London: In Context
Traveling to London "in Context" means embracing the soul of the city beyond its well-trodden paths. It's about diving into the heart of London, where every corner tells a story, every meal is a chapter in a long, flavorful history, and the true essence of the city is not just seen but felt.
At Context Travel, we guide you to the core of London, shining a light on hidden histories and local narratives, and connecting you with experiences that make the city eternally memorable. These recommendations are carefully curated by Context experts to bring you closer to the authentic spirit of London, celebrating its lesser-known treasures and profound cultural richness.
Meet Your Context Guides
Alice Venessa Bever
FOOD WRITER AND MULTI-HYPHENATE CREATIVE
Harry Clayton
HISTORIAN AND EDUCATOR
"I always enjoy taking visitors to local spots, places where you don't see other tourists around. It feels like true London, and we're surrounded by Londoners. After you've been to Buckingham Palace, it's exciting to see the real, everyday London."
Tim Barron
HISTORIAN, MUSICIAN, AND ACTOR
Vintry and Mercer Rooftop
Experience a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients in a rooftop atmosphere that delivers big on flavors, views, and friendly service.
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Schnitzel at The Wolseley
Enjoy an elegant lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea in an airy, art deco atmosphere.
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Chocolates at William Curley
Discover the rich flavors of traditional British chocolates or adventure into less typical chocolate creations, all of which are made with the finest ingredients.
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Fish & Chips at Brown's
Sit down for a modern take on British cuisine or stop in for afternoon tea.
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Sausage and Mash at Mother Mash
There's nothing basic about this destination for a British staple. Visit for classic mashed potatoes with a variety of toppings.
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Bermondsey
With its hidden pockets of medieval history and a string of breweries dotting the rail line, Bermondsey offers a vibrant blend of London's industrial past and modern-day creativity.
"Bermondsey is often associated with the Beer Mile. Of course beer and ale production existed prevalently all over London however there are still some historic breweries here. In recent years, craft breweries have been drawn to the area, mostly tucked under the arches of the mile and a half stretch of railway. There are nearly twenty establishments along the route and it’s not only been for beer – they’ve also produced mead, gin and now even sake.
It’s also understated. The area is fairly central, is right on the river, and in the past has been called the Larder of London. The first official tin can factory in the world was located just around the corner from my flat. It also was a significant pilgrimage route in medieval times.
There is a real mix of people and Bermondsey it has got a neighbourhood feel. I love living here because I feel like I’m part of a welcoming community with a rich cultural and social heritage."
– Alice Venessa Bever
How to get there: |
Take the Jubilee line from Waterloo Underground Station | Bus 188, 47, or 381 |
Shoreditch
A trendy yet historical quarter, ideal for those looking to explore London’s vibrant contemporary culture amidst artistic flair.
"Historically, this area has been a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Huguenot and Jewish communities, though much of its Jewish past is no longer visible. Today, Brick Lane is home to a large Bangladeshi community.
Shoreditch is also known for the street art you can find mixed in amongst the history. Obviously Banksy is the best known, but you can find many different artists' works here. This neighborhood is a true reflection of the real London, a thriving, buzzing neighborhood filled with independent food shops, bars, and restaurants.
There's a real sense of excitement here–you never really know what you'll find around the corner.”
– Harry, Historian
How to get there: |
Take the East London line between Whitechapel and Hoxton | Bus 35 or 47 |
Clerkenwell
Historic charm meets modern creativity, offering a vibrant mix of trendy eateries, artisan shops, and a rich architectural heritage that tells the story of London's past and present.
"This area is rich in history, from the stories of Dickens, who lived between Clerkenwell and Holborn, to the bustling Smithfield Market, which Oliver Twist himself visited in the novel. You'll feel connected to Fagin's Den and other scenes Dickens set in this part of London.
