• Have a leisurely fun time exploring Hyde Park by boating on the Serpentine (London)

What better way to launch your London adventure than by exploring the beloved Hyde Park? Nestled cozily in the center of the city, what makes this park so unique is its location… and size. With 350 acres consisting of shady trees, wide-open meadows, ornamental flower gardens, and a glistening, large lake, there’s plenty of space to stretch, breathe, and simply let your mind unwind. From swimming and cycling to skating and playing tennis, Hyde Park has outdoor activities for all interests. But if you’re seeking a more leisurely experience, we recommend renting a boat and setting sail on the serene Serpentine. Not only does this 40-acre lake offer spectacular views, but at only £12 per hour, it’s quite an affordable option too. Of course, all that paddling and rowing can work up an appetite, so after you’ve relished in the fun of boating, head on over to one of the two lakeside restaurants, or roll out a blanket for a good old-fashioned picnic.

• Take a stroll along the South Bank (London)

Just across the river lies another exciting sightseeing destination: the South Bank of London. Rich in culture and entertainment, this area of the city sparkles with activity for all ages. From theatre and art to cafes and breweries, the South Bank is the perfect place to take a stroll and spend a lazy afternoon. And fortunately, it’s easily accessible! If you’re in the heart of downtown, you can arrive to this pocket of the city by simply crossing over the Millennium Bridge, a unique walkway dedicated to only pedestrians.

• Sip afternoon tea in a pink wonderland (London)

If you’re a lover of all things pink, and are in the mood for some afternoon tea, The Gallery at Sketch is about to become your own slice of paradise. While the delightful “pretty in pink” decor is sure to catch your eye, get ready for the magic to continue once you’re served the three-tiered tray full of delectable, bite-sized pastries, macarons, and assorted finger sandwiches. With an atmosphere as artful as the savory treats are to eat, afternoon tea at Sketch is one of those unique experiences impossible to forget!

• Stop and smell the roses at Columbia Road Flower Market (London)

One of London’s most visually appealing markets, the Columbia Road Flower Market oozes with beauty and is a must-see when visiting the city. Open every Sunday from 8am until 3pm, this street market is located in East London and houses tons of vendors selling everything from bucketfuls of beautiful blooming flowers to bulbs, herbs, and shrubs. To go alongside the intoxicating sweet scent of fresh flowers, you’ll also find a slew of independent art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafes.

• Join an art tour to hunt down the most colorful graffiti in Shoreditch (London)

Shoreditch, the creative hub of London’s trendy, up-and-coming East End district, is well known for its street art and vibrant graffiti scene. For artists in this area, empty walls serve as the perfect canvases for visual pleasures. Although the art is forever changing, you can expect to be inspired by the emblazoned creative work all year long. Rivington Street, Great Easton Street, and Fashion Street are a few of the many places you can find walls bursting with colorful delight. There are also tons of guided tours you can join to discover even more of the artwork stamped throughout this neighborhood.

• Uncover hidden treasures at the Portobello Road Market (London)

Located in the Notting Hill district, experiencing the Portobello Road Market is another must-see when exploring London. Possibly the most famous street market in the world, the Portobello Road Market is most known for the endless stalls of vendors selling everything from antiques, collectibles, and vintage goods. With an arcade of more than 1,000 merchants selling all kinds of hidden treasures, you can easily spend the entire day at this market. If you want to relish in all the excitement, be sure to make your visit on a Saturday, as this is the market’s main day for antiques. Although you might want to skip on the snoozes, as this market can draw quite the crowd!

• Eat your way around the world at Borough Market (London)

If you are a foodie, love to eat, or simply admire local cuisine, you must head over to Borough Market. Established in 1885, Borough Market is rich in history and has since become one of the most renowned markets in all of London. Overflowing with artisan-prepared food and fresh produce, this market is the perfect place to grab a delicious bite to eat while exploring the city. And with over 100 tempting traders to choose from, the only tough decision you’ll have to make is where to chow down first!

• Celebrate your new memories with a rooftop happy hour at One New Change (London)

An awe-inspiring view awaits you atop One New Change. While the 6th-floor rooftop at One New Change has been one of London’s best kept secrets — that is, until now! — taking in the panoramic views is a must when visiting this buzzing city. Not only is this roof terrace free and open from 6am to midnight daily, but it is also one of the best places to take in the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral and the downtown skyline. And with a bar and restaurant located on the terrace, what better way to cheers to your time in London than with a rooftop happy hour?

