TO VISIT
In London we all know there is a lot to see and there are tens of book guides that describe it in hundreds of pages. Therefore I will give you just a short selection of places you might want to visit once or some of them more than once.
Victoria & Albert Museum and V&A card
The V&A is a fantastic museum dedicated to creativity and art. The Victoria and Albert Museum (abbreviated V&A) is the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It hosts fantastic exhibitions that change regularly – at the moment one is dedicated to Cartier – but all the museum is worth a visit.
As some exhibitions are attended by lots of people, a tip to skip the queue is to register for membership (see link below) which can be done online or on site. It will give you free and multiple access, preview, priority booking, discounts. It will also be valid one year covering different exhibitions so if you plan to come back it is convenient.
Since 1985, Saatchi Gallery has presented contemporary art exhibitions showcasing the work of emerging artists. Exhibitions which drew upon the collection of Charles Saatchi, led to Saatchi Gallery becoming a recognized authority in contemporary art globally. The Gallery acquired a strong reputation for introducing artists who would later gain worldwide recognition. In 2019 Saatchi Gallery became a registered charity and began a new chapter in its history.
See some of the world’s most exciting modern and contemporary art at Tate Modern. Enjoy innovative works that have shaped art as we know it. The gallery is free to visit. On display are paintings, sculptures and large-scale installations from artists around the world including Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama and Henri Matisse. Explore the iconic Turbine Hall alongside our underground Tanks, a striking space dedicated to live performances and video.
With a scenic riverside setting, the Royal Borough is home to the awe-inspiring Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, famous for the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, the Old Royal Naval College including the magnificent Painted Hall and the University of Greenwich, Greenwich Market, St Alfege Church, The Fan Museum, Greenwich Park, river trips, guided walks and loads more.
Another must-visit is the buzzing Greenwich Peninsula, an easy 8 minute river trip from Greenwich town center. Located here is the IFS Cloud Cable Car, Design District, NOW Gallery and The Tide elevated walkway and most well-known for The O2. Beneath its iconic white tented roof is the world’s most popular entertainment arena, and so many things to do.
You can also get there with a nice river cruise departing from Westminster.
Windsor is easy reachable from London within the day, 1 hour by coach from Victoria station or by train from Paddington or Waterloo stations.
The very word “Windsor”, instantly calls to mind the British Royal Family, as the name of the Royal House currently on the throne. Thirty-nine monarchs have lived at the enormous Windsor Castle since it was raised as a royal palace by Henry I more than 900 years ago.
Step into this storied palace for an audio tour narrated by Prince Charles himself, and visit St George’s Chapel, scene of royal weddings, funerals and the tombs of monarchs known the world over.
But Winsor is not only the castle. It is a beautiful village along the river Thames with lot to offer and for an escape from the multi-tasking life of London.
Windsor Great Park is a vast former hunting ground, obligatory for the Long Walk and its sensational view back to the castle. The Thames River, traced by romantic water meadows, has its own appeal, while there are museums, sights and cultural venues to keep you occupied in the market town. Visit the market and enjoy a nice lunch in a restaurant or pub overlooking the Thames before heading back to London. You will not regret it.
Hope this short three parts guide to my London was useful. But feel free to send me additions o comments for future releases. Hear from me soon. Ciao!