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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

London - ideas for couple

13 replies

toinfinityandbeyond · 21/08/2024 15:07

I've got one night/two days in London next week. Just myself and my husband. We've got a river cruise booked and plans to go to the American Bar at the Savoy, but other than that, have nothing else planned! Our hotel has a rooftop bar, so we intend to spend the evening there. Can't say any of the the shows currently on appeal to us.
Does anyone have any suggestions for things to see/do away from the usual tourist trap?
Any suggestions for food? Would love a good Tapas place!
We're staying at the Sea Containers, if that helps! 😊

OP posts:
Baleful · 21/08/2024 15:11

What do you like doing — art, theatre, museums, eating out etc? Have you looked at what’s on at the NT, Globe or South Bank Centre/Royal Festival Hall?

chickadeee · 21/08/2024 15:13

I walking distance is the Tate modern. It's free and I love going there. Their restaurant (and coffee / bar) on the 6th floor has lovely views and their corner cafe downstairs has a great vibe for a drink and chill. A short stroll down the river to Covent Garden. Would highly recommend a teeny tiny cafe in neals yard called 26 grains for lunch. A short stroll the other way to London Bridge and my two favourite restaurants are Arabica and Mallow. I know you didn't ask for food places but I revolve all my outings around eating!!

chickadeee · 21/08/2024 15:14

You're also spitting distance from BFI, Southbank centre, haywards gallery, then v short walk to the national gallery...

Meadowwild · 21/08/2024 15:22

Are you serious that not one single show on in London right now appeals to you? There's everything from mainstream and alternative musicals, comedies, modern and classic plays. I'd have a closer look and get tickets for one. Nowhere in Britain has such variety and such high standards.

What else do you enjoy doing? There's free galleries at Tate, Tate Modern,. National and National Portrait, free exhibits at British Museum, National Maritime, V&A, Science and Natural History. Quirky museums like Dennis Severs, John Soane, Postal Museum, Wynde's don't cost much.

High fashion window shopping around New Bond Street, mainstream shopping in Covent Garden, markets at Spitalfields, Camden etc.

Original poster
toinfinityandbeyond · 21/08/2024 15:24

@Baleful @chickadeee, thanks so much for these recommendations.
We definitely base our days on good food and good wine, so any other recommendations gratefully received!

OP posts:
Hyperion100 · 21/08/2024 15:30

Barrafina for tapas! Not cheap but very good. Theres one in Borough Yards

Lobos meat & Tapas is also very good.

Baleful · 21/08/2024 15:36

toinfinityandbeyond · 21/08/2024 15:24

@Baleful @chickadeee, thanks so much for these recommendations.
We definitely base our days on good food and good wine, so any other recommendations gratefully received!

Alas, my favourite Soho restaurant, Bocca di Lupo, is closed for renovations till Sept, but you’re close to Borough market for food — go early, though. It’s turned into a mad tourist attraction and battling through crowds isn’t fun. In your shoes, I’d see Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing at the Old Vic or (more of a long shot as it’s sold out, but there will be returns), The Years at the Almeida, and the expressionists at Tate Modern (Yoko Ono also worth seeing) and get tapas at Moro in Exmouth Market.

longdistanceclaraclara · 21/08/2024 15:37

The at Sea Containers is lovely, fab views so book that, it gets busy especially if a nice evening.

longdistanceclaraclara · 21/08/2024 15:38

Ignore me, didn't read your post properly! Do book it though

BlueLegume · 21/08/2024 15:46

@toinfinityandbeyond great exhibition on at The Hayward at the moment - if you like a gallery that is and you are very close to it….Tavares Strachan. You are in such a great location you can easily wander away ages. If you are interested in less tourist trap time then head up towards Angel and Upper Street. You are spoilt for choice restaurant wise on Upper Street and Camden Passage running parallel near Islington Green is cute.

Original poster
toinfinityandbeyond · 21/08/2024 15:53

Meadowwild · 21/08/2024 15:22

Are you serious that not one single show on in London right now appeals to you? There's everything from mainstream and alternative musicals, comedies, modern and classic plays. I'd have a closer look and get tickets for one. Nowhere in Britain has such variety and such high standards.

What else do you enjoy doing? There's free galleries at Tate, Tate Modern,. National and National Portrait, free exhibits at British Museum, National Maritime, V&A, Science and Natural History. Quirky museums like Dennis Severs, John Soane, Postal Museum, Wynde's don't cost much.

High fashion window shopping around New Bond Street, mainstream shopping in Covent Garden, markets at Spitalfields, Camden etc.

Sorry, should have been more clear! Most of the bigger shows we've already seen, and with us just having the one night we were thinking more dinner/drinks with a view.
We enjoy a nice walk (broken up with some good snacks and drinks)
Don't particularly want to shop, but do like a quirky market.
Galleries could be a good shout. Thanks 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
toinfinityandbeyond · 21/08/2024 15:56

These are all great. Thank you so much. We're trying to avoid the main tourist hot spots, so these are fab suggestions!

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