Student Ambassador and MA Media and Creative Industries student Ashley Suen gave us her top five picks of things to do and see in London this Bank Holiday weekend.

1. The London market shopping experience

From food to fashion, the capital’s markets are an integral part of London. My favourite is the Portobello Road antiques and flea market in Notting Hill, one of the most famous British film locations and a fantastic place to recapture the magic between Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, star characters of the Notting Hill movie.

During the weekends this place is full of tourists and local people. On a Saturday there are over 2,000 stalls, selling everything from homemade food and handmade crafts to second-hand clothes. You can also find lots of interesting vintage items such as analog cameras and necklaces.

2. Seeing London from above

In the City of London there are a number of locations that give you an incredible bird’s eye view of the city (most of which are restaurants or bars on the top of landmark buildings). The Sky Garden for example is London’s highest public garden that spans three storeys and offers 360 degree uninterrupted views of the city. It is open to the public and there is no entry fee as long as you make a reservation on their website in advance of your visit. If you are on a tight budget but still want to explore the city, then this is definitely something to consider!

3. Museums of London: a cultural history

London is widely believed to be the culture capital of the world. The energy and creativity that exists in London is unparalleled. As a fan of arts and history there are a number of must-see museums such as The British History Museum, Tate Modern and The National Gallery.  More importantly, the vast majority of these museums are free entry!

4. Escape to London’s parks and open spaces

Although London is a busy city with numerous skyscrapers, there are many gardens with stunning views that are worth visiting to help you relax and unwind over the Bank Holiday weekend such as  Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park and so on. When the the sun is shining and the evenings begin to get lighter, there is nothing more relaxing than walking through these parks with friends.

5. Eat and drink on the River Thames

There are many fantastic restaurants located alongside the River Thames in London. For me there is nothing better than enjoying an English style brunch on a Saturday morning with friends while drinking cappuccino, watching the ships and boats pass by.

Ashley is also a photographer and translator. Follow her on Instagram (ashleysuen) and visit her website.