19 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
Hellluuuuurrrr!
If you’re reading this post you’re probably trying to plan some lit activities to get involved with this year; and I’ve got a list of things, of which atleast one, if not all, will get you excited for the year ahead.
I started populating activities in my new planner a few weeks ago and I’m pretty much scheduled up to March now... (not including my Girls Trip in September- WOO WOO). This sounds a little like I’m a control freak (which to be fair is probs kinda true), but to be honest, this is the best way for me to ensure that I’m actually staying on top of the things I need to throughout the year and also making time to do the things I love.
If you’re like me and want to start planning your 2019, or if you’re just looking for a little inspo on what kinda things to do, then this post is for you!
1.VISIT BOXPARK WEMBLEY
Yep, that’s right! Wembley have followed in the footsteps of their sister parks in Croydon and Shoreditch and brought all the fun to North West London.
If you haven’t been to either of the other locations yet then you probably don’t know what to expect. Think varieties of food pop ups and a massive events calendar all year round.
Head down to Boxpark Wembley this year for one of Cut & Grind’s award winning burgers, some good ol’ wings at Drums & Flats or a little Tapas at Tapa Vino. If good food and cocktails isn’t enough to get you curious, then one of their upcoming events is guaranteed to get it poppin’ for you. Here’s my pick of some dates for your diary in the next few weeks:
Award winning burgers, ground in house fresh twice a day.
Drums & Flats was created to do more than just serve people some good food, but to share the energy, passion, culture and style that the streets of south London gave its founders.
Saturday 26th Jan 2019: Saturday Sauce
Saturday night vibes with good CHUNES and drinks to match.
Thursday 31st Jan 2019: Bingo Lingo
Bingo but not as you know it. Bingo Lingo has reinvented the old school game with new rules: more VIBES, more fun and more quirkyness.
Sunday 3rd February 2019: Superbowl Screening Party
A screening of the biggest sporting events of the year; alongside dj’s, competitions and giveaways on the night…and your free pint of coors with your ticket. What’s not to love?
2. COMPLETE THE CRYSTAL MAZE
Image via The Crystal Maze website
So you call your friends “squad”, but do you have what it takes to complete The Crystal Maze experience? This March, the exhibition returns with all new mazes and this is definitely one of the team activities that I want to be getting involved with myself this year.
The course will test your physical, mental and critical thinking abilities in order to solve the challenges presented to you; but are you cut out for it?
Dates are available from 29th March and prices start at £54.99 per person. You can purchase tickets here.
3. ATTEND A FESTIVAL
Ahhh, well… festivals were always going to make the cut for this list weren’t they. But on top of the high-key music events like Wireless Festival, Lovebox and We Are FSTVL, there are others that have taken my fancy this year…
London Games Festival
Various London locations | 2nd- 14th April 2019
Taste of London Festival
Regents Park, London | 19th- 23rd June 2019 | Tickets from £13
London Jerk Fest
Brick Lane l 93 Feet East | Sunday 23rd June | Tickets from £13.20
Wireless Festival
Finsbury Park | 5th- 7th June | Tickets from £57.50
London Design Festival
Various London locations| 14th- 22nd September 2019
4. ATTEND A CRYSTAL HEALING WORKSHOP
Some of my most zenful and empowering experiences have taken place at healing/ crystal workshops over the years and I honestly cannot rave about them enough. I know these types of events aren’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a peaceful or awakening experience in a safe space, I defo recommend attending one of these events.
The Crystal Healer website always have events going on throughout the year; but here are a few more that happen to be taking place in the next few weeks.
Crystal & Chakra Workshop
The Modern Mystery School Europe, Notting Hill
Thu 31 January 2019, 19:00 – 21:00
FREE
Chakra & Aura Meditation Workshop
The Modern Mystery School Europe, Notting Hill
Wed 23 January 2019, 19:00 – 21:00
TICKETS: £12
Crystal Bowl Sound Bath and Healing
by Himesh Gohil, Light Centre Belgravia
Fri 22 March 2019, 19:30 – 21:00
TICKETS: £15
There’s also the Mind, Body, Spirit, Wellbeing Festival at Olympia between 24th- 27th May this year where there are various workshops, speakers and classes taking place and loads of different brands for you to add to your crystal collection. Tickets start at £15.
