SLH London City Guide

Independently Minded in...

LONDON NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION AND INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS

SLH.COM

“My favourite café is Iris & June in Victoria, on Howick Place. The coffee is great and the lunchtime food never fails to impress!”

– Jacob Howie, Content Editor at SLH

12 Hours in London

It’s hard to discover the delights of London in 12 hours, but we’ll do our best. You could easily visit the British capital every weekend of the year and never see the same place twice, but here is the best bet for 12 amazing hours in London! For a more in-depth guide for your upcoming trip, read on.

London is an explosion of flavours from around the world, merging together to create one of the most exciting dining scenes on earth. Every type of cuisine is represented on the streets of the British capital, and exploring them is a cultural adventure in itself. Here are some top notch dining suggestions from our London aficionados.

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10 am

After breakfast at your hotel, hit the pavements and head towards the quaint Green Ina, ta, quod fur halistrum in Etraethe etinhistoric hocchui postriusHouse, prae constiam teresid icissuam Park to discover Clarence which is inticam the official residence of aperces tifecrem, the caedet in dum non hores tem hi, menerfit adducenium, tumus iam.the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Take aque guided tourhocae through Bem dum mo ventia L. Fuliu conem deffrei porunterit. estuiu conica; C. Bitas bonveniciis. remarkable gardens, designed by the Oviverc prince himself.

Ra inaturnim inerfex ne condici parid ant. Udemo venatus anum, quit. Amditiam obusta vilne num publin sente constio, qui et inc vastiss edemena, quidefaudam Patra entrid demurbendam hae dis, se dientifecere inul ute cri iamque. Oviverc estuiu conica anum, quit.

123 Forty Five Road, Fifty drive, Seventyville, TW9 32JN www.websitedomain.com +44 123 45678 View on map

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11:30 am

Ina, ta, quod fur halistrum in Etrae etin hocchui postrius prae constiam inticam teresid icissuam aperces tifecrem, caedet in dum non hores tem hi, menerfit adducenium, que tumus hocae iam.

Bem dum mo ventia L. Fuliu conem deffrei porunterit. Oviverc estuiu conica; C. Bitas bonveniciis.

Ra inaturnim inerfex ne condici parid ant. Udemo venatus anum, quit. Amditiam obusta vilne num publin sente constio, qui et inc vastiss edemena, quidefaudam Patra entrid demurbendam hae dis, se It’sinul never bad time forOviverc a spot estuiu of shopping! along to Dover Street Market, dientifecere uteacri iamque. conica Wander anum, quit. to browse on a traditional department store with quirky concessions 123 Forty Five Road, the Fiftyartistic drive, take Seventyville, TW9 32JN from your favourite brands. www.websitedomain.com +44 123 45678 View on map

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Bem dum mo ventia L. Fuliu conem deffrei porunterit. Oviverc estuiu conica; C. Bitas bonveniciis.

Ra inaturnim inerfex ne condici parid ant. Udemo venatus anum, quit. Amditiam obusta vilne num publin sente constio, qui et inc vastiss edemena, quidefaudam Patra entrid demurbendam hae dis, se dientifecere inul ute cri iamque. Oviverc estuiu conica anum, quit.

123 Forty Five Road, Fifty drive, Seventyville, TW9 32JN www.websitedomain.com +44 123 45678 View on map

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1 pm

Ina, ta, quod fur halistrum in Etrae etin hocchui postrius prae constiam inticam teresid icissuam aperces tifecrem, caedet in dum non hores tem hi, menerfit adducenium, que tumus hocae iam. time for a deffrei sit down, so head Oviverc to Flat White Soho for best coffee in town.

Bem dum mo ventia L.It’s Fuliu conem porunterit. estuiuinconica; C. the Bitas bonveniciis. theparid Kiwi ambience, and be sure to order light bite ofobusta smashed Ra inaturnim inerfex neEnjoy condici ant. Udemo venatus anum, quit.a Amditiam vilneavocado num on toast. publin sente constio, qui et inc vastiss edemena, quidefaudam Patra entrid demurbendam hae dis, se dientifecere inul ute cri iamque. Oviverc estuiu conica anum, quit.

123 Forty Five Road, Fifty drive, Seventyville, TW9 32JN www.websitedomain.com +44 123 45678 View on map

Know of any gems you’d like to share with the SLH community?

