8 best museums and galleries in London with good food
From the historic dining room of the V&A to trendy new bakeries in East London galleries, these are the best ways to combine culture and food
There are two types of people who visit museums and galleries: those who are excited by the gift shops, and those who are excited by the cafe. And with more than 190 museums and an estimated 330 galleries in London; there’s always going to be some very hungry foodies looking for a bite to eat after checking out the latest exhibition. But luckily, the cafes and restaurants set within London’s many cultural venues are as exciting and intriguing as the art. In fact, some of them are worthy of a visit in their own right, even if you haven’t managed to get tickets for the exhibition of the moment. From colourful brunch hotspots to sustainable fine-dining; from artist-curated afternoon teas to Italian-inspired pastries; there’s a whole rainbow of delicious cafes, restaurants and bars to try out – even the world’s first ever museum cafe, a gorgeously ornate dining room that dates back to 1868. So whether it’s a solo culture trip; a new-couple date or a family day trip to London; eating on an art trail doesn’t need to mean a dry, overpriced sandwich or crowded cafe with dull food. Here’s our guide to eight of the very best of London’s museums and galleries who are serving up good food; where to find them, what the vibe is like, and most importantly, what you need to order. For more London restaurant inspiration, check out our guides to the best London pubs, best pasta restaurants in London, best food markets in London or the best burgers in London. Best gallery and museum cafes and restaurants in London 1. Friends of Ours at The Serpentine Galleries, Hyde Park On the first walk past The Magazine restaurant, the stunning, Zaha Hadid-designed building in Hyde Park, you might be forgiven for thinking that it’s an art work in itself, or an extension of the next-door Serpentine Gallery North. With its grand modernist curves on the outside, and bright white interior, it’s like dining inside a sculpture – whether you’re stopping for a cup of tea or a lunch feast, it’ll certainly be a memorable dining experience. But first: the art. The Serpentine galleries – there are a few across London – have been showcasing the best of contemporary art and architecture since the 1970s. The mind-expanding exhibitions in the galleries are free to enter; and are a must see for anyone interested in peering into the brains of some artistic visionaries over the years. The restaurant itself was built in 2013 and is a now almost unrecognisable extension of a former 1805 gunpowder store. As of November 2024, London foodies Friends of Ours have taken over the culinary mantle. There’s big, bold and flavourful dishes on the menu like the croque “madamonsieur”; their signature “hashy bs” (hash browns to you and me; they have cult status here) or for those with a sweet tooth, French toast with Tonka bean and macerated peaches. It’s a refreshingly unpretentious place to grab a colourful brunch or a snack to eat while on a walk around the park; and everyone from kids to first-daters will be happy with the offerings on the ever-changing menu. friendsofourscafe.com/hyde-park/ Address: Magazine Building, W Carriage Dr, London W2 2AR 2. South London Louie at the South London Gallery The south London districts of Camberwell and Peckham are some of the most creative areas in the city. The South London Gallery – sitting on the borders of both locations – has become an important part of the London art world. The gallery is split across several sites; the main gallery on one side of Peckham Road; the second across the way, housed in a former Fire Station, and a third, Art Block, for children and families. The gallery itself was founded in 1891 by philanthropist William Rossiter to ‘bring art to the people of south London’ and today its ethos is fully forward-thinking. There’s regularly exhibitions from diverse artists from all over the world presenting mixed multi-media shows. A weekday evening might find a niche electronica gig or intriguing lecture and every weekend there’s a free, special garden trail for kids and their adults. The onsite cafe, the light and welcoming South London Louie, is a wonderful mix of global cultures and flavours, and worth a trip to the gallery for lunch here alone. ​​Chef Daniela Natale often draws from her Lithuanian-Italian roots, bringing a taste of both the Baltic and Mediterranean down south. With drool worthy sandwiches, pastries and cakes, it’s a great spot for brunches and light lunches. Dishes recently have included a sweet potato, chickpea and cavolo nero salad, tossed in a bright lemon and tahini dressing or their twist on toast, topped with ricotta with zesty beans, artichoke and courgette; and most plates clock in under a tenner. By night the cafe turns into a space for pop-up supper clubs – recent dinners have seen a Mexican and Caribbean culture collab called Caribueña, where for £50, guests feasted on tequila lime prawn ceviche and jerk glazed chicken with mango salsa; and Mosa Mosa, a French-Bangladeshi feast. Bonus tip: if you’re in the neighbourhood early in the day, join the queue across the road at the hyped Toad Bakery, for some of the best and most innovative pastries in London. southlondonlouie.com Address: 67 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8UH 3. The Wallace Restaurant at the Wallace Collection The Wallace Collection, while not the most well-known of London museums, transports visitors with its impressive collection of fine and decorative arts, including everything from 14th century oil paintings to 19th century armoury. The collection was built by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace in the 18th and 19th centuries. Befitting of its objet d’art housed within, the building itself – which is free to enter, and found in Marylebone – is an ornate treat to wander around, with grand and colourful halls filled with curious and beautiful artefacts. The on-site restaurant, The Wallace, will happily further fuel any Bridgerton-type fantasies of being the lord or lady of the house. The pink-walled restaurant is surprisingly filled with natural sunlight, despite being the middle of the historic townhouse. You must start with tea and cake here. There are an impressive array of sweet treats to choose from: from carrot cake and blackberry and coconut to gooey chocolate (all £8 a slice). The artist Grayson Perry also currently has a special afternoon tea themed around his Delusions of Grandeur exhibition (£50). There is also a set lunch on offer –it’s on the pricey side at £40 for three courses, and will likely include elevated forms of familiar dishes like chicken supreme or pie ‘n’ mash. The Wallace isn’t the place to go for cheap eats, but for a special occasion or push-the-boat-out afternoon tea, a meal here will feel positively regal. wallacecollection.org Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN 4. The Gamble Room at the V&A The V&A is one of London’s best and most visited museums, but it also has one of the most historic and stunning dining rooms to be found across the globe. The arts institution was first established in South Kensington back in 1852 and since then it has become a mainstay in exhibiting exciting and thought-provoking works across the ages. While there are a couple of beautiful spaces to enjoy a cuppa and slice of cake in the venue (around the pond is the place to perch in the summer), you should make a beeline for the main cafe, The Gamble Room, which is officially the oldest museum cafe in the world. Prior to the V&A founding director Henry Cole’s idea about 150 years ago; no one had really come up with the concept that art visitors might also want some snacks after soaking up some culture. And ever since then, it’s now seen as a staple for every museum, gallery or exhibition space to offer some sort of refreshments as standard. Sweeping arches, decorative columns, incredible ceramic tiles furnish the expansive room, while the stained glass windows bathe the space in dazzling, warm light. Pull up a chair, then dig into the cafe’s menu: kids will love the lunchboxes (£7), though let’s be honest, it’s the cakes they’re really going to be after; while the deli selection offers a daily lunch plate of salads and sides from £17. Eating lunch here, or even if it’s just a coffee, feels like you’ve been let in on an incredible secret: this is a cafe that will go down as a marvel in history. vam.ac.uk Address: Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL 5. Spring at Somerset House The origins of culture centre Somerset House, nestled just off The Strand side of the Thames, can be traced back to the Tudor times. Today it offers an entirely contemporary snapshot of the art, culture and music worlds. Alongside housing classic greats in The Courtauld gallery wing, previous exhibitions at the venue have included retrospectives of fashion visionaries like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen; as well as deep dives into nightlife subculture – even a show exploring the genre of “horror”. If that’s a little too dark, the flip side of the centre is all about light and festivities, with a visit to its annual ice-skating rink being on many people’s Christmas wish list – it even famously featured in Love Actually. With so much to dig into here, you’re bound to work up a hunger, which is good as Somerset House has an impressive and equally eclectic selection of places to eat – at the time of writing, there’s Setlist, a casual bar/diner with all-female chefs at the helm; Aram, a Syrian restaurant by chef Imad Alarnab showcasing colourful and flavourful food from the region to London; Poon’s, a sister restaurant to the iconic Chinese restaurant in Soho and coffee from Watch House. But the star of the show at Somerset House is Spring, Skye Gyngell’s unique take on modern British, seasonal cooking. The dining room is a thing of beauty; grand windows showcasing famous London skyline outside, cool, marbled finishes inside. While dinner can be a little pricey, we’d recommend heading here for a special lunch and trying out the set menu (£39 for three courses). An even better tip is to try out their Scratch menu for an early dinner. It's £40 for three courses and an amuse bouche and is a truly sustainable meal, using “ugly”, “waste” or underused ingredients and produce to create an innovative and delicious meal. On the menu recently was fried ricotta dumplings with preserved lemon, lamb meatballs and polenta and apple and damson pavlova. The only catch? This menu is only served to 30 people from Tuesday to Saturday, between 5.15 and 6.30pm. It’s worth the extra effort to bag a table for this concept though, as it’s a delicious way to highlight societal issues on the plate – the restaurant is a fitting setting for the equally forward-thinking Somerset House surrounding it. springrestaurant.co.uk Address: Lancaster Pl, London WC2R 1LA 6. Ochre at the National Gallery No trip to central London should be without a visit to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square (and its excellent next door neighbour; the National Portrait Gallery). Fresh after a recent refurb, the National Gallery has been dazzling Londoners and guests from around the world for 300 years with artworks like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers; Ruben’s Samson and Delilah, and Da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks. Plus, it is free to enter. The onsite restaurant, Ochre, hasn’t been around for quite as long, but is still pulling in the crowds. The all-day brasserie reflects the gorgeous colours of some of the nearby Renaissance paintings: caramel, olives and burgundy, lit up by soft lighting and even softer, vintage furnishings. The menu is equally comforting: hearty, seasonal plates celebrating regional British produce. A recent trip boasted roast Cornish hake and clams, served with sea beet (£26); Norfolk chicken schnitzel (£28), and for the peckish before dinner, a Tamworth pork scotch egg (£12). Keep an eye out for the cheese trolley that can be wheeled past your table for some post-meal picky bits, too. Afternoon tea is of course served, but Ochre’s has also focused on offering something for the younger members of the family with their kids’ afternoon tea (£20); with four types of sandwiches, jam and scones and brownies to finish off. It’s also worth noting that being so central, the National Gallery and Ochre are firmly in the theatre district, so there’s also great prix fixe menus to be enjoyed here too, with a three-courser pre-theatre menu for £35. Another insider tip – pull up an early chair at the bar as there’s half price martinis here between 5-7pm. ochre.london Address: National Gallery, Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN 7. E5 Storehouse at the V&A East Storehouse There’s literally half a million reasons to visit the newly opened V&A Storehouse. The site – based in East London near the Olympic parks – houses more than 500,000 works of art. A small, carefully curated section of this working museum store, an off-shoot of the original museum in Kensington, is always on display (ephemera belonging to David Bowie has a specially dedicated centre at the Storehouse) but visitors can also trawl through the museum’s online catalogue and request to look at items a few weeks beforehand too, making a trip to this new capital city art treasure a unique, tailored experience every visit. While there’s quite a few cafes and bars in the vicinity – we recommend a walk along the pretty Hackney Wick canalside before or after a visit – the on-site cafe, E5 Storehouse, is the one to make a beeline to. The Storehouse cafe is an offspring of its proud parents, E5 Bakehouse, who have been baking up incredible bread (their Hackney seeded sourdough is still one of the greatest loaves in the city, in our opinion) since 2010. E5 Storehouse is a warm, modern cafe of blonde wooden tables, with the whole room often decorated liberally with fresh wildflowers. Breakfast or lunch is the best meal to enjoy here, with sandwiches, baps and rolls showcasing their great homemade bread obviously making up a large part of their menu. Recent favourites have been roast chicken and lemon aioli baguettes or a veggie caponata on focaccia. But from Thursday to Saturday, head for a light, snacky dinner, when they team up with Provisions to offer cheese, charcuterie, tinned fish and some cracking wines until 10pm. Whatever time you choose to visit, there’ll be some sort of baked goods and cake on offer; meaning you leave feeling physically and culturally sated. instagram.com/e5storehouse Address: Parkes Street, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Hackney Wick, London, E20 3AX 8. Forno at the Ragged School Museum One of London’s lesser-known museums is worth the trip out East to Mile End, not only for a fascinating glimpse into working-class Victorian society, but for the local favourite Italian restaurant. The Ragged School Museum is set on the same site as a school opened up by Thomas Barnardo in 1877, with the mission of offering free education to the destitute children of the area, which was rife with poverty and disease at the time. Thousands of children were taught at the school, until it closed in 1908, with the building later used for industrial purposes, until a trust rescued and restored the location in 1990. Now visitors can be transported back to a 19th Century East End classroom (the first Sunday of each month they hold a traditional lesson) and a Spitalfields family home from the era to see how young children and families coped in this destitute time. Forno is the sister restaurant of Hackney’s much-loved Italian restaurant, Ombra, and as of October 2025, the team have opened not one but two spaces in the museum. There’s a little takeout hatch offering hot drinks and some of Forno’s signature incredible pastries and baked goods (the maritozzi cream buns will be a hit with everyone), while the main sit-in cafe is another relaxed affair, and good for brunch. There’s a range of influences in the cooking here – not just solely Italian – so choose from a green shakshuka or fennel sausage bap. It’s a very long way from the porridge, bread and milk from the school dining hall of old. forno.london Address: 46-50 Copperfield Rd, canal side, London E3 4RR More London restaurant recommendations Best pasta restaurants in London Best afternoon teas in London Best themed afternoon teas in London Best afternoon tea for kids in London 10 best places in London to eat classic British dishes Best bakeries in London Best burgers in London Best pasta restaurants in London Best afternoon teas in the UK Best food markets in London Best walking tours in London
Where to dine like Downton Abbey: the 6 best stately homes for foodies to visit
Visit the real life Downton Abbey and more stately homes to stay around the UK
