50+ FREE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON

October 22, 2020

1. Sky Garden, London

Location: 20 Fenchurch Street

The Sky Garden (pictured above) has to be my favourite rooftop garden. It’s London’s highest public garden and with its 360-degree aerial view of the city, it’s one of the best places to see London from above! You can see all of the main attractions from Tower Bridge, the Tower of London the Shard, the Gherkin, Wembley Stadium, the London Eye and much more…

Plant-wise, the Sky Garden hosts a variety of Mediterranean and South African plants from African Lilies, Red Hot Pokers and Birds of Paradise to herbs such as French Lavender.

If you want to make a day of it (and are happy spending a bit), you can eat at one of the restaurants and bars: The Darwin Brasserie is located on Level 35 and serves a variety of seasonal British treats. On the rooftop itself you can find the Sky Pod Bar, City Garden Bar, Fenchurch Terrace and Fenchurch Restaurant.

So what’s the catch? Well, I wasn’t kidding, the sky garden is completely free; however, they do have limited spaces. So, you have to go on their website and book one of their free tickets by choosing a time slot, entering your contact details and downloading the e-ticket that’s sent to your email. The tickets do tend to run out quickly so it’s worth booking well in advance!

2. The Garden at 120, London

Location: 120 Fenchurch Street

The Garden at 120 is another stunning and original way to view London’s impressive city skyline. Situated on the 15th floor, it boasts views of all the main attractions as well as a beautiful array of Wisteria trees, wall plants (including apple and pear cordons and fig trees), various bulbs, grasses and perennials borders and shrubs. There’s also the chance to sit down at one of the City’s largest restaurants: 14 Hills (although of course that isn’t free!).

Unlike the Sky Garden, when visiting The Garden at 120, you don’t need to book or have a ticket (unless you are a group of 12 or more). Instead, it operates on a first come-first serve basis. The gardens are open most of the day with the summer opening times (April-Sept) listed as 10am-9pm and Winter opening times (Oct-March) 10am-6:30pm

3. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden

Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road

The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is a beautiful garden located on top of Queen Elizabeth Hall (funnily enough!) and overlooks the River Thames and London Eye. Bordered by luscious fruit trees and botanical flowers, it’s a beautiful place to relax in Summer.

This garden also has a bar and cafe, and in the summer you can expect to see a lot of young people picnicking here to enjoy the rare British sun.

Opening times: The garden is generally open from 12-9pm although they are open longer during April-Sep (10am-10:30pm)

4. Walk up Primrose Hill

I did this walk just last week and can testify that it really is one of the prettiest views in London. A mere 16 min walk from Chalk Farm tube station, it’s very accessible, and not a difficult walk at all! Why not set up a picnic blanket and basket and enjoy a civilised lunch with 5* view? (or nab one of the sought-after benches if you’re quick!). Then, if you’ve had enough of green trees and bird squawking, head down the hill towards Camden Town for a spot of shopping! (or window shopping if you’re low on cash)

5. Climb up the top of Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is another beautiful spot to have a picnic and see the iconic London skyline. Just hop off at North Greenwich (Jubilee line), then catch the 188 or 129 bus. Greenwich Park doesn’t just host a stunning view of the City’s skyscrapers, but it’s also home to a beautiful deer park, rose garden, orchard, Royal observatory, Herbaceous Border, coffee cabin and Pavillion cafe! It definitely has a lot to offer! It’s also very close to the Queen’s House and the Old Royal Navy Chapel (both mentioned later on in this blog) so why not combine them and make a day of your visit to Greenwich!

Opening Times: The park closes at different times depending on the season: 6pm (Nov-Feb), 7pm (March and Oct), 8pm (April and Sept) or 9pm (May-Aug).

6. Parliament Hill

Situated in Hampstead Heath, this viewpoint is further out than the other two, but definitely one of the prettiest views of London! In fact it’s the highest point in London (at 98 metres high!). To get here take the tube and get off at Hampstead Heath.

From here you can the London classics: St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster, the Gherkin and the Shard as well as the other skyscrapers that help shape London’s iconic skyline – all from the comfort of a free wooden bench! (just make sure you visit on a clear day!) If you’re travelling with kids don’t worry there’s also an adventure playground to help persuade them up the hill!

Opening times: 24/7

7. Public Viewing Gallery at the Oxo Tower

The public viewing gallery at the Oxo Tower really is one of London’s best hidden gems. Located on the 8th floor on South Bank it overlooks the Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral – in fact it’s one of the best places to photograph St Paul’s! There’s also free admission to the gallery Oxo exhibitions and the Coin Street Festival every summer if you want to make the most of your time there.

Opening times: 11am-6pm daily

8. British Museum

• What’s inside: Exhibitions surrounding human history, art and culture
• Opening times: 10am-5pm daily
• Location: Great Russell Street

9. Natural History Museum

• What’s inside: Vast collection of historical artefacts – don’t miss the skeletons! – especially the Great Blue Whale.
• Opening times: Wednesday-Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) 11am-5:50pm (last entry 4:30pm)
• Location: Cromwell Road

10. Museum of London

• What’s inside: documents the history of the UK’s capital city from prehistoric to modern times
• Opening times: Monday-Friday (11.30am-3.30pm) Saturday and Sunday (10am-6pm)
• Location: 150 London Wall

11. Queen’s House

• What’s inside: The Queen’s House is a former royal residence and now home to one of the greatest art collections in the world. (Don’t miss the famous Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I)
• Opening times: 10:30am-4pm daily
• Location: Greenwich

12. William Morris Gallery

• What’s inside: Displays the life and work of William Morris.
• Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm.
• Location: Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow.

