Life in the Slow Lane: a Chilled-Out Tour of London

The strikingly modern, shimmering glass-and-metal form of the K West Hotel certainly stands out among the genteel red-brick townhouses of its leafy west London surrounds. Its suburban setting on a quiet residential street in Shepherd’s Bush makes for one of the capital’s more peaceful places to stay while still being just a short stroll from a Tube artery straight into the heart of London. Once the BBC Kensington House Recording Studios, the building has hosted the talents of many a musician, thanks to its proximity to Shepherd’s Bush Empire – keep an eye out for regular decorative nods to its musical heritage. But it’s the urban spa where this hotel really shines, with everything from a steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy pool to the rather special snow room (yes, with real snow). Guest rooms are spacious, especially by London standards, and feature tablets where you can arrange click-of-a-button room service, spa treatments or a late check-out. And as there’s no rush, you might as well stay just a few more hours.

The UK capital is one of Europe’s greenest cities in terms of parks, and one of the best ways to explore these royally anointed green spaces is on two wheels. On the London Royal Parks Bike Tour, you’ll get to experience Central London’s tree-lined, fountain-graced folds – together with its top landmarks – all in a half-day. You’ll pedal past the likes of Big Ben and Nelson’s Column and through four of the city’s beautiful Royal Parks, all on your choice of a trusty bike, each named after famous British personalities.

There’s surely nothing more “slow travel” than a leisurely stroll, though this fabulous walking tour still manages to fit 15 of the capital’s top attractions into just a few hours. Walking from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament, you’ll learn plenty of fascinating historical titbits from your guide en route. After exploring the urban metropolis, it’s over to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to immerse yourself in nature, where you’ll find 50,000 living plants and flowers, making it one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world.

Photography is a discipline that demands you slow down and focus – especially in challenging light conditions. Led by a National Geographic photographer, this experience takes shutterbugs on a tour around some of London’s most photogenic locations. It’s a masterclass on night photography, starting on the River Thames at dusk and covering all the fundamentals of shooting in low light. You’ll also be taught how to choose the perfect shot, ensuring you come away with some fantastic keepsakes.