Shop ‘til You Drop: London’s Must-Visit Shopping Hotspots

Explore London’s best spots for fashion, food, souvenirs and serious window shopping.

Published: May 13, 2026
London Bus Keyrings

London might be famed for its history, theatre and royals, but anyone with an eye for shopping knows the city’s retail scene definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Whether you’re after designer splurges, quirky souvenirs, street-food treats or vintage treasures, London is stacked with shops and markets that promise plenty of surprises. From classic department stores to lively markets and boutique-lined streets, we’ve rounded up the essential stops to fill your suitcase—and maybe even need an extra one—for the journey home. 

Our favorite places to shop in London include: 

  • Oxford Street 
  • Covent Garden 
  • Camden Market 
  • Carnaby Street 
  • Borough Market 
  • Liberty London 
  • Fortnum & Mason 
  • Portobello Road Market 
  • Westfield London 
  • Hamleys 

Oxford Street  

If you crave the excitement of endless high-street fashion, head straight for Oxford Street. Home to more than 300 shops, this retail artery invites you to discover everything from flagship fashion brands to gadget stores and trendy sportswear. It’s buzzing at all hours and perfect for a full-day shopping mission. Snap up the latest trends, then reward your efforts with a coffee and some people-watching—because Oxford Street is as much about the London vibe as it is about the finds. 

Department store giants like Selfridges make the experience sparkle—pop in for fashion, beauty and even quirky food halls bursting with global treats. If you’re traveling near the holidays, Oxford Street’s festive lights add a dash of magic to every spree. Whether you’re on a mission for bargains or keen on luxury labels, there’s something here for every shopper’s wish list. 

Covent Garden  

Step into Covent Garden’s cobbled piazza and you’ll land in a shopping haven that puts on a show even as you shop. Boutique stores, independent designers and handmade crafts pack the central halls and surrounding streets. There’s always street theatre in the square, which makes shopping here feel like a fun event rather than a simple errand. 

You’ll find specialty tea shops, British beauty brands, and unique London souvenirs alongside hidden gems like Moomin or Tintin stores. Swing by the Apple Market for antiques and handmade gifts, or explore Seven Dials for edgy, independent boutiques. Once you’ve loaded up on loot, relax in a café and soak up the bustling, artistic atmosphere—it’s London at its most charming. 

Camden Market  

For creative, alternative and downright quirky shopping, there’s nothing quite like Camden Market. This sprawling maze of stalls promises everything from handmade jewelry and vintage clothing to retro posters and one-of-a-kind art pieces. Street food aromas drift through the air, so browsing comes with a side of global flavors—be sure to try the halloumi fries or a stacked burger. 

Camden Market’s edgy, counter-culture vibe makes it perfect for those with a love for indie fashion and offbeat treasures. Explore the Stables Market for collectables and fashion, or chill by the canal for some of London’s best people-watching. It’s the go-to spot for unearthing souvenirs that your friends back home won’t find anywhere else. 

Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street Sign

Tucked away in the trendy Soho neighborhood, Carnaby Street packs style and character into a single pedestrian lane. It’s legendary for launching Swinging Sixties fashion and remains a favorite for bold, creative shopping. Expect vibrant storefronts, British labels and plenty of quirky design shops; Drop by Dr. Martens for classic footwear or seek out indie brands in the hidden Kingly Court courtyard nearby. 

The area bursts with cool energy—perfect for a shopping spree followed by tapas, craft cocktails or dessert at one of its stylish eateries. Carnaby’s art installations and festivals keep things lively, so there’s always something new on display. Whether you’re chasing statement shoes or stocking up on designer denim, you’ll leave feeling like London’s trendiest tourist. 

Borough Market  

Calling all foodies! Borough Market is London’s legendary food market, and a must for anyone who wants to taste their way through the city. Vendors pack the historic halls with artisan cheeses, fresh bread, gourmet pastries and every kind of street food. Snack as you wander—or pick up gifts like British preserves, teas or handcrafted chocolates. 

