The Natural History Museum is one of the most fun museums in London to visit, especially if you are traveling with small children.
Below you will find 10 reasons why.
Before you visit the Natural History Museum, remember to book a free ticket. Although the museum accepts walk-ins on most days, it’s better to book tickets on its website to avoid the queues and guarantee entry.
Determining how much time you need to visit the Natural History Museum can be challenging. I recommend a minimum of 2 hours to get a good overview.
Why Should You Visit the Natural History Museum?
1. Beautiful building of the museum
One of the main reasons to visit this museum is to see its building; both outside and inside area stunning.
Although the origins of the museum stretch back to 1753, its current building first opened in 1881.
The so-called ‘cathedral of nature’ resembles Hogwarts and has also been featured in the first Paddington film.
2. Enormous collection of items
The museum houses approximately 80 million specimens spanning over 4 billion years, showcasing Earth’s natural history.
The collection covers various disciplines such as botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and zoology.
3. 25-metre blue whale skeleton
The museum welcomes visitors with a massive blue whale skeleton suspended in the air.
4. The museum’s Dinosaurs section
The dinosaur section at the Natural History Museum features an impressive array of fossil specimens that showcase the diversity and history of dinosaurs.
Visitors can explore life-sized models of iconic dinosaurs displayed in dynamic poses.
This section offers an educational and immersive experience for visitors of all ages!
5. Experience an earthquake!
The Volcanoes and Earthquakes sections of the museum include a simulator that allows you to experience an earthquake similar to the one in Kobe, Japan, in 1995.
6. Charles Darwin’s historical specimens
The museum’s collection includes historical specimens collected by Charles Darwin, one of the greatest British scientists who ever lived.
His theory of evolution by natural selection revolutionized the understanding of biological diversity.
Initially, his radical theories brought him into conflict with members of the Church of England, but after his death, he was honored with burial in Westminster Abbey.
7. Giant sequoia
If you ascend the staircase to the upper levels of Hintze Hall, you’ll encounter a slice of a 1,300-year-old sequoia.
This majestic tree stood 101 meters tall when it fell and has been part of the museum’s collection since 1893.
8. Minerals gallery
The Natural History Museum’s geological collections encompass everything from seemingly ordinary grey rocks that reveal the origins of the Earth and solar system, to stunning gems with intriguing histories and famous collectors.
9. See 10,000-year-old Briton
Cheddar Man is Britain’s oldest near-complete human skeleton, which was found in 1903 in Cheddar Gorge, Britain.
You can find it in the Human Evolution gallery.
10. Bird collections
The bird collections at the Natural History Museum are amongst the most comprehensive in the world, and those on display are beautifully arranged!
Well, you’ve reached the end of this post! I hope you enjoyed it.
W Londynie jest ponad 190 muzeów i nie jest łatwo zdecydować, które odwiedzić jako pierwsze.
Jeśli masz czas tylko na jedno, to polecam zacząć od Muzeum Brytyjskiego (British Museum)*.
*lub Muzeum Historii Naturalnej (Natural History Museum) oraz Muzeum Nauki (Science Museum), jeśli podróżujesz z małymi dziećmi.
Dlaczego warto odwiedzić Muzeum Brytyjskie?
Rozmiar: W kolekcji muzeum znajduje się ponad 8 mln eksponatów z całego świata, z czego ponad 80 000 z nich jest na wystawie przez większość czasu.
Piękny budynek: wnętrza muzeum są zdecydowanie warte zobaczenia.
Kontrowersyjne eksponaty: Kolekcja muzeum jest spuścizną Imperium Brytyjskiego, które istniało przez 400 lat. Wiele z jego eksponatów zostało pozyskanych w kontrowersyjnych okolicznościach i wiele krajów, z których one pochodzą, domaga się ich zwrotu.
Dogodna lokalizacja: Muzeum Brytyjskie znajduje się w odległości krótkiego spaceru od popularnych atrakcji Londynu, takich jak Trafalgar Square, Soho i Covent Garden.
Co warto wiedzieć zanim odwiedzisz Muzeum Brytyjskie?
