The Park Grand Lancaster Gate’s location means you are about six minutes walk from the Lancaster Gate tube station. This means that basically anywhere on the Central line is your oyster (excuse the pun) – you can go as far as Essex, so it is probably an under-exaggeration to say there are thousands of places you could visit without changing seats. Narrowing it down to ten for the time being, here are some gems to visit during your London visit.
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O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Tube Station: Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush Empire is a well-respected music venue located on the corner of Shepherd’s Bush Green, which has been in that spot since 1903 and has seen performances from some of the music industry’s greats such as Charlie Chaplin, Prince, David Bowie, Elton John, Pearl Jam, The Rolling Stones and many more. More, especially when you consider that the future greats are performing there right now. Even if you aren’t 100% familiar with the musicians taking the stage when you search for tickets, the whole ambience is what makes this experience so special.
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The Ladbroke Arms
Tube Station: Notting Hill Gate or Holland Park
Depending on which direction you are coming from, The Ladbroke Arms is equidistant from these stations. This dining experience is a prime example of when the word “pub” just isn’t sufficient for the quality of food being served and “gastropub” is adopted. With a carefully curated, seasonal menu, an impressive wine list and a picturesque floral setting, you can’t miss with Ladbroke.
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Lancaster Gate
Tube Station: Lancaster Gate
Presumably, this is your stop? Well, there is no need to even leave the comfort of the hotel then, because Lancaster Gate Hotel Restaurant is an attraction in itself which travelers and locals from across the city visit. You have the option of dining in either the Serpentine Restaurant or the Serpentine Bar – unless you are a hotel guest, in which case there is the third option of 24 hour room service. The restaurant’s menu includes delicious, filling meals like steak, burgers, curries, salads and more. However, if you are more peckish than hungry, the bar’s menu includes bar classics like fish and chips (a British staple, many would argue), mezze-style nibbles, sandwiches and more.
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Oxford Street, Regent’s Street and Carnaby Street
Tube Station: Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road
Between these three central line tube stations, you will fit in all the shopping you could dream of whilst in London. With department stores like Liberty London and Selfridges, as well as brand-laden streets like Carnaby Street, you are covered. Some British shopping brand hallmarks include Burberry, Asprey, Pringle, Mulberry… and that is just to name a few.
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Sir John Soane’s Museum
Tube Station: Holborn
Once you have checked off all the obvious museums off your London to-do list, do not despair – it is rather difficult to run out of museums to visit in London, especially if you are open to straying off the beaten track. Sir John Soane was an English architect who specialized in Neo-Classical who received a knighthood in 1831. Sir John Soane’s Museum is his home, which offers visitors the opportunity to observe and appreciate an array of classical sculpture, paintings and curiosities.
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Sabine Rooftop Bar
Tube station: St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is a must-see when visiting London, and there is nowhere quite so picturesque to do so than from this rooftop bar, which boasts such remarkable views that you would not be blamed for thinking you could reach out and touch it. Enjoy a cocktail on their garden-themed terrace and some nibbles from the light bites menu and you won’t be disappointed.
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Old Spitalfields Market
Tube station: Liverpool Street
For over 350 years, a covered market has taken place on the site that currently hosts the Old Spitalfields Market. Nowadays, you will leave having eaten great food from all over the world from one of 40 food and drink options, having enjoyed a lively atmosphere and perhaps experienced one of the 140 events that take place, or taking home some vintage clothing, house plants and more from one of 57 independent stalls. Best of all – this market is open seven days a week, so no matter when your trip to London is scheduled, you can get your market-fix.
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The Young V&A Museum
Tube station: Bethnal Green
Everyone tends to be familiar with the V&A Museum on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, which rubs shoulders with the Science and the Natural History Museum. Many have yet to hear of or visit the V&A’s younger sibling: The Young V&A, which was formerly known as the Museum of Childhood, a stone’s throw from Bethnal Green Station. While the V&A is the UK’s national museum of applied art, the Young V&A in the East End specialises in objects by and for children. That is not to say it is only for children to visit, though. While it is a great day out for the whole family, adults are equally fascinated by the displays, especially those which show an interesting window into how the culture around children has changed across history.
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Genesis Cinema
Tube Station: Mile End
Creeping further along the Central line (while simultaneously not having to move much since leaving Lancaster Gate), you will get to Mile End. The Genesis Cinema is a real arthouse gem, screening both blockbuster and independent films from various time periods in a renovated 19th-century building. Mile End is often described as “up-and-coming”, and it is old-school refurbished buildings showing artsy cinema such as this that really encapsulates that mix of old and new, while still respecting the history embedded in the old.
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Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Tube Station: Stratford
Originally built for London’s 2021 Olympic Games, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is now a tourist hub year-round. There are bridges, wild land and play parks to explore within the park grounds, there is the London Blossom Garden to admire, there are guided tours and trails, and there is plenty to eat and drink throughout the day so no stomach is grumbling while adventuring.
