Make the most of your time in the British capital
Whether it’s history, British Culture, European Cuisine or the arts, London has so much to offer. If adventure leaves you famished, visit one of London’s best pasta haunts Padella, 6 Southwark St (note: you will have to queue, and it can be long so opt for lunch and arrive early!) or if waiting in line isn’t for you then you can visit the sister restaurant Trullo, 300-302 St Paul's Rd, Highbury East which takes reservations. If British fare is more what you’re after then head to St John, 26 St John St, Clerkenwell. Renowned Chef Fergus Henderson has repopularised offal and offcuts in restaurant dining at this London institution. The place also has a bar and a bakery so you can enjoy a pint or dessert if you want something lighter. (Note—not recommended for vegetarians).
If the hustle and bustle of the city has left you craving something different (and of course if weather permits) then explore a taste of the British countryside without venturing too far by visiting Richmond. Richmond itself has a village feel. Weather permitting you can stroll along the riverside Thames Path (in summer you can hire boats) and explore Richmond park (Petersham Road, Richmond), where you will find deer roaming (please, don’t attempt to feed them). For lunch or afternoon tea, enjoy the greenery of Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Off Petersham Road.
The Essentials
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Major Airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, City
Trains Connections to Continental Europe: from King’s Cross/St Pancras Station, the Eurostar goes directly to France, Belgium and the Netherlands
Tipping: in restaurants a 10-15% tip is customarily added to a restaurant bills when service fee hasn’t already been added
Getting around in London
Public Transport
To use London’s famous tube you can either purchase an Oyster card or use your own contactless credit card. Oyster cards can be purchased from a tube station or at local newsagencies or corner stores in London. If you choose to use your contactless credit card you may be charged a fee by your bank so be sure to check beforehand. All AMEX cards are accepted, as are most Visa and Mastercards. To get more information on whether using an Oyster or using your own contactless credit card is the right decision for you see the Transport For London website
Uber, Black Cabs and Licenced Minicabs
You can still use your Australian Uber account to get around in London. Alternatively you can use black taxis (which accept credit cards) or private care hire. If you use private car hire be sure to either negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure there is a meter and it is turned on. If paying by credit card, ask the driver beforehand when in Private
Things to do in London
Museums
The National Gallery: home to masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and many more
Tate Modern: one of the best museums for modern and contemporary art in the world
British Museum: a must-see destination for history lovers
Victoria & Albert: a fascinating blend of historical objects, art, fashion and more
The Perimeter: not quite a museum, but a beautifully presented private collection with the most exciting contemporary artists
LONDON CLASSICS
Liberty: less famous than Harrods but also more charming, this is the perfect Christmas shopping destination
Claridge’s: situated in the heart of Mayfair, this five-star hotel is famous for its afternoon tea
West End Theatre: London has plenty to offer, from Shakespeare’s classics to popular musicals
Secret Cinema: always dreamt of playing a part in a famous movie? London’s immersive cinema is your chance
Borough Market: London’s famous food market on the south bank - in the weekends, also try the nearby Maltby St market
Culinary delights
St. John: located next to the Smithfield meat market, this nose-to-tail restaurant is known for its exceptional British fare in a no-nonsense setting
Rochelle Canteen: hidden away in the converted bike shed of a school in Shoreditch, the daily changing menu based on local produce is a favourite amongst locals
The River Cafe: situated along the bank of the river Thames in West London, this restaurant alone is worth a trip to the city
Core by Clare Smyth: for a truly exceptional dining experience that elevates British classics to a new level, this three Michelin star restaurant is not to be missed
Noble Rot: with classic European dishes and the most interesting wine list in London, the restaurant’s magazine is distributed as far away as Sydney
Trullo: incredible Italian recipes prepared with local British produce make for one of London’s best restaurants - also check out their pasta bar Padella
Other notable mentions: 10 Greek Street, Andrew Edmunds, Ducksoup, The Shed, Campania & Jones, Mazi
BARS & PUBS
Mr Fogg’s Residence: a Victorian-era styled cocktail bar where the eclectic decor alone is worth a visit
Sketch: an art-filled restaurant and bar in Mayfair that’s an unmissable experience on your visit to London
Clarette: a modern restaurant and bar in set in a Tudor townhouse
The French House: a legendary pub in Soho that was frequented by the likes of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud
The Churchill Arms: with a flower-covered exterior, this is undoubtedly one of London’s most recognisable pubs
Parks & Gardens
Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill: boasts elegant landscaping and stunning Regent architecture, with spectacular skyline views from Primrose Hill
Richmond Park: the perfect option for a quick escape from the bustling city - surrounded by deer, British pubs and the great restaurant at Petersham Nurseries
Royal Greenwich Observatory: with panoramic view of Canary Wharf and the city, this is also home to the Greenwich Mean Time prime meridian - and the Trafalgar Tavern on the Thames
Hampstead Heath: a short tube ride from Central London, this is a favourite weekend destination for locals with stunning views of the city
Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew: the British are famous for their obsession with gardening - here this is taken to a whole new level
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Christmas at Kew Gardens: You won’t find a market here but you’ll find a beautiful trail of winter lights at Kew Gardens
Winter Market at Southbank: in December, the Queen’s Walk on the southern bank of the Thames fills up with Christmas stalls
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: join the Christmas festivities in the heart of London - Hyde Park
Somerset House Ice Rink: practice your ice skating skills in the magnificent neoclassical courtyard of the Somerset House, followed by a glass of Moët & Chandon
