LONDON’S BEST IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES [updated April 2025]

April 18, 2025 2 Comments

Looking for immersive experiences in London? Well, good, because I’m the UK’s biggest independent immersive experience blogger. Whenever an immersive experience launches in London, I’m there no matter how weird it is. I have visited more than 100 so far!

Below London’s best immersive experiences that I have tried and tested, organised by type. This article gets updated regularly, check the last published date for the latest update time and you’ll find 30+ immersive experiences here at all times.

Something needs updating? Give me a shout in the comments, or on Instagram (@travelwithpau).

THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHT

Race Across the World: The Experience

Race Across the World: The Experience, is the official live experience of the award-winning hit TV show, brought to life in a high stakes adventure across London where strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking are key to success. The streets are your playground. Every route you take, decision you make, and virtual penny you spend will change the outcome. Will your team’s choices make or break your race? Book now – weekends are going fast!

Traitors Live Experience

This is one of the most exciting immersive experience launches of 2025! The official live, playable experience based on the BAFTA and Emmy award-winning TV show, The Traitors is set to launch in London’s West End, Spring 2025. The Traitors: Live Experience will allow players to dive into the world of the hit TV series as they take a seat at ‘The Round Table’, participate in missions and work together to uncover the Traitors. Tickets are already on sale here.

LONDON’S IMMERSIVE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCES

Acid Bath Murder Experience

The Acid Bath Murderer Experience invites you to re-live the life of the notorious serial killer: John George Haigh. The journey will take you through a number of 360 degree immersive sets full of special effects. You won’t just be a bystander though. The Acid Bath Murderer Experience is fully interactive, featuring Escape Game style challenges and puzzles to deepen the narrative. Hounds who are behind it, are an award winning immersive-experience-meets-escape-game production company. Their previous experiences are amongst the Top 500 escape rooms in the world, and I can see why! Their venue in Crawley is super easy to get to them from London via a quick train, and I can guarantee you that you won’t regret it. Book it here.

Candlelight

Concerts illuminated by candlelight? I’m definitely in! Fever has recently launched Candlelight, affordable and intimate concerts performed by live musicians in some of the most iconic venues in London that transport you to a fairytale. I had the chance to attend a concert in the beautiful conservatory in Syon Park to listen to City String Ensemble play Movie Soundtrack Disney classics, and I might have shed a tear or two. Book it here.

United Kingdom

VISITING BELFAST: EPIC BELFAST BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE

December 20, 2024 2 Comments

VISITING BELFAST: BUCKET LIST AND TRAVEL GUIDE JAFFA MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN

What do YOU think of when you think of Belfast? For me all I could think is a troubled past, Titanic and the well known natural phenomenon Giants Causeway. Other than that I had no idea what I was going to discover on my visit and my expectations were low, which is a good thing, but what’s better is that they were exceeded. Like through the roof!

As you may know, Belfast is in Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom, my current home. What I loved about visiting Belfast was that I needed to hop on a plane so it gave me the feeling I was travelling abroad when I actually wasn’t. That might be you too!

Nowadays Belfast is my second home, as I own short term accommodation properties in the city. I’m constantly advising and engaging tourist so I do dare say I know a lot. So if you are visiting do me a favour and stay in one of them… wink, wink!

VISITING BELFAST: BELFAST BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE — GRAND OPERA HOUSE

VISITING BELFAST: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Belfast City is quite small and fully walkable, there’s buses of course, but frankly you don’t even need them. However, I do encourage you to get a rental car so you can independently visit the rest of Northern Ireland which is also very small so you can use Belfast as your base. Book your rental using DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires. If you are not renting a car, should you require an airport transfer, I always use WelcomePickups.

