Day Guide · England · London

A Sunday at Ham Polo Club, the picnic version

Classy but boozy

Girls or mates

Picnic · bubbles · horses

One ticket, £25, bring your own

It’s not your usual Sunday, going to watch people on horses hitting a ball around at a fast pace.

But that’s essentially polo. You get to watch a sport you pretty much have no clue about and have a few glasses of wine. A summer’s day on the grass with your girls or your mates, sold on the picnic, the bubbles and the horses.

And the odd occasion you get pictures of your friends dressed up that don’t involve a wedding.

By the end of it you’ll be a converted polo watcher. It’s the pace of it, the elegance and commentators who were the funniest I’ve heard.

All the above equals the perfect Sunday.

Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. They don’t change what I paid or what I’d tell you to do.

What to wear

Go properly. Think “elevated casual” attire, a long summer or cocktail dress for the girls, linen or a shirt for the boys. The Clubhouse has its own dress code, so dress for it from the start if you want in later. Overdressed beats underdressed every time.

The picnic ticket holders can get away with a little more, people were a little more relaxed and can wear more casual attire. People were wearing casual on the grass like shorts, jeans, just general day wear. They all went home and there was no one dressed like that in the Clubhouse. I’d avoid activewear, flip-flops and stilettos.

You’re on a picnic blanket all day, so it wants to be something you can sit down in.

The receipt, if you want it: the pink Sophie Dress with Gold Fleck. Right at home in the Clubhouse, a little much on the picnic side. I felt really pretty, which was the point.

Before you go

This summer was unbearably hot and the last thing you want is sunstroke, so pack for a hot day.

• Sunscreen. Slip, slop, slap is the slogan every Australian grew up with: slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat.
• Water for the day. Plenty of it, the lawn is hot.
• A hat for the sun side. A shawl too if your shoulders want covering later.
• Something to keep it all cold. Ice blocks, an esky, wine sleeves all work. I had a cooler bag with some ice and it wasn’t enough in the heat.
• Picnic blankets. No one’s sitting on the bare grass. Some people brought folding chairs, I didn’t want the effort of carrying them.
• The picnic and the wine, which get their own section below.

Getting there and the gate, 11:00

Train or tube to Richmond, then a bus or a short Uber. Driving is fine too, parking’s free and you can picnic beside the car. We had no car between us, so it was an Uber to the gate. My friends did it cheaper on the train.

Be settled before the games start. We rolled up at 12:34 to a full lawn and got away with it, because the final was running late. If you show up when the games have started you’ll just need to wait until the match completes, no biggie either way.

Pick your side before play starts, because you stay put once it does. If you can handle the heat, sit on the sunny side. That’s where the Clubhouse is and where the buggy came round to invite us in. There’s a bit of tree cover, but be mindful on a thirty degree day. We sat in the sun and some of our group struggled with it.

The polo itself, from 12:00

Notes to my friend on the rules of polo. Two teams of four, on horseback, hitting a ball through goals. Matches are split into “chukkas”, short periods.

We at least need to know some basic rules.

• A match is split into chukkas of seven minutes. A bell rings when time is up and a second bell ends the chukka.
• Between chukkas the players change ponies. Three minutes to do it, five at half time.
• After every goal the teams swap ends.
• Every player has a handicap, minus two for a beginner up to ten for the best, the reverse of golf. The weaker team starts with the difference on the scoreboard.

Depending on the day you get two to four matches of about an hour each and you can leave at any point. Ours was a championship, four matches from 12:30 running till about six.

Honestly was some of the funniest and entertaining commentators, can’t judge whether it was our luck or just the norm. Think funny uncle given a microphone after a bottle of wine.

Ours was the Roehampton Cup, Great Britain’s oldest polo trophy per the club’s own site. I was shouting by the second match, watching them hit the ball around. It’s faster than you realise live and the commentators don’t stop.

Get out on the pitch at half time for divot stomping. Put the turf back down with your feet, everyone does it and it takes a few minutes.

Watch a few presentations! The funniest was the horse of the day, not sure what the horse thought was winning! Maybe a good feed at the end of the day.

