London Weekend Breaks

London weekend breaks will whisk you away to some of the world’s most famous landmarks and historical attractions. From Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to the West End and the London Eye, you’ll be captivated by the iconic features which make this city so mesmerising. Attracting over 30 million tourists each year, London is renowned for its quirky villages and thriving financial industry. Just one walk through the town is enough to understand why ‘The Big Smoke’ is regarded as the capital of capitals.

London is the perfect city break destination, both contemporary and steeped in history, to enjoy a unique blend of culture, art, and shopping. Head up the Shard for a rooftop cocktail, shop till you drop on Oxford Street, or enjoy an in-depth history lesson whilst exploring Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey.

Perfect for exploring

Although it’s a prominent place, London can still be explored on foot. If you have a lot of ground to cover, The London Underground (known as the tube) will take you to where you need to be in no time at all. With over 250 tube stations located across the city, you’ll never have to walk too far to hop on a train.

Westminster

With over 2000 years of history behind it, London is home to more landmarks than any other city in the world. For a peek at the most iconic sights, take the tube to Westminster and witness Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Wander over to Westminster Abbey and take in the incredible architecture as you learn about the kings and queens that have stepped foot in this building.

And of course, no trip to London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. Walk along The Mall towards the Victoria Memorial and spend some time at the palace gates. You capture some great photos and then continue on to other famous landmarks like Trafalgar Square. Stroll by the River Thames and cross over to the Southbank to ride on the London Eye for stunning views across the city.

London is also renowned for its lush green spaces. Head into Hyde Park and witness the unique ecosystems, memorials, and monuments that this open space is home to. Stretching over 350 acres, it’s the largest of the Royal Parks in London and never fails to look spectacular, whatever the weather.

Camden

For stylish, artsy vibes, head to London Camden Town. This area is always abuzz with people skimming the stalls for hidden treasures to the world-famous Camden Market. As one of the most vibrant spots in the city, visitors come for unique street art, international cuisine at Camden Lock Market and Regent’s Canal in the afternoon sunshine.

Notting Hill

Lined by beautiful pastel-coloured houses and home to Europe’s largest street festival, Notting Hill is much more than an iconic film setting. Write your own love story in this picturesque location as you browse independent shops and stalls at Portobello Market and stop for a bite to eat at one of the chic cafés.

Shoreditch

One of London’s most diverse areas, Shoreditch is renowned for its artisan coffee shops, vintage boutiques, and cocktail bars. Indulge in some street food on Great Eastern Street or head to Brick Lane to sample some of London’s finest curry houses. Marvel at the city’s best street art and enjoy a game of ping pong at Bounce before hitting up some of the best clubs.

Incredible culture

From iconic museums and galleries like the British Museum and the Tate Modern to the West End with its fabulous theatre shows and musicals, London is a mecca for cultural history buffs. It’s also the home of Notting Hill Carnival, an annual street party where colourful parades fill the streets over two days in August.

Besides great nightlife and some incredible restaurants, London is also full of many hidden surprises such as popup rooftop eateries, contemporary art walks, and secret hidden gardens. And who knows, you might be just around the corner from a buzzing buskers festival!

Food and drink

As one of the most influential restaurant cities globally, London’s food and drink scene are like no other. Over the past half a century, the capital has undergone a dramatic shift from traditional dining styles to recipes infused with flavours and influences from neighbourhoods across the city. From Michelin­-starred restaurants to renowned food markets, the capital boasts excellent places to sate your hunger and quench your thirst.

From Club Mexicana to The Athenian, there are many food stalls and markets to explore in London. Located next to Southwark Cathedral, London Borough Market is one of the city’s oldest and largest markets. Here you’ll discover different traders selling food from all over the globe. From delicious doughnuts to fresh pasta and chorizo rolls, you’re bound to find a snack to tantalise your tastebuds.

Unsurprisingly, London has no shortage of incredible restaurants to match the grandeur of the city. Suppose you’re feeling fancy, head over to the famous Sketch restaurant in Mayfair where you can enjoy afternoon tea or a delicious dish from the à la carte menu, all while admiring the venue’s unique interior. Or take a trip to Radio Rooftop in Westminster, where you can witness stunning views across the Thames and sample international tapas while taking in the sunset backdrop.  

Nightlife

From jazzy nightclubs to picturesque rooftop bars, London boasts some seriously cool places to relax when the sun goes down. Each neighbourhood has something different to offer when it comes to the capital’s exciting nightlife scene. Towards the city’s western end, you’ll find luxury bars in Chelsea and Mayfair, such as Beaufort House and No. 11 Pimlico Road. Located in the heart of Belgravia, No. 11 Pimlico boasts a stunning interior and plenty of outdoor seating – the perfect backdrop to your evening of socialising.   

If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, head towards Shoreditch, where you can party the night away in several famous clubs, including Fabric and XOYO. In recent years, this part of the city has totally transformed to become the trendy hotspot it is today. Throw on your dancing shoes and sample the best of London nightlife here.

More City Breaks

We also have travel guides available for all sorts of other city breaks destinations, including: Amsterdam | Edinburgh | Monte Carlo | Tokyo