It’s been a long few months of staying home, Netflix binges, movie marathons and watching life as we know it change all around us. But our patience has finally paid off with the majority of attractions, pubs and restaurants across the country reopening to the public.
Many of us have probably been sitting at home since March planning all of the things we are going to do once lockdown restrictions ease up – from having a pint in our local beer garden to trying something new, something we have always wanted to do but never had time for. Well now is the time.
Whilst not everything in London has opened up its doors (such as theatres and nightclubs), there is still an untold amount of cool, unique and fun things to do now that the new normal has given us some much needed freedom to roam, explore and make the most of everything we love about our city.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the options and struggling to decide where to go first, we have put together a list of some of the best things to do in London now that lockdown is easing.
1 - Visit the gardens at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is easy to get to from central London (head to Clapham Junction and get a train to Hampton from there) and remains one of the most beautiful examples of Tudor architecture not just in London, but nationally. Set idyllically on the Thames, Hampton Court is a Grade II Listed palace originally built in 1515 for Cardinal Wolsey and later gifted to King Henry VIII when the Cardinal began to fall from royal favour. The gardens are beautiful, featuring a maze and 750 acres of parkland home to a range of wildlife including the descendants of the Kings deer herd.
2 – Get a taste of Italy at Circolo Popolare
Travelling abroad is proving to be challenging at the moment, so while many of us are indulging in a staycation, why not take the opportunity to spend a night in Italy without having to set foot on a plane? Circolo Popolare by the Big Mamma team has it all – an authentic Italian menu, a seriously Instagrammable interior and 20,000 bottles of alcohol lining the walls, completely enveloping the cosy restaurant. With an outdoor terrace, seriously yummy food and an impeccable selection of wine, Circolo Popolare is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of London.
3 – Theatre by the river at the Coaling Jetty
Battersea has seen a regeneration like no other with the redevelopment of the Power Station and surrounding areas. There’s already so many great things to do there such as catch a ride with UberBoats from the pier, bottomless brunches at Megan’s and picnics in Battersea Park, but this latest addition to the area pulls out all the stops. Summer Showtime will be running at the Coaling Jetty until 20th September, with live theatre productions, film screenings of cinematic hits like Joker, A Star is Born, Frozen II and plenty of food and alcohol to keep you going whilst you enjoy the show. This is a unique open air cinema experience like no other, and with a short running time we recommend getting down there before you miss out.
4 – Relive your childhood at Roof East
Let’s face it; most of us miss being kids. Adult life can be chaotic, and it’s hard not to look back on our childhood with nostalgia for a time we can never relive. Or can we? Thanks to the team at Roof East, there is now a haven for adults looking to blow off some steam and reengage their inner child with the likes of crazy golf, curling and batting cages now available on this insanely cool rooftop in Stratford. But, unlike actual children, we can enjoy all of this with beer, bubbles and cocktails – along with some pretty great street food. What’s not to like?
5 – See Earth in all its glory at Gaia
We’ve saved the best until last with an out of this world exhibit you are unlikely to experience again in your lifetime. Gaia by Luke Jerram is a detailed sculpture and breathtaking replica of our beautiful planet set in The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College as part of the annual Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. This stunning display will be running until September 12th and will give audiences the chance to see Earth in a way that’s never been seen by those of us who aren’t lucky enough to be astronauts. Make sure you grab this unmissable opportunity to take in our glorious world. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
