Early morning London: things to do before the city wakes up
Rise and shine! Dreary mornings are out and fresh, early starts are in. From yoga to breakfast lectures, here's our guide the best early morning activities London has to offer
Food for thought: CreativeMornings
This inspirational breakfast lecture series has been getting creatives out of bed in the early mornings in over 204 cities around the world. Tina Roth Eisenberg started CreativeMornings in New York in 2008 to create a free event for creative communities with a simple concept: breakfast and a short talk one Friday morning a month. Speakers range from scientists to artists and entrepreneurs and they usually deliver thoughts on a set theme which, in the past, have been one-word stimuli such as 'chaos', 'play' and 'weird'.
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Raving at sunrise: Morning Gloryville
It's an early morning rave – but not what you might think. This bombastic event in Cambridge Heath runs from 6:00am to 10:20am and is really a pumping workout session with electronic music designed to get you energised for the day ahead. There's a smoothie bar, costumed performers decked in brash costumes, and even 'wake-up angels' offering free massages.
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Sun Salutations at dawn:
If you're looking for a more tranquil start to the day, then there are a host of different yoga classes to help you find your inner zen. We love the unique Hot Pod Yoga, where things get a bit steamy first thing in the morning. The classes follow Vinyasa style flow and are held in serene pods where you will work up a sweat. It is guaranteed to de-stress you before your day begins. We also recommend yoga at Sky Garden, a stunning green space situated on the 36th floor of this trendy tower. With a dynamic vinyasa flow class followed by a continental buffet breakfast in the Darwin Brasserie, this is the ultimate start to any work week.
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Early bird gets the bargain: Sunbury Antique Market
The savviest shoppers know that the best bargains take place before the general public rises. Sunbury Antiques Market have been running for 39 years, bringing together one of the best collections of antiques treasures and vintage wares in Europe. As well as aspiring collectors, the market attracts a lot of visitors who mean business such as set and interior designers, so don't be surprised if you get drawn into some heated bidding wars. You'll find this sea of marvellous miscellanies at Kempton Park Racecourse every other Tuesday morning from 6:30am.
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Breakfast like a champion: the best pre-work feeds
With busy schedules all round, it can be hard to find the time to catch up with even your closest friends. Rather than booking in a Tuesday night six weeks ahead, why not utilise your mornings by squeezing in a pre-work breakfast. The Ned feeds the City's early risers with Parisian-style breakfasts from its Cafe Sou with opens 6:00am. If you're around Victoria, snag an award-winning banana bread sandwich from Timmy Green which is open from 7:30am or treat yourself to ricotta hotcakes from Aussie chain Granger and Co. in Kings Cross or Kensington which both open at 7:00am.
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I woke up like this: Ena Salon
Why waste your precious morning hours struggling to blow dry your hair when you could relax in style, knowing your hair is in expert care? London has no shortage of early bird hair salons to satisfy all your diva needs. We're fond of Ena – with an opening time of 8:30am and a hotspot location in central, you can't go wrong.
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Meditation Station Yeotown Kitchen
Founded by the masterminds behind the detox bootcamp program in North Devon, the charming café offers a unique 'meditation station' experience and food. Customers are invited to grab something to eat before or after participating in one of their guided meditation sessions. If you're having a rough week, we'd recommend a wellness break in one of their mood-boosting meditation pods and a custom smoothie.
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Point and shoot: London at Dawn Photography Workshop
A view of London at dawn (Photograph by Anthony Epes)
Sunrise is the perfect time to get your photography game on. So why not attend one of the Cities at Dawn workshops and you will see London in a whole new light. Capture the skyline among the early morning haze. Run by Anthony Epes and Diana Bird, the workshops invite you to pause and notice urban beauty in deserted streets free from crowds of people. Join one of the monthly group adventure or book a private session, but move quickly: these sessions can fill up quickly.
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Take a morning dip: swimming in Hampstead's ponds
Catch the classic tranquil beauty of Hampstead Heath by taking a morning dip in one of the ponds, which are open from 7 am during summer months. Visit early and you’re guaranteed a serene experience: the perfect preparation for a day in a stuffy office. Of the three ponds, we favour Kenwood Ladies’ Pond: a leafy, secluded bower lined with irises and honeysuckle where you are able to escape the commotion of the capital in divinely peaceful surroundings.
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Summer florals: the nocturnal flower market at New Covent Garden Market
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