I have just come back from London and the highlight, apart from seeing friends, was seeing Adele perform live at yet another of her O2 sold-out concerts.
I lived in London for a short time in my late teens but, these days when I visit, there is no question, I am essentially a country bumpkin. My toes are living proof (oh so sore) that I do not pound too many pavements these days and much of the time spent in London is on foot. The good news is that the network of overground and underground trains, as well as buses, trams and Thames Clippers are excellent. A Visitor Oyster card is a handy asset when travelling on all the public transport London has to offer. Buy one before you go. Children under 11 travel free. DisabledGo.com is also a very helpful site.
Sometimes, from a directionally challenged perspective, always travel with an A-Z, just in case you find yourself striding off, or, even worse, heading off on a train in the wrong direction. Even better, download one or all of these useful maps @ www.visitlondon.com.
An amazing amount of Free Attractions are available, which is especially helpful when travelling with a large family. The museums are free, which was a kind of a surprise to me. OK there are entrance fees for special exhibitions, such as the forthcoming Sunken Cities – Egypt’s Lost Worlds – 19th May – 27th September 2016 at the British Museum , which is right up my archaeological alley. An exhibition such as this will set you back £16.50 if you are over 16. Otherwise it is free.
Greenwich Market is a favourite of mine with a selection of stalls, including some amazing gourmet delights.
There is also the occasional double bass player who truly feels the vibe and sings her heart out.
A short stroll away is the Thames and on the way you will see one of dear old Blighty’s finest marine treasures the Cutty Sark and there are some excellent riverside hostelries, which include Italian, American and the Ye Olde World Pub and Restaurant also called the Cutty Sark. They all have incredible views across the water to Canary Warf and the O2. Then there is the elegance and splendour of Greenwich Park, currently swathed in blossom and the majestic Royal Observatory.
Brick Lane is on a much, much larger scale than Greenwich Market and where choosing what you are going to eat amongst the Worldwide perfusion of tastes, takes a very long time as you are constantly side tracked by a waft of another hypnotically mouth-watering smell.
I haven’t even touched on the West End, but if you get me there, I may never reappear. I haven’t seen Mrs Henderson Presents, or Kinky Boots and I so want to see All Or Nothing. The list is way too long. Have got to get myself back there soon.
The culture and buzz that London has to offer is huge and it is everywhere you wander. It is great place to spend time with family or friends with the opportunity to educate yourself along the way. Anything goes in London and remember, this applies to your footwear. So forget the fashionista in you and think about your feet.
Filed under: Entertainment, Expect the Unexpected, Life, Music Tagged: Brick Lane, British Museum, DisabledGo.com, Exhibitions, Free Attractions, Greenwich Market, London, Oyster Card, Sunken Cities - Egypt's Lost Worlds, The Cutty Sark, Visiting London
