Psst, don’t scroll away. I only want you to read this, ok! Shush, what you are about to read is top secret. So don’t go telling everyone. Well, not until you’ve spent time in London and been to the places I’m going to tell you about first.
If you are heading to London anytime soon, and why won’t you be because it’s a great city to explore, then what we are about to tell you, will ensure you’re time here is well spent. Remember, it’s a secret.
We are going to reveal some of our secrets about what we do when we’re travelling around the capital. Take a look at the following suggestions on how you can have a good time in London from an insider’s viewpoint.
All in the nose!
You’ll probably visit the London Eye; you might even visit a Queens or Kings Head (a pub name if you’re wondering!) So how about adding the London nose to your list? Yes, that’s right, London’s nose.
Rumour has it that there are seven noses on buildings around the Piccadilly area. You’ll need to look hard, as they aren’t easy to spot. Piccadilly is a popular area, with shops, plenty of entertainment options, museums and restaurants. This means you’ll no doubt head there, the Eros statue at the centre point. Look around, and see if you can spot them. You’ll get to know the area much more if you do. So, as we’re kind, here’s one to get you started. Near Trafalgar Square, just a short walk away from Piccadilly Circus, there is one on the Admiralty Arch that leads onto the Mall and then Buckingham Palace. Happy, nose exploring!
More than a museum
London has an abundance of museums, some of the world’s finest in fact. You’ll know the major ones, The British Museum, Natural History, Tate Modern and the V&A. However, it’s the not-so-well-known museums that may intrigue.
The following are just a sample of the ‘out-there’ places that are worth adding to your London itinerary. The Post Office railway museum is recently opened and takes you deep underground. You can ride one of the old postal trains that took mail from one part of London to the other. At the Bank Museum, you can touch a bar of gold!
Then there are the even quirkier ones! The cartoon museum, the Magic Circle Museum, a museum dedicated to the Sewing Machine and the most famous of detectives, Sherlock Holmes.
Starting to get the idea? Think of an object or famous person, well London probably has a museum dedicated to it.
Lunch and dinner
You’ll find plenty of options for lunch and dinner in London’s populated tourist areas. You’ll know the chain restaurants, fast food outlets and cafes. Look a little harder, and you’ll find a growing trend toward pop-up street stalls and independent cafes and bars, each offering different types of cuisine and drinks to suit all palettes.
They are usually reasonably priced and finding a good one beats lunch in one of the well-known eating establishments. You’ll often see these stalls congregated near large office spaces, so you may end up queuing with the lunchtime crowds. There are some specific places where you’ll find this kind of street food. Borough Market on the South Bank is a good option, and the Shoreditch area of London is well-known for its experimental food. Leave the familiar behind and seek out the independent.
An alternative view
If the idea of having to pay to get a view of London isn’t up your street, then there are alternative places to get that panoramic scene of the London skyline. Primrose Hill and Alexandra Palace, are perfect places during the summer months for that spectacular view. Take a picnic, settle back and enjoy the view. Ok, so you’ll need good London weather, but the walk up either of them is worth the energy. They are also famous romantic spots, so add in some romance if you’re with someone special.
The Monument, which commemorates the Great Fire of London is found right in the city of London. Yes, you’ll have to pay to go up, but you’ll get a great view. Count the steps and marvel at the view.
Another free place is at the top of the Tate Modern Gallery. It’s a climb, but you can at least head into some of the galleries as you head up to the view platform. A bit of art and a view for free.
Go for a walk
Believe it or not, Central London is pretty small. From Oxford Street down to the River Thames is a particularly pleasant walk.
Head down Regent Street, through Piccadilly, Leicester and Trafalgar Square. Oh, and pop your head in to say ‘hello’ to the Prime Minister in Downing Street. Add in Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and whoop, whoop, that’s some walk you’ve done. You won’t see any of that sitting on the tube!
If you are feeling energetic, then how about trying a proper hike? Yes, there is the Thames Path that cuts its way through central London, along the River Thames, and the London section makes for a pleasant walk. No, I’m talking about walking the entire Circle Line! It’s about 27km, but you’ll head through so many different aspects of London it’s well worth the pain! Start at Baker Street, and follow each station. You’ll cover the South Bank, Knightsbridge, and the City of London, and there are so many attractions on route, well you could easily break it down into segments and spend a week doing it!
There we go, just a few of the places and activities you can do that aren’t in the tour guides. Why not make your time in London that little bit more special? By all means, head to the popular attractions, but with some insider knowledge, a whole new London opens up before you.
Also, Check out this amazing post about where to go for the best shopping in London
