My Favourite Places in London

I’ve lived in London for just over a year and worked here for more than five so I have some idea of what is going on and where the good stuff can be found, especially if you are making a quick trip to the capital. Here are my favourites:

• Park: all the royal parks are impressive but St James’s Park, as well as being close to other major attractions, has pelicans and therefore can’t be beaten. Go early to avoid the hordes.
• Cinema for action movies: the IMAX at Waterloo on the south bank is, by far, the best place to see big action movies. Get there early, have a beer, then head into the enormous auditorium for a genuinely great move experience.
• Theatre for Shakespeare: some people like Stratford-upon-Avon but for the best productions you need to visit Shakespeare’s Globe in Southwark. Pick a good weekend and you can stand in the yard for the Saturday matinee then sit in (relative) comfort for the evening show. 
• Restaurant for fancy breakfast: London is full of great places to eat but for breakfast in the centre of town you should try Indigo at One Aldwych. Not the cheapest place around but the food is great. 
• Cafe for everyday breakfast: if you don’t fancy a restaurant, how about a cafe for breakfast?Cafe on the Rye serves a really nice full English breakfast in a family-friendly setting in the middle of Peckham Rye Park.
• Market for food: it’s where the tourists go but if you arrive early on a Saturday morningBorough Market should still be fairly empty and you can stock up on fine cheese, meat, bread, veg and other items before the rush.
• Venue for afternoon tea: for afternoon tea you should really treat yourself. Go for a bit of luxury at the tea room in Fortnum and Mason. Booking is vital.
• Museums for entertaining children: London has more museums than you can shake a stick at but the big two for entertaining the kids are the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both in Kensington and both free.
• Browse for antiques and luxury items: Burlington Arcade is stuffed full of small shops selling expensive luxury goods. It’s worth wandering through just to see the variety of things on offer.
• Public square: Trafalgar Square is big, loud and often busy with some sort of activity. Splash in the fountains on a hot day or just take photos from the steps of the National Gallery on the north side. Beware pigeons.
• Art gallery: like many of London’s major attractions, the art galleries are often free. Tate Modern is impressive even if you don’t like modern art.
• Shopping and entertainment: if you have time to visit only one market, head for Covent Garden. Lots of entertainment, lots of places to shop, eat and drink, and lots more to do in the surrounding area.

That’s it for now but there’s loads to see and do in London - more later.