• The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Heath

The Spaniards Inn is one of the oldest pubs in London, and it's accompanied by a rich literary history. Authors and playwrights such as Lord Byron, John Keats, and Mary Shelley have visited the inn, and it's mentioned in Bram Stoker's Dracula and Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers. An added bonus is that Spaniards is right on top of a hilltop, giving you gorgeous views of the heath, alongside your pint.

• The Grouse Inn, Keighley

Brontë Country is a breathtaking area of the South Pennines in West Yorkshire, where the Brontë sisters lived. There are a bunch of notable landmarks including Ponden Hall near Stanbury, which is said to have inspired buildings mentioned in Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. There's also the village of Haworth, which is home to the Brontë Parsonage Museum. A mile southwest of Stanbury is the Brontë Waterfall and Bridge, as well as Top Withens farmhouse, which is said to have inspired the Earnshaw home in Wuthering Heights. After visiting all these monuments, grab a pint from the nearby Grouse Inn in Keighley, which overlooks the moors the Brontës wrote about.

• The Eagle and Child, Oxford

The Eagle and Child is a mid-17th century pub that served as the official meeting place of The Inklings writing group, whose members included J R R Tolkien and C S Lewis. During the 1930s, they met in the pub's backroom to critique each other's work.

• The Globe Inn, Dumfries

The Globe Inn, established in 1610, was the local bar of Scottish poet Robert Burns during the eight years he spent in Dumfries. As well as frequenting the bar, Burns used to stay over at the Globe from time to time – even vandalising the windowpanes of his bedroom with five verses of poetry.

• Tafarn y Plu (The Feathers Pub), Llanystumdwy

The tiny village of Llanystumdwy in Wales has a long-running impact on British literary culture. It was the home of writers and poets, such as the playwright Wil Sam Jones and William R P George. That tradition carries on today, with people like award-winning poet Twm Morys making the village their home. After soaking in the village's literary culture, be sure to visit the cosy Tafarn y Plu pub, which is in the heart of the village.

• The Duke Of York, Whitby

Bram Stoker set much of his famous novel Dracula in the gothic village of Whitby, with the Abbey's ruins serving as major inspiration. Another important local monument is the village's 199 steps, which the character of Dracula runs up after arriving in Whitby. The Duke of York, a pub which Stoker visited while in Whitby, is situated right at the bottom of these steps. Its spooky and gothic interior is perfect for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the novel's origins.

• Burgh Island Hotel, Devon

Agatha Cristie used the Burgh Island Hotel in Devon as the setting for two of her novels: And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun. Christie's writing retreat has been turned into a beach house that you can book to stay in during your visit. The hotel includes a cosy, old-fashioned pub, The Pilchard Inn, which has been around for over 700 years.

• The Black Lion, Buxton

Dudwick Park in Buxton, Norfolk, was most likely the inspiration for Birtwick Park in Anna Sewell's novel Black Beauty. After walking through the park, follow its footpath to the Black Lion pub in the village for a pint, before heading over to Dudwick House, where the Sewell Family lived.

• The Windmill Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon

The Windmill Inn, built in 1599, is a two-minute walk from Shakespeare's last home, New Place. The playwright used to visit the pub often, and his history with the Windmill is written on a plaque on its walls.

• The Brown's, Laugharne

The Brown's, built in 1752, was the local pub of poet and writer Dylan Thomas. He was there so often that he gave the bar's phone number to people who wanted to get in touch with him. While in Laugharne, take a walk over to Thomas's writing shed and boathouse, where you can see his writing memorabilia and original furniture.

• Lamb & Flag, London

Lamb & Flag's literary connection is a little more unconventional than most other pubs, with its backstreets as the main attraction for book lovers. In 1679, poet John Dryden was attacked by a group of men, who were hired by fellow poet John Wilmot. The two poets had a long-standing feud that has forever marked Lamb & Flag (then known as Coopers Arms) in literary history.

• The Hawes Inn, South Queensferry

The Hawes Inn, established in 1793, has a number of literary connections. Sir Walter Scott used the pub as the setting of his 1816 novel, The Antiquary, and Robert Louis Stevenson wrote part of his novel Kidnapped while staying there. Stevenson was so inspired by the pub that he mentioned it again in his essay collection Memories and Portraits.

• The Culpeper

The Culpeper is perfectly, exquisitely London. It’s charming and upscale with an understated sophistication. In their own words, it’s “a pub, the way we think a pub should be.” The fourth-floor rooftop bar is situated in a rustic, beautifully designed greenhouse that features a large, raw wood dining table and a wood-fired grill. The limited seating provides a sense of intimacy and the distinct sense that you’re imbibing somewhere quite special. On the outside terrace, the bar hosts regular cocktail workshops, skyline-sketching sessions, and even astronomy talks.

