Holloway Things to do
Shopping and Food scene
Covent Garden is a world-class shopping and dining destination attracting food-lovers and fashionistas alike. Buzzing with the excitement of the opera and theatreland, the area boasts some of the best shopping and dining destinations in London's West End and you easily bump into some amazing Street Performers and Artists.
Info at: www.coventgarden.london
955 locals recommend
Covent Garden
41 James StCovent Garden is a world-class shopping and dining destination attracting food-lovers and fashionistas alike. Buzzing with the excitement of the opera and theatreland, the area boasts some of the best shopping and dining destinations in London's West End and you easily bump into some amazing Street Performers and Artists.
Info at: www.coventgarden.london
The Market is packed to the gunnels with stalls trading in handmade clothes and jewellery, music memorabilia, objects from ages past and authentic food from far flung locations. ... Camden Lock was one of London's first crafts and antiques markets and retains its original focus as the principle Camden market for crafts.
Info at: www.camdenmarket.com
1028 locals recommend
Camden Market
54-56 Camden Lock PlThe Market is packed to the gunnels with stalls trading in handmade clothes and jewellery, music memorabilia, objects from ages past and authentic food from far flung locations. ... Camden Lock was one of London's first crafts and antiques markets and retains its original focus as the principle Camden market for crafts.
Info at: www.camdenmarket.com
Borough Market is London’s oldest, largest and most established food market. The many stalls are adorned with an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and cheeses brought to you by passionate artisan producers from across the UK. There’s also a huge choice of street food vendors selling ready to eat lunches or if you prefer, sit down in its many great restaurants. Borough Market is steeped in history and dates back all the way to 1276. I t’s also been the filming location for Harry Potter and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Borough is probably the most tourist-heavy market out of them all and Saturday’s get SUPER busy. Go as early as you possibly can.
Info at: www.boroughmarket.org.uk
1617 locals recommend
Borough Market
Borough High Street Borough Market is London’s oldest, largest and most established food market. The many stalls are adorned with an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and cheeses brought to you by passionate artisan producers from across the UK. There’s also a huge choice of street food vendors selling ready to eat lunches or if you prefer, sit down in its many great restaurants. Borough Market is steeped in history and dates back all the way to 1276. I t’s also been the filming location for Harry Potter and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Borough is probably the most tourist-heavy market out of them all and Saturday’s get SUPER busy. Go as early as you possibly can.
Info at: www.boroughmarket.org.uk
You can’t visit London and not have fish and chips. Its a national dish! Poppies is a really fun place to enjoy this British staple. Stepping inside the restaurant it feels like you’ve been transported back in time to the 1950’s with its retro décor and vintage jukebox. In addition to fish and chips at Poppies, you can also try other British ‘fish supper staples’ like mince meat pies, fish cakes, battered sausages and if you’re brave enough you can even get jellied eels which are an East End delicacy dating back to the 18th century.
Info at: www.poppiesfishandchips.co.uk/locations/camden/
29 locals recommend
Poppie's Fish & Chips, Camden
30 Hawley CrescentYou can’t visit London and not have fish and chips. Its a national dish! Poppies is a really fun place to enjoy this British staple. Stepping inside the restaurant it feels like you’ve been transported back in time to the 1950’s with its retro décor and vintage jukebox. In addition to fish and chips at Poppies, you can also try other British ‘fish supper staples’ like mince meat pies, fish cakes, battered sausages and if you’re brave enough you can even get jellied eels which are an East End delicacy dating back to the 18th century.
Info at: www.poppiesfishandchips.co.uk/locations/camden/
Convivial restaurant in North London, with a wood-fired pizza oven and a menu of classic and modern Italian dishes.
Winner of the Good food award 2020 and rated 100% on trip advisor, the food is always fresh and the service friendly and excellent. Make sure to book your table before you go,
as it tends to get busy especially at weekends.
Info at: www.tomopizzeria.com
9 locals recommend
Tomo Pizzeria-Restaurant
88 High StConvivial restaurant in North London, with a wood-fired pizza oven and a menu of classic and modern Italian dishes.
