Professional Documents
Culture Documents
City Guide 2011
City Guide 2011
O N LY I N
LON DON
O F F I C I A L C I T Y G U I D E 2 0 11
+ Tube,
bus and
street maps
VI S ITLON DON.COM
VISIT
LON DON
VI S ITLON DON.COM
O N LY IN Illustrations by
London College of
Communication
?d]cAZl^hDm[dgYHigZZihidgZ#6\gZVi7g^i^h][Vkdjg^iZ#
SUPPORTED BY
:c_dniVm[gZZh]dee^c\dcdkZg(*%!%%%YZh^gVWaZegdYjXih!
_jhiildb^cjiZh[gdbDm[dgY8^gXjh#
(QVXLWH5RRPVIURPMXVW
SSSQ
)XOO\6HUYLFHG$SDUWPHQWVIURPMXVW
SHUQLJKW WE LCO M E TO
ONDON
&RPIRUWDEOH&RQYHQLHQW 9HU\(FRQRPLFDO
([SHULHQFHWKHJUHDWHVWYDOXHDFFRPPRGDWLRQLQFHQWUDO/RQGRQ
&KRRVHIURPRXUWZRJUHDWKRWHOVRURXUIXOO\VHUYLFHGDSDUWPHQWV:HDUHMXVWDIHZPLQXWHV British Museum
IURPDOO/RQGRQ·VWRSVLJKWVWKHDWUHVDQGVKRSV3DGGLQJWRQPDLQOLQHDQGWXEHVWDWLRQV
+HDWKURZ ([SUHVV +HDWKURZ &RQQHFW SOHQWLIXO WD[LV DQG UHG EXVHV DUH MXVW WZR PLQXWHV
DZD\ ,Q IDFW ZH DUH VLPSO\ WKH EHVW IRU ORFDWLRQ FRQYHQLHQFH FRPIRUW DQG YDOXH Tower Bridge
%RRNRQOLQHDW
T
here are some things in life sights, browse chic boutiques or soak
that only London can offer. up the rich culture, you’ll find a vibrant,
Our diverse, changing capital modern place with centuries of history
is home to some of the most that’s bursting with ideas, entertainment
distinctive experiences in the world, and things to do.
$%%(<&2857+27(/ :(6732,17+27(/ $63(1$3$570(176 and, as the host of the London 2012 More than 300 languages are
6XVVH[*DUGHQV 6XVVH[*DUGHQV 6XVVH[*DUGHQV Olympics, the city is more dynamic spoken in our cosmopolitan city. And
+\GH3DUN/RQGRQ:73 +\GH3DUN/RQGRQ:73 +\GH3DUN/RQGRQ:73 than ever. while London may continually change
7HO 7HO 7HO This guide will help you discover the and evolve, unforgettable experiences
)D[ )D[ )D[ areas that Londoners love, from the are everywhere.
LQIR#DEEH\FRXUWKRWHOFRP LQIR#ZHVWSRLQWKRWHOFRP LQIR#DVSHQK\GHSDUNFRP treasures of Westminster to the Where else can you find the world’s
ZZZDEEH\FRXUWKRWHOFRP ZZZZHVWSRLQWKRWHOFRP ZZZDVSHQK\GHSDUNFRP pleasures of the West End, Covent largest diamond, Europe’s busiest
Garden and Shoreditch. shopping street and more national
We share the sights, sounds and museums than any other city on the
sensations that make the city so planet? Only in London.
1 The British
3 Tate Entry is free at s
Museum Modern
national museubu m
Founded in 1753, and
with its spectacular
The most popular
modern art gallery on and galleries, a t
there may be
charge for special
Great Court added the planet is a must.
