Attractions and Events in London | Thistle Hotels Blog

Explore the city, London experiences,

October 05 2024

Best Food Halls & Courts in London

London's food halls offer a vibrant and diverse dining experience, featuring everything from gourmet burgers to authentic Italian street food. With venues like Seven Dials Market, Borough Market, and Hawley Wharf, you can enjoy a wide range of cuisines and unique vendors all under one roof.

Explore the city, London experiences,

October 04 2024

Best Small Museums in London

Explore London’s hidden gems, from Sir John Soane’s architectural treasures to the poignant history at the Foundling Museum, for a unique and intimate cultural experience. These small museums offer fascinating glimpses into the city’s rich past.

Explore the city, London experiences,

October 03 2024

Best Things To Do in Mayfair

Mayfair offers a perfect mix of luxury shopping, cultural attractions, and peaceful green spaces. From the high-end boutiques of Bond Street to the tranquil gardens of Grosvenor Square, there’s something for everyone in this elegant London neighborhood.

Explore the city, London experiences,

October 02 2024

The Most Instagrammable Spots in London

London is a photographer’s paradise, offering everything from iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye to hidden gems like Little Venice and vibrant Carnaby Street. These Instagrammable spots showcase the city’s rich history and modern charm, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.

Explore the city, London experiences,

September 29 2024

London Lidos & Outdoor Swimming Pools

From heated pools to scenic lidos, London offers diverse open-air swimming spots perfect for all ages, making it easy to enjoy outdoor swims across the city throughout the warmer months.

Explore the city, London experiences,

September 28 2024

Best Tattoo Shops London

London’s tattoo scene is packed with incredible studios like Parliament Tattoo, Frith Street Studio, and Vagabond, each offering unique styles—from intricate fine lines to bold Japanese art. Whether you’re looking for your first piece or adding to your collection, these top studios promise unforgettable designs.

Explore the city, London experiences,

September 27 2024

Best Pizza in London

London’s pizza scene offers everything from deep-dish Detroit-style to classic Neapolitan, with top spots like Homeslice, Rudy’s, and Santa Maria serving up some of the best pies in the city.

September 25 2024

The Best Second-Hand Bookshops in London

London’s second-hand bookshops, from historic Sotheran’s to the unique Word on the Water barge, offer everything from rare collectables to budget-friendly finds, making it a haven for book lovers seeking a literary adventure.

Explore the city, London experiences,

September 25 2024

Best Record Stores London

Vinyl records are back, and London’s record shops offer everything from classics to live performances for music lovers.

Explore the city, London experiences,

September 24 2024

Best Curry Places in London

Discover London's top curry destinations, from classic Brick Lane favourites to high-end spots in Soho and Mayfair, all near Thistle Hotels for the perfect culinary escape during your city stay.

Explore the city, London experiences,

September 23 2024

Best Thrift Shops & Charity Stores in London

Discover London’s top thrift and charity shops, offering unique fashion finds and sustainable shopping experiences—from Beyond Retro’s curated vintage pieces to designer bargains at the British Red Cross.

Explore the city,

September 23 2024

The Best Karaoke Bars, Clubs & Pubs in London

Discover London’s vibrant karaoke scene, from lively pubs to private karaoke rooms at venues like BAM Karaoke Box and Bunga Bunga, all conveniently located near Thistle Hotels for a perfect night of singing and relaxation.

London experiences,

September 22 2024

Best Hot Yoga in London

Turn up the heat on your normal yoga class! If you’re looking for the best hot yoga classes in London, we’ve got you covered.

September 16 2024

Best Fish and Chips London

Ready to eat? Discover the best fish and chips London can muster with our handy guide.

Art & culture,

September 15 2024

Street Art & Graffiti Tunnels London

Our graffiti tunnels London guide will show you the best places to find street art, from world-famous names to up-and-comers.

Explore the city,

September 13 2024

London's Historic Pubs

Some of the best stories start in the pub – and with all the historic pubs London has to offer, the legends go back hundreds of years.

London experiences,

September 13 2024

Best Food Trucks London

Whether you’re on the go or just feeling peckish, we’ve gathered the best food trucks London has to offer.

