Who doesn't love a boat trip on The Thames? Combine that thrill with the fun of Horrible Histories 'on location,' and you're ready for the new Terrible Thames River Tour. Horrible Histories Horrible Histories is a multi-award-winning comedy sketch series from Children's BBC with some great songs as well (this one may well remind you of an Elvis tune!). Fact-filled and … [Read more...] about Terrible Thames Boat Tour Review – Horrible Histories Fun On The River
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Big News: The London Annual Returns for 2022 – Help Anglotopia and Get a Beautiful Guidebook to London in 2022
Prepare for the Great Return to London in 2022! After a 4 year hiatus, we're excited to announce that the London Annual, the magazine/guidebook we produced for several years, is BACK! And we need your help to make it happen. It’s becoming increasingly clear that travel to the UK for Americans (and Canadians, Australians, etc) will return to some semblance of normality … [Read more...] about Big News: The London Annual Returns for 2022 – Help Anglotopia and Get a Beautiful Guidebook to London in 2022
Andrew Lloyd Webber unveils £60 million Theatre Royal Drury Lane renovations
Andrew Lloyd Webber has unveiled the renovated Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The West End venue has undergone a £60 million transformation. Bar and restaurant space has been added to the 17th-century venue, which will be available to the public regardless of whether or not they have a theatre ticket. (Andy Paradise/PA) An auditorium has also been renovated. Lord … [Read more...] about Andrew Lloyd Webber unveils £60 million Theatre Royal Drury Lane renovations
Ten Interesting Facts about Georgian London
Running through the reign of the Hanoverian kings from George I to William IV, the Georgian period began in 1714 and went to 1837. The culture of the time was largely defined by writers such as Jane Austen, musicians including John Handel, and architects such as John Nash. At the center of it all, as was the case throughout British history, was the City of London. London … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Georgian London
Crossrail almost at ‘dress rehearsals’ ahead of possible February 2022 opening
Crossrail is set to have its “dress rehearsals” this year and could open by February 2022, MPs have been told. The Transport for London (TfL) project has faced problems in a number of areas, including construction work and signaling systems, with the impact of coronavirus also costing it £230 million, it has been said. However, Crossrail Ltd chief executive Mark Wild told … [Read more...] about Crossrail almost at ‘dress rehearsals’ ahead of possible February 2022 opening
Five of London’s Oldest Breweries Still in Operation
Beer has been a part of British culture for centuries, and London has been the capital of some of its biggest breweries, such as Young’s or Fuller’s. However, not all of the city’s breweries still consider London their home, either having closed down like Whitbread (which ceased brewing operations in 2001) or Young’s (moved to Bedford). However, some of these giants remain … [Read more...] about Five of London’s Oldest Breweries Still in Operation
Paddington: The Story of the Bear – New Exhibition at the British Library
The famous polite bear from deepest darkest Peru is the feature of a new exhibition at the British Library. Paddington: The Story of a Bear is a family-friendly exhibition celebrating one of the world's most beloved fictional bears over 60 years on from when he was first published. As it's summertime, you may not need your duffle coat, but a marmalade sandwich packed lunch … [Read more...] about Paddington: The Story of the Bear – New Exhibition at the British Library
Hammersmith Bridge to reopen for pedestrians and cyclists only
West London’s Hammersmith Bridge is to partially reopen on Saturday after passing safety checks. Hammersmith and Fulham Council said pedestrians and cyclists will be permitted to use the 134-year-old cast-iron structure. Vessels on the River Thames will also be allowed to pass beneath it. Cracks in the pedestals have led to motor vehicles being prohibited … [Read more...] about Hammersmith Bridge to reopen for pedestrians and cyclists only
Ten Interesting Facts about Victorian London
The Victorian period follows the life and reign of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne in 1837 to her death in 1901. In many ways, her reign was a golden age for Britain as the British Empire expanded to its greatest height, advancements in science and technology abounded, and London's construction helped transform it into a city we recognize today. Of course, … [Read more...] about Ten Interesting Facts about Victorian London
Picnic in the Queen’s Private Garden – Laura Porter Visits Buckingham Palace’s Garden
When attending the annual summer opening of Buckingham Palace, you do get to exit along the side of the garden. But for this year, there is a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to freely explore the garden for the first time. And to enjoy a picnic on the lawn overlooking the Palace from July to September 2021. As I noted in my long-read about Buckingham Palace, the palace … [Read more...] about Picnic in the Queen’s Private Garden – Laura Porter Visits Buckingham Palace’s Garden
Lost medieval sacristy to open to public at Westminster Abbey
A lost medieval sacristy at Westminster Abbey will open to the public for the first time this week as part of a new tour of locations not usually accessible to tourists. The 13th-century room was used by monks to prepare for church services and housed clothes and sacred items for Catholic mass. The sacristy was discovered as part of an archaeological dig in September 2020 … [Read more...] about Lost medieval sacristy to open to public at Westminster Abbey
Buckingham Palace all ready for public picnickers ahead of garden opening
The Buckingham Palace garden is opening to the public for picnics and self-guided tours for the first time on Friday (we sent Laura Porter to the press preview, and she'll have a more thorough review tomorrow!). Such has been the demand for tickets that additional places have been made available on dates throughout July to September. Tourists will be able to picnic on the … [Read more...] about Buckingham Palace all ready for public picnickers ahead of garden opening
The London Fiver – Five Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace
A Grade I listed Royal Palace in the heart of Richmond, Hampton Court Palace, was the primary residence of King Henry VIII. Much of the original Tudor structure was subsequently demolished and rebuilt in a new style by King William II, but some of the castle’s previous residents remained. Several ghostly figures have been reported within the walls of Hampton Court Palace, … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace
