Things to do near The Ritz in London for a few hours

[Givemethestrength]

I'm going to The Ritz soon for an afternoon tea and I've never been to London before! I know it's near some of the main attractions in London, what's worth doing/going to and any hidden gems I should check out?

The Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy is v close indeed (nearly opposite on Piccadilly) - and fun - both professional and amateur artists

👆🏼came on this thread to say exactly this 😂.

If you have never been to London before then I'd walk from the Ritz through Green Park and see Buckingham Palace and then through St James Park to see the Houses of Parliament and then up Whitehall past No 10. Up to Trafalgar Square to see Nelson and then back along Piccadilly past the RA and Fortnums to the Ritz. You could do it in under an hour but I'd allow for 90 pleasant minutes!

The London Eye is within walking distance across the bridge. It would be a lovely thing to do after tea at The Ritz. Need to book tickets in advance though

Hi. Walk through Green Park down to Buckingham Palace, walk back, along Piccadilly, there is Fortnum and Mason and Burlington Arcade

Green park. Fortnum and Mason (book for afternoon tea). Waterstones (biggest in Europe), they also have a restaurant bar rooftop. Green park. You can walk quite easily onto the Mall, visit Institute four contemporary arts there, St James’s Park. Lillywhites Piccadilly Circus for sports stuff, plus Eros.

Plenty of places to stop but there’s a Caffè Nero and a pub directly opposite Trafalgar Square going towards Admiralty Arch/the Mall. There’s also a small Tesco across the road. You will need coffee/ice cream/water with that walk! The Caffè Nero I’ve always got a seat in.

Bring spare shoes for the walking bit!
the ritz has a lovely cloak room!

If you’re doing Trafalgar Square you could walk or get a bus to Tate Britain. There’s a cafe restaurant there but you can eat sandwiches on the grass outside. You could even get a Uber Thames clipper boat from Westminster to Millbank for this. Again cafe/bar onboard, cost of oyster ticket.

That sounds lovely! I will definitely check that out, thanks!

This is good to know, thanks! I was planning on fitting some comfy sandals in my bag 😆

I went this week - great fun. It’s not free though and you need to book.

OP is already going for afternoon tea at the Ritz, I’m not sure she’ll want two 😆

Fortnum & Mason is a good call. It’s only a short walk to Carnaby Street too for Liberty.

I spent a solid hour just people watching in Green Park last summer. Was fascinating to see the comings and goings. There is a little kiosk that sells drinks and snacks.

At one point, a fully dressed clown appeared from nowhere, stood around chatting to a group of non-clown people sat on the grass, then after 10-20mins, just wandered off into the foliage and I never saw him again. It was like Mr Benn in real life!

You could have a look round Fortnum and Mason which is opposite.