Order this: Bespoke, botanical cocktails are their specialty. Spring for a Lemon-Thyme Ambrosia, a unique blend of brandy, Prosecco, and calvados.

• Ladies & Gents

Craft cocktails, copper stills and bespoke spirits are what this London bar is known for. Ladies and Gents is all about small batch booze and homemade accompaniments, whether botanical or fruit-forward. If you can’t make it to the cozy underground hideaway, be sure to sign up for the gin club.

• Joyeux Bordel learn more

Tucked away in a Shoreditch basement, this underground bar is one of London’s best hidden gems. Expect lots of candlelight, DJs spinning vinyl, flowing champagne and delish cocktails at Joyeux Bordel (“happy mess”).

• The National Gallery

There are more than 2,300 masterpieces on display at Central London’s National Gallery—so where do you start? Brush up on your brush strokes with a guided small-group tour through centuries of landmark paintings and learn from an acclaimed art historian as you go.

• Pub Crawl the West End

The pub is the lifeblood of British culture and where else to sample a pint than in the vibrant West End area? Join a pub tour to visit historic bars and pubs in the alleyways of Covent Garden’s Seven Dials, Trafalgar Square, and Soho. Taste premium beers, and learn about London’s brewing traditions.

• Harry Potter Walking Tour

You don’t have to go far in London to come face to face with Harry Potter. Just gather with other Muggles for a 2.5-hour, small-group walking tour of the London alleyways and landmarks that inspired Knockturn Alley, Diagon Alley, and the Leaky Cauldron pub. The kids will love it.

• The Clove Club (London, UK)
• Lyle's (London) *new entry*
• Ledbury (London, UK)
• Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (London, UK)
• Churchill Arms - London
• Old Harry Rocks
• Jurassic coast

This 100-mile stretch between Exmouth and Studland can be completed in about five to nine days. Or you can just pop in and do a short section of it for a day. The path winds along cliff tops, past beaches, and through small towns. You can bring camping gear and stay in tents or make the most of the pubs and guesthouses that you'll pass along the way. You'll be rewarded with amazing views of some pretty unique rock formations and rugged, windswept beaches.

• Callooh Callay - London

Finding the front section of London's , which has a Victorian feel with its plush lounge seating and exposed brick walls, isn’t tricky, but it’s what lies beyond that you’ll want to explore. Guests can access a second bar through a Narnia-style wardrobe closet, and another, third bar, awaits visitors up a set of stairs. Drinks here range from the Miltomate — Ketel One vodka, grene tomato, tomatillo, apple acid, and orange bitters — to the Swallowtail, made with Tanqueray gin, Amontillado sherry, Butterfly sorrel, hazelnut orgeat, blackberry, anise, and lemon.

• The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town - London

This London spot is located inside of The Breakfast Club cafe in Spitalfields. A fake fridge door hides the entrance to the bar, which staff will let you into if you give them the magic password (ask to see the mayor). Once inside, you’ll be able to sip on exotic infusions like the Pigelin, which includes Advocaat, lemon, pear, and custard.

• The Vault at Milroy's - London

To find The Vault, you’ll need to stop into Milroy's of Soho, London’s oldest whisky shop, first. The shop was founded in 1964, and has quite the array to offer shoppers, but what you’re really looking for is hidden behind a bookcase. A secret staircase leads to a bar with cocktails that vary each season.

• Dishoom - London
• Bassoon - London
• The Cinnamon Club - London
• Gunpowder - London
• Millie's - London
• San Carlo - London
• Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall - London
• Freak Scene - London
• Bark's Speakeasy London - London
• Nightjar - London
• Sipsmith Distillery - London
• Walk the South Downs Way

a 100-mile trail that leads from Winchester to Eastbourne

• Natural History Museum - London

The Natural History Museum also has to be right at the top of the list of the best London museums. Even if you’re not a science enthusiast, you will be amazed by what this fascinating place has to offer. Again, the number of exhibits is flabbergasting, with literally tens of millions of items from various fields of natural science. Dinosaur skeletons kept inside this building are sure to fascinate every single visitor, and they even have specimens collected by Charles Darwin himself. There are also galleries dedicated to geology, human evolution, birds and many other things, but what is particularly interesting is that the Natural History Museum is actively working on attracting its visitors to participate in various scientific experiments (many of which are actually exhibited here) and surveys. The Natural History Museum is great for kids because they will be occupied for quite a while, and don’t be surprised if you see British schoolchildren running around, too.