13. V&A Museum

• What’s inside: the world’s largest museum of “applied and decorative arts and design”, as well as an impressive array of sculptures.
• Opening times: Wednesday – Sunday: 11.00-19.00 (beginning 4th November – 10.00-17.45)
• Location: Cromwell Road

14. Imperial War Museum

• What’s inside: The world’s leading war museum, the Imperial War Museum incapsulates the experiences hundreds of people were facing at the time.
• Opening times: 10am to 6pm daily
• Location: Lambeth Road

15. Watch the street entertainers

Covent Garden is home to some of the most talented street artists and performers and whether or not it’s your main reason for coming to the square it’s always entertaining to watch for a few minutes. In fact, Covent Garden is renowned for hosting some of the world’s best street performers – many of which starred in TV shows/movies, the Cirque du Soleil or international festivals. Some even hold Guinness World Records!

16. Walk around the many shops and restaurants

There’s a wealth of shops in Covent Garden – from Tiffany and Apple to Lush and Hotel Chocolat to independent brands such as “Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop”. Restaurants like The Ivy Market Grill (pictured above) and bars like Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour make Covent Garden a perfect dinner or lunch spot but it’s also fun just to walk through the market window shopping.

17. Admire the seasonal decorations

A sucker for seasonal displays, I can never resist a stroll through Covent Garden to see the latest decorations. Next time you’re there make sure to check the outside of the Ivy Market Grill, the inside of Aubaine and the front and back of the market entryway!

Strawberry Tours hosts a number of free walking tours which last from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours. If you’re interested in visiting the Royal Palaces and Big Ben choose the “Free London Landmarks Tour WEST”. If you’re more interested in London’s Old City choose the “Landmarks Tour EAST”. Beyond these, there’s a Harry Potter tour, Jack the Ripper Tour, Free Street Art & Graffiti Tour, Soho Walking Tour, Ghost tour and London Pub Crawl! There really is something for everyone!

19. Richmond Park (Royal Park)

Richmond Park was created by Charles 1 as a deer park and to this day it’s one of the best places to see deer. It’s the largest of London’s Royal Parks and serves as a nature reserve and home to 650 deer. But it’s not just the company of deer you can enjoy here! Richmond Park also has a golf course as well as its Isabella Plantation which is known for its azaleas and large collection of Rhododendrons and Camellias. So, why not take your picnic basket and enjoy lunch overlooking the picturesque scenery? If you’re in the mood for a bit of luxury you can even ride in their horse-drawn carriages before heading to the elegant Pembroke Lodge for a spot of afternoon tea! Not your cup of tea? No problem! Just head to the Roehampton Cafe for a coffee (or sweet treat) before your drive back!

Opening times: 7:30am- 6pm

20. Hyde Park (Royal Park)

Hyde Park is another of the Royal Parks (there’s 8 in total), and at 350 acres it’s a very grand one! Featuring the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine lake, there’s plenty to do – from open water swimming, boating, tennis or horse riding! Plenty of people go there to jog, walk or cycle but if you’re not into any of that why not admire the views from the comfort of the waterside cafe?

Opening times: 5am-midnight

21. Kensington Gardens (Royal Park) – Peter Pan statue and Princess Diana memorial

Kensington Gardens, located just the other side of the Serpentine, is even more beautiful and grand to look at. Home to the Serpentine Galleries (filled with contemporary art and architecture) and Albert Memorial, with views of Kensington Palace, this park has something for everyone!

Did you know the park has it’s own allotment? That’s right! You can even go there to pick up tips on growing your very own fruit and vegetables at home. That, or you could go to visit the chickens (definitely my preference!)

Opening times: 6am-6:30pm

22. St James’ Park (Royal Park)

Not far from the previous two, St James’ Park overlooks Buckingham Palace. Here you have the chance to visit “The Mall”, Horse Guards Parade, the Queen Victoria Memorial, Duke of York Statue and the beautiful Buckingham Palace Flower Beds. It’s also a lovely place to sit for a picnic with views of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall. Not sold yet? Well, this’ll do it! When visiting St James’ Park you have the chance to meet Royalty! That’s right, St James’ Park is not just a recreational park, but the home of over 40 pelicans – Pelicans that were originally presented as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to King Charles II in 1664!

Opening times: 5am-midnight

23. Bushy Park (Royal Park)

The largest of the Royal Parks, Bushy Park covers an area of 1,099 acres and with it comes an array of beautiful waterways, gardens and grassland. Not to mention the herds of roaming deer you can expect to see when visiting! Other things to look out for include the famous Diana fountain found at the end of Chestnut Avenue, the Upper Lodge Water Gardens, Woodland Gardens, and array of birds – from woodpeckers to kestrels and kingfishers.

Opening times: 6:30am-7pm

24. Visit Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross

A visit to Platform 9 3/4 is a must for any Harry Potter fans and it’s a great way to keep your kid entertained without spending a bomb (like you have to visiting an amusement park). Simply pop on a train and get off at Kings Cross. Then follow the signs to Platforms 9 to 11, walk past the ticket office, to the right of the Disabled Meeting Point sign and past the cash machines. On the right you should see the Platform 9 3/4 sign (under the footbridge) with half-trolley installed in the wall for effect.

