We are well seasoned travelers to London and now we are looking for "off the beaten path" / "through the back door" adventures in London. Our travels take us there in early August. We enjoy food/wine/beer, culture/history (sea shanties are a particular focus), and locals experiences. Of course, the Olympics are in town, any suggestions? Also, any suggestions for docents at the British Museum, et al?
Posted by
Sammamish, WA
403 posts
The Thames Barrier, which is a movable dam installed in the Thames River to protect London from flooding. You can take a bus there. More info:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/38375.aspx
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
If you have not been before, a day out in Greenwich and travel there by Thames boat. Maritime, astronomy and architectural history. A World Heritage site. However the Olympic horse riding events are taking place in the very large Park there so there may be restrictions in some areas. http://www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/
Posted by
Washington, DC, USA
571 posts
Have you made it to the Museum of London, Docklands, at Canary Wharf yet? Its focus is the history of London as a center of shipping and commerce. It lays out London's relationship with sea faring vessels from ancient times to WWII. I didn't get to it until my fourth visit to London, but now it is one of my favorites.
Posted by
Land of La
9221 posts
Tour of Lord's Cricket Ground, see what's on at the Wilton Music Hall or at least have a pint at their Mahogany Bar, 1/2 day trip out to Stoke Newington to visit the Abney Memorial Park, try walking from Stonehenge to Salisbury with http://www.englishcountrywalks.com/, see what's happening at the Herne Hill Veledrome http://www.hernehillvelodrome.com/, visit Caledonian Market in Bermondsey Square, visit All Saints Church on Margaret Street (it's the interior that belies the exterior's blandness), visit the overlooked but fabulous Horniman Museum and Gardens, photograph the Devils of Cornhill @ St. Peter's Church, visit The Temple on Fleet Street, train out to wander Isabella's Plantation in Richmond Park, enjoy the art Deco of Eltham Palace and Gardens in Greenwich, walk along the canals of MidaVale, try mudlarking on the River Thames, take the train out to Chislehurst Caves, lastly have a pint at The BlackFriar on Queen Victoria Street. When you arrive at Heathrow grab a copy of Timeout magazine. They'll be other "off the beaten path" options that might peak your interest.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
Brian I second the Museum of London in Docklands. With sea shanties in mind you might enjoy a visit to the English Folk Song library http://www.efdss.org/front/Library%20&%20Archive/about-the-vaughan-williams-memorial-library/37 Not in London but I don't know if you know Shanty UK? They have an archive with videos of their festivals http://www.shanty.org.uk/home.html Alan