London layers: tradition, towers & timeless streets
Urban adventures from my 2024 trek across the ocean
Exploring the streets and scenes of London
I just returned from a crazy week in London - this was my first visit to this cosmopolitan city known for its history, culture, diversity and good times. We explored most of the city on foot and used the city’s famous underground Tube and express trains to get us where we wanted to go. Our mode of transportation enabled us to experience fully this smokey and swinging city.
There’s nowhere else like London. Nothing at all, anywhere.” Vivienne Westwood
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Westminster shots of the week
Westminster is considered by many to be the heart of London. A big part of Westminster is Parliament Square - an area of historic, spiritual and symbolic value. Located next to the iconic Big Ben and the Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square attracts millions of visitors each year. The Houses of Parliament border the square and its perimeter is dotted with statues of notable people - including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and Millicent Fawcett.
Millicent Fawcett is the first woman in history to have her statue on Parliament Square.
The Millennium Bridge - first pedestrian bridge built across the Thames River in 100 years. The suspension bridge is famous for being wobbly when it opened and it was immediately closed and not re-opened for about two years.
The changing of the cavalry: guarding the King
Almost every day at the same time, members of the Royal Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ride through Hyde Park along Constitution Hill and The Mall. As they pass Buckingham Place, the Horse Guard Cavalry turn their heads to the right all at the same time to honor the King. A ceremony takes place on the Horse Guards Parade grounds to mark the changing of the horse guards each day.
The Kensington neighborhood
Kensington is a historic area located in Central London, known for its architecture, beautiful green spaces and cultural attractions. It is also home to Kensington Palace where many members of the Royal family live.
Some of my favorite Kensington photos
From left to right - the historic Baileys Kensington Hotel, the Ezra Pound house (two photos), walking back from a local concert at night, a local neighborhood cafe, Embassy Row and an historic mews apartment building (converted from a stable).
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Royal Albert Hall: London’s most iconic venue
The Royal Albert Hall opened in 1871 during Queen Victoria’s reign. Some of the many notables who graced the stage here: the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Luciano Pavarotti, Albert Einstein, Muhammad Ali, Winston Churchill, Adele, Eric Clapton, Elton John and the Suffragettes who held meetings here for voting rights.
The campus of the Royal College of Music surrounds the Hall. Female students can find rooms at the Queen Alexandras House, built in 1884.
Some of my favorite London green spaces
The transportation scene: organized chaos
Getting around London is easy - thanks mostly to the Underground Tube, the efficient train network, the world famous double-decker buses and the infamous black cabs. As I mentioned earlier, we explored London mostly on foot, using the Tube and some trains to get where we needed to go.
Why do Brits drive on the left side of the road?
Well, there seems to be many reasons. Some say that this custom started centuries ago when soldiers on horseback stayed to the left so they could use their right arms/hands to defend themselves. In fact, this custom was officially sanctioned into law in 1300 CE by Pope Boniface VIII who declared that all people must travel on the left to avoid any nasty collisions - such as horse riders, farmers, lawless highwaymen and such.
Just over a century later, the 1883 Highway Act wrote British driving rules into law, making it a crime for anyone caught driving on the wrong side. British cars are designed with drivers on the right.
London attracts 30 million visitors every year. Do you think we all know how to cross the street correctly and safely?
Arriving in London at 7 AM
From Heathrow underground via the Express Train to the Underground Tube to our hotel. All in about 45 minutes. Efficient. Safe so far.
As we learned quickly, look both ways several times and use the designated crosswalks if you wish to live. Be careful of cyclists, motorbikes, cars, buses, pedestrians coming at you from all directions.
Photos from left: lots of traffic near Parliament Square, parked cars facing each other on a two-way street and pedestrians crossing quickly in front of Big Ben.
British cabs are notorious for making K-turns in the middle of narrow streets. Most other cars slow down to let them complete the turnaround.
Brits are often known for their courtesy, understatement and a general tendency to avoid confrontation. Saying “sorry” is a national pastime. I just think this should be more common here in America - what do you think?
The jagged lines on the street below warn drivers of an upcoming traffic circle.
Narrow streets, alleys and underground pathway. I am not sure what the double line means versus the single line either.
One of the most famous crosswalks is located on High Street in Kensington - just across from the Japan House. The blue-checkered crosswalk was designed by Hara Kenya, Professor at Tokyo’s Musashino Art University and installed as part of the London Design Festival 2019.
Waiting for the Tube with Kiss Me Kate
Amidst the chaos of London, romance continues to proliferate - even in the underground.
Parting shot: Round Pond in Kensington Gardens
Outdoors with Jenn is always free, but if I wrote something that resonates with you, I am happy to accept a cup of coffee. Thank you for reading.
What an adventure and amazing photos Jenn. We will be heading that way at the end of July! I can't wait. My sister and her family live north of London near Manchester. I'm not sure yet if we will make a day of it in London. Reading your post makes me want to see if we can squeeze it in.
Jenn, what a blast, eh? I went to London to do a speaking engagement and meet up with my son who was stationed at an Air Force Base nearby. We had a wonderful time, but didn't get to see all the wonderful places you featured here in your article. Great photos, as always! Glad you had fun!