Sampling dishes from around the world, you’ll see why Borough Market remains a highlight for both locals and visitors. From spicy curries to classic English pies, there’s something delicious at every stall. The lively atmosphere, delicious smells and friendly chatter are just as memorable as the shopping itself—bring your appetite and maybe a bigger bag. 

Liberty London  

Liberty London is a department store that feels worlds away from the rest. The striking Tudor-style building, with wooden beams and antique lifts, is a treat just to step inside. Inside, discover designer fashion, luxury beauty, homewares, and Liberty’s very own iconic patterned fabrics. This is a wonderland for shoppers who appreciate craftsmanship and a little drama in their décor. 

Browse through carefully curated collections and treat yourself in the fragrance bar or stationery section—Liberty takes browsing seriously! Don’t miss the flower stall at the entrance, which fills the street with color and fragrance. Even if you’re only window shopping, visiting Liberty simply feels special. 

Fortnum & Mason  

If you’re a fan of gourmet food and classic British treats, Fortnum & Mason is a must-stop. Open since 1707, this regal department store features delicious gifts, from teas and preserves to handmade chocolates and elegant hampers. Take your time to explore the multi-level store, pausing to sample or admire beautifully packaged biscuits, jams, and even fresh honey from the store’s rooftop hives. 

The elegant décor, attentive staff and tempting displays make it feel wonderfully festive year-round. And once you’ve picked your favorite treats, try afternoon tea upstairs or pop into The Parlour for their sumptuous ice cream sundaes. You’ll leave with a taste of tradition—and maybe a few future cravings! 

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market Stall

Nothing beats the atmosphere at Portobello Road Market on a Saturday. Spanning over two miles in Notting Hill, this open-air market is famous for antiques, but also buzzes with stalls selling vintage clothes, quirky art, street food, and bric-a-brac you’ll want to treasure forever. Explore rainbow-hued shopfronts, grab a fresh juice, and hunt down rare vinyl or statement jewelry. 

The market is a dream for collectors and explorers alike. Stay for the street performers and buskers, and dip into one of the charming cafés for a break. If you’re into finding true “only-in-London” gifts, Portobello Road never disappoints. 

Westfield London  

When the weather turns or you’re after convenience, Westfield London is your go-to for a modern mall adventure. With hundreds of high street and designer brands under one enormous, airy roof, there’s something for every budget and every shopping style. Refuel at global eateries, try out indoor mini-golf or even catch a movie—shopping here can fill a whole day. 

Kids and adults both love the leisure facilities and events, from pop-up shops to fashion shows. It’s easy to get to by tube, and the sheer scale means you’ll always find another tempting spot to browse. When you’re ready for a shopping marathon, this is London’s ultimate retail playground. 

Hamleys  

End your spree with a splash of magic at Hamleys, the world’s oldest and biggest toy store. Dating back to 1760, Hamleys’ Regent Street flagship delights kids and adults with seven floors of toys, games and interactive demos. Staff perform tricks, race cars around the aisles, and fill the air with bubbles and laughter—it’s an experience as much as a store. 

Find classic teddy bears, the latest board games, and exclusive London-themed sets—perfect for souvenirs. The vibrant displays and hands-on fun make it impossible not to smile. Even if you’re not shopping for a tiny tourist, Hamleys’ joyful spirit guarantees a wonderful finish to any shopping tour. 

 

London’s shopping scene has something for everyone—history, creativity, foodie finds and heaps of surprises. Mix a few of these stops into your trip, and you’ll discover that finding the perfect souvenir might just be your new favorite London adventure. Happy shopping! 

