Although I’m based in the UK myself (and have lived here all of my life!), London is a city that I’ve always wanted to visit. I mean, what doesn’t sound nice about walking down the Thames surrounded by a fleet of red buses and meeting the Queen? I kid – that’s the stereotypical Northerner in me.
All jokes aside, I’ve been looking at planning a mini city break to London and have been compiling a list of top attractions that I’ve been dying to visit, even though they’re typical tourist-y things.
Here’s my top list of things to do in London (AKA, my London bucket list):
1. Buckingham Palace & Westminster Abbey
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of everything to do with the Royals, but it wouldn’t feel right to visit London for the first time and not see Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey.
I’ve always wanted to see the Changing of the Guard which takes place at 11:30am daily throughout the Summer seasons outside Buckingham Palace, and alternate days for the rest of the year. Westminster is also the place where Kate and Will got married, and I know it’s top of many more London bucket list!
2. Museums
Visiting museums is a great way to find out more about the place you’re in – the best thing to do whilst in London because there’s tonnes of them!
The geek inside me has always wanted to go to Bank of England museum to learn more about money and finances, but is only open 9-5pm on weekdays; not possible for a weekend trip!
3. Visit the Sky Garden
The indoor garden at the top of The Shard is a must on anyone’s London bucket list, simply because of how amazing it looks! It costs £25 per person to visit the Sky Garden in The Shard, but the one of Fenchurch Street is free.
4. Cave Wine Bar
There is much more to London nightlife than the typical super clubs and English pubs. Gordon’s Wine Bar in Central London is all underground, with the cave having low-slung ceilings and only candles for light. Definitely a great place for an intimate drink!
5. Columbia Road Flower Market
It’s not secret that I’m a huge lover of flowers (my own blog is called Peonies in Paris, if that makes it any more obvious!), so the Columbia Road flower market is definitely on my London bucket list.
6. Independent Cinemas
If you’re a big film-fan but not into the commercialized side of the cinemas, there are hundreds dotted all over London where you can enjoy a quiet, intimate movie marathon. Everyman cinemas, the Phoneix and the Genesis are just a handful on my bucket list!
7. Pond Swimming
Let’s face it – you’ve probably never dreamt of swimming in a pool of water that resembles a pond, but you’ll definitely want to once you see the King’s Cross Pond Club.
8. Night at the Museum
If you’re really looking to splurge and treat yourself to something truly spectacular in London, you can spend a night at the Natural History Museum. Enjoy three different activities that could include drink tasting, all-night movie marathons and overnight access to all galleries.
Costing a massive £180 per person, it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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