Five Things to Do with Your Dad in London This Father’s Day

With Father’s Day fast approaching, we’ve come up with a few Dad-friendly suggestions for how to spend his special day. Of course, Addison Lee will be there to ferry him from A to B, so he can sit back, relax and focus on being spoiled.

1. Get the Adrenaline Pumping

If your old man is a bit of an adrenaline-junkie, there are plenty of places in London that offer suitably exciting experiences. These range in scope (and fear factor) from the chance to swim with sharks at the SEA LIFE London aquarium, scale the dizzy heights of the O2 arena in a 90-minute climbing session with Up at the O2, or zipping along the Thames in a speedboat.

If you want to indulge his competitive streak, book a go-karting session at TeamSport Go Karting in Tower Bridge, where you can race at top speeds around multi-level tracks. For a slightly more sedate competitive fix, head to the Junkyard Golf Club for a few rounds of crazy golf and a beer.

2. Summer Sunshine

With any luck, the weather will hold out for Father’s Day, opening up the options of London’s many leafy parks and green spaces for a chilled day out. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a trip to Richmond Park, where tame deer graze and the 40 acre Isabella Plantation offers plenty of beautiful picnic spots and photo opportunities.

For some of the best panoramic views in London, head to Hampstead Heath and take a leisurely stroll up to the peak of Parliament Hill, or visit the zoo and butterfly house in the adjoining Golders Hill Park.

3. Wine and Dine

Whether your Dad prefers a slap-up meal, a Michelin-starred experience or simply a great Sunday roast, he’ll never be short of options in London! If you’re hungry after a stroll on the Heath, head to the Bull & Last nearby, where you can enjoy a delicious slow-cooked oxtail ragu in a relaxed Victorian pub setting.

For some of the best steak outside of Argentina, head to the Boisdale of Bishopsgate, where live jazz, malt whiskies and Havana cigars are also on the menu (there are also branches in Mayfair, Belgravia and Canary Wharf, so take your pick).

If he’s in the mood for a curry, London offers almost infinite possibilities. Wander down Brick Lane to soak up the bustling atmosphere and choose from the almost wall-to-wall curry houses vying for custom. Or head to Dishoom, just up the road in Shoreditch, to sample the famous black dal and bacon naan.

4. Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea

Treat your Dad to a sophisticated experience this year with a Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea – a manly twist on the British tradition of high tea and scones. You can enjoy cocktails and puff on cigars at the Hyatt Regency’s Churchill bar, or sample steak and snail sandwiches and sip whiskey in stylish leather booths at the Mandeville Hotel in Marylebone.

If he’s a cricket fan, the Gentleman’s Tea at Lords is a must: enjoy a delicious spread of scones alongside views over the outfield (but make sure you’re in formal attire – jackets and ties are required!)

5. Catch a Show

London’s west end is the perfect destination for dinner and a show. Whether you want to book tickets in advance for a big west end production such as Wicked or The Lion King or pick up some last minute tickets at the box office for whatever’s on, the choice is endless.

If stand-up comedy is more his scene, the Top Secret Comedy Club sells tickets for as low as £1 – an affordable option that should have him belly-laughing away.