London Walks

Question of the week: London Walk's Winter Wanders 2010 are coming up this weekend, so do you have a favourite walking route around London?

"Normally, my advice to anyone coming to London is to look up - so many of the beautiful details of the city are above ground level. This time, though, I'm going to say 'look down'. If you're walking near the London Centre, or coming from the flats, your quite likely to see round metal symbols embedded in the pavements you're using. These roundels define the Jubilee Walkway around central London - the cross of the crown pointing in the direction of travel, and they join up to form a set of interlocking loops around many of London's treasures. The Camden Loop especially might provide you with some interesting variations on your route home, around Bloomsbury and the City of London. (You might assume from the name that it would take you further north than that, but this is Camden for the council, not Camden for the tube station and markets)"
- Miss Alice

* Photo by StarrGazr, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London Walks

Question of the week: London Walk's Winter Wanders 2010 are coming up this weekend, so do you have a favourite walking route around London?

"Oops running a little late here, so this will have to be a brief post. One of my regular walking routes is along the Greenway in east London, which is as much because it's local as anything else. One of the really neat things about the stretch around Stratford, though, is that it gives you a sneak-peak of the central Olympic Park where the main venues are being built for the 2012 Olympics. The pace of work is ferocious, so there's plenty to see.

If you're interested in the Olympic site, you might want to check out the Lower Lea - Hackney Wick to Limehouse Basin walk on Saturday, part of the Winter Wanders events.

"Park and pass Fish Island to reach Old Ford Lock. A diversion provides a panoramic view of the Olympic Stadium and a Bowback channel leads to Britain's oldest tidemill at Three Mills. The Limehouse Cut takes the walk to the navigation's River Thames entry at Limehouse Dock."

Category: Urban Amble - Special walk - Under 5 Miles
Meet At: 13:00
Meeting Point: Hackney Wick Station
Nearest Tube Station: Highbury and Islington (take North London Line to Hackney Wick)
Finish: Limehouse Station 4.5 miles, approx 2.5 hours

If you want to get still closer, and more of a work out, you could always apply for the Newham London Run and be part of the first run in the Olympic Park!"
- Miss Alice

* Photo by suburbanslice, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London Walks

Question of the week: London Walk's Winter Wanders 2010 are coming up this weekend, so do you have a favourite walking route around London?

"Peter Ackroyd, the prize-winning author and historian, has put together a walk around Covent Garden. I will attempt to give a brief description of each bit, in the hope that you'll download a copy for yourself and try it out!

The walk starts at the corner of the Strand and Wellington Street, with the Lyceum Theatre (where the Lion King is now playing), and leads you up Wellington Street, past the Charles Dickens Coffee House (which used to be the offices of Dickens' magazine), near the Theatre Royal and the Theatre Museum.

Continue straight along the street (whose name now changes to Bow Street) where you'll find the Royal Opera House and the Bow Street Magistrates' Court. The Court is gone now, but the building remains - it was nearby in the 18th century that the Bow Street Runners, the forerunners of the Metropolitan Police, were formed.

Then look left down Floral Street,connecting buildings from one side of the street to the other you'll see a bridge - it runs from the Royal Ballet School to the Opera House itself, and is one way performers get between the buildings. Continue up Bow Street and turn left onto Long Acre - this has been an area of trade and settlement since Anglo-Saxon times.

Turn left again at the Covent Garden Tube Station, built in 1907; the journey from Leicester Square to Covent Garden is the most expensive in the world (for the distance) - it's only 0.161 miles! At the end of James Street you will see the famous Market Building, and the two pubs that you will pass (one on either side of the street) were originally there for the early-morning market workers, when Covent Garden was the hub of the fruit and vegetable trade in London.

Turn right before you go into the market proper and head towards St. Paul's Church. This is known as the 'Actors' Church' and the ashes of many famous British stage actors are interred here.

Make a slight diversion to your left, and walk down Southampton Street and then turn right down Maiden Lane. This street is home to two places of interest, Rules, possibly the oldest restaurant in London and frequent haunt of the Prince Regent, and the building that now houses the Porterhouse pub, which was the birthplace of the artist Turner. Turn right up Bedford Street and Right again on Henrietta Street, making a special note of Number 10, where Jane Austin stayed when she visited London.

Now walk along the South Piazza towards the Transport Museum (which was once the flower market), and go down Russell Street to number eight. This is the site of the bookshop where Samuel Johnson (of dictionary fame) first met his great friend and biographer James Boswell.

Make your way back to the Market Building and enjoy the architecture and shops inside. The building as it stands was erected in the 1830s, but the area has been used for trade for more than 1000 years.

