Think hidden jazz bars, secret gardens, late-night bites, and lots of culture. Even if you’ve been before, the city has a way of surprising you. A new restaurant, a tucked-away bookshop, a view you’ve never noticed before.

Stay with Imperial London Hotels for a stress free weekend break. Book Royal National Hotel for a smart, central stay on the Piccadilly line where you will be effortlessly connected to the city! 

What to Do on a London Weekend Break 

London’s legendary sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London never go out of style. 

But if you are looking for something a little different? Swap the tourist crowds for these unique hidden gems in London:

Location: 12 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ, UK

Fun Fact: It was once the home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton! 

Step inside a restored Victorian home filled with vibrant mosaics, intricate tilework, and dramatic design. Don’t miss the Arab Hall — its walls are covered in stunning Islamic tiles.

Fun Fact: The Seven Noses of Soho were secretly installed by artist Rick Buckley in protest against CCTV — and legend says finding all seven brings good luck.

Go on a quirky scavenger hunt through Soho to spot artist Rick Buckley’s hidden noses. Originally created as a protest against surveillance, these tiny sculptures are tucked away on buildings throughout the neighbourhood.

Tempted to explore more of London’s hidden gems? Sneak away for a longer stay at any of our hotels, in any room and save up to 20% when booking two nights or more!

Location: The Little Venice stretch of the canal runs between Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale.

For a slower pace, head to Little Venice. Walk along the tree-lined canals or take a boat ride past houseboats and waterside cafés.

Top tip: Grab a coffee at Café Laville, a cosy little spot sitting right above the canal. With huge windows and a dreamy view of the boats passing by, it’s a must for a relaxed break (and a great Instagram shot!).

Location: Situated in Covent Garden, London, between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street.

Lastly, visit Neal’s Yard, a colourful courtyard filled with independent shops and organic cafés perfect for a laid-back afternoon, it’s only 15 mins walk from Bloomsbury.

Top tip: Pop into Neal’s Yard Dairy for some of the best British cheeses around. It started in 1979 as a small shop selling just a few fresh cheeses and has since become a leading supporter of British farmhouse cheese, working closely with small producers across the UK. The team knows their stuff and is always happy to offer samples, you can taste your way to the perfect pick.

Mornings call for pastries from fortitude bakery, best enjoyed on a stroll through Russell Square Garden. 

Location: Inside the Tavistock Hotel - 48 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9EU, United Kingdom

For Lunch head to Poppadom Indian Kitchen serving Anglo-Indian cuisines. Indulge in cheesy & garlicy naans, rich curries, and lots of street food (made to share) options straight from India to your plate. 

Location: A street in Clerkenwell, within the London Borough of Islington.

If you’re out and about, go to  Exmouth Market for stalls with everything from tacos to hand-rolled sushi. 

Location: 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF, United Kingdom

For a special meal, treat yourself at Bob Bob Ricard in Soho. With plush booths, caviar-topped dishes, and this restaurant is famous for its "Press for Champagne" button on every table, it’s an experience as much as a restaurant. 

Location: 39 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD, United Kingdom

If pasta is more your style, Bancone in Covent Garden serves silky ribbons of hand-rolled pasta, order the silk handkerchiefs with walnut butter, and thank us later.

The British Museum will be the obvious choice but we’re talking about lesser known things to do. 

Bloomsbury’s cultural side goes far beyond ancient artefacts. The Charles Dickens Museum lets you step inside the writer’s former home, while The Foundling Museum tells the moving story of London’s first children’s charity, The British Library is a treasure trove for book lovers, home to literary gems like the Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s First Folio, and handwritten Beatles lyrics. Think about the British Library 

For an evening plan, Curzon Bloomsbury screens indie and foreign films, or head to the West End for theatre at its best. 

After a day of soaking in all that culture, why not end your evening the British way? Go to The London Pub and treat yourself to a pint of TLP for just £5.45. Pair it with a hearty Sunday roast, or go all in with the sharer platter - BBQ riblets, crispy wings, halloumi fries, calamari, and coronation chicken croquettes. Served with garlic mayo and sweet chili dip, it’s oh so good, you’ll want to come back for seconds.

