Travel Plans and Wanderlust Wishlist for London 2025

If London is calling in 2025, you’re not alone. The city is buzzing with energy, events, and fresh experiences waiting around every corner. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to see, do, and eat in the UK’s capital. Staying at a hotel in South Kensington, London, puts you right in the heart of the action, close to iconic museums, beautiful parks, and excellent dining options. Planning is the best way to make the most of your trip, and that’s where this travel wishlist comes in.

Here’s your go-to guide for the top places to visit, experiences to try, and must-see events in London in 2025.

Planning Your London Adventure

Start by locking in your travel dates. London is great year-round, but spring and summer (April–August) are especially popular thanks to longer days, outdoor festivals, and mild weather. Once you’ve got your dates, book your flights and accommodation early to secure the best deals.

Don’t forget about transport. Getting around London is easy, but for stress-free transfers and exploring in style, consider a chauffeur service like LB Travel. It’s especially handy for airport pickups, group travel, or special nights out.

Must-Visit Spots in London 2025

Some places never go out of style. Others are making a big splash in 2025. Here’s what to put at the top of your list:

  1. The Tower of London:  Walk through centuries of history, check out the Crown Jewels, and snap a photo with the iconic Beefeaters.
  2. Battersea Power Station: This redeveloped riverside landmark is now packed with shops, restaurants, and amazing rooftop views.
  3. Sky Garden or The Garden at 120: Both offer incredible views of London’s skyline, and entry is free if you book in advance.
  4. Covent Garden: Street performers, cute cafes, boutique shopping, and a buzzing atmosphere. It’s a must.
  5. King’s Cross & Coal Drops Yard: Trendy, stylish, and full of character. Grab a bite, shop local, or just enjoy the vibe.

Mix iconic spots with new discoveries to get a full taste of London’s personality.

You can also read: Everything You Want to See and Do in London This Summer

Big Events to Watch for in 2025

London is never short on events, but 2025 is shaping up to be a big one. If you’re visiting this year, plan around these standout experiences:

  1. British Summer Time (BST) at Hyde Park:  Massive music festival with global headliners. If you want to see big names under the open sky, this is the place to be.
  2. Chelsea Flower Show (May): A stunning display of garden design and floral art, perfect for a relaxing and Instagram-worthy day out.
  3. London Fashion Week (February & September): Even if you’re not in the industry, the city comes alive with style and creativity.
  4. Notting Hill Carnival (August): A vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture with parades, music, food, and energy like no other.
  5. Christmas in London: If you’re planning a winter visit, don’t miss festive lights in Oxford Street, ice skating at Somerset House, and Christmas markets across the city.

Always check the event calendar before your trip, there’s likely something amazing happening during your stay.

Eat Your Way Around the City

London’s food scene is next-level. From Michelin-starred dining to quirky markets and hidden gems, there’s something for every taste.

  1. Borough Market: Street food heaven. Try everything from gourmet cheese toasties to Ethiopian stews.
  2. Dishoom:  A London classic for Bombay-style cuisine (worth the queue).
  3. Flat Iron: Great steak at even better prices. Perfect for a casual dinner.
  4. Sketch or Afternoon Tea at The Ritz: For something fancier, don’t miss out on the full afternoon tea experience.
  5. Chinatown & Soho: Packed with options for Asian cuisine, bubble tea, and dessert bars.

If you’re a foodie, consider building your itinerary around your meals; you won’t regret it.

Recharge in London’s Green Spaces

London is busy, but it’s also full of peaceful spots to relax. Add these parks and gardens to your wanderlust wishlist:

  • Hyde Park: Paddle on the Serpentine, visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, or just enjoy a picnic.
  • Hampstead Heath: Climb up Parliament Hill for one of the best free views in the city.
  • Kew Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage site with exotic plants, beautiful glasshouses, and tree-top walkways.
  • St. James’s Park: Right next to Buckingham Palace, it’s perfect for royal watchers.

Taking time to unwind in a park can make your trip feel more balanced and refreshing.