Enjoyed this? Check out the Best Food Markets in London or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s London Passes 

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We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

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London With Friends: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide

London, with its buzzing streets, centuries of history, and a food scene that never sleeps, is a playground for friends looking to make the most of their time together. Whether you’re first-timers itching to check off legendary landmarks, or old pros seeking out the city’s best bites and quirkiest adventures, London delivers on fun in spades. Think riverside bike rides, group selfies atop sky-high towers, mind-bending art installations, and spontaneous singalongs in the city’s legendary pubs. No matter your mood—curious, competitive, culture-hungry, or just hungry-hungry—London promises shared laughs, memories, and maybe even a few inside jokes that’ll last long after you head home. So, where to start your perfect day (or week) out? Trust us, we’ve got you.  Our favourite things to do with friends in London include:  The London Eye  Tower of London  Crazy Golf at Swingers West End  London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden  Up at the O2  The View from The Shard  Wicked The Musical  City Cruises – Thames River Pass  Royal Observatory Greenwich  Chocolate Cocktail Club  (Bonus!) Drinks at Gordon’s Wine Bar  Tower of London: Tales, Treasures & Friendly Feuds  Ready to live out your medieval drama dreams? The Tower of London is essential for friends who love a good story (or a little friendly sparring over “who would survive as a Tudor?”). This ancient fortress strikes the balance between creepy cool and grand spectacle, especially if you sign up for one of the legendary Yeoman Warder tours. These “Beefeaters” are part tour guide, part stand-up comic—trust us, you’ll be retelling their jokes all afternoon.  Inside, each stone corridor hides centuries of drama—royal scandals, daring escapes, haunted towers. Share gasps over the dazzling Crown Jewels, compete to find the most hair-raising imprisonment story, or try counting the resident ravens grumping around the grounds. It’s surprisingly hands-on, with eerie cells and interactive history exhibits that make even the least history-mad in your group get into the spirit.  The wide, lively courtyards are always buzzing, which makes for that unmistakable “we’re in London!” feeling. And because you’ll likely split off (half your crew racing to the armory, others lining up for the gems), it’s prime for re-grouping later to compare best finds. Top it off: pick up historically inspired treats at the café or grab fish and chips at nearby pubs once you’ve stormed the towers like a team of intrepid explorers.  Crazy Golf at Swingers West End: Competitive Laughs & Top-Tier Cocktails  Who says sightseeing can’t involve a little friendly rivalry—and maybe a few outrageous trick shots? Swingers West End turns miniature golf into a full-on party, perfect for friends in search of playful competition, street food, and creative drinks all under one buzzing roof.  This isn’t your local park’s putt-putt. Inside, you’ll wander between dazzlingly designed nine-hole courses with whimsical obstacles and neon-lit tunnels, all bursting with pulse-raising energy. There’s a sense of friendly mischief in the air—grab a golf club and you’ll see who’s blessed with surprise talent, and who’s just there for the cocktails and the laughter. Betting who’ll get the most holes in one is practically required.  No sideline spectating here. Swingers scores big with an array of bars serving up signature drinks—think fruity spritzes and spicy margaritas—plus a rotating roster of street food options. The wild-card winner? Tasty tacos and towering burgers to fuel your swings and high-fives.  Best of all, Swingers is full of cozy nooks, so groups can linger after the game, rehash putt-by-putt victories, and celebrate the least coordinated member with a round of desserts (trust us, they’ll take it in good humour). It’s the kind of London spot where your group’s laughter blends into the clubby soundtrack—and where you’re bound to start planning your next friendly rematch.  