Lifestyle
3 Unique experiences to try in London
28 February 2019|4 minute read
Current Environment: Staging
Lifestyle
28 February 2019|4 minute read
Head to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for Kew's much-loved Orchid Festival, a highlight of London's winter calendar since it began nearly three decades ago. Each year the festival celebrates a different country's biodiversity through thousands of orchids and immersive floral displays — its 2026 edition marked the festival's 30th anniversary, drawing inspiration from China's flora and fauna, with floral dragons, koi carp and pandas brightening up the glasshouse. Selected evenings also see "Orchids After Hours," letting adults experience the display after dark with live music and performances.
Entry is included with standard Kew Gardens admission, so it's an easy add-on to a day exploring the wider gardens. The festival typically runs through February and into early March, with the theme and exact dates for the next edition announced later in the year — worth checking Kew's website closer to the time.
Located in Richmond, why don’t you check out our serviced apartments within the area? We have a beautiful selection of two and three bedroom apartments in Kew Bridge St George Apartments and it’s only a 6-minute drive to Kew Gardens or a 20-minute walk!
Spectacular views, a leafy indoor garden, and best of all free entry. Sky Garden sits on Fenchurch Street across floors 35-37 of the "Walkie Talkie" building, with a glass dome offering panoramic views over the City and beyond.
Entry to all public areas is completely free, though you'll need to book a timed-entry ticket in advance through the official website, as walk-ins aren't guaranteed. Tickets are typically released a few weeks ahead and go quickly, especially for weekends and sunset slots, so it's worth booking well in advance of your visit. Once inside, the Darwin Brasserie and Sky Pod Bar offer food and drinks at an additional cost if you fancy making a morning or evening of it.
It's a great spot for a date, a catch-up with friends, or simply admiring London's skyline without paying West End viewing-platform prices.
Have you tried a serviced apartment? You could also enjoy a delicious breakfast by cooking in your very own private kitchen! Our Monument Apartments are just around the corner! Lovely one bedroom serviced apartments - with an elevator AND pet friendly - only a brief 2-minute walk away. Amazing right?
Climbing the roof of The O2 in North Greenwich is a genuinely different way to see London. A 380-metre walkway takes you up and over the arena's dome to a 52-metre-high summit, with 360-degree views across Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park.
You'll be fully kitted out with a climb suit, harness and trainers before your guide leads the group up the bouncy fabric walkway - tickets start from around £37 per person, with daytime, sunset and twilight climb options available. From late November through early January, the climb includes a seasonal twist too, with a snow globe experience at the summit featuring falling snow and a whimsical winter set-up, making for a memorable festive photo moment.
Ascending the dome is easy and great fun. As you pull the harness along while you climb you can take in all the panoramic views of London. My suggestion is to go first as I preferred not having anyone in front of me as I climb up and take in the sights.
It's a fun, low-key way to get some exercise and see the city from an angle most visitors never do and yes, you'll want your camera ready at the top for lots of selfies! Well, that’s what I did. Don’t judge! The views are stunning, the walkway is beautifully lit, and you can admire many of London’s iconic landmarks.
Better yet, imagine waking up with fantastic views across the Thames? Cheval Three Quays Apartments offer a stunning selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses, many with unrivalled views across the Thames towards Tower Bridge and City Hall.
Updated July 2026
Make the UK feel like home. Whether you are traveling for business or a family holiday, Prestige Apartments offers premium serviced accommodation to fit all budgets and group sizes. Don't settle for a hotel room this year.
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