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Travel + Leisure
22-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
These Are the Best Spots in London for History Buffs, Foodies, and Everyone in Between, According to a Top Travel Advisor
I was once asked how many times I have been to London. The answer is that I lost count years ago. But even after 60 years, there's always something new to experience. As a less-seasoned visitor, it can feel overwhelming to make an itinerary for a city so vibrant and expansive, but it doesn't have to be. After decades of planning trips to London for a living, I've gathered my favorite must-visit spots for every type of traveler, so deciding where to go can be a breeze. Plus, some tips and tricks for seeing the sights without the crowds. A sunny day at Westminster Abbey. London is about 2,000 years old, so it's a history lover's heaven. One must-visit spot is the crypt of All Hallows Church, which was founded by the Abbey of Barking in the year 675 AD. It has surprising American connections: William Penn was baptized there, and John Quincy Adams married his British wife, Louisa, there. To experience the historic Westminster Abbey without the crowds—or a ticket—attend a short 8:00 a.m. service in one of the chapels. Tuesday service is particularly special because it's held in St. Edward's Chapel, which is usually off-limits to the public. London's West End theatres at night. London is home to hundreds of museums, but a few stand out from the rest. Sir John Soane's Museum on Lincoln's Inn Field in the Holborn neighborhood is a museum that actually consists of three early-19th-century townhouses. In it, you'll find architectural models that the artist used for his own projects; his personal collection of sculptures, drawings, and paintings, including 18th-century English artist William Hogarth's famous series A Rake's Progress ; and even the famed sculpture, the Sarcophagus of Seti I. The National Gallery is always a must-visit spot, but if it's too crowded, try The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House on the Strand instead—here, the impressionist collection alone is breathtaking. For those who enjoy performance art, West End theatre is iconic, but ticket prices can be quite high. Instead, check out Off West End performances to catch smaller-scale, less traditional productions. Shakespeare's Globe, located on the south bank of the River Thames in Southwark, is another great venue. Standing tickets in the Yard at the foot of the stage are a more affordable option—but just be aware that a ticket in this area means standing in an uncovered area for the entire two- to three-hour performance. Fortnum & Mason's detailed store is a dream in London. My two favorite shops are right next door to each other in the Piccadilly Circus area of the city: Hatchard's and Fortnum & Mason. Hatchard's, one of the oldest book shops in England, is a bookworm's paradise, with five stories full of every genre imaginable. And although Fortnum & Mason is known for its gourmet tea, don't miss the upper floors, which are full of household and decorative treasures. Plus, the on-site restaurant, the Parlour, is perfect for a quick break from shopping. Aside from the restaurant's innovative ice cream sundaes and floats, visitors can snack on classic British treats like Welsh rarebit (melted cheese on toast) and toasted crumpets. When leaving the store, be sure to head across the street right before the hour to watch the clock chime—Mr. Fortnum pops out to bow to Mr. Mason. Experience London sights while enjoying afternoon tea on Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. claudiodivizia/Getty Images Although English cuisine is often overlooked, London is a surprisingly robust foodie destination. For modern British fare with a Spanish twist, book a table at Kitty Fisher's in Shepherd Market, which was once a Georgian bakery (the old ovens are still in the basement). And you can't go to London without having afternoon tea, so kill two birds with one stone by booking a table on the top deck of Brigit's Afternoon Tea Bus London Sightseeing Tour, a vintage double decker that takes visitors to see all the sights while indulging on cakes and scones. Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, there are still plenty of lesser-known treasures in London. For instance, visitors can see the changing of the guard at the much-less-crowded Horse Guards Parade instead of the Buckingham Palace, and go to the Royal Horticultural Society's Hampton Court Garden Festival in July instead of the renowned Chelsea Flower Show in May. If you're visiting in May but can't get tickets to the Chelsea, spend the morning off Sloane Square on Pavilion Road, where local shops create spectacular floral displays of their own. Other, quirkier experiences include Postman's Park, a public park that houses a memorial dedicated to "ordinary" individuals who died saving the lives of others, and The Postal Museum, where visitors can ride through the hidden tunnels of Mail Rail, a narrow, driverless underground railway originally designed to transport mail throughout the city. If you're up for an active challenge, try climbing up the 334-step spiral stairwell of the Elizabeth Tower to see Big Ben up close. Ellen LeCompte is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in U.K. trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with LeCompte by contacting her at [email protected] .
