A free colourful exhibition opened in Canary Wharf this Midsummer. Celebrating natural light, Summer Lights exhibition features artworks that are best enjoyed during daytime on sunny days.
The Installations
Photo: Urban Adventurer
There are 11 unique installations to be discovered all over Canary Wharf, each designed by different art studios and artists.
Most of the installations are interactive, which means you can go inside or sit under them to make perfect photos for your Instagram.
This downloadable map shows the exact locations of each installation, and not just that. It also shows other artworks, such as Cross Place Roof Garden or Bank Street Park where you can play basketball, ping pong and other outdoor games for free with photogenic surroundings.
Here is a selection of the most colourful and most beautiful artworks.
Hymn to the Big Wheel is a multi-coloured octagon with another octagon inside. Visitors can go inside and enjoy the bright colours creating different blends, shades, and mixes as viewed from different angles.
Cycle of Light
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Located in Cabot Square, Cycle of Light is a rainbow-coloured installation running round the fountain in the middle of the square. The installation expresses the many colours that make up sunlight.
From dawn till dusk the colours reflect inside or outside of the arc the installation forms.
Out of Cocoon
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Hidden in Wood Wharf, Out of Cocoon is an interactive seating installation. While walking around this giant butterfly we can see colours changing before our eyes. As the rays of the Sun go through the wings of the structure, the pavement reflects the colours and the shape of the butterfly.
Whirl
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Sit under this giant flower and enjoy as colours dance around you powered by the wind. Whirl showcases the beauty of ever-changing colours.
Round and Round
Photo: Urban Adventurer
These colourful circles bring Jubilee Park and its fountains into life. As the circles turn in the Sun and being moved by the wind, the colours illuminate everything around them creating a dynamic ever-changing environment wrapped in vivid colours.
Shine of Colours
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The 6 transparent coloured glass panels have been installed by the riverside and allow visitors to see the world and themselves through different colours.
Kilpi
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Inspired by traditional Nordic Sami huts, Kilpi invites visitors to take photos under the light-dotted installation. The perforations project the celestial map representing the constellations can be seen at night in the sky above Canary Wharf onto the pavement.
The exhibition is open every day from sunrise to sunset till 21st August. The installations are the most impressive under bright sunlight.
In March and April London literally turns pink. Cherry trees and magnolia bloom all over the city.
Here are 5 of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossom in London.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is one of the best places to see cherry blossom in London. The gorgeous colourful buildings give them a perfect backdrop.
Kensington Park Road – Photo: Urban Adventurer
Chepstow Villas – Photo: Urban Adventurer
Stanley Gardens – Photo: Urban Adventurer
Stanley Crescent – Photo: Urban Adventurer
Hyde Park
When you are around Hyde park during cherry blossom season, it’s worth to take a look inside and outside the park. Pink magnolia is currently blooming at Lancaster Gate, elegantly leaning over the white and pastel Victorian buildings.
In the the park, head to Kensington Gardens and you’ll shortly spot the vivid pompoms on the edges of the path.
Lancaster Gate – Photo: Urban Adventurer
Kensington Gardens – Photo: Urban Adventurer
St Paul’s
You can find two rosy cherry trees blooming in the south side of the St Paul’s exactly where The Blitz Monument is.
Wait for a red double decker to ride in front of the cathedral to take some iconic shots.
Regent’s Park
Cherry trees are all over Regent’s Park, but the best place is definitely the south side of Avenue Gardens and Chester Road.
Walk beyond the Observatory and Planetarium and follow Blackheath Avenue until you reach a narrow path on your right-hand side leading to Rose Garden and Ranger’s House.
Note: These trees were not yet blooming when I visited them (on 20 March). It seems the best time to visit them is in early or mid-April.
+1 Swiss Cottage
Take Jubilee line and get off at Swiss Cottage station. Walk 5 minutes towards Swiss Cottage Library. Next to the library there is a small park with playground, called ‘Swiss Cottage open space’. Here you will find two rows of stunning cherry blossom trees on the two sides of the pavement. Enjoy!
Ready for your next adventure? London bars and restaurants with outside seating are being planned to reopen on 12 April, and reservations are already open. Check the best places for reunion.
If you don’t look carefully, you could easily miss London’s smallest attractions. Did you know that the world’s smallest bar room is part of a tiny pub in Hammersmith? Do you know the heart-breaking story behind London’s smallest statue?
Here are some of London’s most fascinating tiny attractions and the story behind them.
London’s Smallest Statue – The Two Mice Statue
Photo: Urban Adventurer
London’s smallest statue is located on the corner building of Philpot Lane Eastcheap, EC3.
Keep your eyes peeled when you’re there because the statue is high above your head and only a couple of inches long.
The tiny statue pictures two mice fighting over a piece of cheese and has been on the building’s wall since the building was built in 1862.
The story behind the statue says that when the Monument of Great Fire was being built, two men working on the construction site sat on the top of the monument for lunch break. The two men were friends, but the trouble started when one of them realised his cheese sandwich was missing and accused his friend of steeling it.
They started a fight over the missing cheese sandwich and during the fight both of the men fell from the 62-metre-high monument and died. Later it turned out that the cheese sandwich had been stolen by mice living on the construction site.
To commemorate the men, London’s tiniest statue was built and is still there for us to look up and remember the two men died because of a sandwich.
London’s smallest bar room is located in 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, W6 9TA within The Dove Pub, and even went into the Guinness World Records. It measures 4 feet 2 inches by 7 feet 10 inches (1.27 metres by 2.39 metres).
