When it comes to places to visit to celebrate a special occasion, be it a milestone anniversary or a significant birthday, London has to be one of the best options available. There is simply a vast range of ways in which you can enjoy yourself when in the city whatever you may be interested in, be it adrenaline-fuelled experiences or three course meals at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Lots of people choose to go away in order to celebrate a special occasion and if you are looking to plan a trip to London then read on for our suggestions on some of the ways you can see your occasion through with style:
Go on a food walking tour
If you are a foodie then London is a real dream city to visit having so many cultures represented in one place. There are hundreds of options for eating out from fine dining restaurants to homemade food from street vendors. However, if you want to try something a little different as part of your celebrations then why not book onto a food walking tour instead? There are a number of companies which offer this, with many focusing around the East London area; an area which is known for its vibrant street art, Indian and Bangladeshi inspired cuisine and the chance to explore a stunning and culturally rich part of the city. There are also, of course, other parts of the city which can also be explored including Soho, the City of London and more. If chocolate is more your thing then you might enjoy the Chocolate Ecstasy Tours which take you to some of the best chocolatiers in the city and allow you to sample the delights contained therein as well as offering you an insight into the arrival of the chocolate industry to London and how it has continued to gain popularity since. For a celebration with a twist, you can’t go wrong with a food walking tour in London.
Enjoy a picnic in the park
Food is usually a central theme of any special occasion and our suggestions are going to be no different, albeit they might come from a slightly different angle. London is full of wonderful and picturesque gardens, parks and open spaces and you can really make the most of these by planning a romantic picnic in the park. If you are staying in one of the hotels in Central London then you will have plenty of choice at your fingertips from the likes of Hyde Park to St Dunstan in the East and plenty more besides. Add a splash of luxury to your picnic and head to a local deli where you can pick up some delightful bits and pieces, add a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne, perhaps some strawberries from a local market and you are good to go. If you’d like a bit of privacy then there are lots of tranquil options too; the Isabella Plantation, Chelsea Physic Garden, Lavender Garden in Vauxhall Park and Lincoln’s Inn Fields are all fantastic options if you want to find a quiet corner to tuck yourselves away in as you enjoy your picnic. Alternatively, if you would like your picnic to come with a view then Parliament Hill, Primrose Hill or King Henry’s Mound are all excellent places to head.
Have a good laugh
One thing which London also has in abundance are plenty of ways to enjoy the vibrant night life scene and what better way to celebrate your special occasion than by joining in and having a right good laugh? There are a number of comedy clubs dotted round the city which host a regular programme of events, although the clubs based around Soho would be your best bet if you are booked into the Marble Arch by Montcalm. 99 Club Leicester Square, The Comedy Store and Comedy Carnival are all located in this area and would be excellent choices. It’s worth bearing in mind as well that quite a few well known comedians tend to visit local comedy clubs to try out their new material so you may even get to see a familiar face for a fraction of the price it would cost you to head to one of their headliner tour venues. There is also a wide range of choice depending on whether you want to enjoy some more mainstream comedy or whether you are interested in fringe comedy or alternative comedy as well. Soho is such an eclectic community that there are plenty of options depending on your style of humour.
Twilight Tour of the City
Add an extra special element to your visit to London by not only booking into one of the city’s luxury hotels but also by seeing London from an entirely different perspective. Throughout autumn, a number of bus companies operate ‘twilight’ tours; the chance to see some of London’s best landmarks and attractions after dusk. Lots of these buildings are illuminated at night and there really is something rather special about getting to see the buildings once night has fallen across the city. Not to mention the wonderful ambience which arrives in the city after hours as well. It’s even possible to hire your very own bus if you are travelling in a large enough group so you could bring family and friends along for the birthday experience as well.
Alternatively you could book something a little different and try out a Duck Tour; a unique vehicle which can not only travel on road but also on water too. These vehicles date back to World War Two and some even took part in the D-Day landings making them a very exciting and interesting way to experience the city too. You will get your own guide who can offer insightful commentary about London as you go along and the tours take you past many of London’s best historical landmarks including The Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral.