Please email your recommendation to guides@slh.com

“Xxxxx xxx xx xxxxxx xxx xxx xx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxx xx. Xxxxx xxxx x xxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx x xxxxxx xx xx xxxxx.”

– Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx

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3 pm

“My favourite café is Iris & June in Victoria, on Howick Place. The coffee is great and the lunchtime food never fails to impress!”

– Jacob Howie, Content Editor at SLH

Jump on the tube towards the Saatchi Gallery to check out the latest innovative, contemporary collection in the UK, many by up-and-coming international stars.

London is an explosion of flavours from around the world, merging together to create one of the most exciting dining scenes on earth. Every type of cuisine is represented on the streets of the British capital, and exploring them is a cultural adventure in itself. Here are some top notch dining suggestions from our London aficionados.

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6 pm

Ina, ta, quod fur halistrum in Etrae etin hocchui postrius prae constiam inticam teresid icissuam aperces tifecrem, caedet in dum non hores tem hi, menerfit adducenium, que tumus hocae iam.

Bem dum mo ventia L. Fuliu conem deffrei porunterit. Oviverc estuiu conica; C. Bitas bonveniciis.

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Oviverc estuiu conica anum, quit.

123 Forty Five Road, Fifty drive, Seventyville, TW9 32JN www.websitedomain.com +44 123 45678 View on map

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8:30 pm

Ina, ta, quod fur halistrum in Etrae etin hocchui postrius prae constiam inticam teresid icissuam aperces tifecrem, caedet in dum non hores tem hi, menerfit adducenium, que tumus hocae iam.

Bem dum mo ventia L. Fuliu conem deffrei porunterit. Oviverc estuiu conica; C. Bitas bonveniciis.

Ra inaturnim inerfex ne condici parid ant. Udemo venatus anum, quit. Amditiam obusta vilne num publin sente constio, qui et inc vastiss edemena, quidefaudam Patra entrid demurbendam hae dis, se dientifecere inul ute cri iamque. Oviverc estuiu conica anum, quit.

123 Forty Five Road, Fifty drive, Seventyville, TW9 32JN www.websitedomain.com +44 123 45678 View on map Get ready to savour and devour the traditional British dishes at Maggie Jones’s in Kensington. A local favourite, this classic restaurant offers rustic décor and a simply This is ascrumptious title menu that includes luxury pies, game of the day and classic puddings.

Ina, ta, quod fur halistrum in Etrae etin hocchui postrius prae constiam inticam teresid icissuam aperces tifecrem, caedet in dum non hores tem hi, menerfit adducenium, que tumus hocae iam.

Bem dum mo ventia L. Fuliu conem deffrei porunterit. Oviverc estuiu conica; C. Bitas bonveniciis.

Ra inaturnim inerfex ne condici parid ant. Udemo venatus anum, quit. Amditiam obusta vilne num publin sente constio, qui et inc vastiss edemena, quidefaudam Patra entrid demurbendam hae dis, se dientifecere inul ute cri iamque. Oviverc estuiu conica anum, quit.

123 Forty Five Road, Fifty drive, Seventyville, TW9 32JN www.websitedomain.com +44 123 45678 View on map

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10:30 pm

Ina, ta, quod fur halistrum in Etrae etin hocchui postrius prae constiam inticam teresid icissuam aperces tifecrem, caedet in dum non hores tem hi, menerfit adducenium, que tumus hocae iam.

Bem dum mo ventia L. Fuliu conem deffrei porunterit. Oviverc estuiu conica; C. Bitas bonveniciis.

Ra inaturnim inerfex ne condici parid ant. Udemo venatus anum, quit. Amditiam obusta vilne num publin sente constio, qui et inc vastiss edemena, quidefaudam Patra entrid demurbendam hae dis, se Now it’s theOviverc night away with someanum, classicquit.

London jazz at the place dientifecere inultime ute to cridance iamque. estuiu conica where all began Ronnie Scott’s. Enjoy mix of jazz, blues, soul and Latin music 123 Forty FiveitRoad, Fifty–drive, Seventyville, TW9a 32JN at one of London’s best venues, and don’t worry – if+44 you123 enjoy the late show andon map www.websitedomain.com 45678 View don’t want to leave, just stick around for the late late show.

