London General Tips by irisbe

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Favorite Thing: Victoria Embankment Gardens is a nice green lung in the middle of the heavy traffic.
It lies just outside the Embankment Tube station.
It exists out of a garden with grass parts on which some you are allowed to sit and others you cannot walk on; a cafeteria with terrace where you can have a drink; some statues and a little corner with a stage and real beach chairs from which you can see the performances.

Fondest Memory: When I was visiting there was a kind of Russian folkdance group.
The music and the jumping feet of the dancers mixed well with the afternoon sun!

Panoramic picture, click on it to enjoy the full size!

For more pictures about the park and our meeting there visit my Fotki album.

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Sightseeing: Panoramic sightseeing at a certain cost!

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Written by irisbe

on Jun 29, 2004

waiting will be rewarded in the

wheel

Favorite Thing: Is it worth the long queuing and the 11,5 GBP? I still am wondering.
The view is however magnificent and you make one turn in the wheel lasting about half an hour and showing you London from high, with panoramic views you can't get anywhere else except if you should fly over London.
I would settle with a shorter turn and a lower price. I find the 11,5 GBP a bit exaggerated.

To avoid too many lining up for the tickets it is advisable to book it on internet or book it by phone if you have a visa card at hand.
I am not sure if you can book individual tickets by phone, you can by internet.

Anyway check it the website of
the London Eye to find out more

Fondest Memory: it is magificent to view all those buildings from high on top of the wheel.
If you are not afraid of heights, then look down. The cabins are made out of glass to ensure you a great surrounded view.
At the end of the trip you might want to stand close to the exit door as on your way down they will make a picture of you.
You can purchase the picture at the exit. But beware, they are very expensive!

For more pictures of the London eye check my Fotki pictures.

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Arts and Entertainment: Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery

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Written by irisbe

on Jun 30, 2004

View from the balcony of the

Festival Hall

Favorite Thing: Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery on the South Bank
The Royal Festival Hall opened its doors in 1951. With over a 1000 events a year, varying from large-scale classical concerts, over ballet, films and opera, the Festival hall resembles about 150 000 hours of music since it start and its Foyer attracted over 2,5 million of visitors each year.

The Festival hall is opened 364 days a year frm 10 am till 10 pm.

There are daily free concerts you can enjoy.

In 1968 Her Majesty The queen opened the Hayward Gallery, a purpose-built, modern art gallery. It is considered an example of �brutalist� architecture of the sixties. I would think it must be what we call at home �functionality�: it didn�t had to look nice, it has to be functional and the lines were very strict and lots of concrete is used.

Fondest Memory: The terrace at 2 high is a nice place for a drink. If you have time enough and the sun settles not too late, you can watch a magnificient view when the sun touches the horizon and colours the Thames orange.
Unfortunatly we didn't stayed that long but with bit of imagination I can figure out how beautiful it must be.

There is a sign on which you can see what building(s) you are looking at at the other side of the Thames.
There is also a sign that says not to put anything at the edge of the balcony `-)
ok ok... it was just for the picture :)

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General Tips: Nelson Mandela by Ian Walters

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Written by irisbe

on Jun 30, 2004

Nelson Mandela by Ian Walters

Favorite Thing: Just outside the Festival Hall, at 1st exterior level, I stumbled against the statue of Nelson Mandela, created in 1985 by the artist Ian Walters.
It was terrible to find out that the original statue had been the victim of brutalisation and finally had been put on fire.
This new statue replaces it.

At the bottom you can read this inscription:

"The Struggle Is My Life" Nelson Mandela. Gaoled 5th August 1962. Sentenced to life imprisonment 12th June 1964 for his actions against apartheid. Erected by the Greater London Council. Unveiled by Oliver Tambo, President of the African National Congress 28th October 1985.

Later on was added the following text:

Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years imprisonment 11th February 1990. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize 19th December 1993. Inaugurated President of the Republic of South Africa and its Government of National Unity 10th May 1994.

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The Thames: If there is as much money in your wallet as..

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Written by irisbe

on Jul 5, 2004

Kings Cross;Hungerford

Bridge;embankement pier

Favorite Thing: If there is as much money in your wallet as there is water flowing through the Thames, you might be seduced to take a trip on a cruise ship combined with lunch or even more romantic: combined with dinner while you enjoy London by night. You can book a trip at Bateaux London at Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment. Phone +44 (0)20 7925 2215.
Tube: Embankemen
Trainstation: Charing Cross
Don�t worry, there are different kind of boats and boat trips and even with a smaller budget you might want to enjoy a trip on the Thames, if not by cruise ship, you can do it a cheaper way: with just touring without trop de tralala !

The boat on the picture is just departing from Embankment Pier and passing underneath the Hungerford Bridge.

Fondest Memory: Watching the scenery from the City Festival Hall 2nd floor balcony!

IbPanoramic picture! Click on it to enjoy the full view!

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Architectural: Waterloo Station

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Written by irisbe

on Jul 1, 2004

Waterloo Station

Favorite Thing: The Grand entrance shows the Victory Arch. It is part of the office buildings and designed by J.R. Scott, chief assistant architect of the London South Western Railroad society. It is built with Portland Stone in Imperial Baroque Style. Its statues represent War and Peace, situated under a statue of Britannia. It commemorates the men of the railway of London; South Western and Southern Railway, who offered their lives during the First World War.
It was opened by Queen Mary in 1922

I read somewhere that at night its own searchlights light it. Maybe I should come back at night!

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Architectural: Charing Cross Station (Embankement)

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Written by irisbe

on Jul 5, 2004

Charing Cross/Embankement

Favorite Thing: Charing Cross was originally opened in 1864. An attached hotel (Charing Cross Hotel , designed by Edward Middleton Barry) opened a year later and got two more extra floors in 1952.

When in 1905 the original roof (designed by Sir John Hawkshaw) collapsed during maintenance work, it was rebuilt 2 years later at exact the same size as the original one.

Early 1990�s Embankment Place offices (designed by Terry Farrell and Partners) got completed and in 1998 the concourse roof was reglazed.

Nowadays about 37 million people/year are passing through this station.

Fondest Memory: I just loved the architecture of the Embankement side!

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Getting around: Tower Bridge Road

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Written by irisbe

on Jul 1, 2004

Tower Bridge Road

Favorite Thing: Tower Bridge Road runs from North to South and connects Bricklayers Arms at the South to the end at the Tower Bridge (Thames) in the North.
It is known for its antique shops.

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The Thames: Tower Bridge

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Written by irisbe

on Jul 2, 2004

London Tower Bridge

Favorite Thing: When you have time left (and money) you might consider to visit the Tower Bridge inside.
I however lacked the time so I keep it for a next visit.

Do have a look at the official website! You will find already quite some information here!

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Architectural: Suisse Re building.

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Updated by irisbe

on Jul 2, 2004

Suisse Re