best places to visit in london on sunday

17 Chill But Fun Things To Do In London On A Sunday

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London on a Sunday paints a vibrant scene, bustling with unique activities and hidden gems ready to be discovered.

From tranquil morning walks to delicious Sunday roasts, the city offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to all kinds of interests.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find something new and exciting to explore every Sunday.

From morning strolls to night-time escapades , here are 17 unique things to do in London on a Sunday.

Go For A Walk

Start your Sunday in London with a refreshing morning walk along the picturesque Regent’s Canal.

The tranquil waters, charming boats, and lush greenery create a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

As you wander along the canal, you’ll pass through vibrant areas like Camden Lock and Little Venice, each offering its unique charm.

You might even stumble upon food vendors serving delicious snacks, perfect for a quick breakfast by the water.

Boat along Regent’s Canal

After your walk, why not continue your exploration of Regent’s Canal with a calming boat ride?

The London Waterbus Company offers journeys along the canal, whisking you through areas such as Regent’s Park, Little Venice, and Camden Lock.

It’s a unique way to see the city, and the company’s experienced guides will share fascinating tales of the waterway’s colourful past .

Whether you’re a natural water lover or just looking for a different perspective of London, a boat ride along the calm waters of Regent’s Canal is a delightful addition to your Sunday itinerary.

Go For Brunch In Covent Garden

Start your Sunday morning in Covent Garden with a delightful brunch.

We like to visit the Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings .

The plant-filled conservatory is the perfect setting to enjoy a meal of poached eggs or pancakes .

Check out our guide for 11 other places to enjoy brunch in Covent Garden .

Buy Flowers At Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, Columbia Road transforms into a vibrant flower market .

From the crack of dawn until approximately 2 pm, the shops lining the road overflow with buckets of fragrant flowers, herbs, shrubs, and plants .

It’s a feast for the senses, filled with colour and scent.

To beat the crowds and get the pick of the crop, it’s best to arrive as early as possible.

If you’re looking for the best bargains, show up as things start to wind down.

After you visit the market, take a stroll and explore the various shops that line the road.

Go For A Bike Ride In Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of the Royal Parks and is home to hundreds of red and fallow deer.

The park’s beautiful 12-kilometre track offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Starting from the impressive country estate, Ham House, the track takes you to Roehampton.

It’s an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and take in the stunning views.

If the weather suits, pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Visit A Free Exhibition At Tate Modern

The gallery showcases a wide range of artwork from both established and emerging artists.

From thought-provoking installations to stunning paintings, there’s something to inspire everyone.

Make sure to check their website for the latest exhibitions before your visit.

Peruse A Bookshop In Bloomsbury

For those who prefer to spend a Sunday afternoon immersed in the world of books, a trip to Bloomsbury is a must.

As the former home of the Bloomsbury group, this leafy neighbourhood offers an array of second-hand bookstores where you can find great bargains.

Whether searching for a classic novel or a new release, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

After you’ve made your selection, why not find a cosy café and spend the rest of your afternoon delving into your new purchase?

Bloomsbury is teeming with charming spots where you can relax with a coffee and enjoy your latest literary find.

Go Vintage Shopping In Camden Market

The charm of Camden Market lies in its eclectic mix of stalls. Here, you can find everything from vintage clothes to unique antiques.

It’s the perfect place to hunt for a retro gem or add an unusual piece to your collection.

But it’s not just about the shopping.

The bustling atmosphere, colourful characters, and range of delicious street food stalls make Camden Market a destination in itself.

Take your time, soak it all in, and enjoy a unique London experience.

Visit Maltby Street Market

If you’re a foodie, Maltby Street Market is the place to be on a Sunday.  

You can feast on everything from waffles topped with fried chicken to the best fish finger sandwiches you’ll ever eat.

Visit Brixton Village

Brixton Village has been transformed by a collection of vintage traders and artisan food sellers into a vibrant hub of cooking and creativity.

With tiny establishments and fresh produce stalls, there’s a world of flavour to discover.

Sample international cuisine from around the globe, or shop for colourful ingredients at the farmers market, open Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Go For Afternoon Tea

When it comes to traditional London afternoon tea , Claridge’s in Mayfair is a top choice.

Known for its impeccable service and beautifully presented food, this luxurious experience will make your Sunday special.

From a good selection of sandwiches to buttery apple and currant-studded scones, every bite is a delight.

Enjoy A Roast In A London Pub

A Sunday in London wouldn’t be complete without a traditional roast dinner.

Across the city, numerous pubs serve this quintessential British meal, a heartwarming combination of beef, lamb, or nut roast, served with stuffing, Yorkshire puddings and a variety of vegetables.

The Harwood Arms in Fulham serves a very good Sunday roast.

If that’s too far West for you, the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club offers a splendid beef, chicken or vegan roast dinner as well.

No matter where you are in the city, you’re never too far from a delicious Sunday roast.

Go Paddleboarding On The River Thames

Stand up paddleboarding is a fun and exciting way to explore London on a Sunday.

With its extensive network of calm waterways, London is a perfect city for this activity.

You can paddle down the quieter parts of the River Thames or explore the city’s scenic canals.

The Paddington Basin is a popular spot for paddleboarding, with options to navigate through Regent’s Canal or the Grand Union Canal.

Active 360 is a well-established company that offers paddleboarding sessions in various locations around the city.

Go To An Independent Cinema (Especially If It’s Cold Or Rainy )

London has several independent cinemas , each offering a unique blend of classic films and new releases.

Whether you’re a film enthusiast or simply seeking a relaxing way to end the weekend, a movie night in one of these venues is lovely.

Electric Cinema on Portobello Road offers an intimate viewing experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s larger multiplexes.

Have Lunch At Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon in London than by indulging in a jazz lunch at Ronnie Scott’s?

This iconic jazz club has been delighting music lovers with its stellar line-up of national and international talent for years.

Enjoy a Sunday lunch while you take in the relaxed atmosphere of Ronnie Scott’s.

Exceptional music and delicious food make for a truly memorable Sunday afternoon.

Go To A Rooftop Bar

Start your evening by heading to a rooftop bar in the charming district of Notting Hill.

This quaint corner of the city, renowned for its pastel-coloured houses and cobbled streets, offers a superb vantage point to watch the sunset and enjoy the tranquillity of a Sunday in London.

Try The Broadcaster – a lively pub, rooftop bar and dining room housed inside the former BBC Television Centre at White City – for great views, bottomless brunch, celebrity spotting and a modern European menu.

Go To A Football Stadium And Watch A Game

London is home to a stellar football culture, and what better way to experience it than by watching a game at an iconic stadium?

Whether you’re a fan of Arsenal, Chelsea , Tottenham, Fulham or West Ham, you’ll find a game to enjoy on a Sunday.

It’s not easy to get tickets but it’s worth the effort if you’re a fan of the beautiful game.

Go Horse Riding in Hyde Park

Hyde Park offers everyone the chance to enjoy a horse ride, with two sets of stables: Hyde Park Stables and Ross Nye Stables.

The Hyde Park Stables provide a swanky option, with private lessons starting from £145. Ross Nye offers private rides from £120.

Whichever you choose, horse riding in Hyde Park is a memorable way to spend your Sunday afternoon in central London.

Sundays in London are never dull.

From the awe-inspiring Natural History Museum to the panoramic London skyline, there’s always something to keep you entertained.

Whether it’s a spicy Sunday lunch in Brick Lane in East London, a stroll through Borough Market, or a ride on the London Eye , there are countless ways to maximise your Sunday in London.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, get out there, embrace the city’s vibrant atmosphere, and create your own unique London Sunday story.

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• TRAVEL GUIDE
• Things to do

Things to Do In London on a Sunday (Tips from Locals)

• In Things to do TRAVEL GUIDE

Looking for things to do in London on a Sunday ? Then you came to the right place.

London is STUFFED with things to do – but some of them are especially perfect activities for a lazy Sunday.

So pop the kettle on and settle down – it’s time to plan your trip!

• 1 What Are The 3 Best Things To Do On A Sunday In London?
• 2 Top Things To Do In London On A Sunday Night
• 3 Top Things To Do In London Sunday Morning
• 4 What About Famous Tourist Attractions – What Is Open On Sunday?
• 5 Cheap Things To Do In London On A Sunday
• 6 Cool Things To Do In London On A Sunday
• 7 Things To Do In London On A Rainy Sunday
• 8 Fun Things To Do On A Sunday In London With Kids
• 9 Romantic Things To Do In London On A Sunday
• 10 What Can You Do On A Beautiful Sunny Sunday in London?
• 11 Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do in London on a Sunday
• 12 Conclusion

What Are The 3 Best Things To Do On A Sunday In London?

Amongst the many things to do in London on a Sunday, there are a few key activities that will help you start off the Sunday Vibe.

So even if you have only time for a couple, you will still feel like you go in on a slice of the action. And Sunday in London is all about food, markets, and coffee!

Here are our 3 top must-dos.

Visit London’s Amazing Sunday Markets

Let’s focus here on some of the lesser-known markets – we cover Borough Market and Spitalfields, for example, in other guides.

For Sunday vibing, you want to be wandering around a local market at a relaxed pace. So check out Maltby Street Market for its delicious stall food, or head over to the beautiful Covent Garden Market for flowers, crafts, and sweet treats!

Have a Massive Brunch!

What to do in London on Sunday other than brunch! There are plenty of places to choose from.

The Good Egg in Soho is one of our favorites and offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes to die for – including my all-time fave Shashuka. Or why not get a big fat New York style brunch by heading to Sunday in Brooklyn?

Sit Back With a Big Mug of Coffee

Sit back with a good book on a comfy chair and watch London’s rain run down the window!

Or, perhaps you need a time out after museums and parks? London’s coffee scene is buzzing, and on a Sunday, it takes on a particular laid-back vibe.

From the iconic Monmouth Coffee houses scattered through multiple locations to the coworking space Benk + Bo, there are too many to choose from to mention or to plan. Perhaps that’s a good thing – the best way to explore London’s Sunday cafe culture is to stumble upon it by accident.

Top Things To Do In London On A Sunday Night

Is your Sunday night back home the night you do the ironing or pair your socks?

Get out of the doldrums with these cool things to do in London on a Sunday evening.

Head to a Cinema – a Cool One

We’re not talking about a big chain cinema here – you can do that anywhere. Instead, check out one of London’s beautiful original cinemas , such as the Electric Cinema with its little tables and lamps, or the oldest independent cinema in London on Regent Street.

Check Out a Comedy Club

What better way to while away a few hours than at a cool comedy show?

Better still, the Angel Comedy show is free of charge! Check out the line up of comedy shows in and around London and find one open on a Sunday here to add to your Sunday activities London list.

Sunday Dinner

Whilst Sunday Brunch or Sunday lunch features high on a Sunday London what-to-do list , don't rule out dinner!

The traditional great British roast is a national pastime, best enjoyed in a family home or a local pub. Try the Albion London for some delicious local fayre or perhaps the Guildford Arms.

Top Things To Do In London Sunday Morning

We already hit off the markets and brunch earlier in this guide, so here are some more interesting Sunday things to do in London!

Normal Sightseeing Itinerary

One of the great things about London is that a Sunday can be as laid back or as busy as you want. The main attractions, shops, and other things to see are usually open on Sunday.

That’s music to our ears – we visited a couple of cities in Germany and Austria last year, and everything was shut on Sunday! So do Madame Tussauds , the London Eye , or a museum.

Clear the Cobwebs with a Sunday Morning Walk

Head to Regent’s Park for a romantic stroll or hit the hill at Primrose Hill with the locals to get a breath of fresh air. It’s a great way to see the city and will help you work up an appetite for your Sunday Roast!

Lounge around In a Spa

Sunday mornings are for lounging around. And just because you aren’t at home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of quality laziness or pampering.

Book from a selection of excellent day spas in and around London here.

What About Famous Tourist Attractions – What Is Open On Sunday?

The best part about London is that the majority of the major London attractions will be open. We already mentioned the London Eye (which opens at 11 am on a Sunday) to Madame Tussauds (which closes at 4 pm).

You will not have to sacrifice your itinerary just because it is a Sunday. Shops too – such as those on Oxford Street – will be open, although will likely close earlier than during the week. Museums and galleries – such as the Tate Modern or the Natural History Museum are open too!

Cheap Things To Do In London On A Sunday

Short of cash?

Don’t worry, there is plenty to do in London on Sunday that doesn't cost the earth.

Go to Church!

Did you know that you can go to Sunday morning service in Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s Cathedral!

Changing of the Guard

Every Sunday at 11 am, you can head over to Buckingham Palace and witness the changing of the guard! And you don’t need your wallet!

Do a Street Art Walking Tour

Make your own street art walking tour – especially walking around Shoreditch – you won’t need your wallet, but you will need your camera!

Cool Things To Do In London On A Sunday

Fancy doing something a bit different?

Here are some cool things to do in London on a Sunday.

Take a Yoga Class

Spring through autumn, you may notice a range of activities happening in the parks, including meditation, yoga, and 5k races! For a relaxing yoga morning, check out the lineup at Kensington Park for Sunday timetables.

A Relaxing Thames River Cruise

Take in the iconic London skyline from a Thames River Cruise , hitting up landmarks such as London Bridge, Tower Bridge , and the City.

You can book reasonable value tours starting at around £12 or more elaborate ones with dinner or canapes for just a little more.

Horse Riding in Hyde Park!

You may not know it, but you can actually horse ride through central London like one of the royal guards! Check out how to arrange this via Hyde Park Stables right here.

Things To Do In London On A Rainy Sunday

You should ALWAYS plan for a few rainy day activities when in London . That’s because the Great British weather is generally – damp.

Let’s look at a few Sunday activities for rainy days in London.

Visit an Escape Room

Get locked in and work your way out through a range of puzzles and quizzes! There are 2 escape rooms run by escape London in the city. Book your tickets here.

An Old School Day Out at the Bowling Alley

Book a retro day out at Bloomsbury Lanes. Not only is the vibe old school, but you can get diner-style 50s American food and enjoy a karaoke session if you want!

Fight Club Darts

A game of darts and a platter of food. What’s not to like? Head over to Fight Club Darts . Spread across 4 locations in London, you will be sure of a great treat with all your mates.

Fun Things To Do On A Sunday In London With Kids

Make time to do something special with the kids on a Sunday in London too!

Here are a couple of great family favorites.

Shreks Adventure

Meet all of Shrek's friends in this interactive tour of the movie. Board the 4D flying bus for the DreamWorks tour of a lifetime. Tickets start from around £25.

Harry Potter

The Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour is not actually located in London, but tickets are sold with Bus transfer from Kings Cross Station.

Meet all of Harry’s friends and even get to sample a drink of Butterbeer! Tickets start from around £100.

Visit Hamleys

This is not just any toy store – it’s Hamleys – a true experience as soon as you walk in the door. You might need to bring your wallet…

Romantic Things To Do In London On A Sunday

London doesn’t have the same romantic reputation as Paris or Rome, but that doesn’t mean you can't make your trip extra special.

Jimmy’s Pop Up

How about a romantic walk followed by a bite to eat in a seasonal pop up hosted by Jimmy? Fire pits, barbeques and bubble tents await you in various locations around London.

Romantic Cocktails

A romantic cocktail is always a hit. Why not head somewhere special such as French themed Coupette for dim lighting and a hushed atmosphere.

If you are planning something extra special – perhaps a proposal or an anniversary in London- then you could splash out. A private pod on the London Eye costs £500 and includes a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates.

What Can You Do On A Beautiful Sunny Sunday in London?

London comes alive when the weather is good . From impromptu parties on the lawns of its parks to locals spilling out of the pubs onto the streets, the vibe is good.

Here are a few ideas to try out when the sun finally shines through.

Guided Bike Tour

For just over £40 per person, hop on a bike and enjoy a sightseeing tour on 2 wheels. This one takes in all the main sights and allows for a stop off at the stunning Covent Garden Market.

Pack a Picnic

Had enough of eating out in London?

Then make your own picnic and head to one of the glorious parks. Do it like a local and head to Primrose Hill for stunning views over London’s iconic skyline.

Outdoor Swimming

Lido Culture that is popular in Italy and Germany has made its way to London! If you get a hot day, head to Hillingdon Outdoor Lido – the outdoor pool is heated!

Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do in London on a Sunday

Are there some classic touristy things to do in London on a Sunday?

Brunch, a bracing walk in the fresh air and Sunday Lunch are all favorite things to do in London on a Sunday.

Are famous attractions closed in London on a Sunday?

Good News! All of London’s attractions are open on Sundays, but check the opening hours as they may be reduced.

Are shops closed in London on Sunday?

The big chain stores and many boutiques are open on Sundays. Check hours online, as even on Oxford Street they will close earlier than on Saturday.

London on a Sunday is simply brilliant. Start off with brunch and finish with a big Sunday roast!

Now, start to think about how to get around the city and what city pass may be useful for visiting the main attractions.

I’m Sebastian and I love exploring and writing about London. I’ve spent lots of time wandering around the city, finding cool places and learning all the best things to do. On my blog, LondonPass.info, I talk about all the awesome spots in London, from the famous ones everyone knows to secret places that are super special.

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Posted on Published: 19th May 2023  - Last updated: 9th October 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Things to do on a Sunday in London

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Sundays in London are a delight. We don’t want to brag but we’ve got them down to a fine art (clearly bragging). 

Gone is Saturday’s weird manic energy (or severe hangover if you had a particularly lively Friday night) – by Sunday you’re chill like Craig David in 7 Days. 

In other words, the perfect mood to explore the city at your leisure. 

Looking for the best things to do on a Sunday in London? Here’s where to start…

Best Things to do in London on a Sunday

Visit one of london’s sunday markets.

More than any other day, Sunday is market day in London. Yes, the biggie Borough Market is closed on Sundays but you should take that as an opportunity to explore the diverse range of Sunday markets in London . 

Foodies should make a beeline for Maltby Street Market . It’s relatively small but has an excellent range of artisan products and street food stalls alongside the railway arches in Bermondsey. 

Marylebone’s quaint farmers market is another foodie gem – the ever-changing rotation of seasonal produce is the perfect place to fill up your fridge for the weekend. The quaint location in pretty Marylebone doesn’t hurt either… 

That’s by no means where it ends either: from vintage clothes at Flat Iron Flea , antiques at Northcote Road Antiques, design at Canopy King’s Cross – there’s always somewhere new to discover on the city’s eclectic market scene.  

Treat Yourself to Sunday Brunch

We love how hard Londoners have embraced brunch in the past decade. 

Fifteen years ago, brunch was the domain of a few five-star hotels in the plusher parts of town, today… well, as many an Insta’ post tells us, brunch is lyf . 

Looking for things to do in London on a Sunday? You could do a lot worse than brunch. 

Two of our personal faves are the limitless barbecue and prosecco brunch at Big Easy (£33.50), and the knockout Japanese flavour-bombs (also with bottomless prosecco) at Shackfuyu (Bone Daddies) (42.50). Other winners include Breddos all you can eat taco brunch in Clerkenwell and the wholesome eats at Ottolenghi’s Rovi in Fitzrovia . 

Want to push the boat out? The five-star hotels still run the show when it comes to swanky options: Aqua Shard’s Champagne brunch comes with half a bottle of Veuve Clicquot – the Rooftop at St James’s goes even further with a bottomless Clicquot brunch. Check out our guide to fabulous bottomless brunches in London.

Stock up on Flowers at Columbia Road

Sundays at Columbia Road Flower Market are practically a rite of passage. London’s most popular flower market bursts into bloom in East London every Sunday. 

It’s not hard to see why it’s so popular – nearly all the stalls are run by small, independent traders who’ve been selling at the market for generations. Despite its ever-increasing popularity, it still feels like a genuine community, no small thing in this sprawling city.  

Pop down to buy a bouquet or two then chill at one of the pretty cafes in the area. Go just before closing (mid to late afternoon) to pick up a bargain. 

Take a Day Trip Out of London 

Who said your Sunday has to be spent in London? If you’re keen to switch things up, take a day trip out of the city. 

Hop on a train and you can be in the midst of the golden sandstone buildings of Oxford or punting on the River Cam in Cambridge in less than an hour. 

On a sunny day, it can feel like the whole of London decamps to pebbly Brighton – but its lively and friendly vibe makes it worth your while, as does the possibility of eating fish and chips while the salty wind whips your face. 

Need more inspiration? Read my guide to the best day trips from London

Cruise London’s Coffee Shops 

London isn’t short on coffee shops that really take their craft seriously. Is it a cliche to while away your Sunday morning in London with a coffee and a newspaper? Absolutely. Should you care? No. 

While there are hundreds of cafes making stellar coffees in the city, you want a bit more than that for your Sunday pick: somewhere comfortable with a relaxed atmosphere and staff that aren’t going to hassle you to move on too quickly. 

The Monocle Cafe is one of our favourite cafes in Marylebone and fits the bill nicely (outdoor tables come with extra people-watching opportunities courtesy of the folk swanning into Chiltern Firehouse across the road). 

Greenberry in Primrose Hill pairs brilliant coffees with delicious brunch dishes. Coffee-snob stalwart Monmouth Coffee has a couple of branches in London – the one in London Bridge is just across from Borough Market – nab one of the prized outdoor seats if the weather’s nice. 

Visit the Barbican Conservatory 

A striking collision of brutal and beauty, the Barbican’s hidden conservatory is one of our favourite spots in the city. It used to be that you could only visit the conservatory on a Sunday but they’ve now opened it up to seven days a week. 

How better to start your Sunday than immersing yourself into a Jurassic Park world of tropical blooms, lush plants and soaring foliage? It couldn’t stand in starker contrast to the harsh unyielding lines of the Barbican building and yet it just works.

Jazz Lunch at Ronnie Scott’s 

Sundays and jazz go together like… two things that go together very well. We know this confession makes us sound crazy old, these days our Sunday morning coffee is usually accompanied with a few jazz classics.  

Weird insights into our biddy lives aside, the jazz lunch at Ronnie Scott’s is a great option for your Sunday afternoon in London. As befits London’s best-known jazz club , the line-up is always sublime – nab a ticket just to listen to some of the best national and international talent on the scene or go the whole hog and opt for the Sunday roast too. 

Go For a Long Walk 

When people conjure up visions of London, they often think of the skyscrapers of The City and Canary Wharf – but we all know the reality is quite different. 

With so many trees it falls under the UN definition of a forest and enough parkland to guarantee its place on any list of the greenest cities in the world, there are no shortage of gorgeous walks to keep you out of trouble on a Sunday in London. 

The bucolic beauty of Hampstead Heath is a good place to start – the swathes of countryside swallowed by the ever-expanding city offer a myriad of routes for you to tackle. 

The circular Tamsin Trail that skirts the periphery of the deer-filled Richmond Park is equally delightful – take the short detour to King Henry’s Mound to see the protected view of St Paul’s to the east and the far-reaching panorama of the Thames Basin to the west. 

Check out our guide to the best walks in London for our picks of the best trails around the city.

Stand Up Paddleboarding 

Stand up paddleboarding is all the rage and London , with its extensive system of calm waterways, is no exception. Float down the Thames (at its quieter points) or explore the city’s pretty canals on a SUP for a Sunday with a difference. 

