Sunny in London

A Florida girl's guide to finding SUN and FUN

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel

You probably wouldn’t think that there are tons of things to do in London for food travel fans. Most people associate visiting London with seeing iconic attractions, being close to the royal family and going to pubs.

After six years of living in London as a food and travel blogger, I have had the opportunity to learn about and experience tons of food related activities and am excited to share this list of ideas with you.

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Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Afternoon Tea

Let’s start with a twist on the obvious first activity, afternoon tea. Instead of just having a traditional one, consider one of the many themed Afternoon Teas in London. For my top recommendations, read this detailed London Restaurant Guide. It also has restaurants in London suggested for the best views, iconic British food, pub food and healthy food.

Yes, there is a wizard themed Harry Potter tea. No, you can’t go to the Beauty and the Beast afternoon tea anymore. But, now you can eat the London Landmarks.

One of the most prestigious places to have afternoon tea is Fortnum and Mason. It is the ultimate destination for unique gifts such as hampers, elegant wines and spirits, famous teas and coffees. If you are a passionate food traveller, shopping at Fortnum and Mason for gourmet gifts as souvenirs for yourself or others is a must. However, if you miss it, you an always grab some tea at World Duty Free.

Fortnum and Mason Afternoon Tea Review

In the Sunny News video below, I list the most popular food markets in London, neighbourhoods and streets with a high concentration of restaurants, food tours and classes, annual events and food tours. There is also information about an afternoon tea that travels around London while you eat and drink!

https://youtu.be/F3dkDDKKkQo

But if you prefer to burn calories while you take a sweet themed tour, you can try one focused on English Tea and Desserts.

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Tastings and Classes

Aside from the classes I mentioned in the video at Hotel Chocolat, you can also take their Chocolate Tasting Adventure, experience a Chocolate Lock-in, or schedule your children for a chocolate workshop.

Where to Buy the Best Chocolate in London- Hotel Chocolat

The Pied à Tierre news I mentioned in the video features a Masterclass and new wine experience. They open the restaurant every Friday for 5 guests to get involved in the world of a Michelin Starred kitchen and work alongside the team in creating renowned dishes. In August 2019 they are offering a Junior Masterclass. I suggest visiting the Pied à Tierre class experience page to make sure you don’t miss any of their exciting events.

If you prefer a more savoury food travel adventure, then exploring Neal’s Yard Dairy is an idea because they offer cheese tastings and workshops.

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Drinks

Mr Sunny and I can’t let all this food talk go by without at least letting you know that there are drink things to do in London too. We have tons of pub crawls on the blog. But, if gin is your thing you can use a London Pass at the Beefeater Gin Distillery. And you can book a Drink Lovers’ Tour with a discount too.

Of course, you can always combine a historic pub with food and a river view too…

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Festivals

On a sunny Saturday, the Duke of York Square in Chelsea explodes with food stalls. From cheesecake to sausage rolls, you will find tons of British small businesses sharing their delicious food treats. It is open from 11am-2pm and can be quite crowded in the later hours, so plan to arrive early.

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New on the food festival block is Le Cordon Bleu, who had their first ever event in June 2019. It gave food fans the chance to explore behind the scenes of the renowned cookery school. They had cookery demonstrations, wine tasting workshops and an all-day Slow Food Market.

In May, there is London Wine Week. Over the summer, there is the London Craft Beer Festival, London Dessert Festival and London Brunch Fest.

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Final Thoughts

From dinner cruises to Pancake Day Races, London celebrates food throughout the year.

To get started, you can take a look at these related articles and videos on British food and drinks below. And there is also information on how to get a free, downloadable pocket guide to London restaurants too.

Want a Freebie for London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

The Best Place for a Picnic in London

How many options do you think you have for choosing the best place for a picnic in London?

Would you believe that London is made up of 40% public green space, totalling 35,000 acres, including 3,000 parks?

In my Spring/Summer Guide to London that is part of the free guide series you get when subscribing to the Sunny News Weekly Email, I include planning a picnic in London on the list of best things to do during the season. You can find more out about these guides if you keep reading.

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This is one of the reasons why I was very excited when I received the research that Zipcar UK completed as part of their campaign with Park4Picnics. It turns out that Londoners have some strong thoughts about the best place for a picnic in London, and it’s quite interesting!

Foremost, over four in five Londoners (85%) are planning at least one picnic this summer. This adds up to an estimated 5.8 million picnics happening in London at this time!

The Best Place for a Picnic in London- Top Choices

Now, Londoners don’t mess around when it comes to picking a place to enjoy the summer sun and traditional British food. Research from July 2019 indicates Londoners chose the best place for a picnic in London with a view to be: (in order of preference)

  • Greenwich Park (36%)
  • Primrose Hill (19%)
  • Parliament Hill (14%)
  • Hyde Park, Battersea Park and Richmond Park

If you’re in Greenwich, make sure you take a few minutes to stand on the Prime Meridian Line. Standing with one foot on each side means you are perfectly in the middle of east and west.

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When visiting Primrose Hill, you might want to scope out your spot to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Mr Sunny has been there a few times and he says it’s certainly the most posh, free activity that evening.

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The Best Place for a Picnic in London- Hidden Gems

Of course, if you want to go somewhere off the beaten path, there are some great ideas in the research too. And, in the spirit of the North vs South River Thames debate that playfully takes place among all Londoners, the spots are divided this way too.

