From free museums and art galleries to the magnificent architecture of Westminster and the Tower, Samuel Johnson was right, if a little sexist, when he declared, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

The two London Test matches split the city in two – Lord’s to the north and The Oval near the southern banks of the Thames – so why not do the same with your experience? 

Stay

North The four-star Dorset Square Hotel lies barely one kilometre from “the home of cricket”, Lord’s, with easy access to the West End, London’s famed entertainment district. The square is also the site of the first of three cricket grounds created by Thomas Lord, hence the memorabilia adorning the walls of this sumptuously renovated Regency-era building.

39-40 Dorset Square, Marylebone 

South London Bridge Hotel overlooks the River Thames near the renowned Borough Market and galleries, museums and attractions of the South Bank. From the hotel, it’s a 10-minute bus ride to The Oval. This is a good-value four-star hotel with 138 well-appointed rooms.

8-18 London Bridge Street, Southwark

Eat

North In a neighbourhood of great restaurants, few are better than Moro – a family-run eatery of Spanish and North African influence. It’s great value, friendly and hip. It’s also popular so make sure you book.

34-36 Exmouth Market, Islington

South Wright Brothers Oyster & Porter House is an award-winning restaurant where a relaxed vibe and blackboard menu belie its impressive standard of seafood.

11 Stoney Street, Borough Market, Southwark 

Play

North The London Gin Club in Soho has 130 different gins and is reputed to serve the best gin and tonic in the city. It’s small but popular so book in advance.

22 Great Chapel Street, Soho

South For quality ale, a distillery and good food, The Draft House near Tower Bridge is a safe bet. What more could you want in a pub? A psychedelic cocktail bar in the basement? Done!

206-208 Tower Bridge Road, Southwark

Explore

North When the tide is low, the banks of the Thames come alive with “mudlarkers” seeking treasure – from Roman roof tiles to Tudor beer mugs. Go with a Museum of London guide to understand what you’ve found.

46 Eagle Wharf Road, Hackney

South Take an hour’s cruise down the Thames from the Tower of London to King Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace.

Hampton Court Road, East Molesey

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