The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is illuminating, bizarre, moving and often laugh-out-loud funny. No wonder it has special bragging rights. It screams London in the summer.
This flag ship show is where amateur and professional artists compete to exhibit and sell their art. It is coordinated by a leading artist and equally celebrated committee.
As you go from room to room, you can detect the individual curator’s taste. Some rooms have a dark and gloomy vibe, while others are colour themed, industrial or cutesy. One gallery this year closely resembled a craft shop.
Prepare to be entertained by the significant proportion of odd exhibits. I have seen art school tutors laughing and debating the more “out there” creations…evidently too much even for them.
Here are my tips to get the most out of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Gain Free entry to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Consider becoming a Royal Academy member. Annual membership (£138 for 2 people and half price for the under 35s) will allow you to dip in and out of the Summer Exhibition on the day and visit multiple times free of charge. And if you have any spare energy on the day you can visit other exhibitions within the building without charge.
Membership allows you to dip in and out of the RA Summer Exhibition
You’ll need at least two hours to see the RA Summer Exhibition properly
Go With An Open Mind
Expect to love, hate and be indifferent to many exhibits and that is all ok. Seek out the one or two exhibits in each room which “speak to you”. That way you will enjoy it more instead of feeling the need to generalise about the show as a whole.
Spot Exhibits by Royal Academicians
Interspersed with works by amateur and unknown artists you will see a few by Royal Academicians like Tracey Emin.
Look Up and Down
Not every painting has a prime spot some great pieces will be placed above and below eye level.
Make Use of the Royal Academy Member’s Room
The Summer Exhibition is an assault on the senses and you can tire quickly. There’s a Member’s Only room beside the entrance called the Keeper’s House. You can get alcoholic refreshments, teas and coffees, cakes, bowl salads and sandwiches in much nicer surroundings than the general café.
Google the Room Curator
The name of the curator who has chosen the art for each room is displayed on the wall by the room entrance. You can find out more about them with a quick internet search. There’s a good internet signal in the exhibition.
Use the Viewing Benches
There are backless benches in every room and these are usually placed at a good angle for viewing the art so it makes good use of them if you need a rest from walking or standing.
Use the viewing benches
You can combine a trip to the Royal Academy with a DIY bus tour using the Number 9 bus which starts at Kensington Palace and terminates at Covent Garden.
Buy the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Catalogue
The catalogue for the RA Summer Exhibition shows the name of the artist the name of the work of art and the price of the piece. It costs £3.50 (2024) and is essential if you want to buy anything. Bring a pen so you can mark the title that you are interested in on the catalogue.
Buy the RA Summer Exhibition Catalogue
Use the Large Print Programme
Alternatively, there are several large print catalogues for the partially sighted which show essential information on the artist, art name and price. This is available in each room and needs to be returned to he stand before progressing to the next room.
Use the large print guide for the partially sighted
Identify the Red Sold Stickers
You’ll see a red sticker on a piece when it is sold. If you see multiple stickers on a piece, it means that it is a limited edition work with more than one copy available.
A red dot sticker indicates the piece has been sold.
If Buying Art, Visit Early in the Season
Many works are priced under £250 which make them a great buy for budding art collectors. Bear in mind that the cheaper exhibits tend to sell first. If you want to buy, attend a ‘member’s only’ preview or go early on in the exhibition calendar. You can book your tickets on the Royal Academy website. Entrance is £22 – £24.50 per person.
Look for Art that May Work in Your Space
The purpose of art is never to merely adorn walls but when viewing look for a special piece that may fit in your home. Even if you don’t buy, it will give you purpose and you browse through hundreds of works.
Take Photos
There are no restrictions on photography at the RA Summer Exhibition. You can fill your social media feed with inspiring and colourful shots. Aim to provide a context for the day by photographing the exterior of the iconic Royal Academy building and take some general shots of the viewing galleries.
Gain Inspiration For Your Own Creations
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition provides fantastic inspiration for your own arts and crafts. Sometimes a piece is so intricate and created by such talented artists it would be impossible to recreate but equally there are many ideas in the show that are genius concepts but with simple execution.
Skull made using vintage cast off jewellery which could be the inspiration for your own arts and crafts.
Pace Your Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Viewing
There are approximately 9 key rooms in the RA Summer Exhibition with the smaller more interesting art pieces densely exhibited in the final rooms.
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition contains over 1700 works of art.
