Been stuck in a tourist traffic jam whilst trying to change tubes at Green Park? Trying to find something to revive the love you once had for this bustling city? Check out our guide to falling back in love with London...
London. The city we all love to hate. Accidentally buying a round at the pub costs £35, rent costs our entire salary and we all live within close proximity to Boris Johnson. This big and busy city can grind you down after a while and it's difficult to find enjoyment when the weather compliments the scenery. If you've ever stood on Oxford Street and seriously considered moving back to your sleepy hometown then check out our guide on how to fall back in love with London (and obviously leave Oxford Street, what are you even doing there in the first place?).
Enjoy The View On A Bridge
If the towering office blocks and dull green pavement slabs are getting you down, then head to one of London's many beautiful bridges and soak up the view where you'll be offered an entirely different perspective with the reflection of our wondrous River Thames highlighting the scenery. Make your way to Waterloo Bridge in the sunshine and enjoy a quintessentially British skyline featuring the vast Houses of Parliament, the towering London Eye and the bustling Southbank. Or enjoy one of London's tourist attractions and stand on the bright blue Tower Bridge, marvelling at the feat of engineering and historic significance of this 130-year-old bridge. Best yet, you can enjoy these stunning views for free.
Visit A Park
The city may be very built up, but London certainly isn't short of vast grassy spaces to help you return to nature. In fact, some of the city's parks are so large that it's easy to forget you're actually not in the middle of the British countryside. Head to Crystal Palace park and get lost (genuinely, it's really difficult) in the charming maze, or check out the ridiculously inaccurate dinosaur models. Delve into the huge Hampstead Heath, taking a dip in one of the tree lined ponds. Gals, the peaceful and sheltered ladies pond is a wonderful spot to sunbathe and cool off on hot days. Finally, be sure to go out of your way and take the short trip to Richmond Park, where the sprawling park is full of deer and other wildlife! Whilst you're there, visit the Isabella plantation that's currently in full bloom. There's no better way to recharge. Why would this make you fall in love with London, I hear you ask! Well, unlike parks in the actual British countryside you can easily while away an afternoon in one of these outdoor spaces, then return to city civilisation within half an hour!
Consume Some Culture
Ok, so we know how easy it is to come home after a long day at work, stick Netflix on and accidentally watch Friends until it's time to go to bed and get up for work again. But there's so much culture to be enjoyed on your very doorstep, nights, events and shows that people travel for miles and miles to see. If you're struggling to choose, why not start with the obvious and head on over to the theatre, (realistically, none of us have actually been to see Les Mis) seats in the gods for West End shows often don't cost more than £20, and the performances are actually really good! Music lovers, sign up to Dice and trawl through tons of free or cheap gigs in and around the city, your best chance to see up and coming exciting acts in dingy backroom pubs. Or go and see some fringe theatre, a show in a pub or a stand-up comedy show. There's so much to go and do! Are you still watching Friends? We hope not!
Watch A Classic Film
By classic we mean anything by Richard Curtis. Films have been capturing the pretty English charm of London for as long as Hugh Grant has been in work. Sit down and enjoy the romantic charm of Notting Hill, the single-girl classic of Bridget Jones Diary or spot well known locations in the early 2000's classic of Love Actually! Or you might want to enjoy a free day out visiting some of London's famous filming locations; Greenwich's Old Navel College (Thor), the Milbank SIS Building (Skyfall and Spectre) or perhaps a deserted Westminster Bridge at 6am on a Sunday (28 Days Later). These spots all act as great reminders of the amazing cultural significance of the city you call home. If you want to explore more film locations in London, read our article here.
Discover Somewhere New
The beauty of London is it's as you meander through the city and stumble upon different areas, you realise that each has it's own unique identity that collectively make up the beautiful capital that is London. If you're sick and tired of the London you know, then attempt to head somewhere you haven't been before- and if you're struggling with choices or activities, be assured, we have plenty of articles for you to sift through until your heart is content in knowing what to do.
Perhaps you're a born and bred East Londoner who rarely ventures south of the Thames- the we recommend you go and check out East Dulwich or Camberwell. Enjoy the local eateries and tiny art galleries, eschewing the same old restaurant chains and tourist attractions you often frequent. Check out our guide to a day in South London here, or simply set off and explore somewhere completely brand new!
We're constantly tracking new and exciting things to do in London, head here for more content.