Summer in London - Parks, Bookshops, Art, and History

Anyone who knows me knows that this is my favorite city on this planet. With an incredible amount of history, activities, famous attractions to see, and neighborhoods/parks to explore, London is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but especially in the summer months.

Quick Tips:

1. You no longer need an Oyster card for public transit in London; instead, you can just use a contactless credit/debit card (make sure you use the same one every time)... BUT if you are elderly, a student, or traveling with children 15 or under, you will want to get an Oyster card to add concessions which will make it cheaper in the long run.

2. Be mindful of the traffic direction! And also that pedestrians don't always have the right of way (learned that the hard way).

3. Bring a universal adapter (you cannot use the same one that you'd use for the rest of Europe).

4. You must now pay the UK ETA (electronic travel authorization) to enter the country. You can do so here.

5. Book tickets in advance for popular museums/attractions.

   
   

Attractions / Places to See

1. Big Ben / Parliament / Tower Bridge (especially at sunset)

   

   
   

2. Tower of London ($$)

   This one has an entrance fee but it is so worth going to at least once in your life to learn about their history and see the beautiful structures.

   

   
   

3. Buckingham Palace

   Please go see the changing of the guard! This takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:45am and lasts about 45 minutes. I would suggest getting there at 10am to get a good spot.

   

   
   

4. Neal's Yard

   Cute colorful alley with independent shops within Seven Dials.

   

   
   

5. Lancaster Road

   Notting Hill is a lovely neighborhood to explore, and this colorful street makes it even better.

   

   
   

6. London Eye

   If you want to take a ride on the eye, buy tickets ahead of time and get there 15 minutes early!

   

   
   

   

   
   

7. Little Venice

   Sweet neighborhood with canals and tree lined streets.

   
   

Museums

All museums mentioned are free unless otherwise noted!

1. Victoria and Albert

   My personal favorite. Filled with applied arts, decorative arts, and design. It also has a beautiful cafe and garden.

   

   
   

2. British Museum

   Human history, art, and culture. This museum is absolutely worth a visit, but be warned the line to get in is often long and the interior is busy. Best to get there right when it opens at 10am.

3. Tate Modern

   Amazing collections, and only has a cost if you want to see their special exhibits.

4. National Gallery

   European art (mostly paintings). Worth it to see famous impressionists works!

5. The Wallace Collection

   My personal favorite! Small, often overlooked museum with sculpture, home goods, armor, and paintings (please go see Fragonard's "The Swing"). The interior is also stunning.

   

   
   
   

6. Design Museum

   Industrial, graphic, fashion, product, and architectural designs!

7. Imperial War Museum

   So impressive. I'm not a military girly but their exhibits are incredibly detailed and they have old planes, tanks, and other vehicles displayed all over the building. I was here for hours and barely got through half of this museum.

8. The Photographer's Gallery

   10 pound emission, but so worth it if you love photographic arts!

9. Orleans House Gallery

   If you are in Richmond and have the time this is worth a quick stop, even just to see the interior of the building.

   

   
   

Parks / Gardens

1. Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens

   My personal favorite! Make sure to stop by the Italian Gardens (you can get a coffee over at the cafe too) and then walk over to Kensington Palace.

   

   
   

2. Kyoto Garden

   Near the Design Museum, this Japanese style garden is lovely and worth a walk around.

3. St James's Park

   This park is a beautiful way to get to the War Museum and Buckingham Palace.

4. The Regent's Park

   Filled with fountains and Queen Mary's gardens, this is worth a stop if you're in that area.

5. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

   While not a park, this garden is a beautiful quiet stop in the middle of the busiest part of the city that not many people know about.

   

   
   

6. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew ($$)

   This does have an entrance fee, but this is absolutely worth the trek over to Richmond and the fee. Please do not pass up on this experience!

   

   
   

7. Richmond Park / Isabella Plantation

   If you are going to Kew, you may as well head to Richmond Park as well, best known for their wildlife conservation.

   
   

Shopping

Bookstores:

1. Daunt Books Marylebone

   Edwardian and beautiful, but all the Daunt shops are great. Marylebone is also a great area to wander and find independent local shops.

   

   
   

2. Word on the Water

   Bookstore on a canal barge! The interior is super cute.

   

   
   

   

   
   

3. Foster Books

   A rare bookstore with a beautiful shop front.

