Essential London | The top sights in London and beyond
The best cultural and historical sights in London and beyond.
Events and exhibitions in the open air, galleries and museums in London
In 1896, Charlie Chaplin, his mother and brother presented themselves at the door of the Lambeth Workhouse in south London. Charlie’s father had left them and with no secure earnings they were destitute. Making matters worse, Charlie’s mother, Hannah, also suffered from mental problems. Over the next few years, the family passed in, and out, [...]
The National Army Museum in Chelsea exhibits artefacts about the history of the British Army, its impact on society and key conflicts from the British Civil War to the modern day. There are five galleries spread over four floors. These are; Soldier, Army, Society, Battle and Insights. The Soldier gallery asks us if we could join the [...]
It’s time to plan your itinerary for the oldest and grandest civic procession in the world taking place in London in early November, as usual. This is the Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London. Knowing the best place to watch the Lord Mayor’s Show will add to your enjoyment. The show can trace [...]
Arsenal was the first football team to turn professional in London. That was back in 1893, playing as Woolwich Arsenal. The team holds 43 honours, more than any other London side. But why is the club called Arsenal - and where is Woolwich? I went on a bit of a pilgrimage recently. Although I’ve lived [...]
The Saatchi gallery is one of London’s premier contemporary art galleries. It is based in an impressive Grade 2* listed building opened in 1801 as a school for children of soldiers’ widows. From 1892 it served as the Duke of York’s Military School and in 1911 was re-named the Duke of York’s Barracks and became [...]
Hertford House The Wallace Collection is a national museum of fine art. It is based in Hertford House, an original London townhouse from the 18th century and one of the best art museums in London, off the beaten track. The museum is situated in Manchester Square, just north of Oxford Street and has a stunning [...]
The heart of Chinatown is Gerrard Street. Here, we have a fusion of Hong Kong and mainland China in the centre of London! In 2019, Chinese New Year is on 5 February and the main public celebrations will take place on Sunday 10 February. 2019 will be the year of the pig. [...]
Here are six walks (with various visits and meals along the way) highlighting some of the must-see sights of New York City at Christmas. One: Central Park (Uptown) Two: the Historic Metropolis (Downtown) Three: World Trade Center Memorial (Downtown) Four: Little Italy and Chinatown (Midtown) Five: 42nd Street (Midtown) Six: Football game (New Jersey)
The London Jazz Festival is in full swing! We took in the world famous Jeff Watts trio with celebrated guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel on Tuesday evening (main photo). A great evening of free flowing modern jazz and food at Pizza Express in Soho. The festival continues in London to Sunday 25 November. The big performers [...]
This year, Britain’s Remembrance Sunday coincides with the Centenary of the Armistice, marking the end of World War I. Events will take place throughout the country on Sunday 11th November. In London, commemorations will concentrate on Whitehall and at the Cenotaph monument. As is traditional we will remember the fallen in all conflicts. [...]