London experiences,

August 08 2024

Best Cocktail Masterclasses in London

Mix, muddle and shake your favourite tipples — all under the guidance of master mixologists.

London experiences,

August 02 2024

Best London Thames River Cruises

Browse the best Thames River cruises in London and set sail on a voyage through London.

London experiences,

July 27 2024

Best Gastropubs in London

Thanks to London’s vibrant casual dining culture, the capital is full of fantastic gastropubs. We've created a guide to the best gastropubs in London here.

London experiences,

July 08 2024

Best Activity Bars in London

Shake things up in London’s best activity bars where you can play cricket, dive into a ball pit or challenge your friends to a game of shuffleboard.

London experiences,

July 07 2024

London Running Routes

London is an incredible city with lush outdoor parks and paths for runners, explore road canal and river runs with options of challenging routes or more quiet trails.

London experiences,

July 06 2024

Bouldering & Climbing Walls London

For adrenaline junkies to novice climbers, London has an excellent range of bouldering and rock climbing options. Explore our blog to find out where you can climb to new heights around the city during your next stay with us.

Explore the city, London experiences,

July 05 2024

London in colour

Wander through floral wonders, visit a pink cafe, stroll through the art bridge and discover Mayfair’s technicolour dining emporium. This guide to exploring London is bursting with colour.

Weekend Fun,

July 04 2024

Fun dance classes in London

From ballet and tap to 80s pop and urban hip hop, this is our pick of the best London dance classes to get your feet tapping. Discover your dance style in a city full of music.

Explore the city,

July 04 2024

London's Vintage Designer Shops

Browse the best vintage shops in London for designer clothing and jewellery.

Sights worth seeing,

July 03 2024

Visit London’s Big Ben

You can once again tour Big Ben and visit Elizabeth Tower, both iconic London landmarks, after they were closed for years of renovation. Here’s everything you need to know about the tower and its famous bell, where to get the best views and how to get tickets.

London by area,

July 02 2024

Shopping in London’s Soho and West End

Discover London’s most famous shops, streets and historic department stores for a shopping experience like no other. Here’s your guide to the best shopping in London’s Soho and West End.

London experiences,

June 28 2024

Private Members' Clubs in London

To help you make sense of the long list of private members clubs in London and decide if you’re ready to take the plunge and make an application, we’ve collated our recommendations.

Explore the city,

June 20 2024

Best Picnic Spots London

Read on for our top picks of the best places to have a picnic in London.

London events,

May 06 2024

Where to Watch the Euros in London

Watch the Euros in London and join football fans for all its intensity and joy. We bring you the best pubs to catch the final in multi-screen sports bars and heritage pubs.

Explore the city,

May 03 2024

A cat lover’s London guide

London has cat shops, cat cafes, cat coffee shops, cat the lot, from furball fun to catwalk-worthy pet fashion. Just don’t let a pesky laser pointer distract you on the way.

Sights worth seeing,

May 02 2024

London medical museums

Macabre instruments, scientific discoveries, curious specimens and immersive experiences await in London’s medical museums, old operating theatres, and fascinating galleries.

London events,

April 30 2024

Chelsea Flower Show & Chelsea in Bloom

The annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom are highlights of Britain’s horticultural diary, displaying the best floral displays and garden designs. This is our guide.

Culture,

April 05 2024

Celebrate the Vaisakhi Festival in London

Find out why this is an important Sikh festival and what’s taking place to mark the occasion. See how London celebrates Vaisakhi and how you can join the free festivities.

London events,

April 04 2024

London Games Festival

Step into the immersive world of gaming at the London Games Festival! From indie showcases and workshops to multiplayer tournaments and family-friendly activities. This is what to expect.

London experiences,

April 03 2024

Best Chain Restaurants in London

From classic pizza to innovative sushi, the best chain restaurants in London bring something unique and delicious to the table. These are the ones worth looking out for.

London experiences,

April 02 2024

London Curiosities

Explore London’s curiosities, oddities, and eccentric attractions and see the city in a whole new light. We uncover the stranger things you should do in the capital.

Explore the city,

April 01 2024

London for Vegans

It’s easier than ever to find delicious vegan dining in London. For a quick snack or a formal dining experience, here’s our guide to delicious vegan London.