• British Museum - London

You really can’t start a list of the best London museums any other way than with the British Museum. The British Museum is a globally recognized institution full of fascinating and incredibly valuable artifacts. And the scope of everything here is simply mind-boggling: about eight MILLION items are on display! There are separate sections for ancient civilizations like Rome, Greece and Egypt, as well as huge sections on Asian, African and the cultures of Oceania and both Americas. Items belonging to Egyptian pharaohs, the Rosetta stone, parts of the Acropolis, reliefs from Assyrian palaces… the list just goes on and on and you would be forgiven for feeling a little bit overwhelmed by it all. Simply, there is no better place in the world to view humanity’s development and accomplishments and to contemplate how far we’ve come. In addition, this is actually the first national museum in the world to be fully open to public, with its roots going back all the way to 1753. An absolute must for every visitor to London.

• London Transport Museum - London

A visit to London Transport Museum is a great way to learn about this great city’s history. Well, one aspect of it, at least. There are various vehicles to explore, photos, signs, posters, even art and uniforms – absolutely everything you can imagine regarding London’s public transport system through the years. You can, for example, see the evolution of the famous red bus, from a horse-drawn bus to a modern hybrid vehicle. The place could also be interesting to children, especially if your kids like machines. The London Transport Museum also has a depot in which it houses many other exhibits that are not displayed in the main building. It is, however, open only on special occasions, so check if you’re in luck when you come here. With more than 300,000 items ranging from trains to engineering drawings, there is more than enough to see here, too. London double decker red bus with big ben and red phone booth

• Victoria and Albert Museum - London

The Victoria and Albert Museum dates back to 1852 and is considered the best museum of art and design in the world. Named after the famous Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, this illustrious institution covers more than 5000 years of art history. Architecture, fashion, textiles, photography, painting, glass, ceramics, even furniture and theatre and many other design categories are all included here, so you can expect quite a fascinating experience when you visit. The museum’s Renaissance and East Asian collections are particularly appreciated, but its collection of sculptures from after the classical period is the largest in the world. A visit to Victoria and Albert Museum is something every tourist should seriously consider.

• Tate Britain - London

Tate Britain is another London art museum, but this institution focuses on British art alone. It was founded in 1897 and houses a collection of artworks from the early 16th century all the way to modern days. You won’t find a more detailed overview of British art anywhere else in the world, and you will be able to inspect works of several revered artist in a room dedicated solely to each of them. The names featured here include Francis Bacon, Tacita Dean, John Latham, Peter Blake and many others, which is not a surprise given that this institution is actually the British national gallery. This is also one of four Tate galleries located across England, with Tate Modern being also situated in London. So, if you’re an art lover, you know where to go.

• Museum of London - London

While the last entry on our list of top museums to visit in London deals with just a small part of the city’s history, the Museum of London focuses on that in its entirety. It depicts the development of modern-day London in chronological order, all the way from prehistoric times. One of the most impressive features is the Victorian Walk, with various recreated buildings from that period. It’s easy to get into the mood of every period, and there are even interactive exhibits you can enjoy that will teach a whole lot about the city’s history. Museum of London Docklands is located in a different location (Limehouse district) and focuses on the city’s connection with the mighty River Thames. London was actually a port from ancient Roman times, so here too will you have the opportunity to learn about its rich history. Enjoy!

• Churchill War Rooms - London

We all know who Winston Churchill was, right? UK’s charismatic leader in WW2 led the defense of the country against Hitler’s forces and then helped the allied forces reach victory in the war. A visit to London will provide you with a unique opportunity to go down into Churchill’s underground bunker from which all operations were led. There is plenty of fascinating stuff to see here – from plans concerning Operation Overlord (the operation which was initiated on D-Day) to details from Churchill’s life and details concerning everyday life in the bunkers. Churchill War Rooms are actually a part of Imperial War Museum London, an institution dedicated to studying modern conflicts (from WW1 onward) and their consequences. They also allow you to visit a real battleship: HMS Belfast is a permanent museum on the Thames and open to public.

• Charles Dickens Museum - London

And now something for book lovers. The Charles Dickens Museum is located on 48 Doughty Street, in a building that was this magnificent writer’s actual home at one point in his life. As a matter of fact, this is where he wrote Oliver Twist! The house is a magnificent example of a Victorian home, and you can explore Dickens’ study and even see the desk on which he would write long into the night and examine the drafts he wrote for his novels. Other rooms are also accessible, plus you can even go down into the servants’ quarters to get the perfect sense of life in this period. Special exhibitions and workshops are scheduled quite often, so with a bit of luck you will be able to get to know this behemoth of English literature even more.

