Holiday in your own city: London

You can live in London your whole life and still be amazed by its limitless charm. So if you feel like escaping your usual routine without travelling too far from home, then consider a holiday in your own city – there’s no better place than this constantly evolving capital. Read on to discover why Londoners are learning that their hometown is still full of surprises.

Easily one of the most beautiful public gardens in the city, this tranquil corner of Holland Park was a gift from the city of Kyoto, intended to commemorate the long-standing friendship between Great Britain and Japan. You’ll find tiered waterfalls beside ponds full of colourful koi carp and giant goldfish, with stepping stones to hop across the water. Combine that with stone lanterns and Japanese maple trees, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Far East. The park’s café is a great spot to grab a drink and slice of cake afterwards – keep your eyes peeled for the free-roaming<br>resident peacocks on your way there. 88 Studios makes for a great base, just 10 minutes’ walk from the garden.

It’s worth venturing out of Central London to experience this eccentric collection of neon signs. As soon as you walk through the door of this unassuming warehouse, you’ll see hundreds of bright, buzzing lights that make the Las Vegas strip look modest in comparison. The mix of modern and vintage signs include original creations from the gallery’s founder who once made props for Hollywood directors like Stanley Kubrick and Tim Burton. As well as these pieces of film memorabilia, you’ll also see everything from bar signs to bunting. Top off your visit with a slice of delicious Belgian chocolate shortbread or a glass of wine at the on-site café. The Lion & Key Hotel offers its own touch of modern design, just 1.5 miles away.

The village vibes of Greenwich make it a charming part of London to explore. As well as being a hub for maritime history, it’s also home to Meantime – one of the country’s best-loved brewers. Hop on one of their 90-minute tours to learn how each beer is made, before taking part in a tutored tasting session from one of the friendly ambassadors. Afterwards, head to the on-site bar to continue working your way through the brewery’s creations, ranging from lagers to pale ales and porters. Continue your beer-based discoveries by booking a stay at The Pilot Inn, a pub and hotel operated by London-based Fuller's Brewery.

Designed in the 1950s by a team of three aspiring architects, this complex of concrete utopia is home to some of London’s most iconic structures. You can freely explore the area and take plenty of time to appreciate the beautifully rigid shapes of the Brutalist architecture, contrasted by a lake surrounded by plantlife. If you’ve brought the kids, be sure to pick up a free activity kit from the information desk of the Barbican Centre – it’s filled with cryptic puzzles, drawing activities and games to enjoy while you learn about the estate. With so much to admire on the outside, it’s easy to forget that the complex is also home to London’s second-biggest conservatory, located on level three of the main Barbican building. Admission is free, and you’ll get to see over 1,500 types of tropical flora and fauna. The nearby Montcalm Royal London House offers views of the Barbican from its rooftop terrace.

Peckham’s Rye Lane has fast become one of the city’s trendiest spots to hang out in, and this converted multi-storey car park sums up what the South London district is all about. The best thing about Peckham Levels is that there's something new to discover on every floor. It’s home to around 100 local and independent businesses, including street food vendors, bars, yoga studios and beauty salons. There’s even a dark room for budding photographers to develop their recent snaps. In the summer months, head to Frank’s Cafe on the rooftop for a tip-top Negroni and views over London’s skyline. Just five minutes away, The Victoria Inn offers stylish accommodation above a family-friendly pub serving locally brewed beers on tap.

Housed in London’s O2 Arena, this trampoline park has plenty on offer for kids and adults. As you bounce around the 50 interconnected trampolines, you’ll be having so much fun that you’ll forget it’s exercise. Tons of activities are thrown into the mix as you free jump your way through the course, which features a giant airbag, reaction walls, a squishy foam pit and dodgeball courts. There are toddler sessions for junior jumpers and their parents or guardians to enjoy, too. The Intercontinental London - The O2 is well within bouncing distance and has its own spa to rejuvenate in the following day.