North London hidden gems:

  • Waterlow Park, Highate
  • Forty Hall, Enfield
  • Harrow View Point, Harrow
  • Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill
  • Kenwood House, Hampstead

South London under the radar spots:

  • Horniman Museum Gardens, Forest Hill
  • Burgess Park, Camberwell(ish)
  • Eltham Palace PArk, Eltham
  • The Rookery, Streatham
  • Danson Park, Bexleyheath

The Best Place for a Picnic in London- What to Pack

If you are new to the British picnic process, Mr Sunny and I can help. We produced a video back in 2016 showing how much fun a picnic in London can be. It’s less than 2 minutes and gives you a feel for what to pack in a picnic hamper. If you would rather read about it on the blog rather than watch it on the Sunny News YouTube, that is possible too.

The Best Place for a Picnic in London- How to Get There

What I think could stop many people from planning a picnic in London is how to transport their hamper, blanket, and other fun items to make the day enjoyable. At the time we shot the video, we were living very close to a local park but still appreciated using Mr Sunny’s car to make the process easier. For those of you who don’t have cars in London, I guess you could take public transport.

But I wouldn’t want to do that!

Another alternative would be to use a network of floating cars, so you don’t have to lug around picnic baskets and pay for parking at your picnic in London destination. Additionally, it’s a great way to save pennies and the planet.

The Best Place for a Picnic in London- Final Thoughts

Sunny friends, have you gone on a picnic to any of these places or can you add an idea to the best place for a picnic in London? What’s your ‘must have’ picnic food item or special treat?

Want a freebie for London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

The blog also has an additional list more detailed list of London restaurants too, as well as many other ideas for a foodie traveller.

London Escape Room in a Pub- Handmade Mysteries Review

Who would ever think that Mr Sunny would ever enjoy a London Escape Room in a pub??? He would actually do anything to try to stay in a pub as long as possible!

When we were invited to experience an Escape Room with Handmade Mysteries, I was a little hesitant at first because I am a total chicken. When we went to the Halloween at Thorpe Park press party a few years ago, Mr Sunny and his mate loved their Escape Room experience at the park.

I literally sat on a bench and worked on my social media while I waited for them because I was too scared to try this new phenomenon.

When the Handmade Mysteries invitation came, FOMO got the best of me and I asked Mr Sunny if he would be my guest.  ‘Partner in crime’ would probably be the more applicable name!

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As the blog and Sunny News YouTube channel’s English food and beer consultant, he couldn’t turn down an opportunity to go. I think he was secretly hoping we would lose and get trapped in the pub forever!

London Escape Room in a Pub: Lady Chastity’s Reserve

We chose to go to Farringdon/Clerkenwell for our London Escape Room in a pub experience. I love the area and it is easy for us to get to from North London. We also liked the quest’s narrative in Lady Chastity’s Reserve. This immersive experience challenges you and friends with an hour of hilarious clue solving as you attempt to win Lady Chastity’s fabled aphrodisiac wine.

Aside from our location, The Hope Pub in Central London, it is featured in:

  • The World’s End, Brighton
  • People’s Park Tavern in East London
  • The Four Thieves in South London
  • St James of Bermondsey
  • The Depot in North London

Handmade Mysteries make immersive escape rooms for those who wish to escape reality and enter an entirely new world. In the game there are no screens, goggles or wires. It’s just you, your team-mates and a strange new quest filled with bizarre clues and contraptions that will make your head spin.

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Image courtesy of Handmade Mysteries

London Escape Room in a Pub: The Game

Our game host ‘Gabrielle’ greeted us in character and did a fabulous job of maintaining her role throughout our experience.

Obviously, I am not going to ruin anything for you because that would be no fun. I can tell you the game is well organised. The clues varied from fairly easy to challenging. Mr Sunny solved most of them. Part of the problem was that I wasn’t expecting to be in darkness for the whole experience.

I was afraid something would jump out at me, and jump scares aren’t my thing. A partner is pretty useless in this circumstance when she insists on keeping her back to the wall in an attempt to not be frightened by the unknown. That was me- useless.

Mr Sunny searched and sorted through nearly everything as I decided my job was going to be to hold the torches (flash lights) while I stood against the wall. Lame. Lame. Lame.

It happened to be mid-day and about 72° Fahrenheit also. That’s actually not that hot. But, when you’re in a blacked out room with no open windows and just two floor fans blowing, it became hot- FAST!

We were both sweating a lot. To me, this was distracting from the game and made it harder for Mr Sunny.

Luckily, he still kept focus and worked with energy and enthusiasm to find and release Lady Chastity’s reserve wine bottle.

Our host, Gabrielle did everything possible to help us during the three times we were allowed to call for her. She assisted in moving us through clues we couldn’t not crack, and didn’t just solve the puzzles for us. She was a real star in the adventure.

London Escape Room in a Pub: Final Thoughts

Sadly, we didn’t release the bottle of wine and our time ran out. For some reason, I thought you got to drink the bottle of wine at the end even if you lost the game. That’s not the case.

I am grateful that the Handmade Mysteries team keeps the prize as a prize and doesn’t take a snowflake approach and give everyone a trophy no matter if they win or lose. However, I guess if I had known that you really don’t get the wine if you lose, I would’ve tried to overcome my fear of the dark faster.

That still doesn’t change the fact that I struggle to pull a clue out of a clue bag. What are your experiences with London Escape Rooms? Add in the comments what you think makes the experience great.

Mr Sunny had a fab time. He highly recommends going to an Escape Room in a pub because he got to take his beer with him. Can you believe that he got so involved in the game that his beer got warm?

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I really liked that we were by ourselves, especially in a small, dark room.

If I could be guaranteed that no one would jump out at me (and BTW no one did at this experience), I would love to have another Escape Room experience with Handmade Mysteries.

