It’s finally time to welcome in the spring sunshine and make the most of what the glorious capital has to offer. Sure, there might be the occasional downpour to dodge, but with temperatures on the rise and more exciting events, supper spots and drinks destinations to try than ever before, it’s time to get planning.
To help you make the most of it all, 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’re ready to discover the best rooftop drinks in the city or perhaps explore a secret garden or two, these destinations are well worth a visit. It’s time to pop back into the city and soak up the sunshine in style!
Things to do with your mates
There’s no better way to celebrate spring than by enjoying it with friends. After all, with longer days on the horizon and months of lockdown to make up for, it’s finally time to tick off your ‘to do’ list of London activities. Whether you’re into group bookings or prefer to keep it intimate with a handful of friends, London’s Art Bar might just be the destination for you. Offering drop-in classes for up to six individuals or larger private group bookings if you’re more of a ‘go big or go home’ type, this class is sure to bring out your creative juices – and that’s before the bubbles (or soft drinks) have even started flowing.
London Art Bar- Boozy Painting Workshops (Holborn)
Price: £25 per person – includes one drink and painting tools
Location: Lincoln House, 300-302 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7JH
Perfect for: Fun catch-ups with friends
Undiscovered places to explore
Sure, London is known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling shops and buzzing bars, but sometimes, just sometimes, a day spent taking in its world-class architecture comes as welcome respite. If you’re after a more sedate weekend activity away from the fervour of city life, then a quick detour via St Dunstan in the East might be just the ticket. Free from the usual weekday crowds of bankers and hedge fund types, the church yard of this bombed-out building, slowly being enveloped by nature, is the ultimate secret city hideaway. Want to know the best part? It’s absolutely free!
St Dunstan In The East Church Garden
Price: Free
Location: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD
Perfect for: Respite and quiet reflection
Something free to enjoy
Because one free activity just isn’t enough, we’re serving up two – and this one comes with a jaw-dropping view at no extra cost. London’s skyline is without a doubt one of the city’s biggest perks. That being said, most of the time it requires you to reserve a table weeks ahead or fork out a small fortune on cocktails. Fret not, however, for Sky Garden has you covered. Surrounded by blue skies (we’re optimists) during the day and the perfect romantic spot at sunset, this must-visit spot is sure to impress. Tickets are free from 11am-9pm on weekends, so be sure to snap one up while you can.
Sky Garden
Price: Free
Location: Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 1AF
Perfect for: Sun-downers with that special someone
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 Rail? They’re unlocking amazing perks 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 an impressive 20% off beloved Peruvian spot Floral by LIMA. Located at 14 Garrick St, it’s the perfect place to indulge in some of South America’s most captivating flavours. All you need to do is present your SWR ticket 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 after the ultimate caffeine fix, Wes and Sandy suggest meandering down to Sister Barista. This cute family-owned cafe serves Nude Espresso speciality coffee as standard, alongside some of the tastiest baked goods around. So, if you’re after a pick-me-up on the quaintest of cobblestone streets, wander down to Westminster Bridge to discover this hidden gem. We reckon it’s well worth a detour. 141 Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7HR
Don’t miss it!
London’s superb exhibition trail has an exciting new addition, but it’s only here for a fleeting visit. Whether you’re a reggae fanatic or simply want to sneak in some culture whilst being uplifted and inspired, The Bob Marley One Love Experience is not one you want to miss! This exhibition has been specially curated to celebrate Marley’s legacy. Venture into the untold story of this musical icon with unseen photographs and memorabilia. There are multiple rooms to explore, designed to awaken all of your senses. Admire the accolades, awards and giant installations in the One Love Music Room before grooving to a live listening experience in the Shakedown Studio. There is so much to discover in this multi-sensory, immersive experience so book your ticket now and see what all the fuss is about!
Bob Marley One Love Experience
Price: from £19.80
Location: Saatchi Gallery
Perfect for: A deep delve into moments of music history
Ends: April 18