This is not the only thing The Dove is worth to visit, though. The pub started as a public house in the 17th century, and was regularly being visited by famous writers, poets, politicians and even kings, such as poet James Thomson, who composed the famous ‘Rule, Britannia!’. Charles II often visited The Dove too with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.
In the most recent years, The Dove hosted famous actors, writers and politicians within its walls.
In the bar room, you can also see a brass plaque that marks the height the waters reached in the great flood of 1928.
The Smallest Single Pub – The Rake
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Rake is London’s smallest single pub. It’s located just behind Borough Market, SE1 and it has the largest selection of beer from all over the world.
The Smallest Church – St. Ethelburga-the-Virgin
Photo: Urban Adventurer
St. Etherlburga-the-Virgin is located in Bishopgate, EC2, and it’s one of the few surviving medieval churches in London. It measures 56 feet by 30 feet (17 metres by 9.1 metres).
The foundation of the church is unknown, but it is believed that it dates back at least to the 13th century.
During the WWII 70% of the church was destroyed. After the war ended the church was proposed to be demolished but it caused a huge public outcry. Eventually, the church was rebuilt to its original plan, and is still operating today.
The tiny police station was built in 1926 and it’s inside an ornamental light fitting. After the light fitting being emptied, narrow windows were installed to allow a 360 degrees view to the area.
Even a direct phone line was installed to the Scotland Yard in case help needed. Whenever the police officer picked up the phone the ornamental light on the top started to flash to alert nearby officers for near trouble.
The tiny police station was able to accommodate a single police officer or two prisoners at a time.
Today it is no longer in use to its original purpose. It is a broom cupboard of Westminster Council cleaners.
The Smallest Café – Amar Café
Photo: Urban Adventurer
London’s tiniest café is called ‘Amar Café’ and it is operating in a red telephone booth. Amar Café has three shops: one in Greenwich (Greenwich High Rd, SE10 8NA), one in Chiswick (Corner at, Chiswick High Rd, W4 5TF) and one in Stratford Upon Avon, next to Shakespeare Theatre (CV37 6EF)
Photo: Urban Adventurer
As they say on their website, they do not choose obvious locations within London. Instead, they choose symbols of the country and bring them to life.
The Smallest Library
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Situated on the corner of Loampit Hill and Tyrwhitt Road, in Lewisham, London’s smallest public library is operating in an iconic red telephone booth.
The tiny library has an impressive selection of books, and borrowers are expected to either replace or bring back books they take to be able to keep up a good stock level.
The telephone box library is open 24/7. Feel free to visit it on any day any time.
The Smallest ‘Listed’ Building – The Ostler’s Hut
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Hidden away in Lincoln’s Inn, WC2A 3TL, The Ostler’s Hut looks like a house of fairies and hobgoblins.
In fact, the hut was built in 1860 and it accommodated a horseman to take care of law students’ horses while they worked.
No sooner, however, when motorcars replaced horses, the horseman’s job no longer needed. As a result, The Ostler’s Hut closed and never used again.
The Skinniest House
Photo: Google Street View
Believe it or not, London’s skinniest house is just 5 feet 5 inch (1.65 metre) wide. The house is in Shepherd’s Bush between two shops in Goldhawk Road, W12 8HD.
The house was home to a fashion photographer, Juergen Teller in the 1990s. In 2006 Simon Woods, the Pride and Prejudice actor bought the house. The property was last sold in 2009 and it went for sale again last September.
The Narrowest House – Thin House
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This insanely narrow house is known as ‘Thin House’ among Londoners. It’s located in 5 Thurloe Square, South Kensington, SW7 2TA, and is actually a triangle. What we see in this perspective is the building’s narrowest end, which is as narrow as 6 feet (1.8 metre). The widest end is 34 feet (10.3 metres).
Many of the houses on Thurloe Square were designed by London architect George Basevi. Basevi was one of the students of the famous neo-classical architect Sir John Soane.
That Sir John Soane whose extraordinary collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models and drawings, and paintings is under display in Soane Museum (13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP) in London, and free to visit. (Did you know that some scenes of Transformers 5 movie were filmed here?)
In the late 19th century Kensington and Chelsea were an artist hub, so lots of famous artists lived or had studios in the area.
The Smallest House
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The title of the smallest house in London goes to this tiny little one at 10 Hyde Park Place, W2. This house was built in 1805 and its purpose was probably to seal an alley which led to St. George’s churchyard to keep grave robbers away.
The house measures 3 feet (95 cm) across and it contained 2 rooms (32 feet by 4 feet, 9.7 metres by 1.2 metre) connected by a ladder.
The Shortest Street – Kirk Street
With its 50 feet (15 metres) length, Kirk Street, WC1 is London’s shortest street. It has only one address.
The Narrowest Alley – Brydges Place
Photo: Urban Adventurer
London’s narrowest alley – Brydges Place, WC2 – connects St. Martin’s Lane and Bedfordbury in Covent Garden. The alley is as narrow as 15 inches (38 cm).
The Smallest Square – Pickering Place
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Pickering Place – off St. James Street, SW1 – is not only the smallest square in London, but also the last place seen a duel with swords.
In the 18th century Pickering Place was notorious for gambling dens, duels, and bear baiting.
Believe it or not, Pickering Place was once home to Texan Republic’s embassy (until it joined the United States in 1845).
What is more, you can also find King Henry’s old barn, which is just opposite to the passageway.