Take a look around, enjoy the atmosphere, and know that now you can say that you have really seen Covent Garden!"
- Kris

(PS - click for a list of Peter Ackroyd books in the LUP Library. Miss Alice)

* Photo by Nicoze, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London Walks

Question of the week: London Walk's Winter Wanders 2010 are coming up this weekend, so do you have a favourite walking route around London?

"One of my favourite walks (especially once the weather improves a bit) is from the Globe Theatre, along the South Bank to Lambeth Palace. There's a bit of everything there - plenty of history, sights, and places to stop if you want to sit and enjoy the day.

Start at the Globe Theatre - an accurate rebuilding of Shakespeare's theatre near to its original site. If you look around, you'll see little bits of history to remind you of the area's less-than-glamorous past - there's a plaque marking the spot of an Elizabethan bear-baiting pit close by! As you walk west (with the Thames on your right), you'll pass the Tate Modern, which is a great place to explore modern art. And it's free, so if you just feel like ducking in to see what's on, you don't have to worry about 'getting your money's worth'. It also has a great cafe and bookstore!

Further along, you'll pass the OXO Tower and Gabriel's Wharf - both places where you can just hang out and enjoy London life. There are lots of little shops in both areas that have unique and hand made things. If you're looking for a special present, it's a great place to start!

The South Bank Centre is just a short way away - it's a cluster of (pretty ugly) buildings housing some great venues. They were all built for the Festival of Britain, after WWII, to celebrate what Modern Britain was all about. While we might not appreciate the architecture, it's what's inside that really counts! The National Theatre, National Film Theatre and Royal Festival Hall are great places to check out if you want something to do. You can find anything from screenings of black and white films, to free concerts, to amazing performances by famous names!

You'll be able to spot the next site almost from the start of the walk, but it really is something to see the London Eye up close. It sits next to a large and imposing building that used to be the seat of London government, County Hall. Now the building houses two hotels, the London Aquarium and two art galleries.

From here you'll cross Westminster Bridge, and you'll have great views of the Houses of Parliament from across the Thames. You may even see the news being filmed with the famous towers as a backdrop!

The end of the walk is now in sight - as you approach Lambeth Pier and Lambeth Bridge, you'll be able to see an old red brick wall, with a gatehouse, and some buildings behind. This is Lambether Palace, the London home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Anglican Church. Parts of the buildings date to the Elizabethian period, neatly bringing us back to London's history.

This is just a very short introduction to the area and the walk - if you want more information please just ask (especially about the Elizabethan South Bank - there are lots of things to see, if you know where to look!)."
- Kris

* Photo by mckaysavage, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London Walks

Question of the week: London Walk's Winter Wanders 2010 are coming up this weekend, so do you have a favourite walking route around London?

"The easy answer would be 'all of it', because I think walking is the best way of exploring London, whether you're in the City or out in the suburbs. More specifically than that? The Thames Path, which is a well-signed and maintained route, following the river along most of it's route from the Cotswold's down to the sea. I walk a small part of it most evenings, on my way home, but it's also great for a longer exploration.

One stretch I've used with friends as a structure for a day's roaming-with-camera is from central London down the south bank to Greenwich. The path breaks off from the river a few times, but it goes through a real cross-section of London - the historical and the modern, from luxury apartments to council flats, past the glittering glass towers of Canary wharf and derelict shipping docks and warehouses.

Probably best tackled in daylight, and in company, though, and it's worth sticking your A-Z in your pocket, both as a back-up to the path's signing, and to help you find the nearest public transport when you decide you've walked far enough for one day."
- Miss Alice

* Photo by me

London venues

Question of the week: London has hundreds of venues, for all types of performances. Do you have any particular favourites?

"The Jazz Cafe Live, Camden - my advice, go for the music and avoid getting stung for dinner at the same venue. The selection varies in terms of style but is always decent quality. Look them up to see what is forthcoming before going.

King's Place - this new venue is something of a creative arts hub some ten minutes by the 63 bus from K-M apartments. Travel towards King's Cross and then walk a little further. They run a free music program in addition to all the things you can buy tickets for. They run concerts, plays, and exhibit visual art.

La Scala - London's alternative music and arts venue. Something for everyone, including club nights and live musical acts."
- Ric

* Photo by Fabio, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London Venues

Question of the week: London has hundreds of venues, for all types of performances. Do you have any particular favourites?

