From world-famous landmarks and free museums to riverside walks and West End shows, London has something for every kind of trip. Staying at The Lodge Hotel in Putney puts all of it within easy reach.
We’re a few minutes’ walk from East Putney Tube Station, with direct District line trains to Westminster and quick rail links from Putney station to Waterloo. Spend your days exploring the city, then come back to a calm, leafy corner of South West London, with stylish boutique rooms, all-day dining and an on-site gym.
Start in Westminster with Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, then cross the river for a ride on the London Eye. Time your visit for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and walk back through St James’s Park. Further east, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge are well worth half a day.
Many of London’s best museums are free. Tate Britain and Tate Modern are an easy trip from Putney, and in South Kensington the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A sit side by side, so you can see several in one day. The British Museum is another must for first-time visitors
London’s theatre scene is one of the best in the world. Book a musical or play in the West End, then have dinner around Leicester Square and Covent Garden before heading back to Putney.
For designer shopping, head to Mayfair and Bond Street. For something more relaxed, the King’s Road in Chelsea has independent boutiques, cafés and galleries. Food lovers shouldn’t miss Borough Market.
London is one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Walk the Thames Path from Putney Bridge, spot the deer in Richmond Park, or spend an afternoon in Battersea Park. Kew Gardens is also a short trip from Putney.
Putney is a great base for sport. It’s a short Tube ride to Wimbledon for the tennis, Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage is just across the river, and every spring the Boat Race starts right here in Putney.
You don’t need to go into central London for a great day out. Our own neighbourhood has riverside pubs, independent restaurants and plenty of green space. For more ideas, see our guides to things to do in Putney and things to do in Putney this autumn.
Browse our full local area guide for more.
A day of sightseeing can work up an appetite. Here are a few local favourites:
Prefer to stay close to the hotel? Our own restaurant and bar serves food all day.
Booking direct on our website gets you the best value, with free high-speed Wi-Fi and parking included with every offer:
View all our current hotel offers
1. What are the best things to do in London for first-time visitors?
Most first-time visitors see Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, ride the London Eye, watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, visit the Tower of London and catch a West End show. Add one of the free museums, such as the British Museum or Natural History Museum.
2. What are the best free things to do in London?
The British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, Tate Modern and Tate Britain are all free to enter you can also watch the Changing of the Guard, walk the Thames Path, visit Borough Market or explore Richmond Park for free.
3. How many days do you need in London?
Three to four days is enough to see the main landmarks, visit a couple of museums and see a show with five days or more, you can explore neighbourhoods like Putney, Chelsea and Richmond at a slower pace.
4. Is Putney a good place to stay when visiting London?
Yes. Putney is a safe, leafy riverside area with good pubs and restaurants and fast links into central London. It’s usually better value and quieter than staying in the city centre.
5. How do I get from Putney to central London?
From East Putney, the District line runs directly to Victoria, Westminster and Embankment. Trains from Putney station go straight to London Waterloo in around 15 minutes.
6. What is the best time of year to visit London?
Late spring and early summer, roughly May to July, bring the best weather and major events like Wimbledon. Autumn is quieter and good value, while December is popular for Christmas markets and festive lights.