Christmas lights in London are magical every year. Normally crowds travel to see the most beautiful and most popular streets and spots, such as Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Regents Street and Hamleys Toy Store to participate in the switch-on events.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This year, however, many have been forced to change their traditions. Well, let’s see the bright side of this: the streets are far not that crowdy as usual this time of the year allowing you taking beautiful photos without being forced to elbowing your way to the best spots.
Luckily, pandemic or not pandemic, Christmas lights are just as exuberant and beautiful as usual.
Let’s see some of the most popular spots.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market’s history dates back to the 14th century. Originally it was a meat, poultry and game market and was situated in the centre of Roman London. Today it gives home to elegant retailers, restaurants, cafes and wine bars.
Leadenhall Market is famous for being used as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. What is more, the entrance to the famous fictional pub, the Leaky Cauldron is located there. In real life, it’s an optician on Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market.
St Katharine Docks
St Katharine Docks welcomes vessels from all over the world since the 10th century. Today it’s a lovely hidden gem that gives home to cozy restaurants and the famous Dickens Inn.
During the festive period St Katharine Docks looks like a scene from a Dickens novel from the Victorian era. Perfect place to get the festive feeling.
More London
The buzzing More London is famous for its lovely outdoor Christmas market. During December the air is always filled with the sweet smell of freshly roasted nuts. Unfortunately, this year’s Christmas market has been cancelled due to pandemic.
The Tower of London
Sadly, the ice rink, which is a tradition, is not operating this year due to pandemic.
However, The Tower of London still gives us tons of opportunities for Christmas shopping and a lovely view to the Tower Bridge, River Thames and The Shard light show.
You can admire the view from one of the cozy igloos of Coppa Club. Perfect for an intimate socially distanced family dinner.
The Shard Lights
This year The Shard lights are specially designed to show gratitude to NSH staff, and all keyworkers and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe from Coronavirus pandemic.
From 11th December The Shard light will feature the traditional colours of Christmas until the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden’s centrepiece is its hand-picked Christmas tree every year. This year the Christmas tree is 60 feet tall and it’s illuminated by 115,000 lights.
The tree needed 60 workers and 300 working hours to be festively decorated.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This Christmas tree is is not the only one at Covent Garden. There is a mini Christmas tree forest just at the entrance of Covent Garden. Each tree is bedecked uniquely by iconic brands and institutions, such as Royal Opera House.
The Strand
Photo: Urban Adventurer
From Trafalgar Square to King’s College, The Strand is dressed with twinkling snowflakes, icicles and stars all the way long.
Leicester Square
Although, ‘Christmas in Leicester Square 2020’ is cancelled due to pandemic, there are still plenty to see and do there.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
‘Scenes in the Square’ bronze sculptures are still on display under the festive lights, celebrating the home of film, and immortalise classic characters. Wonder Woman, Paddington Bear, Mr Bean, Mary Poppins, Bugs Bunny and more. Plus, a Harry Potter sculpture has been added to the repertoire.
Regent Street
‘The Spirit of Christmas ‘ installation has returned to Regent Street. To support sustainable display, the lights are switched on for evenings only.
Carnaby Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This year Carnaby Street Christmas light installation is in partnership with Choose Love charity to pay tribute to the strength and courage of Londoners and the whole UK.
Pink and purple lightboxes display positive words all the length of Carnaby Street hoping to bring smile on peoples’ faces during these hard times filled with uncertainty.
Hamleys
Britain’s most famous and beloved toy store transformed their Christmas windows into a magical world. Harry Potter themed display brings the magic to us this year.
Oxford Street
This year Oxford Street Christmas lights are dedicated to silent heroes. Anyone can nominate their hero by filling in thisform on Oxford Street’s official website for a chance to see their name sparkle in the Christmas lights. Plus, the winner heroes will receive a £500 Oxford Street gift card to treat themselves. Winners announced each week.
Use hashtag #our2020heroes to be featured on Instagram
South Molton Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
South Molton Street, just like last year, is illuminated with beautiful blue arches and blue Christmas trees on each end of the street. Why not pick up a Winter warmer at one of the lovely cafés while admiring the magical lights?
Annabel’s
Annabel’s is an elegant private club in the heart of Mayfair. They traditionally surprise Londoners with the most magical Christmas installation. This year they transformed the building into a giant nutcracker stage.
Hedonism Wines
Festive feeling guaranteed after visiting Hedonism Wines on St Davies Street, Mayfair.
Fortnum & Mason
Now it’s a tradition that the impressive six-floor building is transformed into an Advent Calendar for the festive period every year.
Burlington Arcade
One of London’s favourite shopping arcade is not just dressed up festive, but it’s as immersive as possible too.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Make sure to dress up with matching clothes and take some lovely photos while sitting on the festive swing or pose with one of the glamourous Christmas trees.
Piccadilly Arcade
Twinkling lights and crystals. Piccadilly Arcade is just opposite Burlington Arcade.
Piccadilly Arcade is the place where Mayfair meets St James’. The perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.
Bond Street
Their peacock inspired light display is just as unique as Bond Street itself. Tiffani, Cartier and Sella McCartney, just to name a few famous brands inhabited at Bond Street and give us that lavish Christmas feeling.
The Ritz Hotel
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Elegant and classy. That’s how we could summarise The Ritz Hotel Christmas decoration every year. The Ritz London really knows what a stylish Christmas looks like.