• Jack the Ripper Museum - London

Jack the Ripper Museum is dedicated to what is probably the most famous serial killer in history. It is another great place where you can explore the Victorian era, more precisely the later part of the 19th century. What is particularly interesting is the fact that the story about these gruesome crimes is told from the perspective of the victims. Furthermore, you will learn all details about each murder on several floors of this building and its basement. At least, all the details we are aware of today. The murderer was never found, and his identity became the inspiration for numerous books, movies and other aspects of modern culture. On top of that, the museum regularly organizes Jack the Ripper Walks which take you down to the streets to the places where the murders actually took place before going back to the museum itself. It’s a great way to visualize one of the greatest crime stories ever!

• Hike Hadrian's Wall
• Sushi Samba - London
• Humble Pizza - London
• St. Aymes Cafe - London
• British Library - London
• Wellcome Collection - London

A hip and free science- and health-themed museum that markets itself to the “incurably curious.”

• Coal Drops Yard - London

Built in 1850 to handle the 8 million tons of coal delivered to London each year, has been transformed into the city’s newest trendy destination. Located in King’s Cross, just a few minutes’ walk from St. Pancras, the shopping and dining center boasts more than 50 stores, restaurants, and cafés, including the flagship store of Wolf & Badger, which gathers cool offerings from independent brands, and Casa Pastor, serving Mexican-inspired tacos, alongside mezcals, Mexican beers, and imaginative margaritas.

• Augustus Harris — London

Inspired by Venetian bàcari, which are small wine bars where people gather for pre-dinner drinks and snacks, this Covent Garden spot will transport you to the canal-lined city. Augustus Harris serves an excellent Aperol Spritz — along with a solid selection of Italian wines — to go with crostini, bruschette, and fine cheeses and salumi from small producers. Grab a sidewalk table for some optimal afternoon people watching.

• The Making of Harry Potter tour - London
• The River Cafe - London
• The Ivy Chelsea Garden - London
• The Cauldron - London
• The Palomar - London
• St. John - London

Perfect. It’s the word that best describes everything about St. John, a restaurant that has had a massive influence on London, the U.K., and the world and is still one of the most satisfying eating experiences anywhere on earth. Twenty-five years after opening, Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver’s Smithfield ode to all things British and meaty and delicious is still as thrilling as ever. There are famously no flowers on the tables in the simple dining room (housed in what was once a smokehouse), no piped-in music. The staff is courteous without any unnecessary pomp. In other words, there is nothing to distract you from the task at hand, which is eating and eating very well. Of course, you should order the marrow: four massive cylinders of bone housing the wobbly essence of meat, served with toast and a pert parsley salad. It is St. John’s most famous dish because it encapsulates everything about the place: the intensity of its dedication to simplicity and meat and quality. I ate there in early spring, and alongside my marrow I enjoyed a plate of asparagus, served plain with a dish of melted butter and a pile of salt — a pure springtime pleasure. From there I moved on to a bowl of braised rabbit with white beans and then a fantastic steamed blood-orange pudding with a dollop of cream so thick it was like cutting through butter. I’m not sure I’ve ever been so satisfied, on so many levels, as I was at the conclusion of this meal. I was even happier when the bill came — in this world of exceedingly expensive dining experiences, St. John is a comparative bargain. It was, and is, simply perfect.

• Double Standard, King’s Cross - London

Kitted out with retro flare – red-leather banquette seating, a disco soundtrack and net curtains – the Double Standard, which occupies half of the ground floor of The Standard Hotel in King’s Cross, has a strong party vibe. Order a nightcap (we recommend the chocolate stout martini) to the library lounge, and peruse a selection of ex-library books while you sip. Pair with snacks prepared by ex-Pachamama chef Adam Rawson – the herby scotch egg with fennel tartare and dill mustard is a best-seller.

• The Blind Pig, Soho - London

Stacked above Jason Atherton’s scrumptious restaurant, Social Eating House, is one of the best speakeasies in the city. Make for Soho’s Poland Street, look under the antique “optician” sign and clang the blindfolded hog doorknocker to enter. Inside, peruse a cocktail list modelled on children’s literature – try the “kindergarten cup” (Skittles mixed with Ketel One vodka) or “Robin Hood, quince of thieves?” (brandy, quince liqueur and mead). For something a little more mature, the pub grub-style bar snacks have all the Michelin flare of the food downstairs.

• Scout, Hackney - London

With ten daily changing cocktails and a 90s R&B playlist on loop, Scout (founded by Matt Whiley of The Peg + Patriot and Whistling Shop) draws the right crowd. For £11, you can sample concoctions brewed and bottled in the bar’s basement cocktail lab – we’re sipping on the “shiso” (minty shiso leaves, honey wine and vermouth). Two drinks in and feeling peckish? A short snack menu is created from the drinks’ leftover ingredients – the Androuet cheese with smoked apple puree is a must.

