The best things to do in London, from gigs to exhibitions, hen parties to day dates
London: it's unbeatable, isn't it?
London has sprawling parks, the historical significance of the city's most stunning architecture and a whole lot of entertainment to keep you partying and socialising until the early hours. Bliss.
As the city that never fails to captivate and offers a kaleidoscope of exciting activities and events that cater to every taste, in London you will find something to suit everyone, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to cultural escapades. London has rightly gained the reputation as an unrivalled destination.
And as Londoners, we're lucky to have pretty much everything on our door step. Whether your interests involve music, shopping, food, the royals, or - quite literally - anything else, you will not have the chance to be bored this season. And if you don't live here, our edit of the best hotels in London will go a long way in helping you out.
If you feel overwhelmed with all the choices of what you can be doing in the city RN, GLAMOUR has you covered below…
Scott MathiesonThe Big London Bake
WHAT: The perfect group activity, The Big London Bake offers up no-experience-required baking sessions across two London locations (and one in Birmingham). Set out just like The Great British Bake Off, 12 baking stations are laid out in a tent-like marquee and fully-stocked with measured-out ingredients and instructions to create that month's themed bake.
Led by top patisserie chefs - and with a fully-stocked bar complete with bespoke cake-inspired cocktails at the East London venue - up to 24 guests bake in pairs and get inventive in the tent's ‘Creation Corner’ bursting with edible decorations, flavours and sprinkles.
If you're a bridal party, there are even ‘Bride to Be’ and ‘Bride Tribe’ aprons available to pre-purchase and wear on the day. Just be sure to leave enough time to take your precious freshly-baked goods home before you head out out. They make the perfect snack when you return in the early hours…
WHERE: Haggerston Venue - Under the Bridge, Lee St, London E8 4ED. 🚇 Haggerston / Tooting Venue - The Castle, 38 Tooting High St, London SW17 0RG. 🚇 Tooting Broadway
WHEN: Mon-Sun, 11:15am/2:15pm/5:15pm/8:15pm
HOW MUCH: From £49.90pp, book here.
ERSIN ERThe Piano Works
WHAT: A captivating mix of live music, great food, epic cocktails and good vibes all round, The Piano Works offers up the ideal location for just about any celebration. With two central London locations - in Farringdon and the iconic West End - both venues are perfectly situated whether you arrive pre-dinner for a full night of fun, or head over to close your night.
In terms of timings, the in-house pianist kicks things off at 5:30pm, with singing waiters jumping in to perform requests while serving your dinner and drinks. From 8:30pm the house band kicks off, performing the most mind-blowing renditions of every genre of request before the DJ takes over at 1am.
WHERE: West End Venue - Gillian Lynne Theatre, Parker St WC2B 5PW. 🚇 Holborn / Farringdon Venue - 113-117 Farringdon Rd, Corner of Ray St EC1R 3BX. 🚇 Farringdon
WHEN: West End Venue - Weds-Sat / Farringdon Venue - Tues-Sat
HOW MUCH: From £15pp, book here.
Magic Mike Live
WHAT: The brainchild of Channing Tatum (need we say more?), Magic Mike Live is a 90-minute showcase featuring some of the world's most talented male dancers performing super sexy routines in front of - and all around - you.
With a somewhat unexpected, but very welcome, empowerment message running throughout thanks to the female MC, it's an inclusive atmosphere than sees everyone - from the performers to the attendees - relish in a shared sense of confidence.
Punctuated by mind-blowing acrobatic scenes, impressive musical interludes and unexpectedly hilarious moments of comedy - not to mention at-seat drinks service available throughout the show - it's got quite literally everything to ensure a thoroughly sizzling evening.
WHERE: Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH London. 🚇 Leicester Square
WHEN: Weds-Sun - 4pm(Sat only)/7pm/9:30pm
HOW MUCH: From £42pp, book here.
