9 minute read
London’s Top Ten Neighbourhoods
London will always be a captivating city with an enduring allure. The secret of its appeal lies in the variety it offers, with each of its diverse neighbourhoods having their own distinct character. Whether you seek the elegance of Belgravia or the energy of Soho, there is always something new to enjoy. Dream Escape’s Travel Designers can take you beyond the tourist traps and behind the scenes to uncover the authentic heart and soul of this multifaceted city.
1. Belgravia And Pimlico
Discover London’s regal heart across Belgravia. Famously home to Buckingham Palace, it’s an area steeped in history. Immerse yourself in the pomp and pageantry of British tradition with a private tour of the Knightsbridge Barracks. Witness the meticulous preparation of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiments the guardians of Buckingham Palace, and gain exclusive access to the stables and farrier, a truly behind-the-scenes glimpse into a 300-year-old tradition.
Stop by the Bvlgari Hotel for an afternoon tea, and experience the hotel facade's transformation into a work of art by the emerging sculptural artist Hannah Lim (available until March 2025, to coincide with the renowned London Design Festival). Treat your senses to a unique experience at the Jo Loves Fragrance Brasserie Bar on Elizabeth Street. Fashion lovers can avail themselves of an exclusive consultation with celebrated designer Louise Kennedy. Design enthusiasts have the shop interiors of Pimlico Road to explore, browsing Rachel Vosper's exquisite collections and David Linley's renowned artisanship.
2. London Fields And The East End
The East End of London has an eclectic array of independent designers, markets, and amazing food to discover. Explore the colourful murals of Shoreditch as well as works by Banksy, and a whole host of up-and-coming talent with an expertly guided, private street-art tour. Capture the day with the help of a professional photographer to accompany you, ensuring you take plenty of stunning photos on your phone.
The East End is also home to Columbia Road Flower Markets where you can breathe in the scent of fresh flowers and herbs as you browse a huge selection of plants.
Sports fans will enjoy walking in the footsteps of famous football players with an immersive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tour.
3. SOHO
Soho is a melting pot of creativity and culture, and one of the best ways to experience it is through a multisensory tour. Take in amazing street art, get a taste of modern street food and savour the aroma of some of London's finest coffee and chocolate sellers.
At Soho’s Cartoon Museum, you can delve into the world of British cartoon art by taking a private tour of the extensive collection and participating in a handson workshop.
The area is a music aficionado’s paradise, with Ronnie Scott’s jazz club and plenty of rock-and-roll history. You can experience it all on a bespoke tour retracing the footsteps of musical legends.
Elsewhere in the city, your Dream Escape Travel Designer can even arrange for aspiring musicians to fulfil a dream by recording their own track at the famous Abbey Road Studios, working alongside professional sound engineers and vocal coaches.
4. Bankside
Bankside is a vibrant enclave where history meets modernity. Bring your appetite to Borough Market, where food is truly celebrated. With a history that stretches back 1,000 years, this flavourful market is a must-visit for foodies.
Discover a little Shakespearean magic with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Globe Theatre, complete with Elizabethan costume demonstrations and a spectacular 17th-century printing press experience.
Art lovers can revel in the Tate Modern's contemporary masterpieces, with an expert guide to ensure you make the most of your visit.
For a truly luxurious way to see the sights, step aboard a private water limousine and savour a gourmet hamper as you cruise the Thames in style.
5. Covent Garden
Covent Garden offers a blend of history, arts, and culture. Begin your discovery with a private preopening of Sir John Soane's Museum. Explore this architect's fascinating home, filled with antiques, sculptures, and curiosities. Dream Escape guests can have exclusive access to the private apartments, normally hidden from view, offering a glimpse into Soane's personal life.
Close by is the Hunterian Museum, where you can trace the history of surgery from ancient times to the latest robot-assisted operations.
Pick up the pace and unleash your inner star at Pineapple Dance Studios. Participate in a private workshop, choosing from a variety of styles, or even learn the choreography from your favourite West End show with a cast member. Conclude your day with a backstage theatre tour and learn how London's bestloved productions are brought to life.