"If you're looking for entertainment, the Barbican is hard to beat. The sheer diversity of the things that go on there still amazes me, even though I have known about it for years. If you want to see live theatre, music, dance or comedy, you'll be able to find it there. If you want to see a movie, there are three theatres showing everything from the latest Hollywood blockbuster to winners at the Cannes Film Festival to important film milestones in Mexican cinema. It's also a great place to go to see art installations, both indoor and out.

The Barbican was developed as a new idea for living in post-war London. About half the flats were sold (and are still very desirable and expensive today) and the other half are social housing. The complex includes shops, theatres, education venues and other facilities that people might want close to home. The entire development was designed to look 'modern' (some would say ugly) and to represent a break with the old ways of living. Who's to say if it worked? It's still here and as popular as ever, even if the concept didn't really catch on..."
- Kris

* Photo by daveybot, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London Venues

Question of the week: London has hundreds of venues, for all types of performances. Do you have any particular favourites?

"A short while ago, a friend asked me to recommend a couple of not-too-obvious theatres in London, if I knew of any. I managed to mentally scrape together one or two and began to write an email. Then I continued to write. Then I wrote a bit more. Soon enough, I found that I'd written enough to completely exhaust and bewilder any reader - too much for a friendly email and definitely too long for a blog post. However, these were the venues that came immediately to mind and I found I couldn't whittle the list down into anything less unwieldy. So, here it is: I present my list to you in all its lumpy, tiring, inelegant glory.

-----
Old Vic - Just because Kevin Spacey is the director doesn't make it populist; it is a bit old fashioned in the chandelier-and-sweeping-staircase style, however.

Young Vic - The Old Vic's recalcitrant younger sibling. No Kevin Spacey.

Royal Court** - Probably my favourite of the medium-sized theatres; it's one of London's best established but it doesn't feel like it. Productions are always outstanding - it's serious theatre. There are 'mainhouse' productions in the larger auditorium and more experimental works in the upstairs studio. Two nice bars, as well.

Donmar Warehouse - Again, medium sized and well-established, but certainly worth checking out.

Almeida Theatre* - Lovely small-to-medium sized venue with very inventive staging and consistently excellent productions.

Trafalgar Studios - For when you want to see a decent quality production without walking too far.

Southwark Playhouse - Now we're getting down to the less obvious venues. I can't comment on the drama, as I've only ever seen stand-up comedy here, but it seems a decent, studio-style theatre, very popular with actors. Surprisingly hard to find, though.

Menier Chocolate Factory - I'd normally recommend this place as an intimate venue to see well produced contemporary theatre, but they seem to be showing some dreadful-sounding musical at the moment. The restaurant is, I'm told, also worth investigating.

New Players Theatre - Again, actors love it as it serves as a bridge between fringe theatre and the West End (which, I think, best describes the performances you'll find here, too).

Hampstead Theatre - This is a trendy venue that concentrates on new writing: almost all of the productions staged here have never been performed before. Of course, what that means is that of the two plays I've seen here, one was fantastic and one was embarrassingly poor.

Orange Tree Theatre - This place is in Richmond, so off the beaten track in a lot of senses. It's a very intimate venue, with plays usually performed in-the-round, though as it concentrates on play revivals, quality can be variable.

Arcola Theatre - In a small community theatre such as this, things can seem a little cobbled together at times, but it's always full of surprises and very vibrant.

Tristan Bates Theatre - This place seems to be run by and for actors, which means that sometimes productions seem more like showcases for individuals than coherent pieces in their own right, but that also means you can see a few things here that are extremely unusual indeed.

King's Head* - This is a real theatre, but it's also the back room of a pub. As with all of the smallest venues production quality can vary, but I like visiting this place for its own sake. Also, if you don't like the performance, the beer is exceedingly well-kept, they have roaring open fires and often jazz bands through the night once the play has finished.

Old Red Lion - Another pub theatre with a surprising variety of shows on all at the same time.

There! That's probably enough to keep you going for now! In addition, however, please don't overlook the National Theatre for being too obvious. If you fancy seeing something that isn't strictly dramatic theatre, I'd also recommend The Place, which is a contemporary dance theatre (not everybody's cup of tea, I know) [try getting a 'return ticket', which is only slightly more expensive than a standard ticket, but will get you in to any other show at no additional cost] and The Comedy Store as a stand-up venue which usually combines amateurs and big-name professionals on the same bill.

I feel quite exhausted now.'
-----

Phew! I stand by what I said there and would endorse any of these places happily. Mind you, I'm very easily pleased - try for yourself picking somewhere at random and seeing what's on."
- Phillippa

* Photo by Slimmer_Jimmer, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London's venues

Question of the week: London has hundreds of venues, for all types of performances. Do you have any particular favourites?