Here you can take photos of you and your little ones – make sure you jump up for the photo to make it look like the trolly is transporting you through the wall! You can also have a professional photograph taken by the team there – Harry Potter props and all! Photographs are £9.50 each but they do deals if you buy more than one. If you don’t want to pay that just take your own photographs or ask someone else waiting in line (just be aware of pickpockets who sometimes loiter around there). To round off your trip, why not head to the Harry Potter shop just a few steps away – it’s filled with Harry Potter memorabilia and clothing and the perfect place for avid Harry Potter fans!

Opening times: Since it’s a public train station it’s open all day (5am-1:30am) but to beat the crowds I’d suggest visiting before 9am if possible and avoiding the school holidays! The shop is open 9am-9pm daily.

25. Vauxhall City Farm

Escape the bustle of city life with this jolly day out. Vauxhall City Farm gives you you a taste of rural life within the walls of London. Home to pigs, rabbits, sheep, alpacas, ducks and a whole host of small animals, the farm is a haven for kids. This is the perfect place to teach your kids about the animals of the world! Meeting characters such as Ben, Jerry and Tom (the alpacas) to Edward the pig, a visit to Vauxhall City Farm is bound to put a smile on your kid’s face! There are lots of craft activities available for them to get involved with as well as the opportunity to go horse riding (for £25).

Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday (10.30am-3.30pm)

26. Madchute Farm and Park

Madchute Farm and Park is another great day out for the kids, with horse riding, farm animals, plants & natural wildlife and restaurant. The farm animals consist of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, llamas, aviary birds, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and a pets corner (including rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals which you can pet and handle)

Opening times: Farm: everyday 9am-5pm, kitchen: (9:30am-3/4pm but closed on Mondays)

27. Royal Festival Hall for a singing surprise

If you’re struggling to know what to do in London – perhaps it’s a rainy day and you don’t fancy a trip to a muddy farm – then I have the perfect solution.

In fact it’s a bit of a Londoner’s secret…. When you enter Royal Festival Hall you’ll find a lift (nothing special right?) Well, here’s where you’re wrong – it just so happens to be a singing lift and its a real catch with the kids. (expect to have several trips up and down!). To get here, enter the Royal Festival Hall via the main entrance, close to the river. Walk towards the far left corner and you’ll see the lift.

28. Watch the Changing of the Guard (Buckingham Palace)

One of the classic London experiences has to be visiting Buckingham Palace and watching the Changing of the Guard. The guards wear their traditional red coats and black bearskin hats.

Best spots for watching it: St. James’ Palace (good for a quick glimpse without a long wait, but it can get crowded), The Mall (not too crowded and there are no barriers to block your view, also a good spot for close-up photographs), Wellington Barracks, Victoria Memorial (elevated – so good view of the whole ceremony, but you need to get there very early to avoid crowds which could restrict your view), Buckingham Palace Gates (closest you can get, but need to arrive at least 1.5 hours before it starts and can get very crowded), Spur Road (best if you don’t like crowds but you can’t see much of the ceremony)

When to go: The times are as follows: (but make sure you check for the date you plan to visit as they can sometimes change)

• 10:43 Old Guard leaves St James’s Palace,
• 10:57 New Guard leaves Wellington Barrack,
• 11:00 Official Start Time,
• 11:10 St James’s Palace relief leaves Buckingham Palace,
• 11:25 Relieved sentries leave St James’s Palace,
• 11:40 Old Guard leaves Buckingham Palace,
• 11:45 St James’s Palace Guard leaves Buckingham Palace

29. Hang out at Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of the classic London sights you just have to see when you’re visiting the area. It’s a public square named after the Battle of Trafalgar victory of 1805 and home to a number of London’s top attractions and seasonal events throughout the year.

Firstly, there’s the historic statues and monuments: Trafalgar Square holds a number of significant statues from Nelson’s Column (erected in 1805 in honour of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar), the Trafalgar Square lions (added in 1867 as ‘protectors’ of the Nelson’s Column monument), the fountains (added in 1845 featuring dolphins, mermaids and tritons and which lights up at night), the statues of General Sir Charles James Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock and King George IV.

Then there’s the local attractions: the National Gallery, St Martins-in-the-Fields Church, The Strand, Whitehall, the Admiralty Arch and The Mall. Finally, there’s a number of seasonal events hosted in Trafalgar Square that’s well worth a visit (perhaps not in the current Covid climate though). There’s the Chinese New Year and Pride festivals (to name just a couple) and various Christmas events such as carol singing under the big Christmas tree that happen every year.

30. Free tour at Somerset House

A palace on the outskirts of Covent Garden, Somerset House was once the home of 3 Catholic queens. Now it serves as a cultural and art hub – from contemporary art exhibitions, sculptures and photography to outdoor music gigs, film screenings and tours. If not for the exhibitions, the house itself is well worth a visit. From the grand exterior to the beautiful spiral staircase, a day at Somerset House is a photographers dream.

There are two main tours you can do: the Old Palace Tour (1hr, held on Tuesdays at 12:45pm and 2:45pm) and the Historical Highlights Tour (held every Thursday at 1:15pm and 2:45pm and every Saturday at 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm and 3:15pm). Tickets for the tours are available from 10:30am on the day and it’s worth going there ASAP since the tickets get nabbed very quickly!

