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Win a personalised Monopoly set or a book (100 to give away) recommend your favourite bit of London
I
came upon my favourite part of London quite by accident. Having moved here
from overseas five years ago, I have often had to drive from Sheen Gate in
Richmond Park, to Kingston Gate. For no particular reason, I always took
the clockwise route from Sheen and discovered one of the most beautiful parts
of London.
There is a hill you drive down as you approach the playground at Kingston
Gate and on the left-hand side of the road is a gorgeous slope, complete
with a creek running through it and glorious old trees towering high in the
sky. In all seasons it is beautiful, calming and inspirational but it is
at its best in late Spring and Summer when the bracken is alive and the colours
of the tree canopy are the most vibrant, refreshing green. It is cool, welcoming
and a quiet place in the midst of a busy city.
I am in awe of the lives that must have shared this view with me, from Henry
VIII hunting his deer, to Londoners throughout the ages who must have wandered
under the very same trees. As I drive slowly along I always think of this
as a magical place and emerge at Kingston Gate feeling that all is right
with the world! Lisa Hodges
I've
now lived in London for over 12 years (having come down from Scotland for
what I thought would be a year at the most!)
London is full of best bits but my favourite bit of London must be the river.
My first job was in Greenwich and I loved to stagger to the top of Constitution
Hill for the (literally!) breathtaking view of the river snaking up towards
Westminster and beyond. That view is particularly special because although
London is such a changing City, the view from Constitution Hill would be
quite recognisable to people from the time of Samuel Pepys.
The South Bank at dusk with people rushing to the cinema and shows and the
ornate lamps reflected in the water is another favourite bit by the river.
It also reminds me of London's great contrasts and sadness with the beggars
on Hungerford Bridge beside another of London's most incredible viewpoints
looking along the river towards St. Paul's.
And my final favourite river view is down a set of slippery stairs on the
north bank of the river beside Southwark Bridge. I can take sandwiches there
from my workplace in all weathers, sheltering beneath the stone pillars and
watch the river police and cruiseboats speed along the river, while the seagulls
whirl and cormorants dive for enormous eels. I've watched Tate Modern come
into being, seen Shakespeare's Globe re-appear, watched the London Eye emerge
on the horizon and the Millennium Bridge wobble & then de-wobble its
way into existence. It makes me feel a part of London's rekindled love affair
with the Thames and proud to live in such a dynamic City which is constantly
evolving. Lynne MacNab originally from Scotland
The view from Primrose Hill on a sunny weekend morning. It's great to climb to the top without looking backwards over your shoulder so you can save the view until you reach the top. Everyone around Primrose Hill always seems to be in a good mood, there's kids and families playing, couples together and groups of friends just hanging out. After this, a stroll along the canal, through the middle of the zoo, to Camden Lock. It's good to grab a snack and look around the market. Finally, a trip on the waterbus to Little Vanice and back. There's nothing much to see when you get there but the waterbus only travels at walking pace, we're all in too much of a rush these days. I like to look at the houses backing onto the canal and the house boats and I think how great it'd be to live here. Tim Keeley from London
It just has to be Greenwich. There are so many things to do and see, the Cutty Sark if you fancy exploring the seven seas of old, the museum and observatory for everything maritime and even the college. The architecture is magnificent, I often glance at the artists as they paint the view from the hilltop of the park. If you get the weather for it you can just relax and feed the squirrels, or take the ferry.There are plenty of good places to eat and for shopping if you like antiques or things a little quirky, there's the market place and the little side streets. It's got the friendly buzz of London without being too bustling. It's my little piece of heaven. Jess McFayden
My favourite walk is the riverside path by the River Thames at Hammersmith. With its open views across the river to Barnes it feels just like being in the country. When my children were younger we spent many happy hours ‘beachcombing’ along the riverbank at low tide. One memorable day, when the tide came in quickly, we were marooned on Chiswick Eyot island and had to be rescued by the Thames Conservancy Launch! There are many traditional pubs in the area but my favourite is The Dove [19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith] an unspoilt, 17-century pub with great food and beer. One of its bars is the smallest in Britain. Doors lead onto a riverside terrace, the perfect place to view the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race or just watch the world go by. Maggie Dobson Owner, At Home in London
If you have young kids, you can't do much better than a visit to Regent's Park. For a budget outing, there are fantastic areas to walk around admiring the pristinely kept grounds and plenty of space for the kids to run around. There is a playground suitable for all ages and a sandpit to boot. It's perfect for picnics and you can keep the little ones amused by feeding leftover crumbs to the ducks and swans, espacially in summer time when the ducklings are having their "swimming lessons"! For those who prefer not to carry baskets of food, there is a cafe and of-course ice-creams are on sale. There is a small boating lake and peddaloes for medium-sized kids (our little ones were too small to manage these). And in the sunshine, it is a great day out. For those with extra money and time to spare, there is London Zoo. It's fun, but pricey. But that's not all. Regent's park is also home to the Open Air Theatre and they not only have "grown-up" productions, but also have kids' matinees in the summer. I hope you enjoy your family day out as much as we did! Michelle Lewis from London
My favourite places & things to do:Primrose Hill, The Royal Observatory, Alexandra Palace, The London Eye. The city street walks. Any street really will do. I love taking the tube to just about anywhere and then doing a local walk. The mix of people, culture, architecture, smell and sound is exhilarating. Thames bridges, The Albert Bridge at night, The Millennium Bridge, Hungerford Bridge. No visit to London is complete without crossing them all. I live in the States but travel to London several times each year purely for pleasure. And each time something new unfold. Kathleen Fleming from the USA
Deptford has plenty of history as well as being home to a vibrant multi-cultural scene. Goldsmiths - one of the best artistic universities in the uk, the new Laban dance centre, the Albany - Deptford High Street just to name a few. Come see and explore - the history there and the people of all shapes and sizes and cultures speak for themselves. Sheree from Deptford.
I think the greatest London treasure is Postman’s Park, situated in
the City of London. This park was formed from 3 churchyards by Frederick
Watts. The best part about it is the 34 plaques to forgotten London heroes,
who died giving their lives to save others. The plaques are housed beneath
a wooden structure and provide just brief details of the heroism of individuals,
some only children themselves, who died saving family or strangers. These
heroes, although commemorated, are not seen by many, as Postman’s Park
is not on the tourist route for many. It is also very tranquil and a joy
to sit and enjoy some solitude in the hectic life of the city. It truly is
a gem of a place.
Janet McKitterick from Middlesex.
One of my special places in London is the British Airways London Eye. It
is
a dramatic representation of the revolution of time and an apt memorial to
our country's Millenium celebrations. From the 450 foot high view from the
world's highest observation wheel can be seen panoramic views of London
past, present and future: St Paul's, the Millenium bridge and the new
Greater London Council building. It's slow, but constant rotation gives
ample time for reflection on our marvellous capital city.
Stephen
J Cumber from Essex.
Do you have a your favourite bit of London? You could win a personalised Monopoly set or one of 100 books