Get out your finest glassware and let’s all toast “cheers” for Downton Abbey’s return. The much-loved TV series is back for a last hurrah in the form of a third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grande Finale – out September 12 in the US, and a day later in the UK. But while we gear up for more sumptuous feasting and drama in the Julian Fellowes period film; it’s possible to live out all your Downton dreams in similar stately homes across the UK. It’s estimated that there are more than 3,000 impressive mansions, castles and other historic luxury houses in the country for those keen for a taste of the Earl of Grantham’s lifestyle – whether visiting just for the day or even staying the night. These impressive estates often have dining rooms to rival Downton too, from multi-course tasting-menus showcasing local produce to delicate afternoon teas. From the mountain ranges of Snowdonia in Wales up to quiet luxury in Somerset, discover six of the best stately homes for foodies to visit in the UK. Highclere Castle, Hampshire The starting point, of course, has to be the actual stately home Downton is filmed in. While Downton Abbey itself is fictional, the grand manor it's filmed in is very real; and owned by the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, no less. Located just over 60 miles from London – making it a good day trip from the capital – Highclere has an impressive historical record, as the first recorded mentions of an estate here were from back in 749 AD. But it was the Victorian age that saw the location transformed into the recognisable landmark it is today, and was built by Sir Charles Barry in 1842, the architect who also built the Houses of Parliament. Visitors will want to come and explore some of the 300 rooms of the opulent buildings, as well as the expansive gardens including the healing herb garden and the wildflower meadows as part of a pre-booked tour. These vary in prices according to the season, and if they’re a special event – one popular tour includes a Champagne afternoon tea. If you want to make a weekend of it, there are two on-site lodges that are available for overnight rental (from £529 a night). Winter time – especially around Christmas – is a particularly magical time to visit the Castle; think carols and mulled wine around roaring fires. Some traditions rightfully haven’t changed for 100 years. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/08/GettyImages-1223987612-9fbbd0e.jpg" width="726" height="481" alt="Hampshire, England, UK - 4th August, 2012: Highclere Castle is an English country residence circa 1600 which has become known to millions around the world as Downton Abbey from the TV series of the same name. Now a major tourist attraction around 1,200 people per day visit this iconic location to enjoy the splendour of the house and walk in the footsteps of the much actors much loved by their fans." title="Highclere Castle - Downton Abbey" /> Cliveden House, Berkshire Another stately home that’s made an appearance on screen, Cliveden House was the subject of the 2018 docu-series, A Very British Stately House, exploring the inside of one of the UK’s most luxurious manors. First built in 1666 by the second Duke of Buckingham (for his mistress, apparently, a storyline worthy of Downton in itself) this Grade I-listed estate and its 376 acres of beautifully manicured grounds is also part of the National Trust. Inside the building, it just gets better with silver-service 5-star rooms and a spa for the ultimate opulent relaxation. No day trip to Cliveden is complete without a meal in their elegant dining room. Originally the drawing room of the manor, the expansive, gold-panelled restaurant looks out across the gardens, and guests can sink back into baby-blue velvet dining chairs to soak up the views. Stop by for a cuppa in style – their luxury afternoon tea starts from £60 per person. Walk off the decadent scones and pastries by exploring the grounds afterwards. For a special occasion, the very best of the house can be enjoyed in their Great Cliveden seven-course tasting menu (£165), that includes dishes decadent enough for royalty: Oscietra caviar, Wagyu beef and scallops have all been served up recently. Penmaenuchaf, Wales When it comes to scenery, you’ll be unlikely to find a more dramatic spot than Penmaenuchaf, perched on the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, with the wider mountainous backdrop of Snowdonia National Park. It's a great place to visit if you're looking to immerse yourself in a full stay in a stately home, rather than just a day trip. Taken over by couple Zoe and Neil Kedward in 2022, the impressive stone-fronted Victorian manor was given a full tasteful restoration, and now the 14 bedrooms (from £122 per night) each have their own unique characters; for quiet luxury that has been inspired by mythical Welsh tales. Guests will want to run, not walk to the newly launched Mynydd Bar which celebrates local artistry in the impressive oak-panelled bar. A cocktail is best enjoyed on one of the jewel-coloured velvet chairs, looking out at the incredible view outside. But the views from inside their Afon restaurant are just as spectacular – we’d recommend splashing out on the eight-course tasting menu (£99), which recently has included Bala lamb served with courgette flowers, Isle of Wight tomatoes with fedw cheese, and a dark chocolate and sour cherry pudding. The setting means it’s practically mandatory to take a hike around the mountainous terrain when staying at Penmaenuchaf, or for the more adventurous, a bike ride. When arriving back from a big, windswept trek, and taking off welly boots in the stately hall, you’ll experience the Welsh word, “hiraeth”: nostalgia for the place your soul feels most at home. Heckfield Place, Hampshire Another option for a country estate hotel experience, rather than day trip. We jump back to Georgian times with a stay at Heckfield Place, which has been “gently evolving” for more than 250 years, to make it a very modern hotel that is still pleasingly steeped in the past. The statuesque red-bricked manor – Grade II listed – has been furnished to any royal’s standard, which is fitting as Heckfield was the family home of Viscount Eversley in the 19th century. But in a pleasingly modern touch, the entire estate is also eco-friendly, falling in with the practices of the organic working farm surrounding the lodgings; and which naturally translates to the jewel in Heckfield’s crown: their restaurants, Marle and Hearth, headed up by culinary director Skye Gyngell. Marle – which holds a green Michelin star – is not a cheap affair (mains around the £40 mark) but the food is exceptional, and follows a similar inspiration of Gyngell’s Spring restaurant, a real seed-to-table ethos. Recent dishes include lobster panzanella made with home farm tomatoes; seabass crudo with almonds and cherries, and home-reared Heckfield pork and fennel. Elsewhere on site, there’s wild swimming to be tried out in their lake or a treatment in their ultra-refined Bothy spa – accessed through a secret garden – which promises to help you take a step back from modern living. The hotel also organises tours around nearby Highclere Castle, allowing you to do the Downton double. Double rooms from £550 a night. The Newt, Somerset A former stately home – Hadspen House, dating back to 1687 – has turned this small part of Somerset into a destination since its renovation and launch as The Newt in 2019. Less a hotel, and more a whole lifestyle concept – keen guests can become members – once you check in, you’ll never want to leave. The immaculate gardens are jaw-dropping and the 2,000 acre of working farmland all feed into the venue’s eco-credentials; to become as sustainable as possible and live off the land. The restaurants are also available to book and visit just for a meal, even if not staying as a hotel guest. Inside, there’s a keen eye for style with contemporary, warm decor. In each of the on-site restaurants; The Botanical Rooms, The Farmyard Kitchen and The Garden Cafe, the food offerings could not get fresher – every dish on the menu has at least one ingredient that can be traced back to the farmland estate; which boasts 267 varieties of apple (you can even take a tour of their cider press). A three-course dinner at The Botanical Rooms costs £95, and might include Cornish crab, estate cucumber and fettuccine or wild sea bass, estate beans and Newt cider. The spa has attracted a cult-like following across the UK thanks to special little touches, like their signature Garden Massage, which begins with a barefoot walk through their herb garden. Elsewhere on site there are enough activities to keep every member of the family entertained – from bike rides, swimming and the elevated walkway through the wood; beekeeping and foraging lessons, to a tour of the replica Roman villa on site, or the Story of Gardening museum. Just down the road is the creative enclave of Bruton, with even more artsy-goings on at gallery Hauser & Wirth Somerset, as well as delicious food in Da Costa, their Italian-inspired restaurant. Travel tip: pick up some Newt goodies from their farm store at Castle Cary train station for the ultimate train picnic; it’s easily the UK’s best train shop/cafe. Hambleton Hall, East Midlands This Victorian mansion up in the East Midlands may have started out life as a fox-hunting lodge; but with previous guests including the likes of Noel Coward, it’s been a magnet for others looking for an elite-tier mini-break ever since its renovation into a hotel in the 1980s. There are just 17 rooms, so overcrowding is never an issue here, leaving you free to roam the spacious 150-year old stately home, and the 17 acre gardens, which all look out onto the photo-worthy vista of Rutland Water. For a dip, guests should pad down to the heated, open-air swimming pool, or, if it’s in summer, make like the high-society in Downton and have a little game of croquet on the lawn; martinis optional. The star at the heart of Hambleton Hall is their Dining Room restaurant, which has held a Michelin star since 1992. The ethos here is British dining with a flair, and a recent trip saw dishes like poached tails of langoustines and roast Merryfield duck with hoisin and watermelon on their three-course dinner menu (£135). The fruits of the estate’s labour – and your plate – can be seen on a walk through their walled kitchen garden; while further wanderings will take you out through a topiary-tastic parterre, and out to their secluded “Sitooterie”, a spot perfect for quiet contemplation. It’s so last century, in the best possible way. More travel inspiration Best dog-friendly hotels in the UK 30 best restaurants in Edinburgh Best ice cream parlours in the UK Best food markets in London Best all-inclusive resorts with great food Best European city breaks for families
8 best beach day trips from London to make this summer
Escape to the beach with the best day trips from London
When the sweltering summer temperature rises in London, sometimes a dip in a city swimming pool just won’t cut it – you need to escape to the beach. And, while the capital city doesn’t officially have any beachside locations for lounging in a heatwave, there are many beaches that are accessible and doable as a day trip – meaning you’re just a hop, skip and wave-jump away from a dip in the sea and a fish & chips supper. With the long stretch of summer holidays running until the beginning of September, heading out on a fun day trip to the seaside is a great option for families looking to fill up the calendar with excursions. If done thriftily – such as using the GroupSave discount for groups of three to nine, or the off-peak Family Travelcard on the train – it can be a budget-friendly day of fun, without having to spend hundreds of pounds at theme parks. We've chosen eight of the best tried-and-tested beach days that each clock in at around 2 hours of travel time from London, either on train or by car, along with everything you need to know about the best cafés and restaurants (including the all-important ice cream parlours), beach-side attractions, galleries and museums. Grab a beach blanket, bucket and spade and some suncream, and let’s head off. For more London inspiration, check out our guides to the best London pubs, best pasta restaurants in London, best food markets in London or the best burgers in London. Brighton Distance and time from London: 77 miles – 1 hour by train from London Bridge to Brighton, or about 2 hours by car Brighton is many Londoners' go-to beach, given the ease and frequency of trains that take you from city to beach in just an hour through the picturesque green countryside of the South Downs. The beach – about a 10-15 minute walk from the station – is a sprawling, pebbly shoreline, and on a good day, the blue sky will match the blue of the sea. Brighton has been luring holidaymakers to its busy, buzzy coast since the 1700s, so is well set-up for summertime crowds. Thankfully, the amenities have been updated since these historic times, and fringing the beach for a good couple of miles is a great selection of restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. Check out the seafood shack Sea Haze for freshly shucked oysters and cockles, or Brighton Smokehouse for excellent chunky crab sandwiches opposite, as well as playgrounds and skate parks for the kids. Walking further up the coast towards Hove and the Hove Lagoon (and past the cute and colourful beach huts) will bring you to the Big Beach Cafe – co-owned by local DJ Fatboy Slim – where you can get sandwiches, burgers and chips while the children play in the splash park next door. Watersports are on offer in the small lagoon, while next door, you can shop for excellent fresh and local seafood at Brighton and Newhaven Fish Sales. Just 10 minutes' walk into the laid-back bohemian city, past the i360 viewing tower, will take you to the Lanes, a collection of historic cobbled streets filled with independent boutique shops selling everything from vegan shoes to artist's supplies. Take your pick from any number of exciting cafés and restaurants, whether you’re in the mood for vegan doughnuts or Korean bao. Stop off for a drink at the 160-year-old Bath Arms, which also does a great Sunday roast. Check out our full guide to the best restaurants in Brighton for more top tips. Heading back to the beach, a trip to Brighton isn’t complete without a visit to its famous pier. While you can play the slot machines in the arcades or scare yourself silly on one of the fairground rides that dangles over the sea, we’d recommend simply grabbing one of the free, old-fashioned deckchairs on the pier and soaking in the view. Best fish & chips: The Regency Best ice cream: Gelato Gusto Deal Distance and time from London: 84 miles – 1 hour 24 mins from St Pancras to Deal station, or about 2 hours by car Stand on the picturesque beach in Deal and look far out to the horizon: on a clear day, you’ll be able to make out the shores of France, which is less than 30 miles away. This close cousin has a great influence on the pretty Kent coastal town – nowhere more so than in the high street, where the numerous delis and weekly Saturday farmers' market (which has been running since the 17th century) offer cheeses, meats and fish alongside flowers, homeware and vintage bric-a-brac stalls from both France and the local region. The beach itself is pebbly and focused around a wide boardwalk and pier that dates back to the 1950s. When you’ve had a lounge and splash in the sea, there’s still lots of old-fashioned beachside fun to be found, like an epic Roman-inspired mini-golf course, amusement arcades and all manner of iconic sweet treats. Outside of the beach, there’s enough cultural activity to amuse all the family or a group of friends. For history buffs, there’s a petite little castle in the shape of a Tudor rose, first built as an artillery base by Henry VIII, while the town also boasts the Kent Museum of the Moving Image. Over the past few years, Deal has become something of a foodie destination, too – from the much-loved chi-chi pub The Rose (which also offers sweet boutique B&B rooms above) and its sister venue, Japanese-inspired Blue Pelican, to the French wine spot Le Pinardier, which offers great vintages, natural wines and fantastic fromage et charcuterie plates. You certainly won’t be hungry for more in Deal – and with any luck, you’ll be bringing the spoils of this gem of a town back to your cupboards at home. Best fish & chips: Middle Street Fish Bar Best ice cream: Solley’s Aldeburgh Distance and time from London: 110 miles – 1 hour 30 mins from Liverpool Street to Woodbridge (then a 27-minute taxi on to Aldeburgh), or about 2 hours 20 mins in the car Aldeburgh, on the south Suffolk coast, is a charming spot to spend the day – or even the night, to make a weekend of it. While it’s not quite as easy to get to as some other spots – the nearest train station is 17 miles away – it’s well worth the trip, as alongside a gorgeous shingle beach, it’s also a hub for arts, culture and food in this lesser-visited part of the UK. Visit at the end of September during the annual Food and Drink festival, which has been running for more than 20 years. Set in the Snape Maltings concert hall in a nature reserve on the banks of the River Alde (also a hive for birdwatching), it’s a celebration of local produce and puts the stellar offerings up on a national stage, with tons of tasters for guests to try. Elsewhere in the year, June's focus is on music and arts, when the annual Aldeburgh Festival brings big crowds that are keen on listening to classical musical, opera and contemporary arrangements. But, simply throwing down a blanket and enjoying the wild coastline of Suffolk is a joy in itself. A walk up the coastline will take you past picturesque pastel-coloured houses and up to a giant shell sculpture, where the fishermen’s boats haul in the daily catch. These fish can be enjoyed in a couple of excellent places along the town seafront, from the award-winning chippies and casual cabins like Ash Smoked Fish, to the smarter restaurants like The Suffolk, where nearby Maldon oysters are shucked alongside grilled native oysters served with garlic butter, all enjoyed with views over the seafront. Life ticks by slowly in this seaside spot, so relax into it and take time to chill out here, too. Best fish & chips: Aldeburgh Fish and Chips Best ice cream: Libardi’s Ice Cream Kiosk Whitstable Distance and time from London: 62 miles – 1 hour 17 mins by train from St Pancras to Whitstable, or approx 1 hour 40 mins by car Like the many oysters for which this small fishing town is famous, Whitstable is the pearl of the south-east coast. The shelled seafood has been harvested just off on the beach’s pebbly shores since Roman times, while well into the Victorian era, the bivalves were transported up to London and shucked on almost every street corner as a cheap and delicious snack. All this to say that, for a coastal town, Whistable’s got a lot of rich and delicious heritage. From the train station, it’s about a 10-minute walk down to the main beach, where colourful shops offer sweet treats like fudge and cupcakes or beach essentials like buckets, spades and floats. But, look out for the iconic pink-fronted Wheelers Oyster Bar: this is one of the best spots in Whistable and worth the journey in itself. Whether you’re looking for a beach picnic takeaway or a gourmet three-course lunch inside the historic restaurant, the oysters are obviously the must-have signature dish here. If you’ve got more cash to splash (and you book well in advance) there’s always Michelin-starred The Sportsman just up the road, but for a beach day trip, we’d recommend sticking down your picnic blankets on the Tankerton side of the bay – framed by grassy dunes – and walking back down to the harbour to try more seafood treats, like big, cheap plates of chips and even lobsters. Within a 10-minute wander from the beach is a nearby castle