We'll be staying in Lambeth for 4 nights in late October. We'll take a day to revisit the British Museum and Hyde Park, however we'd like to explore South London near the Thames the other two days. The Garden Museum, the Florence Nightingale Museum and the National Poetry Library look interesting to me. What other attractions would you recommend? We're also seeking modest eateries and a grocery. Thanks for any and all suggestions!
Garrison
We have really enjoyed the Garden Museum and watching it develop over the years. It is time for us to go back! Did you know about Captain Bligh’s grave there?
The article is well worth reading for its tale of Bligh’s quest to bring breadfruit from Tahiti to the West Indies, and the connection with the infamous mutiny.
I have limited tolerance for war museums and the tales of man’s inhumanity to man, but the Imperial War Museum, with its current exhibit on the Troubles in Northern Ireland might be interesting.
https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london
Corore gardens, walk through Battersea Park and cross the Albert Bridge to visit the Chelsea Physic Garden, with its emphasis on medicinal plants. We did a guided tour with a volunteer, which was very interesting, and enjoyed lunch at the cafe there.
https://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/
The Battersea Power Station, now repurposed into a shopping mall, has a wide array of shops and casual eateries, including a Gordon Ramsay pizza place. And there is an elevator up the tower for a nice city view. We have not seen this place yet but may include it on our next London trip, along with the Garden Museum.
https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/
https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/retailers/?retailertype=eat-and-drink
Do not waste your time at the Florence Nightingale museum. It was a major disappointment to both my sister and myself. You will be near the Imperial War Museum which is an excellent museum. Put in the address of your accommodation on Google Maps and it will show you nearby grocery stores.
I highly recommend David Fathers’ illustrated book “The London Thames Path” for helping one understand and appreciate the history and significance of the buildings and other features along the way, on both sides of the river. You can get a used copy for as little as $3.88 from Abe Books and others listed on Amazon, or a new copy of the 2022 updated edition from Amazon for $17:00:
https://www.amazon.com/London-Thames-Path-David-Fathers/dp/0711276269
There is so much to do and see in that area - it is a good choice!
I assume you have Borough Market on your list?
Other ideas would include:
• Southwark Cathedral Although it has only been a cathedral since 1905, there has been a church for more than 1000 years. Unlike many of our cathedrals, it is free to enter.
• Golden Hinde This is a faithful life size reconstruction of the ship Sir Walter Raleigh circumnavigated the world in between 1577-80. What really struck me was how small and cramped it was - and also the difference between officers and men’s quarters.. The toileting facilities left a lot to be desired...
• Globe Theatre Reconstruction of the Elizabethan theatre Shakespeare wrote his plays for. Think about booking a ticket - it is a completely differnt experience...
• Old Operating Theatre Museum. As well as an original operating theatre dating from 1822, this is also covers the history of medicine and surgery. Be warned it involves climbing up a narrow 52 step spiral staircase and may not be for the squeamish.. .
• Clink Prison Museum In a prison that was used from the C12th until 1780 and described as one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. It is very much hands on with the chance to handle torture devices, experience the sounds and smells as well as listening to the horrendous tales of some of the inmates.
• Tate Modern Free entry. If not interested in the exhibits, the views across London from the viewing area are well worth it.
Old Operating Museum
The Anchor Tap pub
Might as well visit The Shard
I also enjoyed following the Thames path which bordered the river and also went through residential areas. Walked to the Mayflower pub. Had lunch. Then enjoyed a tour of the Sands Film studio.
People have given you great advice. Just popping in to say we stayed in Southwark (at the Holiday Inn Express) a couple weeks ago and LOVED the location.
