There’s an art to planning the perfect girls’ trip – the right balance of fine dining, cultural experiences, vibrant entertainment, and stunning accommodations in an exciting city with plenty to explore. A recent trip with friends confirmed what I’d long suspected: London is tailor-made for an unforgettable girls’ getaway. Over a few days in London, we filled our itinerary with world-class museums, unforgettable meals, theatre, shopping, and a little late-night glamour. Here are the experiences that made our girls’ getaway one to remember.
Culture & History:
The National Gallery
One of the most memorable experiences of our trip was a visit to the National Gallery before opening hours. Walking through the quiet, empty galleries among the masterpieces, with the peace and stillness of being the only ones there, was a truly moving experience.
Located in Trafalgar Square, this manageably sized museum offers free entry despite housing a vast collection of works by masters such as Monet, da Vinci, Van Gogh, Rubens, Vermeer, Cézanne, Van Eyck, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Caravaggio.
The building itself is a work of art and a piece of history. A recent major renovation marked the Gallery’s 200th anniversary, introducing two-story windows and flooding the space with natural light. The adjacent Supporters’ House was originally the residence of the museum’s caretaker and family before becoming the home of its membership programme. For £130 annually, members receive unlimited access to all exhibitions, entry to the Supporters’ House private spaces, exclusive programmes and events, and access to Locatelli, a restaurant and bar by Giorgio Locatelli, the Italian-born Michelin-starred chef known for his authentic Italian cuisine and his role as a judge on MasterChef Italia.
The National Gallery boasts an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance, Dutch Masters, and French Impressionist works. Must-see pieces include The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci, Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, Venus and Mars by Sandro Botticelli, and The Water-Lily Pond by Claude Monet, alongside more than 2,400 other works. For anyone with an appreciation for art, this stop deserves a place on your London itinerary. And if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend booking the private after-hours tour.
The Tower of London
An iconic stop on any London getaway, the Tower of London is steeped in history, glamour, mystery, and gore. Whether you’re fascinated by royalty, captivated by tales of intrigue, or simply looking to immerse yourself in one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the Tower offers something for every visitor.
Our favourite exhibit was undoubtedly the Crown Jewels, still used in coronation ceremonies today, including the spectacular 530-carat Great Star of Africa diamond. The display also features the coronation robes worn by King Charles III, offering a fascinating glimpse into modern royal tradition.
For those drawn to the darker side of history, the Tower’s past is equally compelling. Once a prison, fortress, palace, zoo, and chapel, it has witnessed some of England’s most dramatic moments. Visitors can explore the Bloody Tower, where Anne Boleyn was imprisoned before her execution, and uncover the stories of the many figures whose lives became intertwined with these ancient walls.
Rich in history, pageantry, and intrigue, the Tower of London remains one of the capital’s most captivating attractions. Adult admission: £37.
Food & Drink:
Café Murano, Marylebone
After a day immersed in royal history and glamour, we were ready to trade crown jewels for culinary treasures. One of the friends on our trip is an ardent fan of celebrity chef and podcaster Angela Hartnett, so dining at her restaurant, Café Murano Marylebone, was a priority while in London. Hartnett is a protégé of Gordon Ramsay, a Michelin-starred chef, the author of four cookbooks, and a popular podcaster. Her restaurant did not disappoint.
This intimate and atmospheric restaurant blends contemporary design with a warm, cosy charm. But the food is the real showstopper. We started with fluffy rosemary focaccia served with Angela Hartnett’s own olive oil, alongside the pea and scamorza arancini with aged Parmesan, which were little bites of heaven.
The mains continued to impress us. Pumpkin ravioli with brown walnut butter and sage with the perfect hint of sweetness. Perfectly cooked pillows of potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms and 24-month aged parmesan. Veal ossobuco with creamy polenta and salsa verde. We paired our dishes with the Café Murano Aperol Spritz before moving on to wines selected from the restaurant’s impressive list of more than 100 labels.
Dessert capped off the evening beautifully: a rich dark chocolate tart with hazelnut gelato, light buttermilk and Calvados panna cotta with spiced poached apple, and an upside-down pear cake served with vanilla cream. We left with delightfully full stomachs and fond memories.