The picnic and the wine, about 13:30

Easy version, pot luck or pick up some picky bits from the grocery store. But if you’re like me and can’t do anything in half measures, it’s full on hosting mode.

Plan for carrying the picnic, the goal is less to carry on the way home which hopefully is the case if the food lives up to the hype.

The kicker for the day was the six bottles of wine we planned to consume, I said you could make it a boozy day. Always handy having additional friends to carry the weight around.

Just to elevate it even more why not give the wine a theme. Ours was cold, matching the summer’s day. I know, very original. I run a wine club, so I do take the wine seriously. Almost impossible to keep them cold without an esky or wine cooler, the ice semi did the job and could have been better.

A favourite with the group is a Chapel Down sparkling rosé to cheers the chukkas starting. Here’s the wine and maybe some inspirational picks from your picnic:

• Chapel Down English Sparkling Rosé, Kent
• Mythral Rosé, Côtes de Provence
• Beato Bartolomeo Pinot Grigio Rosato, Delle Venezie
• Emma Marris Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
• Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Kuhlmann-Platz Cuvée Prestige Pinot Noir, Alsace
• Bread and Butter Pinot Noir Winemaker’s Selection, California. Ten out of ten, buy the bread and butter one.

For the food, the vibe was afternoon tea but the kind of sandwiches I like. Nothing worse, imo an egg sandwich, that likely wouldn’t have lasted in the heat either! Recommend, something along the lines of ham, cheddar, pickle and chutney; pesto chicken, mozzarella and tomato; brie, fig and rocket, on Lockdown Bakehouse sourdough, plus the dip, cheese, crackers and olives. Hundred percent recommend, can’t shoot down your own food!

Budget for the picnic, not just the ticket. For us it was £45 a person got us all the wine, the Clubhouse bottles too, my figure from memory. Go potluck or bring your own, it flexes to whatever your group wants.

The Clubhouse, about 16:00

Don’t plan on the Clubhouse, but say yes if it happens. You might have a man driving around a golf cart telling you to head over and asked a few times. After all, might as well make use of the money spent and if the opportunity arises!

My thoughts, those who have club tickets for the day they wait until lunch service ends. Live music and a bar, exactly what you want after a couple of hours in the sun. We had two more bottles in there, including a Corbarol rosé at £32. There’s a bar and food trucks on the other side too, though we’d brought enough.

For the full version, a Clubhouse Day Pass is £70 a person and tables need booking by the Wednesday before.

The finish, 19:00

The horse and carriage is calling you! There was no rush, everyone being ushered out when the last match ended. We were still on site into the evening, then an Uber home and a few wines in.

FAQ

The days of “terrible British food” are long gone, as London has stepped up its culinary game in the last few decades, earning it countless Michelin stars and putting it in contention with the other foodie capitals of the world. But many old-fashioned classics can still hold their own, and it’s vital you try them on a trip to London.

While finding just about any international cuisine your heart desires in the capital is possible, you can’t visit England without trying the local tried and true recipes that go back centuries. Family traditions are strong in the UK and recipes are still passed down through the generations, keeping them authentically British.

This list breaks down not only the top dishes either my friends or I personally think you should try (as a vegetarian, I’ve not tried the meat versions of these) but also some of the best places to sit down and enjoy them at. This makes it easy for you to plan meals while visiting London, no matter how long your trip is. Prepare for your mouth to start watering!

1. Fish and Chips

Nobody does the old classic fish and chips like England, and considering they originated here, a trip to London is not complete without them. The first fish and chip shop was actually recorded in 1860, followed by Mr Lees, who opened a shop in the North of England in 1863. By the middle of the 19th century, the dish’s popularity had spread to London and South East England. And now they’re everywhere!

If you want to sound like a local, refer to fish and chip shops as “chippy.”

Poppies

Poppies was opened in 1952 by owner Pat “Pop” Newland, and serves up some of the best fish and chips London has to offer, complete with jellied eels and homemade mushy peas. Originally starting in East London, Poppies now has several locations throughout the city, each with a cool collection of 1950s memorabilia filling the walls.

