What to do
Are you staying in London for a few days before or after our wedding? Well, lucky you!
Even if you’ve been to London many times, there’s always something new to see and experience. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite non-touristy recommendations to help you make the most of your time in the city. Whether you're after something a bit boujie, craving a dose of nature, or eager to indulge in London’s incredible food scene, there’s plenty here to keep you busy.
Skip to: Nature | Activities | Food
Nature
Hampstead Heath
Everyone knows about Hyde Park, but have you heard about Hampstead Heath? This rugged, natural green oasis is considered the lungs of London. Lay down in the grass and soak up the sun and views during the day, or jump into the outdoor pools to cool off! If you’ve got the time, don’t forget to walk through the quaint village of Hampstead itself and visit The Hill Garden and Pergola nearby.
TIP: Grab a crêpe from the famous La Crêperie de Hampstead
Richmond Park
Home to a large population of deer, this is a great place for a long walk or picnic, surrounded by greenery.
Barbican Conservatory
A glass-roofed, jungle oasis of a sanctuary featuring tropical plants and trees, birdlife and exotic fish.
Mudchute Park and Farm
Looking for a place to pet some goats and feed some sheep? Mudchute Park and Farm is located on top of a hill on the Isle of Dogs with amazing views over Canary Wharf’s cityscape, where you can take a quick bus or tube ride to enjoy lunch or dinner at some of London’s best restaurants.
Activities
Leadenhall Market
Fancy a Harry Potter throwback? This covered Victorian arcade was a Diagon Alley filming location. The market has a range of lunch options but is also a great place to simply gawk at.
Take an Uber Boat ride on the Thames
Double-decker buses, the underground tube, the overground, trams, trains, Ubers… the list goes on with how you can travel around London, but have you ever considered enjoying a boat ride down the Thames? Simply hop on at Waterloo or Westminster pier if you’re on the West side and head East, or vice versa: hop on at Woolwich or Greenwich Pier and head West towards Westminster/Waterloo! Pay with your contactless card, and see London from a different perspective while enjoying the views.
Mercato Mayfair
You’ve been to Borough Market, what next? Head to Mercato Mayfair. Based in central London, just a short walk from Marble Arch/Hyde Park, Mercato Mayfair is located inside an old cathedral (pretty cool if you ask us) with plenty of culinary options for all. Don’t forget to explore all levels (including the basement).
Little Venice
Visit Little Venice - a lovely part of London where you can have lunch or a coffee overlooking the canal (The Summerhouse or Waterside Cafe), take a gentle boat ride or simply walk along Regent's Canal all the way to Regent’s Park. (This is the first place Svetlana lived when she moved to London in 2020!)
Fun Group Activities
Swingers Mini Golf
Queens Skate, Dine, Bowl
NQ64 Arcade Bar
Flight Club Darts
Clays Virtual Clay Pigeon Shooting
Boom Battle Bar
Sixes Social Cricket
Ballie Ballerson Ball Pit
Hijingo Bingo Experience
(majority of these venues are 18+, please check with the venue/on website if you have anyone with you who is under 18)
Alternatively, some great entertainment can be had at some fantastic West End shows - from The Lion King, Harry Potter, Wicked, and so much more! https://www.londontheatredirect.com/
Looking for an event? Check out: https://www.timeout.com/london for what to do during the extra days you’re in the city.
If you’re interested in live music gigs, concerts and festivals, check out: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/
Food & Drink - Our top picks
Italian
Toledo Pizzeria Napoletana
Ida
Carlotta
Vasiniko
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana
Il Bordello
50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo Pizzeria
Circolo Popolare
Alto by San Carlo
Bacchanalia Mayfair
Il Conte
Grasso
Flour & Grape
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
Breadstall Pizza
Mexican & Latin American
Paladar
Leños & Carbon
Señor Ceviche
Lima
El Pastor
Mestizo
Madera at Treehouse
YOPO
Spanish
La Terraza Clapham
Salt Yard Fitzrovia
Barrafina Soho
Arros QD
Indian
Gymkhana
Ambala Karahi
Tayyabs
Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square
The India Cannon Street
Veeraswamy
Asian
Banh Mi Town - Vietnamese
Tay Do Cafe - Vietnamese
Ayllu Paddington - Japanese
Sexy Fish Mayfair - Japanese
The Ugly Dumpling - Japanese
Sushi Samba - Japanese
Sticks’n’Sushi - Japanese
Kiln - Thai
Speedboat Bar - Thai
Thai Metro - Thai
Banana Tree - Pan Asian
Bone Daddies - Ramen
Ippudo - Ramen
The Golden Bund - Chinese
Fatt Pundit - Chinese
Hutong - Chinese
Dan Dan London Bridge - Chinese
Unique Tastes/Miscellaneous
Tongue & Brisket - BBQ
Bodean’s - BBQ
SMOKESTAK - BBQ
St. Moritz - Swiss
Zima - Russian
Prix Fixe - French
Beza - Ethiopian
Kin Cafe & Restaurant - Vegetarian
Duck & Waffle - Modern European
Lokma Westfield - Turkish
Beigel Bake on Brick Lane 24/7 - take out
Bokit’la - French Carribean - take out
Laduree - French Macaroons - take out
Sunday Pub Roast
The Tudor Barn
Blacklock Shoreditch
Blacklock Canary Wharf
The Devonshire
The Railway
The Fox & Pheasant
The Red Lion & Sun
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
The Ladbroke Arms
The Harwood Arms
Secret London Speakeasies, Bars & Wine Bars
The Little Scarlet Door
Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown
Cahoots Underground
42
The Vault at Milroy's
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
WC Wine & Charcuterie
Disrepute
Punch Room
Mr. Fogg’s
SOMA
Red Room
Diogenes The Dog