Perhaps a winter themed one?

It’s something that you definitely want to book ahead, if you are considering going to the London Escape Room with Handmade Mysteries. I mention it as a top activity to book ahead in this video that’s less than 5 minutes.

Handmade Mysteries combine immersive theatre with live action gaming, for total escapism:

  • Each game room is built within a space at pub venues, so players can begin and end their adventure with a leisurely drink.
  • Games are hosted by dedicated actors who remain in character from the moment your team are first ‘encountered.’
  • As assault on all senses. The décor, sound design, music characters, clues and rigged furniture are all carefully crafted with meticulous detail.
  • No screens.
  • Silliness is taken very seriously. Comedic value is seeped into every part of the game.

They have very high ratings on TripAdvisor. This shows that even though our experience was complimentary, Handmade Mysteries offers a fun opportunity consistently.

The Best Day Trips from London

Whether you are visiting London or living in London, planning day trips from London can be fun. Over the past six years of living as an American in London, I have had the opportunity to take many short holidays and day trips from London on my own and with Mr Sunny. Whether they are via trains, by car or group tours on coaches, each has provided a unique experience that you just can’t compare to what the US offers for travel.

We’ll start with the two most popular day trip inquiries that readers and Sunny News YouTube viewers have when holiday planning.

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Best Day Trips from London- Stonehenge

‘Sunny, I am visiting London and want to see Stonehenge; how can I do this?’

I wish the answer was easy. In summary, I think it’s best to take a coach tour if you aren’t renting a car and comfortable driving here on your own.

Best Day Trips from London- Bath

Since just visiting Stonehenge will take more than half a day, you probably want to combine it with Bath. Many tour companies offer the Stonehenge/Bath combination day. I have been on two of these all day tours. However, since Bath is just 1 1/2 hours from London by train, you could coordinate the day yourself with a train ticket from London’s Paddington Station.

The most popular thing to do in Bath is to see the Roman Baths. It is the preserved remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world. At the site, you will be able to see the city’s unique thermal springs. The Baths still flow with natural hot water.

Next, you can tour the Bath Abbey. If you have more time to make your way around the city, you can take a Jane Austen Walking Tour. Or, you can stroll over to The Royal Crescent to see a semi-circular terrace of 30 identical Georgian townhouses. Bath is also known for numerous fudge shops.

If you want to absorb Bath for longer than one day, you can stay at the MacDonald Hotels Bath location. Mr Sunny and I stayed there for two nights on our first visit. It was a very short, pleasant walk in to Bath each day, and the grounds of the hotel are quiet and gorgeous.

Best Day Trips from London- Warner Bros Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter

Yes, I am calling this a day trip. If you looked at a map of where the studio’s location is in relation to Central London, you will understand why.

It takes a while to get to this attraction that has earned iconic status on the ‘London’ bucket list for many travellers.

Directions for Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

You can read my Guide to Harry Potter in London for more details, but consider this one a day trip just to be safe when you are planning for a trip to London.

Best Day Trips from London- Windsor

This is my favourite day trip of all the options for London. One day really isn’t enough. After several visits, we feel the Macdonald Windsor Hotel has the best castle view and location for an overnight stay in this royal area of London.

However, for just a one day trip you should arrive early and visit Windsor Castle. You can’t miss it when you exit Windsor and Eton Central Station. Some of the things you can do in Windsor are take a walking tour, see Changing of the Guard, tour Eton College, have afternoon tea overlooking the castle and River Thames, and visit Windsor & Eton Brewery. With more time, you might want to go to LEGOLAND or Bray for a foodie feast.

The journey to Windsor from either Paddington Station or Waterloo Station in London takes under an hour.

Tips for Visiting Windsor Castle, London Day Trips

Best Day Trips from London- Cambridge

The rivalry between Cambridge and Oxford is centuries old, and both are easy day trips from London. In Cambridge you can tour the university and go punting. A punt is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow, designed for use in small rivers. Perhaps it’s best to think of it as like an Italian gondola.

Best Day Trips from London- Oxford

As England’s oldest university, Oxford offers a very inspirational day trip from London. You can tour the university and aside from its prestigious academic reputation, Oxford University also has received recognition in the film industry too. If you visit Christchurch, you can see The Hall, which inspired the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films.

And, just like any good university town, there are tons of pubs where famous people have had a few pints. For example, it is alleged that the famous Turf Tavern in Oxford is where former President Bill Clinton ‘did not inhale’ one evening at the pub.

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The Hall in Oxford’s Christ Church College inspired The Great Hall replica in the Harry Potter films
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Best Day Trips from London- Stratford-upon-Avon

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, then a trip to his birthplace could be at the top of your list. Obviously, you can catch one of the Bard’s famous plays at one of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s three theatres. Also in this medieval market town you can see the timber-framed house where he was born, as well as Anne Hathaway’s (Mrs Shakespeare’s) cottage.

Since Stratford-upon-Avon is at the very northern part of the Cotswolds, you would be best to take a coach tour or rent a car for this day trip from London.

Best Day Trips from London- Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is quite difficult to travel through by car if you aren’t a regular driver in the UK. This is why I highly recommend an organised trip for visitors. You can find tons of day trips that feature endless combinations. But, know that the very popular ones sell out quickly, so you will need to book in advance. Some fun tours that Hellotickets offers are:

  • Stonehenge Shuttle Bus and Independent Day Trip
  • Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich + private viewing of Leeds Castle
  • Day Trip from London- Lunch in the Cotswolds
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour
  • Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Lacock and Bath Tour + Pub Lunch
  • Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Tour
  • England in One Day: Stonehenge, Bath, Stratford & the Cotswolds
  • Downton Abbey: Visit to Highclere Castle

When you go to the Cotswolds, expect very, very small villages and beautiful scenery. They are quite the contrast from London’s congestion and pollution!