London experiences,

March 10 2024

London’s best food tours

From cheesy bites and spicy sauces to sugar sprinkles and East End classics – we’ve got a world of mouth-watering deliciousness waiting for you with our pick of London’s yummiest food tours.

Local champions,

March 08 2024

Best independent bookshops in London

A city filled with literary history, London also has amazing bookshops to delve into. From cute reading nooks to expert advice, this is where to find the capital’s best book-loving havens.

Explore the city,

March 07 2024

Our top tips for navigating the London Underground

On the brilliant London underground system, you can travel like a local and visit neighbourhoods across the capital with using our tips to London tube navigation.

Entertainment,

February 26 2024

London’s best pub theatres

London theatre isn’t all about the West End. Across the capital, pubs in the heart of London communities put on regular productions in their small theatre spaces. Here’s where to find them.

Sights worth seeing, Culture,

February 23 2024

London’s hidden historic gems

From a stunning Roman temple under a high rise to a pair of fake houses down a leafy street. Discover London’s historic secrets tucked away in unlikely places.

Entertainment,

February 22 2024

London for music fans

From buying vintage records and seeing world-class orchestras to pogoing at punk venues and chilling at music festivals. Whatever your music tastes, these are London’s musical hotspots.

Explore the city,

January 23 2024

Beer Gardens In London

When the sun peeks through the clouds and the temperature rises, nothing beats sitting in a pub garden. So enjoy a pint in the fresh air with our pick of the best beer gardens in London.

Culture,

January 19 2024

Bowie tour of London

On a Bowie tour of London, see where little Davy Jones was born and where Ziggy Stardust landed from Mars. Wander the iconic streets connected to David Bowie in London.

Explore the city,

January 17 2024

London’s unusual restaurants

Dine in the dark, get insulted on purpose or enjoy a six-course meal in a tube carriage. We uncover London’s most unusual restaurants for an unforgettable meal out.

Explore the city,

January 15 2024

Best coffee shops in Central London

Get your hands on a great cup of coffee using beans from across the globe. From top blends to stylish surroundings, these are the best coffee places in Central London.

London by area,

January 12 2024

Best cafés near Marble Arch

Whether you’re on a shopping trip, visiting museums or walking through Hyde Park, this area has some fantastic cafés. Join us on a journey around the best cafés near Marble Arch.

Culture,

December 28 2023

The Biggest Football Derbies in London

Intense rivalry, a long history and geographic connections combine to create London’s biggest football derbies. These are the top London teams that settle scores on the pitch.

London events,

December 28 2023

Best Pub Quizzes in London

Fire up the brain cells and test your quiz knowledge over a pint. We have picture rounds, music-only nights and trivia galore for you in our pick of London’s pub quizzes.

Local champions,

December 26 2023

Taste Sensations: London’s weird and wonderful food

Feast your eyes on London’s weird and wonderful foods. We bring you sweet sensations, gothic fast food and retro fine dining to tickle your tastebuds.

Local champions,

December 22 2023

Best Coworking Spaces in London

Discover stunning and inviting spaces across London offering privacy, the latest technology and fantastic business opportunities. Today, coworking spaces are so much more than a desk.

London events,

November 17 2023

New Year’s Eve London

Celebrate New Year in London. Discover some of the best things to do this New Year’s Eve in London from epic views of the firework displays, to the craziest clubs to welcome in the New Year. London has everything and more on NYE.

London events,

November 16 2023

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park London

Sleigh Christmas this year with a trip to Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park. From circus shows and ice skating to fairground rides and Christmas markets, this is a winter park takeover on an epic scale.

London experiences,

November 13 2023

Best Ice Skating in London

Winter is coming, but this is no time to hibernate. Instead, swap your shoes for skate boots and hit the ice rink. You can skate in some of London’s most iconic venues for a winter treat with mates, dates and family escapes. This is our guide to the best ice rinks in London, taking you through the festive season and beyond.

Sights worth seeing,

November 06 2023

'Ello 'Ello – London's law keepers

Search for Britain’s smallest police station, inspect London’s police museum and meet the Beadles guarding a grand arcade. We fess up to London’s coolest crime-fighting spots.