London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden: Tastes, Tales & Surprises  Claiming to know London’s best food spots is a big statement—so why not let the experts lead you? Grab your gang and hit the streets of Soho and Covent Garden for a walking food tour that tastes like friendship in action.  Soho is a flavour-packed playground, from dim sum palaces to artisan cheese shops, hidden ramen dens to patisseries spiked with the smell of fresh croissants. Each stop weaves stories of London’s cuisines and characters, with tastings designed for sharing (so make sure your squad has good “pass-the-plate” etiquette).  The best part? The pace. There’s no rush as your guide sprinkles in tales of theatre legends, market rogues, and historical quirks you’d never spot alone. By the time you loop around Covent Garden’s cobbled piazza, you’ll have armfuls of local knowledge, plus a new list of must-return street food joints and quirky bars for a nightcap.  A group food tour is perfect for those who love to try a little bit of everything, compare notes, and find new favourite dishes—together. Don’t be surprised if you spend the rest of your trip swooning over the memory of that unexpected secret bakery, or giggling over who “accidentally” ate most of the last shared doughnut.  Up at The O2: Group Thrills Above the City  If your idea of a good time features a side of adrenaline, bring your friends to Up at The O2 for one of London’s coolest challenges. You’ll suit up in harnesses, lace up your special boots, and literally trek up the O2 arena’s roof, 52 metres above the city.  The real joy is the journey—powered by group encouragement, a little friendly heckling, and a lot of teamwork as you conquer that bounce-tastic walkway spanning the dome. Reaching the summit, you’ll step out onto a suspended rooftop platform with panoramic views reaching from Canary Wharf to Greenwich and beyond. Queue the obligatory “victory pose” photos with the skyscrapers behind you. It’s a genuine achievement moment, and everyone leaves buzzing with “did we really just do that?” pride.  Up at The O2 is especially fun for birthdays, reunions, or just friends who thrive on conquering something together. Afterwards, celebrate the climb with drinks or a meal in the O2’s entertainment complex, or even catch a gig if you’re feeling extra celebratory.  Wicked The Musical: Sing-Alongs & West End Wonder  Few things bond friends faster than live theatre, and Wicked delivers big on spectacle, song, and shared goosebumps. This long-running West End smash has everything: dazzling costumes, epic ballads, powerful friendship themes, and flying witches that’ll leave your group humming “Defying Gravity” all the way home.  Wicked is made for friends—it’s laugh-aloud funny one moment, secretly tear-jerking the next. The story of Glinda and Elphaba’s unlikely friendship feels tailor-made for a group night out, and the energy inside the Apollo Victoria Theatre is always infectious. No wonder so many choose this one for birthdays or pre-dinner entertainment: it hooks musical superfans and first-time theatre-goers alike.  The venue itself sits steps from Victoria Station, meaning your group can plot a pre- or post-show feast at one of the area’s quirky restaurants or lively pubs. Souvenir wands and witches’ hats optional—but heavily encouraged for unforgettable group selfies.  City Cruises – Thames River Pass: Chill Group Adventures on the Water  Swap tube crowds for the breezy decks of a Thames river cruise—a group experience that packs in sightseeing, city stories, and chill time all in one. These turquoise and white riverboats make multiple stops, so your crew can hop on and off to explore nearby treasures like the Tower of London, Greenwich, and Westminster.  