Curator’s statement
London feels like my second home, and truly the perfect place to spend a few days before or after setting sail from Southampton or Portsmouth. For me, London means heritage, discovery, and inspiration—there’s an energy here unlike anywhere else. Every street feels like the beginning of a new story, whether I’m wandering through Mayfair’s boutique hotels or getting lost in Bloomsbury’s leafy squares. I love how the city effortlessly blends contemporary design with historic grandeur. There’s always a new rooftop view, a classic art gallery to explore. London is the capital where adventures begin (and end), making it an ideal haven for cruise travelers craving comfort, culture, and style.
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Things to do in London
Fortnum & Mason for Tea, Treats, and the iconic Knickerbocker Glory
I always make time for a visit to Fortnum & Mason to stock up on their Royal Blend tea, Turkish delight, and signature biscuits and jams—essentials for my pantry or gifts. After browsing the Food Hall, I love indulging in a towering Knickerbocker Glory in the Parlour, a playful British dessert layered with fruit, ice cream, and meringue.
Afternoon tea at The Dorchester
Nothing marks a special occasion quite like the elegant afternoon tea at The Dorchester. The refined setting, freshly baked scones, and exquisite pastries make it my go-to for celebrating an arrival or capping off a London adventure.
Stroll through Hyde Park and see the swans
Hyde Park is my green oasis in the city, and a stroll along the Serpentine is my favorite way to unwind. I always stop to watch the graceful swans glide by, and if time allows, enjoy a coffee at the lakeside café.
Cocktails at Scarfes Bar or Vesper Bar
For a memorable night out, I head to Scarfes Bar for creative cocktails and live jazz, or Vesper Bar at The Dorchester for a touch of Bond-inspired glamour and a perfectly mixed martini or mocktail.
Stroll around Chelsea & Kensington and admire the Mews homes
Wandering the charming mews of Chelsea and Kensington—especially in spring when flowers spill from window boxes—is one of life’s simple pleasures. Each cobbled lane hides a story, a secret garden, or a new favorite café waiting to be found.
Places to eat & drink in London
Borough Market
Dishoom
Whenever I crave the comforts of home-style Indian cuisine, Dishoom is a must. The lively, vintage-inspired cafés perfectly capture the spirit of Bombay: each location has a different vibe. It’s the kind of place I recommend to friends for its warmth, its creative cocktails, and a menu that makes you want to linger and try a little of everything (and definitely don’t skip the naan!).
Royal China for dim sum
Dim sum brunch is my go-to for a gathering of friends or family, and Royal China always delivers. From the first bite of their perfectly steamed prawn dumplings to the flaky egg tarts, the quality here consistently impresses me.
Borough Market
Whenever I want to explore London’s food scene in one place, I head to Borough Market. This lively, historic market is a favorite of mine for its endless samples, artisanal treats, and the sheer excitement of discovery—from irresistible Bread Ahead doughnuts to the best grilled cheese.
Fortitude Bakehouse for pastries
If I could only pick one bakery in London, Fortitude Bakehouse would be my first stop. Tucked away in Bloomsbury, it’s where I go for impossibly light beignets and pistachio chocolate buns, all made with slow-fermented sourdough. Make sure you snap some pics of their drool worthy display!
Blacklock Soho
Blacklock is my go-to spot for Sunday roast—a true London tradition I never miss when in the city. The atmosphere is always convivial, and you’re greeted like an old friend the moment you walk in. Their roasts are legendary: choose from perfectly cooked beef, pork, or lamb, each served with crisp roast potatoes, massive Yorkshire puddings, and a cascade of bottomless gravy. Gathering at Blacklock for a Sunday feast is the perfect way to embrace this beloved British ritual.
Need to know
When traveling to or from Southampton or Portsmouth cruise ports, I usually choose public transport first, as it’s efficient and straightforward. The train from central London (Waterloo for Southampton, Waterloo, or Victoria for Portsmouth) runs frequently and gets me there in around 1.5 to 2 hours. From the station, I grab a taxi for the easy final stretch to the cruise terminal—or, if I’m heading from the port back into London, I just reverse the route. For Portsmouth, walking from the station is doable if I’m packing light. If I have a lot of luggage or want extra comfort, pre-booking, a private car transfer is my go-to for seamless travel directly between my hotel and the port.
Travel Advisor
Cameron Tempest
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