Best Day Trips from London- Brighton

For a look at England’s seaside, Brighton is around a one hour train ride from Victoria Station. It has the highest gay population in the UK and celebrates Pride around the first weekend of August each year.

Best Day Trips from London- York

If you are heading toward Edinburgh, York is a fantastic stop for the day. It’s under two hours from London via St Pancras International Station. While in York you can visit York’s Chocolate Story and take an interactive tour. For history fans, you might wish to visit the JORVIK Viking Centre. However the most popular attraction is the York Minster.  It has impressive handcrafted stone and an unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass.

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Best Day Trips from London- Lavender Fields

For those have a car or will rent a car, visiting a Lavender Field is becoming quite trendy. Depending on the weather, the best time to visit is between mid-June and mid-August. If you would like to see what the experience involves, an example of one that is in the Cotswolds is Cotswold Lavender. While you are there you can enjoy a Lavender Cream Tea and have a slice of Lavender and Lemon Cake.

Best Day Trips from London- Paris or Lille

Then of course, there is France. Yes, you can go to France for just a day from London. If you want to do this yourself, the fastest way is via Eurostar from St Pancras International Station. However, for something a bit posh you can do the Luxury Escorted Paris Day Trip with Champagne Lunch on the Eiffel Tower.

To have a super fast French getaway, you might want to investigate a day trip to Lille. This trip takes only 1 1/2 hours each way, however you will need to move your watch ahead an hour when you arrive.

The Best Day Trips from London- Final Thoughts

Sunny friends, you can see there are tons of options when choosing day trips from London. Please know that if you are going to arrange trips yourself and not use a coach tour, you should purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible. Generally you can get them up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date.

Don’t miss the London freebie!

Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. It features top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means finding a fab foodie place- fast!

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads (Best Time to Visit and Things to Do, London Airports, British Food) that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

For related London trip planning videos and blog posts:

tours-theatre-in-london-sunnyinlondon

What You MUST Book in Advance for a London Trip

What’s the next step after booking flights and a hotel for a London trip? Sunny friends, there are several activities you should book in advance of your trip to London. Do you know what they are and how to do it?

If not, you must keep reading.

As TripAdvisor‘s #1 World’s Best Destination for 2019, London features tons of amazing things to do for a short or long trip. However, this means that the most popular activities require that you must book in advance if you want to do them.

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London Trip Book in Advance: Theatre Tickets

Rivalling New York City, London has an impressive Theatre district. Rather than going to all the theatre’s websites individually, I have found Hellotickets to be the most useful website to purchase tickets in advance.

Current shows for which you can buy tickets on their website include:

  • The Phantom of the Opera
  • Motown the Musical
  • TINA- The Tina Turner Musical
  • School of Rock- The Musical
  • Disney’s Aladdin
  • Mamma Mia!
  • The Woman in Black
  • Matilda the Musical
  • The Lion King
  • The Book of Mormon
  • Wicked
  • Les Miserables
  • Thriller Live
  • Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
  • Cirque du Soleil: Luzia
  • The Prince of Egypt

On their website you can also buy tickets for Fast-Track London Eye Tickets, Hop-on Hop Off Original London Sightseeing Tour, Heathrow Express, Stansted Express, Gatwick Express.

London Trip Book in Advance: Day Trips

Another aspect of the HelloTickets website that I like is the numerous day trips available. The list includes:

  • London Escorted Paris Day Trip with Champagne Lunch on the Eiffel Tower
  • Stonehenge Shuttle Bus and Independent Day Trip
  • Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich + private viewing of Leeds Castle
  • Day Trip from London- Lunch in the Cotswolds
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour
  • London in One Day Tour
  • London Day Trip- St Paul’s Cathedral, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, Thames Cruise with Harrods Cream Tea
  • Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Lacock and Bath Tour + Pub Lunch
  • Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Tour
  • WWII Tour: Churchill War Rooms & Westminster
  • England in One Day: Stonehenge, Bath, Stratford & the Cotswolds
  • Downton Abbey: Visit to Highclere Castle
  • London Rock Tours- Half Day Tours
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London Trip Book in Advance: Attractions

Chances are that you will want to visit London’s attractions at some point when you are here. There are several passes and tickets I recommend, having used them myself or for family and friends.

The London Pass is the most popular combination ticket available. The most popular attractions on the list of 80+ things to do in London included on the London Pass are:

  • The View from the Shard
  • Tower of London
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Windsor Castle (Free return train journey from London Paddington via Slough)
  • Kensington Palace and The Orangery (Kensington Palace is not open from 6-17 January 2020)
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • ZSL London Zoo
  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour & Exhibition
  • Churchill War Rooms
  • London Bridge Experience and London Tombs
  • Thames River Cruise
  • St Paul’s Cathedral

I have indicated in italics the attractions above in which you can skip the line if you have a London Pass. In my 5 Day Itinerary for a Super Tourist, which is part of the Guides to London series I have published, you can learn which attractions are in close proximity of one another. The London Pass is best if you plan to visit many attractions in one day that are in close proximity of each other.

One Day on the London Pass itinerary example from my Guide:

  • The Tower of London (£28)
  • Tower Bridge Exhibition (£10)
  • The Monument to the Great Fire of London (£5)
  • St Paul’s Cathedral (£20)

If you paid for each individual attraction, the total for one adult would b £75. However, a London Pass is £63.

