As the 2022 holiday season starts really ramping up, perhaps you may be feeling a bit exhausted due to all of the preparation and planning that so many of us have to go through at this time of the year.
Having family gatherings to attend, spending hours booking dinners, preparing extensive meals and parties, and finding a party venue for hire in London, can all take their toll in the build-up to the big day.
This can all get very tiresome, especially crammed into what amounts to only a month’s time and many people are left feeling rundown and burned out before the holidays ever start.
If you’re reaching the point of rising stress and need a break from all the “fun,” maybe you need a weekend getaway to escape the holiday rigors without venturing too far from home base.
If an inexpensive weekend full of relaxation is what you need, London is a great city to venture out in.
Whether you want to get out in the fresh air, enjoy some amazing food, treat yourself to high tea, or simply relax in the city’s very best green spaces, there are no shortage of ways to have a relaxing weekend in London.
Let’s take a look at just a few ideas on how to recharge the batteries and get ready for 2023.
Take A Relaxing Stroll Through The City
Many people who otherwise exercise on a regular basis sometimes let this important habit slip into the background when the holiday season comes around.
We’re too busy with a schedule brimming with relatives coming into town, Christmas shopping, and eating way too many calories to worry about using that gym membership we purchased over the summer.
We tend to forget that exercise, while it benefits our circulation and muscle development, also stimulates the mind and encourages deeper sleep, leading to a more refreshed body and mind.
This, in turn, leads to more productivity throughout the day. Make a commitment to yourself and schedule a relaxing walk through the city, take a stroll through some of the farmer’s markets or go for a nice relaxing walk along the banks of the Thames.
Enjoy London’s Green Spaces
If you’re heading out on foot around London for some much needed R&R, be sure to try a scenic walk around Hyde Park.
Bring your holiday guests from out of town and show off Central London’s majestic grounds, where you can gaze at the river, monuments, and gardens, soaking up the vibes of this amazing city.
Getting outside into the fresh air and exposing your skin to the sunlight will do wonders for your mental state and boost that Vitamin D uptake in the process.
While you’re out and about, don’t forget nearby Kensington Gardens as well as many people like to take in both attractions in one day.
Remind out-of-town guests to bring their cameras to capture all of the scenic 18th-century statues, along with Serpentine Lake and The Arch.
Book In For A Spa Treatment
There’s nothing quite like a day of pampering and treating yourself to really feel special.
Whether you are going to the spa with your friends, a family member, your significant other or on your own, you can be sure that you will leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and re-energised.
As there are so many options to choose from, it’s always wise to do your research so that you find a facility that will work best for you.
Throughout London, there are some incredible hotels, many with fancy spas attached that you can still use as a non-resident.
However, even if your budget doesn’t extend to these more expensive offerings, there are still countless other stand-alone boutique massage and spa treatment centers you can check out.
No matter what treatment you are looking for or what kind of a budget you have to work with, you can be sure that you will find it in the British Capital.
Go For Afternoon Tea
A relaxing weekend in London would not be complete without the time-honored tradition of sitting down with friends new and old, for some delicious tea served with treats, including small sandwiches, scones, and delicious desserts for high tea.
Menus vary depending on the venue but most hotels offer afternoon tea in various settings and usually begin serving high tea from noon.
You can even book a tour on the famous London double-decker buses specially outfitted for this tradition with comfortable chairs and small tables from which they serve enticing pastries and cakes to complement the tea.
Have A Relaxing Weekend In London That You Will Truly Enjoy
Lpondon might have a reputation for being a bustling, busy city but there are plenty of ways to find that all-important downtime too, which is especially important at this time of the year.
The suggestions listed above are a great place to start. However, as what constitutes “a relaxing weekend” can differ so much from one person to the next, it’s crucial that you do your research to help you plan the perfect weekend for you and whoever you plan on relaxing with.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.