London is one of those travel destinations where you can really treat yourself to something special and live a life of luxury for a while. If you’re willing to splurge and spend some money, there are lots of luxury experiences that you can have here and feel just like royalty. These are perfect things to do if you’re celebrating something special and if you want to have new experiences in a familiar place you’ve been to before.
Here are some extravagant things to do in London when you’re looking to explore the city in style.
Stay in a Luxury Hotel
What Is It? Planning an extravagant trip all begins with staying somewhere amazing and unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before. Fortunately, there are lots of high-end and upscale hotels in London to choose from, including many with cocktail bars, spas, top-rated restaurants, and stunning city views.
Why Do It? Staying in a luxury hotel really sets the mood for the rest of your trip and lets you start and end your day with a dose of extravagance. There are lots of perks to take advantage of while staying in one of these places, including being in a fashionable neighborhood, high-tech features, relaxing swimming pools, and personal trainers in the gyms.
Good to Know: Some luxury hotels to look into in London are NYX Hotel London Holborn by Leonardo Hotels, The Landmark London, Montcalm Royal London House, and the Flemings Mayfair. L’oscar London and Rosewood London are other good options.
Take a Dinner Cruise on the Thames River
What Is It? Treat yourself to a memorable dinner cruise on the famous Thames River with a night of food, wine, and entertainment. Onboard the boat, you’ll get a delicious four-course dinner and see many London attractions from the water. Sip sparkling wine and listen to music as you relax and see the city at night.
Why Do It? Seeing London’s top sights at night and from the water is a totally different experience than touring them during the day. This is a fun way to spend an evening and let someone else show you around the city while you enjoy the finer things in life.
Good to Know: The dinner cruise picks up at Westminster Pier and includes food and drinks. However, it does not include gratuities or hotel pickup and drop-off.
Experience the English Pastime of Afternoon Tea
What Is It? England is known for its tradition of afternoon tea, but this experience can run up a sizable price tag in certain places. Many top hotels in London have afternoon tea offerings that include various teas, champagne, pastries, and sandwiches.
Why Do It? There are few things more quintessentially English than afternoon tea, and every traveler to London should experience it at least once. Dress up and mind your manners!
Good to Know: Some iconic afternoon tea experiences to look into are at the Ritz London and the Cliveden House. Other traditional afternoon teas can be attended at The Langham, The Athenaeum, and Harrods Tea Rooms.
Book a London Eye Private Pod
What Is It? Many travelers to London take a ride on the London Eye, which is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. But for a truly extravagant experience, book your own private pod with 360-degree views of the skyline and a 30-minute rotation.
Why Do It? From your pod, you’ll see top London sites, including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. It’s an exclusive hire for your private use – both romantic for couples and fun for family groups.
Good to Know: Private pods accommodate two to 25 guests. There are 32 pods available at the London Eye.
Take a VIP Private, Chauffeured Tour
What Is It? If you’re in the mood for luxury, don’t settle for long lines and crowded tour groups full of strangers. Instead, book a private, guided, and chauffeured tour of London so you can explore the city with plenty of personal attention and maximum flexibility.
Why Do It? Private tours operate just with your own group and give you undivided personal attention. You’ll have an informative and friendly guide to tell you all about the sites and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included with your booking.
Good to Know: Three-hour and six-hour tours are available, depending on how much of the city you want to see and be shown around. Entrance fees to attractions can be included in your tour price for easy navigation during the day.
Take a Chocolate Truffle Making Class
What Is It? One of the most extravagant desserts in the world is the chocolate truffle, and you can take a chocolate truffle-making class in the city to learn more about this delicious treat.
Why Do It? You’ll learn from a professional chocolatier about how to make truffles and get to sample different types to understand what goes into the processes and techniques. This is a fun experienced that is great for couples and very beginner-friendly with no experience required.
Good to Know: The Chocolate Museum and Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates have offered classes in the past. Check local event pages to learn about classes taking place during your travel dates.
Take a Helicopter Tour of London
What Is It? There’s something truly special about seeing London from above, which is why a helicopter tour is a fun way to spend a day in the city. Some helicopter tours even include lunch and champagne for a real treat to accompany your scenic journey.
Why Do It? You’ll get to soak in all of the breathtaking scenery of London while someone else does the navigation on a helicopter tour. The photos you’ll get from your tour will also be so unique and beautiful to look back at later.
Good to Know: Many London helicopter tours last for 30 to 60 minutes and come with headphones so you can communicate with each other and the pilot.
Shop at London’s Top Designer Stores
What Is It? London is one of the top destinations in the world for shopping, so you can really go “all out” here if you’re looking to spend big or just browse.
Why Do It? London is a shopper’s paradise and home to so many high-end luxury stores.
Good to Know: The best luxury shopping areas in London are Bond Street, Dover Street Market, Harrods, and Mayfair. The Royal Exchange, Connaught Village, and Savile Row are definitely worth checking out too.
Plan a Rejuvenating Spa Day
What Is It? In London, you can treat yourself to a spa day and book a luxurious treatment, such as a massage, facial, or other body treatment.
Why Do It? There are lots of great day spas in London, often located within the city’s most extravagant hotels. Spa days will help you relax from the stress of travel and help you slow down your pace as you see the city.
Good to Know: Some top spas are the East River Spa, Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf, the Spa at Dolphin Square, Beauty and Melody Spa at The Montcalm Royal London House, and the Spa at the Athenaeum.
Take a Train Journey Through the Countryside
What Is It? To explore the broader region and not just the central part of the city, consider booking a train tour to see a bit more of England. Some train trips have themes, such as murder mystery or afternoon tea with entertainment.
Why Do It? Train journeys allow you to understand the area more than just staying within the city limits and offer stunning scenery with a vintage vibe.
Good to Know: Belmond British Pullman offers various options for rail travel day trips and weekend journeys. The Golden Age of Travel tour is a particularly popular option.
Private Dining at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
What Is It? London is a foodie paradise, so why not go out for some amazing cuisine while you’re in the city? There are many Michelin-starred restaurants here where you can try food prepared by famous chefs in world-class venues.
Why Do It? Michelin-starred restaurants are the benchmark for culinary excellence and are judged at the highest standards. Outstanding meals are right at your fingertips in London.
Good to Know: Some top restaurants to try in London if you’re a serious foodie are Amaya, the Dining Room at the Goring, Galvin at Windows, and Hakkasan. For other types of cuisine, check out the Harwood Arms, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