So, I suggest you buy a London Pass in advance of your trip and include an Oyster Card with it if you are keen to see many attractions. Note that if you purchase more than one day, they have to be used consecutively and it starts as soon as you go to your first attraction.

Next is the London Eye combination ticket. Again, I reference how to use this in my 5 Day Itinerary, but it can give you access to:

  • The London Eye
  • Shrek’s Adventure
  • The London Dungeon
  • SEA Life London
  • Madame Tussaud’s

The first four attractions are all literally next to each other in Southbank, this ticket is worth having in advance because lines there are extremely long. I went to all four in one day and wrote a review of the experience.

How to See 4 South Bank London Attractions in One Day

London Trip Book in Advance: Harry Potter

If you have plans to do anything Harry Potter related while you are in London, then realise that you are not a minority. Those books are big business here. I think I have been to every Harry Potter attraction in London and Oxford, including spending the night in a Harry Potter themed hotel!

With the opening of Gringott’s Wizarding Bank at the Warner Bros Studio Harry Potter Studio Tour, an already popular London attraction became even more difficult to visit. If you’re planning on going there, it’s quite a distance from Central London, so I always suggest booking something through a tour company in advance.

For more on all things Harry Potter related, visit my Guide to Harry Potter.

London Trip Book in Advance- More Ideas

I can’t possibly cover every activity for every type of person. However, if you have less than 5 minutes, you can learn about several more in this YouTube video on the Sunny News weekly edition.

London Trip Book in Advance- Final Thoughts

If you’re planning on having a fantastic food experience while you are in London, then subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. It features top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads (Best Time to Visit and Things to Do, London Airports, British Food) that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

Please leave any questions you have for your trip below. Also, if there are specific guides you would like me to publish for you, put those ideas in the comments too.

For related London Trip Planning blog posts and videos:

Columbia Road Flower Market Guide to Visiting

For a fab day out in London, you must visit the Columbia Road Flower Market. You would need to go on a Sunday, because that’s the only day it’s open. But, come rain or shine- it is open every Sunday. Yes, sunny friends, that even includes Easter Sunday!

I would like to say it is the perfect free day out in London. In fact, my Cool, Free Things to Do in London, I suggested it is. However, what I left out of the video is that I dare you to go without spending any money.

Why?

Do you think you could see all these beautiful, fresh flowers and resist purchasing at least one bouquet for yourself, your mum or a fab friend? I couldn’t.

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Rarely do we have fresh flowers in our house. In fact, I am a self-confessed plant killer. No joke. Even the extra warmth of the Christmas spirit, can’t keep a poinsettia alive for more than a week in the Sunny house.

That being said, I felt that spending £5 on a gorgeous batch of roses was more than fair.

Columbia Road Flower Market- The Basics

Columbia Road is composed of sixty independent shops. There are small art galleries, cup cake shops, vintage clothes stores, English and Italian delis, garden and antique shops. You can even get plastered…

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Columbia-Road-flower-market-guide-to-london-sunnyinlondon

And don’t worry, boys. Mr Sunny found comfort in a pub he recommended as his pub of the week in our weekly newsletter. After Mr Sunny bravely made two passes through tight crowds, I thought it would be nice to thank him with a beer (because he was driving). He felt The Royal Oak, right on the corner of where the market begins, was a fantastic traditional pub.

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The Columbia Road Flower Market is in the East End of London, sitting on the edge of the city with Shoreditch to the west and Brick Lane and Spitafields nearby. Foodie friends, you know that means that while you are surrounded with flowers, you also are near some popular food destinations in London.

And if you’re looking for fab places to eat, keep reading so you know how to get our free, downloadable pocket guide to London restaurants.

The market has had several names over the centuries. The Victorian seen there today began in the 1860’s. Initially it was a Saturday trading market and then the flower market evolved. In the 1970’s the area went in to decline. However, locals fought to save the market. In the 1980’s the Columbia Road Flower Market began to have an international reputation.

Columbia Road Flower Market- What You MUST Know

For nearly a year, I have wanted Mr Sunny to drive me to Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday. On one Sunday, I had gotten ready early with the intent to go myself. However, I realised that if I took the Underground to the Columbia Road Flower Market alone, I would not be able to get a nice bunch of flowers home easily. Then, there were many Sundays that we just didn’t wake up early enough.

Mr Sunny’s aunt advised us to be there early, if we did go. And she was absolutely right!

Finally, on a super sun Sunday in London, we made it to the Columbia Flower Market. After 10 minutes of trying to find a parking space, we arrived at the flower stalls. We found a sea of people moving in a pack through the narrow walking space in between the flower stalls.

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If you are serious about choosing foliage and flowers, arrive at 8am when the Columbia Road Flower Market begins. You will have an easier time of finding everything from bedding plants to 10 foot banana trees. I hear even when it closes around 3pm ‘ish’ that it is still packed with a crowd. 

My plan was to make one pass through, attempting to see prices and products to do some comparison shopping.

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Columbia-Road-flower-market-guide-to-london-sunnyinlondon

It seemed clear that the chants of ‘Everythin’ a fiver’ that we heard throughout our travel by the stalls was fairly accurate. Flowers and plants here are cheap!

Generally, everything seemed to be offered at the same price. Based on this, we decided to choose our flowers at the end of the stalls on our way out.

The best advice you can receive for the Columbia Road Flower Market is, serious shopping needs to take place at the crack of dawn. Otherwise, just go for the experience.

You also don’t have to worry about only having cash. While there are cash machines nearby, most stalls can take cards.