6. St. James's And Mayfair
A range of luxury experiences await you in Mayfair. Your Dream Escape Travel Designer can curate an itinerary that ensures you experience the very best it has to offer.
Create your own signature fragrance at Floris under the guidance of an expert perfumer. Discover centuries of fragrance heritage, select notes that resonate, and you’ll come away with a bespoke scent that’s unique to you. Visit Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd, for a private tasting or tour of their 300-year-old cellars (read more in our interview with Geordie Willis, Creative Director and 8thgeneration family member, p42). Nearby is Spencer House, a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture waiting to be explored.
Indulge in the world of couture millinery with renowned designers, such as Rachel Trevor-Morgan and Philip Treacy. Your own personal shopping expert will guide you through a tailored tour of hidden boutiques and the best department stores, with no queuing or rummaging through unwanted sizes.
7. Chelsea
Chelsea is made for exploring. Take a private guided tour of Chelsea Physic Garden to discover one of the oldest botanic gardens in London and learn all about the historical importance of its medicinal plants. For an extra special experience, visit the area during the worldfamous Chelsea Flower Show, a spectacle of colour and innovation.
History buffs can tour the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a magnificent home for retired veterans of the British Army.
Art enthusiasts can find solace at the Saatchi Gallery, known for its contemporary artworks and thoughtprovoking exhibitions.
8. Marylebone And Bloomsbury
The intellectually curious will love the Marylebone and Bloomsbury area, with its independent bookshops and literary heritage. Get to know one of the Victorian era’s greatest writers, Charles Dickens, with a private tour of his home, where he penned his famous novels.
Admire masterpieces by Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Gainsborough, all on display in a grand 18th-century building at The Wallace Collection, and visit the official home of Sherlock Holmes as well as The British Museum. There’s more history to uncover at UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, home to a vast collection of animal specimens, from delicate butterflies to impressive dinosaur skeletons. The nearby Petrie Museum houses an unparalleled collection of artefacts that bring ancient Egyptian civilisation to life.
9. Kensington
No cultural exploration of the capital is complete without visiting Kensington. You can delight the whole family with a personalised family-friendly treasure hunt, which will see you solving codes and deciphering clues together.
Surround yourself with art and design with a private tour of the V&A Museum. Step into history with an exclusive preopening tour of Kensington Palace, exploring its opulent State Apartments before the crowds arrive. Don't miss the 'Untold Lives: A Palace at Work' exhibition (until end October) that highlights the servants and courtiers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain, protect and promote the monarch and the palaces.
Garden enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to visit the pleasure gardens at Kensington Palace and spend time with award-winning landscape designer Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, the name behind some of the greatest public and private landscape gardens in the country.
10. Notting Hill
Notting Hill is another of London’s must-see neighbourhoods, full of quirky charm and culinary delights. Give yourself plenty of time to explore Portobello Road Market, it’s teeming with vintage finds. Make the most of the area’s antique shops with a specialist guide to help you discover one-of-akind treasures.
Get to know this cosmopolitan neighbourhood’s culinary hot-spots with a curated food tour, savouring ingredients and wine while meeting passionate producers. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Biscuiteers, the home of exquisitely crafted biscuits, where you can learn the art of icing like a pro, or simply unwind with a luxurious afternoon tea.
Film fans will have fun reliving moments from classic movies shot in the area, including Notting Hill and Love Actually
KIRSTY HOSKINS - HEAD OF TRAVEL DESIGN
The diversity in different areas of London creates a feeling of time travel. While St James’s, Kensington, and Chelsea exude charm and elegance, lesser-known Marylebone, Bloomsbury, and the East End have a special allure. Marylebone is a treasure trove of high-end boutique shops, fantastic restaurants, and bars. Bloomsbury is synonymous with literary history and academic excellence, offering leafy Russell Square and Bloomsbury Square as peaceful retreats. The East End, with its gritty and fascinating history, has transitioned into an upmarket and vibrant area, while still retaining its unique character. These aspects draw me back to London and create experiences we love to share with our clients time and time again.
Words | Francesca Weeks