in 2000, The Tate Modern has a
British Museum is free permanent exhibitions
unmissable. It has exhibition of work by
more than seven artists including
million artefacts, Matisse, Picasso, Dalí
including Egyptian and Warhol, while the
mummies, the Rosetta Turbine Hall is almost
Stone and sculptures as breathtaking as
from the Parthenon. FREE the exhibits. FREE
2 The National
Gallery
Crammed with
4 Natural
History
Museum
5 The Merlin
Entertainments
London Eye
6 Science
Museum
Visit one of the world’s
7 Tower
London
Of
Be dazzled by the
8 Madame
Tussauds 9 Victoria
and Albert
Museum
Madame Tussauds’
10 National
Portrait
Gallery
masterpieces by Meet the dinosaurs, The most spectacular largest science Crown Jewels, which first waxwork exhibition This magnificent See the world's largest
da Vinci, Rembrandt, including a 26m-long views of London can be museums, crammed include the world’s in London was in Victorian museum of collection of portraits
Cézanne, Caravaggio, diplodocus, at the seen from Europe’s with games, gadgets largest cut diamond, at 1802. Today you can art and design is home for free at the oldest
Canaletto and Titian, National History largest observation wheel, and an IMAX cinema. the 900-year-old meet the Queen or to one of the richest portrait gallery in the
the National Gallery Museum. The the city's most popular Travel through time Tower. The Beefeaters, have your photo collections of world. The fabulous
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
has one of the best prehistoric reptiles sit paid-for attraction. Since exploring 300 years of who guard the Tower, taken with Michael photographs, displays includes
collections of Western alongside recent being built to celebrate scientific adventure can tell you about the Jackson at the place sculpture, textiles, paintings by masters
European art in the additions such as the Millennium, the and discover what former prison’s bloody that proves you paintings, ceramics, such as Holbein and
world. Get up close The Power Within, a London Eye has become space smells like in history and the ghosts haven’t made it furniture, fashion, Hockney alongside
and personal with Van dramatic earthquake iconic. You can see for the Force Field that are said to roam until you’ve been glass and jewellery sculpture, photography
Gogh’s 4VOnPXFST FREE experience. FREE 40km on a clear day. simulation theatre. FREE the grounds. immortalised in wax. in the world. FREE and video. FREE
JANUARY
St Patrick’s Day everything london.triathlon.org #SJEHFBOE5PXFS#SJEHF
thamesfestival.org Bonfire Night
New Year’s Day Parade home!" Notting Hill Carnival visitlondon.com
Parade 17 March
Yasmin, lawyer from London 28-29 August Regent Street
1 January 'SPN(SFFO1BSL8UP thenottinghillcarnival.com Festival Barclays ATP
'SPN1JDDBEJMMZ8UP 5SBGBMHBS4R8$ 3FHFOU4USFFU8 World Tour Finals
1BSMJBNFOU4R48 london.gov.uk South West Four regentstreetonline.com 5IF04&
londonparade.co.uk $MBQIBN$PNNPO48 barclaysatpworldtourfinals
BADA Antiques and southwestfour.com OCTOBER .com
London Boat Show Fine Art Fair Grand Designs Live Masterpiece Fair The Proms London Music
& Outdoors Show 23-29 March 30 April-8 May 30 June-5 July 15 July-10 September Carnegie Challenge Show DECEMBER
7-16 January 5IF%VLFPG:PSL4R48 &Y$F--POEPO& 3PZBM)PTQJUBM$IFMTFB bbc.co.uk/proms Cup Final &Y$F--POEPO& Ice-skating
&Y$F--POEPO& bada-antiques-fair.co.uk granddesignslive.com 48 8FNCMFZ4UBEJVN)" londonmusicshow.com 7BSJPVTBUUSBDUJPOT
londonboatshow.com masterpiecefair.com Buckingham Palace thechallengecup.com visitlondon.com