Zarezerwuj bezpłatny bilet: Pomimo, że nie jest to obowiązkowe, najlepiej zarezerwować bezpłatny bilet na oficjalnej stronie internetowej muzeum (najlepiej rano lub w południe!), aby mieć pewność wejścia.
Polityka muzeum dotycząca toreb: do muzeum nie wolno wnosić dużych bagaży. Przed wejściem przeprowadzane są także kontrole bezpieczeństwa podobne do tych na lotniskach.
Bezpłatne mapy muzeum oraz wykłady: Wewnątrz budynku muzeum, zaraz przy wejściu, znajdziesz papierowe mapy, które są nieocenione w poruszaniu się po muzeum. Znajdziesz na nich także godziny bezpłatnych wykładów prowadzonych przez ekspertów muzeum. Mapę muzeum znajdziesz także tutaj.
Na odwiedzenie muzeum warto przeznaczyć minimum 2h.
Wirtualne galerie muzeum: Zbiory muzeum można również przeglądać bez wychodzenia z domu! Więcej szczegółów znajdziesz w tym linku.
I na koniec najważniejsze pytanie…
Co warto zobaczyć w British Museum?
Poniżej znajdziesz listę 9 eksponatów, od których warto rozpocząć zwiedzanie British Museum.
Muzeum Brytyjskie ciągle się zmienia. Szczegóły dotyczące lokalizacji eksponatów mogą ulec zmianie w przyszłości.
Kamień z Rosetty (Rosetta Stone, pokój 4)
Bez wątpienia najpopularniejszym obiektem w British Museum jest Kamień z Rosetty – pionowa płyta kamienna datowana na 196 rok p.n.e.
Pokryta jest ona tekstem, który pomógł w rozszyfrowaniu egipskich hieroglifów.
Tekst ten jest napisany w trzech językach: hieroglificznym (egipskie pismo obrazkowe, język formalny), demotyckim (powszechny egipski) oraz starożytnym greckim.
Jest to fragment dekretu stwierdzającego, że kapłani świątyni w Memfis popierają panowanie króla Ptolemeusza V.
Kamień ten został znaleziony przez Francuzów w 1799 roku w portowym mieście Rosetta, w delcie Nilu w Egipcie, stąd jego nazwa.
2. Hoa Hakananai’a (pokój 24)
Hoa Hakananai’a to rzeźba wykonana przez rdzennych mieszkańców Wyspy Wielkanocnej o wysokości 2,42 m.
Eksperci szacują, że powstała około roku 1200 naszej ery.
Hoa Hakananai’a jest jednym z najbardziej kontrowersyjnych obiektów w British Museum.
Nie jest to jedynie wyrzeźbiona skała; ma ona również głębokie znaczenie duchowe, ucieleśnia duchy wybitnych przodków ludu Rapa Nui.
W lipcu 2018 roku mieszkańcy Rapa Nui złożyli formalny wniosek o zwrot Hoa Hakananai’a.
Trwają negocjacje z muzeum.
3. Relikwiarz Świętego Ciernia (The Holy Thorn Reliquary, pokój 2a)
Od 1899 roku w Muzeum Brytyjskim znajduje się XIV-wieczny relikwiarz zawierający cierń, który najprawdopodobniej pochodzi z Korony Cierniowej Chrystusa.
Relikwiarz wykonany jest ze złota i ozdobiony rubinami, perłami i szafirami.
Jego znaczenie historyczne sprawia, że jest to bez wątpienia jedna z obowiązkowych atrakcji w muzeum.
4. Marmury Elgina (Elgin Marbles, pokój 18)
Marmury Elgina są w posiadaniu Muzeum Brytyjskiego od ponad 200 lat.
Stanowią one zbiór 2500-letnich rzeźb, które niegdyś były częścią Partenonu, jednej z najsłynniejszych budowli starożytnego świata.
Ich nazwa pochodzi od Lorda Elgina, który był odpowiedzialny za usunięcie posągów z Aten na początku XIX wieku (Ateny były wtedy częścią Imperium Osmańskiego).
