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. 

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. 

weekend in London

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

weekend in London

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.

weekend in London

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

weekend in London

art gallery

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

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

what to do on a long weekend in London

 

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

weekend in London

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.com

Alternatively, 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,