Explore the city,

November 03 2023

Sounds worse than it is

From coffee in a Victorian toilet to a prison restaurant, discover quirky London venues that don’t sound delightful, but are secretly really fun. Don’t let first impressions put you off.

Entertainment,

November 03 2023

Gay bars in London

London has a thriving gay scene with a global reputation. From famous Soho bars to cool East End clubs, choose your bolt hole in the capital’s diverse gay bars.

Outdoor adventures,

November 02 2023

The essential holiday packing list

From chargers and sunscreen to snacks and medication, make sure you pack everything essential for holiday. Make packing for your trip a breeze with our list of what to take.

Explore the city,

November 01 2023

Things to do in London alone

London is fantastic for solo travellers, with great public transport and lots of fun things to do. London alone is liberating, a delight of your own making. Here are some top places to explore.

Our hotels,

October 18 2023

Meeting Rooms in London

Get top-rated meeting room spaces in the capital. Secure that deal, make valuable connections and find a space solution in this global metropolis. Here’s our list of the top meeting rooms in London.

Sights worth seeing,

October 13 2023

Freaky London

At these London haunts, watch out for things going bump in the night. Drink at a bar filled with taxidermy, pop into the shop for the undead and venture into the museum of surgery. If you dare!

Sights worth seeing,

October 12 2023

Literary London for Children

From the Cutty Sark to the Paddington statue and magical Warner Bros Harry Potter tour, London heaves with places from famous children’s books. Discover literary magic in the capital with our guide.

Explore the city,

September 28 2023

Best Vintage Markets in London

At London’s best flea markets, pick up quirky curiosities, hidden treasures and unique bargains. Whether you’re looking for one-off furniture, cool art or eccentric clothing, check out these vintage markets.

Weekend Fun,

September 18 2023

Drag Brunch in London

London’s drag brunches bring some of finest show-stopping antics, death-drop drama and bitingly witty comedy to your brunch food and drinks. These are the capital’s best drag queen brunch spots.

London experiences,

September 17 2023

Brewery Tours in London

London’s best brewery tours give you a taste for London’s finest craft beers, award-winning pints and creative brewing techniques. Ready for a boozy trip? These are top tours.

Local champions,

September 16 2023

Best Bars in South Bank

Trendy South Bank has London’s coolest art spaces, newest attractions and impressive riverside vistas. This two-mile stretch also has plenty of bars. Here’s our pick of the best South Bank bars.

Sights worth seeing,

September 15 2023

London Pub Curiosities

Some pubs in London date back centuries, collecting weird and wonderful additions along the way. Parrots, jail cells and mouldy hot cross buns await! Visit these pubs with unusual stories and curiosities for something a bit different.

Outdoor adventures,

September 05 2023

Splash About In London

Whether you’re looking for a swimming pools in London, splash fountains for toe dipping or a lush London lido, these are the capital’s best spots for getting wet.

Entertainment,

September 04 2023

Futuristic London

With the holographic Abba Voyage, please-touch museums and VR, London has its future vision. These are the space-age spaces where robots and technology rule and there’s fun for kids, adults and robots.

Explore the city,

September 03 2023

The Best Street Food Markets In London

London’s street food scene is buzzing. Whether you want spices to set your taste buds on fire or a sweet treat for a sugar rush, these are the best street food markets in London right now.

July 16 2023

Quirky Transport Alternatives In London

Avoid the underground, buses and black cabs and instead try these unusual ways to travel around London in style. Don’t follow the crowd, see the sights and get from A to B in these weird and wonderful ways.

Explore the city,

July 15 2023

Stinky London

We sniff out London’s distinct aromas, from fragrant fish to Victorian sewers. If you have a nose for the unusual, let us take you on a tour of London’s uniquely pungent smells.

Explore the city,

June 19 2023

Things To Do In Hyde Park

Hyde Park is London’s 4th largest park and is all go, all year. Explore our guide to all the attractions and fun things near Hyde Park to do with friends, family or your partner.

Explore the city,

June 18 2023

Cheap Things to do in London

London has a reputation for being expensive. But if you know where to look, you can find freebies, bag a bargain and avoid the expensive tourist traps without compromising on fun. This is your essential guide to budget London.

