Travelzoo’s 101 Things to do in London guide details all the best ways to spend time in the capital. There’s a handy filter on the guide, so you can search by category, such as Eating & Drinking or Family-Friendly, and Citymapper buttons to provide door-to-door directions. We’re happy to say that The Montague on the Gardens is one of the select few recommended hotels in the guide. Here’s our pick of our favourite things to do from Travelzoo’s list – all of which are within easy reach of the hotel.
See Treasures at the British Museum
There’s only one place to start (given that they’re our neighbours) and that’s the British Museum. Home to one of the world’s greatest collections of historic objects, from the Elgin Marbles to the Rosetta Stone, this is an absolute must, particularly for first-time visitors to London. It’s open daily from 10am-5pm, and best of all, it’s free.
Walking time from the Montague: 2 minutes
Eat at Rules – London’s Oldest Restaurant
Established in 1798, London’s oldest eatery is a beautiful, unpretentious throwback, where traditional British food (game, oysters, pies and puddings) is served in velvet-upholstered, wood-panelled surroundings. It’s surprisingly affordable too.
Walking time: 12 minutes
Watch Street Performers in Covent Garden
It might be an obvious tourist attraction, but Covent Garden is a great spot to indulge in the twin pastimes of shopping and people-watching. Always buzzing with activity, it’s home to shops plenty, from everyday favourites to one-off boutiques and quirky stalls. And when you’ve had enough, just take a seat by the piazza and watch the street performers.
Walking time from the Montague: 14 minutes
Cakes & Clotted Cream in the Crypt
Located right by Trafalgar Square, the Café in the Crypt definitely falls into the “hidden gem” category. Missed by many, this atmospheric hideaway is a great alternative to the sandwich chains in the area. They serve everything from afternoon teas to brunches and light lunches – all amid brick-vaulted ceilings overhead and tombstones beneath your feet. For a great evening out, try to catch one of their live jazz nights.
Walking time from the Montague: 13 minutes
Gordon’s Wine Bar
A place where the booze comes with a side order of history. Secreted away beneath Villiers St near Embankment, Gordon’s Wine Bar occupies a spot that was once home to the famed Great Fire of London diarist, Samel Pepys. These candlelit vaults are the best place to settle in and forget about the outside world while making your way through an array of wines, as well as ports, madeiras and sherries straight from the barrel.
Walking time: 20 minutes
A few more to consider:
HintHunt – part-“Crystal Maze”, part-40s detective thriller, this “escape room” attraction is perfect for small groups. Walking time: 8 minutes
National Gallery – Constable, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet… quite simply one of the greatest art collections anywhere in the world. Walking time: 16 minutes
Liberty London – intimate department store filled with the finer things in life. Full wallet required. Walking time: 19 minutes
The Savoy – pop into the Beaufort Bar, order a Prohibition Old Fashioned & soak up the splendour. Walking time: 17 minutes
Catch a West End Show – the heart of the West End is little more than a hop, skip and a jump from the Montague. Walking time to Drury Lane: 7 minutes
For lots more ideas, check out Travelzoo’s guide, 101 Things to do in London
Image Credits: Lead image © Red Carnation Hotels. British Museum © British Museum. Rules Restaurant © Rules Restaurant. Covent Garden piazza © iStock/woolzian. Scone with jam and clotted cream © iStock/grandriver. Gordon’s Wine Bar © Chio Photography.
