My London bucket list: What I’ve ticked off already

Howdy to my lovely followers and hello to folks that are here for the first time.

Here are the many things that I’ve already ticked off my London bucket list. My original plan was to also post my London still to-dos in this post too, but then I realised that they probably need a whole blog post of their own – so that’s coming soon!

Cocktails on a rooftop bar

Come summertime, everyone in London either heads to a park or a rooftop bar. I’ve visited a few during my year here in London (yolo) and some of my faves include Radio Rooftop, Bar Elba, Frank’s, Maddison and Pergola on the Roof.

A visit to the queen

Well, to marvel at her gaff from afar through the gates I mean! I particularly like giving her a wave when I run home sometimes.

Afternoon Tea at a five-star hotel

I was lucky enough to stay at the Landmark London a few years back with my bestie Chelsea and one of the real highlights was their afternoon tea. The amazing cakes were endless and the warm crumbly scones were to die for!

Have a picture by a phone box

There are so many around the city that you’ll be snapping away. I’ve bucked the red phone box trend and gone for a super-modern black one. These can be found in central London if you’re on the lookout!

Run through Hyde Park

As far as parks go, it doesn’t get much better than this. It’s huge (meaning lots of running routes) and even has a boating lake in the middle (although I’d suggest avoiding the lake if you are just going for a gentle jog and not a Tough Mudder warm up).

Snap pretty pastel houses in Notting Hill

Yes, you’ve seen them all over Instagram but you have to go see the beautiful rows of coloured houses for yourself. Just be prepared to battle bloggers off the steps to get your own shot.

Shop at Portobello Road Market

Alongside the pretty pastel houses of Notting Hill, you’ll find this incredible market. I could honestly spend hours here trawling the many stalls.

Eat and shop at Camden Market

When my friends ask for London recommendations, Camden Market would always sit high on the list. Yes, it’s touristy but if you look a little closer (through the crowds) you’ll find amazing street food and a tonne of ultra-cool gifts.

Eat at Borough Market

I headed here for Bread Ahead doughnuts but got too distracted by the other wonders of the market that I arrived to the stall too late and all of the sugary beauties were gone (devo!). For this reason, this place deserves a repeat visit.

Ice skating at Christmas time

I did this for the first time in London very recently. Me and my friends headed to the National History Museum for an evening of mulled wine and skating fun – it was a lovely festive eve!

A Winter Wonderland visit

Last year was my first ever visit to this Mecca of Christmas wonder and I returned again this year with my family for more festive fun. My recommendation: find a stall serving Christmas wraps – and thank me later.

Shopping on Oxford Street at Christmas

I’ve done this quite a few times now, as me and my mum used to come to London annually for festive shopping trips. There’s something oh-so magical about the twinkling lights and the Christmas buzz as you weave in and out of the shops.

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The London Eye

When my mum and dad came to visit in April, we decided to be true tourists and get on the London Eye. Sadly we picked the worst day and we could barely see through the misty rain but it was a fun experience nonetheless. Another one for a repeat visit – perhaps on a sunnier day.

The Shard

This was one of the first things I ticked off my bucket list and boy was it a fabulous experience. I went to the Shangri-La Gong Bar and I’ve since visited again because the views and the cocktails are both pretty special.

The Skygarden

Although it’s free to visit, the tickets are like gold dust, so it took me a while to book in. But it was definitely worth the wait. The views are incredible and even inside you can take some great photographs because of the gorgeous plants.

Hire a Boat on the Serpentine

There is something quite magical about being at one with nature right in the heart of the city, and I just love spending time in Hyde Park. Hiring a pedalo was so much fun, cruising around soaking up the sunshine. Bliss!

See a West End Show

There’s nothing quite like going to see a show in London. I absolutely loved going to Mamma Mia! with my own mum and Kinky Boots with my bestie Grace.

Snap a pic on Abbey Road

Now this wasn’t something that was on my bucket list – it was actually my Dad who wanted us to make the trek to North London for a snap on the famous zebra crossing, but now I’m very glad I did!

Madame Tussuad’s

It’s one of those tourist destinations that you just have to tick off. I mean when else are you gonna get the chance to have a snap with Beyoncé herself?

Eat pretty cakes at Peggy Porschen

Before attending, I thought this cute cafe would be a case of style over substance, but despite being a Insta-worthy haven full of bloggers snapping their picture-perfect tables laden with cakes, the sweet treats are actually just as delicious as they look.

The London Dungeons

I did this visit many years ago but I can still remember it fondly. The actors here are so good and it’s definitely worth waiting in the long queue.

A summer stroll along Little Venice

You wouldn’t believe that this postcard-perfect district is just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Paddington station. In summer there are even pop up shops and bars on the boats along the river. It’s beautiful.

Columbia Road Flower Market

An emporium of wonderful flowers that really has to be seen to be believed. My top tip: hang around until closing time to get yourself a real bargain.

See the peacocks at Holland Park

I’m lucky enough to live pretty close to Holland Park, so it’s a regular for me when we have a sunny weekend in London. It’s not surprising that this park made my Most Instagrammable Places in West London list, but what I find really amazing is the incredible wildlife right in the heart of the city – there’s squirrels, fish and even peacocks.

Hit the high-end shops

Liberty, Fornum & Mason and Harrods. Each equally fabulous and probably require a whole day for perusing the lavish wares.

Museums

I’ve ticked off the Imperial War Museum and the Natural History Museum, but that’s a small dent into London’s offering of educational haunts. I’ve got a few more on the still to-see list…

Take a boat to Greenwich

This was another thing I managed to tick off my list when my mum and dad came to visit. It was really cool to see the iconic London Eye from the water instead and Greenwich is a lovely place for a leisurely stroll.

Use a Santander Cycle

Placed all over the city, these bikes are a fun way to get around. When I used to work in Hammersmith I’d occasionally cycle back home – and it would only take around 15 minutes!

Go to an art exhibition

London is an art-lovers dream and there are so many new exhibitions popping up all of the time. Sadly, I don’t get chance to go to loads but the ones I have been to at The Barbican Centre and various museums have been really fab.

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So that’s some of the fabulous things I’ve done in London Town. Which ones have you already ticked off your list?

R x