The Xchanging MAY Summer Opening London Restaurant
London Art Fair Boat Race RHS Chelsea Royal Ascot 27 July-1 October SEPTEMBER Festival Christmas at Kew
19-23 January 26 March Flower Show "TDPU3BDFDPVSTF4- #VDLJOHIBN1BMBDF48 Open City London londonrestaurantfestival 3PZBM#PUBOJD(BSEFOT
,FX
#VTJOFTT%FTJHO$FOUSF/ 'SPN1VUOFZ48UP 24-28 May ascot.co.uk royalcollection.org.uk 17-18 September .com kew.org
londonartfair.co.uk .PSUMBLF48 3PZBM)PTQJUBM$IFMTFB open-city.org.uk
theboatrace.org 48 Hard Rock Calling Open Weekend Story of London AEGON Masters
FEBRUARY rhs.org.uk )ZEF1BSL8 london2012.com London Duathlon Festival Tennis
MCN London East Festival hardrockcalling.co.uk 3JDINPOE1BSL58 7BSJPVTWFOVFT 3PZBM"MCFSU)BMM48
Motorcycle Show 7BSJPVTWFOVFTJO JUNE Hampton Court thelondonduathlon.co.uk london.gov.uk aegonmasterstennis.com
3-6 February &BTU-POEPO Wimbledon City of London Festival Palace Flower Show
&Y$F--POEPO& visitlondon.com/east 20 June-3 July colf.org )BNQUPO$PVSU,5 Run to the Beat Black History Month Bankside Winter
londonmotorcycleshow.com "MM&OHMBOE-BXO5FOOJT rhs.org.uk 'SPN5IF4& 7BSJPVTWFOVFT Festival (Frost Fair)
London Film Day $MVC48 Meltdown Festival runtothebeat.co.uk black-history-month.co.uk #BOLTJEFSJWFSTJEF
PVUTJEF
Chinese New Year 7BSJPVTWFOVFT wimbledon.org 4PVUICBOL$FOUSF4& 5BUF.PEFSO4&
Celebrations london.gov.uk meltdown.southbankcentre. London Fashion NBA Europe Live visitbankside.com
6 February Royal Academy co.uk Weekend 5IF04&
4PIP8 APRIL of Arts Summer 4PNFSTFU)PVTF8$ theo2.co.uk Winter Wonderland
chinatownlondon.org Virgin London Exhibition London International londonfashionweekend )ZEF1BSL8
Marathon June-August Festival of Theatre .co.uk NFL International hydeparkwinterwonderland
London Fashion 17 April 3PZBM"DBEFNZPG"SUT8 liftfestival.com Series .com
Weekend 'SPN(SFFOXJDI4&UP royalacademy.org.uk Great River Race 8FNCMFZ4UBEJVN)"
4PNFSTFU)PVTF8$ 5IF.BMM48 Hampton Court 'SPN%PDLMBOET& nfl.com/international New Year’s Eve
londonfashionweekend virginlondonmarathon.com Greenwich Palace Festival Royal rituals greatriverrace.co.uk Fireworks
.co.uk + Docklands )BNQUPO$PVSU1BMBDF,5 The Queen’s official birthday on Frieze Art Fair visitlondon.com
St George’s Day International Festival hamptoncourtfestival.com a Saturday in June is marked by Tour of Britain 3FHFOUT1BSL/8
MARCH 23 April festival.org tourofbritain.co.uk friezeartfair.com Always check the date and
the Trooping of the Colour, one
Ideal Home Show london.gov.uk JULY of London’s finest spectacles, venue with the organiser.
11-27 March London Jewellery Pride London with parades and pageantry. Mayor of London's The Times BFI Where no date is marked,
TIM SMYTH
&BSMT$PVSU48 Rhythm of London Week 2 July For details and more royal Sky Ride London Film Festival go to visitlondon.com for
idealhomeshow.co.uk london.gov.uk londonjewelleryweek.co.uk pridelondon.org ceremonies, see royal.gov.uk goskyride.com bfi.org.uk/lff more information.
Unique eats
Changing the Guard Take in Trafalgar Square from
The Trafalgar’s roof terrace.
Get a clear view of Nelson’s
Column (pictured) from the
Portrait Restaurant. Have
HO
PA US
R L ES
IA O
supper amid graves at the
M F Belgravia
EN
T Café in the Crypt. Or dine with grosvenorlondon.com
A
BE LGRAVI
MAYFAIR
MPs at The Cinnamon Club.
Westminster Abbey, a beautiful Britain’s secret headquarters in the
700-year-old church where kings, Second World War, and has been left 10 Downing Street
queens, poets and rebels are buried in exactly as it was in 1945.