Palm Court Tea
No girls’ trip to London would be complete without setting aside time for one of Britain’s most beloved traditions – afternoon tea. We found that afternoon tea at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is hard to beat. Tucked inside the hotel’s beautifully restored Palm Court, the experience feels like stepping into the glamour of 1920s London, with its Art Deco details, jewel-toned accents and vintage elegance given a polished modern refresh. Originally built in 1927, the hotel’s design heritage still shines through, and there’s a lovely sense of occasion from the moment you sit down. Even the presentation nods to the building’s history, with savouries and sweet treats arriving on striking birdcage-style stands inspired by the hotel’s original steel-frame architecture. The Palm Court has long been considered one of London’s standout afternoon tea spots, and its recent refurbishment has only elevated the experience.
The menu stays true to British afternoon tea tradition, beginning with delicate finger sandwiches, ranging from egg mayonnaise and cucumber with lemon cream cheese to smoked salmon and honey-roasted gammon. They also offer a thoughtfully curated vegetarian alternative. But the real stars are the scrumptious warm scones, served with seasonal preserves and thick clotted cream; exactly the sort of comforting indulgence one hopes for in a proper afternoon tea. Pastries bring a more contemporary flourish, with elegant creations like lemon meringue domes, raspberry and pistachio opera, and chocolate-cherry cubes, all paired with an extensive tea list ranging from classic Earl Grey to more adventurous blends such as floral infusions and a delicious chocolate chilli. At £59 per person, it makes for a lovely celebratory afternoon with friends.
Como Garden
Because one can never have too much Italian food, we chose another Italian restaurant for dinner on a different evening. Nestled on prestigious Kensington High Street, Como Garden is a beautiful restaurant that transported us straight to Lake Como. The enchanting garden-inspired setting, complete with a glowing fairy-light tree at its heart, provided a charming backdrop for an indulgent evening with friends.
The tapas-style format encourages sharing, making it ideal for group dining. Don’t miss the showstopping Wheel of Parmesan Pasta, served tableside in an actual cheese wheel, the silky burrata with pistachio cream, or the crispy arancini with basil mayo. We paired our meal with signature cocktails such as the dreamy Cupido and refreshing Como Fizz.
With the atmosphere of a family gathering on a terrace overlooking Lake Como, combined with authentic recipes and warm hospitality, Como Garden delivered one of our most memorable meals in London.
For the full dining breakdown – menu, ambiance, and more – read our review here.
Entertainment & Nightlife:
Operation Mincemeat Musical
With our appetites thoroughly satisfied, it was time to experience London’s world-famous theatre scene. A highlight of our girls’ trip was seeing the West End musical Operation Mincemeat. This laugh-out-loud production is a must-see and was one of the most delightful surprises of our time in London. Having earned the distinction of Best New Musical at the 2024 Olivier Awards, and now a Tony Award® on Broadway, the acclaim is thoroughly deserved.
In London, the show plays at the Fortune Theatre in the West End. Small by West End standards, with just 432 seats, the intimate setting brings everyone close to the action and creates a wonderfully immersive atmosphere. The theatre may be compact, but the production is anything but. Loud, raucous, and fast-paced, it tells the story of the secret mission devised by an unlikely team at British Naval Intelligence to outwit the Germans during the Second World War.
The music is rollicking, the scene changes are remarkably seamless, and all of it is delivered by a cast of just five actors. Part history, part fiction, and 100 percent hilarious, the show balances sharp humour with genuine heart, even delivering a surprisingly emotional moment or two. Sitting so close to the action, it’s impossible not to become invested in the story, cheering on the ragtag team as they attempt to pull off one of the war’s most audacious deceptions.
Beyond Central London:
Wimbledon Village
After an evening in the West End, we opted for a slower pace the following day. For an afternoon excursion, we ventured to Wimbledon Village. It has a charming countryside feel, yet sits just 12 km from Central London, an easy 30-minute Tube ride away. The High Street is lined with independent boutiques and inviting cafés, many featuring subtle tennis-inspired décor that celebrates the Village’s connection to the world-famous Championships.
