It’s vacation season, and our members are busy travelling around the world seeking the best resorts and city experiences. Most of our members are already very familiar with London and have probably already visited the top tourist sites (which the team can always help you with).
But London never stays the same and the neighbourhoods and quieter spots can offer some of the most picturesque and iconic hotspots. If you’re heading back and looking for new memories, here’s a few ideas for capturing those special moments on camera for your albums and social pages.
1. The outdoor entertainment and markets
It might be the English weather but no city transforms in the summer like London does. The narrow streets, the boutique alleyways, the restaurant terraces, the rooftop bars… everything comes alive between May and September. Just a walk along the South Bank, wandering the streets of the West End or a visit to any of the main squares and parks and you’re likely to find pop-up markets, mini festivals, outdoor art installations and much more.
2. The West End bustle of Covent Garden plaza
No London neighbourhood embraces the European dining culture better than Covent Garden, with many restaurants embracing the cobbled streets with outdoor seating (and yes, heaters for the evening). The central plaza is a great place to people-watch of an evening, catching theatre goers and tourists from all over the world.
3. The getting lost in Hampstead Heath
London has many grand man-made parks but the Heath is known for being one of the largest natural habitats in any major city. Protected by conservationists it boasts over 30 ponds, ancient woodland and at its highest point, incredible views of the city. It’s also surrounded by stunning neighbourhoods such as Highgate, Belsize Park and Hampstead Village, and is home to Kenwood House, one of London's greatest hidden gems, which holds a stunning art collection including Rembrandt and Vermeer.
4. The horticultural magnificence of Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
The magnificent range of flowers and plantlife in these gardens means that RBG can call itself the ‘most biodiverse place on Earth’. From the vast greenhouses to the stunning outdoor installations, this place will brighten up any Instagram page. Also worth squeezing in a walk along the River this end of London, where you can enjoy the more relaxed charm of South West London.
5. The ‘new’ Chinatown
One of the most central points of London, situated between Soho, Covent Garden and Leicester Square, Chinatown has undergone a massive regeneration project in recent years and with the increased pedestrian space is now much easier to explore. A major thoroughfare and it does get busy in the evenings, but a great place to soak up London’s global spirit.
6. The seeing What’s On at the Museums
London boasts one of the most diverse and vast museum and gallery scenes in the world, and is constantly evolving with new exhibitions all the time. Amazingly they are mostly free (some exhibitions are ticketed, and they do accept donations). From the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum to the iconic installations at Tate Modern, you’ll never be short of photo opportunities.
7. The relaxed picnics in the Royal Parks
London’s Royal Parks are not only central and very easy to get to, but they all offer so much space - even on the busiest days you’ll always find a space to relax, whether you want to be next to a pond, near the kids’ playground, or among the flowers. Royal Parks are home to everything from open air theatres, tennis courts, gyms, food markets, boating lakes, and of course some very special homes including Kensington Palace.
8. The colourful architecture of Notting Hill and Holland Park
One of the best things about London is its variety of neighbourhoods, offering different perspectives of the architectural history of the city. North Kensington is home to two very popular and upscale districts that are known for their colourful homes, and with the many tree-lined streets and cobbled mews, you’ll feel like you’re in a British rom-com.
9. The charm of Little Venice
It’s easy to forget that London has a canal system running under its streets, and it runs through many popular neighbourhoods such as Camden and Kings Cross. But the highlight is definitely Little Venice, tucked away just north of Paddington. Packed with colourful barges and boats and the stunning backdrop of Warwick Avenue’s glorious architecture, Little Venice is one of those places that feels like you’re no longer in central London.
10. The seclusion of London’s best rooftop bars
London likes to make use of its cramped outdoor space in the summer and the rooftop bars and terraces are a great place to escape the hectic streets below and take in some views. New hotel rooftops are opening up all the time and it’s good to do some research (or ask the MCC team!) because many of them are not heavily advertised.
11. The skyline views from Greenwich Park and Primrose Hill
There are many great places to catch a London Skyline photo op, including many points along the River Thames, but few are as good as Greenwich and Primrose Hill. Primrose Hill is an easy walk from Regents Park with a panoramic view of the city, while Greenwich is a bit further out but has a much clearer eyeline to the growing East London skyline of the City and Canary Wharf.
12. The other side of London from the water on a boat tour
Boat tours are a great way to get around the city in the summer, whether it’s the guided tour of major spots or just the regular waterbus that runs frequently across the city. There isn’t a better place to get a view of iconic landmarks such as the Houses Of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral.
13. The Day Trips out of London
If you have time, there are so many great places just outside of London to visit to really capture that English vibe, whether it’s the lush countryside which comes alive in the summer, or the historical heritage sites. Windsor Castle is a stunning cultural day out, Stonehenge is as iconic as ancient landmarks get, and the Cotswolds offers countless villages and vast countryside in a timeless setting.
14. The Harry Potter Studio tour
One of the best family experiences is less than an hour from central London with various transport links, and has to be seen to be believed. If you were a fan of the films or books, the recreation of the sets and the famous scenes will be something you won’t forget.
15. The iconic Abbey Road zebra crossing
There isn’t a better pop culture photo moment than crossing the road at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in St Johns Wood, the site where The Beatles recorded their biggest albums including Abbey Road itself.
If you're interested in learning more about any of these landmarks or destinations in London, and would like to include them in your London visit, or if you have any recommendations for us, please contact the bookings team as we'd love to hear from you.