Pull up a group of seats on the top deck, kick back, and watch river life unfold: kids waving from bridges, paddleboarders, iconic riverside pubs, and those legendary London landmarks. The onboard commentary (always full of fun facts and gentle jokes) means no friend gets left out of the loop—even the ones who nod off in guidebooks.  We love how river cruises let you explore at your own pace. Disembark at your favourite neighbourhoods, picnic on the grassy banks at Greenwich, snap “London by water” selfies, or stay aboard for the full loop and just enjoy the breeze and banter. On warm days, nothing beats sipping a G&T while floating past Big Ben.  Royal Observatory Greenwich: Star-Gazing & Time-Travel  For a group adventure outside the city centre, Greenwich bundles history, science, and spectacular scenery into one green, riverside package. The Royal Observatory is its gleaming crown—home to the Prime Meridian, historic telescopes, and London’s best hilltop views.  Start your visit by straddling the world-famous line: one foot in the East, one in the West—prime opportunity for playful group photos. Step inside to explore centuries-old astronomical tools, watch cosmic shows at the planetarium, or learn how sailors navigated the globe (with tales of clockmakers, pirates, and mystery).  Afterward, stroll through Greenwich Park, discover the Cutty Sark, or lounge at one of the historic pubs or riverside cafés. Greenwich has a distinctly relaxed, welcoming vibe—perfect for unwinding as a group, whether you’re catching up after years or just living in each moment.  Chocolate Cocktail Club: Cheers to Sweet Nights Out  Looking for that boozy treat with serious wow factor? The Chocolate Cocktail Club in Farringdon delivers with a fun twist—themed drinks that’ll leave your group grinning. This snug and stylish lounge specializes in chocolate-infused concoctions: think creamy chocolate martinis, minty choco-mojitos, and utterly decadent espresso mixes. Each drink is as Insta-worthy as it is delicious.  It’s a top spot for giggly pre-dinner gatherings, quirky date nights, or any celebration that deserves something out of the ordinary. The staff have some serious shake-and-mix artistry, and every cocktail arrives with playful touches—a chocolate rim here, a kitschy straw there. Even non-chocolate obsessives will find plenty to love, including sweet and savory sharing platters built for group nibbles.  The Chocolate Cocktail Club keeps things intimate yet energetic; you’ll quickly find your new favourite as the soundtrack and laughter rise around you. Themed nights and bookable group packages make it easy to keep everyone happy—just don’t race through the menu too quickly!  Drinks at Gordon's Wine Bar: London’s Best-Kept Cavern  If your group loves a toast in a place that speaks to London’s secret history, Gordon’s Wine Bar is a wonder. Built into ancient railway arches, minutes from the Embankment, Gordon’s is possibly the cosiest pub you’ll ever squeeze your friends into. The candlelit, low-ceilinged vaults feel like time stopped somewhere around the early 19th century.  Settle into a wooden nook, order a bottle (or two) from their signature wine list or sample house specials paired with legendary platters of cheese and charcuterie. Try the Beef & Horseradish Pie or the show-stopping Stilton—warmed, oozy, and begging to be shared.  It’s a place designed for togetherness—conversation hums, laughter echoes, and everyone leaves a little closer. Bonus: if the sun shines, snag a spot on their riverside terrace for a perfect end to your sightseeing adventures.    With so many options—from sky-high group selfies and competitive mini golf to legendary shows, riverside cruises, and chocolate-spiked cocktails—London makes every moment with friends feel extraordinary. The city rewards the curious, the playful, and the hungry (for food or fun). So round up your favourite crew, unleash your inner explorer, and let the city’s famous energy carry you to the next big adventure—together.    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to London’s quirkier side, and browse our London Eye deep dive.    Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 
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The top free things to do in London