There is usually at least one fascinating large-scale installations in the final room. Most people have a tendency to take their time viewing the first three rooms and run out of energy when it comes to the later exhibits. You may even want to see the show in reverse order, by starting with the final rooms and work your way forwards.
A large scale installation in the final room with accompanying classical music.
Dress the Part
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is the place to see and be seen. Dress exotically and extravagantly…act as if you are a hip artist or muse, not a suburban spectator.
Looking for a London Red Bus Tour and don’t want to pay through the nose for an overpriced tour? Have you thought of seeing London on a public bus?
A one day bus pass for an adult costs £5.25 and you can hop on and hop off all day long. Some bus routes are better than others for touring London. I recommend numbers 9, 11 and 75.
Let’s start our series of budget London red bus tours with the number 9 route which passes iconic London sights like Kensington Palace, the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden.
The number 9 bus route can be seen on the Transport for London website. We are going to concentrate on the section from Kensington Palace to Covent Garden
London Red Bus Tour Number 9 Route
Buses in central London leave every few minutes so there’s no need to get hung up on bus arrival and departure times.
You can get off the bus whenever you want and then simply go back to the same bus stop when you are ready to resume your journey.
The best seats for this London Red Bus Tour are the top of the double decker at the front…otherwise choose a window seat with uninterrupted views.
1. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace
Obviously, you’d be mad to miss Kensington Palace . It was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and continues to be home to Royalty including Prince William and Princess Catherine. When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were courting they had a cottage in the grounds.
The state rooms are open to the general public. Kensington Palace’s forte lies in its display of court jewellery and costumes. There are beautiful clothing displays including Princess Diana’s much photographed dresses.
The controversial Princess Diana sculpture is the Sunken Garden which you can visit free of charge. You decide…does it do her justice?
The scones and cream in the cafe are particularly good and there is a nice outside courtyard area in which to enjoy them.
Kensington Palace: The King’s Staircase
Now its time to begin your budget London red bus tour adventure…board the Number 9 bus at Kensington Palace.
2. The Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall
Our London Red Bus Tour goes past the Royal Albert Hall which is a famous concert space known for the annual classical music festival the Proms.
Facing the Royal Albert Hall, is the Prince Albert Memorial which Queen Victoria commissioned in memory of her husband Prince Albert with whom she had nine children. It’s our equivalent of the Taj Mahal; a tribute to enduring love.
The Royal Music College
Behind the Royal Albert Hall you will find the Royal Music College with its exciting programme of low cost music recitals. You can find out about their current programme here.
3. Knightsbridge Station
Harrods
Our third stop is Knightsbridge where you will find the ultra exclusive Harrods department store. Nestled inside is a shopping arcade of high-end brands, luxury designer handbags and a jaw dropping food hall.
Harrods food hall is just the place to pick up a sandwich, sausage roll, pork pie, quiche or any other portable delight to enjoy on your London red bus tour.
Harvey Nichols
Equally luxurious is the nearby Harvey Nichols department store with its focus on fashion and premium makeup.
Return to the bus stop to continue your budget London red bus tour as we are now going to chill out in London’s best known park.
4. Hyde Park Corner Station
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is the largest London Royal park. It has two outdoor cafes overlooking a man-made lake and is dotted with hire by the hour deckchairs.
The more energetic may enjoy a boating trip or an outdoor swim.
Hyde Park is just the place to decompress. Take a stroll through the Rose Garden or have an ice cream in the Italianate garden.
Get back on the bus as our next stop will involve art, more royal palaces and afternoon teas.
5. Green Park
Park Lane
The bus crosses the end of Park Lane, home to luxury 5 star hotels including the Dorchester, the Four Seasons and the London Hilton. Which has the most luxurious foyer? You decide.
The Wellington Arch and Green Park
On the right, you will see the Wellington Arch, Green Park and the walls of Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace
You can get off the bus here for Buckingham Palace which is a 10 minute walk through Green Park.
The exterior of Buckingham Palace
The Ritz
Look out for the world famous Ritz Hotel which has hosted celebrities and royalty for decades. Afternoon Tea is a spectacular affair but it will be necessary to book well in advance and adhere to their strict dress code.
The Ritz
We have a useful blog post on how to have a day out at Buckingham Palace and the Ritz. We include exploring the St James’s area.
The Wolseley
You are now on my favourite street, Piccadilly. It has the Wolseley with its beautiful monochrome interior and one of the best afternoon teas in London (a bargain compared with the adjacent Ritz).
Banana Split at the Wolseley – probably the best dessert in London.