Tours / There are countless tours on Belfast but these are the most popular ones, and the Giants Causeway one is obligatory if you should you not rent a car:
Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour
Belfast: Political Taxi Tour
The Titanic Experience with SS Nomadic Visit
Political Conflict 3-Hour Walking Tour
Belfast: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Stay / We own various properties in Belfast so you can find one that suits your needs here. Our properties have 5 star reviews across the board and are perfect for families and groups of 4/5 people, while still affordable and walking distance from the city centre. If you are looking for something smaller or we don’t have availability (which is more frequent than not) then check out these hotels:

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast $$$
The Merchant Hotel $$$
AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast $$
Bullitt Hotel $$
Malone Lodge Hotel $$
Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre $

Eat / My top recommendations for each meal:
Brunch/Breakfast: Neighbourhood
Coffee: Established Coffee
Dinner: Jumon (yes, it’s veggie but trust me you won’t care)

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Belfast, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST

Hop-on; hop-off Belfast’s main sites

A great way to start your trip is to take a hop-on; hop-off bus across all Belfast city top attractions. It’s the perfect way to get started and get an overview of the city if you are short on time and an efficient way to get around the furthest away sites. I took this one with Belfast City Tours and loved it. It stops on 19 sites (many which I feature below) and pricing wise it’s great. Book it here, or below:

Fashion

I Tried 5 Pairs of VIVAIA Shoes—Here’s My Honest Review

April 29, 2025 No Comments

As someone who values style and comfort in equal measure, I’m always searching for footwear that’s versatile enough for travel, city walks, workdays, and everything in between. VIVAIA is a brand that kept popping up on my radar—marketed as sustainable, elegant, and genuinely walkable. When I had the chance to try out five of their pairs, I was curious: would they live up to the hype?

I tested them over a few weeks, rotating through different styles, weather, and occasions. Here’s my honest take on each pair.

1. Izabel Round-Toe Water-Repellent Sneaker Flats

🟤 Best for: Travel days, light rain, and casual errands

If I had to crown a go-to everyday shoe, the Izabel would be in the running. It combines the easy slip-on feel of a ballet flat with the support and sole grip of a sneaker. I took these out on a drizzly morning—my feet stayed dry, and I didn’t slip once. They’re breathable, cushioned, and machine washable, which makes them a dream for travel.

Fit: True to size
Comfort: 9/10
Worth noting: Great for airports or days when weather is iffy
Style tip: Works best with joggers, jeans, or anything casual-sporty

2. Jillian Square-Toe Block Heels

🖤 Best for: Work-to-evening transitions and dressy casual outfits

I’ll admit I was skeptical about comfort when I unboxed the Jillian heels—they look elegant, with their square toe and knit finish, but heels are heels, right? Turns out, these are different. The knit upper hugs your foot without pressure, and the block heel offers stability all day long. I wore them to a long brunch-turned-gallery-day and didn’t feel the need to swap shoes once.

Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8.5/10
Style tip: Try them with wide-leg trousers or midi skirts for an elevated everyday look

3. Cristina Lace-Up Derby Flats

🪶 Best for: Smart casual days and minimalist style

The Cristina lace-ups have a cool, Oxford-meets-sneaker vibe that’s ideal for adding polish without feeling overdressed. They’re lightweight, flexible, and sharp enough to dress up a simple outfit. However, fair warning: I got them in a lighter shade and they attracted dirt faster than I expected. They’re washable, yes—but if you’re not up for that maintenance, go darker. These are the only ones of the bunch I wouldn’t buy again.

Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8/10
Worth noting: Stylish but not made for messy terrain
Style tip: Pair with tailored pants or monochrome outfits for a clean, modern aesthetic

4. Nelly Mary Jane AdaptAll Flats

🎀 Best for: Everyday wear and all-day comfort

These are a standout. The Nelly Mary Janes are made with Vivaia’s AdaptAll technology, which basically means they stretch and adapt to different foot shapes—ideal if you have bunions, wide feet, or just prefer a forgiving fit. The strap gives a cute, vintage feel, but the shoe itself is ultra-modern in comfort. I wore these for a full walking day with no socks, no blisters.

Fit: Extremely forgiving, true to size
Comfort: 9.5/10
Style tip: Looks great with socks and a flowy dress, or cropped denim for a casual French-girl vibe

5. Maville Pointed-Toe Slingbacks

✨ Best for: Dressing up without the pain

The Maville slingbacks are the most “fashion” of the bunch, but still surprisingly wearable. I was expecting them to be stiff or too narrow, but the knit upper stretches just enough, and the slingback actually stays put. I wore them out to dinner and walked a few city blocks comfortably—which I can’t say for most pointed shoes. They’re an easy way to elevate a basic outfit.

Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8.5/10
Style tip: Pair with straight-leg jeans or a midi skirt for an effortless dressy look

Final Thoughts

VIVAIA really delivered on comfort, especially for a brand that leads with sustainability and style. All five pairs felt thoughtfully designed—nothing pinched or needed breaking in, which is rare. I especially loved how lightweight and breathable they were, making them great for warmer months and travel.

If you’re looking to invest in versatile shoes that blend fashion and function (without sacrificing your feet), these are genuinely worth a try.

Thailand

THAILAND: PAI BUCKET LIST

April 22, 2025 6 Comments

Pai is a cute little town in Northern Thailand. So many people recommended it to me! I was tight on time so only spent one full day in Pai but honestly, I would have spent more. It’s just so unique. It has a hippie, jungly and even slightly beachy vibe (even though there is no beach). There are no pressures and no pretensions in Pai! This is what I would recommend you do when visiting Pai in Thailand.

VISITING PAI: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The journey to Pai is an adventure in itself — most people travel from Chiang Mai by minivan, which takes about 3 hours and winds through 762 curves in the mountains (yes, really!). If you’re prone to motion sickness, take something beforehand. You can book your travel here, using 12Go Asia which is the biggest provider for travel in Thailand. Once you arrive, Pai is small and walkable, but you’ll probably want to rent a scooter to explore the surrounding waterfalls, hot springs, and canyons. They’re super affordable and give you ultimate freedom to roam.

Tours / While Pai is more of a DIY kind of place, there are still a few tours worth checking out if you want the hassle taken out:
Half-Day Pai Canyon, Bamboo Bridge & Waterfall Tour
Thai Cooking Class in a Local Farmhouse
Sunset Trek to Pai Canyon with Guide
Hot Springs, Caves & Viewpoints Private Day Trip
Morning Alms Giving & Local Village Visit

Stay /Accommodation in Pai ranges from dreamy riverside huts to boutique stays in the jungle. A few top picks:
Common Grounds Pai (Hostel) $
Pai Village Boutique Resort $$
Family House Zen Boutique Resort $$
The Quarter Pai $$$
Reverie Siam $$$

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Thailand, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Thailand

BANGKOK BUCKET LIST

April 16, 2025 12 Comments

Before visiting, so many people told me they didn’t like Bangkok — too busy, too chaotic, too overwhelming. But honestly? I couldn’t disagree more. I ended up loving it. I found the city full of contrast and character: a mix of buzzing street life and peaceful temples, gritty alleys and glossy malls, ancient history and modern comforts.

I spent around four days exploring and never got bored. Bangkok has everything you’d expect from a massive city — endless cafés and restaurants (with options for every cuisine and dietary need), a vibrant nightlife, fascinating cultural spots, and shopping that ranges from luxe boutiques to wild night markets. And of course, there’s the iconic Thai charm: golden temples, cheap mango shakes, and that intoxicating energy you won’t find anywhere else.

Here are some of the best things to do while you’re in Bangkok.

VISITING BANGKOK: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Bangkok is one of the easiest places to get to in Southeast Asia, with two major airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) — connecting the city to the rest of Thailand and the world. Both airports are about 30–45 minutes from the city depending on traffic (and yes, Bangkok traffic is real). You can hop on the airport rail link, grab a taxi, or book a private transfer — I always use WelcomePickups for smooth and stress-free airport arrivals. Once in the city, the BTS Skytrain and MRT are your best friends for getting around quickly, especially during rush hour. Taxis and tuk-tuks are everywhere, but make sure to agree on a price or ask for the meter. Need a ferry in Thailand? Then use Ferryhopper. Need to book various modes in Thailand? Then use 12Go Asia which allows you to book buses, and other connections such as bus + ferry or bus + plane in just one search!

Tours / There are countless tours across Krabi but these are the most popular ones:
Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market
Bangkok: Muay Thai Boxing Tickets at Rajadamnern Stadium
Bangkok: White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise free Beer
From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch
Bangkok: Hands-on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour

Stay / There are tons of hotels in Bangkok to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Bangkok, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

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