Billie And Max’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Take a stroll through this beautiful Royal Park in central London, home to Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue, beautiful flowers, green grass for picnics, and the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial playground.
664 locals recommend
Kensington Gardens
Take a stroll through this beautiful Royal Park in central London, home to Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue, beautiful flowers, green grass for picnics, and the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial playground.
One of London’s finest green spaces, the park surrounds a Jacobean mansion, Holland House, named after its second owner, the Earl of Holland, whose wife (fun fact!) was the first person in England to successfully grow dahlias. They’re still grown within its 55 acres, which also houses the Japanese-style Kyoto Gardens with its koi carp and bridge at the foot of a waterfall. In summer, open-air theatre and opera are staged in the park.
839 locals recommend
Holland Park
Ilchester PlaceOne of London’s finest green spaces, the park surrounds a Jacobean mansion, Holland House, named after its second owner, the Earl of Holland, whose wife (fun fact!) was the first person in England to successfully grow dahlias. They’re still grown within its 55 acres, which also houses the Japanese-style Kyoto Gardens with its koi carp and bridge at the foot of a waterfall. In summer, open-air theatre and opera are staged in the park.
When the British Museum opened in 1759 it was the first of its kind: the only national museum open to the public in the world. It was – and still is – free to visit so anyone can go in and marvel at the weird and wonderful objects on display. Nowadays, the British Museum is home to the most significant finds made by British explorers, like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculpture from the Acropolis in Athens. The extensive galleries are organised by location and time period. If you get overwhelmed, you can follow a free eye-opening tour or book onto the Around the World in 90 Minutes guide.
1546 locals recommend
British Museum
Great Russell StreetWhen the British Museum opened in 1759 it was the first of its kind: the only national museum open to the public in the world. It was – and still is – free to visit so anyone can go in and marvel at the weird and wonderful objects on display. Nowadays, the British Museum is home to the most significant finds made by British explorers, like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculpture from the Acropolis in Athens. The extensive galleries are organised by location and time period. If you get overwhelmed, you can follow a free eye-opening tour or book onto the Around the World in 90 Minutes guide.
London’s handsome Natural History Museum is home to 80 million plant, animal, fossil, rock and mineral specimens. Visitors to the institution, which is also a thriving research centre, can expect to come face to face with animatronic dinosaurs, a man-sized model of a foetus, an extinct dodo, a Giant Sequoia tree, an earthquake simulator, glow-in-the-dark crystals and much more. It had also been home to London’s most beloved dinosaur, Dippy, since 1905 but the 26-metre-long plaster-cast replica of a diplodocus skeleton is currently on a nationwide tour. A diving blue whale skeleton named Hope has taken up his spot in Hintze Hall – and she’s made quite the splash.
1954 locals recommend
Natural History Museum
Cromwell RoadLondon’s handsome Natural History Museum is home to 80 million plant, animal, fossil, rock and mineral specimens. Visitors to the institution, which is also a thriving research centre, can expect to come face to face with animatronic dinosaurs, a man-sized model of a foetus, an extinct dodo, a Giant Sequoia tree, an earthquake simulator, glow-in-the-dark crystals and much more. It had also been home to London’s most beloved dinosaur, Dippy, since 1905 but the 26-metre-long plaster-cast replica of a diplodocus skeleton is currently on a nationwide tour. A diving blue whale skeleton named Hope has taken up his spot in Hintze Hall – and she’s made quite the splash.
The Science Museum entertaining and educational exhibits, including the Apollo 10 command module, a virtual reality space-descent experience, old Nokia mobiles and a sixteenth-century artificial arm. You can get your biology fix in The Welcome Wing, which showcases developments in contemporary science, medicine and tech. If you’re going with little ones, head to Pattern Pod or The Garden, where children can explore basic scientific principles with sound and water.
1157 locals recommend
Science Museum
Exhibition RoadThe Science Museum entertaining and educational exhibits, including the Apollo 10 command module, a virtual reality space-descent experience, old Nokia mobiles and a sixteenth-century artificial arm. You can get your biology fix in The Welcome Wing, which showcases developments in contemporary science, medicine and tech. If you’re going with little ones, head to Pattern Pod or The Garden, where children can explore basic scientific principles with sound and water.
At 135m, Coca-Cola London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It has become the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction. The London Eye is perfect for a bright sunny day to enjoy the beautiful view that is London.