Housed in a Victorian firehouse on the High Street, you’ll find a restaurant, wine bar, and deli that seamlessly blends Japanese and Italian influences. Vallebona is a family-owned establishment that imports Italian delicacies for some of London’s top chefs. It’s the perfect spot to savour quality wines, charcuterie, or more substantial dishes, particularly in late June when the Village buzzes with Championship season excitement.
Each year, The Championships transform Wimbledon Village into the centre of one of the summer’s most anticipated social events. As the grand finale of the professional grass-court tennis season, the tournament attracts more than half a million spectators from around the world, all eager to cheer on their favourite players.
The rest of the year, visitors can explore Wimbledon’s Tennis Museum, browse the gift shop, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the grounds. The museum is open daily from 10am, with 90-minute guided tours departing hourly. Be sure to book ahead, as spaces fill quickly.
Wimbledon Village makes for a delightful escape from the pace of central London – from browsing boutiques and people-watching on a café terrace, to enjoying a leisurely lunch at Vallebona.
Read our full review of Vallebona
Esmeralda’s After Hours Club – Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
No girls’ trip is complete without a night of dancing at an after-hours club, and we found our groove at Esmeralda’s in the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. The mood was set from the moment we entered the lobby: contemporary and sophisticated, with a statement wall of green-veined marble and a sparkling hand-blown glass chandelier reflected in the mirrored ceiling. Further in, a flowing natural wood installation near the floating stone staircase adds to the hotel’s artistic appeal.
Inside Esmeralda’s, however, the mood shifts to a sultry speakeasy vibe. The intimate space feels exclusive and opulent, with plush seating, dim lighting, a dance floor, and a stage showcasing the evening’s live entertainment. JBL Professional sound systems and AKG microphones provide a high-impact performance experience. The entertainment changes nightly, with celebrity guests rumoured to occasionally drop in and perform.
The food and drinks feel indulgent here as well. The house-smoked martini olives were divine, paired with the signature Madison Star cocktail, a blend of vodka and passionfruit that was light, frothy, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. For heartier bites, the menu includes pizza, burger sliders, lobster rolls, and more. Open 8pm until late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
We happily danced away every calorie, and it proved the perfect way to cap off an exhilarating day of exploring London.
Where to Stay & Getting Around:
A great city break hinges on selecting the right hotel. For our stay in London, we chose the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. From the moment we stepped inside, we were struck by its Art Deco grandeur. The refined Jazz Age styling, Portland stone façade, and magnificent stained-glass ceiling in Palm Court transport you straight back to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
We stayed in one of the hotel’s suites, complete with a stylish chaise positioned in front of the fireplace, making it a comfortable spot to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The bathroom felt wonderfully indulgent, with a deep soaking tub, rain shower, and Molton Brown toiletries. The bed was pillowy soft, and I enjoyed one of the best nights’ sleep I’ve had in a London hotel. Despite its prime Mayfair location, the suite was remarkably quiet, creating a welcome sense of calm in the heart of the city.
Mornings began with coffee in the suite before heading down to Mercante for breakfast. Fuelled by fresh pastries, fruit, and warm dishes, we were ready to set out for another day of sightseeing and shopping. The location couldn’t have been better, with Green Park, Buckingham Palace, and the boutiques of Bond Street all within easy walking distance.
Elegant, comfortable, and exceptionally well located, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane proved to be a wonderful base for our London adventure.
Read our full review of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane.
Blacklane Chauffeur Services
Rather than navigating the Tube or hailing taxis, we travelled in effortless comfort with Blacklane Chauffeur Services. We enjoyed having the convenient and courteous car service to get around town. Blacklane offers airport and city-to-city transfers, hourly bookings, and full-day hire services, and are often booked for events such as Easter Services, Mother’s Day and date night. They provide chauffeur services throughout Europe and around the world, with top cities including London, New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, Paris, and Dubai. Booking online ahead of time was easy, and they offer several vehicle types to suit your needs. Our top-of-the-line, plush Mercedes arrived ahead of schedule, and our smiling driver was ready to whisk us away to our next adventure.
After a few days exploring London with friends, it’s clear why the city remains a top destination for a girls’ getaway. Whether you’re marveling at centuries of history, lingering over an exceptional meal, discovering new art, or dancing until the early hours, there’s something for everyone. As one of the world’s great cities, London makes an ideal backdrop to frame every moment.