Local champions,

June 15 2023

Best Restaurants in Piccadilly Circus

There are a stack of great places to eat in Piccadilly Circus – some of the best in London. There are so many, in fact, that it’s hard to choose just one, so we’ve pulled together our favourite Asian, Italian, Indian and steak restaurants in Piccadilly Circus to give you a head start on your planning.

Weekend Fun,

May 23 2023

Best Indian Restaurants in Covent Garden

Weekend Fun,

May 12 2023

Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Soho

Full English breakfast or sophisticated continental plates, these are the top breakfast places in Soho to fuel you for the day.

London events,

May 03 2023

Royal Celebrations and Street Parties

We’re a nation that loves a right-royal knees up! Street parties are a great excuse to hang bunting, play music and bring out cakes and sandwiches to share. Discover our love of the Great British street party.

Historical events,

May 02 2023

Historic Moments & Events at Westminster Abbey

For a thousand years, Westminster Abbey has been where generations of English monarchs have been crowned, married and buried. With the coronation of King Charles III, we look back at the abbey’s rich history.

London events,

May 01 2023

The Coronation Procession Route

A grand royal procession through streets lined with cheering spectators marks the start and end of the coronation of King Charles III. Get the lowdown on the procession and its role in royal coronation history.

Outdoor adventures,

April 17 2023

Summer in London

We’ve got great things to do in London this summer. Keep cool through the hot temperatures (and those occasional downpours) and enjoy the parks, rooftop bars, swimming spots and festivals that fill London’s summer calendar of events. Here are some of the best summer activities in London.

Entertainment,

April 16 2023

Reggae in London

Feel the reggae beat in the heart of London. Thanks to London’s thriving Caribbean communities, reggae has had a strong influence on the British music scene, past and present. So if you’re visiting the city, these are the places and events where you can enjoy reggae in London and enjoy its positive vibes.

Family fun,

April 14 2023

Best Bowling Spots in London for Families

Let the good times roll with a family day out at the best bowling alleys in London. Gone are the sticky carpets, stuck bowling balls and that aroma of shoe spray. Today’s central London bowling spots have state-of-the-art lanes, delicious food and that all-American retro experience. Plus, these places are loaded with extra entertainment, so you’re not just rolling a bowling ball.

London events,

March 15 2023

London Boat Race

This fiercely competitive race dates back nearly 200 years and attracts thousands of spectators. If you want to see it live, here’s how and where you need to be.

March 13 2023

Best Irish Pubs in London for St Patrick's Day

Guinness on tap, live Irish music, a party atmosphere – raise a toast to St Patrick at an authentic Irish boozer in the heart of London. Bring your friends, don something green and prepare for fun. We’re bringing you the best Irish pubs in London to celebrate St Paddy’s Day.

March 07 2023

World Sleep Day: Why We Should Celebrate Sleep

Do you want to drift off easily into a deep slumber every night? This World Sleep Day, we can help you get there. Get comfortable as we give you the facts, tips and tricks to help you fall into a deep slumber.

London experiences,

March 05 2023

Bottomless Brunch West London

Choose a classic brunch or something with an exciting twist. Either way, when you add the indulgence of unlimited drinks, you have a sublime experience in one of London’s most fashionable areas: bottomless brunch in west London.

March 04 2023

Bottomless Brunch South London

From the classic English breakfast to Taiwanese brunch creations, the bottomless brunch in south London are wonderfully rich. We’ve collated some of our favourite places, so you can discover your new favourite brunch spot.

March 03 2023

Bottomless Brunch North London

Clear your head with an early morning walk through north London before settling down for a bottomless brunch. Whether you fancy Mexican, Turkish or a traditional English brunch staple, north London has a bottomless brunch spot for you.

Weekend Fun,

March 01 2023

Bottomless Brunch East London

For a bottomless brunch, East London does a superb take on a modern classic. The portions are big, and the drinks flow freely. From riotous drag show brunches to riverside dining and cool brasseries, here’s the best of the brunch.