Columbia Road Flower Market- Final Thoughts

I would love to see what the markets have around Christmas. If any readers have made the trip during the Winter holidays, please add your ideas about the experience.

Visiting the Columbia Road Flower Market isn’t something I would do once a month. If the flowers are only a few pounds cheaper than what I can get at our local shops in North London, it isn’t really practical to make the trek there just to grab a bouquet.

But, while sifting through the crowds, I overheard a couple rejoicing in the huge purchase of items they bought. The gentleman exclaimed, ‘We never could have received these prices elsewhere.’

If you’re only in London a short time and have a passion for all things floral, you might find Covent Garden Market more accessible. While it’s definitely more focussed on tourists, it is larger and more spacious.

Take a look…

A Complete Guide to Covent Garden London from a London Local includes restaurants, hotels, attractions, Christmas, things to do, pubs and street performers

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As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

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London in Spring- 10 Places to See

Have you seen London in Spring? I admit that Christmas in London is my favourite time of year. But, Spring is spectacular too. If I had to pick a really great time of year for someone to visit London it would be the month of May. The weather is crisp and a bit cool, so summer hasn’t fully settled in. This means there is plenty of fresh green grass and the sky can be crystal blue on many days.

Yes, it is true.

And if you are visiting London for the first time in Spring, you need to know one very important thing.

Not how to rhyme. That was purely accidental! 😉

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London in Spring- It’s About Time

As the clocks spring forward, the days get longer in London. And I mean longer! It’s actually a bit ridiculous how long it is daylight here. I feel like the sun rises at 5am and doesn’t set until 11:00pm. That’s not far from the truth. It’s a little hard to get sleep during the spring in London because the sun is nearly always up. And, as a girl who moved to London from Florida, I appreciate the sunshine!

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London in Spring- Places to See

With so many extra hours in a day, it’s a good thing there is a lot to do. And, the beauty of it is, generally kids are in school most of Spring so the crowds in London are a bit lighter.

I have created a bucket list of things to do this Spring in London for you and me too. My goal is to experience as many of these events that I haven’t already. If you want to see highlights of them, like Sunny in London on Instagram. My husband was born in London and he helped with the list. However, ‘Mr Sunny’ feels every week is ‘Beer Week’ so you might need to overlook that suggestion. Or… is there really a Beer Week during Spring in London? Ha!Ha! You will just have to watch the video to see.

One event that isn’t mentioned in the video is Pancake Day. I can’t say I ever heard of this happening in America. People in London get really creative with the Tuesday that is 47 days before Easter. You might celebrate it as Mardi Gras. Here it is called Shrove Tuesday. Also, you need to picture crepes if you’re American. They generally refer to them as ‘pancakes’ in the UK. The festivities are quite entertaining and worth participating in if you have some time to spare on your trip.

If you’re from here or are an American expat like me living in London, please leave your ideas and comments about your favourite things to do for Spring in London below or on the video.

Subscribe to the Sunny News YouTube channel for regular advice for things to do and what you need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, an afternoon tea etiquette guide and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

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Sir Christopher Wren Hotel- Where to Stay Near Windsor Castle at Christmas

If you really want to treat yourself when visiting Windsor, you need to know a great location for where to stay near Windsor Castle. Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is beneath the castle and is inches from tons of restaurants, shops and of course- pubs!

Mr Sunny and I love Windsor because it is such a short trip from London and has such a lovely atmosphere. Recently, we made a trip to Windsor just to enjoy all the Christmas decorations. While I think London is breathtaking during the holidays, there are so many things to do in Windsor at Christmas too. That is why having a hotel in a great location matters a lot.

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Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Check-in

We arrived at the Windsor and Eton Central Railway Station at around 5.30pm. The hotel is about a 7 minute walk away, I think. You see I am not exactly sure because as soon as you leave the station you are dazzled with numerous shops like Molton Brown, Neal’s Yard Remedies and L’Occitane.  If the allure of shopping does not misguide you, you still might face another obstacle with Windsor Castle.

Its awe will strike you just as you leave the station heading toward the High Street. I think I stood in front of it for 10 minutes filming the light projection display when we arrived. But, you will have to watch my “Things to Do in Windsor at Christmas’ video to see what I mean.

You literally just wrap around the High Street and Windsor Castle to find the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa.

Staff greeted us quickly and swiftly took us to our room, which was in a building across the road from the main building. They were clear that they wanted our stay to be relaxing and were eager to help with anything.

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Our room was exactly what we needed for the quick stay- clean, quiet and comfortable.  We quickly freshened up and headed to the high street to explore Christmas in Windsor at night.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Next Time

Unfortunately, with a tight timeline for a press trip, we weren’t able to enjoy more of what the hotel had to offer. Sadly, we just got to sleep and have breakfast. In fact, the images of the spa look gorgeous on the website. Mr Sunny was quite disappointed when he learned the hotel has a whirlpool, because we did not pack his bathing costume for our trip. However, with so many Christmas activities happening in the town, I can’t imagine this would have been the highlight!

The afternoon tea at Sir Christopher Wren is offered in either the Drawing Room or Brasserie. Both seem ideal for a relaxing and indulging in this British tradition.

They had a great offer for January stays while we were there, so Mr Sunny and I are going to continue to follow the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa on Instagram so we don’t miss the chance to skip off to Windsor the next weekend we are free. It is such an easy escape from London in terms of day trips that offer English culture and history.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Christmas Season

While the hotel is absolutely dreamy for a wedding and is where celebrities stay when in Windsor for a royal wedding, it is also a popular hotel for local residents to book their Christmas parties.

