London is a city rich with traditions, and there are plenty of places where you can explore the history and culture of the area. In this blog, we’ll take a look at ten ways to celebrate all things British while staying in the capital.
Visit the British Museum
The British Museum is home to some of the true wonders of the world, and includes millions of artefacts which span British and international history. Whether you’re a fan of museums or simply want to sample the UK’s active culture of restoration and historical preservation, this is a fun activity during your stay at the Grand Royale London Hyde Park.
If you don’t have time to visit all of the museums in London, then a trip to the British Museum will still help you to understand more about the important work they undertake.
Take a spin on the London Eye
The London Eye has been a city mainstay since the 2000s, and today it’s the perfect place to see London’s skyline from above. Each spin on this giant Ferris wheel takes around thirty minutes to complete.
If you’d like to make the event even more special, then you can book a private viewing pod or add a variety of add-ons to help celebrate. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the spectacular views.
Visit Trafalgar Square
London has a variety of public squares to discover, but Trafalgar Square remains one of the most famous and notable. Here you’ll find Nelson’s column, and you’re also surrounded by an array of great places to shop.
We recommend planning to spend a few hours in this part of London, as it’s easy to pass the time visiting the monuments, galleries and shops which are located close to the square.
Stop for an afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is one of the most treasured British institutions, and you’ll be ideally placed to try it for yourself while staying in London. The Grand Royale London Hyde Park afternoon tea offers delicious treats to accompany your tea, all set within elegant surroundings.
If you’re in the mood for a unique way to relax and enjoy an afternoon snack, then this is the perfect choice on your next London visit.
Head for the West End
Fans of the theatre will be acquainted with the West End, a major hub for all things theatrical. This part of the city is home to some of the most significant theatres in the world, and provides the perfect space to go and see a show.
You can check listings ahead of time online or simply pop into the box office of your chosen venue and make your booking. We recommend planning ahead for the biggest shows in the city, as they tend to draw huge crowds for months in advance.
While you make the most of the latest London hotels special offers, this is the perfect way to add an evening of entertainment to your adventures.
Take a trip to Little Venice
Few parts of the city are quite as unique as Little Venice London, but here you’ll find lots of beautiful scenery, as well as the opportunity to take a trip along the Thames on one of the barges and riverboats which operate in the area.
Taking its name from the famous Italian city, Little Venice is a distinctive district with a village feel, perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the busier parts of London for a little while.
Explore a Royal Park
The Royal Parks are some of the city’s foremost green spaces, each with their own unique character and charm. Some, such as Hyde Park, are a hub for events and activities, while others (such as Richmond Park) are sprawling areas filled with wildlife.
Whether you want to take part in sports or sit and watch the world go by, there’s sure to be a Royal Park which suits your needs.
Find bargains at a London market
There are a huge variety of markets throughout London, each drawing enthusiastic crowds of shoppers. Every single market also provides a particular speciality, whether that focus is on antiques, flowers, clothing or food.
The eclectic nature of these spaces means you’ll never be short of somewhere fascinating to shop, and can discover some truly unique items which make superb gifts and souvenirs.
Some of our favourite markets include the Columbia Road Flower Market, which sells incredible floral arrangements each week, Borough Market, which provides access to some of the finest food in the city (and has been running since 1014), and Old Spitalfields Market, which is home to everything from collectables to clothes.
Shop for gifts at a famous London street
For both fans of the high street and high-end luxury, London has something to offer. The UK capital has developed a fantastic reputation for shopping, and there are plenty of places where you can indulge in some distinctively British retail therapy.
Oxford Street is perhaps the best known of all London shopping areas, but you’ll also find department stores such as Selfridge’s, Harrods and Liberty London providing floor upon floor of luxury goods and fantastic service.
If you want to try luxury food, then Fortnum and Mason is the ideal venue, counting the Royal Family as amongst its most dedicated patrons.
Clothing and jewellery can be found in abundance in places such as Covent Garden, Bond Street and the King’s Road, with Carnaby Street also representing a major hub for British fashion past and present.
Discover London’s history
As you might expect from a city as old as London, there’s lots of sights to see which focus on British history. We recommend heading for areas such as the Tower of London to discover more about the gruesome side of the city, or taking a trip to Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey to see some of the oldest yet most significant buildings in the capital up close.