Winner of the Good food award 2020 and rated 100% on trip advisor, the food is always fresh and the service friendly and excellent. Make sure to book your table before you go,
as it tends to get busy especially at weekends.
Info at: www.tomopizzeria.com
Unlimited spit-roasted meat from a Brazilian Churrascaria barbecue, carved at your table, offered with a variety of freshly prepared gourmet salads and traditional Brazilian hot dishes, make Preto a dining experience like no other.
Info at: www.preto.co.uk/restaurant/west-end
Preto West End
73 Shaftesbury AveUnlimited spit-roasted meat from a Brazilian Churrascaria barbecue, carved at your table, offered with a variety of freshly prepared gourmet salads and traditional Brazilian hot dishes, make Preto a dining experience like no other.
Info at: www.preto.co.uk/restaurant/west-end
Attractions
It's an educational experience. London Zoo is not just a pretty face but an educational and interactive experience, both for youngsters and adults. Priding itself on “bringing down the barriers”, you will find out so much more about animals and their habitats than before!
SLEEP OVER AT THE ZOO:
The appeal of a sleepover in (well, next to) the lion enclosure is obvious: it’ll be like living in the real-life ‘Jungle Book’. Hire a lodge, enjoy private guided tours around and get exclusive access to animal enclosures after hours. A two-course dinner and breakfast are included, so you won’t have to worry about your rumbling stomach waking up the neighbours.
Info: www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo
713 locals recommend
ZSL London Zoo
Outer CircleIt's an educational experience. London Zoo is not just a pretty face but an educational and interactive experience, both for youngsters and adults. Priding itself on “bringing down the barriers”, you will find out so much more about animals and their habitats than before!
SLEEP OVER AT THE ZOO:
The appeal of a sleepover in (well, next to) the lion enclosure is obvious: it’ll be like living in the real-life ‘Jungle Book’. Hire a lodge, enjoy private guided tours around and get exclusive access to animal enclosures after hours. A two-course dinner and breakfast are included, so you won’t have to worry about your rumbling stomach waking up the neighbours.
Info: www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo
At Madame Tussauds London, you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most famous faces. ... Filled with exciting, interactive zones, a ride and the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history with over 300 wax figures.
Info: www.madametussauds.com/london/
951 locals recommend
Madame Tussauds London
Marylebone RoadAt Madame Tussauds London, you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most famous faces. ... Filled with exciting, interactive zones, a ride and the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history with over 300 wax figures.
Info: www.madametussauds.com/london/
The London Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides.
Most visitors find the attraction scary, but also find there are some funnier, light-hearted moments throughout the tour. The Drop Dead Drop Ride is usually a huge hit and a big surprise, as is the beginning of the tour with the Descent. The Jack The Ripper show is well done, and quite scary
Info: www.thedungeons.com/london/
234 locals recommend
The London Dungeon
Westminster Bridge RoadThe London Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides.
Most visitors find the attraction scary, but also find there are some funnier, light-hearted moments throughout the tour. The Drop Dead Drop Ride is usually a huge hit and a big surprise, as is the beginning of the tour with the Descent. The Jack The Ripper show is well done, and quite scary
Info: www.thedungeons.com/london/
Regularly voted as one of London’s greatest tourist attractions as it offers the best views of the city from the top of London’s tallest skyscraper. Visit The View from The Shard and see London from the highest viewing gallery which offers breath-taking 360° panoramic views day and night.
Info at: www.theviewfromtheshard.com/discover/
154 locals recommend
The View from The Shard
32 London Bridge StRegularly voted as one of London’s greatest tourist attractions as it offers the best views of the city from the top of London’s tallest skyscraper. Visit The View from The Shard and see London from the highest viewing gallery which offers breath-taking 360° panoramic views day and night.
Info at: www.theviewfromtheshard.com/discover/
If you fell under the spell of Harry Potter and his magical world, a trip to the Warner. Bros Studio Tour London will bring the popular films to life right in front of your eyes! The Harry Potter Studio Tour London is full of authentic sets and props and gives visitors a priceless peek into the making of the film series. Come with us to Leavesden and experience the brand new Gringotts’ Bank set where you can learn how the magical coins are pressed! There's no experience quite like it for Harry Potter fans of all ages!
