When you move away from family and friends, the best part is having them come and visit….especially when you have moved to the opposite side of the world. Since my move to London, two girlfriends have come to visit and now my little sister is here for the next three months. Wanting them to love the city as much as I do, I took and will take them to all my favourite spots.
When I first arrived, I was taken for a day on the town by an old high school friend. Far from a ‘main streamer’ she introduced me to two of my ‘go-to’ spots. The weeks after, I toured around and explored different areas with an old ski buddy from 2009. With him, I realized that the abundance of tiny hidden hot spots around town are mind blowing. Never will I be able to be bored in this city. So as I delve into the depths of my new city, I take the hotspots and share them with friends, family and you.
So back to visitors….with only a small window of time, it’s hard to justify wasting the time on trying to wander to find these hidden spots. Therefore I have adopted a go to ‘Welcome Tour’ with some of my current favourite places to start everyone off.
Stop 1: The Central London Fly-by Figure 8:
You want them to feel like they have actually just landed in another country, so taking them to see the iconic London landmarks will really start their holiday off with a bang. Even my newly arrived sister who has been to London three times in the past said one of her first stops had to be Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
– Westminster Underground station: when you walk out the sight of Big Ben looming ahead of you will always make you catch your breath. Stroll across the Thames to catch a glimpse of the London Eye and for killer photography viewpoints.
– Skip next door to Westminster Abbey
– Its a 15 minute walk from there to see if the flag is flying high to mark the Queen being home at Buckingham Palace.
– A casual meander across Green park to Regent Street and then onto Oxford street to realllllly feel like size of population, while you’re there be sure to pop into Hemley’s Toy store for mind blowing sights and interactive fun. Also take a walk around the block into the back lanes of Carnaby Street and grab a bite to eat in Kingly Court.
– Loop back around for Leister Squares Hollywood Glamor and the M&M store, and down into Piccadilly Circus for the Giant Lions and the Blue Rooster.
Stop 2: Walking the Southbank has a little bit of EVERYTHING:
The London Eye, the skatepark, merry-go-rounds, and art galleries. There is always a festival or entertainment event happening; currently you can visit the Christmas Markets where you can undergo a small Christmas tree maze, eat, drink and sit by the fire pits. If you keep walking you will pass Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, ST Katherine’s Dock, pirate territory as you reach the giant Pirate ship next to the Anchor pub, Harry Potter Mellinium Bridge and eventually stumble onto the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Stop 3: Camden Lock Markets
Step out of the Underground and you will most likely face DJ Grandpa; a hideous masked man in a portable DJ booth busting none of the music I know, but good for a laugh. Stroll on down the Main Street via street art and sculptures attached to buildings until you reach the markets. You can enter them via Starbucks and cross over the canal bridge to avoid most pedestrian traffic. Here you will be bombarded by food smells from around the world and gorgeous Italian men screaming for you as they hand free food towards you. The markets are full of local art, crafts, photography, and market nik naks. If these alone aren’t good enough, take your food and head to the canal to watch the canal boats change locks, and view the distant pirate castle as the world goes by. Camden gives you more than its face value. If you head further into the markets it turns into the ancient Horse Tunnel Markets full of large horse sculptures, nik naks and antiques. Further in you have clothes, more food, and the magical land of Cyberdog’; one of the craziest stores equipped with all your raving needs, and boasts a set of on stage ‘go-go’ dancers for your entertainment while you shop.
Stop 4: Borough Markets:
Just underneath London Bridge you can find a small heaven devoted to fresh produce and FOOD. The past several months has seen me slowly become obsessed with food, and this place is a winner with all the free samples everywhere! Chocolate, cake, cookies, honey, meats, cheese….you name it! They host cooking classes in the surrounding stores, and festivals are frequently popping up for all occasions. It’s a busy spot, especially for lunch, but be sure to check out ‘The Guilable’ for the biggest and best sausages and gourmet rolls in town!
Stop 5: “Trendy, Trendy, Shoreditch”:
My friends call it the “alternative” part of town, but really it’s just a place you can find ANYTHING you could want or need. Take the time to explore the area and you won’t be disappointed. Three markets, food truck festivals, street art everywhere and anywhere (a photographers heaven), storage container shopping areas, indoor putt putt warehouses, rooftop teepee bars, and most recently a cereal cafe fully loaded with hundreds of different varieties of cereals from around the world! I have only just started my exploration of this area, but already can’t wait to delve into it deeper.
The World Adventures of Melly B 