2099 locals recommend
London Eye
At 135m, Coca-Cola London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It has become the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction. The London Eye is perfect for a bright sunny day to enjoy the beautiful view that is London.
Food scene
An offshoot from the iconic Covent Garden restaurant, does upmarket comfort food in smart yet relaxed surroundings — consider the famous shepherd’s pie if you’re struggling to choose.
79 locals recommend
The Ivy Kensignton Brasserie
96 Kensington High StAn offshoot from the iconic Covent Garden restaurant, does upmarket comfort food in smart yet relaxed surroundings — consider the famous shepherd’s pie if you’re struggling to choose.
A modern-European restaurant and wine bar tucked away amongst the townhouses, villas and mews of Kensington. It's a relatively versatile space, with booth seating, a bar and a separate restaurant giving its clientele - usually the well-heeled locals - the kind of flexibility to which they are accustomed.
49 locals recommend
The Abingdon
54 Abingdon RdA modern-European restaurant and wine bar tucked away amongst the townhouses, villas and mews of Kensington. It's a relatively versatile space, with booth seating, a bar and a separate restaurant giving its clientele - usually the well-heeled locals - the kind of flexibility to which they are accustomed.
Contemporary and traditional, stylish. The Porchester is bursting with the vibrant flavour of its cosmopolitan surroundings. The Porchester serves up a range of hearty English grub alongside a list of great cask ales. The pub's burger and beer-battered fish & chips are particular fan favourites. The venue's Sunday Lunch offering is definitely one of the best in the area too.
GREAT for sports fans!!
41 locals recommend
The Porchester Pub
88 Bishop's Bridge RdContemporary and traditional, stylish. The Porchester is bursting with the vibrant flavour of its cosmopolitan surroundings. The Porchester serves up a range of hearty English grub alongside a list of great cask ales. The pub's burger and beer-battered fish & chips are particular fan favourites. The venue's Sunday Lunch offering is definitely one of the best in the area too.
GREAT for sports fans!!
The outside alone is worth going to, definitely a must see in London!! Built in 1750, The Churchill Arms is the London's most famous watering hole. Once frequented by Winston Churchill's grandparents, The Churchill Arms is well know for its authentic and regional Thai Kitchen. Also choose from a wide range of perfectly kept cask conditioned ales.
152 locals recommend
The Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church StreetThe outside alone is worth going to, definitely a must see in London!! Built in 1750, The Churchill Arms is the London's most famous watering hole. Once frequented by Winston Churchill's grandparents, The Churchill Arms is well know for its authentic and regional Thai Kitchen. Also choose from a wide range of perfectly kept cask conditioned ales.
This is our favourite pastry and coffee shop in London, lovely staff and amazing food and drinks. Orée is quite frankly the place to buy artisan French bakes. If you go then you must try the their sandwiches and their pain au chocolats!
11 locals recommend
Orée
275-277 Fulham Rd.This is our favourite pastry and coffee shop in London, lovely staff and amazing food and drinks. Orée is quite frankly the place to buy artisan French bakes. If you go then you must try the their sandwiches and their pain au chocolats!
The perfect setting for a laid-back yet distinctly memorable drinking and dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch, family dinner or social eats with friends,The Champion offers flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere.
Once frequented by 1970s rock stars, Queen and The Clash, and previously one of London's iconic gay pubs, The Champion is tucked away on a quiet street corner just a stone's throw from Hyde Park, Kensington Palace and the vibrant Portobello markets.
Boasting an open fire and private function room, The Champion’s classic pub interior leads to its best-kept secret, an alluring courtyard beer garden, offering a spot of urban tranquillity in which to take time out and enjoy a glass of something special.
A dog-friendly pub offering a cosy courtyard beer garden in the summer and a welcoming open fire during those chillier months, The Champion's warm hospitality reflects the infectious vibe of the Notting Hill neighbourhood and has the spirit of the authentic British local at its heart.
31 locals recommend
The Champion
12-13 Wells StThe perfect setting for a laid-back yet distinctly memorable drinking and dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch, family dinner or social eats with friends,The Champion offers flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere.
Once frequented by 1970s rock stars, Queen and The Clash, and previously one of London's iconic gay pubs, The Champion is tucked away on a quiet street corner just a stone's throw from Hyde Park, Kensington Palace and the vibrant Portobello markets.