31. Visit Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has a rich and beautiful history and is one of the top attractions when visiting London. Indeed, hundreds of tourists flock their each year! It’s been the venue for many famous services – from the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 to Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Royal Wedding just 9 years ago.

Normally you have to pay to enter the Abbey and tickets can cost up to £20 for adults and £40-45 for families. However, there is an opportunity to visit for free! That’s right, you can visit for free if you attend one of the services! You can’t roam around during the service like you would if you’d bought a ticket but it’s a perfect way to see the inside of the Abbey and see it in action! Cathedrals are built to be sung in so attend a service and see it in all its glory. For a list of the services available each day click here.

32. Visit London’s Street Art

Not all artwork is displayed within the walls of the traditional London galleries – just take a stroll down Shoreditch and you’ll see! That’s right, London is also home to an impressive array of Street artists – with some of the biggest and best collections of street art in the world. One of the most famous of these artists has to be Banksy, whose art has adorned the walls of London for more than a decade, often with a political standpoint.

Where to go: Although you can find a number of colourful art pieces in Camden and Leake Street Tunnel, my favourite spot for has to be Shoreditch. Start by walking past the Splice Building, then Red Gallery on Rivington Street then walk down Great Eastern Street before turning onto New Inn Yard. Finally, head towards King John Court which is packed with some of Shoreditch’s greatest pieces.

If you’re still raring for more head to Holywell Lane, Railway Hoardings, Ebor Street, Wheeler Street, Whitby Street, Sclater Street, Brick Lane, Pedley Street, Allen Gardens, Hanbury Street or Princelet Street.

33. Barbican Conservatory

Barbican Conservatory is a real botanical treat! The second biggest conservatory in London, it’s a real must when visiting London. It’s home to more than 1,500 species of plants and trees as well as flora and three pools filled with koi, ghost and grass corp from Japan and America and a smaller pool with terrapin turtles! They also have a number of restaurants if you want to make a day of it! From wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers to poached salmon and grilled chicken! To grab your free ticket check their website – tickets are released one week in advance from 9:30am each day but hurry they have a limited number of tickets!

Location: Barbican Centre (Level 3), Silk Street

34. Brown Hart Gardens

Described as “a rejuvenated oasis”, Brown Hart Gardens really is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise bustling city! Located in Mayfair, on a terrace, it features a number of trees and plants, fountains, gazebo and fantastic view of the surrounding area. It’s a particularly great place to spend your lunch hour if you work in Oxford Street – a chance to get away for an hour and see some greenery.

Location: Mayfair

Opening times: Mon-Sat (8am-8pm) Sun 10am-8pm

35. Holland Park 

I’ve found myself visiting Kensington a lot recently (mainly to suss out the floral cafes) and was recently alerted to this beautiful Park (by my brother no less!) and what a find it is! Surrounded by a Jacobean mansion, the park is filled with woodlands, a Japanese Kyoto Garden, several play areas and a host of mammals, insects and birds.

My favourite area has to be the Japanese garden – fitted with Koi carp, pond, cute bridge, waterfall and peacocks it’s the perfect summer paradise! Another reason for visiting the park is the wonderful music you can enjoy. Opera Holland Park (which was nominated for the 2020 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards) put on operas each year in the park – a temporary auditorium set up in the middle of Holland Park under a spectacular white canopy accompanied with a choice of picturesque picnic areas (including The East Deck, The Dutch Garden Lounge, The Mezzanine or The Terrace).

You’ll need to buy tickets in advance to see the performances but it’s well worth the visit. In fact the 2021 production list has already been announced (featuring Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen and Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz, and a revival of their 2018 staging of Verdi’s La traviata.)

Location: Ilchester Place, Kensington

Opening times: 7:30am-dusk daily

36. Columbia Road Flower Market, London

Now, if you’ve ticket off all of the previous gardens from your list, I have a rather unique suggestion for you. Instead of walking around already-cultivated gardens take things in your own hands and create your own flower display! Columbia Road Flower Market is the best place to stimulate your creative mind and give you major flower inspo!

Each Sunday, Columbia Road bursts into life with the sights and smells of freshly cut flowers as florists come from all over to showcase their freshest, most beautiful blooms. Even if you don’t plan on taking any flowers back with you it’s well worth the trip just for the experience – walking along row after row of bright colourful blooms packed to perfection.

Don’t miss: A visit to Columbia Road Market would not be complete without visiting the following: Mr & Mrs Grover (a married couple who have sold herbs at Columbia Road for over 30 years), Dennis at Saffron Flowers (has provided the best quality flowers in Europe since 1973 and has an especially beautiful display of tulips from the Netherlands), Rathbone Flowers (a father and son duo who specialise in Gerber’s, gladioli and amaryllis all imported from the Netherlands directly).

Finally, there’s the Columbia Cafe which serves coffee and some rather famously good bagels!

