London in the Spring

Shopping

• Camden Market: Calling all thrifters: This is the spot if your souvenir objective is a unique vintage find! If “new” is more your speed, you’ll find plenty of artisanal and quirky goodies at many of the other unique vendors!

• Portobello Market: Another awesome street market that is actually made up of several smaller markets. One of the world’s largest antique markets, it is also a great place to eat from one of the many food stalls.

• Book Lovers: London has some sui generis book shops, such as Word on the Water (a floating bookshop) and Hatchard’s, which has five floors for you to browse.

History

• Abbey Road Studios: The most famous recording studio in the world! Even if you’re not a music buff, Abbey Road Studios holds major historical significance to the world of music as a whole. The Beatles immortalized this spot, but countless other greats have recorded here, too!

• The Handel & Hendrix Museum: This museum celebrates the lives and works of its two notable former residents: George Frideric Handel and one of the most famous electric guitarists of all time, Jimi Hendrix!

• Royals: From palaces and castles, to churches and monuments, there is plenty of opportunity to get to know London’s royal history.

• Film: British pop culture has a home on so many streets of London. It has been an iconic filming hub for decades. Pop culture lovers can revel in the endless walking tours on filming sites!

Entertainment

• To match its rich music history, London boasts countless unique music venues for jazz snobs, indie enthusiasts, and everything in between!

• London’s West End theaters, aka “Broadway of London,” are known for their world-class shows with over 350 years of history.

Other highlights

• Primrose Hill: Visiting the neighborhood of Primrose Hill is a delightful must. The hilltop park offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and has that quintessential, colorful architecture you think of when you think of London's charm!

• River Thames: There are so many landmarks and unique interactive experiences (like puppet theater and art exhibits) along the River Thames.

• Botanical gardens: Even in the bustling city of London, you can find serene green spaces to slow time down a bit while visiting. I especially loved Regent’s Park! It’s a great place to unwind after being transported to a different world, hitting up the unique vendors at Camden Market.

• Tendril: A Mostly Vegan Kitchen & Bar: Featured in the Michelin Guide for 2024 and 2025, Tendril’s menu is influenced by Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine, serving locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

• Elephant’s Head: A classic British pub in Camden—a great spot to have a beer and people-watch or catch a live music performance.

• Brigit’s Bakery: Enjoy afternoon tea while sightseeing on an exclusive vintage Routemaster bus.

• Hazara: Indian fine dining restaurant in Hempstead, specializing in thoughtful, local sourcing and from-scratch cuisine.

• Greenberry Cafe: Top-tier all-day brunch in Primrose Hill.