Spending a weekend reconnecting with your gal pals is always a great idea, but spending a weekend in London with your girls is even better! Gather your besties and plan the ultimate weekend fun in London.
London is the capital of England and has such a storied past. With over 27 million visitors each year, this city is filled with modern conveniences with a touch of old-world charm. The city was founded by the Romans and you can still see their influence.
Even though London is a vibrant, happening city, this beautiful destination is one of the most ancient in the United Kingdom and is England’s smallest city. However, London encompasses more than just the city proper, but also a bigger metropolitan area.
Spend a weekend getting to know as much of London as you can. While you are exploring with your girlfriends, leave your shopping bags and extra gear with a luggage storage service. Tour the city hands-free!
Now it’s time for some shopping, beauty treats and cake!
The best place for fashion lovers; Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Covent Garden. Luxury beauty treatments at Dry By will have your nails and hair looking fabulous!
Looking for the ultimate afternoon tea? Prêt-à-Portea returns to The Berkeley with a vibrant Spring/Summer ’21 collection. Showcasing couture cakes inspired by the runway successes of the fashion world, Prêt-à-Portea has become a firm favourite for fashionistas with a sweet tooth.
Hyde Park
One of the most famous green spaces in the United Kingdom, Hyde Park is also one of the biggest parks in London. Visit the Speaker’s Corner where many famous speeches, debates, and protests have been given throughout the years. Hyde Park has several memorials and statues throughout and two bodies of water where you can go paddle-boating, feed the ducks, or watch the swans as they gracefully glide across the water.
Westminster
The political hub of London, Westminster is home to the busy Houses of Parliament. While wandering through Westminster you must won’t miss Big Ben, the iconic clock tower that still chimes out every hour of the day.
Westminster Abbey is an ancient church where many historical figures are buried. Formerly named the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, the Abbey is a Gothic-style church that is only a short walk from Buckingham Palace. Westminster Abbey is open to the public: just check the schedule online to ensure you can see inside the church while here. Then head over to Parliament Square to see amazing statues including Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.
Camden
Spend a fun afternoon with the girls in the north London neighborhood of Camden, filled with unique and eclectic punks, Goths, and tourists. Among the shops, cafes, and attractions are several tattoo and body piercing shops.
Camden Market is home to many vendors selling delicious snacks and many choices of international cuisine. Sample different dishes while rummaging through other vendors selling clothing, trinkets, souvenirs, and artwork.
One of the best vegan bakeries in London can be found at the Camden Market. Grab a sweet treat at Cookies and Scream and find out how vegan treats can taste just as good as non-vegan baked goods.
London Eye
The London Eye is a gigantic Ferris wheel that was built to celebrate the new millennium. But it was such a hit with locals and tourists that it became a permanent fixture of the London skyline. The wheel lights up at night with colors to coincide with the season and is the main part of the backdrop for the annual New Year’s fireworks show. Get your phones ready to take photos during your ride on the London Eye for amazing views of the city.
Each pod is spacious and you can either share with other visitors or pay a little more for a private pod so just you and your friends can enjoy the ride without having to get to know your fellow pod-mates.
Thames Cruise
No visit to London is complete without taking a trip down the Thames. When you are visiting just for the weekend, it is also the best way to see more of the city without worrying about the traffic.
The Thames is the longest river in England and eventually empties into the North Sea and has been historically significant in many skirmishes, including both World Wars. Several tour companies offer cruises where you can see important landmarks.
Thames River Sightseeing offers regular cruises where you can see the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Houses of Parliament all from the river instead of the typical walking tour. You can even take a night cruise and see this amazing city lit up.
Brixton Academy
You and your friends will want to head to South London to check out the Brixton Academy in the Brixton neighborhood. In 1929, the Brixton Academy opened as a cinema, and then in 1972, it became a discotheque.
It was not until 1983 that the Brixton Academy became a rock venue. The Academy plays host to several big concerts each year and has had several big-name artists grace the stage such as Madonna, The Clash, and New Order. The Smiths even played their final live performance ever at the Brixton Academy. Check the schedule and nab tickets to a concert.
Buckingham Palace
If you love The Crown and are a fan of the Royals, your visit to London will be complete with a tour of Buckingham Palace. Located in Westminster, it is the main residence of the British monarch. The palace has been home to the royal family since 1837 and has 775 total rooms. It is also home to the largest private garden in all of London. There are tours available where you can see certain parts of the palace and learn more about its history. Plan your visit to include the iconic changing of the guard. This ceremony is a tradition that is steeped in history and showcases the utter discipline of each member of the Royal Guard. Bring your camera for some great photos.
Book your airfare and pack your bags for fantastic weekend fun with the girls in London. There is so much to see and do, from shopping and eating to checking out historic monuments and museums. Save some energy for the nightlife of Soho where there are so many great clubs and cocktail bars to enjoy.