Written by our guest blogger, Sam Butterworth, who is a writer and blog editor for Happy2Move
Browse some original art at Bayswater Road Market
Sunday at Bayswater Road Market sees hundreds of original examples of art and crafts for sale by talented artists. Take a stroll along this lively, leafy street in Kensington and enjoy perusing unique works which line the Royal Park railings.
Be transported back in time at the Natural History Museum
Guaranteed to wow even the most seasoned museum visitor, London’s Natural History Museum displays some of the world’s greatest examples of artefacts and specimens, which tell the story of the birth and history of the Earth.
Get grossed-out at the Hunterian Museum
Fancy a slightly creepier take on culture? The Royal College of Surgeons’ Hunterian Museum near Holborn holds curious (and plain gruesome) anatomical and pathological specimens, instruments and artefacts. Its collections span the fields of medical history, dentistry, osteology, evolutionary anthropology, veterinary science and more.
Do some (dead) celeb spotting at Highgate Cemetery
Perhaps a little macabre, but a visit to Highgate Cemetery is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Claimed to be one of London’s greatest treasures, the Cemetery is home to awe-inspiring architecture in a tranquil, romantic landscape.
Take a break at Battersea Park
Looking for a little calm after the hustle and bustle of Central London? Battersea Park provides 200 acres of green space, as well as a children’s zoo, picturesque fountains, boating lake, nature areas and bandstand.
Get yours skates on at Hyde Park
Looking for a slightly more active park visit? Get down to one of Hyde Park’s group skating sessions such as the marshalled Friday Night Skate session, which usually departs from the bandstand, and allows you to see London via a more unusual form of transport!
Channel your inner Italian in Little Venice
Little Venice, a picturesque and characterful stretch of canal, is the perfect place to take in London by foot. Try wandering the towpaths, stopping for coffee along the way – who needs Italy?!
Take a quiet moment at Hyde Park’s Italian Gardens
Continuing the Italian theme…Hyde Park’s 150 year old water gardens known as the Italian Gardens have featured in several films and are a lovely spot for a bit of quiet contemplation. Take a good book and drift away (not literally please) to the sound of a babbling fountain.
Be a magpie at Alfie’s Antiques
London’s antique fairs are some of the best places to seek out treasures and curios, and are a brilliant place for browsing without spending anything. If you are tempted to make a purchase, don’t forget to have a haggle first! Visit Alfie’s Antique Market in Marylebone, with its iconic Egyptian style façade, and get hold of antique, vintage and retro wares for a snip.
Get Crafty at Uxbridge Market
While it may not be the most architecturally beautiful shopping precinct, Uxbridge Road Craft Market is a brilliant place for those looking for unique finds. If you want to make some money so you can buy some craft when visiting the market, why not try Cancasinos canada. Or just visit for free and get inspired by watching talented craftspeople at work or the regular artists-in-residence workshops.
Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden
Get a taste of Japan in the heart of England at Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden. Kick back and relax amongst the stunning scenery and find a little inner peace.
Reminisce at Kings Road
Once the spiritual home of all things fashionably cool in the 1960s (think Mary Quant, Vivienne Westwood and co.), this spot which popularised the micro miniskirt is still a great place for people watching.
Walk like a Beatle at Abbey Road
If you’re more of a music than a miniskirt lover, Abbey Road is another good reminiscing site in London, where you can retrace the steps of John, George, Paul and Ringo as you strut your stuff over the iconic zebra crossing.
Make a pilgrimage to honour The Clash at Maida Vale
While you’re at it, why not also swing by Walterton Road, birthplace of The Clash, who began jamming in a squat at number 101?
Get cultured at the V&A
Housing a vast array of arts, heritage items, fashion, design, ceramics and more in its permanent collections, and with regular blockbuster exhibitions, the V&A in South Kensington is a must see for all museum lovers.
Peruse some paintings at the Saatchi Gallery
Home to the collections of one of the world’s most famous contemporary and modern art collectors, Charles Saatchi’s Gallery at Kings Road is a treasure trove of contemporary painting, sculpture, print and installation works.
Watch a performance at Bell Square
Prefer your art out of doors? Bell Square hosts regular free performance art events, acrobatics, dance performances and more.
Step back in time at Chiswick House and Gardens
A perfect example of neo-Palladian architecture, Chiswick House, set in idyllic historic landscaped gardens is a masterpiece in design, built by the third Earl of Burlington to showcase his art collection.
Be inspired at St John’s Smith Square
Known as one of London’s architectural and classical music landmarks, St John’s Smith Square is well worth a visit. Designed and built by Thomas Archer, it still stands proudly today, despite facing fire, lightning, the Blitz and bomb plots.
Be awestruck at the Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir
If fascinating architecture is your thing, this incredible temple welcomes respectful visitors and provides frequent tours and exhibitions.