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 Spectacular indeed! |
Bloomsbury London, London WC1A 2LS United Kingdom |
Once known as Southampton Square, Bloomsbury, an area in central London, is one of the earliest public squares of the city. Over the years the place has seen a number of restorations. The numerous alleyways and Georgian terraces form its core attractions. Bloomsbury is mostly a residential area and it houses prestigious institutions like the University of London, the British Museum and the University College Hospital. But explore this area on foot if you want to take in the architecture and other details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Words for the worthy |
96 Euston Road St Pancras London, London NW1 2DB United Kingdom +44 20 7412 7332 http://www.bl.uk |
The UK's national reference library is not a public library and if you want to take advantage of what's stored in its hallowed halls you'll have to obtain a reader's pass. This is granted to people doing research (primarily professional or post graduate) but if you can prove that you can't access the material elsewhere then you should be granted admission on production of identification. Fortunately, Joe Public is allowed into the three exhibition galleries for free (where the Magna Carta and Gutenberg Bible, among other items, are displayed), and there are events programmes (mainly films and lectures), and public tours on Sundays and Tuesdays, although the tours do incur a charge. The reading rooms for Oriental & India Office, Maps, Manuscripts are open from 10a-5p M, 9:30a-5p Tu-Sa and remain closed on Sundays and all English public holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 London's Top Tourist Attraction |
Great Russell Street London, GB WC1B 3DG United Kingdom +44 20 7323 8299 http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk |
The British Museum is one of London's top tourist attractions as well as a major scholarly resource. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753 and the Museum's distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the heyday of the British Empire, leading to the Museum's notoriety for plundering sources all over the globe and leaving it with over 6.5 million objects to look after. The displays cover about 14 acres and it is simply too tiring to tackle them all in one visit. The best way is to pick a collection or exhibition that interests you, explore that, and make return visits. And if you haven't got time for a proper visit, drop in for a coffee at the lovely Court Restaurant. Admission is free but charges may be made for temporary exhibitions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Satellite linkup |
Maple Street London, London W1T 4BG United Kingdom |
This stalwart tower keeps London talking and is seen as both a monstrous blot on the skyline and a wonder of modern engineering. Whatever your opinion, with the majority of the city's mobile phone and internet usage controlled from this modern communications hub, formerly the Post Office Tower, it's essential for London life. The 540ft skyscraper with its huge, mushroom-shaped satellite dishes was the country's tallest building until the mundane NatWest tower eclipsed it in 1981 and can be viewed from far and wide. Unfortunately, following a bomb attack in 1971, the tower and its revolving penthouse restaurant are no longer open to the public. But its still worth taking a peek at if you're in the area - let's face it, you could hardly miss it. Oh, and by the way, its dark colour is not a result of car fumes, but is due to its tinted anti-sun glass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home for Orphans |
40 Brunswick Square London, London WC1N 1AZ United Kingdom +44 20 7841 3600 http://www.foundlingmuseum.org... |
Located in a building rebuilt next to the demolished Foundling Hospital, this museum pays tribute to the city's original home for London's poor youth. Abandoned children and infants were given a new lease of life due to the kindness of the founders, composer George Frideric Handel, artist William Hogarth and Thomas Coram, a great philanthropist. Learn more about their history through the different permanent and temporary exhibitions held here and admire the unique and intriguing British paintings. Admission is GBP5, GBP4 with concessions and completely free for children under the age of 16. You can also find out about the yearly passes which are more reasonable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sun-beds, salons and sauna |
Triton Square Regent's Place London, London NW1 3XB United Kingdom +44 20 7388 5511 http://www.holmesplace.co.uk/ |
Another in the Holmes Place chain, Regent's Place is a fashion-conscious fitness feast close to Warren Street tube station. Sun-beds, saunas, and a Charles Worthington hair salon are all on hand to make sure you come out of your workout or aerobics class looking your best. And after your workout, you can reward yourself with a delicious smoothie, sandwich or bowl of soup from Jus. Unfortunately, the gym isn't open to non-members, but if you can persuade someone to sign you in, you can enjoy the facilities at off-peak rates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ragdolly Anna and Friends |
1 Scala Street London W1T 2HL United Kingdom +44 20 7636 3452 http://www.pollockstoymuseum.com |
Model railways, teddy bears, puppets, dolls' houses and dollies are all at home in the many rooms of the two four-storey 18th century houses that make up Pollocks Toy Museum. The museum is most famous for its collection of Victorian model theaters as its namesake, Benjamin Pollock, was one of the last publishers of toy theatre sheets. A trip here makes an educational and fun day out for adults with a soft spot for nostalgia. Not to mention, children will love seeing the weird and wonderful toys of the past that have now been replaced by Pokemon and playstations. Take a look at the ventriloquists' dolls, lead miniatures and puppets, then go and buy some at the toyshop next door. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 A Not So Square Square |
Russell Square London WC1B United Kingdom |
This square is a large garden in the middle of Bloomsbury and is close to the main buildings of the University of London and the British Museum. Russell Square was once a upper middle class neighborhood during the 18th century and one area of the square holds a plaque that commemorates the fact that T.S. Eliot worked in a building there for many years as the poetry editor of the magazine, Faber & Faber. The garden has gone through different transformations during its existence, but currently houses a cafe and the centerpiece is a fountain that sprays water from jets and has become quite popular with young children during the summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ian Schrager and Phillipe Starck again |
50 Berners Street London, London W1T 3NG United Kingdom +44 20 7300 1400 http://www.sandersonlondon.com/ |
Not even a year after opening designer hotel St Martin's Lane, Ian Schrager opened this even more exclusive West End oasis that features whites, silvers, and curtains or glass instead of doors. The lobby is more dramatic again, with video installations, opera curtains, funky furniture (chairs emblazoned with eyes, colorful sofas); and then there is the burst of color on the beautiful flower-filled terrace. Featuring a health spa, gourmet restaurant and a range of creatively decorated rooms, The Sanderson is yet another hot spot courtesy of one of the world's most successful hoteliers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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So much to Soho |
Soho Street London, London W1D United Kingdom |
Originally called King's Square, this square was first laid out in the year 1961. It was named after King Charles II, and his statue graces the centre of the square. It is considered the most prestigious address of various London media organizations. The French Protestant Church and St. Patrick's Catholic Church stand in the vicinity of the square. The place is a favorite spot among picnic-goers who come here to unwind after an eventful day of shopping and sightseeing. If you're looking forward to grab a bottle of beer and chill with friends, then Soho Square has a number of watering holes too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Winter wonderland |
Regent Street London, London W1B United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7440 5530 (Regent Street Association) |
London is ablaze with holiday lights in mid-November, as celebrities switch on the lights of famous shopping streets. Bond Street, St. Christopher's Place, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Covent Garden Market all celebrate the switching on of Christmas lights. Celebrities at past ceremonies have included Victoria Beckham, David Ginola, and Charlotte Church. A Norwegian official usually flicks the switch in Trafalgar Square to commemorate the donation of a Christmas tree from Norway. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Place For Remebrance |
Tavistock Square London WC1H United Kingdom |
This public park is centered around a statue of Gandhi and the flower gardens surrounding it. Tavistock Square is also the former site of Charles Dickens's home, where many of his greatest writings were completed, and is commemorated by a plaque. A cherry tree has been planted to honor those lost in the bombing of Hiroshima and also a memorial garden signifying the 7/7 London Bombings. Review © 2007, Wcities |