In terms of festivities, there is not a corner of the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa that isn’t sparkling with Christmas joy. I lost count of all the Christmas trees I saw. Holiday decorations are tastefully everywhere.

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This further added to the warmth and lovely atmosphere of the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa. If you seek a winter getaway that is easy from London or have some extra time to enjoy the English country atmosphere, book a stay here early.  It is quite a popular place to go.

Our stay was part of a press trip to the area, but if you want to see all the other great reviews and stars from people who agree, you can visit TripAdvisor to how highly Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is ranked.

Have you been to Windsor? Aside from Windsor Castle, what other activities do you suggest? Do you have any questions for me about a trip? Stay tuned for the Sunny News YouTube video about ‘Things to Do in Windsor at Christmas’ video. You can subscribe to the Sunny News emails to make sure you don’t miss any promotions or updates too.

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The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London and day trips from London. This includes tips for how to tip when in London, food to eat in London, and advice for exchanging money. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge

The Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge is one of the hottest events in London at the moment. Popularly referred to as the ‘Harry Potter Afternoon Tea’, it has people waiting months to get a seat. As a former high school assistant principal, I could not resist writing a review in the form of a lesson observation after attending the magical course at Cutter and Squidge in Soho, London. At the end of this afternoon tea review you can find a few tips for ‘students’ who want to attend this coveted ‘class’ in London.

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Dear Potions Master,

Thank you for inviting me as a complimentary guest to your Potions Class for the purpose of a review. Your lesson objective to entertain and educate students about potions at the Cutter and Squidge secret School of Wizarding Alchemy was clear and constant throughout the evening.

Potions Class Strengths:

Foremost, your classroom management ticked all the right boxes. Systems for organisation are clearly in place. The first evidence of this is the email pupils receive upon event ticket confirmation. In it- they are directed to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class. All students followed this directive on the evening of my visit. Further, your assistants were visible outside the classroom at the designated time and made sure to have pupils enter via small groups down the stairs to your room.

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They also clearly had the seating plan for the evening in advance. This ensured an organised and efficient process, which further allowed you to start and conclude your lesson as scheduled. Specifically, it is appreciated that these steps were necessary since the lesson took place in the bakery’s basement.

Without these steps in place, students could have been injured from pushing and shoving on the staircase due to their enthusiasm for the course. Upon entering the classroom students are given a place to hang their coat so they can quickly participate in the transformation to a wizard when they receive their cloak for the Potions Class. This also proves that you adhere to the Cutter and Squidge secret School of Wizarding Alchemy uniform policy.

Your class began on time, as promised. Places were set in advance accordance to the structure of the lesson plan. Students quickly found their wands near their seats and could easily access all tools necessary for the start of the class. For example, they had beakers with chemicals needed for their first activity, as well as plates and utensils for the food that followed.

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You displayed your passion for teaching consistently through numerous appropriate jokes. Most notable are the ones about a particular franchise that can not be named. While students most likely choose the class because it is the closest thing to an actual Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London, you are careful not to make any direct references. Rather, the focus is on a wizard experience.

Throughout the lesson you keep students engaged when moving around to each of their desks, checking on their progress and making personal (and always professional) connections with them. Your evidence of this is in the surprise near the end of the lesson which includes each of these encounters. Students in the class are rewarded for their success in activities through the use of ‘dibbles.’ The items they can choose with them at the end of the lesson definitely encourage them to return to Cutter and Squidge for more inspiration and indulgence.

When students are creating Galaxy Juice, their first chemical mixture, you are keen to provide information about each ingredient and the order in which it needs to be poured to guarantee correct taste and appearance of the potion.

Classroom management is again supported with strategies of differentiated learning. Students are allowed to choose their choice of tea and diet preferences. Specifically, this is evidenced in the care you take to provide food options that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and child friendly.

You had a strong engagement from students during the entire lesson. To prepare students for questions, you met with them quickly and privately to give them time to consider an answer before being called upon in front of the whole group. This builds their confidence, makes sure they are not embarrassed in front of the class, and keeps the entertaining momentum of your lesson strong.

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The Potions Master

Your assistants had knowledge of how to serve the afternoon tea portion of the lessons in a timely fashion to all students and took their various drink orders quickly. With regard to the content of the food for the afternoon tea, it receives outstanding marks in taste and visual appearance. Students had adequate time to enjoy all the tasty food and make conversation with their peers.

The atmosphere in the classroom also reflects the themed Harry Potter afternoon tea well. This is evidenced in the teacher’s desk and countless wizard tools and memorabilia placed on the walls and desks.

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Potions Class: Area for Improvement

While the lesson is entertaining, moves at a good pace and features delicious food, there is one small area for improvement. You are commended on making sure students handle wands carefully and know where to put them at the end of the class. This direction ensures that the general public are not at risk from the occasional naughty student who would try to take them from the room and use them in an unsupervised environment. However…

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You should research the possibility of having students wear safety goggles or glasses during their lesson. I do appreciate that you will need to explore if this addition to the lesson would cause any copyright infringement on the franchise that shall not be named. I look forward to learning what you discover in this suggested area. I have made a few suggestions below.

Potions Class: Final Assessment

Thank you for inviting me to have this experience. It will be one I highly recommend to colleagues and any individual who inquires about Harry Potter themed activities in London.

My advice to future students in the Potions Class, AKA ‘Harry Potter Afternoon Tea’ in London is below.