and gardens that are worth a look in, a 10-pin-bowling alley if it’s raining and, recently, a wood-fired sauna set on the tip of the harbour. There’s just time for a quick drink at the historic, 19th-century Old Neptune on the beach, to toast an excellent day trip. Best fish & chips: The Lobster Shack Best ice cream: Bear’s Ice Cream Imaginarium Leigh-on-Sea Distance and time from London: 50 miles – 50 mins from Fenchurch Street to Leigh-on-Sea station (followed by a 15-minute walk), or about 1 hour 20 mins by car If it’s a quick little beach trip you’re after, then London to Leigh-on-Sea is one of the swiftest ways to enjoy a few hours of beachside activity before having to head back to the Big Smoke. There’s a real sense of just what a historic old fishing village used to be. People have been fishing here since medieval times, and you can explore its rich past at the Leigh Heritage Centre and Museum. Head down the cobbled streets of the Alley Dock or 'Old Leigh' where you’ll find shacks selling all sorts of fishy delights – from oysters and cockles, to whelks – in places like Osbourne Bros or the No 1 Cockleshed. There’s more traditional fare to be enjoyed here, too, like the Strand Tea Rooms (perfect for an afternoon slice of cake and a cuppa) and beachside pubs, like Ye Olde Smack or The Mayflower, which have served the fishermen and other locals for years. Wander over to Bell Wharf beach, a small, calm, sandy beach that looks out over the Thames Estuary. It’s shallow enough for families to set up for the day, and there are hours of fun to be had with a small fishing net in the rockpools. Walking up the steep hill into the town, past the pretty nature reserve, it’s easy to see why Leigh-on-Sea has recently become a bit of a favourite for creatives: the colourful Broadway is home to lots of little independent galleries (like 70 The Broadway or Piece Gallery), vintage shops and other boutique design shops, so make sure to leave an hour or two for a wander around before hopping on the train back home. Best fish & chips: The Perfect Plaice Best ice cream: The Strand Tea Rooms Camber Sands Distance and time from London: 80 miles – 1 hour 38 mins by train from St Pancras to Rye station (then 10 minutes by taxi), or approx 2 hours by car There are two pretty sightseeing trips for the price of one here, as to get to Camber Sands beach – on the train at least – the nearest station is Rye, one of England’s loveliest towns. After a quick spin around the Norman castle, National Trust house and little antique shops along the cobbled lanes, it’s a 10-minute taxi (or 20-minute bus and walk) to Camber Sands, a long stretch of beach fringed by sand dunes that’s very popular in summer. It’s actually the only sandy beach in East Sussex, and it stretches up three miles to the Kent border, where the shingle takes over once again. The amenities here are quite basic, so it’s best to come prepared: bring picnics, drinks and other supplies to enjoy on a beach day out. But, you can find snacks and drinks at the Marina Cafe by the car park and decent food at The Owl pub, while the fine-dining restaurant Harry’s in The Gallivant hotel has had a couple of national food critics singing its praises. If you’re in the market for buckets and spades, these can usually be found in the couple of shops on the main road by the caravan parks. Check the tide times, too – when the tide is out, it can be a long walk to reach the sea. Great for cocklepickers, less so for sea swimmers. After you’ve towelled off the sand, we’d recommend jumping in a taxi and driving 10 minutes to a great little vineyard called Tillingham. Here, you can do a full wine tasting tour – stop for just a glass of its excellent natural wine, enjoy a pizza from the wood-fired oven or say hello to the on-site pigs that snuffle around the edge of the vines. Stop off for a pot of cockles at Rye Fish Market to cap off a pretty perfect beach trip. Best fish & chips: Fish Me A Dish Best ice cream: Mermaid Street Cafe Hastings Distance and time from London: 72 miles – 1 hour 23 mins from London Bridge, or about 2 hours by car Skip the 'newer' part of Hastings on arrival and head straight to the Old Town, which still captures the historic charm of a place that’s probably most well-known for one of the most famous battles in the country. The sand and shingle beach is surrounded by soaring cliffs, giving any seaside trip here a dramatic backdrop, but the mix of contemporary amenities and traditional coastal fare puts Hastings high up on any list of day trips. The winding streets that take you down to the Fishing Quarter are like a step back in time – indeed, the vintage and antique shops will transport you even further back in history. There’s even more historical attractions on the way down to the popular Rock-a-Nore beach, like the fascinating Shipwreck Museum and Miniature Railway, a cute tourist train that runs throughout the year (check the website for times off-season). For the more creative types, make sure to stop off at the Jerwood Hastings Contemporary gallery. For something more easy-going, there’s also a great mini-golf course, or take a trip on the funicular for a unique way to travel by the seaside. A day spent on the shore will likely build up a big appetite, so visit the seafood spots of Rock-A-Nore fisheries, contemporary eatery Coquina or George Street’s Boulevard Books, which has a hidden Thai café. Heading slightly west along the coast will take you to St Leonards, which is making even more of name for itself when it comes to independent bars, boutiques and restaurants – check out Farmyard Wine (a sister spot to Hastings café Boat Yard) or The Royal pub for a boozer that’s had a brilliant makeover, and is a Michelin Bib Gourmand holder to boot. Best fish & chips: Beach Retreat Fish and Chips Best ice cream: Di Pola’s Margate Distance and time from London: 77 miles – 1 hour 26 mins from St Pancras, or about 2 hours 20 mins by car There’s a well-trodden path of Londoners heading to Margate for a permanent move to the coast, and for good reason. It’s a relatively speedy trip, and this coastal town has tons to offer for a day trip alongside its miles of sandy beaches, Walpole Bay tidal pool and stunning, rugged coastal vistas. The train is the easiest way to arrive in Margate, and handily, the station is right next to one of the town’s biggest retro attractions: Dreamland. Whether it’s vintage fairground rides you’re after or a concert (the open-air venue host acts like the Sugababes to The Who’s Roger Daltrey), the old-fashioned amusement park has been given a modern makeover, making it a super-fun and free must-visit stop when making a trip to the Kent coast. Before setting up on the beach for the day, it’s worth visiting a couple of the key cultural spots in the town. Shell Grotto is a curious local attraction: an underground building covered in thousands of shells, with no real idea how or why it was first built. For more current culture, head to the Turner Contemporary, which is free to enter – there’s always an exciting exhibition to look at, and the floor-to-ceiling windows of the sea always make for the most stunning views. Setting up camp on the sandy stretch of the beach, you can escape the high-summer crowds by heading up to the Botany Bay area. But, being closer to the main drag means you’re within easy reach of all the brilliant shops, cafés and bars nearby, as Margate’s food scene almost rivals that of London’s. The Harbour Arm is a lovely beachside area to head to first, with Sargasso being the hot-spot here – day-trippers make a beeline for its natural wines and considered small plates. Angela’s is another exemplary bistro, focusing on simple, local seafood, while Faith In Strangers combines 'good food, good people' and an impressive sound system – it's the best place to watch the sunset over the sea, which is gorgeous enough to make you consider your own move to the coast. Best fish & chips: Peter’s Fish Factory Best ice cream: Follow The Swirl More travel and restaurant inspiration The UK’s best kept secrets: 6 underrated destinations to visit this summer Best burgers in London The best afternoon tea in London Best restaurants in Edinburgh The best kids afternoon tea in London The best afternoon teas outside of London The best themed afternoon teas Best bakeries in London Best food markets in London Best ice cream parlours in London Best walking tours in London
From travel to sightseeing and eating out, here's how to to do everything in London whilst sticking to a budget
A trip to London is a bucket list trip for many people, and it’s one of the most popular cities for tourists to visit in Europe – VisitBritain estimates 43.4 million people will visit in 2025. A city steeped in a rich, royal history – with ancient palaces and stately homes across the capital – sitting side-by-side with cutting edge galleries and world-class museums, alongside a swath of green, sprawling parks and gardens as well as a celebrated food and drink scene, it’s easy to see what makes London such an attractive holiday destination. But, like a lot of other major capital cities, there’s no denying that it can be really expensive – some travel companies have suggested that including accommodation and travel, costs could rack up to £350 a day, if you’re not careful with your money. However, this article will guide you through how to spend a highly pocket-friendly holiday in the capital, whether it’s for a day trip or a full-length holiday, allowing you to see all that London has to offer. From how to dodge common costly mistakes to how to hack your holiday, we’ll share some insider tips, deals, freebies and easy ways to save money while you travel around this epic city. For more London inspiration, check out our guides to the best London pubs, best pasta restaurants in London, best food markets in London or the best burgers in London. Jump to: How to travel in London on a budget What to do in London on a budget Where to eat in London on a budget Where to grab a deal in London Where to stay in London on a budget How to travel in London on a budget While travel in London is unarguably pricey, at least it tends to be quick and efficient. The huge network of transport links mean much of the city is within easy walking distance of a tube or bus station (meaning you can save on cheaper hotels based outside the centre zone 1). But some travel hacks can start saving you pounds from the moment you land in London. If you’re arriving by plane, skip the expensive Heathrow and Gatwick Express trains. These trains will set you back £25 (or £16.50 if booked 90 days in advance online) and £22 respectively, for a single trip. Instead, from Heathrow, while admittedly not quite as fast, you can take the Piccadilly line from the airport to central London which will cost from £5.80. From Gatwick, a Southern or Thameslink train to the centre will cost around £13.50 (if booked in advance online). Once you’re in London, think about walking! Like many cities in Europe, most places – in the centre especially – are well within walking distance, and sometimes it’s more hassle to get the Tube than walk. Don’t fall for the (costly) tourist mistake of getting the tube from Leicester Square to Covent Garden – it’s just a four-minute walk overground; or Charing Cross to Embankment, which is only a three-minute walk. Download CityMapper to use for strolling around the city and navigating the different modes of transport, including buses and trams. A full day’s travel card costs from £16.60 for Zones 1 to 4, or you can buy an Oyster card to top up on for individual journeys. Always make sure to use the same card to tap in and out on – card clash might mean you’re charged twice, but the fares are capped daily at £10.50. If you like a leisurely morning, try to travel after 9.30am when the off-peak ticket prices drop down. There’s also boats which can speed you along the river Thames, from Barking, East London down to Putney in South West London, but they do tend to be a bit pricier than other transport modes – and can cost up to £15.40 for a single trip. However, save up to 30 percent by either pre-booking online, or using your Oyster card where it can drop down to £5.90 for a short trip. You can also book via Uber. If you can pick up a cheap bike helmet (from around £10) you might want to brave the bikes, if you’re in a quieter part of the city, or taking a trip through one of London’s many parks. Download apps for Santander Bikes which are pedal bikes and cost £3.50 for a day pass, for unlimited rides less than 60 minutes long. Lime bikes are e-bikes – helpful if you’re travelling in hilly south London – and the trick on this app is to choose a bundle of minutes: 60 minutes, for example, which you have three days to use is currently £6.99. What to do in London on a budget Museums and galleries For a city so stuffed with art, sport, history and culture, Londoners are in the lucky position of not only having it on their doorstep, but being able to enjoy much of it for free. A major part of this is the decision to make most of the city’s museums and galleries free entry (though many will often have paid-for ticketed exhibitions inside too). Your starting point is museum mile in South Kensington, west London, where there’s the triple-header of the Natural History Museum (for dinosaur and animal-lovers), the Science Museum (for those with a love of inventions, vehicles and technology), while opposite, the V&A always has great historical artefacts on show (and usually a good pop-culture exhibition on, too). The Natural History museum generally is the busiest of the three, so during holidays especially, head there first thing in the morning, or an hour before closing time, when it won’t be so busy. For the Science Museum, if you have young kids, make sure to head to the basement for the ever-popular water play and soft play area. Make sure to book ahead with a chosen time slot for both these museums. If the three big-hitters are too busy, head out east to Bethnal Green for the Young V&A, which is a charming and fun way for kids (and big kids) to learn about toys throughout history, and get hands on with some fun specimens. Just opened even further out east in the former London Olympics site, dubbed London’s new cultural hub, is the V&A East Storehouse – where their non-exhibited artworks are stored – and where you can join Object Encounters, a free group session highlighting some of the exciting different objects in the Storehouse. Elsewhere – and also for free – the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has recently had a big facelift, and is still the best place to be awed by the Old Masters paintings, while the next door National Portrait Gallery portrays famous faces from everyone from King Henry VIII to the Spice Girls. Affordable sightseeing A picturesque walk from the National Gallery, through Trafalgar Square and to Embankment and the bridge over the river Thames (posing for selfies, of course) will bring you to another great outdoor cultural hub of South Bank. While the film-buffs favourite BFI, Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery usually charge for entry, if you have small children, head to level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall where there’s a cute little poetry reading area that’s free to hang out in. In the summer – and when it’s hot – a temporary splash park opens up outside the Hall (it’s actually an artwork called Appearing Rooms), so bring swimmers and get stuck in for some free, cool-down fun. A little further along South Bank, there’s a playground just in front of the London Eye, but it’s also the best place to see Westminster and Big Ben – and an even better spot for photos. After you’ve snapped it, you can walk back over to Westminster Bridge to explore further and take a closer look at the Houses of Parliament, where the UK Government sits. Walk back across the river, and a 20-minute walk along South Bank to the east will take you to the Tate Modern – free to enter – and the foodie paradise of Borough Market. The Shard is one of London’s tallest buildings, but it is pricey to visit the top. However, there are other places to get a birds eye view of London, like Sky Garden, in the City of London, near Liverpool Street. Housed in the building known as the “walkie-talkie”, tickets are free to head up to the top, but you must book online beforehand (and don’t forget to bring photo ID as well). It’s the same for Horizon 22, which is also free to visit, but must be booked online first. Or, for the price of a coffee (£4.75 for a latte), head up to the nearby Duck and Waffle restaurant on the 40th floor which has an absolutely stellar view of the city. Pro tip – in the autumn/winter, time your visit for sunrise (they open from 6am) for an even more spectacular, core-memory experience. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/07/GettyImages-572389107-43b0436.jpg" width="724" height="483" alt="The Sky Garden is a free entrance public space at the top of 20 Fenchurch street (also known as the walkie-talkie building). The Sky Garden is London's highest garden and also includes two restaurants, a bar and a viewing platform. Free public entrance tickets are ordered online in advance." title="Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch street, London, UK" /> As for the classic sightseeing trips, you can’t visit London without going to say a “how do you do” to the King. Walk through St James Park or Pall Mall to view the huge palace from the gilded gates outside (if the Union Jack flag is flying on top, it means he’s at home). The Changing Of The Guard is an atmospheric look at the historic ceremonies of the Royal family – every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am, visitors can watch King Charles’ guards change over. On Sundays, the band accompanies the parade, playing music and marching from the Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace around 10.45am. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/07/GettyImages-564578036-6da27cf.jpg" width="724" height="483" alt="London, UK - June 28, 2016: Musical support from the Regimental Band during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in the summer. The soldiers can be seen wearing scarlet tunics and bearskin caps" title="Changing of the Guard Performance at Buckingham Palace" /> Budget London activities with kids As well as the above-mentioned museums and galleries, London is a place where a great deal of planning has gone into public parks, green open spaces and playgrounds for kids. While you’re at Buckingham Palace, check out St James’ playground just three minutes walk away for children to run off some energy in the city centre. Over in Bloomsbury, the 90-year-old playground Coram’s Field has playgrounds, splash parks and picnic areas, with the unique rule: all adults must be accompanied by a child to enter. A short bus-ride away from museum mile in Knightsbridge is the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, boasting a giant pirate ship to loll about on, while to the south-west of the city – near the iconic Battersea Power Station building, which often has free, family fun events in holidays across the year – Battersea Park has one of the best playgrounds in London. With three zones (one for babies, toddlers; another for older kids, then climbing frames and zip-wires for even bigger kids) you can happily spend hours here, especially if you bring a picnic and explore the rest of the stunning park, which includes a tropical garden, a peace pagoda and lake with pedalos. When you’re back at Battersea Power Station, ignore the pricey cafes in the main building. Instead, visit a little cafe off a side street for one of London’s best gelato shops, Two Little Giraffes, which has home-made flavours from just £3 a scoop. They also have colouring pens and books to keep children entertained if you decide to stay for a plate of their also excellent lasagne. Greenwich, in south-east London is a perfect, cheap day out for families. Jump on a boat from central – use your Travelcard or book online for the discount, remember – and wander round the impressive Cutty Sark ship at the historic borough’s centre. Take a stroll through Greenwich Market, trying a few free tasters of the food, then wander over to the National Maritime Museum. For anyone who loves to play Pirates, or around the world sailors, this museum is the one for you. Their Greenwich park children’s play area. A giant sandpit, many climbing frames, water area, swings: it’s really got the lot (and a handy coffee kiosk at its centre). Regents Park is lovely for a great big walk – if you visit in autumn, there’s usually a free sculpture trail set up by Frieze Art Fair to enjoy – and the view from Primrose Hill is worth the climb. Inside Regent's Park, London Zoo is very pricey, from £35 for an adult ticket. Instead, not too far away in Hampstead Heath, there’s the cute Golders Hill Park Zoo, which is completely free to enter. Or there’s several city farms worth a visit too, to see more animals that come from British climes – check out Hackney City Farm (at the bottom of the much-loved Broadway Market at weekends), Mudchute Farm or Surrey Docks Farm to spend the day feeding some chickens, pigs or goats. Where to eat in London on a budget London is an incredible, multi-diverse city and nowhere is that reflected more than in its food. Pick pretty much any country or cuisine from around the world, and chances are there’ll be a neighbourhood, street or selection of restaurants that offer a taste of some of the great eats to be found in the city. Of course, there’s a fair share of fine-dining, Michelin-starred restaurants, but there’s also lots of incredible budget eats if you know where to look. Starting in central London, there’s often lots of good lunchtime deals to be had. If it’s the finer end of dining you’d like to experience, a set, three-course lunch is a popular choice, with a range of restaurants offering this during the day. For modern British restaurants Noble Rot is always our go-to for this, with three restaurants in the city and just £28 for three courses. The Devonshire is one of the hottest restaurants in the city at the moment, but if you can bag a table, it’s a fantastic £29 for a trio of courses. Just opposite, there’s always classic French fare available at the classy Brasserie Zedel – think steak frites and red wine for the grown ups; steak hache and chips for the kids (basically hamburger and fries). The Prix Fixe menu is a wallet-busting £19.95. Look out for workers cafes for lunch in whatever neighbourhood you’re staying in – here you’ll find cheap and hearty dishes at low prices, like sandwiches, jacket potatoes and various toppings, or the Full English breakfast, a plate stuffed with bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans and tomatoes. Try the famous E.Pellicci in East London (pick up a bacon roll for just £3); the Regency Cafe in Westminster (near Big Ben, for sightseeing, too) or Kennington Lane in Vauxhall. For a lighter lunch or snacks (and great cheesecakes) head east to one of the two famous Brick Lane bagel shops, where you can get a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for less than a fiver – and they’re open 24/7 for late night munchies. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/07/GettyImages-2220143347-65481c3.jpg" width="594" height="396" alt="This family run business is opened 24h and 7 days a week the clientele is very different according to the day and hour "for lunch during the week it will be mostly workers coming from the city, at weekend it will be tourists or people enjoying the market outside and evening or early mornings we will have workers in the building sector, cleaners, public transport or taxi drivers, and party goers" described Nathan Cohen. Between a "love" and a "darling" the members of staff behind counters serve the never ending queue of clients while joking together and with the six bakers in the kitchen. "Some of us have been working here for so many years that there is a sense of family" explained Fiona behind her counter. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)" title="TOPSHOT-BRITAIN-FOOD-LIFESTYLE" /> Indian cuisine is very popular in the UK – so much so, chicken tikka is one of our national dishes. Some of the best and best-value Indian restaurants in the city can be found in Whitechapel and Brick Lane (our favourites that we make repeat visits to are Tayyabs, Lahore Kebab House and Needoo), but there are several cheap spots in central worth a trip, too. The vegetarian South Indian cafe Sagar – which has a couple of branches in London – is great for their set lunch of masala dosa, curries and chutney, with dessert of the day, for just £6.95. In the middle of Soho is Chinatown, where tasty dumplings and noodle-based cheap eats can be found – Wong Kei is a long-standing favourite, as is Cafe TPT (a six-dish meal is just £11). An excellent selection of regional Chinese dumplings can be found at the aptly titled Dumplings Legend, with little steamed and fried pockets of joy from £4.50 a plate. Just off Leicester Square towards Covent Garden is Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar, a small, cheap and cheerful spot where they make the noodles by hand just a metre away from the sharing tables. The fiery, nutty Dan-Dan noodles are the best dish here at just £12 for a big bowl. For snacks, head to the Japan Centre, which is hands-down one of the cheapest and tastiest places for Japanese-snacks and food. An onigiri on the go costs as little as £1.99, while a full platter of sushi, made on site, starts from just £8.95 – and they reduce the food just before they shut at 9.30/10pm most nights if you're out late. Don’t forget to pick up some sweet treats here like iced mochi balls, mochi doughnuts or matcha cookies, too. Oysters still do big business in London. They're a food steeped deep in the city’s history, as they were transported from the Kent and Sussex coast in their millions in the Victorian times – apparently there was an oyster shucker slinging the shuckers on practically every street corner in London in this era. Now, they are seen as a more expensive seafood treat, but you can still find some great little places doing an oyster happy hour – try Nessa (weekdays, 5-6pm, £1 each), or the classic Soho restaurant Manzi’s (Tues-Fridays, 5.30pm-6.30pm, £2). You can’t visit London without trying traditional fish ‘n’ chips, and the quality of this dish (expect to pay around £12) will vary widely across the city, with the best, smaller “chippies” as they’re known, generally to be found out of the centre, and with the food eaten as a take-out. Brockley’s Rock in south east London has been bestowed with many accolades, but honourable mentions also go to the long-standing Fryer’s Delight in Holborn (note: they’re cash only) and The Laughing Halibut in Westminster. Don’t forget to try the traditional mushy peas! Where to grab a deal in London Think of London and the chances are you’ll think of the theatre. London’s West End is known internationally for bringing the best actors and the best productions on stage; from classic, long-running musicals to more edgy modern productions. At any one time, there’s likely to be more than 30 plays running in Theatreland, and while tickets can be expensive, there are still deals to be found. Think first of all about going to see a matinee performance in the afternoon – these often take place on Wednesday and Saturdays, for cheaper tickets. Check out discounted, last-minute tickets through sites like TKTS London (or their booth in Leicester Square) or TodayTix, with savings of up to 60% on seats. If you have an early dinner, there’s plenty of good deals to be found on pre-theatre menus, designed to be eaten before a show. Check out chef Jason Atherton’s love-letter to exceptional seasonal British produce, Sael, in St James, where three courses – between 5pm and 6.30pm – will set you back just £28.50. Or get a taste of Italy at Bocca Di Lupo in Soho, where three courses (including one of their excellent pasta dishes as a main) is £25, served until 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. For anyone who has their heart set on visiting some of the city’s most famous attractions, such as the London Eye, it’s worth checking out certain deals that package a few of these up together at a discounted rate. Try a 3-in-1 combination ticket at Tourist England (£55); a Go City Explorer Pass (£54) where you can choose two attractions from a list of 101 in London, or create your own deals at the London Pass. If you’re desperate to visit somewhere like Legoland – be prepared to spend an eye-watering amount of money. However, if it’s a must-do while in the capital, look out for discounts for tickets, which run regularly on Kellogg’s cereal boxes. Most recently, it offered 25% off on two online tickets – more information can be found here. Where to stay in London on a budget The average price of a night in a hotel in London is around £158, but this obviously jumps up at peak times like summer holidays, Christmas and New Year. For no-frills, clean but basic rooms, the Premier Inn or Travelodge chains offer good value for money, with double rooms across London from £77 a night. If it’s a more unique, budget stay you’re after, try the fun Mama Shelter in Hackney, East London, with rooms from £90, the stylish The Pilgrm in Paddington (from £117) or the Georgian townhouse-housed The Judd in Bloomsbury, with rooms from £97. Brick Lane's The Buxton has a flat rate of £160 a night which includes an excellent continental breakfast. A serviced apartment or aparthotel is a good idea if you’re planning a slightly longer stay in the city – try the Bob W Holland Park in west London (from £103 a night) or Staycity London Dalston in east London for around £100 a night (sign up for free as a member to get 10% off). If you’re on a really tight budget, there are several hostels in the city, with beds from £50 in places like Park Villa Boutique Hostel in the East End, or from £30 YHA Central London, by Tottenham Court Road; or you might even want to look into house or pet-sitting sites such as House Sitters UK or house swap sites like People Like Us to make your pounds go that extra mile for you on your trip to London. Check out more London restaurant and travel guides: Best rooftop bars in London Best pizza in London Best pasta restaurants in London Best bakeries in London Best food markets in London Best ice cream parlours in the UK
Best UK vineyards to visit and bottles to try
From Kent to Cornwall, the English wine scene is booming - discover the best vineyards to visit and bottles to try
British wine has come a long way from being a punchline in the global drinks scene. From slightly dubious bottles of plonk made by the plucky pioneers of the first wave of British winemaking in the ‘70s, over the past few years, a new generation of winemakers and producers across the country have been smashing any previous prejudices about wine from the UK. There’s now an array of award-winning wines born from home-grown grapes like bacchus, ortega or chardonnay that not only rival that of neighbouring Europe, but are brilliant expressions of the land that they’re produced on; creating unique vintages and blends that have rightfully earned their place at the dining table. English sparkling wine is even giving champagne a run for its money. Such is the quality that these vines are producing, that French wine house Taittinger bought up vineyards in Kent in 2015, with their first offering, Domaine Evremond Classic Cuvée released in 2023. The result? “A delicious wine and a great addition to the English sparkling scene,” as one critic described it. With an estimated 1,030 vineyards currently in the country, sales are also going from strength to strength, with 8.8 million bottles of English and Welsh wine sold in 2023. So what’s led to this change in British wine? A number of things, actually. An increased understanding of viticulture; more innovative people becoming involved in the wine-making scene, and the rising temperatures because of the climate crisis have all resulted in this new, celebrated generation of wines. And there’s no better place to try out the wines than in the vineyards themselves. While places like Bordeaux, Douro or Tuscany are well-travelled wine-tasting locations, those in the know are now keeping it British, and heading off to wine tours in the rolling hills and rushing rivers of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Somerset and Wales. These locations often offer immersive tasting experiences, boutique stays and Michelin star-level dining amid the vines. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best British vineyards to visit – or their wines to try – from long-established producers like Nyetimber and Chapel Down to exciting newcomers carving out reputations in lesser-known corners of the country. Can the UK rival California’s famed Napa and Sonoma Valley? It’s a yes from us – and with the additional bonus that an excellent cream tea is never too far away, too. London Forty Hall Vineyard We start, almost unbelievably, in London – Enfield in North London, to be exact – where it’s likely to be one of the only vineyards in the world where tower blocks and skyscraper cityscapes can be seen in the distance beyond the vineyard. Forty Hall Vineyard – just a 10-minute drive from Enfield Town or Turkey Street train station – was set up as a social enterprise in 2009 by Sarah Vaughn Roberts, who planted the vines as part of a project with the neighbouring environmental school, Capel Manor College. Set within the stunning grounds of the Forty Hall Estate, a Grade 1 listed Jacobean manor house and its surrounding gardens and parkland, the place is worthy of a day trip in itself. But just past the working farm – where you might spot piglets or cows en route – are the two fields of vineyards. The 10 acres of land produces about 30,000 bottles a year – though like all the winemakers in this article have commented, this varies according to the weather: 2023, for example, was considered a washout year for many because of the wet weather. Emma Lundie is head of operations at Forty Hall, and as we wander through the vineyard on a sunny May day, she explains that producing great, certified organic wine is just one part of the not-for-profit project. “The people element is really important to us – we have about 100 people who volunteer to work on the vines all the year,” she says, as they focus on the eco-therapy benefits of time spent in the vines; physical and mental wellbeing, through social connection and gentle outdoor activity. “For a lot of people coming here, whether working or visiting, it’s like a little sanctuary,” she adds. The must-try bottle here is their London Brut, with, fittingly, apple and pear notes; a real crisp and fruity treat, while their Bacchus sets the bar high for what’s becoming a signature English grape. Book their tasting tours (£21) in advance – there’s two a month from the spring time during their regular farmers markets – and it’s also a nice excuse to pick up some seasonal local fruit and veg while here. Renegade Jumping onto a double-decker bus to Walthamstow, there’s another urban winery in the capital city: Renegade. First set up in Bethnal Green in 2016, they moved to another site further out east in 2021, where – using grapes from both around the UK and Europe – they make modern, expressive wines. So while they don’t have a vineyard to tour, they have two venues where you can taste their wines, which all have the stand-out bottle labels featuring eyes of someone who lives in the UK, and also named after them too. It’s worth searching out Jamie, their bacchus pet nat (naturally slightly sparkling), for an elderflower and apricot-like fizz, or the slightly more minerally still, skin-contact bacchus, Rahul. New for 2025 is their Pig’s Nose Pink, named after Renegade’s founder, Warwick, who described the sort of rosé he wanted to create. Animal-lovers will be pleased to know this wine – like all Renegade’s wines – is vegan. Kent OFFVINE South of the capital, the county of Kent, often dubbed England’s garden, is fast becoming known as the Napa Valley of the UK, with around 120 vineyards currently growing the country’s best wines. This south-eastern region enjoys some of the warmest, sunny weather in the UK, and the chalky nature of the soil – similar to the terroir of the Champagne region in France — allows the grapes to flourish on the vines, which is why it’s arguably the heart of the new British wine production. It’s something Kent-dwelling Rachel Proctor recognised when she set up OFFVINE, a wine-tasting tour of some of the best independent vineyards in the area in 2024. With the tagline 'you drink, we drive', the tour (from £125) picks up wine enthusiasts from Ashford train station, then ferries them around two or three