Favourite tube line? - Miss Alice

Question of the week: Do you have a favourite tube line, and why?

"I'd have to say the District Line (the green line running east and west, if you're still getting the hang of the tube map). It's one of the oldest lines - beginning operations in December 1868 between South Kensington and Westminster, and only 25 of it's 60 stations are underground, so for much of the route you can get a glimpse of the areas you're passing through.

It runs for 40 miles spanning London, tying together some really disparate areas - the leafy suburbs of Wimbledon and Richmond, through the heart of the City, to the substantially less-leafy suburbs of Dagenham and Upminster in the east. The contrast between, say, Richmond's royal park in the west, and Dagenham's reclaimed Eastbrookend County Park in the east is marked, and however you may feel about those differences, those contrasts are part of the warp and weft of the city.

Starting from the centre, with Westminster station right under the walls of Parliament, you can head west, to the museum mecca of South Kensington (V&A, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace), and beyond to Wimbledon (Tennis) Kew (Gardens) and Richmond (Rugby and Richmond Park).

Heading east, it takes you through the City of London (past the Inner and Middle Temples and the Bank of England), to the Tower of London, and on, to the Whitechapel Gallery and Brick Lane", past the edges of the 2012 Olympic site, to Upton Park (West Ham Football Club, Green Street and Queen's Market), and beyond, to Dagenham (of 'Made in Dagenham' fame), Hornchurch and Upminster (Home of the mighty Urchins)." - Miss Alice

London walks - Kris

Question of the week: Walk London's Winter Wanders weekend is coming up, which makes this a topical time to re-visit the question - is there a walking route in London that you'd recommend?"

"I have recently discovered a website that has a number of really good London Walks, but my favourite is the one (or two, depending on how you count) that get into the history of the area around the flats. It's fascinating, and starts close to home - what could be better! If you're up for it (and it's a nice day) try to do both walks together - they'll give you a real sense of the history of Holborn, Clerkenwell and the City of London. If not, do them in chunks when you have the time and energy. But do check them out! Part 1 &Part 2. (Other walks on the same site here)"- Kris

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

London walks - Miss Alice

Question of the week: Walk London's Winter Wanders weekend is coming up, which makes this a topical time to re-visit the question - is there a walking route in London that you'd recommend?"

"The route I walk several times a week is along the Thames path, from Embankment down to Tower Bridge, and it's a route I love. You're walking through the heart of the city - past universities, galleries, theatres and churches, not to mention countless statues and some really beautiful street furniture - like this aquatic lamppost. Everywhere along the route, you're surrounded by beautiful buildings ancient and modern, ending with the Tower of London. And you're walking with the river as your constant companion - there's always something different to see at high tide or low."- Miss Alice

* Photo by Sarah G, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London walks - Kris

Question of the week: Walk London's Winter Wanders weekend is coming up, which makes this a topical time to re-visit the question - is there a walking route in London that you'd recommend?"

"What about the Alternative London Tour?

The area around Spitalfields is one of the most vibrant in London - the market is a big draw but the whole area is a hotbed of creative talent, including well-known artists Tracey Emin and Gilbert & George. To explore this area, why not check out the Alternative London Tour, which will show you street art, Banglatown, and give you an insight into the history of this really fascinating area."- Kris

* Photo by David Green, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London walks - Miss Alice

Question of the week: Walk London's Winter Wanders weekend is coming up, which makes this a topical time to re-visit the question - is there a walking route in London that you'd recommend?"

"I'm usually one for recommending free things, like most of the guided walks taking place as part of this weekend's festival, and there's an almost infinite number of routes around the city I could point to that you can explore for free, but... To break with tradition: if you're looking for a walking guide once the festival's over, then it's London Walks, hands down, no question.

A guided tour might sound touristy, but - with the possible exception of the Jack the Ripper one - London Walks' walks are anything but. I do a few each year and I've never been the only Londoner in the group: the guides are excellent and very open to questions, the groups are usually friendly, and if you want another lens to help you see London differently and more deeply, this will be £8/£6 well spent.

Want to tie a guided walk into one of your classes (or get a taster of something that didn't fit your schedule?) - take a look at their Archaeology series, their London film walks, or one of a range of literary walks. If you're already getting bored of heading to the same pubs with the same people, why not try one of their pub walks, which are, as they say, an easy and natural way to meet people as well as to explore an area of the city in detail."- Miss Alice

* Photo by Crystian Cruz, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London walks - Ric

Question of the week: Walk London's Winter Wanders weekend is coming up, which makes this a topical time to re-visit the question - is there a walking route in London that you'd recommend?"

"I'd like to commend a walk along the canal tow-path from near Angel, Islington westward thru' Camden Lock and Market, and along to Primrose Hill, Regent's Park and London Zoo (where, incidentally I will taking a group of students next Friday, 28th). This site illustrates the route well." - Ric

(Follow this link for previous walking recommendations)

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

Looking forward to in London - Prof Kucich

Question of the week: What are you looking forward to in London for the first part of 2011

"Among the many splendid current and soon to open art exhibitions in London, the Royal Academy of Arts exhibition on "Modern British Sculpture" is one I'm particularly looking forward to seeing (it opens this weekend). The Royal Academy of Arts, a marvellous art institution just a few minutes walk from the London Centre near Piccadilly Circus, describes this event as "the first exhibition for 30 years to examine British sculpture of the twentieth century. The show represents a unique view of the development of British sculpture, exploring what we mean by the terms British and sculpture by bringing the two together in a chronological series of strongly themed galleries, each making its own visual argument."