Info at: www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
190 locals recommend
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Studio Tour DriveIf you fell under the spell of Harry Potter and his magical world, a trip to the Warner. Bros Studio Tour London will bring the popular films to life right in front of your eyes! The Harry Potter Studio Tour London is full of authentic sets and props and gives visitors a priceless peek into the making of the film series. Come with us to Leavesden and experience the brand new Gringotts’ Bank set where you can learn how the magical coins are pressed! There's no experience quite like it for Harry Potter fans of all ages!
Info at: www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
The World's oldest national public museum. Discover some of the best art pieces and up to 8 million items, some dating as far back as the prehistoric age for free.
Info at: www.britishmuseum.org
1546 locals recommend
British Museum
Great Russell StreetThe World's oldest national public museum. Discover some of the best art pieces and up to 8 million items, some dating as far back as the prehistoric age for free.
Info at: www.britishmuseum.org
Home to over 5,000 creatures and located near the London Eye, The Sea Life London Aquarium is a great family-friendly attraction.
info at: hwww.visitsealife.com/london/
SEA LIFE London Aquarium Entrance
Westminster Bridge RoadHome to over 5,000 creatures and located near the London Eye, The Sea Life London Aquarium is a great family-friendly attraction.
info at: hwww.visitsealife.com/london/
You climb to the top of The O2 via a walkway 52m above ground level and on a clear day, you can see up to 15 miles away.
You can choose from Daytime, Sunset and Twilight Climbs to discover a different side of London. You'll get a 360 degree view of Historic Greenwich, The Olympic Park and Canary Wharf.
The minimum age to take part is 8 years old and the height at least 1.2m tall. Kids under 18's need to be accompanied by an adult.
Wear comfy clothes and thick socks and after a safety briefing, they’ll provide you with a climb suit, boots and harness for what we like to call urban mountaineering.
info at: www.theo2.co.uk/up-at-the-o2/climb
11 locals recommend
Up at The O2
Peninsula SquareYou climb to the top of The O2 via a walkway 52m above ground level and on a clear day, you can see up to 15 miles away.
You can choose from Daytime, Sunset and Twilight Climbs to discover a different side of London. You'll get a 360 degree view of Historic Greenwich, The Olympic Park and Canary Wharf.
The minimum age to take part is 8 years old and the height at least 1.2m tall. Kids under 18's need to be accompanied by an adult.
Wear comfy clothes and thick socks and after a safety briefing, they’ll provide you with a climb suit, boots and harness for what we like to call urban mountaineering.
info at: www.theo2.co.uk/up-at-the-o2/climb
This quirky museum of old playthings is housed in a pair of wonderfully creaky, unrestored Georgian townhouses. A £9 ticket allows you to shimmy your way through six tiny rooms packed with board games, marbles, money boxes, puppets, wax dolls, toy theatres, doll’s houses and wonderful, intricately detailed model shops, as well as the world’s oldest surviving teddy and a 4,000-year-old mouse made from Nile clay. By turns beguiling and creepy, it’s fascinating for adults who want a hit of nostalgia.
www.pollockstoymuseum.co.uk
20 locals recommend
Pollocks Toy Museum
1 Scala StThis quirky museum of old playthings is housed in a pair of wonderfully creaky, unrestored Georgian townhouses. A £9 ticket allows you to shimmy your way through six tiny rooms packed with board games, marbles, money boxes, puppets, wax dolls, toy theatres, doll’s houses and wonderful, intricately detailed model shops, as well as the world’s oldest surviving teddy and a 4,000-year-old mouse made from Nile clay. By turns beguiling and creepy, it’s fascinating for adults who want a hit of nostalgia.
www.pollockstoymuseum.co.uk
Sightseeing
Home to Arsenal Football club and just across the street from the apartment, you can enjoy tours hosted by famous football legends, to a self-guided audio tour so you can walk around Emirates Stadium at your own pace.