EXPLORE MORE gothic splendour. The entire area is a Continue up Whitehall to Trafalgar
World Heritage Site. A walk through Square, known for cultural events and
Mayfair the abbey’s Dark Cloister leads to public art. On one side of the square is
As any Monopoly player knows, College Garden, laid out by monks in The National Gallery, full of European
Mayfair is expensive. Located the 11th century. It’s thought to be the masterworks from the 13th to 19th
northwest of Green Park, it’s home oldest garden in England. centuries. Around the corner is the
WESTMINSTER & AROUND
to The Ritz hotel, Savile Row, Head up Whitehall to the gated National Portrait Gallery. Both offer
the home of great British bespoke
W
estminster is home to Downing Street. The prime minister free entry to the permanent collections,
tailoring, and a maze of fascinating
many of London’s most lives at number 10; its front door can with a charge for special exhibitions.
streets. Shepherd Market has
iconic attractions. At its cosy restaurants, smart shops and only be opened from the inside. Close If you’re in need of peace, seek
heart are the imposing traditional pubs – treat yourself by, you’ll find one of the city’s best small sanctuary across the street in the
Houses of Parliament (also known to a pint in Ye Grapes. museums, the Churchill War Rooms. beautiful Georgian church of
Pimlico Road
as the Palace of Westminster), the Alternatively, drop in to The This underground complex was St-Martin-in-the-Fields, which farmers’ market
seat of the British government. Guided Punch Bowl on Farm Street, featured in the film 'PVS8FEEJOHTBOE
tours are available on Saturdays, and in a star-studded pub owned by See the B'VOFSBM. It has free lunchtime concerts
the week during the Summer Opening. Madonna’s ex-husband, Guy Ritchie. sights by bus every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at EXPLORE MORE
Although most of the gothic building
was built in 1834, some parts are much
GREEN PARK
A great way to see the
1pm, and you can buy tickets for
evening performances most nights.
Belgravia
grand embassies,
sights is by open-top bus. Belgravia is home to
luxury shops and smart restaurants.
The Ritz
older and are fascinating to explore. A short walk from Trafalgar Square is
The Original London
In Old Palace Yard is the Jewel The Mall, which leads to Buckingham Tucked behind exclusive Sloane
Tower, which was built in 1365 and Sightseeing Tour and Palace. In summer, the palace's Street is Motcomb Street, with
one of only two surviving sections of The Big Bus Company magnificent State Rooms display the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant
the old Palace of Westminster. The offer hop-on, hop-off Queen’s treasures to the public. Amaya and two shops that supply
SPHERICALIMAGES.COM; PHIL ASHLEY; IWM.ORG.UK
other section is Westminster Hall. tickets. Both also include Try to catch the Changing the the Queen: couturier Stewart
The Queen Mother lay in state here in a free river cruise and Guard outside the palace. Check Parvin and Waitrose Belgravia.
2002 as more than 200,000 people walking tour. changing-the-guard.com first, as Elizabeth Street runs from
came to pay their respects. the free spectacle happens only on Buckingham Palace Road to King’s
On the eastern end of the Houses of certain days. Road. It is packed with luxury labels
Parliament is Big Ben, the world’s such as Philip Treacy and jewellers
See listings
ILLUSTRATION: NAOMI WU
O N LY I N Wallace Collection
wallacecollection
.org
St Christopher’s Place
stchristophersplace
.com
L
ondoners naturally gravitate a million lines. Halfway down Oxford the neon lights of Piccadilly Circus,
is a melting pot of cultures and
towards the West End, and no Street at Oxford Circus is Topshop, with the Eros statue and Europe’s
personalities, and home to the
visit would be complete which has an exclusive range designed largest bookshop, Waterstone’s
largest Chinatown in Europe.
without a day – or night – by Kate Moss. Piccadilly. From here, continue across Old Compton Street has alfresco
spent soaking up its many attractions. South of Oxford Circus on Regent to Leicester Square to catch a film at cafés and a lively gay scene.
The area is world famous for Street is the Apple Store, a haven of one of the huge multiplexes or grab Frith Street’s iconic Bar Italia
shopping. Start at Marble Arch, on the iMacs, iPods and iPads. Hamleys, a drink in one of the many bars. has served coffee since 1949
northeast edge of Hyde Park, where Europe’s oldest and largest toyshop, is The West End can be busy, so and is open 24 hours. Don’t miss
Bayswater meets Europe’s busiest just down the road. It’s easy to spend escape the crowds at the Royal Busaba Eathai, Wardour Street’s
shopping street, Oxford Street. It’s hours here – even if you’re an adult. Academy of Arts on Piccadilly, where Thai institution, or award-winning
home to flagship stores for Marks There’s also a fantastic café for kids. you’ll find masterworks by Michelangelo cupcakes at The Hummingbird
EXPLORE MORE This area is home to some of and Turner, or Haunch of Venison Bakery opposite. Soho is famous
Theatreland
12 visitlondon.com Chinatown
13
O N LY I N Simpson’s-in-the-Strand
simpsonsinthestrand.co.uk
C
EE ly rt UI
IN sen uot *
*One free drink refill per person, up to 8 people. performance, lively shops and
FI s
Transport Museum, And there’s live opera at company. A more intimate venue is
Sarastro, a Turkish St Paul’s Church on the Piazza,
Covent Garden restaurant on Drury Lane. which hosts classical concerts.