Tree of Hope at St Pancras
Tree of Hope has been set by London’s pinkest Insagrammable café, EL&N Café. The pink Christmas tree with the carousel horses around it refers to the difficult period of time we’ve all been experiencing this year, and the hope that gives us strength to get over the difficulties.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
You can buy matching pink chocolate Christmas tree dessert in EL&N Café located right next to the Christmas tree.
From the 16th century to the 19th century serious crimes were often punished with capital punishment. The most common method of execution was hanging on gallows, burn at the stake or beheading.
Kings and queens, smugglers and pirates, debtors and traitors lost their lives, some of them in the most gruesome way over the centuries. Most of the cities had one or more execution places for public executions.
In London, there were many notorious execution scenes, some of which are still in public mind even today. Oliver Cromwell, Guy Fawkes, King Charles I, the famous Scottish patriot Sir William Wallace and the famous pirate, Captain Kidd met their fates at one of these sites.
Tyburn Tree had nothing to do with nature or greenery. Instead, it was one of the most notorious execution scenes in London.
Located on the corner of Marble Arch, a memorial plaque is embedded into the pavement in the middle of the triangle three trees form, symbolising the gallows once stood there.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The gallows changed over times, but Marble Arch website says, the permanent triangular frame was erected in 1571. These gallows allowed 24 criminals to be hanged at the same time.
Executions were a kind of public show during the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Criminals were often carried on an open cart from Newgate Prison through St Giles in the Fields down to Oxford Street to Tyburn. On their way to the execution site, criminals were often thrown things by people who shouted and jeered.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Even Shakespeare mentioned Tyburn Tree in Love’s Labour’s Lost: “Thou mak’st the triumviry, the corner-cap of society, The shape of Love’s Tyburn, that hangs up simplicity.”
According to Historic UK on 21 January 1664 the famous diarist, Samuel Pepys noted a full account of going to see the execution of someone he knew, Colonel James Turner. According to Pepys’ notes, there were around twelve to fourteen thousand (!) people there to see the execution.
The last execution at Tyburn was in 1783. A robber, named John Austin had been hanged there before the new place of execution become Newgate Prison.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Tyburn Convent, which is located nearby and dedicated to the memory of martyrs executed at Tyburn, also features memorials on the outside of the building. In the basement visitors can view relics such as blood-stained linen, hair and even a fingernail from the Catholic martyrs’ executions.
Tower of London and Tower Hill
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Tower of London is thought to be one of the most blood-soaked execution scenes all over in London. In fact, there were very few executions there. The Tower was held to those selected few who were for instance, members of the royal family, including Anne Boleyn or Lady Jane Grey.
Next to the Tower of London, Tower Hill was the site where most of the executions were were taken place. Today there is a memorial garden where the scaffold once stood.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Sir Thomas More, who was known for his book, ‘Utopia’ and for refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII was executed here.
Sir Thomas Wyatt, the famous poet was executed here. Likewise, Thomas Cromwell, chief minister to King Henry VIII.
On 30 January 1649 King Charles I was executed outside the Banqueting Hall on Whitehall. King Charles I was charged with high treason and other high crimes against the realm of England and sentenced to death by beheading. He refused the legality of the court because “a king cannot be tried by any superior jurisdiction on earth.”
Photo: Urban Adventurer
You may have noticed that there is a black mark next to number 2 on the clock face nearby Horse Guards. That black mark is not there without reason. The black dot commemorates the execution of King Charles I. According to Britannica King Charles I went bravely to his death. He still clamed, he was a martyr to people.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Old Place Yard
Photo: Urban Adventurer
What does Old Place Yard have to do with Bon Fire Night we are still celebrating every year? On 5 November 1605, Guy Fawkes along with his conspirators attempted to explode the Parliament and kill King James I.
He and his group transported 36 barrels of gunpowder to the cellar below the Parliament. The plan was to blow up the building on 5th November when King James I opened it. However, the plan failed. The police caught Fawkes with the gunpowder in the cellar on 4th November.
Hearing the news on the following day, people celebrated the king’s escape with fireworks all over the country.
Fawkes was imprisoned to the Tower of London to be tortured before being hung and drowned at Old Place Yard in front of the Parliament on 31 January 1606. Fawkes body was then cut into four and sent to different parts of the country to put on display for the public to see.
This is the reason Britons celebrate Bonfire Night every year on the 5th November: to mark Fawkes failure on killing King James I.
The Elms Smithfield
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Sir William Wallace was executed here on 23 August 1305. He was one the Scotland’s greatest national heroes. He was the leader of the Scottish resistance forces during the struggle to free Scotland from the English rule.
On 5th August he was captured near Glasgow and taken to London. He was condemned as a traitor and sentenced to death. He went under the most gruesome execution imaginable. He was hung, disembowelled whilst still conscious, beheaded, and quartered. Legends say he remained silent and stoic throughout the ordeal.
Today there is a memorial not far from the scene he was executed. Even today many Sottish people pay their respect by bringing flowers to the memorial.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The leader of the Scottish War of Independence was famously portrayed by Mel Gibson in the movie ‘Braveheart’ in 1995. The movie won the Academy Awards in the following year in various categories, such as the best picture, the best director and the best costume design.
Apart from Sir William Wallace, many others were killed at The Elms Smithfield. Wat Tyler was cut down by the Mayor of London, John Badby was burned in a barrel and Richard Rouse boiled to death.
The Devil’s Tavern
Photo: Urban Adventurer
During the middle ages until the 18th century there was a regular hunt for pirates and smugglers.
Opened in 1520, The Devil’s Tavern (today The Prospect of Whitby) is the oldest riverside inn in London, and during those old times in history it had a dubious reputation thanks to smugglers, pirates and thieves it attracted.
