These tours focus on soulful pursuits especially suited to weekends; an expanse of city parks enjoyed by millions each year, world famous gardens, even a cruise. Then there's the excitement of London's finest weekend markets where you can bargain for unique mementos and soak up the local atmosphere.
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Saturday soul food
This cultural feast combines vibrant market atmosphere and one of London’s least-visited gems with the world’s greatest garden, all followed by a scenic cruise home. There are a few options for food, but we reckon the best is to grab something fresh at the market and enjoy it picnic-style in Kew Gardens. You'll feel like a millionaire for only a few quid. Catch the tube to Notting Hill Gate (Central/District/Circle Lines) to start this tour.
* Arrive early at Portobello Road Market (1) because it gets too crowded by lunchtime. One stop south at High Street Kensington is the magnificent 19th century Leighton House (2), decorated in Middle Eastern splendour.
* Kew Gardens (3), a short walk from the Kew station, is a 120-hectare oasis with wonderful sights in any season. There are three cafes/restaurants in the grounds and you'll need at least a few hours to explore.
* Regular boats depart Kew pier (4) for the indulgent 2-hour journey back to Westminster. You'll return refreshed and relaxed.
***** DAVE'S FAVE - At GBP6 it's one of London's more expensive attractions, but try and justify the splurge. Kew Gardens deserves the superlatives heaped upon it. Just go. Allow at least a few hours.
A Sunday stroll
This tour mixes casual sightseeing with the city’s best parks, finishing with two Sunday markets. There’s relaxed café dining in Hyde Park, but the markets are the best place to eat, with the rhythms of the buskers creating a festive atmosphere. Catch the tube to St James Park (Circle/District Lines) to start this tour.
* North of Westminster Abbey (1) is Whitehall (2), the centre of British Government. Past Downing Street is the Horse Guards Parade – a much more accessible ceremony than the hopelessly crowded Buckingham Palace equivalent.
* Through beautiful St James’s Park (3) is Buckingham Palace (4), replacing St James’s Palace in 1837 as the royal residence. Green Park then leads to Hyde Park and Speakers’ Corner (5) at its north eastern boundary.
* Across town at Aldgate East are two of London’s best markets (6). Brick Lane is loads of fun but usually finishes by 2pm, then it’s over to Spitalfield’s massive Victorian warehouse for more bargains.
***** DAVE'S FAVE - Once the stomping ground of Jack The Ripper, the streets around Brick Lane market are now the domain of Bangladesh migrants. You'll find some of London's best (and cheapest) food and plenty of secondhand bargains in the shops and markets.