Telegraph
01-07-2025
- Telegraph
Head off the beaten track to London's lesser-known cultural hotspots
If you've frequented London before, perhaps you've ticked off the big hitters such as the National Gallery, the Tate Modern and the British Museum? It's time, then, to dig a little deeper, and to explore some of the capital's lesser-known museums and independent art galleries. What's more, travelling into London with South Western Railway makes a spontaneous or perfectly planned trip to the city both affordable and easy. Trains will take you into London Waterloo, and SWR offers a host of cheaper tickets on evenings and Sundays or when you purchase in advance. Railcards, for which all adults are eligible, can save you more on your journey – bag one online for just £35 a year and you'll save a third on off-peak rail tickets when you travel. You'll also be able to enjoy a selection of discounts with SWR Rewards, including some great dining options within close distance of these hidden-gem cultural spots. Sir John Soane's Museum Nearest SWR station: Waterloo It's free to enter this incredible house, once owned by the eponymous English architect and today still set up as it was when he died in 1837. View paintings by Hogarth, Turner and Canaletto as well as treasures including the sarcophagus of Egyptian pharaoh Seti I or join a tour to have a nose around the private apartments upstairs. After a visit to the museum, walk over to Covent Garden for lunch at Lima Cantina, where you'll get 20 per cent off your food bill with SWR Rewards. Florence Nightingale Museum Nearest SWR station: Waterloo This small museum celebrates the life and work of the founder of modern nursing, through objects that tell the story of her life including books she wrote, jewellery she wore and even her beloved pet owl, Athena. Learn her story, from her Victorian childhood through to her work in the Crimean War and how she campaigned for better healthcare for everyone. It's also not too far from Italian restaurant Azzurro in Waterloo, where you can enjoy two for one pizzas and pasta dishes with SWR Rewards. Cinema Museum Nearest SWR station: Waterloo Love film? So do the volunteers at this quirky museum that's devoted to keeping the spirit of cinema alive. Book onto one of the regular two-hour tours to visit and you'll be guided around the incredible collection of memorabilia and equipment dating back to the 1890s – look out for the surprisingly chic ushers' uniforms and a series of impressive illuminated signs. The museum also hosts screenings of forgotten classics and talks with movie makers. Afterwards, head to French-style brasserie Auberge in Waterloo and use your rewards to get two main meals for the price of one. Skylark Galleries Nearest SWR station: Waterloo Tucked away in riverside Gabriel's Wharf, this contemporary art gallery is a great place to shop for affordable London art. The collection changes regularly and artists are often on-hand to discuss their work; everything you see is for sale, and usually includes paintings, photography and sculpture. If you head in after 2pm, and head back out after 7pm, you can make the most of SWR's Evening Out ticket offers, visit the gallery before it closes at 6pm, then enjoy a 15-minute stroll to Bala Baya, where you can enjoy an Eastern Mediterranean meal and get 20 per cent off your food plus a glass of complimentary bubbly when you present your SWR train ticket. Oxo Gallery Nearest SWR station: Waterloo Located on the ground floor of the Oxo Tower, this riverside exhibition space hosts a varied programme of pop-up exhibitions covering everything from printmaking and textiles to sculpture and wearable art. Also here at Oxo Tower Wharf, you'll find the shops of independent fashion, homeware and jewellery designers. Afterwards, stroll along to Bread Street Kitchen in Southwark for seasonal dishes by chef Gordon Ramsay and enjoy 20 per cent off your main courses with SWR Rewards. World of Rugby Museum Nearest SWR station: Twickenham Located in the south stand of Twickenham Stadium, and conveniently located on the SWR network, this is a must for rugby fans. Here you can view the world's most extensive collection of rugby memorabilia, including more than 40,000 objects, and have a go on high-tech simulators to test your power, strength and kicking skills. There's also a 'have a go' commentary booth and how-to guides for becoming a referee, coach or physio and you get 2-for-1 tickets with SWR Rewards.