Skip the usual high streets and take a Sunday stroll down Lamb’s Conduit Street, a charming spot full of boutiques, quirky homeware stores, and independent bookshops. It’s the kind of place where you might find that one thing you didn’t know you needed and grab a flat white at Tutti’s to top it off.

Planning a shopping weekend? Make it count with our Sunday Saver offer - save 30% on Sunday night stays when you book three consecutive nights. It’s the perfect excuse to turn your weekend escape into a long one, with free Wi-Fi and breakfast included.

Lastly, if you haven’t explored yet, go to Bond Street for high-end fashion, hunt for vintage treasures at Portobello Road Market, or explore the indie boutiques of Carnaby Street. If you’re looking for a mix of luxury and local brands, Covent Garden is also a great place to spend an afternoon.

Visit The Science Museum, first opened in 1857, which is now home to interactive exhibits, space explorations, and hands-on experiences that make learning fun for all ages. 

Or hop on the Harry Potter Studio Tour for a magical experience that takes you behind the scenes of the iconic films, from walking through Diagon Alley to stepping into the Great Hall. For a bit of extra magic, stop by Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, a must-see for Potter fans looking to snap a photo and feel like they’re heading to Hogwarts.

Many theatres also offer family-friendly shows, such as Matilda The Musical or The Lion King, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Don’t forget Shrek’s Adventure! London, a fun-filled interactive experience that kids will love, book your tickets here.

Stay at one of our hotels in Bloomsbury, a family-friendly neighbourhood filled with leafy parks, shops, and museums, making it the best area to stay in London with your family. Explore Bloomsbury on foot, spend an afternoon at the British Museum for a fascinating educational day out, capture imaginations at the Cartoon Museum, discover or enjoy a memorable trip on an open-top bus or the London Eye

Exploring London solo? There is much to look into from world-class museums, to a guided street art tour in Shoreditch, or spend a peaceful morning at Hampstead Heath, where you can forget the city's hustle. London is one of the best cities for solo travellers, with countless activities where you can meet like-minded explorers. 

Stay at the Bedford Hotel and fuel up for your day with a satisfying breakfast. Freshly made traditional English breakfast, think sausages, crispy bacon, hash browns, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and your choice of scrambled or fried eggs. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, there’s also a continental spread with cereals, freshly baked pastries, fruit, and yogurt. It’s the perfect way to get ready for a day of adventure in London, and the best part? You can help yourself as much (or as little) as you like!

London sets the scene for romance. Walk hand in hand through Little Venice where the canals, cute cafés, and colourful houseboats will make you feel like you've stepped into a different corner of the city.  For a more special evening catch a show in the West End, nothing says “special night out” like a world-class performance. After the curtain falls, head back to the President Hotel to unwind. Enjoy a nightcap at the Atrium bar or head straight to your room for a comfortable night’s sleep.

But if you're in the mood for something a bit more serene, take a moonlit Thames cruise and see the city from the water, with all its landmarks lit up in their full glory. After soaking in all that charm, check into Morton Hotel, where plush robes and soft sheets await. Get cosy in a space filled with literary art that makes you feel like you're living a bookish romance, then enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Wake up to a delicious à la carte breakfast that’s as indulgent as your stay. From fluffy pancakes to simple toast and berry jam, just place your order with one of the friendly team members and enjoy a relaxed start to the day.

At Imperial London Hotels, we believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  With a variety of options from full English to continental spreads, you’ll be set for a day of exploring.

Staying in central London means you can take it slow, sip your coffee, plan your day, or simply enjoy the Bloomsbury neighbourhood before heading out.

After a long day of sightseeing, unwind in any of our hotel’s bars and restaurants with a glass of wine or a soothing cup of tea, making the most of your weekend break.

Plan Your London Weekend Break Today!

With countless things to do, you can never get enough of London. Offering iconic sights, hidden gems, and lots of cultural experiences. Staying at one of our centrally located hotels puts you close to all London’s top attractions. Book direct with our 1837 Club membership to enjoy the best rates, exclusive perks (20% off our F&Bs) and much more.