With the Underground running 24 hours over the weekend it’s just as easy to embark on an early morning adventure as it is to stay out partying all night! If you’re an early riser, check out these activities to really kick-start your day
Tri-Yoga sessions will get you saluting to the sun at daybreak; there’s a class to suit all levels at the Chelsea, Soho, Covent Garden and Camden centres. Or, if you prefer exercise of a different kind, and with different kit altogether, a Cities at Dawn Photography workshop will introduce you to London at its most ethereal, whatever the weather. Starting one hour before daybreak, you’ll discover a different view of London as you explore the city’s hidden corners and secret lanes.
www.triyoga.co.uk (nearest tube stations: Camden – Northern line / Covent Garden – Piccadilly line / Gloucester Road – Piccadilly line / Oxford Circus – Victoria line) www.citiesatdawn.com (Various)
River Thames at Dawn
Beat the crowds with an early-morning tour of London. The Royal London Morning Tour allows you to take in the city at first light from the comfort of your coach, before enjoying a private guided tour of the Tower of London with a Yeoman Warder (being one of the first groups to visit the Crown Jewels on the day of your tour).
www.premiumtours.co.uk/royal-london-morning-tour (nearest tube station for departure: Victoria – Victoria line)
To truly embrace London, a wander through its working markets at dawn is a must. Stroll through New Covent Garden Market (in south-west London)—the largest fruit, vegetable and flower market in Britain—and witness the hoards of buyers and sellers haggling for a deal – bacon butties (sandwiches) and fresh coffee will keep you going (4am start).
www.newcoventgardenmarket.com (nearest tube station: Vauxhall – Victoria line)
Portobello Market, London, England
In west London, head to Portobello Road, home to one of the world’s best-known markets. Market stalls stretch a mile along Portobello Road and round the corner into Golborne Road: it’s a haven for bargain hunters and lovers of fashion, books, music and antiques. Get there early (from 8am) for the best buys.
http://shopportobello.co.uk/ (nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate – Central line)
Columbia Road Flower Market, Shoreditch, London, London, England.
Before the new week begins head to east London for the most satisfying of Sunday experiences at the Columbia Road Flower Market, which sees the street transformed into an oasis of colour, eccentric characters and amazing scents. There is a real East End charm to the market and quirky cafés and shops have sprung up along all around the area, making this a truly authentic London destination (from 8am). www.columbiaroad.info (nearest tube station: Bethnal Green – Central line)