local vineyards by minivan, stopping halfway for a charcuterie lunch laden with local cured meats and cheeses. It’s a simple, inspired idea; a new generation of wine tasting tours. “I’m no wine expert,” she says. “But I’ve done my 10,000 hours of tasting and I want more to make it accessible for everyone. My aim is to get people who spend lots of time in wine bars but wouldn’t think to go on a tour discovering English wine. On the tours, you’ll meet the winemaker and hear their story as you taste the wine and enjoy the nature around you.” Nine Oaks There are plenty of vineyards to visit in the vicinity of Ashford. Nine Oaks is a young, family-run business who first took over three hectares of farmland to put in vines back in 2020, and asked ChatGPT what vines they should plant. This novel idea has paid off: their pinot noir rosé has won awards at the Independent English Wine Awards, and their Classic Cuvée is another big hitter. “We just wanted to make the best wine we possibly could,” says owner Martyn, which is a great mission statement. There are more exciting plans set for these up-and-coming winemakers, with them shortly opening bottles of their 2022 Blanc de Blancs for the first time. Tours here cost from £16. Westwell Westwell – set up by former music label founder Adrian Pike – is another big name in the Kent wine world. Set by the historic Pilgrims Way, close to Canterbury, its wines like the blanc de blancs have also become a legend in their own right, while those who prefer the more natural end of wine will enjoy a glass of its skin contact ortega, their signature on-site grape. Meanwhile, the Little Bit wine (a nod to the song by Lykke Li), is an lively, experimental drink made from the final, hard press of the grapes and is great value at £16 a bottle. Tours at Westwell cost £28 a person and the large barn on the estate makes it a destination in itself. It’s become a popular location in the local community, hosting events like weekly pizza nights, cinema screenings, theatre productions – even an annual dog show. Ham Street Ham Street is one of the newer vineyards on this list, set up by husband and wife duo, Lucie and Jules in 2019. They are fiercely biodynamic, focusing on regenerative farming, and create small batch natural wines that are the toast of the area. Ham Street's chardonnay bacchus 23 (£27) lies somewhere between a natural white and an orange wine; and is perfect for long summer days, or pairing with grilled meats, fish or vegetables – one for the barbecue season. Tours and tastings at its bijou vineyard cost £25 per person, with a minimum of four people. Chapel Down Any guide to British wine would be remiss not to include two of the biggest names in the business, Chapel Down and Nyetimber. Chapel Down, one of the UK’s biggest producers of wine, is based near the market town of Tenterden, and its sprawling vineyards attract wine lovers all year long. Boasting 2.4 million bottles of the stuff a year, there’s plenty of unique opportunities to sample its offerings on a visit to their well-established site. There’s the option of taking a self-guided tour (£30), walking through the vines at a relaxed pace, or instead, there’s their vine, wine and dine tour (£110) where a guide will take you through a tasting of five of the signature wines, followed by a three-course lunch at its onsite restaurant, The Swan, whose elevated take on local produce landed it two AA Rosettes. For the more wellness-minded, sign up for the sunset yoga sessions, or in the height of summer, a popular event is the Bacchus Orchestra gig, where the band play classics and show tunes amid the vines. Does the music help the grapes better? Possibly – maybe that’s the reason that Chapel Down’s wines have won so many awards – its rosé brut previously won a platinum award in the Decanter World Wine Awards. Nyetimber Nyetimber – who have been making wine since 1988 – is the other behemoth of the English wine scene, with its fizz being regarded as the Great British standard and appearing in some of the best restaurants and fanciest events in the country. Its vineyards sprawl across several sites in Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, but the main site in West Chiltington, surrounded by its verdant hills, is best visited for one of its celebrated Open Day tours (£50). The two-and-half-hour experience takes in its celebrated vineyards – some of the oldest vines in England – and culminates in a tasting of the best of its sparkling wine. Meanwhile, foodies will want to splash out on its bucket-list fine dining experience (£195). Starting with canapés and classic cuvee in its White Barn, the sumptuous four-course dinner then moves to its 15th-century Medieval Barn: a total bucket-list experience, and the finest way to enjoy its vintages. Sussex Tillingham A little further south, close to the charming seaside town of Rye, is Tillingham. This biodynamic vineyard is perhaps one of the best and most well-known natural wine producers in the country. Their speciality is a qvevri wine, an orange wine that’s fermented in clay pots, as per the centuries-old Georgian process. Its yearly offerings quickly sell out, so real fans know to get in there early to ensure getting their hands on its coveted floral and white fruity col, its vinho verde-like chardonnay or their tangy pet nat. There’s also 11 rooms of boutique accommodation, and if you’re staying overnight, then the tasting menu in the gourmet restaurant is a must. If you’re just stopping by for a wine-tasting (£35), it’s worth timing it for when the pizza oven is fired up, for a casual and cheaper dining experience among the vines. Norfolk Flint To the north-east of Sussex, in East Anglia, Flint are leading the way in ultra-premium but small-batch wines. It's making big waves with its crisp, appley flagship fizz called Charmat, after the method of making the bubbles. While wine tasting tours cost £15 – probably the most budget-friendly on our list – it's also big on social events. Any given month might see a twilight supperclub, a yoga session held in the vines or live music on its lively Flint Friday summer nights. Somerset Wraxall Wraxall’s vines might have been first planted in 1974, but Lexa and David, who took over the site in 2021 have taken the vines – and the wines – to heady new heights since then. Just a stone’s throw from Glastonbury, the couple are all about making great wines and presenting them unpretentiously and with as much accessibility to the public as possible. That’s why they’re equally happy giving vineyard tours and tastings (£30) themselves, or setting up self-guided tastings to let people enjoy it by themselves at their own leisure. “In five years, we’ve seen some massive changes in how British wines have been viewed,” says Lexa. “I think there’s been more publicity about it, it’s more accessible and personally I think it’s better.” “We’re noticing that groups of people, like birthday parties or hen parties are asking for English sparkling wine now, rather than prosecco,” she adds. “It feels like a younger generation are enjoying discovering it, while older people are also more open to it,” as evidenced by a recent 70th birthday party held in a marquee in the vineyards. Wraxall’s on-site accommodation gives a quaint slice of English countryside life with several cottages next to the vineyards, while its green fruit-inspired bacchus – which won Best Still Bacchus in the 2024 WineGB awards – is best popped in its look-out restaurant and lounge situated at the top of the hill of vineyards, with the bucolic greens of the local farms stretching far out into the distance. Durslade Vineyard The pandemic and shortly afterwards saw a slew of London-based creatives swap city living for the more relaxed pace of life down in the countryside of Somerset. In particular, the charming village of Bruton, which, thanks to the arrival of the Hauser and Wirth Somerset gallery in 2014, has also made the place an artistic hub over the previous few years. Set within the converted Durslade Farm grounds is Roth Bar – with a steampunk-esque installation above the bar – and the excellent on-site Italian-inspired restaurant Da Costa, with fresh produce grown in the farm cooked to perfection over a wood-fire. The restaurant is also the best place to try the Maid Of Bruton wines, with the grapes grown in the nearby Durslade Vineyard, situated next to the river Brue. Vineyard director Elias Wirth says the site now makes an an average of 12,000 bottles a year: “It feels like the wine is really building a name for itself, I think because there’s not so many vineyards around here, and also because there’s so many restaurants in and around Bruton who are buying our wine. The sparkling wine is probably our most popular.” As is their lively, berry-like rosé, which gives any Provence pink a run for its money. There’s a nice little nod to the fact the land used to be home to an ancient Roman settlement, who likely also made wine – Elias found a Roman coin once while doing some metal detecting, and its design now adorns the bottles. Plans are afoot for building a feasting and tasting events space above the vineyard – but in the meantime, the wines can also be taken home with other tempting local produce from the Farm Shop on site. Cornwall Further south west, the summer climes of Cornwall are also proving to be an ideal spot for a vineyard. Camel Valley – perched alongside the Camel river – is now almost one of the grandparents of the British wine scene, producing wines since 1989, with one of its favourites being the Cornwall brut. It's open for a 10.30am tour every Monday to Friday, from April to September, with tickets costing £20, but for those on a more casual, road-trip time frame, it’s possible to just visit for a glass (or half) of wine on its vineyard terrace where you’ll also be drinking up some incredible views, too. Wales Ancre Hill Estates Over in Wales, Ancre Hill Estates in Monmouth is an exciting young vineyard making some of the UK’s most interesting natural wines. It is certified biodynamic and organic; but this is just a fancy way of saying they make wines with as little intervention as possible; leaving it to be as close to fermented grape juice as it was first made thousands of years ago. Perhaps you’ve seen the Clockwork Orange-themed label of its orange wine; or perhaps the reviews herald their “wildly delicious pinot noir”; but their wine is a must-taste if you’re in this part of the world. The vineyard isn’t currently open for visitors, but is available for sale online, from stockists across the UK – and you might see it pop up in the increasing number of British wine fairs in the country. Llanerch We finish the whistlestop tour of British wines with a bit of luxury. Llanerch, west of Cardiff, is a pioneering vineyard hotel. The farm property dates back to the 1800s, but in the 1970s was bought and transformed into a hotel by the previous owners, who also began experimenting with on-site vineyards in 1986 as a retirement project. Now the fruits of their labour can be tried on a trip to their stylish and high-end boutique accommodation. Like much of the aforementioned vineyards, it’s their fizz that’s the standout drink, and their Cariad sparkling brut has pleasing notes of brioche and honey. There’s no better way to end a tour than with a glass on its rooftop terrace which overlooks the vines, or can be enjoyed as part of its wine-tasting session (£25). Those making a full weekend of it can try even more of its home-grown range at the on-site restaurant, Roots, which does a great Sunday roast, or for the sweet-tooth, pair it with a scone or strawberry and cream tart, as part of its afternoon tea set (£30). And there’s no need to leave pups at home – they’re welcome to join in the dog-friendly area of the restaurant. For more like this, check out more UK travel recommendations Best dog-friendly hotels in the UK Best restaurants in Brighton Best afternoon teas in London Best themed afternoon teas in London Best afternoon tea for kids in London 10 best places in London to eat classic British dishes Best bakeries in London Best burgers in London Best pasta restaurants in London Best afternoon teas in the UK
8 best unspoilt beach destinations in Europe
Swap crowds for wide open sand, beachside tavernas and hidden gems – check out the best unspoilt destinations in Europe
As summer approaches and the days start getting longer, thoughts naturally turn towards holidays and a sunny beachside trip with friends or family. But, with parts of Europe suffering from overtourism and everywhere from Brighton to Barcelona being packed with visitors, it can be hard to decide where you should go for a less hectic break by the sea. However, Europe spans almost 50 countries and is roughly 5,000km wide – meaning there's a wealth of glorious beach spots to visit that are off the regular tourist trail. Discover these hidden gems this summer, from the wild waves of the Ionian sea and the natural thermal rock pools of Italy, to far-flung Scottish beaches mistaken for tropical sands and a French beach so good, it’s been immortalised in song. Beach season varies from place to place, but generally starts in March and April and finishes in September or October. The further south in Europe you go, the earlier opening and/or later closing seasonal bars, restaurants and hotels will be, so check in with each establishment to confirm dates before travelling. The earlier and/or later you travel in the season will also be cheaper, with peak (read: most expensive) time being the summer months of June, July and especially August, which is generally school holiday time across Europe. We’ve chosen a selection of places for all budgets, and most of our list contains beaches that can be reached by public transport, car or, in some cases, by foot. But, check for accessibility before visiting – some places may have steep steps or rocky hills that you'll need to walk up or down. Don’t forget to always bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and in the case of very remote beaches that may not have nearby cafes or bars, a picnic and something special to drink once you reach your destination. Read on to discover some of Europe’s best unspoilt beaches. Best unspoilt beach destinations in Europe Maronti Beach, Ischia, Italy Along the Amalfi coast, those in the know skip the crowded beaches of Positano and Capri and head for the lesser-known island of Ischia from the end of March onwards. Just a 50-minute boat ride from Naples (tickets from £14 return), this island is an unsung gem of Italy. It's a volcanic isle with dramatic mountainous scenery, both natural and manmade thermal and wellness spas, gorgeous beaches, and incredible food and drink. San Montano beach in the north-west should be your first port of call, as it will introduce you to the stunning rugged beaches and turquoise waters of the island. In the south, take a trip down the (admittedly very steep) steps at Sorgeto Bay to discover natural geo-thermal rock pools in the shore. But, be careful – they can become boiling hot! Take the water taxi to Maronti beach for lunch cooked by the hot sands. Cooking al fumarole is a tradition here, where ingredients such as fish, chicken and veg are placed in tin pans, covered and put in holes dug in the sand – they cook in just over an hour. Just two restaurants cook in this incredible traditional way: Ristorante Da Nicola Fumarole and Hotel Terme Ferdinando, with its picturesque, sun-filled terrace. Paired with some of the island’s award-winning volcanic wine, Enaria, it’ll be a beachside lunch that you’ll likely remember forever. Ischia produces several great wines, and the vineyards are worthwhile stop-offs if the weather takes a turn. Tenuta Callito is worth a visit – stay in its newly converted farmstay and check out the wine-based spa with its red wine bath. Elsewhere, there’s incredible seafood to be had at Ristorante Pizzeria Fratelli La Bufala – try the garlicky sautéed giant clams, soute’ di vongole – and parmesan-crusted pizza bread. Pick up a traditional mozzarella and prosciutto-stuffed zingare sandwich from the much-loved Boccia bakery in Ischia town before your boat back to the mainland. How to do it: stay in the majestic Hotel and Spa Excelsior Belvedere (doubles from £256) in Ischia town, with an incredible view of the iconic Aragonese castle – it’s where the celebrities stay when in town for the Ischia Film Festival in June. On the south side of the island, try the luxury Miramare (doubles from £320) in the pretty village of Sant’Angelo, which is within walking distance of beaches and popular thermal parks. Praia do Guincho, Cascais, Portugal Lisbon is arguably one of Europe’s best city breaks, but as the locals know, it’s best to head down the coast for beach hangs at the weekend. Drive or get the train from Cais do Sodré station, and travel west along the coast towards Cascais. Stop off at Praia de Carcavelos, a massive, fun, family-friendly beach with lots of volleyball and surfing to enjoy, for an arroz de peixe – a Portuguese paella, of sorts – at Marisca Petisca. When you get to Cascais, dodge the influx of visitors and head down to Praia do Guincho via the number 15 bus. Geographically located between Cascais and the equally charming Sintra, the soft sands of the beach lead out to the Atlantic Ocean – while the sea can be slightly bracing before the high summer months, the sweeping Serra de Sintra hills in the background make it a beautiful place to spend a day or more. Join the locals for a surfing lesson – check out Moana Surf School, with group lessons from £33 – or simply grab a table at one of the spectacular restaurants along the coast and watch the world go by. Michelin-starred Fortaleza do Guincho offers two tasting menus (£120 and £160) based around memories, or a la carte dishes like the 'wolf in sheep’s clothing', catch of the day, moray eel and black garlic (£40). At the other end of scale – and literally at the other end of the beach – there’s the more homely Bar do Guincho, serving up a wide range of seafood and meat dishes, including prego, a steak sandwich (£15). Or, because you're at the beach, try the prego de atum (tuna steak sandwich, £16). There are lots more sandwich and burger-based offerings that should please any kids, too. When you head back via Cascais, check out Santini ice cream parlour, which has been around since 1949 – flavours of the month when we visited were clementine, Greek yogurt and strawberries. Stop