• The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, Knightsbridge - London

Hidden at the back of The Berkeley, this might be the most secretive terrace in Knightsbridge. Sleek interiors with a combination of velvet marshmallow pouffes and salvaged walnut-wood panels creates the perfect environment for a tête-à-tête and tequila. If the bar space is full, sip on cocktails or a rare whisky in The Snug – a private hideaway dominated by a large-scale abstract mural featuring women’s faces by Irish interior designer Bryan O’Sullivan and New York artist TM Davy.

• Every Cloud, Hackney - London

Vice journalist Joel Golby scribes the hilarious menu descriptions at this popular drinking den. Full disclosure: Every Cloud is unglamorous and there’s no ceremonious serving here – drinks come in a glass, end of. Pair your perfectly straightforward tipple with something salty – there’s a crisp menu with an array of snacks sold at corner-shop prices.

Untitled, Dalston - London

Tony Conigliaro’s Dalston joint, Untitled, is his largest (and most impressive) bar yet. (Conigliaro also runs 69 Colebrooke Row and Bar Termini). Each of Untitled’s 12 cocktails – prepared in a laboratory using scientific molecular mixology – are designed to look, taste and smell just like their names. “Waif” blends rhubarb, rose, silver tip tea and champagne and is served in an elegant glass that could easily snap if gulping to eagerly. Interiors are inspired by Andy Warhol’s “The Factory” studio in New York and Untitled proves itself as a similarly creative cove.

• Wringer & Mangle, Hackney - London

Housed in an old laundry building, Wringer & Mangle has dismissed it’s squeaky-clean past in favour of a more rebellious present. The drinks menu is inventive (and extensive), with a £10 cocktail list that plays on a laundry theme. (You won’t go wrong with a “long rinse collins” – Belvedere vodka infused with sage leaves, fresh lemon, cardamom syrup and fresh blueberries.) High ceilings, cosy retro decor and a comforting fire pit in the middle of its all-weather terrace are likely to keep you here longer than intended.

• Tayēr + Elementary, Old Street - London

Setting the London cocktail scene aflutter, Tayēr + Elementary’s split personality appeals to all. The front-facing Elementary comprises of an industrial space – exposed vents and floor-to-ceiling windows – with the action centred around a single, long wooden bar. Order the palo santo gimlet (gin, sherry, Lillet Blanc and a cordial flavoured with South American wood) if you fancy something with a smoky. For a more experimental drinking experience, slide behind a concrete wall imprinted with jars and glasses to Tayēr (Spanish for “workshop”).

• Gosnells of London, Peckham - London

As London’s only mead (a spirit made from fermented honey) bar, Gosnells is already a noteworthy drinking den. Order the bar’s bestseller, the “mead-hattan” – a blend of barrel-aged mead with gin, honey and bitters – and pair with small plates from the Coal Rooms kitchen downstairs. Should you develop a liking for the fermented spirit, Gosnells hosts mead master classes, honey tastings and food pairings.

• London to Cape Cornwall

This straight through drive should take about six hours, so it’s not a turn-around day trip. With stops for photos, meals, and enjoying the scenery, it will be a full day of driving, so plan to spend at least a day or two in the Cornwall area. Besides, there’s a lot to see on what has been called the Cornish Riviera. Heading southwest on A-303 and then A-30, you’ll end on the tip of the peninsula with hundreds of beaches, quaint villages, and towns with appealing names like St. Ives, Mousehole, Penzance, Lands End, Porthgwarra, said to be even more attractive than their names. Decide where you want to stay, and then settle in to explore this historic part of Britain. Walk part of the 630 mile long South West Coast Path, England’s longest footpath, bordering the coast of Devon and Cornwall. See a show at the open air Minack Theater, high on the cliffs above the Atlantic. Visit the castles that include Pendennis Castle, built by King Henry VIII to protect Cornwall. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many fishing villages, and explore the history of the area dating back to the Stone Age.

• Connaught Bar - London
• American Bar - London
• Three Sheets - London
• Coupette - London
• Scout - London
• Lyaness - London
• Happiness Forgets - London
• Swift - London
• Kwant - London
• Artesian - London
• Bourbon-on-the-water - The Cotswalds
• Blenheim Palace - The Cotswalds
• York

Dominated by an imposing gothic cathedral, York is one of the UK’s most historic cities. A charming medley of tumbledown medieval streets, quirky buildings, and remarkable ruins of castles and abbeys, this northern location is just a couple of hours on a train from London. Although York boasts innumerable sights, it is perhaps most famous for the almost intact defensive walls that circle the small city center. Take a day to stroll around them to see the sights of the city from every angle — York is also well-known for supposedly boasting a pub for every day of the year (or at least was thought to have that many at one point), so be sure to climb down to sample some of its famously plentiful drinking holes en-route.

