Royal Dutch Gazelle, the Dutch heritage cycling company, has brought its 125 years of cycling know how to London. To celebrate their launch I attended a press breakfast at the Embassy of the Netherlands followed by a cycle ride around London. We got to experience the brand’s latest electric bikes .
I am the worst cyclist and had never ridden an electric bike before. However, even a novice such as myself could appreciate the technology behind the Gazelle bikes. The gears were easy to use, the brakes were incredibly responsive and overall the ride was smooth. It was a wonderful way to see and appreciate London.
So, thank you Gazelle for getting me back on a bike after a very long time!
If I can help it, during July and August I avoid travelling. This is mainly down to two reasons; One is that it is peak season due to school holidays – I am no fan of crowds. The other is that I love London in summer. Sunshine is never guaranteed. Rain almost always is. Still, give us a mild temperature and a few hours of clear skies and we’ll make the best of it.
For a city with a river running through it, London does not have a culture of al fresco swimming. It was however, something that was popular in the 1930s. So much so that local councils built 169 Lidos (unheated outdoor swimming pools) across the UK. As times changed and foreign holidays became more affordable many Lidos were forced to close. Recently, though London has been falling back in love with outdoor swimming and particularly Lidos. Those that remained open now boast communities of passionately loyal regulars.
Parliament Hill Lido
The Parliament Hill Lido is a great example of the modern and fashionable 1930s. It was built in 1938 and cost a mere £34,000; The most expensive Lido in London at the time. It was Grade II listed in 1999.
I dropped by on a visit to Hampstead Heath and was stunned by it. Why oh why hadn’t I done this earlier?! It was as if I had been teleported back to perfectly preserved, simpler times of the inter-war years. Astonishing panoramic view of the surroundings and striking art deco architecture captivates instantly. It’s a real throwback and an art deco classic. The pool measures a grand 61 x 27 metres as Lidos were designed to give the look of an ocean liner at a time when people did not travel abroad so frequently.
The revival of these architectural gems is mostly thanks to the fiercely passionate communities who love them. They stepped in with local campaigns to save them when many were being shut down or abandoned due to a decline in their popularity. The campaigns were backed by heritage bodies who also recognised the architectural value of these stylish buildings.
The Parliament Hill Lido is a stunning example of the preservation efforts of the local community. The pool was lined in stainless steel in 2005 giving the water a sparkling, metallic shimmer. The surrounding buildings perfectly reflect the design of the Lido. On a hotter day, I could have expected to queue to enter the pool. However, as it was a mildly warm day there were only a few regulars to contend with.
Socialising at the Lido
Entrance to the cafe.
As it was in the 1930’s, Lidos are not just places for swimming. They are national institutions for bathing and socialising. You can sunbathe, eat in the cafe, picnic, read a book or simply relax.
So, as the tides turn for these national treasures, not just in terms of their popularity but also in that they are once again in vogue – be sure to step into the art deco terrace of your nearest Lido and be a part of their modern revival.
The nearest station to Parliament Hill Lido is Gospel Oak and an adult day pass costs £7.
It is a universally acknowledged fact that you can never be bored in London. However, every once in a while something comes along that is so simple that it’s genius! What do you get if you cross the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea with the iconic Routemaster? Behold…B Bakery‘s afternoon tea bus tour!
Tea and cakes served on a double decker as you take in London’s landmarks is the brilliant idea behind the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. The pick up points are Victoria coach station or Northumberland Avenue which are easily accessible for all. So whether you’re visiting London for first time OR are a born and bred Londoner who happens to love London and tea THIS is for you!
London Sightseeing
We boarded the bus from London Victoria bus station and I was almost giddy with excitement! The tables were set and the bus was decorated with gorgeous flowers all around.
Picture source: B-bakery.com
Starting from Victoria we travelled through the prettiest parts of London. The tour took us to Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Royal Albert Hall, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. As we munched our way through delicious sandwiches and quiches the recorded tour guide narrated interesting and little known snippets of London’s history.
Cupcakes!