Free Art Galleries in London

37. Tate Britain, London

What’s inside: The Tate Britain is one of the largest museums in the country. It houses some of the best British art of all time – from 1500 right until today. One of the highlights of the Tate Britain is the collection of works from J. M. W. Turner.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm (timed ticket required)

Location: Millbank, Westminster

38. Tate Modern, London

What’s inside: The Tate Modern focuses on contemporary art and has some of the best pieces from all over the world – including Cezanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dali, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm (timed tickets required)

Location: Bankside (get off at Southwark or Blackfriars)

39. National Gallery, London

What’s inside: The National Gallery showcases some of the best works of art from around Europe. In particular, you can expect to see artwork from Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily (Friday until 9pm) (advance booking only)

Location: Trafalgar Square

40. Royal Academy of Arts, London

What’s inside: Founded in 1768, The Royal Academy of Arts houses some of the older pieces of artwork. It also has a number of temporary and touring exhibitions – with its annual Summer Exhibition being one of the best in its area.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm (Friday until 10pm)

Location: Burlington House

41. Guildhall Art Gallery, London

What’s inside: The Guildhall Art Gallery also features some world famous masterpieces – including John Singleton Copley’s ‘Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar, September 1782’, William Logsdail’s ‘The Ninth of November, 1888’, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s ‘La ghirlandata’. They have artwork ranging from 1670 to the 21st century but are known for being particularly strong in Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite material.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat (10am-5pm), Sunday: 12-4pm

Location: Guildhall Yard

42. Wallace Collection, London

What’s inside: The Wallace Collection houses more than just paintings, with sculptures, furniture, arms and armour, and porcelain showcased within their walls. The works of art were collected by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace during the 18th and 19th centuries and generally display artwork from the 14th to mid-19th century. Highlights include The Rainbow Landscape by Peter Paul Rubens; The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals; and Titus, the Artist’s Son by Rembrandt.

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily

Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square (Get off at Bond Street or Baker Street)

43. Southbank Centre

Visit the the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall for free concerts.

44. Royal Opera House & English National Opera

The Royal Opera House launched its free Live at Lunch scheme in 2018. Located in the Linbury Foyer at the Opera House in Covent Garden, it lasts roughly 45 minutes from 1pm-1:45pm. Just enough time for your lunch break! – that’s what I call eating in style! At The English National Opera you can even watch an opera for free! With their Under-18 scheme, teenagers can get a free ticket to watch any of their Friday, Saturday or open night performances.

45. Ain’t Nothing But… (Blues Bar)

If classical music isn’t your thing why not check out the blues bar “Ain’t Nothing But” which allows free entry daily for their live blues music (providing you are over the age of 18).

46. Hootananny Brixton

Known for its Reggae Sundays, Hootananny Brixton is one of the best music venues for Live World Music and features some amazing disco, reggae and folk rhythms gigs. They are currently open (with socially distanced tables) but only on a first come first served basis. They also serve a wide variety of food – from Burgers and Pizzas to Caribbean Food stalls and Mexican dishes.

47. Royal Academy of Music

At the Royal Academy of Music you can sit in and watch a host of accomplished musicians during their free lunchtime concerts.

48. St Martin-in-the-Fields Church

You can also attend free lunchtime concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square and they are known for being some of the best live classical music performances – so why not weave it into your itinerary next time you’re in London.

49. The Troubadour

If you’re in the mood for jazz you’re going to want to give the Troubadour a visit! Attracting some of the best-known jazz musicians around the world, it’s the perfect place for a musical night out. To visit for free, go on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday evening.

50. Trafalgar Square, London

In the summer you can watch free screenings of the Royal Opera House’s opera or ballet performances in Trafalgar Square. It’s a great way to get together with friends and family and have a picnic in the warm evening air whilst watching some of the best musicians and performers in the world! – All for free!

If Trafalgar Square isn’t very convenient to get to don’t worry! – they normally set up screens in Wembley Park, Television Centre (White City) and the Arena Square (Wembley).

No tickets are required but you’ll want to arrive well in advance so you can secure a spot with a good view!

51. Chinese New Year

There’s a number of places you can go in London to celebrate Chinese New Year but my personal favourites have to be Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End. Every Year between January 21 and February 20, festivities pop up across London to celebrate the new moon with carnival costumes and festive foods.

Let’s start with the famous parade. You’ve probably seen pictures of huge dragons and people on stilts parading across London – it’s quite a sight! The parade normally starts on Charing Cross Road and heads on to Chinatown, which is normally adorned with festive Chinese lanterns.

In Trafalgar Square you can expect an equally stunning performance with screen shows, firecrackers, traditional dragon and lion dances and martial arts displays. Team this up with the excellent array of asian street food dishes and you’ve got the perfect seasonal day out!

The West End also lights up with festive cheer – with some of the best Chinese artists taking to the stage to showcase their talents from dancing and music to martial arts and acrobatics.

52. Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill is another famous festival that takes place every August bank holiday weekend. London’s biggest street part, crowds gather from all over to join in the carnival spirit – celebrating the music, colours and flavours of Caribbean culture. It takes place between London W10 and W11 (around Notting Hill, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park, Landbroke Grove and Kensal Road) and features around 50,000 performers. It’s often attended by over 1 million people so make sure to stick with your group and stay safe!

53. New Year’s Day Parade, London

Every year in the centre of town, London’s New Year’s Day Parade takes place – a tradition that has been going on for almost 50 years, showcasing the nation’s greatest performers and a number of spectacular floats! Up to 1 million people crowd the streets to watch it and many more watch it on TV (probably whilst recovering from a rather bad hangover!)

The parade starts at 12pm and carries on until around 3:30pm (although from my experience it takes a lot longer until you’re actually able to leave with the huge crowds and blocked off areas). It normally begins at Piccadilly going east towards Piccadilly Circus, left down Pall Mall, past Trafalgar Square and down Whitehall to finish at Westminster (although for the first 22 years it actually did the complete reverse!). Why the change? Apparently US TV broadcasters weren’t happy with the view!