Rock and Sole Plaice

Just minutes from Covent Garden, Rock and Sole Plaice is an honest contender for the best fish and chips in London as well. They use a 145-year-old fish recipe, and have all the traditional trimmings, including pickled eggs, mushy peas and gherkins. You can bask in the sunshine in their outdoor seating area if the weather’s nice.

2. Pie and Mash

Pie and mash originated in the Docks of London around the 1800s and has always been considered a traditional working-class food. It was the original “fast food” and consisted of eels from the River Thames, which made the perfect filling for pies, as they were also cheap. They were served with a liquor sauce, which was a gravy made from the eel stock.

Our pies today are quite different than the original pies. They typically consist of minced beef, mashed potato and are served with a new twist on liquor sauce made from parsley, or, as is more common, gravy. Nowadays you’ll even find chicken, lamb and vegetarian pies.

Goddard’s Pie and Mash

Goddard’s Pie and Mash was established in 1890 and is as traditional as it gets. Being one of the oldest pie and mash shops in London, it’s conveniently located in the heart of Greenwich. Choose from a selection of meat and vegetarian pies and homemade fruit pies with custard!

You won’t find any servers here: grab a tray and order at the counter amidst the hustle and bustle. If it looks overly crowded, don’t worry, the line goes quickly and there’s plenty of seating at the back and upstairs.

M Manze

If you want to try a traditional pie, head to M Manze. The first M Manze Eel and Pie Shop opened in 1902, and by 1930 there were a total of 14 shops bearing the name. Today, you’ll find a simple menu at the two current locations, M Manze and L Manze. With wooden benches and narrow marble-topped tables, you’ll feel like you’re in the original restaurants.

Offering pie, mash, liquor and eels at a super affordable price, you’ll quickly understand why there’s a long line at the door.

3. Chicken Tikka Masala

Did you know fish and chips are not the national dish of the UK? But you know what is? Chicken tikka masala. Yep, this humble example of British-Indian cuisine has been the national dish of the UK since 2001. But really it shouldn’t come as a shock since England has been home to one million Indians since the late 19th century. The dish originated in the UK, and is believed to have been invented by a Bangladeshi chef in Glasgow.

Chicken tikka masala consists of roasted marinated chicken chunks in a spiced creamy curry sauce, making it orange in colour and hard to miss. Brick Lane is famous for their curry, but you can find this famous dish at any store and many restaurants around the city.

Punjab

Punjab opened in London back in 1946 and moved to its current location in Covent Garden shortly after in 1951, making it the oldest North Indian restaurant in the UK. The area may have changed over the years, but Punjab is still owned and operated by the same family, now in its fourth generation!

You’ll find history steeped in the walls of the restaurant with framed receipts, family portraits, historic Punjabi figures and diners of the cuisine over the years.

4. Sunday Roast

The great British Sunday roast is at the heart of most Brits’ weekly routine. It’s a tradition where a family comes together and gathers around the dining table, usually in the afternoon, and go on to eat themselves into a roast dinner-induced food coma.

Usually consisting of a variety of meats, like turkey, chicken, beef, pork and lamb, with potatoes, veggies and Yorkshire pudding as trimmings, a Sunday roast is not for the faint of heart; it’s essentially a mini Christmas dinner! You’ll find all of this doused in gravy on overflowing plates. But Sunday roast isn’t just for cooking at home! You can find the best of the best at restaurants around London.

The Latchmere

A Sunday roast at The Latchmere is well worth getting out of bed for. With giant-sized Yorkshire puddings and extra gravy, you might have to roll home. You’ll get the best of both worlds here with one half pub and one half formal dining, so take your pick.

The Gun

Journeying east to The Gun is worth it, without a doubt. The Gun’s Sunday roasts, along with their wine selection, are the perfect pairing. The Yorkshire puddings are absolutely delicious to boot.

5. Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea was actually introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840, and remains a long-standing British tradition. You definitely want to set aside a couple of hours one afternoon to indulge in this time-honoured delicacy, because here’s the catch; it’s not just tea! Nope, afternoon tea consists of delicate finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and a selection of pastries or cakes. Not only that, but often the tea is swapped for alcohol, with champagne the preferred beverage.

You can find “tea rooms” all across Britain and London, of course.

