activities to do in London post lockdown (with social distancing, of course)
The 'new normal' from 4th July:
After 15 weeks in lockdown you might be somewhat anxious to venture outdoors and may wonder what is safe to do. I have highlighted some activities that you can do in London that have pretty good social distancing measures put in place. During a pandemic, you must put your health and safety first before plunging back into your social life, so this list should give you an idea of what to expect and places taking the government guidelines seriously. With the right precautions, Summer 2020 doesn’t have to be completely cancelled.
- Reservations will be required for most activities and if you haven’t pre-booked, you’ll have to provide contact details on arrival. This is so that venues can alert you if you were in the vicinity of someone who has turned out to have COVID-19 so that you can take measures to self isolate.
- Data: Your data is kept for at least 21 days and will only be used if a COVID-19 incident has been reported. Your data will be passed on to the local health authority for tracking and contact purposes.
- Protective gear/face masks are to be worn by staff.
- Hand sanitiser stations and increased cleaning systems will be in place.
- Table service will be put in place. Waiters will attend tables instead of customers
roaming venues. - No cash payments. Customers are expected to use contactless payment methods.
- Electronic menus are to be used now.
So, here are some London-based activities that are a little different…
Picnic Hunter Club- Boozy treasure hunt: Starting from the 10/11th July, this is an interactive treasure hunt, including a “3 course” picnic feast, DIY drinks kit (alcoholic or non alcoholic) with alfresco dining prizes at £34pp. This is based in either N16 or SE19 locations and caters to groups of 2, 4 or 6 from the same or different households.
Social distancing measures: These experiences are designed to easily adhere to the government’s social distancing guidelines. The picnics are each packaged for 2 people to share. Hand sanitiser, gloves and tongs will be provided with each picnic to prevent cross contamination.
Gingerline and Flavourology are known for their immersive dining and events and have collaborated to create ‘Picnic hunters club.’ I was impressed to see them experiment and provide an interesting interactive dining experience specifically designed with social distancing in mind.
Neverland Fulham Beach Club: Opening 4th July. This venue is due to host a range of events from bottomless brunches to beach events (6pm- Midnight). They’ll also be launching ‘Raffles Beach Club’ every Thursday.
Social distancing measures: This venue has not yet released much information regarding the extent of the social distancing measures they’ll be putting in place. So far, they have altered their events slightly in response to COVID-19 with their shuttleboard, competitive games and table tennis no longer available. Additionally, in order to adhere to the government guidelines they should require you to provide your contact details which they’ll keep on file. You may also be subject to temperature checks. So, in sticking to the government guidlelines coupled with the fact that the events take place outside, this should be a great way to let off some lockdown steam.
If you are too nervous to jet off this summer at least this way you’ll kind of be dipping your toe in the water…? They’ll be hosting brunch on the beach this summer. With white sand, beach huts, day beds, bars and a DJ. Worth a trip for the photo booths and beach inflatables as props for you gram!
Sky Garden/Sky Pod Bar Monument: From the 8th July, the cafe and bar will be operating during public opening hours for Sky Garden ticket holders only. From the 15th July onwards, the bar will be open for morning and evening guests.
Social distancing measures: They have said they’ll be providing any PPE required by government guidelines and will require staff travelling from outside the EU to quarantine for 14 days prior to commencing work. Only contactless payments will be accepted.
The Sky Garden is on floors 34-37 of the Walkie Talkie building and has spectacular views of London and beautiful gardens. Being a top attraction, the only downside is you’ll usually have to book 3 weeks in advance.
Madison Rooftop St Paul’s: Open from 4th July.
Social distancing measures: Staff will wear PPE whilst serving guests and the layout has been adjusted to allow for physical distancing between guests. They will expect guests to make contactless payments and to view their menus electronically. They have also implemented enhanced cleaning regimes.
Madison rooftop has breathtaking sunset views overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral and is usually rammed in the week. It is worth a visit with social distancing guidelines in place. As the only downside I experienced before was simply the amount of people they let up.
The Ship Wandsworth: They’ll be open and in shipshape on the 20th July. (This is an arm of Young’s who have said they’ll start reopening their pubs from July 20 eg: The Plough, The Devonshire, The Grove…)
Social distancing measures: You’ll be required to book ahead and to pre-order and pay- you’ll need to use the new Young’s ‘On Tap’ app.
The Ship is known as one of the top beer gardens in London. The much asked question when planning a trip here is whether or not you’ll get a seat outside. Which fits with the appeal of coming here when attempting social distancing. With an outside bar, pergola and even a booth that’s heated when it’s chilly just make sure to book!
The Four Thieves Clapham Common: Open from the 4th July.