Kind regards,

Headmistress Sunny in London

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Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 1

Don’t be late! As detailed above, the class features an entertaining and delicious experience. You really would be naughty and deserve to stand with your nose in the corner if you arrive late and ruin it for others.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 2

Play along. The Potions Class is a themed Harry Potter Afternoon Tea. If you don’t openly or secretly want to be a wizard, skip it. You will need to recite chants, wave your wand and have an open heart about participation to truly enjoy the experience. In fact, I will candidly say that Death Eaters are NOT invited!

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 3

Save room for dessert. The class features surprises in all shapes. Be sure to plan on a non-stop food feast. If you aren’t in to sweets, you should get on your broomstick and fly somewhere else, Sunny friends.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 4

Book early. I am not kidding above when I say this Potions Class in London is a tough one to score a seat. Plan well in advance for your visit and go to their website as soon as you can to check availability.

For all the Harry Potter themed activities in London visit the Sunny in London Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London. And of course, leave your questions and ideas about all things Harry Potter in London below in the comments! But please know the Potions Class is full of surprises. I was careful not to ruin any in this review and am counting on the same from you too. However, if you follow my Instastories, you would have seen some fantastic views and videos of the experience!

Class dismissed 😉

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Secret Things to Do in Soho London

What are the hidden gems of Soho? My first flat in London was off Tottenham Court Road, which ends at the north east border of this lively neighbourhood. This proximity to the area allowed me to learn all the popular and secret things to do in Soho. If you love theatre, food, shopping and nightlife, then Soho would be a hotspot for you. Plus, there are tons of hotels near Soho for those who are visiting London and want things to be easy.

Let’s start with the areas defining Soho, London.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Harry Potter Fans

Cambridge Circus is the southern boundary for Soho. It doesn’t take a wizard to discover the most popular thing to do in this location of London. Since its opening, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been one of the toughest tickets to score in town. You might think it’s actually easier to gain entrance to Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station. However, a secret tip about this enormously popular show is that every Friday they offer the ‘Friday Forty’ on the show’s website. During this limited time, 40 deeply discounted tickets for the following week’s shows are offered to the lucky individuals chosen at random from the virtual queue.

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If that wets your fancy, then you probably want to investigate the magical Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge. In the Spring of 2018, this bakery launched one of the hottest afternoon tea experiences in London. It’s called the ‘Potions Class at the Cutter & Squidge Secret School of Wizarding Alchemy. While it isn’t technically a ‘Harry Potter’ afternoon tea, it is the closest experience you will get in London to feeling like a Hogwarts student. You can read more about it in Potions Class review.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Shopaholics

Known for its flagship stores like Hamleys and now Kate Spade, Regent Street is the western border for Soho. The neighborhood’s northern border is Oxford Street. When I want to find familiar things fast, I exit the Underground at Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus. Both stops position you well for a sprint to department stores like Selfridges, Liberty and John Lewis. You can find flagship stores like Apple, Kate Spade and Hamleys among the many other familiar names on Regent Street.

However, I never make a trip there without making sure to peek through Carnaby Street, especially at Christmas. If you are here during the holidays, the Carnaby Street lights are always the best. That’s a secret most people visiting London don’t know.

The theme changes every year and it’s always a treat to see what spectacular ideas are above. Below is a photo from the 2017 carnival theme with tropical vibes.

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As a Florida girl living as an American expat in London, I am sure you can see why this was one of my favourite experiences at Christmas last year!

Another sneaky tip is that you can visit the Carnaby Street website to sign up for invitations to their secret shopping parties. You will receive discounts to many of the Carnaby Street shops and restaurants on a designated evening.

What kind of edgy, different things will you see? Take a look at a few shoes from the Irregular Choice flagship store on Carnaby Street.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Foodies

I have made it a rule to never walk on Wardour Street in Soho in the early afternoon if I haven’t had a big breakfast. It’s the street I recommend to every traveller to London because it is lined with restaurants representing countless cuisines. However, if you are not confident in just choosing one to walk in and give it a go, then you might want to have a guide take you around the area instead.

I spent a fantastic evening once on the Eating London Twilight Soho Food Tour, an activity that people might not know exists in London. On it you will learn about Soho’s history as an entertainment and fashion zone, as well as some of its darker aspects from years ago. One not so obvious stop to an average passersby is the Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour in Chinatown. If you want to transport back to 1920’s Shanghai, you will need to do some searching on your own for this secret spot. It’s on Gerrard Street, and if you can find the Jade Door when the hinges are open, then find your way up the red stairs, you will hit this oriental themed cocktail bar and Dim Sum Parlour.

In the mood for Mexican food? La Bodega Negra has a shady side that confuses people nearly every time they try to find it. If you search for the location on Google Maps, you might find yourself standing in front of what appears to be a sex shop! But that’s just a sneaky facade to the entrance. Once you make your way to the basement, you will find a brilliant (albeit dark and full of candlelight) Mexican restaurant.

Finally, most foodie fans are all about the gram. Instagram, that is! For a fun night you can show off to your followers, you will want to book a table at Dirty Bones on 14 Denman Street and ask for the Instagram kit. What? You didn’t know they had this? That’s right, the restaurant offers diners equipment to capture their delicious food and in the best light possible. Take a look at the battery charger and light we had at our table…

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You’ll have to stay tuned for my review of the experience to see the amazing pictures I captured of their gorgeous Mac Daddy burger!

Things to Do in London in Soho: Final Thoughts

Sunny friends, please leave your ideas for fun things to do in Soho that people might not know below. And if you have any questions about great foodie spots or other things to do in term of attractions events and places to stay in London, ask me too!

The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about visiting London. This includes advice for how to tip when in London, how to spot Americans in London, and exchanging money tips. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com but all views are my own.

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