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Copyright 2018 Jack Spicer Adams. All rights reserved.Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
WHAT: If you can't get enough of Wes Anderson's highly-saturated and symmetrical films and shorts, you may have heard of the Instagram account, Accidentally Wes Anderson, which is inspired by his work. Well now there's an exhibition that has just opened up in West London, featuring a collection of 200 real-life images for you to indulge in for a truly visual feast. An inspirational exhibition that might leave you looking at the world in a colourful new light.
WHERE: 81-85 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, SW7 3LD. 🚇 South Kensington
WHEN: Open now
HOW MUCH: Adult tickets start from £10.99, book here.
Horizon 22: London's highest free viewing platform has just opened…
WHAT: Step aside Walkie-Talkie building, there’s an even taller building in town; and it features a viewing platform 254 metres up in the sky that you can book for free. You’ll catch all the views on Level 58, including the Cheesgrater, Gherkin and the infamous Shard; but you won’t have to pay a penny.
WHERE: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC3V 4QT. 🚇 Liverpool St.
WHEN: Open now. 7 days a week from 10am, closing 6pm weedays, 5pm on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
HOW MUCH: Free! Although tickets run out quickly, so make sure you book at least a month in advance.ONE MORE THING: Whilst you’re in the area, visit The New London Model at the nla. It features scale models of London, and is a great addition to an architecture fueled day. You’ll easily spend at least an hour here. Oh and it’s free.
RED BULLThe Red Bull Soapbox race
One addiction that we picked up back in lockdown (that we didn't exactly think would stick) was watching episodes of the Red Bull Soapbox race, where members of the public are invited to build their very own non-motorised vehicle and race them down a hill in a bid to be the fastest (without falling apart and crashing that is). Well, it's back in London at Ally Pally and is honestly one of the most wholesome days out you'll have this summer. So watch last year's episode, see if it's your cup of tea (or Red Bull rather), and we'll race you down there.
WHERE: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY. 🚇 Alexandra Palace Train Station
WHEN: Saturday 22nd June 2024, 2pm - 8pm
HOW MUCH: Adult tickets start from £30.03. Book here
iFLY London at The O2 Indoor Sky Diving
WHAT: Looking for some adrenaline but in a control way, without having to step too far from the city. Then you can head over to the O2 Arena where IFLY house their indoor sky diving wind tunnel. This exhilarating experience is one of the best activities London has to offer. It pushes the boundaries of gravity, adrenaline and thrill, but all in a safe and controlled environment.
The staff members are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring that you feel comfortable and well-prepared for your flight. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first-timer, they provide comprehensive training that covers the basics of body positioning and hand signals, ensuring you make the most of your flight experience.
The powerful vertical wind tunnel creates an updraft that supports your body, allowing you to experience the incredible feeling of freefalling without the fear of actually jumping from a plane. It's a unique blend of adrenaline and freedom that will literally leave you grinning from ear to ear. Fear not, highly skilled instructors are by your side throughout the entire flight, providing guidance and support, ensuring that you maintain proper body position and help you make the most of your flight time.
It's an unbelievable and out of this world inclusive and family-friendly activity. As a gentle bonus, after your flight, you have the opportunity to relive your experience with personalised videos and photos.
WHERE: O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. 🚇 North Greenwich
HOW MUCH: Packages start from £69.99
BBC Earth Experience
WHAT: For a fantastic day out for all the family, visit the epic BBC Earth Experience at The Daikin Centre in Earl’s Court, London. The ground-breaking immersive event features bespoke narration from the absolute icon that is Sir David Attenborough and showcases footage, including extended scenes, and music from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit television series Seven Worlds, One Planet, projected on multiple multi-angle screens using the very latest digital screen technology. It's ideal for kids of all ages who will be in awe of the huge animals.
WHERE: The Daikin Centre in Earl’s Court, London. 🚇 West Brompton
HOW MUCH: Tickets from £15 plus fees
DEA / W. BUSS/Getty ImagesBuckingham Palace tour
WHAT: A fan of the Royals and want more than just watching The Crown? Well, why not head off on a self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace! From the immaculately nineteen (yes, nineteen) decorated State Rooms to the Throne Room (where they take all those family portraits) to special royal displays, you'll find yourself completely lost within the King's royal residence.
