Something nice to do on Sunday in London

[Verdantview]

Having a rare day just with my husband and we are looking for something do in London to pass the day before an evening event. We are staying near Holborn, so quite central. Weather looking mostly dry from 11ish onwards. Everything seems to be booking up quickly, so preferably something that doesn’t require booking beforehand. Any suggestions for somewhere to have a stroll around; market perhaps, or area with decent independent shops or interesting landmarks would be great. Many thanks!

Natural history museum is fun and free.

Thank you @Anonymouskitty; however I’ve done that quite a few times with my children, so was looking for something a bit different that I wouldn’t necessarily do with them. It is fab though!

The Wallace collection, behind bond street is great if you haven't been. New café there is nice too

Closer to holborn is John Soanes museum which really is one of a kind.

Honestly I’d just walk. But head away from the West End and towards the city. Down Holborn, across viaduct, maybe past Smithfield and through the Barbican. Then head across towards the river and do St Catherine’s dock and Wapping. Loads to see there. Lots of history and interesting things. City much more interesting than the West End.

Walk through Kensington Gardens. Go to the jewellery gallery in the V and A.

Columbia Road Flower Market - not too far from where you're staying and lovely for a mooch around on a Sunday morning.

So many great suggestions; thank you!

I’d avoid the big museums, often full of children on a Sunday. The Sir John Soane museum is interesting and is open on Sundays. A walk along the south bank is always lovely on a dry day. http://www.soane.org/

Borough Market is just around the corner from Southwark Cathedral just off the river, great if you are a bit of a foodie.

If it's a nice day I would walk down to the Courtauld gallery at Somerset House. I've never had a problem getting into the permanent collection although you may want to check before you set out, but my main aim would be to have a hot chocolate and watch the skaters. There is also a bar on the river side of the building. I would then cross Waterloo Bridge and have a walk along the South Bank and through the Christmas Market.
If you want smaller shops and don't mind jumping on a bus the area around Coal Drop Yard at King's Cross is good for a wander and I think their Xmas market is on this weekend too.
For fancier shops the best option in central London is Marylebone High Street which you could do after a trip to the Wallace Collection - again, special exhibitions book up but the permanent collection is easy to get into. Good cafe too!

Are you interested in Christmas lights/displays? If so I’d just do a Xmas light walk like this route https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/walking-tour-route-christmas-lights-attractions-london but there are loads if you google. Stop off at cafes/bars as you fancy.

In that case i'd do Camden market. Great food and can just walk around and look at things to buy 🥰🥰

We had a mooch round Coal Drops Yard behind Kings Cross a few months ago, it’s all being redeveloped around there and was lovely.

I second this. Then I’d walk across Lincoln’s Inn Fields, through New Square if it’s open (otherwise the street next to it), down the alley by the Royal Courts of Justice and have a little wander round the Inns of Court, including the church famous for the knights Templar. Lots of dickens/period TV is shot round there . It won’t take long then you can head towards the South Bank or Covent Garden if you want

I love these suggestions. Might have to do a few more trips to London to do them! Thanks.

Thank you for all your suggestions, we had a wonderful time.

What did you end up doing?

Most of the suggestions here. The Christmas light trail, then @Anotherdayanotherpound & @mustytrusty’s itinerary and @LollyWillow‘s idea of a bit of Somerset House. Was going to go to the John Soames, but it was shut this morning so that’s for another time. Much appreciate the inspiration.

What did you think of it all? You did one of my suggestions (I feel honoured 😁) and would love to know if you thnk it’s a worthwhile suggestion to other visitors. I think it’s particularly nice in the summer tbh. I won’t be offended if you weren’t keen!

It was perfect as the weather was glorious and I love walking round exploring, particularly when the architecture is as interesting. It was also quiet, with it being a weekend. We then went down to river and continued our walk- think we did 15k steps 😅 It was nice to have a loose plan so we could make the most of our time in London. Thanks ☺️ @MaudlinGazebo that light trial was great.

Definitely a good route for visitors 👍🏻