London Wellness
Travel Guide
Dive into this London Wellness Travel Guide to discover how to rejuvenate you mind, body, spirit as you explore one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
London Baby!
London...the possibilities are endless. The sheer number of iconic sites, historical places, museums, shows, shops, & food experiences make it a one of a kind experience.
This amazing city is an ideal day trip, weekend getaway, or starting point for any British vacation. And it's proximal location to a never ending number of day trips, make it the perfect jumping board into the countryside.
There is so much to do in London, it can be daunting to know where to start. But, if you're looking to infuse some wellness into your adventures, this London Wellness Travel Guide has got you covered.
why visit london...
To rejuvenate your mind & Body
Few cities in the world have more to offer. Meaning, you'll find the perfect experiences you need to rejuvenate.
To explore on foot
London was made for walking. It's an ideal way to see the iconic sights as well as explore the hidden corners.
To sink into photography
Explore nature, take photo walks, or experience the birds-eye views. Find your happy place with a camera!
find wellness everywhere...
My London Travel Philosophy...
Taking walks, exploring the parks, & doing photography rejuvenate me. Both the quiet corners & bustling areas energize & inspire me. It's one of my happy places (as is Cornwall, just down the road)!
This London Wellness Travel Guide includes some of my favorite experiences.
Things that I'm drawn to, in blending the cultural opportunities of the city with experiences that recharge my mind & body. Each one provides a mini-boost to my health & well-being!
Surprisingly, I've discovered over the years just how health enhancing these regular weekend getaways can be.
- samuel johnson
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can offer.”
Take Walks
ROYAL PARKS:
Explore one of the eight Royal Parks spread across the city. They're a treat for the senses & great for mindful travel. Try St. James for its central location & wildlife, or Regent's Park for its seasonal flower beds of tulips & roses.
BRIDGES WALK:
Starting at Westminster tube station, this 3 hour walk takes you along both sides of The Thames River. Crossing the most iconic bridges of London, you'll take in lots of the major sights & experience the vibrant energy of London first hand.
THE JUBILEE WALKWAY:
The 5 parts of this marked circular route go past some of the most loved sites in London. The different parts make it easy to mix & match this with whatever else you may want to experience in London.
Walking is an ideal way to experience London. Explore the sights & get some exercise while you take in the city. Here are a few engaging walks that I love.
- virginia wolf
" To walk alone in London is the greatest rest."
Have Active Adventures
Rent a bike
Santander docking stations are located across the city, so biking is convenient to work into any itinerary. Simply pay with debit/credit card, ride, & return to any station.
go boating in hyde park
How about a fun & leisurely lap around the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park? Open year round, you can try your hand at a rowboat or pedal (paddle) boat.
swim in the open air
Why not revitalize with an outdoor swim at Hampstead Heath? There's a lido & three ponds to choose from, two of which are open year round. It's invigorating!
Connect With Nature
Since 40% of London is green space, it's easy to get back to nature!
CITY SQUARES:
City squares are dotted across London, making them simple to work into any agenda. Tiny green spaces of calm, they're an ideal place to sit on a bench, mindfully observe the world, & just rest for a bit.
REGENT'S CANAL:
Meandering this canal path is joyful way to see London. For a refreshing morning walk, try Paddington to Camden. And for an introspective evening stroll, try the stretch from Islington to Lime House Basin.
RICHMOND PARK:
London's largest Royal Park, Richmond Park is ideal is an ideal escape from the city. Walk the open spaces, commune with ancient trees, & get up close & personal the red deer. It's everything you want in a nature experience!
POSTMAN'S PARK...
Postman's Park is a public park near St. Paul's. It's home to a memorial of heroic self-sacrifice & contains 54 plaques dedicated to ordinary people who did extraordinary things. Making it the perfect place for reflection. The last time I passed thru I had the place to myself :)
CHELSEA PSYCHIC GARDEN...
Visit plant heaven in the middle of London! The oldest botanical garden in London, spending the afternoon in this oasis of calm will leave you feeling refreshed.
THE NATIONAL POETRY LIBRARY...