Hotspots include Paddington Basin – where you can opt to explore Regent’s Canal and Grand Union Canal, Richmond and gorgeous Thames Ditton. 

Active 360 is one of the most established companies, with outposts in various locations around the city, while Dittons Paddleboarding operates in Thames Ditton and a few spots further out of the city. 

Head for a Sunday Roast

How have we made it this far into a guide to Sundays in London without talking about Sunday roasts? Lord knows. 

Like any self-respecting British city, London knows its way around a Sunday roast – you know the kind that turns up on your table and makes your stomach do a little happy dance (*cough* jiggle *cough*) before you’ve even tucked into your first heavenly bite. 

Gastropub stalwart The Eagle in Farringdon does an absolute cracking Sunday roast. The menu is small, but the convivial setting and excellent quality leave no room for complaint. Other spots to have in your little black book of Sunday roasts par excellence: Blacklock , Camberwell Arms , Harwood Arms , Joanna’s and Marksman .

Go Horse Riding

Unless you’re a member of the City of London police force, it’s unlikely you’re going to hop on your trusty steed to go clip clopping through the city’s streets, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have plenty of options for saddling up and taking a turn on horseback in London. 

Hyde Park is probably the swankiest option, with not one but two sets of stables – Hyde Park Stables and Ross Nye Stables to choose from. Private hacks start from £90 at Ross Nye, £145 at Hyde Park Stables. 

More affordable (and no less enjoyable) options abound further afield – Wimbledon Village Stables runs frequent hacks over Wimbledon Common (£75) while our particular favourite, Kingsmead Riding Centre on the outskirts in Warlingham offer a one hour hack through the gorgeous lanes and commons for £45.

Canal Boat on Regent’s Canal

If you liked the idea of spending your day on the water but stand up paddle boarding sounded a little too strenuous (no shame people, no shame), spending the day on a canal boat could be the perfect alternative. 

The London Waterbus Company ply the waters of the beautiful Regent’s Canal – whisking you through Regent’s Park, Little Venice and Camden Lock and regaling you with tales of the waterway’s colourful past. 

Check out an Exhibition or Visit a Museum

Keep things cultured with a trip to one of London’s plethora of museums and galleries . It’s no secret that London has a wealth of free museums for you to explore – add to that an ever-changing rotation of shows and exhibitions and you have the perfect way to entertain yourself on a Sunday. 

Want to explore somewhere a little different? The excellent Petrie Museum in Bloomsbury is a jam-packed jaunt through Ancient Egypt – complete with mummies and the world’s oldest item of clothing. 

Elsewhere, the quirky John Soane’s Museum in Holborn is a fascinating trip through the home of late architect Sir John Soane – whose avid eye for the unusual and bizarre makes for one of the city’s more offbeat museums. 

Discover a New Area 

London can make the best of us lazy AF. You know how it goes… you start each year pledging to really get to know different parts of the city and then end up mostly hanging out in your hood and a few select parts in the centre. 

Shake it up – put on some comfortable shoes and go and explore the myriad network of interconnecting villages and towns that make up this weird old city. 

We’ve written in-depth guides to central London areas like The City , Covent Garden , Mayfair and Belgravia – but there’s just as much pleasure in exploring spots on the outer fringes like Richmond and Highgate . No excuses. 

Catch a Film at One of London’s Swanky Cinemas

London’s cinema scene has been undergoing something of a revival in recent years. The small cinemas we’ve come to love need our help more than ever before and, let’s face it, it’s not exactly a hardship to cosy up to a brilliant film, glass of vino in hand is it? Sounds like a pretty perfect Sunday evening in London to me.

Electric Cinema’s Notting Hill outpost on Portobello Road is a long-time favourite, as is the cute Curzon hidden in the bowels of Sea Containers London and Leicester Squares legendary Prince Charles Cinema . 

It’s also a good idea to check out the screenings at uber-local offerings like the David Lean Cinema in Croydon as their lineups are thoughtfully curated and extend way beyond what you’ll find in the sprawling multiplexes. 

While Away the Hours in a Pub

London has an astounding amount of pubs. There’s almost too many to choose from. Fortunately a lot of London pubs have much to offer. 

We’re talking history by the barrelful , be it literary or grisly, and no shortage of character. One of our favourite places to visit are the historic pubs of Wapping . The area used to be a docklands before the Docklands and the folk down there used to get up to all sorts of no good. 

Hanging pirates was one of their favourite pastimes. You can even still see the hangman’s noose dangling over the river at The Prospect of Whitby . 

If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, how about touring the oddly named pubs of London ?

Play Crazy Golf

Us city folks are under the impression that landed country folk use Sundays to take to the golf course and rub shoulders in the country club. Unfortunately being in the big city we don’t have the space for that type of leisure. We do have a quirky solution though. 

London has a heap of crazy golf spots to choose from , and none of them boring. Pretty much every one of them has some kind of weird theme to them. From tiki to Victorian seaside town and all the way into the neon cuboid future – you’re not short of options. 

Most of them also do food and drink so you can make a day of putting your way around the crazy courses. It may not be the country club, but this is probably where we’d rather be. 

Shop Till You Drop 

It’s no secret that London is one of the world’s top shopping destinations and gone are the days when Sundays meant shops shutting down in England. Now you can shop to your heart’s content 7 days a week. 

Depending on what you’re looking for you’ll want to choose the right part of London to shop in. After some quality vintage fashion, head to Brick Lane . If highstreet brands are your thing you’ll want to be making the most of Oxford Street.

For something a bit more boutique, King’s Road in Chelsea has your name all over it. We’ve got a whole guide to the best shopping areas in the city. You can read that here.

Find a Unique Event 

London has so much going on every week, like literally tons. It’s not an easy job to keep track of it all but we do our best. That slew of events includes everything from arts and crafts classes to wild rooftop parties and niche-interest get togethers – and much more.

Each week we write a guide to the best of bunch, picking a handful of great events we think you might like. So if you’ve worked your way through this guide of things to do in London on a Sunday, check out our weekend guide . 

You’re sure to find something unique to fill your next Sunday afternoon. 

Take a Self Guided Walking Tour

If you’ve managed to swerve a Sunday hangover you might have the beans to get out of the house and do a little learning. London has over 2000 years of history to cram and if that’s your thing you’ve got plenty of options to access it. 

We’ve written loads of guides about places you can gorge yourself on London’s history. Be it self-guided Harry Potter tours of the city or a chance to follow in the footsteps of some of London’s literary greats , there’s plenty to fill your Sunday. 

Is history more your thing? We’ve got a guide to historic London too . 

Catch a Football Game

London is home to some of the UK’s top football teams and as a result has a stellar bit of footballing culture. Whether you’re in London for a day or for life seeing some of the greats play is a must-do activity. 

We’re not going to put our necks on the line and tell you which teams are best to watch (that would be inviting trouble) but we will say Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Fulham and West Ham are probably the big London teams to watch out for. 

You’ll be able to catch them playing over the weekend. Just google the teams or premier league fixtures to find out who’s playing in London this Sunday. 

Top tip : If you want to save a few quid, go watch the women play. The standard is still great but the tickets are a fraction of the price. 

Peruse a Bookshop 

The world can be quite safely divided into two camps. Those who’ll be looking for Sunday football tickets and those who would rather spend their nose in a book on a Sunday afternoon. 

If you’re of the latter, London has much to offer. From an almost baffling array of second-hand bookstores where you can pick up great bargains, to a literary catalogue of writing set in and about the city ,  and some great independent bookstores , you’re not short of bookish choice. 

One of our top things to do on a sunny day in London is to cruise the streets of Bloomsbury . The leafy neighbourhood was once the home of the Bloomsbury group and is now home to loads of bookshops, and plenty of cafes where you can pass the afternoon flicking through your new buys. 

Explore London’s Parks 

London, as we’ve said many a time, is a very green city. Much of that green space is made of the many sprawling parks that we’ve got in the capital. Spending a Sunday afternoon taking in the nature, maybe grabbing tea and cake at the park cafe, is pretty delightful way to pass time. 

Wether you want the vast old parks of central London or the smaller, more personal green spaces you’ll find dotted around neighbourhoods further out, there’s never a shortage of places to stretch your legs – and maybe that of your four legged friends. 

Practical Tips for Making the Most of a Sunday in London

• Much as we all love to be spontaneous, unfortunately London isn’t a city that wears spontaneity that well. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular spot for brunch or Sunday lunch, or want to nab tickets to a new exhibition, do so in advance or face disappointment. 
• At times, parts of the city’s public transport system grind to a halt on a Sunday, scuppering plans for fun and plunging you into the depths of ‘alternative routes’ that take five times as long. It’s boring but check ahead before setting off. 

Need Inspiration for Things to do in London on a Sunday?

• The Best Walks in London
• Day Trips from London
• Gastropubs in London for a Sunday Feast

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What to do on a Sunday in London

When you think of Sundays, it’s easy to think of quiet streets and closed shops… But London is a city that doesn’t sleep! So, you can expect the crowds to be out in their masses with full shops, restaurants and pubs full of locals and tourists. Don’t worry if you’re only here for the weekend, you’ll find that London has plenty to offer on a Sunday.

Sunday Markets in London

If you are planning a trip to London, it’s worth planning your trip knowing that some of the best street markets in London are only open on Sundays, so don’t forget to include one of these in your itinerary.

Spitalfields, Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane

One of the most famous markets in the East End of London is Brick Lane Market – which is only open on Sundays. Right next to it, is Petticoat Lane and Spitalfields Market – so why not visit all 3 in a day? Whether you’re looking for independent food stalls, vintage goods and crafts, London has it all. Find out more about these markets here .

Columbia Road Flower Market

Enjoy the amazing colours and flowers at this sweet-smelling market in East London.

Farmer’s Markets in London

One of the best things to do at the weekend is to visit a Farmers Market, where you can enjoy the tastes and smells from the bakers, cheese makers, fruit farmers and butchers. Take a wander through the stalls and taste some samples. You can enjoy a great selection of meats, cakes, pies, cakes and of course, the delicious artisan breads. Some popular farmer’s markets include:

• Queen’s Park Farmers Market
• Marylebone Farmers Market
• Alexandra Palace Farmers Market

Other markets to explore on a Sunday

Brixton Market, Camden Market and Maltby Street Market are also great markets to explore on a Sunday, even though they are also open on other days of the week.

Tourist Attractions on a Sunday in London

The only tourist attractions that are closed on a Sunday in London are Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral which are both closed to visitors on a Sunday.

All the other important tourist attractions in London are open as usual on Sundays (except if Christmas day falls on a Sunday). This includes London’s most famous attractions like the London Eye , The View from the Shard , Madame Tussauds , the Sea Life London Aquarium , the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe to name a few are all open on Sundays.

Sightseeing bus tours  and Sightseeing River Cruises also operate on Sundays in London, and they can sometimes the best way to see London when the streets are crowded!

The Best Tourist Attractions in London

Museums, Shops and Restaurants open on a Sunday in London

All the famous museums in London are open on Sundays, such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Tate Modern just to name a few!

The Best Museums in London

If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, fear not because all the shops in central London will be open. Popular shopping areas like Oxford Street and Regent Street will still be bustling, however they will close earlier than they do during the week, usually at 6pm.

Famous big department stores such as Harrods , Fortnum and Mason and Liberty are open on Sundays. Westfield shopping centres (White City and Stratford) also open on Sundays.

Restaurants in central London are always open on Sundays (except if it happens to be Christmas Day!) band you can walk, shop and dine in the most popular tourist spots in London such as Regent Street, Oxford Street, Soho, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, just to name a few.

Treat yourself to a traditional Sunday Roast

What better way to end the week than with lashings of gravy over beef or lamb or nut roast with all the trimmings of stuffing, parsnips, Yorkshire puddings and pigs in blankets. To experience a truly traditional roast dinner, one of the best places to go to is a pub. Some of the best spots are The Harwood Arms in Fulham, Blacklock Soho in Soho and Bike shed Motorcycle Club in Shoreditch. And of course, if you’re visiting Spitalfields Market, you’ll find plenty of pubs serving up roast dinners every Sunday.

Guided Tours available on Sundays

Walking tours are available mostly during the weekends in London, some famous walking tours include Jack the Ripper walking tour or Changing of the guard walking tour  or the famous  Harry Potter locations walking tour .

Walking tours in London

Explore a different London neighbourhood

Great places to explore on a Sunday include:

• A trip to Greenwich is perfect for exploring the stunning views, visiting the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark. You can also take to the air on one of the cable carts. Greenwich Market is only open Sundays, making it the perfect day to visit.
• Explore the area of Richmond, where you will also find a craft market on a Sunday.
• Explore the beautiful Hampstead neighbourhood where you can enjoy laid-back bars and explore the gorgeous Hampstead Heath – here you can see the London skyline from one of London’s highest points.

Enjoy an Afternoon Tea

One thing that Londoners certainly love to do, is a traditional afternoon tea! And there is a lot of variety, from fancy high-end hotel teas, to novelty science themes, chocolate themes and even afternoon teas on double decker buses.

Some of the best afternoon teas are:

• Afternoon Tea Cruise Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with bubbles, finger sandwiches and cakes, whilst you admire London from the river Thames.
• B Afternoon Tea Bus Tour combines seeing all the top tourist sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace whist enjoying bubbles, finger sandwiches and cakes.
• Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms on Oxford Street is perfect for nibbles, Champagne and a wealth of teas after a long day of shopping on London’s most famous shopping street.
• Tale as Old as Time Tea at The Kensington, is a Disney lovers dream with Mrs Potts and Chip crockery, and cakes in the shape of the iconic characters from Beauty and the Beast. Those looking for something a little quirkier will love this.

Looking for more ideas?

A great way to spend a Sunday is by taking a stroll along the South Bank, taking in the sights of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Places like Covent Garden and Leicester Square make an excellent setting for a night time stroll. Explore the lights of China Town as well as enjoying the many street performances. You won’t be bored on a Sunday in London, there’s simply too much to do.

What to avoid on a Sunday in London

The only places we’d advise you to avoid at the weekend are the office parts of the city such as Moorgate, Farringdon and Bank. This is because during the weekend, they are pretty empty, and some shops and restaurants are even closed.

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Things To Do On A Sunday In London

Don’t even think about letting those end-of-the-weekend blues set in. Forget cosying up on the couch with a film and a roast dinner, there’s all sorts of antics unfolding across the city that you ought not to miss. Whether you’re in for a raucous bar crawl, some stylish cabaret or just looking for a snug pub serving up a mountainous roast dinner, our list of the best things to do on a Sunday in London has something for you.

Last updated on 15th May 2024

Ballie Ballerson London - All Tickets To All Dates

@ Ballie Ballerson, London on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

• Clubbing ⋅ Something A Little Different ⋅ Fun Time Partying
• Tickets from £5.00 - £19.50

The Big London Bake East

@ The Big London Bake East on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

• Something A Little Different ⋅ Hen Party ⋅ Date Night
• Tickets from £36.00 - £67.90

Bottomless Brunch - Ballie Ballerson London

• Brunch ⋅ Something A Little Different ⋅ Bottomless Brunch
• Tickets from £25.00 - £49.00

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

• Food & Drink ⋅ Immersive ⋅ Something A Little Different
• Tickets from £42.50

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

@ President Hotel on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

• Food & Drink ⋅ Comedy ⋅ Theatre/Arts
• Tickets from £71.50 - £86.50

@ Merchant House on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

• Food & Drink ⋅ Something A Little Different ⋅ Date Night
• Tickets from £130.00 - £260.00
• City of London

The Big London Bake South

@ The Castle Tooting on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

• Tickets from £36.00 - £57.90

Thames Lates

@ London Eye Millenium Pier on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

• Boat Party ⋅ Stag Do ⋅ Walks & Tours
• Tickets from £59.95 - £64.95

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

Hidden behind unassuming shutters lies Alcotraz, a secret prison staffed with guards to help you successfully smuggle liquor past the Warden and get it into the hands of the longest-serving inmates.  Inspired by Hollywood Movies and TV that have...

• Food & Drink ⋅ Something A Little Different ⋅ Themed Nights
• Tickets from £35.99 - £58.50

The Big Bakes

Flight club.

Ignore the nay-sayers, just because it's Sunday that certainly doesn't mean the fun needs to stop. Particularly when you have Flight Club in Bloomsbury and Shoreditch to attend. The quirky spots are ramping up brunch with some serious 'P's - that's prosecco and pizza, along with a game of darts.

Blues Kitchen Camden

Sundays are all about the music at Blues Kitchen in Camden. Their weekly open mic nights are up their with the most popular in London, and they regularly feature some of the best local talent around. Fancy performing yourself? Get down early to register and join in all the fun, or simply kick back with some BBQ'd goods, a chilled beer and lap up the live music into the evening.

• Party Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Restaurant

Blame Gloria Covent Garden

NHS/Blue Light Discount and 3 other offers

Blame Gloria is a lively fun hub, attracting the good time party crowd all throughout the week. In keeping with their theme, Sunday certainly isn't the day of rest for this quirky Central London haunt; in fact, they offer their generous happy hour between 4-7pm on Sundays, making this the perfect place to boogie away the remainder of the weekend.

• Covent Garden ⋅ West End
• Party Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Event Space

Old School Games Night, Burger and Drink!

@ Le Comptoir on Every Sunday

Burgers and booze, the ultimate combo for a perfect evening. Banish those pre-week blues by kicking back at Le Compotoir with old-school games that are sure to bring back all those nostalgic memories, think Monopoly, Jenga and Risk, it's sure to be the ultimate chilled night out with mates. 

• Tickets from £15.00

The Reggae Brunch

If you love tropical music and Caribbean food, Reggae Brunch is the perfect weekend part. Bringing you non-stop feel good vibes, this party will play the best of reggae, soca, and calypso while you feast on three-courses of lip-smacking authentic delicacies. 

Apples and Pears

Christmas at Apples & Pears and 4 other offers

Head over to Brick Lane's quirky Apples and Pears where every Sunday night they're offering you a chilled out series of excellent events. Enjoy an evening happy hour with selected cocktails just £6.50, alongside some fantastic local live music, including their acoustic sessions from 7pm.

• Brick Lane ⋅ East London
• Party Bar ⋅ Event Space ⋅ Cocktail Bar

The Magic Hour

@ Sheraton Grand Park Lane on Various dates from Friday 24th May 2024

The perfect rainy day activity in London, The Magic Hour is the gob-smacking show from an expert magician that's been dazzling audiences across the world. Taking place at Sheraton Grand Park Lane, this showcase promises feats of the impossible, from transformations to mind reading.

• Theatre/Arts ⋅ Themed Nights ⋅ Activity
• Tickets from £39.00 - £120.00

Bubba Oasis

North London hangout Bubba Oasis is the place to be on Sundays, as they host live music sessions every week. You'll get your first drink on the house plus the opportunity to enjoy up-and-coming talent as they grace the stage.

Laugh Train Home Events

Archer street sw11.

• Clapham ⋅ Battersea
• Entertainment Bar ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Basement Bar

Sunday Socials at The Golf Groove

@ The Golf Groove on Every Sunday

• Activity ⋅ Brunch ⋅ Something A Little Different
• £40 per person

Escape The Power Cut

@ Control Room B on Various dates from Sunday 19th May 2024

• Activity ⋅ Daytime ⋅ Immersive
• Tickets from £55.00 - £330.00

Gipsy Hill Brewery Tours

@ Gipsy Hill Taproom on Various dates from Saturday 1st June 2024

• Daytime ⋅ Drinks Tasting ⋅ Food & Drink
• Tickets from £20.00
• South London

ROLLING STOCK EVENTS

Mr fogg's victorian murder mystery.

@ Mr Fogg's Residence on Sunday 19th May 2024 and 6 other Sundays

• Activity ⋅ Immersive ⋅ Something A Little Different
• Tickets from £60.00

Sunday Roast Lunch

@ The Milestone Hotel and Residences on Sunday 19th May 2024 and 40 other Sundays

• Daytime ⋅ Food & Drink ⋅ Dating
• From £75 per person

Bushy Comedy

Ember yard's sunday brunch fiesta.

@ Ember Yard on Every Sunday

• Bottomless Brunch ⋅ Daytime ⋅ Food & Drink
• Tickets from £40.00

Brunch with DJ Set

@ Obicà Mozzarella Bar – Poland Street on Every Sunday

• Brunch ⋅ Food & Drink ⋅ Live Music

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How to Spend a Perfect Sunday in London (as told by a local)

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 13th October 2023

Categories England , London

Last Updated on 13th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Flowers, coffee, and wanders around the prettiest neighbourhoods the city has to offer; if there’s one day that’s made for exploring, it’s Sunday. And so if you’re looking for some great weekend recommendations for the UK’s capital city, then here’s how to spend Sunday in London (as told by a local!)

What is open in London on a Sunday?

Visit columbia flower market, enjoy a coffee and cake in notting hill, indulge in food at borough market, head to a history or design museum, visit the portobello road market, enjoy a brunch, afternoon tea, finish the day in the city of london, enjoyed reading about how to spend sunday in london pin it now, read it again later:.

Of course, like in many other places in Europe, Sundays are seen as a day of rest. Saturdays and Sundays are the weekend (and time off) for most 9-5 workers in the UK and while many things remain open on a Saturday, this is definitely not the case for Sundays.

Typically, some museums and smaller shops are closed. Meanwhile, the stores and boutiques which do remain open operate at limited opening hours (including the supermarket) and so can be open for as little as six hours.

Conversely, there are several markets around the city which are only open on Sundays and so this would be the best (and obviously only) time to choose to go and visit them! Markets to check out include Brick Lane Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, and Greenwich Market.

Things to do during a Sunday in London

Of course, when it comes to the rich variety of things on offer in London, the world is your oyster. From attending a theatre performance to discovering hidden gems to getting lost in a little park that few people know about, there’s no shortage of attractions for every budget in the big smoke.

With this being said, my suggested itinerary for spending a Sunday in London will set out some of the must-see spots, including the order in which you should see them (so as to economise your time in the city) and see the most amount of things possible with the time that you have available.

If you’re looking to start your day the right way, then you simply need to hop on the tube and head to Columbia Road Flower Market . After all, this weekly event is where the locals come to hang out and you’ll find a pretty good deal on all floral-related goods if you head here!

Held every Sunday (and, most notably, now only on Sunday) since the 19th-century, be sure to head to the market earlier in the day if you want to experience the event without the crowds that inevitably head there later on.

The market is held in the morning, and if you head to the market around lunchtime (when things are beginning to wrap up), then you’ll soon discover that many vendors are touting their wares for significantly reduced prices.

If you want to experience a covered London market at the same time, then it’s worth noting that the Old Spitalfields market is not too far away. For more inspiration in the area, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in East London .

When it comes to Sunday in London, there’s perhaps no better place to enjoy the weekend vibe than in the pretty district of Notting Hill. All pastel coloured houses and mews streets (for those not in the know, these cobbled lanes once housed horses when the city ran by carriage and are now home to some of the most exclusive real estate in the city). 

Some of my favourite coffee shops in the Notting Hill area include Biscuiteers and Farm Girl Café . The latter is particularly good if you want to enjoy Sunday brunch. If you’re looking for a full meal (complete with a pint or two!) then you should check out the Churchill Arms.

