London has a new blockbuster, and it is nearly a thousand years old. The Bayeux Tapestry went on public display at the British Museum on 10 September, the first time the 11th-century embroidery has ever been shown in the UK. At roughly 68 metres long, it tells the story leading up to the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings in 1066, and demand has been extraordinary: the opening ticket release produced queues of several hours and set a new British Museum record for sales in a single day. If you want to see it, book ahead.
Once you have had your fill of medieval embroidery, there are gentler ways to take in the city. Brigit's Bakery runs afternoon tea aboard a classic Routemaster double-decker, a 90-minute loop from Victoria that started in 2013. The route rolls past Harrods in Knightsbridge, the Albert Memorial opposite the Royal Albert Hall, and three major museums including the Science Museum. It is touristy in the best sense: scones, landmarks and no walking required.
For dinner, one of London's newest openings is Bulbul near Blackfriars, a short stroll from the old newspaper heartland of Fleet Street. It is the first UK restaurant from Indian restaurateurs Rohan D'Souza and Twinkle Keswani, who was named Young Restaurateur of the Year by India's Economic Times in 2023. The pair researched the menu by travelling across India, gathering recipes from home kitchens and regional markets that rarely leave their home turf. The room is a big part of the appeal: a water fountain greets you at the bottom of the steps, a mirrored ceiling adds depth, carpets come from Jaipur Rugs, and staff wear uniforms by Mumbai label Papa Don't Preach. In the kitchen, expect dishes such as Jim Corbett Hunter's Murgh Mussallam, a rustic Mughlai chicken slow-cooked with whole spices, and Nilgiri Beef Short Rib Korma braised with coriander and mint. Cocktails are built to match the food, drawing on different Indian regions, and there are milder options for spice-shy diners.
For a bed with backstory, the Hilton London Paddington dates to 1854, when it was built as the grand façade of Paddington Station. A multi-million-pound renovation is restoring its Victorian bones and Art Deco flourishes — think geometric motifs, restored tilework and the lobby's huge European crystal chandelier — while modernising the guestrooms. The practical clincher is location: the hotel sits above the station, so you get the Heathrow Express, five Underground lines, and Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens within easy walking distance.
Put together, the tapestry, the tea bus, a serious new Indian restaurant and a heritage hotel makeover make a solid case for a London trip this autumn or winter — especially if history is your thing. Just secure those British Museum tickets before you book anything else.