Know of any gems you’d like to share with the SLH community?

Please email your recommendation to guides@slh.com

“Xxxxx xxx xx xxxxxx xxx xxx xx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxx xx. Xxxxx xxxx x xxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx x xxxxxx xx xx xxxxx.”

– Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx

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Need to know GETTING AROUND It’s no secret that the tube is the easiest and most efficient way to zip around the bustling areas of London. Not only do you get to experience seeing Londoners go about their daily commute, but you can also avoid traffic and plan your day with greater accuracy.

In order to use the London underground service, you will need either a contactless payment card or an Oyster card, which can be purchased at any Underground station. You can seek the advice of one of the on-site staff, who are usually available at a desk or kiosk, or simply use one of the top-up machines available at each station, all of which offer various languages and simple instructions. To organise a visitor’s Oyster card to be sent to you before your trip, head to tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oystercard. If you are staying in London for more than a few days, it may be worth opting for a week pass, which offers unlimited trips for one fixed price. Remember that Oyster cards can also be used on the Overground, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and train services within London.

For cabs and private cars, please speak to the concierge or front of house staff at your hotel, and they will provide you with their local taxi or chauffer service.

GENERAL SAFETY & SECURITY 999 is the official fire, police and ambulance emergency number in the UK, and it will connect you to emergency operators free of charge. Calls are also accepted on the European Union emergency number, 112.

LOCAL CELL / MOBILE SIM The UK calling code is +44, and sim cards are readily available at specialist shops that are dotted throughout the city. For call rates on your existing cell, contact your home provider.

WATER London tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

WEATHER London is notorious for its changeable weather, and it’s not uncommon for the city to see four seasons in one day. Come prepared with a variety of clothing and an umbrella, but fear not!

While London has a reputation of being drizzly, there are actually more rainy days on average in any given year in cities like Miami, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney. The city shares the same seasonal patterns as Europe and North America, with the warmest months being July and August, and the coldest January and February.

GRATUITY It is customary, but not obligatory, to tip 10-15% of the bill when eating out. Certain restaurants add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), so it’s worth checking your bill if you don’t want to tip twice.

All other tipping is at your discretion.

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Introduction Revered English author Samuel Johnson said that when “a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” No words could be truer today. For centuries, the British capital has been the heart of the UK, Europe and the world. Its influence can be seen around the globe in fashion, décor, design, literature, music and culinary trends, for one major reason – there ain’t nothing like London.

The city offers an unmatched street life, from the opulence of Belgravia to the shabby chic of the East End, with quaint canal-side pubs, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and undiscovered museums and galleries just waiting to be explored.

of London and we aren’t about to give you fluffy soundbites from the latest travel blogger.

We’re independently minded like that, and we also happen to have access to some of the best concierge services in the world with over 500 luxury hotels in more than 80 countries. So we did what any independently minded traveller would do – we reached out to them to ask them about their London. Where they eat, where they socialise, where they enjoy the city’s history and art.

So welcome to the SLH London City Guide – an indepth look at London’s top spots, curated by us using information from local London experts and our very own Invited members and staff. So turn the page to start planning your London getaway!

With an overload of tourist information floating around the internet, it can be hard to discover the real essence

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“Go to La Brasserie on Brompton Road for amazing French food and excellent service!”

– Dominique Hau, SLH Invited Member

Restaurants London is an explosion of flavours from around the world, merging together to create one of the most exciting dining scenes on earth. Every type of cuisine is represented on the streets of the British capital, and exploring them is a cultural adventure in itself. Here are some top notch dining suggestions from our London aficionados.

Maggie Jones’s This stylishly rustic restaurant has been serving the people of Kensington with hearty British classics in a cosy environment for over 40 years, and remains a classic favourite for locals. The décor leaves you feeling like you’ve just stepped into a traditional family-run restaurant nestled among the rolling hills of the English countryside, and the food will match the ambiance – tasty local meat, game of the day, classic British pies and perfect puddings. Why not venture to the quaint English countryside without leaving the limits of central London?

