A Brief of London
Why London?
You’ll perhaps be inclined to speak in a British accent in the UK. Actually, no doubt about it. Harry Potter narrator style, Emma Thompson, or you might even segway into Dame Maggie Smith. Maybe Paul McCartney?
London is such a mecca, it’s rich with its history and tradition, as well as avante-garde nuance.
(Cover image by Norali Nayla)
Below find a highlight itinerary with some semi-secret spots within the city as well as some well-known musts.
Riding the train is a must…maps essential
Hampton Court Palace + Hedge Maze
Located upon the Thames River, Hampton Court Palace and Gardens is an old institution of the city. It was associated with the Stuart and Tudor monarchs of the country and dates to the 16th century. The interiors boast the opulence of the Renaissance and Tudor architectures that the king further expanded the palace with. The palace is lovely and almost serves a smaller-scale British version of Versailles.
The highlight of this locale is in the living garden maze. It’s a manicured 1/3 of an acre with tall green hedges that take you on roundabouts, dead ends, and eventually out the other trapezoidal end. It feels like being in an unusual fairytale traversing it. Its design is mimicked simultaneously of traditional mazes and traditional puzzles from the time. It’s not only superb garden design but the view from the center point, if you can reach it, is wonderful, and it’s quite a fun and interactive treat for people of all ages.
Brunel Museum, Thames Tunnel + Midnight Apothecary
The Brunel Museum is scenic on the Thames River and is an exceptional experience. It features access to the oldest underground waterway tunnel in the world done in 843. It’s a testament to the engineering success of the Brunel family, an intriguing engineering background and innovators of the time. Tours allow descension into the Grand Entrance of the tunnel and add an understanding of how city trade has perpetuated around it. It’s a visceral experience down and in it.
There are also exhibits, displays, and presentations that further detail the prominent role of this tunnel. The museum acts as a focal point for culture. There’s also a delightful bar, the Midnight Apothecary on site that fulfills all your Pinterest dreams and evokes the feel of a Shakespearean story.
This experience is a definite for anyone who loves history, city design and development, and the intersections of making between them. It’s something fascinating.
Waterman’s Art Centre
Waterman’s is a new media and art exhibition space as a part of a cinema theatre. They host workshops and events to the public related to cinema, and art, that actively bring these to the community. The center includes a dining and bar area and features independent films in the movie space. The collision between art exhibition and film is celebrated.
Harrods + High Tea
Harrods is an old-guard “I’ve been to London” must. Founded in 1834 initially as just a petit grocery store, it’s progressed to become one of the most iconic department stores of England and the West. The building is something to behold in the exterior as well as the wares inside, while it classically self-expresses as: “the world’s leading luxury department store.”
In addition to shopping, Harrods hosts its high tea as well as a handful of restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store emporium. The customer service is so British and the treats found are particularly thoughtfully made in detail.
Buckingham Palace + Changing of the Guard
Seeing Buckingham Palace is an emblematic appreciation for the legacy of the monarchy. It has complexity, it has strictness. It represents the lineage of the Royal Family. It silently speaks to protecting and protection. The changing of the guard ceremony brings this to life in action. The red uniforms and oblong black furry hats are classic and it’s like the mic drop immersion into England.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a neighborhood of emblematic captivation. The neighborhood is even more charming than the movie if you can fathom a neighborhood being more charming than Hugh Grant. The cobblestone streets give way to canopied markets, local and international in-sell, and adorable boutiques.
Image by Lawrence Chrismorie
Where to Stay? Zetter Marylebone
The clotted creamed scones plus the elevated library grandpa-core ambiance is there at Zetter Marylebone. The hotel is a little cozy, a little snooty, robust in warm tones, and ample in classic Brit charm. Wait, that’s what you want from London right?
Borough Market
Borough Market: a staple landmark with vendors that sell fresh-made food, as well as specialty items and more. There’s something about open markets and this one is canopied as well as housing an interior space. There is a scope of food offered at this place. Some unique eats, delicious finds, and as evident, good pastry for days.
Check out the actual size of these cookies. They rival frisbees
Thames River
City haters often lament that environments are concrete jungles. To which I say, get perspective of the ecosystem from the water. Here, you can relaxedly see sites from a city cruise including sites Big Ben and the London Eye. The enjoyment of this is that you can witness things leisurely and casually, without throngs of others on the cement.
*Safety tip
Bring an umbrella or prepare to purchase one. Or, bring a comfy raincoat. London is known to be overcast and rainy for a reason! I suggest avoiding visiting the city during wintertime.
Image by Shane Rounce
Bottom line
London, originally named “Londinium”, is a mecca throughout the global stratosphere. Though noted for being a somewhat dreary environment weather-wise, there is no shortage of what to experience in the capital city. There’s a plethora of sites and landmarks, unusual things to traverse, and an impressive roster of various culinary eats. London has wit, it has charm, it’s a bit sarcastic, and at the same time very generous.
