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Travel to The UK Has Reopened. Get Ready to Put London Back on That Bucket List.
Hello half-term friends. Hello friends across the pond. Travel just got a whole lot easier. Finally, after what has felt like an eternity, London is back. The UK has scrapped its infamous traffic light system, removing global hotspots from the ‘red list’ at last.
As of today, the ‘red list’ has officially been slashed from 54 countries to just seven, meaning travellers vaccinated in more than 37 new countries will now be treated the same as fully vaccinated-returning UK residents.
Travel to London from exotic destinations like South Africa, Mexico, Thailand, Brazil, and Indonesia is now finally a reality! The seven countries remaining on the UK’s red lists are Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
Any travellers in the Uk looking for a half-term holiday or winter escape can also now look forward to popular long-haul destinations like Mexico, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa.
Half-term Hopes
To all our international friends, if you’re looking to pop over to London during this half-term, we’ve got you covered for things to do this October, with an endless list of fantastic places to visit in London.
Top Places to Visit in London
With history on every corner, exquisite cuisine, plenty of musicals or shows to discover, London has inexhaustible appeal, there couldn’t be a better time to visit London.
Raise a Glass in London’s Best Bars
Indulge in some tantalising cocktails at some of London’s top cocktail bars where local mixologists get down and dirty behind the bar, shaking, stirring (yes that is a Bond reference) and conjuring billows of smoke to reveal the art form that is a London cocktail.
Our local experts have recently ventured out and guinea-pigged their way through several popular bars, so you can count on us!
In West London, dive into a world of bar takeovers and immersive experiences, and enjoy masterclasses, tastings, cocktail dinners, parties and more.
If you’re a Martini lover or someone who enjoys a decent draft beer, there’s a spot to suit every taste in this rather tasteful area of the capital.
The Nest
Perched at the heart of Marleybone’s Treehouse London – one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods – be sure to book an evening at The Nest, a spectacular rooftop with a 360-degree skyline view of the city.
When entering, you’ll burrow through a timber-lined corridor before emerging into the magnificent bird-box terrace vibe of the glass and wood-panelled den.
This beautifully designed haven that sits on the 16th floor offers delicious cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients (a massive yes yes from us).
Treehouse is also a quick walk to the city’s most iconic parks and sites in West London.
Location: Treehouse London, 14-15 Langham Place, London, W1.
Anthracite
This sophisticated cocktail lounge is perfect for dialling into the “007” craze currently sweeping across the world.
The unmissable Anthracite is a place where James Bond-worthy Martinis are served in a lavish lounge, paying homage to the glamorous yet decadent location.
Location: Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross St Pancras International Station, Pancras Road, London N1C. anthracitelounge.com
Covent Garden – In The Night Place At The Night-Time
Rediscover the West End as Covent Garden plays host to London’s biggest cocktail festival. Enjoy access to more than 40 pop-up bars, special events, and exclusive discounts.
What’s more, some of the best bars in London are just a stone’s throw away from some of our properties including The Carlyle and Knaresborough Place – perfect for slipping away for a good night’s rest after a night on the town! (Scroll down for more info on this)
Make The Most of London’s Outdoor Dining
The perfect excuse to try out some of the capital’s world-class restaurants before the magnificent London winter settles in and the al-fresco hotpots become the retreat of the brave.
You won’t go wrong at old-school classics like the River Café or creative spaces to eat and drink in Victoria.
Harry’s Dolce Vita
Your Local Italian bistro on a Knightsbridge backstreet
A glamorous Italian bistro, Harry’s has a particularly chic vibe with a breezy European-style terrace out front, often with a raucous murmur of adults enjoying a casual spritz and some Italian classics including spaghetti and fresh antipasti plates.
Expect prices from around £60 per person.
Explore Eccleston Yards
Barry’s @ Eccleston Yards
Only 5 minutes from London Victoria, Eccleston Yards has become quite the popular home to meet up with friends and hang out.
Nestled in a beautiful courtyard, here you can find al-fresco dining at a bunch of super-trendy restaurants, yoga & fitness studios, a hair salon, and shops.
The space has been transformed into an urban oasis for both co-working and eating. Head here to collaborate in a creative hub with like-minded individuals while snacking on delightful, delectable dishes, all sourced from sustainable and seasonal ingredients.
Our top tips
Wild by Tart for yummy veggie options (think hummus, broad bean, and mozzarella arancini balls, and a courgette, confit garlic mascarpone spenwood, and lemon flatbread).