• Bath

Well-known as the one-time home of Jane Austen, the Georgian city of Bath retains much of its character from the famous author’s lifetime. Rows of the white-columned houses typical of Austen’s time are a common sight, and you can even visit the author’s former residence and dream about Mr. Darcy in authentic surroundings. Bath was built on natural hot springs, and the impressive ancient Roman baths, used for public bathing for centuries, are still open to the public. Although you can no longer take a dip at this historic site, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa is just a short walk away and boasts a stunning rooftop pool where you can relax in 92ºF thermal water and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

• Oxford

Yeats once wondered if anyone did anything at Oxford but dream, and the place is so beautiful, it’s easy to see why. Dominated by the ethereal buildings of the famous university, Oxford is a medieval masterpiece. Explore the Bodleian Libraries or see shrunken heads in the peculiar Pitt Rivers Museum. Seek out Harry Potter filming locations or take a punt along the serene rivers that snake through university parks and college gardens. Oxford is heaven for lovers of literature, culture, and history, and is an unmissable location on any tour of the UK.

• Isle of Skye

Although it is near impossible to pick just one Scottish island to tick off your list, the Isle of Skye is a popular choice. The largest island in the Inner Hebrides, Skye is known for its sublime landscape and dramatic mountain scenery. The cascading waterfalls at the Fairy Pools are the closest thing you can come to magic, and you can be tempted back to reality with whiskey tasting at the Talisker Distillery. In the winter, the Northern Lights are also visible from Skye, so book a trip in the colder months to witness this sublime spectacle.

• Duck & Waffle in London, United Kingdom

Located in the center of London's central business district, Duck & Waffle is a restaurant that specializes in traditional English dishes with influences from other European regions. This culinary paradise is found on the 40th floor of a building, thereby achieving the status of the highest restaurant in all of London. The best part? It is open 24 hours a day, so you can fit it in at any time during your vacation.

• BAR ITALIA, LONDON

'This all-hours spot in London’s Soho is where you wait in the same 4 am line for espresso as models ending their night out and workers beginning their early shift.'

• WEST SUSSEX

‘Go on safari at Knepp Castle Estate, a rewilding project in the South of England that uses free-roaming grazing animals to create new habitats for wildlife. It’s a beautiful place with a gorgeous campsite – and, more importantly, learning about its story and vision is so inspiring.

• JERSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS

The best walking destination in Europe for: quiet coastal hikes and fabulous food Just a one-hour flight from London, Jersey, with its narrow winding roads, pretty villages, friendly locals and incredible scenery around every turn is a mere hop from the mainland, but with a vibe all its own. This tiny island (it would take a matter of hours to drive the full circle of its coast) is fringed on all sides with near-deserted beaches and cliffside walking trails that wind their way through the hills above. Head here for a long weekend and hire a car to make the most of exploring every corner – base yourself at one of the island’s loveliest boutique hotels, Longueville Manor, with spacious, comfy rooms and a woodland walk of its own in the grounds. Different coasts have different characters. To the north there are adventurous towering cliffs and hidden bays; to the west, surf-friendly waves and never-ending stretches of sand; to the east, green rolling hills; and to the south, historical harbours and sheltered bays. If you’re short on time don’t miss Plémont Beach. It’s a hidden gem with a golden shore, tucked away in a crescent of soaring cliffs and with a network of caves and waterfalls to explore at low tide. Jersey is a wonderful destination for foodies too. Seafood is, unsurprisingly, the order of the day. Find some of the best at Faulkner Fisheries, where fresh catches of local scallops, prawns and lobster are simply barbecued and served with a hunk of soft bread and all-encompassing coastal views; or at Rozel Bay’s candy-striped kiosk, The Hungry Man. Jersey Uncovered offers guided tours that finish up with a picnic of some of the island’s best produce (home-grown tomatoes, lobster, Jersey cheeses and chutneys) in a secret garden spot with ocean views that stretch out towards France. Who’s it for: foodies looking for an uncrowded, off-the-beaten-track escape and a range of coastal day walks Difficulty: easy to moderate Distance: varies depending on walk

