There should be no surprise to the fact that London is one of my most favorite cities in the world. After all, it is a place I have called home for the past 15 years. London is a city that holds my heart and continues to surprise me at every corner, even during a pandemic. Gone are the hustle and bustle of the busy, early morning commute, the tourist filled streets, and the sold-out events and arenas, but what remains is so much more. It’s the heart of the city, where historical and modern buildings stand side by side overlooking the Thames, its parks, alleyways, food markets, and monuments at every corner. So with that in mind, my monthly picks are all about the perfect London staycation.
Even for the born and bred Londoner, this city still has plenty of secret places, venues, and events to explore. If you are planning a staycation in London and want to explore off the beaten track, then Secret London is the online guide for you. From hidden gardens and parks to the latest gallery or restaurant, discover a new London every day.
If you know me, you know I love the South Bank. I am there at least once a week, either solo, to sit on a bench and enjoy a coffee whilst watching the boats on the Thames go by or with my family in tow. We love checking out the skateboard park, the latest events, and more often than not, grabbing something to eat in one of the many places available in the area. It’s a fantastic place to spend a day, whatever the weather, and perfect for a little London staycation.
‘Today, South Bank is home to great national centers for art and culture, a vibrant and growing community, and some of London’s finest achievements in architecture, including ones such as the National Theatre, Southbank Centre, and London Eye.’
For the coffee addict, like me, who also prefers to help out the little independents, this app is great for finding the closest cafes near you, wherever you are in London.
‘Find the best independents in town with our guide and enjoy exclusive offers. Use RWRD maps for directions to our venues, and find your new favorite local.’
It also allows you to collect RWRD stamps from your favorite places.
A win-win, if you ask me!
London is home to quite a few markets, and although Camden, Portobello, and Borough markets are all great, Old Spitalfields is my absolute favorite. A historical, covered market, it has been on the site for over 350 years and used to be a fruit and vegetable market. Now, it’s the go-to place for some of the best grab and go food, permanent boutiques, and salons in London. The market is open every day too, making it the perfect spot for a Staycation in London.
‘Open 7 days a week, it is the perfect antidote to the high street. We bring together small producers and local creatives with original independent retailers and a few well-known brands under one historic roof.’
We have been members of the National Trust for quite a few years and since we have become parents we have made even more use of our memberships. The trust takes care and maintains properties, estates, historic, and natural sites. There is always something new to explore as a family. All of their properties are catered to entertain and teach children something new, with trails and hunts, dressing up, and live characters to meet.
‘Our founders believed that nature, beauty, and history are for everyone and so set up the Trust to look after the nation’s coastline, historic sites, countryside, and green spaces.’
