London
The UK’s busting capital city can mean many different things to many different people. For me it’s a city that I lived in several years ago but these days my visits are seen through a tourist lens.
Whatever your reason for wanting to visit London, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in abundance. Whether it’s Royal residences, museums and art galleries, history, trendy restaurants, theatres, London has it all. Packed with world famous landmarks, you’ll never get round them all in one weekend so plan your trip to see some of your favourite sights and save some for a return trip. I’ve highlighted a few of my favourite places below.
Choose a couple of districts that you want to explore. South Kensington is a popular area for tourists and ideal if you like wandering round museums.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington
The V&A as it’s more commonly known is where you can find galleries and exhibitions that span the worlds of fashion, music, art and design. Check the website for details of current and upcoming exhibitions.
Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL
The Natural History Museum
Highlights at The Natural History Museum are the giant dinosaur skeletons and the blue whale model which are on permanent display but there’s so much more to see as you chart your way through the evolution of the natural world. A recent addition is the Museum’s outdoor space - the Evolution Garden. Entry to the Gardens is free with no ticket required. Book your free ticket online to go inside the Museum.
Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
The Science Museum
With a range of object galleries, interactive spaces and exhibitions dedicated to all things scientific, this is a great place for a family day out. There is also a cinema and cafes. Admission to the museum is free, however there are charges for some exhibitions as well as cinema screenings.
Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Knightsbridge
In upmarket Knightsbridge you’ll find the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This magnificent concert hall has staged many concerts and events over the years including the BBC Proms, a festival of classical music which takes place over eight weeks every summer.
See The Royal Albert Hall website for the full programme of events.
Address: Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
Russell Square, Bloomsbury
Just off Russell Square is The British Museum. There are over 50 galleries in the Museum and exhibits span a timeline of over 2 million years - that’s a lot of history and culture and you’ll want to give yourself 2-4 hours to get round.
Address: Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG
Afterwards, take a walk south towards the River Thames and you’ll find yourself in London’s Theatre Land. You’ll need to book tickets well in advance for your favourite shows but there are many theatres and many productions to choose from.
City of Westminster
If you want to check off a few landmarks in a short space of time head for the City of Westminster. Standing on the north bank of the River Thames are The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Close by is Westminster Abbey, with its long history of coronations and royal weddings as well as being the final resting place of many a British monarch.
Crossing the Thames on Westminster Bridge will take you to the London Eye. Book a spot in one of the observation pods for a panoramic view over the city. Standard tickets start at £35. Check the website for promotional deals.
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
Food and Drink
No matter what part of London you’re in, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, although as with any big city prices are higher in the more touristy parts of the city such as Soho.
Finally
As mentioned, there are too many places in London to get round in one weekend. Check back later for more ideas on how to spend a long weekend in London.