London Again: Deeper Cuts From a Local
I lived in London for six years, and while I adore The Tower of London and attending lectures at The British Museum, there is so much more to this gorgeous, diverse city.
If this is your second or even twelfth time visiting London, step away from Trafalger Square and discover smaller unique museums and quirky neighborhood hangouts.
Day 1: Welcome Back!
First thing’s first, you’ll want to get fueled up for your holiday.
Book a table for breakfast at Darwin which is located at Sky Garden in the Walky Talky Building (You’ll know when you see it!)
Enjoy breakfast while surveying a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city. After breakfast explore the lush Sky Garden.
Next up is my favorite London museum.
The Wellcome Collection is a free museum with exhibitions on wellness, biology, medical history, mental health, climate science, and more. It also has the best museum gift shop with a large collection of biology, anatomy, and wellness books, notebooks, and gifts.
You’re back in London, of course you need to have afternoon tea.
One of the best and most memorable is the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson. Each treat is a work of Alice in Wonderland whimsy!
Mad Hatter’s tea will get you in the literary mood for your next stop - The British Library!
You’ll even find an early manuscript for Alice’s Adventures Under Ground. Check the website before your visit for any special exhibits or events.
Next walk over to Granary Square.
On the way, Harry Potter fans will want to stop at Platform 9 3/4 in Kings Cross station, and architecture buffs should take a peak at the lobby staircase in the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
Granary Square is a unique public space with outdoor art exhibits, surrounded by restaurants and interesting galleries. If you’re not yet hungry, check out the Lethaby Gallery for fresh art and design talent, or Queer Britain - the UK’s first museum of Queer culture.
And now for dinner!
The Lighterman is a British contemporary gastro pub with terraced outdoor seating available.
Dishroom is great for modern, upscale Indian dishes and drinks.
Enjoy some after dinner entertainment.
If you’re still awake and haven’t slipped into a food coma, head over to my favorite music venue, Jamboree! Jamboree is a unique, bohemian cabaret space dedicated to world music. Check the schedule ahead of your visit to see what’s on.
Day 2: Pub Culture in South London
Start your day the best way, at Maltby Street Market.
Grab breakfast, coffee, and treats for the day.
London has a rich pub and beer culture.
Depending on your interests, you could venture out on a historic Thames Southbank pub crawl, or follow the Bermondsey beer mile to try out independent breweries and tap rooms located in a 2-mile stretch of Bermondsey railway arches!
For a historic pub crawl:
Begin at The Mayflower, the Thames-side historic pub where The Mayflower ship set sail from for America.
Also located right on the river, The Angel pub has a rich history as a pub and inn going back to the 15th century.
There has been a pub at the site of The George since Medieval times. It was used as an Elizabethan theatre space and frequented by Shakespeare and his contemporaries, as well as by Charles Dickens and is even referenced in his stories.
The Bermondsey Beer Mile:
Follow along on this guide. I’d be impressed if you can make it through the whole journey!
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You’ll be in need of sustenance at this point.
Head to lively Bermondsey street. Here you’ll have your pick of excellent restaurant choices. I would recommend:
Casse-Croûte for amazing French food.
José for Spanish tapas.
And The Garrison British gastro pub.
Day 3: Quirky Camden
There is little I love more than coffee and pastries at Ottolenghi.
Savory meals are also available and very delicious, but do not skip on cake! Pro tip - Ottolenghi also serves the best mocha ever made.
Walk off the anxious energy from your multiple mochas and head to Daunt Books.
Not only is the interior Instagram worthy, it has so much history as an original Edwardian bookshop.
On a good weather day, enjoy a stroll through Regent’s Park.
Perhaps take some time to read a newly purchased book.
When you’re ready, pass through the park to Camden Market.
Camden Market has over 1000!?! unique food stalls, shops, and bars! Camden has a history rich in music, art, and counter culture.
Some not-to-miss food stops include:
Digest your treats and check out all of the impressive street art and funky storefronts around Camden Towm.
Float to dinner.
The London Waterbus Company will take you on Regent’s Canal from Camden Town to Little Venice.
Dine on the banks of Regent’s Canal.
There are a few great options, but I recommend either The Summerhouse or The Waterway.
Day 4: Art & Culture
How much art and culture can you pack into one day in London?!
Let’s find out! First, prepare for the day with a big breakfast.
From here head to London’s Exhibition Row.
Exhhibition Row is home to many big London museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. For our day of Art & Culture you’ll want the Victoria & Albert museum.
The V&A is an incredible museum filled with objects of art, design, fashion history, jewellery, ceramics, and theatre and performance pieces. You could spend days there!
When you’ve had your fill and need to fuel up again, head to The Churchill Arms for lunch. On the way bookworms should make a detour to South Kensington Books.
The Churchill Arms serves up British lagers with Thai noodles and curry! Eclectic and delicious.
If noodles and curry feel too heavy at this point, grab a cream tea (tea with scones and clotted cream) instead at the elegant Harrods Tea Room.
After lunch, check out The Design Museum.
After the survey of design history at the V&A the Design Museum will introduce you to the latest in contemporary design.
Next, take a wander through Hyde Park.
The Serpentine is the body of water that winds through the park, and The Serpentine Gallery hosts temporary art exhibits on either side of the lake.
After all this art and culture you’re bound to be starving.
Luckily, West London is full of excellent dining options.
My current pick for the best food in London:
For Spanish dishes:
For proper British food:
Where to Stay
Tower Bridge:
Marylebone:
Kensington:
The home for unique & authentic travel