Złożona historia usunięcia posągów z Partenonu przez Lorda Elgina jest przedmiotem kontrowersji.
5. Hełm Sutton Hoo (Sutton Hoo Helmet, pokój 41)
W 1938 roku w pobliżu Woodbridge w Wielkiej Brytanii archeolodzy odkryli imponujący, 27-metrowy grób w kształcie okrętu, prawdopodobnie należący do jednego z królów Anglii Wschodniej.
Hełm Sutton Hoo jest jednym z wielu artefaktów, jakie tam znaleziono.
Eksperci szacują, że grób ten pochodzi z VI lub VII wieku.
W muzeum można znaleźć fragmenty oryginalnego hełmu odkryte podczas wykopalisk, a także stworzoną przez muzeum replikę, pokazującą, jak hełm mógł wyglądać, zanim czas odcisnął na nim swoje piętno.
6. Figurki szachowe z Lewis (Lewis Chessmen, pokój 40)
Szachy Lewisa to zestaw średniowiecznych figur szachowych wyrzeźbionych z kości słoniowej morsa i zębów wielorybów, datowanych na XII wiek.
Znaleziono je w 1830 roku na odległej wyspie Lewis w Szkocji.
Ich pełne ekspresji, pięknie wyrzeźbione postacie królowych, królów, gońców, rycerzy, wież i pionków zainspirowały figury szachowe w świątecznej scenie, w pierwszej części Harry’ego Pottera, ‘Harry Potter i Kamień Filozoficzny’.
Jedna z 8,8-centymetrowych figur znajduje się w prywatnych rękach i została kupiona na aukcji w Sotheby’s w Londynie w 2019 roku za 735 000funtów!
7. Mumie egipskie (pokoje 62&63)
Muzeum Brytyjskie posiada ogromną kolekcję mumii.
Jego kolekcja mumii jest jedną z największych poza Egiptem!
Na wystawie można znaleźć nie tylko mumie, ale także trumny, maski pogrzebowe, portrety i inne przedmioty przeznaczone do chowania ze zmarłymi.
W tym linku możesz obejrzeć część kolekcji muzeum.
8. 2000-letnie pocztówki z przeszłości – tabliczki Vindolanda (Vindolanda tablets, pokój 49)
Przed inwazją rzymską rdzenne plemiona celtyckie w Wielkiej Brytanii nie używały pisma.
Rzymianie przywieźli ze sobą alfabet łaciński oraz praktyki pisania.
W Muzeum Brytyjskim można znaleźć tabliczki Vindolanda – zbiór drewnianych tabliczek o grubości 3 mm, odkrytych w 1973 roku w rzymskim forcie Vindolanda w pobliżu Muru Hadriana w północnej Anglii.
Tabliczki te, pochodzące z I i II wieku naszej ery, są pokryte tekstem zapisanym atramentem. Zawierają raporty wojskowe, listy osobiste i urzędowe dokumenty.
Są to jedne z najwcześniejszych znanych przykładów odręcznego pisma w Wielkiej Brytanii!
9. Złota misa sprzed 3500 lat (The Ringlemere Cup, pokój 51)
Puchar Ringlemere’a został odkryty w 2001 roku przez amatorskiego poszukiwacza metali w hrabstwie Kent w Anglii.
Jest wykonany ze złota i szacuje się, że pochodzi z okresu 1700-1500 roku p.n.e.
Niestety, zanim został znaleziony, został on zniekształcony przez współczesne maszyny rolnicze, lecz jego zachowana forma do dziś przedstawia zaawansowaną technikę złotników z tamtego okresu.
Puchar Ringlemere’a został zakupiony przez Muzeum Brytyjskie za 270 000 funtów, a pieniądze zostały podzielone pomiędzy szczęśliwego znalazcę i rodzinę, która jest właścicielem farmy Ringlemere.
To już koniec tego postu! Mam nadzieję, że Ci się spodobał.
When it comes to museums, tourists in London are spoiled for choice.
There are over 190 museums in London!
But if you have time to see only one, I would argue you should choose the British Museum*.