5. DO SOMETHING FOR CHARITY
I was having a conversation with my girlfriends on the phone the other day about all the things we want to do and achieve for 2019 and the idea of doing something for Charity came up.
I think it’s really important for us to show gratitude for all the good things that we have in our life, and a great way to do so is by contributing our own “goodness” into something that we hold dear to our hearts. For example, I sponsor a dog called Alfie at Guide Dogs UK who is undergoing his training to provide assistance to a person with sight loss. If you want to take it a step further, there are so many different causes out there trying to raise money for other sensitive and important things and it’s also a chance for you to get active and explore other ways of fundraising or donating to a cause if you’d like to go the extra mile.
This year I’d like to get involved with supporting the Mayhew Clinic in Kensal Rise, who offer shelter to stray or homeless animals and a range of services aimed at improving the lives of animals in general. Not only can I vouch for the amazing work they do and how they treat each individual animal with care and attention, but both my dogs have undergone treatment at the Mayhew and they made me (a nervous wreck when it comes to the welfare of my dogs) feel so assured that they were in the best place for care.
If you’re an animal lover and are thinking about getting more involved in this arena, why not get involved by supporting the Mayhew clinic at the Ealing Animal Charities Fair on 2nd March, some trivia fun at the Mayhew Quiz night on 4th April, or by bringing your four legged friends to their annual Hounds on the Heath event on 14th July.
6. VISIT AN EXHIBITION
Some of the faves from last year include visiting the Museum of Food for the Scoop exhibition; where I tried my first ever glow in the dark ice cream and even made my own- which, for a mix of ingredients, came out pretty damn tasty might I add. Also on the list was the London Design Biennale and Clerkenwell Design Week.
This year the list of exhibitions is endless, but I’ve already got my eye on a few… and something tells me you might find some of these interesting too.
Home Futures Exhibition
Design Museum, Kensington
Until 24 March 2019
An exhibition examining the today’s home through a lens of yesterday’s imagination. The exhibition looks closely at whether we are living in the way that pioneering architects and designers throughout the 20th century predicted, or if our idea of home has proved resistant to real change?
Tickets: Adult: £14.50 | Child: £7.25 | Student: £10.75 | Concession: £10.75
Home Futures Exhibition at the Design Museum.
We Live In An Ocean Of Air
Saatchi Gallery
Until 24th Feb
An immersive experience created by Digital Artists; Marshmallow Laser Feast; exploring the connection between animal and plant via virtual reality. The visuals on their website alone will have you curious about this one, and I know I agreed to no more spending before Ibiza, but this one I just can’t compromise on.
Tickets: £20
Other cool exhibitions to visit are the Manga Exhibition at the British Museum (23rd May- 26th August), The Serpentine Pavilion (June, 2019) and the Good Grief! Charlie Brown exhibition at Somerset House (until March 3rd).
7. Take up a craft at London Craft Club
Feeling a little crafty this year? Or perhaps you just want to get stuck into something new… The London Craft Club always have an exciting portfolio of workshops running throughout the year and it really does offer a break from the 9 to 5 and sparks a little creativity in you too.
You may remember my DIY Flower Crown that I made with the LCC last October at their Influencer Halloween event. I thoroughly enjoyed nattering away with the others while making something of my own… it’s like artistic therapy.
You can find out more about their workshops here, or get stuck in with some that' I’d be interested in… like; casting your own Jesmonite trinket dish, or making your own Neon artwork.
A look at some of the Jesmonite Trinkets created at the London Craft Club. Jesmonite is a cross between concrete and resin, that can be coloured and used to create awesome effects like terrazzo and marbling.
8. VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCES
DNA VR is one of the most unusual London's attractions. From the second you put the Virtual Reality headset on the boundaries disappear. Whether you are conquering Everest, travelling to the Moon or simply surviving a Zombie Apocalypse, there will never be a dull moment!
Tickets start from £30 (dependent on the reality you choose).
9. VISIT A SPA/ WELLNESS CENTER
And I’m not just talking about a sauna and steam at your local gym; I mean a real, luxurious and calming visit to a wellbeing sanctuary; where you leave any mental, emotional or physical tension at the door to immerse yourself into a dimension of tranquility. Woah- I felt like I was having a little spiritual moment just writing that!
Anyway, there are some wellness center’s in London that I haven’t visited before and really want to try because they look (and sound) absolutely amazing. But one that stood out to me the most is Grace in Belgravia.
10. Visit a museum
When was the last time y’all actually visited a museum? I’m probably not just speaking for myself here when I say it feels like it’s been forever. The funny thing is that I actually love visiting museums and learning new things, but for some reason, when it comes to making motives, these aren’t always the first things that come to mind.
I’m very much the type of person who is easily “wowed” by new discoveries, or pattern and colours or just something out of the ordinary, so the fact that I don’t visit museums often is beyond me.
Museums are actually a great way to get in some family fun, or just as an individual explorer, and since most of them are free- there’s no really no reason for anyone to be telling me they’re bored or can’t figure out what to do… or that they’re broke and can’t do anything for that matter.
If you’re stuck for ideas on which to visit, I’d recommend the Science Museum, the Postal Museum, the Magic Circle museum or the Museum of Brands.
11. YOU’VE HEARD OF REGGAE BRUNCH; BUT WHAT ABOUT HIP-HOP BRUNCH?
Yes, people, it’s a thing! and in similar style to the reggae brunch, the Hip Hop Brunch LDN events are taking place in Secret Locations across London and have dates available across the entire year already. WOOO! If you’ve not heard of either of these gems yet, they are the littest brunch parties across London, offering 3 course meals, cocktails to boast about and some good ass music.
Ticket prices start from £45 for general admission which includes entry, a 3-course southern style meal and bottomless cocktails between 12 and 1. The location is emailed to you the Monday before which is a nice spin for those who like a little sense of being surprised.
12. SEE A FILM. THERE’S A SICK LINE UP THIS YEAR!
We’ve seen the advertisements, but exactly when are some of our faves reaching the big screen this year? I’ve got the deets and some of the trailers below!
Ps… get the tissues on the ready for the last one!
Captain Marvel
Release date: March 8th
Dumbo
Release date: March 29th
Avengers: Endgame
Release date: April 26th
Xmen: Dark Phoenix
Release date: June 7th
Men in Black: International
Release date: June 14th
Toy Story 4
Release date: June 21st
The Lion King
Release date: July 19th
13. BOARD THE MURDÉR EXPRESS
A train like no other. The Murder Express train invites you to be one of it’s esteemed passengers about a luxury train, dining from a 4 course menu designed by Masterchef 2016 winner; Jane Devonshire, whilst part of a wider mystery murder plot.
How exciting is that!? Tickets start from £53.00
14. Hip Hop Karaoke
Have you seen those videos of people doing karaoke at Lovebox and wondered which Karaoke has CHUNES from 2chainz, Cardi and Meek Mill? ISSA HIP HOP KARAOKE ting babes.
We’ve been planning to go and do this for ages but haven’t gotten around to it yet, and I know so many people who have been and said it was lively.
If you want to have your moment to shine over a few drinks then head down to the Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch, where you can take part every Thursday. They also have weekend events available and tickets start at £5.
15. PRISON COCKTAIL ANYONE?
Head down to London’s prison themed cocktail bar; Alcotraz where you and your partner in crime will spend the next few hours serving your “sentence” over some pretty damn good cocktails…well, that’s if you manage to sneak your liquor past the warden of course.