We hit the cupcakes as the bus reached Embankment and headed towards Big Ben. As for these sweet treats? They are to die for! The sponges were as light as air and the frosting simply melted on my tongue. The diced pineapple custard tarte dusted with cinnamon was simply heaven. I could have eaten a dozen!
I opted for a cappuccino from the drinks menu and it was served in the prettiest travel mug with a lid to avoid any nasty spillages. Furthermore, as the tour was wrapping up we were served English scones with clotted cream and jam that we simply COULD NOT leave behind.
Oh, and you know what else? If you’re not particularly fond of meat or have special dietary requirements, vegetarian, gluten free and Halal menu options are also available.
The tour ended back at our starting point and a good time was definitely had by all. The tea bus tour runs daily and I couldn’t recommend it enough. I had so much fun and even as a Londoner I felt excited to see my home in this way. Book yourself a ticket and enjoy this ride, I say.
“Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” – Samuel Johnson (The Life of Samuel Johnson LL.D.Vol 3)
It is well known amongst my friends, that wherever I am in the world, I always return to London during the summer months. When this city begins to awaken from it’s wintery slumber, there is no place I would rather be. The feeling of walking down a leafy street with the gentle sunlight caressing my face is one of happiness in abundance. This is my favourite time of the year.
Whenever anyone mentions visiting, I always advice that they do so in summer. London is the most visited city in Europe and has a reputation for being one of the most expensive. There is, however, so much to do and see that costs nothing or very little and yet encapsulates everything that London is.
As I consistently say, walking is the best way to feel the rhythm of a new place. It offers a glimpse of every day life and often allows you to feel the pulse of a city.
One of my favourite walks in London begins at St.Paul’s Cathedral, along Fleet Street towards The Strand and rounds off along Victoria Embankment. So much history on a simple lunchtime walk, topped off with a spectacular stroll along the Thames. It doesn’t get any more “London” than this.
WHERE TO STOP
St. Paul’s Cathedral – This is a busy place at the best of times. In summer, people sit on the steps, chat with friends, eat lunch, eat ice cream and bask in the sunshine. There is a charge to enter the cathedral. It is absolutely worth getting to know it’s rich history. But it is not to say that you cannot simply enjoy this magnificent building from the outside. As with most places of worship, there is no photography allowed inside except on the observation deck. You can climb up to it’s dome for breath taking views across London.
Lunch on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Temple Bar Memorial
From St. Paul’s it’s a straight walk down Fleet Street towards The Strand. The Temple Bar Memorial marks the boundary between the City of London and Westminster. The original boundary is mentioned as far back as 1293 (Wren’s Temple Bar). It was replaced with the current memorial (1880) with statues of Queen Victoria and The Prince of Wales who were the last monarchs to pass through the gates in 1872.
Less than two minutes walk past the Temple Bar Memorial is the spectacular Law Courts branch of Lloyds Bank. It was originally built as a restaurant in 1883. The restaurant failed and the building stood empty until 1895 when Lloyd’s Bank purchased it. It is tucked away unsuspectingly so make sure you don’t walk past it. Even before you consider the site’s great history, the interiors alone will leave you in awe.
What would London be if it was not full of the most astonishingly beautiful pubs? Turn off along any of the streets off The Strand towards the river and you will find yourself spoilt for choice for places to eat and drink. The Edgar Wallace stands at the corner of Essex Street and Devereux Court. This is a particularly cosy pub, typical of traditional English pubs, complete with 8 hand pumps. It has a magnificent range of fine ales, perfect for a late afternoon in the sun.
The Edgar Wallace Public House
Victoria Embankment
Cut through Essex Street and walk down towards the banks of River Thames, namely, Victoria Embankment. Depending on where you turn off from The Strand, you may also walk across Victoria Embankment Gardens – a series of beautiful green spaces built in 1874 on reclaimed land. Finish off your walk along Victoria Embankment, one of the most beautiful and romantic walks in London. With views of The London Eye, Big Ben, the Oxo Tower and the ultimate icons of London – bright red phone boxes, it is the perfect way to end your tour.
Girl Travels World 