Harrods

Serving afternoon tea since 1896, Harrods Tea Rooms are now open on the ground floor of the iconic, luxurious department store. They boast an extensive selection of globally-sourced teas, from Earl Grey to Hawaiian Black and Superior Sencha. You’re sure to have a traditional posh afternoon tea experience at Harrods.

The Goring

The Goring has been serving up afternoon tea even longer than Harrods; since 1840, and they sure know how to do it. With opulent decor, you’ll melt into the backdrop as you spend the afternoon indulging in freshly baked scones, sampling your way through all the teas, and dipping into finger sandwiches and sweet cakes.

6. Full English Breakfast

The ‘Full English’ as it’s commonly referred to, is a feast of eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, black pudding, baked beans, hash browns and toast. Phew. This mighty meal is an experience in and of itself, and is a tasty staple for Brits. You can see why it’s a famed hangover remedy!

Regency Cafe

The Regency Cafe is often referred to as one of the best breakfast spots in London, and has been serving up the full English breakfast since 1946. It’s a no-frills kind of place, having retained its post-war charm with red-checkered curtains and Formica tables. The famed retro look has attracted filmmakers and it’s been featured in movies like “Layer Cake,” “Brighton Rock,” and “Pride,” as well as several TV shows.

Duck and Waffle

For an upmarket twist on the full English breakfast, check out Duck & Waffle’s. This 40th-floor, 24-hour restaurant has spectacular brunch views across the city, from the famous Gherkin to the River Thames. Serving up breakfast from 6am, the full English includes Lincolnshire sausages, dry-cured bacon, eggs, tomato, mushroom, hash browns and a delicious cheddar and buttermilk scone.  

7. Scotch Eggs

You might think scotch eggs originated in Scotland from the name, but London’s own Fortnum and Mason claims to have invented the scotch egg in 1738. What are they, you ask? It’s essentially a hard boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, breaded and deep fried.

Fortnum and Mason

Since they do claim to have invented them, what better place to try a scotch egg? After you’ve wandered through the plush red-carpeted tea and cake temple, savouring one of Fortnum’s lovely scotch eggs is quintessential British experience.

8. Cornish Pasty

If you’ve ever visited Cornwall in the west of England, then you’ve most likely enjoyed a Cornish pasty. These golden flaky pastries are crimped in a ‘D’ shape and filled with various mixes of meat, swede, potato and onion. They can be eaten hot or cold and have delighted locals and visitors for hundreds of years. But if you aren’t making the trek to Cornwall, never fear, for there are plenty of options in London to pick up a pasty.

Keep in mind though that Cornish pasties are a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This means they have a protected status, like mānuka honey. According to the guidelines, only pasties prepared in Cornwall and to the very specific traditional standards can actually be named Cornish pasties. And you’ll know it because they’ll have a stamp of authenticity to prove it. It’s all very proper.

Regency Cafe

The Regency Cafe makes our list again for the Cornish pasty! Found on Regency Street in Westminster, it’s consistently ranked among London’s most popular eating establishments. You’ll find the pasties here as delicious as any found along the shores in Cornwall. Choose between a classic or vegetarian option, with your choice of sides.

Warrens Bakery

This Bakery has long claimed to be Cornwall’s oldest Cornish pasty maker, established in 1860. Warrens started as a family owned business and is now the largest bakery chain in the South West of England. And lucky for us, they have a shop in London too! They offer the traditional beef pasty, peppered steak, or vegetarian options, including the interesting cheese and marmite flavour. You’ll get consistently good quality and prices with these guys.

9. Salt Beef Beigel

Beigels (Bagels for Americans) have been a popular London treat since the Jewish immigrants from Poland starting baking them in the 19th century. The beigels are actually boiled in water and then baked at high temperatures and are best served with salt beef, which is like corned beef, but sliced thicker.

Brick Lane Beigel Bake

Beigal Bake is a 24/7 bagel shop that is a completely affordable indulgence. The line is always long, but it moves fast for the hungry visitors waiting on their epic portions of salt beef, smoked salmon, cream cheese and pretty much any other topping imaginable. Or just treat yourself to some heavenly beigel bites. Whatever you choose, you can’t lose at Beigal Bake!