This inn serves Thai noodles, while the interior is decked out in Churchill memorabilia. Head outside, and you can expect to find plenty of pretty floral decoration, all year ’round!

All in all, this is easily one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city . While en route, I highly recommend checking out some of the many spots in the area that have been used as movie locations, including for the hit film, Love Actually .

Located directly to the south of the Thames, the illustrious Borough Market is an undercover market which dates back to at least the 12th-century, making it one of the oldest food markets in the city (it also happens to be one of the largest).

There’s no shortage of delicious foodie spots to check out serving up everything from fresh vegan snacks to local cheeses, and mouthwatering pasta dishes. If you’re stuck for inspiration, then here are some of the stands to check out at the market:

• Bao Borough (Taiwanese cuisine)
• Horn OK Please (Indian vegetarian street food)
• La Tua Pasta (tasty homemade pasta)
• Mei Mei (street food dishes inspired by Singapore)

Many of the major museums in the British capital can be found in South Kensington, an ever-so-chic district of the city close to Hyde Park. And one of the best times to simply meander around and soak up some culture is easily on a Sunday when everything is open. Furthermore, if you’re looking to enjoy London on a budget, then it’s well worth noting that almost every major museum is absolutely free of charge!

For those seeking some ancient history (and wish for the chance to spy a dinosaur or two) , the Natural History Museum likely needs no introduction. If you prefer to enjoy art and design, ranging between everything from the Classical Era to Victorian times, then you must explore the V&A.

And for those with the kids in tow, the Science Museum is forever a crowd/ family favourite. The permanent exhibitions of all the above museums are free to visit. Nearby, Hyde Park is one of the Royal Parks the city has to offer and is perfect for picnics during the summer time.

And if the flowers on Sunday morning weren’t enough, then there’s an equally interesting London market to check out in the form of Portobello Road Market . As one of the largest antique markets of its kind in the world, then there’s never any shortage of trinkets and collectables at nearly every price point.

Each weekend, around a thousand stalls can be found dotted along Portobello Road, as well as in the shops which line the two sides of the street.

During the weekend, you’ll also find that Portobello Road Market is home to a large selection of food stalls. The closest metro station to the market is Ladbroke Grove on the Circle and Hammersmith & City line.

If you want to experience London on a Sunday as the locals do, then consider going out for brunch. You should note that most of the more popular spots tend to book up at least a couple of weeks in advance and so you’ll want to reserve a spot ahead of time if you’re able to (most places now require a credit card to be put on the reservation).

There are a myriad of cafés to choose from, offering everything from traditional English fry ups to more international cuisine. Here’s a pick of some of the best brunch spots in London:

• Fallow (modern European cuisine)
• Dishoom (Bombay inspired restaurant)
• Mount St Restaurant (a very fine dining affair that you’ll want to save for a special occasion)
• Double Standard (there’s an outdoor terrace in good weather)
• Saltie Girl (seafood restaurant)

If you’re looking for a quintessential British experience, then consider enjoying an afternoon tea while in the city (just be sure to book at least a few weeks ahead of time as space on these kinds of tours tends to sell out fast during the high season, i.e. summer months). Here are some afternoon tea experiences you can book ahead of time:

• Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames: This hour and a half tea cruise will let you enjoy gorgeous views from the River Thames while eating sandwiches, as well as scones with cream and jam.
• Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco: If going on a bus is more your speed, then this afternoon bus tour will whisk you around the city while you enjoy sweet and savoury British treats as well as a glass of prossecco.
• Afternoon Tea at the British Museum: If you know anything about London museums then no doubt you’ll have heard of the British Museum, one of the largest free museums to visit in the city. Well, if you are looking for an interesting experience, then afternoon tea is held under the glass roof.
• Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea Bus with Audio Guide: This tour is a marriage of two quintessentially British things- Paddington Bear and an afternoon tea.

After a perfect Sunday of exploring the best markets, culture, and food that London has to offer, hop on the tube once more and head towards the River Thames. The City of London is the oldest part of the city and is typically a bustling financial hub during the week, meaning that it’s pretty quiet during the weekends.

Once in the City of London, the very heart of Roman ‘Londinium,’ I highly recommend strolling along the water and enjoying the vistas of the many iconic landmarks that are so synonymous with the British Capital.

Take yourself on a free and self-guided London walking tour or, if it’s summer, then treat yourself to a night out in the theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe. While in the area, there are plenty of places to enjoy happy hour and a stroll along to the Sky Garden to catch the last of the evening light never goes amiss either.

Otherwise, the Garden at 120 is easily one of the hottest places in town to grab a drink with friends and enjoy the view of the city. Absolutely free to visit and meander around, from the top you can easily spy the wheel of the London Eye and the domes of Saint Paul’s Cathedral.

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Guide to London’s coolest places to visit

30 Amazing Sunday Markets In London You Should Visit

Last Updated on 21 July, 2023

Sundays in London are made for lazy brunches and strolling around markets. With London being known for its bustling markets that offer a wide range of products, from fresh produce and artisanal foods to vintage clothing and unique arts and crafts. 

But did you know that many of these markets are also open on Sundays? If you’re looking to spend your Sunday exploring a market in London, here are some of the best options, along with their opening times.

London Sunday Markets

When it comes to free things to do in London , nothing beats this. Whether you’re visiting London or are a local, there are plenty of options to choose from, each offering unique products and experiences. 

Below we not only have a list of some of the best Sunday markets in the city, along with their opening times but we have also shared a map to help you find them. For additional weekend activities be sure to also check out our list of Saturday markets in London .

Brick Lane Market And Truman Markets

Located in the heart of Shoreditch, Brick Lane Market is one of the most popular markets in East London.

The market is open every Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and it offers a wide range of products, including vintage clothing, antiques, art, and food.

The Truman Markets, located nearby, also offer a variety of street food and unique products, making it a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Address: Brick Ln, London E1 6QR

Brixton Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Market reflects this. The market is open every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, and it offers a range of fresh produce and artisanal products. From organic vegetables to homemade jams, you’ll find it all here.

Address: Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PB

Camden Lock Market

Located in the heart of Camden , this market is a must-visit for anyone in the area. The market is open every Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm(also open during the week), and it offers a variety of unique products, including vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, and street food.

The market also has a canal-side location, making it a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Address: 406 Camden Lock Market, London NW1 7AP

Columbia Road Flower Market

The Columbia Road Flower Market is a unique and colourful market that’s open every Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm.

It’s a great place to buy fresh flowers, plants, and garden accessories. The market also has a variety of street performers, making it a fun and lively place to visit.

Address: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG

Broadway Market

Located in Hackney, Broadway Market is a popular destination for foodies. The market is open every Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and every Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, and it offers a variety of street food, fresh produce, and artisanal products.

From gourmet cheese to freshly baked bread, you’ll find it all here.

Address: 35 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH

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Covent Garden Markets

Located in the heart of West London , Covent Garden Market is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The market is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm, and it offers a variety of unique products, including handmade crafts, antiques, and street food.

The market also has a variety of street performers, making it a fun and lively place to visit.

Address: 1 Tavistock St, London WC2E 8BD

Borough Market

Located in London Bridge , Borough Market is one of the oldest markets in London. The market is open every day from Monday to Saturday, but it’s especially lively on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.

The market offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal products, and street food. It’s a great place to try local and international cuisine.

Address: Borough Market, London SE1 9AL

Flea At Vinegar Yard

Located near London Bridge, the Flea at Vinegar Yard is a trendy market that’s open every Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

The market offers a variety of unique products, including vintage clothing, antiques, and street food. It also has a rooftop bar, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the city.

Address: Vinegar Yard, St Thomas St, London SE1 3QU

Greenwich Market

Located in the heart of Greenwich , this market is a must-visit for anyone in the area. The market is open every day, but it’s especially lively on Sundays from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

The market offers a variety of unique products, including handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and street food. While visiting Greenwich Market, do not forget to stop by Greenwich Park, the observatory, Queen’s House and the Naval College.

Address: 5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ

Maltby Street Market

Maltby Street Market is a small market located under railway arches near Tower Bridge. It features an array of independent food and drink vendors selling artisanal products, from fresh oysters to homemade cakes and sourdough bread.

There are also craft beer stalls and even a gin distillery to explore. It’s a perfect spot to spend a lazy Sunday morning or afternoon.

Opening times: Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA

Northcote Road Market

Located in the heart of Battersea, Northcote Road Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s a lively market with a range of stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, vintage clothing, antiques, and more.

The market is surrounded by independent shops and cafes, making it a great place to spend the day browsing and exploring.

Opening times: Saturday 9 am – 5 pm

Address: Northcote Rd, London SW11 6QL

Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market is a historic covered market located in the heart of East London. It’s a bustling market with a range of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing and antiques to fresh produce and street food.

The market also hosts regular events, including pop-up shops and live music performances, making it a great spot for a fun day out.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 10 am – 8 pm, Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

Address: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW

Alexandra Palace Farmers Market

The market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm. The market is a great place to find fresh, seasonal produce, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and bread.

You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls, serving up hot meals and snacks.

Address: Muswell Hill, London N10 3TG

Nine Elms Market

Located at Nine Elms Lane, this market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. This market offers a wide range of produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish, all from local producers.

You can also find a range of artisanal products, such as bread, cheese, and honey.

Address: Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, London SW8 5AL

Southbank Centre Food Market

Located on the iconic Southbank , this food market features over 40 stalls selling a diverse range of street food from all over the world. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic burger or want to try something more exotic, like Korean bao buns or Venezuelan arepas, you’ll find it here.

There’s also a range of craft beer, wine, and cocktails to enjoy, as well as live music performances.

Opening times: Friday 12 pm – 8 pm, Saturday 11 am – 8 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm

Address: Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX

Blackheath Farmers Market

Located at Blackheath Station Car Park, Blackheath, this market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.

This market offers a range of fresh produce, as well as hot food, cakes, and other tasty treats. You can find a variety of seasonal produce from local farmers, including organic vegetables, fruit, and free-range meats.

Address: Blackheath Station car park, London SE3 9LA

Chatsworth Road Market

Located at Chatsworth Road, this market is open on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.

This market is perfect for those looking for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and vintage finds. You can also find street food stalls offering a range of cuisine, including Caribbean, Mexican, and Vietnamese.

Address: Chatsworth Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0LH

Victoria Park Market

Located at Victoria Park, Grove Road, this market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.

This market offers a range of products, including fresh produce, handmade crafts, vintage finds, and street food. You can also enjoy live music and entertainment while browsing the stalls.

Address: Between Bonner Gate and, Gore Rd, London E2 9JW

Islington Farmers Market

Located at Chapel Market, this market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.

This market offers a range of fresh, locally sourced produce, including meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables. You can also find artisanal bread, cheese, and pastries.

Address: Chapel Market, London N1 9PZ

Horniman Museum and Gardens Farmers Market

Located at 100 London Road, Forest Hill, this market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm.

This market offers a range of fresh produce, including meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables, as well as artisanal bread, cheese, and pastries. You can also find handmade crafts and gifts.

Address: 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ

Marylebone Farmers Market

Located at Cramer Street Car Park, Marylebone , this market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.

This market offers a range of fresh produce, including meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables, as well as artisanal bread, cheese, and pastries. You can also find street food, hot drinks, and cakes.

Address: Aybrook St, London W1U 4DF

Flea At Flat Iron Square

The Flea at Flat Iron Square is another Sunday market that is a must-visit for vintage and antique enthusiasts.

This market is located near London’s Bankside and brings together a carefully curated selection of vintage clothing, accessories, homeware, and vinyl records.

Apart from the vintage treasures, the market also offers a variety of street food and drinks to fuel your shopping experience.

You can grab a coffee or beer from one of the vendors and indulge in some delicious food from around the world.

The market is open every Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm and is a great spot to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

The Flea at Flat Iron Square is easily accessible by public transport, with London Bridge, Southwark and Borough stations only a short walk away.

So why not head down to Flat Iron Square next Sunday and discover the vintage gems that await you at this vibrant and unique market.

Address: 45 Southwark St, London SE1 9HP

Eccleston Yards Sunday Market

Located in the charming Eccleston Yards, this Sunday market features a carefully curated selection of independent fashion, beauty, and homeware brands.

You’ll also find a range of delicious street food stalls and artisanal products, including locally made candles, soaps, and jewelry. The market is open from 11am to 5pm every Sunday.

Address: 21 Eccleston Pl, London SW1W 9NF

Tooting Market

This lively indoor market in Tooting offers a diverse selection of food, drink, and crafts. You’ll find everything from Caribbean street food to artisanal cheeses and handmade jewelry.

There are also regular live music events and workshops. The market is open from 10am to 4pm every Sunday.

Address: 21-23 Tooting High St, London SW17 0SN

Canopy Market – Kings Cross

Canopy at Kings Cross is a covered market featuring a range of independent fashion, beauty, and homeware brands.

You’ll also find a selection of street food vendors offering delicious snacks and meals. The market is open from 11am to 6pm every Sunday.

Address: West Handyside Canopy, 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH

Herne Hill Farmers Market

Located in the beautiful Herne Hill area, this farmers market is a great place to pick up fresh produce and artisanal foods.

You’ll find everything from organic vegetables and meats to handmade cakes and jams. There are also regular cooking workshops and live music performances. The market is open from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.

Address: Railton Rd, London SE24 0JN

Walthamstow Farmers Market

Walthamstow Farmers Market offers a wide range of locally sourced produce, including vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and cheese.

There are also regular workshops and events, including kids’ activities and cooking demonstrations. The market is open from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.

Address: Town Square top of High Street, Walthamstow, London E17 7JN

Chiswick Flower Sunday Market

If you’re a fan of flowers, this market in Chiswick is a must-visit.

It offers a range of seasonal blooms and potted plants, as well as handmade crafts and artisanal foods. The market is open from 9:30am to 3pm every Sunday.

Address: Old Market Pl, Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 2DR

Petticoat Lane Sunday Market, Liverpool Street

Petticoat Lane Sunday Market is one of London’s oldest and most famous markets, dating back to the 17th century.

Today, it offers a range of goods, including clothing, accessories, and homeware, as well as street food stalls. The market is open from 9am to 3pm every Sunday.

Address: 119-121 Middlesex St, London E1 7JF

Queen’s Park Farmers Market

Located in the charming Queen’s Park area, this farmers market offers a range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.

There are also regular workshops and events, including kids’ activities and live music performances. The market is open from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.

Address: Salusbury Primary School, Salusbury Rd, London NW6 6RG

These Sunday markets in London are a perfect way to spend a lazy day, browsing and exploring new foods, crafts, and vintage treasures.

Each market has its own unique vibe and specialties, and they all offer a glimpse into the vibrant cultural scene of London. So whe you are stuck on what to do in London on a Sunday, be sure to check out one of these markets and soak up the city’s bustling energy.

Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, handmade crafts, or delicious street food, London’s Sunday markets have something for everyone. So why not spend your Sunday exploring one of these vibrant markets?

Map Of London’s Sunday Markets

My name is Bianca and welcome to my local guide of London's Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Everything you need to know about exploring London in addition to the coolest hangouts and Instagrammable spots.

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24 of the best things to do in London on a Sunday

Because a Sunday well spent brings a week of content

Ah, Sunday, it's truly the best day of the week. Breakfast in bed, followed by a leisurely day exploring the vibrant nooks and crannies of our capital city.

From taking in a free exhibition at a plethora of galleries across the city, followed by tea and cake at one it's most iconic stores to ambling round a street market or saddling-up for a jaunt around Hyde Park with a difference, there's plenty to do. In fact, the problem is narrowing down the ways to spend these precious hours.

Whether you're hungover or feeling fresh as a daisy, flying solo or with the kids in tow, scroll through our round up of the best things to do in London on a Sunday and find something joyful and new to make the most of your weekend.

Visit a free exhibition

The Capital has a plethora of brilliant art galleries and spaces and best of all? Lots of them are free.

Walk the city

One of the best ways to get to know the city is by walking it. And thanks to Innder London Ramblers, you can embark on urban hikes with the likes of the Metropolitan Walkers, Captial Walkers and London Strollers of up to 10 miles.

Visit Innerlondonramblers.org.uk

Maltby Street Market

Home to Little Bird Gin, the seriously cool Lassco, which houses beautiful reclaimed furniture and a seasonal dining room and a whole array of delicious street food stalls.

Expect to dine on the likes of waffles topped with fried chicken, pulled pork buns and the best fish finger sandwiches you'll ever eat.

Visit Rae-deguzman.squarespace.com

Shop somewhere new

Seven Dials is the shopping destination to head for thanks to its choice shops and delicious eateries. Try Monmouth Kitchen for a relaxed, mouth-watering lunch of small plates and visit Laura Lee Jewellery to pick up a bespoke necklace.

Make time for Fika

Lie in a little and then treat yourself to a long, slow morning in a coffee shop. Take a good book or even better company and indulge in the Scandi tradition of Fika .

Nibble on a cinnamon bun (or two) as you sip the specialty filter coffee of the day and don’t forget to pick up a bag of beans to take home. Try the Nordic bakery for their authentic Scandi bakes, Gail’s for their sinfully sweet buns or Workshop for their unrivaled coffee.

Afternoon tea at Liberty London

We can't thinking of anything better than meandering around the beautiful wooden floors of the iconic Liberty London before slipping into a blue velvet booth for afternoon tea at Arthur's.

Liberty's art Deco-inspired restaurant offers an afternoon tea of warm plain & cranberry scones, strawberry jam, Cornish clotted cream and a selection of coffee and tea.

If the high-end furnishings and designer dresses has you feeling in the mood for something a little more upmarket, then upgrade to the Tattinger afternoon tea.

Arthur's don't take reservations but head to the restaurant before you look around the shop to get an idea of waiting times – we've never had to wait longer than 15 minutes.

More details here .

Horniman Museum

The eerie finality of stuffy ancient mummies and creepy feats of taxidermy on display at this curious museum stand in stark contrast to its bustling aquarium, which houses rare creatures and bright coral from across the globe. Few other places can boast that they’re home to such incongruous examples of life and death – the contrast is inspiring, unpredictable and utterly exhilarating.

Open from 8am until sunset, this charming Victorian relic is skirted by pretty grounds ideal for a picnic on a hazy summer afternoon. When you've had your fill of ancient African artefacts, antiquated musical instruments and extraordinary anthropological displays, grab a drink from the pretty cafe and retire to the garden for a moment of quiet reflection.

Sundays and Bank Holidays: 8am – sunset. Entrance to the Museum and Gardens is free. There's a charge for the Aquarium. 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ. 020 8699 1872

Brixton Village & Brixton Farmers Market

A gathering of vintage traders and artisan food sellers have transformed this historic arcade into a hub of cutting-edge cookery and creativity, where tiny establishments with big names (try Honest Burgers and Agile Rabbit) mingle with fresh produce stalls.

Just a few minutes' walk from Brixton tube station, Brixton Village and its companion arcade Market Row house scores of shops and stalls offering world foods from 8am to 11.30pm every day. On a Sunday, you can sample delicacies from India, East Asia, Africa, South America or the Caribbean for brunch before heading over to Brixton Farmer's Market for colourful supper ingredients.

Every Sunday 10am - 2pm. For more information on Brixton Village, go to: Brixtonmarket.net

Vintage Shopping

A favourite of model Kate Moss and the go-to vintage store for period dramas, including Brideshead Revisited , this charming shop in Islington’s Camden Passage evokes the glamour of a bygone age.

Sheer, floaty, and ethereal, the 50s-style appliqué skirts and 30s day dresses are good value, but it's the flapper dresses that are the star attraction. With a great selection of accessories, too, including parasols, fur hats and shoes from the 1920s, it’s a treasure trove of vintage clothes.

Annies, 12 Camden Passage, N1 8ED. 020 7359 0796

Columbia Road Flower Market

One of London’s most visually appealing markets, Columbia Road overflows with buckets of colourful and fragrant flowers every Sunday. Running from the crack of dawn until 2pm, give your garden some TLC with the vast selection of flowers, bulbs, herbs, shrubs and bedding plants on offer.

Alongside the Sunday market, this East London road is also a treasure trove of interiors shops, including Rob Ryan’s Ryantown and Elphicks gallery, while it's also home to the bakery of cake-maker-to-the-stars Lily Vanilli .

Turn up as things start to wind down at around 2pm for the best bargains, or as early as humanly possible if you want to get the pick of the crop.

Channel your inner Mary Berry at a cookery class

Instead of slaving away over a stove at home for the day, why not book yourself on to one of the many exciting cookery classes going on around London.

They're a great way to learn new skills, meet people and have some fun - plus, you get to try all the delicious fruits of your labour at the end.

Some of our favourites are:

Migrateful , where classes are run by refugees, asylum seekers and migrants to help them with employment, socialising, English practice and integrating into society,

E5 Bakehouse , who offer a number of brilliant classes, including a sourdough pizza class.

And, Bread Ahead , who host all sorts of sweet and savoury workshops, from Scandi baking to New York bagels and perfectly crisped croissants.

Brunch at The Workshop, Clerkenwell

Sunday brunch is becoming an increasingly important date in our diary, and there really is no better way to start a lazy weekend. This warehouse-style cafe in Clerkenwell has become one of our favourite brunch spots with its Antipodean twist on the traditional English fry-up.

Fresh flavoured hearty dishes include baked organic eggs with red pepper, chorizo and tomato ragu and the much-lauded corn fritters with spinach, halloumi and poached eggs, alongside Mimosas and rich blends of coffee roasted on the premises.

Throw in the Sunday papers and a perch at a long sharing table overlooking St John’s Square, and you've got one of the best places for brunch in London . The only downside is that you can’t book, so queues are inevitable.

The Workshop, 27 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 5RN. 0207 253 5754

Horse Riding in Hyde Park

Get in the saddle and explore the best of the capital’s parks by paying Hyde Park Stables a visit. From first-time riders to experienced show-jumpers, there’s a session for every skill set, and with five miles of bridleways and even pony riding for the little ones, it’s a great way to explore one of the city’s favourite summer spots.

After your ride, there’s plenty to fill the remainder of your Sunday up, too. Picnic anyone?

For more information, go to: Hydeparkstables.com

Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s, Mayfair

Nothing beats a traditional London afternoon tea – and Claridge's offers one of the capital's best. Beautifully presented and with note-perfect service, there's a good selection of sandwiches, and the buttery apple and currant-studded scones served with Marco Polo jelly and Cornish clotted cream, and picture-perfect cakes are delicious. The extensive list of teas is impressive, too.

Classic a fternoon tea at Claridge’s – from £55 per person. Call 020 7107 8872 for reservations. ( Or read our review of Claridge’s )

A Walk on Hampstead Heath

A wonderful contrast to the manicured lawns and flowerbeds to be found elsewhere in the capital, Hampstead Heath feels delightfully rural, despite being in North London. The inspiration behind countless films, books and poems, and stretching across 791 acres of woodland, playing fields, and swimming ponds, it’s the perfect place for a walk, whatever the season.

On a hot summer’s day, try taking a refreshing dip in the Hampstead Ponds followed by a picnic, while children love the dizzying heights of Parliament Hill – perfect for flying kites. Stop off at The Bull and Last pub on Highgate Road to recuperate from your walk and tuck into a traditional Sunday lunch .