at Sacolinha for another traditional sweet treat, bola de berlim – a doughnut filled with nata custard. How to do it: if a meal at Fortaleza do Guincho wasn’t decadent enough, there’s also a five-star hotel in the former fortress, offering stylish and spacious rooms from £170 a night. Further along the beach, Estalagem Muchaxo looks out over the bay, with double rooms and breakfast from £67 – settle in by the roaring fireplace on colder nights in the bar. Slightly in from the beach, the Parque de Campismo Orbitur Guincho campsite in the nature park has self-catering double bed bungalows from £67 a night. Plage de Trousse-Chemise, Île de Ré, France First immortalised in a 1962 song by Charles Aznavour, Trousse Chemise, this beach, which is tucked away on the north-west of the French island, is just as dreamy as the tune dedicated to it. While you can access the island via a toll bridge from La Rochelle on the mainland, we’d recommend ditching the car as soon as possible – make like the islanders and hop on a bike to explore this peaceful part of the world. The pine tree surroundings of Plage de Trousse-Chemise means it manages to escape some of the heftier waves from the Atlantic, which makes it perfect for families with young children. Lunch – or an evening sunset – should be spent enjoying the view at La Cabane de la Patache, a 10-minute walk along the beach. There’s obviously seafood on the menu, but also lots of other French classics, like asparagus vinaigrette or beef tartare, with mains coming in at around £20. Île de Ré is famous for its oysters and the little huts that serve them, so if you’re visiting between April and November – when the season runs – you can do an oyster crawl, stopping off at Les Huîtres de Trousse Chemise at Portes-en-Ré or La Cabane du Feneau (£14 per dozen). Don’t let the casual nature of these oyster shacks fool you – they get extremely busy in summer, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance. Elsewhere, save room for galettes or crêpes at Fricoter – it also offers picnics to take away to the beach – and ice cream at the historic La Martinière Saint-Martin de Ré, known locally as 'the temple of ice cream'. It's open from the Easter holidays, and offers up to 300 flavours of artisan scoops, at around £4 each. How to do it: closest accommodation to the beach is the four-star camping site Camping Le Phare, set upon the salt planes. The luxury cabins sleep up to six people and cost from £600 a week in low season. Hôtel Le Chat Botté in the pretty village of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines has doubles from £108 a night, and when you’re done splashing around in the sea, you can take a dip in its eco-friendly natural swimming pool, or have a well-being treatment in the spa. It’s also within walking distance of the Phare Des Baleines lighthouse, which has a 257-step climb to an incredible view of the whole island. Berneray West beach, North Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland In 2009, the Thai island of Koh Chang promoted the beautiful white sands and turquoise sea of Kai Bae beach in an advert. But, the picturesque image used was actually Berneray island, 8,000 miles away in the Outer Hebrides. Once you've made the trip to the islands off the coast of north-west Scotland, it's easy to see where the confusion lies. The ferry ride from Uig on the mainland to Lochmaddy takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, then it's a 20-minute drive to Berneray’s West Beach. The long journey is more than worth it, though: the expanse of pristine sand stretches far into the horizon, framed by the rolling hills of the highlands and the clear, aquamarine blue of the sea. Corncrakes, waders, lapwings and oystercatchers can all be spotted making the beach their home, too. There’s not too many places to eat on Berneray, but the Berneray Shop and Bistro is worth the trip in itself. Open for lunch and dinner in high season – generally running from May to September – homemade fish and chips (£15.5) are always a winner, but try the signature Berneray langoustines hoagie (£14.95) or a baked potato with Hebridean Smokehouse smoked salmon (£12.95). Save room for a slice of the light-as-clouds pavlova, and don’t forget to book in advance, as this place naturally gets busy in summer. Elsewhere, we’d recommend picking up some of the incredible local produce from the shop at Berneray to take on a picnic to the beach. If you’re travelling via North Uist, pick up a scallop and Stornoway black pudding roll (£8) or North Uist lobster sub roll (£12) from The Wee Cottage Kitchen, a tiny roadside trailer slinging out some of the best sandwich-based meals in the British Isles. Beach picnics have never been more decadent. How to do it: the remoteness of Berneray is a big part of its pull, but it means that accommodation close to the West beach is scarce, and can be a little pricey. There’s a cute micro-cabin called Kelley’s Pod that sleeps three and costs from £120 a night, while by the East beach on the island, the quaint Seal View B&B offers a family room from £120 (kids five and under go free). Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa, Spain It might have been voted one of Spain's greatest beaches, but Playa de Bolonia is still relatively quiet and mostly visited by locals. It’s no wonder Spaniards are keeping shtum on this one: the cork and wild olive trees of Estrecho National Park and big sand dunes frame the 3.8km beach, which is an ideal spot for windsurfing and other watersports, plus watching the sunset. After you’ve dusted the sand off, head into the small village of Bolonia, where history buffs can discover one of the country’s best-preserved Roman settlements. Try cheap and cheerful local tapas at Bar Garum, which offers a menu del dia – set meal – for £12, or a tasty stew made with langoustines and chickpeas (£6). Closer to the old Roman ruins, Restaurante Otero serves great food with a side of brilliant beach views – try the traditional red tuna from the region, atún rojo de almadraba (£14). Restaurante Miramar serves up fried fish, like chipirones (baby squid, £7) or boquerones (anchovies, £6.5), that you’ll still be dreaming of long after the holiday is over. How to do it: accommodation in the village leans towards the more basic. Bellavista Bolonia offers hotel rooms (from £60 for a double or £70 for a triple) and self-catering apartments (£80 a night; sleeps three), and is just a five-minute walk from the beach. The Hurricane Hotel (small doubles from £61 a night) is the must-stay hotel in Tarifa – it's a 15-minute drive from Bolonia and boasts a tropical garden, swimming pool, sauna and hammam. Avali beach, Lefkada, Greece <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/03/Avali-beach-8bf79a5.jpg" width="3750" height="2500" alt="Fabulous spring sunset view of Avali Beach. Colorful evening seascape of Ionian sea. Fantastic outdoor scene of Lefkada Island, Greece, Europe. Beauty of nature concept background." title="Fabulous spring sunset view of Avali Beach. Colorful evening seascape of Ionian sea. Fantastic outdoor scene of Lefkada Island, Greece, Europe. Beauty of nature concept background." /> Avali beach on Lefkada (technically an island, but connected to mainland Greece via a floating bridge) is another European stunner that’ll make you think you’ve been transported to the Caribbean or Maldives, with its fine pebbles and blue sea that merges with the bright summer sky. Umbrellas and sunbeds can be rented for about £8, in keeping with the budget prices of a break here. When it comes to eating, Gaidaros Canteen Kalamitsi at the north end of the beach is the place to be – a friendly, super-relaxed al fresco restaurant that serves up Greek classics. It’s a similar story at Avali on the south side of the beach, which offers traditional Greek fare, like courgette fritters and tzatziki (£5) or slow-cooked chicken with peppers (£10). Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered to here. After a day on the beach, Lefkada has plenty more to offer visitors. There are numerous scenic hikes winding around the green-carpeted hills and mountains, plus the medieval castle of Agia Mavra. Bustling Lefkada town, with its colourful architecture, is a 40-minute drive away from Avali. Pop into the Phonograph Museum, which is full of music and folk bric-à-brac, and stop off at Stavrakas for ice cream or the traditional soft drink soumada, made from almonds and orange flower water. How to do it: accommodation in this area tends to be a little more rustic and no-frills, but Casa D’Irene, close to Avali, offers budget double rooms with incredible views from £53 a night, which also includes a light breakfast buffet. A little further up the hill in the village of Kalamitsi is Liofos Studios, which has self-catering apartments with either mountain or sea views from £50 a night. The village also has a couple of grillhouse tavernas worth visiting – try the vine-covered terrace of Ionio or Platanos. Qeparo beach, Vlorë County, Albania <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/03/GettyImages-2167801980-9262258.jpg" width="2119" height="1415" alt="Stuffed eggplants (aubergines) served on the terrace of the Riviera, Qeparo beach new village of the Ionian coast, Albania, Europe" title="Stuffed eggplants (aubergines) served on the terrace of the Riviera, Qeparo beach new village of the Ionian coast, Albania, Europe" /> Why not discover the Albanian riviera this summer? Qeparo beach is a short walk from Qeparo village along a seafront promenade, which is easily accessible and takes you down to the narrow stretch of the shore and aquamarine Ionian sea – bring beach shoes, as the ground is a mixture of pebbles and sand. This beach is lesser-known than other tourist hotspots such as Dhërmi or Ksamil, but there are still lots of amenities, including sun loungers and umbrellas for a fee, plus a variety of nearby places to eat. Paradise Grill is a beach-side joint serving up all the best its wood-fired grill has to offer – there are ribeye steaks from £5 per 100g or tomahawk steak for £6 per 100g. Jo & Jo’s street food cafe is more American-inspired, and perfect for those craving hefty burgers (the Big Jo burger is £10) or club sandwiches (£6). For those with more of a sweet tooth, its waffles with various toppings are a must-try, and cost around £4 each. A 15-minute walk up from the beach into the hills is Taverna Dhrami (cash only), the star dining spot in this area. It’s a family-run restaurant serving Greek classics like moussaka and tzatziki, as well as the always excellent grilled catch of the day, served with bowls of salad and herbed chips. A meal out on the terrace – which looks down onto Qeparo beach – comes alongside one of the best sunsets you’re likely to see all year. How to do it: there are two choices for accommodation in this neck of the woods: beach-side, which provides easy access to the shoreline and its amenities, or slightly up in the hills in the ancient village. Valta Hotel is the best-placed hotel for the beach, with stylish doubles from £128 (open from May), including sun loungers and umbrellas on its private section of the beach (this will save up to €100 a day). Up in the hills is the converted self-catering farmhouse Villa Olive Old Qeparo, which has a swimming pool and outside terrace and is a steal starting at £58 a night for two people. Sandhammaren Strand, Skåne, Sweden This Baltic Sea spot is a peaceful place to spend a summer’s day (or even a winter’s day, if you’re up for a blustery, energising long walk). One of the beauties of this powdery sand beach is that it stretches out for miles, so there's no chance of someone else’s beach towel encroaching onto yours. There’s nothing touristy or over-developed here – the Hagestad nature reserve that backs onto the beach keeps it a wild and rugged experience, with the scent of pine trees mixing in with the salty sea air. You might even spot an elk lingering in the distant forest. The area, which is in the southernmost tip of Sweden, also has the unusual reputation of being the place where, in the past, the most ships have run aground. As such, it's known as the ship graveyard of Sweden. During the summer months, you can get a potted history of pirates and shipwrecks at the Sandhammaren Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1860s (entrance for adults is £3). While the isolated beach is all part of the appeal, food options are limited – a picnic is probably your best bet – but the cosy and quaint lighthouse cafe Sandhammarens Fyrgrill is open Monday to Friday, offering decent snacks and light meals, like prawn sandwiches (£14), fish & chips (also £14) or traditional meatballs. Or, have a big brunch prior to visiting the sea at Jord & Bord. It's a five-minute drive up the coast, and has a sensational organic and vegetarian menu, with dishes like grilled aubergine & hummus meze (£11) or a vegan burger with kimchi coleslaw, roasted potatoes & aïoli (£11; open Friday to Sunday). How to do it: within walking distance of the beach is Löderups Strandbad, with comfortable cottages that sleep up to six people from £140 a night. It’s also a bed and breakfast, with doubles from £104. It has a swimming pool that's open in summer, and the on-site restaurant is also decent, with barbecues available during the high season. If you’d like to lean into countryside living even more, try the rustic farmhouse B&B Vinkille, with rooms (from £108) including breakfast that features homegrown veg and homemade jams and marmalades. Hungry for more foodie travel content? 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The best European city breaks for families
With 50 countries all boasting their own unique culture, food and history, Europe is a treasure trove of family-friendly urban holiday destinations. Here we provide travel tips and recommendations for some our favourite European cities
For those who have a wanderlust for travelling, becoming a parent doesn’t have to curtail your opportunities for adventures. On the UK's doorstep, just a short train, plane, ferry or car ride away is Europe; 50 countries each with their own unique culture, food, history and languages, stretching from the snow-capped mountains and fjords of Scandinavia, to the sun-soaked beaches of the Mediterranean and the historic, grand architecture and art of eastern Europe. Travelling to Europe for a city break – four or five days over a weekend or school holiday – is a fantastic way to get a little taster of a country. And while there are no kids’ club to drop your children off at, by pre-planning together as a family and creating an itinerary factoring in activities that will be fun for children as well, this effort will make memorable, eye-opening experiences for all the family that will hopefully last a lifetime. It might be refreshing upon visiting some European countries to see how integrated kids are into all aspects of life there. It’s not uncommon for all the family to eat late at night together in places like Spain, Italy and Greece, with restaurants happily welcoming and accommodating babies and small children; while in countries like Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, children are at the heart of society – even down to town planning, with incredible open-air playgrounds and parks found in most city centres, or free entry to galleries, museums and exhibitions, many of which have been created with kids in mind. And exploring these cities with children in tow is still accessible and arguably so much more culturally rewarding than a week on a beach, though if you’re smart, you can factor that in too. Here’s everything you need to know about creating the perfect European city break with kids. When should I travel with kids in Europe? Unfortunately, the travel industry sometimes exploits the school holidays, hiking up prices that they know parents will be forced to pay. But sometimes flying somewhere a few days earlier than the holidays can mean a saving of hundreds of pounds – check when your particular school has inset days and make use of these dates to get ahead of the crowds and expensive peak holiday times. Summer holidays are traditionally the priciest time of the year to travel, so think about taking a trip in the February, May or October half terms instead: southern Europe such as southern Spain, Greece and Italy are still toasty warm by late autumn, but will be cheaper and less crowded. Otherwise booking to travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are traditionally cheaper than the weekends; and many airlines have sales events, particularly in January, so snap up cut-price tickets for the rest of the year then. The first few days of September before school starts are when prices drop again; check out a Eurostar train-and-hotel package for a last minute, preterm trip. And while travelling around Christmas and particularly the new year is expensive, again, check if your school has inset days before or after the official holidays; a winter trip to spend a few days wandering around merry Christmas markets in Germany, Austria or Czech Republic will get everyone in the festive spirit. A few other bits of advice: be flexible on when you can travel, weigh up whether the cheap early-morning or late night flights are actually worth it (sometimes having to get a taxi to or from the airport when there’s no public transport negates the cost-saving) and remember that a lot of museums, galleries and restaurants are traditionally shut on Mondays. Where should I stay when travelling with kids? Up until recently, Airbnb looked like they were revolutionising holiday accommodation: cheap houses, good for groups and families, in residential parts of cities that allowed tourists to live like locals. But increasingly renting an Airbnb property is now more expensive than hotels – and often includes strict rules and/or half a day of cleaning required – plus several cities have banned or restricted short-terms rental sites like this for having a negative impact on the community and for pushing locals' rent up. If you’re travelling as a family, you’ll ideally want a house or large flat to stay, giving you access to things like a communal area, bathrooms and kitchen for breakfast (young kids will often want cereal long before the rest of the city has woken up), or for some lunches and dinners at home to save money. However, there are some more ethical versions of booking these types of accommodation: Fairbnb runs