Last summer I did a huge post and video on all the most insta-worthy places across the capital, and since then London's shop doors, side streets and member's clubs have gone from bloom to bloom.
I couldn't be any more excited to be heading home this autumn to see my family and spend time in the dearly missed big smoke. So, ahead of my trip, I have scouted down the most beautiful places in my favorite city, where I will be heading to for a gin and photo op and where you can take in some of the most unique sights:
The River Thames is a totally iconic place in the city, and this September plays homage to Totally Thames Festival, the waterway and all things connected to it by hosting a special series of events. Some of the highlights include a chambers' concert, jaw-dropping west end musical performances, a subterranean space under the Tower Bridge and a hip hop themed poetry party on board the Dixie Queen Paddle Steamer.
October is a great time for various festivals across the city: The Lord Mayor's Show, The Design Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Frieze London and London's Jazz Festival.
Some of the best places to enjoy London in all its splendor and autumn colours, are of course in the many parks. Battersea and Victoria Park are beautiful and if you head to the top of Greenwich Park or Primrose Hill; you can get an outstanding view. If you are in the Greenwich area, then taking a trip to the Royal Naval College isn't a bad tip either - the colours are very autumn blush and crisp; perfect for that gram shot...
If you want to see the pretty autumn colours from up top, then I will also recommend a trip to The Shard, Sky Gardens and Madison Rooftop Terrace, overlooking the vista of St Paul's Cathedral. Alternatively, if you are happy to spend the admission money, then it goes without saying that Kew Gardens and the Royal Parks are stunning.
With the trees and colours changing; Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park is the perfect place for an autumnal Japanese setting. Again, like Kew, there is an admission fee, but the views and photo opportunities definitely make up for it.
As for food and drink; this is where London will always capture my heart. It goes without saying that Peggy Porschen is always a winner for many bloggers and tourists; especially when Peg decorates her cakes and front door seasonally. Last year the team put out all the stops with their day of the dead, millennial pink decorations and I'm pretty sure this year will be hard to beat, with their whimsical fairy-topia, autumnal themes.
If you are visiting Peggy's, make sure you take the scenic route via Elizabeth Street. Elizabeth Street is home to many designer retail outlets, including Philip Treacy, the gorgeous flower shop Moyses Stevens, Les Senteurs and Joy Loves. They also have the delightful Mungo & Maud, if you are after a sustainable and organic pet store to treat your fur babies.
Mews Street is a gorgeous little spot in Chelsea where you can get rainbow/pastel buildings, mixed in with crisp autumn colours on the row of trees there. A great place for that enviable insta shot. If you don't fancy the schlep, then why not mix in a Sloane Square shopping spree with a photo sesh. Just off Chelsea's famous Kings Road lies Bywater Street - a tiny residential road with stunning rainbow houses. Not many people really knew too much about this street, up until recently when it became a haven for that cherry blossom tree shot.
If you are in the Sloane area, then head to the Saatchi Gallery - this is where many fashion and beauty bloggers flock to, to make the most of the scenic backdrop and sky high columns for their photo shoots - and you can do the same! Admission to the gallery and museum is free, so why not kill the two cultural birds and photo shoot vibes in one stone.
Of course no trip to London is complete without a classic, traditional British pub trip. Last summer we were raving about the florals of the Chiswick Arms - however this autumn, it's all about the mystery and cosiness of the Sherlock Holmes Pub, just off Trafalgar Square.
Located in the heart of Notting Hill; not far from the insta-famous Farm Girl Cafe, you have the delicious Biscuiteers - a vintage coffee shop and patisserie. It is great if you're going for a Parisian in London type feel. And whist you're getting all snapped up with your insta-shoot; you can also pop in for various biscuit decorating classes - no doubt they will be conducting a Halloween special.
Tower Bridge is also a good idea any time and any season. To avoid the traffic and high crowds, I would recommend getting here on a Sunday before 9am for a clearer shot.
