Alternative Christmas Shopping in London

Snuggle up with your favourite book in best places to read in London. Think cute cafes, pretty parks and welcoming libraries and bookshops. These are our favourite indoor and outdoor reading hideouts in the city.

Finely crafted roasts from the best coffee shop in Soho, the best beans in London Bridge and an social enterprise making a difference: here’s our guide to Central London’s best coffee.

Elevate your kitchen skills. Book a place on these challenging and exciting culinary classes in London. You’ll turn your daily dishes into culinary wonders worthy of a master chef.

Escape the busy city streets and discover London’s hidden green spaces filled with natural treasures. Uncover London’s best secret gardens and little-known parks with our guide.

London is a shopper’s paradise. Visit flagship designer fashion outlets, luxury department stores, famous shopping streets and grand arcades. Browse in style in the capital of shopping.

Your trip to London gives you a glimpse at what makes Britain tick. Fill your days with the best British experiences of fish and chips and afternoon tea, pantomime and football.

Explore London’s rich railway heritage and discover lost tunnels, rare trains and fun rides. From hidden stations to murderous trains, we take you on a trip to the capital’s railway gems.

Manicures, pedicures, pampering and relaxing are all part of the appeal of visiting a London nail salon. But here we curate, for you, the places known for the best nails in London.

From the Richmond Park deer to the ring-tailed parakeets near Peter Pan’s statue, London’s wildlife takes you for a walk on the wild side.

Explore places normally out of bounds to the public, from murderous backstage tales to Darwin’s pickled octopus – these London tours reveal the capital's hidden secrets.

Top chefs serve food that inspires joy in a way that offers something more personal. There are quirky venues, unusual activities and always delicious food at London’s best supper clubs.

From cheesy bites and spicy sauces to sugar sprinkles and East End classics – we’ve got a world of mouth-watering deliciousness waiting for you with our pick of London’s yummiest food tours.

Explore a multicultural city rich in food, music, art and history. We’ve picked out some of our favourite things to do, giving you bite-sized chunks of London’s rich and exciting culture.

If you like your pint with a helping of history on the side, visit London’s oldest pubs, with ghosts, legends and plenty of age-worn features.

Business is a pleasure in the top meeting rooms and conference venues in London. Enjoy excellent facilities, Victorian charm or a touch of the extraordinary.

London Sundays have their own vibe. This is the day of markets, pub roasts, live jazz and even topical debates. Discover your perfect Sunday here.

Watch a game, get a tour, meet football legends and even abseil from the roof: these stadiums offer more than just a thrilling match-day game. Here’s your guide to London’s stadiums.

London Sundays have their own vibe. This is the day of markets, pub roasts, live jazz and even topical debates. Discover your perfect Sunday here.

Once on every street corner, it’s now rare to find a red telephone box. London, though, has a few well-preserved booths for a photo, or a phone call or even a coffee!

Skip the multiplexes and enjoy the quirkiness of London’s best independent cinemas. Choose the style of movie and pick the best venue in a city that knows how to put on a show.

Find a relaxing oasis worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. We’ve handpicked these luxury London spas so you can indulge in some serious serenity.

London is a city that where there is always something happening. Explore what there is to experience across the capital when the sun rises and before the crowds build.

Camden is one of the most popular areas in London. It’s famous for its rich culture, vibe and uniqueness. Our guide takes you into Camden markets and the best shops in its town centre.

Regent Street is London’s home of fashion, dining, wellness and lifestyle. Named after the famous Prince Regent, it’s rich with culture and history, and it a must for retail therapy.

Follow your nose to these fantastic Indian restaurants in Waterloo. Classic and contemporary Indian restaurants are not hard to come by in Waterloo, the trick is finding the best options. These are our favourite Indian restaurants in Waterloo – maybe you’ll discover a new favourite. 

Sizzling and seared to perfection: the ideal steak. And that's exactly what you get at the best steak restaurants in Mayfair. However you like your steak, the chefs of Mayfair serve some exquisitely tasty steaks. Explore some of our favourite steakhouses in Mayfair from this handy guide.