WHERE: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA. 🚇 St James's Park
WHEN: Running from 11 July to 29 September 2024.
HOW MUCH: Adult tickets start from £32. Purchase them here before they sell out!
Sneak into the roaring 20’s at The Crazy Coqs
WHAT: If you really want to step back in time to enjoy some dazzling burlesque and to show off to your visiting friends a discreet basement venue just off of Piccadilly Circus, then you must check out The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel.
You'll enter Brasserie Zédel via the café, and as you follow the stairs to elude the tourists above, you'll enter a foyer of many options. The Crazy Coqs is where you will watch the live show, but it's a must to book a table at the Brasserie itself or Bar Américain for a cocktail afterwards.
The show itself, ‘Miss Betsy Rose Presents….. The Beguiling Hour Cabaret’, is something quite extravagant and will take you back into the golden age with a set of classic burlesque, mesmerising dancers, vaudevillian specialty acts, and live music of the time. Just make sure you keep this on the down-low…
WHERE: 20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED. 🚇 Piccadilly Circus
WHEN: Friday 24th May 2024
HOW MUCH: Adult tickets start from £30, book here.
Monopoly Lifesized / InstagramMonopoly Lifesized
WHAT: How about mixing a bit of board-game nostalgia with some summer fun? Basically, the ever-so-popular Monopoly (Yes, Monopoly!) has been brought to life in London, and you start collecting the (fake) cash yourself - just avoid ending up in jail! So grab your closest group of friends, and get ready to roll the dice.
WHERE: Monopoly Lifesized, 213-215 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7PS. 🚇 Goodge Street
WHEN: Open now
HOW MUCH: Tickets start from £54 plus fees
Up at The O2
WHAT: We don't know about you, but we love seeing the London skyline, not just from any ol' viewpoint but up at The O2. Get your heart pumping and adrenaline coursing through your veins as you enjoy an exhilarating 90-minute climb over the roof of the world's most popular entertainment venues. Don't worry, it's all safe! So just enjoy the climb to the top, and then reward yourself with 360 views of the Capital.
WHERE: O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. 🚇 North Greenwich
WHEN: Open all year round (weather permitting, of course).
HOW MUCH: Tickets begin from £35, book here.
Emilie1980Spend the day exploring Carnaby
WHAT: Slap bang in the centre of London, Carnaby is full to the brim with world-famous stores, unique independent shops and some of the best and most diverse restaurants the capital has to offer. Check out maximalist clothing at Kat Maconie; sought-after aftermarket trainers and streetwear at OG Kicks; beautiful and unique brass jewellery at Mor; or get your thrift on at Mind, Carnaby’s first permanent charity shop.
For a bite to eat, don't miss Inko Nito, unconventional robatayaki Japanese fare dishing up the likes of black cod and beef check from the robata grill; or head to Kingly Court where you'll find the likes of Pizza Pilgrims, Dirty Bones and The Rum Kitchen. In the evening, there's plenty of glamorous bars to choose from if you fancy a night cap (our favourite is speakeasy cocktail bar Nightjar, where you can relax with a showstopping bev to a background of live music).
If you want to make the most of this vibrant area, you'll want to reserve a whole day – there's over 160 brands spanning fashion, beauty, interiors and lifestyle to explore – or better yet, check into the Soho Hotel, the area's trendiest, sleekest place to call home for the night. Choose from 85 bedrooms and suites, or apartments boasting their own street entrance and private elevator, with enormous, cloud-like beds and colourful, contemporary interiors you'll want to copy in your own home ASAP. Don't miss breakfast at the Refuel Bar & Restaurant (we can wholeheartedly recommend the scrambled eggs and smoked salmon).
For more information, visit carnaby.co.uk.
WHERE: Carnaby Street, W1. 🚇 Oxford Circus
