London, But Make It Slow: A Dreamy Guide to the Most British Things Ever
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London is like the perfect cup of tea—strong, steeped in history, and best enjoyed slowly. This city, once the stomping ground of Roman legions, still carries its past like a well-loved, dog-eared book. (Fun fact: the Romans even built a wall around Londinium, and you can still spot its ancient remains near Tower Hill. Talk about a throwback!)
While London is famous for its grand landmarks and selfie-ready hotspots, the real magic is in the little things. The cobbled alleyways, the historic pubs, and the unexpected pockets of peace tucked between all the hustle. If you want to experience London like a true Brit, it’s time to embrace slow travel.
Slow Travel in London
Sure, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are cool and all, but let’s go off-script for a bit.
First stop: The George Inn. Hidden away on Borough High Street, this is London’s last surviving galleried coaching inn. Picture it—creaky wooden floors, frothy pints, and echoes of Charles Dickens’ footsteps (yep, he drank here). Just around the corner, Borough Market awaits with its mouthwatering mix of history and street food. This place has been feeding Londoners since the 13th century, and trust me, a Scotch egg or a sourdough loaf from Bread Ahead is non-negotiable.
For a Sunday that feels like a rom-com montage, head to Columbia Road Flower Market in Bethnal Green. Imagine a street bursting with fresh blooms and lively banter from market vendors—it’s pure joy. And if you’re into unique finds, pop into Angela Flanders Perfumery for handmade scents or Vintage Heaven for some quirky home treasures.
Need a breather? Hampstead offers narrow lanes, cozy cafés, and one of the best views in London from Parliament Hill—it’s the perfect place to sip a coffee from The Coffee Cup and pretend you live in a dreamy British novel.
If you’re a bookworm, prepare to lose track of time at Daunt Books in Marylebone. This Edwardian-era bookstore is a beauty, with oak galleries and rows upon rows of wanderlust-inducing travel books. And since no trip to London is complete without tea, Sketch in Mayfair is an absolute must. Picture this: the prettiest pink tea room, dainty sandwiches, and scones that taste like a cloud. It’s peak British indulgence.
And for the grand finale? Grab a picnic from Gail’s Bakery, climb up Primrose Hill, and watch the sun paint the city gold. Bonus points if you visit Leadenhall Market, a Victorian masterpiece that might just transport you to Diagon Alley (because yes, Harry Potter scenes were filmed there).
The Most British Things to Do in London
Want to level up your London experience? Here’s how to do it like a proper Brit.
1. Time Travel at the Tower of London
Nothing says British history quite like a 1,000-year-old fortress. Built in 1066 by William the Conqueror, the Tower of London has been a palace, a prison, and even a zoo. (Yes, really—medieval kings kept lions and polar bears here.) But the real star? The Crown Jewels—think 2,800 diamonds sparkling under heavy guard. Arrive early, book your tickets in advance, and prepare for a crash course in royal drama.
2. Watch the Changing of the Guard
If royal pageantry is your thing, head to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard. Think red coats, bearskin hats, and a brass band that sounds straight out of a movie. Fun fact: these guards are real soldiers, trained for actual combat. To make the most of it, get there early and follow up with a stroll through St. James’s Park—London’s prettiest green escape.
3. St. Paul’s Cathedral: The Dome That Sees It All
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece. Climb up to the Whispering Gallery (where a whispered word travels clear across the dome—magic!) or go all the way up to the Golden Gallery for a breathtaking city view. History buffs, take note—Winston Churchill’s funeral happened here, and so did Charles and Diana’s fairytale wedding.
4. Sip a Pint in a Pub Older Than America
Pubs in London aren’t just drinking spots—they’re portals to the past. The George Inn, as mentioned earlier, is a must, but if you want next-level history, step into Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, it’s a candlelit maze of cozy nooks where literary legends like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain once drank. Order a pint, grab a corner seat, and let the centuries of conversation soak in.
5. Eat Your Way Through Borough Market
London’s oldest market (dating back to 1014!) is a foodie paradise. From freshly baked sourdough to the crispiest fish and chips, every bite at Borough Market is a love letter to British flavors. Must-tries? Scotch eggs from Scotchtails, gooey cheese toasties from Kappacasein, and a good old-fashioned sausage roll from The Ginger Pig. Come hungry, leave happy.
6. Have Afternoon Tea Like a Royal
If there’s one tradition that screams British elegance, it’s afternoon tea. Picture three tiers of delicate finger sandwiches, buttery scones, and pastries so pretty they deserve their own photoshoot. For the ultimate experience, The Ritz is as regal as it gets. Want something quirky? Sketch in Mayfair serves tea in a whimsical pink wonderland. And if you’re after something cozier, The Wolseley does a classic, no-fuss version in an art deco setting. Don’t forget—pinkies up (or, you know, just do whatever feels natural).
7. Stroll Through London’s Prettiest Streets
London’s charm isn’t just in its grand buildings—it’s in the tiny details, the pastel-colored houses, and the meandering streets that look straight out of a storybook. Notting Hill’s Portobello Road is a dream for vintage lovers, while Kynance Mews in Kensington might just be the most photogenic street in the city. For pure fairytale vibes, Shad Thames (near Tower Bridge) has cobbled streets and charming warehouse conversions that feel like stepping into old London. Wandering these spots with a coffee in hand? Pure magic.