"An unexpected opportunity to sit in one of the so-called 'choir' seats at a performance at Royal Festival Hall. Such a seat lets you see the audience and the hall from the orchestra's point of view -- which can change everything about the experience (as those of you who have played in an orchestra when learning a musical instrument know so well).

What I particularly enjoy is watching the conductor's engagement with the musicians -- something we hardly can see with his back to us! Best of all, these seats are remarkably inexpensive for even a major performance.

Take a walk across the Thames along one of the foot-bridges to the South Bank. RFH is at the foot of the bridge, in all not more than 10 minutes from the Centre. There you'll find the ever-helpful staff at the box office who can tell you the dates of performances that actually
include tix for these particular seats. Go for it -- it is an amazing opportunity."
- Prof Holt

* Photo by predatormc, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London's venues

Question of the week: London has hundreds of venues, for all types of performances. Do you have any particular favourites?

"Almost exactly a year after it closed its doors, it still feels a little disloyal to say anything other then the Astoria, but - there's nothing left of that beloved venue but an unfamiliar gap in the skyline around Tottenham Court Road and a lot of good memories.

Thinking of venues for smaller gigs seems less disloyal, so maybe the Scala, in Kings Cross, which makes such fantastic use of its multistory corner space and its faded Edwardian grandeur, and often plays host to bands who could fill much larger spaces wanting an intimate one-off. Just down the road, pub-turned-venue The Water Rats also has it's share of great gigs."
- Miss Alice

* Photo by Dave Patten, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Touristy things to do in London

Question of the week: What's one of the touristy things to do in London that you'd recommend?

"One final pick, for touristy things to do? The big national museums and galleries. The British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A are three of my favourites, but there's good reason why the National Gallery, the Tates (Modern and Britain), the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum all have pages dedicated to them in the tourist guidebooks. The main collections of all these organisations are free to visit, and all of them have full calendars of talks, tours and other events."
- Miss Alice

* Photo by wallyg, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Touristy things to do in London - Phillippa

Question of the week: What's one of the touristy things to do in London that you'd recommend?

"As you've probably noticed, there are thousands of touristy things to do in London: one of my favourites is sampling the Italian ice cream available from the large, garishly-coloured shops on Leicester Square. However, I certainly wouldn't recommend it to anyone, as the prices are also touristy and two scoops of cioccolato are likely to absorb the best part of your weekly food budget.*

After the obvious visits to look at the Crown Jewels (quite good fun: you have to stand on a conveyor belt to see them) and standing outside in the sleet to witness the Changing of the Guard, many guide books are wise enough to recommend Camden. This is a very vibrant part of town, crammed full of an unfeasibly large collection of markets, each with its own identity, atmosphere and clientele. Take the Northern line to Camden Town and turn left out the exit. From here, simply wander up Camden High Street, past the many shops and restaurants, bars and clubs, making sure that you visit Camden Market, Inverness Street Market, Camden Canal Market and perhaps best of all, Camden Lock Market, where you can get everything from a juggling set to Indonesian silverware to a full-body tattoo (not that we'd necessarily endorse any of those things, of course; remember, juggling can be dangerous). In the summer, the canal front is a great place to relax with coffee and peoplewatch. For now, however, it's good to know that if you arrive just as the shops are beginning to close, the food stalls will begin to sell takeaways very cheaply. So cheaply, in fact, you might even be able to afford an ice cream.

*If you're interested, there is a much more reasonable ice cream shop on Villiers Street called Gelato Mio and, during the summer months, another place just opposite Kamen-Minerva. See the Rectors for details."

- Phillippa

* Photo by Tim Cowlishaw, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Touristy things to do in London

Question of the week: What's one of the touristy things to do in London that you'd recommend?

"Take a tour at the Tower of London. Yes, it's a tourist cliche, and yes, it's a little expensive to get into the Tower - once you're in the tour is free - but it really is worth it. There's so much history crammed into the Tower site, having a guide who really knows their business makes the world of difference, and as each of the Yeoman Warders - or Beefeaters - has not only been awarded their position against stiff competition, but also completed at least 22 years of military service, they have plenty to say for themselves! It's almost an advantage that the weather's so cold and dark at the moment, as you'll be able to enjoy the tour - and the Tower - without the crowds that gather in warmer months.

An additional option, which most tourists don't get to do, because you have to apply at least 2-3 months in advance, is to send in your application for a free ticket for the Ceremony of the Keys, and be part of a very select band each night who watch as the Tower is secured for the night."
- Miss Alice

* Photo by mbrand, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Touristy things to do in London

Question of the week: What's one of the touristy things to do in London that you'd recommend?