The Huguenots, known for their watch craftsmanship, were prominent here. Clerkenwell sits next to the renowned jewelry quarter of Hatton Garden, a historic hub for jewelers, where the craft has thrived for centuries. Look up at the old buildings; you can still see the cranes and doors once used to lift goods into the workshops, a reminder of the area's industrial past."
– Harry, Historian
How to get there: |
Take the Central Line to Chancery Lane | Take 55 or 243 towards Clerkenwell Green |
Greenwich
This historic London neighborhood offers maritime heritage, stunning architecture, and key attractions, all set against the backdrop of the Thames.
"Greenwich is extraordinary. It's slightly off the beaten track, so not everybody knows about it, but there's so much going on. You can get there by boat, which is just magnificent.
Once you're there, you see Christopher Wren's beautiful buildings, the maritime heritage, Roman excavations, Anglo-Saxon burial mounds, and even the Royal Observatory, one of my favorite places on the planet. Every person I've taken there has said, 'My God, this is amazing!'"
– Tim, Historian and Musician
How to get there: |
Take the Tube to Bank or Canary Wharf, change to the DLR towards Cutty Sark | Take Bus 188 to Greenwich Town Centre |
Brixton
Brixton is bursting with vibrant street art, a rich Caribbean influence, and a thriving food and music scene that reflects London's diverse culture.
"I love the market vibe in Brixton.
I love food, and I enjoy the accessibility you have here to different fruits and vegetables, fish and meat from all over the world.
You can find African and Asian ingredients, fresh fish coming from the UK... And there's always music, always conversations happening.”
– Alice, Food Writer
How to get there: |
Take the Victoria Line directly to Brixton | Take Bus 2 or Bus 3 towards Brixton |
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a vibrant London spot known for its rich history, variety of eateries, and lively street performances.
"Covent Garden was originally the convent garden of Westminster Abbey. It later evolved into a bustling fruit and vegetable market, but by the 1960s, the market was abandoned. Plans to demolish the area for developments were thwarted by local activists, preserving its charm.
Today, it's known for its street food, restaurants, traditional pubs, street performers, and attractions. I'm particularly a fan of the London Transport Museum."
– Tim, Historian and Musician
How to get there: |
Take the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden |
Covent Garden is quite central - consider walking! |
Donlon Books
Browse this independent publisher and bookstore's curation of art, photography, cultural theory, and indie publications.
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Lock & Co
Pay a visit to the oldest hat shop in the world for a bit of history, hospitality, and style.
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Berry Bros & Rudd
Founded in 1698, this family-run shop sells over 5000 wines and spirits at every price point.
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Algerian Coffee Stores
This shop offers a large selection of coffees, teas, and confectionary in the heart of Soho, where it first opened its doors in 1887.
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Abbey Road Shops
Visit the shop at one of the most famous recording studios in the world and pick up a momento from this iconic destination for music, culture, and history lovers.
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Wunjo Guitars
Whether you play or simply appreciate, this independent musical instrument shop has a tune for everyone.
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Matthew Foster Jewelry
Matthew Foster is one of the UK's leading dealers specializing in the acquisition and sale of Art Deco and Modernist Design collectibles and jewelry.
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"Matthew recently opened a wonderful art deco shop in Piccadilly Arcade with lots of beautiful jewelry. If you want something a bit different, this is quite special. It is appointment only, so call ahead."
Brigit's Bakery & Afternoon Tea Bus
Enjoy afternoon tea on a vintage double decker bus that winds through the heart of Central London.
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Diana Memorial Playground
Find teepees, treehouses, swings and even a pirate ship at this outdoor playground next to the palace.
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The Underground Challenge
Fans of football will enjoy this underground exploration of the city.
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London Postal Museum
Discover a unique piece of London's heritage & ride through an underground tube network.
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St. Paul's Cathedral
Explore the artworks and history inside this architectural and cultural landmark.
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The Horniman Museum
From the famous overstuffed walrus to the beautiful gardens, this museum celebrates nature and cultures from around the world.