It is almost worth visiting the Wolseley just to eat their banana split.
The Royal Academy
The Royal Academy famous for its Summer Exhibition
On the left you will see the Royal Academy which is home to the celebrated Summer Exhibition. Any artist can submit a piece of work for consideration…you will see the most bizarre ideas.
We reviewed Loneliness of the Soul by the controversial Royal Academician, Tracy Emin. This will give you a taste of what to expect.
The Royal Academy has free galleries and loos…the outdoor cafe with its tables and umbrellas is a nice place to sip cappuccino away from the bustle of Piccadilly.
The Burlington Arcade
Next door to the Royal Academy is the Burlington Arcade an indoor shopping street with luxury brands and a distinctive period feel.
Fortnum & Mason
Opposite the Royal Academy is Fortnum & Mason, the Queen’s Grocer. Pay a visit to see its beautiful food displays. Tourists beat a path here for its legendary loose tea and quality preserves.
No need to buy groceries, some say that afternoon tea at Fortnum’s is the best in London.
Fortnum & Mason with its fabulous window displays and artistically arranged food.
If you walk up Piccadilly, past Fortnums, you will see the Royal book seller Hatchards. It has an old fashioned, very British style and service making it a fascinating place to browse.
Hatchard’s book store which supplies Royalty
There are a couple of notable book sellers in Piccadilly including Waterstone’s which is the biggest book store in Europe with 8 miles of books.
St James’s Palace
St James’s Palace the London home of the King and Queen. Photo by James Stringer
Behind Fortnums and Hatchards you will find Jermyn Street with its small artisan shops selling everything from cheese to toiletries, men’s clothing and chocolates.
From here you can walk to St James’s Palace and Clarence House, the London Residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
5. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus and the Statue of Eros.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is London’s equivalent of New York’s Times Square.
If I am honest, it’s not my thing not least because it is crowded with young people enjoying raucous street entertainment.
Visit to take souvenir photos of the Eros Statue, Piccadilly Circus and the LED advertising which is especially spectacular at dusk.
If you are one of the gilded youth, you maybe able to pick up the man or woman of your dreams by sitting on the steps of the Eros Statue.
The Criterion Theatre and the Criterion Restaurant
The charming Criterion Theatre with its distinctive 20’s vibe faces the Eros statue.
Next door, you’ll find the preserved gold mosaic interior of the former Criterion Restaurant. Lately, it has gone downmarket and is now a chain Indian restaurant. Not all progress is improvement.
Brasserie Zedel
If you are hungry, I can recommend a hidden gem. Brasserie Zedel with its well priced set menus is a basement restaurant on the Regent’s Street Side of Piccadilly Circus. It looks like a small cafe above ground and nothing alerts you to its gleaming Gallic interior and crystal chandelier.
The basement restaurant foyer of Brasserie ZedelThe plush French brasserie styled interior of Brasserie Zedel
At Brasserie Zedel you will also find the Art Deco American Bar which serves classic cocktails and the vibrant red and black Crazy Coqs night club.
The Crazy Coqs night club at Brasserie Zedel
Regent’s Street
Regent’s Street is less crowded than Oxford Circus with more style and class. It contains many mid priced stores like Zara and H&M alongside luxury brands.
At the top of Regent’s Street, you will find Liberty with its Revival Tudor frontage constructed from the timbers of three ancient battle ships.
Now return to Piccadilly Circus and get comfy on the bus as we are heading to a famous sight…one that screams London.
6. Trafagar Square
The famous bronze lions at Trafalgar Square Photo by Alan Light
Trafalgar Square
This historic square was designed by John Nash to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. It is now a popular meeting point and site for political demonstrations. Look out for the fourth plinth which is a showcase contemporary art.
The National Gallery
At the north end of the square you will see the National Gallery with its free public exhibitions containing the works of almost every painter of any note from Rembrandt to the Impressionists.
The National Gallery home to important works of art.
The National Portrait Gallery
Around the corner from the National Gallery is the newly refurbished National Portrait Gallery. This used to be a dusty mausoleum of an art gallery until they hired Sir Roy Strong as its flamboyant and creative director. He breathed a new life into its exhibitions and you will see all sorts of work that push the boundaries of what’s possible in portrait painting.
The London Coliseum
Opposite the National Portrait Gallery in Saint Martin’s Lane, you will find the London Coliseum which is home to the English National Opera.
The ENO is famed for its inclusivity with seats starting at £10. There are some fantastic offers for new opera goers, school children and the under 35s.
