On Saturday, my family and I will be leaving for our summer holiday to England. One week in London, one week in Hastings. As you can probably imagine, I can hardly wait!
I’ve only been to London on a day trip over six years ago, so I can’t really remember anything properly. Although my family and I probably visit England almost every three years (we all really love this country, plus my mother is an English teacher), we’ve never really been to the capital. Everything I know about London is from books, movies and reading blogs of course.
Since it’s our first time really visiting, we have booked a tourist card to check of all the sights. I don’t really know any other special things to do there though – where to eat, where to shop and where to relax. What are your favourite secret spots dear Londoners?
have a great trip!
Ooh, cool! What day are you leaving London again?
I’d suggest going to Sunday Up Market on Brick Lane in Shoreditch (only on Sundays), and getting some street food there (if you can find the place that does Malaysian Pancakes definitely try that – they usually hand out little pieces to try anyway), then maybe wandering along Brick Lane – if you feel like crowds and flowers, you could go check out Columbia Road Flower Market (on Columbia Rd). Also try some Bagels on Brick Lane at ‘Beigel Bake’. They’re cheap and really good – real, original Jewish bagels.
I like the Shoreditch area in general, so you could just have a look around there. It feels arty. But also very hipster! Spitalfields Markets are also right there, and they’re on most days. Maybe check online for what days they’re open, not exactly sure.
If you want to experience a bit of ‘real’ South London, you could go to Elephant&Castle. There’s a really good Polish food place in the shopping centre there. If you do go there, get Pierogi.
Other than that try to check out most areas – they all feel very different.
I also like Covent Garden, there are usually some buskers around as well.
Wandering along Southbank is nice, too. And do go to Camden Town! And I guess you might like Notting Hill (Portobello Rd Market is on on Saturdays, but also very crowded). If you want to see some rich parts, go to Mayfair and South Kensington.
A reasonably priced pub I’d recommend is Wetherspoons (they are all over the city) – I like the one in Holborn on Kingsway (called Shakespeare’s Head).
That’s all I can think of at the moment off the top of my head. I hope this helps a bit. :)
Enjoy your time in London, and I can’t wait to hear what you get up to! xx
Hanna! How freaking exciting! I am so happy (and excited) for you. You should totally get your new penpal a postcard while you are there. ;) hehe
I hope you take a few pictures for us! I have never been to London but have always wanted to. (someday!) I am re-reading the Harry Potter series and it definitely makes me want to visit more so, haha.
I’m so thrilled for you! I wish I could give you tips. But I know you’ll have fun. :P
Hanna’s Places is a green lifestyle magazine written by Hanna Ulatowski. It’s all about slowing down in a fast-paced society and finding ways to live a more sustainable, simple lifestyle.
July 31, 2013
Oooh have fun! I’ve been there a couple of times but I was too young to really appreciate it, I so want to go back! Enjoy :D