London is a vibrant, bustling city, and as a local, you probably know that there is tonnes to do. However, living in one place day in and day out can get tiresome, no matter how awesome that city may be. Luckily, London is full of activities to do and places to visit to prevent you from getting bored. Here are a few great ideas to help you get that holiday feeling at home.
Be a Tourist in Your Own City
View London through the eyes of a tourist and go to all of those places you have always wanted to visit. No matter how long you have lived in London, most Londoners have not actually visited all of the tourist spots. Perhaps it’s that intriguing exhibition at the Tate you have been meaning to visit or the hidden underground tunnels beneath Waterloo station. Whatever it is, take some time to explore your city. Not only will visiting new places and seeing new things make you feel like you’re in another place, but it will also help you appreciate London more.
Indulge in Different Cuisines
London is a cultural hub, and it is home to an astounding array of diverse eateries. If you are missing your favourite holiday destination, then do a little research for the best restaurant that serves up the most authentic dishes from your country of choice. Notting Hill has a wide selection of cuisines to choose from, while Chinatown is a great place for a taste of Asia. James Street has a diverse range of restaurants to choose from. Cafe Luca is a charming eatery with a Mediterranean menu, and it can be found near James Street station. Visit cafe-luca.co.uk to read the menu and to make a reservation.
Go to the Beach
Nothing makes you feel more like you’re abroad than being at the beach. Granted, the temperature might be a few degrees lower than you would like, but you will get that holiday feeling nonetheless. If you want to stay close, then hop on the Piccadilly Line and take the tube to Ruislip and Northwood Hills. From this station, you can take a quick 20-minute stroll to the Ruislip Lido Beach in West London. Ruislip Lido features a yellow, sandy beach, a 60-acre lake, and there are woodland trails to explore. There is even a pirate ship and a miniature train to keep kids busy. Slightly further afield, you can find Camber Sands in East Sussex, where a few Hollywood flicks have been filmed, and the pebbly beach in Brighton. Both Camber Sands and Brighton beach are approximately one hour away from London on the train.
Picnic at the Park
When the sun is shining, pack a picnic and head to the park to enjoy the rays. Regent’s Park is a crowd favourite. It is home to ZSL London Zoo which means that you can make a day of it and visit the animals after your picnic lunch. Richmond Park is 2,500 acres big which makes it the largest park in London. It is home to hundreds of deer, as well as birds, bats, and wildflowers.