We spent two weeks in London last December. This was our third trip to London, so it’s starting to feel more familiar. First, it was cold. A damp cold that prompted me to pop into Zara and buy a winter coat. If you’re visiting London in winter, pack layers. The temperature can have some wild swings.
My favorite area to stay is Chelsea. It isn’t as crowded and has a very upscale feel. We try to stay near Kings Road and Duke of York Square.
The Saturday market at Duke of York Square is like a United Nations of tastes. The first time we went, I thought it would be a farmers market, but instead it’s more like a large ring of food trucks with every imaginable cuisine. Grab a champagne in a plastic flute and make a first pass around the ring to help decide what to eat. In warmer months families bring blankets, their children, and their pets and have a proper picnic inside the ring. It’s great people watching too.
An easy way to traverse London is via the Thames. There are 24 piers where you can hop on and off the Uber boats at your leisure. No tickets needed, just tap your phone/credit card when you hop on and off. In addition to getting to your destination, you get some great views along the way.
Everyone likely knows the popular sites (i.e., Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, the London Eye) and I recommend them all, but here are a few places less talked about…
- The Natural History Museum and Winston Churchill War Room are both well worth your while.
- Walking through Hyde Park is a great way to see typical Londoners and their well trained dogs. Many of which are so well-behaved they aren’t even on a leash.
- For a unique view of London, book a lunch reservation at Darwin’s Brasserie in Sky Garden. You’ll not have to worry about getting a ticket to just stand around the garden area and you’ll enjoy a lovely lunch and a great view.
- It seems a large organization has bought up thousands of local pubs and they all have the same menu. Not as charming in my opinion, so do your best to find an actual local pub. Some of our favorites include The Builder’s Arms, The Churchill Arms and Cadogan Arms.
- Definitely see at least one play. A classic is The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre. It’s been running continuously for more than 25 years! This most recent trip, we went to a smaller venue (The Apollo) and really enjoyed Fawlty Towers. If you’re a fan of British humor and John Cleese, and this show is still running, do not miss it. There are so many theaters and great shows that you’ll surely find something to enjoy.
- If you’re nearby Buckingham Palace and hungry for breakfast, check out The English Rose. I’m convinced this is the only place in London with proper bacon. I like mine well done.
- Just for fun, book an afternoon or high tea. I’ve always wanted to try the one in Kensington Gardens, but haven’t yet. A few years ago, we had afternoon tea at The Clermont Charing Cross and it was fun, fancy and delicious. Although I will admit that I’m more of a cappuccino girl.
- Stroll along the charming Pavilion Road to see the shops and stop for a drink or meal. I’m always intrigued by the seafood.
- Enjoy a lovely dinner at Daphne’s. The Christmas decor was mind blowing.
This last visit to London, we booked a day trip to the Cotswolds. I was inspired by the movie The Holiday, which, if you haven’t seen it, you must. I ordered tickets through Viator and we boarded our small (maybe 12-15 person) bus at Urban Baristas near our Airbnb. We stopped in Bibury, Stow on the Wold, Bourton on the Water and Burford. The area is truly lovely, but it’s a bit spoiled by the large tour buses stacked up at some of the stops. Our guide was charming and informative.
In 2023, we spent the month of May in London. We had booked our stay before learning we would be there for the coronation… which was an added bonus. We were also there for Chelsea in Bloom. I’ll have to post about some other time, along with our side trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.
I’m sure I have much more to share about London, but this is a good start.
Best,
Lisa
