Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Famous English writer Samuel Johnson once said “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” That extends to travelers too, especially the baby boomer generation. But with so much choice it can be hard to know where to start!
We’ve got you covered though, below is a list of the 10 things to do in London as a baby boomer. From historic museums to indulging in afternoon tea, there is something for every boomer traveler in London!
Eat at Borough Market
For baby boomers who love to eat, you can’t go wrong with London’s famous Borough Market. Dating back to the 12th century, the food market has stalls for just about every type of cuisine you can think of.
Some traditional fish and chips? Check. Fresh honey from a local farm? Check. A hearty, warm curry? You bet. You can spend hours wandering Borough Market, just be prepared to spend a lot of money – no one is safe from overindulging here!
Watch a West End Show
You can’t visit London without watching a West End show. As the English version of New York’s Broadway, you can expect to see some of the world’s best theatre performances in the West End.
Travel back to the 1970s with Freddy Mercury and Queen with We Will Rock You or head to the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi and dance the night away with Mamma Mia. Whatever your choice, prepare to be wowed!
Enjoy Afternoon Tea
Have you really had an authentic British experience if you don’t have afternoon tea? We think not. Luckily, when in London baby boomers have endless options for ‘proper’ afternoon tea. The Ritz London is arguably the most famous, while The Savoy is highly regarded, and The Rubens at the Palace offers afternoon tea next to Buckingham Palace.
Wherever you decide to visit, make sure to wear your finest, and for goodness sake, don’t forget to lift your pinky when drinking!
Head to the Museums
London is home to some of the best museums in the world, and many are completely free of charge to enter! The British Museum was the world’s first public museum when it opened its doors in 1759. It’s home to the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles, while Karl Marx, Oscar Wilde, Mahatma Gandhi, and Lenin all used its famous Reading Rooms.
Another must-visit is the Victoria and Albert Museum, more commonly known as the V&A. It’s considered the world’s most prominent design and art museum and offers glimpses into the history of photography, fashion, and much more.
Visit Harrods
If you’re a lover of luxury, there is no better store to visit as a baby boomer traveling in London than Harrods. Standing as Europe’s largest department store, it has seven floors full to the brim of the finest foods, furniture, toys, clothes, and just about everything else you can think of. If you’re traveling during the festive season, Harrods’ Christmas lights are worth visiting alone to get you into the holiday spirit!
Visit Buckingham Palace
There aren’t many more iconic London sights for baby boomers than Buckingham Palace. Home to the British monarch, the imposing building is a constant reminder of the nation’s royal family and its history.
During the summer months and on selected dates in the winter, you can take part in tours of the majestic State Rooms inside the palace. But even if you don’t have tickets to explore the inside, simply taking in the huge gates, the Victoria Memorial, and witnessing the Changing of the Guard is enough for any royalist.
Spend an Evening at a Jazz Club
One of the best things to do in London as a baby boomer is unwind at a jazz club one evening. London’s most famous jazz venue is Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Founded in 1959 in Soho, the club has held some of the most iconic musical performances including sets from Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald, and it was the location of Jimi Hendrix’s final public performance.
Tickets sell out quickly so make sure to book in advance if you want to experience this slice of jazz history for yourself.
Take in the Sights and Scents of Columbia Road Flower Market
If you’re a baby boomer traveling in London who loves flowers, the Columbia Road Flower Market should be high on your list of places to visit! Open every Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm, come rain or shine, the market is a great way to spend your morning or afternoon. Obviously, the main attraction is the huge variety of flowers on offer, but you can also enjoy buskers, antique stalls, and delicious local pastries on offer.
Take a Tour of Westminster
For any baby boomer who loves their history and politics, a tour of Westminster should be on the cards. As the political hub of the UK and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster is full to the brim with fascinating history. The best way to take it all in is on a guided tour where you’ll hear firsthand of its past, present, and future.
Wander the National Portrait Gallery
Founded in 1856 as the world’s first portrait gallery, London’s National Portrait Gallery is a wonderful day out for a baby boom traveling in London. As with many galleries and museums in England’s capital, it is free of charge to enter. It lays claim to some of the most famous portraits ever created, including those of William Shakespeare, the Brontë sisters, Sir Winston Churchill, and Queen Elizabeth II.