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Trip Report

A whistle-stop weekend in London

2 days exploring Londons main attractions and hidden gems.

  • Sky Garden+ 2
  • Sky Garden
  • Sky Garden
  • A whistle-stop weekend in London
phoebejeanne
About Me:I have always had the desire to travel since I was tiny, and now I’m 18 I’m finally able to make it a reality. Although my family always made an effort to travel to new places when I was young, it is now I’m learning to travel independentl... read more

EuropeUnited Kingdom1 day / October 2021

Highs & Lows

Getting lost in the streets and always finding something beautifully unexpected around the corner

Even in October, as you’d expect in the Capital it’s very busy and places can get crowded quickly.

Itinerary Overview

My boyfriend and I stayed in Leman Locke hotel, a beautiful building which I’d recommend to anyone! The rooms follow a pastel colour theme and come with floor to ceiling glass windows, a rainfall shower and fully equipped kitchen. A yoga mat even comes as an added bonus! 
My partner had never visited London before so I made it my mission for us to see as much as possible, which we managed to do mainly on foot and using the tube! This included Buckingham palace, China town, Neil’s Yard, Sky Garden, Hamleys, Camden Town, Borough Market, Oxford street and many many more. We found walking the best way to travel as on our way to the main destinations we also got to pass through and experience lesser known areas which would have been skipped if using a tour bus. One example is Clink Prison, an underground museum detailing the experiences of prisoners in the past. We found it next to the Thames, by the Globe theatre and found it super interesting to look around. 
 

  • Day trip: Sky Garden
    The views are absolutely stunning and it’s a great place to soak up the city and watch the sunset
  • Day trip: Chinatown
    To feel as though we were in Asia rather than England!
Sky Garden - The views are absolutely stunning and it’s a great place to soak up the city and watch the sunset
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Sky Garden The views are absolutely stunning and it’s a great place to soak up the city and watch the sunset

Sky Garden - The views are absolutely stunning and it’s a great place to soak up the city and watch the sunset - null
Sky Garden - The views are absolutely stunning and it’s a great place to soak up the city and watch the sunset - null
Sky Garden - The views are absolutely stunning and it’s a great place to soak up the city and watch the sunset - null

The Sky Garden is an amazing free attraction in the middle of London which offers amazing views over the whole of the city, while being surrounded by nature at the top of a skyscraper. The glass building is filled with tropical plants, trees and flowers, making the experience feel unreal! There is a bar and restaurant, and a DJ plays music into the evening to set the background for the sun setting. My boyfriend and I got to enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne while enjoying the views! 
You are able to stand both inside and outside on the balcony to take pictures and soak up the atmosphere. 
Tickets are booked in advance to prevent queues and control numbers but they are free and super easy to get hold of, just choose which slot you’d like, and whether you are wanting to add on a restaurant reservation, which will cost extra. Theres security at the bottom ensuring everyone’s safety at the top. 

Chinatown - To feel as though we were in Asia rather than England!
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Chinatown To feel as though we were in Asia rather than England!

Chinatown - To feel as though we were in Asia rather than England! - null
Chinatown - To feel as though we were in Asia rather than England! - null

China town is a really magical part of London where you feel instantly whisked away to another more unknown part of the world. We loved walking through the streets strung with Chinese lanterns and local market stalls and shops. Definitely take the time to stop at a few of the dim sum restaurants to sample some amazing dumplings and flavours unique to China. And don’t forget to try a bubble waffle or bubble tea! The mini shops are also so fun to look round and spot all the local delicacies, i recommend buying some of the sweets to take home and try!

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    The length of time we were there! While two days is definitely enough to see the main attractions, there is always so much more to explore and I hope to go back soon to dive even deeper into the unknown areas.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Try and walk as much as possible in order to maximise your experience. Also avoid dining in the main areas, it’s much more cost effective to travel a little further out, and the food is just as good! It also helps support local businesses which is always a bonus.
  • Packing tips?

    Weather is unpredictable in England, and while it’s definitely sunnier in London than up north, I’d still recommend a warm jacket and waterproof/ umbrella just in case!
  • Transportation Tips?

    The tube is your best friend in London and will help you get pretty much anywhere you need to be. Avoid buying an Oyster card and instead use your normal debit/credit card, we found this to be more cost effective.