on a similar rental model, and 50 percent of the commission goes back into a local project. Home exchanges are also picking up in popularity too, with the bonus of making your family holiday much cheaper too: try Home Exchange, People Like Us or Kindred. Or, you can book houses or more unique stays through Booking.com (check the ‘entire homes and apartments’ or ‘holiday homes’ under the ‘Property type’ section). The humble guest house is also always worth a look – they are often cheaper than bigger hotels, and you might be able to get a family room, or like bigger hotels, ask if there’s two adjoining bedrooms available. Always ask about whether a single bed can be added to the room, or if there’s a room with two doubles, and find out what provisions there are for baby cots too. The 6 best European cities to visit with kids Berlin Germany’s capital has long been associated with clubbers and creatives; but those in the know are aware that it’s a surprisingly great location for a family holiday too. For the more artistically-minded, head to the contemporary Hamburger Bahnhof gallery to check out weird and wonderful artworks – they have family Sundays where there’s louder, interactive sessions in the space – or step into the future at Futurium, a free-to-enter space that explores what the world around us will look like in 50, 100 or even 500 years later. If retro technology is more your family’s jam then check out the computer games museum, Computerspielemuseum, where guests can play on everything from Pong to cutting-edge VR headsets. Berlin, though bitingly cold in winter, often has hot and sunny summers, which is why there are a lot of popular open air pools in the high season, favourites being the slide-filled Sommerbad Kreuzberg and Sommerbad Neukölln. Don’t forget to bring I.D. as it will be required for entry, and cash if you fancy a plate of chips or an ice-cream from the kiosk. Berlin neighbourhoods can have incredible local playgrounds and there are also plenty of parks for children throughout the city – there’s even an art-themed minigolf course in Tempelhofer Feld, or stop by to visit Europe’s biggest zoo in the Tiergarten. To get more amongst nature, the outskirts of Berlin has some stunning lakes where Berliners go to cool off: go for a splash in Müggelsee, Krumme Lanke and in the Grünewald forest, Schlachtensee, stopping for a seafood or schnitzel feast at Fischerhutte am Schlachtensee. If you’re keen for an overnight stay out in the forest, family rooms at the lake-side Seehotel Grunewald start from £77 a night, while back in Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte are good, central places to stay – try Apartments Rosenthal (family-sized apartments from £200 a night) or the cheap and cheerful Pension Prenzlberg (quadruple rooms from £100) – while the canal-side living and independent shops and restaurants of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg might appeal more, in which case try out Hotel 26 (rooms from £140). Berlin’s got a great fast-food culture, so be sure to eat like the locals and stop for a burger at the Burgermeister kiosks (known as “the best burger in Berlin”), a currywurst from Curry 36 or brave the hour long queue for a kebab at Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap. Elsewhere, there are great noodles to be found at Cocolo Ramen, or Korean food at the bright and spicy Angry Chicken. Reykjavik A four and a half hour flight from the UK – and halfway to America – might not be the first place you’d think of for a long, family-focused European weekend break, but Iceland, and its capital Reykjavik, has everything you’d need in spades. The land of fire and ice is a great option for bucket list trips to visit active volcanoes (or an indoor theatrical lava show), spot whales and puffins on a high-sea boat trip and hike around jaw-dropping waterfalls and erupting geysers – and happily for the kids, ice cream is hugely popular here, even despite the chillier climes of most of the year. Cheap flights can be found on the low-cost airlines Play, Easyjet and Wizz Air, and while some people can find Iceland on the pricier side, we found it comparable with prices in London. Families with children six or under can really cash in, as kids that age go free on pretty much any tour, travel or museum or gallery entry. There’s also the Reykjavik City Card, which is about £43 for a 48-hour pass, and allows you free entry to many of the city’s sites. We recommend the Árbær Open Air museum, Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park (there are free-to-use grills for your own BBQs in the summer) and enjoyed the modern art gallery Kjarvalsstaðir gallery, with a little playground in the park outside; all of which are included on the pass. A wander up the cheery Rainbow street, stopping for pictures and a pastry from Brauð & Co bakery ,will take you on to one of the area’s many outdoor, geo-thermal heated pools, the 86-year-old Art Deco Sundhöll. Spend a couple of hours happily splashing about in the heated pools – they have lots of toys, floats and pool noodles for kids too – and for dinner, you might be surprised to find that fish and chips are traditionally on the menu here (try Fish and Chips Vagninn or Reykjavik Fish). Or, there’s always a warming bowl of ramen at Ramen Momo, or burgers next door at Le KocK (their bagels and doughnuts are also on-point). Don’t forget to leave space for an extravagant sundae at OmNom ice-cream. Bed down in the stylish Exeter Hotel (double rooms from £152, which includes a great buffet breakfast), a stone’s throw away from the harbour and its many tours; or the comfortable Hotel Frón, also in the centre of the city, which has family rooms and two-bedroom apartments sleeping up to four people for £250 a night. Rotterdam Think of the Netherlands, and Amsterdam is probably the first city that comes to mind. But given the wildly expensive prices of hotels in the capital city, Rotterdam is a cheaper and equally culturally-packed city to visit. Just a 30-minute train from Schiphol airport – or just over two hours from London on the Eurostar – with two new big additions to the city in 2025, it makes it the perfect time to visit. Fenix – an international art museum devoted to the theme of migration – will draw big crowds when it opens in May 2025, as will the National Museum Of Photography, making it a must-visit for any shutterbugs in the family. Meanwhile, other great works of art can be seen at Depot Boijmans Van Beuninge – make sure to have a run about on their oasis, tree-filled rooftop and stop for a sandwich at Renilde restaurant. Surrounded by water – the port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe – naturally, it plays a big part in the city. Dive into more maritime adventures with the city’s Maritiem Museum, which has a fun soft play and immersive section for younger kids, and nearby you can stay on a big, converted ship called the SS Rotterdam, which has a family room for a very budget-friendly £111 a night. Or push the boat out for a fun night’s stay in a smaller houseboat called a Wikkelboat, complete with outdoor hot tub looking out to the marina in the harbour by Fenix (a boat that sleeps up to six is available from £227 a night). Should you want feet on firmer ground, try the Hotel New York (rooms from £158 a night). Rotterdam was flattened by bombs in World War II, and the city was built back in new and exciting ways – you don’t have to be an architecture buff to admire the city’s futuristic, Tetris-like Kijk-Kubus, Cube Houses, built by Piet Blom in the ‘70s. Pay €3 and you can check out the inside of one too in a tiny museum. A short walk from the Cube Houses is the Markthal; the city’s giant halfpipe-like food hall, which recently celebrated its 10th birthday. There’s a whole world of flavours in the little stalls and shops here: choose anything from dumplings, gyros and tapas to churros and stroopwafels. Rotterdam in general is a haven of international cuisine, including lots of noodle, pizza and pasta restaurants, but if the family want a traditional Dutch meal, then head to the petite Het Eethuisje van Delfshaven, a home-style cooking restaurant where there's hearty dishes like beef stew, schnitzels or sausage and mash on the menu. Those with a sweet tooth will want to leave room for apple cake and cream for dessert. Ted's Place - up on the rooftop of a high rise - is the perfect spot for brunch in the city, hidden in the middle of a secret mini-farm that looks out across the skyline of the city. Go say hi to the chickens or even try some honey from the on-site bee hives. If you’re visiting in summertime, follow the yellow brick road of converted rail lines along the city’s answer to New York’s Highline, the Luchtsingel - ‘air boulevard’, before stopping for a dip in Van Maanenbad outdoor swimming pool. There’s an impressive indoor pool, should you want to speed through some proper lengths, but splashing about under the trees outside is a more relaxing alternative. A weekend break can be finished with a few rounds of pinball on some of the 100 machines at the Dutch Pinball Museum. Lisbon With cheap prices, a city-and-beach combo and generally cracking weather, it’s easy to see why 15.3 million international visitors chose to holiday in Lisbon in 2023. The outdoorsy nature of the city means that happily, you’ll often find playgrounds right next to charming little cafes and bars. If you’re making a visit to the iconic Time Out Food Market, take your food to go and enjoy it to the right of the building where there’s a tiny playground and al fresco bar right next to it. Alternatively, hike up the hill to the Jardim do Príncipe Real playground, which looks out all over the city, or head to the tiny Praça das Flores, a picturesque square with a petite playground surrounded by restaurants that mum and dad will enjoy such as Cafeh Tehran, Magnolia, or Black Sheep natural wine bar. Fantasising a move here? Book the cute Flores Guest House nearby (family rooms from £80) and make believe for a weekend. Bear in mind Lisbon is incredibly hilly and full of cobblestones, so unless small babies can be carried in a sling – or buggies are easily transported – there will be a lot of energetic walking involved. You might choose to head to the hip, artistic warehouse district around LX Factory, or stroll through the old part of town, Alfama (you might hear strains of traditional Fado music), and up to the castle at Castelo de São Jorge (take a tour around the impressive medieval fortress), and up even further to the lookout Miradouro da Graça, where you’ll find another playground and parkside cafe-bar, a perfect place for a sundowner. A gorgeous sea-view apartment for four people can be booked in this area at Portas Do Ceu for £277 for two nights. A long weekend here wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach, so jump on a train at the Cais do Sodré station and head out towards Cascais, where any number of the beaches are beautiful – sporty members of the family can even pick up a surfing lesson or join in some volleyball on a beach like Praia de Carcavelos. On a Sunday, join the locals in digging into an arroz de peixe – Portugal’s version of paella – it’s a little more soupy but still incredibly flavourful; we enjoyed a great big terracotta bowl of it at Marisca Petisca. Once you’ve munched your way through several packets of pastel de nata – and stopped by Anthony Bourdain’s favourite seafood restaurant, Cervejaria Ramiro (book a table upstairs in advance – the staff are really accommodating with kids) – the last day should be spent in the contemporary Parque das Nações district, which is out of the city centre, back towards the airport. Pavilhão do Conhecimento is one of the best kid-friendly science museums we’ve ever visited: the walking, talking robots and the circus room were the major attractions here, and the other attractions like the oceanarium and the cable cars will make sure Lisbon’s a place that everyone is desperate to visit again soon. Paris Paris might not immediately jump out as a family-friendly option, but there's plenty to be found for children, especially on the outskirts of the city. As Paris neighbourhoods (arrondissements) spiral out like a snail shell from the touristy centre, the areas around the 10th and 11th are a good place to stay; with decent hotels and lots of independent restaurants and boutiques on the doorstep. At the fancier end of accommodation is Les Jardin du Marais, where a family suite starts from £226 a night; while Aparthotel Adagio Paris Buttes-Chaumont (sleeping four) near the picturesque park of Buttes-Chaumont slightly further out in the 20th goes for £167 a night. For first timers, a trip up the Eiffel Tower is a must. It's extra-special at night time, when the whole building shimmers and sparkles like a big disco ball on the hour, every hour. Make sure to book your tickets a few weeks beforehand, and you won’t have to queue. Then, the early bird catches le worm – breakfast is an exciting affair in Paris, where you’re never more than a few metres away from a stunning croissant or pain au chocolat. Standout bakeries include Du Pain et des Idées (the chocolate and pistachio swirls are especially good here), Tout Autour Du Pain and Boulangerie Mamiche (make sure to also try their babka). Hot chocolate is also big business here: try the classic Angelina’s or in the literary cafe, Les Deux Magots. For lunch or dinner, it’s best to head to a traditional boullion or bistro - most kids will be happy with chicken or steak haché and chips; these restaurants are casual and also very pocket friendly – try Bouillon Pigalle or the cheerful Brasserie Des Prés, or there’s always crêpes a plenty in places like the Breizh cafe in Canal Saint Martin. You’ll want to set an entire day aside for La cité des sciences et de l'industrie, the city’s excellent science and industry museum, which has a whole section especially dedicated to children; one for 2 to 7 year olds, one for 7 to 12 year olds, where they can get hands on with water experiments, machinery, computer quizzes and even building a “house”. And babies aren’t forgotten either – a soft play “baby city” is also available, and is free on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Other cultural centres always worth a visit are the Pompidou Centre in Les Halles – there’s often a great art or photography exhibition there – meanwhile any Emily in Paris fans will want to climb to the top of the steps at the Sacré Coeur to take their own selfies. If the weather is good, and the children are up for a run about, there are great playgrounds in Jardin du Luxembourg, the Trocadero (opposite the Eiffel Tower) and near the science museum in La Parc De La Villette – including a little farm. In the large parkland to the east (Bois de Boulogne) and west of the city (Bois de Vincennes), the old-fashioned amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne, the Jardin d'Acclimatation, is popular, as is the zoo and mini-golf in Bois de Vincennes. Florence While we all probably dream of a week’s family holiday in a Tuscan villa, prices can be prohibitively expensive, but a short break in Florence can be done on a budget, getting a taste of everything this popular region in Italy has to offer. Florence has got two big draws: its art and its food. While it’s probably a bit over ambitious to try and do all the incredible cultural offerings going on here (not to mention pricey), it’s best to choose one or two to focus on – plus, children are more likely to engage in one or two museums, than if they’re dragged to a never-ending list. For us, the Uffizi Galleries was the must-see gallery – walk over the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge beforehand – to see Boticelli’s Birth of Venus in person, or the vicious snake head of Medusa, all set in a staggering beautiful gallery that looks out over the Arno river and up to the Tuscan hills. This city is an artists’ city too, so another tip for children is buy them a sketch pad and pens and ask them to draw the famous pictures, buying you time to look through the history of art or the galleries have special themed tours for kids with downloadable brochures – flowers and monsters are the most recent subjects. Other bucket-list sights will be Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze – you can actually see a replica statue for free in the Parcheggio del Piazzale park in the south, with a bonus of incredible panoramic views of the city (bring a picnic from the Mercato Centrale) – or the painted ceiling on the dome of Florence Cathedral. One of Florence’s most famous sons, Leonardo Da Vinci, has not one but two museums dedicated to him in the city. We recommend heading to Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum on Via dei Servi, where visitors can get totally hands-on with his inventions, and learn just how far ahead of his time this visionary really was. As for other monumental machinery: there’s also one of Europe’s largest model railways at the HZERO Museum. When it comes to food, it’s hard to put a step wrong in this city. And it should be plain sailing for the children too: who doesn’t like a diet of pizza, pasta and ice-cream? Little gems of a restaurant such as Trattoria Sostanza offer the best of the simple, hearty local cooking, while Osteria Cinghiale Bianco is the place for pasta with the local favourite wild boar ragu. The best pizza is the subject of wildly raging debate, but Il Pizzaiuolo and Gustapizza always rate highly. The gelato is plentiful – so good it sometimes deserves a twice-a-day treat – but the trick is to steer clear of bright coloured stuff, the traditional artisanal ice cream should be in muted colours, and not piled too high (it means it is fresher). Favourite spots include Gelateria dei Neri, Gelateria di Medici and Perche no. Dreams of staying in a fancy villa needn’t be dashed by the budget either, a family room sleeping four in the old-fashioned but grandiose Hotel Villa Liana to the east of Florence costs from just £122 a night, whereas more basic stays – but closer to the centre – can be found from £142 a night for a quad room at B&B de’ Biffi. Check out family holidays: 6 family-friendly trips: gourmet glamping Fowey Hall, luxury family hotel 6 eco-friendly family getaways 5 foodie family cruises Best all-inclusive resorts
Discover where to eat and drink in Paris. Our guide covers the best restaurants and bars, to suit all budgets, in the French capital.