*or the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum if you are traveling with small children.
Why Should You Visit the British Museum?
Size: It houses a vast collection of over 8 million objects from around the world, with around 80,000 of them on display most of the time.
Beautiful building: The interiors of the museum are stunning.
Controversial collection: The collection reflects the heritage of the British Empire spanning 400 years. Many objects were acquired under controversial circumstances, which are viewed critically today.
Conveniently located: The British Museum is within walking distance from top London attractions such as Trafalgar Square, Soho, and Covent Garden.
Things to know before you visit the British Museum
Book a Free Ticket: Although the museum often accepts walk-ins, it’s better to book tickets on its website, ideally in the morning or midday, to guarantee entry.
Bag Policy: Go without bags or with small bags only, if necessary. The museum implements airport-like security checks, which can lead to long queues, even for ticket holders.
Free Maps and Guidance: The museum provides free paper maps located inside the building near entrances. If you can’t find them, ask the staff for directions. These maps are invaluable for navigating the museum’s various levels. They also include suggestions for must-see exhibits and times for free expert-led lectures. You can find this map also here.
You should plan to spend a minimum of 2h in the museum
Below, you can find a list of 9 things to see in the British Museum – a great starting point for exploring its gigantic collection.
The British Museum is constantly evolving. The details of the item locations are accurate at the time of writing this post, but they might change in the future.
Rosetta Stone (Room 4)
Without a doubt, the most popular object in the British Museum is the Rosetta Stone – a vertical stone slab dating back to 196 BC.
The stone is inscribed with text that helped in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
The text is written in three scripts: hieroglyphs, demotic (everyday Egyptian), and ancient Greek and is part of a decree stating that the priests of a temple in Memphis support the reign of King Ptolemy V.
It was discovered by the French in 1799 in the port city of Rosetta, in the Nile Delta of Egypt, hence its name.
2. Hoa Hakananai’a (Room 24)
Hoa Hakananai’a is a 2.42-meter (7.9 ft) tall lava rock sculpture carved by the Rapa Nui, the Indigenous inhabitants of Easter Island.
Experts estimate that it dates to around AD 1200.
It is one of the most controversial items in the British Museum.
Hoa Hakananai’a is not just a sculpted rock; it holds significant spiritual importance, embodying the spirits of prominent ancestors of the Rapa Nui people.
In July 2018, the people of Rapa Nui made a formal request for the return of Hoa Hakananai’a.
Negotiations with the museum are ongoing.
3. The Holy Thorn Reliquary (Room 2a)
Since 1899, the British Museum has been home to a 14th-century reliquary containing a thorn believed to be from Christ’s Crown of Thorns.
The reliquary is made of gold and decorated with rubies, pearls, and sapphires.
Its detailed craftsmanship and historical significance make it one of the must-sees in the museum.
4. Elgin Marbles (Room 18)
The Elgin Marbles have been in the possession of the British Museum for over 200 years.
They are a collection of 2,500-year-old sculptures that were once part of the Parthenon, one of the most famous buildings from the ancient world.
They got their name from Lord Elgin, who was responsible for the removal of the statues from Athens (then part of the Ottoman Empire) at the beginning of the 19th century.
The complex history of the removal of the Parthenon statues by Lord Elgin is the subject of longstanding international controversy.
5. Sutton Hoo Helmet (Room 41)
In 1938, near Woodbridge, UK, archaeologists discovered the most impressive medieval ship-grave in Europe—a 27-meter (89 ft) long burial, likely belonging to an unknown East Anglian king.
The Sutton Hoo helmet is one of many artifacts found at the site at that time.
Experts estimate that the burial ship dates back to the 6th or 7th century.
In the museum, you can find fragments of the original helmet discovered during the excavations, along with a replica created by the museum, showing how the helmet might have looked before time took its toll on it.
6. Lewis Chessmen (Room 40)
The Lewis Chessmen are a set of medieval chess pieces carved from walrus ivory and whales’ teeth, dating back to the 12th century.
They were discovered in 1830 on the remote Isle of Lewis in Scotland.