London’s reputation for being expensive (just check out the house prices), doesn’t mean vacations in the British capital have to break the bank. Many major museums are free to enter, whilst parks, markets and even some concerts will cost you absolutely nothing, leaving you free to spend your cash on other things. The list of free things to do in London is a long one, so here are a select few that will leave you quids in. Explore London’s museum collections Starting out with just 38 paintings in 1834, The National Gallery on the northern side of Trafalgar Square now has close to 2,500 artworks hanging from its cloth-lined walls. Concentrating on a mere 700 years of European art roughly corresponding with the years 1250 to 1900, some of its most famous works include da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks, van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire. Cross the Thames at Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges and you’ll be perfectly located to continue your tour of free things to do in London at Leake Street Arches, the capital’s foremost space for graffiti and street artists. The freedom to spray means it never looks the same for long, and now also plays host to a Polish kitchen and board game café. Food sadly isn’t welcome at the British Library’s Sir John Ritblat Gallery, whose free permanent exhibition space includes some of the most important documents in British history. These include Magna Carta, a symbol of liberty and law to this day, and handwritten manuscripts by everyone from author Charlotte Brontë to Beatle Paul McCartney. Picnic in the park Nearly as many trees as residents, 14,000 species of wildlife and 3,000 parks – it’s no wonder London became the world’s first National Park City in 2019. Its public green spaces have acted as shared backyards, in some cases, for centuries. Its largest is Epping Forest, an area of woodland untouched since the time of William the Conqueror in 1066. Mountain biking and walking are popular pastimes here, with multiple short walks allowing visitors to soak up the spirit of the place and catch sight of its wild deer. Hampstead Health’s Parliament Hill also has a small population of muntjac deer, although it’s far better known for its panoramic views of central London, spanning from The Shard to Canary Wharf. For a sense of what you might expect at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew without the entrance cost and tube journey, there’s the Barbican Conservatory. An oasis of greenery, it’s London’s second-largest indoor garden, containing some 2,000 plants erupting from every surface. Pull back the leaves and you’ll also find a hidden pond filled with koi carp and terrapins. Take part in ancient traditions Things to do in London for free aren’t limited to the capital’s static attractions. Head to Buckingham Palace for mid-morning and you’ll be able to admire the pageantry of the marching bands involved in the Changing of the Guard. The full ceremony lasts 45 minutes, with the changeover between guard battalions taking place at 11AM. The best viewing spots go early, but Hyde Park’s southern boundary offers a crowd-free space to watch the mounted troops arrive and depart from Wellington Barracks. Whilst it’s not possible to enter the palace during the ceremony, it is usually possible to enter the neogothic splendor of the Houses of Parliament a short distance away. Members of the public are able to see the goings-on of the House of Commons (the green-benched lower house) from the perch of the Strangers Gallery. Along the way you can grab a glimpse of Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the complex and where royals lie in state. No pre-booking is required to visit Pugin’s pre-Raphaelite artworks or parliament’s central halls, although the Strangers Gallery fills up quickly for Wednesday’s Prime Ministers Questions. Less confrontational in nature are the free concerts taking place in churches and auditoriums across the capital. Often used as rehearsals to later paid events, classical works can be heard at a number of locations, including the bright interior of St-Martins-in-the-Fields off Trafalgar Square, Morley College’s Waterloo Center and Regent Hall on Oxford Street. Visit London’s top markets All walks of London life buy and sell at its plethora of markets, with voices from all over the world demonstrating why London is known as a city where everyone is welcome. When it comes to color and Instagram posts, make a beeline for Sunday’s Columbia Road Flower Market, which is packed full of blooms. The shadow of Waterloo Bridge plays host to the Southbank Centre’s daily book market, whose row after row of secondhand tomes are sure to include that out-of-print classic you’ve been searching for, in addition to a select pick of artworks old and new. The nearby space behind Royal Festival Hall also hosts a Friday – Sunday pop-up street food market, with aromas that drift towards the Thames sightseeing cruises mooring up at Westminster Pier. Back in east London, the stalls of Old Spitalfields Market sit beneath Victorian ironwork dating to 1876, though its history stretches back to the 1600s. Once a fruit and vegetable wholesale market, today’s stalls are a trendy blend of soul food spots, homeware and boutique fashions, with antiques taking over each Thursday. Take a stroll Getting out into fresh air is relatively easy, and as well as its parks and green spaces, London has numerous walks. The obvious place to start is the Jubilee Walkway, unveiled to mark 25 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign in 1977. Connecting many of London’s major landmarks, it runs for 15 miles, with the most popular stretch lining the south bank of the Thames from Lambeth Palace to Tower Bridge. Meanwhile, Regent’s Canal provides a place to wander without the crowds, taking in Paddington Basin, Little Venice, the howls of ZSL London Zoo’s wolf pack and popular Victoria Park along the way to its terminus on the Thames at Limehouse. You certainly won’t be disturbed by the residents of Brompton Cemetery, a grade I listed space containing around 35,000 memorials dating back to the 1830s. Among them you’ll find the graves of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst and the scientist who discovered the cause of cholera, John Snow. Other ways to save in London There are a huge number of free things to do in London. But they’re not the only way to save when visiting the British capital. The Explorer Pass from Go City saves on admission at many of London’s top visitor attractions without you having to make any decisions on what to do beforehand. What’s more, all you need is your phone to get started!
Ian Packham
March is a good time to head to London's parks
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What to do in London in March

