If there's one thing I'm almost certain about, it's that 2020 has been as much of a write-off for you as it has for me. Nonetheless, I do think that it is important to reflect on the good moments — as few and as far in-between as they may have been. Many of these happier moments for me occurred when I moved to London for university, which is perhaps unsurprising given that I thrive on having a lot to do, and it is these moments that I wanted to share with you today. Granted, I'm sure that many Londoners would roll their eyes at this list, for most of these activities scream the word tourist, but I hope I can still provide some sort of insight with café recommendations and so on and so forth. Have any other less-known sights to recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
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Visit Some of London's Great Royal Parks
I must admit, living in such close proximity to both Regent's Park and Hyde Park was a true blessing — especially as we went into a second lockdown.
Regent's Park, in particular, made for a fantastic day-out, with its great array of gardens and its close proximity to Primrose Hill (a great spot for panoramic views of London, especially at sunrise/sunset). In addition to the gardens, there is a boating lake where you can hire rowing boats and pedalos. Granted, this isn't the most winter appropriate activity, but I look forward to giving it a go in the summer. Oh, and did I mention the beautiful swans? Maybe it's just me...
Hyde Park was equally nice, albeit a little bare in the brunt of winter. Make sure, if you do visit, to not miss the Kensington Gardens nearby as I did the first time! Seeing as I was nearby by the end of my walk, I decided to visit the borough of Kensington and Chelsea. There were some beautiful Christmas decorations to be seen, with one of the stand-out locations for me being the shopfront of Peggy Porschen. In the end, I decided to go for the Jolly Gingerbread and Red Velvet Cupcakes, both of which tasted amazing and were packaged beautifully — albeit a little on the expensive side. I was quite lucky in that, on the route back, I could also stop by Buckingham Palace and unleash the inner tourist inside of me.
Regent's Park, in particular, made for a fantastic day-out, with its great array of gardens and its close proximity to Primrose Hill (a great spot for panoramic views of London, especially at sunrise/sunset). In addition to the gardens, there is a boating lake where you can hire rowing boats and pedalos. Granted, this isn't the most winter appropriate activity, but I look forward to giving it a go in the summer. Oh, and did I mention the beautiful swans? Maybe it's just me...
Hyde Park was equally nice, albeit a little bare in the brunt of winter. Make sure, if you do visit, to not miss the Kensington Gardens nearby as I did the first time! Seeing as I was nearby by the end of my walk, I decided to visit the borough of Kensington and Chelsea. There were some beautiful Christmas decorations to be seen, with one of the stand-out locations for me being the shopfront of Peggy Porschen. In the end, I decided to go for the Jolly Gingerbread and Red Velvet Cupcakes, both of which tasted amazing and were packaged beautifully — albeit a little on the expensive side. I was quite lucky in that, on the route back, I could also stop by Buckingham Palace and unleash the inner tourist inside of me.
Go to Camden Market
Camden Market leads on nicely from the above, as it is a stone's throw away from Regent's Park. Given that I walk through Camden Market every week for my food shop, it's easy to say that it's probably my most-visited landmark — but I'm not complaining! Camden Market is situated right by the Lock, and so I look forward to taking the thirty-minute or so stroll next term to Little Venice.
It's true that Camden Market has a more edgy feel to it, but I believe that there's really something for everybody here. For my fellow foodies, you simply can't afford to miss Philippe Conticini, which is located in the heart of the Market. Not only do they offer the most exquisite cakes and pastries — some of which are surprisingly affordable — but they also have some amazing hot drinks. I personally went for their hot chocolate, and my goodness had I missed the taste of a thick and rich hot chocolate! If you're on the hunt for photo spots nearby, make sure you don't miss the umbrella alley too.
As well as taking the occasional stroll through Camden Market, I spent one-afternoon playing crazy golf at Plonk. Admittedly, the course did seem rather expensive for how short it was, but it was a fun experience regardless, and the staff were very friendly.
It's true that Camden Market has a more edgy feel to it, but I believe that there's really something for everybody here. For my fellow foodies, you simply can't afford to miss Philippe Conticini, which is located in the heart of the Market. Not only do they offer the most exquisite cakes and pastries — some of which are surprisingly affordable — but they also have some amazing hot drinks. I personally went for their hot chocolate, and my goodness had I missed the taste of a thick and rich hot chocolate! If you're on the hunt for photo spots nearby, make sure you don't miss the umbrella alley too.
As well as taking the occasional stroll through Camden Market, I spent one-afternoon playing crazy golf at Plonk. Admittedly, the course did seem rather expensive for how short it was, but it was a fun experience regardless, and the staff were very friendly.
Visit Covent Garden
I do not believe I'd surprise anybody in saying that one of my favourite London spots thus far has been Covent Garden — and that experience has been made all the better by the Christmas decorations. My top tip here is to not miss out the areas that surround Covent Garden (which includes the not-so-secret Neal's Yard), as they are equally as stunning.
For a café recommendation, I would look into Double Shot — perfect if you're as much about the experience as you are the coffee and cake itself. I would also take a look at the French Restaurant Chez Antoinette, conveniently located the Piazza's Lower Floor. Not only did I have what was quite possibly the best Croque Monsieur of my life, but this very treat came at an affordable price too.
For a café recommendation, I would look into Double Shot — perfect if you're as much about the experience as you are the coffee and cake itself. I would also take a look at the French Restaurant Chez Antoinette, conveniently located the Piazza's Lower Floor. Not only did I have what was quite possibly the best Croque Monsieur of my life, but this very treat came at an affordable price too.
Go to The British Museum
In close proximity to Covent Garden is The British Museum, one of my Freshers Week spots. It wasn't my first time at the Museum, but given that the last time I had visited it prior to now was in 2012, it's fair to say that a little catch-up was needed. In regards to safety measures, it is true that there were generally a lot of people visiting the same time as me, but that number was by no means comparable to those before. There was also a one-way system implemented, and plenty of hand sanitisers around — so, on the whole, pretty safe. There is a great little café just outside The British Museum called Café Babka, a cozy spot with amazing and affordable options to both eat and drink.
Take a Trip to Chinatown
Chinatown is one of those places that I always stumbled upon by accident, but that didn't stop me from appreciating the vibrancy of the area. I haven't yet had the chance to try out any treats, but I look forward to doing so — I must say, though, some preliminary research on Tripadvisor may be required, what with so many options. As well as being very close to Covent Garden, Chinatown is also near to Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square — and so it's rather easy to make a full day-out of it.
See the Christmas Lights Near Oxford Street
In similar proximity is Oxford Street and all that surrounds it — every Londoner's favourite Instagram spot when Christmas time rolls around, or so it seems. I'm sure the photos speak for themselves here, and so I'll keep it brief.
See Tate Britain's Winter Commission
Finally, prior to heading home, I managed to see the Tate Britain Winter Commission. This year, the stunning display was put together by British artist Chila Kumari Burman to celebrate Diwali. If you would like to read more about the installation, I would highly recommend having a look at this article on Tate Britain's website. What's more, if you can make it before 31 January 2021, it's certainly worth looking into — circumstances permitting, of course.