How to spend a long weekend in London

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a second (or third) dose of inspiration, London offers a treasure trove of experiences for vintage enthusiasts and reclaimed-style seekers. From storied public houses to bustling antique markets and interiors-rich museums, here’s how to spend a long weekend in the capital – with a distinctly Reclaim twist.

Wander through London’s vintage markets

London’s markets are legendary – and a must for lovers of vintage interiors reclaimed decor and quirky finds.

Columbia Road: Indie and vintage stores and cafés, with a buzzing flower market every Sunday.

Bermondsey Antique Market: Fridays, 6am–2pm – ideal for silverware, curios and salvage pieces.

Alfies Antique Market: A Marylebone favourite, bursting with mid-century design, art deco gems and vintage textiles.

Old Spitalfields Market: Find reclaimed homeware, records and handmade jewellery beneath historic ironwork.

Portobello Road Market: A Saturday morning staple for antiques and vintage fashion.

Borough Market: While more about artisan produce, it’s a feast for the senses and perfect for a market-hopping day.

Plan at least half a day per market – they’re sprawling, immersive and full of temptations.

Visit museums steeped in design and history

Step inside London’s museums for a masterclass in decor through the ages.

Victoria and Albert Museum: One of the world’s greatest collections of decorative arts – think wallpapers, ceramics, textiles and period furniture.

Museum of the Home: Walk through recreated domestic interiors from the 1600s to today.

Dennis Severs’ House: A candlelit, immersive journey through a preserved 18th-century family home in Spitalfields.

Want more interiors inspiration? See our slow styling ideas.

See the city by hop-on, hop-off bus

For a leisurely tour that’s great for both first-time tourist and seasoned Londoners alike, the hop-on, hop-off buses are a fantastic way to soak in historic architecture, royal landmarks and learn about the city’s heritage. Tickets start at £39 for a single day and include stops at:

• Tower Bridge
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Buckingham Palace
• Big Ben and more

A great way to discover the places you’ll want to explore in depth later.

Explore royal London – and historic architecture

London is filled with regal grandeur and architectural richness. A few timeless highlights:

Buckingham Palace  – the ultimate photo op.

Westminster Abbey – where Gothic drama meets British history.

Tower of London  stories, secrets and ravens.

St James’s – wander past gentlemen’s clubs and tailors.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields – an oasis of Georgian calm.

Smithfield – atmospheric streets with a medieval past.

For design with a regal edge, explore country house style.

Sink a pint in a proper London pub

Find some of the best pubs in London which are full of character – and characters. These vintage favourites serve up history with every pint:

The Royal Oak: One of the East End’s most famous pubs that’s been used as a location for many TV series and films.

The Seven Stars (1602): Candlelight, wooden beams and a legal eagle crowd.

The Churchill Arms: Possibly the most floral pub in Britain – plus WWII memorabilia galore.

The George Inn: The last galleried coaching inn in London, and a National Trust site.

The Harp: A small-but-mighty Covent Garden favourite known for real ale and a proper pub atmosphere.

See our feature on pub heritage and antique barware.