Exploring the Best of London: My Top Picks.

​Welcome, today I will be sharing with you some of my absolute favourite things to do in my old hometown. London, with its rich history and cultural wealth, offers an overwhelming array of choices throughout the year for locals and visitors alike, but there are certain places that never fail to impress time and time again. From the iconic museums to vibrant markets and delightful walks, there is truly something in London for everyone. 

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The Natural History Museum

I have loved this museum since childhood and revisit whenever possible. Here you can uncover the wonders of the past, from dinosaurs to dodos, immerse yourself in 4.5 billion years of natural history. Located in South Kensington, this stunning museum building is an architectural masterpiece adorned with intricate nature carvings and imposing gargoyles.
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Take a guided tour, like "Secrets of the Natural History Museum," or enjoy an audio tour narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

Free general entry 

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The Natural History Museum

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The British Museum

The British Museum, the world's first national public museum, houses an extraordinary collection of art and artefacts from various corners of the globe. Immerse yourself in two-million years of human history, art & culture.
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​Amongst the must-see treasures are iconic pieces like the Rosetta Stone, Elgin's Marbles, and Egyptian mummies, which offer a glimpse into ancient civilisations. Be sure not to miss the intriguing Lewis Chess set, the awe-inspiring Sutton Hoo helmet, and the exquisite Benin Bronzes. 
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Free general Entry

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The British Museum

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Walking Central London

Walking the streets of London is a great experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city and is one of my favourite things to do when I visit. As you wander through the bustling streets, you'll encounter a delightful mix of famous landmarks and hidden gems, all relatively close together.
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Start your day by strolling towards Buckingham Palace, where you can marvel at its grandeur and perhaps catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. From there, make your way down the Mall to Westminster Abbey, an architectural masterpiece steeped in history. Just a stone's throw away, you'll be greeted by the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. As you continue your walk, you may catch a glimpse of Downing Street, the famous residence of the British Prime Minister and if you still have some energy, carry on walking down Parliament Street until you reach Trafalgar Square.

Footways is a social enterprise with a mission to get people walking more and further on A-to-B journeys. They make digital and printed maps of quiet and enjoyable walking routes, that connect popular places via lesser known streets as well as self guided themed walks e.g "Kings and Queens", "London Nature Trails" or "London Squares".

You can pick up a free Footways Central London map from a mainline train station or download the app to your phone.

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Footways London

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The British Library

The British Library, is an expansive research library that serves as the national library of the United Kingdom. As one of the largest libraries worldwide, it houses a staggering collection of approximately 170 to 200 million items from various countries and as a legal deposit library, the British Library is entitled to receive copies of all books published in the UK and Ireland.

Whilst it may not be a typical tourist hotspot, the library is an absolute gem for book enthusiasts. A visit offers the opportunity to explore a captivating assortment of books and manuscripts showcased in a delightful gallery, which includes an array of first editions and even the historic Magna Carta. Additionally, the British Library features an extensive collection of stamps. For those interested in delving deeper, there is an engaging 1-hour tour available, previously only offered on Saturdays, which I would highly recommended.

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The British Library

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Covent Garden

​Covent Garden and Neals Yard are two great destinations in London's vibrant West End.

Covent Garden, with its elegant and pedestrianised Piazza, is a bustling shopping and entertainment area. You can explore an array of fashion stores, browse the craft stalls at the Apple Market, or treat yourself to an evening of music or ballet at the Royal Opera House.
Adding to the charm, street performers are nearly always found near the historic St. Paul’s Church and for those interested in transport history, the London Transport Museum showcases vintage vehicles.
When hunger strikes, Covent Garden offers a diverse range of upscale restaurants serving mouthwatering European cuisines.

Just across the road from the Covent Garden Tube station, Neals Yard beckons with its own charming atmosphere and normally a lot less tourists (even though it is known as one of Covent Gardens most instagrammable destinations)! This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with its independent boutiques, quaint cafes, and vibrant street food stalls. 

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Neals Yard

Covent Garden

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The oldest pubs in London

After a day full of sightseeing, walking, and exploring the fascinating museums, it's finally time to indulge in a well-deserved break and treat yourself to a refreshing drink and a delicious meal.

And what better setting to do so than in one of London's oldest and most charming pubs?
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• The Seven Stars, Carey Street, WC2 circa 1602
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street circa 1667
• The George Inn, Southwark circa 1676 (Near Borough Market and London Bridge)
• The Guinea, Bruton Place, W1. Rebuilt 1720’s
• The Hoop and Grapes, Aldgate High Street, Ec3 circa 1670

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