Seeing the lineup for my Oxford conference made me realise that I will, actually, not be attending much of it.
The good news is I can spend time in London where I haven't been since I was younger. So, in two or so days, what would you recommend I do? What's new and exciting in the past few years?
Ps: I've seen the touristy stuff already, and the National Gallery is all about Titian at the end of June.
Post by pseudoagain on May 16, 2012 12:17:28 GMT -5
Are you staying in London for the duration? Oxford is a fab city for walking around and sightseeing, I love it there.
On my trips back, I don't do London very often as my family lives outside the city. Last time I was on my own, I went to see Phantom and We Will Rock You. I've always wanted to do the Jack the Ripper Walking tour as well.
Oh and also make sure you fit in a visit to Kew Gardens. They are spectacular in June!
And if you're in town on that Friday night, you could do the zoo lates.
I love Greenwich. You can take a boat down the Thames--lovely!--and then there a market with nice food; a big, beautiful park with its own herd of red deer and panoramic, stunning views of Canary Wharf; the maritime museum, the Queen's House with art, the Prime Meridian, the astronomy museum, and the second largest painted ceiling in Europe (after the Sistine Chapel). It's just lovely and a really different pace from the rest of the city.
Kew Gardens would indeed also be lovely at that time of year.
If you like nice wanders, you might enjoy walking through Hampstead, where you've got the Heath as well as Flask street with its cute little shops. Or Marylebone High Street, with clothing boutiques and places to shop. Or Camden Passage in Islington if you like antiques or Diagon Alley from Harry Potter (same look, less scary).
Depending on era of music you like, there's a relatively affordable classical concert on Friday evenings at St Martin in the Fields, just off Trafalgar Square.
What art do you like? There's a Picasso exhibit at the Tate Britain right now.
Post by mrsukyankee on May 17, 2012 3:18:25 GMT -5
A London walk: www.walks.com/ I've seen all the "tourist" sites while living here but I still really get a lot out of the walks.
I also love Greenwhich - cute little market with good food, the museums are fab, and the park is lovely (if it's a nice day, great for a picnic with the food from the market).
Borough Market is great if you are here Thur - Sat...starts up at noon.
You could do the Vineopolis tour - wine tasting. I've done it on my own and it's still fun.
I would check out TimeOut London when you arrive - you can find gigs, things to do, etc.
OH! The walks!!! Yes, also a great idea. Okay, I am so excited now, because after that, I have to do real work so it'll be good to get out and do some things first!