London Tube to get full mobile phone coverage by the end of 2024
Passengers on the London Underground will have mobile coverage throughout the network by the end of 2024, the Mayor of London has said. This is good news for travelers as we'll now be able to use our phones while on the Tube to find our way. Transport for London (TfL) said work on preparing some of the capital’s busiest stations – including Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court … [Read more...] about London Tube to get full mobile phone coverage by the end of 2024
Temporary Man-made mountain art installation at Marble Arch to offer sweeping views of London
Tickets for a 25-meter man-made mountain in the middle of one of London’s busiest tourist areas have gone on sale. The Marble Arch Mound, created by Westminster City Council, will open up to members of the public from July 26 until January 2022. Visitors will be able to see sweeping views of the capital’s Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Mayfair, and Marylebone as part of a … [Read more...] about Temporary Man-made mountain art installation at Marble Arch to offer sweeping views of London
Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum) Re-opens After 3-year renovation – Check Out What’s Changed
When the Geffyre Museum closed in 2018, there was a lot of trepidation about its future. Often called a 'hidden gem,' it was a lovely little free museum that gave us an insight into Londoners' home life over the last 400 years. Three years later, it has been transformed and is now double the size with 80% more exhibition space. Still free, but with a new name, The Museum of … [Read more...] about Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum) Re-opens After 3-year renovation – Check Out What’s Changed
Oxford Circus finally to be partially pedestrianized starting this summer
The area around London’s famous Oxford Circus is to be transformed into two pedestrianized “piazzas” after years of deliberation. Work due to start later this year will include “significant improvements to the public spaces” as well as additional planting and seating in the shopping and leisure district, Westminster City Council and the Crown Estate announced on … [Read more...] about Oxford Circus finally to be partially pedestrianized starting this summer
London Hard Rock Cafe marks 50th anniversary by turning back clock to 1971
Diners were served a classic menu of burgers, ribs, and cola floats at 1971 prices as London’s Hard Rock Cafe marked its 50th birthday. Some of the original waitresses returned for the special occasion while blue-checked tablecloths and a jukebox restored the restaurant’s original look. The special menu boasted a burger for 50p, roadhouse ribs for 80p, and a hot fudge … [Read more...] about London Hard Rock Cafe marks 50th anniversary by turning back clock to 1971
A Brief History of London Theater
As well-known as Broadway is to American Theater, the West End is the heart of London’s vibrant drama scene. On the other side of the Thames River, you can find the recreated Shakespeare’s Globe that pays homage to the city’s history with the creative arts. And while a place such as the Globe honors London theater today, it also calls to mind that theater was not always … [Read more...] about A Brief History of London Theater
Laura’s London: Bow Street Police Museum – A Brand New London Museum
London has a new independent museum in Covent Garden! Bow Street Police Museum is housed in one of London's first police stations. No. 28 Bow Street was the home of Bow Street Police Station and Magistrates' Court for over a century. The Museum tells the story of the Bow Street Runners, the country's first organized police force, and the Metropolitan Police officers who … [Read more...] about Laura’s London: Bow Street Police Museum – A Brand New London Museum
Ugh the scourge of e-scooters are being tested in London
Rental electric scooters in London are “as safe as possible”, according to one of the firms involved in a trial which launches today in London. Previously, e-scooters were simply not allowed on Britain's roads, which was nice. No tripping over randomly left scooters everywhere that has become common in America's cities. The contraptions are “very stable” and have “the best … [Read more...] about Ugh the scourge of e-scooters are being tested in London
The Tube: Waterloo & City line reopens in London for first time since March 2020
The Waterloo & City line will reopen today for the first time since the start of the pandemic, Transport for London (TfL) has announced. The important London commuter link, which connects Waterloo and Bank stations in the center of the capital, closed in March 2020. Services will now run every five minutes Monday to Friday from 6 am to 10 am and 3.30 pm to 7 … [Read more...] about The Tube: Waterloo & City line reopens in London for first time since March 2020
Royal Mint Coin display honoring Queen lights up Tower of London
The Royal Mint has marked the coming official celebration of the Queen’s 95th birthday and her coronation anniversary with projections on the walls of the Tower of London of coins from her reign. The 90-foot display featured coins bearing the five effigies of the Queen used since she ascended the throne, and the new commemorative £5 coin minted to reflect her becoming the … [Read more...] about Royal Mint Coin display honoring Queen lights up Tower of London
The London Fiver – Five of the Best Places to Watch Sports in London
If you can’t be at the game, sometimes the best you can hope for is a good place to watch it. In London, many of the city’s sports pubs rise to the occasion, not only providing good beer, tasty food, and fun entertainments, they also jam pack the place with television screens of all sizes. Some sports pubs even go out of their way to make sure they show a … [Read more...] about The London Fiver – Five of the Best Places to Watch Sports in London
Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits – New Major Exhibition at The National Maritime Museum
This royal portraits exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich looks at the kings and queens who have shaped British history for over 500 years. There are many loans from the National Portrait Gallery, which has been made possible while that gallery is closed for redevelopment until spring 2023. For me, this was a real delight, and not only because it was my … [Read more...] about Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits – New Major Exhibition at The National Maritime Museum
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!