If you’re staying at The Devonshire, you’re in a great place to see all of London’s major sights. London has a lot to offer so it’s key to plan ahead if you hope to squeeze it all in. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to see multiple attractions in one day. Whether you feel like going for a walk or you’d rather sit back and relax on a tour, you’ll find a way in London.

Use Public Transport

If you’re tired from a stint in the Devonshire Gym but you still want to explore, consider using London’s transport system rather than setting out on foot. London is well known for having a fantastic public transport system and it’s easy to see why. You can travel to almost anywhere in the city using buses, trains and the London Underground. Though it can be difficult to navigate at first given the size of the city and sheer choice of transport options, there are a number of journey planner apps to help.

Head Out for a Walk

The Devonshire Hotel Paddington is located in the heart of London, which means it’s in the ideal spot if you want to head out for a walk. Within a matter of minutes, you can be on your way to seeing some of the major sights in the city. A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that everything in London is extremely spread out, but that isn’t the case at all. There are a lot of notable attractions that are within walking distance of one another. If you’re not in the mood to spend time in the Devonshire gym, a walk around London is a good alternative.

Book a London Bus Tour 

If you have been to London before, you will have noticed the bus tours that drive through the city. These are often operated on a ‘hop on hop off’ basis and provide a great deal of freedom for you to enjoy the sights. You can simply get on and off as you please, stopping at key attractions and then jumping on the next bus when done. All of these tours travel throughout the main areas of the city and pass the major sights too, which means you won’t miss anything of importance. There are also quite often tour guides on board providing context, information and trivia.

Join an Organised Tour

There are a number of organised tours that you can join in the city, most of which take you to the top sights in London. Organised tours are held throughout the city, including some close by to the Devonshire Hotel Paddington and there’s something for every budget. These tours do vary, so it’s important to choose one which covers everything that you’re interested in. For example, there are tours dedicated to historical sights and tours dedicated to royal sights.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways to see all of the major London attractions from your base at The Devonshire. It doesn’t matter whether you want to check out Buckingham Palace or you’re keen to see one of the top London attractions, such as the London Eye or London Dungeons, you’ll have a range of ways to do so.

If you want to do something different this winter, why not check out some of London’s hot gigs? Some of the world’s biggest artists, along with local talent, perform in London throughout the year and this winter is no different. Whatever your taste and genre, you will definitely find a gig to suit you. We’ve listed five of the most talked about gigs this winter below, to help you get started planning your entertainment diary for your next trip.

The 1975

18th and 19th January 2019, The O2

The 1975 are returning to London for a two night stint at The O2 in January and it’s already set to be one of the biggest gigs this winter. As one of the world’s hottest bands at the moment, it’s not surprising that The 1975 are back in London and selling out the city’s biggest venue. If you’re staying at The Devonshire London Paddington, The O2 can be reached with ease via public transport.

Mariah Carey

11th December 2018, The O2

It’s not Christmas without Mariah Carey and this year she’s bringing her festive cheer to London. Mariah Carey at The O2 is one of the most anticipated gigs of the winter and it’s sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Only Mariah Carey could make a stay at The Devonshire London Paddington that little bit more festive.

Lily Allen

December 17th 2018, Chalk Farm

If you’re done with your Paddington afternoon tea and you want something a little bit more lively, see if you can get a ticket to Lily Allen in Chalk Farm. London’s very own songstress, Lily Allen is back in the city this December with a one off show in Chalk Farm. This tour is for her newest album, which she has recently taken to the United States. When Lily Allen is back in London, will you be joining her?

Snow Patrol

January 26th 2019, Greenwich

After a lengthy break, Snow Patrol are back with new music and a new tour. This tour will showcase some of the band’s newest album, as well as their biggest hits and fan favourites. As Greenwich is easy to reach, this is a great gig to head to after a delicious dinner or a Paddington afternoon tea.

Enter Shikari

January 12th 2019, Stockwell

Fans of Enter Shikari will be pleased to know that they’re back with a gig in January. In Stockwell on the 12th, Enter Shikari will be performing some of the biggest hits from their albums. Enter Shikari haven’t performed in London for a while, so it’s a gig that’s likely to sell out fast.

It doesn’t matter what type of music you’re into or the type of gigs that you enjoy, you’ll find something in London. There’s a show for everyone, including plenty of gigs from lesser known and upcoming artists if you’re looking for something new. Of course, if you’re a fan of more established names, there are dozens of shows from some of the world’s biggest stars in London each year.

It doesn’t matter whether you are keen to go leaf peeping in London specifically or if you just want to spend some time outdoors whilst you are in the city, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are a tonne of fantastic parks in London, many of which have a great deal of foliage for you to see and others with large wooded areas to explore.

