A stroll along the riverbank

A stroll along the riverbank

It is almost half way through the year and Londoners have already had 2 Bank holidays. It is customary to celebrate these holidays in the UK, which have been recognised since 1871 as a result of banks being closed for a day, so that no trading could take place. Did you know that there are a total number of 8 bank holidays in England and that they almost always fall on a Monday? I guess we are fortunate to be able to celebrate these breaks compared to other countries in Europe and around the world.

It’s a great way for discovering London all in one exciting day.

The notable days are:

New year’s day 1st January

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Early May Bank Holiday (Formerly May day) 2nd May

Spring Bank Holiday 30th May

Summer Bank Holiday 29th August

Christmas day 25th December

Boxing day 26th December

Discovering London all in one exciting day: National Portrait Gallery

Discovering London all in one exciting day: National Portrait Gallery

The Spring Bank holiday Monday 30th May is just around the corner. A number of people prefer to catch up with chores but it doesn’t always have to be about taking up some DIY work. These times can also be used for relaxation times at home, catching up with friends or sight seeing. I’ve seen some really interesting places in this vibrant city at this time of the year, for example, the National Portrait Gallery in St Martin’s Place, close to Trafalgar Square.

The Anti-Slavery Convention, 1840 by Benjamin Robert Haydon, Oil on Canvas, is currently on display there. Going back a few months ago, I was at The Ideal Home Show on Easter Monday Bank Holiday and little did I know that there were so many stands present and so much to buy, if you had lots of cash!

I am pretty sure that mothers with young ones would be eager to have the day all to themselves with some pampering and relaxation. But this luxury isn’t always possible as a baby sitter might not be available. So taking them in to town would be an alternative.

Although London is a small bustling city with temperamental weather, it does not deter us Brits from enjoying the countless number of activities on offer. There’s a saying that “if you wait for the rain to stop, you won’t go anywhere”

Discovering London all in one exciting day WarHorse

Discovering London all in one exciting day WarHorse

I spent another bank holiday going to see Billy Elliot – a musical production. Warhorse is currently showing at New London Theatre in Drury Lane.

Discovering London all in one exciting day A stroll in the park

Discovering London all in one exciting day A stroll in the park

 

A Statue in Covent Garden

A Statue in Covent Garden

Always make plans well ahead to get anywhere on time, especially if you intend to get to one of the many events happening around London. Some of the places I visited years ago, don’t interest me as much these days because London has become overcrowded. Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are always busy; night and day. But I’m not saying to rule them out, please visit and enjoy the buzz. There is always a lovely atmosphere and you can feel it by just walking down the streets. But I know I’ll still go back there. There are other countless activities to take part in within your own company or in the company of others, for example, brain stimulations like crosswords and Sudoku or going to a fitness class.

Continue reading my selected tips below to find out how to make the most of this upcoming bank holiday, discovering London all in one exciting day.

  1. Outdoor Open-air theatre in Regents Park.
  2. A stroll along the canals in little Venice all the way up to London zoo
  3. A day out at a Funfair
  4. Santander bike riding
  5. Arrange to have a barbecue if you’ve got the space
  6. Retail therapy but keep an eye on your purse!
  7. Visit a restaurant or an independent coffee shop
  8. A day out at ZSL London  Zoo, Sea world, museums, exhibitions and galleries
  9. Gardening and spring-cleaning
  10. Browsing through books in a Bookshop
  11. Movie day at the cinema
  12. Go swimming at an indoor swimming pool
  13. Riverside walks
  14. Staying indoors
  15. Catch up on favourite movies, books
  16. Relaxation time at a Spa break from Friday to Monday

Are you a Londoner without any plans to see some places or have you been in London during this time? What were your favourite activities? Either way it is very unlikely that you will get bored. So if you get the chance, hope you can visit some of the attractions listed about or just simply stay in. Keep in touch