When people think of London, they often fail to account for how large the city actually is. Far from your small European town, London actually spans eighty kilometres and thirty-three boroughs, including both the City of London and Greater London. Whilst most people are under the impression that the City of London is where all the magic happens, Greater London actually has treasures of its own to offer. See a different side of London without ever even leaving the city—all it takes is a single oyster card.
For the Nature Lover…
Head to Richmond.
Next Stop: Kew Gardens Station. London’s Royal Botanical Garden (or Kew Gardens) is said to be the world’s most diverse collection of flora and fauna. Many of the plants were amassed during colonial expeditions over the past two centuries, and the gardens are said to have 27,000 living species of plants on display and over 8.5 million preserved plant and fungal specimens. A walk through the gardens reveals roses of every colour of the rainbow, imposing structures like The Hive and trees that have been alive since 1762. Tucked away amidst the greenery are greenhouses, some home to tropical plants and others to magnificent sculptures like the glass water lilies sprouting up in The Waterlily House.
The Kew Gardens are so impressive that it was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2003. The grounds of the garden are large enough to warrant having its own private police force, the Kew Constabulary.
Richmond is also known for Richmond Park, famous for its efforts in wildlife conservation. A short bus ride away from Kew Gardens, Richmond Park is the perfect conclusion to your serene day out. The largest of London’s Royal Parks, it will still be easy to spot herds of deer that graze in the area, The park is also a prime spot for bird watching, with over 144 species of birds being recorded over the past 10 years. In fact, Richmond Park is so idyllic that its sprawling grounds inspired many renowned writers including the likes of Virginia Woolf and Jane Austen.
Once you’ve tired yourself out after a day of walking, opt for a carriage ride. The park offers these exclusively during the November to January Season, along with warm mince pies to top off the unforgettable experience.
For the Film Buff…
Notting Hill is the place for you.
What self-proclaimed film buff has never heard of the 1999 film, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant? Relive their love story as Will and Anna in the extremely photogenic area of Notting Hill. Even the locals confess, Notting Hill is just so Instagrammable. Snap pictures outside William Thacker’s House for a glimpse of that iconic blue door, or sit in The Print Room, where Will once watched the elusive Anna take the screen. Or, for a more local experience, squeeze your way through Portobello Market, the busy market area which Will meandered through.
Have lunch at Nobu Restaurant, a Japanese eatery that starred not only in Notting Hill as Will and Anna’s date spot but also in other widely acclaimed films such as Memoirs of a Geisha and The Girl from Nagasaki.
If you have a keen eye for aesthetics, you’ll also love the Design Museum. The building itself is a sight to be marvelled at, the saddle shaped, parabola curves were inspired by the work of Felix Candela and were set in place using completely novel techniques making for a particularly modern vision. See a 3D printer in action or take the reins by designing your own car. Visitors are welcome to attend many of the museum’s free exhibits, and encouraged to take a selfie in front of the colourful revolving billboards that beg the question, are you are designer, maker or user?
And if you happen to visit in August, you won’t miss the Notting Hill Carnival, a Caribbean street festival held annually and attended by thousands.
For the Historian…
Time to visit Greenwich Station.
The quiet town of Greenwich is home to the birthplace of time, and it’s all documented at the Royal Observatory. The museum tells the long and elaborate history of Greenwich Mean Time, the world time that was previously used for navigation aboard ships as they crossed the seas. Today, Greenwich Mean Time is the standard that is most recognised, marking the starting of every Time Zone on the time zone map. The Royal Observatory has a lavish collection of clocks, timepieces and telescopes on display.
Stand at the Prime Meridian, at the dead center of the world where east meets west at Longitude 0° , and don’t forget to snap a photo of where your home country is etched on the line.
The Royal Observatory is also London’s only planetarium, and holds regular fascinating shows that invite visitors into space from the comfort of their own seats. These shows include vivid tours of the solar system, and dazzling explorations of the night sky.
Take time out of your day to visit the National Maritime Museum. Naval efforts played an enormous role in ensuring Britain’s dominance as a world power, and Greenwich itself has always been associated with seas and navigation as the former landing place of the Romans. The museum’s extensive collection includes maps, maritime art, ship plans and navigational instruments dating back to the 17th century. Out front, there is Cutty Sark, a towering British Clipper ship (the last of its kind!) that you can board for exclusive views of London. Once you have had a taste of the sea-faring life, head below deck for some tea.
For the Sports Fan…
Make your way to Wembley.
Football fans rejoice. As a borough, Wembley has become synonymous with Wembley Stadium, an enormous football field that was home Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur until this year. Today, the 90,000 seat stadium regularly hosts major football events, including the home matches of the English football team and the FA Cup Final. There’s nothing that gets the heart pumping like catching a football match live - picture yourself cheering for the winning team from the stands surrounded by thousands of supporters, revelling in the addictive atmosphere. So be sure to check the schedule for matches prior to your visit, but if you’ve really caught the footy fever, the world’s largest stadium offers regular tours which are also award winning. Relive the stadium’s greatest moments, including England’s glorious 1966 World Cup victory and the unforgettable legacy of the Emirates FA Cup final.
The venue has also hosted various other sporting events as well, namely American Football events and boxing matches. Many musical acts have played in the stadium before, including Muse, Metallica, Green Day and Madonna and selling out Wembley Stadium has become a rite of passage for many artists.
For the Crime Buffs…
Keep your wits about you at Whitechapel.
Not for the faint hearted, this was the home of the infamous Jack the Ripper and where he scoured the streets for his unfortunate victims. Treat yourself to a visit to the Jack the Ripper Museum, a museum dedicated to the history of East London in the 1880s and the major crime that gripped the nation. The Museum has carefully recreated the original crime scenes and visitors are welcome to pose for photographs. There are also carefully preserved documents and artefacts that paint a sorrowful tale of the lives of the Ripper’s six victims.
If you’re getting the chills, stop for a curry around Brick lane. A Famous dish in Whitechapel, the numbingly spicy Indian curry will warm you up in an instant. Check out Sheba, which won best curry house in 2013 and Muhib Indian Cuisine for excellent vegetable curry.
When night falls, join the popular Jack the Ripper Tours where knowledgeable guides will lead you throughout the area and retrace the steps of London’s most horrific killer. Peer into traditional houses where the killer might have lived and stalk the streets where he claimed his victims. Tours range in duration, but most cover the essentials, including Georges Yard Buildings and Buck Row. There’s even the Ripper Vision Tour, which uses handheld projectors to provide an immersive experience, taking you back to the London of the 1800s.
Remember, though the real Jack the Ripper is definitely dead by now, his real identity was never discovered, so you never know who you’ll bump into on a dark night in Whitechapel…
And finally, for the people just looking to holiday…
A trip to Hampstead Heath is in order.
If you’ve turned up your nose at every other suggestion and your idea of a holiday is relaxation with a capital R, Hampstead Heath has the answer. With London’s infamously cloudy skies, you would imagine that a swim is completely out of the question. Nevertheless, when the weather is nice, locals like a dip in the pond to keep cool. Whilst the Heath boasts over thirty ponds, three of its main ponds are open to the public with two designated for single sex bathing. Recent summers have seen temperatures climb well over twenty degrees celsius, making Hampstead Heath a popular spot for Londoners who want to stave off the heat. So join the crowd strip down to your bathing suits and take the plunge.
Offering up a bit of countryside in the city, Hampstead Heath is also a great spot for an afternoon picnic. If swimming is not your thing, the other ponds provide the chance to try your hand at another activity, be it model boating (Highgate #3) or fishing.
