WANDERLUST
2023 Travel Trends: Spotlight on London
By Sabah Malik
The capital city of England- London is awash with culture, arts, entertainment, food, style and lots and lots of green spaces. London is a popular stopover destination and a springboard to other places in the world and when you have just 48 hours to spend in a bustling metropolis it’s hard to know what to do. I have the low-down on the what, where and how to make the most out of your short stay. Boasting an accessible travel network you can move easily from the East to West, North to the South using an array of public transport modes that include a cable car and riverboat! Look beneath terraform and a cool tube network effortlessly connects people with their places and has done so for 160 years. When you have a short stay in the city, time spent on getting around can seem like a waste. I take a closer look at one of the most popular lines, The District Line and give you the perfect itinerary combinations to enjoy summer in the city (and any other time for that matter).
Like branches of a tree the district line runs from Upminster in the East to Earl’s Court in the West End, where it then splits into the south to Richmond and further west to Ealing Broadway. A quick on and off can open up some fantastic gems without the faff. Here’s my hot list with something to suit everyone.
Plant Lovers- Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew
Londoners love nothing more than to enjoy a trip to this iconic British institution. With a royal seal of approval and whether you go for an hour or a day, there is always something exciting about taking a trip to Kew Gardens. Little known fact is that there was a Kew Mosque next to the Pagoda in 1761. The lost mosque resembled glorious ottoman architecture with two minarets complete with flags flying high. The plant people at Kew try to ensure that there are exhibitions and installations throughout the course of the year, including the world-famous Orchid Festival from February to March. Pre- booking may be required so always check in advance. The tickets are a bit pricey but the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to safeguard the future of so many plant species make it all worthwhile. Of course, as Audrey Hepburn said, ‘To grow a plant is to believe in tomorrow’.
Walkers’ ‘Wanderland’- Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
The really astounding thing about London regardless of where you are is that it is extremely walkable. You can move seamlessly through neighbourhoods and take in all the sights and sounds. It’s the same when you visit both Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Both are connected and you can walk freely between the two without much bother. Still a royal residence and once home to the late Princess Diana, Kensington gardens encapsulates the very best of Georgian architecture complete with manicured gardens to boot. Visitors can peruse the palace for the many exhibitions on offer. Do check the website before your visit as at times the palace can be closed to visitors whilst the exhibitions are prepared. What I love even more is that In the backdrop of the royal palace, workers from the local area gather together for a spot of lunch and I cannot think of anything more British. The juxtaposition of the palace alongside the Serpentine Lake in the middle is home also to the internationally famous Serpentine Gallery sites with its Serpentine Pavilion designed by Johannesburg based architect Sumayya Vally. Showcasing contemporary art since 1970, there is lots to see to spark conversation, let alone some culture. As you wander further into this green lung of the city, Hyde Park has its own USP that is perfectly well enjoyed in all seasons. If you have your walking legs on you, a meandering walk through the park can take you to Buckingham Palace, Park Lane, Marble Arch and London’s best loved shopping street, Oxford Street.
Picture Source: Canva/Pexel
Glitzy and Chic – Knightsbridge
No expense is spared when you visit Knightsbridge. From the iconic Harrods building to its equally glamorous neighbour Harvey Nichols, you can be sure that there is something for every burgeoning fashionista in this neighbourhood. Winter visits have their own added je ne se quois as the festive lights come on, emblazoning the way to all the bargains of the famous January Sales. You can take a walk through the main high street but equally dip into a local coffee shop or artisanal bakery on many of the small and quaint side roads that radiate off. In such a big city, there is something magical about discovering a cobbled mews or bijou park that will make your trip even more memorable. It is arguably one of the most instagrammable places in West London. You will find most international stores and designer labels and if nothing else you can walk away with one of the cute and cuddly Harrods bears souvenirs, which as the website itself says is ‘somewhat of an institution’.
Foodies Feast- Edgware Road
Home to a strong Arab contingent, it is no surprise that this road is sometimes called ‘Little Arabia’. If you have a Middle Eastern food itch you need to fix, look no further than Edgware Road. Whether it’s Hummus from Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco you’re craving, Edgware Road has all the bases covered. If that’s not all, Edgware Road is also a great place to stay with many affordable hotel options just off the main road. Watch the street come alive in the evening with late night coffee or a bit of dessert and shisha spots sprinkled throughout.
The world’s a stage- Hammersmith
Before Trevor Noah landed his role on The Daily Show, he enjoyed a spot on the Comedy Roadshow at Apollo Theatre in Hammersmith. Hosting contemporary new talent and established legends, catching a show in London adds to the experience of being in this entertainment capital. If you’re looking for something a bit different, that is not the west end, this is a modern alternative with a great many international acts that will have you laughing, crying and everything in between.
King’s Country – Buckingham Palace and Green Park
A trip to London is never complete without a bit of royal nostalgia. Look no further than the London residence of the monarch, Buckingham Palace or Buck House as it is fondly known by Londoners. You can visit some of the rooms inside that do not serve as the living quarters for the King and dabble in some pomp. Tickets are available on the website for 10 weeks in the summer and exclusive tours throughout the year. Booking is required. Once finished at the palace, why not finish up the day with a spot of afternoon tea. A short walk from Green Park is Pall Mall and with some glamorous locations like the Ritz and Fortnum and Mason, you’ll want to book early to avoid disappointment.
Once your short whistle stop tour of the city is over, like a chariot, the district line awaits to whisk you back to the airport. If you enjoy the 48 hours layover, you never know, London will call you back before your suitcase is unpacked and back in the cupboard. So, it seems quite fitting to end with something Ed Sheeran and Stormzy once said, ‘no town does it quite like my hometown, so take me back to London’.
All information correct at going to press.
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