All of its operas are sung in English. Note the the opera season here is from Autumn to Spring.
7. Southampton Street/Covent Garden
Covent Garden Market
Now you are probably on your knees with exhaustion, so I would recommend making Covent Garden your final stop. This used to be a fruit and vegetable market but now it has a lively street market selling art, crafts and London souvenirs.
Covent Garden Street Performers
A Covent Garden Street Performer on her lunch break.
Covent Garden is just the place for a coffee, drink or ice cream while watching street performers. Last time I was in Covent Garden I stumbled upon the ice cream bar Milk Train. Their sundaes looked amazing. There were queues round the block so clearly they tasted amazing too.
Covent Garden Restaurants
Notable restaurants here are the historic Rules which specialises in British cuisine like pies and puddings and Balthazar – a stylish French restaurant.
Regular opera goers also recommend Le Garrick and Frenchie for their reasonably priced pre opera menus.
The Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House
A grand finale for your could be a trip to the opera. You can have the experience of a lifetime by visiting the Royal Opera House where you will hear world class performers singing opera in glorious burgundy velvet surroundings.
Concluding our London Red Bus Tour
Don’t you think that it is amazing what you can see for the cost of a £5.25 one day bus pass? If you take this tour as a single journey without leaving the bus it will cost £1.75. You can pay by Oystercard or credit card. If you have travelled in by tube, your budget London red bus tour will be part of your capped daily spend, therefore it may cost you no extra.
Buckingham Palace London is on every visitor’s list but many will leave disappointed. As you cannot enter Buckingham Palace in the Winter, without a plan your visit may involve staring at a set of ornate black and gilded gates with a couple of guards wearing furry hats. Here are tips for avoiding a humdrum, box ticking day to one that will give you an adrenalin high.
Buckingham Palace London Requires a Detailed Plan
Without proper planning you will be staring through the iron gates at a guard in a bear skin hat.
With a bit of forethought a day at Buckingham Palace London could be amazing.
In this plan we suggest the following:
Watching the Changing of the Guards Ceremony
Visiting the Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Viewing the processional carriages and vehicles in the Royal Mews
Seeing the priceless art in the Queen’s Gallery
Having a picnic in St James’s Park or taking afternoon tea at the Goring or the Ritz
Visiting shops which have Royal Warrants on Piccadilly, Jermyn Street and St James’s.
Seeing a Show at the Theatre Royal
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is where one guard regiment takes over from another. This is accompanied by a marching brass band. And best of all, it is free to watch.
The ceremony takes place at 11.00 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in Winter (weather permitting) and daily in the summer. Check the British Army website for a detailed schedule.
Get to Buckingham Palace before 10am to bag a prime spot for the Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony.
A brass band is part of the ceremony
Significance of The Royal Standard Flying Over Buckingham Palace London
Did you know that if you see the Royal Standard flying from the Palace roof top it means that the King is in residence? On all other days there is a Union Jack flying.
The Royal Standard flag flying over Buckingham Palace London means that the monarch is in residence.
Buckingham Palace London Summer Opening Hours
From July to October, Buckingham Palace is open to the public. You can marvel at:
The White Drawing Room
The Throne Room
The State Banqueting Room
The Grand Staircase
The Picture Gallery
And while you may not be invited to a Royal garden party, your entrance ticket does include Buckingham Palace gardens.
When I was there, I saw Kate Middleton’s wedding dress and a replica of her iced wedding cake.
As tickets sell out months in advance buy tickets early.
Don’t miss the Royal Mews with its impressive collection of carriages and processional vehicles.
Gold Processional State Carriage at the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace London. Photo by Aurelie
The Official Buckingham Palace London Gift Shop
At 7 Buckingham Palace Road, there is the Royal Collections official palace gift shop selling tasteful homeware, china, clothing and jewellery.
Compared with the tacky, cheaply made fridge magnets and phone covers that are on sale elsewhere, you’ll find carefully curated, elegant and useful items. These are precious reminders of your Royal day out.
Who doesn’t want a furry corgi key ring or a silk scarf? And you can impress that special person in your life with a monogrammed bath hat.
A Corgi keyring which may be more cute than regal
A vibrant blue and gold silk scarf marking the Coronation of King Charles IIIA delightful monogrammed bath hat.
If you are enjoying this blog post, you may also like our posts on Fortnum and Masonthe royal family’s grocer and how to photograph St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Queen’s Gallery
Behind Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s Gallery. This is one of the most famous art collections in the world featuring old master paintings, rare furniture and photos.
