Make the most of your stay in London with Chapter’s top 10 to-do's.
1| Visit a park
Take a break from the busy city and explore the city’s glorious parks. There are so many to choose from, with each one having so much to offer. The parks are beautiful all year round and always have something to do, from picnics, sunbathing, sports events; open air theatre; live music concerts and adventure playgrounds for children.
Events such as the British Summer Time Festival and Winter Wonderland are also held at Hyde Park. British Summer Time is a summer extravaganza sponsored by Barclay card held over 4 weekends once a year. The festival features; live music, comedy acts, film showings, cafes, bistros, themed pubs and cocktail bars. The event has a track record of having some amazing headlines running over a 4-week period. Hyde park is also home to the impressive Winter Wonderland at Christmas time which is full of festive spirit such as ice skating, winter markets, festive fairground rides, grotto's, an observation wheel and a huge Christmas market. There’s plenty to do here with friends or family and really is unmissable.
2| Visit a museum
London has some amazing museums on offer with the majority being free to enter – so you can explore London’s marvels without breaking the bank. Each are breathtaking and have their own twist in theme. Chapter’s most recommended visits are:
British Museum – dedicated to human history, art and culture. One of the world’s oldest museums with nearly 8 million works originating from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.
V&A – the V&A houses some of the greatest collections of decorative arts, portraits and photography.
Natural History Museum – a handsome collection of plant, animal, fossil, rock and mineral specimens.
Science Museum – more educational but also entertaining compared to other universities. The museum contains the Apollo 10 command module and flight simulator and a substantial collection of medical history treasures.
National Gallery – holding some of the most profound and oldest works from virtually every European school of art.
Tate Modern – a great day out. Situated in a power house the building itself is great to look at before you even enter. The permanent collection features heavy-hitters such as Matisee, Rothko, Bacon and Beuys.
3| Theatre, shows, cinema and comedy club
There’s plenty in variety for entertainment regarding shows, cinema and comedy clubs. You can catch a quirky favourite on a rooftop cinema across various locations in London or catch a show acquainted with table service and luxurious sofas.
It's impossible for you to be in London and not see one of the iconic theatre shows such as Lion King, Matilda or Wicked - Lastminute.com list all of London’s biggest theatre shows.
4| Markets in London
There’s more than just fancy shops in London, there’s some really interesting and quirky markets all over London. Such as:
Portobello Road Market - offering numerous stalls from fruit bread to posters, music to designer and vintage clothes and of course some classic antiques.
Southbank center market - located in the Southbank Centre Square on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday. This market is full of tasty treats, from meats, spices and confectionery.
Old Spitalfields market - has been ongoing since 1876 and is one of the finest Victorian Market Halls in London. Stalls selling food, fashion and antiques you can find little boutiques selling hand-crafted toys to the latest must haves. Around the skirt of the stalls there’s a mix of well-known restaurants and fresh food market stalls providing the perfect pleasure for all.
Greenwich Market - offers beautiful products such as jewellery, pictures, clothes, accessories and unique gifts for all.
Broadway Market - can be found in Hackney, selling a mix of goods from local farmers, artists and craftspeople. Find furniture, unusual fashion, lighting and of course some tasty food stalls.
Brick Lane Market - is home for all sorts of junk and gems, spread across numerous streets in Brick Lane selling furniture, vintage clothes, shoes and lots more.
5| Camden lock
Camden is a to-do within itself as it has some of the best sites activities and experiences, plus can also be very cheap. It offers an interesting mix of markets, cuisines and live music venues. It also holds the famous Camden markets and the picturesque Camden Lock where you can take a boat tour to Little Venice. You’re sure to find something to do here no matter what kind of thing you’re into.
6| Dine and wine with London's iconic skyline
London’s reputation for its skyline and impressive views have come a long way. One of the top attractions when coming to London is to ensure you get an excellent photo opportunity with the recognizable skyline the background.
Madison’s is situated just by St Paul’s/ Bank with a breath taking view of St Paul’s and River Thames. Serving both food and cocktails.
The Magic Roundabout is literally in the middle of the roundabout at Old Street station. Not quite a rooftop bar, but it is outside and owns an interesting view. Cocktails, beers and snacks available during Summer and Winter.
Coq D’argent - offers fine wine, bubble, cocktails, brunch and fine food. This fine rooftop garden offers fine dining and a neatly trimmed lawn, trailing vines, a ringed walkway and stunning London wide views.
Dinerama - not officially a rooftop but more of a quirky open deck. Located in Shoreditch with various different bars and food options available.
Radio Rooftop Bar mainly bookings only but on the off chance you get in, it’s so worth it. The view is nearly as good as the cocktails. Open all year round and located by Temple.
SushiSamba - situated on the thirty-eighth floor in the City’s Heron Tower – you may recognize the pretty tree situated in the middle of the bar. Serious about its views and its cocktails.
Aqua is just by Soho, famous for its sunsets views with two all year round terraces, food and drinks available.
Duck and Waffle is mainly about food - a gorgeous restaurant with even better views. Highly recommended for any occasion.
7| Play ping pong
London has become extremely well known for its quirky and out of the ordinary bars such as Bounce (eat, drink and play ping pong). But there are many more – each trying to be as unique as possible. Check out this list of the best quirky bars in London from Time Out.
8| See London’s history
Don’t just observe all the tourist sights – learn about them too. Guided tours are available at most of the iconic sights such as St Paul’s cathedral, the Tower of London or climb the monument steps.
There’s many iconic sights and buildings to visit but getting to know some history and meaning some of London’s iconic features.
Tower of London – beefeater tour. Explore the Tower of London, take in the beautiful sights and also learn about the bloody history that dates back over many centuries.
Jack the Ripper – take a tour of the streets of East London as it delves into one of the world’s most famous unsolved murders from the 19th century.
9| London on a bike
Hire a bike from many spots around London and see if you can cycle your way through London without a map.
10| Afternoon Tea
Surely it’s impossible to spend more than a day in London without having afternoon tea. Plenty of café shops offering you the traditional tea, cakes and biscuits such as Browns, Fortnum and Mason and Patisserie Valerie.