London in March welcomes the spring – announcing itself with a flurry of flowerheads and chirruping of bird song. Brighter, sunnier skies begin to hint at the months ahead and the return of British Summer Time means evenings are lighter for longer. All the better for enjoying London’s many attractions and events, including the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and the University Boat Race. What is the weather like in London in March? Don’t be fooled by the sudden addition of color to the streets of London in March, the start of the month can still be chilly. March 1 will usually see daytime temperatures of around 8°C, before they begin to steadily increase as the month goes on. By its end, they’ve jumped by roughly a third to about 13°C. Putting this into context, it’s just 3°C below temperatures frequently recorded at the height of summer. On occasion they can jump still further – the March all-time record stands at no less than 23°C. Given this fact, snow is – perhaps unbelievably – still an outside possibility. However, your main concern will be rain showers, which can sweep in at any time to break up the growing periods of sun. On the plus side, dusk creeps back day after day, providing visitors to London with longer daylight hours to spend amidst the treasures of the British capital. Enjoy London’s parks The grass turns a fresh shade of green, the flower beds erupt in blooms and the sun – hopefully – shines. This makes March in London a good month for getting outside and exploring the city’s many parks, gardens and green spaces. A visit to the gates of Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard ceremony can easily be combined with time in the capital’s Royal Parks. St James’s, Green and Hyde Parks form a near-continuous expanse of greenery from the River Thames to Notting Hill. More than just parklands, they contain various monuments, lakes and even an art gallery – The Serpentine. Not all that far away in Lambeth is the Garden Museum. The only museum of its kind in the country, it uses its base of a converted church dated to the Norman Conquest to record the history of the garden in the UK psyche. Get ready to party The color green is also an integral part of one of March’s main events. He may not be the capital’s patron saint (that’s Saint Paul) but this doesn’t stop Londoners from celebrating St Patrick’s Day on March 17. The main festivities generally take place on the weekend nearest the date, and kick off on Piccadilly Circus. It’s from here a parade of floats, performers and marching bands take over the streets on route to Trafalgar Square. But the festivities don’t stop there. The statue of Nelson atop its column looks down on a specially-constructed stage that sees performances from a wealth of acts with a connection to the Emerald Isle. Pall Mall hosts a range of family zone activities suitable for younger visitors. It’s the banks of the Thames that are the location for The University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge. First fought in 1829, somewhere in the region of a quarter of a million people line the winding 4.2 mile west London course each year to cheer on the rowing eights. The finish line at Chiswick Bridge is a favored vantage point for obvious reasons. Refresh your wardrobe Browsing the new season trends is on many people’s lists of things to do in London in March, and for good reason. The British capital’s range of retail opportunities is well-known, offering everything from off the peg items to department stores holding royal warrants to supply the Queen and Prince of Wales. Whilst it’s Oxford Street where you’ll find many household names, neighboring Regent’s Street blends high-end couture with an independent streak sometimes missing from the streets of the capital. Children’s eyes will bulge wide at the very sight of Hamleys’, whose seven stories make it the biggest toyshop in the world. Meanwhile, adults are sure to find something that delights at Liberty’s, whose mock-Tudor edifice stretches from Kingly Street to the boutique stores of Carnaby Street, and has championed designers from William Morris to Manolo Blahnik. The seven streets that together form, surprise-surprise, Seven Dials, between Soho and Covent Garden is perhaps easier on the wallet but certainly doesn’t hold back on the cool. Playing host to almost 150 stores and places to eat, it’s a good place to head whether you’re looking for a new pair of jeans or a block of locally-produced cheese. If there’s a bookworm in the family, a trip to the secondhand bookshops of Charing Cross Road will be in order. Explore the wider world Amid the splendor of the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House, Greenwich, stand the masts of the last remaining tea clipper, the Cutty Sark. A simply stunning addition to the east London skyline under the clear skies of March, she was built in 1869 and moored at the Thames as a museum ship in 1954. Visitors are able to discover the cramped conditions crew sailing between China and England had to endure below deck. Since a major restoration project, it’s now also possible to walk beneath the hull to view its original planking and ironwork, before admiring the world’s largest collection of ship’s figureheads. Containing one of the largest collections of living creatures in the UK, ZSL London Zoo has been educating the public and conserving the world’s wildlife for nearly two centuries. Amongst its 20,000 individual animals are 650 species including lions, lemurs and Komodo dragons. Each live in enclosures attempting to mimic their natural habitats as closely as possible, to the extent that many include other species from the same region. Save on March London attraction admission The start of spring ensures there are a huge array of things to do in London in March. But seeing so many attractions can soon get expensive. Go City helps ease the burden by including reduced admission to many of London’s top attractions, whilst doing away with paper ticketing but not the flexibility you’ll want on a visit to the British capital.
Ian Packham

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