Moving house is sometimes regarded as one of life’s most exhausting undertakings – physically, emotionally and mentally. At Aussie, we’ve spent years formulating house-moves designed to upend this idea, keeping as much of the stress away from our clients as possible and building a reputation as London’s “can do” company at the same time. But even in the best case scenario, it’s an unusual move that doesn’t leave you feeling at least a little tired and disorientated. That’s why, once the boxes are unpacked and you’ve had a moment to breathe, there’s no better time to enjoy the most important part of the process: making your new part of London feel like home. This is when all the hard works pays off and you remember the positive reasons why you were moving in the first place.
Whether you’ve relocated across the capital or arrived in the city for the first time, here are 12 lovely, restorative things to do after your move – divided by area so you can start exploring your new neighbourhood. A perfect reward for all the effort and toil of your move.
Contents
Take a Stroll Through Hampstead Heath
Explore the Culture at King’s Place
Browse Books at Daunt, Marylebone
Wander the Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays only)
Recharge at the Barbican Conservatory
Take a Canal Walk to Victoria Park
See the View from One Tree Hill
Eat Your Way Through Brixton Village
Explore the Dulwich Picture Gallery
Have Tea at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Visit the Leighton House Museum
Cruise the Thames on a Paddleboard or Kayak
NORTH LONDON
Take a Stroll Through Hampstead Heath
After the intensity of moving day, Hampstead Heath is a welcome dose of calm and serenity. Spanning nearly 800 acres, it encompasses everything from grassy meadows and ancient woodlands to hidden swimming ponds and scenic picnic spots. It’s so much more than a mere park. Before leaving, climb Parliament Hill for one of the most famous panoramic views of London’s skyline; if you’re feeling out of place, once you’ve taken in this stunning view you’re sure to start feeling at home in the capital.
Explore the Culture at King’s Place
Tucked away by Regent’s Canal in the newly regenerated King’s Cross, King’s Place is a cultural treasure trove. With a year-round programme of music, talks and exhibitions, this modern venue offers inspiration and entertainment in equal measure – perfect for easing yourself back into city life after your move.
Browse Books at Daunt, Marylebone
Set inside an Edwardian bookshop with oak balconies and stained-glass windows, Daunt Books is a haven of calm. It’s particularly well regarded for its travel section and is the perfect place to pick up a London guidebook (assuming you’re new to the city) or a novel to enjoy in your new local park.
EAST LONDON
Wander the Columbia Road Flower Market (Sunday only)
For an instant mood boost, head to Columbia Road on a Sunday morning. The narrow street is alive with colour, scent and London character. Vendors call out prices, musicians play for the crowds, and you can pick up a beautiful houseplant to bring some greenery into your new space.
Recharge at the Barbican Conservatory
Few Londoners even know this place exists – a hidden greenhouse tucked into the Barbican’s brutalist heart. With koi carp, exotic trees and quiet corners to sit, it’s a blissful space to relax after the physical strain of unpacking. It’s sure to de-stress you in no time at all.
Take a Canal Walk to Victoria Park
Start at Hackney Wick and meander westwards along the Regent’s Canal. The route takes you past colourful canal boats, pop-up cafes, and street art, before leading you into Victoria Park’s broad open spaces – it’s a great place for stretching your legs and clearing your head.
SOUTH LONDON
See the View from One Tree Hill
This quiet hilltop park in Honor Oak offers one of the most underrated views in the capital. It’s peaceful, not too crowded, and gives you a real sense of wide-eyed discovery – perfect for a reflective moment post-move.
Eat Your Way Through Brixton Village
With over 100 traders and eateries, Brixton Village is a buzzing food destination that reflects this much-loved area’s diverse culture. Whether you’re in the mood for Sri Lankan hoppers, jerk chicken, or fresh handmade pasta, it’s the ideal place to treat yourself after a long week of logistics.
Explore the Dulwich Picture Gallery
A gem of a gallery, Dulwich offers a compact but world-class collection, housed in a beautifully peaceful setting. As London’s first public gallery, it balances Old Masters with contemporary installations – all surrounded by easy-on-the-eye, manicured gardens.
WEST LONDON
Have Tea at Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Part greenhouse, part café, part lifestyle dream – Petersham Nurseries is a delightfully eccentric west London institution. After tea, wander through the nursery and browse their shop, then stroll into nearby Richmond Park for deer-spotting and gentle trails.
Visit the Leighton House Museum
A visual feast of Victorian Orientalism, Leighton House is a wonderland of colour-drenched interiors, intricate tiles and gold-leaf ceilings – all hidden behind a modest Kensington façade. It’s entirely possible to walk past the building without ever suspecting that anything quite this startling could be inside. Step within and you’ll discover a quiet, transportive and totally absorbing experience.
Cruise the Thames on a Paddleboard or Kayak
For something active but surprisingly peaceful, head to the river. Paddleboarding or kayaking lets you see west London from a new angle – under bridges, past grand houses, and through stretches of total calm. It’s a refreshing change from pavement-pounding.
**********
New to London? Let Aussie Help You Settle In
Whether you’ve moved within the capital or relocated here from further afield, the hard part is now behind you, and it’s time to enjoy the best of what your new area has to offer.
At Aussie, we’ve helped thousands of people move house in London, and we understand how exhausting (and sometimes overwhelming) it can be. That’s why we offer a full range of flexible services to make life easier, including:
Whether you’re still living among boxes or just discovering your new surroundings, Aussie can help you feel settled, supported and stress-free. Get in touch with us today to see why we’re known as “the can-do company”. Even if your move is complete, our array of additional services can help you post-move and far beyond.