From serene, high-end wellness treatments to mouth-watering omakase experiences, London isn’t short on ways to treat yourself. The tricky part is figuring out which experiences are actually worth the splurge and how to get the best value – but that’s where we come in. Barclays are currently offering a £400 bonus¹ when you switch to a Barclays Premier Current Account by April 30, 2026, so we’ve curated a selection of standout activities worth spending that extra cash on. Consider this your guide to revamping your down time in London.
To claim your £400 bonus, you need to download the Barclays app and use it to open a sole Premier Current Account in the app. Next, you just initiate your switch with the Current Account Switch Service (including two active direct debits), and finally deposit £4,000 or more into your account. Plus, the bonus isn’t the only perk – Premier banking customers enjoy fee-free access to an Apple TV subscription³, Barclays Experiences³, preferential savings rates, Cashback Rewards³, an exclusive black debit card, support from Barclays’ team of Financial Guides, and more. Read on to get inspo on how to spend that bonus in London.
Download the Barclays app here.
1. Create your own signature scent at a perfume blending experience
We all want a perfume that’s uniquely ours – and with help from the blending masters at Experimental Perfume Club, you can get one. Their Luxe Blending Experience begins with a welcome drink, before profiling a collection of award-winning fragrances that you will blend into your own signature scent. The fragrance is yours to take home in a personalised bottle, as well as the formula, so you can re-order it in the future.
2. Dine at one of London’s finest omakase experiences
Limited to just five tables and ten sushi counters, the RAI omakase experience is a must-try experience for sushi lovers. Only the finest ingredients make it onto the menu, from A5 Japanese wagyu and Kobe beef, to fresh wasabi exclusively sourced from Mount Fuji, and soy sauces that have been aged for up to 38 years. But whilst the produce is top shelf, the price comes in at a modest £59 for 9 courses, or £75 for 11 courses.
3. Pamper yourself like never before at AIRE Ancient Baths
AIRE Ancient Baths offers a plethora of dreamy wellness experiences that are guaranteed to leave you feeling a million dollars. But for the ultimate day of indulgence and self-care, it’s got to be the limited edition Self Love experience. As well as a 45 minute massage with floral massage oil and hot basalt stones, you’ll get to spend time relaxing in the thermal baths. Then, put on your hydrating eye patches and nourishing hair mask whilst enjoying a glass of sparkling rosé wine and chocolate treats – heaven!
4. Enjoy classical music at Chopin & Champagne by Candlelight
If an evening of classical music in a breathtaking candlelit setting sounds like a bit of you, then Chopin & Champagne by Candlelight is one to add to the diary. Hosted at St Mary le Strand, this dazzling show will see talented concert pianists perform Frederic Chopin’s most celebrated works, bathed in the glow of a thousand candles. The concert is showing on March 6, April 24, June 12 and July 10, and the complimentary champagne reception begins at 7:40pm.
5. Re-live iconic movie moments at Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
Experience your favourite movie soundtracks like never before at a Candlelight concert hosted in Central Hall Westminster. Reimagined by a stunning string quartet, Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works will bring to life this legendary composer’s most iconic scores from The Lion King, The Dark Knight, Sherlock Holmes, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more.
6. Take in epic views of the skyline up The Shard
Not only is The Shard one of London’s most iconic buildings, it’s also in the top 100 tallest buildings in the world. With a viewing platform 68 storeys above the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best places to take in the London skyline. Once you’ve taken the high speed elevator, you can learn more about London’s history, or enjoy a glass of bubbly at Europe’s tallest Moët & Chandon bar whilst admiring the view.
7. Indulge in afternoon tea on the Cutty Sark
Level up your next afternoon tea experience with a slice of history, and enjoy it aboard the world’s sole surviving tea clipper, The Cutty Sark. As well as a delicious spread of afternoon tea treats, you’ll also get to enjoy exclusive access to this 1869-built vessel throughout a three hour tour.
8. Take a tour of the Tower of London
Take a VIP tour of the Tower of London and get unprecedented access to one of the city’s most important royal and historical landmarks. As well as a viewing of the 700 year old opening ceremony, you’ll also get to marvel at the magnificent crown jewels and enjoy a walkway tour of Tower Bridge. Early access means an intimate experience before the crowds arrive, allowing you to soak in the history, the views and royal charm at your leisure.
9. Get a full health MOT at this futuristic clinic
Think of this as the ‘everything shower’ of health scans. Checking body moles, heart and artery health, blood sugar and cholesterol, and much more in just a few minutes, the Neko Body Scan is an amazing preventative health measure for your future self. Using the best technology and a team of professional doctors, the scan can give you a detailed snapshot of your wellbeing, helping you to spot potential issues before they become problems.
¹To be eligible, (1) use the Barclays app to open a sole Premier Current Account (eligibility criteria apply), (2) initiate a full switch (including two active direct debits) by 30 Apr 2026, (3) complete the switch & (4) deposit £4,000, all within 30 days. T&Cs apply. New customers, 18+ & UK residents only.
²To be eligible for a Premier Current Account, customers must meet the account criteria, through either paying in a gross annual income of at least £75,000 – or having a total balance of at least £100,000 in savings with Barclays, in eligible investments, or a mix of both.
³Activate benefits in the Barclays app. T&Cs apply.
