The desire to get on a plane and step foot in a different country is currently taking over my every thought. I haven’t been away since our trip to France back in December and although I love a staycation, our weekend break in Brighton just does not count. I know I may sound greedy but I’m sure most of you travellers out there will agree with me – travel is like a drug and right now I am having some massive withdrawal symptoms.
So the thought of our impending American adventure next week is like the light at the end of a very long very dark tunnel.
But I’m not one to sit around at home just waiting for something exciting to happen, so in the meantime I’ve kept myself busy by becoming a tourist in my own city and exploring more of London. I often take for granted the fact that I live in such a fantastic city but it’s little adventures like these that make me remember how great London really is.
So I’ve put together a little itinerary of some of our latest explorations over the past few weeks that would make for a fun weekend in London.
♥ A day exploring Greenwich
Greenwich has always been one of my favourite parts of London, not only because I live a short drive away, but also because I could easily spend the whole day here relaxing in the park and wandering around the town. Greenwich Park is beautiful at any time of year – for picnics on the grass in summer; spotting deer in the flower gardens; feeding ducks on the lake; visiting the Royal Observatory to see the stars; and – Mr Ayla’s favourite – seeing the panoramic views out across London.
We always take a wander down the hill, past the Queen’s House for the architecture and art buffs, and through the market, full of cute vintage stalls and street food. The delicious smells of sizzling dishes from Brazil to China means we can never decide which cuisine to go for but the mini Dutch pancakes never fail to tempt us.
The Cutty Sark, an impressive British ship from the 1800’s, is just a short walk further into town and from there we often take a gentle stroll along the river to The Green Pea, one of the best pubs in London, for a spot of lunch. The owner, Tom, will tell you that he makes the best pies and roast potatoes in all of London and it’s safe to say that he, Tripadvisor (currently no. 12 out of almost 17,000 restaurants in London) and I, definitely do not all lie!
♥ Champagne and views at Vertigo 42
If you’ve read some of my previous posts you’ll already know how much Mr Ayla loves the views over London, whether it’s from Greenwich Park or from the top of the O2. But for his birthday this year we swapped the O2’s jump suits and harnesses for heels and champagne. At the top of Tower 42, this intimate champagne bar in the City has almost 360 degree views out over London. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sun set as the lights start to twinkle across the city at night.
For more fantastic views in London check out my other posts where we climbed the O2 and visited the Shard.
♥ Dancing at Roadhouse
In the heart of Covent Garden, Roadhouse is a retro American style diner and bar that serves up a huge range of cocktails (so we already know I’m going to be a fan). Grab some American comfort food and then hit the dance floor as the live band belt out some classic Motown hits.
♥ Brunch at Christopher’s
Brunch has quickly become my favourite meal of the day because, in all honesty, who wouldn’t enjoy the luxury of a lie in followed by a delicious mix of breakfast and lunch with a mimosa thrown in for good measure?!
We headed for Sunday brunch with Shikha of Why Waste Annual Leave and Mr Shikha (I’m sure he’ll love that name just as much as Mr Ayla loves his!) at Christopher’s in Covent Garden where the French toast and build-your-own-pancake menu had us drooling. Yes, I did say build-your-own-pancakes and yes, they are just as amazing as they sound.
♥ London in the spring
On the way back home we often like to take a stroll past the London Eye which is always pretty no matter what time of year but especially in spring when the trees lining the South Bank are covered in cherry blossoms.
♥ Take a ride on the cable car
Another fun route home for us is to jump on the Emirates cable car that glides above the river from the Royal Docks to Greenwich Peninsular with gorgeous views of Canary Wharf and planes that fly right over your head.
Then it’s home just in time for an afternoon nap because that’s what Sundays are made for right? Brunching and napping.
What’s your favourite thing to do in London over the weekend? Let me know in the comments below or at:
Mama Ayla's Adventures 
I know exactly what you mean when you say travel is like a drug. I got home fromt a year of travelling around Australia/Thailand at the end of January and I’m already itching to get out into the world! I’m going to London in December with my Mum so we might have to take a trip to The Green Pea!
A year of travelling will make it even harder to stay at home in the one place for too long! Well it would for me anyway! At least you have something to look forward to later in the year. And you could always try to squeeze in another couple of trips before then 😉
Although sometimes the wanderlust hits at least you can never really tire of London 🙂
Very true, there’s enough here to keep anyone occupied for years!
This is awesome, as I’m going to come to London soon 😀
Hope you have fun in London! If you’d like any other tips or recommendations just ask 🙂
great times in London!;)
There are always great times to be had in London 🙂
yes!!
I’m literally obsessed with mini Dutch pancakes – I only ever seem to find them in London at Winter Wonderland each year and so can see myself making a trip to Greenwich just for these alone!! Also very keen to check out Vertigo 42 – the views look incredible! xxx
I would totally make a trip to Greenwich just for these. The park and great views are just an added extra 😉
Glorious photos of one my favourite cities Ayla!
Thanks Emma! London seems to pull in and keep so many people 🙂
It’s years since I’ve been to Vertigo 42, I’m long overdue a return. I’m sure Mr Luxe loves his nickname too!
Haha, take Mr Luxe for a return trip!
Eeek, your USA trip is just around the corner!! I agree, travel is a drug and I crave the buzz of airports and immersing into totally different environment. Although since I moved to Tokyo I feel like I am in a permanent tourist mode, there is so much to explore!! Loved your photos of Greenwich. What a spectacular view of London! Will definitely put it on my itinerary next time I visit! 🙂 xoxo, nano
I can imagine that Tokyo has so much to see and do as well. I would love to visit one day! I’ll be your London tour guide and you can be my Tokyo tour guide 😉
Oooo… That’s a deal!! 🙂
a cable car to canary wharf? I had no idea such a thing existed!
It’s great fun! Definitely hop on next time you’re in this part of London 🙂
Great list of things to do in London in a adventurous trip…. Wish I’vl do this soon…
Greenwich is so much fun to explore! We almost moved there last year because we liked the area so much, but when I first moved to London, I’d take the DLR there by myself to explore the market on the weekends. It feels like a little village!
I love how London helps to address our travel withdrawal! My friend took me to tower 42 for my birthday years ago – I’d forgotten just how fabulous it is! And I know you and I are a bit biased but I agree Greenwich is simply fabulous and we actually went to Tom’s for a casual anniversary dinner! Had so much fun brunching with you both – you should have seen Pumpkin’s face when I told him of your new nickname for him! 😀
This is exactly how I’ve been feeling lately too… our last trip abroad was Morocco in Jan and since then we’ve only had a short weekend to Scotland but as we drove it almost feels like it didn’t happen hahaha… but we’re back on the wagon and hopefully off on some trips soon!