Other Tips for London

The loos in primarks basement are completely free, properly clean, and have those dyson hand dryers. Much better than paying £1 at most central london public toilets or buying something just to use café facilities.

Also works as meeting point since store is massive and easy to find. Oxford circus tube is right outside. Toilets are down escalators past home section.

Hidden gem on Wardour Street serves proper loose leaf teas £3-5. Try the London Breakfast blend or jasmine pearls. Tiny shop, 6 seats max, but owner knows everything about tea origins. Open 9am-6pm weekdays. Perfect quiet spot when Covent Garden feels overwhelming. Cash preferred.

Perfect flat run along the Thames from Tower Bridge east to Hampton Court Palace. Well-marked path, public toilets every 2 miles, stunning river views. Start early (7am) for quiet mornings, gets busy after 10am weekends. Tube back from Hampton Court station. Bring water after mile 4.

The mosque near Baker Street station offers free guided tours Saturdays 2-4pm, explaining Islamic architecture and worship practices. Beautiful golden dome visible from Regent's Park. Dress modestly (long sleeves, pants, women bring scarf). Free entry, just respect prayer times listed at entrance. Much quieter than Westminster Abbey.

Grade II listed 1960s housing estate with elevated walkways connecting towers. Free to explore the outdoor levels - fascinating brutalist architecture most people walk past. Yellow signage helps navigation. Best accessed from Barbican tube station, follow signs to 'Residential'. Stunning geometric concrete forms.

If you're staying at generator or yha hostels longer than a few days and need actual laundry (not sink washing), there's a 24-hour place on caledonian road near king's cross. Wash £4, dry £2, about 90 minutes total.

Not glamorous but clean and safe even at weird hours. Tesco express next door for meal deals while you wait. Saved my life when the hostel machine died during a 2-week london stay.

Sundays only, 8am-3pm. Victorian street transforms into flower paradise. Best flowers 9-11am, bargains after 2pm when vendors want to clear stock. Independent shops open only on Sundays too - vintage clothing, ceramics, prints. Arrive via Hoxton station. Grab coffee at nearby Lily Vanilli bakery.