6 Old Court Place, Kensington Church Street, London W8 4PL maggie-jones.co.uk +44 0207 937 6462 VIEW ON MAP

Ormer Mayfair & Manette’s Bar You needn’t look further than the Ormer at Flemings Mayfair for a taste of Jersey in an art decoinspired setting, merging formidable flavours with the classic chic style of the 1920s. Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin has curated a menu inspired by his love of Jersey and its exceptional seasonal flavours. Expect fresh lobster, crab, oysters, hand dived scallops, Jersey royals and hand-picked shoreline foraged herbs in a setting that will make you feel as stylish as the star characters of The Great Gatsby.

87 Sloane Ave, Chelsea, London SW3 3DW flemings-mayfair.co.uk +44 207 016 5601 VIEW ON MAP

Veeraswamy The tantalising tastes and sensational spices of Indian cuisine is a favourite among the British, with Veeraswamy paving the way as the first Indian restaurant in the UK. Opened in 1926, it is a legendary cultural landmark in British cuisine, remaining a solid favourite amongst critics, celebrities and food lovers alike with its definitive nod to India’s classic cuisine and its exciting and experimental contemporary creations. Situated in the soul of London, enjoy one of the delectable dishes as you look out over Regent Street, one of the city’s most busy and beautiful roads.

Mezzanine Floor, Victory House, 99 Regent Street, London W1B 4RS veeraswamy.com +44 207 734 1401 VIEW ON MAP

Wilton’s When original owner George William Wilton opened his shellfish mongers in central London in 1742, he would’ve never expected his business to be thriving almost 300 years later. With charming décor that references the restaurant’s long past, this classic London staple embodies the rich vibrancy of the city’s culinary history by offering dishes that span centuries of taste trends. On offer is the UK’s finest oysters, fresh clams and seasonal game before a selection of desserts that will leave you struggling to choose.

55 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6LX wiltons.co.uk +44 207 629 9955 VIEW ON MAP

Know of any gems you’d like to share with the SLH community?

Please email your recommendation to invited@slh.com

“Xxxxx xxx xx xxxxxx xxx xxx xx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxx xx. Xxxxx xxxx x xxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx x xxxxxx xx xx xxxxx.”

– Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx

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“My favourite café is Iris & June in Victoria, on Howick Place. The coffee is great and the lunchtime food never fails to impress!” – Jacob Howie, Content Editor at SLH

Bars & Cafes In recent years, the burgeoning café and cocktail bar scene has made its presence known, and there are now an unlimited range of bars and cafes to choose from. From antipodean cafes to New York-style cocktail clubs, the capital offers a wide selection of spots to enjoy your favourite drink. Here are some of our top picks.

Bart’s London Step into the prohibition era in 1920s’ Chicago at this hidden speakeasy in South Kensington, where the only thing more convincing than the gangster-style bartenders are the delicious selection of cocktails. The bar is situated in a non-descript apartment complex, the only thing giving its location away is the comic-strip wallpaper. Not only does the theme and the “secret” entrance add to the experience, but the décor lends itself to another time in another country, giving Bart’s a zesty edge among London’s burgeoning cocktail scene.

87 Sloane Ave, Chelsea, London SW3 3DW barts-london.com +44 207 581 3355 VIEW ON MAP

Flat White Nestled in the side streets of Soho, this tiny coffee shop packs a punch with its flawless flat whites.

The New Zealand café also offers a simple yet tasty antipodean brunch menu (perfect for the down under favourite of smashed avocado on toast) and a selection of cakes and biscuits to accompany your creamy coffee. A favourite since it was first opened in 2005, it ushered in a new wave of Kiwi and Aussie cafes that have taken London by storm and left the city with a fervent desire for good flat whites. Sister café Milk Bar is only a few streets over.

17 Berwick Street, W1F 0PT flatwhitesoho.co.uk +44 207 734 0370 VIEW ON MAP

Bar Americain Frozen in another time, the opulent Bar Américain Zédel is hidden away from the crowded streets of Piccadilly Circus in a building that once housed a luxury hotel, opened in 1915. The décor is original art deco at its finest, with gold trimmings, exposed dark wood and vintage planes on the walls. As you sit in the timeless elegance of the 1930s, when the bar was renovated under the command of pioneering art deco architect Oliver Percy Bernard, you can sip on some of the finest classic cocktails the city offers.

