Are you planning a trip to London soon? You could be wondering how you will spend your time. You may not know many people or places to visit. This article will help you pinpoint various things you can do to keep yourself busy and pile up memories to last a lifetime.
The best way to get to London is by air as you will save on time. There are very many airlines to choose from such as Cathay Pacific. They have scheduled flights from Brisbane to London at fair rates. Once you arrive in London and are well-rested you can begin your tour of the city with these exciting things to check out.
1. Explore the history-rich museums
London has an assortment of museums where you can spend your time learning about England’s natural history, anthropology, archaeology, and horticulture. They include the Museum of London, Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, Bank of England on-site Museum, Geffrye Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum, and Natural History Museum. Other famous ones are Horniman Museum, Science Museum, London Transport Museum, British Museum, Postal Museum, and Imperial War Museum.
2. Hunt for antiques
There are diverse markets that sell these prized items. Every Friday between 0600-1400 hours, you can find fabulous dated items at Bermondsey Square Antique Market. They include furniture pieces, vases, and jewelry. In Notting Hill, these antiques can be bought at Portobello Road Market. You could also visit Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone for more of these vintage items.
3. Calm your nerves with a boat ride
If you are a water person, there are water avenues in London where you can take in the water and its freshness. You can engage in boat riding at the Thames River. A walk along the Regent’s Canal will soothe your spirit. There is a lot to see along the canal stretch from Paddington Basin to Limehouse Basin such as the floating bookshop.
4. Sample amazing local and international food and drinks
Chinatown has sumptuous food to be tried by all, especially visitors. There are new foods such as cronuts and egg naan in restaurants like the Dichoom and Yolkin. You can relish pasta at any time of day in fancy cafes including Padella and Patio.
All these can be washed down with coffee, soda, juice, wine, booze and cocktails. Some cozy joints you can quietly sip your drink include the Coral Room, the Gibson, Connaught Bar, and Bongo’s Bingo.
5. Confirm your Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
Just how smart do you think you are? There are established centers where your lateral thinking can be tested in an exciting way. Make sure you visit some of them. They include the Crystal Maze, Sherlock the Experience, and the HiddenCity for fun-filled games that test your intelligence.
6. Smell the flowers
Yes, London has flower markets for flower lovers. Every Sunday from 0800-1500 hours, the Columbia Road Flower Market is open to everyone for all your plant needs. It has bedding plants, cacti, banana stumps, and flowers. It is the oldest and most popular flower market.
7. Stroll in a park
London is home to many beautiful and well-maintained parks. They have a lot to offer to their visitors. St James Park has both flora and fauna with different bird species. A crowd puller in this park is the pelicans that can be watched at 1430-1500 hours daily. They are given fresh fish as a meal at this time. You can also catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace from this park.
The Richmond Park is a royal park where kings and queens used to go hunting. It is very big and is the home to deer. It is a nature reserve spot. Regent Park in Central London is best known for its wide variety of roses.
Hyde Park is popularly known for its saunas. Olympic Park was so-named when the Olympic Games were held in London in 2012. You can have a refreshing swim at the Aquatics Centre in this park. Crystal Palace Park has sculptured dinosaurs, a maze and an urban farm. The Capel Manor Urban Farm has some animals such as meerkats that you get to see while there.
8. Wander around the Epping Forest
Nature lovers cannot resist this ancient woodland. You can take a quiet walk through these woods as you devour the scenery and watch the birds. It covers an area of 6,000 acres and was at one time a royal hunting ground.
9. Lose yourself in the countryside-like environment
The heart of London does have farms, animals and plants. The Spitalfields City Farm is located in Central London. It was set up in 1978 by volunteers and is still run by volunteers to date. It has most farm animals such as cows, goats, hogs, and horses. There is a farm shop on location that sells farm fresh produce.
The Barbican Conservatory is a sight to behold. It is an indoors garden which has varied plant species and imported fish. There is also Mayfield Lavender Farm that has a purple theme. It is always open throughout summer.
Kew Gardens Temperate House is a botanical garden that has rare plants, glasshouses and pagodas. It has a breath-taking treetop walkway and flower blooms all through its ground.
Sky Garden is a garden that is open to the public. What is interesting is that it is established inside a high-rise building on the 35th floor. This is on Fenchurch Street and covers three floors. It has an observation area from where you can watch the Thames River flowing by.
10. Watch people on Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is in North London and is a favorite weekend spot. It affords you extensive views over London and you can watch people all day given its height. You can choose to picnic here or pamper yourself at the Cowshed Day spa. It also has kite-flying spots that are ideal for children.
With all these things to choose from, you will not have a dull moment in London. If you are unable to engage in all of them, you can take note of what to do the next time you fly back. Let your friends and relatives know you had a wonderful time in a vibrant city.