London really is the perfect place to visit for a city break. It’s not so big as to be completely overwhelming for a first time visit, yet there is so much going on you would never run out of things to do even on your 100th visit.
The city is perfect for families, romantic breaks, business trips, cultural pilgrimages or for those simply looking to indulge in London’s unrivalled food, drink and nightlife scene.
The Palace of Westminster.Entertainment
If New York is the city that never sleeps, then London can’t be far behind. There is always so much going on. If sightseeing is your bag, the Houses of Parliament just celebrated 800 years since the signing of magna carter in 1215 – so now is the perfect time to book an audio or guided tour with afternoon tea. For art lovers, the National Portrait Gallery is currently home to an extraordinary Audrey Hepburn exhibition, celebrating one of Britain’s most iconic film stars.
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. Photo: chrisdorney/Shutterstock.comThe green spaces
The parks are perhaps one of the city’s best loved spaces by Londoners themselves. Venture into Richmond Park for a taste of the English countryside, or Hampstead Heath with its public swimming lake and amazing views. Hyde Park is the largest of the royal parks in London and home to a number of famous landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake, Speakers Corner and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. Hyde Park also offers various recreational activities, including open water swimming, boating, cycling, tennis and horse riding, plus hosting events ranging from Gay Pride, to rock concerts and Proms in the Park.
Shoreditch. Photo: DrimaFilm/Shutterstock.comThe weird and wonderful
Forget Scandi cool or Parisian chic. Visiting London is all about experiencing the wonderfully bizarre eccentricity of modern Britain. Pay a visit to Camden Lock to see punks, live music and everything in-between. East London for themed cafes – cat cafe, owl cafe, cereal cafe – you name it, London’s got it. Get a wet shave, posh Afternoon Tea, or your shoes shined in Mayfair, or simply go and enjoy a pint of beer in a good old English pub – anywhere in the city.
Information courtesy of Corus Hotel Hyde Park.
www.corushotels.com/london/
Maltby Street Market. Photo: JuliaST/Shutterstock.comShopping
Shopping in London is like nowhere else in the world, from the iconic shopping streets of Oxford Circus and Bond Street, to the plush boutiques of Knightsbridge and world-famous department stores Harrods and Selfridges. If you have already experienced all of that, why not visit smaller markets like Maltby Street Market or Broadway Market for a more authentic London experience?
A pop up foodstall in Shoreditch. Photo: DrimaFilm/Shutterstock. comFood, glorious food
London is home to a dizzying array of amazing restaurants, from Michelin star meccas to tiny artisan coffee shops producing life-changing cakes. A good way to experience more than just one of them at a time is to go to one of the city’s now iconic street food markets. The hip Street Feast is located in Lewisham, Dalston, and Shoreditch, or Kerb in Kings Cross is very good with hundreds of tasty food stalls offering everything from Vietnamese buns to pulled pork and BBQ ribs.