To experience London is to experience a pot-pourri of global culture. The British capital is a delicious mix of ethnicities, religions, heritage spots and languages, each of which add flavour and character to the city. The city is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and three of the top ten museums in the world. With over 300 languages being spoken, it is easily one of the most diverse and dynamic cities across the globe.
Witness the ever-changing landscape of London through this list of some of our favourite places — places that embody a spectrum of cultural shades, highlighting the identity of the city.
Heritage Tales: The British Museum
Founded in 1753, The British Museum was established as a universal museum in comparison to the more art-centric stance it has adopted in the present. Situated in the Bloomsbury area of London, the founding of the museum is attributed largely to the vast collection of the physician, Sir Hans Sloane, who wished to maintain his ‘collection of curiosities’. He then bequeathed it all to King George II, who, in turn, gave his approval to the Parliament to establish the museum.
Presently, the museum promises an immersive experience to its visitors through a collection that incorporates over two million years of human history. It houses an exquisite range of artefacts that have been beautifully preserved. Enjoy renowned antiquities such as the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies that have attracted visitors from all across the globe. The museum also hosts special exhibitions, displays, and events on a regular basis
Website: britishmuseum.org
Open: Daily 10 am to 5:30 pm. (Fridays until 8:30 pm)
Of Sixes and Fours: Lord’s Cricket Ground
Famously called as the House of Cricket, Lord’s is home to the world’s oldest sports museum which flaunts the highly valued Ashes Urn. Facing the first-ever loss on home soil to Australia, in 1882, the England team was under heavy criticism and it was then that the Sporting Times carried out a story remarking “The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”. This marked the coining of the term “Ashes” that led to the announcement of the Test cricket series, by the same name. Since the 1990s, the urn-shaped Waterford Crystal trophy is presented to the winning team.
There are many historic memories for an Indian cricket fans at this spot – from Sourav Ganguly waving his jersey from the balcony of Lord’s after India winning the Natwest series, in 2002, to Kapil Dev lifting India’s first-ever World Cup in 1983. Watching a live cricket match is an experience at this over 200-year-old stadium. The fact that you can bring your own wine to the stadium makes the atmosphere so incredibly carnival-like. During a match, the energy in the stadium is palpable, making it such a must-visit place.
Lord’s also houses one of the largest sports libraries with a collection dedicated to cricket, consisting of over 20,000 titles. For cricket geeks, the Lord’s tour is available, and it is a great way to take a look into the dressing rooms or gallery and hear anecdotes and stories from the knowledgeable guide.
Website: lords.org
Urban Gallery: Street Art at Camden Town
Camden Town is an absolute treat for visitors with its quirky murals, graffiti and portraits that spread across alleyways and backstreets. Renowned as the cultural centre of London, and known for its buzzing street markets, Camden has also opened its empty spaces to artists. Real Art of Street Art (RASA), is one of the main organisations that has promoted and established the scope of street art in this district of London. With over 100 pieces decorating the walls, the work of prominent artists like Hunto, Dank, Sr. X and Alice Pasquini can be spotted.
The art ranges from quirky frameworks of large shoes and dragons, fierce dark angels sketched above shops to the railway bridge over Chalk Farm Road that reads Camden Lock. Tourists who wish to brush away the layers of paint and gain insight into the artists, and the vision behind the art, can do so through Camden Street Art Tours. They lead the visitors through the energetic streets of Camden, relaying stories behind significant pieces of art.
Website: camdenstreetarttours.com
A Walk to Remember: Kew Gardens
Along the Thames, nestled in the midst of estates and parks, is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, Kew Gardens. Established in 1759, the gardens have aided in the study of plant diversity and the botanical sciences. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park has an overwhelming botanical collection, built over the centuries. The space also showcases the evolution of garden design from the 18th to the 20th century.
The gardens offer a spectacular visual experience through the Treetop Walkways, which are 18 metres above the ground, and which navigate through the tree tops, with stunning views of the gardens. The Hive is a multi-sensory experience created to showcase the life of bees, buzzing away at an actual beehive installed within the gardens. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful greenhouses and gorgeous heritage structures inside the park.
Website: kew.org
Open: Daily 10am to 7pm.
Orchestrating Stories: Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House with its grand neoclassical portico, located at Covent Garden, is the third theatre to be constructed at the site after the former theatres were destroyed due to tragic fires in 1808 and 1856. Initially named Theatre Royal, it was one of the two theatres that were permitted to perform spoken drama; following which the theatre showcased its first ballet, Pygmalion. George Frideric Handel, composer and organist, composed some of the first musical pieces to be heard at the theatre, including Alcina and Semele, that were premiered at Covent Garden.
In the modern age, ROH brings together the ideals of lyrical theatrics with the mission of enlightening the audiences through two of the greatest artistic companies — The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet performing with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.
Website: roh.org.uk
Open: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 8 pm.
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Winter Events ACROSS the United Kingdom
FALMOUTH: Falmouth Oyster Festival
Events Square in Falmouth will host the Falmouth Oyster Festival to celebrate the start of the oyster dredging season. Visitors can enjoy a variety of Cornish seafood along with wine, ale and local produce. This festival has a mixture of cookery demonstrations by renowned chefs, a seafood bar, food and craft stalls and a Grand Oyster Parade.
On: October 11-14
Where: Falmouth, Cornwall
Website: falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk
loNDON: The Regent Street Motor Show
Get ready to shift gears as the annual Regent Street Motor Show is back in London with its next edition. Check out the latest sports cars, classic and vintage automobiles alongside smart low-emission technologies that will be on display at the iconic central London shopping street. The event will also include activities such as dance performances, motorcycle stunt and stage shows.
When: November 3
Where: Regent Street, London
Website: regentstreetmotorshow.com
LONDON: Totally Thames Festival
Celebrate an annual fiesta dedicated to London’s famous river, Thames. Known as Totally Thames, the festival will bring together elements of art, music, and collaborative shows that nourish creativity and diversity. The events scheduled are: Rivers of The World, an exhibition where professional artists collaborate with budding artists to showcase river-inspired artworks and express what rivers mean to communities today, and The Classic Boat Festival featuring over 40 vintage sail boats and motorboats. Apart from these, guests will have the opportunity to witness other events, films and workshops related to the theme.
On: September 1-30
Where: London
Website: totallythames.org
LONDON: Christmas at Kew
This Christmas, London’s Kew Gardens will be decorated with fairy lights and laser beams giving visitors a chance to walk amongst beautifully lit tree canopies. One can enjoy spiced cider, roasted marshmallows, hot chocolate or chestnuts while taking a stroll along the shimmering lake.
On: November 22 to January 5, 2019
Where: Kew Gardens, London
Website: kew.org
LINCOLNSHIRE: Lincoln Christmas Market
Prepare for Christmas at one of the largest markets in Europe, located in the midst of the glorious Lincoln castle and cathedral. Walk through the quarter and bear witness to old traditions in Lincolnshire spread over 200 stalls, gulping down locally produced cider. Apart from appetising snacks and beverages such as sausages, soups and hot chocolate, the market also offers a range of goodies that visitors can take home as Christmas presents. Let the festivities begin!
On: December 6-9
Where: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Website: lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk
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