Info at: www.arsenal.com/the-club/emirates-stadium
385 locals recommend
Emirates Stadium
Hornsey RoadHome to Arsenal Football club and just across the street from the apartment, you can enjoy tours hosted by famous football legends, to a self-guided audio tour so you can walk around Emirates Stadium at your own pace.
Info at: www.arsenal.com/the-club/emirates-stadium
A 196 acres park in North London, enjoyed by millions of visitors each year and offering amazing views over London.
The Park is home to 694 different types of plants, animals and fungi, including 212 different types of insects and 26 types of arachnids! Big and small, all of these species play a role in balancing our delicate ecosystem. While many plants and animals found in the park are common to London, 38 species in Alexandra Park are classed as rare or protected by legislation.
The park is also home of Alexandra Palace, known around the world as the birthplace of television.
It was never owned by the BBC, but in 1935 the Corporation leased the eastern part of the building from which the first public television transmissions were made. In 1936 it hosted trials between the EMI-Marconi and Baird television system to decide which would carry the television standard for the future.
Info at: www.alexandrapalace.com/the-park/
27 locals recommend
Alexandra Park
Alexandra Palace WayA 196 acres park in North London, enjoyed by millions of visitors each year and offering amazing views over London.
The Park is home to 694 different types of plants, animals and fungi, including 212 different types of insects and 26 types of arachnids! Big and small, all of these species play a role in balancing our delicate ecosystem. While many plants and animals found in the park are common to London, 38 species in Alexandra Park are classed as rare or protected by legislation.
The park is also home of Alexandra Palace, known around the world as the birthplace of television.
It was never owned by the BBC, but in 1935 the Corporation leased the eastern part of the building from which the first public television transmissions were made. In 1936 it hosted trials between the EMI-Marconi and Baird television system to decide which would carry the television standard for the future.
Info at: www.alexandrapalace.com/the-park/
Stroll along a walkway high up in the treetops, and explore acres of gardens under glass. Step inside a royal palace, discover galleries of botanical art, and experience 250 years of royal history at Kew Gardens, London's largest World Heritage Site.
Info at: www.kew.org/kew-gardens
637 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Gardens Car Park
Stroll along a walkway high up in the treetops, and explore acres of gardens under glass. Step inside a royal palace, discover galleries of botanical art, and experience 250 years of royal history at Kew Gardens, London's largest World Heritage Site.
Info at: www.kew.org/kew-gardens
Beside the River Thames, the South Bank is a dynamic area at the heart of London’s cultural scene. The Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and BFI film theatre are all world-class arts venues. The riverside walkway is lined with trees, restaurants and historic pubs, and is the site of frequent fairs and events. Sightseers admire iconic landmarks like Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral from the London Eye Ferris wheel.
Info at: www.southbanklondon.com
370 locals recommend
South Bank
Beside the River Thames, the South Bank is a dynamic area at the heart of London’s cultural scene. The Southbank Centre, National Theatre, and BFI film theatre are all world-class arts venues. The riverside walkway is lined with trees, restaurants and historic pubs, and is the site of frequent fairs and events. Sightseers admire iconic landmarks like Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral from the London Eye Ferris wheel.
Info at: www.southbanklondon.com
Leake Street is a road tunnel in Lambeth, London where graffiti is tolerated regardless of the fact that it is against the law. The street is about 300 metres long, runs off York Road and under the platforms and tracks of Waterloo station.
Leake Street Arches is a celebration of urban art, dining and entertainment live from Waterloo. Eight former railway arches next to the famous Graffiti Tunnel have been brought back to life to provide a curated collection of independent restaurants and bars that capture the essence of urban culture.
Head to Leake Street Arches to fuel your creativity and leave your mark.
Leake Street Arches
Leake StreetLeake Street is a road tunnel in Lambeth, London where graffiti is tolerated regardless of the fact that it is against the law. The street is about 300 metres long, runs off York Road and under the platforms and tracks of Waterloo station.
