Spending the weekend in London

Are you planning on travelling to London for the weekend? London is a wonderful city full of things to see and do. Whether you are visiting solo, with your partner or as a family, there is something for everyone – and some of the best things to do in London are free, such as the Science Museum. 

You can wander through historic streets, visit iconic attractions, as well as dine in award-winning restaurants and enjoy coffee in some fantastic cafes. London is home to so much, and with convenient luggage storage places in London, you can even explore after you have checked out of your accommodation. 

To help prepare you for your trip to London, we have put together a brief guide on things to do when spending the weekend in London. Keep on reading to discover the best attraction for your holiday and add some to your list of things to do – the sooner you book, the more you can ensure you make the most of your time and don’t miss out. 

Museums 

When visiting London, consider investing time to visit the museums. London has many, all of which offer a fantastic experience and are free to access. For families,the Science Museum is a must, along with the natural history museum – both you can easily spend a day doing. If you are interested in art, the Tate Modern should be on your list, or if you are interested in history, the war museum is extremely interesting. All the museums are easy to get to; most of them you can jump on a tube or a bus, and then they are a short walk. Alternatively, if you prefer to arrive by car, you could order an Uber or book a London Taxi to drop you off outside. 

Coffee shops 

Something that London doesn’t lack is coffee shops. For those who enjoy a coffee when exploring, you won’t be disappointed. Whether you are looking for some coffee shops in Victoria, or a cafe that sells great coffee in London Bridge, there is something for everyone – especially Instagram-worthy ones (Peggy Porschen Belgravia comes to mind). Whilst enjoying a coffee, it’s always nice to tuck into a freshly baked pastry or a sandwich from the bakery. Many cafés across London focus on quality ingredients and expertly brewed coffee, making them ideal spots to take a break from sightseeing.

Parks

London is home to some beautiful green spaces, perfect for a break from the busy city streets. When the weather is nice, it can be relaxing wandering through them and relaxing in the open spaces – whether that’s eating in one of the cafes or enjoying a picnic that you have prepared. Hyde Park is a popular park that people like to visit, as well as Regent’s Park (this isn’t far from London Zoo). Many of London’s parks also feature gardens and lakes, which are nice for your children to explore. In Hyde Park, they have The Serpentine, which is a 40-acre recreational lake. Here you can go out on the lake on some pedalos, or you can try some open water swimming – although the water can get cold! 

Zoo

We just mentioned London Zoo above. It’s a fantastic day out and perfect for families, couples or solo travellers. You can visit most days of the year and spend hours exploring the park and seeing the different animals. When visiting, you’ll get to see giraffes, monkeys, zebras and more. Plus, they have a restaurant on site where you can enjoy lunch, or a lot of people tend to bring in a picnic, as this can be cheaper. Make sure you book the zoo online to guarantee entry, and look out for any offers, as a lot can be found online – often you can find a buy one get one free deal. 

Restaurants 

London’s food scene is one of the most diverse in the world. There is something for everyone, and what’s best is its affordability. There are many great restaurants that are affordable, as well as award-winning restaurants which are slightly more expensive – this comes down to preference. From Michelin-starred dining and trendy rooftop restaurants to cosy local eateries and street food markets, the city is full of exciting places to eat. Certain restaurants can get busy during the year, so we would always recommend you book the ones you want to visit in advance to ensure you don’t miss out. The best thing to do is to look at TripAdvisor before visiting, as you’ll be able to see what the previous customers’ reviews are. 

Shopping 

Finally, you can’t spend the weekend in London without shopping. London is known for its shopping scene, with so many different areas where you can shop until you drop. Covent Garden has to be on your list of shopping areas, as well as Oxford Street, which is home to a mix of flagship stores and well-known brands. If you want to get some bargains, you could visit the Outlets over at the O2, or you could head to Camden to explore independent boutiques. 

London is a great destination that you will want to keep visiting year on year. You can visit as a weekend getaway, for a week as part of a bigger trip or as a road trip – some people will stay in London, then travel out to the countryside (Cornwall is extremely popular and so is The Cotswolds). Whether you’re exploring historic streets, relaxing in green spaces, shopping in famous outlets, or enjoying great food and coffee, London promises a memorable and well-rounded experience. If it’s raining, there is plenty to do inside; if it’s sunny, there is plenty to do outside – especially visiting some of the rooftops. 

When are you planning on visiting the capital of England? Where are you planning on staying, and what do you currently have booked? Is there anything missing in our guide that you think we should have added? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.