“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”

Samuel Johnson, 1777

Google what to do in London and there are endless suggestions of famous landmarks, quirky tours, beautiful parks, fascinating museums and so much more. The tricky thing with moving to a new city as opposed to visiting is that you risk becoming blasé about all the fantastic opportunities, and don’t make the most of the city. To avoid this, I have my London List – places to go, things to see and do and events I want to take part in – both in London and wider England and Europe.

This is not meant to be a finite list that, once ticked off, means it’s time to leave London – I’ve been here for three years already and there’s still so much I want to do and see. Instead I’ll be updating this when I tick something off and also when I find something new. I’d also love to hear from you if there’s anything you think I should add. Hopefully it might inspire you for your next London visit – or in your London life!

Tourist Hotspots

These places are famous for a reason – many of them are iconic, historic, or just plain awesome.

Still on the list: Hampton Court Palace | Inside Big Ben (well, to be correct, the Elizabeth Tower) | Tower of London and The Ceremony of the Keys | Up at the O2 | View From the Shard

Markets

One of my favourites, Maltby Street Market

One of my favourite London discoveries has been its many awesome food markets. From farmers’ produce to hipster craft brewing and everything in between, large or small there is sure to be a market for you in London!

Still on the list: Model Market | Primrose Hill Market. Any other suggestions for my next foodie stop?!

Seasonal

I’ve enjoyed: Christmas carols at the Royal Albert Hall | Christmas markets and lights | Group picnic in a park in summer | Ice skating | Winter Wonderland

Going Walkabout

Walking tours, self-guided or otherwise, are an awesome way to see a city. With a knowledgeable guide or book you’re likely to see far more detail, history and life than by just going for a solo wander. And you’re not stuck inside – ideal!

I’ve stretched my legs on: Ghostly London tour | Hunting Dragons | Secret Underground Station tour | Thames Path (well, some of its 294km)

Still to wander: London Unravelled tour | Monopoly Board Walk (or pub crawl!) | Quirky London tour | Street Art Tour

Park Life

I love London’s many parks. They were one of my biggest surprises when I moved to London – I just hadn’t realised how much beautiful green space there is in and around the city. I love running through one on a crisp Saturday morning, lazing on a picnic rug with friends after work, or exploring wild outer corners on a ramble.

Still to wander: London Wetlands

Be a Good Sport

Pimms at Wimbledon

I’m a huge sports fan and London hosts some iconic events, from cricket to tennis to polo. As well, there’s the annual rugby games with the All Blacks to look forward to!

I’ve cheered at: Cricket at Lords | Cycling a Boris Bike | Polo at Hurlingham Park | Rugby at Twickenham | Tennis at Wimbledon

Still to attend: Croquet | Football Match | Horse-riding at Epping Forest or Hyde Park | Racing at Ascot

Museums & Art Galleries

London has a multitude of museums and art galleries, from the National Gallery to the Florence Nightingale Museum. Most of them are free, which is absolutely incredible. I try to save them for bad-weather days, but sometimes I can’t resist popping into a different room of the Portrait Gallery for a quick blitz of culture.

Events & Extras

This is a cheeky catch-all for some of the huge number of the cool things I hear about that are on in London – seemingly every week!

I’ve checked out: Comedy Nights | Graham Norton Show taping | Highgate Cemetery & Karl Marx’s grave | Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath | Waitangi Day Circle Line Pub Crawl

Outside London

As great as London is, I also love leaving it. You can pretty much assume that if I haven’t been to a destination, I’ll want to travel to it – and even if I have I still might! But here’s some of the places, events and special happenings around Europe that are at the top of my list.