It is easy to forget quite how much there is to see and do in London. We asked a group of London mums to give us their tips on the best places to visit in London. This is yoga teacher Arianna Santucci’s insider guide…
- Definitely watch the Canadian circus company Cirque du Soleil’s new show Amaluna. Directed by Diane Paulus, and loosely based on The Tempest, this visual feast of female empowerment is playing a The Royal Albert Hall until March 6th. Tickets: 020 7589 8212.
- Dinner, drinks and nautical nibbles at Richard Caring’s Sexy Fish on Berkeley Square. This chic new restaurant in Mayfair has artwork by Damien Hirst, Frank Gehry and Michael Roberts, but also, the lower ground floor houses two of the largest live coral reef tanks in the world. Bookings: 020 3764 2000.
- On a sunny day walk along the river, on the South Bank, past the Globe Theatre and stop for lunch in the Chinese restaurant Hutong on the 33rd floor of The Shard. Serving food from Northern China, and based on the original and much loved Hutong in Hong Kong, this eatery provides spectacular, panoramic views over London. Bookings: 020 3011 1257.
- Try the Moroccan hammam experience at Harrods. Go up to the fifth floor, where the Urban Retreat spa leads you into marocMaroc, a stylishly updated take on a traditional Moroccan steam room, complete with your own personal kessala (hammam assistant) to perform your cleansing ritual. Bookings: 020 7893 8333.
- Imagine how London used to be when Thames sailing barges graced the river with a boat tour to Greenwich. The journey takes in the city’s most historic landmarks: The Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, St. Katherine Docks and much more. As you pass the Tower of London, look for the infamous ‘Traitors’ Gate’. Built by Edward I, it was the water gate entrance to the Tower, through which prisoners of the Crown would arrive by boat, never to leave. You can depart from different quays, but I recommend Westminster to Greenwich, which is a two-hour round trip. Bookings: 020 7930 4097.
Arianna Santucci lives in London and teaches Vinyasa (aka: flow) and Rocket yoga. email Arianna
