The best things to do alone in London
The thing about living in London is that even if you spend the day by yourself, you’re never actually alone. The hustle and bustle of the city run alongside you. It’s behind you in the queue for your fave bakery and sits next to you in the pub as you sip on something cold.
But finding yourself with a free weekend alone is a rare occurrence; the once in a blue moon combo of zero plans and nothing to do except follow your free will is a special occasion. And there is no better place to explore than London.
With no one to answer to, you can dive into your own little world, be a bit selfish with your plans, and do all of your favourite things in one day. Here is a selection of the best things to do when you find yourself alone in London.
Museums
South London Gallery
If there is a free exhibition to wander around, you best believe I’m looking at every piece in there. There’s lots to be gained from experiencing things together, but looking at art alone means you can make your own assumptions, see it how you want, and spend as long as you like reading the accompanying info.
South London Gallery always has a free exhibition for you to mooch around, with events, films, and talks on the programme, too.
And don’t forget to visit Louie before you go in – attached to the gallery, it’s a spot for supper clubs, treats, and really good coffee.
Camberwell, SE5 | southlondongallery.org
National Portrait Gallery
London is home to the world’s largest portrait collection in the form of the National Portrait Gallery. Alone but surrounded by faces, this is one of my favourite places to get lost for a day.
The Factory of Femininity is the current free display, with paid-for exhibitions: Edvard Munch Portraits and The Face Magazine: Culture Shift, which celebrates fashion images and portraits from The Face, bringing together the work of over 80 photographers.
Central, WC2H | npg.org.uk
Bakeries
Pophams
Need I say much more than Marmite, Schlossberger and sprunion pastry? It tastes heavenly, as do many of the items that come out of Pophams bakeries.
With three locations, use your solo days to explore each one in turn, experimenting with something new each time that tickles your taste buds.
Islington, N1, London Fields, E8, Victoria Park, E9 | pophamsbakery.com
TOAD
Speaking of bakeries doing interesting things, TOAD in Camberwell has a queue out the door for good reason. Its morning bun wakes you up on the right side of the bed, and its ever-changing sweet and savoury danishes are made to be eaten slowly, savouring every bite. So take your time, who’s waiting on you?
Pick yourself up a bunch of Sid’s Flowers while you’re there, too, because nothing says solo date day than treating yourself to a colourful bouquet.
Camberwell, SE5 | toadbakery.com
Dining
Tenmaru
If you’ve also read Butter by Asako Yuzuki, then you know ramen is a dish that is even more exquisite when you can slurp it up alone. And North London’s Tenmaru specialises in small plates and creative ramen flavours.
The Izakaya-style restaurant has a casual vibe, where you can eat alone in comfort. Snack on cucumber salad with plum sauce and kimchi pancake, tuck into fresh gyoza or karaage, and devour tsukemen, a dipping style ramen, with thick chewy noodles.
Finsbury Park, N1 | tenmaru.co.uk
Darling’s Eatery
Fully romance yourself with a trip for pasta and wine. Serving lunch and dinner from Thursdays to Saturdays, Darling’s Eatery offers a slice of the Italian Riviera in East London.
The menu is always changing, never knowing what pasta shape your fork will twirl into, but you can never go amiss with the cacio e pepe, and if the fresh paccheri with brown shrimp and pistachio sauce is on the menu, you know you’re in luck.
The serene surroundings of Darling’s become your dinner partner as you pop cerignola olives one by one and sip on something decadent, like a full-bodied red or a bold and bitter negroni.
Bow, E3 | darlingseatery.com
Drinking
Sol’s
Enjoying a vino is a luxury that tastes even better when you can take your time. The sun beaming down on your face as you watch the droplets of condensation form on your glass of pale rose. There’s something quite romantic about it, really.
Sol’s in West London is a quaint little wine bar for just this occasion, with space for you to sit at the window and watch the world go by.
Bayswater, W2 | sols.london
Skehan’s
Taking your book to the pub on your day alone in London is a lovely way to leaf through a couple of chapters. Novel in one hand and an ice-cold pint of Guinness in the other, and you turn into the main character.
Skehan’s in Nunhead is regularly recommended as being the best pint of Guinness south of the river – and probably in the top five across the whole of the city – so it’s a great spot to add to your story. Secure your spot in the hidden garden out back and enjoy.
Nunhead, SE4 | skehans.com
Things to do
Electric Cinema
Going to the cinema alone means you pick the movie, you don’t have to share popcorn, and you can fill your Pick’n’Mix up with just cherry sweets and fizzy Cola bottles, and no one can judge you.
And Electric Cinema, with its two West London locations, is a great indie chain to head to for the latest releases and special showings.
Notting Hill, W11, White City, W12 | electriccinema.co.uk
Outdoor swimming
A general heading because I can’t decide between Hampstead’s ponds and my favourite lidos as a recommendation. But splashing about in the water is a refreshing activity alone.
From lounging about like a frog in the mixed swimming ponds of Hampstead Heath to lengths at Brockwell Lido, outdoor swimming is good for the soul.
There’s also Tooting Bec Lido, London Fields Lido, and Charlton Lido, so pack your swimming costume and rejoice in this solo activity.
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