20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED brasseriezedel.com +44 207 734 4888 VIEW ON MAP

Said First opened in Rome in 1923, Said created the ultimate mix of fresh Italian coffee and hand-made chocolates. The Said team decided to bring their tasty treats to London, opening up shop in 2013. As you enter the café, you’ll find it hard to decide which aroma has won you over – is it the fragrant Italian espresso or the sweet scent of chocolate being mixed and matched on site? The décor is contemporary with added Italian pizazz, and you’ll leave refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to explore more of London with an added sugar buzz!

41 Broadwick St, London W1F 9QL said.it +44 207 4371584 VIEW ON MAP

Know of any gems you’d like to share with the SLH community?

Please email your recommendation to invited@slh.com

“Xxxxx xxx xx xxxxxx xxx xxx xx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxx xx. Xxxxx xxxx x xxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx x xxxxxx xx xx xxxxx.”

– Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx

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“Jermyn Street is the perfect place to buy great shoes for both men and women!”

– Olav Bauman, SLH Invited Member

Sightseeing & Recreation No other city has as many famous sites as London. There’s the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge and so, so, so many more. During your down time from exploring this incredible city, check out some of the lesser-known gems that will expose a more independently minded side of London.

Dover Street Market London is synonymous with high fashion and impeccable style, and no other retail destination embodies this like Dover Street Market. Created by Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo, the market references the great British tradition of department stores but with added sass. Housed in a Grade II listed building, each space is like a gallery with the garments as the artwork.

87 Sloane Ave, Chelsea, London SW3 3DW london.doverstreetmarket.com +44 207 518 0680

VIEW ON MAP

Brixton Market & Brixton Village No other suburb represents London’s electric street life like the ever-changing Brixton, where cultures – and flavours – merge to create an eclectic range of things to do, things to see, and things to taste. Outside Market Row are the original stalls, selling meats and produce. Inside Market Row, an inspiring collection of shops and eateries in a charming London style are lined up, just waiting to be discovered. You can head to Pop Brixton for some outdoor shopping, with all shops, eateries, event spaces and bars housed in skilfully-designed containers with a true artistic buzz.

Electric Ave, London SW9 8JX brixtonmarket.net VIEW ON MAP

Clarence House Venture to the official residence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Only steps away from the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and the lush nature of Green Park, Clarence House is located on The Mall just opposite St James’s Park. Take a guided tour through the garden, which was designed by the Prince of Wales in memory of his grandmother, before exploring the entire ground floor of the house. All efforts have been taken to ensure the contents of the house have remained, with many of Her Majesty’s collection of art on display.

87 Sloane Ave, Chelsea, London SW3 3DW www.royalcollection.org.uk VIEW ON MAP

Spencer House Welcome to London’s most magnificent 18th-century aristocratic palace! Recognised as one of the most sumptuous private residences in London, Spencer House offers a unique importance in the history of English architecture and provides an insight into life in London’s bourgeois. Wander the remarkable halls of this grand residence and be in the great company of some of Spencer House’s most esteemed guests – the Duke of York, George V and, most notably, Queen Victoria.

87 Sloane Ave, Chelsea, London SW3 3DW www.spencerhouse.co.uk +44 207 514 1958

Know of any gems you’d like to share with the SLH community?

Please email your recommendation to invited@slh.com

VIEW ON MAP

“Xxxxx xxx xx xxxxxx xxx xxx xx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxx xx. Xxxxx xxxx x xxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx x xxxxxx xx xx xxxxx.”

– Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx

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“The Union Chapel is an amazing theatre housed in a working church. The architecture is amazing and the productions are world-class!”

- Karolina Ratynska, Online Marketing Manager for SLH

Culture London’s creative scene sets international trends, and it’s no surprise. The West End is full of theatres, there are so many galleries you could visit a new one every day of the year and the museums are unrivalled in their quality. Here’s some independently minded ideas to make the most of cultural attractions in London.

Top Secret Comedy Club London is home to many comedy clubs, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s capitals of comedy. For a slice of alternative comedy, head to the Top Secret Comedy Club in Covent Garden.

The club is famed for its cheap beer, its rowdy crowds and surprise A-list visitors (Jack Whitehall is a regular and Sarah Silverman is known to pop in when she’s in town). It’s cheap and cheerful, and a great way to explore comedy’s stars of tomorrow.

