Whenever I think about being a tourist, I think about going abroad. I always forget that there is so much to be seen on my own doorstep. This month, I am heading to London to get a new tattoo (eek, exciting!) and I decided to go down a bit earlier to be a bit of a tourist.
Being a London Tourist
My brother lives in London, so I go down fairly frequently, but I always seem to do the same things – shop on Oxford Street (the Lush is MASSIVE), take pictures of the flowers outside Liberty and visit the odd market. So the last few times I’ve visited, I’ve challenged myself to do something new.
And with what’s happened recently at Westminster, I think it’s even more important to share love and show solidarity with the people we share this island with. We can’t be afraid to explore the cities that make this country – our country – great.
Here, I’ve shared one of my favourite things to do in the capital. And it can cost as much or as little as you want!
Walk Along the South Bank
The South Bank is a traffic free path that runs along the South of the River Thames and it is a beautiful walk, full of incredible architecture. To walk the route itself is entirely free, but there are certain sights along the way that you may well want to stop at.
Starting opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, follow the pavement that takes you past the London Eye, the OXO tower, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Bridge and all the way round to Tower Bridge. Phew, it’s a whole load of London’s big tourist hits in one fell swoop!
I particularly love The Globe, and would definitely recommend trying to get tickets to go to an RSC production if you can. They are really an experience and well worth the ticket price (although you can get £5 standing tickets if your legs can hack it!).
Keeping it Cheap
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money then just meander along and take in the sights. Stop for a coffee, stroll around Tate Modern, which is free, provided you can resist the beautiful gallery shop! Walk across the Millennium Bridge opposite and pretend you’re in Harry Potter and the Death Eaters are coming. Admire the Globe from outside and grab an ice cream if the weather allows.
You can also get cheap tickets for a lot of London’s attractions if you book online in advance. Discount London is one of my favourite sites to check; the website also has a whole load of restaurants to try and a journey planner to help you get around.
I can’t wait to head down to London next month and be a tourist in my own country. I’m also heading to Harrogate this weekend, so maybe I’ll share what it’s like being a tourist there too!
Let me know your favourite places to be a tourist in the U.K., I’d love to try some more.
♥ JH
This post is sponsored, but all opinions are my own.
hello dear daughter
as a Best friend of Shakespeare’s globe, just want to clarify that the rsc are based at stratford upon avon – the globe company is a separate thing altogether and far superior imho
Ahh I did not know that, I thought The Globe performances were RSC! Thanks for the clarification 🙂
lONDON NEVER ceases to amaze me! There’s always so much to do within any budget which means the city can be enjoyed no matter what your likes are.
Strolling along the southbank is one of my favourite things to do and once I get to all those amazing food stalls I want to eat everything x
I’ve travelled all across England and honestly believe we live in one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries in the world. I love London and will definitely be taking a stroll along South bank on my next visit in June, might try and catch a show at the globe too!
I’m taking my children to London in a few months time. CANt wait!
I love london, it is such a fascinating city! I can’t wait to go back
i think bath was my absolute favourite staycation, thought we’re doing weymouth this year which i’m pretty excited about!
I love Bath, it’s so pretty!
I can get into london in about 20 minutes but I love being a tourist there as there’s so much to do x
I love the South Bank, such an amazing atmosphere and so many lovely things to see. I remember it as a child, because I remember getting on a boat on a pier somewhere along there. I’ve not been for years; I keep saying I’m going to make a point of visiting again.
London is one of my favourite places to visit as a tourist and i absolutely love walking along the south bank to see some of the city’s most favourtite landmarks and attractions x
Oh I Love the SOuth Bank and have visited with my children many times. We actually took a trip on the london eye during a thunderstorm which was pretty spectacular!
I really fancy the idea of attending a show at the Globe. I’ve strolled past there a number of times and agree, it is a lovely walk. Grabbing food from the nearby Borough Market is often worthwhile while in that area.
Yes, another great idea! The food there is delicious 🙂
The South Bank is a great area of London. When I was there a few months ago I noticed the London film museum so would love to visit on my return
Ah I’ve not heard of that one, thanks for the tip!