Friday is a good day to visit Notting Hill, the area of London made famous by the movie starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Portobello Market is one of the best and most eclectic street markets in the city. You will find a range of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes, antiques, jewelry, flowers and music. Many food stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat. The market runs over three days, including the weekend, but you'll find most locals head there on Friday when there are fewer tourists.
As well as the market, Notting Hill is the home to many up-scale shops and boutiques. If you want to treat yourself, it is a good place to find unique clothing and jewelry items. Don't forget to visit the book shop which inspired one of the locations in the film Notting Hill. In real life it sells travel books.
The area is a good place for people watching and celebrity spotting. Various famous faces can often be spied in the many restaurants and cafes which line the streets. The area has a strong Portuguese community and this is reflected in some of the food choices you will find. If Portuguese is not for you then you will be spoilt for choice with the cuisine on offer including Spanish, Italian, Indian and of course traditional English.
The Travel Bookshop
13 Blenheim Crescent,
London W11 2EE
44 20 7229 5260
http://www.thetravelbookshop.com
Afternoon tea has been a popular past time in Britain since the 19th century when it was said to be invented by the Duchess of Bedford. London offers many fine tea rooms where you can enjoy this daily ritual, too.
One of the most well-known tea rooms is at the Ritz Hotel. Five sittings are offered each day. Reservations at least six weeks in advance are recommended. Take the opportunity to pretend to be a royal princess and have your tea in the Orangery restaurant in Kensington Palace. After eating in the 18th restaurant take a tour of the palace gardens. For those on a budget try the cafe at the National Gallery. This traditional afternoon cream tea will not break the bank and you can combine your visit with a viewing in the art gallery.
The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly,
London W1J 9BR
44 (0)20 7493 8181
http://www.theritzlondon.com/tea
The Orangery
Kensington Palace,
London W8 4PX
44 (0)844 482 7777
http://www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace
The National Gallery,
Trafalgar Square,
London WC2N 4DN
44 (0)20 7747 5942
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Forget you are in the middle of a city with a day in Hyde Park. A royal park since 1536 when Henry VIII used it to hunt deer and boar, it is now a popular public location for concerts, walking and outdoor sports. It is also the location of the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
Horse riders will enjoy taking two designated routes through the park or using the specialist riding area. Two riding schools offer lessons for adults and children.
Hire a rowing boat or pedalo for an afternoon boating on the lake, The Serpentine. On a fine day try swimming in the outdoor pool, known as the Serpentine Lido. Other sports available include tennis, flat green bowing and a putting green.
For the less active, simply pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the 350-acre park while watching the walkers, runners and cyclists go by. Alcoholic drinks are allowed in the park but visitors must not light any fires or barbecues.