Currently, on display is Johannes Vermeer Lady at the Virginals with a Gentleman. You will also find paintings by Titian, Guercino, Guido Reni, Rembrandt, van Dyck, Rubens, Jan Steen, Claude and Canaletto.
The Queen’s Gallery is Just Behind Buckingham Palace London.
Places Near Buckingham Palace London for Refreshments
The Goring Hotel
By now you will be feeling tired and hungry. Staying with our Royal theme visit the Goring Hotel, a luxurious 5 star hotel. It used to house many guests from Buckingham Palace before the palace installed ensuite bathrooms!
This was where Kate Middleton stayed the night before she got married. Make a reservation in advance for afternoon tea.
The Goring Hotel Exterior
St James’s Park
Alternatively, you could buy a packed lunch from one of the many shops in Victoria Place and picnic in St James’s Park.
St James’s Park has beautiful Spring flower displays.There’s a nice view of Buckingham Palace London from St James’s Park
The Ritz was opened in 1906 and is considered to be one of the most prestigious hotels in the world. It has hosted the Aga Khan, Jean Paul Getty, Winston Churchill and Jackie Onassis.
Margaret Thatcher checked into the Ritz in the final months of her life. The only time I saw Margaret Thatcher was when she was invited to the centenary celebrations of the Goring Hotel. She was accompanied by two assistants and despite her obvious frailty she absolutely worked the room – pumping everyone’s hand. It’s strange to think that she took a suite here instead of a nursing home! A woman of style!
The Queen Mother knew a lot about the high life. She dined regularly at the Ritz. The pianist would play her favourite song ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’.
Afternoon Tea is served daily at:
11.30am
1.30pm
3.30pm
5.30pm,
7.30pm
Note that like most luxury London hotels there is a dress code. The Ritz does not permit shorts, trainers and sportswear in any of the hotel’s restaurants or bars.
Afternoon Tea in London
An Afternoon Walk in St James’s
To work off the tea time calories, take a walk around nearby St James’s. This matrix of small streets behind St James’s Palace is home to a large number of Royal Warrant holding shops. Royal Warrants are often awarded to small artisan establishments which make the “best of the best” of British.
Notably, there is Lock & Co Hatters which is theoldest hat shop in the word. It was established in 1676. You can buy iconic trilbys, fedoras, berets and bakerboy caps…for the gents, you can even find a top hat or a bowler hat.
If you are not in the market for a hat, what about cheese? Paxton and Whitfield has been selling cheese to the aristocracy for over 200 years. I have a treasured Laguiole cheese knife which I bought from Paxton’s and it has been in regular use for decades.
If you are visiting and don’t want a hotel room full of smelly cheese you could browse in the Queen’s Grocer Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly for English teas and preserves
Fortnum and Mason the Royal Grocer
or find a book to read at the nearby Royal Warrant holding Hatchards bookstore.
Hatchards The Royal Bookseller
Evening Entertainment Near Buckingham Palace London
By now it must be dusk and you will be thinking of evening entertainment.
You could walk down to the end of Jermyn Street and cross Piccadilly to see what is on at the Theatre Royal in Haymarket.
The Theatre Royal was established in 1720. It is the third oldest playhouse in London. This beautiful intimate theatre seats just 888 people and is owned by the Crown. Being owned by the reigning monarch means its revenue goes to the Treasury. Sometimes you can get lucky and pick up a ticket on the day at the Box Office. Or you could do the sensible thing and book in advance!
The Theatre Royal Haymarket
If you plan properly instead of a fleeting glimpse of a Coldstream Guard behind the railings of Buckingham Palace London you can have a magical day filled with art, carriages, theatre, splendour, cakes, tea, hats and cheese that you will remember forever.
I found numerous references to Postcard Teas when I was writing my article on Where to Buy Tea in London but I couldn’t get my head round it…what has a postcard got to do with tea?
I had also never heard of Dering Street where Postcard Teas is located.
So this establishment went ignored until I started researching luxury within a block of Oxford Street and stumbled on it.
The Postcard Teas Shop
While the exterior has an almost Dickensian London feel with its double fronted small paned windows, there is definitely a minimalist Japanese aesthetic going on inside. One wall is lined with tea, not as you would expect in caddies but in oblong boxes resembling post cards.
