CITY OF LONDON

The delightful City hotels we have selected , span separate corners, but share accessibility to some interesting sights and tours, to thoughtfully wile away those daylight hours. You’ll be amazed by the number of hidden corners, churches and architectural finds, You can experience by just wondering around the streets. Don’t be afraid to follow your nose and go down small alley-ways and cobble-streets. You’ll be amazed at what you discover. 

Taster Tours

To save those feet for things you really wish to see, take a round London tour on the hop on/ hop off bus from a stop near your hotel. Alternatively a river trip provides a different view of those iconic sights particularly in those twilight hours. One way to Richmond, Hampton Court and Kew Gardens, the other perhaps to Greenwich, the Observatory, Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum, Queens House and the authentic craft market displays of the weekends. Within walking distance from the City, the east end of London offers... the Sunday morning Columbia Road flower market, jammed with vibrant coloured blooms from every corner of the world.  An array of small and unique boutiques, antique shops, and garden pots piled high. Lots of nooks and crannies for that refreshing coffee before wandering down to Brick Lane

Brick Lane with its 450 year history to include Brewing, has been home at different times to Irish, Jewish and Bangladeshi communities. Laterly the eclectic mix of Indian restaurants have been joined by other unique boutique experiences to include the renowned Sunday Markets. Spread into an array of buildings and basements, with vintage finds, secondhand furniture and hand made crafts. Whole areas are given over to street food offerings, covering most corners of the globe.....the colours, textures, tastes and smells made even more tempting by the smiles of those hard working owner chefs. The day is not yet complete... drift over the road to Spitalfields, another historic Market or wander along to the shops nearby, jammed full of those brilliantly coloured and mood enhancing Indian fabrics.

Time to Linger

South of the River

Borough Market is a treat particularly at weekends, a must for those who like to gaze to upon the freshest of produce from the UK and Europe , in a semi open  environment. Piled high with goodies to nibble and taste, ‘try me and buy me ‘ is the mantra....meats and cheeses, cakes, chocolates, ciders, oils and much much more. Street food options abound, wander through the vast global palette of colours tastes and smells to make your choice, then find a quiet corner to savour and maybe chat with other neighbour travellers. Southwark Cathedral with its fascinating history is strong and imposing, it runs alongside the Market. Visitors are welcome to wander, admire the architecture, take part in a service or if really lucky, attend one of their awesome concerts. A shop and the cafe with its tranquil terrace allows you to ponder on the next move.

Consider the riverside walk, past the street performers on the way to the South Bank.......a cultural haven surrounded by cafes and bars for those people watching moments. The walk provides a mind boggling choice of options to either walk past or visit.....The Golden Hinde, Tate Modern, Shakespeare Globe, the unique art and craft studios of Oxo tower and the Sunday Book Market. In the other direction Bermondsey Street, a narrow road lined with older buildings full of small galleries, the White Cube, quirky shops, a range of quality fresh produce and restaurants...a good place to meander. Nearby Maltby Market, a haven at weekends for local distilleries of craft beers, gin and a wide range of freshly cooked street food.

City

The Royal Exchange an impressive building, which has been converted to provide a range of luxury boutiques, arranged around the central focal point, an elegant cafe....all no doubt to tempt, whilst you sip that coffee or glass of wine. The Mythraeum in the base of the Bloomberg building....beautifully restored ruins of the Roman Temple of Mithras discovered during the building works. The Bank of England Museum, the Police Museum, Museum of London ( with its complete city history) Guildhall Art Gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral, not forgetting the range of artistic offers at the Barbican Centre. Wiltons Music Hall ,on the edge of the City and partially restored to its former glory, is full of interest and history. You may be lucky to attend one of the immensely popular productions and be immersed in that days gone by experience. As you can see no time to be bored, all within an easy walking distance of your chosen hotel and we haven’t scratched the surface!