Just some of the performers you can expect to see include: the London School of Samba (South American music and dance), London’s Chinese Community (often performing a traditional dragon dance), street dancers, Carnaval Del Pueblo (rhythm and dance from Latin America) and of course the Queen’s Horses!

54. St Patrick’s Day

Every 17 March, Ireland celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and to honour this day London does its very own Patrick’s Day Parade from Piccadilly to Whitehall – complete with flamboyant floats, marching bands and Irish dancers. A day of Irish celebration, you can also expect to see performances from Irish artists, tuck in to Irish food at the markets and drink Guinness at the green-painted Irish pubs.

55. Attend a court case in London!

Not many people know you can sit in at court cases – and it’s completely free! I’d definitely recommend anyone aspiring to be a lawyer do this – it’s a great way of seeing the Law in action. Even if you aren’t interested in becoming a lawyer it still makes for an interesting day out. Make sure you research the appropriate codes of conduct before you go and make sure you’re dressed appropriately (generally smart casual).

56. Visit the Public Galleries in the Houses of Parliament

As well as visiting a court case, you are able to visit the public galleries in the House of Commons and House of Lords and watch the debates going on that day! You’ll be able to watch your MPs question the government and debate current issues and legislation. You don’t have to want to be a politician to enjoy watching the debates – it’s quite interesting just to see what goes on in the Houses and see the people you voted for and against. For the sitting times click here.

20 Of The Best Floral Restaurants in London 

October 8, 2020

20 of the Best Floral Restaurants in London

Enjoy picture-perfect moments, scenic hideaways and the crème de la crème of London’s eateries as we take you on whistle-stop tour of the best floral restaurants in London. Probably my most-requested blog post, it’s now time to answer all your questions. I’ve done all the work for you so just sit back and relax and get ready to tick off your London bucket list! 

Planning a trip to London? Discover 50 of the top FREE things to do as well as the best times to see Cherry Blossoms and Wisteria

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FLORAL RESTAURANTS IN CHELSEA, LONDON

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FLORAL RESTAURANTS IN CENTRAL LONDON

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FLORAL RESTAURANTS IN FITZROVIA, MAYFAIR & CLAPHAM

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FLORAL RESTAURANTS IN COVENT GARDEN, LONDON 

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FLORAL RESTAURANTS IN TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, LONDON

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More London Experiences:

10 BEST BRUNCH SPOTS IN LONDON

October 4, 2020

<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/21550833/?claim=deyz5bfsgmd">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

1) DUCK & WAFFLE

2) CEREAL KILLER CAFE

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVxbDmCDKUn/

3) FAIT MAISON

4) AUBAINE

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC8GAkVAjcp/

5) PALAETTE LONDON

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC1TyzPHO0t/

6) THE LOCALS CHELSEA

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDMI1nInHs8/

7) THE BREAKFAST CLUB

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBxS73YsRk7/

8) FARM GIRL CAFE

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByfSNffAmBN/

9) FEYA CAFE

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10) TIMMY GREEN

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1f8CfBAzWA/

Where to find blue domes in Santorini

August 19, 2020

When planning my trip to Santorini, I saw thousands of pictures of these iconic blue domes plastered all over the internet and presumed (perhaps foolishly) that they were easy to find and that I’d bump into them wherever I went! If only! The reality is that it’s actually quite difficult to find these domes if you don’t plan ahead and know where to look! In this post I’ll try and explain where you can find them and where the best photo spots are.

The Three Bells of Thira

The Three Bells of Thira at Agios Theodoros (also known as the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church) is one of Thira’s most iconic sights. However, its rather tricky to get to! This is because to get the view of the dome and bells from above you don’t actually want to walk to the site directly, but to a viewing point (or, rather, a slightly deserted car park!) 10 minutes away. To get there you want to walk past Agios Theodoras until you get to Mama Thira Tavern. Turn right and walk up until you get to a car park – there you should see the blue dome!

Αναστάσεως Church (Imerovigli)

To get to this church, walk up the main road (Thiras-Oias) but this time towards Oia rather than down to Thira square. When you see a pedestrian pathway open up on the left, head to the pathway and follow it up the hill, past Agios Nikolaus and the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church (walking to the right of the Church to get to the pathway). Carry on following that pathway straight on as it snakes to the left – you should be surrounded by hotels and villas by now – carry on straight until you see the Church!

The Blue Domes of Oia

View 2: To get to view 2 you want to walk down the Main Street of Oia (Nikolaou Nomikou) towards the castle and then turn left at the Thomas Jewellery Goldsmith, down a small pathway and when you get to a fork in the road, turn right and you’ll see the view. (but do note that beyond the path is private property)

View 1: To get here, instead of taking the first left at the Thomas Jewellery Goldsmith, carry on a little further to the pathway after Thalassia – here you’ll see view 1 on the left hand side – again it’s blocked off as private property but well worth a peek over the top!

Looking to plan a trip to Santorini? Don’t forget to read my ultimate guide of what to see and do. 

The Ultimate Guide of What to see in Santorini

Of all the islands in Greece, Santorini was the one that truly stole my heart with it’s beautiful white washed walls and iconic blue topped domes. Although it has a reputation for being one of the more expensive islands to visit, it can still be done on a budget, especially if you choose to stay in Thira rather than Oia. Read on to find out all the spots you shouldn’t miss!