Value options include Feeling active? Pop in to Pineapple
ltmuseum.co.uk Dance Studios on Langley Street for
Masala Zone on Floral
a class in ballet, tap or street dance.
Street or Ponti’s.
ILLUSTRATION: NAOMI WU
and restaurants
sevendials.co.uk
Garden has
a brilliant
atmosphere
and some
Bloomsbury great dance
shops!"
Ella Kleinig, ballet student
from Kent
sbury
BloomGarde century, and the Real Food Market
every Saturday is continuing the and Neal’s Yard Dairy, which sells
n, bookish
North of Covent tradition. The Apple Market, on the delicious cheeses. For more fragrant
Bloomsbury is known for its Piazza’s south side, sells antiques, arts aromas, pop in to Neal’s Yard
academic institutions, museums and crafts, and is magical at Christmas. Remedies for its essential oils.
and rich literary history. Charles
Nearby, Seven Dials is a cobbled
Dickens, Virginia Woolf and William
Designer boutiques including Paul
Yeats all lived here. The British Smith, Nicole Farhi, Koh Samui, roundabout surrounded by cafés and
Museum, on Great Russell and Swarovski line the streets around boutiques. It’s also home to the
Street, has more than 13 million Long Acre. For shoes, stroll up Neal Donmar Warehouse theatre, where
historical objects and is a terrific Street, then on to Shelton Street, where Ewan McGregor, Gwyneth Paltrow and
place to start. For more raucous you’ll find cowboy boots up to the Nicole Kidman have performed.
fun, visit Bloomsbury Bowling ceiling in vintage treasure chest Rokit. In Seven Dials is The Radisson
Lanes, on Bedford Way, for tenpin On St Martin's Lane, near The Royal Edwardian Mountbatten Hotel.
bowling and karaoke. Head to Ballet School, Freed of London sells Its chic Dial Bar is the place to be
picturesque Lamb’s Conduit Street dance shoes and ballet slippers. seen. Or have a drink at Covent
for refreshments. Drinkers at The charming cobbled enclave of Garden’s oldest pub, 300-year-old The
The Lamb, a perfectly preserved Neal’s Yard is home to the popular Lamb and Flag on Rose Street.
Victorian pub, spill out onto the lunch spot Neal’s Yard Salad Bar It was a favourite of Charles Dickens.
pavement. Up the road, Coram’s ‘THE ALLURE OF
Fields is home to London’s only
ANNIE COLLINGE; DAVID CROSSWAITE
flock of sheep.
RUSSELL SQUARE
THE PHANTOM NEVER DIES’
Paul Callan - Daily Express
A
cross the Thames from the Get a foodie fix offers stunning views from high-level EXPLORE MORE
Houses of Parliament, the
South Bank is London’s
The award-winning Borough walkways. Moored close is HMS
Belfast, the largest preserved Second
Greenwich
Market, under the railway Maritime Greenwich is one
playground and perfect for World War warship in Europe. of four World Heritage Sites in
arches at London Bridge, is
DLR/
GREENWICH
High Street and Babel at Clapham created in the brutalist style. Behind the Rhodes’s Fashion & Textile
Junction. You can enjoy a glass of Museum, full of cutting-edge design.