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London Transport Museum
Walk through over 450,000 items and explore the city's vintage trams, trains, and buses.
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READ
Bizzare London
Author: David Long
"It has stories about quirky little things and different places in London. London's earliest skyscrapers, for example, ghostly London, boozy London, eccentric London, eating London... It's fun, and it has things you won't find in other guidebooks”
– Harry, Historian
Buy Online & Support Your Local Bookstore ⟶
Girl, Woman, Other
Author: Bernadine Evaristo
""It's very much about the passage of time, and touches on far-ranging social and historical issues. For me, the novel represents a portrait of a living, breathing and incredibly layered London.”
– Alice, Food Writer
Buy Online & Support Your Local Bookstore ⟶
Shrines of Gaiety
Author: Kate Atkinson
"I devoured this book. It's such a great time capsule of Soho in the 1920s, and the author has done so much research to help you live in that world as you read. The entertainment value is high.”
– Alice, Food Writer
Buy Online & Support Your Local Bookstore ⟶
Dickens
Author: Peter Ackroyd
"Read this for a comprehensive look at Dickens' life, and life in London in general. You can trace his walks through the city and see references to various places that he saw along the way. He knew these streets, and this biography will help you know them as well."
– Tim, Historian and Musician
Buy Online ⟶
WATCH
The Crown
"The Crown is a great introduction to 20th-century Royal history. Anyone who's seen this tends to have a good head start in understanding modern British history in general.”
– Harry, Historian
Watch on Netflix ⟶
Ted Lasso
"Watching this, you get a sideways look at the national obsession, football (or soccer, if you prefer ). Then you can play 'spot the filming location' when you arrive. It also features the magnificent Hannah Waddingham, who I worked with several years ago."
– Tim, Historian and Musician
Watch on Apple TV+ ⟶
Fleabag
"Of course there are so many shows I'd recommend about this fantastic city but this was a favourite of mine for several reasons. One, because it originated from a one woman show, and coming from a theatre background, I loved seeing how she was able to transform the show and keep the essence of the original work. I feel Fleabag captures the specific energy of London in such an authentic way."
– Alice, Food Writer
Watch on Prime Video ⟶
LISTEN
The Rest is History - London Week
"Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland do a London series on this podcast. In one episode, they walk from Trafalgar Square down Whitehall around Westminster Square, and they talk about all the statues and sites they can see. The series is five episodes, and they're all good.”
– Harry, Historian
Listen on Spotify⟶ Listen on Apple Podcasts⟶
"London Girls" by Tori Amos
"Though Tori Amos is not from the UK, for me this song has a real London feel to it. Perhaps it resonates with me because of the American connection as well. I also love how she revisits an old song and brings out new meaning by her interpretation of an ever-shifting London.”
– Alice, Food Writer
Listen on Spotify⟶ Listen on Apple Music⟶
Ladies Who London
"This is very casual and I dip into it every now and then. It's hosted by two Blue Badge guides, they share a lot of quirky and interesting stories about life in London and the history of the city.”
– Harry, Historian
Listen on Apple Podcasts⟶
The Vernon Spring
"This innovative jazz album by the London composer Same Beste captures the essence of London. It encapsulates the mood of a London which is mysterious, intricate and elusive."
– Alice, Food Writer
Listen on Spotify⟶ Listen on Apple Music⟶
What People Are Saying
"Alex was amazing! I’m usually not one to write reviews but he deserves a shout out. He was knowledgeable and entertaining! He even engaged our two college age kids! Best tour we have ever had!"
Kristen
Aug. 30 2024 | London
"Paul was outstanding!! He really took special care to include my 9 yo granddaughter in all his talking points. I would highly recommend him to anyone!! A great day in London!"
Claudia
Aug. 30, 2024 | London
"Don was incredible. What a tremendous amount of information in such a short period of time. The 3 hours flew by. Absolutely terrific."
Molly
Aug. 18, 2024 | London