Located in Wapping, The Devil’s Tavern has seen a lot of pirates being hung on the riverside.
Photo: urban Adventurer
One of them was Captain William Kidd. The famous pirate was hung on 23 May 1701. To deter other pirates Captain Kidd was hung in a cage and his body was left there to rot for all to see along the River Themes.
There was a legend that Captain Kidd had buried all his treasure in the Caribbean. After his death generations of treasure hunters travelled to the Caribbean Islands to find his treasure. Although, the treasure has never been discovered, Captain Kidd left a story behind that inspired books, movies and even cartoons.
In the middle ages and during the 18th century a series of gibbet stood at the bank of the River Themes, called Execution Dock. A replica gibbet is still standing behind The Prospect of Whitby.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Nearby of Captain Kidd’s execution scene a pub preserves the notorious pirate’s name. Captain Kidd pub is designed to look like a ship hulk. Old, framed newspaper articles and letters are hanging on the walls, telling the life and death of one of the most famous pirates in the world.
River Neckinger
Photo: Urban Adventurer
River Neckinger is just a stone-throw away from Tower Bridge and 20-minute walk from The Clink Prison Museum. To get there we have to walk among the walls of Shad Thames that was the largest warehouse complex in London during the 19th century.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The river’s name is believed to come from the term ‘Devil’s neckcloth’. It’s a slang for the hangman’s noose. A ‘neckercher’ is an old word for a cravat or other covering of the neck.
Until the 18th century, Thames pirates were executed near the mouth of the inlet. The corpses then were placed on display for all to see.
The area was once notoriously filthy and described as “The very capital of cholera” and “The Venice of drains”. Large masses of rotting weed and dead animals were floating in the water which was covered with thick grease.
Charring Cross traditionally marks the centre of London but during the 17th century it was a location of public executions. King Charles II took revenge here against the killers of his father, King Charles I who had been beheaded in 1649 at Banqueting Hall.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This is how Samuel Pepys the famous diarist recorded a public execution at Charring Cross he had witnessed on 13 October 1660:
“To my Lord’s in the morning, where I met with Captain Cuttance, but my Lord not being up I went out to Charing Cross, to see Major-general Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that condition. He was presently cut down, and his head and heart shown to the people, at which there was great shouts of joy.”
St Paul’s Churchyard is maybe a peace public park today where we go to rest and enjoy a lazy sunny day. Back then in the 17th century, however, St Paul’s Churchyard was an execution site. There were only a handful of executions taken place there, but the churchyard was held for the extreme criminals, and they were executed in the most gruesome way.
On 30 January 1606 four of the infamous Gunpowder Plotters who wanted to explode the Parliament and kill King James I – Sir Everard Digby, Robert Winter, John Grant and Thomas Bates – were hanged and disembowelled here.
The corner of Fleet Street and Fetter Lane was a popular execution scene especially during the turbulent time that followed the reign of King Henry VIII. In the 1590s the junction of Fetter Lane and Fleet Street was an execution scene of Catholics, and the site remained in use until at least 1733.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Central Criminal Court – Old Bailey
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Even the most extreme criminals stepped into the ‘Dead Man’s Walk’ with fear. Hundreds of criminals were led to gallows from the 16th century to the very beginning of the 20th century. The last execution was taken place here on 6 May 1902. George Woolfe was hung here for murdering his girlfriend, Charlotte Cheeseman. – writes the Daily Mailin his article in 2013.
The Marshalsea (1373-1842) was a notorious prison in Southwark and was most famous for being the prison of the poorest debtors.
On 20 February 1824 John Dickens, father of the famous novelist, Charles Dickens was imprisoned for debt he owned for his baker. His debt was £40 and 10 shillings.
Charles Dickens was only 12 years old at that time and to support his family, was obliged to work.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This experience had deeply touched Dickens, and this was that led him to write about debtors so often in many of his novels.
Dickens himself witnessed the public execution of Mr And Mrs Manning on 13 November 1849 at Horsemonger Lane. Following the execution Dickens sent a letter to The Times in which he depicted his experiences:
“When the two miserable creatures who attracted all this ghastly sight about them were turned quivering into the air, there was no more emotion, no more pity, no more thought that two immortal souls had gone to judgement, no more restraint in any of the previous obscenities, than if the name of Christ had never been heard in this world, and there were no belief among men but that they perished like the beasts.”
Given, London was the largest and most influential city in the country, it provided the backdrop some of most famous executions in the history.
Death penalty was abolished in 1965 and the execution sites have seen significant transformation over the centuries. Some of them became public park, underground station or a simple road junction, while others preserved their original function. There is one thing that these places share: they are said to be still haunted by those lost their lives there.
Ready for your next adventure? Visit one of London’s most haunted places if you dare, The Clink Prison Museum.
The Rolling Stones have opened their first flagship store on the iconic Carnaby Street. Yay!
The news was announced on the 20th August 2020 on all the mayor media from BBC News to The Independent.
Watch the YouTube video premiering the band’s new store. The video was recorded during pandemic, when Carnaby Street was empty.
Missed the grand opening? Watch first-hand videos here.
RS No. 9 Carnaby
The band’s first shop is on Carnaby Street and the location has been chosen for good reason. “Soho has always encapsulated Rock ‘n’ Roll, so Carnaby Street was the perfect spot for our own store.” – explained The Rolling Stones.
The shop showcases the band’s colours of red and black. In the window there is a soundwave installation taken from the opening of the famous song, ‘Pain It Black’ from 1966.
