If you really want to understand London at war you need to visit the Churchill War Rooms. Seeing the intricate labyrinth of underground bedrooms and offices, and the maps marked with strategic plans really brings home how real the threat of invasion was. You feel the tension in the air. A large part of the museum also details the life of Winston Churchill and political life during the war. While this is interesting the best aspect of the museum is in sharing a space with one of the most iconic men of recent history.

www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AQ
Google map: bit.ly/rThsFi

* Sophie is our Been there local for London. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/london-local-sophie-mitchell-intro.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/SophieMItchell

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London Walks is by far the best way to get to know the dramatic history of London. The informative and lively guides reveal dark secrets and hidden gems in a city you think you know. I’ve been on a number of walks and my favourites have been Jack the Ripper (go in the winter months for maximum spook factor), Little Venice and The Blitz – London at War. Depending on your particular interests there’s a walk to suit all tastes. End your walk with a hearty pub meal or a pint of British ale and you’re experiencing England at its best.

www.walks.com

* Sophie is our Been there local for London. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/london-local-sophie-mitchell-intro.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/SophieMItchell

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The Barbican Cinema, hidden away in the depths of the Barbican complex, is/was a leading cinema exhibition centre with an international programme full of past classics, screen talks with film giants, lively film discussions, and contemporary festivals. While for years the Barbican art gallery and the concert hall have been lauded for providing world class artistic entertainment the cinema has remained largely underappreciated by those not in the know, despite the fact that it was the only cinema rivalling the BFI for high quality imaginative programming. With cuts afoot this cinema looks likely to lose what had make it special so I urge you to visit it soon while its programme still resembles what it once did and while it still has a claim to call itself ‘London’s most diverse cinema’.

www.barbican.org.uk/film/whats-on.asp
Silk Street, City of London, Greater London EC2Y 8DS
+44(0)20 7638 4141
Google map: bit.ly/rszbGi

* Sophie is our Been there local for London. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/london-local-sophie-mitchell-intro.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/SophieMItchell

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Christopher Wren’s The Monument has been impressively restored creating a new glittering landmark for the city sky line. Built between 1671 and 1676 it commemorates the great fire of London; the origins of the fire supposedly close to this spot. The viewing deck at the top provides excellent views over the surrounding areas and a great view over to the rapidly developing new London Bridge complex on the south side of the river. At the top visitors are protected by a wire mesh; the real fright is the very narrow and steep 311 stairs. This is a great experience for a mere £3 and children (and adults) will love the certificate you receive acknowledging your climbing achievement.

www.themonument.info/
Fish Street Hill
+44 (0) 207 626 2717
Closest tube: Monument and London Bridge Closest station: London Bridge

Open: 9.30am – 5.30pm every day (except Christmas and New Year)
Google map: bit.ly/oolpuf

* Sophie is our Been there local for London. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/london-local-sophie-mitchell-intro.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/SophieMItchell

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Borough food market is not a London secret, in fact its one of busiest attractions in South London and one of London’s most famous markets. This however doesn’t make it any less appealing. I visit Borough for breakfast or lunch and snack on my buys while exploring the Southbank. It’s the perfect start to a day out in the city and launches new visitors headfirst into the reality of London. It is full to bursting with people and offers huge choice and variety (it’s also a little dear on the pocket).

www.boroughmarket.org.uk/
8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
+44(0)20 7407 1002
Closest tubes: London Bridge and Borough Closest station: London Bridge
Opening hours: Thurs, Fri and Sat 8-4 (but the earlier you get there the better your chances)
Google map: bit.ly/nj08Mm

* Sophie is our Been there local for London. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/london-local-sophie-mitchell-intro.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/SophieMItchell

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it is worth visiting the British Library, King’s Cross’ original main attraction. The exterior may be unattractive but the interior is a temple of calm and the King’s Library (a tower of old rare books) is quite awe inspiring. Currently the library is holding a free exhibition called Out of this World which is an enjoyable exploration of the most influential works of science fiction.

www.bl.uk/
96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB
+44 (0)20 7412 7676
Google map: bit.ly/oYR5kd

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Caledonian Road which has a number of sophisticated eateries. If you’re just after a pick-me up visit the fun and friendly Drink, Shop, Do a bright open space with knick-knacks to look at and admire and a great selection of cakes.

www.drinkshopdo.com/
9 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DX
+44(0)203 343 9138
Google map: bit.ly/qGCeSH

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King’s Cross is one of the most rapidly and drastically changing places in London. St. Pancras station has been beautifully restored but this was just the beginning of a two billion pound development of the area which now includes a new St Martins campus, housing, offices, gardens, shops, art centres all of which make it worthy of its very own postcode. What’s more the development appears tasteful and ambitious; perhaps a sign of how cities will be developed in the future.