Leake Street Arches is a celebration of urban art, dining and entertainment live from Waterloo. Eight former railway arches next to the famous Graffiti Tunnel have been brought back to life to provide a curated collection of independent restaurants and bars that capture the essence of urban culture.
Head to Leake Street Arches to fuel your creativity and leave your mark.
The pies are a little thin on the ground, but it is a real island. The little Twickenham mudflat has 26 artists’ studios on it, and can only be reached by a cute footbridge that arches over the Thames. You’ll find a jarring ‘private property’ sign when you reach the other side but, twice a year, the islanders invite the public to come and nose around for its Open Studios event.
It was once a bubbling cauldron of British rock ’n’ roll. There was a five-month period in 1963 where you could see the Rolling Stones play there every Wednesday. The Who, Pink Floyd and Screaming Lord Sutch all did gigs at the Eel Pie Island Hotel, a rickety nineteenth-century ballroom that was lost to a fire in 1971. It was a place for counter-culturalists, poets and a pretty sizeable hippie commune because… well, it was the ’60s.
Today Eel Pie’s community is made up of painters, potters and sculptors beavering away in studios built around an old boatyard. But it’s not some bougie paradise, it’s still a strange, overgrown hamlet – the public path to the studios is scattered with undressed mannequin torsos, thick curls of boating rope, rusty hulls and plants wearing top hats
18 locals recommend
Eel Pie Island
The pies are a little thin on the ground, but it is a real island. The little Twickenham mudflat has 26 artists’ studios on it, and can only be reached by a cute footbridge that arches over the Thames. You’ll find a jarring ‘private property’ sign when you reach the other side but, twice a year, the islanders invite the public to come and nose around for its Open Studios event.
It was once a bubbling cauldron of British rock ’n’ roll. There was a five-month period in 1963 where you could see the Rolling Stones play there every Wednesday. The Who, Pink Floyd and Screaming Lord Sutch all did gigs at the Eel Pie Island Hotel, a rickety nineteenth-century ballroom that was lost to a fire in 1971. It was a place for counter-culturalists, poets and a pretty sizeable hippie commune because… well, it was the ’60s.
Today Eel Pie’s community is made up of painters, potters and sculptors beavering away in studios built around an old boatyard. But it’s not some bougie paradise, it’s still a strange, overgrown hamlet – the public path to the studios is scattered with undressed mannequin torsos, thick curls of boating rope, rusty hulls and plants wearing top hats
City advice
Getting around
The tube (Subway) is the fastest way to get around.
The closest tube station is Holloway Road station, just 3 minutes walk away from the property.
It is on the Piccadilly line, which will take you to Central London in no more than 10-15 minutes.
The line also serves Heathrow Airport, and some of its stations are near tourist attractions such as Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Buckingham Palace, just to name a few.
Ways to save
Museums are free
Enjoy the best of London's culture completely free; from the many world-class free exhibitions London has to offer, to stunning art galleries and historic houses. Entry to the permanent collections of these museums and galleries is free; while charges may apply for special exhibitions
Getting around
Easiest way to pay for travel inLondon
Pay as you go (paying only for the journeys you make) is the easiest way to pay for travel in London. You can pay as you go using contactless (card or device) or an Oyster card. It also offers great value as pay as you go is cheaper than buying single tickets and you get daily and weekly capping. You can get a standard Oyster card, if you don't have a contactless card or device. You pay £5 and then add pay as you go credit or a Travel card to pay for your journeys. They are available at Tube station or in local shops, known as Oyster ticket stops.
Travelling with kids
Travelling in London with Kids
Children under five travel free with a fare-paying adult.
If your child is under 11, they can travel free on, on Tube, buses and Trams.
If your child is 11-15 years old, you can ask a member of staff to set a Young Visitor discount on an Oyster or Visitor Oyster card. This allows them to get 50% off adult-rate pay as you go fares, for up to 14 days.
Getting around
PRIVATE TOURS WITH LOCAL GUIDES
Enjoy a unique and personalised experience, by discovering London with local guide.
More info at: www.toursbylocals.com