10. Cider

No, it’s not a food, but I felt I should thrown in one of the most popular drinks you’ll find all over London, in the pubs and the shops. Cider is made from fermented apples and with more than 45% of the apples grown in the UK being used for making Cider, it’s safe to say this is a favourite alcoholic drink and something you must try in London.

The Green Man

The Green Man boasts a hefty cider selection, where you’ll find up to ten on draft, and at least twice as many by the bottle. They even have their own ‘Green Man Special’ cider.

Hawkes Cidery and Taproom

London’s first urban cidery happens to be on the Bermondsey Beer Mile. You can visit the taproom for samples of the in-house creation, Urban Orchard, or any other fruity bottled offerings.

So, what do you think? Have you tried any of these brilliantly British foods yet? While there’s so much to choose from in London, I personally think these ten are what you seriously need to consider indulging in on your next trip to the capital!

London is a massive metropolis and diverse home to over eight million people. While the multi-cultural population gives you the upper-hand of blending more smoothly than other countries, it’s still easy to spot the inexperienced tourists in a crowd of locals. This is your guide to ways you can avoid looking like a tourist in London altogether.

One of the best things about London is that you can sit down to dinner and find yourself among five different people from five different countries. It’s really common to hear multiple languages spoken throughout the day and you’re likely to meet people from a range of backgrounds.

Unfortunately, because of this, some classic British traits are dying out with the influence of other cultures, particularly American films and music. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things worth bearing in mind when you’re visiting the capital to keep you from sticking out like a sore thumb.

Obvious tourists run the risk of getting sucked into tourist traps and are easier targets for getting mugged. Although London is a fairly safe city, it’s definitely worth brushing up on some of these universal rules that will have you experiencing London in an authentically British way. Here’s how to avoid looking like a tourist, while getting the most out of your stay!

1. Dress Like a Local

Despite what you might read elsewhere, it doesn’t require too much effort to look like a local in London. You’ll find a wide range of clothing and it’s not always as posh as what London is actually known for.

Ever since I moved to London, I hung up my heels and fancy clothing. Whilst there are occasions to dress up, most of the time Londoners’ wardrobe style is casual. It’s even made its way into the West End theatre scene at times.

But let’s face it; Londoners have a way of making casual look not so casual, somehow. I do still feel they dress a little “smarter” than other places of the world, and you’ll still see people working in the City of London donning suits, but you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe for hanging out in London, other than a nice rain jacket (preferably black in colour).

People of all walks of life live in London, and the range of styles on show is rich and diverse; wear what you’re comfortable in, but if you really don’t want to look like a tourist, maybe forgo the fanny pack (bum bag) and baseball caps!

Plus, you’ll be doing heaps of walking, so make sure you have some sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Nice trainers aren’t uncommon and neither are backpacks.

Yep, you’ll need all the essentials on a day out in London, so take a classy backpack (not a typical travel backpack), and you’ll fit right in. Even canvas bags are common for shopping and groceries.

2. Avoid Chain Restaurants

More than just a way to avoid looking like a tourist, this is a general life tip. London has some of the best restaurants in the world, and you can try food from a hundred different countries all in one city – why would you want to eat food you could have at home?

While Londoners may eat at a chain restaurant in a pinch, most would opt for the endless choice of local and independent restaurants right on their doorstep; the old stereotype of the Brits having poor food is more than outdated, so don’t be afraid to dabble in the local cuisine.

The classics like fish and chips and the full English breakfast are still standard, but the London food scene encompasses so much more these days. Confining yourself to just one type of food, or the unwillingness to explore, would for sure have you standing out in the crowd, where you want to blend.

3. Brush Up on British Expressions

Note some British expressions before you head to London, as this will save you a lot of embarrassment and confusion.

The one that always catches me out is ‘Are you alright?’. I took it as if I looked unwell or needed help, ha! It’s simply a greeting. To avoid awkwardness, just say – great thanks, you.

If you’re used to saying ‘candy,’ refer to it as ‘sweets.’ Also ‘French fries’ are ‘chips’ in England and ‘elevators’ are ‘lifts.’