Neal's Yard is a rainbow heaven in summer, yet has a faded pastel and eerie feel in autumn. It's a great place any time of year, and somewhere I will always pop into on my Covent Garden trips. Another place I love close by, is the hidden Goodwin's Court. This little magical street was the main inspiration for Harry Potter film-makers to create Diagon Alley. It's a cosy nook and perfect for an autumn shoot.
Leadenhall Market is a beautiful place and shopping venue. The colours, the grand ceiling and the cosy vibe is perfect for getting an autumn snap (and even nicer during the festive season). If you are just coming for pictures however, I recommend coming before 9am, whilst it's fairly quiet with no shoppers around.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Did you know this is where 'If you wanna be my lover' music video from the Spice Girls was shot back in the 90s? And it's still as elegant today! You can get in without a reservation, though the team are cracking down on random passerbys blocking up the staircase, so maybe a drink at the bar or having a dinner reservation is best. Staying on the theme of divine hotels; the Landmark is stunning and is the perfect place for autumn/winter princess shots...
One of the most quirkiest pubs in London (and inspiration for Harry Potter's Leaky Cauldron, is the Cittie of York Pub, situated near Holborn station. It has a 1920's vs medieval theme inside, but be careful...there is a TOP secret entrance, that not even many locals know about it... If you are interested, I recommend flocking to Trip Advisor, where previous tennants can give you the low down on where to find this magical venue, and how to get in.
Bubbles & Bread
Of course there are many places around the city which focus on food theatre, smoking cocktails, atmospheric themed interior and daring menus all year round. My favourite spot for gin and cocktails galore, and a cosy autumnal setting is the amazing Mr Foggs Society of Exploration. Mr Foggs is owned by the Inception Group - my favourite talented team who have also brought us Bunga Bunga, Cahoots and Maggie's.
There are many places around the city, which focus on the insta-vibes all year round. Have a ponder around Sketch, Dallaway Terrace, Elan Cafe, Harrods, The Folly, By Chloe, God's Own Junkyard, The Sanderson Hotel, Sushisamba, and my new personal favourite, Hello Darling. Hello Darling has recently been taking the insta world by storm, with their beautiful 1940's esque/pin-up style facade. Hello Darling at one point had the gorgeous pink Nissan Figaro from the 90s parked out front. After a bit of research, it was found that only 153 pink Figaro's exist in the UK, and a small team of bloggers have decided to create an account of their driving adventures, so you can try and find where it's parked this week and grab a shot. Follow @lepinkfigaro @bei.bei.wei or @justthelenmarie to see if you can spot these enviable photo-worthy vintage cars.
Why not try something different and head to London's oldest wine bar just off the Strand; Gordon's Wine Bar. This gorgeous wine cellar next to embankment station, does the most divine cheese and wine I have ever tasted. Many tourists and locals flock here on a warm weekend, so I highly recommend getting a table.
Gordon's dates back to 1890 and is a bar much loved by old and young alike. It offers a totally unique atmosphere where it feels as though time has stood still. The bar is situated in Kipling house which was home to Samuel Pepys in the 1640's.
No trip to London would be complete without checking out the two most insta-worthy buildings: Annabel's Mayfair and of course the Ivy Chelsea Garden. They are more famously known for their Christmas decorations; having turned their facades into a giant edible gingerbread house and Christmas present last year - but they are slowly starting to pull out the stops for Halloween time too...
And finally, if you're looking to hop on the tourist scene this autumn, then take note of the following:
London Restaurant Festival - Throughout October
London Cocktail Week - 7th -13th October
Lumiere Festival - 16th-19th November
Hogwarts in the Snow - 16th November until mid January
Winter at Southbank - Starting end of October
And there you have it, a list to keep you occupied between now and Christmas. I hope you enjoy and let me know which areas you tackle first! Have fun and happy snapping... x
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