London travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Welcome to Isis, the magnificent bronze sculpture named after the Egyptian goddess of nature. Created by British artist Simon Gudgeon and generously donated by Halcyon Gallery, Isis was unveiled here on 7 September 2009.  Commissioned by the Royal Parks Foundation, the charity for London’s eight Royal Parks, Isis is the focal point of a £2 million fundraising appeal, to built The Look Out, a new, environmental education center in Hyde Park in 2011. The proposed center will blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings of trees in the heart of Hyde park and provide a doorway for thousands of young people and community groups to learn about the natural world.

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In the mid 1850’s, following the steady rise of the River Thames as the commercial lifeline of the city of London, Sir William Cubitt was commissioned to build a new wharf around an enclosed dock. Ships from all over the world visited the new Hay’s Wharf but the most beautiful were the tea clippers from India and China. By the end of the century, over 80% of perishable foodstuffs passed through the area which became known as the “Larder of London”.

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Internationally renowned French architectural botanist Patrick Blanc created the Living Wall at the Athenaeum Hotel last spring, climbing ten floors of the exterior of the hotel. The outdoor living “tapestry” represents a fusion of the hotel with its neighboring Royal Parks – bringing the outside in.  The Athenaeum’s Living Wall  was Patrick Blanc’s first in the UK, and remains the tallest in the country. The tapestry contains over 260 plant types from across the world, including mostly rare species from both temperate and tropical climates.

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Home to King Henry VIII and over 500 years of fascinating history. Relax in over 60 acres of beautiful gardens which run alongside the River Thames, London. Offering guests an abundance of space and tranquility, visitors can enjoy the sparkling fountains, wander around the 18th century  Privy Gardens and explore the world famous Maze. Don’t forget to visit the largest and oldest grapevine in the world, at over 230 years of age!

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HMS Belfast is moored on the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, close to London Bridge Station. Hear battle stories from the Second World War and beyond – the convoys in icy Arctic conditions, the bombardment of German defences on D-Day and the 404 days spent patrolling waters during the Korean War.

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Churchill War Rooms – the rooms that changed history
Deep beneath the bustle of London lie The Original Cabinet War Rooms – today part of the Churchill War Rooms – which sheltered the people at the heart of Britain’s wartime government during the blitz.

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Historic Royal Palaces’ ambitious project “Welcome to Kensington, a palace for everyone” will transform Kensington Palace, London into a fun, engaging and inspirational visitor experience for all. This £12m project will open up this incredible building, with its many fascinating and intriguing stories to the widest possible audience.

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Kensington has been enchanted! Journey through this magical experience weaving contemporary fashion, performance, dreamlike, installations and tales of the palaces’ princesses, all set against the backdrop of the magnificent State Apartments.

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Known to millions throughout the world from televised coverage of coronations, royal weddings and funerals, the Abbey is in part of any trip to London. Kings, queens, statesmen, soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains – they all make up the rich historical tapestry which is at the heart of the Abbey’s heritage and sustains its worldwide reputation.

Continue reading A thousand years of history – Westminister Abbey

 

The Krehky exhibitions present the art of both Czech and world designers in connection with the traditional craftsmanship of Czech glass and porcelain manufacturers. Opened inside a former ham factory in Prague, the gallery displays exclusively works by Ron Arad, Tomas Alonso, Doshi Levien and Jamie Hayon.

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