Category: London

You might not think twice about the history and life of the underground stations that you visit as you travel around the city of London.  They are normally busy, filled with people in a hurry to get to where they want to be, and no time to stop and take a look at what surrounds them.  Yet stand on a deserted platform with no other noise than the trains in the distant tunnels and the stations take on a distinctly different feel. By length it is the longest underground in…

Is there anything quite so quintessentially English than taking time out for a spot of afternoon tea?  Generally regarded as a past time for those women who basically have nothing better to do with their afternoons, or ladies of a certain age, afternoon tea has been thoroughly reinvented at The Berkeley. Designer Delicacies The sweet treats on offer at the Berkeley all have a certain theme; they are all designed and created around the colourful world of fashion, and just as the fashion season changes every six months so does…

Spring 2012 saw the re-opening of the much loved Fashion Galleries within the V & A Museum, and they have opened with a truly spectacular exhibition.  Laid out over two floors are more than sixty incredible gowns worn by celebrities, heads of state and royalty since 1950. This exhibition highlights sixty incredible years of British design. The exhibition includes gowns designed for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Diana and some of today’s younger members of the royal family, as well as dresses worn by Elizabeth Hurley, Sandra Bullock and…

This summer as part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, the Queen is allowing her personal jewellery collection to be put on display. Some of this fabulous jewellery has been created from the world’s largest diamond and is sure to draw the crowds into the palace in large numbers. This incredible exhibition, on display within the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will illustrate the many ways that diamonds have been utilised by monarchs over the last two centuries. Included in the display are many items inherited by the queen that…

All of those brightly coloured sweet packages and adverts that you remember from your childhood are all here in this amazing museum.  The exhibits here will evoke many memories and see you drawn back right to the days of your childhood.  Memories of sweet wrappers, the products of the shelves of the local stores and the new and iconic imagery and branding that evolved with us as we grew up.  All of the items in the museum come from the Robert Opie Collection and make this relatively new museum a…

If you feel that the normal tourist trails are a little long winded and you could do with spicing it up a bit, try a speedboat tour.  Speeding up the Thames for 50 minutes will still allow you to take in all the major sights and historic buildings, just from a completely unique perspective.  No long queues, no waiting in line to look at exhibits, and no inevitable gift shops, just a speeding thrill ride along the River Thames in the very heart of the City of London with some…

The Chelsea Physic Garden was established back in 1673 for the purpose of training apprentice apothecaries in their craft.  The gardens are now run by an independent charity and provide a green oasis in the heart of the city.  These stunning gardens have a phenomenal collection of plants that are either edible or medicinal.  It is a great place to stop and get your breath back after exploring the city streets and is home to an excellent award winning cafeteria and gift and book shop. History These gardens are the…

Once again the Royal Hospital, Chelsea will be home to the Chelsea Flower Show.  From the 21st – 26th May 2012, the grounds are set to be transformed into inspirational show gardens which will not only inspire but capture the imagination of seasoned horticulturists and novice gardeners alike.  Every year the show gardens at the show amaze and astound with their diversity and design, and this year looks to be no different.  If you are in London during the week of the flower show, this is a must see event,…

Fortnum & Mason is one of the oldest and most respected retailers in the city of London and can trace its origins back to 1707.  Before this in 1705 it was Mr Hugh Mason that ran a small based in St James’s Market, having an unoccupied spare room in his home which he let to Mr William Fortnum, son of respected high class builders and footman in the royal household of Queen Anne.  The royal household were very particular about having fresh candles lit each evening, and seeing an opportunity…

The current open air playhouse, The Globe Theatre is an incredible reproduction of the open air theatre that was originally built upon this site in 1599.  This is where it is believed that the Bard himself, William Shakespeare not only worked, but also wrote many of his great literary works.  This building is a faithful reproduction of the original building that was sited here, based upon authentic drawings and accounts of the theatre from period publications and art works, as well as archaeological information and finds.  The new Globe Theatre…