Life moves at a million miles an hour – between running a business, raising two kids and managing a packed schedule, I often forget to pause and catch my breath! But one thing I’ll never forget is that we live in one of the most incredible cities in the world: London. So, when a rare quiet weekend comes along, I love spending some wholesome quality time not just with my family and friends, but also with this amazing city we call home.
Follow my go-to itinerary for the perfect chilled weekend in London!
Farmers Markets
A wander around some of London’s best farmer’s markets is the perfect way to explore new areas, discover new foods and get those steps in! London has so many wonderful markets, each with its own unique charm and an array of delicious products. Whether you’re strolling through Notting Hill with its fresh veg or browsing fish stalls at Blackheath, it’s also a great excuse to don a summer dress and enjoy the sunshine while you soak up the vibrant atmosphere. See what I’m wearing for the perfect market look here!
My Recent Faves:
Favourite Farmer’s Market Finds
But why shop at a Farmer’s Market in the first place? I love to get the freshest, tastiest produce for my family, and I’m also supporting local farmers and the community. The vendors are so knowledgeable, so proud of what they do and incredibly friendly. Many of their products are award-winning, and they can expertly guide you to pick out the best options for any menu or occasion.
Check out some of my favourite things to look out for!
- Fresh fruits – particularly peaches, nectarines and soft fruits like tomatoes – they are so much more flavourful than from the grocery store and about 10x the size!
- Cheese – I love a cheese board, especially for a dinner party and there is no better place than a farmers market to find the most exquisite and unique cheeses to impress your guests. Many cheese vendors also sell all the trimmings for a cheese board – from rich quince jelly to the ever-controversial piccalilli!
- Honey – I always look for raw honey at a farmers market – you can’t really find this in a store and the benefits of raw honey are endless. It contains a plethora of antioxidants and it can even help to combat hayfever and the common cold.
- Bread – a staple in the pantry, ordinary bread can often get a little mundane… farmer’s markets offer an opportunity to seek out the most new and exciting flavoured bread! Try something new… last week we tried caramelised onion and goat’s cheese focaccia and it was out of this world!
- Mushrooms – sounds a bit rogue but the range of mushrooms you can buy at a farmers market is quite staggering! Forget your classic white buttons and explore shiitakes, oysters and porcini!
Brunch
Brunch is the perfect treat for those leisurely moochy days when you want to take your time and enjoy a laid-back morning. It’s ideal for catching up with friends or spending quality time with the kids.
Depending on the vibe of the day and how well-behaved the kids are being (!) some of my favourite spots for a great brunch in London include:
The Orange in Belgravia for a charming atmosphere.
Granger & Co. in Chelsea for a vibrant menu.
The Ned’s Feast in the City for a grand setting and luxury buffet style.
The Breakfast Club, with locations across London, is perfect for classic favourites and the kids!
Farm Girl in South Kensington for a trendy, health-conscious menu.
Long Walks
Getting some fresh air and connecting with nature in London might seem tricky, but we’re lucky to have so many amazing green spaces that bring a bit of the countryside right into the heart of the city. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are perfect for sprawling out on the lawns, having a picnic and chilling out, plus the Princess Diana Playground is seventh heaven for the kids! Hampstead Heath offers gorgeous views and cool swimming spots ideal in Summer, and Richmond Park is great for country-esque long walks and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some deer. These parks are wonderful for escaping the city buzz and soaking up some nature.
Flower Markets
Flowers are a big part of my Sunday reset – they help set a fresh, happy tone for the week and arranging them is one of my favourite Sunday traditions to do with my daughters. Going into the Autumn months, I am using the Sharland England Verona Vase in Yellow and Verde or Tan and Ivory to showcase my flowers at home.
Columbia Road Flower Market is my go-to – it’s vibrant and busy, with wholesale vendors giving the best deals on the freshest bouquets.
New Covent Garden Market is another gem, offering a huge variety and amazing quality.
Petals at Bibendum is also worth a visit for its beautiful arrangements and its reputation for the finest quality sourced flowers. For more of my favourite flower spots, take a peek at my full blog here.
Winding Down
To wrap up the weekend, we cook up a delicious family meal with all the fresh goodies we picked up at the Farmer’s Market. We then settle in for a cosy night and the girls pick a movie or a good story curled up in bed. Spending weekends in London is always an adventure, and it’s these little joys – exploring markets, enjoying family time and soaking up London’s wonderful charm – that make a wholesome weekend so special.
xx,
