Readers of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series know the Diagon Alley as a narrow and dark road full of shops in London, England where you can buy all kinds of supplies for wizards. By the way: German readers miss this wonderful pun as it is just called Winkelgasse in the translated books. Nevertheless, the inspiration for this fictional place was Leadenhall market between Monument and Liverpool Street.
Continue reading “Diagon Alley”Freemasons‘ Hall
It is a fantastic building at London, England: the Freemason’s Hall which is the headquarter of the United Grand Lodge of England. The location near Covent Garden was used since 1775 from freemasonic activities, the current building in art déco style was built from 1927 on. It includes the great temple, the assembly hall, a library and a museum. Tours are offered hourly.
Continue reading “Freemasons‘ Hall”Temple Church
The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon or short the Templars were a Cathology military order – one of the most powerful and massively engaged in the crusades. A building at London, England which was of great importance to them was the Temple Church, an Anglican built in the 12th century CE. It was also used for negotiations that lead to the signing of the Magna Carta.
Continue reading “Temple Church”The Victoria & Albert
The Victoria & Albert Museum (or short V&A) is a museum about design, arts and crafts at South Kensington, London. It is named after queen Victoria and her husband prince Albert. It is a wild mix of pictures, sculptures, and jewelry. There is a lot to discover, and you will be surprised while strolling through the aisles. You can find a copy of the Colonna Traiana here, as well as a copy of Michelangelos David and works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Continue reading “The Victoria & Albert”Natural History Museum
It is a nice and very entertaining museum at London, England – but you could also get here solely because of the building it is located it: the fantastic Waterhouse in Roman-Byzantine style from 1860. The Natural History Museum dates back to the year 1881 and was once part of the British Museum. It was separated in 1883 and became independent in 1963. The museum contains items from the 18th century CE and is based on the collections of Hans Sloane, Joseph Banks and Richard Owen.
Continue reading “Natural History Museum”British Museum
The British Museum is a cultural history museum at London, England that is the treasury of the British people. It was opened in 1759 based on the collections of Hans Sloane and was continuously extended. It exhibits items from Asia, Africa, Oceania, Egypt, the Middle East, America and Europe. The museum is a wonderful mix of neoclassical buildings and modern elements like the glass cupola designed by Norman Foster. You can easily get lost within for days.
Continue reading “British Museum”The King & Queen
Sometimes you just need a pint of beer and a relaxing atmosphere in a place that feels like your second living room. This pub at Fitzrovia, London is not a special fancy one – but an authentic pub with friendly staff and people. They show live sports and have several national and international beers on tap.
Continue reading “The King & Queen”Tamesis Dock
My currently favorite pub at London, United Kingdom is a special one: it is floating on river Thames between Lambeth and Vauxhall bridge. Tamesis Dock was once a Dutch barge from the 1930s but is now permanently moored and used as a relaxed bar on the water. Continue reading “Tamesis Dock”
The Breakfast Club
If you love US-American breakfast or want to have breakfast all around the clock then The Breakfast Club in London, United Kingdom might be the right place for you. It all started with a tiny location at Soho – now it is a chain with many restaurants throughout London. Continue reading “The Breakfast Club”
Christmas shopping
In case you’re at London, United Kingdom in mid-November you should check when the start of the Christmas illumination will be. At this point in time they make Regent street a pedestrian zone, start a firework and ignite the lights decorating this major shopping street.