wine with a film at the Clapham South Bank
South London has plenty of green
Greenwich Park Royal Observatory
Picture House and the Common southbanklondon HMS Belfast space, and golfers will want to swing by royalparks.org.uk Greenwich
hosts festivals all summer. .com iwm.org.uk London Golf Club in Ash, Kent. /greenwich nmm.ac.uk
CLAPHAM COMMON
18 visitlondon.com
O N LY I N Barbican
barbican.org.uk
Dr Johnson‘s House
drjohnsonshouse.org
Inner Temple Gardens
innertemple.org.uk
City bars are buried. The cathedral is open to names such as Pudding Lane, where
See listings visitors Monday to Saturday and you the Great Fire started in a bakery. The
There is no shortage of sections or can hear Evensong at 5pm for free. Monument, another of Wren’s London
swanky bars in the City. Its
tallest skyscraper, Tower 42, visitlondon.com North of St Paul’s on Silk Street is landmarks, was built to commemorate
at the top (book in advance). information venues. It is home to galleries, cinemas, city. Climb the 311 steps to the top.
theatres and the London Symphony Inner Temple Gardens is a hidden
1 Lombard Street is a Orchestra. Next door, the Museum oasis near Fleet Street. Another pocket
buzzing bar in a former of London tells London’s story from of peace is Postman’s Park, a small
banking hall and Prism pre-Roman times to the present day, Victorian garden near St Paul’s
in Leadenhall Street oozes and has recently added some new Cathedral with a fascinating memorial
glamour. Both Cinnamon interactive galleries. to ordinary people who lost their lives
Kitchen in Devonshire Square The Bank of England Museum, by trying to save others. For a traditional
and Mint Leaf in Angel Court Bank Tube station, traces monetary pint in a historic pub, pop in to Ye Olde
have beautiful bars and serve history from 1694. You’re allowed to Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street,
incredible Indian food. handle a gold bar, but, sadly, you have frequented by Dr Samuel Johnson,
to give it back before you leave. whose house is around the corner and
London is falling back in love with the open to visitors.
skyscraper, and you can’t miss ‘the
Gherkin’, or 30 St Mary Axe, to give it
Mint Leaf
its proper address. Designed by EXPLORE MORE
Norman Foster, the bullet-shaped
building is not open to the public. Tower of
ST PAUL’S
The City is full of unusual street London
On the edge of the City sits the
Churches
T
he City of London, also known Tower of London, a fascinating
as the City, is the historic heart Sir Christopher Wren built former prison and execution house.
of London. Today, it houses the more than 50 churches in Here you can marvel at the Crown
financial district, packed with Jewels, including The Great Star
the City, but many were of Africa, the largest cut diamond
ancient buildings and gleaming
demolished in the 19th in the world. And don’t miss the
skyscrapers. While it buzzes in the week,
many shops and bars shut at weekends.
century or destroyed in ancient Ceremony of the Keys
St Paul’s Cathedral, with its
the Blitz. The City’s oldest (the locking of the Tower), which
enormous dome, still dominates the church, All Hallows by the has happened nightly for 600 years.
Tower, was founded in 675. Straddling the river is Tower
skyline. It was designed by Sir EXPLORE MORE Bridge, which has spectacular
At St Olave church you’ll
Christopher Wren after the Great Fire
of London in 1666. Don’t miss the Clerkenw ell find the grave of London views. Cross it to reach the bars
City, this trendy
Just west of the and restaurants at Butlers Wharf.
diarist Samuel Pepys
ANDREA BRUNSENDORF; ILLUSTRATION: NAOMI WU
/ FARRINGDON
T
he multicultural East End is
Then go down for breakfast. both wonderfully historic and
newly fashionable, thanks to
the regeneration of former
industrial spaces. By day you can
explore London’s heritage, stopping in
hip cafés, shopping in trendy boutiques
and sampling cutting-edge art: try
up-and-coming arts centre Rich Mix
on Bethnal Green Road.
The area’s rich history in furniture
making is celebrated at the Geffrye
Museum, where a permanent
exhibition shows a typical English
sitting room through the ages.