All in all it’s a good time to visit the area and make up your own mind about the dramatic developments. Visit the German Gymnasium, the development’s marketing suit, which not only provides images and models of what the area will look like but also has a great exhibition space invariably showcasing work of value (it’s currently showing the first UK exhibition of recently discovered street photographer Vivian Maier). It also overlooks the site and you can see progress in action.

www.kingscrosscentral.com/eventspace
26 Pancras Road, London, N1C 4TB
+44 (0)20 7427 2590
Google map: bit.ly/pv4tnC

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At the end of Columbia Road you can cross a busy road and find yourself at the Hackney City Farm. It’s a little oasis of life’s simple pleasures; you can eat a hearty meal at the bustling café before visiting the chicken’s, goats and pigs and see city children squeal in delight chasing a duck or petting a sheep. On my last visit I saw a demonstration on how to shear a sheep and how to yarn wool. In a city obsessed with style and fast living this is the perfect way to get reacquainted with your country loving self.

www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk/
1a Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA
+44(0)20 7729 6381
Google map: bit.ly/k2KBJp

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Columbia Road is East London at its best. On a Sunday it has a carnival feel as hundreds of people descend on this thin little street in pursuit of beautiful flowers. The flower market takes over the street completely; flower sellers yell out their latest bargain prices and you can’t move for bouquets and stalls. However it is also worth squeezing through the masses to visit the street’s art and design boutique shops. Do try and pause for 15 minutes to listen to one the many impromptu live music performances. To avoid the worst of the crowds and to find a seat in a cafe try and arrive near opening.

columbiaroad.info/
Columbia Road, E2
Google map: bit.ly/jr5C55

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This small museum celebrating the history of interior design and the home is found within a terrace of charming 18th century almshouses. The dark stone buildings lie in the shadow of the new Hoxton Overground station; reminding Londoners of what London used to be and what it is now. Behind the museum lies a walled herb garden and a colourful and peaceful stretch of flowers and wildlife. To see the newly restored almshouse rooms check the website for special opening times; these rooms give visitors an idea of how the building would have been used before it became a museum. The permanent exhibitions are free.

www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/
Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA
+44(0)20 7739 9893
Google map: bit.ly/jZhW29

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Brixton Market is a place of two halves. It is full of its famous multi-cultural food stalls which never fail to make me feel like I’ve been transported far from London with their smells and noises. Yet it is also developing into a bohemian hub. Next to the fish and vegetable stalls you can now find quirky independent vintage shops, cafes and restaurants. There is something for everyone here and it’s a real experience. While in the area why not see a film at the Ritzy cinema or visit the Viewfinder photography gallery.

www.brixtonmarket.net
Electric Avenue, Brixton, London, SW9 8JX
Not open Sundays, late night opening on Thursdays – check the website for exact times.
Closest tube: Brixton (Victoria Line) Closest station: Brixton (National rail)
Google map: bit.ly/ii1kHq

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In its current form this characterful café has been around for six years but before that it was a Vespa repair shop. When the repair shop moved to a new location they kept some of the old bikes and put them on the walls. Now the café is a busy trendy spot in Waterloo with wine and beer and a huge range of teas. They even have a cat. While in the area why not check out the designated graffiti tunnel.

132 Lower Marsh, Lambeth, London, SE1 7AE
Closest tube: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee lines), Lambeth North (Bakerloo)
Google map: bit.ly/hVPURq

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Wilton’s is old. In fact it’s the oldest music hall of its kind in the world. If that isn’t enough reason to visit it’s totally charming and has a programme of delightful theatrical events to entertain us all. I have seen short films of London before the Second World War (there is a cinema club) and I have seen a Victorian styled cabaret show which was both frightening and hilarious. They have also had award winning plays with top notch actors. If you’re not into theatrical experiences then you could just stay in the bar, there’s a piano, low lighting, many alcoholic drinks and a feel of gay Paris.

www.wiltons.org.uk
1 Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB
Closest tube: Shadwell (Overground), Tower Hill (District and Circle lines)
Open at various times: Check the website before you visit and print a map.
Google map: bit.ly/fMo0si

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Situated within an old train carriage this café is truly individual. Its exterior is regularly up-dated with brilliant local graffiti art and there’s a great outdoor terrace in the summer. Inside it’s bright and airy with interesting art hanging about. The menu is great value and everything is freshly made. It’s got a buzzy atmosphere and friendly staff. It’s run by a local art collective and in the community space surrounding the café there are often special events and craft markets. Visit on a Saturday morning and combine your trip with a visit to the Deptford junk market.

www.thedeptfordproject.com
123 Deptford High Street, London, SE8 4NS
Closest tube: New Cross (Overground) Closest station: Deptford (National rail) Open everyday 9 -4.
Google map: bit.ly/g8H352

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