London is one of the most visited cities in the world. With attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye and the hope of catching a glimpse of the Royal family, it is a tourist’s paradise, and there is plenty to do during a weekend in London.
Why you need a long weekend in London
The Tower of London is a “must see”
The Tower of London is a definite “must see” on any visit to London, as it is not only London’s most iconic castle but you can also see the Crown Jewels, the Beefeaters and the legendary Ravens.
It is believed that the “Beefeaters” nickname is derived from their position in the Royal Bodyguard, which permitted them to eat as much beef as they wanted from the King’s table, and the famous “Beefeaters” (also known as Yeoman Warders) tours are the perfect way to begin your visit to the Tower of London, as the Beefeaters share stories about the rich and colorful Tower history.
Although the Tower is synonymous with imprisonment, it has also functioned as a treasury, a sanctuary, an armoury and even a zoo since it was built in medieval times
The Ravens of the Tower of London is a group of at least six captive ravens which live at the Tower of London. The presence of the ravens at the Tower of London is traditionally believed to protect The Crown and the tower; legend says that “if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it”
But there is much more to London than touristy things, you just have to watch out for them. Read on for a few more ideas of what to do on a long weekend in London.
Stroll Through Golborne Road Market
This market is just north of the famous Portobello Road market, but is more local and will not be so full of tourists and souvenirs for sale. There are vintage clothes stalls, one selling arts and crafts and just about anything else you can think of. Camden Market is also a good market for a bargain.
There are plenty of cafes and bars to eat and drink at that will be more like the prices you would expect to pay outside of a city as big as London.
Take a tour of Notting Hill
Not far from the Golborne Road market, you can find the trendy neighbourhood of Notting Hill, with it’s pretty coloured houses and selection of vibrant cafés.
Filmgoers relax in posh armchairs at the Electric Cinema, and high-end restaurants, brunch spots and upscale boutiques cluster around Westbourne Grove.
If you happen to be in London in August then you can join the huge crowds celebrating the annual Notting Hill Carnival, whose parades and calypso music reflect the area’s Caribbean roots.
Visit the Harry Potter Studios
This is one place that will be full of travellers and tourists, but any Harry Potter fan should not miss it.
It does tend to be busier at weekends, but you can book your tickets online so you can be sure of getting in.
The Museums Are Free
Many of the museums in London are free (although there is an additional cost for exhibitions) and some of them are so huge and interesting, you could easily spend a full day in them and still not see all the exhibits.
Go to a Music Festival
It feels like London has a music festival most weekends, and they are all great fun which is why they are so successful. It does not matter what type of music festival it is, just go along and you will get swept up in the atmosphere and enjoy the evening’s entertainment.
As you would imagine, musical festivals in London attract some of the biggest names in the industry and at most of them, you will see someone famous perform.
Go to the theatre
London is one of the best spots to catch a show, second only to Broadway in New York, with a wide range of high production performances that often feature a well-known cast. You can see the time, energy and craftsmanship that has been invested in every play and every set design. This is particularly evident in shows such as The Lion King and Wicked.
Eat delicious food in awe-inspiring surroundings
Of course, no trip to London would be complete without sampling some of the delicious food on offer, and in this Instagram age, we are now on the look out for style as well as substance!
Of course, we want the food to be enticing, but we want the decor to be enticing too, and the best restaurants in the Capital combine great food with great content for your Instagram feed!
The most instagrammable restaurants in London offer a beautiful aesthetic with lush decor, stunning centrepieces and innovatively presented dishes, so that you can immerse yourself in beauty both on and off the plate!
Whilst you’re planning a weekend in London, make sure to plan some great meals with some opportunities for the perfect photo!
Try The Pubs
There is something special about the pubs in central London and you really should enjoy a drink in one of them.
You will be among some real characters and be made welcome by the locals. Just make the most of their wonderful hospitality!
In London everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in.
Paddington Bear
Where to stay on a weekend in London
The first thing you will need to do is to find somewhere to stay. One option is to book a hotel or apartment and you can click on the map below if this option appeals.
Booking.comAlternatively, there is always the option of Airbnb. There are many professionals who keep apartments and townhouses in London for when they are in the City, and they rent them out, using Airbnb when they aren’t there.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about Why you need a long weekend in London, and have a look here for more of our travel guides.
I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post.
With love,
I am delighted with your article! London is one of my favorite cities. Thanks for the interesting information. I will definitely move the places you recommend. You had a very interesting trip! Fine! Thank you!!!
So glad you found the article interesting! Thank you for reading 🙂
Great post dear.
Thank you x
You had me at Harry Potter <3
Green Fashionista
Yes, so fun ! 🙂
I love London too, there’s so much to do, but it’s so busy!
Yes, I agree ! I love London but it can be tiring just because it’s always so busy!
I already knew I needed to visit London, but now even more so!
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
You should definitely visit x
I didn’t know all the museums in London were free-that’s amazing!! I’ll have to check them out when I visit
Let me know how you get on xo
Ohyes London is always worth a trip – loving this city so much!
Great ideas 🙂 ♥
xxx
Tina
https://styleappetite.com
Yes, me too! It’s always worth a trip 🙂
I’ve been to London a few times but never a weekend away. I definitely would love to though xx
Gemma • Gemma Etc . ❤️
Let me know if you do! 🙂
Visiting London is on my bucket list! Notting Hill looks like such a cute area! I love that the museums are free! I’m pinning this to reference later!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you Jill! Let me know if you ever get to visit 🙂
It has been so long ago I have been in London! Therefore, thanks a lot for your tips and the beautiful pictures. I see I should visit London soon again – not only to see Notting Hill 🙂
xx Rena
Yes, Notting Hill is really pretty and London is well worth a visit 🙂
I would have to agree – we spent a few days in London a couple years ago and it wasn’t enough and now I’m itching to go back! xo, Biana
Yes, you can definitely spend longer in London. I go every couple of months but it’s never enough !
vorrei tanto visitare Londra *_*
Spero che tu ci arrivi (sorry for my Italian!) x
Wow! Notting Hill reminds me of the Rainbow Row in Charleston. I’d love to visit London someday!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
And I would love to visit Charleston 🙂
I would love to visit London! It’s on my bucket list for sure. Thanks for sharing all these amazing pics.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
You should definitely visit, Kathrine! I would come across and meet up with you 🙂
I stayed in Notting Hill last time I was in London & it was my favourite place!!! :]
Notting Hill is one of my favourite areas too xo
Oh my gosh – yes please! Somewhere I have always wanted to go!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
You should visit! You will love it 🙂
I haven’t been to London in ages, I really need a long weekend there xx
Gemma • Gemma Etc . ❤️
Yes, it’s such fun! xo
My husband didn’t think he’d want to go to London because he’s always heard that the food isn’t that great. But with the free museums and all the other fun, it’s on my list one of these days. I think it’ll be for more than a weekend though…I hope!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I hope you get there Jodie – you will really enjoy it (and honestly, I think the food reputation is undeserved – there are lots of great places to eat – you just need to know where to go! I think you’ve just given me an idea for my next blog post!) 🙂
I love London so much- this post makes me want to go back asap!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I know what you mean! I love London too, but I’m lucky that I get to go often! xo
Seriously need to go back to London ASAP!
Thanks for all the great suggestions, your photos are beautiful 🙂
Thank you so much Eva! I always miss London when I’m not there! Fortunately, it’s just a short Eurostar trip away for me 🙂
Your pictures are amazing Julia and so great to see all these recommendations.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you so much Lovely xoxo