The set features distinct and expressive figures, including kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns, each adorned with detailed carvings.
The design of the chess pieces in the Harry Potter Christmas scene was inspired by the Lewis Chessmen!
One of the 8.8 cm tall pieces is privately owned and was bought at an auction at Sotheby’s in London in 2019 for £735,000!
7. Egyptian Mummies (Rooms 62&63)
The British Museum holds a huge collection of preserved mummies.
Its collection of mummies is one of the largest outside of Egypt!
On display, you can find not only mummies but also coffins, funerary masks, portraits, and other items designed to be buried with the deceased.
You can preview part of the museum’s collection using this link.
8. 2000-year-old postcards from the past –Vindolanda tablets (Room 49)
Before the Roman invasion, the indigenous Celtic tribes in Britain did not have a written language.
The Romans brought with them the Latin alphabet and writing practices.
In the British Museum, you can find the Vindolanda tablets, a collection of wooden leaf tablets, 3mm thick, discovered in 1973 at the Roman fort of Vindolanda near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.
Dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, these tablets are written in ink and contain a variety of content, including military reports, personal letters, and official documents.
They are one of the earliest known examples of handwritten Latin in Britain!
9. 3500-year-old gold bowl – The The Ringlemere Cup(Room 51)
The Ringlemere Cup was discovered in 2001 by an amateur metal detectorist in Kent, England.
It dates from around 1700-1500 BC and is made of gold.
Unfortunately, the cup was damaged by modern agricultural activities, but its remaining form still highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient goldsmiths.
The Ringlemere Cup was bought by the British Museum for £270,000, with the money split between the detectorist and the family who own Ringlemere Farm.
Well, you’ve reached the end of this post! I hope you enjoyed it.
Most people know James Bond (a Londoner!) through the films, but it all started with the novels written by a former naval intelligence officer (also a Londoner!) Ian Fleming.
London, as the home of MI6 (James Bond’s headquarters), has often been part of the storylines in the series and has been frequently featured in James Bond movies.
Below, you will find 10 spots in the UK’s capital that played an important role in the amazing story of 007 and its creator, Ian Fleming.
It is hard to pinpoint the exact moment when an idea is born in an author’s mind, but some places and events often serve as inspiration.
The Old War Office building at Whitehall in London is often cited as the birthplace of James Bond.
Firstly, it was here that the decision to create MI5 and MI6 was made.
Secondly, Ian Fleming, the author of the initial 12 novels about James Bond’s adventures, frequently visited this location while working as a naval intelligence officer during WWII.
The OWO building itself has been featured in several James Bond movies.
3. National Gallery(Skyfall & Fighting Temeraire painting)
Would you like to recreate a famous scene from one of the Bond movies?
Simply walk (like Daniel Craig in Skyfall) through Trafalgar Square, past the fountain with the lion statues, and up the stairs towards the National Gallery to see Turner’s Fighting Temeraire, a painting discussed by Bond and Q in the movie.
Q: “It always makes me feel a little melancholy. Grand old war ship, being ignominiously hauled away to scrap… The inevitability of time, don’t you think? What do you see?”
James Bond: “A bloody big ship.”
The painting depicts the final journey of HMS Temeraire, a warship that played a crucial role in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and you can find it in the room 34.
The painting was voted the nation’s favorite in 2005 and is also featured on the £20 note!
Leicester Square’s Odeon Cinema has hosted most of the pre-Craig Bond premieres, drawing crowds of fans, celebrities, and members of the UK’s royal family.
When you visit this spot, remember to look up—on the lower roof of this cinema, you can find the statue of Batman. In the nearby square, you can find a couple more iconic movie statues (sadly no statue of James Bond). You can read more about it here.
The iconic Aston Martin DB5, first introduced in the third James Bond movie, Goldfinger (1964), appeared in several subsequent Bond films, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of the franchise.
In the Lego Store in London at Leicester Square, you can find a life-size Lego model of it.
Made of 347,954 bricks, it took the team of Lego builders 1,366 hours to construct!
