Whether you’re visiting London for business or for pleasure, there is no doubt that you should take full advantage of your stay in this glorious and exciting city. A stay in London should give you all you need for a perfect holiday, regardless if you’re here out of your own free will, or are forced to come because of work!
But London, whilst being a popular tourist destination, has plenty of attractions to offer anyone, it can be quite confusing to know which places to see and visit, and what things to do. This is especially true if you are a first time visitor. Whilst it is recommended that you visit the usual spots such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the London Eye, you can still get a kick out of visiting other sites that are off the beaten track.
Before we go there, however, it’s important to remember that if you really want to have a unique London experience, you should stay in a hotel in Paddington which can offer you truly personalised service. Granted, there are many hotel chains in London, but there is something special about staying in a quaint yet beautiful hotel which can give you self-catering facilities. This way, you can choose to make your stay more comfortable and not be restricted to hotel meals. Also, choose a hotel in Paddington which can give you easy access to the Paddington underground and Main line stations, as well as top tourist attractions.
So here it is – the top 5 must-see London sights that are not on the general tourist routes:
The London Wetland Centre
This wildlife reserve is located not that far from the centre of London (approximately half an hour’s drive), and it has over 43 hectares of habitats which attract hundreds upon hundreds of wild birds. The London Wetland Centre is actually considered amongst the most important “urban wildlife” sites in the whole European continent.
What sets the Wetland Centre apart is that you will literally feel like you are far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you love wildlife and flora and fauna, then a visit to the London Wetland Centre will lift your spirits.
Stay at a hotel in Paddington and visit London’s many markets
Image attributed to Wikimedia Edward Betts
The East End
You’ve probably heard of this fascinating place – and if it’s not on your agenda, you should include it. It has been called the coolest place in Britain, and this isn’t surprising, since it is where you can have close encounters with street artists and take a stroll through numerous galleries and the popular East Market. This is also the place where you can sample authentic English grub and get excellent pie & mash at one of the many pubs.
The great London markets
If you love shopping or simply browsing around some interesting shops and looking at some fascinating curios, then a visit to London’s great markets is for you. You can always visit Harrod’s, but at the end of the day, nothing is more satisfying than walking through Covent Garden with its boutiques, street entertainment, and opera houses. Delight your senses with a visit to the Columbia Road flower market, and have a delicious meal at Columbia Road or Spitalfields’ covered market. Afterwards, you shouldn’t miss a visit to Camden Market, famous for its independent shops and unique sub-culture.
