London Calling

Story and photos by Mary Casey-Sturk

With direct flights from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to London’s Heathrow Airport several times a week, traveling to London and beyond is easy. These overnight flights allow you to arrive in London, head into the city and start exploring!

London has always had a place in my heart as many of my cousins live nearby and I get the wonderful opportunity to “play tourist” and catch up with the people I love.

To get from Heathrow into London, you have several options. The Heathrow Express train goes directly to Paddington Station, the Elizabeth Line to various parts of the city, the Underground (“The Tube”), taxis, busses and rideshares.

Accommodations vary greatly, consider your budget, your party size, the attractions you want to see and the type of neighborhood you want to stay in. Some people like being near the action, others prefer a more residential feel. Do you need air conditioning? Walking distance to the tube? Elevator? Check reviews and read the fine print before you book.

The Sound of the Crowd

This is a busy capital city, and you’ll want to reserve tickets to the most popular attractions in advance, this includes free attractions. When I visited the National Gallery, there was a large line for non-ticket holders, but I’d reserved my free ticket in advance and was quickly admitted through another entrance.  Same goes for theatre tickets, while it’s tempting to take your chances on half-price/day of show seats, many shows sell out weeks or months in advance, so plan accordingly. Heading to a West End show can be a great way to give your legs a rest and experience truly great performances.

The National Gallery is always high on my list; I’ve been several times and still seem to discover an artwork I missed before. Located on Trafalgar Square, the have a great collection of Impressionist works as well as two works from the Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer, a wonderful treat as less than forty of his paintings survive around the world.  The Gallery is open late on Fridays (9:00 p.m.).

The list of museums and historic sites in London seems endless, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, British Museum and Buckingham Palace (limited opening season) top many visitor’s lists. These are all great places to visit but pack your patience as they can be crowded and can sell out (even free museums).

While I recommend these places, there are a number of smaller museums that have caught my attention on recent trips. A walk along The Strand will lead you to the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House. Stop here and enjoy their café and before heading inside to see works by van Gogh and Monet. Near the Houses of Parliament pop inside the 14^th century Jewel Tower, at Covent Garden, all ages enjoy the London Transport Museum. Close to the British Museum, the Postal Museum delightfully travels you both underground and back in time with a ride on their Mail Rail (Russell Square or Chancery Lane tube).  Near St. Pancras/King’s Cross, you’ll find the London Canal Museum which offers canal boats ride seasonally and the British Library and its fascinating Treasures Gallery.

Slightly morbid, the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret (London Bridge tube) are a good way to walk off the food you consumed at nearby Borough Market. You might also want to visit nearby Southwark Cathedral (where William Shakespeare worshipped) and say hello to Hodge, the Cathedral Cat.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is an iconic experience, but be warned, it can be crowded and for the vertically challenged (like me), it can be difficult to see much.

Typically, the Changing of The Guard is held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 a.m., check in advance to confirm. Arrive early for the best views. This formal ceremony has musical support from the Regimental Band from nearby Wellington Barracks. I opted to watch the end of the music and their ceremony at the Barracks, which had an easier view and I was fascinated by the process. Part of the Palace complex includes the King’s Gallery and the Royal Mews-home to all those glorious carriages seen at royal events. (St. James or Victoria tube).

I Can See for Miles and Miles

London is a city of contrasts, from the remains of Roman structures to towering skyscrapers, it is a city of both history and modern commerce.

To get a bird’s eye view of much of the city, head to one of several buildings offering gardens and unique ways to get a scenic view from up high. Level 10 at the Tate Modern is located on the top floor of the Blavatnik Building. Relax with some coffee and enjoy the view after visiting the galleries in this stunning former power station turned into a modern art showplace. Another former power station is Battersea Power Station. Now home to shops, restaurants, a cinema and more, it is also located along the River Thames. Here, you can travel 109 meters up in The Chimney Lift and take in 360-degree views of London’s skyline.

The View from The Shard is an observation deck located between the 68th and 72nd floors of The Shard, the tallest building in London. It consists of a triple level indoor gallery on the 69th floor and a partially outdoor gallery on the 72nd floor. Another modern building known as “The Walkie Talkie” for its design is the building at 20 Fenchurch Street. Here you can visit the Sky Garden, an observation area which encompasses the top three floors.

The London Eye is also a favorite attraction for visitors, originally called the Millennium Wheel, it is a cantilevered observation wheel (the world’s largest of this design) on the south bank of the Thames. Since 2000, it’s been taking people on a 30-minute rotation.

Fashion

London is known for its world-class shopping, with stores such as Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges and all of Oxford Street beckoning, it would be easy to lose a day or more just browsing their many departments. If you’re needing a wardrobe update, this is the place to be!

Not that this is a bad thing (except maybe for your credit card balance), but these popular stores are often packed with visitors, and you may encounter long lines for check-out and busy clerks. Fortunately, London is also home to many independent stores that have that traditional character you’re seeking.

The Burlington Arcade (established in 1819) is a classic covered shopping arcade off Bond Street. In its 196-yard-long walk, you will find a variety of bespoke boutiques, jewelers, and perfumers. Just walking through here is an experience. Other unique offerings in London include Taylor’s Button in Marylebone, several milliners, and charity shops such as Oxfam where you can find treasure and help a worthy cause.  

So, for your next vacation (or “holiday” as they say in England). Consider London, it’s calling.