The shop floor features song lyrics and the fitting rooms are decorated with artworks from The Rolling Stones’ most famous albums.
The shop also introduces the band’s official colour ‘Stones Red’, the official red colour from Pantone that first appeared on The Rolling Stones’ tongue & lips logo and have been used since then over decades.
The Stones Fashion
The shop is jointly curated by The Rolling Stones and Bravado. Bravado is the Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company.
The store sells branded men, women and kids’ fashion and accessories, the band’s latest albums and exclusive merchandise available in store only. The selection of merchandise reflects the six-decade career of The Rolling Stones.
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones was formed in 1962 in London and one of the most influential and most successful bands of all time with an estimated record sale of 240 million.
The band has released their new album ‘Goats Head Soup’ this September. The album features an all-new stereo mix of the original 1973 album, as well as three never-heard singles: ‘Scarlet’, ‘All the Rage’ and ‘Criss Cross’.
The Grand Opening
The shop’s grand opening was stylishly on 9/9/2020 at well…not 9am but 11am. A moderately long queue had already been formed when I get there to the shop at 8:30am. Half an hour before the opening the staff went around and gave branded face coverings with The Rolling Stones’ logo. They handed out approx. 50 and I was lucky enough to get my hands on one of them.
Shortly after 11am the security started letting fans into the shop. The amount of people was strictly limited due to Covid_19 but to be honest, I didn’t mind. It was way better spending time in the shop without a suffocating crowd. There were no useless arguments over products, and everyone had a chance to take photos, selfies and make videos without being disturbed by the crowd.
The store is really entertaining and immersing. The walls and the floors are decorated with either lyrics or The Rolling Stones’ famous lips & tongue logo. You can take selfies with one of the giant 3D logos or in one of the cool selfie corners.
On the front wall there are giant screens showcasing famous concert footages and animations while the band’s most famous songs are playing.
I was managed to get a limited-edition red vinyl of the band’s new album, Goat Head Soup.
Here it is in all its glory. Hope, one day I could get it signed.
After shopping I headed to see another giant lips & tongue installation under the Carnaby arch. After being polished, the sculpture was ready to become the backdrop of some promo photo shoots with fans.
It will be there for a while, so why not go Rock ‘n’ Roll and take some cool selfie for your Instagram?
Ready for your next adventure? Have you visited Hard Rock Café? Did you know that it’s the world’s premiere music museum displaying such items like John Lennon’s famous round glasses or Freddie Mercury’s favourite microphone?
If I say ‘London’, many of you probably say Big Ben, London Eye or Tower Bridge. But London is much more than that. It’s full of colourful hidden gems and colourful places, many of which look like scenes from a fairy tale.
In this blog post, I’ll show you the most colourful spots, corners, buildings, mews and streets in London. Some of them are even famous for something. Enjoy!
Notting Hill is the Heaven of colours. Levander, electric blue, lime green, peach and rose. There is a hidden gem around every corner waiting to be discovered.
Need a little sunshine in your life?
27 St Lukes Mews
Hands up, if you still love the iconic movie ‘Love Actually’ with Keira Knightley, Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant.
Remember Mark and Juliet’s “to me you are perfect” doorstep scene? Well, this is the iconic pink house from the scene.
Actually, the whole St Lukes Mews is as colourful as a rainbow.
Portobello Road
Apart from its antique market, Portobello Road is most famous for its bohemian streets.
Colville Road
No, this is not a monochrome photo.
Denbigh Terrace
Who would not love living within these colourful walls.
A row of pastel buildings.
Hillgate Place
A quiet place in the middle of the city. If you’re on the hunt for a quiet yet romantic spot, Hillgate Place is definitely a choice.
Hillgate Street
This beige corner house is just perfect for a romantic photo shoot.
Jameson Street
Loving this Instagrammable pink corner house.
Jameson Street is full of adorable little colourful houses.
Pretty in pink.
Farmer Street
Would you live in a dreamy house like this?
And they lived happily ever after.
Camden Town
Camden Town is one of the craziest districts of London. If you want something out of the ordinary, you will definitely find it here. Camden Town is the district of peculiar shops, wondrous street art and colourful streets.
Hartland Road
Those colours…
Bonny Street
Dress up in matching colours.
Little Venice
You can find these vibrant colourful lights under the bridge when leaving Paddington Station.
Kentish Town
Hidden gem within a couple of minutes walk from the station.
Kelly Street
Identical buildings but no two colours are the same.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is most famous for its extraordinary Christmas decoration and its cafes and shops. But you can find brilliant colours and sparks here in any season.
It’s worth to visit at night.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a shopping and entertainment hub. There is always something to see here.
Neal’s Yard
A lovely little place with hidden bars, cafés and of course, sparkling colours. A must-see.
Infinity Chamber
Located in Conduit Court, Infinity Chamber encourages visitors to stop for five minutes and loose themselves within Infinity Chamber’s ever-changing vivid colours and silver mirrors.
Peggy Porschen
Peggy Porschen is probably London’s dreamiest cake shop. Peggy Porschen is famous for their seasonal shop decoration, pink walls and Instagrammable cakes.
Holland Park
Holland Park is not just worth a visit for its beautiful park.
Pottery Lane
This pink corner house at Pottery Lane is a lovely hidden gem. What a spot for an epic photo!
Portland Road
Did you know that this googly-eyed pink front door belongs to the hip handbag label Hill & Friends’ founder, Emma Hill?
An impressive black and white building.