The postcard drawings are a delight. They look as if they come straight out of a children’s book from the last century. There are ladies in fancy, feathered hats sitting on wicker chairs enjoying tea in fine porcelain cups, Monet style water lilies in a lake and children drinking tea poured by mum from a large tea pot.
On the reverse of these manila cardboard boxes is a detailed explanation of the tea that they contain.
I purchased the London Roast at £7.95 for a 50g postcard box.
These teas make unusual, postable presents or the perfect hostess gift for a breakfast or afternoon tea invitation.
Postcard Teas’ Description of the London Roast
Description of London Roast on rear of box
A robust blend of fine black teas that have been roasted in the UK using our unique London Roast process to create a new kind of black tea. The base material comes from a mixture of our Hijiri Black and Family Tea, as well a strong black tea from the Cubbagudta Plantation in Australia.
The result of the roasting is a rich, aromatic tea with a full body, addictive roasted taste and dark caramel sweetness that works equally well with and without milk. Out of all the blends we have made in the past eleven years, this may be the one we are the most proud of creating.
Are you also a coffee and cake eater? If so you may enjoy this post on where to buy coffee and cake in London. Of course you can have tea with your cake if you prefer.
My Postcard Teas London Roast Brew
When I was ready to brew I took out my sturdy stainless steel tea pot for one, warmed it with boiling water and put in two scant teaspoons of tea…and poured on the slightly off-the-boil water.
However, subsequently I have discovered that this tea tastes best with less tea and a shorter brewing time… 2-3 minutes is all that is needed.
The London Roast has an unmistakable almost savoury smell. It reminds me a bit of hot oxo (a stock cube) which we drank as kids. The taste is richer than standard black tea. It has a smokey, caramel aftertaste which is very pleasant.
My Postcard Teas London Roast Brew
Post Card Teas London Blends
Postcard Teas has a special selection of other London Blends
These include:
English Breakfast
English Afternoon
London Lapsangang
London Rose
My Verdict on Postcard Teas London Roast
Postcard Teas London Roast is almost addictive. I will definitely be buying more. I guess it is better to be addicted to upmarket tea than gin.
This is what we recommend as a London Winter Packing List and we also advise on where to shop for the things you forgot. Do you spend your journey to the airport remembering all the things that you forgot to pack? Well you aren’t alone…
What Goes into the Perfect London Winter Packing List?
London can be wet and dreary when you are trudging about on foot and then you find yourself thrust into overheated steamy shops, sipping cocktails in chic hotel bars or spending the night at the theatre. So there is a lot that needs to be crammed into a small suitcase. Here we explain the 15 must haves for a London trip – the perfect London Winter Packing List.
How Not To Look Like A Tourist
Wear dark colours like navy, black and dark grey and only wear one or two colours. Don’t carry a selfie stick or camera. The London look is understated and ‘put together’.
Hannah at Cocobeautea has nailed London style and you may want to check out her blog and Instagram for ideas.
London Winter Packing List Essentials
Outer Wear
It rains a lot in London. You won’t get very far with just a blazer, hoodie or a fake fur coat. So unless you’ve arrived on the one week of the year where no rain is forecast your coat will need to be waterproof.
In the midst of Winter, this may be a full length down filled coat, and in Spring or Summer you may get away with a lightweight Mac or thin padded jacket.
Go to M&S if you haven’t brought this item with you. It’s a mid range shop selling quality clothing and you’ll be able to pick something up in the £40-£100 category. Make sure your coat is labelled as Stormwear…unless of course you are here to buy an iconic Burberry.
There are large M&S stores in Victoria, High Street Kensington, Marble Arch and Oxford Street.
It can get chilly here in Winter so you’ll need a scarf, fingerless gloves (so you can text) and a warm hat.
The leader in high street scarfs, wool hats and gloves is Accessorize. There are branches throughout the West End. You’ll be able to pick up something on trend…be that clashing or co-ordinating. Fortnum & Mason do a nice range of hats. Or you could try the Royal Hatters Lock & Co.
High Street clothes Shops for the Young or Super Stylish:
Zara
H&M
Mango
All Saints
Hobbs
Walking Shoes
Leave your high heels at home, as you’ll need comfortable, easy-to-put-on flats for getting about and travelling on public transport in London in Winter.
For daytime walking, Clarks has a superb quality flat shoes with a grip. Look for Goretex lined leather that makes the shoes waterproof. You may also find what you are looking for at Uggs, just off Piccadilly Circus. Carvela and Kurt Geiger do some ultra chic trainers.