EXPLORE MORE Afterwards, stop for lunch or dinner at
Spitalfields
To the south of Shoreditch,
Spitalfields has a long tradition of
market trading. At Old Spitalfields
Market, the big day is Sunday,
when stalls sell food, fashion, art,
Park life jewellery, books and records. For
New hotel opposite Big Ben. From Kingsland Road, walk refreshments try a Square Pie with
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London is now up Regent’s Canal, alight at mash and gravy. The market is also
busy in the week, with deli food on
open. Enjoy spacious, contemporary guest Broadway Market and within Wednesdays, antiques on Thursdays,
rooms, a fitness centre and pool, five dining five minutes you’re in London and fashion and art on Fridays. The
options, 31 meeting rooms, a 1200sqm pillar- Fields, with its popular lido. whole area of Spitalfields has a
free ballroom and a location unmatched by From there, the canal winds wide variety of shops and cafés that
any other in London. Situated on the vibrant past Victoria Park, a lovely are open daily. Vintage shopping
expanse of trees, ponds and / LIVERPOOL STREET
The areas around Spitalfields
South Bank, in the heart of London, this
landscaped lawns. Enjoy a and Brick Lane are full of flea
extraordinary new hotel offers spectacular hearty lunch at The Pavilion.
choice for the business and leisure traveller, markets and boutiques selling
second-hand clothes. Beyond
both inside and out.
Retro on Cheshire Street has
JOHN STURROCK; ILLUSTRATION: RICH SHEEHAN
Flower power
It wouldn’t be a proper
Sunday morning in East
London without a visit to
EXPLORE MORE Columbia Road Flower
rd
StratfoLond Market, where all manner
on is being
This part of East of flowers, plants, shrubs
regenerated and is now home to Olympic Park and even trees are available
the 500-acre Olympic Park – you at bargain prices. Stop off
can tour around the site with a at the Café Columbia for
Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Since bagels and coffee afterwards.
construction began in 2006, the
area has been transformed, with
a seven-minute rail link direct
to the centre of London, and the Westfield
LONDON 2012
24 visitlondon.com
Roundhouse
O N LY I N Regent’s Park
royalparks.org.uk
/regents
Designer
Warehouse Sales
designerwarehouse
EXPLORE MORE
sales.com Islington
Alight at Angel Tube for Upper
Regent’s Canal Street’s great shops, antiques
To get a different perspective market and eateries. Islington is
on the city, stroll or cycle also known for its arty cinema
along Regent’s Canal, which Screen On The Green and
runs through Camden from its theatres, from the highbrow
Almeida and Sadler’s Wells (for
Hackney to Paddington. Or ballet) to the King’s Head Theatre
hop on a barge – boat trips & Pub. Fashionistas flock to the
Calling begin at Camden Lock. Stop Designer Warehouse Sales,
cricket fans at Camley Street Natural which are held every two or three
Lord’s Cricket Ground Park and Waterside Café months in Thane Villas.
hosts matches from April to in Little Venice. ANGEL
C
amden Town is famous for Camden. Try The Hawley Arms on such as the Gorilla Kingdom and the
the green. The area is most famous
View from Primrose Hill
its alternative culture. At Castlehaven Road. It’s a favourite with children’s zoo, Animal Adventure. A
for its atmospheric cemetery, weekends, the whole length celebrities including Amy Winehouse. relaxed way to get there is by canal boat
where Karl Marx is buried. of the High Street is brought For a little opulence, head to African from Little Venice or Camden Lock.
HIGHGATE to life by Camden Market, where -themed Shaka Zulu, a bar, restaurant For those seeking peace and quiet,
EXPLORE MORE
26 visitlondon.com 27
Portobello Road
Westfield London
This vast shopping mall has
a spectacular roof that fills
the building with light. Its 265
stores include designer luxury
in The Village and high street
names including M&S and
Debenhams. It’s open until
10pm on Thursday and Friday.
N
otting Hill is known for its The tranquil streets around Portobello on Portobello Road is London’s oldest Empire Shepherd’s Bush and 2
Hilton London Olympia. pretty pastel town houses, Road are full of treasures. Halfway cinema. Comfy leather armchairs, wine Bush Hall. In nearby White City
EARL’S COURT colourful nightlife and down Portobello is Blenheim Crescent, and canapés pull in the crowds, the BBC Television Centre has
PIA
/ KENSINGTON OLYM daily tours.
world-famous market. It with art galleries, cafés and The Travel whatever is showing. The Sausage
may no longer be as bohemian as it Bookshop, made famous by Hugh & Mash Café is a lunchtime favourite. SHEPHERD’S BUSH
once was – property prices are sky-high EXPLORE MORE Grant and Julia Roberts in the film Further down, Portobello Road meets
– but it’s still home to Europe’s biggest /PUUJOH)JMM (although the nearby shoe Golborne Road, the heart of the
street festival, The Notting Hill Wembley shop Notting Hill served as the actual capital’s North African and Portuguese
Carnival, which brings the area to Wembley Stadium, with its iconic location). Opposite it is the wonderful communities. You’ll find incredible
vibrant life every August Bank Holiday. glittering arch designed by Norman Books for Cooks. custard tarts at Lisboa Patisserie.
