Things To Do In And Around Southwark, London

Julius — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 05:15:00 +0000

South of the Thames and close to central London, Southwark is close enough to the action of the city to be convenient but far enough out to have a sense of community all of its own. With quiet nooks where you can enjoy some peace and a thriving arts and culture scene, Southwark has so much to offer.

Take a trip south of the river to take in some of the loveliest parts of London.

Borough Market

Under cover and open daily, Borough Market is the most vibrant food market in London. A must-visit for foodies, you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables side by side with locally produced delicacies, fresh meat and fish and artisan breads and charcuterie.

Borough Market, London, England, UK by DAVID ILIFF

On its busiest days, the stalls spill out onto the streets around the market hall with even more choice of food to sample. As well as delicacies you can get to experiment with at home, there are plenty of things you can eat on the spot from rare breed pork sausages in freshly baked bread rolls through to curry and paella.

If you fancy making your own picnic on the hoof try grabbing some bread you can tear, some soft cheese from one of the fromageries and a bottle of fizz complete with plastic flutes and take it to the grounds of the neighbouring Southwark Cathedral for an al fresco feast.

Southwark Cathedral

Once you’ve enjoyed your picnic, take some time to explore the majestic cathedral inside as well as out. A place of Christian worship for over 1,000 years, St Saviour’s was first documented in the Doomsday Book in 1066, although there are suggestions that it was a site of religious significance as long ago as the fifth century.

The current structure and facade of the cathedral are in the Gothic style, dating from the 13th century, although the nave was rebuilt in the 19th century in a gothic style. Its construction in the early 1200s made it the first Gothic church in London, but it wasn’t made a cathedral until shortly before World War I.

Southwark Cathedral, London, England, UK by Adrian Pingstone

The cathedral has a vast, soaring ceiling and some beautiful stained glass windows that glow to the south of the building on the side of Borough Market. If you happen to be in the area during the week the Thursday Singers, made up of local community members with a love of choral music, take to the choir stalls to sing for choral Evensong and Festival Eucharists.

After the hustle and bustle of the Market and before taking to the South Bank, Southwark Cathedral provides an oasis of calm in the middle of the busy city.

Bermondsey Street

Noted by The Guardian as the most up-and-coming area in London, Bermondsey is seeing something of a surge in popularity in recent years. At its heart lies Bermondsey Street, with its chic collection of boutique shops and independent cafes and eateries with something for all tastes.

In the middle of Bermondsey Street lies the Fashion and Textile Museum. Established and curated by local fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the use of fabric and textiles to create clothes that are works of art in their own right. The museum also has a lovely tea shop that offers loose-leaf teas including one brewed from pure dried rosebuds and a range of homemade cakes.

Conclusion

Fast becoming one of the most popular and fashionable areas in London, Southwark has plenty to offer the visitor. Whether it is shopping, history or the village feel of Bermondsey, the district will make you feel right at home. If you want to see the area from the air why not try a London Helicopter tour, visit the website link here for more information.

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London’s Top 10 Attractions that you should not miss

Julius — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 04:51:09 +0000

A trip to London means having to try to squeeze in as many of its extensive attractions as possible. Even a few days or a week of visiting the UK capital means that you’re unlikely to get around all that the city has to offer, even if you are prepared to keep up a ridiculous pace – and damage your bank balance. In terms of some of the best attractions to do in the city, it’s worth thinking about starting off from a particular area, like the West End, defined by its theatres and museums, and gravitate towards the Thames and the South Bank. Most of the attractions listed below can be reached within 10 to 15 minutes by Tube or by bus, as well as on foot if you’re prepared to put in some walking. These attractions include, in no particular order:

Tower of London, England, UK by xiquinhosilva

1. The Tower of London

One of London’s oldest and most popular attractions, the Tower of London was built in 1078, and remains one of the most well preserved medieval castles in the country. Its central location within the skyscrapers of the City of London financial district make it even more unique, as does its multiple galleries, and housing of the Crown Jewels.

2. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Located on the outskirts of the City of London financial district (about 10 minutes by Tube from the West End), St. Paul’s Cathedral has survived fire and the WWII Blitz to remain one of the capital’s most loved landmarks. Giving yourself the time to explore its artifacts, and the Whispering Gallery on the upper levels, is recommended.

Photo of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, England, UK by Garry Knight

3. Westminster Abbey

While a visit to Westminster, which contains the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, is always recommended, it’s worth taking the time to visit Westminster Abbey. The Gothic church is a regular destination for Royal weddings, contains a number of important burial sites, and includes fascinating museums exhibits.

Photo of Westminster Abbey, London by thetravelguru

4. Buckingham Palace

The Queen’s main residence is a constant favourite of visitors to London, and can be explored via guided tours of certain areas of the Palace. The Palace also includes art galleries, a gift shop, and the daily sight of the Changing of the Palace Guards.

Photo of Buckingham Palace, London by OwenXu

5. British Museum

Home to one of the world’s best collections of art and rare items, this Bloomsbury-based museum demands repeated exploration. First developed in the 18th century, the Museum, only a short walk from the West End, is particularly recommended for its Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.

Photo of British Museum, London by DAVID HOLT

6. Victoria & Albert Museum

Part of a street of famous museums in Kensington, which also includes the National History Museum and the Science Museum, the V&A was opened in 1852 as a home for decorative art, and today represents one of the best places to see photography and contemporary design exhibits.

Photo of Victoria & Albert Museum, London by gailf548

7. London Eye

This enormous Ferris wheel represents the best way to get a panoramic view of London. Based by the Thames, and near to London Waterloo train station, the Eye offers 30 minute rides in its passenger capsules, with varying prices.

Photo of London Eye, England by Jim Bahn

8. The National Gallery

This art gallery by Trafalgar Square is home to over 2,300 paintings, and is free to enter. The gallery’s pillared facade takes you into a vast holding of art from painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Van Gogh.

Photo of The National Gallery on Trafalgar square, London by Maurice

9. Tate Modern

London’s best modern art gallery sits on the banks of the Thames, and faces towards St Paul’s on the other side of the river. The gallery contains changing and permanent exhibitions, and is free to enter.

Photo of Tate Modern, London by aaron.bihari

10. Natural History Museum

Another of Kensington’s world class museums, the Natural History Museum is dedicated to the natural sciences, and animal and insect collections. Particularly recommended is the enormous Blue Whale, and the museum’s dinosaur exhibits.

Photo of Natural History Museum, London by Heather Cowper

Author bio: Liam Ohm is a keen writer with a particular interest in things-to-do in London. He highly recommends Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tickets for another great day out during your time in London.

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