As part of my Let’s Get Nostalgic about London recent posts {Evidence here, here and here} I asked some lovely bloggers and friends to write about their favourite place or aspect in/of London. It’s so interesting how people love different things in a city and how a city means lots of different things to different people. Here’s what they said…
The Tea by Mani ~ A New Life Wandering
Southwark by Anna ~ Aspects of Style
My favorite area in London is hands down Southwark. This area includes many spots that I like, such as the Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral and Tate Modern. Whenever I visit (and it is sunny) I like to walk all the way from Tower Bridge up to Tate Modern. When I have the time I like to visit the gallery as well; there’s always an exhibition going on and if not, the permanent collection is always shuffled and update and never disappoints.
Fireworks Night by Ali
Although the colder months in London are nothing to get excited about the end of the year is by far my favourite! I love the lead up to Christmas and all the festivities in between. One particular highlight is definitely fireworks night. The pretty bright lights, hats and gloves, oohs and ahhhs of the crowds and of course the hot chocolate! I have been to the Crystal Palace firework display the most over the years as it’s always busy and has a fun fair too – another of my favourites things! I don’t have as many images as I thought of the fireworks (which is probably because I get consumed in watching them -the display only lasts 15 minutes!) but I already can’t wait for it this year!
The Literature by Camila ~ Adventitious Violet
When Marcella asked me to contribute with my favourite aspect of London, literature quickly came to mind! From David Copperfield, to Harry Potter, to Sherlock Holmes, to Bridget Jones, to Peter Pan, so many things remind me of London and make me the excited literary geek that I am. From museums, to studios, to pubs, to statues, there is a whole literary pilgrimage to be done through London. My favourite spot I visited recently? Definitely the studios of Harry Potter, which brought my favourite childhood books to life!
Sadler’s Wells Theatre // Contemporary Dance Venue by Sara ~ Simply Sara Travel
I have a specific check-list of things to do when I book a trip to London. First is to secure transportation. Next item is to find an Airbnb apartment for my accommodations. And once that has been settled, the last step is to see if anything is playing at the Sadler’s Wells theater.
I first found this contemporary dance venue on a trip to London with my husband six years ago. The show we purchased tickets for was a hip-hop rendition of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – a quirky concept, yes. Traditionally I prefer ballet and dance performances, and my husband would rather see an opera or classical musical production. Sadler’s Wells proved that night to be a unifying venue, as we both were entertained and loved the show. Since then we’ve seen things like a contemporary dance production of Romeo and Juliet and A Streetcar Named Desire told through ballet. My take-away is that you can’t go wrong with a show at Sadler’s Wells and if it sounds odd, it will be spectacular. Many people talk about the wonderful theater that can be found in London, but I look forward to the dance!
Architecture by Clem
I remember when I lived in London, I would always prefer walking over taking the bus or the underground! This way I could wander around and look at the buildings, taking mental pictures of the most beautiful and discovering new ones each time! My favourite thing in London is to go to Tate Modern just to go up the building to see the view of the city, or to go to Hampstead Heath park to see the view of the London skyline from far away.
And finally, my own favourite is…Brick Lane and Shoreditch
Choosing a favourite place or thing about London is so tough but I’ve chosen to highlight a place that I just keep going back to. You know it’s a great place, when you want to take all of your visitors to see it! Shoreditch is a cool area of East London that is brimming with street art, independent shops, market stalls and quirky coffee shops. Walking along Brick Lane during the week is a pretty quiet experience, however if you go on Sunday you’ll know what I’m talking about! On Sunday, there are street food stalls for as far as the eye can see as well as markets just for food from literally every corner of the world. People are dressed in bright colours, sipping fresh juice and balancing a plate of food in their other hand. Photographers snap away at the street art on display and the atmosphere is buzzing!Thanks so much to those of you who contributed 😀 Don’t forget to check out their wonderful travel and lifestyle blogs for more of their great adventures and photos.
What’s your favourite thing about London? Or, the place in London that you’d love to see?
Have a great week! Marcella xx
Love your pics – looks like you had a great time! 🙂
Thanks – some great photographers were part of the post 🙂
I’ve visited London so many times and I had afternoon tea only once! But it was sooo good!! Also can you believe I’ve never been to Shoreditch or Brick Lane? I’ve only passed once from the area by car on my way to Wapping…next time I visit London I have to make a pact with myself: visit new areas only!
A great pact! There are lots of areas I haven’t been to either and so many places that I probably don’t even know about 🙂 I hope you get to Brick Lane on a Sunday!
I love this! It’s not your typical things people think of London. I’ve never heard of the Sadler’s Wells Theatre and it sounds like a dream place to visit for me as I have a passion for ballet. Great tips!
Thanks Mani 🙂 It was so great to read about all of the different things that people love and you’re right, so many different ideas! Thanks again.
This was so fun to read and see what others love about London! I’ve never heard of Fireworks Night – that sounds so cool to experience. And I’m with you on Shoreditch – I could just walk around for hours looking at the street art! Thanks for including my contribution in this post! 🙂
Thanks Sara! Fireworks night or bonfire night is on 5th November and it’s so much fun 🙂 Thanks for your contribution!
Thanks, for posting this great post!
So glad you enjoyed it! 😀
I have been to London many years ago and unfortunately, it was such a short visit. Perhaps next time when I’m in London, I should try their scones and afternoon tea experience 🙂