Autumn in London is a beautiful time of year, as the leaves turn to orange, red and gold and the landscape changes dramatically. Regardless of whether you choose Hyde Park, Hampstead or Richmond Park you won’t be disappointed.

Hyde Park

Located in the centre of the city and not far from The Devonshire London, Hyde Park is a firm favourite of many who enjoy leaf peeping. Hyde Park boasts an impressive number of facilities including skating areas, a children’s play area, a boating lake, restaurants and horse riding tracks. However, it’s the large open spaces and vast amount of nature that sets Hyde Park apart from the rest.

Whether you’re interested in plants and trees or you just want somewhere to walk this autumn, Hyde Park is a great choice. Thanks to its central location, Hyde Park is a good place to go after enjoying a delicious lunch or afternoon tea near Paddington to walk off your indulgences. If you’re short of time, Hyde Park is well worth considering as it’s easy to get to from most areas of the city.

Richmond Park

As the largest of all of London’s Royal Parks, Richmond Park is one of the main open spaces in the city. It offers something for everyone and it’s a stark contrast to other areas in London, which makes it a popular spot for families and walkers to explore.

However, it’s Richmond Park’s great range of wildlife that attracts so many visitors every year. Here, you’ll find ancient oak trees, woodland areas and lots of foliage. If you feel like taking a break from leaf peeping, check out the large number of deer that roam the park. Though Richmond Park looks great all year round, it is definitely at its best during the autumn months.

Hampstead Heath

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London in favour of finding somewhere to enjoy the great outdoors, spend some time in Hampstead Heath.

Hampstead Heath is only a short distance from The Devonshire London and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to take a relaxing walk after afternoon tea near Paddington. There’s a fantastic viewpoint in Hampstead Heath, which allows you to leaf peep from a new perspective.

Though London is a city, it’s definitely not short of outdoor spaces and parks. We have listed three of the main parks in London, but there are a number of others that also offer everything a leaf peeper could want. If you’re leaf peeping this autumn in London, you’re in for a treat. All you need to do is choose a park and enjoy.

With Christmas right around the corner, it’s time to get serious about your festive shopping. Though a lot of people choose to do most of their Christmas shopping online as it can be easier, nothing beats the enjoyment of strolling around London’s department stores during the festive period.

There are a lot of great shopping streets in the centre of the city, but it’s in the department stores that you will find the best shopping. With so many department stores to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to go. Here are some of our top recommendations…

Liberty

 If you’re planning to do some Christmas shopping during a stay at The Devonshire Paddington, you may want to head to Liberty. With its beautiful exterior and quaint interior, Liberty is an iconic part of London’s shopping landscape. It attracts tourists from all over the world, as well as locals, who are keen to browse all that Liberty has to offer. Liberty is located in London’s West End, which means that there are also plenty of great bars and restaurants to enjoy after a busy day of shopping. 

Selfridges

 You have probably seen the iconic yellow shopping bags found at Selfridges, but have you ever visited? Selfridges has a lot to offer including clothing, beauty, stationery, food and electronics. However, Selfridge isn’t just for those who are looking for luxury and designer stores. A number of high street brands can also be found in Selfridges, which creates a fantastic range of products for any budget.

Harrods

We couldn’t mention the best department stores in London without mentioning Harrods. Harrods is arguably London’s most famous home grown brand and it attracts shoppers from all around the world. With a wide range of departments and brands within, not to mention thousands of products across multiple stores and an entire wing for Christmas decorations, Harrods has something for everyone. Plus, it’s not too far from The Devonshire Paddington and it’s centrally located. As Harrods is so large, it’s definitely a department store that you’ll want to dedicate a fair amount of time to. Even if you only pop in briefly, it’s one of the city’s most iconic shopping destinations.

 Hamleys

 Hamleys is a top spot for family days out in London and it’s easy to see why. Hamleys is one of the oldest and largest toy shops in the world, making it a popular destination for those who are doing their Christmas shopping. Whether there’s a specific toy you’re after or you’re just looking to browse, Hamleys has it all. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything right away, Hamleys is one of the most enjoyable family days out in London. This is because Hamleys always has a range of toys and craft activities for children to try out.

When you’re in London, you won’t find yourself short of places to do your Christmas shopping. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking to buy or who you want to buy for, you’ll find it in one of London’s great department stores. With such a wide range on offer, there’s something for every kind of shopper and even the most difficult of people to buy for.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget to treat yourself. When you’re visiting a new city, there’s always a rush to see this or experience that, and that can often mean that you’re more stressed than you realise. It’s important to enjoy some time to yourself because this is when you can really reflect on what you’ve seen and done, rather than planning the next excursion and wondering how you’re going to get there.

