There’s a lot of holiday spots in the UK, like so many, and they’re all amazing in their own right. Technically, even London. Yeah, sure, London’s great and all, but after the fifth or sixth visit, it starts to feel a bit… same old. You’ve walked past Big Ben, wandered around Camden, had a slightly underwhelming cocktail somewhere in Soho, and taken that exact same photo on Tower Bridge more times than you can count. So when someone suggests a little break in London again, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve already seen it, done it, and paid too much for the coffee.
But here’s the thing, believe it or not, but London’s still got it. You just need to stop doing it like a checklist and start doing it like a holiday. And not the rushed, cram-it-all-in kind of holiday either. The lazy mornings, long lunches, walk-slowly-everywhere kind. London’s perfect for that. You’ve just got to treat it a bit differently.
Pick somewhere random to stay
If you always end up in the same part of town, try switching it up completely. Instead, you could book a cute little spot somewhere you’ve never bothered with before. East London, West London, somewhere leafy or completely new, whatever feels like a bit of a change. Stay somewhere that’s got a decent bakery nearby and a pub that doesn’t scream “after work drinks.”
When you wake up in a different corner of the city, everything feels a bit fresh. You’re not heading straight for the touristy stuff. You’re just out, exploring, with no one expecting you to do anything in particular. That alone makes it feel more like a break.
Find a place to eat where you actually want to stay
Oh yeah, this one actually matters! Alright, so the best holiday meals are the ones where you order dessert just because you’re not in a rush. The same rules apply here. But really, you don’t want to just consider grabbing a quick bite and running off to the next “must-see” spot. Why do that? Instead, find a restaurant that’s got a good vibe, comfy chairs, and outdoor tables that don’t feel like an afterthought.
There are some great spots for outdoor dining London style, like, there’s places with fairy lights, heaters, igloos (in the winter) and actual atmosphere. Yeah, even some hidden courtyards, rooftop views, or a quiet little terrace with wine on tap and no need to rush. But this can’t be stressed enough!
Dump the to-do list
Okay, so you’ve already done all the big sights. There’s no need to see them again unless you actually feel like it. This time, forget the itinerary. No, really, it’s so smart. So, it helps to just wake up late, go for a walk, stop when you feel like it, and just see where the day goes. So, why not get a pastry? Why not sit on a bench? Wander into a random shop.
Or just pick a direction and walk until something looks interesting. Some of the best stuff happens when you’re not really looking for it.
Go Gallery-Hopping
Yeah, sure, it’s true, London’s packed with big-name galleries. Honestly, it’s great, but at the same time, the thought of elbowing through the National Gallery makes your eyes twitch; well, it helps to go smaller. Actually, it helps to pick a neighbourhood and see what little art spots it’s hiding. Actually, places like the Whitechapel Gallery, the South London Gallery, or even little pop-up exhibitions above cafés can totally surprise you.
These usually don’t have crowds either, and typically no pressure to “get” the art, and usually a decent café nearby for a sit-down after.
Build in Some Proper Doing-Nothing Time
Yeah, a lot of holidays don’t have these. But at the same time, the whole point of a holiday is to slow down, right? So don’t feel bad if your ideal afternoon involves nothing more than sitting in a comfy chair with a drink in hand, watching the world go by. Well, find a spot with decent people-watching potential and just be there. That might be outside a pub in Soho, a bench by the canal in King’s Cross, or a quiet corner in a leafy garden somewhere.
Again, don’t do an itinerary, and just embrace literally doing nothing for a bit, too.
Parks are basically mini-holidays
Nope, you read that right! If the weather’s decent, parks are where it’s at. Yeah, it can be a challenge getting decent weather, but when it’s there, take advantage of it! So, you’ll want to find a nice patch of grass and stay there. Holland Park’s got those little hidden corners that feel miles away from the city.
Actually, Primrose Hill’s ideal if you like people-watching. Hampstead Heath is a whole day out on its own, especially if you’re up for a swim or just want to feel like you’ve escaped London without actually leaving it. Oh, and if you’re on a tight budget, then be sure to take snacks, take a book, or just lie there and stare at nothing for a bit. That’s peak holiday energy right there.
Forget the tube and actually look around
The tube is handy, but it does kind of zap the vibe. You go underground, pop out somewhere else, and miss everything in between. So if you’re not in a rush, skip it for a bit. Walk between neighbourhoods, jump on a bus, or even hop on a riverboat if you’re feeling fancy.
When you slow down and actually look at what’s around you, London starts to feel less like a giant rush and more like a series of cool little moments.
Say yes to random stuff
How about that weird-looking event you saw on a flyer? Well, go to it. Yeah, really, just do it! That pop-up you spotted on the walk back to the hotel? Have a nose around. Seriously, some of the best memories come from the completely unplanned, slightly odd stuff that ends up being ten times better than anything you actually booked.
But really, London’s full of surprises. You just have to give it room to surprise you.
