London calling: What to do in the capital this summer

Simon Calder’s Travel Week [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE: £20 FOR 1 YEAR]( August 27, 2023 [View in browser](   SIMON CALDER’S TRAVEL WEEK [The Independent]( [The Independent]( When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; so goes the saying. [Capital idea: make the most of a trip with our ultimate London city guide]( While many of us rush off abroad over the school holidays, let's not forget that one of the most exciting cities on Earth is right here in the UK. The British capital makes for a world-class domestic city break, whether you're making a day trip, enjoying a weekend, or exploring for longer. If you're looking for a stylish stay without breaking the bank, browse [this list of the best budget hotels](, while those looking to overnight in London with faithful hound in tow should [check out these dog-friendly hotels]( in the capital. Treat yourself to a quintessentially English experience with [one of the best afternoon teas in London](, splash the cash in [one of these top shopping spots](, or start planning your trip with our ultimate [local's guide to London](. Fair fares The top deck of a London bus offers excellent views, with fares lower than the Tube. Adults pay £1.75 for a journey of any length plus extra trips within an hour. The daily cap is £5.25, so all rides above three are free. Use a contactless card. [LONDON'S LONGEST BUS ROUTE]( [Isles of Scilly]( Underground art The biggest and best concentration of street art in the capital is in the “graffiti tunnel”: the Leake Street underpass beneath Waterloo station, accessible via York Road or Lower Marsh. Open 24 hours, free. [WORLD RECORD MURAL]( [Get 30% off boutique Clerkenwell hotel]( The offer from Mr & Mrs Smith applies to stays of three nights at The Zetter Townhouse Save on five-star luxury in central London]( The Rubens is centrally located next to Buckingham Palace, with plush furnishings [Stay two nights in Richmond from £225]( This deal includes two nights in a deluxe room and afternoon tea for two with Champagne Enjoy a year of unlimited digital access for just £99 £20 ✓ Full access to Premium news analysis ✓ Advert-free reading across web and app ✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper ✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more [SUBSCRIBE NOW]( Travel guide Carnival spirit In London for the August bank holiday? Experience the biggest celebration in town, with a trip to the Notting Hill Carnival. [GO TO GUIDE]( Feature The lion sleeps tonight Exclusive tours, workshops and the chance to wake up with wildlife: this is what it's like to spend the night at London Zoo. [READ MORE]( The capital has an astonishing range of long, signposted trails for ramblers Abigail Blasi Travel writer Hotels Spa stays Recharge and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing with this selection of the capital's most indulgent spa hotels. [BOOK NOW]( Round up Stretch your legs Exploring on foot is a stellar way to discover more of the city; here are 10 of London’s best long walks to try. [GET INSPIRED]( [Travelling with your dog? The best London hotels that welcome pooches]( [Oxford guide: How to best enjoy your break in the city of dreaming spires]( [The 10 best UK city breaks for a weekend trip - from London to York](   PICK OF THE WEEK: JET2HOLIDAYS [Jet off to Madeira from £519. Lush landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and blissful beaches? Madeira ticks all the boxes when it comes to spectacular scenery. Known as the ‘island of eternal spring’, this Portuguese paradise is a haven for nature-lovers, and it all starts with a low £60pp deposit*.]( [*T&Cs apply. See www.jet2holidays.com for full details.](   [The best pairs of men's shorts to take you through summer and beyond - from linen to chino]( [SHOP NOW]( [The top 23 noise-cancelling headphones to help you enjoy more peaceful travels in 2023]( [SHOP NOW]( OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE [Climate News]( Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats]( IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now]( [Climate News] Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats] IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now](   The Independent proudly partners with [Refuge]( and the [National Domestic Abuse Helpline](: 0808 2000 247 If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. 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