Planning your trip to Santorini

Currency: Euros (€)

Language: Greek, although English is widely spoken

Accommodation: We decided to stay in Thira rather than Oia since it’s far less crowded during the day and the bus route to Oia is straightforward. The hotels also tend to be a bit cheaper and it’s closer to the airport so slightly more relaxing on arrival. 

Transport: Generally you can walk around all the places in Thira and Oia without the need of transport – it’s just getting from one to the other that requires a bit of thought. The journey from Thira to Oia is around 20mins and costs around 25 Euros by taxi or 1.60 Euros by bus. If you want to take the bus from Thira, walk to Thira centre and you’ll find a large parking area with taxis and coaches. The bus to Oia should be clearly sign posted. If you’re planning to stay in Oia for sunset, then just make sure you don’t miss the final bus back which is normally at 22:20!

Top Sights in Santorini

Thira

Coastal walk

One of the best ways of exploring Santorini and immersing yourself in its beautiful landscape is to go out walking! Don’t worry too much about which direction you’re headed and just delight in the beautiful views and hidden gems you come across on the way. If you’re heading from Thira you’re likely to find yourself on the main coastal pathway which is home to some of Thira’s best restaurants – all of which boast an amazing view of the sea and are prime sunset locations. So why not reserve your table for dinner on the way back (my favourites are Remvi Restaurant, Volkan on the Rocks and DA Costa)

Agios Theodoras/Three bells of Thira

Perhaps one of the most iconic views in Thira, The Three Bells of Thira (also known as the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church) are a must-see when in the area. Now you’re likely to walk past them when you’re walking around but to really take in their glory you need to see them from above! Click here for a step by step guide on how to get to the best viewpoint. 

The Square & Old Port

About 15 minutes walk away is Thira’s main square and old port and a great way to see the more authentic side of Santorini (away from the crowds in Oia). Start off by exploring some of the shops and cafes and then make your way up to the monastery. After popping your head into the monastery, follow the signs to the cable car and hop down it for the best view of the port! (for only €6). Within a couple of minutes you’ll reach the old port at sea-level and be able to see everyone boarding the boats to travel to the nearby volcano. 

If that doesn’t pick your fancy, why not check out the famous  Kerabvolades Stairs! If you’re up for a challenge you can climb back up via the stairs, otherwise it’s a great excuse for a donkey ride up the cliffside. Again this costs around €6 but makes for an incredibly fun ride – especially if you have kids.

Hike from Thira to Imerovigli

Another incredible viewpoint, if you have the time and energy I’d recommend hiking from Thira to Imerovigli! To get there head back on the main road from Thiras-Oias but head the other way this time – going further up the cliff rather than down it towards the port. Follow this road until you get to a more residential area of Santorini and follow the smaller pathways until you reach the Αναστάσεως church which is framed by a now insta-famous pink tree. (click here for more details on how to get there) 

Oia’s Blue Domes 

By far the most iconic view of Santorini, Oia’s blue domes are an absolute must – they’re the ones you see on all the postcards, painting and all over instagram! However, they can be slightly difficult to find so for step by step instructions on how to get there click here. 

Kasteli Agios Nikolaus

Around dinner time you might start to see huge crowds beginning to gather and head up to the Agios Nikolaus viewpoint and there’s a very simple reason why – it’s by far the best spot for sunset. Now it does get very crowded up there so I’d suggest heading pretty early to get a prime spot (at least half an hour before). Why not bring a takeaway pizza with you for you and your other half to eat while you watch the sunset.

 

Church of the Akathist Hymn of the Virgin Mary

Castle of Oia and Oia Houses:  The castle of Oia isn’t just a great viewpoint – there are also a host of lovely cafes, restaurants and cute houses to explore. One of the most famous of these is the iconic orange “Kastro Oia Houses” building. We loved walking around this area, which actually leads down towards the sea,

Cute shops: There are a number of cute shops in Oia – we particularly loved the retro-looking Antlantis book store and the cafes by “Kastro Oia Houses”. Other popular cafes include: Passaggio coffee shop in Oia and Karma Restaurant for dinner (which has a lovely botanical vibe).

Views of the Windmill: Another iconic view of Santorini is its windmills! for the best views of the Windmills, head to Cavana View House and Golden Sunset Villas.

 

Best views in Santorini

Santorini is certainly not lacking in iconic viewpoints and quite often the best way to find them is just by meandering around and exploring the coastal pathways yourself. But if you’re on a tight schedule and want to make sure you don’t miss the iconic viewpoints make sure you head to  Oia Bell Tower, The Windmills, The Castle of Oia, Imerovigli and The Three Bells of Thira.

Restaurants & Bars

Galini Cafe for brunch (Thira)

A wonderfully cute spot for brunch, Galini Cafe was an amazing find – it looks right out over the sea and is incredibly calm and atmospheric. Plus it serves some of the best eggs Royale and French toast on the island!

Remvi Restaurant (Thira)

Probably my favourite restaurant of all time on the island, Remvi really stole my heart with it’s incredible terrace over the sea and sunset view. They specialise in fresh sea food – and I can’t recommend the calamari and grilled sea bass enough! Make sure to try their house wine and get a good spot in time for sunset! 

Volkan on the Rocks (Thira)

This is another of the restaurants which overlooks the sea and would be gorgeous for sunset. It also is a great place to try some authentic Greek food – including a number of Greek Meze platters! It’s incredibly popular (and often appears as a suggestion in travel guides) and seems a bit more tranquil and “outdoorsy” than some of the other restaurants – so a good choice for one of those quieter days.

