London is a bustling city filled with both business and leisure travellers, but even the most tightly-packed business trip often allows a little time to explore some of the attractions which the UK’s capital has to offer. Here is our quick guide to six of the best ways to pass the time on your next London trip for business…
1. Visit the City’s Historic Landmarks
No trip to London, however brief the sightseeing time available, is complete without a visit to some of the capital’s most significant historic landmarks. The history of the city stretches back to early Roman settlements, and London has been the site of some of the most significant events ever to happen in Britain.
During your stay at the Park Grand Hotel Kensington, you’ll be ideally situated to do some exploring in-between business meetings, such as heading to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen. Check out the famous ‘Changing of the Guard’ or enjoy a tour of the state rooms when they open to the public during summer months. Other great whistle-stop historical sights to see include St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey (home to all UK coronations since William the Conqueror almost a thousand years ago) and the London Wall. The Wall represents the last remaining section of a Roman-built fortification.
2. Take an early morning walk
The city of London is always alive with new activities and things to see and do, so it’s worth getting up early to make the most of out. An early start gives you the opportunity to see London from a unique vantage point often missed by leisure travellers. In upscale Kensington you could finish your early adventures with a Kensington breakfast before heading to the business of the day.
3. Choose the right hotel
No matter where you need to be for business while visiting London, it helps to ensure your base is central enough to allow you both fantastic transport links and the perfect venue for exploring during your down time. The Park Grand Hotel Kensington is a high-end hotel situated in one of the most impressive and exclusive areas of the city, so you need only step outside the doors to enjoy the capital.
4. Treat yourself to a leisurely meal
While time is sure to be at a premium during your visit to the city, when you do have free moments between meetings and appointments, be sure to savour it with a meal at the Park Grand Restaurant Kensington. This venue can even double as the ideal space for a more relaxed business dinner.
5. Prioritise your adventures
While it can be tempting to simply ‘wing it’ once you arrive, and planning is rarely considered a fun thing to do, there’s so much to see in London that it certainly helps to have at least a vague idea of some of the sights you’d like to see. Plot their feasibility from the viewpoint of distance and how much time you’ll be able to spend exploring.
6. Indulge in some local shopping
Brits are known for their artistic flair, and London is home to some of the world’s most famous boutiques and department stores. This provides a great opportunity to find something truly unique and special during your business trip. During your spare time, allocate a couple of hours to browsing this shopping hotspot.
