Stuff to Do!

London is an incredibly vibrant and happening city, and while we believe that there is no one definitive list of things to do, here are some suggestions for you – especially if you’ve never been to London before or have some time to re-discover forgotten aspects of it! Transport for London has a dedicated web-page for visitors as well as a helpful visitor’s guide here (that includes some walking guides) for your perusal.

Food, Drinks, And Pubs

The UK is known for it’s pub culture, where pubs can be considered to be the “public living room” for local areas. They are great places if you want to have a bite or a cheeky half-pint before moving on to doing other things. Here’s a short list of pubs and other eating establishments that we think are worth your time to check out:

  • The Kennington – It’s a pub that is located a short walk from the Oval Tube Stop (directions are here) and features delicious food and wine. Relaxed atmosphere.
  • The Tommyfield – It’s a pub that has what we think is some of the best fish and chips of any pub we’ve been to. They also have delicious pies. Usually a relaxed atmosphere but can get busy if there is a sporting event on. Conveniently located (directions are here) about 10 mins walking from Oval Tube Stop.
  • The Crown and Anchor – A pub that is conveniently located for us. Good food, great selection of beers, and right next to the park. Can get a bit busy and noisy during weekend evenings, but a very nice venue (location is here).
  • The Seven Stars – A pub right around the corner from the LSE and the Royal Court of Justice. It’s quaint, and a nice spot away from the hustle and bustle of the busy side of Holborn/Kingsway. Good for a break as you are walking around town (location is here).
  • Mildred’s – So you don’t like vegetarian food? You think it can’t really be that tasty? If so, you should check out this place. Delicious with a capital “Delicious”, the food there is incredible. One caveat – they don’t take reservations, so you should show up early to ensure that you get a table (location is here).

Arts, Museums, And Tourist Attractions

There is so much to do in London with respect to the arts – and for those who are coming here for the first time, much of it is free! Here’s a partial list of things to check out while you’re here:

  • Houses of Parliament: London is the seat of government for the UK, and you can take a tour of it, see speeches, and learn about the general history of the development of democracy here in the UK. Right across from Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and The Churchill War Rooms – all located a convenient walk from Westminster Tube Stop. There are other WWI and WWII historic sites for all of you history buffs here in London.
  • The London Zoo – Come here to visit some of the interesting animals in London.
  • The Natural History Museum – Located right next to one of the UK’s main science universities (Imperial College London), there are loads of interesting things to see and do. Plenty of engaging things for young ones and older ones alike! Admission is free whilst some exhibitions may be a nominal charge. Definitely worth seeing while you are here!
  • London Duck Tours! – this has to be one of the most interesting ways to view London – both by the river and ON THE RIVER! Sure to be a delight for everyone of all ages. Check out the website regarding tickets and other details.
  • The Tate Modern: Great place to check out some modern art. Has a cafe and is right on the Thames (location is here)
  • The Tate Britain: Also an excellent place to check out art. Close to Pimlico Station on the Victoria Line, it features art from the 16th century onwards. (location is here)
  • The Southbank Centre: Right on the River Thames, featuring shops, theatre, cinema, and a great view of Parliament and the riverwalk (location is here). The London Eye is within walking distance, and is close to public transport.
  • The Cartoon Museum: This is exactly what it says, and a bit more: a collection of cartoons from the 18th century to today. Including favourites like Paddington Bear, Danger Mouse, and (I would presume) Wallace and Gromit and Peppa Pig (for those in the know!). Just a short walk from Tottenham Court Road Tube Stop.
  • The British Library: Has a bunch of exhibits, collections, and events. Has the second largest collection in the world (location is here). Very conveniently located near King’s Cross/St. Pancras Tube Stop.
  • The Black Cultural Archives: Is both an exhibition and a working archive for scholars in the UK and across the world. Conveniently located about a minute walk from Brixton Tube Stop and right in the heart of Brixton. Right next to the Brixton Library (location is here)
  • Brockwell Park: A fantastic park (one of many in London) that has plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the weather (fingers crossed!). Has a number of gardens and has a great view of the city. Also in Brixton and about a 10 minute walk from Brixton Station (location is here).
  • Buckingham Palace: Are you itching to see the changing of the guard? Maybe even a glimpse of The Queen? You can check out times to see all that and maybe even do a tour of the inside! (location is here)
  • Tower of London: Wanna check out the crown jewels? Walk across the famous Tower Bridge? (London Bridge is more famous but less glamorous; if you fancy a walk across it you can find it here) You can do that and have a tour of the famous castle and walk around the grounds. Really interesting and right across the street from (what Michael considers) THE BEST BARBEQUE JOINT IN THE UK. If you do go, make sure you go to this one – NOT the one in SoHo or Covent Garden.
  • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Find yourself about half a decade late for the 2012 Olympics? Never fear – you can still go see the recently constructed Olympic facilities in Stratford. This is very close to Rachel’s old stomping grounds, and Stratford has shopping and other amenities. (location is here)
  • The Globe Theatre: Interested in Shakespeare? Like History? The original Globe Theatre is just up your alley! It too is conveniently located on the river Thames, and is a short walk from Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
  • National Portrait Gallery: Another fantastic place to see art here in London. Conveniently located near Leicester Square Tube Stop (location below).
  • Universities of London: There are a whole host of universities in London – including UCL, King’s College London, Imperial College, SOAS and LSE. There’s all sorts of stuff going on during the summer, and you can always have a walk around to check things out. If there’s enough interest, We will be happy to give a tour of the LSE.
  • Other general attractions: This includes places like Leicester Square, Picadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Brick Lane, Covent Garden, SoHo and of course Brixton Market (home of the street in that Eddy Grant tune from the 80s).

Sports Attractions

London has a whole host of sports attractions for people to check out – especially since the city has a high concentration of some of the best football clubs in the world. Here are some of the many things you can see:

  • Arsenal: Rachel’s favourite football club (besides the sad sad tale of Leyton Orient). The stadium and museum are located conveniently between two tube stops. You can check out the long list of storied players, including Henry (of the French Men’s National Team) and favourite London Lad Theo Walcott.
  • Chelsea: Located in the borough of the same name, they also provide a tour and museum that includes the long list of international players who have played for the squad.
  • Wimbledon: Do you have dreams of being like Serena, Venus, Althea, Arthur, MaliVai, Jo-Wilfried, or James? Want to have a fun look around the grounds? It is just a short walk from the tube stop with the same name. There is also a croquet club and a museum in case you wanted to see the greats that have played at the club.