Dominated it may be the glorious green expanses that are Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the Lancaster Gate area of the capital is nonetheless jam-packed with things to see and do for visitors of all stripes – especially those choosing to stay at a Lancaster Gate hotel London…
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
(W2 2LF)
Yes, the obvious place to start, but Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are simply perfect for picnics, horse-riding, in-line-skating, bird- and wildfowl-watching and simply being at one with nature right in the very heart of the UK capital
The Mitre
(24 Craven Terrace W2 3QH)
A charming Victoria pub featuring original mosaic floors and etched glass, in addition to an upstairs dining room and, as a unique but exquisite feature, a fun, basement speakeasy.
Little Venice’s Canals
(W9 2PF)
Ideal for picturesque walks and brilliant barge-spotting along the waterways.
Speakers’ Corner
(W2 2EU)
In a corner of Hyde Park you can find a place where there is total freedom of speech – only on Sunday mornings, however; the rest of the time it’s just as relaxed an open space as the rest of the magnificent, great green expanse that’s Central London’s biggest public park.
Waterside Café
(Warwick Crescent W2 6NE,)
A charming restaurant housed inside a boat on the Paddington branch of the Regent’s Canal, which serves all-day breakfasts, afternoon teas and freshly baked cakes.
Jason’s Trip
(44 Blomfield Road W9 2PF)
A tour guide canal boat service from Little Venice to Camden Lock, with commentary on the history of Regent’s Canal.
The Bridge House
(13 Westbourne Terrace Road W2 6NG)
Classic pub food using fresh ingredients and a cosy atmosphere. The building is shared with the Canal Cafe Theatre, so pop upstairs for some fantastic acting.
The Puppet Theatre Barge
(W2)
The loveliest puppet shows for children on a moored barge in Little Venice.
Westbourne Gardens
(W2)
Springtime and summer are beautiful in one of London’s many garden squares.
Clifton Nurseries
(5A Clifton Villas W9 2PH)
Arguably one of the most beautiful cafés in all of London – yes, really.
Another Country
(18 Crawford Street W1H 1BT)
A beautiful interiors shop selling furniture, home accessories and fine lighting solutions.
Cleveland Square Fireworks
(W2 6DH)
Fireworks night at Cleveland Square Gardens is fantastic for visitors to the area in time for Guy Fawkes’ Night (November 5th), especially those staying at the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate hotel. A yearly main event and one not to missed. Fireworks mixed in with dance music equals great fun, indeed.
The Magic Hour
(1-9 Inverness Terrace, The Grand Royale W2 3JP)
A truly beguiling evening of old-fashioned, Victorian-era-esque magic from a seasoned conjurer and card-trick-expert – all the more impressive given it’s conducted in a very enclosed space and with only a small number audience members for each performance, lending the whole thing rather a spoilt-for-the-night feel.
Notting Hill Bike Tours
(129 Bayswater Road W2 4RJ)
A unique way to catch all the area’s major sights; so, unquestionably then, a fun and finely healthy, rather athletic way to see the best of London. Online reviews confirm that the supplied bikes for each tour are quality-made and well-maintained model; there are also lots of stops, ensuring the ride caters for cyclists of all levels – not just intermediates or veterans.
