If you’re planning a trip to London, there are a number of activities you can enjoy. You can visit the Borough market, see the Tower Bridge, and visit the Natural History Museum and Churchill War Rooms. In addition, you can take a guided tour of the city’s many museums and palaces.
Borough market
Borough market in London is a huge wholesale and retail food market in Southwark, London. The history of this market can be traced back to the 12th century. It is one of London’s oldest food markets. Located near the Tower of London, the market has been a vital part of the London economy for centuries.
Despite its age, Borough Market continues to attract visitors. Many of the traditional street food stalls have relocated to a dedicated food hall with long tables. Some of the best-known stalls have stayed the same while some have branched out. Elpiniki, formerly known as Gourmet Goat, combines Cypriot flavours with sustainable British ingredients. There’s also Kubba, a tribute to Iraqi street food by chef Philip Juma.
Borough Market is located close to many tourist attractions in London. Visitors can find a range of accommodation, ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly, near Borough Market. You can also find dozens of restaurants and bars in the area. The market is popular on Wednesdays and Thursdays but is also open on Saturday mornings.
Nearby is the Sir Francis Drake museum. Located opposite the Southwark Cathedral, the museum depicts the famous expeditions of Sir Francis Drake. You can see replica cannons and gunpowder sacks. You can also visit the George Inn, the last remaining galleried inn in London. This pub was featured in Charles Dickens’ famous novel Little Dorrit.
Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed suspension and bascule bridge in London. It was built between 1886 and 1894. It was designed and engineered by Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry, with Henry Marc Brunel’s assistance. Today, it is an iconic piece of architecture.
The bridge was built in eight years by 432 construction workers and used 11,000 tons of steel. It was opened to the public in 1907 and was inaugurated by the Prince of Wales. Today, the towering bridge has a glass walkway that takes you 138 feet above the River Thames. Visitors to London can enjoy the view while walking along the glass walkway. Although the bridge was constructed over three decades, it has undergone several major changes, including the introduction of two new glass panels that make it more accessible to the public.
Tower Bridge offers discounted admission for certain groups and individuals. Senior citizens, students, and those with disabilities are eligible for special rates. Wheelchairs and strollers are also welcome. Tickets are also half-priced for children under five. Discount ticket websites are a great place to find great deals on tickets to the Tower Bridge. These websites also offer coupon codes.
Visitors can take a walk on the bridge and learn about the people who made it famous. The Bridge also features the Engine Rooms, which once housed Victorian-era machinery that helped lift the bridge for boats. These days, the bridge is powered by electricity, but the Engine Rooms are still an important part of the bridge.
Natural History Museum
There are three museums in London that exhibit a wide range of specimens. The Natural History Museum is one of these, along with the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The three museums are located in the neighborhood of South Kensington, and they offer a wealth of information about the world around us.
The Natural History Museum started out as a branch of the British Museum, but was later separated and run by a separate board of trustees. In the 1960s, it became an independent institution, officially renamed in 1992. Today, the museum houses more than 80 million objects and is an essential destination for anyone who loves the natural world.
One exhibition in the museum is called Displays of Power. This exhibit acknowledges that many of the specimens in the museum are from African and indigenous peoples who were once enslaved. Co-curated by Hannah Cornish and Luanne Meehitiya, this exhibit features new interpretations of the museum’s collection, including the cultural context in which they were collected. The project also involves leaving the specimens in their original places, and placing labels on the glass cases. Some of the empty cases are also home to a note acknowledging the museum’s profit from slavery.
A great way to get to the Natural History Museum in London is by tube. It is convenient to get there via South Kensington station on the Circle, District, and Piccadilly lines. Various bus routes also stop near the museum. You can also take the Santander Cycles docking station at Exhibition Road.
Soho
When you’re in New York City, there are many great things to do in SoHo. The neighborhood is famous for its eclectic shopping options. From flagship stores of luxury brands like Chanel, Versace, and Prada, to pop-up stores and independent shops, SoHo has something to offer everyone. The area is also home to some of the best galleries in the city, including the Drawing Center, which recently expanded its space by half. Other top galleries in the area include 287 Spring and Team Gallery.
There are also some great pubs and bars in the neighborhood. One of the most popular rooftop bars is Jimmy at the James, where you can enjoy the city skyline. Another great spot is 142 Sullivan Bar, which is a favorite with locals. Located two blocks from Bleecker Street, this bar is a welcoming, low-key spot for drinks. It has an excellent wine and cocktail list.
Another great option for exploring SoHo is to hire a bike. It’s a great way to see the area without walking, and it’s far quicker than navigating crowded streets. You can even take advantage of the Citi Bike program, which is a fantastic way to get around the city. Many NYC tourists use this system and you can buy a day pass or ride a bike once a day.
If you’re a film buff, you’ll want to check out the Film Forum, which screens foreign alternative films and riveting documentaries. As the only non-profit cinema in the area, it’s a good place to catch a holiday classic too. There are also some fantastic restaurants in SoHo, and you can find some of the city’s top eateries in the neighborhood.
Trafalgar Square
If you’re visiting London, there are a lot of things you can do in Trafalgar Square. For one thing, you can visit the National Gallery, which has a main entrance on Trafalgar Square. Here, you can see works by many famous artists. In addition, the National Gallery offers free admission to the public.
There are many attractions in Trafalgar Square, including the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the London Eye, and St James’s Park. To make the most of your visit to Trafalgar Square, visit early in the morning or late at night. This is when the Square is the most busy.
Trafalgar Square is also home to a number of notable statues. The statues of King George IV and Queen Anne are a must-see if you’re in London. Besides the statues, the square is home to some impressive fountains and statues. The Lutyens Fountains were remodeled in the 1930s by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and they feature dolphins, mermaids, and tritons. The fountains have LED lights that allow visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds.
The square has an abundance of monuments, including Nelson’s Column. It stands 44 meters tall, and is adorned with frescoes and cast figures. On top of the column is a statue of Admiral Nelson. The area is also home to a number of cultural events throughout the year.