170 Drury Lane London, WC2B 5PD thetopsecretcomedyclub.co.uk

+44 795 6539 784

VIEW ON MAP

Soho Theatre A trip to London is incomplete without a visit to one of the West End’s world-renowned theatre shows.

From the Phantom of the Opera to Cats, the world’s best musicals have been written for or performed on the stages of London. For an eclectic range of cabaret, sketch comedy, one-man shows, spoken word and plays, check out the contemporary work at the Soho Theatre.

Soho Theatre 21 Dean Street London W1D 3NE sohotheatre.com +44 207 478 0100

VIEW ON MAP

Ronnie Scotts In 1959, saxophonist Ronnie Scott opened the door to a small basement club in London’s West End where local musicians could jam. Today, in its new home in buzzing Soho, Ronnie Scott’s is one of the world’s most famous jazz clubs, attracting full to bursting audiences almost every night. The club offers late night sessions, DJ sets, Latin nights, flamenco, jive, blues and much more.

47 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4HT www.ronniescotts.co.uk +44 207 439 0747

VIEW ON MAP

Saatchi Gallery The Saatchi Gallery offers innovative, contemporary art by largely unseen young artists or international legends whose work hasn’t been exhibited in the UK. Located on London’s hip King’s Road, the Saatchi Gallery is known for changing the landscape of art in London and creating many up-andcoming artists by allowing them access to a revered gallery with an eye for the future.

Duke Of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, London SW3 4RY saatchigallery.com +44 207 811 3070

Know of any gems you’d like to share with the SLH community?

Please email your recommendation to invited@slh.com

VIEW ON MAP

“Xxxxx xxx xx xxxxxx xxx xxx xx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxx xxx xx. Xxxxx xxxx x xxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx x xxxxxx xx xx xxxxx.”

– Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx

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“There’s nothing like a day in Greenwich – walking along the Thames, exploring the observatory and admiring the picture-worthy views of Canary Wharf’s skyline!”

– Allison Neech, SLH Invited Member

Outdoors London’s indoor activities may keep you busy, but don’t forget to make the most of the city’s lush green spaces. It may surprise you just how many parks the British capital has – there are 8 royal parks and many more green spaces dotted around the city. Here are our favourite places to discover the life outside in London.

Shepherd Market You’ll find many nods to traditional London amongst international boutiques at the charming, buzzy piazza of Shepherd Market. From Heywood Hill, a charming bookshop that opened in 1936, to the quaint Victorian pubs, there’s little you can’t find at this picturesque market. Wander past the many restaurants offering cuisines of the world as you marvel at the undeniably London scenery of the grand Victorian homes.

Shepherd Market, London W1J 7QU www.shepherdmarket.co.uk

VIEW ON MAP

St James’s Park London is blessed with many green spaces, but none are as remarkably located as St James’s Park. It’s the oldest of the capital’s eight Royal Parks, and it sits next to must-see sites such as Horse Guards Parade and The Mall. The park is the setting for events such as the annual Trooping the Colour, and provides a great view of historic London architecture from one side. Turn to the other side, and you’d swear you were in the countryside, with the serene ponds filled of swans and ducks and a remarkable amount of lush greenery.

St. James’s Park, SW1A 2BJ royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park +44 300 061 2350 VIEW ON MAP

Little Venice When you think of a trip to London, quaint waterways don’t always come to mind. The city does, however, boast an impressive range of beautiful canal-side walks from Stratford to the picture perfect Little Venice. West London’s answer to Italy’s waterside city offers a tranquil walk through some of London’s most elaborate barges, with views of the London Zoo, some of the city’s most desirable streets and plenty of cafes to sit down and enjoy the view.

Little Venice, London (near Paddington) VIEW ON MAP

Sky Garden This is the perfect indoor/outdoor experience for those who prefer to admire the outdoors from the safety of the top three storeys of the Walkie Talkie building. In the middle of London’s skyline is 20 Fenchurch Street, which offers a public green space with panoramic views of the city. You can book for free at the Sky Garden website up to three weeks in advance, and the garden offers restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a fine wine or tasty meal as you look upon London.

Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF skygarden.london +44 207 337 2344

VIEW ON MAP

Know of any gems you’d like to share with the SLH community?

Please email your recommendation to invited@slh.com

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Have a good trip!

Enjoy your independently minded stay in London.

The SLH Team

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