Telegraph
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
How to make your money go further on a day trip to London
There's nowhere quite like London. Here you'll find the West End's celebrated shows starring all manner of famous faces, an array of world-renowned museums that are home to priceless collections of everything from modern art to Egyptian mummies, and some of the UK's most highly regarded restaurants. All of this, and so much more, is accessible on a day out here – but at what cost to your wallet? You might be surprised by how many of the city's attractions are actually entirely free to visit. Head to the Guildhall Art Gallery in the heart of the City of London and you can venture underground to view the remains of an extensive Roman amphitheatre free of charge. Afterwards, head back up – and up – to 120 Fenchurch Street, just around the corner, where you can get a bird's-eye view of London's financial centre from The Garden at 120, also free to visit. You're 15 storeys up, surrounded by skyscrapers and everything from the Gherkin to the Tower of London is on full display. While there's no entry charge to most London's museums, well-known ones such as the British Museum may well come with sizeable crowds attached. But just a few minutes from Museum Street, you'll find the Sir John Soane's Museum, which is also free to visit but is less busy. It's a perfect destination for one of South Western Railway's Sunday Out tickets, a deep dive into ancient history and culture on the edge of the bucolic Lincoln Inn Fields. The museum houses treasures collected by the eponymous English architect that range from an Egyptian pharaoh's sarcophagus to a statue of the Greek god Apollo. Alternatively, for just £11.50 you could visit the fascinating Museum of Brands in Notting Hill for a nostalgic journey through 200 years of life in Britain (think early BBC broadcasts, the history of crisp packet design and classic toys aplenty). Or for £12 buy entry to the Cartoon Museum to view its collection of British editorial cartoons, caricatures and comic strips, from the 18th century to the present day. Prefer to be outside? There are glorious parks in London, including Richmond Park, one of eight Royal Parks in the city. It's a tranquil slice of nature home to wildlife such as kestrels and deer. Located within the park, and also free to visit, is Isabella Plantation. It's a breathtaking 40 acres of garden with an array of unusual and exotic plants. Over in Holland Park you can take woodland walks and explore the Japanese Kyoto Garden, with its tiered waterfall and cherry trees that bloom into glorious colour every spring – you might even spot some colourful koi in its pond. Best of all, the journey to London needn't break the bank, either. Travel with South Western Railway, whose frequent trains operate into London Waterloo from numerous stations around the South West. Buy Evening Out tickets up to 12 weeks in advance of your night out, and it's valid after 2pm from Monday to Saturday. Add a Network Railcard to that and you can save a third. It's easy to apply online and railcards are digital, meaning you'll not only reduce paper ticket usage but also have it with you wherever you go. There are a range of railcards on offer that start from £30, and all offer a third off most rail journeys – there's Two Together that is perfect for friends or couples who frequently travel together, and there are discounts for specific age groups, including 16-25 and 26-30. The Friends and Family Railcard offers discounts for up to four adults and four children travelling together. Even better, you can use the SWR Rewards programme, which treats you to exclusive offers when you travel with South Western Railway. Love the theatre? There's discounts across a huge range of West End shows, from Clueless the Musical to Hamilton. If you're in the mood for a pre-show meal you're in luck – not only does SWR offer theatre and dinner bundles, it also offers discounts across a wide selection of eateries and cuisines, spanning everything from burgers to Italian to Middle Eastern. No matter what kind of day out you're in the mood for, you're sure to find a reward to cater to you, as SWR has offers on museums, galleries, comedy clubs and classes – perfect for friends, couples and solo travellers alike. With all these tempting offers, what better time to start planning your London adventure than today? To find the perfect treat for your day out, visit SWR Rewards
