London is well known as one of the best cities in the UK for a weekend away. The great thing is you could come back for two consecutive weekends and have a completely different experience. The area of London has so many boroughs and districts that each visit to the city will have you scratching a little deeper under the surface. Below, guests at the Piccadilly London West End will find a wide range of options for their weekend activities, whether that be cultural or active.
Shopping weekender
One of the best things about London is the wide range of shopping opportunities. London has played host to many of the worlds best designers. From London fashion week ot the boutiques of Sloane Square, you can expect to find many artistic works of fashion genius right on the high street. If the cutting edge doesn’t cut it for you and you want something simpler, then the busiest high street in Europe is located close to the best West End special offer hotels. Oxford Street is one of the best streets in the UK for high street brands such as H&M and Topshop, whos flagship UK stores are located on the street. Pair a trip to Oxford Street with the markets of Brick Lane, Portobello Road and Covent Gardens winding lanes, and you’ll be in for the shopping trip to die for.
Art weekender
If the art of the consumer doesn’t float your boat, then why not spend some time in the city on art itself. There are countless museums in London for you to choose from and whatever your stylistic preference, you can find a museum or gallery to suit your needs in London. Whether it’s a day trip to the two London Tate galleries or a National Portrait and National Gallery Trafalgar Square double bill, there are plenty of galleries for you to explore in the city.
Taking you a little more off the beaten track, the White Cube in Bermondsey and the Newport Street gallery near Elephant and Castle are two contemporary art galleries which are completely free to attend, and bring some of the most innovative artists into focus. Taking a day trip to these unique areas and more will no doubt open your eyes to the wider possibilities of art in London, giving you the chance to scratch further beneath the surface visit after visit.
Music weekender
London can truly bring music to your ears, and a music orientated weekend in London could take you from the depths of South East London’s pub music scene, to the flashy clubs of west London. Whatever your tastes, check out the festivals being put on in London, whether that be the Camden Rocks weekender, British Summer Time in Hyde Park or Hackney’s Visions Festival.
Foodie weekender
Thinking of going on a cruise for the best food in the city? The best place to start would be the street food stalls of Borough Market and Broadway Market, whilst the restaurants surrounding West London’s Marylebone and the alleyways of London Bridge and Shoreditch promise some cultural cuisines to make your mouth water.
Park weekender
If it’s some fresh air you’re after, then a day in Richmond Park in South West London followed by a trip to Epping Forest in East London will not only accustom you to the further reaches of the city, but will pit you against some of the best wilderness London has to offer. If you have time during your weekend to squeeze in a trip to the idyllic Hampstead Heath and Walthamstow Wetlands, then you’ll get to see urban rewilding at its best.