Another wonderful art exhibition close to the London Centre is currently on at Tate Britain. Titled "Romantics," it offers a magnificent display of the inspiring and passionate works of great artists of the Romantic Era (late 18th and early 19th centuries), such as Blake, Turner, and Fuseli."- Prof Kucich

* Photo by Miss Alice

Looking forward to in London - Miss Alice

Question of the week: What are you looking forward to in London for the first part of 2011?

"Next weekend (29th and 30th) is Walk London's Winter Wanders weekend, which is always an opportunity to explore new places with great guides.

Further ahead? Today's post had several tickets in it, so I am full of anticipation for so many wonderful things - Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller in Frankenstein at the National Theatre (I just scraped in - it's sold out and day-tickets only now, or you could catch it at a live cinema screening). Bartabas combining horsemanship and dance at Sadlers Wells, as well as les ballets C de la B and Rambert Dance Company (tickets from £10, £8/each if you book two shows at the same time.) And the re-start of the London Rollergirls season, of course."- Miss Alice

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

Looking forward to in London - Cornelius

Question of the week: What are you looking forward to in London for the first part of 2011?

"Sir Derek Jacobi's performance of King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse theatre. Jacobi is widely acclaimed as probably the greatest living Shakespearean actor, and yet he has never performed the Bard's greatest tragic hero, King Lear. The production opened to universal acclaim, with reviews describing Jacobi's performance as the greatest Lear of this generation. Tickets to the live performance are like gold dust, but do not despair. On 3 February the National Theatre is arranging to broadcast a live performance in hundreds of cinemas around the world. For London venues check out their website."- Cornelius

* Photo by cormac70, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Looking forward to in London - Kris

Question of the week: What are you looking forward to in London for the first part of 2011?

"The Royal Wedding

If you've been living under a rock for the last two months, this might come as a surprise: Prince William and Kate Middleton are getting married in April. If, like me, you have been aware of the world around you, you'll know that the last weekend of April is going to be one huge, non-stop celebration to honour the couple (and the extra day off that a royal wedding brings to most working people in Britain).

Royal weddings are rather rare events, so I'm really happy that I'm going to be around to enjoy the fun and excitement that the planning and the event will doubtless cause. Wills and Kate seem genuinely happy together, and if we can't celebrate that, what can we celebrate!

Happy wedding, Wills and Kate!"- Kris

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

Looking forward to in London - Ric

Question of the week: What are you looking forward to in London for the first part of 2011?

"Try this for size: February - Sing with the English National Opera

Know the Show is a unique opportunity for anyone passionate about singing to learn choruses from current ENO repertoire. Working with a professional choral director and members of the ENO Chorus, it's a brilliant chance to improve your singing, explore operas from ENO's season, meet other like-minded singers and have great fun! At each event, there is also a special guest to provide further insights into ENO's work.

No previous singing experience required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved! Printed music is provided for all singers, although you don¹t need to read music to take part.

Save the date!
The Mikado, Sat 12 Feb 2011

Join us for the next 'Know the Show' event in February. We¹ll be learning choruses from Gilbert and Sullivan's ever-popular opera The Mikado, with support from ENO chorus members.

Time: 10am-5pm

Suitable for: ages 14+; under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

Tickets: £35, £20 concessions
Venue: Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road, London, NW1 7AY
Nearest tube station: Camden Town


More to follow, surely..." RPW

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

Welcome to London

Welcome to a new year, and a new semester, and welcome to the LUP blog - a place where we share still more about the city, for those of you interested enough to subscribe, or visit regularly to read.

Take a look back through the archives for almost a years worth of suggestions and recommendations, and if you have ideas for questions that you'd like us to post about, let us know!

Who are we? We're the LUP staff, and below are just a handful of the things we've been writing about over the past year and a half:

Greg Kucich, program director, who's suggested a couple of key resources, appreciates the South Bank and lists Handel's Water Music as his favourite London music.

Laura Holt, deputy director, who's a fan of London's many markets , and orchestras, museums, and churches, as well as beautiful places elsewhere in the UK and beyond.

Cornelius, associate director, who has recommended a trip down to Greenwich, the White Cube gallery, and a wonderful opportunity to get free and discounted theatre tickets.

Kris Dahl, rector, who has recommended a great many places to visit, close to the London Centre, close to the flats, further afield in London, the UK, and Europe.

Ric Whaite, rector, who has some suggestions for getting off the beaten track, getting a great view of the city, getting a good deal, and getting a bus to visit some dinosaurs.

Miss Alice, librarian, who's enthused about London - everything! London books (fiction and factual), London poems, gig venues, music and dance events (as well as recommending some practical stuff).

Hal, in the LUP Office, who has recommended fencing, a guide to one of London's great cemeteries, and the beautiful New Forest.

Catherine, also in the LUP Office, who has recommended some favourite spots along the river Thames, some money-saving websites, and confessed to being terrified of a nursery rhyme.

* Photo by Feggy Art, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.