“To walk alone in London is the greatest Rest” were the words of novelist Virginia Woolf; as I spend weekends meandering around the city streets of London, I find them to be very accurate. With its bustling streets and neighborhoods, London is my favorite city for a walk and a wander.
From visiting a travel bookshop or a Sunday flower market, there are many options if you travel solo in London. Traveling alone can feel daunting, but London is generally safe in the central zones, and joining a walking tour can help if you’re unsure about navigation on your own.
Here’s how I love to spend the weekend on a solo exploration of London.
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Take Time to Wander Around Daunt Books
Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street is a bookstore specializing in travel books and home-to-beach reads. The arched window and second floor with views overlooking the store provide a calming interior to browse for your next great read.
SheBuysTravel Tip: You’ll notice a lot of Londoners with reusable bags with the storefront pictured as the logo. Pick one up for yourself as it is the perfect size for holding everyday necessities and will be a souvenir to remember your London adventure.
Explore The Wallace Collection
Staying in Marylebone, make your way to The Wallace Collection. The free art museum is in a former townhouse, and the area still feels residential with beautiful houses and buildings. Works of art are on display throughout the house, and on the bottom floor of the house, there is an impressive collection of suits of armor.
If you are hungry or need a coffee, a cafe in the courtyard offers lunch options and various drinks. The ceiling is covered with windows, providing a beautiful view of a sunny sky or protection from rain if it is a typical London day.
Enjoy the Serenity of Kenwood House
Hampstead Heath is a beautiful area in North London with plenty of green space. You’ll quickly forget you are actually in the middle of an urban city. Sitting back from the road and having spectacular views of the London skyline, you’ll see a variety of people out for a walk with their dogs or getting some exercise. Entry is free, and the helpful volunteers request that you check in on arrival.
My favorite room in the house is the library. The domed ceiling catches my eye each visit, and the room painted in the prettiest shades of pink and blue captures my imagination.
Continue your wander through the various rooms and examine the different artwork and collections. There is a replica painting of “Belle,” an 18th-century painting of the nieces of the owner of Kenwood House. Dido Belle was born to a Naval officer father and mother who was part of the slave trade.
The painting is beautiful, showing both ladies as equals, as Dido was considered a family member. Her uncle was head judge of England and presided over a critical case involving the slave trade. It’s an essential piece of history and provides a sense of history as you tour the house.
It wouldn’t be an English visit without a cafe and shop, and Kenwood House has a lovely outdoor patio where you can enjoy a cake and some tea. In the summer, various flowers and roses bloom, adding to the atmosphere. Enjoy some serenity with benches overlooking a lake before you return to exploring London.
Columbia Road Flower Market
I like spending my Sundays in London on casual strolls or enjoying a cafe. The Columbia Road Flower Market in East London is only open on Sundays and is crowded, so either arrive early or grab brunch first and let the crowds thin out.
I love that the street is away from the main roads, and you’ll have to walk farther no matter what public transportation you take. The street is full of flower vendors selling fresh flowers and bouquets. From plants to seasonal flowers, I find it difficult not to come home with some flowers wrapped in brown paper ready to brighten up my flat.
In addition to the flower stalls, Columbia Road has many vintage clothing and homeware stores. It’s definitely worth taking a peek for nostalgia’s sake.
I enjoy walking from one end of the road to another, and there are some cafes and restaurants if you need a break. Most times, there have been live musicians, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the market. Just prepare yourself that there will be a crowd, but honestly, the flowers make up for it.
Spitalfields Market
Continuing in East London, Spitalfields is close to Shoreditch and Liverpool Street Station. A covered market, its stalls change from fashion and accessories to antiques.
It’s also home to several delicious food stalls, including one of my favorites, Humble Crumble. With monthly rotating flavors to the more traditional berry, you can choose your topping, including shortbread, custard, or chocolate sauce. Find a table if you can and enjoy people-watching.
If you’re in the mood to shop, you’ll find several chains in the market. With narrow side streets and street art, it’s an excellent area for a wander. If vintage clothing suits your fancy, you’ll find several shops worth searching.
Street Art Walking Tours
London has a fantastic street art scene, and pieces might catch your eye as you go through the different neighborhoods. To understand some history and learn more about the artists, check out a walking tour with Tours by Foot in London. You’ll walk around neighborhoods and see street art that you might not have noticed on your own.
If you’re traveling solo, joining a tour group is a great way to meet other people and not feel entirely alone for a couple of hours. From graffiti to more intricate pieces, the walking tour opened my eyes to the various types of art, and I found myself looking for it in each city I visited.
Food Walking Tour of Borough Market
Although England might not be famous for its food, London is an international city, and you’ll find delicacies worldwide. I enjoyed a foodie walking tour of Borough Market and the Southwark area. It’s a great way to learn from a local, and you’ll have some great ideas of where to return to as you continue your journey through London.
The tour included classic British treats, from fish and chips to sticky toffee pudding. Along with food samples along the way, you’ll tour the borough market, see some filming locations from the Bridget Jones Diary movies, and learn how the Southbank area went from an area of crime to a lovely place to walk along the River Thames.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Join the tour hungry, as you’ll enjoy plenty of food options as you make your way through the market and the surrounding area.
Portobello Road and Notting Hill
Now that you’ve seen some lovely north, east, and central London areas, make your way west to Notting Hill and Portobello Road. On Saturdays, stalls line the road with antiques and wares.
Notting Hill has brightly colored houses and beautiful white houses with black and white tile steps. Portobello Road is close to the Notting Hill Gate underground, and the walk to Portobello Road is one of my favorites in London.
At first, you’ll have some shops and cafes and then some lovely horses to catch your attention. Then, you’ll be on Portobello Road, ready to pop into the shops or look at the stalls. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to bring home.
Hotels for Solo Travelers
London has a wide variety of hotels and vacation rentals. One of my favorite brands is citizenM, which has several locations in London. The hotel rooms are small, which makes them cozy and just right for solo travelers. The decorated lobbies and rooftop bars provide plenty of space and a chance to meet fellow travelers.
My favorite citizenM in London is Tower Bridge. The rooftop bar has fantastic views of the Tower of London; at night, the skyline views are mesmerizing. Inside the bar, you’ll find the late Queen Elizabeth on wallpaper and cozy seating, begging you to sit and chat.
There are several flats listed on Airbnb, but I find the extra fees can be more than a hotel rate. Also, it can be difficult to determine if the flat is in a safe area, and you might spend your time commuting rather than enjoying the sites.
The loveliest parts of London are its markets and neighborhoods, so a hotel in the heart of the city is the best way to enjoy a solo weekend in London.
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