"Another touristy thing that I actually get a real kick out of is taking a boat trip down the Thames. The Thames Clippers are a nifty alternative to commuting on the underground, but for the full touristy experience, pick up a guided cruise - from Westminster east to Greenwich, or west to Kew, or even Hampton Court. The Thames is such an integral part of the city, and it's a fantastic way of seeing London. Bus tours hold no appeal for me, but I look forward to friends coming to stay who I can use as an excuse to indulge in a river trip."
- Miss Alice

* Photo by Nevalenx, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Touristy things to do in London - Miss Alice

Question of the week: What's one of the touristy things to do in London that you'd recommend?

"I'm going to go with St Paul's Cathedral, which is stunning inside and out. Whilst it's wonderful to visit for free and be part of a service here, it's also worth paying the tourist fee for the tours, to explore the crypt, and most importantly, climb the dome for incredible views both inside, from the whispering gallery, and then outside from the top. You could also head across the Millenium Footbridge to the Tate Modern or the Globe to continue your explorations of the London tourists come to see - and that us locals are so fortunate to have close at hand."
- Miss Alice

You may also be interested in these posts about non-touristy things to do.

* Photo by Pamela Machado, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Tea and coffee shops in London - Miss Alice

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite tea or coffee shop in London

"I must admit, I do have a weakness for museum and gallery tea shops - the National Gallery cafe, the British Museum, although that's mostly for an excuse to sit in the Great Court. If I had to pick one, though, it would be the Victoria and Albert Museum's fantastic tiled tea rooms. Designed by Morris, Gamble and Poynter , these three rooms were the first museum restaurant in the world, and are a worth visiting in their own right, even if you can resist the divine cakes and delicious teas."
- Miss Alice

* Photo by Lars lapsus, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Tea and coffee shops in London - Kris

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite tea shop, coffee place, or cafe?

"For the full 'English Tea Experience' head to Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly. It is a department store, founded in 1707, and it has products found nowhere else - including teas. They have been importing and blending their own teas since 1744, so they know what they're doing. So, if you're looking for that special present, take a look here - they package most blends in special tea caddies that make it all the more special.

If you want someone to make your tea, and provide you with the scones, cakes and sandwiches that Afternoon Tea conjures to mind, Fortnum and Mason is again your place. The full service doesn't come cheap, but if you can afford to splash out, the experience can't be beat (and you'll feel like you won't need to eat for a week!). Of course if you're happy with just a cup of tea and a cake or scone, they can do that as well.

Think about learning about tea as part of your 'Global London' experience. It reflects a time when 'the sun never set on the British Empire' and sill represents a major import from places all over the world, both former colonies and not. Tea brings the world to London - India, China, Kenya, Sri Lanka - go out and taste it!"
- Kris

* Photo by Rich B S, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Tea and coffee shops in London - Miss Alice

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite tea shop, coffee place, or cafe?

"Yumchaa, on Berwick Street - friendly, welcoming, with a wonderful range of blends, with equally wonderful names - how can you not be tempted by 'Chilli Chilli Bang Bang' or 'Wanderlust'? They also have a range of London-themed tea blends - Regent's Park, Notting Hill, Soho Spice, and Chelsea Chai.

The shop is welcoming and inviting - you're positively encouraged to find a corner and stay for a good long while, either chatting with friends or working alone. They even offer Sunday Study Sessions just for students, with a personal pot of delicious tea, and a piece of cake for just £3."
- Miss Alice

* Photo by Pixelthing, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Tea and coffee shops in London - Ric Whaite

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite tea shop, coffee place, or cafe?

"The Curved Angel Cafe - near the residences (53 Clerkenwell Close, London EC1R 0EA). Been going here for almost a year now.

Roy, the owner, is a great guy. Very friendly. Very cheap drinks and food too. I believe on Thursday nights they have an open mic too. Free wifi as well.

Oh yeah, they only take cash."
- Ric

* Photo by metrognome0/, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Tea and coffee shops in London - Kris

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite tea shop, coffee place, or cafe?

"Postcard Teas (9 Dering Street, New Bond Street)

Timothy d'Offay is serious about tea. He travels for tea, writes books about tea, sources tea, and owns, perhaps, the best tea shop in London. He is also a very nice man. The few times I have been in Postcard Teas it has felt friendly and welcoming, not sniffy or pretentious, the way such a high-end and specialized shop could. Everyone who works in the shop is genuinely interested in tea, and wants you to share their passion. If you catch the tea bug, try a tasting - they're held every Saturday with Tim himself. They also have nice cake."
- Kris

* Photo by platform 3, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.