Street Markets

1. Portobello Road Market

   For vintage, food, and souvenirs

2. Broadway Market

   For food, coffee, gifts, and clothing.

3. Greenwich Street Market

   For art, antiques, and crafts.

4. Camden Passage

   Significantly better than Camden Market, this passage is pedestrian only and a good place to find antiques, gifts, and others goods.

Other Local Shopping Areas

1. Bermondsey Street

   Great for unique local shops, cafes, and art galleries.

2. Connaught Village

   In a wealthy neighborhood; has plenty of shops for indy fashion, interior design, and art.

3. Cecil Court

   Also known as Bookseller's Row

4. Woburn Walk

   Worth a mention since these Georgian shopfronts are still in use, though there aren't many of them. Also, it was used in some scenes for Bridgerton!

   

Food and Drinks!

Food Courts / Markets:

1. Borough Market

   SOOOOO worth a stop, especially if you go right when they open so it's not so busy. My favorite stops are for paella and Columbian coffee, but other good stops include one of the bakeries, chocolate dipped strawberries, olive oil, French cheese, and fresh juice.

2. Mercato Mayfair

   A market within an old church with beautiful stained glass!

3. Seven Dials Market

   If you're heading towards Neal's Yard and need a bite this is a great place to stop, with 20 different food stalls inside.

Sit Down Meals

1. Les Filles (breakfast - lunch)

   My favorite breakfast stop with the kindest baristas, right next to Hyde Park. If you're with another person or two get the brunch platter!

2. Dishoom (breakfast - dinner)

   I am aware this is a chain (in London) but it is SO GOOD! If you like Indian food go here.

3. Pantechnicon Rooftop

   Pricy, but beautiful

4. Escocesa (dinner)

   A reasonably priced Spanish tapas restaurant

5. Mari Deli and Dining (breakfast - dinner)

   Super cute Italian place.

6. Ugly Dumpling (lunch - dinner)

   Asian fusion with a lot of options for different dietary restrictions and tastes.

Gluten Free Eats! (Still Worth a Visit if Not GF!)

All of the restaurants above also have gluten free options, but the places below are fully gluten free!

1. Utter Waffle (breakfast - lunch)

   Self explanatory :)

2. Los Mochis (dinner)

   AMAZING Mexican-Japanese fusion. I went alone, but this place would be best with another person to share with as it's tapas style.

3. Wicked Fish Spitalfields (lunch - dinner)

   GF fish and chips!

4. Libbys GF

   Bakery in Notting Hill

5. Dendara UK

   Bakery near Kensington

6. Cream Dream

   Bakery - Vegan and GF near the National Gallery

7. Ma Ma Boutique

   Bakery in Chiswick

8. Manna Dew

   Bakery in Battersea

Tea!

Everyone should try to get high tea at least once while they're in London! Here are my top choices and their prices.

1. Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon (82 pounds)

   This is the classic spot to get afternoon tea: opened by Queen Elizabeth II herself in an Edwardian style room, this place is on the pricier side but has great reviews.

2. The Orangery at Kensington Palace (56 pounds)

   I loved my afternoon tea here! The snacks and teas were amazing (try the chai!), they can adhere to your dietary restrictions, and you could probably share it between two people with how much food they give you. Plus, the interior is beautiful.

3. The Dilly (49 pounds)

   The cheapest option and perhaps the most creative! This place not only has menus for restrictive diets but their desserts come in fun shapes such as Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower!

   

   Teens enjoying their tea at The Orangery at Kensington

Cafes:

1. Host Cafe

   Located in St Mary Aldermary Church, this is a stunning place to get some tea.

   

   
   

2. Momo's Garden Cafe

   Within Gordon Square, this is a great outdoor spot to grab a coffee and sit in a park.

3. Les Filles

   So good I'm putting it on here twice. Great, creative coffee and matcha drinks, amazing chai, and lovely teas.

4. Tide Tables Cafe

   This one is in Richmond, but it's right up against the water and has great views and snacks too.

   

   
   

Bars:

1. JOIA Bar

   In Battersea; sit inside for super cute modern vibes, or go on the rooftop for a view!

2. The Little Scarlet Door

   Beautiful, cozy, creative interior with great drinks.

3. The Old Bank of England

   A pub in the old bank! Super cool history and great place to get a beer.

4. Fitz's Bar

   My personal favorite; the drinks (and the drink menu) were super creative and the interior had a cozy speakeasy vibe that I loved.