Top 10 things you’ll miss out on in London if you’re lugging your luggage
Let’s be honest, London has so much to offer to tourists. From lush parks and the Big Ben to a lively nightlife and music scene, there’s something for everyone.
Nevertheless, as much as Londoners to make the city as tourist friendly as possible, there are some things you’ll struggle to enjoy if you’re walking around the city with a heavy luggage.
1.Eat a BubbleWrap
A delicious melting pot of chocolate, gelato, fresh berries, chocolate sauce drizzle, oreo and whatever else strikes your fancy wrapped up in a delicious egg waffle. Eating this Instagram famous desert requires two steady hands and good balancing skills. Heavy bags are definitely not part of the deal.
2.Stroll down Portobello Road Market
Beautiful antiques, one of a kind trinkets, vintage clothes and design pieces — Portobello Market has been a tourist mecca for the past decade, and rightly so. A visit here is as much about soaking up the vibe as it is about shopping. The downside? The market is always manically busy. There isn’t enough space to walk side by side, let alone two people with bags!
3.Visit a Museum
Whether you’re looking for a wallet-friendly activity or can’t wait to take a peek at the world-famous Rosetta Stone, London has countless free museums and art galleries for you to get lost in.
Whitechapel Gallery for contemporary art, the National Portrait Gallery for the world’s largest collection of personalities and faces, the Science Museum for a thought-provoking experience, and the Tate for cutting edge exhibitions and breath-taking views of London’s landmarks.
Sadly, for security reasons no big bags are allowed in any museums in London — your day of fun and culture could be dramatically cut short because of four wheels (two if you’re still dragging around an old model!) and not-so-lightweight plastic. Worry not, sharing economy start-up Stasher has some pretty nicely located left luggage facilities at all of London’s key tourist spots. Check them here!
Credits to lisa.cobello
4.Ride a Boris Bikes
Everyone can rent a bike in London — all you need is a debit or credit card and a good sense of direction. If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, grab yourself a bike from one of the self-service cycle bays and head across the town. It’s a great way to see the city from another perspective and you’ll be saving lots of time and money too!
Unless you developed octopus like arms, there is no way you’ll be able to ride a bike, snap a photo or two, AND carry a luggage at the same time.
Credits to iamjemmacox
5.Grab a bite at Borough Market
Londoner are always on the lookout for new food trends and Borough market is usually one of the first to sport the latest big thing. Dirty burgers, the cronut, beef tacos, bao burgers, cauliflower steak and so much more. You could spend your whole day weaving through throngs of foodies in Borough Market! It usually gets pretty hectic during the week but don’t let yourself be scared away by the limited tables and chairs — balance your luggage on your legs and use it as a table top. Another option would be to simply leave your bags behind and squeeze in one of the cosy benches lying around!
Credits to boroughmarket
6.View from the Sky Garden
A lush garden in the sky with unparalleled views over the River Thames. Explore London from a different point of view and be swept away by the wonderful flowers in bloom. The sky garden has a convenient elevator taking you all the way up to the last floor. Unfortunately, while this means you won’t have to carry your luggage up 36 floors, the same security restrictions as museums are applied here — no big bags or luggage allowed in. Will you really let your luggage stand between you and a sky garden?
7.Swim in outdoor pools
London might not have been gifted with the best weather, but when we do get those two weeks of summer we don’t do things by half. Blend in with the locals and head to the Hampstead Heath Ponds for a free swim, an impromptu barbeque and a quick tan top up. While it’s generally a safe area, we recommend not to leave a luggage around while you practice your breaststroke.
Credits to tlmahan
8.Watch a West End Show
The Book of Mormon, Hamlet, the Lion King, West Side Story, 42nd Street. There’s always something happening on these iconic central London streets. While the West End has a reputation for being expensive, most shows will offer day-seats that can only be purchased in person at the box office.
Bear in mind that most theatres don’t offer coat check and you can’t take your luggage with you to your assigned seat. Want to see Simba one last time? Time to stash that luggage.
Credits to demi_tsilibari
9.Hold up your umbrella
Let’s be honest, London weather is notoriously unpredictable. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella and stay dry when those infamous showers begin to fall! You’re probably asking yourself: How bad could it be to roll a bag with you while holding up your brolly? Answer: Pretty bad, especially when the wheels will keep clipping people’s shins or nipping their ankles, and no matter where you try to position it, your bag is always in the way. A quick solution to not feel like a hapless tourist? Drop your luggage of at one of our StashPoints. It won’t make the rain stop, but at least the rest of your day will be more bearable.
Credits to markcaptures
10. Covent Garden Tube Station
195. One Hundred and Ninety-Five. No, we’re not playing bingo here. This is the number of steps you have to walk to go from Covent Garden train platform to the ground level — Covent Garden station is one of the few stations in Central London for which platform access is only by lift or stairs. Add to that a heavy luggage or two and you have the perfect setting for every tourist’s nightmare. This might not be a thing you’ll miss out on if you have a luggage…but you’ll definitely be glad to give it a pass!
