A day in London – 10 unusual things to do in 12 hours

Written by Secret City Trails on April 11, 2019. Posted in London.

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Only got 1 day in London? Here are our favourite alternative things to do. From amazing views to quiet church gardens, sprawling parks to intimate wine bars, join us on a 12-hour journey! Why not play a city discovery trail on your way?

Start at King’s Cross Station and end your adventure in the vibrant Hoxton neighbourhood. The rough budget for the entire 12-hour day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, is £45 per person. Tip: Get yourself an Oyster card for the London underground if you haven’t got one yet!

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Start your day bright and early at Caravan in King’s Cross. With an outdoor terrace overlooking the charming Granary Square, this is the perfect spot to wake yourself up with freshly roasted coffee accompanied by a quintessential English breakfast! We love the golden spiced yoghurt and the smashed avocado toast!

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Stroll along Regent’s Canal to Camley Street Natural Park. This park is an urban nature reserve in the heart of King’s Cross. Standing boldly by the canal, abandoned warehouses have been transformed into hip bars and restaurants.

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Worked up an appetite? Head down to Camden Market, where you can discover some of the most diverse and expansive street food options the city has to offer. With more than 1,000 stalls selling everything from music to fashion to art, this is THE place to grab lunch, watch the city go by and find that trinket you always wanted at a bargain.

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Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Camden Market and wander up the road to Primrose Hill for a jaw-dropping view of London. We definitely recommend renting a bike at Santander Cycle Hire to explore Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park. Alternatively, take your time and enjoy the lush greenery by foot. If you’re going into Regent’s Park during Springtime, don’t miss Queen Mary’s Rose Garden – it’s stunning!
London has many more parks & green spaces to offer – check out more of them here.

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Now that you are rested and relaxed, time to visit London’s Chinatown to emerge yourself in the fascinating Chinese culture! A treat to your Instagram feed, Chinatown is an exciting blend of East meets West with its impressive architecture and colourful decor. Don’t forget to pass by Chinatown’s new fourth gate, the largest Chinese gate in the country, on Wardour Street.

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For the history buffs among you, hop on a bus from Trafalgar Square to St Dunstan-in-the-East, a ruined church surrounded by a tranquil garden and one of the remaining artefacts from the London Blitz. Grab a coffee and take your time to immerse yourself in its serenity. Since you’re around the corner, don’t miss out on the opportunity to catch a glimpse of London Bridge over the Thames River.

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Enjoy a walk along the river from the City of London to St. Katherine Docks Marina, a quiet hidden gem behind Tower Bridge. Grab a pint at the Dickens Inn here, an 18th century warehouse transformed into an alehouse and pizzeria. Add it to your list of unusual things to do!
After a refreshing beer, continue to Wilton’s Music Hall, the world’s oldest and last surviving grand music hall. Maybe even go in for a show? Yep, this is among our best London tips!

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Dinner time! Head over to Shoreditch, one of London’s most diverse and buzzing neighbourhoods. There is plenty to explore in the day, like admiring all the creative street art. Check out Redchurch Street and the Shoreditch Triangle, where the most wicked murals come together. It’s after sundown when the area really comes to life.

Next, get ready for an awesome evening dinner at The Blues Kitchen Bar. With daily live music providing a cheerful atmosphere, The Blues Kitchen offers an immersive dining experience and brings the soul of Texas to London – their menu is all Texas BBQ! Yum!

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After revelling in everything that Shoreditch has to offer, it’s time to move north to neighbouring Hoxton! Check out Sager + Wilde, a wine bar with an ever changing list of drinks to sample! This classy little haunt boasts a typically British vibe and is a great place to hang out with locals.

Written by travellers Joana Antunes and Maria Nunes.

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It’s gonna be fun.

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