London Days Out – A Proper Day in the Capital, No Nonsense Included
London isn’t a city that needs padding. It’s loud, unapologetic, and bursting with things to do that don’t involve trudging through a tourist-packed hellscape. If you’ve ever found yourself trapped in a queue for a mediocre attraction while clutching a coffee that cost more than your lunch, let’s put a stop to that. Here’s how to spend a day in London properly.
If you’re the sort of person who still thinks pancakes are just for Shrove Tuesday, you need to raise your standards. The ones at Bankside are the sort that demand attention—fluffy, golden, and served with the kind of ingredients that make you feel like you’re making excellent life choices. They’re also best eaten with a cocktail in hand, because nothing says you’re doing a London day out correctly like a Mississippi Mule before midday.
Forget expensive spa hotels. If you want the full Scandinavian experience without getting on a plane, head to Shoreditch, where a hidden sauna retreat is turning regular Londoners into cold-plunge evangelists. This place is all about heat, ice, and the kind of deep breathing that makes you question why you’ve spent so long being stressed. Between the infrared sauna, the ice-cold plunge pods, and the wellness classes, you’ll emerge feeling like you’ve shed a layer of cynicism—until you step back onto the Tube.
The best meals in London don’t come from anywhere with a laminated menu. Cinnamon Kitchen is proof that Indian food is meant to be vibrant, full-throttle, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re sitting down to a three-course lunch or diving into a nine-dish sharing feast, expect the kind of dishes that demand your full attention. The fact that it’s set in the cavernous, industrial beauty of Battersea Power Station only adds to the appeal. If you’ve never eaten your way through a proper kachumber salad while staring at a slice of London’s history, now’s your chance.
There’s a time and a place for fine dining. This isn’t it. The London Cheese Crawl is two hours of pure dairy-fuelled joy, starting at Fortnum & Mason and taking in some of the city’s finest cheese shops. There’s trivia, tastings, and the occasional groan-worthy pun. You’ll leave knowing more about cheese than you ever thought necessary, possibly carrying a bag of illicitly good Stilton, and with a newfound appreciation for the art of dairy-based indulgence.
Afternoon tea is all well and good, but why anyone still pretends a cucumber sandwich is exciting is beyond me. The Cheese Barge in Paddington gets it. This floating cheese haven serves up six British cheeses, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Prosecco, all while you gently bob along Regent’s Canal. It’s indulgent, a little ridiculous, and exactly how an afternoon in London should be spent.
Origami might not sound like an essential part of a London day out, but then again, when was the last time you learned something new that didn’t involve scrolling through your phone? This workshop at The Snooty Fox turns a humble sheet of paper into something worth keeping. It’s oddly therapeutic, surprisingly impressive, and the sort of skill that makes you look ten times more interesting at parties.
London isn’t all concrete and overpriced lattes. There’s wild food growing in the parks, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be picked by those in the know. On this guided walk, you’ll learn how to spot edible plants, uncover the city’s best foraging spots, and develop an entirely new appreciation for what’s growing beneath your feet. It’s a different way to see the city—one that doesn’t involve dodging slow walkers or pretending to care about yet another street performer.
London Days Out Worth Talking About
If you want a London day out that doesn’t fade into the background, this is how you do it. No gimmicks, no wasted time, just a city doing what it does best—serving up brilliant food, unexpected experiences, and the occasional plunge into freezing cold water. Browse the full selection of unique London experiences at The Indytute.