7. Where Sean Connery landed his role as the first 007
In the 60s, the office at No. 3 Audley Square was used by Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman while working on the very first James Bond movie, Dr. No.
It was here that Sean Connery, against all odds, won the chance to be the first 007 on the big screen.
Initially, Ian Fleming was against casting the relatively unknown Scotsman in the role, but he became fond of Connery after seeing his charm on the screen.
KGB Spy Lamp Post
The area around No. 3 Audley Square was frequently visited by real-life enemy spies! Near this address, you can find a lamp post that, from the 50s throughout the Cold War years, was used by KGB spies as a dead drop—a secret place to leave their reports for their superiors. British Intelligence only discovered this in 1985!
8. London’s Red Square and former flats of Sean Connery and Roger Moore
At the back of Buckingham Palace Gardens, you can find Eaton Square – a pleasantly green square with elegant houses lining all the streets around it, often considered to be one of the best addresses in London.
The long list of famous people who have lived here includes Margaret Thatcher (No. 93), Neville Chamberlain (No. 37), and two great actors who played James Bond:
Sean Connery (No. 6)
… and Roger Moore (No. 22).
Eaton Square is also known as London’s ‘Red Square’ because many of its residents are Russian billionaires!
At 85 Albert Embankment in Vauxhall, you can find Bond’s London offices – the real headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).
One of the most interesting and certainly one of the best-protected buildings in London.
And an absolute must-see for all fans of 007!
The building was featured in The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Skyfall, and Spectre.
To get there from Ebury Street, I recommend you jump on a double-decker bus from outside Victoria Station (numbers 2, 36, 185, or C10). Be sure to double-check the official timetable and route of buses on the day.
Well, you’ve reached the end of this post! I hope you enjoyed it.
Before you go, I have a surprise for you.
Just in case you missed this fine chapter of Bond’s history: during the London 2012 Olympics opening, James Bond escorted Her Majesty the Queen to the ceremony!
Oxford is a historic town located 60 miles from London and home to the University of Oxford – the second oldest university in the world.
Its beginnings date back to the 11th century!
The honey-toned streets of Oxford have been strolled upon by:
famous writers such as Lewis Carroll (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings), and C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia)
over 70 Nobel Prize winners
and 30 Prime Ministers of the UK!
In this post, you will find 10 iconic spots in Oxford that you shouldn’t miss if you decide to visit this charming place.
Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, the author of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking-Glass’ was a scholar and teacher here.
Its Bodley Tower Staircase was featured in the Harry Potter movie series.
In the 17th century, its Great Dining Hall was the seat of the parliament assembled by the later-beheaded King Charles I. In modern times, it has served as an inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
13 UK Prime Ministers were educated here.
It is also a cathedral.
In this link, you can find information on how to visit the Christ Church College.
2. Alice’s Shop
Across from Christ Church College, you can find a tiny shop named Alice’s Shop.
It is not only a place that offers a collection of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland-inspired souvenirs, but it is also a spot that was frequently visited by Alice Liddell, believed to be the real-life inspiration for the iconic character.
It is said that Carroll would often visit the shop himself to purchase sweets for Alice and her sisters during their outings in Oxford.
In the nearby Museum of Oxford (that you can visit for free), you can also see a few items that belonged to Alice Liddell and Lewis Carroll.
3. Oxford Punting
One of Oxford’s beloved traditions is punting – a timeless experience of gliding along tranquil waters, surrounded by the city’s historic landmarks and scenic beauty.
Beneath Magdalen Bridge, you can find spots where you can hire traditionally crafted punts.
Punting in Oxford is a must on a sunny summer day!
The very first time Lewis Carroll told the fairy tale of Alice’s Adventures Underground was during a boat trip on the River Thames in Oxford, on July 4, 1862!
4. Radcliffe Camera
With so many universities in close proximity, it is time to see some great libraries and bookstores!
The first one is The Radcliffe Camera – Oxford’s 18th-century architectural gem and one of the most iconic landmarks of the University of Oxford.
Despite being relatively young (completed in 1914), its architectural charm has already earned landmark status, partly because it has been featured in various British TV productions, including Inspector Morse.
