VISITS AND VACATIONS

Hello we are back and better than ever boom its time to go to 

LONDON

1. See a world-class exhibition at the V&A

What is it? A cathedral to culture, the V&A is a world-class museum championing the very best of decorative art and design.

Why go? The V&A houses one of the greatest collections of art, design, fashion and textiles on the planet. The permanent exhibits in this South Ken museum are fascinating, free to visit and include a mini pet cemetery. High-profile ticketed exhibitions often sell out.

Don’t miss: The world’s first all-porcelain courtyard created by architect Amanda Levete with 11,000 handmade tiles. When it catches the sunlight, the glittering ceramics make London look like 1960s Rome. 

2. Eat your way around Borough Market

What is it? One of the city’s largest and oldest food markets. It heaves with both tourists and locals gaping at a dizzying array of gastronomic delights and scoffing free samples. 

Why go? This mega market in London Bridge has a history that goes back to the thirteenth century, and these days it’s livelier than ever. Packed with artisan traders such as Brindisa and Monmouth Coffee, it’s also home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. Take a seat beneath the glass-and-iron roof after hours and watch the traders pack up after another day.

Don’t miss: The Market Porter pub. It opens at 6am for those working the graveyard shift, perfect if you’re in for a very early (or late) one. It also appeared in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ as a bookshop next door to The Leaky Cauldron. 

3. See free art at Tate Modern

What is it? A riverside icon on London’s South Bank dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It’s the younger, hipper sibling to Pimlico’s Tate Britain.

Why go? To be inspired and challenged. Tate Modern is based in what was Bankside Power Station. Step inside and you can discover works by the likes of Warhol, Dalí and Hockney, as well as eye-grabbing installations, which are all part of the free permanent collection. The Switch House extension has an incredible 360-degree view of the London skyline. 

Don’t miss: The Tate Boat (decorated with Damien Hirst dots) runs up and down the Thames between Tate Modern and Tate Britain every 40 minutes during gallery opening hours. Just tap in and out with an Oyster or contactless card as you would on the tube or bus.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking.