I’m determined to finish my show-off holiday posts because I know that despite best intentions, I won’t make a photo book or any other record of my brilliant fortnight in London (and The Continent). So, belated, but done. Here are my London highlights (which also include what I ate, what I drank, what I bought and where I got my Windsor-fix).
10. Hyde Park – London’s parks and gardens are spectacular. Although many claim they are at their best in summer, I like my view uncluttered by winter-white-flesh-sunbathing-in-weak-sunlight. Instead, bare trees and crocuses and snowdrops popping up through the grass is British-park-perfection.
9. London Eye – it’s good fun. I went at dusk, just as the lights of Westminster came on.
8. National Portrait Gallery – Why? Why didn’t I take any photos? Oh, I know – too busy chatting to Twitter buddies @thatkat and @TootsaMacGinty
7. Victoria & Albert Museum – So. Much. To. See.
6. Kew Gardens – for all the reasons I loved Hyde Park and many more. We were there for hours and saw just a fraction of the gardens. My favourite spot was the astonishingly-unphotogenic-but-IRL-amazingly-beautiful Alpine rockery garden.
5. Part of the reason for my trip was to see my friend perform in Fulham Opera’s production of The Ring Cycle. Emily’s performance was brilliant. She is a beautiful singer.
4. The ‘Monopoly-ness’ of it all. And the Underground (I get jealous of public transport systems in other cities).
3. Matilda the Musical – you can just see the suspended letters and books that make up the spectacular set in my contraband photo. Based on Roald Dahl’s book Matilda, this musical exceeded all of my expectations. I’m still singing about revolting children.
2. St. Paul’s Cathedral – for the view of London (the eleventy-billion narrow, winding steps you have to climb are worth it). Click the pano to enlarge and you’ll spot the seemingly tiny Globe Theatre on the banks of the Thames. And lots of bright red buses.
1. My very first day in London, spent at Tooting Common. You probably won’t find Tooting Common listed in any guidebooks because it’s simply a local park. But I visited with my very dear friend, Steph, and her puppy, Leo (he’s a bit camera-shy). And we walked and talked and talked. Start out as you mean to continue, I say – we spent the next two weeks talking and talking (as well as quite a bit of walking). I miss not having Steph in the same country as me but we always pick up where we left off – time and distance does little to true friendship.
If you do happen to visit Tooting Common, make sure you stop by the Tooting Bec Lido. Built in 1906, and renovated in the 1930s, the Lido retains many original Deco features. I’m fascinated by the British tradition of pond swimming and outdoor baths (lidos) – I guess the Australian equivalent is sea baths (of which there are not enough of in Victoria). If I’d had my bathers with me, I would have joined the ice-breakers at Tooting Bec Lido.
As a born-and-bred Londoner, it was really lovely to see the city I live in through fresh eyes! Great photos. Tooting Bec is my local common, I’ve swum many times at the lido but never when they have to break the ice for it – those swimmers are hardcore!
If only I’d known, we could have said hello on the common! Trying to convince my friend Steph to become an ice-breaker (because I loved the pool – that makes sense, right?!)
She must be a really good friend – I don’t think anything would convince me to become an icebreaker!
I am also from London and your pictures are beautiful! I have never been to Tooting Bec but it looks lovely, may have to go and see for myself!
Not sure how Tooting Bec compares to other commons but I suspect that come summer, the pool would be popular.
Gorgeous photos! I especially love the photos you took from up on St. Paul’s Cathedral 😀
St Paul’s was a real surprise. Inside the church was of course spectacular but the views from the dome blew me away. Visitors have access to two levels – although it’s a lot of stairs, it’s worth climbing to the very top.
Loved these pics Kate. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. First holiday I’ve had where I’ve relied on the phone for pics rather than lugging my (lovely) bulky camera everywhere.
I’m traveling to London this summer, so I was thrilled to read this post!!
There’s so much to see! I hadn’t been to London for years and years so it was like starting over. I did lots of touristy stuff (eg. Tower of London) but my friends there also made sure I did a few things that were ‘off the beaten track’. Enjoy your holiday!
Just love the willow mushrooms at the Kew Gardens. Any tip on where to sleep in London? Budget between 100-150 £.
The mushrooms were amazing – wouldn’t mind one for my own backyard 😉
I was lucky enough to stay with a friend in London but thankfully Jessica has given some top tips (see her comment below).
Lovely pics, Kate.
I have been to London many times and never had the chance to go to the Kew Gardens. After reading your post I know I should 🙂
@melvin: with that budget you have plenty of choices in London.
As for me, every time I go to London I book a room here: http://www.hotelsclick.com/hotels/United_Kingdom/London/4773/Hotel-President.html
Love the location, appreciate the style plus I’m so proud I can say “I slept in the same hotel where the Beatles slept!”.
Good luck.
The friend I was staying with has lived in London for years and also had never been to Kew Gardens – when we got there she was wondering why she hadn’t because it is amazing!
Thanks for the hotel tips 🙂
Love all the photos of our beloved London, and the photos with our beloved Steph.
I certainly miss having her around.