Whether you visit London a lot, or just save it for special occasions, there’s no doubt that it’s a great place to visit when you have something to celebrate. When there’s a milestone birthday coming up, a weekend in London is ideal, as you can plan lots of special experiences as well as enjoying the cultural and dining scenes.
Here are some special days out and experiences in London that are ideal for those big birthdays.
- Cruise on the Thames
One of the best ways to see the London sights is on the water, as you can see lots of iconic attractions along the way, and there are a number of ways you can cruise the Thames. Lunchtime cruises are great for people who are a bit older and perhaps won’t want a late night out, and they can be combined with a visit to the London Eye for the ultimate sightseeing day.
Dinner cruises with entertainment such as live music are a lot of fun and perfect for small groups because everything is organised for you.
- See a West End show
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time seeing a West End show or the hundredth, there is something special about seeing a show in one of London’s spectacular theatres. You can enhance the experience by:
- Booking the top seats – these tend to be the front stalls or the front of the dress circle – check out some seat review sites to ensure they are worth the premium prices
- Booking champagne for the interval so you can skip the bar queue
- Book a pre- or post-theatre meal at one of the many restaurants in the area
- Get picked up in a classic black cab to end your night in style
No matter what show you see, the birthday boy or girl is bound to remember their special night at the theatre.
- Try a restaurant with a unique theme
If you’re planning a special meal for a milestone birthday, make sure it’s one that they remember for the right reasons. Luckily, London is absolutely full of unique places to eat out, so you can try cuisines and dishes they may not have even heard of before. For example, head to 100hoxton.com, a Filipino restaurant that serves a meal known as boodle fight. Served without cutlery or plates, boodle fight is made up of a selection of different dishes and creates an eye-catching feast that’s ideal for celebratory meals.
- Ride in a hot air balloon
Another unforgettable way to see the city is from inside the basket of a hot air balloon. As long as the person celebrating isn’t afraid of heights, they’ll love the view from the balloon as it swoops over some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Many tours end with a champagne toast too, so you can raise a glass for their birthday.
- Go for afternoon tea
If big adventures are out of the question, then a more sedate, yet still unforgettable experience is afternoon tea. There are many amazing spots where you can enjoy afternoon tea in London, from 5-star hotels to iconic buildings, with different themes to suit different people. With a group of loved ones, it can make for an amazing birthday experience.