Explore some of the best Italian restaurants in Covent Garden with our guide. Pasta, pizza and gelato: what more could you want?

Pizza, once a peasant’s dish, graces the menus of these Italian restaurants that serve food fit for royalty.

Medium rare, well-done or blue, however you have your steak, you want it cooked right. Browse our picks for the best steaks in Covent Garden.

Covent Garden has some of the best Asian food in London. To help you find a place to eat, we’ve put together some of our favourite Chinese restaurants in Covent Garden.

Eid al-Fitr in London is a bright and festive occasion celebrated by the city’s large Muslim community. Mosques hold special prayers and events and thousands turn out to the street festivals, markets and live music marking the end of Ramadan. Here is how to celebrate Eid in London.

Every summer, the Royal Horticultural Society hosts the UK’s biggest flower show. The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival welcomes gardeners, growers and flower lovers to explore its spectacular celebration of gardens and blooms. So whether you have a large plot or just a window box, you can get tips, be inspired and head home with gardening treats. 

Put yourself in the thick of the action with an immersive theatre experience in London. Be in the centre of a mystery with a job to do and no clear path to follow in this unconventional take on theatre with no stages and no direction. Discover the best immersive shows in London.

The Sunday roast is a traditional English staple hard to replicate outside your own home. Everyone has their own perfect Sunday roast, but West London favourites can give anyone’s grandma’s roast potatoes a run for their money. Explore our picks for the best Sunday roasts in West London.

Enjoy a traditional Sunday roast or a roast dinner with a twist at one of these restaurants. We’ve shared our favourite places for a Sunday roast in central London for you to enjoy on your next visit to the capital.

Experience bread, cakes and pastries like no other! It was a challenge, but we’ve selected some of London’s best bakeries for you to explore.

High above the hustle and bustle of the city or looking out at the incredible skyline, London has some fantastic spots for dining with a view. Explore some of the most impressive places for dinner in London.

Duke Ellington called jazz the music of surprise. Today, London has a flourishing collection of cool jazz haunts, from legendary clubs to stylist newcomers ready to throw in musical surprises galore.

Raise your glasses and enjoy a taste of Tuscany, a sip of France’s finest, and a nip of the New World trendsetters at a wine tasting evening in London.

So whether you plan on watching the big parade, sipping Guinness in one of London’s Irish pubs or finding community events celebrating Irish culture, this is your guide to St Paddy’s Day in London.

Do you want to drift off easily into a deep slumber every night? This World Sleep Day, we can help you get there. Get comfortable as we give you the facts, tips and tricks to help you fall into a deep slumber.

Since the swinging sixties, London has attracted musicians from across the globe, defining new music trends and embracing the old ones.

While Paris may traditionally be considered to be the city of love, we beg to differ. When it comes to romantic, luxury experiences, London has a host to offer, from world-famous, heart-rending theatre and opera, to views, experiences and gifts - London has magnificent offers right on your doorstep.

Discover the best outdoor cinemas in London with our guide. Enjoy this summer experience and leave behind the hustle and bustle with outdoor movie theatres now.

 Best restaurants in Soho, walking distance to Clermont, Charing Cross

Did you know that both Rocketman and Layer Cake’s filming locations are right on our doorstep? We’re sharing our guide including these and many more film and Netflix locations in London.

Experience the exclusive things that London has to offer. Whether you want to dine like a VIP in a swanky restaurant or want to see the city in a different way, these luxury things to do in London will tick all your boxes.

If you’d rather not drop in to see the Queen for tea, Victoria has plenty to offer the mindful traveller. With neighbourhoods like Pimlico, Westminster and Belgravia within walking distance, you’ll be able to enjoy the quaint residential streets and explore hidden gems that the city is (sometimes) good at hiding.

Explore some of London’s lesser known historic sites, perfect for families. Find out more!

Has the pandemic got you longing for a taste of Thailand? From sizzling street food to an invigorating Thai massage, there are plenty of ways that London can bring a little Bangkok into your life.

