We blinked, and it’s already midway through July. We spent seven months waiting for this second of summer for us to enjoy, so we might make the most of the sunny weather and the happiness before it is too late. Your weekend in London agenda is here to help you going through your weekend, either if you are an authentic Londoner or if you’re joining the city for the first time.
We’ve all enjoyed that boosting view of the city at least once. If you are new to London, the best way to get an idea of the structure of the city and orientate yourself is to read that skyline. Nothing helps you more understanding that locating the iconic buildings and districts around you. And then add that clear blue sky. And some waffles.
Set inside a graceful run of 18th-century almshouses with delightful gardens, this tranquil, creeper-clad “Museum of the Home” presents a chronological parade of period rooms illustrating the interiors favoured by the English urban middle classes from 1600 to the 1990s. Child-friendly and with an informal restaurant devoted to English home cooking, it’s a good choice for a family day out.
With the nice weather, a bike is the best way to hang around the city. Why? You get to see more, much more quickly, and the pleasure of discovery is even higher. London is a vast city and riding a bike allows you to see and enjoy the most of it. Shoreditch happens to be one of the most sparkling places in the city, the heart of the east and the arts, you will be overwhelmed and completely embraced by its vibe. No better way to hang around it than by two wheels.
Perfect your pose 42 metres above the Thames and kick-start your weekend. Lean and acknowledge your body on the top of the symbol of the city, embrace the atmosphere and be careful not to faint, the floor is made of glass.
Electric Cinema means a jump back in the days: proper armchairs and blankets, side tables and little lamps, a small room that feels like your living room. The choice of movies is small, because they pick them accordingly for their audience, but the experience is worth the wait. Make sure to grab that glass (a real one) of Prosecco before the movie starts.
The stalls and stores around Camden High Street and the Lock might not be quite so weirdly varied as they once were, but there’s still plenty of out-there fashions, music and curiosities to be had. Go browsing then revive yourself with an ice cream from Chin Chin Labs, where your choice from a small (but always delicious and inventive) menu of flavours is prepped and frozen in front of you using liquid nitrogen. We always knew that chemistry GCSE would come in handy one day.
The colours at Kew change throughout the year – from February’s stunning sea of two million purple and white crocuses and March’s pink blossom Cherry Walk, to the rich red poppies that bloom in August and the autumn fruit of the berberis plants. Go to the Kew Gardens website to find out what’s in bloom at the time you plan to visit.
Whether it was to bring the audience closer to the action or just because they hadn’t invented chairs yet, back in Shakespeare’s day theatre-goers would spend performances on their feet. At the Globe theatre on the South Bank the tradition continues, with 700 standing tickets released for each performance. Not only do these tickets cost a very affordable £5, they also offer the best view of the show – assuming you’re not incredibly short, that is.
A pile of colourful shipping containers are carefully arranged to create Pop Brixton, which feels a little like a giant Lego fort where all the bricks are filled with treasures. The thoroughly modern mall was commissioned by Lambeth Council to provide affordable work spaces and venues for local independent businesses, and is already home to some stellar shops and food outlets. The hungry are spoiled for choice but we advise prioritizing a visit to Kricket for their delicious Indian small plates.
A weekend institution in east London, the Sunday flower market that lines Columbia Road is the hippest and one of the best places to buy flowers, bedding plants and even a banana tree if you’ve got the patio space at home. It goes on until 3 pm in all weathers, but for the best buys you need to get there for 8 am.
Having played host to some heroic oarwork during the London 2012 Olympic Games, Lee Valley White Water Centre is now open to aquatic adventurers of all abilities. Activities on offer include canoeing, kayaking and – for those with an appetite for some real adrenaline – white water rafting. The latter costs as little as £30 per person (for a full raft of nine during special off-peak times), and includes some basic training and use of the centre’s equipment.
There are stalls selling veg and new goods through the week, but on Saturdays Portobello Market is at its best. At the Chepstow Villas end of the road you’ll find the antiques and bric-a-brac stalls. Don’t be fooled by the fold-out tables, this isn’t cheap tat, there are some serious treasures here. For secondhand goodies, head further along the road, beyond the Westway.
A postcard-worthy view of the city’s skyline isn’t the only reason to visit Primrose Hill – it’s surrounded by posh cafés and frequented by some of London’s friendliest dog walkers, making this well-kept annex of Regent’s Park a great place to people-watch. When the sun goes down, though, it really is all about that view, so pack a picnic, set your camera to ‘panorama’ and play ‘spot the landmark’ as London is bathed in an awesome orange light.
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