London is a great place to visit if you are looking to a health and wellness getaway. But with so many places to see and eat, it can be overwhelming to figure out just where to go! Luckily I have rounded up some of my favorite healthy spots to to eat, see, shop, and relax during your next visit to London.
Where to Eat
Restaurants
Farmacy – At Farmacy they believe that food is medicine. The restaurant’s founder, Camilla, is a big fan of plant based diets. Her goal was to create a menu that was not only tasty but also biodynamic, meaning their food comes from organic, locally sourced farms. Each and every dish on their menu is created to be healing to the body. Next time you are in London take the time to nourish your body and stop by Farmacy to try their healthy High Tea menu.
Ethos – Ethos is a “meat-free plant-based” buffet style restaurant offering a wide variety of healthy options. At Ethos, you simply fill up your plate and pay for your meal based on the weight. Even if you are not a vegetation, Ethos is still worth checking out! They have a fun interior design that incorporates trees and nature to emphasize their natural approach to their menu. Check out all of their mouthwatering food photos on their Instagram page here.
Wild Food Cafe -Owners Joel and Aiste are travelers who have taken inspiration from all over the world and brought them to London. Specializing in natural, plant-based foods, Wild Food Cafe is a great place to get a healthy meal while in London. Each of their dishes are created to not only be tasty but also healthy and nourishing. If you like their menu, Wild Food Cafe also offers 4-day immersive cooking classes where you can learn how to become a plant-based chef.
Wulf and Lamb – Wulf and Lamb is a must try for anyone visiting London! They pride themselves on being a vegan restaurant that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. They are open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Coppa Club Tower Bridge – The Coppa Club at the Tower Bridge is not only a healthy place to eat, but also bucket list restaurant for anyone visiting London. At the Tower Bridge location, customers have the option of choosing to sit in one of the restaurant’s outdoor igloos with views overlooking London’s Tower Bridge. While bigger parties will most likely have their own igloo, smaller parties of two will often share an igloo with 2 other tables.
Coffee Shops and Takeaway
Pret A Manger– One of my go-to places for a quick and easy meal is Pret A Manger. They have a wide variety of pre-made soups, salads, and sandwiches. While some options are healthier than others, they have a wide variety of options to choose from, including vegan salads and green juices. And the best part is this store is a chain so there are many locations throughout the city.
Joe and the Juice – Joe and the Juice is one of my favorite places to go for a freshly made juice or smoothie. With multiple locations not only in London but worldwide, it is a great place to grab a coffee and a sandwich if you are on the go.
Pure – Pure uses the best ingredients to make delicious vegetarian and vegan options for on the go.
Crussh – Crussh is a great place to go for fresh juices and takeaway meals and salads.
White Pine – White Pine not only cares about the ingredients they use, but their impact on the planet as well. Be sure to stop by for one of their fresh juices or delicious sweets.
“Ice Cream”
Yorica – Yorica is the best place to visit to satisfy your vegan sweet tooth! Yorica serves soft serve, ice cream, waffles and crepes, but all of their ingredients are gluten and dairy free. You can view the full list of ingredients they use on their website here.
The Spas
As a major city, London has numerous spa options. You can find almost every type of massage, facial, or beauty treatment with a quick google search. Below I am sharing some of my favorite places to indulge the next time you fine yourself in London.
Massage
Splurge: If you are looking to indulge in a unique, relaxing spa treatment, look no further than the Vichy Shower Hydro Massage at Akasha Holistic Wellbeing. Located inside Hotel Café Royal, the Akasha Spa offers guests access to an 18 meter lap pool, a sauna, jacuzzi, Hammam, gym, and meditation studio. And while they offer many treatments, including traditional massage, the Vichy massage is definitely a nice experience. Performed by a trained hydro therapist, a Vichy Shower Hydro Massage combines a bespoke massage with the use of powerful water jets to help heal the client’s mind, body and soul. It is a treatment that is definitely worth experiencing!
Budget: If you are looking to treat yourself to a massage without breaking the bank, look no further than the Walk-In Backrub shops located throughout Central London. No appointment is needed. In fact, they do not even take reservations. You simply walk in to the store and select the length of your Japanese chair massage. It is the perfect way to relax after a long flight.
Sauna
If you know me, you know I can’t go too long without sweating my toxins out in the sauna. Banya No. 1 offers clients access to a sauna as well as an icy plunge pool and bucket shower. Alternating between high heat and ice cold temperatures is called contrast therapy has a positive effect on the body which you can read about here.
If contrast therapy is not your thing, feel free to treat yourself to a massage before replenishing your body with herbal teas or shots of vodka in their relaxation lounge.
Facial
If you are looking to give your face a glow before a big night out look no further than FaceGym! At FaceGym, you get more than a facial, you get an actual facial workout. Your trainer uses specialized muscle manipulation techniques to “lift, sculpt, tone, and tighten” over 40 different muscles in your face. It is a great way to give yourself a face lift without any invasive procedures. Curious as to what it looks like? Click here to check out their Youtube Channel. You can also follow this link to check out their spa menu and book an appointment for yourself.
Manicure, Pedicure, Wax, Hair, Makeup
One of the places I love to visit when I am in London is Le Fix Natural Beauty Bar located in Fitzrovia. Le Fix is a one stop shop for getting your hair, nails, and makeup done for a night on the town. The salon is known for using vegan and 7 toxin free products throughout their services. You can even purchase many of their products to take home with you. Click here to check out a full list of their services and book your appointment.
Touristy Things To Do
Visit Stonehenge – Stonehenge is not only a popular tourist attraction, but a historic site that is said to have a magnetic energy. While it was built over 4,000 years ago, it is still a mystery as to how. Book a tour to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself here.
Red Bus Tour – Take a tour of London on one of the iconic red buses with the Big Bus Tour. You can check out all of their tour options here.
The London Eye – Take in one of the best views of the city with a spin on London’s own Ferris wheel. However, I highly recommend skipping the line and buying your tickets online here. During peak times you will be glad you booked ahead!
Forget Something?
Luckily if you forget to pack something for your trip to London there are numerous shops and convenient stores throughout the city. However, if you are looking for organic and natural products, I highly recommend checking out a Holland and Barrett shop. Holland and Barrett offer everything from organic shampoos, soaps, vitamins, homeopathy, healthy snacks, and more.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my Wellness Travel section, currently featuring wellness itineraries for New York and Massachusetts.
