Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station is made up of two power stations, named A and B, and remains the largest brick building in the Europe. The first power station was built just before world war two, and the second power station became operational in 1953. Until 1983, Battersea Power Station was used as a coal-fired generator of electricity. It is a Grade II listed building and was designed by architects Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and Theo J. Halliday. Art deco fittings in the control room of A station displayed the influence of Halliday. It was recently purchased and will be redeveloped as a multi-purpose housing complex – although a mandate remains that the facade and any listed part must be maintained.

Photo of Battersea Power Station, London, UK by Aurelien Guichard

BBC Broadcasting House

Broadcasting House is the home of the world renowned British Broadcasting Corporation. Designed in an art deco style, work on the building began in 1932, and was completed in two years. The building’s exterior was designed by George Val Myer, with help from M T Tudsbery, who was a civil engineer employed by the BBC. The interior of the building was designed by Raymond McGrath. Currently, Broadcasting House is being renovated and is home to Radio 3 and Radio 4.

Photo of BBC Broadcasting House, London, UK by keriluamox

Claridge’s

Claridge’s is one of the most famous luxury hotels in London, and opened in 1812, when it was originally called Mivart’s Hotel. The Claridge family purchased the hotel in 1854. A visit by Queen Victoria boosted Claridge’s reputation as an elite hotel, and it has had entertained an exclusive host of guests down the years. The original Claridge’s hotel was replaced in 1898 by George Trollope & Sons. Claridge’s was to become recognised as a fine example of art deco style, when Basil Ionides re-designed both the hotel’s restaurant and some of its suites in the 1920s.

Photo of Claridge’s, London, UK by Ewan Munro

OXO Tower

Built in the late 1800s, the Oxo Tower’s origins were as a power station. It obtained its current name after being bought by the manufacturers of the Oxo cube, the Liebig Extract of Meat Company. The original building was radically redesigned by Albert Moore in the late 1920s, when, notably, the word ‘Oxo’ was spelt out by the two circles and cross design. It was designed in a way that reflected the popularity of art deco at the time. It was in the 1990s that the Oxo Tower became used as a multi-purpose building that included shops, a restaurant, space for exhibitions, and even housing.

Photo of OXO Tower, London, UK by ChrisO

Royal Institute of British Architects

Home of the Royal Institute of British Architects, architect George Grey Wornum designed the Portland Place art deco building, which was opened in 1934 by King George V and Queen Mary. Wornum’s design was deemed to have been the best out of 3,600 submitted entries. It is a Grade II listed building, and the general public have access to the library and exhibition galleries. Also included in the building is a restaurant, cafe and bookshop. For any fan of Art Deco style, this building is not to be missed.

Photo of Royal Institute of British Architects, London, UK by Oxyman

Wandering the streets of London is a great way to experience the myriad of styles dotted all over the city – and Art Deco lovers have plenty to feast their eyes on.

Mike is a freelance writer who loves exploring the architecural feats of the great city of London. Mike is currently writing on behalf of Claridge’s hotel – a world famous luxury hotel who also offer private dining.

The post The Most Stunning Art Deco Buildings in London | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Yes, there was an educational aspect to the long weekend, or week if you were really lucky, but for the most part it was great fun just heading abroad to a new and exciting city.

So, what are the best destinations for a school trip to Europe?

Paris

When you’re young (or even as an adult) Paris is one of the most enchanting cities of the world. It has a well-deserved reputation as a city of romance, art, music and culture.

Paris, France by Trey Ratcliff

While the romance will be strictly off the cards for the youngsters they will all have heard of the magnificent Eiffel Tower; erected in 1889 and standing 320 metres tall it is the most recognised icon of Paris, and indeed France.

Not far from here is the Louvre, Paris’ stunning, not to mention enormous museum and of course the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, her curious smile put to canvas more than 500 years ago.

Don’t forget Notre-Dame Cathedral, the centre point of Victor Hugo’s famous tale “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and the resting place of the Unknown Soldier, the Arc de Triomphe.

As the first major destination once you’ve passed through the Channel Tunnel, Paris is by far the most popular, but don’t forget about the next two great cities.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a fabulous city, made up of 90 islands created by miles of canals, with 1,280 bridges connecting them all together.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by MorBCN

The best way to see the city is by canal tours which stop at all of the major landmarks. One of the most famous stories of World War Two is The Diary of Anne Frank, a German-born girl who sadly didn’t survive the war following her arrest in 1944 when her family and four other Jewish families were discovered hiding in a cramped house. The house in now a museum, a testament to Anne and all of those who didn’t survive.

An impressive stop that must not be missed is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Built in 1855, citizens of the city were so impressed by its grandeur they declared it the eighth wonder of the world. It was once even home to the French king Louis Napoleon.

Brussels

It might be famous as the home of the European Parliament, but for literature fans out there you’ll be more excited by its connection to Hergé and his famous creation, the intrepid journalist Tintin.

The city is festooned with tributes to Belgium’s most famous cartoon character. There are walks, statues, museums, and even hotels that pay tribute in some way. Check out this list of Tintin related sights and landmarks.

Of course, let’s not forget that other thing that Belgium is famous for, and a favourite of children, chocolate! In November 2012 is the first Belgian Chocolate Fair, which will be kicking off Chocolate Week, how can you resist?

These cities are great for children of all ages you get a real taste of (chocolate) and exciting European cultures.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.eurostar.com

The post Three Great European Cities for School Trips appeared first on Europe Explored.