10 quintessentially London things to try on your next visit
If you haven’t tried all of these, did you really even go to London?
There’s so much to love about London. With so many things to do, and so nearby, everyone needs to pay this great city a visit at least once in their lifetime.
Boasting a population of nearly nine million people, this metropolis is brimming with spectacular sights, sounds and activities. So many, in fact, that’s it’s hard to know where to begin.
Here, we reveal the most quintessentially London things you need to do on a flying visit to Britain’s capital. With up to 30 flights per day direct to London from Cork, Shannon, Knock, Belfast and Dublin, Aer Lingus will get you to one of the most exciting cities in Europe from Ireland in jig time.
Here’s what you could be doing on your next visit…
1. Stroll around Brick Lane
You simply can’t come to London without paying this uber-cool area a visit.
Located in the East End, here you’ll find everything that makes the city great in one convenient spot: vibrant markets, colourful local characters, edgy art galleries and trendy bars galore.
2. Cycle through Hyde Park
There’s no better place to be on a sunny day in London, where you can rent a deck chair and enjoy the rays.
Rent yourself a bike and take in this 350-acre park, which boasts an abundance of iconic sights, such as Speakers’ Corner, the Serpentine Lake and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
3. Catch a musical in the West End
Seeing a West End show shouldn’t just be on your London bucket list, but on your general bucket list too.
This is where the world’s greatest shows end up, often with some of the best stars of stage and screen. I mean, who wouldn’t love to see Disney’s The Lion King, The Phantom Of The Opera or Harry Potter & The Cursed Child in London?
4. Take a cable car across the Thames
This is certainly a novel way to take in all the sights the city has to offer.
The cable car can be accessed at Greenwich Pier, where you will be taken above the River Thames and given stunning views of the O2 Arena, the Olympic Park and London’s skyline.
5. Wander through the British Museum
Lovers of history and self-proclaimed nerds will know that no holiday is complete without a trip to a fascinating museum. This might just be the best one in London.
There are a number of free and paid exhibitions, which run for certain periods of time, with projects focussing on Haiti, Greek history and “Money and Medals” currently being open to the public.
6. Go to a gig at Union Chapel
To make your stay a little more exciting, you’re gonna wanna catch a show — and venues don’t get much better than Union Chapel.
To pay for conservation works on this historical religious building, the chapel is now being used to hold gigs for musicians and comedians, putting its wonderful acoustics to excellent use.
In the coming months, the venue will play host to such acts as Cage The Elephant, comedian Ed Byrne and poet Buddy Wakefield.
7. Rave at Brixton Jamm
If you love a good party, Brixton Jamm has got your name written all over it.
Over the last 10 years, the music venue has become hugely popular in Brixton and South London, known for its club nights, delicious food and buzzing outdoor terrace.
8. Have a spot of proper afternoon tea
When in London, do as the Londoners do… or something like that.
Some of the most notable spots for the traditional English experience include Seymour’s Parlour, Dean Street Townhouse and Dandelyan — to name but a few.
9. Visit The Brunel Museum
An educational charity run by volunteers, The Brunel Museum is open seven days a week and celebrates music, theatre, and historical feats of London engineering, like the Thames Tunnel.
If that sounds like a bit of a peculiar mix, that’s because this is a bit of a peculiar place, but well worth a look.
10. Enjoy The View at The Shard
Now, this is what we call the high life (sorry).
Located at the top of Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard, you’ll find a venue that boasts of range of awesome activities for you to enjoy: the Day & Night Experience, Sky-High Yoga Class, Champagne Experience, and the weekly Silent Disco.