Happily, there are a number of great spas within easy reaching distance of the Devonshire Hotel Paddington, all offering great treatments and experiences that will help you relax and get ready for more adventures in the capital.

The Devonshire Spa

Your first choice – and the closest – is the spa at The Devonshire. It’s one of the best spa Paddington experiences, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk away from The Devonshire Hotel Paddington.

Here you can find a modern, comprehensive spa experience that’s all about soothing you into a relaxed frame of mind. To start with, you can make full use of the modern, spacious Jacuzzi, perhaps dipping into the steam room and sauna afterwards for a cleansing, stress-busting experience. But that’s not all that’s on offer.

The Devonshire Spa also offers an extensive range of rejuvenating treatments covering every aspect of wellness, from deep, relaxing massages to facial treatments and everything in between. Afterwards, if you’re a mite peckish, you can always indulge in the best afternoon tea near Paddington.

The Montcalm London Marble Arch

Just a 15-minute trip from The Devonshire Hotel Paddington, the Spa at The Montcalm gives you a massive choice of wellness treatments.

If it’s a massage you’re seeking – and we recommend you do! – The Spa at The Montcalm features a comprehensive range of options, including Swedish, Thai and Japanese body treatments. With different massage styles available, you have a choice of options to suit the experience you want.

Among the many offerings, you can also enjoy rejuvenating, ultimately relaxing facial treatments using the very finest Thalgo and Elemis products. You can also find soothing therapies for hands and feet, as well waxing and other finishing touches if you want to feel brand new.

The Chilworth

The boutique spa at the Chilworth offers a broad range of treatments, all targeted at reducing stress and helping you look and feel great.

There are three types of facial on offer from the 30-minute Express Facial to the 45-minute Illuminating Radiance Facial to the full hour experience of a Hydra Marine Facial. All use the best products to leave your skin feeling smooth and incredibly rejuvenated.

Regarding massage, The Chilworth Spa offers seven different styles covering everything from deep tissue massage to Swedish to a treatment based on reflexology. Or, if you’re in the mood for something that will treat your whole body, you might want to consider one of the exclusive body rituals offered on-site. The 90-minute Polynesia Spa Ritual is a genuinely luxuriant, revitalising experience and it’s one we heartily recommend.

Whether you’re in London as a visitor or for business, finding the right base is essential to ensure that you have quick and easy access to all the things you need for a stress-free experience.

From nearby transport links to on-site dining and wellness facilities, you need to know that you have a welcoming and comfortable place to stay. That’s why the Devonshire Hotel London makes for the ideal place to stay on your visit to London, with everything on-site that you need for a centrally-located, relaxing and luxurious experience.

A Range of Rooms to Suit Your Needs

With more 35-bedrooms on-site, The Devonshire Hotel London has different options available depending on your needs. Our Deluxe Double rooms offer Wi-Fi, a plasma screen TV and a sleek, marble bathrooms for the ultimate in modern luxury.

If, however, you need a little more space, our Club Double rooms meet that need and come with the extra touches we know make your stay special. You can expect to find a welcome bottle of wine, fresh fruit and a daily evening turndown service – in addition to everything you’d find in a Double Deluxe room.

For those travelling as a family or as part of a work group, the Deluxe Triple offers three plush single beds, a work desk, more wardrobe space and everything else you need for a comfortable, functional city base.

Fabulous Dining and Drinks

As you might expect from one of the finest boutique hotels near Paddington Station, you have a range of options when it comes to the food and drinks on offer from The Devonshire.

The Grand Restaurant – just across the street at our sister hotel the Park Grand Paddington Court – offers delicious and freshly prepared breakfasts for guests staying at The Devonshire Hotel London. Whether you prefer Continental Buffet Breakfast, a full English or our unique Indian Breakfast, The Grand Restaurant can provide what you need for the perfect start to your day.  Or, if you desire a spot of lunch or dinner, that’s on the menu, too.

When it comes to a late evening aperitif, the bar at our sister hotel features period looks for a refined, relaxing environment to mull over the day just gone. If it’s afternoon tea you’re looking for, you can find a full-on experience with all the trimmings – from finger sandwiches to indulgent pastries – at our sister hotel’s bar.

Wellness When You Need It

If you want to work out the stress of the day, you can make full use of the thoroughly modern gym at the Park Grand Paddington Court – just a couple of minutes’ walk from The Devonshire Hotel London, enjoying complimentary access to everything on-site.

If, however, you need a massage or other wellness treatments, a walk of a few minutes will take you to the spa facilities at The Devonshire. As well as offering an extensive range of rejuvenating treatments, you’ll also find a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi style to create modern, relaxing surroundings.