Tickets from £34.99
16. TAKE THE SQUAD GO Karting
Like c’mon, who doesn’t love Go Karting guys? Apparently, the best tracks for Go Karting is in Milton Keynes, but if you don’t fancy the drive or transporation there, the alternatives at Team Sport Co offer locations across the whole of London.
And if you drive midweek or during off-peak hours, you can get up to half price off which would mean tickets start from £20pp dependent on location. SICK!
17. Dine at some of London’s coolest new restaurants
Let’s face it; we all love to eat, and most of us are accustomed to going to same old places either out of convenience, familiarity or just cause. But I’m pretty excited about some new openings in London; some of which are local to where I love, and others across London in places that I’d be willing to travel to.
Let me give you the down low on new restaurants that I want to visit this year…
No.17 Dickens Yard
Ealing Broadway
Sporting gorgeous interiors, an all-day menu and a pretty impressive cocktail list is a new opening in Ealing Broadway called No.17 Dickens Yard.
For those of you who don’t know, Dickens Yard is part of the new development that took place pretty much on the town centre and is only a short walk from Ealing Broadway Station.
The food and drink menu blends seamlessly from day into night, with a crowd-pleasing choice of brunch, dinner and on Sundays, a 'virtuous' roast. Cocktails include classics and quirky twists, created using housemade syrups and sherbets, and there's a great list of non-alcoholic choices, including Espresso MartiNO: a blend of Seedlip Spice and Caravan Coffee. - Design My Night
Tonight Josephine
Shoreditch
Tonight Josephine officially opened the doors to their second site in Shoreditch on 9th January, and this venue is looking just as instagrammable as its sister in Waterloo.
Kalifornia Kitchen
Fitzrovia
Ahhh…Kalifornia Kitchen….this beautiful vegan restaurant is the child of Instagram influencer Loui Blake, Consultant for plant-based businesses. I am excited to step into this little delight in the near future, not just because of it’s absolutely stunning interior, but because I have yet to dine out a healthier, vegan restaurant before.
Boasting menu items such as homemade pink croissants and Guac burgers, this is defo one that I need to visit sooner rather than later!
18. GET ACTIVE
And just to be clear… I don’t mean joining a gym. I mean getting that adrenaline going by exploring some indoor/ outdoor pursuits that make you feel alive! I have found some pretty cool activities taking place very close to London for all my daredevils out there, and I think I’m going to get involved in some myself.
Camelot Events Adult Assault course
Surrey
This assault course will make you go through obstacles, over obstacles, will get you wet, and will DEFINITELY get you muddy! Take heed, a change of clothes is necessary or someone isn’t getting in the car.
From £25pp
Jump Giants West London
Think major trampolining fun across 30,000 sq ft of jump-abilities and you’ll have jumping giants trampoline park conjured up in your minds eye. There’s a foam zone, a free jump zone, a junior zone for the kids, dodgeball, basketball and battle zones…all for us adults to have a little kid-ulthood fun. £5 per hour
If you don’t fancy any of the above, you could also head to Go Ape for a little high-ropes fun since they have sites across multiple locations. Or what about indoor skydiving at the Twinwoods Adventure Centre in Bedford?
19. HAVE SOME F*CKING FUN
Ok, so the last item of my list isn’t an actual thing to do in London this year. However, if I can offer one piece of advice to you; it’s to grab life with both hands and just have some damn fun.
Many of us get so caught up working our day jobs, paying bills and focusing on consumerism so much that we forget that life is actually for living. Yeah, ok there are certain restrictions on the types of things you can do if budget doesn’t permit…but there’s no budget on fun baby.
We all find ourselves in our own individual circumstances, some more positive than others, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create enjoyable experiences in whatever circumstance or environment you find yourselves…and that my friend, is part of the art of real, meaningful living.
I want you to live your best life so far this year, and I hope that 2019 is all that you want it to be…and then some.
Make it meaningful.
Sx