Located inside The Royal Festival Hall on The Southbank is the world's largest collection of modern poetry. This free library is a quiet & cozy place to escape the crowds. it's a treat for poetry lovers!
Relax in Quiet Places
Here are a few places to rest, relax & find some peace & quiet
Keep Learning
bookstores
photo tours
If you enjoy photography, why not take a photo tour as you explore the city. Whether a private or group tour, engage your brain and take in the city all at once!
national trust properties
National Trust properties are historical gold & a great place to learn & discover as you explore. My favorite, The Georgian Country estate Osterley Park & House.
London = Learning. Go ahead, I dare you to find something you love!
savor
food & drink
London has quite a coffee scene, so take a pause & relax as you wander. SOME favorites: oZONE in Shoreditch & workshop coffee in fitzrovia.
Say yes to street food! watching your food being freshly prepared is a treat for the senses. YOU'LL FIND healthy food pop-ups, carts, & trucks across the city.
EAt organic at one of Daylesford's four Farmshops. Each site offers things like a cafe, bakery, grocer, & cookshop. My Favorite? A quiche for on the go!
Grab a nutritious lunch at detox kitchen, where All of their dishes are free of wheat, dairy & refined sugars. Some favorites? SOups & Banana Bread.
If you're craving indian, don't miss Dishoom. It's well-known, so expect lines at any of the five locations. But, the black dahl is worth the wait!
London has a uniquely diverse food scene. From pop-up markets & street food to killer cafes & acclaimed restaurants..there's something for your tastes!
Rejuvenate at a Spa
RELAX DAY SPA:
This urban day spa in Covent Garden is ideal for a massage. A chair massage (a perfect remedy for long haul flight) or full body treatment would easily work into any itinerary. They're great for same day appts too!
LUSH:
For fun & quirky treatments, head to LUSH on Oxford Street. Wonderful smells, relaxing music, and tailor made treatments will take you away from the hustle & bustle of the city. You can feel good about supporting a company that makes natural vegan & vegetarian products. Good for you & the planet :)
THE FOUR SEASONS:
The treatment rooms here have windows with views of Hyde Park. Who doesn't love a spa with a view, right! Relaxation + nature = an inspired & happy you!
There are spas galore in London, so why not slow down & practice some self-care! Revitalize at one of these gems.
Find Comfort in Hotels
THE STRAND PALACE HOTEL:
This 4 star is my go-to hotel. At a great price point & centrally located right next to Covent Garden, it's ideal if you like to explore on foot. There are also 3 tube stops within a 10 minute walk, making it uber convenient.
THE PLGRIM:
This is a great choice if you want to stay near Paddington Station. With easy access to the tube and The Heathrow Express, it offers great flexibility. There's also a lounge that serves breakfast, lunch dinner, and Workshop coffee!
THE JW MARRIOTT GROSVENOR HOUSE LONDON:
This 5-star luxury hotel sits on Park Lane next to Hyde Park. Making it ideal (if like me), you enjoy a quiet early morning walk or run in the park. If you value good sleep, just know that it has the most comfortable hotel bed I've ever slept in, ever!
Accommodation choices are a plenty in London, so be sure to choose a hotel that best supports your comfort & well-being. Here are a few of my current favorites.
the london
Bucket list
Here are some more of my london dreams. If you've experienced any of these, drop me a line & let me know what you think!
Drive a HOT tug: A wood fire hot tub that floats
the waters of regent's canal or canary wharf!
Yoga in the walkways: how about sunrise yoga on the glass walkway of tower bridge?
Go Kayaking on The Thames & See the sights from the water.
Dine at Kol in MArylebone. Real mexican food with only british sourced ingredients, I'm in for a try!
A blissful day of well-being at the four floor ESPA Life spa at corinthia london.
Explore how to transform your health & well-being...
Use this simple (and free) Wellness Travel Planner to plan your next trip. Because you deserve to thrive!
through travel.
GET IT NOW
More Great
UK Resources...
There's so much to inspire well-being in the UK! Check these ideas out & broaden your planning toolkit.
7 Wellness things to do in port isaac
Mindful edinburgh: 8 places to find travel bliss
10 Foodie things to do in bath