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Offbeat London - Five Offbeat and Budget-Friendly London Attractions
By Roy Barnes
London’s a city that has so many tourist attractions that one visit to it is just not enough! I would advise visitors to London to get off the beaten tourist path and check out these five budget-friendly attractions that aren't as widely publicized as, let's say, Big Ben or The Tower of London:
The Peace Pagoda In Battersea Park: Slice of Urban Nirvana
In 1985, Buddhist monks and nuns completed a 100-foot high pagoda in north central Battersea Park which overlooks the Thames. Seeing the pagoda in the early hours of the morning is one of the best treats for the eyes and the soul! Battersea Park was once a cesspool of human depravity when it was called Battersea Fields. In 1858, this spot became only the second public park opened in London to serve as a respite from the surrounding urban sprawl.
Address: South side of the Thames, between Albert Bridge and Chelsea Bridge. Underground Station: Sloane Square, then walk 1 kilometer south, via Lower Sloane Street and Chelsea Bridge Road, or take a Number 137 bus southbound from Sloane Square to the first bus stop south of the Thames called "Queenstown Road-Chelsea Bridge". Turn right and walk to the park’s nearby Chelsea Gate. Then walk straight for roughly 15 minutes. Free admission. www.batterseapark.org
Relive Those Kiddie Memories at the V&A Museum of Childhood
This wonderful museum has just undergone a nine-plus million dollar renovation of its 130 year old Victorian Era building. It features the United Kingdom's largest collection of childhood toys, games, and clothing dating back to the 1500's, but is still a hidden treasure of London because it’s often overlooked by tourists. This is because the Museum of Childhood resides in East London, and involves a rather long subway ride from central London. But a visit here is well worth the sojourn, especially for those who want to bask in reliving their childhoods for a few hours or who are fascinated by British social history in general. Here’s some of the subject matter that is covered in the galleries at the Museum of Childhood: teddy bears; babies’ and young children's clothing, including unisex footwear; childcare items going back to the 17th century, including a 1641 cradle and the UK’s oldest rocking horse; the largest non-private British collection of doll houses, including a 1673 Nuremberg House; puppetry; children's theatre-related items, model trains, etc. You can create your own toy via the interactive exhibits. Special exhibits are showcased throughout the year, like one honoring the 50th anniversary of the Miffy character, which will run through mid-March of 2007. Address: Cambridge Heath Road (very near to and on the same side of the street as the Bethnal Green Underground Station exit). Free admission. www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/nmc/
Visit the state of Virginia While in London!
Millions of people visit the world famous National Gallery in London. Yet unbeknownst to virtually all the masses is that while they walk past a statue of George Washington in front of the gallery giving little thought to it, they’re missing a chance to be in the state of Virginia. As the story goes, in 1921, some prominent citizens from Virginia wanted to give a statue of one of America's founding fathers to the British people, but it was known that George Washington had no desire to ever set foot on British soil again. So ingeniously, a hole where the statue was to be placed was dug up, then filled with a plot of Washington's native Virginia soil. Go to the statue and put your hand on the grass that the inanimate Washington resides on, and you will be carried back to ol’ Virginia! Address: National Gallery at Trafalgar Square. Underground Station: Charing Cross.
Sir John Soane's Museum: Eclectic London
For architectural and antique buffs visiting England's capital city, no trek is complete without going to the very eccentric home of one of London's most famous architects, Sir John Soane. Soane designed the Bank of England and many of the city's lesser known churches and galleries. Here are just a few of the interesting sights that can be found in this former domicile turned virtual time machine: A variety of 18th and 19th century casts reside as well as a crypt that contains the Sarcophagus of Seti; many priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, the Orient, and from the Medieval and Renaissance Periods; seventeenth century, eighteenth century, and Neo-Classical sculpture. The Soane even features works by Hogarth. What has left its imprint on the visitors who’ve toured this place is a picture gallery on the first floor (second floor in America) where the panels are covered with paintings; paintings that when Soane got tired of what he was viewing in this room, he would just unfold the panels. Out would come a new set of panels containing more paintings. This room has to be seen to be believed! Address: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields. Underground Station: Holburn. Free admission for individuals or groups of six or less. www.soane.org
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese: Great Name, Great History, and Great Food!
The Cheshire Cheese is one of the city's best hangouts to grab a hearty British meal because of its storied history and ambience. The building dates back to 1667, when it was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London a year earlier. The site was once the locale of a 13th century Carmelite monastery, whose vaulted cellars survived the great blaze of 1666. Many narrow halls and staircases lead to the eating areas; as a result, this maze-like layout even confuses the barristers and journalist patrons, who primarily make up the clientele. The prices are reasonable and diners will have the satisfaction of eating at the former hangout of Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens. Traditional British pub grub is served here like Ye Famous Steak and Kidney Pudding and Fish and Chips. As for dessert, how about some Spotted Dick (boiled pudding with fruit bits)? Address: 145 Fleet Street, Wine Office Court. Underground Station: Blackfriars.
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