Whilst we predominately travel as a couple, on occasion and especially when we are back in the UK we can think of nothing better than meeting up with friends and family to catch up on everything we have missed and being based in the South of England where better to head than London.
Home to Royalty and Palaces, luscious green parks, museums and sights galore plus award-winning restaurants, bars and exceptional hotels, London always seems like the perfect place for us.
Where to Visit in London as a Group
There are so many things to do in London, although knowing where to visit that will suit everyone can often be a challenge and whilst one activity would work well for one group of friends, another group may require something very different.
However, regardless of who you are travelling with, there is always something new to experience. Whether travelling as a small group or visiting as part of a larger get together, everyone wants to try something that will be truly unforgettable.
What to Do as a Group in London
#1 Heading to London With the Girls
Enjoy Afternoon Tea
It may be slightly cliché but if you are getting together with the girls, you want space to cha and catch up on all the gossip, so what better way to start your girly get-together than with a scrumptious Afternoon Tea. With so many to choose from, there is bound to be one that even the most prolific of afternoon tea goers have yet to try. From traditional afternoon teas, to the quirky and unusual, afternoon tea has always been a famous British past-time and has for a long time now, been a fashionable way to spend time with friends.
Enjoy a Glass of Champagne on the London Eye
For those that like to incorporate a bit of sight-seeing in whilst having a girly chit-chat the London Eye, one of London’s most notable landmarks, is the ideal place. Not only will you get to travel on an extremely large Ferris Wheel, you can sip champagne, take in the sights and relax in the company of your friends all at the same time.
#2 Heading to London With the Lads
Rooftop Bars and a Curry
It’s natural to assume that when the lads get together for a weekend the chances of beer not being involved at some point is slim. So, rather than hiding away in a traditional bar, why not take to the skies and see London from a bird’s eye perspective whilst sampling one of the many cocktails or fine local ales normally available. It seems that with each new building or hotel, comes a stylish rooftop bar, each offering their own unique slice of London so instead of doing a traditional bar crawl perhaps it is worth while considering one slightly closer to the moon and stars next time.
Of course, no night out with the boys would be complete without a slap up meal – or a curry – and what better place to experience an authentic curry then the capital itself however, don’t be fooled, not all curry houses are equal and whilst Brick Lane has become a well-known curry hangout, there are more authentic options available if you look hard enough.
Speedboat Tours along the Thames or Climbing the O2
Regardless of whether you are a natural adrenaline junkie or not, something seems to happen when a group of men get together. What seems outlandish when alone suddenly becomes acceptable to try when goaded by a group of friends so why not try something different the next time you head to London. Perhaps an afternoon speeding along the Thames in a rubber dingy with a V8 engine attached giving the impression that you will be appearing in an up-and-coming high-energy spy film would suit you, alternatively for the really adventurous why not head over to the O2 where you can truly push your limits, attach yourself to a harness and clamber up the outer shell of the biggest dome in London.
#3 Heading to London in a Mixed Group
Cocktail Mixing
At some point we have all found ourselves wondering whether we could fling a bottle like Tom Cruise does in Cocktail – come on you can admit it. Perhaps it is the spinning bottles, or the fact that we have already sampled one-to-many but at some point we all believe that we could give it a go, and now thanks to the numerous Mixology classes that are springing up around the country we now have to opportunity to try.
With so many venues now offering a cocktail mixing masterclass, this is a fantastic way for friends to get together, laugh, chat up and experience something new. And who knows, perhaps you will find your inner Brian Flanagan at the same time.
London Treasure Hunts
Now before you say that treasure hunts are only for children who have found some sort of yellowing, aged map in an old abandoned trunk in the attic and are now prepared to dig up the garden in the hope of discovering some long lost family heirloom hear me out.
With the Crystal Maze re-emerging and Escape Rooms growing in popularity it is no surprise that people, young and old, are willing to pit their wits against others in the hope that they will reign supreme and find the answers to the clues first. Whether you would prefer to solve a murder mystery, follow a so-called spy or find the treasure this is an activity that can be as fast-paced or lethargic as you choose.
#4 Heading to London with the Parents
Visit Iconic Landmarks
Meeting your parents in London means that you can spend quality time catching up you can whilst also taking in the many sights of the capital.
Whether you jump on a bus or take a walking tour, there are many different ways to explore the city noting all of famous monuments and buildings as you go.
Take in a Show
As famous as Broadway, the West End has become a reason in itself to visit London and what better way to treat your parents then a night out at the theatre. With so many different shows to choose from whether you prefer Disney spin-offs, toe-tapping, sing-out-loud musicals, operas or drama there is something for everyone’s tastes.
#5 Heading to London with Kids in Tow
Harry Potter Tours
I am yet to meet a kid that doesn’t love the wizardry world of Harry Potter and his friends. So if you have a little wizard on your hands why not head over to Watford and an early morning tour of the Warner Bros Studios before heading back into Central London and Kings Crossing where the little ones can pretend to run through the walls of Platform 9 ¾ before popping into the shop nearby to pick up a souvenir or two. For die-hard fans, if you book early enough, you also have the opportunity to spend a night or two in your very own wizard chamber at The Georgian House Hotel.
London Dungeons
With imaginations running wild, the London Dungeons is the most amazing place to spend time. Here your little fiends can learn more about the history of London through all of their senses – the smells, the noises and the dramatics. This is a tour like no other and will remain with them for months to come.
As you can see, regardless of the type of group you are travelling with, London has some of the best spots in the UK to visit and whilst most of them can easily be arranged on your own, if you are travelling with a larger group of friends or looking to arrange an exceptional family get-together remember that there are many events management companies out there that can help to make your trip something really memorable.
Have you visited London in a big group? Do you have suggestions for us and our readers? We are always looking to find out about new, exciting experiences that we should be exploring for ourselves.
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This post has been sponsored by MELON Events, London.
The UK looks unbelievable, it has been on my bucket list for some time now. I really cannot wait to go.
You will love it, I know I am bias but it really is a lovely place. 🙂