Lovely things to do in London on your own? Ideas please!

[noshiforever]

I fancy a trip to London, haven't been for years, but really want to go alone without dragging the kids round. They have been more recently and aren't fussed about going again so soon.

But what to do whilst I'm there? I'd book a lovely hotel of course. What do you all like to do if you have a day or weekend in London alone?

Beckett at the British museum

I go to Leicester Square tkts booth and buy a ticket for a show or play I love that the family don't! (If they are on currently). I eat Greek food because I love it. Camden Lock market to browse. I visit Galleries rather than the museums, because we do museums with the family. I browse the luxury food sections of Harrods,S
Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason.

I'm usually in London for work so don't have huge amounts of time on my own. If I did I'd probably arrange to meet a mate too.

Tate Modern.
Tate Britain.
Serpentine gallery.
British Museum.
John Soane's house museum.
Hyde Park.
National Gallery.
National Portrait Gallery.
Royal Academy.
Mooch round Covent Garden.
Sorry I'm mostly about the art!

I love mooching around the City marvelling at the architecture (changed so much since working there in the 70s) then a visit to Leadenhall market, St Katherine's Dock and a walk along the South Bank to Westminster Abbey. Have fun!

River boat to Greenwich and mooch around the market.

Chinz exhibition at the Fashion museum and lunch in one of the outdoor places in Vinegar Yard - they used to have a flea market on Saturdays not sure if that is still on. Followed by a browse in Borough Market.

Some of the members clubs in the west end allow non members to book rooms over the summer - not as luxurious as a hotel but nice to say you've been.

Hampstead Ladies Pond

Another vote for Becket at the British Museum!!

Go to really fancy restaurants for lunch and have lots of nice wine and 3 courses! Randomly, older people always ask if I want to join them for coffee because they think I’ve been stood up or am a sad lady alone 😃

The V & A or The Museum of London.

i would book some live theatre /music not west end (although admittedly not much on at the moment). Plan a walk in green space. See some art.

Dennis Severs House and/or the newly reopened Museum of the Home. Liberty. Cafe Boheme for a glass of fizz and Soho people watching. Bob Bob Ricard for dinner.

Ooh I'm so jealous OP, I always fantasize staying at the Mandarin Oriental and plan from there!

I was going to say Sit John Soane’s Museum.
And / or The Charterhouse
thecharterhouse.org/visit-us/

Both perfect for visiting on your own and really interesting.
Though The Charterhouse are only currently doing pre-booked tours.

Art galleries...lunch and shop!

The Leicester Sq ticket booth is currently closed - but you can book online! officiallondontheatre.com/tkts/?fbclid=IwAR1E9pA3AtbLK3dK47VvrH7pLay71fCS3brPamNL2DPbPFyOQn8ljcQMz3E

I like Greenwich too. There are some good museums there as well as a lovely park. Envious! Enjoy!

giletrouge

Tate Modern.
Tate Britain.
Serpentine gallery.
British Museum.
John Soane's house museum.
Hyde Park.
National Gallery.
National Portrait Gallery.
Royal Academy.
Mooch round Covent Garden.
Sorry I'm mostly about the art!

Yes, all of these, many/most are free. Also if you like walking just walk everywhere central instead of getting the tube, Central London is quite compact and great for getting a little list in.

I enjoy the walk from Soho down past Trafalgar Square,
up the Mall to Buckingham Palace then across the road into the park and on to Horseguards Parade.

I meant lost in

Kew Gardens is a lovely place to explore on your own.

National Gallery

Borough Market for lunch then wander along the river

A play

Shopping in Covent Garden

I live here so it’s not quite the same but I’d mooch around one of the markets - maybe Columbia Rd, though I’m not sure how feasible it is buying plants on holiday - then a lovely light lunch somewhere, maybe a walk, hotel for a snooze (might just be me ) then in the evening a concert at the Barbican and dinner. I love eating on my own at the Atlantic Bar at Sheeky’s and watching the other patrons.

Why is everyone "mooching" on this thread 😂

Surely there's more to London than mooching and galleries?

I would wait if I were you. Just had a weekend in London and with it getting warmer wearing a mask in museums and watching a concert was hard. You also need to prebook everything in time slots, not very relaxing.

I love visiting St Paul's by myself. I would walk around the old city.

I would go for food in soho as so many amazing choices.

There are endless options it depends what you like!