Gastro Pub Lunch at The Drapers Arms, Islington

Serving up top-notch seasonal fare in a rustic egg shell-blue surrounding, this Islington gastro pub is really rather hard to beat. Winner of a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2010 and run by Nick Gibson and Ben Maschler (son of the restaurant critic Fay Maschler), the contemporary, daily-changing British menu features the likes of crispy lamb with mint sauce, beetroot and pearl barley risotto and black pudding with a fried duck egg.

With an impressive list of ales to choose from, it’s the perfect spot to while away a Sunday afternoon with the papers.

The Drapers Arms; 44 Barnsbury Street, Islington. 020 7619 0348

Cycling in Richmond Park

With hundreds of red and fallow deer roaming free across the park, get on your bike on a sunny Sunday afternoon and pedal across the beautiful 12-kilometre track.

Starting from the impressive country estate , Ham House, to Roehampton, make the most of the largest of the Royal Parks (which occupies some 2,500 acres) and get out and about.

A Walk along the River to Tate Modern

Housed in the former Bankside Power Station and built by Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron, if you’re looking to get your weekend culture fix, then head to the Tate Modern. Overlooking St Paul's Cathedral, take in some contemporary art before strolling up the Thames towards Tower Bridge, stopping off at Jose’s in Bermondsey Street for some of the best Spanish tapas to be had in London.

Serving up small plates of classic dishes such as tortilla , jamon iberico and patatas bravas , on wooden barrels and the pretty tiled bar , all washed down with a beyond-the-obvious list of sherries. It’s the perfect spot to round off the weekend.

Float Down Regent’s Canal

Opened in 1820 to provide a link between east and west London, Regent’s Canal became a favourite scenic path in 1968 when it was opened to the public.

The London Waterbus Company, one of the original Regent’s Canal Boat tour operators, offer a lingering journey across a picturesque route from Camden Lock to Little Venice, taking in stunning views of Regent’s Park and even stopping inside London Zoo.

Trained guides will provide commentary along the way, explaining the canal’s colourful history dating back to 1800. At just £11.30 per person for a return journey, it’s a unique and affordable way to see the city from a new angle.

No booking required. Hourly service in summer, half hourly on peak days. Winter weekend service; Londonwaterbus.com

Drop in at a life drawing session

Drawing, and creative activities, are well-known to calm the mind and help us relax - which is exactly what Sundays are all about - so it seems pretty apt to join in on a life drawing session.

Drop in from one minute to one hour at these open Secret Sketch Sessions at Vaulty Towers . There is something for everyone and all abilities are welcome.

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Blog about: London | street art | art & culture | expat life

Unique Things to Do in London on a Sunday Only

There are usually hundreds of fun things to do in London on any given day. But always on the look-out for special insider tips, here are five unique things to do in London on a Sunday only!

What to do on a Sunday in London

While the UK has started to relax its Covid-19 restrictions as of Saturday 4 July 2020, please be aware that some of the following venues might have restricted opening hours or other specific regulations. Where possible, I included the most recent information to make your visit as safe and easy as possible.

1. Visit a Sunday market

While some of London’s most famous markets are closed on a Sunday – like Borough Market and Portobello Road Market – others are only open on Sunday. My favourite Sunday markets in London can alle be found in the historical East End of London.

Colombia Road Flower Market

First of all there’s the Colombia Road Flower Market in Bethnal Green. Besides endless stalls selling fresh flowers and plants, the street is also lined with the cutest shops. Thanks to the street musicians there’s a great vibe and there are also some great eateries around.

Note: Due to Covid-19 there’s now a one-way system in place. You can enter Columbia Road Flower Market via Gosset Street, Ravencroft Street and Barnet Grove. Exits on Barnet Grove, Shipton Street, Ropley Street and Hackney Road only.

Spitalfields Market and Sunday Upmarket

Close-by you have the popular Spitalfields Market and Sunday Upmarket , both in Shoreditch. Technically also open on Saturdays, the Sunday versions of both are more elaborate and are rooted in local history.

You see, the East London Sunday markets were born from Jewish culture. and date back to the 1880s when the East End of London was mostly inhabited by Jewish immigrants.

Following their Sabbath that ended on Sunday, Brick Lane and its surrounding streets would be flooded by hundreds of people, all eager to socialise and to do their shopping.

Although the Jewish community is long gone from the area, the Sunday markets in Shoreditch remain an ever-present reminder to these times. For those who are in the known that is, and now that also includes you…

Click on the following links for information about visiting these two Shoreditch markets regarding Covid-19: Spitalfields Market , Sunday Upmarket .

Petticoat Lane Market

For a great taste of local life, a visit to the iconic Petticoat Lane Market is a real must. Running from Middlesex Street in Shoreditch and Wentworth Street in Whitechapel, this market originated in the 1750s. This makes it one of the oldest street markets in London!

In the market’s early days, this part of London was home to a large community of French Huguenots. Most of these were silk weavers and the area has been associated with garments and textiles for centuries. And even hundreds of years later, these remain the main items sold at Petticoat Lane.

Probably the least glamorous market in this list, Petticoat Lane is a real East End icon soaked in history.

Related article: Best Markets in London for First-time Visitors

2. Tuck into a Sunday roast

Most visitors to London include eating fish & chips or an Indian curry in their London itinerary. Great typical British meals to have of course, but if you want to have a real taste of traditional British cuisine then you must try a Sunday roast. It’s actually one of my favourite things to do in London on a Sunday!

The Sunday roast, or Sunday lunch, is a typical pub meal. Big hearty meal and a beer? Count me in!

As the name suggests, it’s only served on Sundays. Yeah, you might find some places that serve them on other days of the week as well, but these are most likely to be tourist traps and I suggest you stay far away from them!

Consisting of roast potatoes and vegetables, a Yorkshire pudding, a chunk of meat or veggie/vegan option with a generous amount of gravy, this is the ultimate lazy Sunday lunch! (And because it’s so much, probably also your Sunday dinner, and Monday breakfast.)

When I still lived in the Netherlands and visited Hubby in London at the weekends, I usually had to leave on Sunday morning. I was sad to say goodbye for a few weeks again, but I was even sadder to miss out on the Sunday roast each time! I made up for it though when I moved to the UK permanently.

Find out my favourite places in London for Sunday roast in this related article: National Yorkshire Pudding Day .

3. Attend public debates at the Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park

Whenever I think about the Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, it reminds me of my school days. Because I actually first learned about this typical London tradition in secondary school in the Netherlands. Since then I always wondered what this unique Sunday event in London was all about.

Dating back to 1872 already, the Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park is a prime example of democracy. (Or an example of a clever way a government can make its dissatisfied people feel like they’re being heard.)

Every Sunday morning, any member of the public is allowed to give a speech about politics, religion or other topics in this spot. While in the past the orators were typically stood on a soapbox, today they often use small step ladders.

Besides the speakers, you also have the so-called hecklers, people who interrupt the speech with counter-arguments, turning the speech in a public debate. This is actually an essential part of the tradition of Speakers’ Corner. Sometimes the arguments are valid, but sometimes they don’t make much sense. It’s all part of the experience though.

Although Parliament officially announced Speakers’ Corner as the location for free speech in 1872, there’s a much longer and rather grim history to it. Because not far from here were the notorious Tyburn Gallows.

These were in use from 1196 till 1783, executing more than 50,000 people. Before the doomed souls were executed, they were allowed to give one final speech.

Some of the people took this opportunity to confess while others gave despairing pleas. Either way, they made for great entertainment for Londoners who bought tickets for these ‘events’. Remember, these were pre-theatre and Netflix days of course.

But even after the gallows were removed, this spot of Hyde Park remained to be associated with public speeches and protests. Big demonstrations would often end in Hyde Park, but these gatherings weren’t authorised. After a few clashes between protestors and the authorities, the government eventually officially established Speakers’ Corner.

Over its history, Karl Marx, George Orwell and Vladimir Lenin have given speeches here. And also the Suffragettes have held their meetings here over a span of eight years in their campaign to secure voting rights for women. Filled with history, a visit to Speaker’s Corner is one of the best things to do in London on a Sunday!

4. Join a tour at Spencer House, built by Princess Diana’s ancestor

This tip will go down well with people not only looking for unique things to do in London on a Sunday but also admirers of Princess Diana. Because on Sundays this mansion, officially belonging to Diana’s brother, opens its doors to the public!

Located at 27 St James’ Place, Spencer House was commissioned by 1st Earl Spencer in 1756. Architect James Stewart was responsible for designing the house’s interior.

Having just returned from Greece, Stewart put a lot of authentic Greek details into the house. It even became one of the first examples in London of the neoclassical style! This style soon became a trend not only in England, but all across Europe.

Built to impress and entertain, Spencer House was a popular party destination for the elite. Hosting anything from lunch parties to banquets and masked balls, guests included royalty, aristocracy and artists.

Nowadays, the house is partly used as offices but also for special events such as weddings. Imagine having your nuptials in such a unique setting! Although I wonder how much that would cost…

Want to visit the house and admire its fully restored eight grand State rooms in a more affordable way? Then join one of their guided tours! As said, they only take place on Sunday and last for approximately one hour.

For information about opening hours and admission prices visit the Spencer House website .

5. Wander through the deserted streets of ‘The City’

Pre-corona times, it was pretty unique to see deserted streets in London. This tip therefore suggests an optimistic view of the future when busy London streets will be a normal sight again.

If you’re visiting London and feel you need to get away from the masses, then I have a little secret for you. Just head down to the so-called ‘City of London’, the historical centre of London that was once founded by the Romans.

The City of London is filled with pretty streets steeped in history

Nowadays known as London’s main central business district, the City is mostly filled with modern corporate skyscrapers. While there are also a few shops in the area, most non-office buildings are restaurants, cafés and pubs. All to accommodate the bankers and office workers to wind down after a hectic work day of course.

Since these offices are all closed at the weekend, you’ll find this area is completely deserted then. It’s actually almost eerie. But it also gives you the chance to take in all the unique London sights without anyone around.

While I don’t especially appreciate the modern skyscrapers, they’re great for photos. And the contrast between these ultra modern buildings and the oldest streets and buildings in London is quite special.

Where to go in the City of London on a Sunday?

The covered Victorian Leadenhall Market is one of my favourite places in the City. While the shops and eateries in the market are also closed on Saturdays, you’ll still find groups of tourists around that day. On Sundays you might encounter the occasional tour group, including my own Dutch-language London tours , but overall it’s the quietest day of the week.

Other streets and sights in the area that are worth exploring include: St Olave’s Church on Hart Street (don’t miss the three skulls above the gate around the corner on Seething Lane).

I love the narrow Lovat Lane near Monument to the Great Fire of London and imagine this old London street hasn’t changed much in atmosphere over the last hundreds of years.

The Walrus and the Carpenter pub on the corner of that lane is worth a visit for a drink and snack too! And don’t forget to look across the road and admire the entrance of the Old Billingsgate Market on the Lower Thames Street .

The streets around Bank Station , Monument Station , Moorgate Station and Barbican Station (up towards Liverpool Street Station) are also great places in London to explore on a Sunday.

Do make sure to have a wander around Guildhall (below) and the Barbican Estate as well. Finally, also the side streets of St Paul’s Cathedral are surprisingly quiet on Sundays.

Related articles: Where to Find Historical Roman London Sites Self-guided Historical Walk along ‘Secret’ London Landmarks

Which of these special activities would you prefer to do in London on a Sunday? Let me know in a comment below! Thanks, Zarina xx

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19 thoughts on “ Unique Things to Do in London on a Sunday Only ”

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I totally agree about the city on Sundays – it can be a little strange to see the area so deserted, but I love seeing the buildings without the traffic.

p.s. Yay that you love a good Sunday roast! It sounds like you have become an honorary Brit! I do miss yorkshire puddings here in Canada. I mean, I can make them, but I hardly ever do. Sometimes it’s nice to have them made for you at a pub, with lashings of gravy!

Thank you for sharing! I have been to London so many times but I always find that you can discover something new! Old Spitalfields is a favourite of course and while I’m not sure it’s a Sunday only thing I do love those underground comedy clubs! Come to think it’s probably an every day but Sunday thing! 😂

This is such a neat idea! I haven’t visited places before and there were things you can only do on a certain day, and of course I always miss them! I would love to visit one of the debates in Hyde Park, it would be so interesting to listen to and a great way to hear from some of the locals.

Those markets look amazing! I’ll make sure to check them out when I visit London on a Sunday!

This is a very good article. I bet there are not too many flower-only markets on the planet and the history of speakers corner is surprising.

Sunday Roast is the winner for me! I grew up with them and they’re awesome!

This is a great list! I think I will really like the Petticoat lane market. I wonder how I have never been there before…

You could definitely find me in one of those markets! Would love to do that on a Sunday!

Every city has its little secrets that can only be explored with a local. In this post, You have outlined a few from London. I really enjoyed reading this one. This inspires me to write a post about my city’s little secrets. I used to go out almost every Sunday morning to explore the streets of Kolkata with my camera. Someday I might list them up and create a post like this one. Thanks for sharing.

Ah that’s so nice to hear that it gave you inspiration for your own blog! And who knows if my London tips will come in handy for you one day too 🙂

Awesome information! Mark’s never been to London so its on our list of places to visit. Who knew Sunday Roast was a thing?

So glad to hear you liked it so much! Sunday roast is very much a thing, at least it is for me ha ha! 😉

Fun post! We almost always look up what days the local markets are open when we travel. We love to visit markets but they’re usually only one or two days a week so it’s important to know which days!

Thank you, so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Hope these London tips will come in handy for you one day 🙂

Weekends can be tricky when traveling sometimes, but looks like there is plenty to do in London! I’d love to visit Spencer House.

It’s so true about weekends being tricky at some destinations! I’m so used everything being open in London and most of the UK on Sundays, that I forget about it when travelling!

It definitely varies from place to place 🙂

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25+ Fun Things To Do In London This Weekend

I t’s finally the weekend! How will you be spending it? Whether you’re in the mood for secret bars or exclusive pizzas, immersive exhibitions or pop-up experiences, there’s plenty going on in London to accommodate your desires. From new exhibitions to new activities ( pasta making anyone?), here’s what to do in London this weekend.

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What To Do In London This Weekend: 18–19 May 2024

1. the laithwaites wine festival.

Wine lovers, this is the London event for you this weekend. The Laithwaites Wine Festival will return on 17 and 18 May, bringing over 400 wines to Kensington Olympia in the UK’s largest wine tasting event. Over 100 producers from 17 countries will be represented, and guests will be able to taste a huge variety of wines, meet the people behind them, and also access special discounts, sample rare bottles from the fine wine tasting room and become a vineyard partner.

Details: There are three sessions that can be booked: evening of Friday 17 May (5–9pm), afternoon of Saturday 18 May (11am–3pm), or evening of Saturday 18 May (5–9pm). Tickets cost £50 per person per session and can be booked at laithwaites.co.uk

© Natural History Museum

2. Enjoy London Craft Week

Craft Week is back this weekend, an annual London festival celebrating all things creativity, design and exceptional craftsmanship, showcasing the work of over 750 established and emerging makers, designers, artists and luxury brands across a curated program of events, exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations. Better still, 2024 is the fair’s tenth anniversary special, so expect everything to be ramped up a notch.

Details: London Craft Week returns to London from 13–19 May 2024. Click here for our full guide to the action .

3. Crafty Pop Up

Curator&Maker is back this weekend with a spring 2024 pop-up titled ‘The Wind In The Willows’, running in tandem with London Craft Week. Drawing inspiration from the changing of the seasons and the welcome arrival of spring, the pop up will bring together the very best of British creativity and craftsmanship, with thoughtfully curated delights for both the home and garden, as well as fashion, artwork and stationery from nine carefully selected makers from around the UK.

Details: Open 11am–6pm every day except Sunday from 15–22 May 2024 at Myriad Antiques (131 Portland Rd, London W11 4LW). londoncraftweek.com

© Emma Pharaoh

4. Eat Viral Pancakes

Apple Butter is a buzzy all-day dining spot and home to some viral pancakes that are worth going out of your way for. There’s the original branch in Seven Dials, or head to the newly opened venue on Langham Place – a stone’s throw away from Oxford Circus – for all the goodness in a slightly more tranquil spot. There’s a full menu of delicious, middle eastern inspired plates, plus an extensive menu of hot and cold coffees and speciality lattes; the cinnamon roll latte is a real treat. But the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the pancakes. There’s a daily special flavour of uber fluffy pancakes, spanning the likes of strawberry cheesecake, lotus and white chocolate, hazelnut praline and, if you’re lucky, sticky toffee pudding – a rich, gooey marvel with dates and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Divine.

Details: Find Apple Butter in Seven Dials (32-34 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HA) and Langham Place (4-5 Langham Pl, London W1B 3DG). Tables are walk-in only. Good luck! applebuttercafe.com

5. Get Ascot Ready At Chapeau!

In need of a new hat or headpiece for Ascot ? Head down to Chapeau!, a Millinery Pop-Up in the heart of Mayfair bringing 12 esteemed designers from the British Hat Guild celebrating craftsmanship and design, including the likes of Stephen Jones, Victoria Grant and Lisa Tan.

Details: 1–29 May at 9 Mount St, London W1K 3NG. chapeau.london

6. Sip A Limited Edition Cocktail

Bar Antoine at Four Seasons London at Park Lane is partnering with Hoxton Spirits this week, offering guests a limited edition selection of cocktails in celebration of the Rome Bar Show in the Italian capital next week. Choose between the Hoxton Jungle (Hoxton Banana Rum, Hoxton Amaro, Pineapple Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Homemade Sugar Syrup) and the Spicy Spring (Hoxton Pink Gin, Lemon Verbena Cordial, Ceps Soda).

Details: 11–18 May at Bar Antoine (Four Seasons London at Park Lane, Hamilton Pl, Park Ln, London W1J 7DR). fourseasons.com

Roof East © Owen Billcliffe

7. Visit A Playground For Grownups

This is how Roof East is best described, featuring vibrant colours and sparkles that really shine when the sun finally shows up. Shoot up the elevator – or climb the many stairs – to the rooftop carpark, transformed into a fun haven featuring a beloved rooftop cinema, street food vendors, a Birdies mini golf course, Sluggers batting cages, Arrows archery and Glitter Bowls. Enjoy ice-cold cocktails, tuck into delicious street food, and challenge your friends to a round of giant jenga before snuggling up with a blanket for a movie.

Details: Roof East is officially open for 2024 at 7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1XE. roofeast.com

8. Hidden Gem Brunch

Celebrate the arrival of summer with brunch in the light-filled conservatory of TH@51. Tucked away in St. James’ Court London, A Taj Hotel ( one of our favourite hotels in London ), just beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows is a vibrant courtyard filled with blooming flowers, elegant brickwork and colourful faux birds suspended from the sky. It feels like a secret garden – yet you’re a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. Tuck into a very reasonably priced (and very delicious) brunch soundtracked by live music and clinking glasses – what better way to celebrate the weekend in London? The menu is inspired by nature’s elements, featuring the likes of a Breezy Acai Bowl, the Ocean Breeze Shrimp Cocktail, Lamb Chops with a wild mushroom risotto, and the Andalusian Gazpacho Bowl with ancho chilli grilled shrimp – with more classic dishes available too. Don’t forget to kick it off with a tasty mimosa, and wrap it all up with pudding (naturally); who can say no to a hot ganache cookie and a dollop of ice cream?

Details: 12:30–4:30pm every Saturday and Sunday at TH@51 (Suites and Residences, Taj 51, 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF). th51.co.uk

9. Natural Face Lift, Anyone?

This is how HarSPA Richmond’s brand new HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is best described. A truly rejuvenating experience, enter the spa at Harbour Hotel Richmond’s den of tranquillity, and emerge renewed. Created with UK-based sustainable skin and body care brand, Proverb, this facial is less about layers of serums and more about energising the skin and facial muscles for natural brightness and lift – all elevated with Proverb’s  gender-neutral, clean and natural skincare. Launched by former pro rugby player Luke Sheriff and his partner Kirstie, Proverb draws on athletic performance, and this facial really is a workout. Thanks to proven facial techniques to lift, contour and tone the skin, your circulation will be boosted bringing nutrients to the surface, and you will also benefit from lymphatic drainage, removing any toxic and waste. (Gua sha fans, this is your dream come true.) Afterwards, wind down from your workout (yes) in HarSPA’s idyllic facilities: luscious relaxation rooms, bubbly Scandi hot tubs in the garden, and a wellbeing juice bar to fuel your skin with lots of nutrients. For more fuel, Harbour Hotel’s laid back restaurant, The Gate, is the perfect pitstop – and the carrot salad is perfect (and very delicious) for any health-conscious visitors.

Details: The Proverb HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is available at HarSPA (Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). The treatment is £68, with an exclusive gift when you book your first treatment. The Gate is located in Harbour Hotel (152–158 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). harbourhotels.co.uk

10. Try Tattu’s Imperial Roast

Fancy a roast with a Chinese twist? Tattu is bringing a new dollop of weekend indulgence to Soho with its new Imperial Roast, served exclusively on Sundays. It’s the perfect roast set up, with three meats included (and a fourth available to be added), so no one has to make the dreaded decision as to which to go for. Instead, tuck into tender miso glazed chicken, pile aromatic roast duck high into a pancake, and chow down on the softest char siu pork possible. All of this is served up with a selection of soft steamed bao buns and pancakes, plus pack choi and decadent salt and pepper roasties. For an extra indulgence, tag on the caramel soy beef fillet served on a bed of asparagus – just divine. And, naturally, don’t miss dessert – the white chocolate dragon egg is a must-try (and must-smash).

Details: The Imperial Sunday Roast is available for £41.50 per person, for a minimum of two people, every Sunday at Tattu London (The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA). Vegetarian options are available, including satay cauliflower and mock caramel soy beef fillet. tattu.co.uk

11. Build A Terrarium

Bring some brightness to your living space with your very own beautiful (and low maintenance) terrarium. If you fancy making your own, join Katie and Lucas in Tottenham for guidance and all the materials you need to craft your very own oasis.

Details: Sessions take place on Saturdays in Tottenham, priced at £70 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

12. Brunch In The Sky

London’s highest brunch experience has arrived, taking over Shangri-La The Shard’s elegant Sky Lounge every Sunday from midday. Guests are welcomed with a crisp glass of Veuve Cliquot Champagne to sip while perusing the concise seasonal menu and gazing at the breathtaking skyline views. Choose from a selection of Asian-inspired à la carte starters and mains, including caraway toast loaded with a tender and fresh medley of organic carrots, confit salmon with rainbow radicchio, super soft Vietnamese-style sea bass with glass noodles and sumptuous wok-fried beef fillet with lemongrass, chilli and jasmine rice. The star of the show, however, is the incredible market-style buffet boasting chocolate and pastry creations beside cheese from renowned cheesemonger Aubrey Allen. A cheese expert showcases and serves an array of ethically sourced British and European farmhouse cheeses, from creamy blues to tangy cheddars, paired with crackers, grapes and chutneys, while sweet toothed guests can tuck into the marvellous creations crafted by the Shangri-La’s in-house pastry chefs, spanning cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pastries and pies, with a chocolate fountain bubbling away at the centre of it all. The perfect Sunday treat.