London seems very far away from the verdant vineyards and game reserves of South Africa. But did you know that there are plenty of South African inspired experiences to enjoy here? Take an urban safari around the city and see what you discover.

Spanish sunshine has been hard to come by lately. If the pandemic has got you longing for sangria on the beach or a tapas feast, you should come and see what London has to offer by way of a Spain-inspired staycation. Believe it or not, there are some fabulous experiences to be had without needing to go anywhere near an airport.

London may not have coliseums, volcanos or gondolas but you’d be surprised by the wealth of authentic Italian experiences that can be found within this amazing city. If you’re missing the sunshine in Sicily or yearning for an espresso in Milan, a trip to experience Italy in London could be just the thing to scratch that itch.

Are you dreaming of a trip to Japan? With spectacular gardens, flavourful cuisine and a rich and varied culture, it’s no wonder that the country has pride of place on many a bucket list. But did you know that you can enjoy many of those Japanese pleasures right here in London?

Wish you could take a trip to Turkey? With its ancient cities, beautiful coast and hospitable people, it’s easy to see why it’s such a holiday hit. But did you know that there are some amazing ways to get a Turkish fix right here in London?

While it might not currently be possible to take a stroll in a busy Mumbai market or to watch sunlight gleaming off the Taj Mahal, there are plenty of ways to experience India’s rich culture here in London. So, if you’re after those bold colours and flavours, consider an Indian inspired staycation. From temples to street food, there’s so much to enjoy.

London has so much amazing wildlife that is just waiting to be discovered. Explore Hyde Park and uncover some of London’s wildlife this summer!

What not to miss this season.

Explore around the River Thames, almost as famous as London itself.

Christmas is the time when London becomes a city of sensory experiences and a huge spectrum of sights to see, scents to smell, sounds to hear and treats to taste. 

London has an endless list of entertainments to offer, so wrap up warm and tour of the city’s most spectacular sights.

From plenty of 180s to the elusive 9-darters, the World Darts Championships has it all. With the titans in this sport battling out for the famed trophy, we’ve put together some key information about this epic London event to help get you there.

With some of the biggest musicians converging on the EFG Jazz Festival, it’s a must if you enjoy a bit of blues, boogie, improv and fusion. Here’s everything you need to know.

Tennis superstars Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray team up this September for the annual Laver Cup. Team Europe takes on Team World in a series of superstar single and double matches. Captained by legendary rivals John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg, the Laver Cup tournament promises to be unmissable.

Run past London’s world-famous landmarks, take in the scenery through beautiful parks and soak up the character and energy of some of the best local London half marathon. Whether you’re running for charity, challenging your fitness goals or a first timer, fun-running with friends — here’s our guide to the best runs in London covering 13.1 miles.

With a top-notch Indian cricket team hoping to win at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, sports fans across the UK will watch the T20 closely. Here in London, you can find pockets of India’s rich culture, from spiritual and architectural havens to spices and festivals.

This year, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s a time for saying ‘thank you’ to our mums and matriarchs, and sharing some quality time

What not to miss this season.

In London, shopping with your favourite luxury fashion house can also mean enjoying food and drink all as part of the same experience. With the centre of the city home to so many flagships, brands have curated experiences, from themed cafes to fashion cafes, that bring in themed dishes that align to their ethos in cafés, restaurants and bars located in the same building as their retail offering.

Step into dark alleyways, wander creepy churchyards and step inside ghostly mansions on a spooktacular haunted London tour.

When you’re going to see a show, the last thing you want on your mind is a rumbling belly. Luckily, the heart of London’s theatre district is filled to the brim with restaurants and bars that offer menus that cater specifically to theatre-goers. 

 Looking to grab a flat white or espresso near Charing Cross or Soho? Then, just have a look at our Charing Cross coffee shop list and enjoy your caffeine fix! 

In London you’ll find a buzzing community of mixologists working on refining classics and innovating with unique ingredients.

Looking for London gift shops near Victoria?

Where to find fun activities for the whole family

There's nothing like sitting under the stars or perhaps on a sunny day, and enjoying a riveting live show.

