Episode 167 Must-Do Experiences, Secret Spots + Foodie Favourites

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Episode 167 – What you’ll learn in this episode

🎡 London is not just about iconic sights – it is all about memorable experiences! Tracy shares her personal favourites, from afternoon teas with a twist to magical festive traditions.

🎨 Discover Tracy’s top art gallery pick, the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery, plus a shout-out to the hidden gem of Greenwich’s Painted Hall.

🕯️ Explore unique tours such as the historic Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, including tips on how to attend this exclusive event.

🌊 Find out why Tracy loves day trips from London by train, including standouts like Portsmouth, Hampton Court, Windsor, Bath, and even Paris in a day.

🏛️ Family-friendly highlights include must-visit childhood spots such as Hamleys Toy Shop and the Natural History Museum.

🍽️ Foodies rejoice with recommendations for Tracy’s favourite food tours, from traditional British bites in historic pubs to themed afternoon teas, along with essential booking tips.

🥚 Where to find the ultimate Scotch egg (and what exactly one is), cream teas vs afternoon teas, and the great “scone vs scone” debate.

🌲 Experience London’s Christmas magic with advice on the best shops and how to see the famous Christmas lights, whether on foot, by cab, or on a classic double-decker bus.

🧀 Do not miss Tracy’s top overall food experience, the “cheese sushi bar” at Seven Dials, perfect for cheese lovers.

🛍️ Shop like a local with tips on the best museum gift shops for unique souvenirs, and step into a real-life movie set at the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop.

🚤 Learn Tracy’s favourite way to get around London (hint: take to the Thames for unique views).

🏨 Accommodation advice: why it pays to stay central, plus thoughts on hotels, neighbourhoods, and how to find the best option for your budget.

🤝 Need help planning? Hear about itinerary consultations and how Tracy and Doug can help tailor your London adventure.

💡 Packed with local tips, stories, and lively debates, this episode is a must-listen for crafting your perfect London trip, full of special moments, delicious eats, and handy insider advice.

UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

🏙️ Places

• ⛵ Greenwich – Naval Hall (Painted Hall), Queen’s House
• 🖼️ National Portrait Gallery – portraits in central London
• 🎨 National Gallery – major art museum, Trafalgar Square
• 🌌 Painted Hall (Greenwich) – stunning painted ceiling
• 🏰 York – historic city, easy train trip from London
• 🏯 Hampton Court – Tudor royal palace
• 👑 Windsor – Windsor Castle, day trip
• ⚓ Portsmouth – historic dockyard city
• 🚢 Mary Rose Museum – Henry VIII’s ship, Portsmouth
• 🏛️ Bath – historic city, Roman Baths, Georgian gems
• 🪶 Trafalgar Square – central square, St Martin-in-the-Fields
• 🍽️ St Martin-in-the-Fields – Café in the Crypt
• 🎭 Covent Garden – shops, shows, restaurants
• 🧀 Seven Dials – Cheese Bar location
• 🌸 Notting Hill – colourful neighbourhood, bookshop
• 🛍️ Portobello Road – market street
• 🥖 Borough Market – food market
• 🏦 Leadenhall Market – a covered historic market
• 🧀 The Cheese Bar at the Seven Dials – cheese-focused dining
• 🥂 The Ritz – iconic afternoon tea

🍴 Foods

• 🫖 Afternoon tea – tea, sandwiches, scones, cakes
• 🧚 Peter Pan afternoon tea – themed at The Shard
• 🐇 Alice in Wonderland tea – themed experience
• 🍫 Charlie & the Chocolate Factory tea – themed option
• 🎁 Fortnum & Mason tea – classic luxury experience
• 🥪 Sausage roll – savoury snack
• 🥚 Scotch egg – egg wrapped in sausage meat
• 🥧 Pork pie – traditional pie
• 🍪 Scone – cream tea staple
• 🍶 Clotted cream – rich dairy spread
• 🍓 Jam – with cream tea
• 🫖 Cream tea – scone + jam + cream
• 🧀 Raclette – melted cheese (Borough Market)
• 🍗 Sunday roast – classic meal
• 🥮 Yorkshire pudding – part of roast
• 🥒 Piccalilli – with Scotch egg
• 🥫 HP Sauce – classic condiment
• 🥟 Cornish pasty – traditional snack
• 🍷 Mulled wine – Christmas treat
• 🌰 Roasted chestnuts – winter street food

💡 Words / Concepts

• 🔑 Ceremony of the Keys – Tower of London tradition
• 🚖 Black cab – London taxi, festive light tours with Discover Real London
• 🎭 Pantomime – Christmas theatre tradition
• 🚇 Zone 1 – central transport area

Related content on UK Travel Planning and London Travel Planning

Podcasts

• Episode #161 – Top 12 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in London and How to Avoid Them
• Episode #138 – Exploring London’s Iconic Sights with Discover Real London’s Black Cab Tours
• Episode #105 – Top 10 London Experiences

Articles

• London Travel Planning – our dedicated London website

• Discover the Best London Tours with Walks & Devour
• Discover Real London Private Black Cab Tours with Expert Local Guides