A floral building.
This contrast…
King’s Cross
This 90-metre long underground light tunnel takes you from King’s Cross and St Pancras stations to Granary Square, where stylish shops and restaurants are waiting for you around the canal.
Did you know that the tunnel has also been used as a catwalk during London Fashion Week?
Paddington
Hidden behind Paddington Station, Conduit Mews is a tiny little place with adorable rainbow houses.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is villagelike area of grand Victorian terraces and pastel-coloured buildings and terraced houses.
Chalcot Square
Beautiful colourful Victorian buildings.
The Pink House the Inspired the Writer of the 101 Dalmatians
This is the real house that inspired the author of 101 Dalmatians.
Dodie Smith published his heart-warming book in 1956. He lived nearby, in Dorset Square and had 9 dalmatians, including one named Pongo.
He passed the pink house regularly on his daily walk with his dogs to Primrose Park and the house got him the inspiration to write his classic tale.
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is a Mecca of colours. You will find entire buildings covered in graffiti here.
Rainbow building.
Graffiti building.
Graffiti walls.
The Mosaic House
This private house belongs to the artist Carrie Reichardt, who started decorating her home with tiles in the ‘90s. As a result, the house and the two cars parking in front of it are covered in millions of tiles, telling hundreds of stories and containing hidden messages and references.
The front of the house is beautiful, but don’t forget go around and see the back of it, too.
Did you know that The Mosaic House is available for rend through Airbnb?
The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Museum was a private townhouse owned by Sir Richard Wallace, who built an extensive collection of furniture, paintings and arms and armour from the 17th and 18th century.
Each room has different flourish colour, making the museum super Instagrammable.
After spending half of the Summer in lockdown, it’s time to hit the city again.
Here are 11 activities after lockdown you don’t want to miss.
The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience
Source: pexels
Venue: Secret London Venue
When: Various times on Thursdays-Sundays from September (select date during booking)
Age restriction: 18+ with valid ID
Dress code: Casual but costumes and fancy-dresses are very welcome
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Theatrical cocktail experience in a secret London venue transformed into a stunning underwater world.
Deep dive into the world of old fairy tales and let yourself immerse into the mystical world of mermaids. Discover the hidden cave with glimmering pearls and uncover secrets and solve mysteries.
When: Various from 5 July to 31 July 2020 (find schedule here)
Age restriction: Please, check the certification of the movie you want to see
Runtime: Approx. 2 hours
Enjoy a contact-free movie magic on a 40-foot screen. Tons of movies to choose from. From Pixar Animation films to superhero movies to heart-warming timeless classics. All from the comfort of your vehicle. Order your food and drink online and enjoy a delivery service straight to your car.
When: Various dates from 20 July to 9 Nov | MONDAYS ONLY
Time: Start from 6pm
Age restriction: 18+
Dress code: Face paint & neon accessories provided
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
UV lights, reactive body paint and various music will help you to get into the groove at Queen of Hoxton disco room on every Monday. Cool face paint and glowing accessories provided. NO EXPERIENCE necessary.
When: Various dates and times from 4 July to 30 Dec
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Age restriction: 18+ with valid ID
DUO London’s best bartenders will show you step-by-step how to make 5-star 100% Insta-worthy cocktails. You will make 2 Instagrammable cocktails, 2 of DUO shooters, plus you will receive a welcome drink on your arrival.
If it’s not enough, the best mixologist of the day will take home a small prize.
NOTE: Seating is unreserved. You can find a seat on first come first serve basis.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great organist Luis Vierne (1870-1937), St Paul’s Cathedral is featuring six symphonies organ recitals under the Dome of the Cathedral.
Go behind the scenes and explore the design and process of the most innovative sneakers from 3D printed to self-lacing to 100% recyclable. Discover brands and style icons that have shaped sneakers scene such as Nike, Puma or Adidas, and meet the newest releases such as MSCHF Studio’s ‘Jesus Shoes’.
The Dumpling Fest is dedicated to Asian delicacy and will bring 8 stations with local food traders, tons of dumpling samples, a world-class pop up bar and top-notch London DJs. Make sure your tray is always full.
Where: Start at Hackney City Farm and end on Brick Lane
When: Play from Tuesdays to Sundays between 11am to 4pm
Duration: 2-4 hours
NOTE: Smartphone with Internet access needed to play the game
13 riddles are waiting to be solved, each of them are local secret or curious story. As you play, colourful hidden gems will be revealed and wonders of Brick Lane will be explored.
Play in group of up to 5 people or solve all the mysteries on your own.
A night to remember the late Amy Winehouse and her legacy. Enjoy Amy’s heart-touching music from her Frank & Back to Black albums performed with a talented live band.
St Katharine Docks welcomes vessels from all over the world since the 10th century, when King Edgar decided to reward his 13 knights with lands. Those lands later became St Katharine Dock.
The History
In the 18th century Merchant William Vaughn lobbied to increase the dock’s capacity to be able to import more goods.
In 1836 the St Katharine Docks was redesigned and become able to handle more goods faster then any other sites in the world.
An additional warehouse was built in 1858, called the “i”. This warehouse is what we call Ivy House today.
In 1940 St Katharine Dock becomes famous by its valuable cargos such as wine, tea, perfume, indigo, spices, marble and more.
Interesting Facts
In 1985 Earnie Wise made the first mobile phone call with a 5KG Vodfone VT from St Katherine Docks, outside the Dickens Inn.
In 1999 the first river boat service arrived at St Katherine Piers and the Docks further built its reputation by becoming an elegant dining spot.