Details:  Sky Brunch is available every Sunday from 12–4pm in the Sky Lounge at Shangri-La The Shard (31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU). The brunch is priced at £79 per person including a welcome glass of Champagne, or £139 per person with bottomless Champagne. Book your table at skylounge-shangrila.com

13. Learn To Make Gelato

Say hello to warmer days with a gelato making session. Join Elisa and Fabiano in Wandsworth to learn all about the art of gelato and sorbet making, before tucking into your creation – 500g of it, no less.

Details: Sessions take place on Wednesdays and Sundays in Wandsworth, priced at £65 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

Sushi Platter

13. Dine At London’s Buzziest New Restaurant

Round of applause for CLAP, Knightsbridge’s buzziest new restaurant, featuring the sleekest of interiors (transformed from a refurbished tube station, no less), delicious Japanese food and stunning cityscape views to boot. Sip a playful cocktail and watch the sun sink beneath Harrods’ iconic dome on the horizon – or pull a stool up to the sushi counter to watch the magic happen. Peruse the lengthy menu featuring mouthwatering dishes such as Hokkaido Scallops, Roasted Tamara King Crab Leg, Sea Bass Amapeño, Pistachio Crusted Baby Chicken with yuzu and daikon, and plenty more. Or go omakase and leave it up to the expert chefs in the kitchen to put their wisdom to work. Before or after finishing a decadent meal, make sure you go upstairs to see the seventh floor complete with a statement bar, lounge, DJ deck and a rooftop terrace area with 180-degree views of London.

Details: CLAP (Sixth and seventh Floor, 12-14 Basil St, London SW3 1AJ) is open for lunch (12–3pm) and dinner (6–11pm) every weekend. claprestaurant.com

© David Parry/PA Wire.

14. See A New Sculpture

With only 13 percent of known sculptures in London attributed to women, Brookfield Properties and its new partner, The Association of Women in the Arts (AWITA), has unveiled the first of two consecutive exhibitions by women sculptors, curated through a female lens and timed to coincide with Womens’ History Month. ‘Creating visibility for female artists and valuing them through a commissioning and exhibition platform is vital to continue progress towards gender equity,’ explains Sigrid Kirk, co-founder of AWITA. Crafted by Jodie Carey and curated by Eve Miller, Beyond the Matrix is on display now.

Details: ‘Beyond the Matrix’ can be seen at 100 Bishopsgate (London EC2M 1GT) until September 2024.

15. Watch A Rooftop Film

Film lovers rejoice: Rooftop Film Club is back for 2024, herading rooftop season with it. Both the Peckham and Stratford venues will be screening a mixture of new releases and cult classics throughout Spring and Summer, from Anatomy of a Fall to About Time, Poor Things to Notting Hill. Meanwhile, nibble on pizza, popcorn and desserts, and sip on cocktails from the bar.

Details: Roof East (Rooftop Film Club Roof East, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1BB) will be open from 18 April, while the Peckham venue (Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST) will open on 25 April. Book your tickets at rooftopfilmclub.com

Sgroppino cocktail

16. Celebrate Aperitivo Hour At Swift

With lighter evenings finally the norm once again, celebrate the weekend off in style with Aperitivo Hour cocktails at Swift. Order any cocktail before 6pm and get it for only £7.

Details: £7 cocktails are available everyday before 6pm at Swift Borough (66 Borough High St, London SE1 1XF; open from 3pm on Friday, 1pm on Saturday and close on Sundays) and Swift Shoreditch (91-93 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3HZ; open from 3pm Friday–Sunday). Walk ins are very welcome, or secure your table at barswift.com

17. Skin Refresh For The Weekend

Skincare lover wondering what to do in London this weekend? Cult skin clinic Skin Laundry is pioneering the non-invasive laser facial, and we’d highly recommend it. With a limited number of services available, expect high quality, clinically proven treatments delivered by warm clinicians, many with no down time at all and some with instant glowy results. Unsure what to go for? Book a consultation and step into the calming studio ready for a candid conversation with one of the friendly clinicians regarding your skincare goals. They’ll guide you through the whole process, explaining why the lasers work, and what results you can expect. And even though ‘laser’ might sound daunting, don’t worry: it doesn’t hurt in the slightest. Already sold? Join the Skin Laundry club for multiple monthly facials and exclusive discounts on all services and products.

Details: Skin Laundry is open everyday in Chelsea (69A King’s Rd, London SW3 4NX), Soho (9 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RL) and Hampstead (68 Heath St, London NW3 1DN), 10am–8pm with reduced hours on Sundays. Book your appointment at skinlaundry.uk

18. Dine Atop The National Portrait Gallery

If you haven’t visited the rejuvenated National Portrait Gallery yet, where have you been hiding? (Away from the crowds, no doubt…) If you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit, this is it: perched atop the stunning, world-famous gallery is The Portrait, Richard Corrigan’s restaurant serving delicious British fare with stunning city views, from Big Ben to the London Eye. Gone are the days of stale bread rolls and lukewarm soups; this museum restaurant takes everything up a notch (or 10). The vibes are upscale yet super laid back, with pale wood interiors throughout and an open kitchen. Expect high quality artisan ingredients transformed into creative dishes, starting with the likes of duck heart, celeriac soup and an indulgent yet playful crispy slow poached egg. For mains, there are three pastas to choose from, or tuck into a hearty plate in classic British style; think Fillet of Beef, Lamb Rump, or the rich Guinea Fowl with nduja. Divine. Visit before a stroll through the gallery below or to refuel afterwards, resting your weary museum walked legs.

Details: The Portrait is open for lunch Tuesday–Sunday and dinner Wednesday–Sunday at National Portrait Gallery (St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE). Book your table at theportraitrestaurant.com

Yoko Ono with Half-A-Room 1967 from HALF-A-WIND SHOW, Lisson Gallery, London, 1967. Photo © Clay Perry

19. See The Yoko Ono Exhibition

She may be best known for being married to John Lennon, but there’s a lot more to Yoko Ono than her Beatles connection. The Japanese musician and performance artist, now 90, has a fascinating body of work that spans over seven decades – which is being explored in an landmark exhibition at Tate Modern. The largest show Yoko Ono’s work yet, Music of the Mind will delve into some of the most talked about works of her career, from the 1950s to the modern day. Naturally, her London years (1966 – 1971) will be a point of intrigue: the period she became intertwined with a nonconformist network of artists and musicians, including Lennon. Her banned Film No. 4 (Bottoms) will be shown, and visitors will have the chance to participate in White Chess Set, a game with solely white chess pieces believed to symbolise Ono’s anti-war stance.

Details: 15 February–1 September at the Tate Modern (Bankside, London SE1 9TG). tate.org.uk

20. Visit The Immersive David Attenborough Experience

Nature fan looking for a new immersive experience in London? We’ve found the perfect thing for you to try this weekend in London: OTHERWORLD’s David Attenborough Immersive Anthology. A three-part immersive journey narrated by David Attenborough, this stunning 8K virtual reality casts nature’s beasts and beauties into sharp relief, featuring carnivorous flytraps, majestic butterflies and towering pterosaurs, all brought to life by state-of-the-art 3D cinematography and computer graphics, spatial audio and tactile bass technology.

Details: OTHERWORLD has two London venues: Victoria (85 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QJ) and Hackney (336 Acton Mews, Haggerston, London E8 4EA). Tickets are £35 per person for the 70 minute experience, including a 15 minute interval, and can be purchased at other.world

21. Sip Cocktails In A Secret Bar

Sotto is London’s latest speakeasy bar opening, hidden beneath Soho’s buzzy Bocconcino. It’s all about classic Italian elegance, expressed through chic interiors, soft lighting, and a cool menu of unique savoury cocktails. Everything has an Italian twist: think an Old Fashioned infused with wild mushrooms, or the Avocado Amore blending the favourite fruit with Italian lemons, Calabrian chilli and basil foam, or the Velvet Corvina mixing corvina wine with peach purée, wine cordial, crème de cassis and blood orange. Enjoy alongside a selection of small plates for the perfect intimate date night spot. Cheers!

Details: Sotto is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm–2am at Bocconcino Soho (59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY). Book at bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

22. Sound Healing At The Mandrake

Seeking some serenity? Experience the transformative combination of Reiki and Sound Healing every Saturday at The Mandrake Hotel, guided by skilled sound healer Maria Lodetoft. Expect Reiki healing amid the soothing soundscape of alchemy crystal singing bowls, producing tones and frequencies thought to align the chakras, calm the mind, and open the heart.

Details: Every Saturday at 11am at The Mandrake Hotel (20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG). Places cost £40 per person and can be booked at themandrake.com

23. The Leo Green Experience

Live music and jazz fans should flock to QT this weekend, where The Leo Green Experience celebrates the best sax solos centre stage, putting a high-energy sax twist on the biggest hits of the last 30 years. Featuring table service delivering an array of small plates and cocktails, there’s an old school vibe with an easy breezy air: think drinking, dancing and eating while Leo and his band raise the roof.

Details: Every Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30–9.15pm and 9.45pm–1am at QT (Middle Eight Hotel, 66 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BX). Tickets are £25 for general admission, or £35 for seated table service. Book at middleeight.com

24. Wine & Small Plates

Nothing says ‘weekend’ better than a heady mixture of delicious small plates washed down with a crisp glass of wine. If you’re looking for a new go-to in London, try Humble Grape, with six venues across London all somehow retaining the je ne sais quoi of a chic, neighbourhood wine bar. All dishes are sustainable, organic and seasonally inspired, with mouth-watering options like crispy chilli fried chicken, moreish burrata and rich baked camembert with a hunk of sourdough bread. Don’t miss the crispy cauliflower with chilli ketchup and aioli: you’ll be batting forks with your peers to snag the last bite. On the drinks side, Humble Grape is all about organic, sustainable wine, whether you’re a connoisseur, a casual wine drinker, or a newbie to the scene. It’s got the perfect low-key vibe for a pre-Valentine’s date, a gossip with your pals , or simply select a bottle from the shop and drink it in the bar for the chicest of weekend activities.

Details:  Humble Grape has six London venues: Battersea, Islington, Canary Wharf, Fleet Street, Liverpool Street and Crouch End. humblegrape.co.uk

25. Dinner Break From Shopping

Going shopping in London this weekend? If you’re looking for a chic spot to fuel up after a busy day on your feet, Bar des Prés is the perfect answer. From acclaimed French chef Cyril Lignac, expect a thrilling blend of Franco-East Asian cuisines across meticulously crafted dishes, from California rolls to sashimi, gyoza to the signature Crunchy crab & avocado galette (you’ll see everyone ordering this; it tastes as beautiful as it looks). Sit barside for a front row seat to the cold kitchen show, plus watch the mixologists shaking up a storm, with a concise cocktail list catering to all tastes – the signatures are all delightful. There are some seasonal specials evoking perfect cosy vibes, from Beef Gyoza with Ginger and Soy to Miso Caramelised Aubergine to Roast Scallops with Potimarron Squash. But the signature dishes remain stunning as ever, including ever-delicious Black cod caramelised with miso, served with baby spinach (who knew spinach could be so delicious), plus perfect cubes of Wagyu and the ever-intriguing Vanilla wash (weird and wonderful). All this amid sophisticated, moody, intimate surrounds; if it’s just a cocktail you seek, venture downstairs for a subtly chic subterranean space.

Details: Bar des Prés (16 Albemarle St, London W1S 4HW) is open for dinner everyday from 6pm, closing at 11pm Monday–Saturday and 10pm on Sundays. bardespres.com

© Sam Harris

26. Live Music Bars

There’s only one thing better than live music: live music with a glass of something in your hand. London’s live music bar scene is thriving – it always has been – and from jazz clubs to hi-fi DJ venues, there are plenty to choose from. Our favourite this winter is Brilliant Corners, a vibrant yet moody spot tucked away in Dalston, serving natural wine, zingy cocktails and a delicious seasonal five-course set menu inspired by the izakaya of Japan.

Details: Brilliant Corners is open 5pm–1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and 4pm–midnight on Sundays at 470 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE. Book your table at brilliantcornerslondon.co.uk

London’s Best Bars For Live Music

27. Columbia Road Flower Market

Brighten the gloomy winter days with a trip to London’s premiere flower market this weekend: Columbia Road. Taking place every Sunday between Bethnal Green and Hoxton, it attracts people from far and wide in droves and for good reason, offering a glorious slice of unchanging London life, with reasonable prices across flowers and bulbs, succulents and houseplants. With a rainbow of vibrant colours, it’s hard to resist succumbing to the classic Instagram shots. Afterwards, head into Shoreditch, or grab a bagel on the ever-popular Brick Lane.

Details: Sundays, 8am–2pm at Columbia Road, Bethnal Green E2 7RG. columbiaroad.info

More Of London’s Gorgeous Flower Markets To Visit

28. Go Bowling

OK, OK, a generic weekend suggestion – but London’s bowling alleys are some of the nation’s best. Whether you’re looking to host a big birthday blowout, make plans with friends or you’re in need of new date ideas, you’ll bowl everyone over with these spots .

29. Learn To Make Pasta

Wondering what to do in London next weekend? Try your hand at the Italian art of pasta making at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy in Farringdon. Expect to learn all about the best ingredients and techniques, and eat your creation at the end, too. Read our review of the Beginners’ Class here .

Details: Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy (62-63 Long Lane, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ). These classes are extremely high-demand, so your weekend activity will inevitably be booking ahead for a future weekend. pastaevangelists.com

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The best Sunday roasts in London

By Sarah James

Whether enjoyed in one of the capital's pub gardens during the summer or savoured by the fire during the chillier months, London certainly has a fabulous selection of Sunday roasts to tuck into. Choose your meat (or vegetarian alternative) and wait in anticipation as piled plates come your way topped with doughy Yorkshire puddings. This is the only fool-proof way to cure the Sunday scaries.

The Wolseley City

Best Sunday roast in London for: a traditional British Sunday Dish to order: Sirloin of Herefordshire beef

There’s something wonderful about dining at The Wolseley. The classic dishes are a welcome break from the small plates currently dominating the dining scene. So, when they opened in The City, we knew we had to book a table.

Their newest foray into East London comes in the shape of what was the Monument branch of the House of Fraser. The interiors ooze art deco grandeur with Egypt-centric design, invoking nostalgia for times past. We arrive on Mother’s Day, so the crowd differs from what I can only assume is typically bankers and consultants, but we welcome the change of clientele. We snoop at the main menu, an ode to French and Viennese classics (think schnitzel meets escargot), but alas, we are here for the best of British meals – a Sunday roast.

We order a zingy Bergamot Royale to get things started and then focus our attention on the main event. Diners have three options: beef, chicken and roasted celeriac. We decided to order the two classics, and we were not disappointed. The meat is peppery and tender, the chicken is juicy and full of flavour, and the roast potatoes are as crispy as they come. You can expect bread pudding to be served alongside, making for an incredibly traditional Sunday afternoon. We topped it off with a tart and a marmalade bread and butter pudding. We leave with full tummies and with the knowledge that I have officially and happily assimilated into British culture as a US expat. Amber Port

Address: 68 King William St, London EC4N 7HR Website: thewolseleycity.com

Claridge's Restaurant

Best Sunday roast for: a special occasion Dish to order: the Herefordshire beef

Claridge’s might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of a Sunday lunch. The classically British dining room is the ultimate spot for a special occasion – think stained glass skylights, gilded mirrors, leather banquettes and marble countertops. A far cry from your local boozer, but with the guarantee of the most decadent Sunday roast you’ll have tried. Start with a non-negotiable Bloody Mary to kick-start the meal, before delving into the three-course affair. Starters include a confit duck terrine with sweet fig jam to scoop up with the fluffiest brioche you could imagine, and a sea bass and crab fish cake, perfectly crispy on the outside and indulgently creamy inside, topped with a dollop tartare sauce and wakame seaweed for an umami hit. But it’s the main event that steals the show – a Norfolk black leg chicken with a truffle stuffing to split between two; a roasted rib of beef with horseradish purée and a Yorkshire pudding the size of your head; grilled halibut with smoked caviar or a celeriac and mushroom pithivier. Each dish is served with heaped platters of sides, from crispy roast potatoes and glazed carrots to creamed cabbage with crispy bacon and a cheesy cauliflower gratin – all best paired with a bottle of wine from Claridge’s cellar (ask your sommelier for a tour to help you choose).

Address: Claridge's, Brook St, London W1K 4HR Website: claridges.co.uk

Dovetale, 1 Hotel Mayfair

Best Sunday roast for: oysters and ice cream Dish to order: Pigs in blankets

It’s rare for an upscale hotel to replicate the relaxed homeliness of your local pub. But that’s how taking a booth at Dovetale on a Sunday feels. With the fire on, chefs busily at work, and the buzz of family life around you, it’s as lovely as can be. Lunch is a local feast; no less than you’d expect from Restaurant Story’s Tom Sellers, who has taken his British-with-a-twist ethos to the flagship restaurant within 1 Hotel Mayfair . Cornish oysters from the raw bar and bubbles from Gusbourne estate in Kent arrive before we switch to a rich, smokey red on sommelier Tom’s recommendation. The burrata is brought in daily – so fresh it’s never been refrigerated – served with pinch pots of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Everything is elevated here. It’s not just swede mash, but swede mash with capers. Cauliflower cheese has a swirl of truffle. Even the bread rolls are noteworthy; their ends teased out into a twizzle like an eccentric moustache. There are chicken, beef or mushroom roasts, but we’d recommend the beef – pink right to the edge, topped off with a sliver of char and a generous spoonful of horseradish cream. The vintage Knickerbocker Glory cart is a hit for kids, too. We saw several wide-eyed stares as little ones watched their mix-and-match dessert dreams being fulfilled before their eyes. Charley Ward

Address: 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley Street, London, W1J 8DL Website: 1hotels.com/mayfair/taste/dovetale

The Midland Grand Dining Room, King's Cross

Best Sunday roast in London for: an opulent affair Dish to order: sirloin of tender grass-fed beef (and a bloody mary)

Taking inspiration from the vibrant and buzzy bistros of Paris, The Midland Grand’s new ‘Grand Sunday Lunch’ is a delightful deviance from the over-saturated market of traditional Sunday roasts more commonly found across London. Chef Patrick Powell instead offers up a masterfully curated menu of hearty and soul-warming Sunday specials – updated weekly and designed for sharing – including such joys as confit lamb shoulder or whole roast John Dory.

The setting is, as the name suggests, oozing with grandeur. Gilt touches and art-deco flair reign throughout the unfathomably high-ceilinged dining room; however, despite the opulent aesthetics the vibe is refreshingly relaxed. In true Sunday style, you can sink into the plush chairs whilst nursing a bloody mary – the perfect spot to talk out the week and drink in the surroundings.

On the menu during my visit, I whet the whistle with a beetroot, fig, ricotta and walnut small plate before leading on to the main event – sirloin of tender grass-fed beef with a punchy, peppery sauce and a shallot and parsley salad that cut through the richness, all served alongside the most decadent of dauphinois. If you still have room (I’d advise you to go with a healthy appetite) make sure to sample the molten lava cake which is a perfectly pillowy end to an altogether indulgent affair. Finally, be prepared to roll yourself home – at least King’s Cross station is just a few short steps away. Lucy Bruton

Address: The Midland Grand Dining Room, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, London NW1 2AR Website: midlandgranddiningroom.com

The Lanesborough Grill

Best Sunday roast in London for: an indulgent lunch with wine pairings Dish to order: Roast sirloin of Hereford beef, horseradish and apple cream, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes

On a quiet Sunday on the doorstep of Hyde Park, The Lanesborough stands as a stoic landmark on the edge of London’s most exclusive shopping district. The friendly and dedicated Les Clefs d’Or concierge are on hand to give you the timeless experience this hotel group is notorious for. Guided through the grand mansion halls, renovated by interior designer Alberto Pinto, lunch is served in the Lanesborough Grill’s Regency dining room, a reimagined flagship restaurant run by Executive Chef Shay Cooper and decorated with abstract art by British-based artists. Seated in one of the deep-set, pale blue armchairs, bathed in natural light from the domed glass ceiling, the calming atmosphere of the room embraces you, be it the tranquil soundtrack, the private conversations of diners celebrating anniversaries, birthdays or even the sight of the regulars visiting their local haunts – we people watched a man with a baby in tow (regular enough to trust the staff to watch his son while he nips to the loo).

A modern take on British cuisine, the three-course menu (at £75 per person) is developed using only the best seasonal produce from the UK. It offers the option of a wine pairing (for an extra £55 supplement per person). The master sommeliers will prepare the perfect flavour combinations for your three courses. In this case, a deep red wine accompanies our main, roast sirloin beef, carved tableside, served from vintage Gueridon trolleys alongside small plates of al dente seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes and laid on the table for family-style dining. The caramelised brioche pudding, with burnt orange puree, is next paired with a glass of 2017 Domaine De Souch, Jurançon Moelleux “Marie Kattalin” – a pudding in its own right with an intense depth of fruity flavours I’ve never experienced in a wine. Petit fours are served as we finish the final vestiges of our delectable wine pairings, the perfect end to a Sunday afternoon. Megan Wilkes

Address : The Lanesborough Grill, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA Website : oetkercollection.com

Booking Office 1869, King's Cross

Best Sunday roast in London for: decadent dining Dish to order: roast roll rib-eye

Whether you have time before jumping on the Eurostar, or you're just in London for a leisurely Sunday afternoon mooching around  Kings Cross  and Coal Drops Yard, a visit to Booking Office 1869 in St. Pancras International Station for an indulgent Sunday roast must be factored in. Lunch is served in the most beautiful dining rooms designed by architect French Hugo Toro, with red brick arches framing stained glass windows, towering skinny palm trees, huge decadent chandeliers and bright velvet patterned dining chairs.

The three-course menu starts with Cornish mackerel, beetroot hummus and the wafer-thin bresaola topped with pickled veg. Mains included the soft corn-fed chicken with sourdough bread sauce, the miso caramel glazed butternut squash and (our favourite) a delicious roast roll rib-eye with a side of smooth horseradish cream. Following suit, waiters deliver a black cast iron cauldron of warm crispy roasties, buttery cabbage, roasted carrots, and huge Yorkshires to be shared. Plop the veggies onto your plate, cover it in gravy and dig in. Save room for the fluffy trio of profiteroles with a jug of molten hot chocolate sauce for pudding. Sophie Knight

Address: Booking Office 1869, Euston Road, London NW1 2AR Website: booking-office.co.uk

Boundary, Shoreditch

Best Sunday roast in London for: upbeat Sunday vibes Dish to order: roast pork belly

There are plenty of reasons to visit Boundary Hotel. From its trendy  rooftop bar  to its buzzy brasserie, you’re guaranteed the friendliest service in the coolest buildings, slap bang in the middle of  Shoreditch . Come Sunday, the ground-floor brasserie serves up the tastiest of Sunday roasts in its light-flooded, modern dining room. Arrive super hungry as this roast is no easy feat – it’s so big the Yorkshire pudding hangs off the plate.

