Friends trip to London

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As the title says, I'm planning a trip to London with a friend. The plan is to do Monday - Friday, the last week of September. We've got a few ideas of things we want to do, but would be great to get some ideas from others for things that may not have been on our radar (we've both been to London before).

While we're there, it'll be the anniversary of the passing of both of our grandfathers (different days) so we'd like to do something to make nice memories on what can be a sad day for each of us.

I'd like to do a couple of nicer meals on those days but we're both on a budget so would be looking for around £50pp for each of these. Recommendations definitely welcome.

Really nice time of year to come.

How about a walk on Hampstead Heath, combined with a look around Highgate Cemetery (beautiful, interesting, not as morbid as it sounds) and a lovely pub lunch in Highgate or Hampstead, somewhere like the Spaniards Inn/the Flask.

Walk up through Regent's Park to Primrose Hill, there's a lovely Greek restaurant along there popular with locals.

Southbank walk. As short or as long as you want. There are great spots for lunch/dinner all along, great places around Borough. Also visit the Tate Modern if that's your thing.

The David Hockney exhibition in Kings Cross looks great, there are loads of food places all around there for every budget too. You can hang around there or go down the canal to Camden/Little Venice.

We recently had a meal here, after an exhib at Tate Modern. It's a lovely location on the South Bank right by The Globe with great river views and a nice relaxed atmosphere.
Their set menu is very good value, and great food, I'd happily go again.

I hope you both have a wonderful time on your trip.

swanlondon.co.uk/menu/river-view-set-menu/

I really enjoyed Frameless at Marble Arch frameless.com
Also, the BBC Earth Experience looks like it will be really good bbcearthexperience.com
Circolo Popolare is lovely and reasonably priced.

Ottolenghi is the best meal and value in london.

So many free things to do, bus tour is fun, maybe see a show. You'll have a great time!

I'd second Swan at the Globe for a meal.
If you are foodies, Borough Market is good fun.
Is tickets for the theatre too obvious?
Pick a good museum or gallery, but don't try to see all of it - the V&A is great, and you can be selective.
The Wallace Collection is good, and free.
Think about your interests and do some research - e.g. if you're book-lovers, have a wander around Bloomsbury and spot all the blue plaques.
Go for an (expensive) drink in Claridges Le Fumoir bar 🍸

As you're there for several days, take a trip out of central London to somewhere like Kew Gardens.
www.kew.org/kew-gardens

This thread is fantastic already - thank you! We're both into books, I'm quite foodie, and we both love history.

I'm an Essex girl by birth but now live in the Midlands, and my main experiences of London have been visiting GOSH as a child so I've never done any of the museums - something my friend is very keen to change!

I can't wait - I'm potentially working in London for a few days next month so it'll be a nice warm up to get used to the Tube again!

Highgate cemetery is lovely.

Hakassan £39 menu is excellent value.

Bloomsbury for bookshops, especially Judds and Gay’s the Word.

The Courtauld Gallery is perfect - not too big but with some showstoppers. How about the British Library (it has great exhibitions) followed by a walk round Coaldrop Yard?

Where are you staying?

Went up recently with DD and we did Camden Market and then walked along the canal to Kings Cross which was nice

A light lunch at The Cheese Bar in Seven Dials for sure. And I would download TodayTix app and see if you can get some bargain last min theatre tickets.
www.thecheesebar.com/seven-dials/

Have you been to the Sky Garden? Reserve a time to pop there, its free and has great views, great plants, and prosecco.

Sky Garden is a good idea.

Daunt books in Marylebone, plus Hatchards of Piccadilly.

If you're into history, check out Dennis Severs House. Really cool and quirky.
dennissevershouse.co.uk/

John Soanes

The Wellcome Collection is nice for a mooch too, and is near the British Library.

I forgot, The Clink and The Old Operating Theatre are both interesting too.

I was going to suggest similar to this, great minds etc etc.

I’ve seen the David Hockney though and didn’t rate it sadly. Granary Square is such a great area though and if you can get a table at the Coal Office it’s fantastic food, casual vibe. About £50 a head.

If in Kings Cross, Spiritland is a great bar, often with a laid back DJ. Order the roast potatoes to have with your drink and then thank me later.