Jones Family Kitchen: A must if you enjoy steak and if you’re a potato fan, you’ll be happy to know there’s a whole section dedicated to potatoes with dauphinoise, fries, and triple-cooked chips.
Morena is your go-to for fresh roasted Columbian coffee and awesome Latin street food. Be sure to engage with the two Columbian owners, they’re sisters and have a brilliant story to tell! Order the empanadas.
To find out more, go to the Belgravia London Website.
Location: Eccleston Yards is 21 Eccleston Place, London SW1W 9AZ. It is next door to one of the Victoria Coach Station entrances.
Top tip: Book yourself a stay at the unique and colourful boutique Warwick Hotel in Victoria.
It doesn’t get more central than this. With plenty of iconic landmarks on your doorstep, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Tate Britain, plus fantastic transport links to all of London and beyond, you’ll never be short of things to do in and around Victoria.
Set in an iconic London terrace building, each room at the Warwick has its own colour scheme – expect splashes of colour, handpicked artworks, ensuite bathrooms, and the most comfortable beds around.
From clever use of smart tech like the smart locks we have on your door – adding to your personal safety – to carefully selected, environmentally friendly products to locally sourced (wait till you smell them) vegan toiletries in your bathroom.
Modern bathrooms @ The Warwick 
Smart Security @ The Warwick
Have another top tip on us: Watch out for our next blog where we’ll dive into London’s glorious food festival – a chance to celebrate London’s eclectic food scene with the London Restaurant Festival taking place in restaurants across the city – plus London’s cocktail festival, all taking place this month!
Rejuvenate & Unwind After a Long Day
In need of a little R&R? Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at one of these chic urban retreats. From facials to marble swimming baths, these London spas offer everything you could ever want in the way of fitness, beauty, and wellness.
London’s top spas are home to some of the world’s most skilled masseuses, nail technicians, and aesthetic practitioners. They’re guaranteed to leave you feeling rested, rejuvenated, and utterly pampered.
From The Connaught to Urban, London spas harness all the healing elements you could ever need to feel like your old self again. We’ve rounded up a few below;
Aman – The Connaught
The Aman spa is famous for being a portal to another world
This underground oasis offers signature treatments that use a mixture of amber oil, sandalwood, rose quartz crystals, jasmine, rare black Peruvian and purple muds, wild-harvested butters, and silver to specifically treat stress, exhaustion, and insomnia.
Top tip: Go for the Grounding Massage, which combines cupping, acupressure, deep-tissue techniques, and Tibetan head massage to induce complete relaxation.
Choose Urban for Your Personal Wellbeing
A home-massage, beauty, physiotherapy, fitness door-to-door service
Book yourself a massage, physiotherapy, facials, nails, or lashes, delivered directly to your door.
Available until 11pm 365 days a year, Urban uses products from Dermalogica and percussive therapy by Theragun. You can choose from over 50 curated treatments then choose your own qualified therapist who will be with you within an hour!
To book a service, be sure to use code NESTOR15 to get £15 off your first booking!
Hit The Hyde Park Trail
Ahh, the beautiful Hyde Park. Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is the largest park in London. Dip your toes in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, take in the captivating views across the lake from the peaceful waterside café or perhaps brave an open water swim in the Serpentine.
You can also play tennis, go horse riding, jog around the park, cycle or simply enjoy the open air!
Fun fact: If you’re an avid debater, head down there on a Sunday morning to hear the many people from all walks of life share their views on literally everything. Beware of religious and political rallies and marches.
The park is also known to hold some awesome concerts and events so be sure to check in regularly for upcoming events.
Where to Stay in London
Nestor handpicks London rentals in the most sought-after neighbourhoods. Our properties can be found in prime, central, urban locations across London and beyond, each echoing the liveliness and soul of their neighbourhoods
Located in the heart of London, we have a collection of wonderful properties ready to welcome you, from Luxury stays in Kensington at The Carlyle to stylish Kensington studios at The Knaresborough, to unique hotel rooms in the boutique Warwick hotel in Victoria.
Low-key train-hopping
If you’re daring enough, you can even hop on a quick train from London Victoria to one of England’s nearby picturesque towns. Just take a quick look at our latest piece to learn about the many trappings of quaint England country.
Travelling to England if you are fully vaccinated:
You must have had a complete course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in England with digital or paper-based proof (CDC card for Americans and EU DCC for Europeans).
You will need to book and pay for a day two COVID-19 test to be taken after arrival in England.
You will need to complete your passenger locator form – any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in England.
You will need to take a COVID-19 test on or before day two after you arrive in England.
You can find the full list on gov.uk website