Start with a glass of Champagne or a boozy bloody Mary to kick off lunch in a Shoreditch fashion. Starters include a sweet but savoury goat’s cheese and red onion tart and the tasty steak tartare served with crunchy toasted sourdough. As for the roast, you’re spoilt for choice. There’s 35-day aged roast beef, free-range roast chicken, a veggie option which changes weekly and our favourite, the roast pork belly with crunchy crackling and plenty of apple sauce. If making decisions is too much for you, opt for the mixed roast with all three meats. Plates are piled high with all the trimmings – duck fat potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, fresh seasonal greens, the largest Yorkshire puddings, a side of cauliflower cheese and that all-important jug of gravy. Finish the afternoon with warm sticky toffee pudding.  Sophie Knight

Address: 2-4 Boundary Street, London E2 7DD Website: boundary.london

The Twenty Two, Mayfair

Best Sunday roast in London for: a long stylish lunch  Dish to order: the roast sirloin of Aberdeen Angus beef

Mayfair might be quiet on a Sunday, but inside the duck egg blue walls of  The Twenty Two ’s hotel restaurant, it’s surprisingly buzzy. Chanel bags are strung over mustard velvet chairs, while bright young things (and the occasional A-lister) nurse hangovers with Bloody Marys from the dedicated menu. I went for the Mary Celeste, served with Tanqueray 10 gin, topped with an oyster, plus a suggested side glass of tomato liqueur (surprisingly smooth), and I didn't regret a thing. The restaurant’s full seafood-heavy menu is available and worth exploring, even if it’s just a starter – the sea bass crudo with citrus dressing is heavenly. For the traditional Sunday stuff, former Arbutus chef Alan Christie delivers a confidently simple roast selection – chicken, lamb or beef. All the trimmings come as standard and are brought to the table in a flurry of side plates. Voluminous Yorkshires are placed down in miniature saucepans, their flavourful taste I’m told is down to the particular eggs used. The potatoes are a masterful hybrid of fluffy roast and crunchy chip, while the carrots are a surprising star, cooked to rare perfection. The restaurant is so beautiful it’s worth lingering a little longer after the last mouthful of cauliflower cheese. Nestle in, order a coffee (or Mexican coffee martini if you’re in the mood), split a pudding (the slice of bread and butter pudding is stodge-free) and savour an incredibly chic lazy Sunday. Lauren Burvill

Address : The Twenty Two, 22 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6LF Website :  the22.london

Charley Ward

Connor Sturges

Anna Prendergast

The Laundry, Brixton

Best Sunday roast in London for : pure indulgence Dish to order: Truffle cauliflower cheese, sage and truffle gratin

The Laundry’s red-brick Edwardian building wouldn’t be amiss in a Charles Dickens novel, still boasting its original name and vocation ‘Sanitary Steam Laundry’ in large letters across the front. Inside, the feel is much more contemporary – chic but a little rustic, offering a fresh spin on its heritage. It’s all very relaxed here, making it an ideal spot for brunches , lunches, Sunday roasts and supper. Elements of the menu are nostalgic – a prawn cocktail starter, for example, transported us back to a 1970’s dinner party. Mel Brown, the owner, also imports wine and the walls are stacked with thoughtfully selected independent brands. Classic cocktails come served with a twist; an espresso martini has added caramel, a mojito is brightened with pineapple. They may sound sickly, but the flavours are perfectly balanced.

The Sunday roast is piled high on plates, with vegan pie also on the menu. But the showstopper is a succulent pulled roast pork belly with apple sauce. The meat pairs beautifully with creamy roasted butternut squash, mint peas and fluffy-inside, crunchy-outside potatoes. Carrots, gravy and Yorkshire pudding also make a welcome appearance. This is a chef who respects tradition but amps things up in their way; unexpected flavours emerge in subtle but inventive ways. Eat yours with the decadent cauliflower cheese, sage and truffle gratin – reason enough alone to book a table. Lily Bonesso

Address: The Laundry, 374 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PL Website: thelaundrybrixton.com

Hicce Hart, Islington

Best Sunday roast in London for: a wholesome Sunday Dish to order: herb-stuffed rolled pork belly

Pip Lacey and Gordy McIntyre, the duo behind the hugely popular Hicce in Coal Drops Yard, have just opened a follow-up in Islington: a cosy pub on the corner of Chapel Market serving modern small plates as well as a hearty roast lunch every Sunday. What’s more inviting than a cosy warm pub filled with locals and natter to spend a long Sunday afternoon - not to mention the irresistible-looking Yorkshires piled high in the kitchen? Start with a smoky Bloody Mary made with mezcal, house-roasted tomatoes and hot sauce, or a Mimosa made with apple and thyme. Snacks and starters should be a priority. They include mini saucisson and mussels with white wine and parsley, but our favourite was the crispy pulled pork bites. Onto the roast. Served with all the trimmings and a huge Yorkshire pudding, choose from a free-range half chicken (which takes up half of the plate), herb-stuffed rolled pork belly with crispy skin or wild mushroom and red wine tart. If you’ve room for pudding the custard pavlova with sweet calvados apples isn’t to be missed. Top tip: families can order a child-size roast for the little ones.  Sophie Knight

Address: 58 Penton St, London N1 9PZ, United Kingdom Website: hiccehart.co.uk

CUT at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair

Best Sunday roast in London for : a special occasion Dish to order: beef tartar with waygu dripping

This might just be the fanciest roast London has to offer – no surprise, considering CUT at 45 Park Lane is part of the smart hotel group The Dorchester Collection. The airy dining room is more modern ballroom than cosy space – super-high ceilings flooded with light that dances across marble flooring. A glass of sparkling wine, made locally in nearby Sussex and a basket of warm-baked soft bread and butter kicks things off. Next up: a light salad of butter lettuce, avocado and stilton drizzled in Champagne-herb vinaigrette or roasted potato and onion soup with Caviar, or heavier options such as beef steak tartar with wagyu beef dripping on sourdough toast. But really, of course, you're here for the roast. Choose between an ultra-pared-back menu: grass-fed English beef sirloin or a nut roast. There are roasted baby carrots and caramelised shallots, soft juicy sprouts, the cheesiest cauliflower with a hint of truffle, more truffle in the form of roast potatoes, wagyu dripping Yorkshire pudding, charred hispi cabbage and the can’t-go-without element: a jug of red-wine beef gravy. This elite roast is a real showstopper and one to book for a special occasion. Sophie Knight

Address: 45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN Website: dorchestercollection.com

The Audley Public House, Mayfair

Best Sunday roast in London for: lunch in an art filled boozer Dish to order: roast beef

Mayfair is a peculiar place on the weekend – without the flurry of suited midweek workers, it feels sleepy and calm. The same can be said for Sunday guests at The Audley. Usually, this spot is full to the brim with after-work punters sipping cold pints. On weekends, it's full of well-dressed locals and the odd tourist who has made a pit stop after shopping nearby. Seat yourself at a wooden table, order a Bloody Mary or a glass of red and admire the restored 1888 wooden interiors adorned with artwork – most impressive of all, the brightly painted kaleidoscope ceiling by Phyllida Barlow. Choosing a roast is simple as there’s only one option: traditional roast beef sourced from Artfarm’s farm in Somerset (Artfarm was in charge of the Victorian pub restoration, owned by gallerists and hoteliers Hauser and Wirth). The plate is piled with slices of perfectly-cooked beef, roast potatoes, carrots and a fluffy Yorkshire, and topped with juicy pulled beef plus a side of piping hot cauliflower cheese. For obvious reasons, the jug of beef gravy must be used liberally.  Sophie Knight

Address: 41-43 Mount Street, Mayfair W1K 2RX Website: theaudleypublichouse.com

Birch, Waltham Cross

Best Sunday roast in London for : an elegant tasting menu Dish to order: pork belly

You’re not in London anymore. Geographically, that is. Birch – a country-house hotel meets members’ club meets restaurant meets coworking space – is set just outside the city, reachable from Liverpool Street Station in about 30 minutes. Aesthetically, spiritually, this feels like an extension of the capital. Public spaces are snazzy – decorated in the style of an art-savvy, thoroughly wealthy couple’s country pile. Think wood-panelled, deep navy, or salmon pink rooms with high ceilings, sweeping staircases and grand archways, each one filled with sculptures and abstract canvases that seem out of place, yet somehow fit right in.

For those making the pilgrimage just for the day, The Zebra Riding Club is the main draw – Robin Gill’s restaurant (The Dairy, Sorella), set in the house’s old stables. It’s named after the legend that the former owner, Victorian socialite Lady Meux, apparently careened about Mayfair in a carriage drawn by zebras.

Sunday lunch is a fairly new addition to the roster here. The tasting menu (£38 per person) is based on what’s thriving on the hotel farm at that given moment. Picky bits to share might include porridge sourdough with house-made pickles, whipped goats curd with farm-grown beetroot or sweetcorn fritters that pop in your mouth. Move onto wood roast pork belly, confit cod in nutty brown butter or ricotta dumplings served with herbs plucked from the garden, perhaps, served with gnarly potatoes and grilled veggies. All the dishes are served on delightfully pretty crockery, in a delightfully pretty dining room – olive green walls, cosy booths, rattan chairs and a big open bar, from which you should order whatever cocktail is seasonal during your visit to extend your stay a little longer. Sarah James

Address: Birch, Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt, Goff's Oak, Waltham Cross EN7 5HW Website: birchcommunity.com

Perilla, Stoke Newington

Best Sunday roast in London for : unusual twists on hearty British classics Dish to order: burnt-onion soup

On the corner of Newington Green, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the changing leaves in the park, Perilla is a plant-filled, stripped-back, earth-toned homage to seasonal cooking. There’s a warmness to its minimalism, with glass light fixtures, mid-century-modern chairs and chunky wooden tables that invite long lazy lunches. But it’s the food that really steals the show. Inventive twists on classic European dishes are served up by 20-something head chef and co-owner Ben Marks, who held coveted positions at Noma, Stockholm’s Operakällaren and Claridge’s before launching Perilla Dining as a pop-up with his business partner Matthew Emmerson. Their Sunday roast menu, which changes weekly and includes just one choice of a set meal, starts with warm sourdough bread threaded with seaweed chunks which comes wrapped in brown paper, followed by a show-stopping, deliciously sweet burnt-onion soup presented in a singed whole onion. The mains are for sharing: an impressive chicken and cep mushroom pie has a crisp shortcrust pastry top covered in shavings of Parmesan and is served with herbed mash and a large salad. There’s a warm treacle tart with ginger ice cream for pudding – if only you had room to finish it. Emma Russell

Address: Perilla, 1-3 Green Lanes, Newington Green, London N16 9BS Website: perilladining.co.uk

Blacklock, Soho

Best Sunday roast in London for: going the whole hog Dish to order: pig’s head on toast, while you consider the options

Soho basements used to be places to stumble down into or get propelled up out of, but those times have a-changed – just take a look up the road at the now-shuttered Windmill club, or the new Boulevard Theatre from Paul Raymond's granddaughter. Blacklock’s downstairs address certainly has a nudge-nudge past – but is now a wholesome chophouse that you could bring the whole family to, a den of not-much-iniquity with cocktails for a fiver and low-intervention wine on tap. On a Sunday, it’s a near-Hogarthian scene of well-mannered abandon, booked weeks in advance so there’s an infectious sense of intent, a sleeves-rolled-up air of expectation amid Sixties soul and the brick walls.

It’s unapologetically carnivorous (though it does have a veggie roast option): the Bloody Mary is made with beef jus; favourite starter is the peppery pig’s head terrine on toast, served with a dinky pot of gravy. All meat comes from family-run farms in Cornwall and prices kept lean thanks to a nose-to-tail policy of using the whole animal and sharing it with other like-minded kitchens as well as Blacklock’s two other locations (City and Shoreditch). First-timers may want to go for the generous trilogy of roasts – 55-day aged beef rump, lamb leg and pork loin – brought to the table surrounded by tanned duck-fat spuds and carrots, a chargrilled bloom of cabbage and splendid golden nuggets of crackling, with the sauce for each in little pots, a larger one for cauliflower cheese and a gravy boat followed by a second, ‘just in case’. The service is impressively speedy, never rushed, and the roasts fly off the plate; it takes stamina to even consider ordering the cheesecake or bread-and-butter pud. Most folk walk back up the stairs a lot more slowly and carefully than they came down. Rick Jordan

Address: Blacklock, 24 Great Windmill Street, Soho, London W1D 7LG Website: theblacklock.com

The Camberwell Arms

Best Sunday roast in London for: standout small plates Dish to order : smoked haddock fritters

This is the kind of place you want to spend all of Sunday afternoon and the evening too – especially if it’s grey and raining outside. Locals sit at the bar sipping negronis or white port and tonics while feasting on the changing small plates – because while there is spit-roasted chicken (ordered to share, with roast potatoes, a herby salad and aioli), slow-roasted spring lamb or Hereford beef, there’s also a changing menu of seasonal dishes that might include crispy curried smoked haddock fritters with a green chilli yoghurt or tagliatelle with girolles and broad beans served with ricotta and pecorino. Book a table (ideally at the back of the ground floor, though upstairs is nice and light in the summer months) and when you’re kicked off after your meal, carry on at the wood-panelled bar. Tabitha Joyce

Address: The Camberwell Arms, 65 Camberwell Church Street, Camberwell, London SE5 8TR Website: thecamberwellarms.co.uk

Kerridge's Bar and Grill at Corinthia Hotel London

Best Sunday roast in London for: a special occasion Dish to order: Home-farm lamb rump and belly, braised chicory and cabbage pureé

The streets feel pretty quiet around this Embankment spot on a Sunday, but as soon as you step inside the Corinthia Hotel London you’ll find a buzzing drinks space, a lobby filled with people taking tea, and packed tables at moody Kerridge's Bar & Grill. Chef Tom Kerridge is best known for his Michelin-starred pubs in Buckinghamshire’s Marlow, so it’s unsurprising that his Sunday roast is next-level. There’s pig-cheek pie with clotted-cream mash, crispy black pudding and devilled sauce; rib of beef, from his Marlow butcher’s shop The Butcher’s Tap, with Yorkshire pudding, horseradish cream and knock-out roasted potatoes; and Kerridge's famous deep-fried sea bream with triple-cooked chips, served with three blue-rimmed ramekins of mushy peas, home-made tartare and a posh curry sauce. If you’re going all out, the glazed omelette lobster thermidor to start is a rich, oozy triumph. Kerridge manages to pull off unpretentious fine food as well as anyone; this is a Sunday lunch worthy only of a big celebration. Tabitha Joyce

Read the full review of Kerridge's Bar and Grill at Corinthia Hotel London

Address : Kerridge’s Bar and Grill, 10 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AE Website : kerridgesbarandgrill.co.uk

The Coach, Clerkenwell

Best Sunday roast in London for: a bistro take on the Sunday ritual Dish to order: 48-day aged Hereford sirloin of beef

This cosy pub has been going since 1790, supplying pints to thirsty workers and locals, but more recently has become something of a foodie magnet as well, thanks to ex-Racine chef-restaurateur Henry Harris, who added his own, much-praised French-bistro touch. The seating space behind the bar has tasteful historical and botanical prints on the walls and backs onto a small garden , which is packed in summer and ensures there's plenty of natural light, even on an overcast day. This is comfort-food territory, and you can easily put together a belt-loosening, nap-inducing sequence of rich dishes (not a bad thing). There's also a handful of bold plates for those who don't shy away from offal – lamb sweetbreads with morels, black pudding or even calf's brain with capers. The menu changes regularly but always has several roasts: there might be sirloin of beef, côte de boeuf , pork belly, plus a number of dishes for two to three people such as braised lamb shoulder, all served with decadent duck-fat roasted potatoes. But it should be possible to have a virtuously light lunch, too – kohlrabi and fennel salad, followed by gurnard with monk's beard, for example. Not that we'd know. Our beef came with a wow-factor enormous Yorkshire pudding half-concealing sweet roasted carrots, and a cheesy leek gratin side that was almost a whole dish of its own.

All around us families and groups were chatting, some with four-legged friends in tow, which were clearly very welcome, and dedicating themselves to what the place is made for – whiling away the afternoon. Katharina Hahn

Read the full review of The Coach

Address : The Coach, 26-28 Ray Street, London EC1R 3DJ Website : thecoachclerkenwell.co.uk

The Drapers Arms, Islington

Best Sunday roast in London for : A three-course affair Dish to order: Braised rib cap to share

There’s a cool crowd of regulars you’ll spot in here on a weekly basis, and it's always rammed right from 12pm through to closing time – so book ahead for a seat at one of the simple wooden tables, or nab a stool at the bright-emerald bar. The space is cosy with chandeliers and a black-and-white diamond-chequered floor and, best of all, a roaring log-burning stove (there's also a small courtyard out back for summer Sundays). The menu changes all the time (to keep those regulars happy), but there are always a couple of sharing options (braised rib cap with mashed potato, turnip tops and gravy; confit duck leg and pork-belly casserole; a slow-roasted shoulder of lamb), as well as imaginative vegetarian options such as roast squash and Jerusalem artichokes with a sage and chestnut dressing. Unusually for a Sunday, the starters are top notch too – think celeriac soup with hazelnuts and truffle honey or baked garlic camembert. Even the pudding menu changes on a regular basis but expect proper British homemade treats like sticky toffee pudding and chocolate beer cake. Tabitha Joyce

Address : The Drapers Arms, 44 Barnsbury Street, London N1 1ER Website : thedrapersarms.com

The Albion, Islington

Best Sunday roast in London for: Sunday roasts by the log fire Dish to order: Whole roasted lemon and thyme chicken with sage and onion stuffing

A wisteria-clad Islington gem, The Albion is always heaving on Sundays (booking in advance is a must). Slow-roasted pork belly, rumps of lamb and 28-day-aged sirloin come with Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings, but if you’re organised, pre-order one of the sharing plates: a whole roasted lemon and thyme chicken or a slow-cooked shoulder of rib of beef easily big enough for two people. And it’s the ambience that’s such a big part of the charm; a warren of different rooms with roaring log fires for lazy winter afternoons and, for warmer weather, a pretty walled garden with pergolas and creeping vines. Bring the papers and linger all day. Teddy Wolstenholme

Address : The Albion, 10 Thornhill Road, London N1 1HW Website : the-albion.co.uk

The Cleveland Arms, Paddington

Best Sunday roast in London for: a long Sunday afternoon Dish to order: lemon and thyme roast chicken

Hidden away behind towering white Georgian homes in a sleepy Paddington mews is The Cleveland Arms, a smart boozer that dishes out elevated pub food and a superb Sunday lunch. It was revamped in 2014 under the ownership of a film executive, and interiors feature dark blue walls and wood panelling, plus dim vintage lights from New Orleans which give the space a snoozy feel. The food, from pork loin and top-side beef to a whole braised lamb shoulder, is served on Willow-patterned china – we recommend the juicy lemon and thyme chicken that comes with silky braised greens, golden crunchy potatoes, a fluffy Yorkshire pudding and gravy to top the lot. Simple yet elegant, The Cleveland Arms is a delicious place to while away a long lazy afternoon. Katharine Sohn

Address: The Cleveland Arms, 28 Chilworth Street, London W2 6DT Website: theclevelandarms.com

Cora Pearl, Covent Garden

Best Sunday roast in London for: The roast potatoes Dish to order: Isle of Mull sirloin beef

If there’s one good reason to visit the thronged restaurants of Covent Garden on a Sunday (unless, of course, you’re here for a matinee meal), it’s Cora Peal, the much-awaited sequel to Mayfair’s perennially popular restaurant Kitty Fishers. Behind the windows’ steamy glow and discreet, thick curtained door, is a snug, French-boudoir-like spot, with crushed green-velvet banquettes, antique gilded mirrors and a mellow jazz soundtrack to keep you lingering all afternoon. The simple, British-led menu is steered by the same brilliant team: for starters, delightfully kitsch choices include devilled eggs, brown shrimp or even a grown-up ham-and-cheese toastie; on Sundays, they’re followed by mushroom-stuffed chicken breast or perfectly pink sirloin. There’s an army of sides; fluffy (and unlimited) Yorkshire puddings, thick heritage carrots, spears of charred broccoli, cauliflower swimming in rich Coolea cheese and dainty little pots of horseradish, bread sauce and gravy. And most importantly, Cora Pearl’s headline-grabbing chips – fat, crispy fingers of deep-fried, multi-layered mandolined potato that take 24 hours to perfect – that double up as lip-smackingly good roast potatoes too. We’d advise ordering several helpings. For pudding, stick to the theme and order another Yorkshire pudding; this time round, it comes stuffed with tart warm cherry compote and tonka-bean ice cream. Teddy Wolstenholme

Address : Cora Pearl, 30 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8NA Website : corapearl.co.uk

10 Greek Street, Soho

Best Sunday roast in London for: Soho on a Sunday Dish to order: Suckling pig with new potatoes, cavolo nero and apple (for two)

Soho has a particular charm on a Sunday morning – tranquil, minus the crowds from the night before, and quietly pretty even when it’s grey and miserable outside. For a cosy, unassuming Sunday lunch head to 10 Greek Street’s open-kitchen. Starters may include salsify with romesco and duck egg or potted mackerel with orange, kohlrabi and beetroot, followed by Welsh black beef with Jerusalem artichoke, broccoli and horseradish or veggie-friendly baked ricotta with wild mushrooms. To kick things off we ordered fresh burrata with grated lemon peel – the citrus hit convinced us it should always be served this way – and thinly sliced capocollo and cecina cured meats garnished with plump capers. The star-dish roast was a one-plate feast arriving on a heaped platter of crispy suckling pig, golden potatoes, cavolo nero and tiny yellow apples adding the right amount of sweetness. We were almost defeated by an enormous blackberry financier with quince and vanilla ice cream ; a chocolate cake on another table looked equally formidable – a lighter way to round things off might be the lemon granita with vodka, washed down with an espresso . Katharina Hahn

Address : 10 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 4DH Website : 10greekstreet.com

Temper, Soho

Best Sunday roast in London for: serious meat-eaters Dish to order: the full roast and nothing but the full roast

Normally, we advise you take a seat at the long, long kitchen counter here and watch in rapt fascination as meat is chopped, flames crinkle the air and tacos are rolled – as compulsive as Bodyguard but without the need for a bullet vest. For Sunday roast, though, well, you need a table, to spread out a little, lean back in your chair, make space for a pint of pale ale before you’ve even finished your Temper Mary. Soho basements used to be about jazz and all sorts of shenanigans; at Temper, it's smoky mezcal and BBQ cooking and a plate piled high with hillocks of beef-fat spuds and carrots, a Yorkshire pud big enough to hide in, and tender folds of farm-sourced lamb, pork and beef, cauliflower cheese on the side. Sit under one of the skylights and watch passing feet trip-trap above – little do they know what lies beneath them. To anyone who wonders if roasts aren’t better enjoyed at home, we say, ‘When would you ever cook lamb and beef and pork in one go, eh?’ Rick Jordan

Address : Temper, 25 Broadwick Street, London W1F 0DF Website : temperrestaurant.com

The Harwood Arms, Fulham

Best Sunday roast in London for : Michelin-starred pub grub Dish to order: Yorkshire grouse

It is not perhaps where you’d expect to find a Michelin-starred pub (in fact the only one in London). But this Fulham Broadway back street has quietly been home to one of the capital’s best kept secrets west of Hyde Park Corner for eight years. Head chef Sally Albe has notable stints with Gordon Ramsay, Phil Howard and The Ledbury’s Brett Graham under her belt and her food is unsurprisingly exacting. A weekend feast of Yorkshire grouse with creamed root vegetables followed by blackberry and bay leaf trifle is delightful, but you’ll need to book well in advance. Issy von Simson

Address : The Harwood Arms, Walham Grove, Fulham, London SW6 1QP Website : harwoodarms.com

Hero of Maida, Maida Vale

Best Sunday roast in London for: the interiors Dish to order: slow-cooked shoulder of lamb

From the team behind The Coach in Clerkenwell , The Hero of Maida (an ode to Sir John Stuart, who in 1806, brought the British to victory over the French during the Napoleonic wars in the Italian town of Maida) brings upscale hearty pub grub to north west London. The space is filled with plush cobalt blue booths, brass fixtures and an eclectic range of artwork. On a warm day it’s perfectly breezy with the doors wide open, and in winter it’s cosy without being dark. Upstairs, there’s a more intimate space for dining, with a private room (and bedrooms in the works too). On Sundays, opt for the seven-hour, slow-roasted shoulder of lamb, or something from the rotating seasonal fish menu. For pudding, the Maida Mess, a take on the classic Eton mess with fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream and mini meringue kisses, is a winner. Katharine Sohn

Address : The Hero of Maida, 55 Shirland Road, London W9 2JD Website: theheromaidavale.co.uk

Brat at Climpson’s Arch, London Fields

Best Sunday roast in London for: Feeling like you’re on holiday Dish to order: Roast turbot

For something a little different from your traditional pub roast, take a trip to Brat at Climpson’s Arch. Just off London Fields in a covered forecourt outside Climpson’s coffee roastery, this is the cooler little sister restaurant of the Michelin-starred Shoreditch restaurant . The Basque-inspired menu runs through both restaurants and it’s all about beautiful meats and fish cooked on the open wood fire grill. While there’s not a dedicated Sunday lunch menu, this is food designed for sharing – ideal for big groups where you can order lots to get a taste of most of the tantalising menu. Check out the scrawled blackboard menu but there’s usually roast chicken rice, whole gunard, massive cornish crab, beef sirloin or rib on offer, plus the roasted whole turbot which is truly the star with its melting buttery flesh. Don’t scrimp on the sides of grilled hispi cabbage and smoked potatoes and do not leave without trying the traditional burnt Basque cheesecake. Heaven.

