London attractions

Things To See near SKY GARDEN

1.The Monument to the Great Fire of London

The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a 61 meters (202 feet) tall column that stands near the northern end of London Bridge.

It was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London – the disastrous event that during four days in 1666 devastated two-thirds of the city.

The fire started not far from here in a bakery on Pudding Lane.

Nothing is left of it now.

This impressive Doric column is topped by a golden flames.

Visitors can climb the spiral staircase (311 steps) inside the Monument to reach the observation platform at the top.

The Monument also bears an inscription on its base, which provides a brief historical account of the Great Fire and acknowledges the roles of King Charles II and the City of London in rebuilding the city.

2. 6-meter-long model of the Old London Bridge

The 20-foot-long model of Old London Bridge is permanently on display in the Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr, located near the original site of the bridge.

You can check the opening hours of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr on the church’s website.

The model is a remarkable representation of the historical bridge that once spanned the River Thames.

It portrays the numerous arches, defensive gatehouse, and bustling buildings that lined its span.

The archway of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr church (visible today) was the extension of the historic Old London Bridge and it was used for centuries as an entrance to City of London.

In this church, you can also see a 2,000-year-old piece of wood retrieved from the Thames, dating back to Roman times.

3. Garden inside the church (St Dunstan in the East)

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is London’s beautiful scar from World War II.

St Dunstan in the East Church was one of the many churches in London rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Christopher Wren was the renowned English architect responsible for constructing 53 churches in London after the disastrous fire, including the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral.

In the 20th century, St Dunstan in the East was severely damaged during the Blitz.

The Blitz was a period of intense German bombings of London that lasted for 56 days and nights during World War II.

Only the tower and few walls of the Wren’s church survived the bombings.

Instead of being fully restored, the ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the-East were preserved as a public garden and are open to visitors (free of charge).

The remains of the church, with its crumbling walls and arches intertwined with greenery, create a picturesque atmosphere.

The site is popular among visitors and locals seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

4. Leadenhall Market

Now, I would like to invite you on a quick walk through Leadenhall Market, one of the most beautiful hidden gems near Sky Garden.

Leadenhall Market is a historic covered market that dates back to the 14th century.

Back then it was a meat and poultry market. It stands in the center of what used to be Roman London.

As you enter the market, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful arcade adorned with ornate decorations.

The stunning roof you see today was designed in the 19th century by Sir Horace Jones, who also designed the iconic Tower Bridge.

Walking through the narrow alleys, you’ll find an array of shops selling a variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, food, and more.

It is also a popular spot for bankers and insurance professionals to enjoy an after-work drink.

This beautiful structure is a must-visit spot for Harry Potter fans as it was used as a set in the first Harry Potter movie Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Leaky Cauldron shop front can still be found here.

5. The Inside-Out Building (Lloyds of London skyscraper)

Lloyd’s Building is a distinctive architectural landmark of the City of London and a home of the insurance company Lloyd’s of London.

It was designed by (knighted!) Italian-born British architect, Richard Rogers.

Richard Rogers is also responsible for the design of the Millenium Dome in Greenwich and the Pompidou Centre in Paris, which he designed with the Italian architect Renzo Piano.

Lloyd’s Building has an unconventional design: the building’s services (pipes, lifts etc) are installed on the outside.

A style in architecture called Bowellism.

The structure has been completed in 1986, and 25 years later received Grade I listing status for being “one of the key buildings of the modern epoch”.

One of the youngest structures in London to ever obtain this status.

You can love it or hate it, but it is certainly a captivating sight to see.

It is located next to Leadenhall Market.

That’s all locations I wanted to show you in this walking tour.

I hope I have convinced you that it is indeed worth exploring this interesting part of London.

In need of a private tour guide…?

contact@walkmeblog.com

11 Things To See Near King’s Cross St. Pancras in Less Than 1h- Free Walking Tour With a Map

March 24, 2024June 7, 2023 by An

King’s Cross St. Pancras is a bustling transportation hub in London known for its beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, King’s Cross Station was London’s gateway for… beer! The station served as a central point in London where beer arrived from all over the country and was distributed to thirsty Londoners.

