London - Hidden Gems

We loved London, even with the kids in tow. There is so much fun to be had and great food to eat. However, there's a little investigation required if you want to see beyond the usual tourist recommendations.

An insiders top tips:

1. See a show. But don't just see any show. You have until mid September to see THIS show, Alice's Adventure's Underground. Set in the tunnels under Waterloo station, you move from scene to scene, just like Alice. It gets curiouser and curiouser. A totally immersive production that will delight fans of Alice in Wonderland or the absurd. The sets are incredible, as are the costumes and the show has music, acrobatics and puppetry, as well as a cocktail bar for pre and post drinks (though with ticket purchase you can also throw back a cocktail at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party). For the tourist, it also takes you to the underground labyrith that was built in the late 19th century. Book tickets HERE. There is also a children's version showing in the afternoons for the under 12s.

2. Hawker House (or any of the Street Feast venues). We ventured out to Hawker House with kids in tow and everyone was happy to spend a number of hours kicking back over drinks. With great food on offer, there was something for everyone one from the myriad of street vendors. It was by far the best meal we had in London, and one of the cheapest to boot. The desserts will keep the kids happy (or anyone with a sweet tooth) while the adults indulge in the specialty cocktails from the plethora of bars.






3. Flat Iron Square - lured by the string of lights in the courtyard, our troupe were delighted to find what they wanted to eat from the many vendors, and all happy in the laid back vibe on the broad tables and bench seats. On the weekends there is a Vintage Market as well. Open lunch and dinner.

4. Borough Market. Great spot for lunch or grabbing staples for a picnic. Oysters, global cuisine, fresh fruit, sweets and desserts, wine - this market has everything, and tables to sit at too. The market has existed for 1000 years (in various forms) so it's a piece of history to boot.

5. Sky Garden. This is a gem of a place. You go to the top of the Walkie Talkie for great city views without spending a penny! You do need to book (bookings may be made three weeks in advance). The views are fabulous and the full 360 degrees. As the name suggests, there are nice gardens to enjoy a drink or coffee, while taking in the views.

6. The Roof Gardens. We didn't get to go here as it was booked for private functions on the days that I was free to visit. It's top of my list for next time. Charming gardens, terrace bar and flamingos. What more could you want?





7. Greenwich is well worth the visit - an easy train trip out and then leisurely boat ride back. Full post on this to come, but I will say it was our favourite day in London, and the kids and I both loved it. Plenty to see and do, charming lunch spots, great markets and quaint village feel.

8. The boat between Tate Modern and Tate Britian. If you don't want to spend the big bucks on a river cruise, grab the boat between the Tates. It's discounted to a mere five pound 40 with an Oyster card.

9. Get an Oyster card - for ease of use to zip around town and the 5 pound deposit is easily refunded at the tube station machines. We just got normal cards but this visitor Oyster does appear to be a cheaper rate (however, I know nothing about this deal and have no affiliation, so investigate a little before signing up)






10. Move around. We had three nights in Blackfriars (an area I loved and I recommend the Novotel there to anyone travelling with kids) and then moved to Charring Cross. Both areas have a completely different atmosphere and what you see, even down to the traffic lights are completely different.







Further Reading:
Alice's Adventures Underground Review
Hawker House Review


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