street. One of the most famous shopping districts in the country, Oxford Street has pretty much every high-street store imaginable, including several flag-ship branches. For a more up-market experience try Harrods; this famous department store claims to sell anything your heart desires, and is the last word in London luxury.
If you need to escape the city and catch your breath for a moment, try one of the many parks. Hyde Park is known for its beauty and the attractions on offer, including the Rotten Row riding track and Serpentine Lake. Regent’s Park is great for sports facilities, and comes with an open-air theatre for the warm summer evenings. Richmond Park is best for animal lovers, playing host to around 650 wild deer and many species of bird.
It can’t have escaped your notice that London played host to a rather special wedding this year. Britain’s Royal Family is probably the most famous in the world, and you can get into the spirit of things by visiting many of the attractions traditionally associated with them: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Kensington Gardens.
If you’re in need of pampering, try Spa London in Bethnal Green. These old Turkish Baths offer a number of budget spa experiences, including massages and make-up application lessons for just £20.
Foodies will be spoilt for choice in London. Try Archipelago in West London for some exotic flavours (including kangaroo, gnu and zebra). For those of a vegetarian persuasion Rootmaster in Shoreditch is perfect for you. If you have a sweet tooth, Scoop in Covent Garden has every flavour, texture and type of ice cream imaginable; for some truly indulgent dining.
The great thing about London, too, is that the popularity of the city means that plenty of organisations – take Kelkoo Select as a prime example -- offer deals, discounts, and bundle packs, so that visiting one of the world’s best cities isn’t only interesting, diverse and memorable, but cheap too.