Address: Brat at Climpson’s Arch, Arch 374, Helmsley Place, London E8 3SB Website: bratrestaurant.co.uk/climpsons-arch

The Marksman, Hackney

Best Sunday roast in London for: A sleepy Sunday in east London Dish to order: Seafood platter

A visit to stock up on armfuls of blooms at Columbia Road Flower Market is a Sunday ritual which can only be enhanced by lunch at The Marksman nearby. This small but perfectly formed pub has made quite the name for itself since opening in 2015; it was the first London pub to be crowned Michelin Pub of the Year in 2016 and is still Michelin recommended. And with good reason. The food here is excellent any day of the week, but especially on Sunday. Start with a round of Maldon oysters , or a Seafood Platter if you want to make a splash, and then dive into the three-course menu which offers classics like roast Tamworth pork with swiss chard and mustard or Hereford Rump with a Yorkshire and lashings of Horseradish Cream. If you’re feeling less traditional, there are treats like Spenwood cheese, leek and potato pie, braised cuttlefish, roast tomato and monk’s beard and whole plaice with brown shrimps and sea purslane. Save room for the hot chocolate pudding and toffee sauce, and then get ready to order a cab so you can lie down and digest ASAP.

Address: The Marksman, 254 Hackney Road, London E2 7SJ Website: marksmanpublichouse.com

The Duke of Cambridge, Islington

Best Sunday roast in London for: Conscious dining Dish to order: Roast fish of the day

We are all well-versed in the benefits of organic food these days but when The Duke of Cambridge opened in an Islington backstreet in 1998 with a Soil Association-certified kitchen, it was a much more niche concern. 24 years on and the food here is still the main attraction – seasonal, locally grown ingredients treated with love and respect – and the roasts are no exception. The roast menu is also seasonal so expect a changing roster of fresh Riverford veg along with your beef rump or roast chicken with beer onions. Our tip? Go for the roast fish of the day, served with preserved lemon and all of the regular trimmings and a Bloody Mary.

Address: The Duke of Cambridge, 30 St Peters Street, London, N1 8JT Website: dukeorganic.co.uk

The White Swan, Richmond

Best Sunday roast in London for: the atmosphere of a small, old-school pub Dish to order: Half-spiced roast chicken

This little pub feels like it’s a secret, tucked away off the main Richmond drag by the river. Take your dog and enjoy the sun-trap garden or snuggle down by the log fire when things get chilly. But, most importantly, the classic Sunday roast is fantastic. My tip? Go for the half-spiced roast chicken served with crispy roast potatoes. And then, sticky toffee pudding served with butterscotch sauce and honeycomb ice cream for pudding. Paula Ellis

Address : The White Swan, 26 Old Palace Lane, London TW9 1PG Website : whiteswanrichmond.co.uk

The Bull & Gate, Hampstead Heath

Best Sunday roast in London for: classics with a twist Dish to order: Big Bull Roast

After a blustery walk on Hampstead Heath, there is no better feeling than the warm blast of air you get when entering this cosy classic pub. Although great for a warming brew, it would be remiss to pay a visit without ordering some food and the Sunday roast menu is one of the most tempting. The decadent starters set the tone with truffle and Jerusalem artichoke soup, pulled confit duck leg and smoked mackerel nicoise. Then there are the roasts: Aspall cider-braised pork belly, gammon and mustard croquette with applesauce, rump of beef and braised ox cheek, and half a chicken with pork, apple and sage stuffing. If you can’t decide and are feeling brave, go for the Big Bull Roast which has a bit of each and all the trimmings. If this all sounds a bit meaty, the veggie options are just as strong: we’d have the mushroom, chard and smoked seitan Wellington.

Address: The Bull & Gate, 389 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ Website: bullandgatenw5.co.uk

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When Is the Best Time to Visit London?

By Sarah James

The English capital is one of the most touristed cities anywhere in the world, with nearly 19 million arrivals in 2023—but when is the best time to visit London? While many choose to travel here during the summer to make the most of the many of the destination's parks, rooftop bars, and outdoor activities, all four seasons have something unique to offer for the traveler heading to London . Below, we break down when to visit for the best weather, the best rates, and more.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

When is the best time to visit London?

When you choose to come to London really depends on what you’re looking for during your trip. If you’re hoping for good weather, a visit during the summer ( June , July, or August) means you’re more likely to see sunny and warm days. (That said, remember that this is Britain : Rain or cooler days are possible even during months that might be more traditionally sunny elsewhere.)

If you want to see the city at its most sparkly and magical, the best time to visit London is during the festive period, between late November and the end of December . The autumnal months of September and October bring with them gorgeous leaves, Sunday roasts, and cozy pubs. Whereas spring is the season for nature lovers as blossoms and wisteria begin to flower across the city.

Is there a rainy season in London?

There’s certainly a rainy “season” in London, but not in the same way as they do in tropical climes . The city sees rain throughout all four seasons, but the months with the most average amount of rainfall are November (66.63mm), October (65.07mm), and December (57.05mm), according to Met Office data. January has the most days of rainfall, with 11.53 days on average.

Spring is the season for nature lovers to visit London as blossoms and wisteria begin to flower across the city.

What is the warmest month in London?

According to Met Office data collected between 1991–2020, July is the warmest month in London with an average temperature of 23.89 degrees Celsius (or about 75 degrees Fahrenheit). August is not that far behind, with an average temperature of 23.40 degrees Celsius (although August has considerably more rain than July on average).

Which month has the most hours of sunshine in London?

July is the sunniest month in London, according to Met Office Data, followed by June, then May, then August.

When is the cheapest time to visit London?

Although London remains busy with tourists all year, January and February are historically the quietest months in the capital and, therefore, can offer the best opportunities to save money and to bag deals. Avoid the February half term (a period of school holidays), the exact dates of which change annually.

January and February are historically the quietest months in London, when you get the best chances to save money and score deals.

When should you visit London for Christmas activities?

If you’re looking to visit London during the festive period, you’ll want to time your trip when the Christmas lights have begun to sparkle, holiday markets have opened, and fun events are taking place. Most big light displays—such as those on Oxford and Regent Street—happen in the second week of November, while Christmas markets kick off toward the end of the month. We’d recommend timing your visit toward the end of November or the beginning of December to get the best of London’s festivities without the busiest crowds.

When is the best time to avoid the crowds in London?

Speaking of crowds, London can be very busy with tourists during peak travel times. If you’d rather plan a more peaceful visit, consider traveling during the week (as in, not the weekends) and outside of school holidays (in the UK, these take place at Easter and during the end of July through to the beginning of September, with shorter school term breaks in February, May, and October).

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29 of the best cheap (or absolutely free) things to do in London

Editor's Note

London is regularly cited as one of the most dreamed-of destinations to visit in the world, and for a good reason. Weather aside, it's a place crammed with rich heritage, culture, charm and some incredible hotels and restaurants. But popularity like this comes at a cost — literally.

If you're visiting London, you won't be the first person in the world to realize the city isn't always cheap and cheerful. That being said, there are still plenty of inexpensive ways to experience the U.K. capital if you know where to look.

From enjoying green spaces and natural wonders to exploring the city's many free museums and art galleries, you can easily create a jam-packed London itinerary without shelling out hard cash. This will help keep your travel costs low or allow you to save money for a specific paid excursion.

Let's take a look at some of London's best freebies, or at least super-cheap activities to enjoy while you're taking in the sights.

Related: The complete guide to flying to London on points and miles

Watch the iconic 'changing of the guard'

Peeking at Buckingham Palace through its gates is completely free (alas, touring inside is not), but if you really want to make the most of a trip to see the home of the royal family, you should time your visit so you can watch the changing of the guard, a ceremony which takes place on the palace forecourt outside.

Weather permitting, you'll get to witness a bit of the pomp and circumstance the British royal family is known for. There's a musical accompaniment to the King's Guard coming off duty as the new soldiers take their place. Obviously, it's a popular activity for London visitors, so arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

Opening times: Usually Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11 a.m.; schedule here Nearest Tube station: St. James's Park, Green Park or Knightsbridge Learn more: The Household Division website

Reach new heights at the Sky Garden 

It's totally free to take in the 360-degree views of the capital from its highest public garden. It sits inside the "Walkie-Talkie" building on 20 Fenchurch St.

To enjoy the viewing terrace and the gardens themselves (which feature an array of Mediterranean and South African plants), book tickets in advance. If you want to keep the activity completely free, you'll have to avoid Sky Garden's restaurant and bar offerings.

There are a few more free attractions within walking distance: Monument to the Great Fire of London, St. Dunstan-in-the-East Church Garden designed by Christopher Wren, Leadenhall Market and the iconic "Gherkin" building.

Opening times: Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nearest Tube station : Monument Learn more: Sky Garden's official website

Walk along the Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge has been a solid icon of the London skyline since it was first built in the late 1800s. If you want to go inside its towers or stroll along its glass walkways, you'll have to pay to enter. However, it's free to marvel at the bridge's height and beauty just by walking across it.

You'll see plenty of landmarks en route, including the Tower of London and the (slightly murky) River Thames that the bridge crosses. The Tower Bridge also makes an excellent backdrop for any wish-you-were-here photos you might post on Instagram.

Opening times: Always open Nearest Tube station: Tower Hill or London Bridge Learn more: Tower Bridge's official website

Find a gem at Portobello Road market

There's almost always something exciting happening at Portobello Road market, but busy Saturdays are easily the best time to visit. The stalls specialize in antiques, vintage and secondhand finds, and a few edible treats. To keep things free of charge, you'll have to stick to browsing, not buying.

If you can't make it on a Saturday but want to shop for clothes, there are plenty of stores dotting Notting Hill's standout street. They include antique treasure troves, retro clothing spots and gems like The Portobello Print and Map Shop. Since the 1940s, this area has been known as a hub for antiquing.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday. Times vary from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Thursday) and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Friday and Saturday). Nearest Tube station: Ladbroke Grove Learn more: Portobello Road's official website

Admire art in The National Gallery

Want to see masterpieces from the likes of Vermeer, Cezanne, da Vinci, Monet and van Gogh for free? Head to London's iconic Trafalgar Square and step inside The National Gallery to admire a sensational collection of European art spanning multiple centuries.

Expand your knowledge by perusing a range of free temporary exhibitions, too. Examples of past exhibitions include "Turner on Tour," "Discover Manet & Eva Gonzalès," and "Gainsborough's Blue Boy." Note a select few temporary exhibitions do charge.

Opening times: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Fridays Nearest Tube station: Charing Cross or Leicester Square Learn more: The National Gallery's official website

See street art in Shoreditch 

Shoreditch, a hip neighborhood in East London, offers a different kind of art: street art. Look around, and you'll find colorful murals on the sides of buildings, collages on billboards and unexpected designs along the walls. It's completely free to admire this art, though some companies also offer walking tours around the area.

Once in Shoreditch, you won't be far from Brick Lane — a narrow street stretching through Bethnal Green and Spitalfields, famous for its curry houses and vintage shops. Brick Lane offers plenty of things to do, such as sampling food truck offerings, playing junkyard golf and visiting the record shop Rough Trade East. Of course, those activities will cost you, but it's still worth looking around.

Opening times: Always open Nearest Tube station: Liverpool Street or Shoreditch High Street Overground

Related: The best hotels in London

Visit the Natural History Museum

Admission to the Natural History Museum, one of London's most fascinating museums, is free. Booking a time slot in advance is essential during busy periods. Once inside, you can explore its vast collection of skeletons and rare artifacts that chart the course of the Earth's history, from prehistoric dinosaurs and giant sloths to modern mammals and marine life.

The building in South Kensington is also a point of interest. If you've never been before, expect to spend up to several hours here poring over the different displays.

Opening times: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. Nearest Tube station: South Kensington Learn more: Natural History Museum's official website

Get out in nature at Walthamstow Wetlands

If you think it's impossible to visit a nature reserve in the middle of London, think again. OK, it's not quite in the middle of London, but it's on the edge of Walthamstow in East London, not far from Tottenham.

Free to walk through, the wetlands offer several walking (or running) trails overlooking the water. The reserve provides a gorgeously green escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, especially during the warmer months. It's a year-round haven for birds, with species including grey herons, kingfishers, peregrine falcons and tufted ducks. The on-site Victorian Engine House is now a visitor center and cafe.

Opening times: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nearest Tube station: Blackhorse Road or Tottenham Hale Learn more: London Wildlife Trust's official website

Go landmark- and statue-spotting

Jaunt around central London long enough and you'll see many statues and landmarks. If you're looking for ways to keep yourself entertained without pulling out the credit card, challenge yourself to a scavenger hunt of the city's most iconic landmarks as well as its more unusual or whimsical figures.

Just a few examples you could go looking for include:

• Marble Arch
• Wellington Arch
• Boadicea and Her Daughters statue on Victoria Embankment
• Queen Alexandra Memorial on Marlborough Road
• Sherlock Holmes statue on Marylebone (near the supposed site of Baker Street)
• Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens
• Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens
• Amy Winehouse statue on Chalk Farm Road

Opening times: Varies (some always open) Nearest Tube station: Varies, depending on which you'd like to see

Feel stylish at the V&A Museum

Expect to find exhibitions and displays devoted to art, design, fashion, textiles and all things creative at the beloved Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington (commonly known as the V&A).

Its offerings vary from the Raphael Cartoons tapestry designs to a photography exhibit of Julia Margaret Cameron's work. An ongoing metalwork exhibition also contains gold, silver and Bronze Age items. To see what's on display during your visit, take a look at the official website. Or, poke your head in and check it out — it's free.

Opening times: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., with a late close at 10 p.m. on Fridays Nearest Tube station: South Kensington Learn more: V&A Museum's official website

Try the Tate Modern or Tate Britain

The two Tate galleries offer two very different types of art. Luckily, admission is free for both. As its name suggests, Tate Modern focuses on modern art and unusual materials as well as film, video and performance.

Tate Britain has several collections, including a walkthrough of British works by artist J.M.W. Turner and others ordered by date and an exhibition.

Opening times: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nearest Tube station: Southwark (Tate Modern) and Pimlico or Vauxhall (Tate Britain) Learn more: Websites for Tate Modern and Tate Britain

Check out the Barbican

The Barbican complex is a must-visit if you're interested in the residential Barbican Estate's world-famous Brutalist architecture. Luckily, you can admire it for free. Or, you can enjoy the Barbican Centre, which houses a library, cinema, cafe, restaurant, shop, and various art and design exhibitions or installations — some of which are free.

Opening times: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., though the estate is always open Nearest Tube station: Barbican Learn more: Barbican's official website

Mosey along the Parkland Walk

You can find the Parkland Walk, one of London's longest nature reserves, along what was once a railway track. As you stroll the 4 1/2-mile trail (which is broken into sections), you'll pass Muswell Hill and Crouch End and through to Stroud Green and Finsbury Park — areas you may not usually get to visit.

There are plenty of trees and wildflowers on this stroll, as well as local art; you'll see the Spriggan sculpture peering down at you from an archway and picturesque views over North London neighborhoods. It is especially lovely in the sunshine.

Opening times: Always open Nearest Tube station: Highgate or Finsbury Park Learn more: Friends of the Parkland Walk's website (for useful maps and directions)

Climb to the top of Primrose Hill

Once you climb the short (but steep) grassy route up to the top of Primrose Hill in Regent's Park, you can enjoy great views over the city. Again, you'll likely get the best views on a clear or sunny day, but it's even worth the tiny trek when the skies are gray.

The neighboring residential area of Primrose Hill is very pleasant and peaceful — think candy-colored townhouses, with a street of on-trend cafes, boutiques and upscale grocery shops. Over the decades, Primrose Hill has been home to plenty of British stars and A-list actors, so it's no surprise that it's a pretty nice place.

Opening times: Daily from 5 a.m. until dusk Nearest Tube station: Chalk Farm

Learn at the Science Museum

Interested in space? The history of aviation? Medicine? Math? Mechanics? Look no further than the Science Museum. Spending a day here will entertain and, hopefully, teach you a thing or two about how all of that works.

Near the Natural History Museum and V&A, the Science Museum is also free to explore. Check out numerous galleries (such as "Exploring Space," about humanity's journeys beyond Earth), some temporary galleries (such as a COVID-19 vaccine exhibition, a tour related to clockmaking and an area devoted to science fiction) and some interactive galleries.

Opening times: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nearest Tube station: South Kensington Learn more: Science Museum's official website

Chill out in Hyde Park

Parks are plentiful in the city, so you won't struggle to find green space. However, some parks are a little more special than others. Hyde Park sits ideally between Buckingham Palace and Kensington Gardens. It's a convenient place to stop, sit and enjoy some people-watching before ticking more attractions off your London bucket list.

There are some points of interest in the park, too, including several statues. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is a trickling, meandering tribute to the late princess, and it was first unveiled in 2004. Meanwhile, the Rose Garden is best seen blooming in early summer. There's also an adventure playground if you're traveling with children.

Opening times: Daily from 5 a.m. until midnight Nearest Tube station: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch and Lancaster Gate all surround the park Learn more: Hyde Park's official website

Step back in time at the British Museum

The British Museum takes visitors on a journey through 2 million years of human history, art and culture — not just in Britain but all around the globe. Galleries showcase histories and artifacts from Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, South Asia, Africa and Europe across the centuries.

The museum is free, though you must book a ticket to secure a slot. As with the Natural History Museum, you'll want to set aside a good chunk of time to fully take in the exhibits on display.

Opening times: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours until 8:30 p.m. on Fridays Nearest Tube station: Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street or Russell Square Learn more: British Museum's official website

Follow the footpaths along Regent's Canal 

Step aside, Amsterdam — London has a canal, too. The nearly 9-mile Regent's Canal stretches through a huge swath of the city. It's ideal for travelers who want to save money by exploring the city on foot.

A stroll along the canal will take you from Paddington's "Little Venice" area past Regent's Park, Camden Market, Islington and the King's Cross area. There's even a London Canal Museum in the King's Cross area. Admission is 6 British pounds (about $7.50). The path will take you all the way to Hackney and Victoria Park, then finally down to the Limehouse Basin and River Thames.

Opening times: Always open Nearest Tube station: Paddington is a possible starting point for the route, as is Camden Town, King's Cross St. Pancras, or Limehouse DLR stop Learn more: Canal & River Trust's website

Wander around Hampstead Heath 

Head to North London to visit one of the city's most idyllic green spaces and one of its highest points. Check out the cityscape from Parliament Hill viewpoint, or enjoy a leisurely walk past nature ponds and through woods. There are also dedicated walking trails here.

Visit the free Golders Hill Park Zoo or enjoy playgrounds and sports facilities. There are also natural swimming pools for both men and women (though they charge a fee for entry and have specific opening times).

Opening times: Always open Nearest Tube station: Hampstead, Golders Green, Hampstead Heath Overground or Gospel Oak Overground Learn more: Hampstead Heath's website

Browse Covent Garden

If you can resist the urge to splurge on clothes, jewelry, technology, books and other treats, then roaming around the famous Covent Garden is free of charge.

Expect Covent Garden to be buzzing with both locals and visitors, as it's one of London's best-known shopping destinations. Keep an eye out for the beautiful Royal Opera House and the colorful alleyway Neal's Yard. If you do want to spend on something to eat, stop at the street food hot spot Seven Dials Market.

Opening times: Always open (but shop/market opening times will vary) Nearest Tube station: Covent Garden Learn more: Covent Garden's website

Smell the flowers at Columbia Road Market

Market fans will find plenty of stalls to peruse in all corners of London, but for one of the city's prettiest and most fragrant markets, head to Columbia Road in East London.

Within walking distance of Hackney and Shoreditch, Columbia Road is a narrow street lined with independent shops (selling records, quirky gifts and even outfits for dogs), cafes and pubs. The area blossoms on Sundays as florists gather to sell bouquets, unusual succulents, houseplants and herbs. Arrive early, though, as it is pretty much guaranteed to be packed.

Opening times: Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nearest Tube station: Hoxton Overground or Bethnal Green Learn more: Columbia Road's website

Explore the Horniman Museum and Gardens

South London's Horniman Museum and Gardens is an excellent free activity if you've already hit up London's major free museums. You'll need to take a train to reach it, but it's a nice escape from the well-trodden tourist areas.

Known for its anthropological and natural history exhibits and a vast collection of musical instruments, the museum is certainly eclectic. The gardens are gorgeous, spanning 16 acres; they include a picturesque Victorian conservatory and a dedicated nature trail. The Horniman is also home to the Butterfly House and an aquarium, though both require a small entry fee.