Explore the city,

February 03 2023

Best Free Places to Visit in London

London has an expensive reputation. But there are places you can go and activities you can enjoy without spending a penny. You just need to know where to look! Whether it’s a day in a museum, art on the street or a hidden freebie you’d never know was there, there are plenty of top free London attractions. Here are some of the best free sights in London.

Entertainment,

February 02 2023

Best Live Music in London

Since the swinging sixties, London has attracted musicians from across the globe, defining new music trends and embracing the old ones.

London experiences,

February 02 2023

Romantic London stays

While Paris may traditionally be considered to be the city of love, we beg to differ. When it comes to romantic, luxury experiences, London has a host to offer, from world-famous, heart-rending theatre and opera, to views, experiences and gifts - London has magnificent offers right on your doorstep.

Entertainment,

January 31 2023

Things To Do In Soho

Whatever your passion, interest or budget, Soho has something for everyone. From its edgy early days to the uber-fashionable party spot it is now, it’s gone through quite a transformation. Come and explore all the things to do in Soho.

Culture,

January 30 2023

Best Netflix And Film Locations London

Did you know that both Rocketman and Layer Cake’s filming locations are right on our doorstep? We’re sharing our guide including these and many more film and Netflix locations in London.

Outdoor adventures,

January 08 2023

Things To Do In London Half Term

Half term is a little nugget of happy, with loads of places putting on special family-friendly events for that week off, mid-term. Find and book things to do in London.

London experiences,

January 06 2023

Igloo restaurants and bars in London

As the nights draw in and the winter chill sets in, you can still enjoy dinner and drinks outside in these igloo restaurants in London. Discover these restaurants and bars offering private igloos to keep you warm under the stars this winter. From classy dining to party vibes, there’s an igloo experience for everyone.

Outdoor adventures,

January 02 2023

Burns Night in London

Just because you’re not in Scotland, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Burns Night in style. London is teeming with Scots bringing the party, so there are plenty of places to enjoy the festivities.

London events,

January 01 2023

New Year’s Day Parade London

With performers from across the globe, including the USA and Europe, the New Year’s Day Parade in London is an event to put in your diary.

London events,

December 15 2022

Christmas at Kew Gardens

Walk through tunnels of lights this Christmas at Kew Gardens. The Kew Gardens Christmas lights are part of one of the most iconic Christmas events near London. An explosion of colour, creative designs and Christmas spirit, this is a festive season must-see. Book tickets for Kew Gardens here.

Sights worth seeing,

December 14 2022

London's winter lights

Winter can be cold, drab and dreary, but here at Thistle, we relish the time to spend with loved ones - whether it's savouring the warmth and colour of our cosy restaurant and bar, or taking a brisk winter walk along the River Thames, marvelling at the lights dancing on the water.

London events,

October 31 2022

Halloween London

Feel the fear and do it anyway with your guide to the spookiest attractions and activities in London this Halloween. Enter if you dare!

Culture,

October 13 2022

Remembrance Day in London

Every November, the nation comes together to commemorate Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, with a two-minute silence at 11 am.

Entertainment,

October 12 2022

Rugby Six Nations in London

Watch the Six Nations in London on a big screen with an enthusiastic crowd, here’s our guide to joining the action.

London experiences,

August 18 2022

Best London Half Marathons

Run past London’s world-famous landmarks, take in the scenery through beautiful parks and soak up the character and energy of some of the best local London half marathon. Whether you’re running for charity, challenging your fitness goals or a first timer, fun-running with friends — here’s our guide to the best runs in London covering 13.1 miles.

Culture, Entertainment,

July 01 2022

Discover secret film locations in London

Did you know that many of the shows and movies you love have been filmed right on our doorstep? We’re sharing our guide to the best locations to explore during your stay at The Clermont.

Entertainment, Culture,

June 09 2022

Fun-filled family attractions

For a memorable escape, head to London and enjoy historical sights and fantastic seasonal events to keep you and the kids entertained. Our central London Thistle hotels have a variety of room options to suit everyone, with locations smack-bang in the heart of the action in Piccadilly Circus; adjacent to the beautiful Hyde Park (near the Natural History Museum); or around the corner from the British Museum in Holborn. Find and book things to do in London.

Out and About in London with Thistle