Parks and Gardens

The history of and secret spots in London’s beautiful parks and gardens

Six Historic Havens For Wildlife In The City

London is one of the world’s greenest cities. It has its famous sweeping parks, but also so many smaller, green oases tucked away in the metropolis.  I, naturally, spend a lot of time in these gardens, as they often have fascinating histories. I recently started noticing these wooden posts dotted around the flower beds.  They […]

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The Hotel With Links To The Titanic: A Visit To Bloomsbury’s Kimpton Fitzroy London

kimpton fitzroy hotel history

Bloomsbury is a lovely area for a spot of London exploration, with its literary heritage, beautiful Georgian architecture and leafy garden squares.  Overlooking one such square, Russell Square, you will find the impressive Kimpton Fitzroy London hotel. Its many carvings and ornate decorations make it a real architectural feast for the eyes. I have admired

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Hidden Oases: A Sneak Peek At Five Spitalfields Gardens

Spitalfields, I think, is one of London’s best areas for an aimless wander. It is steeped in history, each building stuffed with, often, centuries worth of stories. I spot new details on the facades of the old 18th century townhouses every time I walk the atmospheric backstreets: door knockers, drain pipes, doorcases. A recent open

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The Crystal Palace Subway: A True Hidden Gem

The Crystal Palace Subway is somewhere that I have had on my list to visit for a good few years now. I was therefore delighted to have recently been given access by the team at the Crystal Park Palace Trust. Designed by Charles Barry Junior, the Crystal Palace Subway was originally constructed as the first

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Visiting The Site Of One Of Victorian London’s Worst Slums

arnold circus history boundary estate

Skimming over the East End of London on Google maps (or your maps provider of choice), you will notice the generally pretty jumbled, but organic, street pattern. Winding roads, little lanes, diagonals and dog-legs. This is an area that has been developed piecemeal over the centuries, with no overarching organisation. That is until you come

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