Opening times: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (museum) and 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (gardens) Nearest Tube station: Forest Hill Overground Learn more: Horniman Museum's official website

Go neon in God's Own Junkyard

In Walthamstow, East London, there is an art gallery and shop called God's Own Junkyard. Practically every inch of it is completely covered by huge, glowing neon signs emanating a vibrant pink hue throughout the room. A museum of sorts for all things neon, it's an Instagrammer's dream, and it's just as eye-catching as it looks on social media. Signs are for sale, too, and there's a cafe/bar.

If you fancy more art, take a short bus trip or a 20-minute walk down the road to the free-to-browse William Morris Gallery. It's devoted to 1800s textile designer William Morris and his dainty floral designs. Also, look out for the lengthy outdoor market along Walthamstow High Street.

Opening times: Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., though opening times may vary Nearest Tube station: Walthamstow Central Learn more: God's Own Junkyard official website

Admire the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

Holland Park in West London is full of serene areas, and the Kyoto Garden is one of the best. It's a perfect spot for when you want a moment away from London's hustle and bustle.

Expect green spaces, colorful Japanese maple trees, a tranquil waterfall and a koi pond in this peaceful part of the park, which the Japanese city gifted to London in the early 1990s. Visit during springtime, ideally April, to see cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Opening times: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nearest Tube station: Holland Park

See the Crystal Palace dinosaurs

South London's Crystal Palace Park is a must for dinosaur-mad youngsters or anyone with a penchant for historic curiosities. It's home to some very special sculptures of dinosaurs and extinct animals, which are on display on mini islands around the park.

According to the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs , these statues date back to the mid-1800s and were the first attempt at creating full-scale models of the prehistoric creatures. Naturally, they were seen as pioneering at the time. They don't look like dinosaurs as we know them now, but that is ultimately part of their charm.

Opening times: Open daily from 7:30 a.m. (9 a.m. on weekends) to 8:30 p.m. Nearest Tube station: Penge West Overground or Crystal Palace Overground Learn more: Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

Ascend to Alexandra Palace

For an excellent panoramic view over London — with the Shard and Gherkin jutting into the distant skyline — walk up to the stunning Alexandra Palace in North London. "Ally Pally" itself is an entertainment venue, with a newly renovated East Court installation space free to enjoy. It also boasts a surrounding park, a garden center and an ice rink (which is sadly not free). There are plenty of places to eat or drink as well.

Although it was named for Queen Alexandra (then Princess of Wales) when it was first built in the 1870s, Alexandra Palace was originally intended to be an entertainment space rather than a royal residence. It has served other uses over the years, including in 1936, when BBC broadcast the world's first regular high-definition TV service from the site.

Opening times: Park is always open; East Court daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nearest Tube station: Wood Green Learn more: Alexandra Palace's official website

Spot London's best blue plaques

If you plan to keep costs low by exploring on foot, look out for blue plaques as you walk. You'll spot them on buildings and houses all over Greater London. They highlight the birthplaces and former residences of historically significant people.

There are almost 1,000 plaques across the entire city. Search for any figures that might interest you on English Heritage's website. A handful of notable plaques include:

• Charlie Chaplin at 15 Glenshaw Mansions, Brixton Road
• Jimi Hendrix at 23 Brook St., Mayfair
• Diana, Princess of Wales, at Flat 60, Coleherne Court, Old Brompton Road
• Mary Seacole at 14 Soho Square, Soho
• Agatha Christie at 58 Sheffield Terrace, Holland Park
• Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst at 50 Clarendon Road, Notting Hill
• Oscar Wilde at 34 Tite St., Chelsea
• Bob Marley at 42 Oakley St., Chelsea

Opening times: Always open Nearest Tube station: Varies Learn more: English Heritage's website

Try street food at Borough Market, Camden Market or Broadway Market

London's many glorious street food markets sometimes pop up on lists of "free things" to do. As long as you don't make purchases, it's free to browse the stalls at Borough Market, take in the aromas at tourist hot spot Camden Market or enjoy the Saturday bustle at Broadway Market in London Fields.

You can take in the atmosphere and see what's on offer. You may even find a free sample or two. However, if you're a foodie (or it's just lunchtime and you're hungry), opening your wallet may be hard to resist. Expect an array of cuisines, junk food creations and even homemade sweet treats.

Opening times: Varies; market opening times Nearest Tube stations: London Bridge (Borough Market), Camden Town (Camden Market), Bethnal Green or London Fields Overground (Broadway Market) Learn more: Websites for Borough Market , Camden Market and Broadway Market

Play games at Novelty Automation

This hidden gem in Holborn is technically free. However, it might be difficult to walk inside the arcade, take a mere look at its undeniably unique and satirical gaming machines — all designed by engineer Tim Hunkin — and leave without buying a single token. After all, a token only costs 1 pound (about $1.25).

Opening times: Varies from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday), 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Thursday), 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday) Nearest Tube station: Holborn or Chancery Lane Learn more: Novelty Automation's official website

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How to Observe the Northern Lights This Weekend

The Space Weather Prediction Center said solar activity would be high again on Saturday.

Northern Lights Glow in the Sky Amid Solar Storm

Powerful solar flare activity made the aurora borealis visible unusually far south..

[Laughing] Holy moly. I know. This — I thought it would just be over on the horizon a little — Behind us, too. Yeah. A little green on the horizon. Nothing like this. This is — This is like, ‘Oh, my god.’ Everywhere.

By Claire Moses

Keep an eye on the skies on Saturday night for what could be another dazzling display of nature — or not, depending on your location and weather conditions.

An unusual amount of solar flare activity means that the aurora borealis, or the northern lights, could continue to appear over the weekend.

The solar storm was a level 5 on Friday, which gave some star gazers a clear view of streaks of green, purple and red that arced across the skies. Those conditions are expected to continue, Mike Bettwy, the operations chief of the Space Weather Prediction Center, said on Saturday.

“It should be fairly similar to what we saw last night, maybe not as widespread but fairly close,” Mr. Bettwy said.

“Depending on how everything evolves,” he added, “tomorrow night might actually be better than tonight” for views of the aurora.

In areas with clear skies, the display on Sunday could be similar to what people witnessed on Friday.

If you’re in a place with a lot of bright lights — like a city — it’s going to be hard to see anything. And then there are other complications, like the weather.

Two weather systems on Saturday night could impair viewing of the solar display, said Bryan Jackson, a forecaster at the Weather Prediction Center.

The Northeast is likely to be overcast because of a cloud system that could stretch from the Midwest and center over Pennsylvania. Cloud coverage might also extend as far as Maine, with the potential to clear around New Hampshire.

“This event is strong enough that the Northeast United States pretty much universally has a good shot at seeing it,” Mr. Bettwy said. “It’s just a matter of making sure that the cloud cover is absent.”

A second storm system, which was predicted to produce a fair amount of rain and cloud coverage, is possible over the Southwest.

Mr. Jackson said Michigan was likely to have clear skies between waves of rain. Other regions of the country could have clear views, too.

“In Seattle, it was pretty clear last night and it looks to be pretty clear again,” Mr. Jackson said on Saturday. “Portions of the southern Rockies, portions of the southern Plains are not overcast, but not completely clear either.”

The lights were particularly brilliant over England on Friday, and images of the solar show awed onlookers in parts of Maine and Massachusetts.

A tip: If you are in a clear area, even south of where the aurora is forecast, snap a picture or record a video with your cellphone.

The sensor on the camera is more sensitive to the wavelengths produced by the aurora and may produce an image you can’t see with the naked eye.

Why is this happening?

A severe solar storm is brewing.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center on Friday issued a rare warning after a solar outburst reached Earth.

As nuclear reactions occur on the sun, it routinely expels material from its surface.

Officials said that the solar activity could potentially cause electrical outages or interfere with navigation and communication systems.

When is this happening?

The expelled material from the sun could reach Earth’s atmosphere by Friday afternoon or evening, officials said.

“What we’re expecting over the next couple of days should be more significant than what we’ve seen, certainly so far,” Mike Bettwy, the operations chief at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, said at a news conference on Friday.

What’s flaring up?

The Space Weather Prediction Center said on Friday night that we were experiencing an extreme solar storm, a level 5 , up from a level 4 earlier in the day .

The last extreme event happened in October 2003 and resulted in power failures in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa, the center said.

The current storm is caused by a cluster of sunspots — dark, cool regions on the solar surface. The cluster is flaring and ejecting material every six to 12 hours.

“We anticipate that we’re going to get one shock after another through the weekend,” said Brent Gordon, chief of the space weather services branch at NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Katrina Miller , Emmett Lindner and Judson Jones contributed reporting.

Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focused on coverage of breaking and trending news. More about Claire Moses

What’s Up in Space and Astronomy

Keep track of things going on in our solar system and all around the universe..

Never miss an eclipse, a meteor shower, a rocket launch or any other 2024 event  that’s out of this world with  our space and astronomy calendar .

A dramatic blast from the sun  set off the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere, making the northern lights visible around the world .

With the help of Google Cloud, scientists who hunt killer asteroids churned through hundreds of thousands of images of the night sky to reveal 27,500 overlooked space rocks in the solar system .

A celestial image, an Impressionistic swirl of color in the center of the Milky Way, represents a first step toward understanding the role of magnetic fields  in the cycle of stellar death and rebirth.

Scientists may have discovered a major flaw in their understanding of dark energy, a mysterious cosmic force . That could be good news for the fate of the universe.

Is Pluto a planet? And what is a planet, anyway? Test your knowledge here .

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The 25 best date spots in London

Make a stellar first impression or rekindle the old magic at these super-romantic London spots

Once upon a time, a London first date meant your fave local pub, or maybe a bougie wine bar if you were feeling fancy. But this is 2024 and you can do way, way better than that. Soothe your sweaty-palmed anxieties about meeting a stranger from the apps with our great big list of ideas: from   cosy fire-lit pub s and intimate  Italian bistro s to quirky rock-climbing venues, open-air film screenings and peachy picnic spots .

Or remind yourself that you actually like your girlfriend, boyfriend, joyfriend or polyamorous triad by getting dressed up for a special London date night out. Whatever you choose. Here are some date ideas Londoners swear by. And if the flames of romance stubbornly refuse to ignite? At least you'll have discovered a new place to hang out next time you want to romance yourself.

RECOMMENDED: 😍 The most romantic restaurants in London . 💘 The best  alternative romantic things to do in London .

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London date ideas

1.  Explore Borough Market

Are you a foodie? Is your date a foodie? If the answer is yes and yes, then a first date won’t get much better than a good mosey around Southwark’s glorious Borough Market. Grab a flat white from Monmouth Coffee Company , before oohing and aahing over kaleidoscopic fruit and veg, giant wheels of cheese, cured meats and mouthwatering pastries... You’ll be united in hunger and greed.

2.  See free art at the Tate Modern

Wise up on the likes of Hockney, Rothko and Warhol if you want to really impress your date while strolling around Tate Modern. When you’re ready for a sit down and a little refreshment, hit the Terrace Bar on the first floor of the Blavatnik Building for a coffee or a cocktail. Look out for Tate’s monthly late-night (well, late-ish – they end at 10pm) events, which include sets from NTS Radio, and your arty activity could take a very different turn.

3.  Stroll around Kew Gardens

Whatever the weather, Kew Gardens is a beautiful place to while away an afternoon. Spot the rarest of rare plants in the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, get a taste of the tropics in the vast Palm House, roam the Arboretum and Woodland Garden and teeter across the Treetop Walkway for (literally) lush views. The cherry on top of this scenic date? A leisurely cream tea at its on-site restaurant, The Botanical.  

4.  Have an intimate supper at Trullo

Highbury’s Trullo is the place to go for faultless Italian grub served in cool, contemporary surrounds. Look out for the chef’s beef shin ragu, which is so popular that it features on sister restaurant Padella’s menu, too.

5.  Check out the Barbican Conservatory

Opened in 1984, the Barbican Conservatory is pretty special. Home to more than 2,000 species of plants and trees (as well as exotic fish), there’s plenty there to look at if conversation with your date starts to dry up. And if your romantic rendezvous couldn’t be going any better? Well, with cinemas, theatres, concert halls, bars and restaurants all under one roof, an afternoon drink might just blossom into an all-nighter.

6.  Picnic on Primrose Hill

Drink in that London skyline while drinking your can of G&T in a prime spot on the top of Primrose Hill. A picnic in a pretty park is the antithesis of an over-the-top expensive meal at a flashy restaurant. Picnics are low-pressure – you don’t even need to pack a hamper, just grab some snacks from the local shops and settle in.

7.  Relax and enjoy a movie

Some might argue that a first date should be about getting to know each other, and how can you do that in a dark cinema? Well, being in a dark cinema takes a huge amount of pressure off – and seeing a movie gives you something to talk about afterwards. The Prince Charles Cinema plays old classics alongside new releases, as well as hosting regular movie marathons and pyjama parties. For luxe comfort (and equally luxe bar snacks) book a sofa for two at Electric Cinema.

8.  Grab a seat by the fire at The Holly Bush

Embrace bitterly cold, rainy weather as an excuse to bundle into a cosy pub with a roaring fire. Our fave is The Holly Bush in Hampstead, the most cockle-warming backdrop for a chilly day date. Historic, homely and with hearty grub, this centuries-old local favourite is the perfect place to get acquainted with your new amigo (over a good bottle of red).

9.  Express yourself at Doodle Bar

If you’re feeling a little tongue-tied, you can write flirty messages (or draw crude doodles) on the walls of this buzzy Bermondsey bar. There are also ping-pong tables to keep hands occupied and first-date nerves quenched (the drinks help, too).

10.  Climb the roof at The O2 Arena

Did you know that you can actually scale the roof of The O2 Arena? You and your love interest will be able to gaze out at landmarks up to 15 miles away, at 52 metres up. If heights aren’t your thing, The O2 is home to a heap of entertainment options – a cinema complex, restaurants and bars, bowling – and Oxygen Freejumping, if you want to keep that adrenaline pumping.

11.  Catch an open-air film with The Luna Cinema

Londoners love flocking to parks, castles, swimming pools and palaces to see beloved movies like  ‘ET’  or ‘ Grease’  projected on to the big screen. The Luna Cinema matches films with locations perfectly – playing ‘ Jaws’  at Brockwell Lido, for example. Pack a picnic and we reckon you’ve got yourself a hard-to-beat first date there. This one’s a summer-only option. 

12.  Take on The Crystal Maze

If you’re fans of the hit ’90s show (or even if you’re not), London’s real-life Crystal Maze is a total blast, and booking it as a date would certainly make a refreshing alternative to the traditional drinks-and-dinner set-up. Go in a group with mutual friends for guaranteed fun minus the first date nerves.

13.  Have drinks at The Blind Pig

Sitting above Jason Atherton’s Social Eating House is speakeasy-style bar The Blind Pig, where retro decor is combined with fun drinks. Try  Harry Potter’s Best Bottled Butter Bitter, a potion of Monkey Shoulder whisky, beer, thyme and butterscotch.  Since the bar snacks are sent up from the restaurant below, you and your date won’t have to go hungry, either.

14.  Play crazy golf at Swingers

A spot of semi-competitive crazy golf, accompanied by drinks and street food, makes a great date. Swingers has two locations (in the West End and the City) and you can either book in a group or as a duo. The lively atmosphere, tunes and ready availability of alcohol (bar staff deliver your drinks as you putt) will keep any potential awkward silences at bay.

15.  Go bowling in style at All Star Lanes

All Star Lanes bowling alleys (there are four London locations) are quite a departure from the sticky-floored bowling lanes of your teenage years. With all the gear flown over from the States, the alley’s Americana influence extends to food, too – think tacos, wings, burgers and buttermilk chicken. Good, clean, 1950s-style fun.

16.  Feast at Kricket

If you’ve found a fellow fan of Anglo-Indian cuisine, Soho’s Kricket is a must. The combination of pleasing decor and lip-smacking food makes this a peachy spot for a first date. Be strong and resist the urge to start snapping pics of the highly Instagrammable dishes, which range from Keralan fried chicken to coconut kheer rice pudding. Yum.

17.  Get competitive at Bounce

Quietly harbouring a ping-pong-specific competitive streak? Take your date to Bounce in Old Street, for a casual (or combative) game of bat and ball. With a 25-foot long pizza counter and bar, you can even squeeze a little food, drink and conversation into the evening. While you’re there, don’t forget to give Bounce’s Wonderball concept a try – immersive projections that turn your ping-pong sesh into a giant computer game.

18.  Go rock-climbing at Clip ’n’ Climb

Wanna get a little sweaty? Chelsea’s Clip ’n’ Climb is spot-on for rock-climbing amateurs looking to combine a little exercise with a lot of fun. After flexing just about every muscle in your body, hit the juice bar for some light refreshments – or head to nearby date-friendly Megan’s for the all-day brunch.

19.  Take a pedalo out on the Serpentine

What could be more romantic than drifting down London’s oldest boating late, ice cream or book of poetry in hand? It’s open daily from April (though from November to March it’s also open from Wednesday to Sunday, weather-permitting) and you can choose between a half-hour or hour slot. Pop into the Serpentine’s Lido Café and Bar for a gin and tonic or a Bloody Mary afterwards.

20.  Have a classic steak dinner at Hawksmoor Seven Dials

With low, flattering lighting, cocktails aplenty and a foolproof menu, Hawksmoor Seven Dials – the restaurant’s flagship branch – is the place to impress and to be impressed. If you arrive before your table’s ready, be sure to order an Old Fashioned (very Don Draper) at the superbly stocked bar.

21.  Sip whisky cocktails at Swift

The atmospheric basement of Soho’s Swift is perfect for first dates. Tables can be reserved ahead, so there’ll be no awkward bar-leaning – and the cocktails are high quality and inventive. Book on a Saturday or Sunday from 9pm if you’d like your drink with a side of live blues or jazz music.

22.  Brunch at Rochelle Canteen

If your date doesn’t know about Rochelle Canteen, they’re in for a treat. It’s housed in a Victorian school, and you’ll be buzzed in through a tiny door before finding a seat and ordering from a short, evolving menu of seasonal, vibrant and beautifully cooked dishes. With a lovely, plant-filled outdoor patio, this is one to book when the sun’s shining.

23.  Impress your date at Lyaness

The ‘World’s Best Bar’ Dandelyan became Lyaness, with the same founder, location and team behind it, so expect the same excellent standards. Cocktails are based around seven delightfully weird ingredients, which we won’t even attempt to explain. Suffice to say, this is one impressive bar to take a hot date to, with a great location on the South Bank.

24.  Devour chocolate at Dark Sugars

• Chocolate and sweets

Is there any food sexier than chocolate? Of course there bloody isn’t. Help yourself to truffles and order a salted caramel hot chocolate before scoffing them all at the back of the café together. Visit Dark Sugars on Brick Lane – it’s first-date heaven for chocaholics. 

25.  Go underground at Discount Suit Company

• Bars and pubs
• Cocktail bars
• Spitalfields
• price 2 of 4

Imagine rocking up to the bar to meet your date and there are no seats. Awks. The lovely thing about Discount Suit Company – aside from dimly lit subterranean bar vibes and fun, high-quality cocktails – is that you can book ahead. Pair that with discreet table service, and DSC was basically made for first dates. 

Feeling the love?

Romantic places in London to visit any time

• Things to do

These swoonsome spots give out romantic vibes all year round

The most romantic restaurants in London

Got someone special to impress? Discover the best romantic restaurants in London, lovers

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The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare solar storm.

Geoff Brumfiel

Christchurch, New Zealand: People look at the Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, in Rolleston on May 11, 2024. Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

The largest geomagnetic storm in nearly two decades is hitting Earth's atmosphere . It's producing a beautiful glow in the sky all over the world.

A sunspot has sent a stream of charged particles towards Earth.

As those particles hit the Earth's atmosphere they will be heated and start glowing producing beautiful aurora.

South looks north, as solar storm brings auroras

Lisa Upton is with the Southwest Research Institute. Social media is already filling with photos from places like Finland, Russia, Germany and New Zealand, which catches the same effect in the southern hemisphere. It's not clear how far down in the U.S. the aurora will spread, but Upton is keeping an eye out in Colorado.

Space weather forecasters expect the solar storm to peak overnight, but it will last throughout the weekend.

Brunswick, Maine: The northern lights flare in the sky over a farmhouse, late Friday, May 10, 2024. Robert F. Bukaty/AP hide caption

Brunswick, Maine: The northern lights flare in the sky over a farmhouse, late Friday, May 10, 2024.

Estacada, Ore.: In this image taken with a long exposure, cars pass by as people look at the night sky towards the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, on Friday, May 10, 2024, in Estacada, Ore. Jenny Kane/AP hide caption

Lake Berryessa, Calif.: The blinking lights of a plane streak through the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, which is visible on May 11, 2024. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images hide caption

London, Ontario: People stop along a country road near London, Ontario to watch the Northern lights or aurora borealis during a geomagnetic storm on May 10, 2024. Geoff Robins/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

Brandenburg, Germany: Light green and slightly reddish auroras glow in the night sky. Patrick Pleul/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images hide caption

Brandenburg, Germany: Light green and slightly reddish auroras glow in the night sky.

Whitley Bay, England: People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

Crosby Beach, Liverpool, England: The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow on the horizon at Another Place by Anthony Gormley. Peter Byrne/PA Images/Getty Images hide caption

Crosby Beach, Liverpool, England: The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, glow on the horizon at Another Place by Anthony Gormley.

Saxony-Anhalt, Schierke, Germany: Northern lights can be seen from the Brocken. The natural spectacle is particularly intense on Saturday night. Matthias Bein/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images hide caption

Rochester, N.Y: Northern Lights light up the sky on May 11, 2024. Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Hesse, Germany: Northern lights appear in the night sky over the Pferdskopf near Treisberg in the Hochtaunus district of Hesse. Lando Hass/dpa/picture alliance/Getty Images hide caption

Mount Mitchell, N.C.: Unusual sun activity created a G5 Geostorm on Earth sparks northern lights on May 10, 2024. Peter Zay/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

London, Ontario: Northern lights or aurora borealis illuminate the night sky near London, Ontario, during a geomagnetic storm on May 10, 2024. Geoff Robins/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

Debrad, Slovakia: Northern lights illuminate the sky May 11, 2024. Robert Nemeti/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Eindhoven, Ukraine: Northern lights illuminate the sky in Eindhoven, Ukraine, May 10, 2024. Nikos Oikonomou/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Liseleje, Denmark: Northern lights illuminate the sky in Liseleje, Denmark on May 11, 2024. Mohamed El-Shemy/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Markville, Minnesota: The northern lights glow in the sky over St. Croix State Forest late Friday, May 10, 2024. Mark Vancleave/AP hide caption

Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine: Northern lights light up the sky May 11, 2024. Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption

Skidmore, Missouri: Old tombstones stand against the northern lights at a cemetery early Saturday, May 11, 2024. Charlie Riedel/AP hide caption

Middletown, California: Northern lights illuminate the night sky over a camper's tent north of San Francisco on May 11, 2024. Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

Middletown, California: Northern lights illuminate the night sky over a camper's tent north of San Francisco on May 11, 2024.

Estacada, Oregon: In this image taken with a long exposure, people look at the night sky towards the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, on Friday, May 10, 2024. Jenny Kane/AP hide caption

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9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

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Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

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ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

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SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

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