Little Treats Around London

my favorite splurges and secret city spots

Whether you’re planning a visit or just living vicariously through Instagram posts, there’s something magical about treating yourself to a little London luxury. I took on the onerous task of trying a few elevated, immersive “little treats” for you on this trip—a tough job, but someone has to do it. You’re welcome.

Some of these “little” treats are actually huge investments, and many of them are also typically out of my comfort zone. But I’ve been fortunate enough to land in a line of work where little luxuries are more accessible to me, whether through influencer connections or just through me being able to rationalize them as “what the royals would do.”

Together, I think this makes up a delightful little menu of splurge experiences from which you might choose on your next trip to London! Let’s dive in, shall we?

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Facial, The House of Elemis

2 Lancashire Ct, London W1S 1EX

Let me tell you, this was a delightful escape right in the bustling center of London. The perfect backdrop for a well-deserved pampering session, The House of Elemis is almost hidden away in a side street in the heart of Mayfair.

This visit was kindly comped for me as an affiliate of Elemis. I don’t receive compensation for this or any other review of Elemis products, but I do make a small commission if you purchase anything through my links. No code needed!

During my first-ever visit to an in-person Elemis store, I opted for a “Reveal” facial. It left me feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated—like I hadn’t been crammed into Basic Economy just 24 hours before. Each session begins with your technician assessing your skin and customizing the treatment based on the results, which makes all the difference. But what I loved most was the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world for just a little while. It felt like a mini-vacation within my vacation. I left feeling not just refreshed but also more in tune with myself—I felt like I had just left a reiki session instead of a skincare appointment. A perfect little treat for anyone who wants to fully embrace self-care!

Afternoon Tea, The Orangery

Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4PX

Okay, we’re all following the “Queen of Afternoon Tea” TikTok drama, right? Let me preface this by saying this was not a Cupcake Café experience on any level.

There’s something undeniably enchanting about booking afternoon tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace. You’re seated in a bright, airy space, surrounded by lush gardens and the rich history of royal life. You’re also surrounded by fellow tea enthusiasts, all set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic palaces.

The Afternoon Tea option is a great assortment of classic treats, from fluffy scones served with (real!) clotted cream to an array of savory finger sandwiches (my fave is always the Coronation Chicken) and delicate pastries. Each bite feels like a little indulgence, so I ate at a glacial pace, and the quality of the food truly reflects the elegance of the venue.

It’s a bit pricey for one person at £55, but it’s undeniably a lovely way to soak in a bit of history while treating yourself to a luxurious afternoon. If you’re looking for a splurge that’s not only about the food but also about the experience, book yourself in at The Orangery.

Why Am I So Single? at the Garrick Theatre

2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH

I’m a theatre nerd at heart, and I try to fit in a West End show on every solo visit to London. This time, I spontaneously went for Why Am I So Single? at the Garrick Theatre after seeing precisely one (1) TikTok promoting it. If you’re in the mood for a good laugh mixed with a dash of introspection, particularly if you’ve ever dated (ugh) a man, you’ll have a good time.

Even though I am blissfully engaged, I found myself cackling and nodding along to the relatable experiences shared by the writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss—the writers of Six the Musical! Did I forget to mention that part? Why Am I So Single? is their new, full-length musical, and it’s described as a “riotously life-affirming” musical extravaganza that explores modern dating woes and the journey to find true love. It’s definitely possible to hear traces of Six in some of Why Am I So Single?’s songs—in the best way possible—and there’s something extra special about hearing the female lead belt out her showstopping number in a thick Scottish accent. 10/10.

I love it when the energy in a theatre is infectious, and that was the case at Why Am I So Single? It’s hard not to reflect on your own romantic adventures (or misadventures) as the ensemble weaves their story on stage, and I felt a very poignant sense of camaraderie with everyone around me, even though I was attending on my own. Head over to the Garrick, grab a cocktail or ice cream, and have an evening filled with laughs and ear-wormy tunes with a side of a little soul-searching.

A Day Trip to Touch Grass

Kent, the Garden of England

Sometimes, a little escape from the hustle and bustle of London is just what you need—and to me, leaving the city when there’s still so much you haven’t explored feels like an indulgent treat. Viatour offers great day trips (I did two on my January trip to Ireland!) and this time around, I chose an excursion to Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral.

Trading the urban landscape for the lush greenery of the English countryside is so restorative, and the journey is easy and scenic. First up was Leeds Castle, often dubbed “the loveliest castle in the world,” where you can stroll through the castle itself and its stunning grounds. The exhibits offer fascinating insights into the castle’s long history, from its role as a dower property of medieval Queens to its position as a glamorous weekend retreat in the 20th century.

Later in the day, after a stop at the Cliffs of Dover, we paid a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a Catholic, I’m no stranger to the reverence and awe that comes from visiting lavish churches, okay? But walking in the literal footsteps of St. Thomas Beckett did something to me. The sheer scale of the history and architecture around you at Canterbury is nothing short of incredible. The Cathedral’s staff want you to explore and be curious, even if services are actively going on. During our visit, it was St. Francis' weekend, which commemorates the life of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals—so there were literal cats and dogs wandering the Cathedral with us.

Getting out of London for the day is not just refreshing; it’s an enriching experience that allows you to connect with England’s storied past. If you’re seeking a splurge that combines history, beauty, and a chance to unwind, I highly recommend a day trip of any sort. You’ll return to the city with a renewed spirit and captivating stories to share, and maybe even a new friend from your tour group!

Afternoon Tea, Montague on the Gardens

15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ

My second afternoon tea experience on this vacation was at the very posh Montague on the Gardens, a hidden gem near the British Museum. My tour group was actually staying at the Montague for the week, and I learned very quickly that the hotel oozes refinement from every inch of its paneled Old English decor. With its attentive staff, you immediately feel special just walking in the doors, but settling into a plush seat for afternoon tea on the terrace is on another level.

The Montague’s stunning greenhouse room is the perfect backdrop for this quintessentially British tradition, and the tea service itself was a delightful treat. Each table received a beautifully arranged tiered stand filled with delish finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with (real!!) clotted cream and jam, and an array of pastries that looked almost too good to eat. But eat them I did, and I was thrilled to discover that we had arrived in time to partake in some fall offerings. Pumpkin spice mousse, anyone?

If you’re looking to indulge in a little luxury, step away from the crowds in Bloomsbury for some classic English charm at Montague on the Gardens! My entire stay was an utter delight, from the tea to the turndown service.

Cocktails, The Milk Float

Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, London E9 5EN

My group made a few treks to the East End on our visit, but the evening we spent in Hackney Wick was one of the most enjoyable. Described by our guide as “the East Village of London,” heading to the Milk Float offered a more laid-back yet undeniably cool splurge.

Offering a totally different vibe from London’s more traditional spots, the Milk Float is situated on a boat moored in one of the East End’s canals. The creative energy of the neighborhood made this the perfect spot for our group to unwind and sample an array of cocktails.

The focus at the Milk Float is on quality—but that didn’t mean we needed to sacrifice quantity. I could have sworn we were booked in for a tasting only, so I was picturing a mini-cocktail, flight-style presentation. Nope. Each of our drinks were full-sized and offered a showcase of local liquors, mixers, and inspiration. Our server, Carl, took great care to explain the origin of the local ingredients, many of which were produced just a few miles from where we sat.

If I’m going to recommend a splurge that feels both off-the-beaten-path and totally trendy, a visit to the Milk Float is now at the top of the list for me!

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What London little treats would you recommend? Is there anything you’re dying to try? Let us know!