Social distancing measures: All food and drink will be ordered online and you will be escorted to a table upon entry. They have similarly altered their layout to allow for social distancing of 1m+ and have added signage to show the best way to move around the pub. They will also require contactless payments.
A popular venue with an outside courtyard, booths and fairy lights. This place gets it right, a good atmosphere without the feel of being too crammed in. It would be worth a visit just for this but wait there’s more…It’s a pub arcade. Upstairs you can choose from an abundance of games such as foosball, mini golf courses and immersive VR booths.
Peggy Porschen: From 4th July Belgravia and Chelsea will be open for table service.
Social distancing measures: Disposable menus will be provided for each customer. Customers will be asked to wait outside for a table if unavailable. Tables and chairs will be cleaned and sanitised after each use. They also ask that customers adhere to the 1m+ social distancing rules.
Purely because it’s a pretty pink floral cafe with DIVINE cakes. Why wouldn’t it be worth the trip?
Elan Café: They are open from the 4th July but are not taking bookings for dine-in-guests as of yet.
Social distancing measures: They will be removing all crockery and will provide take-away and dine in options. Now only a few selected bathrooms will be available due to restricted spacing and layouts. All staff will wear visors or face coverings and will have their temperature checked and monitored. They have placed stickers on the floors along with signs located around their venue and ask customers respect other guests and maintain a safe distance of at least 1 metre. Finally, you’ll be expected to use their hand sanitiser station at the entrance of every cafe upon entry and exit.
Similar to Peggy Porschen, Elan Café has gained fame from instagrammers and bloggers alike. Head to toe in baby pink aesthetic and boasting a faux flower wall, you can see why its been voted as the most instagrammable cafe in London.
Bar Elba Waterloo Rooftop cinema: Open from the 4th July. It will be £15 for a ticket and a snack. Screenings will be most days in July. then 3 days a week in August.
Social distancing measures: Food and drinks will be delivered to you as social distancing measures are applied.
Described as the hidden gem of London. You shouldn’t be disappointed with the views and it’s colourful decor. A sort of indie version of pergola with the inspiration from a tiny island of Elba (near the Tuscan coast). Hopefully the only pain you’ll endure is climbing up the stairs to the rooftop (there’s a couple).
Free Range Film Club Outdoor cinemas: These are socially spacious open air cinemas in three locations: Three Mills Island, Blackheath Common and Brockwell Park Brixton. Tickets are at £20 each but you cannot buy individual tickets- they require you to book either a two or four-person pitch.
Social distancing measures: They require that you only share a pitch with those from your household or support bubble. If the screening cannot go ahead due to lockdown measures, you will be offered the option to either re-book if the event is postponed or receive a full refund if preferred.
With the majority of outdoor cinemas opening this summer being drive-in. This was one of the few I found for the many Londoners without a car. Suppose to be a under-the-stars type experience, this should be an interesting evening activity to do with friends this summer.
Kew Gardens Richmond: 4th July: They have implemented pre-booked entry time slots which you can reserve online. Please note, if you do not pre-book you will be turned away. These gardens are £16.50 for entry.
Well worth the visit, beautiful gardens spanning 300 acres and known for their Christmas lights display. While the tickets may seem pricey. Kew Gardens reputation has well earned their entrance fee!
Kyoto Gardens, Holland Park Kensington: Entry is free!
A stunning Japanese garden close to Kensington high street. Perfect if you want to take a calming walk post lockdown.
No.32 The Old Town Clapham: Opening from 4th July.
Social distancing measures: They ask that guests avoid shaking hands or close contact with one other. There will be temperature checks on arrival and they have implemented hand sanitizer stations in all establishments. As No.32 is part of the Darwin and Wallace family, the same social distancing rules apply to their other properties No.1 Duke Street Richmond and No11 Pimlico Road Pimlico.
I’d heard of this place as a popular spot for drinks after work long before I moved to London. Usually crammed on Friday’s and the weekend. It would be close to impossible to actually find a seat free near the bar. Known for its atmosphere and great roof terrace.
The Prince Fulham: Opening from the 4th July.
Socially distancing measures: With the same look and feel as before, The Prince have mentioned they have made a few minor changes to help their team and customers feel as safe and comfortable as possible. You’ll need to now book in advance if you want to have a drink!
London’s largest pub garden, beautiful interior covered in woodland garden. With great food and drinks, again you’ll need to head here early as getting a seat is near to impossible. But with Covid and bookings being enforced, you may actually be able to nab a seat!
Hopefully this has given you a bit of inspiration for London based activities to do post-lockdown and an idea of the safety precautions these establishments have put in place. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has had itchy feet during quarantine! I can’t wait to start jet setting again, but for now, London is my playground.
That being said, I am always plotting my next adventure so if you are interested in travel guides now we can travel look here. For more London posts why not look here by fromlusttilldawn.
Stay safe everyone!
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