There are heaps of other expressions that it wouldn’t hurt to learn ahead of time that will have you speaking like a local!

4. Learn Proper Pronunciation

Along the same line is pronunciation. It can take some time to learn how to properly pronounce all the street names, city and village names in England. If you think you know how something sounds, it’s probably not right.

When I first heard Southwark being announced on the tube, I had no idea where this place was and quickly learned it was pronounced suh·thuhk.

Check your phone for how to say these words properly, or you’ll for sure be spotted as a tourist!

5. Mind Your Manners

Modern Brits aren’t like the old-fashioned stereotypes portrayed in the movies anymore, but a degree of politeness is still a bit of a national character trait. Good manners are widespread in the UK, so a ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ or even ‘cheers,’ are appreciated in everyday interactions.

Queueing is also a very British thing to do and Londoners have a lot more tolerance for it than many other countries. So, practice your patience when you see the orderly queues forming for entry into the museums or buying goods in a shop.

‘Jumping queue’ in considered very impolite and a traditional sense of fair play is enforced among Londoners. If you’re unsure, just ask – we will quickly advise you if there is a queue to join.

Outside of pubs, being loud and boisterous is also frowned upon. Keeping your voice down in public is encouraged, particularly on public transport! Most people on the Tube are on their way to work or going about their day in peace, and don’t want to be disturbed.

Lastly, it’s impolite to stare and point your finger, which is a common tourist trait.

6. Mind Your Personal Space

Keeping in tune with etiquette is also minding your personal space. If you’re not accustomed to public transportation, there’s a lot of etiquette to familiarize yourself with. Be conscious of those around you, especially at peak times, as the buses and trains will get quite busy.

While you’re sitting down, don’t stretch out your legs or arms in a way that might get in someone else’s way. If you have to stand, make sure and hold onto a handrail so you don’t fall over onto anyone! If you want to look like a true local on transport, put your headphones on and avidly avoid eye contact with anyone at all.

7. Use Local Table Manners

If you’re not from Europe, you might not be accustomed to how Brits eat their food, and this is one sure fire way to make you stick out like a sore thumb. The proper way if you’re right-handed is to eat with your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right hand. Then cut each bite individually, not all at once, while you rest your arms midway between your wrist and elbow. Elbows should always stay off the table!

8. Steep Tea Like a Local

Tea is usually one of the first things one thinks of when it comes to England, and there’s never a wrong time for a “cuppa” in London. So learning how to make a proper cup of tea in any occasion will have you blending in with the locals.

Here’s a Quick Tea Tutorial

First, you’re going to boil the kettle and as soon as the water bubbles, pour it into a cup where a tea bag is waiting. You don’t want to let the water cool down too much as this will ruin the flavour, and the tea won’t steep as well. Wait a while to remove the bag. Keep in mind, you don’t want to over stew your tea, but it’s even worse to serve a weak tea. Practice makes perfect.

Now, a cup of tea without milk in England is just unheard of, and you’ll want to add the milk after it’s brewed. How much you add is a personal preference, so when in doubt add a dash; less is better than more! Lastly, if you like yours with sugar, add your desired amount.

And most importantly, when it comes to making the perfect cuppa, you simply cannot get away with making yourself one without asking every single other person within the vicinity if they would also fancy a cup. Don’t forget to ask if they take sugar and how much, and never ever use the same spoon for someone that isn’t taking sugar.

Follow these instructions and you’ll be serving afternoon tea in no time!

9. Get Off the Beaten Path

Sightseeing does not have to be limited to famous attractions! Although it’s fun to throw of a few of those in too, getting off the beaten path is the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. For instance, Londoners would seldom be seen visiting places like Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge.

Take a quick stroll through the popular tourist areas like Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, but for the ‘local experience’, you can spend the majority of your time wandering through some lesser-known areas of London. This is easier said than done, depending on the length of your stay, so a couple of trips to the city might be in order.

If you’re willing to forego the crowds and would rather venture into some of the more quiet and charming neighbourhoods, try Dulwich Village – if you don’t mind venturing further from the centre – or the elegant and affluent Kensington, just to name a few.