Karma Restaurant (Oia)

A quiet botanical restaurant right in the heart of Oia, Karma Restaurant is a beautiful place to eat and a wonderful escape from the crowds around Oia. They’re known for serving up some of the best traditional Greek food, meat and vegetarian options and are pretty reasonable with their pricing. 

How to spend 5 days on the Amalfi Coast

June 7, 2020

The Amalfi Coast is a blogger’s dream, with some of the most beautiful clifftop views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Planning your Amalfi Coast Trip:

Have a think about where it is you want to be based – as you can see from the map I’ve drawn, Naples Airport is quite far away from places like Ravello and Amalfi (around 4 hours away), so you might rather be based somewhere like Sorrento, as I did, so as to avoid a very long journey straight after your flight. Make sure you bring a good pair of trainers – you might find yourself walking quite a bit! Finally, if you’re scared of heights this might not be the best trip for you! – most of the sights are situated on the top of cliffs. The bus also drives very close to the cliff-edge so if this is going to be an issue make sure you don’t get a window seat! If not, then enjoy the view it’s really spectacular.

DAY 1: Sorrento, Amalfi Coast

We arrived in Naples Airport and took one of the buses from the airport to Sorrento, where our hotel was. After dropping our bags off and having a brief rest, we set off to explore Sorrento. We started off by walking through Piazza Tasso towards Piazza Sant’Antonino where we visited Basilica di Sant’Antonino (pictured below). After that we walked to the Chiesa di San Francesco church and courtyard – a very Italian view. We carried on towards the sea stopping to gaze at the stunning view from Piazza della Vittoria before heading back towards the city to visit the Duomo, walking past the picturesque winding Italian streets and markets. We finished the walk off by walking down to Marina Grande (sea level), stopping off to have a famous Italian gelato.

DAY 2: Ravello, Amalfi Coast

We set off early and walked to the SITA bus station which took us to Amalfi (via Positano), then hopped on another bus to Ravello. Overall the journey took over 3 1/2 hours but what a picturesque journey it was! The roads took us right to the edge of the clifftop meaning we had a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast. Much to my parents amusement, since the roads were so narrow and winding, the bus driver had to constantly toot his horn to notify oncoming traffic we were approaching. Villa Rufolo: When we arrived in Ravello we got some ciabatta toasties at a cosy local bakery and headed to our first destination: Villa Rufolo – this is a cascading garden situated at the top of the cliff overlooking the Sea and, rather interestingly, was what inspired Wagner’s opera “Parsifal”. Villa Cimbrone: Determined to make the most of our time here I convinced the group to carry on further uphill (!), past authentic Italian vineyards, to the other famous garden: Villa Cimbrone, which is famous for its “terrace of infinite”. What a view! (although not for the faint-hearted!) Finally, before heading back home we stopped off at the cathedral.

DAY 3: Capri

We took a ferry at 11:25 to Capri which only took 20 mins (although was a lot more expensive than our £10 bus tickets). The weather was perfect and the water shined an incredible blue. After arriving at the busy harbour, we hiked up to the top of Capri(!) – quite exhausting in the blistering heat, to reach Giardini di Augusto. This is by far the most beautiful spot to look at Capri from and overlooks the famous rock formations “Faraglioni” – it really was the most incredible view. I then decided to take a bus to Anacapri (the other side of Capri) where we gorged on some incredibly delicious ciabatta toasties (an absolute must when in Italy!) before heading to the Seggiovia Monte chairlift, which takes you above the treetops to a lovely viewing point. Despite leaving early in the morning, we were rather rushed for time and nearly missed the final ferry back – so do make sure you keep track of time and are aware when the last ferry leaves. (although I’m sure it was greatly amusing to onlookers watching me frantically sprint for the ferry, arms waiving aimlessly above me). For dinner I grabbed a pizza with my brother and headed to Villa Comunale to watch the sun set – a perfect end to a lovely day

DAY 4: Positano and Amalfi

We left early in the morning for the 2 1/2 hour journey to Amalfi. The plan was to stop off at Positano on the way but unfortunately the road was closed so we had to head straight to Amalfi. We visited the famous Cathedral di Sant’Andrea which was beautiful (taking into account the rather hilarious paper cape I was given to wear while I walked around – lest my shoulders offend the elders) Leaving my parents to live their Italian dream, my brother and I hopped on a bus that promised to take us to Positano using a different route. It was so packed that we had to sit on the floor but well worth it when we got off and saw the view! The sight was just as I’d seen it in pictures and really like nothing else. We slowly strolled down the road and through the picturesque markets towards the beach and sat there, peanut butter gelato in hand, sunnies firmly in place, slowly turning an alluring sunburn-red. We then took a boat back to Sorrento (which had deck chairs on the top!) and met the ‘rents for a classic Italian dinner (think Carbonara, wine and limoncello shots)

DAY 5: Pompeii

Today was our last day in Italy so we got up early and took the bus to Pompeii, gawping at the ancient artefacts and marvelling at how well-kept it was. The real highlight for me was seeing the Foro – Pompeii’s main piazza, decked with statues, columns and arches. Truly a sight to behold. And that concluded my 5 days on the Amalfi Coast – a true taste of Italy’s coastline. Planning a trip to Italy? Why not check out my Guide of What to see in Florence & Tuscany or What to see in Venice in 2 Days