Boasting an open fire and private function room, The Champion’s classic pub interior leads to its best-kept secret, an alluring courtyard beer garden, offering a spot of urban tranquillity in which to take time out and enjoy a glass of something special.
A dog-friendly pub offering a cosy courtyard beer garden in the summer and a welcoming open fire during those chillier months, The Champion's warm hospitality reflects the infectious vibe of the Notting Hill neighbourhood and has the spirit of the authentic British local at its heart.
Offering an array of delicious plant-based dishes inspired from around the globe, Farmacy supports both vegan and vegetarian diet, free from dairy, refined sugars, additives and chemicals.
71 locals recommend
Pharmacy
74-76 Westbourne GroveOffering an array of delicious plant-based dishes inspired from around the globe, Farmacy supports both vegan and vegetarian diet, free from dairy, refined sugars, additives and chemicals.
Markets
The Portobello Road Market — a six-day street market in Notting Hill, London — is one of the most famous street markets in the world. People flock to the Saturday antique market, in particular, to peruse over 1,000 antique vendors selling anything from furniture to collectibles. The narrow Portobello Road stretches over two miles and is lined with well-established independent boutiques. Visit the antique stalls on Saturday, allow the kids to pop into a host of arcades, stroll through galleries, and then dine at the cafés that line the streetside.
51 locals recommend
Portabello Market
The Portobello Road Market — a six-day street market in Notting Hill, London — is one of the most famous street markets in the world. People flock to the Saturday antique market, in particular, to peruse over 1,000 antique vendors selling anything from furniture to collectibles. The narrow Portobello Road stretches over two miles and is lined with well-established independent boutiques. Visit the antique stalls on Saturday, allow the kids to pop into a host of arcades, stroll through galleries, and then dine at the cafés that line the streetside.
Camden Lock is at the heart of Camden Town's thriving markets area. Open seven days per week, Camden Lock Market comprises stalls and shops selling everything from vintage clothing to hand-made jewellery and artwork to gifts, music and more. There are also food stalls offering a large variety of cuisines.
1028 locals recommend
Camden Market
54-56 Camden Lock PlCamden Lock is at the heart of Camden Town's thriving markets area. Open seven days per week, Camden Lock Market comprises stalls and shops selling everything from vintage clothing to hand-made jewellery and artwork to gifts, music and more. There are also food stalls offering a large variety of cuisines.
Centred on Brick Lane in east London, Brick Lane Market is a London market selling a diverse range of items. It attracts a lot of young Londoner’s and tourists looking for bargains and unique items in the form of vintage clothes, kitsch collectables and quirky crafts. You can seriously find it all here.
There are five markets that make up the Brick Lane Market, all operating within the premises of the former Old Truman Brewery, once one of the largest breweries in town. Here you’ll find The Sunday UpMarket, the Vintage Market, Backyard Market, The Team Rooms and The Boiler House markets.
825 locals recommend
Brick Lane Sunday Market
Brick LaneCentred on Brick Lane in east London, Brick Lane Market is a London market selling a diverse range of items. It attracts a lot of young Londoner’s and tourists looking for bargains and unique items in the form of vintage clothes, kitsch collectables and quirky crafts. You can seriously find it all here.
There are five markets that make up the Brick Lane Market, all operating within the premises of the former Old Truman Brewery, once one of the largest breweries in town. Here you’ll find The Sunday UpMarket, the Vintage Market, Backyard Market, The Team Rooms and The Boiler House markets.
Winter in London
This spectacular Winter Wonderland is open every year in Hyde Park from mid November to Mid January, it's free to enter and there is plenty of fun for all ages. A must see during the winter in London!
6 locals recommend
Winter Wonderland
This spectacular Winter Wonderland is open every year in Hyde Park from mid November to Mid January, it's free to enter and there is plenty of fun for all ages. A must see during the winter in London!
London's festive season only really gets going when Somerset House's iconic ice rink opens for another year. The rink offers skating in beautiful surroundings, and weekend club nights, with big names taking to the decks as you try and stay upright.
Somerset House Ice Rink
StrandLondon's festive season only really gets going when Somerset House's iconic ice rink opens for another year. The rink offers skating in beautiful surroundings, and weekend club nights, with big names taking to the decks as you try and stay upright.
Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum is one of the most magical places to be in London during the winter!
