Rose from The Queen Mary's Garden, Regent's Park
Every time I truly need a break, I escape to London. Friends may tease, or tell me to travel somewhere else, but I never seem to tire of London. From strolling through beautiful parks, cafes, markets, museums, and more, here are a few highlights from my recent trip to London….
Regent’s Park & Hyde Park
Regent’s Park is always among my first stops in London. While Hyde Park tends to be the go-to park for tourists visiting London, I prefer Regent’s Park. Located in the north western section of central London (Baker Street, or Regent’s Park tube), Regent’s Park gets my recommendation because it’s home to the Queen Mary’s Gardens, lovely rose gardens with 30,000 roses (400 different varieties) to admire. The park also offers dozens of other varieties of flowers, tree lined pathways and beautifully manicured shrubbery to take in. It’s wonderful to visit the park on a sunny day, snap photos of the beautiful flowers and pop into one of the cafes, or join a friend for paddle boating around the lake. Regent’s Park is also home to the London Zoo.
Rose in the Queen Mary's Garden, Regents Park
Luckily, with eight days in London, there was room for more than one park visit. I couldn’t resist stopping into Hyde Park on a sunny day, to admire the trees, the Serpentine and stop into the Serpentine Gallery. Where Regent’s Park has roses, Hyde Park has trees – more than 4,000 of them, including the incredible cool Weeping Beech, otherwise known as “The Upside Down Tree.”
Inside the Upside Down Tree, Hyde Park
Borough Market
If you’ve never been to London, make sure to do your research on the many markets the city has to offer before your visit. Portobello Market, for example (Notting Hill Gate tube), is a must-see for first-time visitors. Having visited Portobello Market earlier in the year, I decided to spice things up this trip with a stop at the much buzzed about Borough Market. Located just off the London Bridge tube station, the market is open Thursday-Saturday and boasts a wide variety of food and drink stalls. To put it bluntly, it’s a foodie heaven. I didn’t know where to start, but after a proper wander around, I felt right at home. From massive curries, to colorful juices, and alcoholic beverages, it’s hard not to leave Borough Market stuffed to the gills.
Interior of Borough Market
A food vendor making duck w/ braised apples - to be paired with mulled wine (of course)
Tip: While by Borough Market, don’t forget to stop by Southwark Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in London and walk a good five blocks to snap the requisite photo of yourself by Tower Bridge (not to be confused with the less exciting London Bridge).
If your mother is anything like mine, she requires this type of photo (hi mom!)
The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
Another reason I adore London? Most of its museums are free, save an entry charge here or there for a special exhibit. Earlier in the year, I visited the Tate Modern, which I highly recommend, so this time I graced the V&A with my presence. Located in South Kensington (follow underground signs while leaving the South Kensington tube), my arrival was perfectly timed with the onset of an unexpected rain shower. Let’s just say I was more than happy to admire art while waiting for clearer skies!
Ironworks Exhibit Inside the V&A
While there’s always a lot to see at the V&A, my favorite exhibit this time was dedicated to Ironwork. I can’t say I’m surprised, as I spend a fair amount of my free time strolling around the Back Bay’s quiet streets (Beacon, Comm., Marlborough) and love admiring the many unique gates that protect resident’s private gardens from gawkers like myself. At the V&A, the beauty of the work, combined with the many placards describing the historical background, truly brought out the geek in me. Also notable at the V&A is the cafe and gift shop, so don’t forget to pay them a visit as well.
Sword Stand from England in 1700
Final Thought
I’m stopping myself here, because I could easily write a book about my most recent London getaway. Thanks to the lovely weather, I crammed my eight days full of park visits, long strolls through beautiful neighborhoods, shopping, pastries and wonderful cafe stops. While I could go on and would be more than happy to share a tip or two if you email me (savvybostonian@gmail.com), what’s important is that London was just the relaxing escape I needed.
Thank you to all my incredible friends across the pond for making my stay so amazing. Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it!