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half term afternoon alone in London (adult) - what would you do?

29 replies

SnowdropsBlooming · 19/02/2025 10:27

If you had most of a day to yourself in central London, what would you do? I have done main tourist things before. I want to do a bit of shopping like Uniqlo that is only in London, so I guess that means central (Oxford st/Regent st) but could easily get anywhere else. Happy to browse other shops for a little while (clothes, books) if they are shops I don't get access to in person much, like Uniqlo, but that area is always so busy for shopping and puts me off, and I'm not planning on buying much, so want to go elsewhere as well.

I enjoy museums, exhibitions, history, classical music, ballet, etc. Less so art galleries, though sometimes for specific exhibitions. I often see places to go or stuff to do advertised on in London when I'm not able to be there, but can never think of it when I do have an unexpected chance. Half term tends to be full of a lot of activities for children, which aren't always good for a lone adult - e.g, I haven't been to the science museum for ages, but not sure half term is the best time! Some of them might be good though if there's anything different or new; or free outdoor events/displays/lights.

Too late to book to go up to the Sky Gardens, which was on my list some day.

I might do one of the walk in back massages at Neal's Yard. Or find an interesting but not crowded cafe for lunch or afternoon tea, though I feel a bit odd on my own in some places.

What would be your perfect afternoon? (or indeed evening; I'm then free to stay as long as I like, from about 12pm), but relatively limited budget wise so not buying expensive tickets or meals!!

OP posts:
Mindymomo · 19/02/2025 10:31

I would go to the ticket booth in Leicester Square and get tickets for a show, these are often returns, so you can get a good bargain.

Elderflower14 · 19/02/2025 10:33

The Wallace Collection is near Oxford Street. It's brilliant...♥️

Elderflower14 · 19/02/2025 10:34

Oh and WC is free!!

Poorkids · 19/02/2025 10:42

Wander along the South Bank?

DeepFatFried · 19/02/2025 10:46

There is a big Uniqlo in Battersea Power Station if you haven’t had a look round there yet.

The building is interesting to explore, seeing the original structures and tiles etc.

You could take the tube or the boat there.

Maybe a stroll round Battersea Park.

ritasuebobtoo · 19/02/2025 10:48

Tube to S Ken. Walk overground from there through Thurloe Street through the lovely individual cafes and shops towards Exhibition Rd, to the V&A etc.

SnowdropsBlooming · 19/02/2025 11:18

thank you, some lovely ideas so far

OP posts:
clary · 19/02/2025 11:20

I would see if there is anything on afternoon wise at South Bank - a chamber concert or the like. Tickets cheaper sometimes and more available.

So for example tomorrow there is a free clarinet concert at 6pm which I would love to go to! If only I were in London. Not saying you are there tomorrow @SnowdropsBlooming but it’s worth a look.

Assumingthebest · 19/02/2025 11:22

Go on a guided walk, some interesting specific ones on walks.com

BigDahliaFan · 19/02/2025 11:27

Wallace Collection. I love it there and it's handy for the shops. Lovely cafe too.

But tbh what I often do with an afternoon in london is a quick look round John Lewis and then a long lunch somewhere nice.

Guided walk if it was nice. Pictures or Theatre if it's not. As a single you can get into a matinee easily.

Bjorkdidit · 19/02/2025 11:29

I try to have a day out in London at least once a year and also sometimes get a couple of hours spare if I'm there for work.

In addition to a lot of what's already mentioned I like the Tate Modern. I've also noted Battersea Power station as an 'alternative to Oxford Street big Uniqlo for those of us not near London'.

I've now also added Japan House to my list after hearing Jenny Eclair talking about it on her podcast. Sadly the model food exhibition she was talking about has finished but it sounds like an interesting place to visit anyway and you can still see a virtual version of the food on their website

https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/looks-delicious-virtual-exhibition/

Pedallleur · 19/02/2025 11:31

Set lunch at eg Savoy Grill. Then whatever takes your interest

SnowdropsBlooming · 19/02/2025 12:53

thank you, googling some of these ideas.
It's friday I'll be there.
I've downloaded a rush tickets app to see if there is anything good and cheap on for the evening, and there are a couple of shows I hope might come up.
Looking for some classical daytime/lunch concerts is a good idea.
And if the weather is good, I like the idea of using a boat to get places!
I was at Battersea Power station a couple of Christmases ago to see the lights, but I think it was only just barely open and didn't have that many shops open yet, so might be worth another look now in the daytime.

OP posts:
london111 · 19/02/2025 13:22

I went to the British library exhibition on women in medieval britain last weekend which was brilliant - not as niche as it sounds, really interesting and amazing seeing the objects… just by King’s Cross so easy to stroll into town, you could go via Sir John Soames house which is also fab

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 19/02/2025 13:29

Afternoon tea somewhere fancy.

StormingNorman · 19/02/2025 13:37

I’m desperate to get to the Frameless exhibition. I know you said not art galleries but this looks fantastic.

BigDahliaFan · 19/02/2025 13:37

https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/hew-locke-what-have-we-here

This is brilliant at the British Museum.

SnowdropsBlooming · 19/02/2025 17:32

Actually the Frameless exhibition looks really good. I think I might try that, if I can work out where else I want to be. I found a play I'd like to get Rush tickets for which is Leicester Square area, but I probably won't know until 10am - presuming that's when they'll be available - so I kind of don't want to book until I know if I get tickets or not, as otherwise I could do the exhibition in the evening.

Possibly also the British Museum one. I looked on their website and was also quite interested in the Silk Roads one, but sadly that is sold out unless you're a member. I wonder if they do any day-returns or anything, might be worth emailing I guess.

British Library also a good shout, I know they do some good small exhibitions.

OP posts:
Whatwouldnanado · 19/02/2025 17:37

There’s a good Uniqlo on Kensington high st. Then you could take the tube to the V&A for tea in the cafe. Have fun.

DancefloorAcrobatics · 19/02/2025 17:39

Try the British Library: Medieval Woman exhibition.
They also have a Silk Road exhibition- although focused on a city in China.

medievalwomen.seetickets.com/timeslots/filter/medieval-women-in-their-own-words

SnowdropsBlooming · 19/02/2025 17:40

Gosh Londoners really do have their pick of Uniqlos!! You'd think they could spread them out across the country just a little bit. I'd only really seen the ones on Oxford/Regent st. but sounds like there are quite a few.

OP posts:
LovelySunnyDayToday · 19/02/2025 20:42

map.uniqlo.com/uk/en/

SnowdropsBlooming · 19/02/2025 20:44

I didn't know there was one in Coal Drops Yard, that could be handy for Kings Cross.

OP posts:
ANiceCuppaTeaandBiscuit · 19/02/2025 20:52

SnowdropsBlooming · 19/02/2025 20:44

I didn't know there was one in Coal Drops Yard, that could be handy for Kings Cross.

And if going to Kings Cross you could check out the Vogue Runway exhibit at the Lighthouse. I havnt been yet but it looks great!

Firenzeflower · 19/02/2025 20:54

Huge Uniqlo in Covent Garden.

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