When you get to the point in your life where you’ve had a fair few birthdays, it can sometimes seem an effort to celebrate your birthday! So it’s easy to do the same old stuff – this birthday doesn’t end in ‘0’ and you’re just grateful to be out, right? There’s nothing wrong with a local meal or a few drinks with friends.  But you can do these any time. Life is full of chores, routines and groundhog days.  We should be grasping opportunities to have new experiences. A birthday is great chance to think, when is the last time I did something different? And where has more to offer than our fair capital London?

Make a day of it!  Not just a few hours snatched in the evening. To get you thinking, here are 5 top suggestions of how to mark a birthday in style in London. The choices below can be mixed and matched as you see fit to make a birthday break from the mundane.

1. Luxuriate in the Afternoon; Afternoon tea

If you haven’t been for afternoon tea recently, it really is time you did. It’s become incredibly popular and with good reason. There is something wonderfully luxurious and quintessentially British about enjoying a cuppa, delicious treats and perhaps a glass of fizz, mid-afternoon; it’s certainly a step away from the daily norm. It was conceived by a Duchess in the 1840s – so really it’s our chance to be Duchess for a day!  

And with the rising popularity, there are more varied and exciting venues and themes to tailor this experience to your taste. This is especially true in London where you can even take high tea aboard a vintage Routemaster bus. To sift through the afternoon tea options, companies like Fizzbox tend to have a range of choices so these kinds of sites are a good place to look . Afternoon tea suits all ages, so simply decide what sort of establishment is your “cup of tea” and indulge yourself with family or friends.

2. Go cultural

When was the last time you went to an art gallery or museum? Obviously London is home to numerous world-class institutions, and with some listed in a global top 10, our overseas visitors are queuing up to see what they have to offer. So should we be. Situated in some of the grandest buildings in great locations across London, wondering around these can be pretty awe-inspiring before you’ve even taken in any art or exhibitions. And with many hosting free displays, this can be a high culture, low cost option.

Top sites to check out

• The British Museum – an incredibly grand building with ancient treasures from around the world including Egyptian mummies. 
• Victoria and Albert Museum (the V&A) – stylish collections of fashion, textiles and art from around the world.  
• National Gallery – on the iconic London setting of Trafalgar Square with a chance to see paintings from the worlds’ most famous artists. 
• Tate Modern – the home of contemporary and modern art and ideal for evoking a discussion on what is art? Check out the temporary exhibitions for something thought-provoking.

3. Browse and rummage at the markets

London’s markets are bustling.  Definitely lively places where you can shop ’til you drop, but with a difference. They are the perfect place for unique finds as you celebrate your birthday beyond the standard fare of the big brands on our high streets. Again, London offers something for all tastes and interests.

Here are some suggestions 

• Borough market is fab for foodies. It’s the oldest food market site in London and offers tantalising gourmet tasting options including cheese, bakery, fruit and veg, chocolatiers along with diverse ‘street food’ options – you won’t go hungry. 
• Camden market – it’s one of London’s top attractions with 100k visitors every weekend offering an ‘alternative’ vibe – with clothes, food, music bars, what’s not to like? 
• Greenwich market – not only is historical Greenwich is home to the Meridian line, but the Cutty Sark and a great park. The market offers arts, crafts and all sorts of collectables. It’s great for gifts or a souvenirs and there are plenty of cafes and eateries. 
• Portobello Road market – a trendy neighbourhood with endless stalls of bric-a-brac and antiques. Can you spot the difference and perhaps find something to take home?

4. Mess about the river 

Why not take a cruise for your birthday? Ok, it’s not a week in the Med, but still a great way to see the sites of London and to sit back and enjoy a day off. There are a range of trips from a high-speed ride on an inflatable or RIB boat, a standard public transport river bus (still a fun change from a bus or tube) or a tourist cruise with commentary and possibly lunch, or the option of a hop on, hop off ticket. City Cruises offer a few options in the latter categories.  

Depending on your choice when you celebrate your birthday you’ll get some great riverside views of the houses of parliament and Westminster, the tower of London, the Eye, the Southbank, some of the great bridges, even Greenwich. Moreover there’s something incredibly chilled about taking the sights in from the water. 

5. Hit the heights

You are in the city, you want to get to know it.  Why not elevate this birthday by taking in London from a height.  For maximum height, the Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe at 95 storeys. It’s relatively new on the skyline.  But is already a true London landmark. The public viewing gallery on the 72nd floor is a great place to marvel at London.  However at £30 a ticket, it’s not cheap.

Additionally there is a bar on the 32nd floor, where you can enjoy less dizzying views over a cocktail. Or of course there’s the Oxo Tower where you’ll enjoy views of St Paul’s and surrounding skyline!  There is a restaurant, brasserie or a bar where you could just soak up the sights over a cocktail.  

On a budget

If you want the views without the price tag, go botanical.  For instance The Sky Garden has a viewing gallery on the 43rd floor of the walkie talkie building and offers panoramic views around London from a lush tropical atrium filled with plants. You can book free tickets in advance. If you are more flush there are a couple of great eating options where you can savour the views as you celebrate your birthday.  Alternatively try the Sky Pod Bar for a more modest coffee and cake, or a glass of something stronger. 

Furthermore London is a busy city. For many of these options you will need to book in advance, but do it! Above of all make it memorable when you celebrate your birthday.