Kia ora! Hello!

So you either have a trip planned or are thinking of heading to London I take it? I’ve now been fortunate to head there on three seperate occasions and had some slightly different experiences so hopefully my list will cater for most travellers.

First time I went was in Winter 2019 and we spent a lot of our time being walking tourists seeing all the sites, second time was Summer 2022 where we went specifically for the Notting Hill Carnival, and the most recent in Winter 2023 was spent watching theatre shows and hitting up some foodie spots.

Some of my recommendations:

1. Walking around London is an absolute must! Spend the day walking around seeing the likes of Oxford Circus, Buckingham Palace (Change of the Guards ceremony is at 11am), walk through Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square Westminster Abbey, Big Ben (did you know that is the name of the bell, not the building?!), look at (or hop on if you were that way inclined) the London Eye, Convent Garden, St. Pauls Cathedral and Tower of London.

2. Borough Market and Camden Markets - outdoor food markets that are really busy but there are so many options, and being in amongst the hustle and bustle is fun. Camden ones also include lots of stalls and small shops with the walk from the train station to the markets being really cool as the street is lined with stores that have 3D elements to their storefronts. If you were doing the walking track above, you could do a wee food stop at the Borough Markets between getting from St. Pauls and the Tower of London.

3. London is well known for their shows and they never disappoint. If you get the opportunity to watch The Lion King or Wicked - do it! I’ve also watched Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Mamma Mia at the O2 (was an interactive dinner show - also a must!) and Jake Whitehall the comedian. They are so well done, but the costumes, the acting, the singing and the engagement with the audience is just incredible.

4. If you are there in December, Winter Wonderland is a must! Buy your tickets in advance and head to Hyde Park where they host a large Christmas Carnival event - nothing like this takes place back here in Aotearoa! Lots of stalls, theme park rides, food and drinks……and people, so make sure you select your time slot wisely.

5. If you are there in August, it is the tale end of Summer for the Brits but is a great time to go - cooled down to a tolerable temperature and less tourists. But it is also when the Notting Hill Carnival is, and this is a great time! Notting Hill is mostly shut off to vehicles for the weekend as floats and walking performers do laps parading the streets. In the end everyone is walking the streets with the floats as they blast their music with a potential drink in hand from one of the many drinks stands, DJ set ups and food carts that line the side streets.

   There are so many more I could add but I hope this helps kickstart your planning, and you enjoy your time in London!

   Haere rā! Goodbye!