Today
Today St Katharine Dock is a hidden gem and a heart-warming contrast of the nearby attractions.
Walking through the maze of the dock admiring the old and new ships and yachts and discover the nearby cozy restaurants and bars is a great way the spend the day.
What to Do
From coffee with friend to dining with family to late night shopping, St Katherine Docks offers plenty of choices to spend your free time.
The Docks offer regular events and experiences throughout the year, for example, you can go behind the scenes to see how Dock Masters spend an average day, if you’re a boat or yacht owner, you can get help to prepare for winter or explore Lady Daphne, the most famous of London’s classic wooden barges still sailing.
Privileges
Psst…there are plenty of special offers around. You can apply for an SKD Privilege Card and get discounts from nearby shops and restaurants if you’re living or working around St Katharine Docks or a boat owner.
The Dickens Inn
On your visit, don’t forget to stop for a craft beer and a traditional fish & chips at The Dickens Inn.
The Dickens Inn is a traditional English pub that was restyled and reconstructed from an 18th century warehouse.
Interesting fact: the pub was opened in 1976 by Cedric Charles Dickens, grandson of the famous author Charles Dickens. He said: “My great grandfather would have loved this pub.”
The Medieval Banquet
The gates of The Medieval Banquet simply cannot be missed: two life-sized armours are guarding the gates, and it’s irresistible to take a selfie with them.
The Medieval Banquet is famous for their immersive medieval theatre-dining experiences.
You can even hire costumes and pretend you’re a royal guest, a wench or a knight just returned from the battlefield.
Travel back in time and find yourself in the days of kings, queens and knights. Dance with a unicorn or let acrobats entertain you. Just don’t pretend you’re not hungry. (wink)
See St Katharine Docks in full Christmas glory and learn about Gloriana The Queen’s Rowbarge, built for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
The City is slowly waking up after pandemic. Shops, restaurants, bars and exhibitions have started to re-opening with safety measures.
Here are a couple of shops, ships, cafés, antient temples and more you can either visit now or worth to put them on your list.
God’s Own Junkyard
God’s Own Junkyard is an Instagram heaven. The neon sign jungle is actually a family business. They collect and manufacture neon signs even for Hollywood super productions such Eyes Wide Shut with Tom Cruise or Avengers. (remember the neon “STARK” sign from the film. That’s it.)
Perfect Instagram backdrop.
To make this hidden gem even more extraordinary, I tell a secret: the place is regularly hired for filming and by magazines like Vouge for photo shoots. So, if you want photos of yourself like a star, God’s Own Junkyard is the place. Cool, huh?
The Rolling Scones Cafe
When you are there, please, make sure you support this extraordinary local business by buying a café or a yummy cake at their cool café, The Rolling Scones.
Alternatively, you can now order their recently launched book, Steel Dogs which is about “a family memoir, a journey in neon, from the seedy Soho sex shops to the movie industry.”
Opening Hours:
Friday – 11am to 9pm
Saturday – 11am to 9pm
Sunday – 11am to 6pm.
The Rolling Scones Cafe is open for food and drinks all weekend.
Gods Own Junkyard, Unit 12 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London, E17 9HQ
Take a Virtual Ride in a McLaren
Did you know, you can sit into a blue McLaren and take it for a virtual ride in Microsoft Oxford Circus shop? All for FREE. And you will even get a “driving licence” to help you preserve the memory.
If you arrive alone but want a photo or video of your ride, don’t be shy, just ask a staff member. They are happy to capture your special moments.
253-259 Regent Street, London, England W1B 2ER
Japan House
Japan House is a cultural home of Japanese culture, heritage, art, technology, gastronomy and design.
Japan House constantly hosts events, FREE exhibitions, talks and immersive experiences.
AKIRA Restaurant & The Stand
While there, why not drink a matcha tea at The Stand or try one of their authentic dishes at AKIRA Restaurant.
Doughnut Time World
A quirky colourful doughnut themed playground for adults. Doughnut swing, ball pit, neon wall, sun bed and more.
306 High Holborn, Holborn, London WC1V 7JY
London’s Oldest Church that Survived the Great Fire
London’s oldest church was founded in the 7th century It witnessed the Viking invasion and the Great Plague, watched the Tower Bridge and The Tower of London being built and survived the Great Fire and two world wars.
Samuel Pepys the famous writer, thank to whom we have detailed information about the period of 1660s, stood on All Hallows by The Tower’s stairs, watching the deadly flames.
Under the antient staircase there is a crypt museum with a perfectly preserved Roman pavement, a wooden barrel used by Sir Ernest Shackleton on his last Antarctic expedition, documents of marriage and burials including names of well-known people and a three chapels with coffins from the Saxon period buried under them.
Entry in FREE to both the church and the crypt museum
Byward Street, London, EC3R 5BJ
The Golden Hinde
Although, stepping on the board is not free, The Golden Hide is definitely a unique place to visit.
Admission fee is as little as £5
Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the planet in a similar ship like this between 1577 and 1580. The ship’s name originally was Pelican, Drake ordered the ship to be renamed in honour of his patron Sir Christopher Hatton (the golden hind was a feature of Hatton’s family heraldry).
Sadly, The Golden Hide was destroyed 300 years ago. A replica was constructed in the 1970s and has had likewise adventurous life its original twin. The replica itself has sailed round the world and even appeared in movies such as Swashbuckler (1976) and Shogun starring Richard Chamberlain (1979).
St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London, SE1 9DE
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