Guide to the Elizabeth line

Located in a beautiful Queen Anne-style building in West Drayton, the Southlands Arts Centre features large grounds that are open to the public. Established in the 1960s, the centre has used its Grade II -isted quarters to showcase talent, both local and from further abroad. The programme includes a variety of exhibitions, arts and photography classes, film screenings and more.

With a largely Indian community, Southall is often referred to as Little India and is a great place to visit if you’d like to learn more about this South Asian country’s culture. In addition to numerous stores selling authentic wares and sights such as the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, the largest Sikh temple outside of India, there are plenty of places where you can fill up on authentic food. Madhu’s is famous for its Punjabi banquets, served on bespoke tableware.

Walk or cycle along the Grand Union Canal, once a major industrial waterway connecting London with the Midlands, and view the seven locks in the Hanwell area, the lockkeepers’ cottages and other related features. You can take a charming country-style walk without ever leaving the capital here.

Kathmandu Nepalese Cuisine is the place to go if you want to sample the authentic flavours of the Himalayas without actually making the trek across the world. Enjoy a range of dishes, like dumplings, starters, curries, and Tandoori dishes, in a laid-back and welcoming setting kitted out with large artwork. Make sure you order a lassi to go alongside your food.

Part performance space, part pub, The Aeronaut is inspired by a love of all things circus and cabaret, putting on loads of events, from spectacular acrobatics to quizzes, games, DJs and more. The classic pub interior transforms into a glitzy circus arena by night, accompanied by a pair of outdoor areas with fairground-themed decor, private igloos and even a big tent. Food and drink are available throughout the day.

There are plenty of lovely riverside spots and even other barges to choose from in the Little Venice area in Paddington, but this is the clear choice for cheese lovers. Coming from the folks behind The Cheese Bar, The Cheese Barge lets you indulge in a seasonal cheese-based menu with innovative pairings, different British cheeses to taste, standouts such as a half-kilo baked Baron Bigod, and cheese-themed afternoon tea, all while floating gently on the canal.

There’s no shortage of luxury shops and lavish restaurants in the upscale Bond Street area, but for a truly memorable setting, Sketch won’t disappoint. The 18th century townhouse encompasses a variety of venues decorated in a beautiful, eye-catching manner, from the enchanting Glade, consistently considered one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, to the futuristic space-pod toilets.

It might be the oldest independent concert venue on the planet, but you could still walk by The 100 Club and never even know it. This legendary basement venue is located beneath the shops on Oxford Street and could fill several halls of fame with the musicians that have performed here, from Muddy Waters and The Sex Pistols to The Rolling Stones and Metallica. Still keeping abreast of trends today, the scarlet concert hall regularly features the buzziest new talent around.

Built almost 500 years ago, the snug Ye Olde Mitre pub is steeped in history. Relatively secluded from the busy local area thanks to being tucked down a side alley, it maintains a focus on traditional pub-keeping. The seven ales on tap include guest brews from around the UK, with small batches of wooden cask beers also popping up as part of the Beers from the Wood initiative. Meanwhile, the house chef specialises in tasty toasties, pork pies, sausage rolls and other snacks. Also, Queen Elizabeth I supposedly danced around the cherry tree in the courtyard once upon a time.

If you’re passionate about Italian culinary delights, you can make a fun day out of it with a trip to the vast Eataly food hall next to Liverpool Street Station. London’s Italian food hub combines different Italian eateries with numerous retailers and a plethora of authentic products, from groceries to charcuterie, cheeses and wine. They also host regular classes and events, for example Italian cookery classes.

The first science education centre on the planet to be situated within working biomedical research laboratories, Centre of the Cell lets you see scientists at work during your visit. The centre hosts a number of different educational shows, workshops and other experiences, geared towards schools and families.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a former industrial wasteland that was revived after it was built to host the 2012 Olympics. These days, it's one of London's best parks, with ample walking paths and coffee shops to enjoy. Take a stroll along the river and take in the views of the East London skyline as you wander, including West Ham's stadium, which has called Stratford home for many years.

A popular bubble tea destination, Dribble Tea is a modern café with a simple menu that includes fruit and milk boba, as well as inventive fluffy teas in flavours like matcha or chocolate cheesecake for when you really need a sugar fix. Vegan options abound as well, and you can top off your drink with chewy jellies.

Wanstead Flats is a green expanse at the southernmost end of Epping Forest, meaning you could in theory walk through parkland all the way to the London Orbital in Epping, crossing only a few roads in the process. If you’re after a more leisurely afternoon, however, Wanstead Flats, the open grassland amid the concrete jungle of Leyton and Wanstead, includes plenty of walking path, ponds, lakes and football pitches.

A Grade I listed area in East London, the City of London Cemetery & Crematorium is one of Europe’s largest municipal burial sites. In addition to the graves and memorials, it includes beautiful gardens, tree-lined avenues, diverse wildlife, a café and more. Dating back more than 150 years, its rich heritage includes several notable names buried there, including two of the Jack the Ripper victims.

The Ilford branch of Enish lets you experience the diverse dishes of Nigeria in a lively party atmosphere that includes regular events and accommodates private party bookings as well. The main menu features authentic cuisine, with classic options such as gizzard and plantain, fried fish, and pepper soup.

Fairlop Waters Country Park is a scenic park located in the northeast of London. Covering approximately 130 acres, the park features a large lake, woodlands, and open spaces, providing a peaceful escape from the busy city. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, walking, cycling, and birdwatching. The park also offers sports facilities such as a golf course, sailing lake, and football pitches.

The Romford Greyhound Stadium dates back to 1929 and is one of the most visited dog tracks in the UK, as well as being one of only two greyhound stadiums still left in the capital. It includes five bars and three restaurants, and hosts races most days of the week.

The lush Pergola on the Wharf is a combination of restaurant, food court and garden, complementing its all-day in-house kitchen with a rotating lineup of pop-up street vendors. The regular menu emphasises natural ingredients and you can enjoy your meal while taking in the wharfside views from the al fresco terrace. Entertainment is taken care of as well, with DJs and live music getting the dance floor moving.

Testing the water regularly and providing safety crews to make sure everyone’s swim goes smoothly, the Love Open Water project sets up open-water swimming areas where you wouldn’t necessarily expect them. For example, you can find them at Royal Docks, giving you the chance to paddle about in a unique urban setting.

The Royal Arsenal Farmers' Market is on in Woolwich twice per month. It's a year-round event hosting a variety of stalls that offer fresh produce, artisan crafts, and street food. You can stock up on wine, preserves, bread, biscuits, and other goodies, along with a wide selection of hot food to savour on the spot. Visiting the market makes for a lovely day out for the whole family.

Spanning 88 hectares, this green oasis provides a variety of things to do and explore, from walking the heath to visiting the ruins of the 12th century abbey that gives the area its name. Throughout the year, there is also a range of classes, workshops and other events you can attend as well.