SPECIAL BIRTHDAY TRIP TO LONDON

[Guest]

We live in the Isle of Man and it's been years we visited London properly, as tourists.

It's my big birthday next month and I just thought about marking it with weekend in London, doing one off things, visiting cool, quirky places.

I know I'd like to see Jersey Boys again, do lush afternoon tea, taste some amazing cuisine. Nice walks. Visit hidden gems?

For my hubby and myself, no children.

We are no daredevils.

What would you guys recommend please? Thanks in advance!

[Laura]

Harrods for a traditional afternoon tea. Sketch for more quirky (but lovely) surroundings.

[Hilary]

Do an evening dinner cruise down the river. we have done them from Westminster pier for anniversary or a birthday. A few companies do them. look at city cruises. Nice way to spend an evening. sailing down thames taking in sights. 3 course meal and entertainment included. We have also done afternoon tea in the ivy overlooking Tower Bridge. Very nice too .my son has just come back, and he used uber thames clipper to get around. it's hop on off boat that stops at several piers up and down the river. he bought a day ticket, and he said it was good value. The ticket he had included the cable car at Greenwich.

[Nikki]

Climb the O2, we all loved it, you can even have a glass of champagne on the top!

[Claire]

If you can't get Sky Garden tickets, then The Garden at 120 is also a free rooftop garden right around the corner and doesn't need pre-booking. I'd also recommend a river cruise (on the Uber boat) and go down to Greenwich. Greenwich Park is beautiful and there's loads to do in that area.

[Lynley]

Visit places that kids find boring or that you can appreciate as an adult. I would go to the Banquetinh Hall and visit places like Kensington Palace and Queen’s House in Greenwich. I would go for a lovely walk around Kew Gardens. I’d visit the galleries in the Science Museum I never get to because they are ‘boring’. I’d have a lovely walk around the V&A.

[Jodleg]

A walk down the south bank, there’s a wall of hearts for remembering those who died of Covid, very moving,

• A wander around Covent Garden,
• China town,
• Soho,
• Brick lane,
• Camden market!

[Stacey]

There’s a good Facebook group called secret London… it wouldn’t let me share the page. But that’ll give you some hidden gems.