Theatre
Big Day Out
A Big Day Out at The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Make the most out of your day seeing The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre
If you’ve secured your seat for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, then we already know what the most life-affirming show you see this year will be. The new musical based on the best-selling Rachel Joyce promises to be a joyous, uplifting theatrical experience – so why shouldn’t you have a joyous, uplifting day to go with it? We’ve rounded up all the best nearby activities, restaurants and bars, along with some inspiring journeys for you to take around London. Here’s how to have a big day out seeing The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
Things to do near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
Restaurants near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
Shopping near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
Bars and pubs near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
Tube stations and bus stops near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
On-theme activities for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
Things to do near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
The Theatre Royal Haymarket stands in a busy and exciting part of London’s theatre district with plenty to see and do in the area no matter what the weather. In Chinatown, just a seven minute walk away, you’ll find over 70 Southeast Asian restaurants, shops, bars and cafes to explore, whilst colourful Neal’s Yard is always a perfect sunny day activity, offering wellness and lifestyle expertise just fifteen minutes’ walk from the theatre.
Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and the famous lions, is just three minutes away. A five-minute walk from the theatre, you’ll find bustling Leicester Square, where you can shop, explore the park, or go hunting for famous faces: statues hidden around the square include Shakespeare, Mary Poppins and Paddington.
For rainy days – or to enjoy great art in any weather – the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are both within a five-minute walk. There are incredible collections to be discovered in both, and new exhibitions arriving frequently.
Restaurants near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
There are lots of great chain restaurants within walking distance of the Theatre Royal Haymarket, and Chinatown has lots to offer in the way of local restaurants and street food. Here are some of our other recommendations.
Farzi London – This authentic Indian restaurant proudly showcases the diverse flavours of undivided India, taking inspiration from across India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and many more.
Brumus Restaurant & Bar – A smart brasserie serving modern British cuisine, Brumus offers a set menu for theatregoers, updated frequently with seasonal dishes. You can also find live jazz here on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Bardo St James – Also offering a pre-theatre menu, Bardo St James build their dishes from refined Italian flavours and seasonal ingredients, their menu rooted in tradition. They’re a great place to enjoy a finely crafted cocktail or an evening of live music as well.
Machiya – This all-day restaurant is named after Kyoto’s traditional townhouses, and offers simple homestyle Japanese cooking along with drinks and desserts inspired by Japan’s food halls.
YORI Piccadilly Circus – Blending contemporary values with traditional Korean cooking methods, this authentic Korean barbecue restaurant will grill up an excellent meal before your eyes.
Wild Honey St James – Michelin star restaurant Wild Honey St James elevates classical French techniques with seasonal British produce. They offer a set pre-theatre menu perfect for those celebrating a special occasion, along with an ever-evolving á la carte menu.
Shopping near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
The Theatre Royal Haymarket puts you within walking distance of lots of London’s best shopping. Just ten minutes from the theatre you’ll find Soho, where you can discover everything from second-hand stores to designer goods. Oxford Street is less than a twenty minute walk away, hosting all your favourite high street brands, whilst Carnaby Street twelve minutes away offers a curated shopping experience. Covent Garden, always worth exploring, is full of top beauty and lifestyle brands and unique boutiques, just ten minutes from the theatre. And whilst you’re seeing a show based on a bestselling novel, you might as well check out Foyles on Charing Cross Road.
For a truly unique shopping experience, just a minute from the Theatre Royal Haymarket you’ll find Dover Street Market. This multi-story store is home to a collection of independent brands and designers, and is always a great place to hunt down something special.
Bars and pubs near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
You’ll find lots of lively chains within walking distance of the theatre, and all of our recommended restaurants can pour you something nice before or after the show. We’ve gathered a few more of our top recommendations here.
Tom Cribb – This classic British pub is named after champion boxer turned publican Tom Cribb and serves an excellent beer, hosting patrons in a restored Victorian building.
The Coach House – Another classic British pub, this four-storey piano bar serves great pints and pub food, and is also the perfect spot to watch some live sport.
8 at The Londoner – This Japanese rooftop cocktail bar bases its drinks menu on the eight tastes of Japanese cuisine, with a precisely designed food menu that pairs the perfect small plate with each drink. You’ll enjoy expertly crafted cocktails served with skyline views.
Joshua’s Tavern – Also at the Londoner, Joshua’s Tavern is a vibrant and friendly gin bar and beer tavern. Hand-painted murals and copper details create a feel both modern and cosy.
St James Bar – Soak up roaring 20s glamour in this sophisticated cocktail bar, with a creative menu of classics and specialities, and velvet emerald sofas.
U9 Karaoke & Cocktail Bar – This luxury karaoke bar is the perfect place to keep the party going. With a unique space-age design, private suites and amazing cocktails, you’ll have everything you need to sing your way through their 450,000-song library.
Tube stations and bus stops near The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
The closest tube station to the Theatre Royal Haymarket is Piccadilly Circus, six minutes’ walk away, which is on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. Also nearby is Leicester Square, eight minutes’ walk away, on the Northern and Piccadilly lines. Charing Cross, nine minutes’ walk away, is the closest National Rail station, and is also on the Bakerloo and Northern lines. For the Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines, Tottenham Court Road is fifteen minutes away. Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up nearby. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.
On-theme activities for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical
What better way to honour Harold Fry than with a great walk? Here are a few of our favourite routes in London.
Queen’s Walk – This route takes you over Westminster Bridge and along the south bank of the Thames. You’ll head towards landmarks like the London Eye, the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre and the Millenium Bridge.
Parkland Walk – This 5k route traces the railway line that once ran between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace. It’s now a local nature reserve, carrying you through plenty of greenery.
The Line – A great way to get your steps in and soak up some culture at the same time, The Line is East London’s public art trail, connecting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the O2. You’ll walk along the waterways and discover incredible public art installations as you go.
Hampstead Heath – If you’re after a casual ramble, this ancient heath is a great place to go. One of the highest points in London, it’s home to ponds, woodlands, playgrounds and a race track. There’s even a lido, if you’re tough enough for a chilly dip…