Travel Tips for 2025

  1. Book key experiences early:  Big events, popular restaurants, and Sky Garden spots fill up fast.
  2. Use contactless for transport: Tap in and out with your card or phone. No need for paper tickets or Oyster cards.
  3. Download essential apps: Citymapper, Google Maps, and OpenTable can make life easier.
  4. Dress in layers: London weather can change in a flash, so pack accordingly.
  5. Consider a private chauffeur: Especially useful if you’re travelling with luggage, kids, or just want to avoid the Tube.

London in 2025 is full of opportunity, new openings, iconic events, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning every detail or just daydreaming for now, this wishlist is your starting point to build the perfect London holiday. Staying at the best hotel in South Kensington, London, adds comfort and convenience to your journey, placing you close to world-famous museums, leafy parks, and vibrant dining spots. From sunrise views over the Thames to late-night laughs in Soho, your next London adventure could be your best one yet.

A Guide to London’s Spring Blossom Hotspots (2025)

The vibrant petals of the spring blooms in London paint the city in pinks, whites, yellows, and purples every March. The daffodils, bluebells, tulips, camellias, hyacinths, lilacs, azaleas, and cherry blossoms are a harbinger of spring. They pop up in every corner of London, but some neighbourhoods look too postcard-pretty to pay a visit. If you’re planning to explore the season’s charm, consider staying at one of the hotels around Earls Court London, offering both comfort and convenience in a beautifully connected location.

When is Sakura Season in London?

The period when the spring flowers are in full bloom is lovingly called the “Sakura” season, from the Japanese word meaning cherry blossom. The pastel shades start showing up in early April and grow into full bloom by May in the colder years. In warmer years, they can be spotted as early as mid-March.

6 Spots to Find London’s Most Beautiful Spring Blooms

1. Kew Gardens

The best place to look at sakuras or cherry blossoms is London’s largest botanical garden, the Kew Gardens. The best spot to take pictures is the Cherry Walk, starting from the Rose Garden behind the Palm House. 

2. Kyoto Gardens

Kyoto Gardens is your perfect slice of silence and serenity amid a thriving London. Nestled within Holland Park, this authentic Japanese Zen Garden was built to commemorate the 1992 Japan Festival in London, honoring the alliance between the two countries. Complete with cobbled pathways, wooden bridges, stone lanterns, koi ponds, and colorful trees, Kyoto Gardens come alive in spring with the pinks and whites of cherry blossoms. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a peacock. 

You can also read: Exploring Earl’s Court in London: A Guide to Must-Do Activities

3. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Want that perfect, urban vintage-meets-nature shot for your Instagram? Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral during the golden hour and capture the sunlight gliding off the cathedral’s dome as the pinks and violets of the flowers offset the building’s white marble. Find the trees in St. Paul’s Churchyard south of the cathedral. 

4. Greenwich Park

Combine a hiking trip and a photography session in one at London’s Greenwich Park. Hike up the hill beyond the Observatory and the Planetarium, follow Blackheath Avenue, and take the path toward Range’s House. Find the cherry blossom trees creating a lovely arched tunnelway, just like they show in Japanese anime and TV shows. The pathway is usually full of tourists posing for photographs. If you like a spot, wait for your turn, and when you get it, do not hesitate to shoot as many poses as you want.

5. Notting Hill

Notting Hill is an excellent bet if you like your blossoms in a picture-perfect urban setting and not in a park. The exuberant trees stand in striking contrast against the deliciously pastel houses, making the neighbourhood look like a dreamy toy town. Roam Farmer Street, Hillgate Place, and Stanley Crescent for the best photos. 

If you are a fan of the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts starrer 1999 rom-com classic “Notting Hill”, you can also visit The Notting Hill Bookshop in Portobello. It pays homage to Travel Book Co., the bookstore Grant’s character owned in the movie. The independent bookshop stocks a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction but specialises in travel books and souvenirs, just like its inspiration.

6. Swiss Cottage to Camden Market Spring Walk

If you want to soak in the cherry blossom season rather than just pose for a picture, start at the Swiss Cottage Station. Walk through London’s charming streets, marvel at the architecture, and witness the trees in full bloom along Winchester Road, King Henry’s Road, Primrose Hill, and Gloucester Avenue, and end up at Buck Street. Find yourself a spot to refuel with food and drinks at Camden Market.