Today, I invite you for a walk around surrounding area.

Whether you have spare time while waiting for your train or simply find yourself in the vicinity of it, this one-hour-long walking tour around hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems of King’s Cross St. Pancras will keep you entertained.

You can visit all the locations described in this walk for free.

To see the MAP of King’s Cross St. Pancras walking tour click here.

Distance to cover: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)

Enjoy the read and the walk!

In need of a private tour guide…?

contact@walkmeblog.com

Things To See near King’s Cross St. Pancra

1. The grave that inspired the shape of the red telephone box

This King’s Cross St. Pancras walking tour begins at St. Pancras Old Church Cemetery – one of the most interesting hidden gems of the area.

St. Pancras Old Church is believed to be one of the oldest churches in England, and the nearby international railway station was named after it.

Saint Pancras was a Roman martyr from the 3rd Century who was beheaded for his Christian faith at fourteen!

One of the many interesting features of this place is the tomb of architect John Soane.

It is believed that the sight of this grave inspired Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (often visiting this cemetery) to give the red telephone box its iconic shape.

2. The Beatles bench

On the 28th of July 1968, The Beatles during their break from recording The White Album, visited various locations in London for a spontaneous photographic session later called ‘The Beatles Mad Day Out’.

Some of the iconic shots from this session were taken in the churchyard of St Pancras Old Church.

‘Keep Off The Grass’ is one of the famous pictures from this session, featuring the band’s cryptic message about drugs.

Today, on the bench where the Fab Four sat in 1968, you can see a small plaque commemorating that moment.

3. The grave that inspired the novel Frankenstein

Near The Beatles bench, you can find a grave of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, an 18th-century feminist thinker.

She died shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Mary Shelley (author of ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’).

The young author of a famous gothic novel unnaturally often visited her mother’s grave located in this cemetery.

Her father wanted to keep the memory alive.

It is believed that these frequent visits sparked the creation of the story of Frankenstein.

Fans of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Mary Shelley often leave here pens as tributes to both authors.

4. Isaac Newton statue

The next stop on this King’s Cross St. Pancras walking tour is the statue of Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists in history.

You can find this massive bronze monument displayed on the grounds of the British Library (very easy to access, just walk through the gate you can see in the photo below).

As you enter the square outside the library, you will notice plenty of benches to sit on.

It is a lovely spot to soak up some sunshine while waiting for your train.

5. The rail station from Harry Potter

The first of two significant wizarding locations to see during this walking tour is the entrance to the station where wizards and witches from Harry Potter movies catch the train to Hogwarts.

In real life, it is the beautiful front elevation of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

Seeing this grand Victorian building will be a treat for all Harry Potter fans and architecture enthusiasts.

6. Spice Girls staircase

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel was also a location where the Spice Girls filmed the music video for their breakthrough song ‘Wannabe’.

The video showcased various scenes throughout the luxurious interiors of the hotel, including one featuring the iconic staircase.

This 5-star London hotel provided a captivating backdrop for the energetic and vibrant performance by the music group.

Even though Geri Halliwell’s departure (1998) occurred less than two years after their breakthrough moment (1996), the Spice Girls are considered one of the most successful girl groups of all time.

To see the staircase, after entering the building through the main entrance, turn left when you pass the reception. If needed, ask the security inside for further guidance.

The hotel is very welcoming to people who want to see the beautiful staircase that played a significant role in catapulting the Spice Girls to international fame.

7. The (lovely) statue of John Betjeman

At St. Pancras International station (adjacent to King’s Cross station), you can find a statue of John Betjeman.

John Betjeman was a renowned British poet, writer, and broadcaster known for his deep appreciation for Victorian architecture.

Betjeman’s passionate advocacy for King’s Cross St. Pancras Station was instrumental in saving it from demolition in the 1960s when there were plans to replace it with a modern development.