12 locals recommend
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Cromwell RoadSet against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum is one of the most magical places to be in London during the winter!
Family/Kids
The London Dungeon is a uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you way back to the capital's most perilous past. See, hear, feel and (ahem!) smell the chillingly amusing characters of the 'bad old days' as they come to life before you. Will you lose yourself in fear or in mirth? It’s exciting, fun and scary!
234 locals recommend
The London Dungeon
Westminster Bridge RoadThe London Dungeon is a uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you way back to the capital's most perilous past. See, hear, feel and (ahem!) smell the chillingly amusing characters of the 'bad old days' as they come to life before you. Will you lose yourself in fear or in mirth? It’s exciting, fun and scary!
Walk through, over and under colourful aquatic worlds from the tropical to the Arctic at one of London’s busiest attractions and one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life. Everything from the colours to the shapes, movements and lights in this building is incredible. A must see!!
356 locals recommend
SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium
Westminster Bridge RoadWalk through, over and under colourful aquatic worlds from the tropical to the Arctic at one of London’s busiest attractions and one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life. Everything from the colours to the shapes, movements and lights in this building is incredible. A must see!!
Throughout its history, the Tower of London has served many purposes, including royal residence, barracks, armoury, prison and museum. The Tower of London is a 900-year-old castle and fortress in central London that is notable for housing the crown jewels and for holding many famous and infamous prisoners. Very interesting for a fan of history.
1372 locals recommend
Tower of London
Throughout its history, the Tower of London has served many purposes, including royal residence, barracks, armoury, prison and museum. The Tower of London is a 900-year-old castle and fortress in central London that is notable for housing the crown jewels and for holding many famous and infamous prisoners. Very interesting for a fan of history.
Step into the spotlight at Madame Tussauds London and star in immersive experiences like Alien: Escape, The Voice UK and Star Wars and get up close and personal with more than 300 lifelike wax figures of your favourite celebrities.
951 locals recommend
Madame Tussauds London
Marylebone RoadStep into the spotlight at Madame Tussauds London and star in immersive experiences like Alien: Escape, The Voice UK and Star Wars and get up close and personal with more than 300 lifelike wax figures of your favourite celebrities.
KidZania combines inspiration, fun and learning through realistic role-play experience for kids between the ages of 4-14, and it is HUGE!
22 locals recommend
KidZania London
1 Ariel WayKidZania combines inspiration, fun and learning through realistic role-play experience for kids between the ages of 4-14, and it is HUGE!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Citymapper
Citymapper is reinventing the urban transport app. Their journey planner combines all transport modes to find you the best route: walking, tube, metro, bus, train, rail, ferry, Uber, taxi and cycles.
All in real-time, including bus and train times and disruptions.
Getting around
Uber
Choose your ride and set your location. You'll see your driver's picture and vehicle details, and can track their arrival on the map.
No phone calls to make, no pick-ups to schedule. With 24/7 availability, request a ride any time during the day, any day of the year.
Getting around
Parkopedia
Parkopedia is made for drivers to find the closest parking to their destination. It tells you how much it will cost and whether there is space available, as well as the ability to pay online, real-time parking availability, and pre-booking parking online.
Don't miss
Museums in London
Most museums in London are free to enter in London with some special exhibitions that you might have to pay to get in to - it's a great way to explore the city without having to spend any extra money :) We've listed some that we think are worth going to: British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Tate Modern, Museum of London, Imperial War Museum, Horniman Museum and Gardens, National Maritime Museum, V&A Museum of Childhood, Royal Air Force Museum, British Library, Serpentine Galleries
Don't miss
Health and emergencies
We've listed some good number to know as well as addresses for any emergencies if you were to need it during your stay in London.
Emergency services:
- Call 112 or 999 for the emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) in London.
- To report non-urgent crime, call the police on 101 from within the UK.
Hospitals:
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
369 Fulham Rd, Chelsea, London SW10 9NH
Open 24 hours
- St Mary's Hospital
Praed St, Paddington, London W2 1NY
Open 24 hours
- Hammersmith Hospital
Du Cane Rd, White City, London W12 0HS
Open 24 hours
Local pharmacies:
- The Organic Pharmacy
169 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6SH
- Kensington Pharmacy
4 Stratford Rd, Kensington, London W8 6QD
- Boots
127A Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 5SF
- Boots
96-98 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3QA