All recommendations have been reviewed and approved as of the publish date and will be checked periodically. If you think there is any incorrect or out-of-date information, please email us at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk With some estimates placing the number of restaurants in Paris at well over 40,000, you're unlikely to be stuck for options – and if you need help narrowing them down, we’ve got you covered. From the best steak frites and croissants to the cheapest bistros or coolest restaurants, our curated list covers the entire city, with recommendations to suit every budget. And with the city expecting a big tourism boom for the 2024 Paris Olympics, now’s the time to make those reservations. Treat your tastebuds by following this expert guide, then check out the other helpful guides in our travel hub. What is the best area for eating and drinking in Paris? Paris is split up into 20 arrondissements (districts), and the standard is generally high throughout. Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement, is up in the hilly cobbled streets around the Sacre-Coeur and is fantastic for a taste of traditional Paris; there are also a host of excellent, well-known restaurants around Le Marais (around the 3rd and 4th). But for consistently great food in independent kitchens and popular, intimate restaurants, we’d suggest heading east, specifically the 11th, 10th and 3rd arrondissements. Best places to eat in Paris La Buvette This tiny cave à manger – a wine bar that serves small plates while you drink – has become such a firm favourite since it opened in 2012 that there's even now a cookbook of the same name, so customers can recreate some of Camille Fourmont’s signature offerings at home. ‘Delicious picky bits’ is probably the best way to describe the food here – anchovies, terrine, homemade pickles and butter beans in olive oil with lemon zest (their signature dish at €6.50); paired with a glass of minerally Pet Nat, it makes a perfect starting point for an evening out. 67 Rue Saint-Maur, 11th arrondissement Labuvette.paris Cafe Du Coin This unassuming restaurant – meaning ‘cafe on the corner’ – shot to fame when the New York Times included it in 2019 as part of its affordable dining renaissance in Paris feature. We’re pleased to report that it still fits that bill, offering a €20 set-lunch, or easy-on-the-pocket à la carte choices for later in the day. We stumbled upon this place when we were looking for lunch on a Sunday (lots of restaurants are shut in Paris on Sundays and Mondays) and were struck by its charm as we tucked into a succession of small plates like tuna tartare, taramasalata with radishes and sumac, and tasty cacio e pepe pizzettes. 9 Rue Camille Desmoulins, 11th arrondissement instagram.com/cafe_du_coin Bouillon Pigalle There are a couple of Bouillon restaurants around Paris, one in the more central Republique, but for anyone doing a bit of sightseeing around the Sacre-Coeur or the Moulin Rouge, Bouillon Pigalle is the place to book. The basic idea has been around since the 1800s – a cheap, tasty place for workers to eat at – and that essentially remains the premise today. With starters from just €2.50 (the egg mayonnaise) and a solid steak frites with pepper sauce at €12.60, you’ll have more to spend on their great table wines, which start at €3.60 a glass. We also found this was a great place for families, with kids always happy to tuck into chicken and chips (€9.80) when there’s a promise of chocolate mousse afterwards (€3.90). 22 Bd de Clichy, 18th bouillonlesite.com Chez Paul A contender for one of the oldest restaurants on this list, having been open pretty much every day since 1900, it feels like not a lot has changed over the years at Chez Paul – and that’s a good thing. We’d recommend stopping here for lunch, as their three-course lunch menu is just €23, and boasts hearty and often meaty French fare. Starters might include rabbit rillettes or leek vinaigrette, with mains of steak with bearnaise sauce, duck confit or, for the more adventurous, veal’s head and brains in a gribiche sauce. This is traditional, homemade French food at its most satisfying. 13 Rue de Charonne, 11th chezpaul.com Le Bistrot Paul Bert Not to be confused with Chez Paul, Le Bistrot Paul Bert nonetheless knocks it out of the park. The menu at this classic bistro is scribbled on a blackboard to peruse as others sit down for dinner in the traditional yet buzzy dining room. It’s an old-school vibe here, and very popular among those looking for that archetypal steak frites and red wine night in the city (a three-course meal costs €41); given the cosy candlelit ambience, we’d be inclined to join them. 18 Rue Paul Bert, 11th bistrotpaulbert.fr Terminus Nord It’s a common question: you’ve got an hour or two to kill before your Eurostar home, so where’s the best place to eat near Gare Du Nord? Our pick is always the ever-reliable Terminus Nord, especially if you want to spend the last of your euros on a seafood platter. Their fruits de mer platters – ranging from €24 to €145 – are fantastic, and the wine is much better than anything you’ll pick up across the road in duty free. Yes, this brasserie is normally packed and the service can be brusque, but the payoff is always worth it. 23 Rue de Dunkerque, 10th arrondissement terminusnord.com Du Pain et Des Idées So, where can the best croissant in Paris be found? In our opinion – and in the opinion of the late Anthony Bourdain too, for this bakery featured on his The Layover series – Du Pain et Des Idées takes the top spot. It opened in 1875, and there’s often a long queue from early morning, but it’s worth the wait. Go traditional with a croissant, or branch out and try the chocolate and pistachio swirl ('escargot', in French), which you can pick up for less than €4 each. 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 10th dupainetdesidees.com Brasserie Martin Kitsch is the name of the game here, and if you’re a fan of London restaurants like Circolo Popolare or Gloria, you’ll also enjoy this fun brasserie. Spot it from the street with its red-and-white striped canopies – extra points if you can find the roast chicken stained glass window above; inside it’s a joyous cacophony of colourful decor and crockery. Brasserie Martin is renowned for its rotisserie, as the ornate window implies, and a whole roast chicken for two is €17 per person, or a side of pork is €24, and both can be served with potatoes dauphinoise or French fries. 24 Rue Saint-Ambroise, 11th lanouvellegarde.com/brasserie-martin Ai Hsu Tucked away on a side street, just minutes from popular shopping destinations like Merci, this small, yellow-fronted cafe is a must-visit for lunch. It makes a welcome break from the busy nearby streets, with the food a pleasing fusion of Taiwanese and Japanese dishes, like the filling chirashi, a mixed bowl of sushi-like joy for €18, or the fragrant cold sesame noodles, served with pickles, salad and wakame. Don’t scrimp on the sides either – and wash it all down with an iced oolong tea. 16 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 11th facebook.com/aihsu75011 Benoit As of 2024, there are 121 restaurants in Paris with a Michelin star, and Benoit is a classy choice to start working your way through them. It's been serving up Lyon-style bistro food since 1912 and, now under the watchful eye of Alain Ducasse, is as popular as ever. Full of vintage charm – who doesn’t love a restaurant with their name branded on the crockery? – Benoit's three-course lunch menu comes in at a very reasonable €42. Make sure you leave room for dessert: the signature profiteroles with their ultra-rich chocolate sauce are the last word in indulgence. 20 Rue Saint-Martin, 4th benoit-paris.com Les Enfants Du Marché A stall in Paris’s oldest market is probably not the first place you’d think of visiting for a stellar lunch but, nestled in the corner of the Marché des Enfants Rouge, Les Enfants Du Marche is a casual, no-reservations spot incredibly popular with in-the-know foodies, as well as a favourite for off-duty chefs. If you’re lucky enough to find a spot by the small counter, expect seasonal small plates and daily delights from chef Shunta Suzuki, scrawled on the blackboards hanging from the bar top. It’s kind of meat-heavy – a recent visit offered pigs feet (€24), grilled blood sausage and squid (€28) and côte de boeuf to share at the day’s market price – but everything is delivered in a modern, innovative and often delicate manner. Marché des, 39 Rue de Bretagne, 3rd lesenfantsdumarche.fr BMK Paris-Bamako If there was a food Olympics in Paris, this sunny spot could well take the African cuisine gold. The warmth of signature dishes such as chicken mafé (made according to the chef’s mum’s recipe, €15), a lemony Senegalese yassa, and a Malian thieboudienne (€18), is matched by the warmth of the restaurant staff, who make sure that every dining experience here is a joy. 14 rue de la Fidélité, 10th bmkparis.com/decouvrez-bmk-parisbamako Robert et Louise Should you get lost in the streets of the Marais trying to find this restaurant, simply follow your nose: the inviting smell of smoke from the wood fire will guide you there. Robert et Louise has been firing up the grill in its old-fashioned restaurant since 1968. Come hungry, and preferably in a group, as hearty offerings of côte de boeuf (€64) are made for sharing, with a veritable butcher’s counter of sausages (from €9) as a pork chaser. Don’t skip the cheese course, with six classic cheeses on offer – and it’d be rude not to pair it all with a bottle of the solid house red. 64 Rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd robertetlouise.com Tekés Also making good use of an open wood grill – this time purely with vegetables – is Tekés, where the focus is on elevating plant-based dishes through traditional cooking methods. Put simply, it’s delicious plates of flavour-packed veggies that will sate even the most carnivorous of guests. The restaurant has recently launched a Middle Eastern brunch for those looking for a spicier start to the weekend: the €60 brunch buffet boasts everything from hummus and tabbouleh to paprika-roasted cauliflower and shakshuka – and save room for a sweet slice of chocolate babka to finish. 4 bis Rue Saint-Sauveur, 2nd tekesrestaurant.com Septime There's plenty of buzz around this intimate restaurant, and for good reason. Chef Bertrand Grébaut’s venture has been on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for quite some time now, and since 2017 it’s also been picking up awards for its sustainability credentials. You know the drill – it’s almost impossible to get a seat, even though reservations open three weeks in advance. But should the food gods be shining down on you, a dream dining situation lies ahead. The menu is brief: the lunchtime 5-course tasting menu is €85, the evening 7-course tasting menu is €135, so get ready to enjoy the show. Tip: if getting through the door is impossible, try their seafood-focused sister restaurant, Clamato, next door instead. 80 Rue de Charonne, 11th septime-charonne.fr Le Tagine Le Tagine has been celebrating the best of Moroccan cuisine for more than 40 years, and the colourful, cosy restaurant is just the tonic when grey skies and rain hit the capital. The signature dish is of course tagine, with chicken, lamb and salmon tagines from €25 each, to be mopped up with big spoonfuls of herbed couscous. If there’s room, check out their pastillas, or even better, grab a few to take away and enjoy on the go later. 13 Rue de Crussol, 11th letagine-restaurant.com Sur Mer A restaurant so cosy it’s almost as if you're sat at chef Olive Davoux's home dining table. What the turquoise-fronted Sur Mer excels at is, as you might have guessed, seafood. Davoux has been shucking shells at this busy spot since 2017, so pull up a chair and order some of the catch of the day. There’s always a selection of oysters on offer, usually starting from about €9 for 3; then there are some exciting and fresh takes on other crustaceans, such as steamed clams with hibiscus vinegar, or monkfish liver terrine with pickled rhubarb and mustard leaves. 53 Rue de Lancry, 10th surmer.restaurant Le Train Bleu Want to push the boat out for a celebration? The 120-year-old Le Train Bleu is the place for you. It's set in the city’s Gare Du Lyon station, and sitting down at the table is jaw-dropping, with ceiling frescos, chandeliers and cherubs galore. The à la carte menu is pricey – around €40 for a main course, such as cod loin or roast leg of lamb – but there is a two-course set meal for €55, which, given the opulent surroundings, feels like decent value for such decadence. Gare de Lyon, Pl. Louis Armand hall 1, 12th le-train-bleu.com Bouillon Julien If it’s opulence on more of a budget you’re after, check out Bouillon Julien. Decorated in an Art Nouveau-style – think stained glass, mirrored ceilings, celadon green-washed murals and a mahogany bar – this brasserie oozes grandeur, and yet the cheapest dish on the menu (pea soup) is a euro-busting €3.90. Follow that with chicken supreme for just €12.80 or pan-fried sea bream at €13.60 and, in one of the most expensive cities in the world, you’ll feel like you gamed the system – and in style. 16 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 10th bouillon-julien.com Angelina Speciality coffee shops and bubble tea spots may have popped up all over Paris in the past few years, but Angelina’s is without doubt one of the best places for a hot chocolate in Paris, especially if you're visiting museums like the Louvre nearby. This luxurious, indulgent tearoom has been open more than 120 years, and its hot chocolate, poured out from a little jug and topped with lashings of whipped cream, comes at the equally indulgent price of €8.90. Breakfast and brunch here is also lovely for a special occasion, but if you don’t want to queue to eat in – or you want to save a few euros – you can always take away, and enjoy the chocolaty treat, or one of their equally great eclairs or macarons, on a bench in the Jardin des Tuileries opposite. 226 Rue de Rivoli, 1st angelina-paris.fr Best bars in Paris Bambino For a bar cooler than Serge Gainsbourg on a winter’s day, head to Bambino, nestled in the heart of the 11th. It’s all mid-century and expensive candle vibes here, and while you might want to stop for a dinner of pizzettes and small plates, we’d recommend heading here in the later hours instead. The music picks up, there’s dancing and things start to get a little jazzy after one of their chic €12 cocktails on tap. 25 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 11th bambinoparis.com Le Très Particulier Entering via the side of a stately manner in a fairly residential Montmartre neighbourhood feels like you’ve been let in on a special secret – and that’s before you’ve even caught a glimpse of the spectacular bar at the back of L'Hôtel Particulier. By day, the lavishly decorated space looks out into the impressive garden; by night, the cosy velvet- and gold-furnished cocktail bar could double as a fancy members' club. Just don’t tell too many people… 23 Avenue Junot, Pavillon D, 18th hotelparticulier.com Le Perchoir Ménilmontant Up on the 7th floor, summery Mediterranean-style hangout Le Perchoir is one of Paris’s best rooftop bars. It has incredible 360-degree views, and if the weather’s on your side, a sundowner here – a glass of rosé starts at €7 – while the sun sets over the famous skyline will likely be one of the most magical moments of your trip. 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 11th leperchoir.fr Rosa Bonheur The charming Buttes Chaumont park in the north-east of the city is worth a visit in itself, but even more so for the cute bar at its centre. It’s a super-relaxed spot that comes alive on lazy summer days – and evenings – and with nature surrounding you, it really feels like la vie en rose. Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 1 rue de Botzaris, 19th rosabonheur.fr Café de l’Homme There’s one huge, grey metal reason why the sophisticated Café de l’Homme gets a place on our must-visit list, and that’s the unparalleled view of the Eiffel Tower from its terrace. It's one of the best places in Paris to see and snap the famous monument from; drinks are naturally a little pricey here, and make sure you arrive on the hour in the evening to get your money’s worth and experience the Iron Lady in all her glory. 17 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 16th cafedelhomme.com The Cambridge What’s this, an English-looking pub in Paris? Stay with us: this is like if some cool Parisians took over your local and injected it with a bit of French flair. The relaxed and comfortable bar spills out onto the street in summer, but the real draw here is the imaginative seasonal cocktails. A recent trip saw us thirsty for another round of Akira Kiras (€14); an elegant fusion of grapefruit, sencha tea, vodka and Lillet Blanc. Plus, they’re one of the few places in Paris to serve up Scotch eggs. 8 Rue de Poitou, 3rd thecambridge.paris Discover more foodie city guides The best restaurants in Berlin The best restaurants in London The best restaurants in Leeds The best restaurants in Cambridge Is there anywhere we've missed? Let us know in the comments below... Travellers are advised to read the travel advice for their destination country at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before travelling.