He also helped to save one of the most charming pubs in London – The Blackfriar Pub (my favorite pub in London). You can read more about this pub here.

The statue captures Betjeman’s spirit and serves as a reminder of his lasting impact on the cultural and architectural landscape of Britain.

You can find it on the upper level of the station concourse, near the Eurostar departure area.

**8. The Meeting Place statue**

Steps away from Betjeman’s statue, you can find another artwork called ‘The Meeting Place’.

It is a bronze statue crafted by the British sculptor Paul Day.

This bronze masterpiece stands tall at a height of 9 meters (30 feet) and portrays a romantic scene of a man and a woman locked in an embrace.

At their feet, you can find an array of many scenes.

Some of them depict the moment of construction of the train station.

Others show various scenes you can witness at all train stations.

9. The colorful tunnel between St. Pancras and King’s Cross

When walking around St. Pancras and King’s Cross you might stumble across a 90-meter tunnel of light.

This very instagramable location is possible to find after going down by the escalator at the St. Pancras International station.

10. Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station

Platform 9 3/4 in the world of Harry Potter is a magical departure point for the Hogwarts Express.

The train that carries students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is located at King’s Cross Station in London.

In reality, at the station, between platforms 9 and 10, you can find a luggage trolley giving the illusion of disappearing into the wall.

Visitors have the opportunity to take their photos at this magical spot by themselves or can opt to have their pictures taken by a professional photographer.

11. Regent’s Canal

Regent’s Canal is a waterway in London originally built in the early 19th century.

It stretches approximately 13.8 kilometers (8.6 miles) in length and passes through several vibrant London neighborhoods, including King’s Cross.

The canal is a scenic attraction and a vibrant social hub.

Its towpaths are bustling with activity as people gather to relax, socialize, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Dotted along the canal are charming cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

That makes it a perfect place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink away from the station hustle and bustle.

That’s all locations I wanted to show you in this King’s Cross St. Pancras walking tour.

I hope I have convinced you that it is indeed worth exploring this interesting part of London.

In need of a private tour guide…?

contact@walkmeblog.com

14 Things To See in Notting Hill in Less Than 2h: Free Walking Tour With a Map

March 24, 2024May 27, 2023 by An

MAP

This self-guided London walking tour is the most colorful among all of my tours.

Notting Hill is one of London’s top tourist destinations.

Below you will find my 14 recommendations of places worth exploring around Notting Hill area.

You can visit all of them for free.

To see the MAP of this walk click here.

Distance to cover: 4 miles (6.4 km)

Enjoy the read and the walk!

In need of a private tour guide…?

contact@walkmeblog.com

notting hill WALKING TOUR

1. Notting Hill Hillgate Village

I recommend you start this London walking tour by arriving at Notting Hill Gate tube station.

The station itself has beautiful architecture worth seeing.

Only 2 min walk from the tube station, you can find a few streets (Farmer St, Hillgate Pl, Farmer Pl, Uxbridge St) with colorful houses.

These charming, cartoon-look like streets are often referred to as Notting Hill Hillgate Village.

Every day, they attract selfie hunters from around the world.

Later on this Notting Hill walking tour you will see more beautiful streets with colorful elevations but in a meantime, lets head towards one of the most beautiful mews in London.

2. Ladbroke Walk (Mews)

Next stop on this Notting Hill walking tour is a charming mews called Ladbroke Walk.

This picturesque cobblestone street is located only steps away from Notting Hill tube station.

Mews are narrow streets originally designed as stables and carriage houses for grand townhouses during the 18th and 19th centuries. They have since been converted into charming residential areas.

3. Cabmen’s shelter

Cabmen’s shelters are small green huts scattered throughout the streets of London that were built specifically for the use of Hackney carriage drivers.

Historically, hackney carriages were horse-drawn vehicles available for hire. In modern times, they have been replaced by black cabs.

Cabmen’s shelters were established in the late 19th century (it was over 60 of them around London back then) and cab drivers could get there a hot meal and a cup of tea (but no alcohol!).

