Sign in with Facebook"London Travel - A Personal Journey Of Discovery" London by scotlandscotour
London Travel Guide: 23,037 reviews and 47,268 photos
Here we go... London. *deep breath*
As I think about London, having written hundreds of tips for Scotland, I realise London is a country all of its own. Both because it is unique and because it has so much of real value to see. Its taken me years to explore London - and the journey is just begun!
My journey to London began, aged 7. I was put on a train at Prestatyn, North Wales, on my own, and collected at Euston Station in London by my Aunt Iris. I felt like Paddington Bear. I therefore named my own teddy bear Euston Bear.
Over the years I visited London, visiting relatives like my aunt in Richmond, my sister at college in Greenwich. I got to explore the museums, parks and palaces. I got to chase pigeons in Trafalgar square!
When I was 18 years old I left home faster than a champaigne cork leaving the bottle. My excitement on the train from Wales to London was such I kept my head out the train door window for the first hour!! (Like a dog!) Maybe that was the beginning of my mohican hair style - back in 1984.
I lived in Kensington, and in the surrounding country - in Windsor, Ascot, Fleet and Hertford. London became a love / hate relationship - I cycled its streets, went to every museum and gallery, trawled markets and dark alleys, found it's underbelly and its secrets.
Over time, the dirt, noise, pollution, inequality and filth took its toll on my sensibilities, so I moved into the countryside - but like a moth was drawn back into London's glare frequently.
All this happened in the 1980's, when London suffered under the then government's policies and the heart of the city was wrenched from it in a cruel and violent act. Ashamed of this - I left.
London has not died as I then predicted - but it has instead found 'remission' or a 'stay of execution'. There is hope. It still has the cancer of inequality eating away - somewhere inside - but outwardly London is once more a place to visit and enjoy. I no more want to live there - it's too expensive,expansive and congested. But to visit - ahhh, now you're talking!
I work on tips for places and views that are free (or at least very cheap) - the city is too expensive - so I try to guide you to all you can see for no expense - just a lot of leg work or effort :-)
After reading my LondonTips, I really recommend reading Scotland Travel Tips
Reviews (22)
The Gherkin
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London's new icon - the Swiss Re office block, better known by locals as the Gherkin - see pictures on websites. This... more travel advice
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Soho & Shaftsbury Avenue & China Town
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Piccadilly Circus with the statue of Eros, Theatres and antiquated book shops on Shaftsbury Avenue. China Town and... more travel advice
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“Explore gently ... with all you senses ... feel at home, where ever you may be! :-)”
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Comments (13)
lovely page!
did exactly as suggested in your tip... love the open spaces too! Walking along the South Bank is great, though very chilly in wintertime :-)
hahaha Why dont you believe it!? I have! I have! I promise I have! I had them in Wales and was hooked ever since! (it's chilly here where I am at too btw) Tx Malcom!
Malcom, enjoyed your pictureas and tips. Heading to London Town in 18 days and i cannot wait. Thanks for the information. More stuff to think about. Joyce
Loved the red buses of London = great city
Hi Malcolm. Nicely written tips! Rather a bleak outlook on London on your intro page!
Really excellent, thorough tips here Malcolm. Great job : ))
"London has not died as I then predicted - but it has instead found 'remission' or a 'stay of execution' , interesting yet flawed idea as this city isn't going anywhere , learn to love the concrete.
have to visit again :-) I see the page is under construction but you have some great tips already! I almost envy that beautiful night shot of the Tower bridge! Next time I am not going to bed untill I have made all night shots :)
You've picked good places to go - pity you have not included photographs. Will you update? I look forward to this - your other pictures are very good. David.