Anyone who's visited London comes back - there's always something new to do. We came up with 9 things you definitely shouldn’t miss on your next visit!
The idyllic parks in the middle of a pulsating metropole
Take a break and explore the city's delightful parks, from Hyde Park to the countryside of Richmond Park.
- Set right in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers both world-class events together with plenty of quiet places to relax. Dip your toes in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, brave an open water swim in the Serpentine, or just admire the views across the lake from a waterside café. You can go for boating, tennis, horse riding, or even join the many joggers, walkers and cyclists enjoying the open air.
- Also worth a visit is Richmond park. Whilst it is not very central, it still serves as an insider's tip as many locals go there. Especially in the dusk you might even spot a deer here!
See a West End show!
In London’s West End there’s an insatiable appetite for Broadway transfers, but there’s homegrown success too such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Matilda the Musical’. Last-minute tickets from the Leicester Square ticket booth are usually your best bet for a bargain!
Natural History Museum - Fun for all ages
Another great insider tip: The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is one of the world's largest natural history museums!
Not only history interested adults, but also the little guests may look and marvel at it. For example, in addition to the exhibitions on ecology, evolution, volcanoes and meteorites, there are also numerous replicated dinosaurs, including real dinosaur skeletons, which especially for the little visitors is absolutely amazing. Best of all, you can visit this great museum for free!
Have a pint at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet Street has stood on the same spot for centuries and was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
It’s dark, gloomy interior has hosted many famous figures including, reputedly, Charles Dickens, Dr Samuel Johnson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!
Vintage and more on Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill
Best known for antiques and collectibles, this is actually several markets rolled into one: antiques start at the Notting Hill end, further up are food stalls, under the Westway and along the walkway to Ladbroke Grove are emerging designer and vintage clothes on Fridays and Saturdays.
Do not be fooled by the fold-out tables, there are some serious treasures here!
Take a spin on The London Eye!
Okay, with a speed of 0.6mph, the London Eye doesn’t really spin, but the view 135 metres above the ground can be pretty breathtaking.
Look out over the Thames and central London – especially in the morning and evening dusk. It will be one of the most amazing highlights of your trip.
Have a quintessentially British afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is a long-standing British tradition and a must-try on your visit to London. From themed meals to traditional styles, this ceremonious event is steeped in history and can be enjoyed at some of London’s top hotels, restaurants and bars like the Ritz, the Sketch or Brown’s Hotel, all offering their individual take on this quintessentially British occasion.
See a gig at Somerset House
The eighteenth-century neoclassical architecture of Somerset House is impressive, but it looks even better when it’s lit up with purple floor lights for a raging concert! Every summer, the Strand arts space puts on a brilliant programme of gigs. Even when it's pouring down with rain, the spectacle more than makes up for it. If you miss out on tickets, you can try and catch a cult movie at the Summer Screen or join the Christmas ice rink, which appears annually.
"The Making of Harry Potter“ – Make a trip to Hogwarts
Anyone visiting London, having enough time and being an absolute Harry Potter fan should not miss "The Making of Harry Potter" studio tour. This tour goes through Warner Bros. Studios, a famous film and media complex, less than 30 kilometres from central London. These movie studios built all the scenes necessary for the Harry Potter films. So you can, for example, look at the office of Harry's Headmaster Dumbledore and step into the magical world of Hogwarts. A must for every Harry Potter fan!
These are just a few of the tips we provide to our guests at Host Family Stay. Our friendly team would love to help you too with your London trip this year! Contact us to get started!
Published on 22nd January 2019