Only 13 of them are left today, and the majority have been converted into public cafes or snack bars, offering refreshments and meals to both visitors and locals.

Cabmen’s shelters were frequently situated near churches, similar to this well-preserved example in Notting Hill.

4. Portobello Road

Originally Portobello Road was a country lane connecting the neighborhoods of Notting Hill and Kensal Green.

The name “Portobello” is believed to have been inspired by the victory of Admiral Edward Vernon over the Spanish at the Battle of Portobello in Panama in 1739.

In the 19th century, the street began to evolve into a market and became renowned as a thriving antiques market, attracting collectors and dealers from around the world.

Today, Portobello Road is renowned for its colorful pastel houses and lively atmosphere.

Antiques, vintage clothing, quirky collectibles…

…street art…

…street performers…

…Portobello Road has it all.

The street gained global recognition through the popular film “Notting Hill” released in 1999, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

Throughout the film, the street serves as a backdrop for many pivotal scenes, highlighting the vibrant and eclectic charm of the area.

The movie’s success solidified Portobello Road’s status as an iconic London destination.

My personal favorite feature of Portobello Road is the stand called “The Table With Positive Thoughts” by Charlotte Reed.

Charlotte is an author from London. After going through some personal struggles with mental health, she created the book called “May the Thoughts Be with You”.

The book is a collection of wisdom and inspiration that invite readers to cultivate a positive mindset. It is a wonderful gift for yourself and for others.

Despite reaching online success with the sale of her book, Charlotte still often sells it personally from the stand on Portobello Road (where it all began).

You can read more about her backstory here.

5. Lancaster Road

Lancaster Road is a picturesque street in Notting Hill.

It runs perpendicular to Portobello Road.

Despite being lined with mainly residential houses, it is one of the most visited streets in Notting Hill.

Every day of the week, you can meet there tourists taking photographs of these iconic, colorful houses.

6. Bob Marley’s recording studio in Notting Hill

In the 1970s, Notting Hill became a hub for the growing Caribbean community in the city, and Bob Marley often stayed in the area when he visited London.

He had a close relationship with his London-based record label, Island Records, which had its offices in Notting Hill at the time.

Bob Marley and The Wailers recorded some of their iconic music in Basing Street Studios.

Today the place is marked with a blue plaque commemorating that.

7. Bob Marley’s mural in Notting Hill

Opposite the former Basing Street Studios building, you can find a navy-blue house…

… with mysterious writing “Boring Street Rooms” above its main entrance.

On site of this building, you can find a mural: painted open windows with people in them.

One of the persons depicted there is Bob Marley with his guitar and microphone.

This mural is a well-hidden Notting Hill gem but definitely worth finding for the fans of Reggae music.

8. Banksy mural in Notting Hill

Banksy is a renowned anonymous street artist, known for his thought-provoking and often politically-charged artworks created in public spaces around the world.

In Notting Hill, you can find one of his oldest (2008) murals in London, known under the name The Painter.

The artwork shows a graffiti artist (believed to be the 17th-century Spanish painter Velazquez) who paints Banksy’s name in red.

The mural can be found on the external wall of the restaurant called The Grand, at the junction of Portobello and Acklam Road.

You can find another Banksy mural in London in my Camden Town walking tour.

9. The house where Jimi Hendrix died

The next stop on this walking tour will take you to another significant location in music history—the house at 22 Lansdowne Crescent where Jimi Hendrix has been found unresponsive on September 18, 1970.

Although he was officially pronounced dead at 12:45 p.m. at the nearby St Mary Abbots Hospital (after his girlfriend called the ambulance at 11:18 a.m.), fans of the greatest guitarist of all time commonly refer to this location as the site of his death.

The official cause of Jimi Hendrix’s death, according to the coroner’s report, was “inhalation of vomit due to barbiturate intoxication.”

At the time of Hendrix’s death, the building was a hotel. Currently, it is a private house, and there is no official plaque marking the significance of this spot.

10. More colorful houses (Lansdowne Road)

Lansdowne Road in Notting Hill is a picturesque street known for its elegant Victorian architecture.

