Having spent three out of the four years of living in London beneath piles of revision and text books, studying a Biochemistry degree; I often found it difficult to explore the city. It’s not only until I finished my education and had a few months of discovering what job path I wanted to take, in between freelance work and running Fresh And Fearless that I had the chance. Often I would spend my afternoons out and about with my camera, capturing the prettiness through the lens. The quote that often gets passed around between Londoners is “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” and I think there is no truer quote. You don’t have to go far or look hard to see the beautiful wonders that are in London.
As a round up of those many afternoons I spent exploring, I thought I would share my favourite spots to get a insight to ‘my pretty little London’. I’m sure it will help many people who don’t live in London and are only here for a short amount of time.
Come on, grab my hand! We’re going on a whistle stop tour.
1. Kyoto Gardens, Holland Park
In the hustle and bustle of London, you can certainly find peace at Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park. Complete with picturesque views, trickling lakes and utter peace and quiet.
2. Westminster Bridge
The Big Ben needs no introduction, but I find it can be really hard to get a good view (and picture!) of the Big Ben. If you head down the stairs just off the Westminster Bridge, you can be sure to get a stunning view.
3. London Southbank
The Southbank is my favourite place to walk along at night, with all the buildings in full glow and the night sky above. Such a great way to see enjoy London at night.
4. Little Venice, Maida Vale
If you like to visit the less touristy spots then you can pop down to the little canals of Little Venice and get some very pretty shots of London in a different light.
5. Somerset House
Somerset House always put’s on a beautiful skate rink during the festive period, so be sure to check it out and have a test out your ice-skating skills.
6. National History Museum
The Natural History museum is another place to have a great outdoor skating experience. However, the museum is also great all year round. Definitely makes a great day out with the family and it can also be hired out as a wedding venue too!
7. Regents Park
Regents Park will always be my favourite London park. It offers more untouched beauty than all the other parks and it’s just a great way to get out and about. It’s so ideal in the summer, when you can take a picnic and have a sunbathe before grabbing an ice-cream on the way home.
8. The Shard
The Shard is another great way to experience London at heights. It may be a concrete jungle, like a mini New York but it sure is one pretty jungle.
9. Greenwich Royal Observatory
Want to see London with some greenery? There is nothing better than an autumnal wander through Greenwich Park with a hot chocolate. Before making it up to the top of the hill, taking in that stunning view.
10. Primrose Hill
If you want a little further through Regents Park, you will come to another amazing viewing spot. Primrose Hill is another favourite. I often find myself sitting against a tree on the hill, whilst reading a book in the summer.
11. Waterloo Bridge
Waterloo Bridge offers another panoramic view across the city with the water in sight. It’s truly breathtaking…
12. Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf is a place where people associate it with high rise buildings and offices but there is so much more to it. There are some lovely little cafes, shops and pretty viewing points, seeing London from the East.
13. Sky Garden
The Sky Garden is an indoor space that allows you to enjoy London at heights, but from a different perspective to The Shard. It also has some of the best cocktails whilst giving you a healthy supply of oxygen. 😉
14. The Roof Gardens, Kensington
The Roof Gardens in Kensington brings you that little piece of the tropics to London with beautiful resident flamingos.
15. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a little shopping village within itself. Pick yourself up a macaron from Ladurée before scoping out the shops. Be sure not to caught under the mistletoe though, you might just get an unexpected kiss from a stranger!
16. Daunt Books, Marylebone
If you want to check out of the prettiest book shops in London, then definitely pop into Daunt Books in Marylebone. If you do, you’ll probably find me in the travel section…
17. London Eye
Riding the London eye is one thing, but passing it in the middle of the night with in shining with multicoloured lights, now that’s something you don’t see everyday.
18. St. Paul’s & Madison Rooftop Bar
Madison Rooftop Bar is great for drinks, but there is nothing more picturesque than watching the sunset overhead, with St. Paul’s in front of you and the London eye peeking in the background.
19. Duck And Waffle
If you want to make your London experience truly wonderful. How about getting up at the crack of dawn and having breakfast in the Heron Tower at Duck And Waffle? Watch the sunrise and you eat your morning eggs and sip at hot coffee.
20. Min Jiang
If you love Chinese food and want to have a dining experience with an unexpected view, then try Min Jiang.
21. Richmond Park
If you an adventurer and are happy to venture out to the outskirts of London, definitely visit Richmond Park. The park is full of tonnes of friendly deer and offers miles of forestry to enjoy a long peaceful walk.
22. Emirates Air Line, Greenwich
The tube isn’t the only way to travel in London. Grab your Oyster card and jump aboard the Emirates Air Line and travel at heights in little cable cars across the city.
23. Vista Rooftop Bar
If you’ve already checked out Madison Rooftop Bar then be sure to try Vista Rooftop Bar too. Nothing says hello weekend like a champagne cocktail and a delicious view of London.
24. Sketch
Sketch is known for it’s egg shaped toilets and multi-coloured tiled ceilings. Be sure to pop in for a unique afternoon tea experience and check out the bathrooms whilst you’re there.
25. Liberty London
Liberty London is one of London’s most loved boutique department stores. Not only are there fresh bouquets of flowers out everyday, they also stock the finest luxury brands too. I guess the building itself is a bit pretty too… 😉
Have you been to any of my favourite Instagram worthy spots before?
Until next time…
