Our Guide to the Best Spots on the Central Line

For guests staying in the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate, you’re in a prime position to explore the best of London. Located just a short walk away from Lancaster Gate tube station, you can access the Central Line easily and see the best of both West and East London.

Is your interest piqued? Read on for our guide to some of the best attractions close to the Central Line to enjoy a great time out in the city…all within easy reach of your accommodation.

Shepherd’s Bush – for the best in live entertainment

If you love live music, London has some of the best venues around. With holes-in-the-wall in nearly every borough, it’s surprisingly easy (and oftentimes cheap!) to catch a performance. But one of the city’s best is the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, where you’ll find some of the world’s biggest bands performing regularly to packed audiences.

The venue has a capacity of 2,000 people altogether, making it an ideal place to enjoy a more intimate concert. And as a Grade II listing building, its lavish interiors add to the special atmosphere.

Shows at the Empire often sell out fast, so if there’s an artist performing that you’re keen to see, it’s wise to book tickets ahead of time. And as the venue is just a few minutes’ walk away from the nearest Central Line station, you won’t need to spend long travelling to get there.

After a show, you’ll also find plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. The lively Westfield shopping centre is just outside the main Tube station, where you can find a variety of restaurants and bars, and you’ll also find plenty of fast food options around the venue too.

Discover the charming streets around Notting Hill

Just a couple of stops away from hotels near Lancaster Gate Tube station, you’ll find the charming neighbourhood of Notting Hill. Filled with pretty, pastel coloured houses, cute cafés and restaurants, and a great variety of boutiques, it’s a perfect place to shop, walk around and indulge in a little shopping.

One of the main highlights of Notting Hill is its renowned market, often known as Portobello Market, located down the length of the Portobello Road. The market runs every day of the week apart from Sunday, with a variety of things on offer each day. For the best finds, head up on Friday or Saturday, where you’ll find hundreds of market sellers ready to sell everything from delicious food to unique knick-knacks and vintage clothing.

After a busy morning browsing the market for the best bargains, head into one of the great eateries in the area, where you’ll find some enticing brunch or cocktail option on the menu.

Explore the iconic Marble Arch

Marble Arch is one of the most recognisable and distinctive buildings in London, and luckily, it’s just a short distance away from the Park Grand London Lancaster Gate. Enjoy a casual walk, or nip down on the Tube for one stop, to find yourself marvelling at this beautiful marble monument.

The Arch was originally located by Buckingham Palace when it was first constructed in the 19^th century, designed to be used as a state entrance. After the palace area was expanded, the Arch was moved to its present location, where it remains as a distinctive feature in the city landscape.

It’s worth exploring the Marble Arch close up, as the beautiful structure has a variety of fascinating sculptures and carvings around it. And with a lovely area featuring fountains and lights, it’s also a great place to relax and unwind on warmer days in the city.

Hit up London’s best shopping districts

If you’re in need of some serious retail therapy, you don’t need to head much further along the Central Line, with some of London’s top shopping neighbourhoods located a short ride away, around Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road.

Each of these areas features a distinctive side of London’s shopping area. Bond Street is perfect for those who love the finer things in life – here you’ll find some of the world’s most illustrious designer brands, with many of their UK flagship stores located on the famous street. From fine jewellery to designer clothing, you can enjoy perusing a wide variety of most luxurious brands in London.

If you prefer a more budget-friendly experience, then carry on down to Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road. Featuring miles of stores, you’ll find hundreds of great High Street brands, featuring everything from the best fast fashion picks to technological gadgets and more. Luckily, with great hotel deals in Lancaster Gate, you don’t need to worry about carrying heavy bags back to your hotel, as you’ll just be a short distance away.

Stop for some culture at the British Museum

As a historic and globally important city, London has some incredible culture and history to explore, and the renowned British Museum is one of the best places to explore it all, under one roof.

Featuring millions of exhibitions that span back millennia, you can discover more about the world in the museum’s diverse collections, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles, as well as a collection of Egyptian mummies, and paintings and sculptures from throughout human history.

The British Museum is easy to get to from Holborn Underground Station, just five stops away from Lancaster Gate, and is free to enter for general exhibitions.

Enjoy a great night out in East London

Explore a different side of the city by heading towards the East End. Just a short ride along the Central Line, head towards Bank or Liverpool Street and admire the distinctive urban skyline, formed by some of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers. You’ll be able to spy some of London’s most distinctive buildings as you look around you, including the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie.

You can do more than just admire them from below though – make the most of the fantastic views and head up to one of the great rooftop bars nearby, for a memorable night out.