The road is lined with well-preserved townhouses, each showcasing unique architectural features and vibrant facades.

Personally, it is my favorite colorful street in Notting Hill.

Lansdowne Road, along with a few parallel streets, has a curved shape, which adds an additional touch of magic to this already enchanting and fairy tale-like area.

The streets were established on the former racecourse known as Kensington Hippodrome, which is why they have a curved shape.

A delightful place for a leisurely stroll…

11. The Bottle Kiln and Pottery Lane

The abundance of high-quality clay in the vicinity of Notting Hill in the 19th century led to the development of several brickworks and potteries in the area.

The legacy of this industrial heritage can still be observed today through the presence of various pottery shops…

… and The Bottle Kiln…

… which is located not far from the charming and publicly accessible Avondale Park.

Most parks in Notting Hill are privately owned.

A bottle kiln, characterized by its distinctive bottle-shaped structure, served as an oven for firing pottery and ceramic wares. These kilns, constructed with bricks and often several stories tall, facilitated the firing process by burning fuels such as coal or wood in the lower section. The resulting heat would then rise through the chambers, reaching the optimal temperature for pottery firing.

Another enduring reminder of this industry is the street name that I invite you to follow now—Pottery Lane.

This street bears witness to the historical association with pottery production, further highlighting the lasting impact of this craft on the local area.

12. Holland Park

The next segment of this walking tour will guide you through Holland Park, an area often referred to as “Millionaire’s Row” due to its affluent residents.

Among them, you’ll find figures such as Sir Richard Branson, The Beckhams, Robbie Williams, Jimmy Page, Simon Cowell, and many others.

I highly recommend visiting the delightful Holland Park, a charming park situated in the heart of this neighborhood.

As you meander along its various pathways, you will encounter the captivating Kyoto Garden.

A tranquil Japanese garden boasting serene waterfalls, vibrant flora, and traditional architecture.

It serves as an ideal spot to pause and rejuvenate during this walking tour.

The park also showcases an array of sculptures…

…and charming corners…

…well worth exploring.

13. The house where Agatha Christie wrote “Murder on the Orient Express”

Agatha Christie, known as the Queen of Crime, owned and resided in several properties in London throughout her life, developing a passion for real estate as her fame grew.

Now, you have the opportunity to see her house in Holland Park.

This particular house is believed to be the place where she wrote one of her renowned works, “Murder on the Orient Express.”

As a testament to Christie’s past presence at this address, the house is proudly marked with a blue plaque with her name.

14. The Churchill Arms (pub)

The final stop on this Notting Hill walking tour is The Churchill Arms, a historic pub located just a few minutes’ walk from Notting Hill Gate tube station.

This pub is renowned for its captivating exterior, which greets you with a breathtaking display of vibrant flowers that adorn the entire facade, creating a truly picturesque sight.

Stepping inside, you’ll discover a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with a delightful Thai restaurant and a collection of memorabilia that pays homage to the great Sir Winston Churchill.

If you visit during the Christmas season, you’ll be treated to a truly stunning display of decorations and festive lights that further enhance the pub’s charm.

A visit to The Churchill Arms serves as a perfect conclusion to the Notting Hill walking tour.

Before you go…

The Notting Hill Carnival is a Caribbean festival that takes place every year over the August bank holiday weekend. It spans two days and attracts an estimated two million people annually. It is known for its vibrant music, colorful costumes, and lively atmosphere.

May is an especially delightful month to visit the beautiful neighborhood of Notting Hill, as it is renowned as one of the best areas in London to witness the enchanting bloom of wisteria.

The streets come alive with cascades of these lovely flowers, draping themselves over facades, archways, and trellises, creating a captivating and romantic atmosphere.

Strolling through Notting Hill during this time allows you to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty and delicate fragrance of wisteria, adding an extra touch of magic to your visit.

I hope that I have successfully convinced you that it is indeed worth exploring this beautiful part of London.

In need of a private tour guide…?

contact@walkmeblog.com