Bear in mind that you are looking for urban walking shoes or chic trainers not hiking boots or scruffy, utilitarian trainers.
Jumpers and T Shirts
The London climate tends to be mild and damp, even in the middle of Winter. Added to that, you will be going in and out of department stores, museums and hopping on and off the tube, so you don’t want to get too hot. It’s best to dress in layers. I would recommend a dark merino wool or cashmere jumper over a cotton long sleeved T shirt. Or you may consider a loose fit jumper half tucked into jeans or trousers. Cardigans are a difficult look to pull off when wearing a coat.
M&S does a good range of wool mix and cashmere jumpers in plain colours and layering pieces like t shirts and vests. River Island and H&M sell nice winter knits.
Evening Wear
If you are going out, you’ll need to be able to switch up your outfit for the evening. For most of the year, I wear black trousers which I have in a variety of fabrics e.g. faux leather, velvet, jeans and suiting. I wear these with an evening top and jewellery for the London theatre and restaurants. I can then add a coat, scarf, gloves and Uggs to stay warm for the tube journey home.
Monsoon does a good range of tops and evening dresses which can work as tunics over black trousers. Also check out evening knits.
Nightwear
I buy all my nightwear in the ultra low cost store Primark. They sell 100% cotton night dresses and pyjamas in the £5 price range which wash well and last forever. Check out their slipper socks for using in your hotel. There is a large Primark on London’s Oxford Street.
Tiger is also good for slipper socks.
Underwear
M&S has made a name for itself as the leading brand for quality high street underwear, bras and socks. Why would you go anywhere else?
Bags
Bags are an emotive subject as many feel that this is where their social status is judged. If you are after a designer bag head to Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty’s or Harvey Nichols.
Kurt Geiger is a UK company focussed on the London Look . Bags are mostly priced bag in the £100-200 category. Their flag ship store is in Covent Garden. For everyday use, I wear one of their leather crossbody bags.
Umbrella
Bring a telescopic, ultra light weight umbrella. London rain can be gusty and travel horizontally!
As there’s a high risk of losing umbrellas in cafes, buses and tubes I’d recommend a cheap, sturdy umbrella from Tiger for approximately £5.
Toiletries and Beauty Essentials
There’s always a huge number of items required to maintain a beauty routine and some you are not able to carry in hand baggage. Tiger will be able to fulfil most of these needs from small magnifying mirrors with suction pads, foot files, emery boards, scissors, tweezers and travel hair brushes – all at very low prices in stylish colourful, Scandi designs.
For really high quality hand creams, in lovely retro metal effect tubes, go to The Body Shop. I always carry a travel size of their Hemp Hard Working Hand Protector which has a nice slightly earthy smell – perfect for chapped Winter hands.
Alternatively, try Superdrug for essentials, it is slightly cheaper than Boots with an excellent range of vitamins and drug store brand makeup.
The best drug store make up brands are:
Bourjois
L’Oreal
Max Factor
No 7 (Boots)
Medicines and Vitamins
When travelling, I bring a small toiletry bag containing all my meds for any past, current or (likely) future illness. I also use 7 day tablet organisers containing my prescription meds and daily vitamins which I carry in both my hand luggage and my carry on.
If you are after medical advice, head to Boots or anywhere that you see the green cross pharmacy sign as they will have a resident pharmacist who will be qualified to advise.
While you are in a pharmacy consider the purchase of these Winter essentials
blister gel plasters
lip salve
anti bacterial hand gel
multi packs of travel tissues
Splitting headache with no pharmacy in sight? Try a newsagent as they have a small range of over-the-counter meds.
Phone Chargers
A couple of small lipstick style phone chargers will get you through the day. You can buy these plus the phone leads in Tiger or most drug stores. While you are there check out their travel plugs.
Electrical Equipment
Most hotels have an iron, hair dryer and phone chargers if you ask at reception.
Looking for specialised camera or phone equipment? Try the vast number of shops on the Tottenham Court Road.
Writing and Drawing Equipment
You may have the urge to document your thoughts and travels the old fashioned way, using a pen and paper, or get crafty, or creative. Tiger does a range of notepads, pens, drawing or craft supplies…you could also try Paperchase and John Lewis.
Things to Buy When You Arrive
Cooking Utensils
If you are here for longer and self catering, you may require utensils or equipment. Most Londoners will buy these from large out-of-town supermarkets like Tesco, Waitrose or Sainsbury’s. If this isn’t an option for you try John Lewis in Oxford Street, Peter Jones in Chelsea and there is a limited range of very basic equipment in Tiger.
Hotel Room Dining and Snacks
On some cold, rainy days in Winter, you may not feel like going out for a meal, or you are preparing for when the urge for a midnight snack strikes. M&S Food Hall in Marble Arch is a paradise of pre prepared food which will cater for every need, from a substantial dinner, to snacks on-the-go, park picnics or midnight morsels. Alternatives are Pret and the Selfridges or Harrods food halls.
A Londoner’s London Winter Packing List
As a Londoner, these are the things that I advise my visiting friends to put on their London Winter Packing List…and I never leave home without my tissues, phone battery charger, paracetamol umbrella and a comfortable pair of shoes.
If you are looking for places to go to that will fully utilise all your wet weather and outdoor clothing look no further than our posts on Richmond Park and Kew Gardens.
So exactly how do you plan a day out in London? Here’s how to go from a hum drum day in which you have little to show for it but throbbing blisters to one where you are energised by London in its glory. As they say, “fail to plan and plan to fail”.
Plan a Day Out in London by Finding Your Starting Point
Well in advance of your day out, decide where are you going. The sooner you start to plan the more options you will have. You will be able to book tickets that will be sold out nearer the day and you will have more time for research.
Research London Activities and Restaurants
Your start point is going to be the theme for your entire day.
For example, if you are going to see Buckingham Palace you may decide to have a Royal day. Or maybe a Thames Clipper boat trip to Greenwich could become a maritime adventure taking in the naval museum and the the Cutty Sark. Or the Churchill War Rooms could be the spark for a military history day.
Think of what could spoil your enjoyment like long queues and crowds, rain and bad weather and make contingency plans.
If a heatwave is expected, you may want to postpone a walking tour of Kensington for a trip to the Regents Park Open Air Theatre where you can rent a deckchair and have a picnic and a leisurely stroll of the famous rose garden before a performance. If rain is forecast you won’t want to be on a Thames river boat so consider indoor or covered venues like The Tate Modern and Borough Market.
If you are planning many weeks in advance you can check the average weather and precipitation levels for the month online.
Match your activities to the weather forecast
Is there a Google chart which shows when the venue is less busy? Avoiding busy periods means that you are more likely to get tickets and you’ll spend less time waiting in queues.
Amp Up Your Main Experience
Check the Events page of the venue’s website. By arriving earlier or later you may be able to take advantage of a free guided tour or performance.
Or maybe you could plan your day out in London to coincide with with a Happy Hour at a nearby bar or the pre-theatre menu.
Time your activities to make the most of Happy Hours
Museums and major attractions often have delightful museum shops and cafes.
Museums often have fabulous cafes.
Read about the main exhibits, paintings or features of the place that you are visiting in advance as this definitely enhances the experience.
Add Additional Activities
Now we are going to look at how to take the day from special to amazing by researching nearby activities which are a different type of experience to your central event. If you have been on your feet sightseeing or at an art gallery, look for concerts, restaurants, cafes and theatres.
TripAdvisor is a useful reference as it has a map function which shows nearby attractions, restaurants and bars.
Put your Day Out in London Plan Together Like a Movie
Once you have your plan, sequence it together in your mind like a movie. What’s is the day going to look like? Imagine the photos that will make up your day.
If you live in London mix things up, don’t just tread a well worn path to your favourite cafe or restaurant.
Be Realistic About Your Time and Energy
When you plan a day out in London, allow for both travel time and downtime. Also allow for things going wrong. Check, and double check, opening, closing and last entry times. Does anything need to be eliminated or saved for another day?
Be realistic about the time available.
Refine the Plan to Meet Your Budget
Are you getting the most for your expenditure?
Get the most value from your money when you plan a day out in London
It’s about getting the best value for money not about overall cheapness.
Maybe you could switch in some more budget friendly options, or spend more on some aspects of the day for a memorable, luxurious experience.
Save Vouchers and Make a Rough Schedule
Finally, print out anything that you will need like vouchers, tickets etc or photograph them to save to your phone. You will need a record of your London day plan and easy access to it.
Photograph your tickets and vouchers on your phone
Its amazing how your internet signal mysteriously disappears as soon as you arrive at a box office.
I sometimes use Tripit for planning day trips especially if my day includes a lot of time critical events.
With a bit of forethought and research, you can plan a day out in London that is truly amazing.
Additional Information on how to Plan a Day Out in London
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