Swimming Ponds on Hampstead Heath, photo by Adrian Clark, CC BY-ND 2.0
London sometimes feels like it’s not just the capital of England, but the capital of the world. This multicultural city is home to more than enough to keep someone busy for several lifetimes, yet I had planned on seeing the best of it in just one day. With so much to get through, the budget quite quickly went out of the window—as it so often does on a trip to London. So, without further ado, if you find yourself with a day to yourself during the week, here’s the definitive list of exactly how to spend it.
Swim at Hampstead Heath
Whilst the outdoor ponds at Hampstead Heath can be more than a little busy at the weekend, they’re quite quiet if you get there early midweek. I made my way to the mixed pond, mostly because its closest to the tube station, but also because its known for being a little more modest. It costs just £2 to swim for adults, so if you wanted a cheap day out then actually this might be rather a good way to start it. Swimming in the ponds is a truly lovely way to connect with nature and get a little exercise before starting your day. Although perhaps the least extravagant part of my day, it was certainly one of the most enjoyable.
Breakfast at Hawksmoor
After my morning swim I decided to undo absolutely all of that hard work by indulging in one of the best breakfasts around. Hawksmoor at Guildhall do breakfast like no other. Do bear in mind that they are only open weekday mornings, so if you’re after a weekend breakfast, this isn’t the spot for you. However, it is totally worth making the extra effort, because it is a breakfast to end all breakfasts. I thankfully met up with a hungry friend who was happy to share her enormous Full English with me. They have an option for one person, but it doesn’t come with the bacon chop—and let’s face it, that’s the best bit!
The enormous breakfast comes served in a cast-iron skillet, complete with the aforementioned smoked bacon chop, homemade baked beans, bubble & squeak, homemade sausages, grilled bone, the obligatory eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms and the unctuous addition of grilled bone marrow. Of course, they serve it up with HP gravy, which is so good you could drink it. If you’re watching your weight or not a meat lover, then there are other options. The table next to us was enjoying a slightly more civilised smoked salmon and scrambled eggs (which did look delicious) and avocado on toast. Oh, and finally, Hawksmoor believes in ‘anti fogmatics’ at breakfast time, or ‘cocktails’ to you and me. Try the 1923 Buck’s Fizz; it is an absolutely delicious combination of Gin, Maraschino, Orange Juice and, of course, champagne. What a way to start the day!
Visit the Sir John Soane’s Museum
King Seti’s Sarcophagus at the Sir John Soane’s Museum, photo by Stu Smith, CC BY-ND 2.0
Wandering around the Sir John Soane’s Museum is one of my favourite ways to spend a couple of hours. The museum is set in a beautiful, terraced house, which I often think would make a wonderful home—though the odds of becoming rich enough to afford a property in this row have got to be staggeringly small! Nevertheless, after my slightly-naughty breakfast, I was becoming quite accustomed to the rich girl lifestyle.
The museum is the sort of thing that is so absolutely packed with interesting artefacts that you really should go and explore it yourself. For me, the thing that really demonstrates how much power Sir Soane wielded is the sarcophagus of an Egyptian king, which he kept in the basement. It is documented that in 1825 he paid the princely sum of £2,000 for it, a sum which even the British Museum could not afford. This acquisition led to a three-day-long party in celebration of its purchase—perhaps Sir Soane and I would get on!
Congratulate Yourself
I took a long walk back to the train station after my busy day, stopping to take in one of my favourite sites on the way home. The Tower of London is such a beautiful building. I particularly enjoyed it when the ceramic poppies took centre stage up until the anniversary of Armistice Day last year. It’s also so easy to stroll back past on your way across London Bridge to the station. Watching the evening lit up by the lights from the bridge, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to live so close to a city so great as London.
**In collaboration with Claudia Hartley
