Five Days in London: Nine Old Friends From Four Different Continents, One Magical Time

Choose the perfect home base: We stayed at The Other House in South Kensington, which was foundational to the success of this trip. The Other House strikes a rare balance of individual private accommodations paired with shared living spaces and full-service hotel amenities. Our group occupied multiple interconnected residences around a shared courtyard, allowing us to gather easily while still having privacy. The on-site spa, pool, and restaurants meant no one felt over-scheduled, and the South Kensington location made walking a natural part of each day.

Shopping: Shopping is incredible in London. Some favorites to explore are Borough Market, Marylebone Village, Liberty, Harrods (of course), and vintage hunting along Brick Lane and the Old Truman Brewery markets.

Thames River cruise from Westminster Pier: A river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to orient yourself in London. Take it one-way to Greenwich to explore the markets, or simply enjoy a round-trip ride while chatting and watching the city glide by.

Tate Modern: If you choose just one museum for a girls’ trip, make it the Tate Modern. It’s approachable, inspiring, and doesn’t require a full day, leaving plenty of energy for lunch and conversation afterward.

Spa time (especially on-property): A spa day is essential for a multi-day women’s trip. Having spa facilities at your hotel allows everyone to participate at their own pace while others relax poolside or over coffee or cocktails.

Specialty stores Walkabout: London’s heritage specialty shops are a joy to discover together. James Smith & Sons for umbrellas, Penhaligon’s for perfume, and Lock & Co. for hats offer a uniquely British sense of tradition and craftsmanship.

Unscheduled mornings: One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was an entire morning reserved for nothing but coffee and conversation. No agenda, just time to catch up, share life updates, and reconnect.

Balthazar: Perfect for celebratory group dinners, Balthazar delivers a lively atmosphere and crowd-pleasing classics. The Covent Garden’s authentic French brasserie offers a delicious menu and relatively affordable champagne.

Brasserie of Light at Selfridges: This glamorous brasserie combines excellent food with a sense of occasion. Dining here feels festive and fun, and you can have a pre-dinner cocktail while you wait on your table upstairs in Selfridges.

Mercato Mayfair: The restored St. Mark’s Mayfair church is a stunning food hall filled with incredible bars and restaurants, many of which are quite affordable. We enjoyed a fantastic Italian meal at Molo on the second floor balcony.

Angel in the Fields, Marylebone: A classic London pub with warmth and character. This was a favorite stop for its cozy atmosphere, beautiful stained glass windows, and distinctly local feel. We ordered the obligatory bangers and mash, cottage pie, fish and chips, and a round of pints.

Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester, Mayfair: Elegant, celebratory, and beautifully done, The Dorchester nails the ritual of afternoon tea. While there’s tea to be found everywhere in London, The Dorchester is a lovely way to dress up, slow down, and savor time together.