Mentioned by London x London
The London Sightseeing Guide: 39 Unmissable Things to do in London
"Day 1: Arrive in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, the London EyeDay 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Whitehall, Covent GardenDay 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sky GardenDay 4: National Gallery, Greenwich, Prime Meridian, Up at the O2Day 5: British Museum, Portobello Road Market, Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrod’s"
"Number two on our list of the bests building and architecture in London is the stunning sky gardens. This is one of the most modern buildings found in the city. Also, its one of the highest public gardens to be found in the United Kingdom."
"At the Sky Garden you’ll get panoramic views of the city and you can also stop for food and drink. You have to book a ticket in advance to visit but it’s free. Head to skygarden.london for more info."
"From creating a nitro ice cream parlour in Camden to collaborating with Cadbury to create a Creme Egg Sundae, Chin Chin know how to make weird and wacky ice creams. But it’s their Soho joint that we love, where they mix luxe chocolate and caramel flavour ice-creams with cakes, cookies and ice-cream sandwiches. There’s always a bunch of toppings and sauces to pick from, and with a wide variety of vegan options as well, there’s something for everyone here."
"Chin Chin pioneered the use of liquid nitrogen to make ice cream in a retail setting when it opened its first ice cream ‘lab’ in Camden Lock in 2010. Its founders were convinced that hand churning with liquid nitrogen was better than any other method, and they had stumbled on the future of ice cream. Nowadays, the company has grown to three locations and over 300 innovative flavours, from sweetcorn to wild blueberry to coffee and olive oil."
"Coffee ice cream, a dusting of cocoa powder and the fluffiest, softest cloud of whipped mascarpone cream, the base of this brilliant tiramisu mash-up is a thick, super rich, brownie-like cookie that is soaked in espresso for an extra gooey texture. The Chin Chin team have truly outdone themselves here. Address: 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS or 49-50 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF"
"This sister-owned Soho bakery looks sweet, but isn't saccahrine. Using no more sugar and fat than they need, their inventive and joyfully decorated offerings are delicately, carefully flavoured. Cutter & Squidge’s Dream Cakes make for jaw dropping centrepieces for your big celebration, or can also be enjoyed by the slice in house – the Lychee Kiss is an elegant flavour trio of lychee, raspberry and rose."
"The menu at this Soho dessert stop features a lot of the delicious treats mentioned on this blog, but most famous are their biskies – a biscuit/cookie/cake hybrid filled with tasty buttercream, jams and caramels. Flavours include passion fruit and salted caramel, apple crumble, chocolate lava and miso caramel. If you’re feeling extra naughty, order one of their indulgent freakshakes to go with it."
"A post shared by Cutter & Squidge (@cutterandsquidge) on May 28, 2018 at 5:50am PDT. Just yards away from its previously successful pop-up space, Cutter & Squidge's Soho home is full of sweet delights. Choose from a wide selection of its speciality biskies, or opt for vegetarian marshmallows, dream cakes, honeycomb or its award-winning salted caramel."
"Inspired by the beauty of their Nanas’ floral garden, Michela and Lois Wilson have mastered the art of sexy window displays and are available for interior hire as a result. From flowers bursting with colour to slithers of lavender and more, the noteworthy Saint Aymes is a real beauty. Where: 59 Connaught Street, W2 2BBWebsite:www.saintaymes.com"
"Opening in 2014 with a modest team of five, this humble café was founded by actress and puppeteer Ruth Rogers, who most notably starred in the West End production of War Horse. Within the first two years of opening, it became the capital’s first Happy Cafe, working with the charity Action for Happiness to host events promoting happiness. It has also launched Happy Hour, a safe space comedy night with writer, speaker, comedian and actor Juliette Burton."
"A hidden idyll in Charlton, this animal park is home to more than 15 different types of animals including sheep, pigs, ducks, chickens and goats. They also look after RDA ponies, Arthur, Teddy and Tiny Tim, who give rides to disabled children and adults. Elsewhere, visitors can pet and feed the animals, and it’s one of the only places in London where you can see fallow deer up close."
"Made up of two lakes surrounded by marshland and filled with all manner of toads, frogs, newts, birds and dragon flies, try one of the many organised activities such as pond dipping, bird watching, close-up observation and sketching of pond invertebrates. For those who want to help the environment, get involved in the Wednesday and Saturday conservation workshops. Thames Park, John Harrison Way, SE10 OQZ, greenwichecologypark.com"
"Lose yourself amongst the stone pines, olive trees, and cypresses of this typical Mediterranean landscape. The King William's Temple stands in the middle of the garden, lending a sense of grandeur to the vibrant landscape."
"Take a break from the hustle and bustle of London and retreat to the beautiful and relaxing Kew Gardens. This green oasis in southwest London is believed to be the largest and most diverse botanical garden on earth. You can book single visits online, or if you’re a local, you might like to consider becoming a member for free entry year-round."
"If you’re into floral photography, Kew Gardens houses one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of living plants. This expansive botanical garden is absolutely magical. It contains numerous greenhouses, a tree-top walkway, an exotic rainforest, and so much more."
"Full of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, the Isabella Plantation is a beautiful spot set in the depths of Richmond Park. It’s a green space for most of the year, but in April & May, the azaleas bloom and Isabella Plantation becomes a perfect pink paradise. COVID-19 UPDATE: Isabella Plantation is currently closed to the public."
"This small Victorian woodland plantation was planted in the 1830s, but not opened to the public until 1953. It’s famed for its evergreen azaleas, which are best viewed in late April or early May. The garden includes the National Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaleas, as well as other rare and unusual shrubs and trees."
"Assembling all the right stuff for a hand-held nosh, Lils Falafel is all about unusually moist vegan/veggie balls which come packed into wraps with vibrant salads, pickles and sauces. These impressively moist little beauties are full to bursting with all those vibrant flavours and textures we love so much. If you’re after a takeaway lunch, we suggest ordering one of their salad boxes, and adding some feta for an extra quid."
"Stop by Street Food Union Soho for some of the best street food in London, with a small group of passionate traders. There are many options, but I particularly love the New Orleans-inspired Slinging Poboys. On Saturdays Street Food Union transforms itself into one of the best vegan food markets in London – packed with innovative and delicious eats."
"For street food that’s always going to beat your packed lunch. Try as you might to make a packed lunch for work every day, there’s always going to be some kind of tasty offering trying to break your resolve. This is true no more so than if you work in Soho and Street Food Union is right on your doorstep."
"Find vendors from across London selling unique finds in Eccleston Yards every Sunday, just around the corner from Victoria Station. Pick up illustrated children’s books, handmade candles, stunning ceramics, bespoke jewellery and more. Fuel your shopping spree with food from the variety of traders each week."