Three Days in London

[M. Porcius Cato]

Have a conference south of Zurich in late September, but I'm hoping to get to London (first time) for three days. Aside from the Elgin Marbles, what would be simply daft to miss?

[Nephele]

Ohhh, the Elgin Marbles! Of everything to see in London, I'm impressed that you mentioned these first, MPC! When I first viewed them, I was certain I was seeing them through the same eyes of Isadora Duncan, herself. I could barely restrain myself there in the British Museum (and I don't think I did a good job of restraining myself, either). What dancer wouldn't be similarly inspired -- and moved -- as was Isadora?

 

 

The second "mustn't miss" thing (for me) that you may miss if you're in London after September 8th, is the annual Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. For me, that was the next best thing in London (after experiencing the Elgin Marbles). I shamefacedly admit that I've always had a seat at the Proms, and have never been among the true die-hards who stand in the Arena throughout a performance.

 

Have a wonderful trip, MPC! Please take pictures of the Elgin Marbles to post in the Gallery! (I've never taken pictures of my own! I've always been too "dancey" to think of it!)

 

-- Nephele

[M. Porcius Cato]

Isadora Duncan, I believe, was arrested for her impromptu performance before the marbles, so I'll restrain myself accordingly. Prince Albert's is a good suggestion though Nephele. Thanks.

 

Isn't there a great bookstore in London? Blackstone's?

[Flavia Gemina]

...Isn't there a great bookstore in London? Blackstone's?

 

There are many bookstores in London, including quite a few second-hand ones on Charing Cross Road. However, most are now big megastores like those in America.

 

In London you will find many branches of Waterstones including their megastore near Picadilly Circus. On Charing Cross Road is Blackwells (the Oxford bookshop) and Foyles. They are all pretty much of a sameness. Snobs like to shop at Hatchard's (not far from the mega Waterstones) opposite the Royal Academy near Fortnum and Mason, (where tourists take cream tea). But again, most stores now stock the same books.

 

As a lover of Roman things, you should not miss the Museum of London, which has some great Roman stuff and a good bookshop. It's in the financial district a short walk from St Pauls tube station.

 

Another very special secret thing to do is to visit Leighton House Frederic Lord Leighton's wonderful house near Holland Park by High Street Kensington tube. It has the wonderful Arab court, a tiled room with a fountain. As I'm sure you know, Leighton was one of those Victorian artists who loved to paint Graeco Roman stuff. Afterwards, if the weather is nice, you can sit in Holland Park and sip a cappuccino and watch Londoners walk their dogs and other British things. I occasionally see Alan Rickman sitting at a nearby table. (Bonus!) There are peacocks in Holland Park and a lovely Japanese Garden.

 

Let me know when you'll be here and we can meet for a Starbucks... cause you don't have THOSE in the states, do you!

 

Vale.

 

Flavia

Edited August 8, 2007 by Flavia Gemina

[Pertinax]

Are you a dandy? You might like:-

Turnbull and Asser Shirtmakers, Jermyn St:

http://www.turnbullandasser.co.uk/

 

"Debonair" , Tiemakers -Royal Opera Arcade.Say hello to Mr Saad from me, charming chap.

 

Are you a flaneur?

Go to Mile End tube station,get a Number 25 Bus heading into Town , sit at the front upstairs and enjoy the ride.

 

18 Folgate Street

http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

 

 

 

MOST IMPORTANT:The Bar at the Dorchester,

http://www.thedorchester.com/restaurants_b...hester_bar.html

[Ludovicus]

Here's a lead for you:

 

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encycl...ins/london.html

[Ursus]

Where is the Royal Shakespeare company?

[Pertinax]

Where is the Royal Shakespeare company?

Stratford-Upon-Avon i'm afraid.

http://www.rsc.org.uk/home/default.aspx

The Globe is in Town though:

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/

 

Good grief I forgot this!

http://www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk/shop_c...81dc6dbbe8888bc

Very near to T and A (post above)..

 

and you will need this:

http://www.pubs.com/home.cfm

 

this place is top hole:

http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=227

this is my out and out favourite

http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=203

these are for "serious" beer drinking (The Lamb is near the British Museum), cocktails I refer you to The Dorchester or Harvey Nicks in Knightsbridge (top floor).

[The Augusta]

Cato, I don't know if you would have time, but the Tower is not to be missed. Forget the silly crown jewels bit - they're not worth a light (tawdry and over-rated IMHO - they all look like paste!) - but just to wander through the various rooms and the towers, up and down the narrow twisting staircases is a wonderful experience. It brought me close to tears. There's also an array of carvings in the walls from various famous prisoners. Whatever your favourite period of history, I really can recommend the Tower - and it is extremely accessible by tube.

[WotWotius]

If you are a fan of the film Withnail and I, this may be worth checking out.

 

Also, if you are not a great fan of the archetypal London tourist - i.e. the marauding multitude of Japanese and bum-bag-clad American tourists of which London receives a great influx - then avoid Madam Tussauds at all costs! The place is additionally not a great place to go if one is looking out for the health of one's wallet.

Edited August 11, 2007 by WotWotius