10 Things To Do Within A 10-Minute Walk of One Aldwych
When you find yourself at One Aldwych, right in the heart of London’s cultural quarter, the city opens up around you like a perfectly curated gallery. Theatres, secret gardens, immersive experiences, art, architecture and the best food and drink hotspots are all on your doorstep.
Whether you have a few hours or a full day to play with, here are ten handpicked things to do that are within a ten-minute walk of our hotel.
- Somerset House, The Courtauld Gallery & Setlist
Step through the arches at the Waterloo Bridge entrance and into the ever-evolving creative world of Somerset House. Take a quiet moment to admire the neoclassical architecture, then explore The Courtauld Gallery, where a world-class collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art awaits. And when you’re ready for something more contemporary, Setlist, Somerset House’s riverside pop-up, is the capital’s new cultural hot spot, with DJs, live music, and innovative food from some of London’s most exciting female chefs.
- A Trip to the Theatre
You’re in the West End, after all. From Mamma Mia! at the Novello to Back to the Future at the Adelphi, Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune or The Play That Goes Wrong at the Duchess, there are no fewer than 14 theatres within a 10-minute walk of One Aldwych. That’s everything from musical blockbusters to experimental fringe, all within curtain-call distance. If you’re a regular West End-goer and on the hunt for something new, Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Burlesque at The Savoy Theatre have both just opened and are a stone’s throw away from us. Explore the full magic of the West End here.
- The Seven Stars
Sometimes, only a proper London pub will do. The Seven Stars, just off Carey Street, claims to be one of the city’s oldest drinking establishments, having survived the Great Fire of London in 1666. Step inside and you’ll find a snug, timeworn space where wooden beams meet witty blackboard menus, and where the spirit of old London lives on (along with the resident cat, usually found lounging at the bar).
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
Blink and you might miss it, but behind the façade of a row of Georgian townhouses is one of London’s most extraordinary museums. Sir John Soane’s Museum is the preserved home of the visionary Regency architect, filled floor to ceiling with antiquities, artworks and architectural wonders. It’s like stepping into the pages of a gothic novel; eccentric, enlightening and completely unmissable.
- Inner Temple Garden
In need of a breath of fresh air? Just behind Fleet Street lies one of London’s best-kept secrets: Inner Temple Garden. Open to the public during weekday lunchtimes, this three-acre sanctuary brims with ancient trees, wildflowers and resident bees (just like ours!). A moment of serenity just steps away from the city’s buzz, perfect for a picnic, a stroll or a quiet moment with a book.
- Cleopatra’s Needle
For a brush with incredible ancient history, follow the Thames to Cleopatra’s Needle, the 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk standing proud on the Victoria Embankment. Flanked by bronze sphinxes and overlooking the river, it’s one of those London landmarks that still manages to surprise, a piece of Heliopolis history, weathered by time and war, right here in the city.
- The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat
If you fancy seeing London through a more surreal lens, try The Hunt for the Cheshire Cat, an immersive outdoor puzzle adventure inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Solve clues, follow the trail across the city and interact with curious characters as you attempt to uncover a secret conspiracy in the heart of Wonderland. Part treasure hunt, part theatre and entirely bonkers (in the best possible way!).
- Neal’s Yard
Tucked away in Seven Dials, Neal’s Yard is a vibrant courtyard packed with independent cafés, wellness brands and some of the best hidden food spots in the city. Don’t miss the famous doughnuts at St JOHN Bakery, bold Middle Eastern flavours at The Barbary Next Door or the al fresco vibes from Homeslice and 26 Grains. A true Instagram favourite, this colourful hideaway is a must-visit.
- HMS Wellington
Mooring history on the Thames, HMS Wellington invites you aboard for a journey back to WWII. Through a state-of-the-art VR experience, you can walk in the footsteps of the ship’s crew, reliving pivotal moments like the evacuation of France and U-boat battles in the Atlantic. It’s immersive, emotional and deeply evocative; a true hidden gem for history lovers.
- Cecil Court
Just moments from Covent Garden, you’ll find the hidden gem that is Cecil Court; a charming Victorian passageway lined with independent bookshops, art dealers and antique specialists. Known as “Booksellers’ Row” since the 1930s, it’s a treasure trove of rare editions, vintage prints and curiosities – perfect for collectors and curious wanderers alike. Steeped in history (in fact, Mozart once lived here in 1764), it’s a peaceful and culture-rich detour from the bustle of the West End.
At One Aldwych, we like to think of our location as a cultural compass. With Covent Garden’s charm, the Strand’s grandeur and the Southbank’s creativity all just moments away.
Whether you’re chasing theatre tickets, artworks, cocktails or simply a moment of stillness in a garden square, this neighbourhood has it all. And now, so do you.
