Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Stondon Massey

"The Shard may not seem like a top romantic spot for Valentine’s Day, but with all it has to offer, it may be a one-stop shop. Stay at the Shangri-La hotel, dine in the restaurants, and even take in the tallest view of the city from the building’s observation floors. Even if you don’t opt to spend more than an hour or two of your Valentine’s Day here, it can still be your base of operations for anywhere you visit in London."

"Designed by Architect Renzo Piano and based in Southwark, London, The Shard stands tall at 309.6 metres. Designed in neo-futuristic and modern style, it houses some of the world’s best offices, restaurants and hotel rooms. It has been open to the public since 2013."

"Alternatives (or additional spots) in the area to the above attractions: Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market (one of London’s most famous food markets), The Old Operating Theatre Museum (fee*), The Monument (fee*), and The View from the Shard (fee*)."

"The Tower of London is such a great place to visit with kids if they’re into learning about the history of London, castles and stories of kings and queens – including a bit of blood and gore!. Kids will be enthralled by the stories of the famous tower ravens, Henry the VIII and his many wives, the Guy Fawkes plot, the yeoman warders and Beefeaters with their pomp and ceremony. Save the best until last – the spectacular Crown Jewels including dazzling crowns and jewellery that are still in use today."

"Tower of London and Traitors’ Gate on the bank of the River Thames, London|© jax10289 / Alamy Stock Photo. With nearly a thousand years of history, the Tower of London is the oldest intact building in the capital. The White Tower was the first part to be constructed, at the behest of William the Conqueror, who wanted a formidable Norman fortress as the ultimate power symbol."

"Next suggested stop is HMS Belfast(fee*), which is permanently moored on the Thames a short walk from Tower Bridge on the south bank. This historic warship, operated today by Imperial War Museums, will definitely be of interest to military buffs, or anyone with an interest in boats. Launched just before the outbreak of World War 2, this Royal Navy Light Cruiser saw action in both World War 2 and the Korean War, before being decommissioned in 1963."

"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"

"One of the city’s wildest green spaces, Hampstead Heath spans a huge proportion of north London. Stroll across the grass and clamber through the gnarled trees or take in the view of London from atop Parliament Hill. If you fancy a dip, the lido is on one side of the hill and the bathing ponds on the other."

"Huge and sprawling with incredible views, woodlands and open air swimming ponds!. The perfect park for a winter wander, a place to watch the fireworks in London or picnic in the sun and a swim for the brave."

"The ferns, fig trees and purple African lilies that clamber up the final three storeys of the 'Walkie Talkie' skyscraper are mere wallflowers at this 155m-high rooftop garden – it's the rather extraordinary 360-degree views of London (the best in the City) that make this vast, airport-terminal-like space so popular (advance booking recommended). Located on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch St, the Sky Garden has front-row seats for the Shard and vistas that gallop for miles east and west."

"For a lunch date to remember, 155 meters high at the top of the famous ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, the Sky Garden offers spectacular views of the city. But it’s the incredible tropical garden which makes this iconic London landmark a must-see. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, but for informal yet stylish lunchtime dining, we highly recommend Darwin’s Brasserie to take in some of the best views of the city."

"The view from Rafael Viñoly’s Sky Garden, also known as the Walkie-Talkie building, is unlike any other in the city. From here you can survey London’s ever-growing sprawl with the city stretching up to the north, Tower Bridge and the Shard to the south, and Canary Wharf to the east. It’s free to explore the tower’s three stories of landscaped public gardens, but make sure to book in advance."

"It is believed that the first St Magnus The Martyr Church in London was built in 1128-33. Several wooden London Bridges were constructed during the early years of the building, but they never seemed to last. Finally, in 1209, the Old Medieval London Bridge opened."

"This church near London Bridge on the north side was founded around 1067 and stood at the foot of the old London Bridge. (In the churchyard lie some of the old stones from the bridge. ). As such, it was an important meeting place in medieval times."

"This church used to stand at one end of the legendary London Bridge and has a stone from it outside, plus a model of it inside the door 2"

"One minute the sea will be there, then at low tide it’s literally completely disappeared. (Hence why the pier needed to be so long back in the day!). The largest beach which is closest to everything is Jubilee Beach."

"Situated just a few doors down from North Wembley train and tube stations, Ayur Hair & Beauty specialise in women's hair and beauty treatments. From inside this friendly independent salon, you'll find a selection of beauty essentials alongside all the hair staples from brands such as Keune, L'Oreal, CND Shellac and OPI. Menu highlights include the popular keratin-infused Brazilian blow dry, detailed highlights finished with tailored cuts and an impressive selection of manicures and pedicures finished with a choice of classic or longer lasting gel lacquers."

"Housed in the grandly historic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, there are few better places to ease the tensions of a long train journey than the St Pancras spa. Inspired by the area’s Victorian architecture, patterned tiling, exotic fauna and stone floors abound throughout, while the treatment menu draws on traditional rituals from around the world, with the new Ko Bi Do Fountain of Youth facial being a must-try. Day passes are available from Monday to Thursday, giving access to the spa’s gym, sauna, steam room and relaxation pool, while spa days start from £140 for the Lunch Escape: a 60-minute treatment, use of the facilities and a two-course lunch at The Hansom."

"Kings Cross St Pancras, North West London Instant Book. A seductive subterranean spa in the heart of London, St Pancras Spa carries the romance of golden age of travel, while the hotel serves the most delectable afternoon tea."

"A blend of treatments from around the world are on offer here. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, King's Cross, London, NW1 2QP. Tube: King's Cross Station"

"HammersmithOK, so Brewdog SheBu isn’t technically a brewery. Its house beers are made off-site – in Ellon in Aberdeenshire and Tower Bridge – but have always been top-notch and trailblazing, so we’re sneaking it in anyway. Taste your way around 40 taps (though maybe not all in one night), plus guest beers: just ask for a flight."