• Foster + Partners designed the glassy symmetrical Radio bar at ME London overlooking the Thames.
• Two floors of communal benches sprawl out beneath leaf-covered trellises at Pergola Paddington Central in London. There's two open bars, plus changing street food.
• Coq d'Argent in London was designed by Arabella Lennox-Boyd, who has won numerous awards and gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show. The concept for the design of the striking apex garden emanated from images of ploughed fields. Look over the famous Square Mile and landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral, Mansion House, Monument and the Bank of England. Avoid the weekday rush and visit at the weekends, when the City is quiet.
• The olive trees growing on top of Sir Terence Conran’s Boundary hotel in London’s Shoreditch are more than 100 years old.
• London skyline at dusk from Franks Cafe, Peckham, a multi-storey car park turned bar, art space and music venue.
• Egg Break - London

No brunch is complete without a perfect runny yolk to make the meal. Luckily for you, Egg Break has perfected the art. Egg Break’s charming decor blends kitsch with modern chic, so it’s the perfect atmosphere for a Mother’s Day brunch in London. You’ll want to try the sweet potato rosti, eggs benedict, or smashed avo with eggs.

• Hello Darling - London
• Mare Street Market - London
• Berner's Tavern - London
• North York Moors
• Lake District
• Dartmoor
• Exmoor
• Connaught Bar - London
• Tayer + Elementary - London
• High tea @ The Berkeley - London
• Bob Bob Ricard - London

Recommended for just a glass of champagne

• Bread Ahead - London
• Dukes - London

Tableside martinis

• The Connaught Hotel Bar - London

Tableside martinis

• The Connaught Patisserie - London
• Dishoom - London
• Peggy Porschen - London
• Farm Girl - London
• Grind - London
• Granger & Co - London
• Chiltern Firehouse - London
• Berners Tavern - London
• Ottolenghi Spitalfields - London
• Nopi - London
• The Grenadier - London
• The Churchill Arms - London
• La Fromagerie - London
• So French - London
• Gail's Bakery - London
• Cafe Kitsune - London
• Ave Mario - London
• The Borough Market - London
• Hyde Park - London
• Fortnum and Mason - London
• Neal's Yard Remedies - London
• Harrod's - London
• Liberty of London - London
• Selfridges - London
• Great Stones Way: Wiltshire, UK

Walk length: 58km (85km with detours); 4–5 days

No one really knows why, 5,000 years ago, the then-residents of south-west England dragged a load of stones to the Wiltshire plains and arranged them in impressive circles. But following the Great Stones Way, from Barbury Castle (south of Swindon) to Old Sarum (north of Salisbury) gives a much broader picture of Neolithic man – and those that came after. This walk incorporates not just Stonehenge, but landscapes scarred by barrows, burial mounds, ditches and avenues, as well as Roman roads, Norman churches and Victorian white horses. A living lesson in British history.

• Satan's Whiskers - London
• Gordon's - London

Gordon's is the type of place that makes you pray for a rainy day while visiting London (good news: you'll probably get it). The oldest wine bar in the city, it's just off the Thames in Embankment next to the tourist-friendly Covent Garden. But this place is a local favorite—the hard-to-find staircase keeps tourists away. Inside, cavernous rooms with wooden tables are lit by single candles, forming warm, cozy dens; and making it exactly the type of place you want to hole up inside with a bottle of, say, cabernet and plate of Brie and camembert. Luckily, this place has all three, and the cheese comes with crusty bread, pickles, and spreads. On summer evenings, when that rain lets up, the string of tables hugging the outdoor wall along the river become the only ones in town that matter. It beats a pub, hand's down, every time.

Primrose Hill - London The city is famous for its royal parks, but there’s something particularly special about a stroll on Primrose Hill. On the way up, look out for "Shakespeare’s Tree," an oak that was first planted in 1864 to honor Shakespeare’s birth centuries before (it’s ceremoniously replaced by a new one every 100 years); and, if you can, save turning around to see the skyline until you get to the very top—it’ll be worth it. Time your walk for sunset and watch the sky grow orange over landmarks like Canary Wharf, the Millennium Wheel, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. It’s a view that moves even the most cynical of Londoners

Sky Garden - London London has no shortage of beautiful viewpoints to take in every inch of the busy city. If you’re looking to get an amazing view on a budget, head 35 floors up to the Sky Garden. It’s the capital’s highest public garden and it’s free to enter (as long as you make a reservation when tickets are released every Monday). When I graduated from university, I took my entire family up here to give them an overview of the city that I lived in for four years. Not only does it give you a good layout of London’s skyline but there are also two restaurants and two bars so you can really take in the whole experience with friends, family, or on your own.