Portobello Road is where you’ll Foster, is the home of English Elgin Crescent is equally charming, Wherever you are in Notting Hill,
find the largest antiques market in the
football. It also hosts rugby matches offering designer clothes at Graham you can’t miss the eye-catching
and huge concerts. If you can’t join
world. Every Saturday, it’s packed with & Green and funky alternatives at the Trellick Tower. The 31-storey 1972
ANNIE COLLINGE; BBC TOURS
EXPLORE MORE
South West
"Liliane South West London is known for
genteel neighbourhoods such as
Culture for kids loves the Barnes, with its duck pond and
At the Natural History villagey pubs. It’s also home to
Museum you can experience butterflies at the London Wetland Centre, a
an earthquake and find the Natural unique wildlife reserve. Further
west, sports fans can visit the
the world’s oldest insect.
In winter, the museum has
History Twickenham World Rugby
Museum and tour the stadium,
open-air ice-skating and a Museum" while history buffs should journey
Christmas market. At the Liliane and Jude on to Hampton Court Palace,
Science Museum, the IMAX from Ealing, West London formerly home to Henry VIII. All are
cinema simulates the feeling easy to reach by train.
BARNES / TWICKENHAM
of being blasted into space or / HAMPTON COURT
swimming in the ocean.
O
Marble Hill House
Royal Botanic ne of London’s most
elegant and expensive
Road is a less well-known museum,
The Royal College of Music’s
Gardens, Kew neighbourhoods, the Museum of Instruments, where
This World Heritage Site Royal Borough of more than 800 musical instruments are
houses the planet’s largest Kensington and Chelsea is packed with on display. It also hosts concerts, many
living plant collection. With museums and historical sites, and two of them free.
vast lawns, glasshouses and a of the city’s biggest and best parks. Opposite is the distinctive Royal
treetop walkway, the gardens EXPLORE MORE Clustered around South Kensington, Albert Hall, home of the BBC Proms,
are a treat any time, whether each no more than a few minutes’ walk the largest classical music festival in
you visit for spring flowers, Richmond from the Tube, are three of London’s the world, and the only venue where
Easily accessible by Tube, or by most famous museums, all of them free The Beatles and the Rolling Stones
summer picnics, autumn leaves train from Waterloo, Richmond is a
or winter ice-skating. (apart from selected temporary shared a billing. There are daily tours if
picturesque town on the Thames. exhibitions) and all of them world-class. you can’t get a ticket to a concert.
Hire a bike in beautiful Richmond The largest, the Natural History Across Kensington Road from the
Park and explore the largest urban
Museum, with its dinosaurs and Royal Albert Hall, two of London’s
Department
stores See listings
You’ll find fantastic shopping
sections or
in Kensington and Chelsea. visual treat. A few minutes’ visitlondon.com
As much a part of the walk away is Harvey for more Chelsea Physic Garden
32
35 37 39 40 43 45 46
"We came
up to see
Somerset
House and
Changing the
Guard at
Buckingham
Palace"
Harry and April,
retired, from Somerset
Sightseeing
Historic buildings and cutting-edge design,
world-class culture and fun family attractions
make London a city full of unique experiences
HISTORIC
LANDMARKS
Central Hall
Westminster
HMS Belfast
Explore nine decks of
The British Library church and conference this cruiser that played
Browse the world’s largest centre also houses an an important role in the
!" collection of books, maps excellent fine arts gallery. Second World War and
and manuscripts at this Free guided tours are the Korean War.
#$ % & ! " national institution. available. .PSHBOT-BOF
' (( ) ( (! * &VTUPO3PBE/8 4UPSFZT(BUF48 5PPMFZ4USFFU4&
+ $ , - - . bl.uk c-h-w.com hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk
/ King’s Cross St James’s Park / London Bridge
///0 0 0&1 City Guide London 35
ATTRACTIONS