While any visit to London is always a treat, sometimes you need to go the extra mile and indulge yourself.

Whether you want to see London from a different perspective – as in, from thousands of feet up – or fancy a romantic trip just for two, London can provide what you want. Best of all, staying at The Devonshire Paddington, you’re in a prime spot to reach everything we recommend without any hassle.

London Eye: Champagne Experience

The Champagne Experience puts you on the London Eye – reaching heights of 443 feet – while you sip Brut fizz and watch the sun go down over the capital.

You can take in Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and more, with a host on-board to ensure your experience is a flawless one. You can try out the Champagne Experience from noon to 8 pm, and we recommend an evening trip, as this offers the best dusk views of the city.

The London Helicopter

It doesn’t come much more indulgent – and thrilling – than taking in London from above on a helicopter ride over the capital.

We recommend the ‘London Sights’ tour as this lets you see all of the landmark sights around the capital as you fly above the Thames. The Battersea embankment point is only a 25-minute Tube ride from Montcalm’s hotels close to Paddington Station, and it’s an experience you won’t ever forget.

The London Showboat Dinner Cruise

This three-hour cruise offers you a four-course dinner, wine and on-board entertainment, all while you move along the Thames at a leisurely pace. You can take in St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more, all while you sip on your choice of wine or fizz and with live cabaret music accompanying the experience.

The Westminster starting point is only a 20-minute hop from The Devonshire Paddington, and the London Showboat Dinner Cruise is the very definition of an indulgent, luxurious experience.

Tour London is a Private Vintage Car

If you like the idea of sampling the London sights from the back of your very own vintage, Morris Minor convertible, then this is one experience you won’t want to miss.

This is the ideal activity to try out if you’re looking for a small-scale, romantic guided tour around London, and you can even go in for some optional champagne if you want to feel really indulgent. This is a unique way to see London, and it’s a must-do if you want to see the capital in vintage style.

The Afternoon Tea Bus

If there are two things that most people associate with us Brits, it’s tea and class red buses. And you can indulge in some classic afternoon tea while seeing London from this uniquely outfitted, retro tour bus. Even better, the Northumberland Avenue Departure point is only twenty-minutes from hotels close to Paddington Station.

Covering Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and more, the tour is a wonderful – and very cosy – way to take in all the major sights. Moreover, there’s an audio guided tour to provide some insight while you dig into your afternoon tea.

While places like New York might dominate when it comes to the sheer number of towering skyscrapers present, London has a wealth of unusual buildings about the city that more than match the boldest designs of other major capitals.

In keeping with London’s reputation for innovation and embracing the different, The City has some stunning examples of modern architecture that don’t conform to the rules when it comes to shape and form. With this in mind, we’ve put together this piece showing the most unusual architecture, and best of all they’re all easy to see from the Devonshire Hotel Paddington.

City Hall

Most municipal buildings follow a very set pattern, or they make use of a historic building for something like a city hall. But not London.

Instead of taking the usual route, City Hall is a sloped, segmented building that almost seems to slide to one side. Right up against the Thames, the design of city hall is actually about more than looks. Designed by architect Norman Foster, the unique shape and construction of the building means that it requires much less energy for heating than many other buildings of its size.

It’s also worth taking the time to journey inside for a look at the unique interior of the building and to climb the five hundred metres to the top floor for stunning views out over South Bank. Getting there from Montcalm’s accommodation near Paddington Station is easy, and it won’t take you more than 25-minutes.

20 Fenchurch Street

If you were to ask many people where 20 Fenchurch Street is, they might give you a blank stare. If, however, you asked after the ‘Walkie Talkie Building’ then they would definitely know what you mean.

And once you see the building, you’ll understand how it got that unique name. Wider at the top than the bottom and carrying an almost slouched look, 20 Fenchurch Street is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring buildings anywhere in the capital. Dominating nearby buildings, the structure is a marvel of modern design and architecture, showcasing a thoroughly modern outlook.

If you venture up to the top three floors of the building, you’ll find a glorious botanical garden and viewing platforms that offer fantastic views over all of central London. It’ll only take twenty minutes to make the journey from Devonshire Hotel Paddington, and the views alone are worth the trip.

M By Montcalm Tech City

Residing in the heart of Tech City, M By Montcalm Tech City is one of the most innovative – and initially confusing – buildings you can find anywhere in London.

Stocked inside with smart technology, the exterior of the building – designed by architects Squire and Partners – has a stretched, triangular look that, from the front, makes the stunning building appear as something of an optical illusion. It’s once you venture closer and to the side of the building that you can understand the ingenious use of space and design that makes it one of the unmissable architectural sights of the capital.