It should come as no surprise that London is one of my favourite metropolitan cities to explore.
It's history spanning nearly two millennia, it is a city full of charm with its Georgian architecture, impeccable gardens, and one of my favourite traditions, afternoon tea.
Sharing some tried and true spots amongst a few on my own bucket list!
Stay
If it’s your first time exploring London town the West End is where you will find majority of the action, areas such as Soho, Piccadilly, Mayfair, and Covent Garden. For a stay that sits along green space, some of the smartest luxury hotels neighbour Hyde Park or Green Park. To be closer to London’s creative, music and nightlife, head East, where there are a number of artsy hotels in Shoreditch.
I stayed here on my very first visit to London over 10 years ago.
Located in Westminister, you can easily discover some of the world's most celebrated attractions, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
One of London's finest, I love this charming abode.
Located in Belgravia, it feels like your staying at someones home, still family-owned in a beautiful neighbourhood.
An icon of central London, The Trafalgar St. James sits on the corner of its namesake, with unrivalled views over the famous square and just steps from the National Gallery.
One of my favourite stays in London.
A stylish stay in Soho, near Covent Garden.
Alive and buzzing with creative energy, I love each of these properties by Hoxton for their own vibe.
I mean, what girl wouldn't want to stay at The Ritz?
The Ritz is a grand dame.
Until then, the afternoon tea is delightful...more on that below.
In Fitzrovia near Marylebone and Soho, located in a historic building this property embodies boutique elegance and a quiet confidence.
The look is cool, low-key, with all the bells and whistles with views over Hyde Park.
Famed Cedric Grolet just opened in the hotel!
This grand luxury mansion is definitely on my bucketlist.
There is nothing clean or modern about it, it is Regency splendour at its finest.
Old fashioned and fabulous, sister hotel to The Berkeley located in Mayfair.
Decorated in Edwardian style, yet quintessentially Art Deco.
Home to Ramsay's best restaurants and two of the best bars in London.
See
Notting Hill
I love Notting Hill and its endless pastel colours so much.
I could spend hours wandering the streets of darling homes and bright boutiques and shops.
Don't miss out on Portobello Market.
South Bank
The South Bank offers London’s best bits.
Generally located between the Westminster and London bridges, it offers about two-miles of excellent, largely state-funded arts and entertainment venues along traffic-free views of the cities landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul's, the Tower of London.
Covent Garden
Large indoor market since 1845.
Parks & Gardens
Hyde Park
Kew Gardens
Regents Park
Hampstead Heath
Holland Park
Worth the visit, I promise.
Be sure to discover the Royal Mews and the Queens Gallery upon your visit.
Discover the birthplace of Queen Victoria!
Also beautiful gardens to be found here.
The Abbey is a royal church, and has been the coronation church since 1066.
The most important Gothic building in the country.
A national treasure.
One of my favourite galleries in the world!
Occupying Hertford House in Manchester Square, the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford. It is named after Sir Richard Wallace, who built the extensive collection, along with the Marquesses of Hertford, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Home to the famed, The Swing by master Fragonard.
Housing a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Don't miss out on the portrait gallery.
Victoria and Albert Museum
On my most recent visit I was blown away by the sculptures.
Shop
I could get lost in here for days, the tudor-revival building is filled with fashion, luxury home goods and its own renowned fabric line.
Does more need to be said?
The epitome of luxury shopping can be found at Harrods.
Don't miss the food hall, it is one of my favourites.
It is not a trip to London without a visit to Fortnum's, the aesthetic is everything here.
Tried and true, the teas, the biscuits, the Queen Victoria Sponge! My goodness it makes me happy.
One of the best department stores in the world, it has it all!
The best for tailored tweeds and sophisticated elegance.
Eat
This modern British restaurant, is one of my favourites and is a coveted London dining spot. The room is sight to see, filled with artwork. The Champagne trolley- yes please!
The much anticipated lives up to its expectations.
Uniformed staff serve French-inspired & Modern British fare in cool art deco surroundings.
Yes- press for Champagne!
Grand Art Deco glamour. I love this space for a little breakfast.
Soft boiled eggs and soldiers are my pick!
Quirky where each space offers something a little fun.
Newly renovated, the acclaimed pink gallery has now been transformed oh so very yellow.
Indulge in a slice of the finest British tea tradition and champagne celebration.
One of my favourite experiences.
Another wonderful afternoon tea experience, in a light filled veranda where the chairs are covered in House of Hackney fabrics, overlooking the lawn where cricket is played.
The decor will whisk you away to the 1950's and 60's Italy.
The food is cooked with care and plated with passion.
Some of the best Italian I've had outside of Italy.
Highlighting foods from all 20 regions. An upscale trattoria environment with heart.
The American Bar is the longest surviving cocktail bar in London and one of the most renowned in the world.
It is not to be missed.
Mr Fogg's is a collection of truly unique, adventurous and immersive bars transporting you back to the Victorian era.
Each of their locations tells a different story, with whimsical decor and cocktails.
The House of Botanicals is one of my personal favourites.
A collection of authentic Spanish Tapas bars in Central London.
I love how they have you standing first while enjoying small plates before seating you at high top seats where you can watch the open kitchen work its magic.
An old fashioned British classic. Done properly, dating back to 1952.
The first and only choux pastry patisserie in the world.
Offering a modern version of the French pastry, redesigned to cater to the most discerning of taste buds.
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