Spring is well and truly underway and those blissful days spent lounging in a sun-soaked pub garden are in sight (well, almost). But until it’s hot enough for us to fire up the barbie, there are plenty of fantastic exhibitions, dinner destinations and picture houses you’d be simply foolish not to check out.
In order to help you maximise your weekend leisure time, we’ve partnered with South Western Railway to bring you the ultimate guide of the best things to do, see and experience over the weekend. If you want to catch the must-see exhibitions or discover the best restaurants the capital has to offer, these destinations are well worth a visit. Get yourself back into the city and enjoy the spring sunshine in style!
Things to do with your mates
With most of us spending the majority of the week with both feet planted firmly on the ground, some gentle airborne exercise could be an invigorating alternative to pounding the treadmill on your Saturday morning. Flying Fantastic is an aerial fitness school offering sessions in a range of disciplines. From Aerial Yoga to Hoop and Trapeze, Flying Fantastic is all about experiencing ‘the thrill of life upside down’. Being suspended in a sling allows the body to access a wider range of movement, whilst creating the feeling of being weightless. Discover your body’s hidden strength and feel empowered! Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Flying Fantastic invites everyone to elevate their fitness regime and try something new.
Flying Fantastic
Price: from £30
Location: Arch 27, Old Union Yard Arches, 229 Union Street, London SE1 0LR
Perfect for: Venturing out of your comfort zone
Undiscovered places to explore
Now, if the turbulent weather changes of late are anything to go by, us Londoners can surely expect to see at least a few more stormy days this April. When they do inevitably arrive, we recommend layering up and braving the journey to Prince Charles Cinema. Spend your Saturday afternoon snuggled in front of an old cult classic, or catch a new Hollywood release. Deservedly one of London’s most beloved independent picturehouses, this cinema shows Double and Triple Features, as well as All Day & Night Movie Marathons! That calls for popcorn, and we’d make it a large…
Prince Charles Cinema
Price: from £10.50
Location: 7 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BY
Perfect for: Relaxing rainy days
Something free to enjoy
Whether you’ve got Regency fever after binge watching season two of Bridgerton, or simply love admiring gorgeous architecture, Sir John Soane’s Museum is a wonderful place to while away your weekend. And the fact that entry is totally free? Well that’s just the icing on the cake. The former home of the renowned neoclassical architect is now a museum showcasing vast collections of his drawings, models, sculptures and paintings. Be transported back to Regency London on the Highlights Tour of Soane’s property, found exactly as it was at the time of his death in 1837. The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm and a timed ticket must be booked prior to entry.
Sir John Soanes Museum
Price: Free to enter
Location: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP
Perfect for: A dose of culture
An SWR reward to cash in
Did you know that you can get free access to exclusive offers and deals when you buy your train ticket with South Western Railway? They’re unlocking amazing rewards across countless venues in London (and beyond!) allowing you to cash in on great discounts, free drinks and more! You can find out more here.
Each week we’re picking out one SWR Reward to help brighten your weekend – this time, it’s 10% off food at Pivot, the snazzy modern British restaurant by Mark Greenway. Located on the first floor of 3 Henrietta Street, Pivot is the perfect place to enjoy a stunning seasonal menu with a view of the iconic Covent Garden piazza. Just present your SWR train ticket to your server on arrival.
To help you keep your fingers firmly on the pulse of city living, South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes, are on hand to provide their top recommendations. Sandy is a culture vulture with a love for the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they can both agree on is the importance of finding a good spot for a meal out with friends! They’ve joined forces to share their restaurant, café and bar suggestions for the week ahead, so you can spread your wings in style.
Wes and Sandy’s star of the week:
If you’re fanatical about Indian food, Wes and Sandy suggest paying a visit to Cinnamon Club. This Indian restaurant is situated in a historic Grade II listed former Westminster Library. Sit in marvellously majestic surroundings and dine on innovative contemporary adaptations of Indian cuisine classics. Dishes range from spiced aubergine steak with pumpkin chutney, to char-grilled venison and masala mashed potatoes. All food is accompanied with a carefully selected wine recommendation or, enjoy a gin and tonic or a cocktail from their eclectic menu. You don’t have to ask us twice! The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith Street, London, SW1 3BU.
Don’t miss it!
Somerset House is always a great place to start if you’re looking for some artistic inspiration, and the Sony World Photography Arts Exhibition is no exception. This exhibition showcases a range of awe-inspiring photos, telling stories discovered by photographers from over 200 countries and territories. The collection celebrates diversity and represents photography’s international community through portraiture, landscape, street photography and more. But hurry, the exhibition is only around until May 2, so book your ticket now!
Sony World Photography Arts Exhibition
Price: £15
Location: Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
Perfect for: Artistic Inspiration
Ends: May 2