Coming to London for the First time: The Itinerary I put together for friends

Recently we hosted our annual Licence to Grill BBQ, which draws in many friends and some fly in for just the occasion. This time round I was asked to put together a couple of 'things to do and see' lists for friends. Which of course I was more than pleased to do.

The list I've put together includes some hidden gems as well as semi-touristy non-surprising inclusions. Look, you can't come to London and not see Big Ben. A lot of these suggestions are also ever green, but you may find some temporary exhibitions that will be running through the Summer of '25 as I write this.

Hidden Gem

Without doubt the hidden gem in the pack is the Leighton House. The house inside is stunning, with shimmering turquoise tiles and a surprising Arabic influence. The house is great, you can also do walking tours of the area, which was a bit verbose if I'm honest. Still you will have a great time walking around the neighbourhood and seeing these beautiful houses. Next door is the Design Museum, a short walk and you can check exhibitions here.

Get the bus to

From The Leighton House I recommend getting either the 27 or the 28 bus to Notting Hill Gate and having a walk around Notting Hill and Portobello Road. You can do the film locations, James Bond's flat from Spectre, or all of the locations from Notting Hill the film.

There are plenty of eateries. Perhaps treat your guests to some bangers and mash or fish and chips at the Sun in Splendour.

Close by

You have Kensington Palace of course. I did not do it this time round, but my friends did. For more historical places to visit I would love to go to The Churchill War Rooms, on the bucket list.

A river tour of the Thames

There’s so much to see when you’re on your Thames River Sightseeing cruise that you’re bound to find at least one place you’ll want to visit. Explore iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Cutty Sark & more!

Where can I board the cruise? Sets off from Westminster Bridge.

Recommended Pub Lunch and Drinks

There is a walking tour of the historical pubs. Why not head to Covent Garden and get a pint at The Porter House. They might be one of the largest bars in London, but it does not always feel that way. The bar is split over three main floors, with a number of mezzanine levels in between, as well as boasting one of Central London’s largest beer gardens.

From there you can head over the road to Rules, London's oldest pub and featured in the film Spectre of course. They have a cocktail bar above the restaurant also.

Shopping

I always tell everyone to take a trip to St James for shopping. Bond Street is so busy and commercial. St James is where the real history is, with the oldest shop in London, Lock and Co, next to John Lobb a fifth generation shoe maker. There is Burlington Arcade, the country's longest indoor arcade, at the top of the street also. Don't forget about the shirtmakers Emma Willis, Turnbull & Asser and Frank Foster that are all within a stone's throw of each other.

Photo by Hulki Okan Tabak on Unsplash // Article by Guest Author Peter Brooker