What exactly do you want from your trip to London?
The English language is like London: proudly barbaric yet deeply civilised, too common yet royal, vulgar yet processional, sacred yet profane.
Stephen Fry
It’s great that people are traveling again, not far but, they are traveling! I often get asked by people coming into London where they should say to make the most of London, my stock answer, it depends on what you want to do really. The thing is, there’s like a million things to do in London all the time so, my answer isn’t meant to be evasive, it’s to help people think about what they want from their trip to London.
I tend to base my answers on specific areas here a few places to consider based on what you want out of your trip!
Best area for Nightlife – Shoreditch/Spitalfields
This artsy, hip area in East London is an up-and-coming neighbourhood filled with outdoor markets, vintage clothing stores, bars, and restaurants, and it’s one of the best nightlife districts in town! The abundance of street art contrasts with old industrial warehouses and dimly lit streets. Thanks to the immigrant influence here, you’re never too far from a doner kebab or a plate of Peruvian ceviche.
Where to stay, well, if it were me and I was feeling flush, try the Mondrian Shoreditch Rooms & Suites!
Best area for Budget Travelers – King’s Cross/Camden
These two neighbouring areas are especially popular with backpackers and young Londoners. King’s Cross has a lot of hostels, and the canal banks are full of warehouses that have been transformed into restaurants and bars. Camden has always been a hot spot for the alternative crowd. Like Shoreditch, it has a lot of vintage and unusual shops (like Cyberdog, the futuristic glow-in-the-dark shop that’s also part rave). The waterside Camden Lock Market is quite famous, and is one of my favourite places in the whole of London, you’ll very often find me there on a Sunday morning. You will undoubtedly find some treasures here.
Now I know I said this budget travellers however, there’s loads of really good deals around at the moment so try The Great Northern Hotel, beautiful hotel with pantry where you can get free snacks and treats, like home-cooked cakes, and plenty of tea and coffee!!
Best area for Arts/Culture 1 – Soho
Okay, I’m cheating a little here but, but, but, there is SO much Art and Culture you’d be mad to confine yourself to one place! Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The former red-light district, Soho is home to hundreds of restaurants, pubs, stores, all-night coffee shops, and theatres. It’s eclectic and exciting, and London’s artistic community thrives here. I love Soho at night when the pubs here spill onto the street with people having a pint after work. You’re only a twenty minute walk from a lot of the main attractions (especially the West End theatres). This is one of my favourite areas in the city!
Staying in this area, again look for deals at the moment and try The Soho Hotel. No two guestrooms are the same at the Soho Hotel; they’re also enormous and most have floor-to-ceiling windows!
Best area for Arts/Culture 2 – Covent Garden
Covent Garden is just east of Soho. This is the theatre district and is also known for its historic indoor market and pre COVID throngs of tourists! There are plenty of street performers and lots of shopping opportunities. But it’s also a quirky neighbourhood with cobblestone streets, cool shops, restaurants, and a historic square. It’s also VERY central.
Check for deals at The Fielding Hotel. Named after 18th century novelist Henry Fielding and situated right opposite the Royal Opera House, The Fielding stands proudly as one of Covent Garden's most historically rich, desirably located boutique hotels.
Best area for Luxury – Mayfair
Look no further than your monopoly board for where the well healed congregate in London! Mayfair is one of the wealthiest areas in London, actually one of the wealthiest areas in the world! Located between Hyde Park and the West End, it’s home to numerous five-star hotels, classy art galleries, and ultra-expensive shops but it gets quiet at night which is quite nice. If you’re looking to stay in one of the city’s fancier and more beautiful neighbourhoods, look no further!
The Beaumont has been closed for refurbishment and is just about to reopen so, you might get lucky on a good price! I’m dying to see what they’ve done with the place however, even before the refurb walking into the lobby was like stepping back into time. The walnut-panelled walls were covered in original classic paintings and photography, and all the rooms are art deco style with king-sized beds. I’m sure they simply enhanced their winning formula!
Best area for Families – The City of London
This is technically the centre of London (sometimes called “The Square Mile”), and it’s where the Romans set up a small military outpost named Londinium in 43 CE. You can still see evidence of the Romans here, including the crumbling wall on Tower Hill. Now, the area a financial district. There are several good markets here like Whitecross Street, with its large number of international food vendors; the Sunday Upmarket in the Old Truman Brewery for handmade crafts and clothing; and Leather Lane for a more traditional mix of everything from leather to tropical flowers. I like the history, quiet, and central location of this neighbourhood.
If you want to stay somewhere a little different you won’t go far wrong with the Counting House Hotel. The Counting House is actually an iconic English pub with 15 large luxury rooms above it with what I’m led to believe are the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sleep in!
And finally, I couldn’t write a fashion blog without mentioning……
Best area for Fashion – Chelsea
Chelsea has a global reputation as London’s most fashionable neighbourhood. There are also some very picturesque hidden squares you can find with a little exploration, and the colourful buildings make for great photography. It’s located on the Thames, and Albert Bridge (reputably one of the “most romantic bridges in the world”) and has beautiful views over London. Chelsea is pretty residential, but there are lots of galleries and shopping options!
Again, if you can find a good deal try Blakes Hotel – Each room is different; some have four-poster beds, or enormous chandeliers, or antique furniture! The bathrooms have heated floors and HUGE soaker bathtubs!
What’s on this week?
Head & Eyes – LeLUTKA EvoX AVALON 3.0
Hair – DOUX - Ryancita Hairstyle [S]
Face Skin – [Glam Affair] Eloise Layer [Lelutka EvoX] Caramel A @ this round of Uber
Body – Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara V5.3
Nails – Ascendant - Smoothie Fatpack - Maitreya
AO – BodyLanguage SLC BENTO AO Cadence
Shape – My Own Shape
Face Piercings – ^^Swallow^^ Princess
Rings & Hand Chain – (Yummy) Spring Buttefly - Maitreya
Shorts & Top – .miss chelsea. Halo Set Maitreya @ this round of Uber
Shoes – Eudora3D Meadow Wedges (Maitreya)
Pictures take at the Very realistic and beautiful Costa Brava
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