Travel: 48 hours in London

Friday, 3:30pm: Finish work early and hop on the train (first class, naturally).

You’ll be in central London within four and a half hours, having enjoyed a hot meal and complimentary drinks and wifi all the way. Advanced return fares from £34 standard, £95 first class (www.eastcoast.co.uk).

• 9pm Check into the stylish W Hotel, in the heart of Leicester Square (www.wlondon.co.uk), which has played host to everyone from Emma Watson and Helena Bonham-Carter to Colin Firth and Paul McCartney. Double rooms from £329 per night.

• Saturday, 10am First stop: Oxford Street. Whether it’s Christmas shopping you have in mind or something altogether more selfish, get there early to avoid the crowds. And if you happen to be feeling a little flat, you could nip into the Hershesons blow dry bar in Topshop (0207 927 7888). Choose from a menu of four or five hairstyles for £25.

• 1:30pm Take a stroll around the Hartnell to Amies: Couture By Royal Appointment exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum (www.ftmlondon.org).

• 4pm All that flexing of the credit card is thirsty work. Fortunately Fortnum and Mason (www.fortnumandmason.com) is on hand to provide refreshment with a vast choice of teas, sandwiches and dainty little cakes.

• Sunday, noon The Urban Retreat (www.urbanretreat.co.uk) in Harrods is exactly what it sounds like. Escape the madness for the fragrant treatment rooms and indulge in a luxurious Creme de la Mer signature facial, £120 for one hour.

• 3pm You just have time for a quick chocolate fix before heading back home. Cocomaya (www.cocomaya.co.uk) has just launched its third site in a beautiful former antique jeweller’s shop on Brompton Road.

THE FACTS

To find out more about what’s happening in London, including Christmas events, art and exhibitions, and shows and musicals, see www.visit london.com