Hope the list helps you find the best places to enjoy London’s magical springtime. However, if you can’t visit the cherry blossom hotspots, do not worry. You may find a tree or two in any corner of London. You will not miss out on the captivating seasonal display. You may find a tree or two in any corner of London. You will not miss out on the captivating seasonal display. And for a comfortable and well-connected stay during your spring adventure, consider booking a hotel in Kensington, London, offering easy access to some of the city’s most scenic neighborhoods.

Tips for Visiting Limehouse Basin in London

Riverside views and relaxing long canal walks are some of the top things to savor at Limehouse in East London. The origins of Limehouse can be traced back to the 16th Century when it was famous for its lime kilns. This neighborhood was once a thriving shipping yard frequented by traders.

Sailors used the place to dock their boats and store goods. Over the years, the region has undergone many changes. Now, it houses high-end restaurants and apartments. For visitors, the place holds endless treasures that are best explored by walking. After a day of exploring, unwind in one of the top hotels in Kensington London, offering a comfortable and convenient stay with easy access to the city’s iconic attractions.

About Limehouse Basin

The marina is where the River Thames links to numerous other canals. Visitors will be enthralled by the boats, yachts, and houseboats. High-end apartments can be found lining the marina. Walking from the basin will lead you to a tree-lined avenue adjoining Regent Canal. The walk leads you to the Mile End Park up to Broadway Market.  

You can also read: A Guide to Visiting London’s Top Splash Parks

Top spots to visit

Besides the riveting marina, the region has many other historic and cultural attractions that you should not miss out on. 

  • The Troxy is a must-visit place featuring live music and other art-deco events. The place functioned earlier as an opera house, cinema, and bingo hall.
  • For a picturesque canal walk, the Regents Canal is the perfect place. The canal leads you to the Mile End Park. You can also walk further and visit Bethnal Green, which has spectacular views.
  • Canal views are not the only attractions here. You can have a nice stroll at the Ropemakers Field. The park offers lush greenery and access to the Regents Canal and the Limehouse Basin.
  • While you take a leisurely stroll, don’t forget to visit The Grapes, one of the oldest pubs in London. Built around 1583, the pub has had famous visitors over the centuries including Charles Dickens. The pub quiz on Mondays here is a highly recommended event that locals and tourists love to attend.
  • The pub scene here does not end with The Grapes. You can find many watering holes all along Narrow Street that form the Riverside Pubs.  Locals and visitors beeline to places like The White Swan and The Prince Regent. 
  • For a taste of farm life, the Stepney City Farm is a splendid spot to explore. Spread over 4 acres, this working farm has chickens, pigs, sheep, and more. The Farmers Market here, held on Saturdays, is famous here. For theatre enthusiasts, the Half Moon Theatre is a must-visit spot. The place hosts puppetry mainly besides plays and other events. It encourages young talent via its creative learning opportunities. For young adults in search of professionally crafted arts, this is a good place to frequent.
  • A walk along the canal side is incomplete without a visit to the entrancing St. Anne’s Church. The church has a high clock tower second only to the Big Ben. The greenery surrounding the ancient structure dating back to 1709 makes it a favorite spot for history buffs. 
  • The London Museum Docklands is another must-visit place here. The place has 400 years of Docklands history and is a wonderful place for families as it has many activities for children. Entry is free, and the place is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

How to get here and dining options

Being situated amidst many well-known landmarks, it is easy to get here. By train, you can start from Limehouse DLR or if you prefer walking, it is a short distance from Canary Wharf. Plenty of dining options are present here. As an erstwhile Chinatown region, you can find many great Chinese restaurants here. For authentic British fare, you can find many along Narrow Street and Riverside pub area. Try this East London destination that offers the best relaxing feel ever with its calm walkways and fantabulous views. After a day of exploration, unwind in one of the luxury hotels near Buckingham Palace, where comfort and elegance meet in the heart of London.