Yes, of course I will see some of the "Must-See" spots in London! However, I will be there for an entire week....and my favorite thing to do while traveling by myself is to simply poke about. I love talking to people, listening to live music (my tastes are quite eclectic, but not TOO loud, please), strolling about just looking at the world around me, cozy spots for coffee or tea or a little food. I'm not a big spender shopper, but I love to look at interesting shops. I am also a writer, and I love finding little spots where I can sit for a while with my tea (or even my gin and tonic) and enjoy my surroundings while writing.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Not "musical" in the strict definition of the word, but you will hear Big Ben and most likely have seen The Liberty Bell...so, a visit to the Whitechapel Bell Foundry would be well advised.....as you exit the subway, about two blocks from the Foundry, turn right. It is on the other side of the street, just past a big hospital. Both Big Ben and the Liberty Bell were cast there. Check out its web site for more details. A good place to "poke about" and not on any tourist track I am sure! PS Whitechapel is the home of Jack The Ripper - but he has been gone for years!!!
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Some of the London churches have lunchtime concerts, some of which are free or low cost. Two that spring to mind are St Martins in the Fields, Trafalgar Square and St Johns, Smith Square in Westminster.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Check out the "antique" shopp areas of London- Islington and whatever to find interesting shops, coffee shops or whatever. Or maybe browse through Bond Street (fairly busy) and poke around in Mayfair- shops, pubs, squares etc. My personal favorite poking around areas are in the "City", behind the bank of England are a number of little alleys with business mens pubs and inns and amazing little churches
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I love St. Martin's in the Fields also, though it is not an out of the way place, since Rick mentions it in his book. Following it I went there in 2001 and visited the cafe again last year and still liked it a lot. I think the crypt cafe would be a good place to hang out, if not crowded. Concerts in the church seem great also.
I recommend hitting evensong or organ recitals in some of the churches -- Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's. I have not done this in London, but did in Paris at Notre Dame and it was one of my favorite travel experiences of all time. Free also.
Posted by
Kansas
1175 posts
You can wander up to Greenwich, home of Greenwich Mean Time and zero degrees latitude, where east meets west, and visit quaint shops and take in British maritime history. Check out Trafalgar Tavern on the Thames for your tea or a gin and tonic, with a splendid view of the river. The national maritime museum and the area around it are well worth a visit. You can find the websites for Greenwich proper and the tavern. The tube and the Docklands light rail can whisk you there in about 15 minutes or you opt for a Thames ferry ride both ways as well if you have a tube pass, oyster card I think it's called. Not sure what days the Greenwich market is held but worth a look as well.