London has an abundance of fun things to do with your day on 19th June, from joyful reminiscing about years gone by to making magnificent memories to share as time marches on.

London, the iconic backdrop to many a hit movie, from Mary Poppins to Skyfall, with landmarks littering its skyline. It’s no surprise globally influential film festivals flock to the capital, hosting red carpet premieres, showcasing talented filmmakers and treating film fans to exclusive screenings.

Find out all there is to know about Notting Hill Carnival from its deep history to the variety of activities, music, dancers and events on over the weekend.

The best comedy nights in London tickle sides in hidden indie basements, in iconic clubs and in world-class stadiums when the top performers come to town. We’ve gathered the top rib-tickler destinations, so you can step into hilarity without having to navigate any duff jokes.

Run past London’s world-famous landmarks, take in the scenery through beautiful parks and soak up the character and energy of a London half marathon. Whether you’re running for charity, challenging your fitness goals or a first timer, fun-running with friends — here’s our guide to the best runs in London covering 13.1 miles.

Catch the Rugby League World Cup full-contact thrills on a big screen in London. Join fellow fans, follow the action, feel the tension build and cheer on your nation in an electrifying atmosphere. Top players from Fiji and Tonga – where rugby is the national sport – go up against powerhouses of Wales and England, France and Australia. This is the stage for historic clashes between rugby league giants. It’s all-out action in the autumn. Here’s how to ensure you don’t miss it.

Covent Garden in London’s West End is more than theatres and shows. It has top bars and pubs as well as some great museums. We’ve picked out our favourite things for you to do next time you visit Covent Garden.

London Cocktail Week wristband holders enjoy unlimited access to the widest variety of cocktails in the city.

Bonfire Night in London is a city-wide event with fireworks visible from every corner of the capital. Explore some of the best spots in London to watch them on Guy Fawkes Night.

Winter brings out the blankets and the fire pits. It beckons you on to London’s rooftop bars and cosies you up for a warm winter experience with spectacular views.

Whether you’re walking, cycling, or enjoying a bracing morning run, the best place to start the day is along the River Thames. Look out for a taste of Ancient Egypt on the Embankment. Cleopatra’s needle is the most obvious example, but don’t miss the camel and sphinx benches by the same English architect, George John Vulliamy.

Despite what you may have heard, summer weather is often quite glorious in the capital. And whilst we can’t guarantee it won’t rain, we can provide you with a guide to some of the places that’ll make your stay a special one, whatever the elements may throw at you.

When it comes to exploring the capital it can be hard knowing where to begin; but fear not, we’re always on hand to help guide you through the city we love. 

Here’s a list of five of our favourite attractions to get you started; some world-famous, some well-kept local secrets, but all just a short stroll from our front door.

Welcome to the Charing Cross, the centre of the city. We know you’ll be eager to get out there and start exploring, so we thought we’d help get you started with a few of our favourite spots. Whilst some are world-renowned, others are local secrets well worth a visit. Best of all, every one of them is just a short stroll from our front door.

Planning a shopping trip to Oxford Street? Find out where to go for fashion and home stores, as well as opening hours, with our handy guide

Our interiors may look shiny and new, but we’re older than we look. The grand buildings of The Clermont Hotel were built as status symbols for wealthy railway firms of the 1800’s, to welcome guests from near and far to the delights of London town.

Seeing London from above is always a treat. I love a great view, and for me, one of the best is the one from the 65-metre high terrace at the Tate Modern Switch House. Get there for 10am to miss the crowds. You will need to book a timed ticket for entry.

This summer, the UK welcomes athletes from 72 countries competing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. London has enduring bonds of friendship with our Commonwealth neighbours, reflected in our culture, language and festivals. Join us as we discover a treasure trove of Commonwealth connections right here in the capital.

Step into springtime in style this May Day bank Holiday. London is bustling with exciting activities, festivals, cultural events and plenty of delicious food and drink in rooftop bars and riverside terraces. Make the most of your long weekend with our May Bank holiday London guide.