The very best of London beyond the obvious

The saying goes “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” and it’s a phrase that endures nearly 250 years since it was coined. See another side of the capital and surroundings with this list of things to see, do and taste, which ensures there’s never a dull moment.

Sailing down the Thames is the best way to tick off a whole host of the capital’s top landmarks. Connecting 24 of London’s main piers, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers passengers unparalleled river views of the Houses of Parliament, The Shard, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and many other world-renowned monuments.

Pick up a brand-new audio guide to enhance your journeys with curated commentary by impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner, who tells tales of London’s history and architecture as you glide down the Thames, and use the audio guide to learn about TV shows and movies that have the river as a backdrop.

Ideal for visitors and Londoners alike, it’s a relaxed, scenic way to experience the capital’s best bits.

Once home to some of Britain’s most iconic broadcast moments, Television Centre in White City is bringing back Television Centre Live, a season of free cultural events set against the backdrop of the former BBC headquarters.

The diverse programme of events includes outdoor film screenings, live music, art showcases and hands-on workshops, turning the forecourt into one of west London’s liveliest summer hangouts. Browse vintage finds and independent fashion labels at the ReWork Market on June 20; enjoy an open-air screening of PNYC: Portishead — Roseland New York on June 11 and Peter Gabriel: Live in Athens on July 30; or catch live DJ sets and acoustic performances curated by Next Door Records.

Good food, a stylish setting and a convivial atmosphere — that’s Claro in a nutshell. Founded by three friends, the modern Mediterranean restaurant champions a sharing concept that puts the finest ingredients at the forefront.

Dishes incorporate local produce and seasonal British ingredients, all complemented by Mediterranean spices, aromatic herbs and colourful presentation. The menu changes almost daily, prioritising what’s fresh, with highlights such as crudo, grilled fish and richly flavoured plates designed for the table.

The open kitchen and energetic team create a sense of theatre and a new weekend lunch concept with free-flowing Champagne Delamotte, which offers a relaxed and celebratory way to indulge in the menu. Priced at £65 per person.

For an energetic night in the city spent with friends, Moyagi is where to head for atmospheric Japan-inspired late-night karaoke. Its private rooms reimagine the classic karaoke experience with studio-grade sound, more than 200,000 songs and interiors that capture the energy of Japan’s music culture.

Alongside the karaoke rooms, the bar offers a moodier change of pace, with East Asian-inspired cocktails and a more intimate setting for aperitifs, after-dinner drinks or late-night gatherings with a listening space to enjoy the music.

Together, these create an immersive alternative to the standard London night out, designed for those looking to linger a little longer.

For a different perspective on the capital this summer, swap crowded streets for London’s quieter waterways. With a Paddle UK Waterways Licence, kayakers and paddleboarders can explore handpicked, trialled and reviewed routes through Little Venice, Hackney Wick, Ladbroke Grove and the East End, and discover hidden corners of the city at a gentle pace.

Glide past waterside cafés (or moor up and stop in); view historic industrial architecture and the city’s iconic skyline; and spot wildlife in and around the water while escaping the bustle.

Whether you head out on a relaxed weekend paddle or gather friends for a longer excursion, the routes provide a refreshing way to experience the city, cool off and spend time outdoors.

Swap the Sunday night rush for a smarter seaside escape and stay at the seafront DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole for the best sea views.

Start your day with a buffet breakfast and fizz before heading out to explore Brighton’s vibrant food, music and shopping scene, from The Lanes to Brighton Pier and SEA LIFE. Get active hiking the South Downs or visit Seven Sisters cliffs. Back at the hotel, unwind with poolside downtime, traditional afternoon tea and evenings spent listening to live DJs at the bar.

With hybrid working making flexible escapes easier than ever, guests can work remotely by the sea, enjoy one more swim and skip the traffic home — returning to London genuinely refreshed.

Book your reset at hilton.com and ask the team for the best tips to explore and recharge.

Cheeeky is the travel and lifestyle club built for people who care about the details. Members get access to perks, curated guides, upgrade requests and monthly escape entries.

Through its private member portal, Cheeeky helps thousands of members improve trips they already have planned, from room upgrades and late check-out to welcome drinks and hotel extras where available. Members can also access offers from brands including Luxury Escapes, Airbnb, Hotels.com and Uber.

Plus, every month, Cheeeky sends one member and a guest on a proper curated escape — flights and accommodation included. And if you want to be a part of the behind-the-scenes, Cheeeky has officially opened its partner programme to creators and community builders.

Think you need to travel to the coast to surf? Think again. Pack up and head to The Wave, an inland surfing destination located in the countryside on the outskirts of Bristol.

Families can enjoy Play in the Bay, a bodyboarding session designed for children, while beginners can take lessons to learn the basics. Wave settings vary and can be adjusted based on experience, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or learning for the first time, you’ll find your wave.

If you want to stay overnight, you have two options — The Camp’s fully equipped safari glamping tents with beds, a wood burner, a kitchenette and private facilities; or The Field, where you can pitch your own tent or campervan beside the surf lake with communal facilities on site.

Visit thewave.com to book surf sessions and explore accommodation options.

While some guided tours leave you wishing for a more comfortable pair of shoes, seeing London from one of the city’s fastest speedboats will only leave you wanting more.

Thames RIB Experience offers a range of open-top RIB rides down the River Thames, passing top landmarks from Embankment and Westminster, passing through Tower Bridge, where the driver turns up the fun with exhilarating high speed all the way to Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier.

On board, you’ll enjoy factual yet witty live commentary in the central city area as well as a playlist of chart-toppers.

In the bustling heart of south London, Brixton House is an all-new venue where boundary-pushing performance meets great food and drink.

This summer, pay a visit to enjoy theatre and comedy events that celebrate the bold voices of London’s diverse communities. Settle in for powerful stories, then stay for handcrafted cocktails and some of the best jerk chicken wings in the city at The House Bar.

The roster of events throughout June includes youth theatre, DJ workshops and a varied programme that commemorates the Windrush generation, including exhibitions and performances celebrating Caribbean culture and music. Brixton House brings the stories that need to be told to the stage in a space that’s as vibrant as the community it serves.

Book tickets at brixtonhouse.co.uk and quote SUMMER26 to save 10 per cent on drinks. Offer ends 30 June 2026.

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