10. Know Which Bridge is Which

One of the most common mistakes tourists make in London is confusing the two bridges, Tower Bridge and London Bridge. You would think by the name that London Bridge is the big, attractive, exciting one that everyone photographs, but it’s not. That one is actually Tower Bridge; named for the Tower of London which sits close by. London Bridge is the one next to the iconic Tower Bridge that’s honestly not much to look at. Now you know!

11. Don’t Wear Your Camera Around Your Neck

I think we can all agree that the easiest way to spot a tourist is when you see someone with a camera hanging around their neck. Get yourself a camera bag that doubles as a stylish backpack or cross-body bag and pull out the camera as needed. I know it might be hard because you’re bound to want to take pictures of literally everything and get swept up in the charm of London, but take some time to feel like a local and enjoy the moment as well.

Also be respectful when taking photographs. The super cute houses you’re photographing are where people actually live. Don’t be rude or take too much time in one place, looking like a stalker. And don’t get in the way of others or act annoyed with people passing by. You’re in a busy city!

12. Don’t Take the Heathrow Express

If you’re flying into London Heathrow, there’s a 20-minute Heathrow Express train that will cost you a good £25 to get to central London. If you want to avoid looking like a tourist, don’t take this train; the price is extortionate! Take a ride on the Piccadilly tube line (46 minutes to Piccadilly Circus) and pay just £3.10 with an Oyster or contactless card.

13. Don’t Buy Paper Tickets for the Tube

Purchasing a physical paper ticket is a rookie mistake in London, and often the most expensive way to use public transport. In the past, the advice would always be to purchase an Oyster Card or use a contactless card (including Apple and Google Pay) for travelling around London.

This is still a great option, particularly if you’re staying long-term or will face extra fees for using your card abroad, but contactless payments are easier and don’t require paying an initial £7 fee. It works in the same way: simply tap your payment card as you enter and leave a station and you’re all set.

If you want to get an Oyster Card, you can pick one up at the airport on your way in and even return it and get any leftover funds back at the end of your trip. Oyster cards are easy to ‘top up’ at most stations and are cheaper than one-way or day tickets for the tube, and they also work on the buses.

If you want to avidly avoid looking like a tourist, make sure you have your card – Oyster or otherwise – handy so you can tap it as you enter and leave the stations. Nothing is worse than holding up the lines by having to fiddle around in your purse or wallet looking for it.

14. Don’t Overuse the Tube

While the tube is the quickest way to get around in London – and it’s definitely something you want to familiarise yourself with – it’s not actually necessary all the time. Studying the tube lines a bit before you arrive will have you seeing that it’s quite easy to walk between a majority of the main attractions in central London, and it’s a lot cheaper that way as well. You never need to take the tube just one stop away.

If you get tired of walking, you can also hop on an iconic double decker bus. This is a classic Londoner move. Just don’t use a tourist bus! That should go without saying.

Local Bus Routes for the Best Sightseeing

Bus Route 11 – Fulham Broadway to Liverpool Street will take you by King’s Road in Chelsea, Belgravia, then the famous sights like Westminster Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. 

Bus Route 24 – Pimlico to Hampstead Heath, like route 11 you will pass by Westminster Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus Route 453 – I suggest catching it from Marylebone stations and hopping off once you’ve seen the sights on your list. The bus passes by Westminster, Whitehall, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Regent Park.

15. Escalator Etiquette

Don’t ever stand on the left side of the escalator. The left side is for people walking up or down. Stick to the right side if you’re standing still, and keep your belongings and limbs at your sides.

Speaking of escalators, don’t get to the top and then stop! You’ll soon discover that people are seriously hustling through the tube stations to make their connections, and stopping at the top of the escalator will for sure get you some glares and possible comments. If you need to get your bearings, step aside and wait by the wall to read the signs or check your phone. It’s much safer for everyone.

So there you have it! These are some excellent ways to avoid looking like a tourist in London. Don’t get too hung up on looking like a local; if you want to see the famous sights, then do it! Londoners would do the same if they were visiting New York.

Yes, you’ll probably still have your moments, but overall, you’re now equipped with how to blend into the local city scene smoothly and have the best memories to take home with you!