… Without trying what I have to tell you. I know this is another list, and perhaps one that could incite a few moans and groans at the onset. However, this is different. I honestly do not wish to tell you what just about every guidebook has already screamed aloud, or what every most travel bloggers have already told you. Honestly, read enough of them and the “lists” could start chasing each other in your head and leave you all confused. Oddly enough, it was while compiling a “list” for my sister, who is going to visit London in a few weeks, that I came upon this little set of things, which I believe, should feature on a visitor’s list.
So, without wasting much time I’ll plough ahead.
So, without wasting much time I’ll plough ahead.
- Having a drink at Gordon’s Wine Bar: reputed to be one of the oldest wine bars of London, established in 1890s Gordon’s will leave you wanting to come back for more. The place serves a more than adequate selection of wine, along with an array of cheese. What really sets this place apart from any other wine bar you might visit is seating in the vault, the low ceiling, the candlelit surrounding and an enormous sense of intrigue. If you find the interior to be too hot or claustrophobic then there is a seating option outside. The garden that you would see out there once belonged the Duke of Buckingham I, and the doorway on the far side had stairs leading down to the Thames. The nearby streets are named after his son, Duke of Buckingham II who sold the estate after hitting upon hard times : George Street, Villiers Street, Duke Street, Of Street and Buckingham Street.
To get here take a tube to Embankment or Charing Cross, and walk down Villiers Street.
- Camden Town: A visit to the Stables Market, lazy afternoon at Camden Lock and a drink at Roundhouse: Unless you are on a whirlwind trip schedule an afternoon at Camden. Perhaps after morning at the British Museum. You won’t regret it. Nearest tube station: Camden Town (Northern Line).
- Have a picnic: If the sun is out, have a quick picnic at any of the London’s huge parks. Green Park, Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, Regent’s Park or any other park take your pick. On your way there you should find a Tesco or Sainsbury on your way from where you could pick up the essentials.
- Watching street performance while having a drink at Covent Garden: Although you may be tempted to go about your other plans, I do recommend this near sundown. Take a few minutes to relax.
- Stroll down Southbank on a weekend: While you may not miss out much, it is a treat to watch street performers here. Nearest tube station: Waterloo, Westminster and Embankment.
- Spending a couple of hours at British Museum: There really isn’t much to say about it. Just go for it. Nearest tube station: Russell Square (Piccadilly) and Holborn (Piccadilly and Central)
- Do visit the Tate Modern. Not only is it an excellent museum housing some amazing exhibits, the erstwhile power plant has an envious location with Globe, St Paul’s, Borough Market and Borough High Street less than 5-10 minute walk away. While there visit the café on the 4th floor for a beautiful view of the city of London across the river.
- London Eye: If a view from a height fancies you, hop on the London Eye. If that seems too touristy or clichéd for you and you do not mind climbing a few stairs, climb a flight to the top of the Monument or St. Paul’s Cathedral for a different view.
- Take a river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich. This is a lazy cruise which would take you past most of London’s attractions on either side of the river. Hop of at Katherine Docks (Tower Bridge) if you wish to cut short your journey.
- Go on a Pub Crawl. There are several pub-crawls to choose from - while the one at Shoreditch or Smithfield will offer you among the best that there is, I personally recommend the crawl that takes you to the Oldest Pubs of London. Since you are visiting, I recommend this pub-crawl for the weekday since the City of London pubs close down for weekend.
Here is a quick list (there is more):
Old Bull & Bush, North End Way NW3 estd 1721, near Golders Green (Northern Line)
Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall EC1, estd 1520, near Wapping (London Overground) or Limehouse (DLR)
Jamaica Wine House, St Michael’s Alley EC3, estd 1652, near Bank (Central Line): Oldest coffee house in London.
Ye Old Mitre Tavern, Ely Court (Off Ely Place), estd 1546, near Chancery Lane (Central Line)
Cittie of York, 22 High Holborn WC1, estd 1420/1625, near Chancery Lane (Central Line)
Princess Louise, 208 High Holborn, estd 1872, near Holborn (Central Line)
The Old Wine Shades, 6 Martin lane EC4, estd 1663, near Monument (Circle or District Line)
The George Inn, 77 Borough High Street SE1 1NH, estd 1676, London Bridge (Jubilee Line)
Lamb & Flag, 33 Rose Street WC2, 1623, Leicester Square (Piccadilly or Northern Line) or Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line)
Red Lion, 48 Parliament Street SW1, 1434, Westminster (Circle or District or Jubilee Line)
White Hart, 191 Drury Lane estd 1216, near Holborn (Central Line)
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, 145 Fleet Street, estd 1538 near Temple (Circle or District Line)
Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, estd 1549, near Temple (Circle or District Line)
Recommended reading :
Tripadvisor - London: 10 of London's Oldest Pub Crawl
Timeout - London's oldest pub
Guardian - Historic pubs and places to eat in London
Time Travel – London: 10 things to do
Tripadvisor - London: 10 of London's Oldest Pub Crawl
Timeout - London's oldest pub
Guardian - Historic pubs and places to eat in London
Time Travel – London: 10 things to do