7. The Turf Tavern
If you pass the Bridge of Sighs and continue walking down New College Lane, soon to your left, you will notice a sign: ‘TURF TAVERN – An Education In Intoxication’.
If you follow the invitation, you will soon discover a true hidden gem of Oxford – the Turf Tavern.
The Turf Tavern’s beginnings trace back to the 14th century, and it has been a watering hole for a wide range of universally recognizable faces, including Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen Hawking, David Bowie, Margaret Thatcher, and Boris Johnson.
And of course, Bill Clinton – the pub claims that the former President of the United States of America smoked (but did not inhale!) marijuana here.
Charming spot, nevertheless.
8. Blackwell’s Bookshop
It is time for my favorite spot in Oxford – Blackwell’s Bookshop.
The last spot on this walking tour is something special for fans of Tolkien and Lewis – The Eagle and Child, the pub that used to be their watering hole.
Most of my tourists tell me how much time they have in London and what their interests are, and I prepare an optimized walking tour for them around the places that interest them the most.
I can also tailor a tour based on your interests.
Alternatively, you can choose from one of my most popular walks, with the full list provided below.
LONDON FOR BEGINNERS-part 1 (3h)
During this walk, you’ll discover the most fascinating stories associated with the 6 main attractions of London located in the Westminster district (Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, 10 DowningStreet, and Scotland Yard), as well as see one of the royal parks, a 300-meter graffiti tunnel, and film sculptures at Leicester Square.
LONDON FOR BEGINNERS-part 2 (3h)
During this walk, you’ll discover the most fascinating stories associated with the 8 main attractions of London located in the oldest parts of the city (City & London Bridge). St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, The Shard, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and a lot more!
Prime Meridian of the World, Beautiful Architecture, and Great Londoners – a walking tour around Greenwich! (1,5h)
See the place where the royal family used to go for centuries to rest from the crowded (and dirty!) London, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997! See the streets where outstanding scientists, painters, architects, controversial kings, and even the Tsar of Russia, Peter The Great, walked! Learn where the Prime Meridian runs, how the fastest ship in the world looked before the invention of the engine, how to check the time using a red ball, and where you can find a monument to a dead parrot!
Fires, wars, Harry Potter, and money! – City of London walking tour (2h)
Discover who and when founded London? Why does the oldest district of London look like the youngest? Who designed over 50 churches in London’s City and where are the national reserves of gold of Great Britain kept? Visit the beautiful Leadenhall Market, through which Harry Potter strolled with Hagrid, the garden inside the church, and one of the most interesting old pubs in London, standing in the place where King Henry VIII in the 16th century DID NOT get a divorce!
East End with a touch of Shakespeare and Jack the Ripper, i.e. a walk around Brick Lane! (2,5h)
A 2.5-hour walk around the district of London made famous at the end of the 19th century by the infamous Jack the Ripper. In addition to the iconic Brick Lane street, you will also see the place where the play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ was first performed (and it was not the Globe Theatre!), the largest former brewery in London, as well as a building where all the world’s biggest religions were practiced!
The Beatles London Walking Tour! (3h)
Although John, Paul, George, and Ringo took their first steps on the music scenes in Liverpool (United Kingdom) and Hamburg (Germany), it was London that became their home during their tumultuous seven-year reign atop the global charts in the 1960s. Join me for a walk through London, which will take you through several iconic Beatles-related locations. Abbey Road Studios, the pedestrian crossing from the band’s iconic cover, the place where Beatlemania began, the rooftop where they played their final concert, and much more! During this walk, we will take a short subway journey from Abbey Road to central London.
Agatha Christie Walking Tour of London!! (2h)
A 2-hour walk that will allow you to look at London through the prism of the inspiring and full-of-interesting-twists life of one of the best-selling authors of all time, the undisputed Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. During the walk, you will learn how and why 4-year-old Agatha taught herself to read, where she gained her knowledge of poisons, why her first book was almost her last, and why in 1962, in an exclusive 5-star hotel in London, you could see a half-ton mouse trap!
