We had a great four-day trip to London, staying in our favourite hideout in Chelsea.
On Day 1 (Thurs) we checked in and went rambling along King's Road, breathing in all the old familiar places. Stepped into a shop around 5 p.m. and suddenly the heavens opened. After about ten minute we said, 'let's go' and we dashed through the deluge with our pathetic mini umbrellas. It's been a long time since I felt rain running in rivulets all down the inside of my clothes. Complete change when we got back to base. Then all was well and we headed out to one of our favourite watering holes, 'The Cross Keys' pub off Chelsea Embankment.....steeped in history & very quiet. Former neighbours were Thomas Carlyle, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and St. Tomas More (though not at the same time). Had a look at the annual Chelsea Arts Show. Had a meal in the Farmers' Market off Sydney Street. It's a lovely location, with lots of nice shops & organic stuff there. Visited 2nd hand bookshops (of course), a favourite being at World's End on King's Road. What a great placename.
Had al fresco dinner in the garden.
Friday: We spent the day at the Tate Modern Gallery and also around the London Eye in glorious sunshine. Our (out of date) guidebook told us that the Saatchi Gallery was in the former County Hall there, but it was gone from there for about two years! Groan. Two strangers gave us their tickets for the London Bus and so we had a free trip on an open-top bus all around the tourist spots. That was interesting. Back on the Tube to Sloane Square, hoping to see the Saatchi Gallery in its new location in the Duke of York Square. Told it won't open there until October. More groans. We walked back along King's Road and were near the Chelsea Library/junction of Sydney Street. Flash cars were whizzing along (all part of the must-do by Young Things). Suddenly, a Lamborghini did a sudden right turn and a motorcyclist ploughed straight into the car about 20 feet from us. We were stunned. A crowd gathered and berated the driver. The poor biker was in a bad way. Police/ambulance arrived in minutes. We hope he was ok. The car was pretty badly damaged.
Sat: Deirdre went SHOPPING and I went to the v. interesting Imperial War Museum in Lambeth. Compulsive viewing. Took lots of photos and bought some historic stuff there.
Went for a nice dinner later on in the Oriel Restaurant on Sloane Square.
Sunday: RAIN - we went to Camden Market but it was a bit of a washout. Bought a few things there. Back to base. Had lunch indoors. Later on we went to 'The Cross Keys' pub and watched the last hour of the Wimbledon Men's Tennis Final. Gripping stuff. Viva Nadal!
Monday: Pottered around the shops on King's Road for a while and then headed for Heathrow. Three-hour delay on our flight. Home around 11.30 p.m. It was a great trip...packed in a lot in the few days.
5 comments:
It sounds like a fantastic trip. You certainly packed a lot in.
Sounds like you had a great break. I love London. Can't believe I've never been to the Imperial War Museum. I always spend too much time in the Science Museum.
Next time.......I will definitely visit the Science Museum. Is that the same as the Natural History one? Probably not. Christopher took some video of the walking dinosaur when he was there.
PS.
Forgot to say that the famous designer, Vivienne Westwood, was beside us at the checkout in the Chelsea Farmers' Market, buying her one onion, one garlic etc. Orange hair. She was dressed as one might expect. She is around 70. Off she went on her bike.
Vivienne Westwood! Wow, that's so cool. And she cycles.
I'm long overdue a visit to London! Sounds like a brilliant time was had. Fantastic!
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