London has something for everyone, whether young or old. From the best of historical landmarks to cultural venues, there is plenty to see and do in the capital. However, visiting the popular attractions in the holiday season can be challenging because of the crowds as well as being expensive. Another way of enjoying a great holiday in the city is to explore those spots that are off the beaten path.
When you plan to choose a hotel in the city it should be at a central location like accommodation at Paddington in London. If you are looking for value for money the Park Grand Paddington Court hotel would be a great choice to stay in luxury and comfort. Its central location makes it ideal to explore the rest of the city with good connectivity to the top attractions across London as well as Heathrow airport.
If you are looking for an off-beat experience of the city some of the things to do are:
Join a walking tour:
One of the best ways to enjoy the city is to explore London on foot. Join any of the guided walking tours on offer with numerous themed tours to choose from. These range from food to historical tours and take your pick from a theme that interests you. They are cheap and the guides are well informed about each and every location you visit. Another alternative is to take a self-guided walking tour by downloading any app of the city and its attractions. It will be a very interesting way to explore and discover any hidden gems in the city.
Highgate Cemetery:
One of the more unusual and unique experiences to undergo in the city is a tour of Highgate Cemetery. Located in North London it is the resting place for famous names of British Society like George Eliot, Karl Marx and Malcolm McLaren among others. There are catacombs, Victorian-era structures, chapels, the Egyptian Avenue and Lebanon circle. Visitors to the cemetery can tour the east section on their own whilst the west part is only permitted with a guided tour. It is well worth a visit on a warm sunny morning and is one of the hidden gems of the city.
Local Markets:
A visit to the city would not be the same without a tour of some of the famous street markets on the weekend. The more famous markets include Borough Market, Camden street Market and Portobello Market at Notting Hill. If you want to see one of the most beautiful markets a visit to Columbia Flower Market is recommended. Other spots worth venturing to include Dalston and Hackney Markets and the market famous for its Asian cuisines and curry, Brick Lane Market. Browsing and shopping at the street markets is definitely an enjoyable experience.
Hackney:
To enjoy an authentic London experience a tour of Hackney one of the happening suburbs of the city is a must. With themed pubs and concept cafes offering a wide variety of culinary fare and drinks it would be a delightful experience. Other things to enjoy in the neighbourhood include visiting city farms, enjoying the street art and shopping at retro stores etc.