The modern skyline of Canary Wharf and the River Thames (Photo credit Martin Vmorris / Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0)
Canary Wharf is a private commercial development in East London. At one time it was an area of derelict docks, but the Canary Wharf Group transformed the area into a hub of business and entertainment. There are over 35 buildings in the development, which is busy during the day with office workers. On weeknights the area is also busy because of its many restaurants and bars.
A brief history of John Tradescant and son (Photo credit Jim Linwood / Flickr CC BY 2.0)
When John and Rosemary Nicholson found the tombs of John Tradescant and his son at the small St-Mary-at-Lambeth parish church, they were dismayed to also find the church was scheduled for destruction. Inspired by the two of Britain’s first great gardeners and plant hunters, the Nicholsons founded the Museum of Garden History in the deconsecrated church. Now known as the Garden Museum, this gem features a gallery of gardening tools, historical artifacts, paintings and more. Aptly described as one of London’s best small museums, the Garden Museum shares Britain’s love affair with gardens.
Inside the Church of St Martin-In-The-Fields (Photo credit Cary Bass / Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0)
St Martin-In-The-Fields, besides being a tourist attraction, is also a working church. There are a number of services and concerts each week that visitors are welcome to join.
The church is adjacent to Trafalgar Square and just across the street from the National Gallery. One new thing worth checking out at the church is its Cafe in the Crypt. It’s a highly-acclaimed cafe located in the church’s underground crypt.
The illuminated Olympic Stadium(Photo credit The Department for Culture, Media and Sport / Flickr CC BY 2.0)
What happens to the vast structures and amazing venues that are created for the one time use of the Olympics? The community inherits them, as explained by the official website of the 2012 Olympics. The buildings will be changed so that every day people can use them for sports, living and more. Olympic Park will be turned in to an urban park, with wildlife and natural vegetation. The whole area is open to the public for self guided or privately run tours.
Portobello Market is one of London’s biggest street markets (Photo credit Garry Knight / Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Portobello Market is on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. It’s the world’s largest antiques market, and there are also other things for sale. The market takes place every Saturday, while the shops are open six days a week.
Number 10, from afar (Photo credit Alex Dawson / Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0)
In days gone by, you could get your picture snapped right in front of the Prime Minister’s door, however that’s no longer the case. Both sides of Downing Street are blocked off with tall gates, so you best have a telephoto lens and a good angle to get a decent shot. Don’t despair, Number 10 offers you a different way to see the famous house, through a detailed virtual tour.
The Chiswick House was built in the early 18th centry (Photo credit Rictor Norton & David Allen / Flickr CC BY 2.0)
The Third Earl of Burlington was responsible for the construction of the impressive Chiswick House in west London. He was inspired by his travels through Italy and sought to replicate the architectural style of both ancient Rome and 16th century Italian villas.
Construction on the Syon House began in 1547 (Photo credit Maxwell Hamilton / Flickr CC BY 2.0)
Syon House is located just west of London and sits on a massive 200-acre estate. The house itself is the London residence of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family the house has belonged to for over 400 years. In addition to the house, the estate also has 40 acres of ornamental gardens, a lake and the Great Conservatory.
The Palm House dates back 170 years (Photo credit Jim Linwood / Flickr CC BY 2.0)
According to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Palm House is ” the most important surviving Victorian iron and glass structure in the world”. There’s certainly no denying its beauty. Built over a four year period in the 1840s, the glasshouse underwent an extensive restoration in the 1950s. Keep an eye out for the rose garden just behind the glasshouse.
Trafalgar Square is always a hotbed of activity (Photo credit David Baron / Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0)
Trafalgar Square and its iconic Nelson’s Column is one of the most popular attractions in all of London. The column was built in 1845 to commemorate Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson and his victory over the combined Franco-Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.